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Passion Players #2
Red Flags
A sizzling international romance about an unlikely matchup between an Irish footballer who likes to play the field and a shoe designer with her own ambitions from Open Play author JN Welsh.
After Charlotte Bowman hooks up with hot Irish footballer Eoghan O’Farrell, she doesn’t expect to see him again. For one thing, she’s too busy for romance. She’s got her designer shoe company, a globe-trotting best friend to keep up with, and a frenetic lifestyle in New York City.
But when an elite Irish soccer team reaches out to Charlotte about designing a shoe for its star player, she can’t believe it. Could her random hookup be the celebrity footballer with a penchant for new cleats?
Yes, as it turns out. But Eoghan isn’t just a flashy soccer player. For Charlotte, he’s a professional opportunity—a chance to convert her small business into a juggernaut. She’s hoping they can move past the fact that they’ve seen each other naked.
Eoghan’s up for it, too, of course. But there’s a reason they fell into bed that first time.
After Charlotte Bowman hooks up with hot Irish footballer Eoghan O’Farrell, she doesn’t expect to see him again. For one thing, she’s too busy for romance. She’s got her designer shoe company, a globe-trotting best friend to keep up with, and a frenetic lifestyle in New York City.
But when an elite Irish soccer team reaches out to Charlotte about designing a shoe for its star player, she can’t believe it. Could her random hookup be the celebrity footballer with a penchant for new cleats?
Yes, as it turns out. But Eoghan isn’t just a flashy soccer player. For Charlotte, he’s a professional opportunity—a chance to convert her small business into a juggernaut. She’s hoping they can move past the fact that they’ve seen each other naked.
Eoghan’s up for it, too, of course. But there’s a reason they fell into bed that first time.
287 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2022
98 people are currently reading
1460 people want to read
About the author
J.N. Welsh
10 books60 followersJN Welsh is a native New Yorker and natural storyteller. As a child in school, she was a voracious reader who stole her older sister’s romance novels. She graduated to writing entertaining love stories for her friends and the writer was born.
Her love for romance continued to grow and she published her first novel in 2005. Her stories are entertaining and provocative, leaving her readers breathless and coming back for more.
For recent releases, updates and to connect with her on social media visit: www.JNWelshAuthor.com.
Her love for romance continued to grow and she published her first novel in 2005. Her stories are entertaining and provocative, leaving her readers breathless and coming back for more.
For recent releases, updates and to connect with her on social media visit: www.JNWelshAuthor.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 19, 2023
4.25 Stars / 4 Steam Fans
Eoghan (Owen) is an Irish footballer that has been rehabilitated from an injury and needs new footwear. Charlotte is a fashion and shoe designer that is picked by Eoghan to design his new footwear. What they don't know is that they love each other for more than the one-night stand or footwear. As they knock down walls, we get to watch them. I hope that JN Welsh continues the stories for the Irish football team.
Video review available in Week 15: Apr 9 – Apr 15, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
Eoghan (Owen) is an Irish footballer that has been rehabilitated from an injury and needs new footwear. Charlotte is a fashion and shoe designer that is picked by Eoghan to design his new footwear. What they don't know is that they love each other for more than the one-night stand or footwear. As they knock down walls, we get to watch them. I hope that JN Welsh continues the stories for the Irish football team.
Video review available in Week 15: Apr 9 – Apr 15, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)
September 21, 2022
Charlotte Bowman checks all the preferred boxes for the female protagonist of a modern romance. Gone are the damsels in distress—Charlotte’s a damsel doing her damn best.
An owner of her dream business designing shoes and sportswear, Bowman’s hustling so hard you half expect Carly Simon to break in at any moment with “Let the River Run.”
As she grinds to bloom her career, Irish football hunk Eoghan (rhymes w/ glowin’) O’Farrell is trying to save his. He’s not convalescing as expected after an injury on the pitch left him hobbled. Convinced of the difference a new pair of cleats could make for his game, Eoghan (rhymes w/ easygoin’) turns to Bowman for pitch-perfect footwear.
It’s quite a coincidence that the womanizing star athlete would turn in his time of need to a designer with whom he’s already spent one passionate night: or is it??
In the second installment of a romance series featuring two high achievers, it’s up to Bowman to keep her eyes on the prize and not let her ambitions be scuttled by the charming athlete who needs her now more than ever.
Through a quirky romance that reads light as an Irish breeze, we learn if it’s possible for the heart to want what the feet want.
An owner of her dream business designing shoes and sportswear, Bowman’s hustling so hard you half expect Carly Simon to break in at any moment with “Let the River Run.”
As she grinds to bloom her career, Irish football hunk Eoghan (rhymes w/ glowin’) O’Farrell is trying to save his. He’s not convalescing as expected after an injury on the pitch left him hobbled. Convinced of the difference a new pair of cleats could make for his game, Eoghan (rhymes w/ easygoin’) turns to Bowman for pitch-perfect footwear.
It’s quite a coincidence that the womanizing star athlete would turn in his time of need to a designer with whom he’s already spent one passionate night: or is it??
In the second installment of a romance series featuring two high achievers, it’s up to Bowman to keep her eyes on the prize and not let her ambitions be scuttled by the charming athlete who needs her now more than ever.
Through a quirky romance that reads light as an Irish breeze, we learn if it’s possible for the heart to want what the feet want.
September 30, 2022
honest review
Loved this addition to the series. You feel the the strength of the main characters and as you go along you fall more in love.
Loved this addition to the series. You feel the the strength of the main characters and as you go along you fall more in love.
May 2, 2022
*read a kindle version
Written by JN Welsh, Red Flags is a second instalment in Passion Players series, but can also be read as a stand alone.
Charlotte Bowman is a successful business woman of colour, making her change in the comfortables of shoes. Through her best friend Ayanan she meets with a dark-haired Irishman that doesn't leave her mind, especially after they share a night together before he flies back to Ireland.
Eoghan O'Farrell, a football player, back from his rehabilitation, is still unsure about his place on the pitch, and soon after the first training he figures out the problem- his cleats. Deciding to break his current deal and find a new company, he picks Seam and Sole.
Seam and Sole, Char's apparel and footwear company, hits some milling stones with investors, and the new path leads her to Eoghan. What has life got in store for the two of them? Some shoes and maybe even love...
Now that you know what this story is about, let's get to the impression it made.
I like the cover, but maybe something with cleats would be an even better fit.
The plot of the story sounded okay, and a new 'take' on romance since I never read a football + shoe inventor till now. The parts of the story were okay but the writing put me off, and I would probably dnf this one, if it wasn't an arc.
What was wrong?
Firstly, the characters- i didn't feel the chemistry or any feelings between them. The romance part didn't deliver, it was just words and words but no experiencing of the spark and then love between them.
Secondly, the writing- maybe I am picky but this book, to me, is what I do not enjoy. The flow of thoughts left me like ?what? . Repatutive telling of the same thing for more than one or two times is a no. But here we have 'sister from another mister', 'apparel and footwear company' and others thrown in a few times, close to each other that had me rolling my eyes and wishing to rewrite those sentences.
Third, and also last one is the story. It's probably personal, but I didn't see there was a mention anywhere (before reading it in the story) that Eoghan was first with Char's best friend Yaya and Yaya's little sister. To each their own, but I am not a fan of the trope.
Oh, and also Char being presented as this go-after-your-dreams woman and then at the end apologizing to E doesn't make sense. She is getting an opportunity for expanding her business, to which she didn't even say yes to, and she apologises. No, no, no, count me out.
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an arc.
Written by JN Welsh, Red Flags is a second instalment in Passion Players series, but can also be read as a stand alone.
Charlotte Bowman is a successful business woman of colour, making her change in the comfortables of shoes. Through her best friend Ayanan she meets with a dark-haired Irishman that doesn't leave her mind, especially after they share a night together before he flies back to Ireland.
Eoghan O'Farrell, a football player, back from his rehabilitation, is still unsure about his place on the pitch, and soon after the first training he figures out the problem- his cleats. Deciding to break his current deal and find a new company, he picks Seam and Sole.
Seam and Sole, Char's apparel and footwear company, hits some milling stones with investors, and the new path leads her to Eoghan. What has life got in store for the two of them? Some shoes and maybe even love...
Now that you know what this story is about, let's get to the impression it made.
I like the cover, but maybe something with cleats would be an even better fit.
The plot of the story sounded okay, and a new 'take' on romance since I never read a football + shoe inventor till now. The parts of the story were okay but the writing put me off, and I would probably dnf this one, if it wasn't an arc.
What was wrong?
Firstly, the characters- i didn't feel the chemistry or any feelings between them. The romance part didn't deliver, it was just words and words but no experiencing of the spark and then love between them.
Secondly, the writing- maybe I am picky but this book, to me, is what I do not enjoy. The flow of thoughts left me like ?what? . Repatutive telling of the same thing for more than one or two times is a no. But here we have 'sister from another mister', 'apparel and footwear company' and others thrown in a few times, close to each other that had me rolling my eyes and wishing to rewrite those sentences.
Third, and also last one is the story. It's probably personal, but I didn't see there was a mention anywhere (before reading it in the story) that Eoghan was first with Char's best friend Yaya and Yaya's little sister. To each their own, but I am not a fan of the trope.
Oh, and also Char being presented as this go-after-your-dreams woman and then at the end apologizing to E doesn't make sense. She is getting an opportunity for expanding her business, to which she didn't even say yes to, and she apologises. No, no, no, count me out.
* Thanks to NetGalley and Montlake for an arc.
October 3, 2022
Not a fan of this author--or, at least this series. This is the second and last one I can stomach.
The writing and dialogue is awkward. (Sometimes I feel like I'm reading a college essay instead of a novel.)
There is ZERO chemistry between the main characters. Seriously terrible. This is a perfect example of how a writer tells instead of shows.
Finally, the author drops names (designers) all over the place, which is distracting, unnecessary and completely off-putting.
As much as I'd love to support this author and her powerful women of color characters, I just can't with these books.
NOTE: Read as Kindle with Audiobook. The audio is slightly worse than the written version because the narrator is a terrible reader. In places it's like she didn't read the passage first and words are left dangling with inappropriate inflection or emphasis. Really distracting. Her voices are great, but I wonder if she's dyslexic because her reading is really stilted.
The writing and dialogue is awkward. (Sometimes I feel like I'm reading a college essay instead of a novel.)
There is ZERO chemistry between the main characters. Seriously terrible. This is a perfect example of how a writer tells instead of shows.
Finally, the author drops names (designers) all over the place, which is distracting, unnecessary and completely off-putting.
As much as I'd love to support this author and her powerful women of color characters, I just can't with these books.
NOTE: Read as Kindle with Audiobook. The audio is slightly worse than the written version because the narrator is a terrible reader. In places it's like she didn't read the passage first and words are left dangling with inappropriate inflection or emphasis. Really distracting. Her voices are great, but I wonder if she's dyslexic because her reading is really stilted.
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September 28, 20223.5 stars
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute and steamy contemporary sports romance set in Ireland. Charlotte owns a shoe design company based in NYC. Charlotte has a one night stand with Irish soccer star Eoghan who was rehabbing in America after an injury. Charlotte then gets approached by an Irish soccer club to design a custom shoe for its star athlete. What are the chances that the star is Eoghan? This is a romance book, so of course it's Eoghan!
I liked Charlotte's confidence and the way she handled her business. The cute and funny banter she exchanges with her assistant adds humor to the book. Charlotte feels she needs to focus all of her attention on growing her business and doesn't have time for a relationship. It's great to see Eoghan worm his way into her heart and make her realize she does have room for someone in her life.
I also like Eoghan and how he pursued Charlotte without being creepy or stalkerish. It was nice that he could own his feelings and wasn't afraid to show them. His relationship with his father was complicated. The author did a great job of showing the progression of their relationship as Eoghan finally stands up for himself and makes his father realize that he isn't a kid anymore that needs his constant advice and help.
This was a quick and easy read. The pacing is pretty good, although it did slow down a bit when the story focused on detailed issues with Charlotte's business. I mean, it is important to show how much the business means to Charlotte and how her identity is as a businessowner, but when the story got too far into the weeds with it, I got pulled out of the overall romantic story. But that is a minor issue that did not change my opinion that this is an enjoyable read that I recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours, Montlake, and the author. All opinions are my own.
You can read all of my reviews at Nerd Girl Loves Books.
This is a cute and steamy contemporary sports romance set in Ireland. Charlotte owns a shoe design company based in NYC. Charlotte has a one night stand with Irish soccer star Eoghan who was rehabbing in America after an injury. Charlotte then gets approached by an Irish soccer club to design a custom shoe for its star athlete. What are the chances that the star is Eoghan? This is a romance book, so of course it's Eoghan!
I liked Charlotte's confidence and the way she handled her business. The cute and funny banter she exchanges with her assistant adds humor to the book. Charlotte feels she needs to focus all of her attention on growing her business and doesn't have time for a relationship. It's great to see Eoghan worm his way into her heart and make her realize she does have room for someone in her life.
I also like Eoghan and how he pursued Charlotte without being creepy or stalkerish. It was nice that he could own his feelings and wasn't afraid to show them. His relationship with his father was complicated. The author did a great job of showing the progression of their relationship as Eoghan finally stands up for himself and makes his father realize that he isn't a kid anymore that needs his constant advice and help.
This was a quick and easy read. The pacing is pretty good, although it did slow down a bit when the story focused on detailed issues with Charlotte's business. I mean, it is important to show how much the business means to Charlotte and how her identity is as a businessowner, but when the story got too far into the weeds with it, I got pulled out of the overall romantic story. But that is a minor issue that did not change my opinion that this is an enjoyable read that I recommend.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Love Book Tours, Montlake, and the author. All opinions are my own.
October 11, 2022
Unfortunately I dnf’d this book after the second chapter.
I did not like the formatting of the book as on my ebook version it is double spacing between lines and it was very off putting.
The writing style was not for me as I am not a fan of the word “boo” being used in a book (or real life if I’m honest) but that is just personal taste. Additionally, I found the way the characters speak to one another was a very odd choice in writing as it felt almost like slang and when we are reading about professional women in a professional setting it just threw off the perception being built.
I actually admired that Charlotte was not going to go after Eoghan since he is her best friends ex and then tried to get with the best friends sister after the best friend and him broke up. But unfortunately in the first chapter it goes from Charlotte having a hard on for this man and promising not to sleep with him out of respect for her best friend to then sleeping with him just 2 pages later. My respect and understanding of Charlotte just went out the window and I couldn’t continue reading as I don’t want to read a wishy washy female main character who says one thing but does another.
Also for how much Eoghan and Charlotte seem to lust over one another there isn’t actually any real chemistry between them because even if this was a lust to love story you expect some type of spark but there is none.
I did not like the formatting of the book as on my ebook version it is double spacing between lines and it was very off putting.
The writing style was not for me as I am not a fan of the word “boo” being used in a book (or real life if I’m honest) but that is just personal taste. Additionally, I found the way the characters speak to one another was a very odd choice in writing as it felt almost like slang and when we are reading about professional women in a professional setting it just threw off the perception being built.
I actually admired that Charlotte was not going to go after Eoghan since he is her best friends ex and then tried to get with the best friends sister after the best friend and him broke up. But unfortunately in the first chapter it goes from Charlotte having a hard on for this man and promising not to sleep with him out of respect for her best friend to then sleeping with him just 2 pages later. My respect and understanding of Charlotte just went out the window and I couldn’t continue reading as I don’t want to read a wishy washy female main character who says one thing but does another.
Also for how much Eoghan and Charlotte seem to lust over one another there isn’t actually any real chemistry between them because even if this was a lust to love story you expect some type of spark but there is none.
May 1, 2022
A footalicious four-star read. In parts this was a five-star read, but honestly I felt like I was reading the second story of a series for huge chunks and that’s why I cant give it five-stars, as no where does it say number two or even give a hint of there being a first story about Ayanna and Shane, as in parts it felt like they were taking over this story and it felt like a shame to Charlotte and Eoghan, as they deserved to shine in this story. There were so many great characters in this one, they supported the mains and flourished in the background and if Ayanna and Shane had done that it would have been a fantastic read, as it was, they kept distracting me from the main event. I did really like that it was Irish football and not soccer, and the fact that Ireland and Northern Ireland have different leagues, it’s so often brushed over and ignored that they are different countries, that share a land border, it was details like that that made this a great story. If I find out that Ayanna and Shane have a story I would love to read it, as I think it would compliment this whole thing.
Edit, I have just seen that Open Play is from this author and it looks like maybe Ayanna and Shane story, so hopefully I will get my wish, I just wish it was more clear in the description, if it is I am sorry, but I looked a couple of times and didn’t pick it up.
Edit, I have just seen that Open Play is from this author and it looks like maybe Ayanna and Shane story, so hopefully I will get my wish, I just wish it was more clear in the description, if it is I am sorry, but I looked a couple of times and didn’t pick it up.
September 29, 2022
Tuesday, 27th September was my spot on LoveBooksTours blog tour for Red Flags by J.N. Welsh. I read this romantic novel as an ebook for this tour and I’m glad that I did as I really liked this delightful novel. It was lighthearted, pleasant and an entertaining read. I liked the fact that the main character was a strong, fierce and independent leading female character, I also love football so the football boots storyline was great too. I like reading romance novels where the main character is a sports star. I also loved Ireland as a location for this novel. I like to travel to exotic places via novels, and both Ireland and New York are very exciting locations. I also liked the fact that the main character of this romance novel was a successful businesswoman designing sports wear and footwear.
I liked the author’s writing style, and discovering a new author for me whose writing I like. I loved the character development and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. This romantic novel made me smile while I was reading it. It was nice to read a happy, light novel for a change as I read a lot of tense thrillers and crime novels. I’m giving Red Flags 4 stars as I really liked it and I’m sure other readers will do too especially if they are fans of romantic novels.
I liked the author’s writing style, and discovering a new author for me whose writing I like. I loved the character development and finding out more about the main characters as the story unfolded. This romantic novel made me smile while I was reading it. It was nice to read a happy, light novel for a change as I read a lot of tense thrillers and crime novels. I’m giving Red Flags 4 stars as I really liked it and I’m sure other readers will do too especially if they are fans of romantic novels.
April 26, 2022
Going into this book, I only knew it was a sports Romance with an Irish hero - and for me that was enough!
Starting the book I was slightly upset at the fade to black scene in the prologue but followed by graphic recollection by the characters after the fact. It was resolved in the rest of the novel with the love scenes being intense!
One slight niggle I had was the repetition of Charlotte's company- 'sports-brand-apparel...' I found I was reading it over and over. I loved seeing a successful woman and the company she loved.
The premise of the novel which was creating a custom shoe for a famous Irish footballer was really interesting. I have not read a book with those topics before and I liked the balance of plot, love story but also the characters already-successful careers flourishing.
Although it was probably obvious to most, I would have loved the POV to be stated at the beginning of each switch. I read so quickly that sometimes I hadnt realised the POVs had changed between characters.
Overall I enjoyed the book, there was never a point where I wanted to stop reading and I wanted to see two closed-off and career driven characters finding comfort in each other.
I think the cover and blurb brings together the plot and characters really well.
Thanks so much :)
Starting the book I was slightly upset at the fade to black scene in the prologue but followed by graphic recollection by the characters after the fact. It was resolved in the rest of the novel with the love scenes being intense!
One slight niggle I had was the repetition of Charlotte's company- 'sports-brand-apparel...' I found I was reading it over and over. I loved seeing a successful woman and the company she loved.
The premise of the novel which was creating a custom shoe for a famous Irish footballer was really interesting. I have not read a book with those topics before and I liked the balance of plot, love story but also the characters already-successful careers flourishing.
Although it was probably obvious to most, I would have loved the POV to be stated at the beginning of each switch. I read so quickly that sometimes I hadnt realised the POVs had changed between characters.
Overall I enjoyed the book, there was never a point where I wanted to stop reading and I wanted to see two closed-off and career driven characters finding comfort in each other.
I think the cover and blurb brings together the plot and characters really well.
Thanks so much :)
April 23, 2022
Red Flags by JN Welsh was a fun, diverse romance. Lots of times when I request ARCs I just go based on the synopsis, the title, sometimes even just the cover peaks my interest. I don't always know the author. I absolutely love Sports Romances, so I read the description for this one and signed right up!
I had no idea it was the second book in a series. You can totally read it as a standalone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything for this story. Now I want to read Ayanna and Shane's story too. But reading this as a standalone did not hinder Charlotte and Eoghan's story at all.
I absolutely love strong heroines! They are my jam! Charlotte fit that bill and more! She is fierce, she is the CEO of her company, and she trusts herself! Can she trust the feeling of home that Eoghan evokes in her? This is a romance, so there is a happily ever after!
The process of making a custom cleat with an athlete was fascinating! Such a fun set of details for the story! I absolutely want to be friends with Charlotte and Danai. And I am so here for a book with Danai and Lance!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I had no idea it was the second book in a series. You can totally read it as a standalone. I didn't feel like I was missing anything for this story. Now I want to read Ayanna and Shane's story too. But reading this as a standalone did not hinder Charlotte and Eoghan's story at all.
I absolutely love strong heroines! They are my jam! Charlotte fit that bill and more! She is fierce, she is the CEO of her company, and she trusts herself! Can she trust the feeling of home that Eoghan evokes in her? This is a romance, so there is a happily ever after!
The process of making a custom cleat with an athlete was fascinating! Such a fun set of details for the story! I absolutely want to be friends with Charlotte and Danai. And I am so here for a book with Danai and Lance!
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 14, 2022
Charlotte is an independent and self-driven businesswoman who prioritises her up-and-coming business and is truly a motivated and inspirational character. When she is presented with a life-changing opportunity to propel her business to international recognition then she jumps at the opportunity, however when she realises that her client is an ex hookup then it causes all sorts of confusion and feelings to arise.
I loved reading about the developing relationship between Charlotte and Eoghan as well as the relationships between Charlotte and her friends and family members.
There were many relatable struggles that people face such as how to balance work and social life and when to put your own needs before anything else.
Oh and not to mention, there was a lot of unexpected spice that I was not disappointed by!
I was gifted this title in exchange for an honest review and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
I loved reading about the developing relationship between Charlotte and Eoghan as well as the relationships between Charlotte and her friends and family members.
There were many relatable struggles that people face such as how to balance work and social life and when to put your own needs before anything else.
Oh and not to mention, there was a lot of unexpected spice that I was not disappointed by!
I was gifted this title in exchange for an honest review and I am so grateful for the opportunity.
September 14, 2022
This was nothing like I'd been expecting and I don't really feel like there were any red flags in this. A red flag, to me, is a warning about a person or relationship and this had none of them. It was obvious what a sweet couple Charlotte and Eoghan would make.
It's a super quick read, I finished it over the course of one evening.
I hadn't realised when I started it that this was part of a series, there were certain things mentioned that it would have been beneficial to have read the first one but you get enough of the story to understand how the characters got to where they were for this book so it worked.
I really loved the setting in Ireland, I'd have loved to have seen more of it.
I really liked the sass of Charlotte, she was a woman who knew what she wanted in life and wasn't afraid to get it. We could all learn to be a bit more Charlotte.
I do not envy Jada when Charlotte gets hold of her though!
My first read by the author but I doubt it will be the last.
It's a super quick read, I finished it over the course of one evening.
I hadn't realised when I started it that this was part of a series, there were certain things mentioned that it would have been beneficial to have read the first one but you get enough of the story to understand how the characters got to where they were for this book so it worked.
I really loved the setting in Ireland, I'd have loved to have seen more of it.
I really liked the sass of Charlotte, she was a woman who knew what she wanted in life and wasn't afraid to get it. We could all learn to be a bit more Charlotte.
I do not envy Jada when Charlotte gets hold of her though!
My first read by the author but I doubt it will be the last.
February 11, 2023
Although this shows as book 2, I haven’t had a chance to read book 1 yet. It reads as a stand alone. Charlotte Brown and Eoghan O’Farrell have a one night stand in the US while he’s recovering. Later, they both are shocked when they have to work together in Italy, when Charlotte’s company has been picked to make special shoes for Egohan so he can get back on the field.
This is an interracial romance, not Black romance. (The only reason I mentioned it because it’s under that category under Amazon ranking)
To me, the chemistry was flat for most of the story, until more than halfway. One thing I did like seeing is some of the micro aggression the main female character faced, and is faced by black women frequently. It was a lighthearted, decent, but I was expecting a little more between them. If you’re a big sports romance fan, you might enjoy this read.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
This is an interracial romance, not Black romance. (The only reason I mentioned it because it’s under that category under Amazon ranking)
To me, the chemistry was flat for most of the story, until more than halfway. One thing I did like seeing is some of the micro aggression the main female character faced, and is faced by black women frequently. It was a lighthearted, decent, but I was expecting a little more between them. If you’re a big sports romance fan, you might enjoy this read.
I received a copy of the book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
September 9, 2022
Can Charlotte and Eoghan work together?
Shoe and sportswear designer Charlotte Bowman never expected to see Irish footballer Eoghan O’Farrell after the one night they spent together. But she has to check things out when she is asked to design a custom football shoe for an Irish football star with all of the resulting NDA’s. Could it be for Eoghan O’Farrell?
Eoghan O’Farrell wants to return to his top form after his surgery and rehabilitation but his shoes just don’t feel right. Maybe he needs a custom shoe made for him by an American designer Charlotte Bowman if she could get past the night they spent together!
You might want to read Open Play by JN Welsh about the first time Charlotte and Eoghan met.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shoe and sportswear designer Charlotte Bowman never expected to see Irish footballer Eoghan O’Farrell after the one night they spent together. But she has to check things out when she is asked to design a custom football shoe for an Irish football star with all of the resulting NDA’s. Could it be for Eoghan O’Farrell?
Eoghan O’Farrell wants to return to his top form after his surgery and rehabilitation but his shoes just don’t feel right. Maybe he needs a custom shoe made for him by an American designer Charlotte Bowman if she could get past the night they spent together!
You might want to read Open Play by JN Welsh about the first time Charlotte and Eoghan met.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 10, 2022
I really enjoy a strong, confident character and Ms Charlotte Bowman was just that. She’s a successful businesswoman always looking for ways to elevate her company and when the opportunity to customize an Irish soccer star’s cleats arose, she knew she couldn’t pass it up. What she wasn’t expecting was the who. The Who was none other than Eoghan O’Farrell, star footballer and her former hookup. The working partnership between Charlotte and Eoghan started off on a rocky note but they eventually found their groove and created the perfect custom cleats for Eoghan. The real challenge? Can they keep their relationship professional or is the connection that drew them together in this first place still there and what does that mean for Charlotte’s future?
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @lovetourbooks and @jn_welsh for this gifted copy and a spot on this book tour.
Rating 3.5 stars
Thank you @lovetourbooks and @jn_welsh for this gifted copy and a spot on this book tour.
September 26, 2022
Thank you to the author and Love Book Tours for the free book in exchange of an honest review 🥰
This was such a good Spicy sports romance! I love it when stories feature successful women leading in a in male dominant industries especially when it comes to sports. Not only that but Charlotte calls everyone out on their bullshit, takes no ones shit regardless of who they are, and takes care of Eoghan and helps push him to grow. I loved her character so much.
Speaking of Eoghan, the fact that our MMC is from Ireland and a good chunk of the book took place there made my desire to travel to Ireland even stronger than it was before.
Overall I loved this book and really enjoyed reading Charlotte and Eoghan’s story. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sports romance!
🌶🌶🌶/5
This was such a good Spicy sports romance! I love it when stories feature successful women leading in a in male dominant industries especially when it comes to sports. Not only that but Charlotte calls everyone out on their bullshit, takes no ones shit regardless of who they are, and takes care of Eoghan and helps push him to grow. I loved her character so much.
Speaking of Eoghan, the fact that our MMC is from Ireland and a good chunk of the book took place there made my desire to travel to Ireland even stronger than it was before.
Overall I loved this book and really enjoyed reading Charlotte and Eoghan’s story. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone who likes sports romance!
🌶🌶🌶/5
October 3, 2022
A sizzling international romance about an unlikely matchup between an Irish footballer who likes to play the field and a shoe designer with her own ambitions. After Charlotte hooks up with hot footballer Eoghan, she doesn’t expect to see him again.
My thoughts:
I loved reading this story, loved how strong minded was Charlotte and how she wasn’t afraid to tell someone off if she didn’t agreed with them or saw things differently.
Loved the tension and passion between her and Eoghan. As all story was happening mainly in Ireland it made me want to travel there and see some places myself!
Book was entertaining and interesting, catching your thoughts and addictive.
Thank you for a opportunity to read this book !
My thoughts:
I loved reading this story, loved how strong minded was Charlotte and how she wasn’t afraid to tell someone off if she didn’t agreed with them or saw things differently.
Loved the tension and passion between her and Eoghan. As all story was happening mainly in Ireland it made me want to travel there and see some places myself!
Book was entertaining and interesting, catching your thoughts and addictive.
Thank you for a opportunity to read this book !
September 14, 2022
This is the second book in a series which I didn’t realise before starting to read this one. It does work ok as a stand-alone but to have a better understanding you would be better off reading them in order.
There were lots of great characters in this story. I liked Charlotte, she was a strong and successful woman with her own business.
I did find it hard to keep track of who’s POV I was reading about. I had to keep looking back to check. I also struggled with the writing style.
It was a light hearted read, if you like a fun romance with a sports theme then maybe this book is for you.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
There were lots of great characters in this story. I liked Charlotte, she was a strong and successful woman with her own business.
I did find it hard to keep track of who’s POV I was reading about. I had to keep looking back to check. I also struggled with the writing style.
It was a light hearted read, if you like a fun romance with a sports theme then maybe this book is for you.
Thank you to Love Book Tours for having me on the tour and for my gifted ebook.
September 16, 2022
A sports romance with an Irish footballer hero, sign me up!
Overall, I really liked this sports romance and I thought the premise was unique. It was a very quick read with a lot of great characters and the book itself was very lighthearted and fun. I loved Charlotte’s character. She was sassy, determined, and confident.
I did feel however, that I was missing certain things in the story. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I started it and although it does essentially work as a standalone I think you would be better off reading them in order. It did get a bit confusing as I was reading to tell when POVs switched and I often stopped to look back.
Overall, I really liked this sports romance and I thought the premise was unique. It was a very quick read with a lot of great characters and the book itself was very lighthearted and fun. I loved Charlotte’s character. She was sassy, determined, and confident.
I did feel however, that I was missing certain things in the story. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I started it and although it does essentially work as a standalone I think you would be better off reading them in order. It did get a bit confusing as I was reading to tell when POVs switched and I often stopped to look back.
December 10, 2024
This was a fun read, but I didn't really feel a connection to any of the main characters. I liked the "im not a damsel in distress" personality Charlotte had at the start but then apologizes?? for her ambition?? which i always hate. However, loved the women of colour representation!
Also, Eoghan (the most irish name ever) slept with the best friend, and then the best friend's little sister, which just gave me the ick. BUT he's Irish so all is forgiven.
The spice was decent though, especially the prologue. There were not many "red flags", and i think it should've been called "green card"
*I received an review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Also, Eoghan (the most irish name ever) slept with the best friend, and then the best friend's little sister, which just gave me the ick. BUT he's Irish so all is forgiven.
The spice was decent though, especially the prologue. There were not many "red flags", and i think it should've been called "green card"
*I received an review copy for free from NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 9, 2022
I started Red Flags expecting an easy, breezy sports romance. It delivered, but the writing left a little to be desired. Some phrases are annoyingly overused (sports-brand-apparel comes to mind), and the plot moved forward with little relationship development between our main characters. Though it does become obvious whose perspective you are in as you read, it is also helpful to mention it at the beginning of the chapter. I found myself rereading the beginning of chapters as I realized too late that we had switched POVs without notification.
September 12, 2022
Gosh how I love being in Ireland, even if it is through a story. Eoghan is one tough nut as we saw in the previous story, Open Play. Our physical therapist extraordinaire finally has him ready to get back on the field but something is holding him back. He can't quite seem to get into the rhythm like he used to. He's a player both on and off the field. A fact that Charlotte knows well. Little do either of them know, what they need is each other and not only in a physical sense. As Charlotte gets to know our erstwhile Eoghan, she soon learns that there is way more than meets the eye with him and soon sparks are flying all over the place. I felt like I was back in Ireland and enjoyed the journey.
September 13, 2022
Red Flags was a fun, light hearted sports romance. I do enjoy a good sports romance and I feel like the plot for this one was decent and I did enjoy the characters, but the writing itself just wasn't there. It was extremely hard to keep track of which POV we were on, and I felt like I wasted a lot of time looking back to double check which POV it actually was. Also, while I did like the characters, there wasn't much for character relationship development and I did not like that. I feel this book has so much more potential, unfortunately it just wasn't there.
March 3, 2023
Let me start saying that I received a copy for my honest review. I liked the book a lot. I love how we have Charlotte a confident woman who knows what she is and what she wants. After Charlotte hooks up with Eoghen who is a footballer they both think that they will never see each other again. Well WRONG. Life decides to throw them together again but this time for work reasons and this is a huge opportunity for Charlotte. We soon learn that Where once there was fire ashes remain. It was a beautiful story. We saw how Charlotte helped Eoghen grow and how they both needed each other
October 21, 2022
I received this book in a giveaway which I really appreciated. It was a solid 3.5 book, enjoyable but nothing that made it stand out. I haven’t read the first book in the series so I may have missed some back story that would have enhanced the book so I rounded up to 4 stars. Some of the slang turned me off but that may just be me. As there are so many good books on my TBR list, I probably won’t got back and read the first book.
September 4, 2022
Sports romance are made just for me, so i really enjoyed the story, the build up of their world (specially his,) so i recommend this book if you liked it, it was a little bit hard for me to follow the story because in the ARC, the POVs were a little bit confused, it works for me better to have it like fmc/mmc povs and here, if you missed it you were lost, other than that it was a good read
September 17, 2022
Overall a good story. It was well written and full of banter. I honestly wish there was more chemistry instead of just a romance that happened. I may have missed some of their prior interactions in the first book of the series. J.N. Welsh does a wonderful job detailing the scenes though with the picturesque descriptions of Ireland.
November 10, 2022
Okay, so I dnfed this book and maybe pick it up eventually. I did like the diverse characters but just something about the plot wasn't hitting right for me the moment I picked it up.
I am a huge footy fan and I always love to read football romances. I might give it time and update this review in the future. Thank you so much netgalley for the arc of this book.
I am a huge footy fan and I always love to read football romances. I might give it time and update this review in the future. Thank you so much netgalley for the arc of this book.
December 10, 2022
The idea of an athlete and a shoe designer seemed fresh and intriguing but the writing style, the repetitiveness, the confusing point of view, and the fact that was with her friends and the friend's sister is a no.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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