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London Legends #1
Knowing the Score
Rugby player Spencer Bailey is determined to win a spot on England's World Cup team. But with a month break before the selectors start watching him, he's eager to have fun with a woman who knows the score: the relationship will end when rugby season begins. The lovely American Caitlyn Sweeney seems perfect for the role of temporary lover, since her visa will run out soon anyway.
Caitlyn works for an international disaster relief organization and can handle the world's worst crises, but she flinches from her own. Her past has left her with a fear of intimacy so deep that she has trouble getting close to anyone - until she meets sexy Spencer. His hot body and easygoing nature are too much for even her to resist.
Neither Caitlyn nor Spencer expects to fall hard for each other. But with their relationship deadline approaching, the old rules of the game seem less important than before... until past secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other
Caitlyn works for an international disaster relief organization and can handle the world's worst crises, but she flinches from her own. Her past has left her with a fear of intimacy so deep that she has trouble getting close to anyone - until she meets sexy Spencer. His hot body and easygoing nature are too much for even her to resist.
Neither Caitlyn nor Spencer expects to fall hard for each other. But with their relationship deadline approaching, the old rules of the game seem less important than before... until past secrets surface, challenging everything they thought they knew about each other
384 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 5, 2013
54 people are currently reading
1986 people want to read
About the author
Kat Latham
20 books371 followersKat Latham writes sexy contemporary romance, including the London Legends rugby series. She’s a California girl who moved to Europe the day after graduating from UCLA, ditching her tank tops for raincoats. She spent several years teaching English in Prague followed by several more working for a humanitarian organization in London. She and her British husband now live in a small town in the rural Netherlands surrounded by miles and miles of green pasture, canals and Shetland ponies. Kat’s slowly adjusting to life in a place where bicycles and cows seem to outnumber people.
With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the humor and emotion of real life. Kat’s other career involves writing and editing for charities, and she’s had the privilege of traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia and India to write about the heroic people helping their communities survive disasters.
You can usually find Kat on her blog (katlatham.com), Twitter (@KatrinaLatham) or Facebook (facebook.com/KatLathamRomance).
She hopes you’ll hang out with her there!
With degrees in English lit and human rights, she loves stories that reflect the humor and emotion of real life. Kat’s other career involves writing and editing for charities, and she’s had the privilege of traveling to Kenya, Ethiopia and India to write about the heroic people helping their communities survive disasters.
You can usually find Kat on her blog (katlatham.com), Twitter (@KatrinaLatham) or Facebook (facebook.com/KatLathamRomance).
She hopes you’ll hang out with her there!
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January 11, 2016
3 stars
Alright another one that I sort of liked especially the first half. The characters were your typical blushing awkward virgin meets hot sports player. The author did a great job with the London backdrop and lingo.
My huge issue with this book is something that happened around 70% (so sorry Stephanie it was so eye roll worthy) and things just went down hill from then. I am interested to read about the other characters from this series though. I heard it gets better with each book!
Alright another one that I sort of liked especially the first half. The characters were your typical blushing awkward virgin meets hot sports player. The author did a great job with the London backdrop and lingo.
My huge issue with this book is something that happened around 70% (so sorry Stephanie it was so eye roll worthy) and things just went down hill from then. I am interested to read about the other characters from this series though. I heard it gets better with each book!
March 9, 2016
Rugby player? Yes, please: He’s on a billboard yo. Understanding, sexy, funny and so loving with his grandfather, I loved Spencer. You meet Caitlyn when she saves Spencer’s grandfather Philip from dying on a London street. When she goes to visit him in the hospital and meets Spencer, I expected it to go a certain way. Then she bit him and things got interesting.
Interesting heroine: Caitlyn is a WATSAN specialist, or as she puts it to folks, she helps build toilets in disaster stricken areas. But it’s so much more than that and she actually does her job, something that shouldn’t be as much of a novelty as it is, but there you have it. I love when the characters have full lives, including jobs that seem to matter beyond the romance. More importantly, her job matters to her and she’s good at it. Some of the strongest bits of the story is seeing her proficiency at what she does and how Spencer adores her for it.
It’s familiar: There’s a reason for this - it hits alot of the usual romantic tropes: hot athlete hero, virginal heroine, dark secrets in hero and heroine’s pasts, and a personal fave of mine, the oops! How’d that happen oh wait because sex. The characters made this journey more memorable than any plot twists.
A little slow to start and a little frustrating to end: The insecurity in Caitlyn makes complete sense. Doesn’t stop it from being hella frustrating at times. I did appreciate that when it matters, she steps up and acknowledges her issues, as does Spencer. The story also takes a bit to warm up and I don’t think I was fully engaged in the characters until approximately a quarter of the way in. Having said that, I would say that there’s a good foundation for a series. Plus, did I mention hot athletes? It’s a win-win, really.
[3.5 stars]
While it hits alot of branches on that old trope tree, it’s still an enjoyable read with rugby men. Yum. Sign me up for the next one.
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October 19, 2013
3.5 Stars
Felt this had a bit of a slow start and was beginning to think that I wouldn't like it but pushed on and everything started to change. I began to want to read about the characters and see their relationship develop and started to feel the sexual tension build between them. I had moments that I giggled and moments of full out belly laughs and then there were some darker areas when we found out about Caitlyn's childhood. I did sometimes get annoyed with Caitlyn and wished that she would just grow up!
This is Kat’s debut book and although I felt it fell short on occasions I did feel it had potential so am looking forward to reading Liam’s story which is due for release 20th April 2014.
ARC courtesy of Carina Press via Netgalley
Felt this had a bit of a slow start and was beginning to think that I wouldn't like it but pushed on and everything started to change. I began to want to read about the characters and see their relationship develop and started to feel the sexual tension build between them. I had moments that I giggled and moments of full out belly laughs and then there were some darker areas when we found out about Caitlyn's childhood. I did sometimes get annoyed with Caitlyn and wished that she would just grow up!
This is Kat’s debut book and although I felt it fell short on occasions I did feel it had potential so am looking forward to reading Liam’s story which is due for release 20th April 2014.
ARC courtesy of Carina Press via Netgalley
June 10, 2015
Why I read it: I bought this one after multiple recommendations from trusted bloggers. When it came up in conversation again because of a special price, I dug it out of Mt. TBR.
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’m pretty happy with myself at the moment because I’ve just found a new author and she has a BACKLIST! Squeeeee! I really liked this book. The style worked for me as well so I know I will enjoy other books by this author. This is the first book in her London Legends series and there are two other full length books and one novella available with the next book in the series out in May (and I have bought them all mwhahahahaha).
The London Legends are a rugby team and the heroes are all related in some way to the team and/or rugby. I only know a little about rugby (if I were from New South Wales or Queensland, I’d likely know more – South Australia is an AFL (Aussie rules footy) state), but there is a little glossary in the front to explain some of the terms and the sport itself doesn’t play a huge role in the story. It was just the right balance for me. The author clearly knows the sport but it doesn’t take over the romance.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2015/0...
What worked for me (and what didn’t): I’m pretty happy with myself at the moment because I’ve just found a new author and she has a BACKLIST! Squeeeee! I really liked this book. The style worked for me as well so I know I will enjoy other books by this author. This is the first book in her London Legends series and there are two other full length books and one novella available with the next book in the series out in May (and I have bought them all mwhahahahaha).
The London Legends are a rugby team and the heroes are all related in some way to the team and/or rugby. I only know a little about rugby (if I were from New South Wales or Queensland, I’d likely know more – South Australia is an AFL (Aussie rules footy) state), but there is a little glossary in the front to explain some of the terms and the sport itself doesn’t play a huge role in the story. It was just the right balance for me. The author clearly knows the sport but it doesn’t take over the romance.
Read the rest: http://www.kaetrinsmusings.com/2015/0...
August 15, 2013
This was a cute book with a great voice full of humor and heat. However, it was also full of tropes. Lots and lots of tropes, and unfortunately not a single one I like.
1. THE VIRGIN
If you like your heroines pure as the freshly fallen snow, then you'll be fine here. While I really did love the heroine in this, reading about virgins just rubs me the wrong way. No pun intended. Also, virgin sex? There's no orgasms here. Let's be real.
2. THE BIG BAD SECRET
I am just not a fan of the whole you-could-figure-this-drama-out-with-a-simple-conversation conflict. It bugs me. And it really bugs me when adults aren't adults and don't talk about shit.
3.
Minus the tropes, this was a great read. Like I said before, the author has a fresh voice. I'll definitely be checking out her next book. I just hope they're free from the overdone plot devices.
1. THE VIRGIN
If you like your heroines pure as the freshly fallen snow, then you'll be fine here. While I really did love the heroine in this, reading about virgins just rubs me the wrong way. No pun intended. Also, virgin sex? There's no orgasms here. Let's be real.
2. THE BIG BAD SECRET
I am just not a fan of the whole you-could-figure-this-drama-out-with-a-simple-conversation conflict. It bugs me. And it really bugs me when adults aren't adults and don't talk about shit.
3.
Minus the tropes, this was a great read. Like I said before, the author has a fresh voice. I'll definitely be checking out her next book. I just hope they're free from the overdone plot devices.
March 1, 2015
I've wanted to read this book from the moment I first heard about it. Carina Press released an excerpt and that's all it took for me to know this book was going to be one I was going to enjoy. I would've been happy with a hot athlete meeting his match, a good woman, with a heart of gold. I got that and more. I got a story that had depth and gravitas.
I fell in love with Caitlyn the moment I met her. She's earnest and sincere. I loved how flustered she was with Spencer's attention. It was really sweet. I of course was totally enamored with her as was he. I also will admit to drooling over Spencer, and not just his physique. I loved how he cared for his grandfather. I also loved how dedicated he was to his sport. He really and truly loved the sport. The chemistry the two had was wonderful.
I was really impressed with the story. Caitlyn's passion wasn't understated. I love how her passion and occupation was given equal importance as Spencer's fame and desires. I do wish either of them had been less stubborn. Both of them wanted everything and the other, but weren't really willing to compromise. Kat Latham has really impressed me with her debut novel. It was everything I'd hoped it would be.
I fell in love with Caitlyn the moment I met her. She's earnest and sincere. I loved how flustered she was with Spencer's attention. It was really sweet. I of course was totally enamored with her as was he. I also will admit to drooling over Spencer, and not just his physique. I loved how he cared for his grandfather. I also loved how dedicated he was to his sport. He really and truly loved the sport. The chemistry the two had was wonderful.
I was really impressed with the story. Caitlyn's passion wasn't understated. I love how her passion and occupation was given equal importance as Spencer's fame and desires. I do wish either of them had been less stubborn. Both of them wanted everything and the other, but weren't really willing to compromise. Kat Latham has really impressed me with her debut novel. It was everything I'd hoped it would be.
January 8, 2014
For most of the book I just wasn’t into it. I skimmed parts.
The only time I was interested was a short time in the middle when Caitlyn was in Afghanistan. The first half has them getting to know each other. She has a secret she won’t tell him. The secret caused her to be afraid of kissing and touching men. And she’s a 27-year-old virgin. He is ok with not knowing her secrets.
There were three sex scenes. I skimmed them. I’m not sure what was missing. He was being gentle and slow. It felt mechanical. I think I wanted more emotion.
She breaks up with him twice, and both times I did not like the reasons - see spoiler. But some readers aren’t as bothered by these kind of things.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 4316 (228 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day mostly London, U.K. plus a little Australia and Afghanistan. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary sports romance, rugby.
The only time I was interested was a short time in the middle when Caitlyn was in Afghanistan. The first half has them getting to know each other. She has a secret she won’t tell him. The secret caused her to be afraid of kissing and touching men. And she’s a 27-year-old virgin. He is ok with not knowing her secrets.
There were three sex scenes. I skimmed them. I’m not sure what was missing. He was being gentle and slow. It felt mechanical. I think I wanted more emotion.
She breaks up with him twice, and both times I did not like the reasons - see spoiler. But some readers aren’t as bothered by these kind of things.
DATA:
Narrative mode: 3rd person. Kindle count length: 4316 (228 pages). Swearing language: strong including religious swear words, but not often used. Sexual language: moderate. Number of sex scenes: 3. Setting: current day mostly London, U.K. plus a little Australia and Afghanistan. Copyright: 2013. Genre: contemporary sports romance, rugby.
February 4, 2017
Mein erster Eindruck? WOW!!!
Dieses Buch hat mich total überrascht, denn seien wir mal ehrlich, wenn man sich das Cover (ich finde es sehr schön und sexy, hier wird mir übrigens ein anderes Cover angezeigt- eigentlich ist auf dem Cover ein heißer, halbnackten Kerl) und den Klappentext ansieht, dann erwartet man heiße Kerle, Sport und viel Sex. Aber Pustekuchen, also klar kommt das alles drin vor, aber dieses Buch hat so viel mehr zu bieten, so viel mehr Tiefgang, dass ich ergriffen und gefesselt war, vom ersten bis zum letzten Wort.
Denn es geht keinesfalls nur um ein kurzes, belangloses Abenteuer, nein. Jeder der beiden, Caitlyn und Spencer, werden heute noch mit ihrer Vergangenheit konfrontiert und von dieser beherrscht. Also ist es keine belanglose Affäre, sondern für beide ein großer Schritt um ihrer Vergangenheit zu entfliehen und diese endlich hinter sich zu lassen.
In diesem Buch ist alles enthalten was das Leserherz begehrt: Liebe, Erotik, Humor, Sport und und und!
Eine 100%ige Leseempfehlung von mir!
Dieses Buch hat mich total überrascht, denn seien wir mal ehrlich, wenn man sich das Cover (ich finde es sehr schön und sexy, hier wird mir übrigens ein anderes Cover angezeigt- eigentlich ist auf dem Cover ein heißer, halbnackten Kerl) und den Klappentext ansieht, dann erwartet man heiße Kerle, Sport und viel Sex. Aber Pustekuchen, also klar kommt das alles drin vor, aber dieses Buch hat so viel mehr zu bieten, so viel mehr Tiefgang, dass ich ergriffen und gefesselt war, vom ersten bis zum letzten Wort.
Denn es geht keinesfalls nur um ein kurzes, belangloses Abenteuer, nein. Jeder der beiden, Caitlyn und Spencer, werden heute noch mit ihrer Vergangenheit konfrontiert und von dieser beherrscht. Also ist es keine belanglose Affäre, sondern für beide ein großer Schritt um ihrer Vergangenheit zu entfliehen und diese endlich hinter sich zu lassen.
In diesem Buch ist alles enthalten was das Leserherz begehrt: Liebe, Erotik, Humor, Sport und und und!
Eine 100%ige Leseempfehlung von mir!
February 23, 2015
KNOWING THE SCORE, BY KAT LATHAM (Book 1 of London Legends)
Another re-read. I wasn't sure if I should review this one or not, but, after all, I did say I would review every book I read this year, and I wanted to re-read it after I recommended it to so many people (and before I read the latest one in the series).
Synopsis: Caitlyn, an American work working for a disaster relief organization, moves to England for a year. After saving the life of an old man having a heart attack, she meets Spencer, a professional rugby player with World Cup pretensions. They start a relationship that's supposed to be purely casual, but becomes more than that in spite of themselves.
Overall enjoyment: Well, everybody knows I liked it. I did recommend it to so many people, after all (to be completely honest, though, I only really started recommending it to people after Elena became so enthusiastic about it). Thing is, like I said to her, I've read better fanfiction. I don't really think that's offensive, since there's some amazing fanfiction out there. Also, it's a lot better than many other stuff I've read. It could be better, sure, but I still liked it.
Plot: It's... cute. She has her issues and he has his issues and they both try to help each other through those and the issues they create for themselves as a couple. If you're a fan or romance, it's highly enjoyable.
Characters: The fact that I liked it does not mean I don't see or ignore its flaws. The biggest one, in my opinion, is that Spencer is a bit of an asshole. He's not a badly-written character; in fact, he's almost too real. All the characters are highly believable and likable, except for him. Then again, he's not a dangerous kind of asshole; if your friend started dating a guy like him, you'd probably have to make an effort to be nice to him, but you WOULD make that effort. She could probably do better, but she could also do much, much worse.
World/setting: She writes rugby really well, and that was my favorite part. She doesn't really get into the games themselves in this book, but she describes a few of the moves, and some rules, the dressing-room atmosphere... I really wish she concentrated more on that, but then it would have been a different type of book. And I'm enough of a rugby fan (and rugby-deprived fan, living where I live) that I get happy every time I see a reference to it, no matter where.
Writing style: Clean and straightforward. She doesn't dance around profanities, but she doesn't overdo them, either. The sex scenes are erotic rather than pornographic, so there aren't that many painfully awkward euphemisms to body parts. I especially love how horny Caitlyn is for Spencer from the moment she meets him -- not desperate for love, like you would usually see in romance novels, immediately imagining their relationship together, but simply physically attracted.
Representation: There is an attempt in this direction, but a very half-hearted one. Mostly, POCs are the people Caitlyn helps and a vague reference to London's diversity. No LGBTQA people.
Political correctness: She does a very good job in suffering through, living with and trying to get over trauma with Caitlyn's character. Unfortunately, she kind of undoes it with Spencer's assholishness. There's a lot of casual sexism everywhere in the book, and it does bother me. Once again, just because I like something doesn't mean I won't see and acknowledge its faults. There is some slut-shaming, and using "girl" as an insult, and stuff like that.
I really have to add, the sexism in this book was also a lot lighter than I have seen in many books, including some that I've read this year and already reviewed. Still, it exists, and I can't just brush it off.
Up next: Tabula Rasa, by Ruth Downie
Another re-read. I wasn't sure if I should review this one or not, but, after all, I did say I would review every book I read this year, and I wanted to re-read it after I recommended it to so many people (and before I read the latest one in the series).
Synopsis: Caitlyn, an American work working for a disaster relief organization, moves to England for a year. After saving the life of an old man having a heart attack, she meets Spencer, a professional rugby player with World Cup pretensions. They start a relationship that's supposed to be purely casual, but becomes more than that in spite of themselves.
Overall enjoyment: Well, everybody knows I liked it. I did recommend it to so many people, after all (to be completely honest, though, I only really started recommending it to people after Elena became so enthusiastic about it). Thing is, like I said to her, I've read better fanfiction. I don't really think that's offensive, since there's some amazing fanfiction out there. Also, it's a lot better than many other stuff I've read. It could be better, sure, but I still liked it.
Plot: It's... cute. She has her issues and he has his issues and they both try to help each other through those and the issues they create for themselves as a couple. If you're a fan or romance, it's highly enjoyable.
Characters: The fact that I liked it does not mean I don't see or ignore its flaws. The biggest one, in my opinion, is that Spencer is a bit of an asshole. He's not a badly-written character; in fact, he's almost too real. All the characters are highly believable and likable, except for him. Then again, he's not a dangerous kind of asshole; if your friend started dating a guy like him, you'd probably have to make an effort to be nice to him, but you WOULD make that effort. She could probably do better, but she could also do much, much worse.
World/setting: She writes rugby really well, and that was my favorite part. She doesn't really get into the games themselves in this book, but she describes a few of the moves, and some rules, the dressing-room atmosphere... I really wish she concentrated more on that, but then it would have been a different type of book. And I'm enough of a rugby fan (and rugby-deprived fan, living where I live) that I get happy every time I see a reference to it, no matter where.
Writing style: Clean and straightforward. She doesn't dance around profanities, but she doesn't overdo them, either. The sex scenes are erotic rather than pornographic, so there aren't that many painfully awkward euphemisms to body parts. I especially love how horny Caitlyn is for Spencer from the moment she meets him -- not desperate for love, like you would usually see in romance novels, immediately imagining their relationship together, but simply physically attracted.
Representation: There is an attempt in this direction, but a very half-hearted one. Mostly, POCs are the people Caitlyn helps and a vague reference to London's diversity. No LGBTQA people.
Political correctness: She does a very good job in suffering through, living with and trying to get over trauma with Caitlyn's character. Unfortunately, she kind of undoes it with Spencer's assholishness. There's a lot of casual sexism everywhere in the book, and it does bother me. Once again, just because I like something doesn't mean I won't see and acknowledge its faults. There is some slut-shaming, and using "girl" as an insult, and stuff like that.
I really have to add, the sexism in this book was also a lot lighter than I have seen in many books, including some that I've read this year and already reviewed. Still, it exists, and I can't just brush it off.
Up next: Tabula Rasa, by Ruth Downie
October 8, 2014
Knowing the Score by Kat Latham is a 2013 Carina Press publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The best I can tell, this is a first novel for this author. A romance centered around a famous rugby player and an international relief organization worker seems like an unlikely pairing, but that is exactly what happens when Spencer Bailey's grandfather has a heart attack and Caitlyn steps in to do CPR.
Spencer denies himself any kind of female companionship while he is playing rugby. He says it's too much of a distraction. So, he has the short off season to make up for lost time. Usually, he has no trouble attracting someone from the opposite sex to engage in a summer fling with him. But this year a relationship devoid of any other interaction but sex just won't cut it. His heart isn't in it.
Caitlyn is nearing her late twenties and only been kissed a few times and it wasn't a great experience for her. Shy and very nervous around the opposite sex under normal circumstances, Spencer blows Caitlyn's mind and she reacts to him in the most embarrassing ways. But, Spencer likes her a lot even though he knows she has no experience with intimacy. So, the two agree to a summer friendship and if things go further than that, wonderful, but it is very important for Caitlyn to know the score. Once the summer is over, they part ways, no strings attached.
What didn't quite work:
This setup has been done many times and in many ways. However this one gets bogged down in really heavy drama from Caitlyn's past. While it does go a long way in explaining the nervousness she has when in Spencer's presence it caused the book to go from a lighter tone to much darker tone which didn't go well together. The other issue I had was with the secret Spencer is carrying around. The reader is told about his past in the very beginning of the book and so we wait with baited breath for this to finally be revealed to Caitlyn, to get an plausible explanation and see had bad **** hits the fan. However, Caitlyn is the only one bearing her soul and I never really understood the whole back story with Spencer and this part is just glossed over. Spencer has some nerve thinking it was OK to have kept it from her and then turning it around on her especially under the circumstances. All faith I had allowed myself to have in him evaporated at that point.
What did work:
I thought the author did a great job of describing an unhealthy relationship and how any woman could find herself in a potentially abusive situation. The sports angle was also fun for a change since Americans are treated to football or car racing in romance novels and this one featured rugby, a sport I am not familiar with at all, but now have an interest in check out for myself. So, will Spencer redeem himself? In a big way actually. I was impressed with his ability to prioritize and that's what makes a man a real man in my eyes. I can't reveal too much but the ending was really good.
My final thoughts:
For a first novel this was an awesome effort. I understood what the author was going for here and she manages to pull off a contemporary romance that has comedy, tears, and sigh worthy moments too. It was a little rough around the edges and pretty rocky in some places but overall most of the book was enjoyable and I am happy I was introduced to this series. I have the next couple of books queued up and ready to go . I think this author will prove to be a solid talent. This one gets 3 stars.
The best I can tell, this is a first novel for this author. A romance centered around a famous rugby player and an international relief organization worker seems like an unlikely pairing, but that is exactly what happens when Spencer Bailey's grandfather has a heart attack and Caitlyn steps in to do CPR.
Spencer denies himself any kind of female companionship while he is playing rugby. He says it's too much of a distraction. So, he has the short off season to make up for lost time. Usually, he has no trouble attracting someone from the opposite sex to engage in a summer fling with him. But this year a relationship devoid of any other interaction but sex just won't cut it. His heart isn't in it.
Caitlyn is nearing her late twenties and only been kissed a few times and it wasn't a great experience for her. Shy and very nervous around the opposite sex under normal circumstances, Spencer blows Caitlyn's mind and she reacts to him in the most embarrassing ways. But, Spencer likes her a lot even though he knows she has no experience with intimacy. So, the two agree to a summer friendship and if things go further than that, wonderful, but it is very important for Caitlyn to know the score. Once the summer is over, they part ways, no strings attached.
What didn't quite work:
This setup has been done many times and in many ways. However this one gets bogged down in really heavy drama from Caitlyn's past. While it does go a long way in explaining the nervousness she has when in Spencer's presence it caused the book to go from a lighter tone to much darker tone which didn't go well together. The other issue I had was with the secret Spencer is carrying around. The reader is told about his past in the very beginning of the book and so we wait with baited breath for this to finally be revealed to Caitlyn, to get an plausible explanation and see had bad **** hits the fan. However, Caitlyn is the only one bearing her soul and I never really understood the whole back story with Spencer and this part is just glossed over. Spencer has some nerve thinking it was OK to have kept it from her and then turning it around on her especially under the circumstances. All faith I had allowed myself to have in him evaporated at that point.
What did work:
I thought the author did a great job of describing an unhealthy relationship and how any woman could find herself in a potentially abusive situation. The sports angle was also fun for a change since Americans are treated to football or car racing in romance novels and this one featured rugby, a sport I am not familiar with at all, but now have an interest in check out for myself. So, will Spencer redeem himself? In a big way actually. I was impressed with his ability to prioritize and that's what makes a man a real man in my eyes. I can't reveal too much but the ending was really good.
My final thoughts:
For a first novel this was an awesome effort. I understood what the author was going for here and she manages to pull off a contemporary romance that has comedy, tears, and sigh worthy moments too. It was a little rough around the edges and pretty rocky in some places but overall most of the book was enjoyable and I am happy I was introduced to this series. I have the next couple of books queued up and ready to go . I think this author will prove to be a solid talent. This one gets 3 stars.
March 17, 2015
Kat Latham has added herself to my auto buy list with Knowing the Score. It brought all I could wish to find in a romance and is a superb start to the London Legends series.
I didn't really go in with any huge expectations as Kat is a new author to me but the blurb definitely enticed. Now I'm questioning why it's taken me so long; for a start I love rugby but I'm also partial to a British based romance and I quickly found myself completely captivated by Spencer and Caitlin's story. It brought everything; humour, emotion and great series potential by introducing us to Spencer's teammates, but the one thing that struck me was how real these characters were portrayed and their gradual progression from strangers to lovers. Friendship played a huge part and this is why this book worked so well for me.
"I know I must look huge to you, but I'm not a behemoth."
Spencer's heart is as huge as his physique. So often athletes are depicted as testosterone-fuelled alpha males, and whilst he had his moments, mainly in his thoughts, he was a laid-back, gentle, witty and patient man. Caitlin was completely likeable; her work for a disaster relief organisation means she's faced with of the worst crisis' possible and this somewhat prevents her focussing on her own painful past and whilst it's defined her she's still a strong, determined, independent (and clumsy) lady.
This story and these characters have brought a sexy, emotive and strong start to the series. Kat Latham has a writing style that flows easily and quickly absorbs you and I've just one-clicked the next 2 books and novella in the series. If they're in the same league as Knowing the Score I'll be a very happy reader.
4.5 stars.
This review will feature on Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy generously gifted by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion. It was my absolute pleasure.
I didn't really go in with any huge expectations as Kat is a new author to me but the blurb definitely enticed. Now I'm questioning why it's taken me so long; for a start I love rugby but I'm also partial to a British based romance and I quickly found myself completely captivated by Spencer and Caitlin's story. It brought everything; humour, emotion and great series potential by introducing us to Spencer's teammates, but the one thing that struck me was how real these characters were portrayed and their gradual progression from strangers to lovers. Friendship played a huge part and this is why this book worked so well for me.
"I know I must look huge to you, but I'm not a behemoth."
Spencer's heart is as huge as his physique. So often athletes are depicted as testosterone-fuelled alpha males, and whilst he had his moments, mainly in his thoughts, he was a laid-back, gentle, witty and patient man. Caitlin was completely likeable; her work for a disaster relief organisation means she's faced with of the worst crisis' possible and this somewhat prevents her focussing on her own painful past and whilst it's defined her she's still a strong, determined, independent (and clumsy) lady.
This story and these characters have brought a sexy, emotive and strong start to the series. Kat Latham has a writing style that flows easily and quickly absorbs you and I've just one-clicked the next 2 books and novella in the series. If they're in the same league as Knowing the Score I'll be a very happy reader.
4.5 stars.
This review will feature on Read Your Writes Book Reviews.
Copy generously gifted by the author in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion. It was my absolute pleasure.
August 15, 2015
I really liked this book, We have a girl named Caitlyn who works at the international disaster relief organization helps people around the world, However she is uneasy when it comes to men due to her past. What caitlyn does is amazing she travels but recently has been stationed in England.
Then we have Spencer bailey a rugby place with one set of mind to get England world cup. The beginning starts off with a disaster happening to Spencer when he was 19 then goes on to present time. He is sweet to caityln as well as his grandfather who basically raised him.
Caityln and Spencer meet because caityln was able to give cpr to Spencer's grandfather Phillip who is just the funniest and sweetest old man. From then on we get to see caitlyn and spencer relationship grow stronger, Both have things happen in the past but they over come it and able to have their happy ending.
Then we have Spencer bailey a rugby place with one set of mind to get England world cup. The beginning starts off with a disaster happening to Spencer when he was 19 then goes on to present time. He is sweet to caityln as well as his grandfather who basically raised him.
Caityln and Spencer meet because caityln was able to give cpr to Spencer's grandfather Phillip who is just the funniest and sweetest old man. From then on we get to see caitlyn and spencer relationship grow stronger, Both have things happen in the past but they over come it and able to have their happy ending.
February 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this story! I hadn't read a rugby sports romance before so I thought the game dynamics were well explained and interesting. Both characters were engaging and the sexual chemistry between them was evident from the start, culminating in some hot and sexy love scenes. A great start to a new series and one I'll definitely be continuing.
January 9, 2019
Rated 3.5 stars
dnf
April 16, 2023DNF. This book starts off with a flashback of the hero being arrested for statutory rape in Australia. We quickly learn that 1) the charges were dropped and 2) the nineteen-year-old hero unknowingly slept with someone two months under the age limit (16 per Google). I skimmed ahead and this decade old incident is somehow a reason for conflict with the heroine???
I just… why. Not for me.
I just… why. Not for me.
February 12, 2024
DNF at 1% - this book is just annoying. Ok, the MMC is fine, there are interesting details, which is why I kept giving it a try, but I just cannot waste anymore time.
April 21, 2014
First things first, tell me you do not want to lick that cover. Okay, now tell me like you mean it. Mmm-Hmm. Thought so.
Spencer Bailey is as delicious a character as that cover portrays. For. Real.
Spencer never takes lovers when he's in season--he got burned bad by a groupie-turned-complainant when he was 19, and he's still a bit shell-shocked. A man doesn't "get over" an accusation of statutory rape all that easily.
While on his season break, Spencer's looking for a discreet partner--preferably a woman who doesn't know him as an athlete. His plans get derailed when his grandfather, and only living relative, suffers a heart attack during a walk. Thankfully, a beautiful (single) woman--Caitlyn--happened by and began CPR. Caitlyn's used to rescue work; she works for an international aide organization and makes a living teaching women how to build proper latrines in refugee camps.
Both Spencer and his grandfather are smitten with Caitlyn. And, Spencer loves that she's neither local, nor a rugby fan. This American is a refreshing breath, except for her little quirks--like biting him the first time he kisses her. Oh, and head butting him the second.
It seems Caitlyn's not such a suave would-be lover. She's got her reasons; mainly an unpunched V-card. Usually I get frustrated when I read a story about a late-20's gal with no sexual experience, but Caitlyn's backstory is so good I actually cheer it on. Especially seeing how this changes Spencer--for the better. Who says a 30ish prime athlete can't be celibate?
Uh, nobody V! This is a romance!
Fear not, friends. We got a scorcher of a romance, here. It simply takes a bit more time to fully develop. And, when it does the developments are extreme. In a very god, and very bad way. Caitlyn tries to protect her heart from the devastating Englishman, but becoming a part of his world means embracing a part of her history she's tried hard to forget: violence.
See, Caitlyn wasn't always a bystander to domestic abuse. And there's a five fingered reason why Big 'Ol Spencer gives her the shakes for the first part of the book. I absolutely adored Spencer's compassion, and his restraint. Still, seeing the brutality of rugby sends Caitlyn to the loo--and it's not the only major discovery she makes at the rugby stadium. There's something so completely endearing in this fledgling relationship. Spencer's ready to this to a whole new level--and gets the perfect excuse to do so, only to have his own past blow up in his face.
Ugh. I just wanted to cry when they left the registrar's office without that marriage license!
Good thing? Caitlyn comes to terms with the horror of her past, and it's the breakthrough she needed. We get a super satisfying HEA...
I loved the Brit lingo. I loved the slowly developed romance. I cringed in agony with Spencer each time Caitlyn pulled back, or left. And, I cherished the stand-up guy he was throughout. In real life there's a sex scandal a week with athletes; while most are well-deserved, it true that some are not. I enjoyed the perspective of a falsely-accused man dealing with the aftermath YEARS after his accuser recanted. Plus, the circumspect way Spencer lived his life following that incident really showed his determination to be a better man--definitely a trait to admire.
Caitlyn was a real treat for a late-20's ingenue. A complete character with real issues, and she dealt with them heroically. Loved her.
Spencer Bailey is as delicious a character as that cover portrays. For. Real.
Spencer never takes lovers when he's in season--he got burned bad by a groupie-turned-complainant when he was 19, and he's still a bit shell-shocked. A man doesn't "get over" an accusation of statutory rape all that easily.
While on his season break, Spencer's looking for a discreet partner--preferably a woman who doesn't know him as an athlete. His plans get derailed when his grandfather, and only living relative, suffers a heart attack during a walk. Thankfully, a beautiful (single) woman--Caitlyn--happened by and began CPR. Caitlyn's used to rescue work; she works for an international aide organization and makes a living teaching women how to build proper latrines in refugee camps.
Both Spencer and his grandfather are smitten with Caitlyn. And, Spencer loves that she's neither local, nor a rugby fan. This American is a refreshing breath, except for her little quirks--like biting him the first time he kisses her. Oh, and head butting him the second.
It seems Caitlyn's not such a suave would-be lover. She's got her reasons; mainly an unpunched V-card. Usually I get frustrated when I read a story about a late-20's gal with no sexual experience, but Caitlyn's backstory is so good I actually cheer it on. Especially seeing how this changes Spencer--for the better. Who says a 30ish prime athlete can't be celibate?
Uh, nobody V! This is a romance!
Fear not, friends. We got a scorcher of a romance, here. It simply takes a bit more time to fully develop. And, when it does the developments are extreme. In a very god, and very bad way. Caitlyn tries to protect her heart from the devastating Englishman, but becoming a part of his world means embracing a part of her history she's tried hard to forget: violence.
See, Caitlyn wasn't always a bystander to domestic abuse. And there's a five fingered reason why Big 'Ol Spencer gives her the shakes for the first part of the book. I absolutely adored Spencer's compassion, and his restraint. Still, seeing the brutality of rugby sends Caitlyn to the loo--and it's not the only major discovery she makes at the rugby stadium. There's something so completely endearing in this fledgling relationship. Spencer's ready to this to a whole new level--and gets the perfect excuse to do so, only to have his own past blow up in his face.
Ugh. I just wanted to cry when they left the registrar's office without that marriage license!
Good thing? Caitlyn comes to terms with the horror of her past, and it's the breakthrough she needed. We get a super satisfying HEA...
I loved the Brit lingo. I loved the slowly developed romance. I cringed in agony with Spencer each time Caitlyn pulled back, or left. And, I cherished the stand-up guy he was throughout. In real life there's a sex scandal a week with athletes; while most are well-deserved, it true that some are not. I enjoyed the perspective of a falsely-accused man dealing with the aftermath YEARS after his accuser recanted. Plus, the circumspect way Spencer lived his life following that incident really showed his determination to be a better man--definitely a trait to admire.
Caitlyn was a real treat for a late-20's ingenue. A complete character with real issues, and she dealt with them heroically. Loved her.
August 17, 2013
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2013/08/16/...
I’m a huge sports romance fan, but I hadn’t read a book about a rugby player until now. I was a little worried since I know absolutely NOTHING about rugby, but I really enjoyed this debut novel from Latham.
Caitlyn is an American girl working in London for a relief organization. She loves her job and despite the pesky issue of being a virgin, she has never been happier. She never thought that when she saved an older man’s life on the street, that she would get the chance to meet a man who set all her buttons on fire! But Spencer isn’t what Caitlyn expected, and the closer they become as friends, the more important they become to one another.
Spencer never gets involved during the Rugby season, but Caitlyn comes along at the perfect time. He wants her, and is willing to help her overcome her insecurities and fears. But when Caitlyn gets sent on a mission overseas, will Spencer be able to let go of her during his season, and if not, will they be able to move past their histories and forge on, together?
I thought this debut novel from Latham was wonderful. I loved that the book really took its time developing the characters. Spencer and Caitlyn had an obvious attraction to each other from the very start, but because of Caitlyn’s past, she struggled with intimacy. I loved that the author gave these two a chance to become friends. And after they got to the point where they were great friends, then they tried to be lovers and more. It was a wonderful romance that built up with every page, and I thought it was absolutely perfect for these characters.
Like I said before, I was a little worried that I wouldn’t know what was going on with the rugby aspect, but I found that it didn’t really matter. Sure, there were some moments when I was more than a little confused, but Latham had a way of including so much emotion while Spencer played, that it didn’t really matter that I was completely lost.
I was a little disappointed in both Spencer and Caitlyn toward the end. They both were so desperate to keep their secrets that they let those secrets drive a huge wedge between them. Caitlyn also let her friend influence her in not trusting Spencer, and there were a few moments I wanted to bash both their heads together. They were so stubborn and hard-headed that they couldn’t open up, and then when it all blew up in their faces, they didn’t handle the situation well.
The secondary characters were all wonderful, especially Spencer’s grandfather. I loved him to pieces. All the other rugby players were such fun, and super sexy. I adored Caitlyn’s friend, up until the end. Despite that, I do hope we get to see more of ALL the secondary characters as they each get a chance to find their HEA.
All in all I really liked this debut novel from Latham. The slow building romance that went from friends to lovers was so beautiful. I loved that it really stretched across months, instead of days or weeks. I can’t wait to see what Latham comes up with next.
I give Knowing the Score a B.
I’m a huge sports romance fan, but I hadn’t read a book about a rugby player until now. I was a little worried since I know absolutely NOTHING about rugby, but I really enjoyed this debut novel from Latham.
Caitlyn is an American girl working in London for a relief organization. She loves her job and despite the pesky issue of being a virgin, she has never been happier. She never thought that when she saved an older man’s life on the street, that she would get the chance to meet a man who set all her buttons on fire! But Spencer isn’t what Caitlyn expected, and the closer they become as friends, the more important they become to one another.
Spencer never gets involved during the Rugby season, but Caitlyn comes along at the perfect time. He wants her, and is willing to help her overcome her insecurities and fears. But when Caitlyn gets sent on a mission overseas, will Spencer be able to let go of her during his season, and if not, will they be able to move past their histories and forge on, together?
I thought this debut novel from Latham was wonderful. I loved that the book really took its time developing the characters. Spencer and Caitlyn had an obvious attraction to each other from the very start, but because of Caitlyn’s past, she struggled with intimacy. I loved that the author gave these two a chance to become friends. And after they got to the point where they were great friends, then they tried to be lovers and more. It was a wonderful romance that built up with every page, and I thought it was absolutely perfect for these characters.
Like I said before, I was a little worried that I wouldn’t know what was going on with the rugby aspect, but I found that it didn’t really matter. Sure, there were some moments when I was more than a little confused, but Latham had a way of including so much emotion while Spencer played, that it didn’t really matter that I was completely lost.
I was a little disappointed in both Spencer and Caitlyn toward the end. They both were so desperate to keep their secrets that they let those secrets drive a huge wedge between them. Caitlyn also let her friend influence her in not trusting Spencer, and there were a few moments I wanted to bash both their heads together. They were so stubborn and hard-headed that they couldn’t open up, and then when it all blew up in their faces, they didn’t handle the situation well.
The secondary characters were all wonderful, especially Spencer’s grandfather. I loved him to pieces. All the other rugby players were such fun, and super sexy. I adored Caitlyn’s friend, up until the end. Despite that, I do hope we get to see more of ALL the secondary characters as they each get a chance to find their HEA.
All in all I really liked this debut novel from Latham. The slow building romance that went from friends to lovers was so beautiful. I loved that it really stretched across months, instead of days or weeks. I can’t wait to see what Latham comes up with next.
I give Knowing the Score a B.
August 4, 2013
You never know where you will meet the person you are meant to be forever, and there are many ways you can meet this person. Caitlyn and Spencer met when she stopped to help an elderly man who has collapsed. The man was Spencer’s grandfather. His grandfather is the only family Spencer has in the world and he couldn’t wait to meet the woman who breathed life back into his grandfather and to say thank you. The instant they meet Caitlyn and Spencer feel a strong connection. They both have experience heart wrenching pain, pain they are too proud to share; this becomes a barrier to the love that is growing between them – if only one of them would be strong enough to share they could both experience the love they have each longed for.
This is an absolute FANTASTIC book! The characters have great depth and their personal struggles would make anyone empathize. I loved that Caitlyn was from America and Spencer was very British - gave some really funny moments. I found Caitlyn’s career as a disaster relief worker an amazing choice. It was so fitting when her past is revealed. I applaud Kat Latham for the detail she gave to our insight into Caitlyn’s experience with disasters; it could have been a part of the book that was brushed over lightly and not given more than a paragraph in passing. Spencer is a rugby player. In college I had friends who were rugby players and oh my Spencer could be one of those guys. He made me laugh at times. He also had a lot of sensitivity. He may have called his grandfather an “old-goat” at times but you always knew there was love behind that gruff. The conflict that always is part of a romance book is believable and I felt how it was resolved was character appropriate.
Sometimes you find a new author and you just know from the first page that they will write books you will read for years to come! I would love to read more with these characters (maybe in a story about Emma). I will definitely read more books by Kat Latham (I have already e-mailed her and begged to know when the next book comes out!).
I received this book from the publisher for my honest review.
August 24, 2013
More like 4.5 stars. I just really loved this!!! For some reason I wasn't expecting to really love this despite all the glowing reviews of it I read. I think the summary of the book just made it not seem like my kind of story? BUT IT WAS SO GREAT. Spencer is definitely one of my favorite male romance leads ever. I always assume in these types of books that if the guy is someone who does sports professionally, he's going to end up being a typical alpha male and too aggressive for my tastes, but Spencer was just wonderful. He definitely was open with his interest in her, but he was absolutely never pushy or aggressive, which was great. I loved how patient he was with Caitlyn. And Spencer and Caitlyn's dynamic was so fun and entertaining!
Caitlyn was also great!!! I loved how the fact that she was a virgin was handled, and that that wasn't even remotely her only defining factor. While it obviously was something she thought about and was concerned about, I enjoyed that she had this passionate interest in her work and was so successful at it.
My only major issue was with
But still, even that plot point wasn't enough to significantly detract from my love of the book! I would definitely recommend it.
Caitlyn was also great!!! I loved how the fact that she was a virgin was handled, and that that wasn't even remotely her only defining factor. While it obviously was something she thought about and was concerned about, I enjoyed that she had this passionate interest in her work and was so successful at it.
My only major issue was with
But still, even that plot point wasn't enough to significantly detract from my love of the book! I would definitely recommend it.
September 3, 2014
Here's my favourite passage and its a good indicator of why you need to read this book:
It was the first time she’d seen him naked in daylight, and he was magnificent. His thighs were thick and hard, and those very interesting parts of him began perking up between them.
“Hello,” he called out to her. “I’m up here.”
She tore her eyes away from his groin.
“I never thought I’d feel jealous of my own cock,” he muttered as he stepped into the bath.
She scooted forward and made room for him to slip in behind her. “Now you know how women feel about their breasts.”
“Hmm. I’ve never felt so objectified in my life.”
“Not even when you were greased up and holding a phallic rugby ball to sell underwear?” she teased.
“Hell no. Those adverts paid for this flat.”
4 Stars for the humour and their awesome careers and how said careers are more than just peripheral personality quirks. 2 stars for the trope heavy plot (matchmaking old meddler; misunderstandings that could have been avoided by communicating; accidental babies). 4 stars for a hero with self-control. 2 stars for a hero who keeps a huge secret until she's already fallen for him. 4 stars for a heroine who won't let new romance derail her life. 2 stars for a heroine who should have just gone to therapy rather than letting a string of men's actions define everything her. I enjoyed this enough to want to give it 4 stars, but there were enough irritants to merit a 2 star rating - but at the end of the day the positives outweigh the negatives and it turned out to be the best sport-themed romance I've ever read, so34 stars it is. Oh, wait - its only her debut novel? Wow. 4 it is.
September 5, 2013
I really liked this! Sometimes contemporary romance leaves me cold because I can't relate to it and I don't really want to relate to it (in the sense of, "the things they describe aren't things I want" not "the things they describe are stupid"), but this felt like something close to me and my life. And Spencer was great. Another problem with contemporary romances are the guys they describe just don't seem like a guy I could meet in real life. Spencer was the kind of fictional guy who gave me hope that there ARE guys out there who are understanding and kind and patient. (Without being unrealistically perfect.)
I'm coming to this late among my group of friends, but, if you're contemplating reading it, please read through the entire prologue because it made me pretty worried I wouldn't like the book, but it all turned out fine.
And i could've done without the last obstacle/plot twist. I don't know. I know that's kind of standard for the genre, that one last thing they have to get over, but I get impatient with them.
I'm coming to this late among my group of friends, but, if you're contemplating reading it, please read through the entire prologue because it made me pretty worried I wouldn't like the book, but it all turned out fine.
And i could've done without the last obstacle/plot twist. I don't know. I know that's kind of standard for the genre, that one last thing they have to get over, but I get impatient with them.
December 18, 2015
C+ or B-
I can't decide, because again, (btw WHAT THE HELL WAS HAPPENING, UNIVERSE?!) - too many bitchy heroines.
Caitlyn was a bitch. Spencer is nothing but sweet to her, and gentle [and all the sexytimes and fun touristing...] but she doubts him at every turn. She pushes him away, but he's still there for her.
I get that Caitlyn had a LOT of issues - god so many - and what she does as a profession is SO amazing and worthwhile. ... you'd think she'd have a bit more compassion for the guy she's seeing. Oh wait - no, she won't agree she's seeing him because it's just temporary.
I HATED how Emma just sprang - sprung? the rape charges on Caitlyn without any sort of explanation. Hey maybe "STATUTORY" would've been a key point. Or Caitlyn could have asked. I guess I'm a minority in being a tiny bit more open minded in at least HEARING it out - and this isn't a spoiler because the book opens with it.
Also the over harping of her virginity. I get not wanting to be a virgin. But treating it like a communicable disease. Sigh. Seemed like a lazy cliche, the way it was written/handled.
... So I guess C+... C- ... the more I think about it the more it pisses me off.
I don't even remember the romance as compared to Caitlyn being a bitch. Sad. Maybe I'll feel a little differently after I'm removed from the unexpected slew of "hey every heroine is a raging goddamn bitch" books.
I can't decide, because again, (btw WHAT THE HELL WAS HAPPENING, UNIVERSE?!) - too many bitchy heroines.
Caitlyn was a bitch. Spencer is nothing but sweet to her, and gentle [and all the sexytimes and fun touristing...] but she doubts him at every turn. She pushes him away, but he's still there for her.
I get that Caitlyn had a LOT of issues - god so many - and what she does as a profession is SO amazing and worthwhile. ... you'd think she'd have a bit more compassion for the guy she's seeing. Oh wait - no, she won't agree she's seeing him because it's just temporary.
I HATED how Emma just sprang - sprung? the rape charges on Caitlyn without any sort of explanation. Hey maybe "STATUTORY" would've been a key point. Or Caitlyn could have asked. I guess I'm a minority in being a tiny bit more open minded in at least HEARING it out - and this isn't a spoiler because the book opens with it.
Also the over harping of her virginity. I get not wanting to be a virgin. But treating it like a communicable disease. Sigh. Seemed like a lazy cliche, the way it was written/handled.
... So I guess C+... C- ... the more I think about it the more it pisses me off.
I don't even remember the romance as compared to Caitlyn being a bitch. Sad. Maybe I'll feel a little differently after I'm removed from the unexpected slew of "hey every heroine is a raging goddamn bitch" books.
August 17, 2013
I REALLY enjoyed this. Spencer is dreamy, and I liked that both his and Caitlyn's damage manifested itself in seemingly realistic ways. I did think the ending came on sort of fast, but enough had been established to that point that I could believe it. And for once, I had no objections to the epilogue.
One thing though,
Would recommend this to anyone that likes sports romances and heroes who are utterly in awe of their heroines.
One thing though,
Would recommend this to anyone that likes sports romances and heroes who are utterly in awe of their heroines.
December 29, 2014
4.5 stars. This was so great!!!!! I mean, Spencer was dreamy to the point where you're like, guys like him don't exist in real life, BUT ACTUALLY, WHY NOT????? Caitlyn was great. It was fantastic to read a book about an older virgin heroine who isn't a complete idiot because that's usually how these go. But she's smart and driven and has accomplished so much in her life, even with all of the emotional baggage she has. Their relationship was (due to said emotional baggage) obviously a slow build, but it was so delicious, I ate it up with a spoon.
I was really surprised at I really thought, like, oh god, this is where I'm out, but it worked out so well and I really liked how that particular plot point was dealt with.
I pretty much liked how everything was dealt with, to be honest. The supporting characters were great, too, and even though I know less about rugby than any other sport in the world, probably, that never took me out of the novel, and it never bored me either.
So yeah, great book, would recommend!
I was really surprised at I really thought, like, oh god, this is where I'm out, but it worked out so well and I really liked how that particular plot point was dealt with.
I pretty much liked how everything was dealt with, to be honest. The supporting characters were great, too, and even though I know less about rugby than any other sport in the world, probably, that never took me out of the novel, and it never bored me either.
So yeah, great book, would recommend!
August 25, 2013
I picked up this book because the story sounded interesting. Who wouldn’t want to read about a sexy-accented rugby player? The story is set in England and starts off great with Caitlyn saving a man’s life. The man turns out to be the grandfather of Spencer, rugby star/underwear model, how delish!
As the grandfather recovers and invites Caitlyn to dinner with him and Spencer, a fire begins to flame between the two. After that scene, the plot starts to get a little jumpy. I wasn’t able to follow some of the transitions between scenes. I enjoyed the use of British words and slang but was sometimes lost in the meaning.
What I really liked about the story was Spencer’s character and his patience and understanding with Caitlyn while she came to terms with her past and battled to overcome it. I love a man who is as strong on the inside as he is on the outside.
The story is definitely worth a read but it just wasn’t one of my favorite books.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
As the grandfather recovers and invites Caitlyn to dinner with him and Spencer, a fire begins to flame between the two. After that scene, the plot starts to get a little jumpy. I wasn’t able to follow some of the transitions between scenes. I enjoyed the use of British words and slang but was sometimes lost in the meaning.
What I really liked about the story was Spencer’s character and his patience and understanding with Caitlyn while she came to terms with her past and battled to overcome it. I love a man who is as strong on the inside as he is on the outside.
The story is definitely worth a read but it just wasn’t one of my favorite books.
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
August 5, 2013
Move over, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, here comes Kat Latham! Knowing the Score hooked me in the first chapter, and I couldn't stop reading. I've never read about rugby players before, but I loved getting inside scoop. (And yes, that includes the locker room, ladies. Ahem.) Spencer has a shot at making it big but has to prove he's over the scandal that nearly ruined him. Caitlyn is a humanitarian aid worker and is so devoted to her job, she's out of practice when the hunky athlete is interested in her, so she kind of doesn't know what to do. Their romance is sweet and quirky, and the secondary characters really shine, especially the mischievous matchmaking grandpa. Hard to believe Latham is a debut author - her writing is fun and sophisticated and pulls the reader in. Can't count how many times I laughed out loud. Perfect beach read. If you're looking for something fresh, this is it.
November 17, 2014
I really enjoyed how Spencer was portrayed .
This story was a bit different from the usual ones as the heroine doesn't
Automatically fall into bed with the hero right away.
At times for all of her bravery, I found Caitlyn to be immature in how she
Treated Spencer and the decisions she made about him.
She broke up with Spencer without hearing his side of the story, yet
She hid a lot of her secrets until the very end. This is why I found
Her to be a hypocrite.
Overall this book is better than most and I look forward to reading the rest
In the series.
This story was a bit different from the usual ones as the heroine doesn't
Automatically fall into bed with the hero right away.
At times for all of her bravery, I found Caitlyn to be immature in how she
Treated Spencer and the decisions she made about him.
She broke up with Spencer without hearing his side of the story, yet
She hid a lot of her secrets until the very end. This is why I found
Her to be a hypocrite.
Overall this book is better than most and I look forward to reading the rest
In the series.
September 4, 2013
DNF. Picked this up on a Dear Author recommendation and because I love sports romances. Boring, boring, boring. I found the heroine annoying and the "conflict" rather contrived. The hero was ok, but I found the "banter" boring and barely made it through 1/3 of the book before I decided it wasn't worth my time.
August 7, 2013
What an amazing love story!! I loved how Spencer helped Caitlyn overcome her past. The patience and selflessness of Spencer was the sweetest thing ever! This book is a must read!! Please keep writing . . . you are a very gifted writer!
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