5 Star Review: Melting Into You (Falcon Football #3) by Laura Trentham

Alec Grayson returns home to Falcon, Alabama, to rebuild his life after a knee injury ended his NFL career. As the Falcon high school quarterback coach, Alec's love for the game is reignited. Meanwhile, he puts his hard-partying past and the betrayal of the people he trusted most behind him, and adopts a hard demeanor. That is, until a spitfire artist with soulful eyes and a body that haunts his dreams gets under his skin and threatens to crack his armor.

Lilliana Hancock is forced to leave her struggling-artist lifestyle in New York and return to Falcon after her father's unexpected death leaves her a decrepit family mansion. Determined to use her skills to turn the home into a successful bed and breakfast, Lilliana is stopped at every turn by the town contractor, who happens to be Alec, the gorgeous and arrogant jock to whom she lost her virginity in college. Except Alec doesn't remember, which infuriates her. Too bad she can't forget the way his body felt against hers or how his heated gaze follows her...

Will they be able to put their pasts behind them for a future together?

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My Review

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

Holy crap! This book started out with a bang. Literally. Lilliana and Alec have been circling each other for a long time. They have this love/hate, tension filled kind of relationship thing going and it seems to be working really well, until it isn't. While he is performing an inspection on Lilliana's house/future bed and breakfast, Alec cuts himself. While trying help him clean his cut. Lilliana is reminded of the one night they spent together and that he is everything that she remembered and more. When they were in college the two of them had a one night stand. And while Lilliana remembers EVERYTHING about that night, Alec does not. (Hence the "hate" part of the love/hate relationship.) But that doesn't stop her from going after what she wants and that is one more steamy roll in the hay with Alec. And when I say steamy I actually mean "Oh my god I have to go take a cold shower now!" steamy. Whew! And that's how the book starts!  **High five to Laura Trentham!**

I loved Alec. He's definitely one of the good guys. He had a very promising career in the NFL, but a knee injury ended that dream so he returned home, started his own construction company and became the town's building inspector. He also coaches high school football with Robbie and Logan (from the previous two books), but he's not just a coach. He cares about the kids and just like his fellow coaches, he is willing to get involved when he thinks that one of his players has a problem at home. Even if that means he gets a little beat up a long the way. 

They say opposites attract and Lilliana and Alec are pretty much the definition of that. Lilliana is an artist. A free spirit. A nurturer. She likes to see the best in people. Alec likes rules and doesn't know how to relax. He's used to taking care of himself. And thanks to his own parents betraying him a way he never saw coming, Alec has a hard time trusting people. But Lilliana is good for him and the two of them make a great couple and I was keeping my fingers crossed that they would work things out with minimal damage to their already shaky relationship.

“I’ve been an idiot.”

“We established that earlier.” The sensual kisses she skimmed over his jaw offset her chipper agreement.

“I should have asked you out years ago instead of staring at you across the football field wondering what it would be like to be your man. So you know, the reality is better in every way.”

“Alec.” His name was barely louder than her sigh.

“I’ve been lonely for years, but it was bearable, knowing how much it hurt to be betrayed. But, after loving you, losing you would kill me. I want to sell my house and move in here with you. Screw turning Hancock House into a B&B, let’s turn it into a home instead. We can even host your hundreds of relatives every Sunday if you want.”

He caught her gasp with a kiss. A kiss of passion and promise and a hint of humor.

He put her down so she could unlock the door, but she kept hold of his jacket. “Where have your people taken Alec Grayson?”

He pressed another kiss against her, both their lips tilted in smiles. “I feel like I’ve woken up from a black-and-white dream. That’s what you’ve done for me, Lilliana, painted my life. What do you say?”

“Hell yes. I never wanted to run a B&B anyway.”

“I know.” He rumbled a laugh, but veered serious again. “You should spend your days working on your art, not cooking and cleaning for guests. You have a talent that shouldn’t be squandered.”

Her smile was watery. “That’s about the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

Say it with me, "Awwwwwwwwwww." 

I love this series. All three books had strong stories, fantastic main characters and delightful secondary characters that added a lovely southern charm to it. While there was drama in each of the books, it was never over the top and never felt unnecessary. You really can't go wrong with these books. The author is working on a new series and I can't wait to see what she comes up with!

5 Star Review: Caught Up in the Touch (Falcon Football #2) by Laura Trentham

Jessica Montgomery has always lived by three simple rules: stay calm, stay professional, stay in control. Working tirelessly to make it into the executive ranks of her family's business, her dream job of CFO is within reach--if she can convince one stubborn and sexy Alabama restaurateur to take her offer and manage Montgomery Industries flagship restaurant in Atlanta.

On the surface Logan Wilde is all good-old-boy charm and humor, but he can't seem to outrun the hell-raising reputation of his high school years. Although he has thought about leaving his hometown in Falcon Alabama, he has grown to love the town, his restaurant, and his part-time gig coaching the football team.

Jessica estimates it will take a week tops to get Logan Wilde's signature on her generous offer, but their first meeting is anything but professional. Logan shreds Jessica's control and unleashes a passion she didn't know existed even as a deeper connection between them takes root. When her family's manipulations threaten to tear them apart, Jessica has to decide whether her dream is really the CFO job or the man who has unselfishly offered his love.

My Review

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.  

Jessica comes to the town as a woman on a mission. The restaurant he has opened has become very successful and Logan has managed to get in the press a few times. Jessica's father wants Logan to work for them and it is her job to bring him on board. 

Logan has come home and he loves his new life. His restaurant has become quite successful and he loves coaching football. He never really considers Jessica's offer and for that I really appreciated him. He could have made more money and been more successful, but it's not what he wanted. 

Both Jessica and Logan are out to prove a point. Jessica is trying to prove to her father that she is capable of being a good CFO and Logan is trying to prove to the whole town that he is not the screw up everyone thinks he is. Somewhere along the way Logan and Jessica become friends and then much more than that. I think they both surprised each other when they realized the other was not what they thought they would be. While they may have not made great first impressions (I found their first meeting to be quite funny) on each other, they quickly realize that they are very compatible. Like really compatible. I loved both of them so I had my fingers crossed the whole time and would give a little fist pump/cheer when I like what happened. 

“Thanks for dinner.” When he didn’t answer, she turned and walked toward the porch. He was at her side, his hands pushed deep into his pockets, his face serious. Their feet hit the steps in tandem. She’d never been walked to her door before. The gesture made her feel special.

A few slivers of moonlight broke under the dark portico. Did he feel the same electric longing shooting from her chest until she thought she might be electrocuted? So what if this attraction were ill-advised and ridiculous? She turned to face him.

Kiss me. The words threatened to explode from her like someone suffering from Turrets. Her tongue darted over her lips.

As if he was a mind reader, in a husky voice, he asked, “May I kiss you?”

She closed her eyes and reached out for him, feeling as if he’d offered her a Big Gulp after days of wandering the desert.

Based on his behavior all evening, she expected a gentlemanly kiss, a soft touch, like his kiss in the woods. Instead, he came in like a tornado, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her against his body, chest to knees. Her back bowed over one of his arms, and his lips came down on hers with a rough edge and burning intent. Perhaps his intention was her surrender.

What he didn’t realize was that she had already admitted defeat. She wanted him. Not because of a job, not because of her father, or his father. Just…because. 

One of his hands cupped her nape while the other supported her back. His tongue flicked at her lips, and she opened her mouth, tilting her head and grabbing his shoulders with both of her hands, clutching and pulling the soft cotton of his shirt.

The hand on her back moved lower, over her bottom, and he pushed his pelvis into hers. Something hard pressed against her belly. An erection. His erection. He wanted her too. She slid her tongue alongside his. 

Her mind refused to be quieted. How long had it been since she’d allowed passion to wrest her control away? What would happen if she did? Would he hurt her? Would she hurt him?

Hush, her body hissed.

(Side note: I love when a guy asks the woman if he can kiss her...I don't know why. I just do. So well done Logan.)

Like in the first book, there is a secondary storyline involving a member of the football team. Logan discovers that one of his players is taking a banned substance and that plays into the story of Logan wanting to prove that he isn't the screw up everyone thinks he is. Not that I have experience with this topic, but I thought the author handled it well. You see these types of stories in the news  quite frequently and it's good to see it addressed in a book. 

This book is a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next one. It's one of those love/hate relationships that I enjoy so much. 

Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00SEQKHLY

4 Star Review: Slow and Steady Rush (Falcon Football #1) by Laura Trentham

Synopsis

She lives by the book—and is still searching for her happily ever after.

Darcy Wilde has tried hard not to live up to her last name. As a librarian in Atlanta she lives a fine life far away from the football-obsessed town of her childhood. But when her beloved Grandmother needs help, Darcy takes a leave of absence and heads back to the home and past she left behind.

He knows how to play the field—and is in no rush to settle down.

Robbie Dalton knows a thing or two about painful pasts. After bouncing around in foster care and the Army for years he is finally ready to move on and make a home for himself in Falcon, Alabama as the newest high school football coach. Sparks fly when the sexy new coach and the sharp-tongued librarian meet, but neither of them is looking to make ties.

But when it comes to love, sometimes you’ve gotta throw away the rule book to cross the finish line…

Everything changes when Darcy falls in love, not only with the gruff, protective, and smoking hot man who's sharing her days and nights, but also with the complex tapestry of people who weave Falcon together. Could this be where she belongs - and who she belongs with?

My Review

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really liked this book. It has a kick ass heroine. A HOT hero who happens to be ex military. An adorable and loyal three legged dog. Football (I love sports). Excellent secondary characters. And of course a sweet romance.

Darcy is returning home to help her grandmother, Ada, who has broken both her hips. She is only planning on sticking around for a few months to help Ada get back on her feet. Darcy and her cousin Logan grew up together at Ada's house, but Darcy left as soon as she could. Logan, after leaving the military has returned home to run the local tavern and coach the high school football team. The two are extremely close and I really enjoyed their sibling like relationship.  

Logan's friend, Robbie, who he served with in the military, is the football team's head coach. How the team performs will decide if he has a job past his first year, so he is a bit under pressure. He meets Darcy while she is swimming (naked) in the local swimming hole. While they have never met before, he did read all of the letters that Darcy used to send Logan while he was deployed. Darcy doesn't realize that Robbie has read her letters and is wary of him at first. He has been very helpful to Ada in Darcy's absence and she thinks it is just so he can buy a house/land that Ada owns. 

After a silly misunderstanding, Darcy and Robbie start "dating." By going out on very public dates, they are hoping to stop all the rumors that are going around town. Things are very awkward at first, but it doesn't take long for the two of them to grow close. Robbie knows that Darcy is only there temporarily, but he is willing to take advantage of whatever time they have.  

Unfortunately for Darcy she starts to really enjoy her time at home. Sure, he may want the house/land, but when it comes down to it, he really is just a good guy. Having read the letters that she sent to Logan, Robbie feels like he kind of already knows Darcy and he is at ease with her. As two grow close and Darcy discovers that she misjudged Robbie. She also starts to doubt whether she should leave once Ada is back on her feet. Luckily for Darcy she does have a great support system who will support her no matter what.  

There are a lot of light moments in this book. Darcy's grandmother is is very funny and quote spunky despite being laid up with two broken hips. And the old ladies who work at the library are hilarious as well. One of my favorite moments in the book is right before Darcy and Robbie are going out for the first time:

Still no movement from Robbie’s house. Darcy said, “This is pathetically close to a Disney movie. The studly jock forced to date the mousy nerd. The football god squiring around the bookish librarian to repair his reputation.” 

Kat hip-bumped her. “First of all, you are not mousy in the least. Secondly, there is nothing wrong with being intelligent. And, thirdly, I’m sorry to inform you, but you are a decade too old to star in a Disney movie.” 

“That’s depressing. What would we qualify for? A Lifetime special?” 

“Too young. That’s for the fortysomething set. You two are the prime age for a porno though.” 

“A porno.” The laughter bubbling through Darcy’s body erased a good portion of her nerves. “Lord help us. What would we call it? The Coach’s Concubine?” 

“The Lusty Librarian,” Kat said. More teenaged giggling ensued. 

“Sacking the Coach.” 

“Fourth and Extra Long.” 

“Unsportsmanlike Conduct.” 

“First …Down on the Coach.” 

“Indecent Interference.” 

“Freaking in the Fourth Quarter.” 

“Foot Balls and Dicks.” Darcy’s voice barely squeaked past laughter. 

“You about ready to go?” A deep voice rumbled.

Logan's book is next in the series and I can't wait to read it. There are a few references in this book about how he had a hard time after he came home from the war and I would like to know more about that. 

Amazon buy link: http://amzn.com/B00OYBAI3A