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Excelling @ Love #3
Formula for Seduction
Can the jock with a heart of gold and his data analyst secret weapon learn that practice makes perfect in the bedroom AND on the field, or are seduction and chagrin the only things they’ll find at the end of their list?
Professor Carly Anderson:
What happens when the hot, out of your league football coach everyone worships specifically requests your help with his season? You use your big brain to help the team win. And maybe make a side deal with the sexy bear of a coach in the process. If you can help pull the Threshers out of their losing streak, Coach Bear will owe you a favor: tick off items on your Never Have I Ever list. No matter how kinky. After all, jocks may not be trusted, but they’re always up for a good time, right?
Coach Bear—aka Ben O’Reilly:
How do you turn down the sexy data analyst who asks for your help with the hottest to-do list ever? You don’t. Instead, you research. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a monk all season. Okay, all year. Okay, most of your life. For her, you’ll figure out what a Dirty Schmiddy is. Because if she can trust you with her body, maybe she’ll also trust you with her heart.
Alternately steamy, nerdy, and sweet, the Excelling @ Love Series follows a group of strong women as they find love in their small college town. Filled with feel-good romance, found family, and flirty banter, the Excelling @ Love books are happy hour for the soul.
Professor Carly Anderson:
What happens when the hot, out of your league football coach everyone worships specifically requests your help with his season? You use your big brain to help the team win. And maybe make a side deal with the sexy bear of a coach in the process. If you can help pull the Threshers out of their losing streak, Coach Bear will owe you a favor: tick off items on your Never Have I Ever list. No matter how kinky. After all, jocks may not be trusted, but they’re always up for a good time, right?
Coach Bear—aka Ben O’Reilly:
How do you turn down the sexy data analyst who asks for your help with the hottest to-do list ever? You don’t. Instead, you research. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been a monk all season. Okay, all year. Okay, most of your life. For her, you’ll figure out what a Dirty Schmiddy is. Because if she can trust you with her body, maybe she’ll also trust you with her heart.
Alternately steamy, nerdy, and sweet, the Excelling @ Love Series follows a group of strong women as they find love in their small college town. Filled with feel-good romance, found family, and flirty banter, the Excelling @ Love books are happy hour for the soul.
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2022
121 people are currently reading
1421 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Simone
47 books121 followersUpcoming Release
Hidden Harbor, the first book in an all-new series set in the San Juan Islands, launched 6/26/25. Happy reading!
Latest Release
Melting Point, a novella in the Campfire Council Series, is out now and available in Kindle Unlimited!
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About Amelia
Amelia Simone is the author of flirty, fun romances set in the Pacific Northwest, including Hidden Harbor (Book 1 of the Evergreen Rescue Series), Mister Romance (Book 1 of the Self-Made Series), Formula for Love (Book 1 of the Excelling @ Love Series), and Forbidden Flame (Book 1 of the Campfire Council Series.)
On sunny days, you can find her lounging on her deck, sipping coffee and working on her latest book. She specializes in writing lighthearted, hopeful romances that feature relatable, everyday characters who are looking for love. She’s a firm believer in writing dessert books with plenty of sweet, flirty banter, teasing, and spice. Her goal is to deliver stories that give you a serotonin boost and leave you with a smile.
When she’s not writing, she’s wrangling her kiddos, indulging in food and wine adventures with her better half, or out back trying to revive her garden. (Hey, sometimes things die, it’s fine.)
Hidden Harbor, the first book in an all-new series set in the San Juan Islands, launched 6/26/25. Happy reading!
Latest Release
Melting Point, a novella in the Campfire Council Series, is out now and available in Kindle Unlimited!
Sign up for Amelia's Newsletter
Amelia's Amazon Page
About Amelia
Amelia Simone is the author of flirty, fun romances set in the Pacific Northwest, including Hidden Harbor (Book 1 of the Evergreen Rescue Series), Mister Romance (Book 1 of the Self-Made Series), Formula for Love (Book 1 of the Excelling @ Love Series), and Forbidden Flame (Book 1 of the Campfire Council Series.)
On sunny days, you can find her lounging on her deck, sipping coffee and working on her latest book. She specializes in writing lighthearted, hopeful romances that feature relatable, everyday characters who are looking for love. She’s a firm believer in writing dessert books with plenty of sweet, flirty banter, teasing, and spice. Her goal is to deliver stories that give you a serotonin boost and leave you with a smile.
When she’s not writing, she’s wrangling her kiddos, indulging in food and wine adventures with her better half, or out back trying to revive her garden. (Hey, sometimes things die, it’s fine.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
September 16, 2022
Amazon
Carly has spent her life taking care of her grandmother, studying, and not getting to enjoy the typical college experience. Now she's no longer a young co-ed, but she's a professor who has professed that she loves her spreadsheets. But it's that love of her spreadsheets that gets her tasked with helping the college's football coach figure out how to win. Though the sorority girls for whom she's the house mom, have told her they want her to start enjoying herself, and to use this new gig as a way to experience it with the coach, Carly's wary. There's no way Coach Bear would want a simple, plain Jane like her, would he?
Coach Bear (Ben) was recruited by his college team's president, for his previous winning record. But since he's come here, his record is terrible. He doesn't know why the team hasn't been gelling, so he's more than happy to welcome help in the form of a beautiful professor/data analyst, especially when she makes a deal with him to help in exchange for him schooling her on a bucket list she's created. A list with some decidedly *fun* items. Now quite a way into the list, he's having a hard time figuring out if he's in love with Carly, and if so, why can't he just get the words out?
Oh God these two, I loved them together! They're sweet and adorable with some serious, serious chemistry. I love that they're not young 20 somethings, but well past that, so behave like adults rather than kids like some of Ben's obnoxious players on his team. There is an excellent secondary cast in Ben's friends, making me really anxious for more of them down the line.
ARC provided by Hidden Gems Books for an honest review.
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July 29, 2022
I really enjoyed this atypical sports romance.
Coach Ben O’Neil/Coach Bear is an amazing character and very open to having Dr. Carly work with him and his coaches to improve their chances for a winning season. He focuses 100% on football during the season and lives like a monk, he loves to cook and bake and he has a crush on Dr. Beverly Crusher from Star Trek.
Dr. Carly is very much an introvert and has had limited opportunities to explore and experience life. She focused on school work and taking care of her grandmother. She is a self described nerd who loves Excel spreadsheets and statistics.
Carly isn’t comfortable in crowds so when she is asked/voluntold by the President of the University to work with Coach Bear and his football team she isn’t excited about the opportunity.
These two are fantastic together, so sweet with just enough sass and heat to keep me intrigued until the very end. I loved how they both had a circle of friends they leaned on for advice and to get them out of their own way. The Never Have I Ever list was so fun!
This is a quick read with low angst, lots of cute interactions between Carly and Ben. I’m interested in reading the books about the other couples within their friend group because the side characters were fun and added something to this story.
I received a free ARC from the author and Nook Sirens; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
Coach Ben O’Neil/Coach Bear is an amazing character and very open to having Dr. Carly work with him and his coaches to improve their chances for a winning season. He focuses 100% on football during the season and lives like a monk, he loves to cook and bake and he has a crush on Dr. Beverly Crusher from Star Trek.
Dr. Carly is very much an introvert and has had limited opportunities to explore and experience life. She focused on school work and taking care of her grandmother. She is a self described nerd who loves Excel spreadsheets and statistics.
Carly isn’t comfortable in crowds so when she is asked/voluntold by the President of the University to work with Coach Bear and his football team she isn’t excited about the opportunity.
These two are fantastic together, so sweet with just enough sass and heat to keep me intrigued until the very end. I loved how they both had a circle of friends they leaned on for advice and to get them out of their own way. The Never Have I Ever list was so fun!
This is a quick read with low angst, lots of cute interactions between Carly and Ben. I’m interested in reading the books about the other couples within their friend group because the side characters were fun and added something to this story.
I received a free ARC from the author and Nook Sirens; and I am voluntarily leaving an unbiased review.
August 5, 2022
This was such a sweet romance, I loved the chemistry they shared, I loved the shyness and swooney of our hero. I enjoyed their story together.
It's a wonderful fast and easy read, great for a weekend or even reading in front of a cosy fireplace.
I did have some issues with the too long chapters. And I wasn't convinced our main characters were already in their 30's and almost in their 40's. Their actions, dialogue, way they spoke, how they communicated were more of people in their 20's. I just couldn't picture the guy on the cover as the coach portrayed in the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
It's a wonderful fast and easy read, great for a weekend or even reading in front of a cosy fireplace.
I did have some issues with the too long chapters. And I wasn't convinced our main characters were already in their 30's and almost in their 40's. Their actions, dialogue, way they spoke, how they communicated were more of people in their 20's. I just couldn't picture the guy on the cover as the coach portrayed in the book.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2022
This is the third book in the "Excelling At Love" series. I read it as a stand-alone, though, and I don't feel like I missed too much by not reading the two previous books in the series. I was able to pick up on who was who and their relationships with one another without too much difficulty, and there were no preceding events that affected the two main characters in THIS book.
What I liked about this book: the main characters were older, had believable jobs, and spent time getting to know each other before immediately turning things physical. What I didn't like about this book: the character of the Hero's father - although he was probably the most realistic in many ways - and the supporting characters who were sorority members. They didn't ring true to me. And the persona of the Hero - he seemed kind of goofy and I had a hard time picturing men in a bar talking about relationship problems over a beer. Complaining about them, sure! But not so much like, "meet me at the bar in 45 minutes because I'm having trouble with my girlfriend and I need advice!" None of the guys I know are that forthcoming with their feelings, and if/when they are, they generally don't talk about them that directly in a group setting. SPOILER ALERT: this occurs several time in the book, so each time it felt a little weird/awkward.
I felt like the world building was acceptable - not the best I've encountered, but not objectionable, either. It's primarily set on a college campus in the Pacific Northwest and surrounding areas. The characters were decently fleshed out, so that they did not feel stereotypical in any way. I think I didn't really like the heroinne much, though - maybe because I couldn't really identify with her. I can't identify anything specifically objectionable about her, though. She was OK, but not the kind of character where you are immediately on her side and rooting for her!
The dialogue was a little… clunky, I guess, for lack of a better word. Some conversations included jokes and sarcasm that didn't immediately come across that way, so when I got to the point where it said something like, "… he said, sarcastically," I had to go back re-read the passage because the first time, I'd read it as being said in all seriousness. The pacing was also uneven. It was hard to get a good read on how much time had elapsed between various events.
Any sexy scenes were fairly tame, for the most part - although they were discussed/described openly, they weren't particularly "hot and bothered," if that makes sense. And there was no profanity, which I know is important to some readers.
I can't say I really learned anything from this book. It was purely a "fluff" type of story. Not saying you can't learn from fluff, too, but I just didn't find anything new or unusual from this one - with the possible exception of what a dirty schmiddy is, lol. I'll let you figure that one out for yourself!
All in all, these are my ratings for the book in various categories, with 1 being Poor, 5 being Excellent, and 3 being Average:
World-building: 3 stars
Main Characters: 3 stars
Supporting Cast: 2 stars
Plot/Pacing: 2 stars
Sexy Times: 3 stars.
The bottom line is that this book did not convince me to go back and read the first two in the series, and I likely won't read any other in this series, either. I also probably won't go out of my way to read other books by this author, although I thank her for the opportunity to read this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
What I liked about this book: the main characters were older, had believable jobs, and spent time getting to know each other before immediately turning things physical. What I didn't like about this book: the character of the Hero's father - although he was probably the most realistic in many ways - and the supporting characters who were sorority members. They didn't ring true to me. And the persona of the Hero - he seemed kind of goofy and I had a hard time picturing men in a bar talking about relationship problems over a beer. Complaining about them, sure! But not so much like, "meet me at the bar in 45 minutes because I'm having trouble with my girlfriend and I need advice!" None of the guys I know are that forthcoming with their feelings, and if/when they are, they generally don't talk about them that directly in a group setting. SPOILER ALERT: this occurs several time in the book, so each time it felt a little weird/awkward.
I felt like the world building was acceptable - not the best I've encountered, but not objectionable, either. It's primarily set on a college campus in the Pacific Northwest and surrounding areas. The characters were decently fleshed out, so that they did not feel stereotypical in any way. I think I didn't really like the heroinne much, though - maybe because I couldn't really identify with her. I can't identify anything specifically objectionable about her, though. She was OK, but not the kind of character where you are immediately on her side and rooting for her!
The dialogue was a little… clunky, I guess, for lack of a better word. Some conversations included jokes and sarcasm that didn't immediately come across that way, so when I got to the point where it said something like, "… he said, sarcastically," I had to go back re-read the passage because the first time, I'd read it as being said in all seriousness. The pacing was also uneven. It was hard to get a good read on how much time had elapsed between various events.
Any sexy scenes were fairly tame, for the most part - although they were discussed/described openly, they weren't particularly "hot and bothered," if that makes sense. And there was no profanity, which I know is important to some readers.
I can't say I really learned anything from this book. It was purely a "fluff" type of story. Not saying you can't learn from fluff, too, but I just didn't find anything new or unusual from this one - with the possible exception of what a dirty schmiddy is, lol. I'll let you figure that one out for yourself!
All in all, these are my ratings for the book in various categories, with 1 being Poor, 5 being Excellent, and 3 being Average:
World-building: 3 stars
Main Characters: 3 stars
Supporting Cast: 2 stars
Plot/Pacing: 2 stars
Sexy Times: 3 stars.
The bottom line is that this book did not convince me to go back and read the first two in the series, and I likely won't read any other in this series, either. I also probably won't go out of my way to read other books by this author, although I thank her for the opportunity to read this one.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 2, 2022
Coach Bear was very successful as a high school football coach but now at the college level he is struggling. The president of the college thinks someone from the business department could improve his team with data on their games and players. Carly is a housemother at a sorority and teaches statistics in the business college. She is asked to help the team and Coach Bear. Carly lost her mother at a young age and was raised by her grandmother. She spent her high school years taking care of her grandmother and studying. No time for dating and friends. When the sorority gals talk about playing the game Never Have I Ever she decides to make her own list of things she would like to experience. At a weak moment, she asks the handsome, kind coach to help her with her list.
This is a great book! I loved how supportive the coach is when working with his players. Football is important but so is being a good person. When confronted with losses, he knows they are criticizing the coach, not the man. The sorority gals do a lot to encourage Carly to live a little. They are lots of fun! Carly’s to do list is very creative and I loved the attraction between Coach Bear and Carly. Very creative to have Coach Bear's friends and high school football players help him devise his play book with Carly.
This is a great book! I loved how supportive the coach is when working with his players. Football is important but so is being a good person. When confronted with losses, he knows they are criticizing the coach, not the man. The sorority gals do a lot to encourage Carly to live a little. They are lots of fun! Carly’s to do list is very creative and I loved the attraction between Coach Bear and Carly. Very creative to have Coach Bear's friends and high school football players help him devise his play book with Carly.
October 5, 2022
I enjoyed this romance a lot. Ben is a friendly, hot college football coach who needs to have a winning season. He’s a closet geek, and the son of a rigid, unloving pastor. Carly is a young professor at the college, who has a second job as a sorority House Mother. Carly was raised by her grandmother and has only had one boyfriend. When the school’s football team isn’t having a winning season, the Dean asks Carly to use her data management skills to help Coach Ben. Carly is also being urged by the girls in her sorority house to have new experiences. This book contains both characters’ points of view, as they work together and fall in love. Both characters have a strong attraction to each other and are likeable. Ben is sweet and caring. Carly is both timid and determined to have new experiences. It’s interesting to get their different perspectives in the dual points of view. There is some adult heat, and a satisfying HEA. This was an enjoyable, romantic story. I received an advance copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 19, 2022
This is a great not very typical sports romance I enjoyed very much. Dr. Carly is an introvert. She
spent her life taking care of her grandmother, studying, and not getting to enjoy the typical college experience. She is a self described nerd who loves spreadsheets and statistics. Now she’s a professor and her love of spreadsheets gets her tasked with helping the college's football coach Bear to figure out how to win. She isn’t excited about the opportunity. Coach Bear was recruited for the job for his previous winning record, but since he's come here, his record is terrible. He's more than happy to welcome help, especially in the form of a beautiful professor/data analyst. She makes him a deal where in exchange for help he helps her with her bucket list that has some very fun items. Quite a way into the list he's having a hard time figuring out if he's in love with her. These two are fantastic together, very sweet and with enough sass and heat to keep me intrigued until the very last page. And I loved their circle of friends.
spent her life taking care of her grandmother, studying, and not getting to enjoy the typical college experience. She is a self described nerd who loves spreadsheets and statistics. Now she’s a professor and her love of spreadsheets gets her tasked with helping the college's football coach Bear to figure out how to win. She isn’t excited about the opportunity. Coach Bear was recruited for the job for his previous winning record, but since he's come here, his record is terrible. He's more than happy to welcome help, especially in the form of a beautiful professor/data analyst. She makes him a deal where in exchange for help he helps her with her bucket list that has some very fun items. Quite a way into the list he's having a hard time figuring out if he's in love with her. These two are fantastic together, very sweet and with enough sass and heat to keep me intrigued until the very last page. And I loved their circle of friends.
July 31, 2022
Formula for Seduction was adorable! Carly and Ben are sooo cute.
Carly is an amazing data analyst. Let's hear it for women in data! Woop! She is a little shy, pretty quiet, super smart, and looking to get out of her shell.
Ben is a college football coach who won a lot at the high school level and is trying to crack the winning ticket at the college level. Ben cares about his players, is the opposite of toxic masculinity, and an excellent cook/baker.
The college pairs them up to bring data analysis to the game to help the team. Ben supports Carly from the beginning, treats her like a professional and expects his coaches and team to do the same. Swoon!
Carly makes a Never Have I Ever list and gets brave enough to ask Ben to help her with it. Their professional partnership turns into more and we get a happily ever after!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Carly is an amazing data analyst. Let's hear it for women in data! Woop! She is a little shy, pretty quiet, super smart, and looking to get out of her shell.
Ben is a college football coach who won a lot at the high school level and is trying to crack the winning ticket at the college level. Ben cares about his players, is the opposite of toxic masculinity, and an excellent cook/baker.
The college pairs them up to bring data analysis to the game to help the team. Ben supports Carly from the beginning, treats her like a professional and expects his coaches and team to do the same. Swoon!
Carly makes a Never Have I Ever list and gets brave enough to ask Ben to help her with it. Their professional partnership turns into more and we get a happily ever after!
I received an advance review copy for free from BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
"Thinking of her made me excited to see her."
2.5 Stars!
I did like the romance between the two main leads and how they interacted with each other. It was a soft romance with some spice.
However I did find some disconnect between the actions and the personality of the characters, and the ages and how the characters were originally portrayed. I understand that the concept of the book follows completing a 'Never Have I Ever' list but the characters did seem quite childish at times for the ages they were. This does not take into account how experienced they are with romance but their characteristics and their decisions.
I would have liked if the main leads were more strong in their person and self, I think with more confidence in the characters the story would have flowed better and stronger in more moments. However, these are my own preferences.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for giving me an eARC, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
2.5 Stars!
I did like the romance between the two main leads and how they interacted with each other. It was a soft romance with some spice.
However I did find some disconnect between the actions and the personality of the characters, and the ages and how the characters were originally portrayed. I understand that the concept of the book follows completing a 'Never Have I Ever' list but the characters did seem quite childish at times for the ages they were. This does not take into account how experienced they are with romance but their characteristics and their decisions.
I would have liked if the main leads were more strong in their person and self, I think with more confidence in the characters the story would have flowed better and stronger in more moments. However, these are my own preferences.
Thank you to Hidden Gems for giving me an eARC, I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 18, 2022
Ben O’Reilly, or Coach Bear, was a winning high school coach in his home town. Now he is a college coach but not winning as much as losing. The president of the school decides to get him some help in the form of Carly Anderson, a professor and data analyst at the university. Carly has a request of her own. She has a “never have I ever “ list and she wants Ben to help her with it. I loved this book. Ben was sweet and a true gentleman. He has a rule during the football season and he hopes Carly will understand. I thought they were perfect for each other. They had many similarities and some differences. They worked well together. I enjoyed their friends as well. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 20, 2022
This was a sports romance.
This was a really sweet romance between slightly older adults.
Carly Anderson is a college professor and the house mom at one of the sororities. She is a data analyst by trade and asked by her department chair to help the football team.
Ben O'Reilly/Coach Bear is the football coach. He grew up in a very small town in Oregon with a much younger sister and preacher father. He was a very successful high school coach before being hired at the college. The team is not doing well and the college President asks him to work with Carly to see if they can turn the team around.
The team starts benefiting from Carly's input. She asks Ben to help her tackle her Never Have I Ever list and he agrees but lets her know he stays celibate during the season. They catch feelings for each other and get their HEA.
This was a really sweet romance between slightly older adults.
Carly Anderson is a college professor and the house mom at one of the sororities. She is a data analyst by trade and asked by her department chair to help the football team.
Ben O'Reilly/Coach Bear is the football coach. He grew up in a very small town in Oregon with a much younger sister and preacher father. He was a very successful high school coach before being hired at the college. The team is not doing well and the college President asks him to work with Carly to see if they can turn the team around.
The team starts benefiting from Carly's input. She asks Ben to help her tackle her Never Have I Ever list and he agrees but lets her know he stays celibate during the season. They catch feelings for each other and get their HEA.
February 11, 2024
Carly is to be commended for being back in college. It is expected that she feels a little out of place since most of the students are in their twenties. The premise is little off putting because you can’t turn back time. This goes to show that Carly is somewhat immature. Putting this aside, taking the book for entertainment purposes this book fits the bill. Carly makes a “never have ever” list that takes this story in an interesting direction. Now, who can Carley get to help her? Enter Coach Bear who needs help turning around the football team. Carly is a data analyst recruited to help him. They have immediate attraction that Carly decided to see if Coach Bear could help with her list. The best parts of the book are the hilarious banters.
This HiddenGems ARC is a good lighthearted read. My review includes my thoughts and feelings about this book.
This HiddenGems ARC is a good lighthearted read. My review includes my thoughts and feelings about this book.
August 2, 2022
Ben and Carly don’t have much in common at face value, except that they work for the same university. When Carly is tasked with helping the football team Ben coaches, they find instant connection and develop a friendship. Carly asks Ben to help her branch out and try new things. Ben finds that he has new things to discover, too.
This was the second book in the excelling at love series that I’ve read. They can definitely be read as stand alone but the characters develop over the series and the group was really loveable. I found this book to have a stronger plot and was fun to read. It was a slow burn with a lot of chemistry.
I read it in a day and enjoyed the fast pace.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was the second book in the excelling at love series that I’ve read. They can definitely be read as stand alone but the characters develop over the series and the group was really loveable. I found this book to have a stronger plot and was fun to read. It was a slow burn with a lot of chemistry.
I read it in a day and enjoyed the fast pace.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 13, 2022
I would give Formula for Seduction a 3.5 rating. This is the first book I have read from the author so I haven't read any others in the series before this. It can definitely be read as a standalone. The other characters aren't that integral to the storyline of Formula for Seduction that you need to know their backstory. I don't think I will read any of the other books, though.
Our main characters, Ben & Carly, were a little wishy washy and the pace was verrrry slow. It was an interesting topic - having a data analyst work with the coaching team - and nice having the hero not fit a stereotype. I did have trouble reconciling his characteristics. His age, the way he acted and the way he was to look didn't mesh for me. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
Our main characters, Ben & Carly, were a little wishy washy and the pace was verrrry slow. It was an interesting topic - having a data analyst work with the coaching team - and nice having the hero not fit a stereotype. I did have trouble reconciling his characteristics. His age, the way he acted and the way he was to look didn't mesh for me. This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
August 12, 2022
Fun series on Nerds being cool and popular on college campus. This time the Nerd is Doc/Carly who is helping the football team, especially handsome Coach Bear. Carly was able to help the football team win with the usage of data. They placed that in their plays and they had a good season. After the season, when Coach is no longer abstaining from physical relationships is when they can do the most damage to Carly's "Never Have I Ever" list. Found this to be a fun read and enjoyed the previous Nerds in this series to be in this storyline as well. Fun read with plenty of chuckles in between.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 15, 2022
I adored Ben and Carly!
A football coach that cooks and bakes as well as not being a player. Swoon.
Their first cooking lesson was innocent, yet very sexy.
Things I loved: Ben and his Gotham Nights, heroine that is smart,successful and independent.
Things I didn't love: Ben's dad.
I did feel it took to long for that first kiss,lol. But Carly wasted no time in bringing up her list.
The entire book felt very real, like this could actually happen to anyone. It was believable.
Now, what's going on with Jake and Cheri?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cathy
A football coach that cooks and bakes as well as not being a player. Swoon.
Their first cooking lesson was innocent, yet very sexy.
Things I loved: Ben and his Gotham Nights, heroine that is smart,successful and independent.
Things I didn't love: Ben's dad.
I did feel it took to long for that first kiss,lol. But Carly wasted no time in bringing up her list.
The entire book felt very real, like this could actually happen to anyone. It was believable.
Now, what's going on with Jake and Cheri?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Cathy
May 14, 2023
I really enjoyed this book! I have read the first two and I feel like I connected with the characters in this book more. Ben reminds me of my husband, who is very nerdy, and needing his crew to help him with girls things.
I think that Carly being a sorority house mom was nice to learn more about her character and shows that she had other people caring about her not just her girl crew.
This was my favourite book out of the three.I would’ve enjoyed reading more about the food fight scene since it seems very silly and quirky.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I think that Carly being a sorority house mom was nice to learn more about her character and shows that she had other people caring about her not just her girl crew.
This was my favourite book out of the three.I would’ve enjoyed reading more about the food fight scene since it seems very silly and quirky.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2024
I read this as a standalone and to be completely honest it left me in a reading hangover! I loved the athletic MMC to the brainy FMC, and the uncanny forced collaboration to help Bear, or Ben, as the college’s head football coach. We love a sports romance, but these two had met once before and piqued a mutual interest.
Ben immediately begins wooing his “Doc” who reminds him of a Star Trek character, where we find is one of their shared mutual interests. Ben, nicknamed for being a teddy bear by his younger sister, is absolutely a teddy bear for his girl Carly, and she’s the only one that calls him Ben, a distinction he made specifically for her.
These two fall in love and you can tell they’re built for each other. Feel good romance for sure.
Ben immediately begins wooing his “Doc” who reminds him of a Star Trek character, where we find is one of their shared mutual interests. Ben, nicknamed for being a teddy bear by his younger sister, is absolutely a teddy bear for his girl Carly, and she’s the only one that calls him Ben, a distinction he made specifically for her.
These two fall in love and you can tell they’re built for each other. Feel good romance for sure.
August 18, 2022
This book was amazing!
Loved the storyline. The characters were so real and lovable. These two show that you don’t have to have an alpha to the storyline. It’s refreshing to read this.
These two may not be virgins but they are not really experienced in that department. It shows that you don’t have to know everything about sexual relationships. It can be fun learning together. It brings two people together who needed each other.
I highly recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Loved the storyline. The characters were so real and lovable. These two show that you don’t have to have an alpha to the storyline. It’s refreshing to read this.
These two may not be virgins but they are not really experienced in that department. It shows that you don’t have to know everything about sexual relationships. It can be fun learning together. It brings two people together who needed each other.
I highly recommend this book!
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2022
FORMULA FOR SEDUCTION By Amelia Simone
Coach Bear as he is fondly called has to take help from a data analyst to make his team win the season.
😊What i liked -
✔ Nerdy Romance/Instant Attraction.
✔ Firstly, where are guys like Coach Bear yo. He knows how to bake and cook , wowwwwieeee. He is super chivalrous , sweet and oh so hot.
✔ I loved the whole "Never Have I Ever". ( right after this review I am going to go make mine and Y'all send someone my way , what say?)
✔ I loved the side characters. Especially the girls at the sorority house.
✔ This book is nearly Drama free, easy sweet romance and super slow burny spice.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ I wish there was some back story to what and why Coach Bear's father said that particular line..
✔ A little drama would have worked better for me.
📚Who Should read :
👶 Beginner's
🤓Nerdy Romance
📈My Rating : 3.5/5
P.s - If you like drama free romance this is the right pick for you.
Thank You Amelia Simone for a copy.
Coach Bear as he is fondly called has to take help from a data analyst to make his team win the season.
😊What i liked -
✔ Nerdy Romance/Instant Attraction.
✔ Firstly, where are guys like Coach Bear yo. He knows how to bake and cook , wowwwwieeee. He is super chivalrous , sweet and oh so hot.
✔ I loved the whole "Never Have I Ever". ( right after this review I am going to go make mine and Y'all send someone my way , what say?)
✔ I loved the side characters. Especially the girls at the sorority house.
✔ This book is nearly Drama free, easy sweet romance and super slow burny spice.
🤔What could have been better -
✔ I wish there was some back story to what and why Coach Bear's father said that particular line..
✔ A little drama would have worked better for me.
📚Who Should read :
👶 Beginner's
🤓Nerdy Romance
📈My Rating : 3.5/5
P.s - If you like drama free romance this is the right pick for you.
Thank You Amelia Simone for a copy.
September 16, 2022
Carly needs to step out of her comfort zone and Coach Bear needs to turn around the football team, gaining more wins than losses. Carly is assigned to help him by analyzing the stats of the players- even though she knows nothing about football. He also needs to find confidence in himself, something his father has torn down his whole life. They may both be in their thirties, but they had a lot to learn about themselves and I loved watching them grow together and finding happiness while crossing off 'never have I ever' lists.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
*I am leaving an honest and voluntary review after receiving this book as an ARC.
September 16, 2022
A college professor, Carly Anderson has the brain and analytics to help the football coach, Ben O’Reilly turn his team around. When the college dean puts them together, the shy Carly slowly comes out of her shell with Bens gently urging and support.
In return for helping Ben with team stats and play analytics, Carly asks for his help with her Never Have I Ever (NHIE) list.
There are a bunch of emotions in this book, but I loved that the author didn’t throw them straight into sex, but let the relationship organically grow into sex and eventually love.
In return for helping Ben with team stats and play analytics, Carly asks for his help with her Never Have I Ever (NHIE) list.
There are a bunch of emotions in this book, but I loved that the author didn’t throw them straight into sex, but let the relationship organically grow into sex and eventually love.
July 9, 2023
This super-light read was great fun. It's low in angst, with likeable characters who are able to get out of their own way and be vulnerable to each other. There's lovely chemistry and unresolved tension as they hold off with some of their Never Have I Ever lists until the end of football season. Ben, or Coach Bear is a baking-hot cinnamon roll who is charmed by awkward and shy statistics professor Carly. They make a great team.
An easy afternoon's read with a little bit of football, a little bit of baking, steam and college drama. A delicious read!
An easy afternoon's read with a little bit of football, a little bit of baking, steam and college drama. A delicious read!
May 11, 2024
This is book 3 in Simone's Excelling @ Love series and while a great addition to this series, can easily be read as a standalone. I felt this is a good sports themed romance read with our main characters Coach Ben O’Neil and Dr. Carly. I loved their interactions and dynamics, these two were just so great together. I enjoyed the dual points of view. I love the chemistry these two have and the sweet romance and perfect HEA. A great overall romance that's well written with little angst and a sweet story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 26, 2022
No drama, no miscommunication, no dramatic breakup, no lies, just a couple who slotted together so easily, and a lot more of the friend groups which was ace.
Thanks so much to BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. And my honest opinion was this was sweet and it was lovely to read about two people coming out their shells and feeling confident around each other.
Thanks so much to BookSirens for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinions. And my honest opinion was this was sweet and it was lovely to read about two people coming out their shells and feeling confident around each other.
October 27, 2022
Carly and Coach Ben are an unusual but interesting pairing. Both are work colleagues who begin to interact on a professional level when Carly is asked to use her expertise in statistical analysis to improve the football team's performance.
An interesting play on the nerd meets the jock trope. Lots of interesting side characters and unique situations / challenges to overcome. I loved the book
I received an advanced review copy and I am voluntarily reviewing it
An interesting play on the nerd meets the jock trope. Lots of interesting side characters and unique situations / challenges to overcome. I loved the book
I received an advanced review copy and I am voluntarily reviewing it
July 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️.5/5
Carly was everything. And she deserved to know it.
Be brave like Brene!
🏈 Book 3 in a series (can be read as stand alones)
🏈 First person dual POV
🏈 Workplace romance / forced proximity
🏈 Football coach / Data analyst
🏈 Age gap (both in 30s)
🏈 She makes a sexy bucket list, he helps her out with it
🏈 Inexperienced
🏈 Cinnamon roll!
🏈 Banter
🏈 MC growth: toxic parent/childhood trauma (could have used more resolution), priorities, self worth/doubt,
🏈 Epilogue
⚠️ Childhood trauma/toxic parent relationship, death of a parent (past).
🌶️.5/5
Carly was everything. And she deserved to know it.
Be brave like Brene!
🏈 Book 3 in a series (can be read as stand alones)
🏈 First person dual POV
🏈 Workplace romance / forced proximity
🏈 Football coach / Data analyst
🏈 Age gap (both in 30s)
🏈 She makes a sexy bucket list, he helps her out with it
🏈 Inexperienced
🏈 Cinnamon roll!
🏈 Banter
🏈 MC growth: toxic parent/childhood trauma (could have used more resolution), priorities, self worth/doubt,
🏈 Epilogue
⚠️ Childhood trauma/toxic parent relationship, death of a parent (past).
March 28, 2024
It was such a cute story. I love the cinnamon roll hero, he literally was a huge teddy bear! The whole statistic analysis for the football was so vague, and I wished it they interacted more with the team and the other coaches, their relationship was so cold. The whole knights assemble seems a little too forced, the texts were fine but they lacked that friends intimacy in person. Overall, it was an okay read.
2/5🌶️
2/5🌶️
September 18, 2022
Good tender romance, with a slow rise in attraction between the two main characters
It's a good romance, tender, with a narrative that starts out slow, but then the tension between Ben and Carly becomes very intense when their worlds intertwine, when neither was looking for a relationship.
It's cute but with some hot scenes
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
It's a good romance, tender, with a narrative that starts out slow, but then the tension between Ben and Carly becomes very intense when their worlds intertwine, when neither was looking for a relationship.
It's cute but with some hot scenes
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
September 28, 2022
A slow-paced sweet romance with characters that didn't match the age they were supposed to portray and how they were described. It has some spice and the list was fun.
I was given a free copy of this book from Hidden Arcs and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was given a free copy of this book from Hidden Arcs and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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