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Play Action #1
Skin in the Game
A sexy category romance from Entangled's Brazen imprint...
When the competition's this hot, someone's bound to score.
Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.
Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position.
But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.
When the competition's this hot, someone's bound to score.
Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.
Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position.
But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.
250 pages, ebook
First published May 27, 2013
38 people are currently reading
1727 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
September 22, 2013
4 TOUCH DOWN STARS.
"Maybe we can slip into something a little more comfortable? Like the bed."
Bring on the sexy, bring on the sweet yes you've guessed it, it's another Brazen treat. I'm convinced any book in this series will be right up my street, just my cuppa, perfect for me etc etc. I've now got the Brazen titles lined up as my next reads and this little number unsurprisingly more than met my romance needs. Here are my thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Angela Peterson is a Successful teacher and well thought of assistant coach to the high school football team, she lives in a small town liked by all and lives her sheltered life looking after her widowed father. Things haven't always been so rosy for the blonde bombshell; as a teenager she was shy, awkward and had the typically overwhelming crush on the high school star quarter back, Cade Reynolds. Cade has had all he could have dreamed of from high school to adult hood he has had a successful career as a talented football player which resulted in playing for the NFL, he is wealthy and gets paid for what he loves most, unfortunately this football hero gets injured on the field and during his recovery he returns home. 'skin in the game' is the story of Cade and Angela and what happens when a teenage crush turns into an adult fantasy. But with competition, secrets and fear of the unknown standing in the way, will these two should be's find their happily ever after?
What did I love?
This book is sweet and sexy at it's finest, I loved the predictability and easy nature of the story telling, the author knows the story she wants to tell and projects it confidently. You'll find no apologies here from me for loving a tried and tested romance that's been seen and heard before, it's what I love. The sexual tension is a nice add on to an already sweet as can be story and I quite liked the connection between Cade and Angie. This story has an ugly duckling, Cinderella, second chance love story feeling that screams of a candy-coated romance all of which I'm a huge sucker for. This book has an outright no holding back feel good factor that borders on cheesy territory but that's no negative for me - bring on the romance and over the top schmoozing. I also love a sport related romance, Cade was described to hot American football star perfection and Angie was the perfect home grown beauty, all in all a lovely romance with enough story telling to convince me of a firm four stars.
Why not five?
There was that book butterfly factor missing for me, although I liked the characters I didn't find myself in full blown love with them, but I can't think of anything more to describe to you why it didn't ring that five star bell so don't go thinking I didn't thoroughly enjoy this authors story, sometimes a book has that 5 star factor other times it doesn't, 'Skin in the game' although a winner it didn't blow me away.
Final thoughts ...
A sweet, sexy, fool proof romance that had me entertained and left a smile on my face, it also had that stateside feel to it that always gives me a case of the warm and fuzzies ... Why not give it a try? Go grab it readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
"Maybe we can slip into something a little more comfortable? Like the bed."
Bring on the sexy, bring on the sweet yes you've guessed it, it's another Brazen treat. I'm convinced any book in this series will be right up my street, just my cuppa, perfect for me etc etc. I've now got the Brazen titles lined up as my next reads and this little number unsurprisingly more than met my romance needs. Here are my thoughts ...
What's it all about?
Angela Peterson is a Successful teacher and well thought of assistant coach to the high school football team, she lives in a small town liked by all and lives her sheltered life looking after her widowed father. Things haven't always been so rosy for the blonde bombshell; as a teenager she was shy, awkward and had the typically overwhelming crush on the high school star quarter back, Cade Reynolds. Cade has had all he could have dreamed of from high school to adult hood he has had a successful career as a talented football player which resulted in playing for the NFL, he is wealthy and gets paid for what he loves most, unfortunately this football hero gets injured on the field and during his recovery he returns home. 'skin in the game' is the story of Cade and Angela and what happens when a teenage crush turns into an adult fantasy. But with competition, secrets and fear of the unknown standing in the way, will these two should be's find their happily ever after?
What did I love?
This book is sweet and sexy at it's finest, I loved the predictability and easy nature of the story telling, the author knows the story she wants to tell and projects it confidently. You'll find no apologies here from me for loving a tried and tested romance that's been seen and heard before, it's what I love. The sexual tension is a nice add on to an already sweet as can be story and I quite liked the connection between Cade and Angie. This story has an ugly duckling, Cinderella, second chance love story feeling that screams of a candy-coated romance all of which I'm a huge sucker for. This book has an outright no holding back feel good factor that borders on cheesy territory but that's no negative for me - bring on the romance and over the top schmoozing. I also love a sport related romance, Cade was described to hot American football star perfection and Angie was the perfect home grown beauty, all in all a lovely romance with enough story telling to convince me of a firm four stars.
Why not five?
There was that book butterfly factor missing for me, although I liked the characters I didn't find myself in full blown love with them, but I can't think of anything more to describe to you why it didn't ring that five star bell so don't go thinking I didn't thoroughly enjoy this authors story, sometimes a book has that 5 star factor other times it doesn't, 'Skin in the game' although a winner it didn't blow me away.
Final thoughts ...
A sweet, sexy, fool proof romance that had me entertained and left a smile on my face, it also had that stateside feel to it that always gives me a case of the warm and fuzzies ... Why not give it a try? Go grab it readers, enjoy ... Kisses.
November 14, 2015
It was the kiss she'd waited for all her life – an exquisite blend of give and take, of hard and soft, of sweet and dirty. Everything she’d ever dreamed a kiss would be, and yet nothing she'd ever imagined in her wildest fantasies.
Cade and Angie went to high school together. He was homecoming king and she was a shy nerd. Now, Cade is a pro quarterback and Angie is a knock-out math teacher and football coach. When Cade is injured, he returns home to coach his old team as head coach. Angie had a crush on Cade all through high school, and she still has. And now he is her boss.
"Because you're my boss. You can't come to my house first thing on Saturday morning and hit on me when I'm still in my pajamas."
"Well, you could always take them off", he suggested, waggling his eyebrows.
"Oh my God, you're impossible."
"On the contrary, when it comes to you, I’m willing to be very possible."
It was pure fun and hotness. It was good and I really enjoyed it but it lacked that certain something to bring it up to a four or five stars read. I had super high expectations because I'm a big fan of Jackie Barbosa, but it felt a bit rushed. All in all, I read it over a couple of hours. There were no big misunderstandings, and no unnecessary fights. Yes, they fell in love a bit to quickly but after all they'd known each other as kids. And the ending was one of the best ever! It left me with a big goofy grin on my face. And there was an epilogue!
Thanks to Engangled Brazen and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
Cade and Angie went to high school together. He was homecoming king and she was a shy nerd. Now, Cade is a pro quarterback and Angie is a knock-out math teacher and football coach. When Cade is injured, he returns home to coach his old team as head coach. Angie had a crush on Cade all through high school, and she still has. And now he is her boss.
"Because you're my boss. You can't come to my house first thing on Saturday morning and hit on me when I'm still in my pajamas."
"Well, you could always take them off", he suggested, waggling his eyebrows.
"Oh my God, you're impossible."
"On the contrary, when it comes to you, I’m willing to be very possible."
It was pure fun and hotness. It was good and I really enjoyed it but it lacked that certain something to bring it up to a four or five stars read. I had super high expectations because I'm a big fan of Jackie Barbosa, but it felt a bit rushed. All in all, I read it over a couple of hours. There were no big misunderstandings, and no unnecessary fights. Yes, they fell in love a bit to quickly but after all they'd known each other as kids. And the ending was one of the best ever! It left me with a big goofy grin on my face. And there was an epilogue!
Thanks to Engangled Brazen and Netgalley for providing me with an ARC.
May 28, 2013
I have never read any other books by Jackie Barbosa, but I am a sucker for a good Sports Romance. When I saw that the hero of the book is a sexy football player, you better believe I was all over that. (What? Don't judge me! We all have our weakness.)
The story itself was cute. It was well written, and had a good flow. I really enjoyed the characters, but it was still missing a little something for me to make it a more memorable read.
The story itself would have been typical, had it not been for an interesting twist to your usual heroine that you might find in a book like this.
Angela "Angie" Petersen was the shy, awkward, ugly duckling growing up. She and Cade went to the same high school and were friends. Of course Cade was the popular school quarterback that all the girls wanted, Angela included. Angela is now, of course, a knock-out. (pretty 'been there, read that' so far, right?)
When Cade comes back to Harper Falls after an injury he stuffered during one of his games takes him out of pro-ball for a while, he does so as a favor for his old high school football coach so he can take over as the interim head coach of the football team.
Of course when Cade sees the now bombshell Angela, sparks fly.
Now here is the twist that I really enjoyed. Angela, is actually one of the assistant coaches of the football team. I loved that she knew the game so well, even better than some of the male coaches. There was a lot of sports jargon and terms, so fans of the sport would definitely enjoy that. I'll admit to admiring the...uhem...tight ends...in the game, more so than the actual technicalities of the game itself (what, I'm honest OK!), so I was a little bit lost on some of the terminology. But I did enjoy reading and learning more about it.
So when Angela finds out that Cade is threatening her position as a coach, a competition forms between them, laden in sexual tension, of course.
I liked that this was not a case of insta-love, though I did think that the whole "I love you" business came a little too fast. But that might have been just my own preference at work here.
I can't say that I loved the book, but I did enjoy it. I suppose in the end it was just missing that something extra, a certain oomph to make this a 5 star book for me. It was cute, with a happy HEA and quite steamy. It seemed to have a set-up in the end for a certain 2 characters that were introduced in this story, so I believe the author has plans to make this into a series.
So I'll go with 3.5 stars.
**Arc provided by Engangled Brazen via Netgalley for an honest review**
September 24, 2013
This was a nice quick read. Love sports books. Small town girl, returned hero, who has made it big in Football. Sort of Friends to Lovers but not really. Nerdy girl turned beautiful.
Nice hot sex scenes too. These Brazen books usually are a fast read and this one was no different.
Nice hot sex scenes too. These Brazen books usually are a fast read and this one was no different.
June 3, 2013
Unrequited love is one of my favorite types of romances, and this is what we have between Angie and Cade.
Cade Reynolds is a famous NFL star quarterback, sidelined since his shoulder injury. When his old high school football coach calls in a favor, he can't say no. This man was his mentor and a father figure all in one. When he shows up back in his hometown, Harper Falls, he can't believe it when he lays on one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen. She's more than just a beauty though, this woman has brains. Something he learns by eavesdropping. She's the high school's resident math teacher. And as if that wasn't enough she's a sports fan, who quickly recognized him. Coming home seems to be paying off!
Angie Peterson can't believe her eyes when she looks over at Cade Reynolds. He was the star quarterback, and popular homecoming king in high school, and Angie's unrequited crush. Sure they had some meaningful conversations about football & he was duly impressed when she came up with some brilliant strategies for the game, but he never really noticed a geek like her back then. Her talent for strategy and working out plays only went so far. And yet here he is in her hometown coffee shop eyeing her like she's a dying man's last meal, with hunger and lust in his eyes!
When one thing leads to another they share a night of passion, one that Angie feels sure won’t be repeated. What she doesn’t count on is Cade being the hotshot stand-in head coach for her team. She’s worked hard as assistant coach, but now that doesn’t seem to make a difference when Cade steps in and takes a spot that should’ve rightfully been hers. Angie doesn’t care if he is a celebrity NFL player, she’s not about to go down without a fight! Let the sparks fly people, and the fun begin!
I loved that with all this drama things never got frustratingly out of hand between Angie and Cade. Cade remained a sweetheart and a gentleman throughout the story and Angie was, thankfully, pretty levelheaded as well. These two had some smoking hot chemistry and fire in the beginning that had to be reigned in, because of their situation, but they could hardly keep their hands off each other even so!
As his mouth captured hers, she stiffened with surprise of indignation, maybe both. It didn’t matter. He deepened his onslaught, not sure if he was trying to punish her or subdue her and not really caring which it was…..When she melted against him with a groan of surrender and met the stroke of his tongue with her own, he wanted to pump his fist at the sky and shout with triumph.
Skin in the Game had a sweet romance with enough spice to get your heart racing, and an ending that put a big fat smile on my face. This is my first read by Jackie Barbosa, but it won’t be my last!
It seems that we get a second story in this world with Angie’s best friend, Rachel, and Cade’s best friend, Warren. Rachel is a physical therapist and Warren is a NFL quarterback with a serious injury who seems to have lost hope in a recovery. I can’t wait to read that story!
A copy of this was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
Cade Reynolds is a famous NFL star quarterback, sidelined since his shoulder injury. When his old high school football coach calls in a favor, he can't say no. This man was his mentor and a father figure all in one. When he shows up back in his hometown, Harper Falls, he can't believe it when he lays on one of the most beautiful women he's ever seen. She's more than just a beauty though, this woman has brains. Something he learns by eavesdropping. She's the high school's resident math teacher. And as if that wasn't enough she's a sports fan, who quickly recognized him. Coming home seems to be paying off!
Angie Peterson can't believe her eyes when she looks over at Cade Reynolds. He was the star quarterback, and popular homecoming king in high school, and Angie's unrequited crush. Sure they had some meaningful conversations about football & he was duly impressed when she came up with some brilliant strategies for the game, but he never really noticed a geek like her back then. Her talent for strategy and working out plays only went so far. And yet here he is in her hometown coffee shop eyeing her like she's a dying man's last meal, with hunger and lust in his eyes!
When one thing leads to another they share a night of passion, one that Angie feels sure won’t be repeated. What she doesn’t count on is Cade being the hotshot stand-in head coach for her team. She’s worked hard as assistant coach, but now that doesn’t seem to make a difference when Cade steps in and takes a spot that should’ve rightfully been hers. Angie doesn’t care if he is a celebrity NFL player, she’s not about to go down without a fight! Let the sparks fly people, and the fun begin!
I loved that with all this drama things never got frustratingly out of hand between Angie and Cade. Cade remained a sweetheart and a gentleman throughout the story and Angie was, thankfully, pretty levelheaded as well. These two had some smoking hot chemistry and fire in the beginning that had to be reigned in, because of their situation, but they could hardly keep their hands off each other even so!
As his mouth captured hers, she stiffened with surprise of indignation, maybe both. It didn’t matter. He deepened his onslaught, not sure if he was trying to punish her or subdue her and not really caring which it was…..When she melted against him with a groan of surrender and met the stroke of his tongue with her own, he wanted to pump his fist at the sky and shout with triumph.
Skin in the Game had a sweet romance with enough spice to get your heart racing, and an ending that put a big fat smile on my face. This is my first read by Jackie Barbosa, but it won’t be my last!
It seems that we get a second story in this world with Angie’s best friend, Rachel, and Cade’s best friend, Warren. Rachel is a physical therapist and Warren is a NFL quarterback with a serious injury who seems to have lost hope in a recovery. I can’t wait to read that story!
A copy of this was provided by Entangled Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you!
June 14, 2013
Really enjoyable book. Hero is a former NFL star who got injured a while back, doing a favour for his high school coach. Sees heroine, instant attraction, he doesn't recognize her from high school as the geeky girl. The heroine is tall, gorgeous, football fanatic, high school maths teacher and assistant coach of the team and she had a thing for the hero since she was a teenager.
This helps her accept his proposition and spend one night with him but she leaves in the morning quietly much to the hero's anger. Now, the heroine doesn't see herself as a knock-out but the hero does. She is angry when she learns that he is there for her job albeit temporarily.
The romance was quick and this book entertained me. The hero came across as a great guy and the heroine wasn't that bad despite her self doubts.
This helps her accept his proposition and spend one night with him but she leaves in the morning quietly much to the hero's anger. Now, the heroine doesn't see herself as a knock-out but the hero does. She is angry when she learns that he is there for her job albeit temporarily.
The romance was quick and this book entertained me. The hero came across as a great guy and the heroine wasn't that bad despite her self doubts.
May 17, 2013
A very strong 3.5 stars
This review is posted at http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...
As a sports romance, this one is done well. The game of football is integrated into the story - not just on the sidelines. I also enjoyed the twist of having the game played out from the female perspective. She is the playmaker of the football team and he is there as a figurehead. Her intelligence and knowledge of the game informs the strategy. Nicely played.
Hotness factor? There is definitely chemistry between the Cade and Angie. What starts out early as a one night stand never really dissipates. In fact, the attraction grows and gets hotter. Yes! The tension in the story doesn't derive from the traditional will they/won't they conflict, instead it deals with lingering insecurities, the price of fame, and small town judgment.
My criticism of the story lies more with the editing. The narrative meanders a bit and could have been more tightly structured. Instead of having one apex, it felt like there were several, kind of like episodic television. Still, the story reaches a satisfying end - it reminds me of the feeling I get watching a Julia Roberts movie. Left me smiling.
One other small little thing - Cade is a USC Trojan. As a UCLA Bruin, it is a good thing he is so cute. But come on, Jake Hansson wanting to be a Trojan too? It was almost too much.
IN A NUTSHELL
This book is a fun read with a sports theme. Worth the time and effort. Watch out for the end of the Epilogue - I am intrigued for what is clearly the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangle Publishing, LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This review is posted at http://loveaffairwithanereader.blogsp...
As a sports romance, this one is done well. The game of football is integrated into the story - not just on the sidelines. I also enjoyed the twist of having the game played out from the female perspective. She is the playmaker of the football team and he is there as a figurehead. Her intelligence and knowledge of the game informs the strategy. Nicely played.
Hotness factor? There is definitely chemistry between the Cade and Angie. What starts out early as a one night stand never really dissipates. In fact, the attraction grows and gets hotter. Yes! The tension in the story doesn't derive from the traditional will they/won't they conflict, instead it deals with lingering insecurities, the price of fame, and small town judgment.
My criticism of the story lies more with the editing. The narrative meanders a bit and could have been more tightly structured. Instead of having one apex, it felt like there were several, kind of like episodic television. Still, the story reaches a satisfying end - it reminds me of the feeling I get watching a Julia Roberts movie. Left me smiling.
One other small little thing - Cade is a USC Trojan. As a UCLA Bruin, it is a good thing he is so cute. But come on, Jake Hansson wanting to be a Trojan too? It was almost too much.
IN A NUTSHELL
This book is a fun read with a sports theme. Worth the time and effort. Watch out for the end of the Epilogue - I am intrigued for what is clearly the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangle Publishing, LLC for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 4, 2013
Slick‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Somehow this past year I’ve read a lot of books revolving around football player heroes and I’m not a big fan of football. However, I’ve enjoyed them all including Skin InThe Game. I love the strong female lead and the hero and I have something in common, we both have problems remembering faces and names. I’m ashamed to admit that, but it takes me several times of seeing someone before I can get their name and face put together in my head. So, I completely sympathize with him especially since it’s been over 15 years he’s seen the heroine.
Cade Reynolds has returned to his hometown to help out his former high school football coach. Recovering from an accident that almost took his NFL career from him, the last place he wants to be is Harper Falls. Surprised at not being recognized immediately, he’s stunned when the woman that immediately garnered his attention apparently does recognize him.
Angela (Angie) Peterson can’t believe her eyes when she spots her former high school crush in the local coffee shop. When she confronts him she realizes he doesn’t remember her from high school but then why would he, she’s changed a lot from the clumsy, football loving, geek she use to be…well sort of, she’s still loves football, still somewhat of a geek, but she’s not the wallflower she use to be either.
These two fall into bed immediately and Angie pulls a disappearing act which ticks Cade off and thoroughly confuses him. When they both realize that they’ll be essentially working together things get a little messy and they both know they have to take a step back. I enjoyed watching them try to stay away from a physical relationship all the while getting to know each other better. Angie impressed me with her ballsy attitude and refusal to back down just because she’s a woman. I love that while she was falling for Cade she refused to change her life to suit his. I felt for Cade on several occasions because he had some tough choices to make and none were easy. The fact that he realized he wanted more out of life than football and that he was willing to give up his dream to get it makes him a very appealing hero.
This was such an easy book to love because both the main characters were completely likeable. On top of that there was a great storyline with just enough drama to make it interesting but not so much that you get bogged down in it. Skin In The Game is an excellent steamy romance and anyone who enjoys a strong heroine and a guy smart enough to realize he’s got a good thing and is willing to sacrifice to keep it will no doubt enjoy this story.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 Stars
Somehow this past year I’ve read a lot of books revolving around football player heroes and I’m not a big fan of football. However, I’ve enjoyed them all including Skin InThe Game. I love the strong female lead and the hero and I have something in common, we both have problems remembering faces and names. I’m ashamed to admit that, but it takes me several times of seeing someone before I can get their name and face put together in my head. So, I completely sympathize with him especially since it’s been over 15 years he’s seen the heroine.
Cade Reynolds has returned to his hometown to help out his former high school football coach. Recovering from an accident that almost took his NFL career from him, the last place he wants to be is Harper Falls. Surprised at not being recognized immediately, he’s stunned when the woman that immediately garnered his attention apparently does recognize him.
Angela (Angie) Peterson can’t believe her eyes when she spots her former high school crush in the local coffee shop. When she confronts him she realizes he doesn’t remember her from high school but then why would he, she’s changed a lot from the clumsy, football loving, geek she use to be…well sort of, she’s still loves football, still somewhat of a geek, but she’s not the wallflower she use to be either.
These two fall into bed immediately and Angie pulls a disappearing act which ticks Cade off and thoroughly confuses him. When they both realize that they’ll be essentially working together things get a little messy and they both know they have to take a step back. I enjoyed watching them try to stay away from a physical relationship all the while getting to know each other better. Angie impressed me with her ballsy attitude and refusal to back down just because she’s a woman. I love that while she was falling for Cade she refused to change her life to suit his. I felt for Cade on several occasions because he had some tough choices to make and none were easy. The fact that he realized he wanted more out of life than football and that he was willing to give up his dream to get it makes him a very appealing hero.
This was such an easy book to love because both the main characters were completely likeable. On top of that there was a great storyline with just enough drama to make it interesting but not so much that you get bogged down in it. Skin In The Game is an excellent steamy romance and anyone who enjoys a strong heroine and a guy smart enough to realize he’s got a good thing and is willing to sacrifice to keep it will no doubt enjoy this story.
June 1, 2013
I saw the cover, read the synopsis, and I was sold. Sexy athlete books just do it for me. What I liked about this one though was that there was a good story there too. While this wasn't a couple that was reunited, they did 'know' each other in high school. It was fun to watch them interact with each other.
I'll start with Cade. He was super hot. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid of a challenge. Cade was injured, so he has some time off. He goes home to help his old high school coach. He's supposed to supervise one of the Assistant Coaches, not completely take over. So, on his first day home, he sees a woman in the coffee shop. There is something vaguely familiar about her, but he can't pinpoint what it is. They make a date and have one explosive night together.
Angie always like Cade, but she was a bit geeky. She's not that girl anymore. Now, she's confident and determined to succeed. She wants to take over as Head Football Coach for the high school team. She's definitely qualified for the job. She's smart and has a talent for making plays. But Cade shakes her up a bit. She's quickly falling for him even though she feels like he's trying to take her job. Once she figured out that he's not after her job, he's after her, she allows herself to fall in love.
Cade and Angie were really hot together. The sex scenes were hot, but maybe a little more mild than other Brazen books that I've read. That certainly won't deter me from continuing with the series though. My favorite scene between them was their first sex scene together. There was an unguarded feeling to it, a bit wild. It was pretty darn hot!
Overall, I really enjoyed Skin in the Game. This is the first book of Barbosa's that I've read and I really enjoyed her style. I look forward to continuing on with this series. If you're a fan of Sports Romance, check this one out!
Favorite quote:
~"They say there's a thin line between love and hate, so I'll take it." He leaned in a little closer, his heat and spicy masculine scent invading her senses. "Here's some more honesty for you. I want you so much, I ache with it. I've jacked off every night for the last week remembering how it felt to be inside you. I'm hard right now, just standing here with you."-Loc 1171
I'll start with Cade. He was super hot. He knows what he wants and isn't afraid of a challenge. Cade was injured, so he has some time off. He goes home to help his old high school coach. He's supposed to supervise one of the Assistant Coaches, not completely take over. So, on his first day home, he sees a woman in the coffee shop. There is something vaguely familiar about her, but he can't pinpoint what it is. They make a date and have one explosive night together.
Angie always like Cade, but she was a bit geeky. She's not that girl anymore. Now, she's confident and determined to succeed. She wants to take over as Head Football Coach for the high school team. She's definitely qualified for the job. She's smart and has a talent for making plays. But Cade shakes her up a bit. She's quickly falling for him even though she feels like he's trying to take her job. Once she figured out that he's not after her job, he's after her, she allows herself to fall in love.
Cade and Angie were really hot together. The sex scenes were hot, but maybe a little more mild than other Brazen books that I've read. That certainly won't deter me from continuing with the series though. My favorite scene between them was their first sex scene together. There was an unguarded feeling to it, a bit wild. It was pretty darn hot!
Overall, I really enjoyed Skin in the Game. This is the first book of Barbosa's that I've read and I really enjoyed her style. I look forward to continuing on with this series. If you're a fan of Sports Romance, check this one out!
Favorite quote:
~"They say there's a thin line between love and hate, so I'll take it." He leaned in a little closer, his heat and spicy masculine scent invading her senses. "Here's some more honesty for you. I want you so much, I ache with it. I've jacked off every night for the last week remembering how it felt to be inside you. I'm hard right now, just standing here with you."-Loc 1171
May 19, 2013
This was a really well done sports romance. Sometimes there're sports romances where you wonder where the part about the sport is but not in this one. The author found a good balance between the romance and sports parts.
Angie, the heroine, is a reputable and modest high school teacher and an assistant football coach for the high school team. She likes to take care of things and so she still lives with her dad to look after him.
The hero, Cade, is an injured NFL quarterback who was asked to take over as interim head coach. That's the position Angie wants. Well, you can see the conflict, right? They both know each other from back in high school even though Cade doesn't recognize Angie at first because she has changed quite a bit. I really liked the way the story went. There wasn't any real fighting over this position, no immature handling or stupid decisions. They rather got to know each other and fell in love.
I wish the author would have gone more into detail at times. For example, it was mentioned in one sentence that Cade was addicted to pain killers and beat that habit quickly. I wanted to know more about this time.
But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
(A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.)
Angie, the heroine, is a reputable and modest high school teacher and an assistant football coach for the high school team. She likes to take care of things and so she still lives with her dad to look after him.
The hero, Cade, is an injured NFL quarterback who was asked to take over as interim head coach. That's the position Angie wants. Well, you can see the conflict, right? They both know each other from back in high school even though Cade doesn't recognize Angie at first because she has changed quite a bit. I really liked the way the story went. There wasn't any real fighting over this position, no immature handling or stupid decisions. They rather got to know each other and fell in love.
I wish the author would have gone more into detail at times. For example, it was mentioned in one sentence that Cade was addicted to pain killers and beat that habit quickly. I wanted to know more about this time.
But nevertheless, I really enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to the next in the series.
(A review copy was provided by the publisher through NetGalley.)
May 16, 2013
Skin in the Game was given to me by Netgalley for an honest review.
This book in theory ticked all the right boxes for me. We had a second chance (sort of) romance. The nerdy girl who grows up to be the beauty of the town and the jock who ignored her becomes immediately smitten with her. Usually I love these sorts of stories, there is a humour to them and a realistic storyline. I like thinking these things happen :)
And although I enjoyed this book, it was pleasant and easy to read, I didn't love it. There needed to be a bit more zing between the characters and it needed to be built up a bit more. Everything happened very fast. Sometimes a rushed romance works and sometimes it doesn't. For me this one did lack that special something.
However, it was still a good story to wheedle away my time and keep my mind occupied.3 stars.
This book in theory ticked all the right boxes for me. We had a second chance (sort of) romance. The nerdy girl who grows up to be the beauty of the town and the jock who ignored her becomes immediately smitten with her. Usually I love these sorts of stories, there is a humour to them and a realistic storyline. I like thinking these things happen :)
And although I enjoyed this book, it was pleasant and easy to read, I didn't love it. There needed to be a bit more zing between the characters and it needed to be built up a bit more. Everything happened very fast. Sometimes a rushed romance works and sometimes it doesn't. For me this one did lack that special something.
However, it was still a good story to wheedle away my time and keep my mind occupied.3 stars.
July 25, 2013
A new author to me, this was an entertaining and fun story, with a wonderful hero and a heroine who frequently grated on my nerves. I really liked the writing and will read more from this author.
HERO is a Performer, a famous football player recovering from an injury which stopped his promising career. Mostly recovered now and needing something to do while deciding about his future, he agrees to temporarily substitute his former high school coach who’s sick. But he never expected to be working alongside with the woman who disappeared after an unforgettable one night stand.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/light
LENGTH: 233 pages
HERO is a Performer, a famous football player recovering from an injury which stopped his promising career. Mostly recovered now and needing something to do while deciding about his future, he agrees to temporarily substitute his former high school coach who’s sick. But he never expected to be working alongside with the woman who disappeared after an unforgettable one night stand.
SCENES/CONTENT: few/hot
GENRE/TONE: contemporary/light
LENGTH: 233 pages
June 10, 2013
I don't like football, I don't love contemporary romance, but somehow this story worked for me. The heroine is a super smart-sports analysis gal, which is a very cool combination--I love smart and sporty together. The hero is a football star with an injury, who returns to his hometown to coach the high school team. This was a very engaging story. Barbosa did a great job developing a believable romance between these two characters, incorporated just the right amount of football (not too much, not too little), and gave the reader a satisfying HEA. I heartily enjoyed this one.
Grade: B+
Grade: B+
May 14, 2013
Sweet, football and first crushes...
May 7, 2013
Ever since I first read J. Lynn’s Tempting the Best Man, I have been hooked on Entangled’s Brazen series. I’ve read all nineteen (yes, I counted) of the colorfully-covered books, although Jackie Barbosa’s Skin in the Game (Play Action) is the first ARC I’ve received from the collection. Continuing in the tradition of the Brazen series, Barbosa has provided readers with a feisty heroine, a swoon-worthy hero, several steamy love scenes, and the promise of a Happily Ever After.
The story alternates between the perspectives of the male and female protagonists, first introducing us to Cade Reynolds, professional football player and pride of Harper Falls, Minnesota. When a shoulder injury abruptly ends his season with the Texans, Cade accepts a temporary position coaching his high school football team, ending his years-long absence from his home town.
On his first day back in town, Cade encounters a gorgeous blond with an interest in sports, not realizing that he is already acquainted with his “dream woman”. Teased in high school for being the quintessential nerd with an unrequited crush on the school’s popular quarterback, Angie Peterson is surprised by Cade’s obvious interest in her.
Since her romantic prospects as a small-town high school math teacher have been few and far between, Angie is more than willing to pursue their mutual attraction, even if it’s just for one night. Throwing a wrench on Angie’s resolve to place a time limit on their affair is her job as the football team’s assistant coach, making Cade her new boss – a development that is as unexpected as it is unwelcome.
Cade and Angie are one of those couples who would greatly benefit from a bit of communication. It seems they are constantly trading off on keeping each other in the dark about one thing or another. Rather than being frustrated by their harmless deceptions, I was amused by their stubborn attempts to handle certain situations in whatever way they saw fit.
As the two main characters, Angie and Cade are immensely likeable. Angie is my favorite type of heroine: intelligent, beautiful, and unapologetically nerdy, with tomboyish tendencies. Cade, in turn, is the All-American jock, whose occasional bouts of pig-headedness are forgiven by his charming nature and shockingly dirty mouth.
I devoured Skin in the Game in a matter of hours, eager to follow along with the drama that unfolds between Cade and Angie, who are nothing if not entertaining. I found Angie to be a relatable heroine and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know her character as she navigated her complicated relationship with Cade. I especially enjoyed the book’s epilogue, which simultaneously closed one story and introduced two promising new characters that will appear in the next installment of the Play Action series.
The story alternates between the perspectives of the male and female protagonists, first introducing us to Cade Reynolds, professional football player and pride of Harper Falls, Minnesota. When a shoulder injury abruptly ends his season with the Texans, Cade accepts a temporary position coaching his high school football team, ending his years-long absence from his home town.
On his first day back in town, Cade encounters a gorgeous blond with an interest in sports, not realizing that he is already acquainted with his “dream woman”. Teased in high school for being the quintessential nerd with an unrequited crush on the school’s popular quarterback, Angie Peterson is surprised by Cade’s obvious interest in her.
Since her romantic prospects as a small-town high school math teacher have been few and far between, Angie is more than willing to pursue their mutual attraction, even if it’s just for one night. Throwing a wrench on Angie’s resolve to place a time limit on their affair is her job as the football team’s assistant coach, making Cade her new boss – a development that is as unexpected as it is unwelcome.
Cade and Angie are one of those couples who would greatly benefit from a bit of communication. It seems they are constantly trading off on keeping each other in the dark about one thing or another. Rather than being frustrated by their harmless deceptions, I was amused by their stubborn attempts to handle certain situations in whatever way they saw fit.
As the two main characters, Angie and Cade are immensely likeable. Angie is my favorite type of heroine: intelligent, beautiful, and unapologetically nerdy, with tomboyish tendencies. Cade, in turn, is the All-American jock, whose occasional bouts of pig-headedness are forgiven by his charming nature and shockingly dirty mouth.
I devoured Skin in the Game in a matter of hours, eager to follow along with the drama that unfolds between Cade and Angie, who are nothing if not entertaining. I found Angie to be a relatable heroine and I genuinely enjoyed getting to know her character as she navigated her complicated relationship with Cade. I especially enjoyed the book’s epilogue, which simultaneously closed one story and introduced two promising new characters that will appear in the next installment of the Play Action series.
May 27, 2013
Skin in the Game by Jackie Barbosa was probably one of the sweetest and cutest steamy Brazen books I’ve ever read to date! This book didn’t just make me swoon for the romance, but it put a huge smile on my face. It was the perfect light and sexy read I needed.
I adored Cade! I thought he would be one of those arrogant, too good for you, and sleeps with everything in a skirt type of guy, but that wasn’t the case at all! Yes, he was cocky at times and enjoyed being in the limelight his fame brought, but he was a great guy. He was charming, cool and a gentleman through and through. I loved that he cared a lot about his former mentor and football coach and believed in Angie’s coaching abilities. He respected her and all the decisions she made. Even better, Cade was an honorable man and a loyal friend. He was not without faults and could be a complete idiot when it came to Angie and his heart, but he was entirely lovable from start to finish.
While I loved Cade, I thought Angie was the best! She was the girl next door type and a totally down to earth person. She stood out the most in this book because of the passion she had for her job and the utmost care she had for her students. She was the teacher I wish I had in high school. Not only was she the sweetest character ever, but she had firm convictions, morals and the spirit and fight to last a lifetime. She worked hard for everything she has ever wanted and dreamed of and I was thoroughly impressed that she never wavered even when faced with the choice of losing Cade. She loved enough to accept or let go even when it hurt the most.
Cade and Angie were wonderful characters individually, but together they were burning up with chemistry and sexual tension. I freaking enjoyed ever kiss, touch, and sexual encounter they had. They just had enough spice to keep me enticed.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a book that centered around football since I’m not a sports fanatic, but I thought this enhanced the story for me. There was some football lingo thrown here and there, but to my surprise, I didn’t have trouble following along. It was something different compared to all the romantic contemporaries I have read without this aspect. I think I may even have learned more about football coming out of this book!
All in all, Barbosa did an amazing job with Skin in the Game. Her writing was simple, yet fun and I really had a fantastic time reading this book. I also loved the underlying message of love, believing in yourself and making compromises. When I finished this book, I just wanted more.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
I adored Cade! I thought he would be one of those arrogant, too good for you, and sleeps with everything in a skirt type of guy, but that wasn’t the case at all! Yes, he was cocky at times and enjoyed being in the limelight his fame brought, but he was a great guy. He was charming, cool and a gentleman through and through. I loved that he cared a lot about his former mentor and football coach and believed in Angie’s coaching abilities. He respected her and all the decisions she made. Even better, Cade was an honorable man and a loyal friend. He was not without faults and could be a complete idiot when it came to Angie and his heart, but he was entirely lovable from start to finish.
While I loved Cade, I thought Angie was the best! She was the girl next door type and a totally down to earth person. She stood out the most in this book because of the passion she had for her job and the utmost care she had for her students. She was the teacher I wish I had in high school. Not only was she the sweetest character ever, but she had firm convictions, morals and the spirit and fight to last a lifetime. She worked hard for everything she has ever wanted and dreamed of and I was thoroughly impressed that she never wavered even when faced with the choice of losing Cade. She loved enough to accept or let go even when it hurt the most.
Cade and Angie were wonderful characters individually, but together they were burning up with chemistry and sexual tension. I freaking enjoyed ever kiss, touch, and sexual encounter they had. They just had enough spice to keep me enticed.
I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a book that centered around football since I’m not a sports fanatic, but I thought this enhanced the story for me. There was some football lingo thrown here and there, but to my surprise, I didn’t have trouble following along. It was something different compared to all the romantic contemporaries I have read without this aspect. I think I may even have learned more about football coming out of this book!
All in all, Barbosa did an amazing job with Skin in the Game. Her writing was simple, yet fun and I really had a fantastic time reading this book. I also loved the underlying message of love, believing in yourself and making compromises. When I finished this book, I just wanted more.
More Reviews on my blog: Words, Pages, and Books
May 27, 2013
Skin in the Game by Jackie Barbosa wasn't as high in heat and steam compared to the other Brazens that I've read, but it was still sexy nonetheless.
The characters in the story were developed and I found them all likeable with the exception of Donnelly (he was a douchebag). Cade was an all around sweet and sexy football hero and was probably my favorite character out of the story.
"I should have made our reservation for seven. I'm not sure how I'm going to get through the next two hours without ripping that dress off you."
While I found this sports romance quite enjoyable, there was *something* missing for me. I felt that the romance between Cade and Angie could have been explored more in depth. Furthermore, I felt that this story needed that extra "oomph" to really capture my attention and move this up to a higher rating. With that said, this was one of the books that I found myself able to put down easily and not in a rush to pick back up.
However, I loved the ending and how the author introduced the potential characters for the next book. I'll surely be on the lookout for Rachel and Warren's story if the author does write their story.
In the end, Skin in the Game wasn't bad, but it didn't "wow" me. In addition, it wasn't a story where I found myself enjoying immensely. However, I believe fans of sports romance especially football romance will find this one enjoyable.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in the story were developed and I found them all likeable with the exception of Donnelly (he was a douchebag). Cade was an all around sweet and sexy football hero and was probably my favorite character out of the story.
"I should have made our reservation for seven. I'm not sure how I'm going to get through the next two hours without ripping that dress off you."
While I found this sports romance quite enjoyable, there was *something* missing for me. I felt that the romance between Cade and Angie could have been explored more in depth. Furthermore, I felt that this story needed that extra "oomph" to really capture my attention and move this up to a higher rating. With that said, this was one of the books that I found myself able to put down easily and not in a rush to pick back up.
However, I loved the ending and how the author introduced the potential characters for the next book. I'll surely be on the lookout for Rachel and Warren's story if the author does write their story.
In the end, Skin in the Game wasn't bad, but it didn't "wow" me. In addition, it wasn't a story where I found myself enjoying immensely. However, I believe fans of sports romance especially football romance will find this one enjoyable.
*ARC courtesy of Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2013
Who would have known that your high school crush would come back to your hometown after being the star quarterback in the NFL and try to steal your job? Well, that's EXACTLY what happens to Angela Peterson!!
I found the plot and characters of "Skin in the Game" nothing new but nonetheless still sexy and entertaining.
Angela is no longer the shy, awkward teen she once was and it's nice to see Cade take notice. ONLY, will he remember her from high school?? And if he does, how will he react??
I really enjoyed reading "Skin in the Game" and I'm not even a football fan!! Lol.
Cade and Angela's chemistry was sizzling hot and 'on point' which as a reader is very important to me.
Thank you SO MUCH to Entangled for allowing me to view this read in an exchange for an honest review. :)
I found the plot and characters of "Skin in the Game" nothing new but nonetheless still sexy and entertaining.
Angela is no longer the shy, awkward teen she once was and it's nice to see Cade take notice. ONLY, will he remember her from high school?? And if he does, how will he react??
I really enjoyed reading "Skin in the Game" and I'm not even a football fan!! Lol.
Cade and Angela's chemistry was sizzling hot and 'on point' which as a reader is very important to me.
Thank you SO MUCH to Entangled for allowing me to view this read in an exchange for an honest review. :)
May 29, 2013
Grade: A-
Heroine is a prickly math geek and football coach. Hero is an angsty athlete who can do the dirty talk. Author knows her football — and her dirty talk. Another one written JUST FOR ME.
In fact, she doubted anything could make him less hot, short of a restraining order from an ex-girlfriend.
Heroine is a prickly math geek and football coach. Hero is an angsty athlete who can do the dirty talk. Author knows her football — and her dirty talk. Another one written JUST FOR ME.
June 10, 2013
I very much enjoyed this, always like the alpha-hunk sports guys and this did not disappoint!
June 4, 2013
This book is a book that football lovers will appreciate. However, if you’re not much of a football fan you and just looking for a really good romance book, this is it too. Jackie did a great of job captivating me throughout the entire book that I was not able to put it down and it became a very quick read for me. I had no clue as to which way she was going to go next with the book and kept everything as unpredictable as possible.
Angela (Angie) had a crush on Cade all through high school. I mean who wouldn’t, right? HOT guy, very popular, and quarterback of the high school football team. She was a freshman while he was a senior when she approached him and threw him for a loop when said that the team wouldn’t win a game if they only had twelve offensive plays. How would she know they only had twelve plays if she didn’t count every single one of them? He owed her though, because not only did the team win State Championships that year, he went on to play for the NFL.
Angie grew up with brothers, so it was obvious she grew up with football. She was very shy and kind of geeky in high school, but as an adult, she is the complete opposite. Yes, sometimes she is very shy and reserved, she likes her privacy (but who doesn’t), but she’s become beautiful and more outspoken. When her mother died, she was afraid she would lose her dad as well, so she gave up her life to move back in her hometown to take care of him and to avoid losing him too. One can see the love she has for teaching her students, and her love for coaching football.
Cade lived and loved football. He was the quarterback for his high school team, played in college and was drafted into the NFL. He was living his dream; he was doing what he loved, he was very popular, wealthy and could have any woman he wanted. But one play during a game put a halt to playing. He had injured his shoulder that required extensive surgery and rehab. He could throw a ball perfectly, but he couldn’t train like he used to. Until then, he couldn’t play, his team didn’t want him; he felt rejected. Even without playing he still made millions, but what is the money if you’re not doing what you love?
Cade is instantly attracted by Angie after seeing her for the first time. He gets more turned on by her drink order and better yet, by her picking up the sports section. He invites her to sit at the table with him. There’s something familiar about her, he knows her, but he can’t seem to pinpoint it and Angie doesn’t help him remember. He invites her to dinner and she accepts knowing Cade Reynolds is not interested in someone like her; has never been and never will be. She knows this will be a one night stand, something she never really does, but yet, being with Cade is always something she’s always thought of doing. One night is all she can give herself.
Angie almost cancels her date but meets Cade in his luxury suite. This is something she is not used to. They are from completely different worlds; he comes from a world full of money, she works for every single cent she has and spends it appropriately. As soon as she walks through those doors, you can feel the sexual tension floating in the room. While watching the sunset, plans for dinner disappear when one thing leads to another. You can feel the desire and the passion that Angie has been feeling for Cade all those years. HOT, fiery, passionate sex, it’s actually pretty intense. But there seems to be more than a sexual connection between the two, there’s something deeper. When Angie finally comes to, she realizes her mistake and leaves before he can crush her heart.
Angie is the type of person who likes to work to her way to the top and earn her way without or with very little help from anyone. She is the assistant coach of the football team, who dreams of becoming the head coach when the current head coach retires. So she is completely disappointed and frustrated when Cade is asked to fill in the Head Coach role, when he becomes ill. She thought she would never see him again, yet she can’t seem to escape him. The sexual tension builds more and more every day that they see each other. He makes it known he wants to be with her. Not only does she need to prove herself to the board, she also needs and wants to prove herself to Cade and show that she can become the best female Head Coach out there despite what the rumors say. He needs to prove to others as well that he can still be an amazing football player. Cade wants to see if there is a something between them. In a way, so does she, but can she? Being with Cade, Angie will be in the public’s eye at all times, something she wants to avoid since she loves her privacy. She would have to give up everything she loves and everything she worked so hard for.
Will Angie be able to put down some walls and let Cade in? Will she be able to give everything up to be with him? Will Cade be willing to make major sacrifices to be with Angie? Will she be able to give in to being in the public’s eye to be with him? Will Angie be able to prove herself to everyone and get the Head Coach position? Will Cade be able to get past his pain and be able to play football again?
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend you put it on your list to read. Not only did I like the main characters, I really fell for the supporting characters. Jackie does a great job introducing us and getting us acquainted with Rachel, Warren, her father, Coach Harvey and even the sleaze Donnelly. I can’t wait to read about Rachel and Warren in the next book.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
Angela (Angie) had a crush on Cade all through high school. I mean who wouldn’t, right? HOT guy, very popular, and quarterback of the high school football team. She was a freshman while he was a senior when she approached him and threw him for a loop when said that the team wouldn’t win a game if they only had twelve offensive plays. How would she know they only had twelve plays if she didn’t count every single one of them? He owed her though, because not only did the team win State Championships that year, he went on to play for the NFL.
Angie grew up with brothers, so it was obvious she grew up with football. She was very shy and kind of geeky in high school, but as an adult, she is the complete opposite. Yes, sometimes she is very shy and reserved, she likes her privacy (but who doesn’t), but she’s become beautiful and more outspoken. When her mother died, she was afraid she would lose her dad as well, so she gave up her life to move back in her hometown to take care of him and to avoid losing him too. One can see the love she has for teaching her students, and her love for coaching football.
Cade lived and loved football. He was the quarterback for his high school team, played in college and was drafted into the NFL. He was living his dream; he was doing what he loved, he was very popular, wealthy and could have any woman he wanted. But one play during a game put a halt to playing. He had injured his shoulder that required extensive surgery and rehab. He could throw a ball perfectly, but he couldn’t train like he used to. Until then, he couldn’t play, his team didn’t want him; he felt rejected. Even without playing he still made millions, but what is the money if you’re not doing what you love?
Cade is instantly attracted by Angie after seeing her for the first time. He gets more turned on by her drink order and better yet, by her picking up the sports section. He invites her to sit at the table with him. There’s something familiar about her, he knows her, but he can’t seem to pinpoint it and Angie doesn’t help him remember. He invites her to dinner and she accepts knowing Cade Reynolds is not interested in someone like her; has never been and never will be. She knows this will be a one night stand, something she never really does, but yet, being with Cade is always something she’s always thought of doing. One night is all she can give herself.
Angie almost cancels her date but meets Cade in his luxury suite. This is something she is not used to. They are from completely different worlds; he comes from a world full of money, she works for every single cent she has and spends it appropriately. As soon as she walks through those doors, you can feel the sexual tension floating in the room. While watching the sunset, plans for dinner disappear when one thing leads to another. You can feel the desire and the passion that Angie has been feeling for Cade all those years. HOT, fiery, passionate sex, it’s actually pretty intense. But there seems to be more than a sexual connection between the two, there’s something deeper. When Angie finally comes to, she realizes her mistake and leaves before he can crush her heart.
Angie is the type of person who likes to work to her way to the top and earn her way without or with very little help from anyone. She is the assistant coach of the football team, who dreams of becoming the head coach when the current head coach retires. So she is completely disappointed and frustrated when Cade is asked to fill in the Head Coach role, when he becomes ill. She thought she would never see him again, yet she can’t seem to escape him. The sexual tension builds more and more every day that they see each other. He makes it known he wants to be with her. Not only does she need to prove herself to the board, she also needs and wants to prove herself to Cade and show that she can become the best female Head Coach out there despite what the rumors say. He needs to prove to others as well that he can still be an amazing football player. Cade wants to see if there is a something between them. In a way, so does she, but can she? Being with Cade, Angie will be in the public’s eye at all times, something she wants to avoid since she loves her privacy. She would have to give up everything she loves and everything she worked so hard for.
Will Angie be able to put down some walls and let Cade in? Will she be able to give everything up to be with him? Will Cade be willing to make major sacrifices to be with Angie? Will she be able to give in to being in the public’s eye to be with him? Will Angie be able to prove herself to everyone and get the Head Coach position? Will Cade be able to get past his pain and be able to play football again?
I really enjoyed this book and I recommend you put it on your list to read. Not only did I like the main characters, I really fell for the supporting characters. Jackie does a great job introducing us and getting us acquainted with Rachel, Warren, her father, Coach Harvey and even the sleaze Donnelly. I can’t wait to read about Rachel and Warren in the next book.
I received an ARC for my honest review.
June 16, 2013
Two characters that have one thing in common, football, can they choose the right path in order to be together.
I do have to say that I really am not a sports fan; I’m not one to sit down for Sunday football or Monday night football or any other sports. But I do have to say give me a story about a sexy football player, an MMA fighter, a baseball or basketball player and I’m all in. To me all I’m seeing is lots of hunks trying to get a ball or beating the crap out of each other but in a story you get to know the person what they want in life and hopefully fall in love with a wonderful woman. Skin in the Game is about just that a football player that has come home to help his father figure coach the high school football team until he can get back into the NFL after his tragic accident.
Cade Reynolds was the high school quarterback and then the NFL quarterback for the Texans until his caused him out of the game. From the moment that he saw this beautiful woman walk into the coffee he was intrigued with her it seemed that his body was calling for her. He needed to get her attention he needed to get her to notice him and the moment that she did he knew he needed her. Cade realized that she recognized him finally someone from his hometown recognized him. Only she looked familiar but he couldn’t for the life of him remember if he knew her.
Angela “Angie” Peterson is a high school math teacher and also the assistant coach for the high school team, Eagles. She loves math but she also has a knack for developing plays that work wonders since she spent lots of her time with her father seeing football games. When she was just a freshman she gave pointers to the high school quarterback, pointers that helped win the championship. Now here she was sitting in front of the man that she had a crush on since she was in high school and now he wanted to go out with her. Only he did not recognize her how could he she had totally changed she was no longer the geeky girl that she was in high school. Only that she doesn’t know the true reason why he is back home and when she finds out she is not going to like it.
When Cade and Angie get together for their so-called date they ravage each other. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other but Angie flees in the early morning. When Cade meets with the head coach that is recovering from a heart attack he finds out that even though the assistant coach is more than capable of being the head coach for three weeks it’s not possible. The other assistant is known for harassing and doesn’t want any problems while he is out and the football players will love to have an NFL quarterback as their coach. As the coach tells Cade about his assistant coach and how she is the one that develops the plays he learns her name and also that she is the math teacher but most importantly she is the one that helped them win the last Championship that the Eagles won since he was the high school quarterback. That’s the same woman that he slept with now he was going to be her boss and it was going to ruin everything.
Skin in the Game is an awesome read that had me enthralled from beginning to the very end. These two characters understood each other; they both had a passion for the game. Only that Angie needed to understand that at times the plays she put into play could have consequences they were not her fault that is part of the game. Cade was a very sweet caring man that wanted to get his career back but could he do it and take another dears friends job. The characters in this story are strong, fun, sexy and are made for each other. There are moments that I found myself laughing out loud and at times I wanted to strangle one of the characters. His comments to Angie were uncalled for clear harassment but the school systems are bizarre on how they handle situations. The story moves at a steady pace with highs and lows but it was all good. The internal dialogue of Cade and Angie was enlightening and sweet. The dialogue was great and the romance was perfect. The sexual chemistry was sizzling hot and so passionate. I loved how I was able to get lost in their romance and just shows the writing talent of Ms. Barbosa.
Skin in the Game is a wonderful journey where two people are so compatible that it was only a matter of time before they would get their happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
I do have to say that I really am not a sports fan; I’m not one to sit down for Sunday football or Monday night football or any other sports. But I do have to say give me a story about a sexy football player, an MMA fighter, a baseball or basketball player and I’m all in. To me all I’m seeing is lots of hunks trying to get a ball or beating the crap out of each other but in a story you get to know the person what they want in life and hopefully fall in love with a wonderful woman. Skin in the Game is about just that a football player that has come home to help his father figure coach the high school football team until he can get back into the NFL after his tragic accident.
Cade Reynolds was the high school quarterback and then the NFL quarterback for the Texans until his caused him out of the game. From the moment that he saw this beautiful woman walk into the coffee he was intrigued with her it seemed that his body was calling for her. He needed to get her attention he needed to get her to notice him and the moment that she did he knew he needed her. Cade realized that she recognized him finally someone from his hometown recognized him. Only she looked familiar but he couldn’t for the life of him remember if he knew her.
Angela “Angie” Peterson is a high school math teacher and also the assistant coach for the high school team, Eagles. She loves math but she also has a knack for developing plays that work wonders since she spent lots of her time with her father seeing football games. When she was just a freshman she gave pointers to the high school quarterback, pointers that helped win the championship. Now here she was sitting in front of the man that she had a crush on since she was in high school and now he wanted to go out with her. Only he did not recognize her how could he she had totally changed she was no longer the geeky girl that she was in high school. Only that she doesn’t know the true reason why he is back home and when she finds out she is not going to like it.
When Cade and Angie get together for their so-called date they ravage each other. They can’t seem to keep their hands off each other but Angie flees in the early morning. When Cade meets with the head coach that is recovering from a heart attack he finds out that even though the assistant coach is more than capable of being the head coach for three weeks it’s not possible. The other assistant is known for harassing and doesn’t want any problems while he is out and the football players will love to have an NFL quarterback as their coach. As the coach tells Cade about his assistant coach and how she is the one that develops the plays he learns her name and also that she is the math teacher but most importantly she is the one that helped them win the last Championship that the Eagles won since he was the high school quarterback. That’s the same woman that he slept with now he was going to be her boss and it was going to ruin everything.
Skin in the Game is an awesome read that had me enthralled from beginning to the very end. These two characters understood each other; they both had a passion for the game. Only that Angie needed to understand that at times the plays she put into play could have consequences they were not her fault that is part of the game. Cade was a very sweet caring man that wanted to get his career back but could he do it and take another dears friends job. The characters in this story are strong, fun, sexy and are made for each other. There are moments that I found myself laughing out loud and at times I wanted to strangle one of the characters. His comments to Angie were uncalled for clear harassment but the school systems are bizarre on how they handle situations. The story moves at a steady pace with highs and lows but it was all good. The internal dialogue of Cade and Angie was enlightening and sweet. The dialogue was great and the romance was perfect. The sexual chemistry was sizzling hot and so passionate. I loved how I was able to get lost in their romance and just shows the writing talent of Ms. Barbosa.
Skin in the Game is a wonderful journey where two people are so compatible that it was only a matter of time before they would get their happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in this series.
July 4, 2013
Are you ready for some football?!?!? I have been wilting from no football and counting the days till we start the 2013 season. So to help me through this football depression, I love to read sports romances! So when I find a new football romance, I usually snap it up and run for the touchdown!
Skin in the Game was a delight for the senses as it wasn't about an over confident player with a cocky attitude. Cade Reynolds has loved football since he was in high school. The only time the high school he attended made it to state and won was with him in the quarterback position. Make it to the NFL was his dream, but it came to a slow craw when a late hit takes him out for the season. Now back in Minnesota, Cade is helping out his former coach and pseudo father after he sustains a heart attack.
Angela Peterson knows everything about football. Born into a family of all boys, she knows her way around the game as good as any man. Quiet and mousey growing up, she helped Cade realize their problems as a team and helped behind the scenes get them to state. Now all grown up, she filled out in all the right places, teaches math at the high school and coaches the high school football team as an assistant. With the head coach recovering, she thinks she is stepping into the head coach shoes on the eve of the team going to state again, only to be sidelined when Cade shows up.

Unbeknownst to each other, the two shared a one night stand before the proverbial shit hits the fan over coaching. But Angie sees the night for what it is, a good time and is prepared to move on. Cade sees more and is ticked off she leaves in the night, preventing him from having the morning after. Angie knows who he is, but thinks he's in town trying out for the Vikings. Cade has no clue who Angie is until he meets with his old coach.
The two wrangle around each other while dealing with outside forces pulling them apart. Angie's life is wrapped up in this little town, while Cade will be off to the next team that will sign him after his injury. Conflict with another coach causes such an uproar you want to punch the guy. But in some ways I was lost on how fast this seemed to move. The timeline of the story seemed off with time passing that you didn't know went by.
The most play time we see is in a high school game, but never really on the field for Cade. You see Angie pull off a stunning play for the high school to win. Overall the magic of the team with Angie was amazing to see.
The conflict between the characters felt weak at times. Always pulling off "plays" in their life to fix things. It just seemed a little forced.
The two do steam up the sheets when they have a bed and fog up the room when they don't. The turmoil they feel is easily pushed to the side for passion.
Overall it was an enjoyable story, but I felt at times pushed to believe what I was being told when I felt very differently about what really happened.
For fun off the field, this was a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon waiting for the football season to start again.
Skin in the Game was a delight for the senses as it wasn't about an over confident player with a cocky attitude. Cade Reynolds has loved football since he was in high school. The only time the high school he attended made it to state and won was with him in the quarterback position. Make it to the NFL was his dream, but it came to a slow craw when a late hit takes him out for the season. Now back in Minnesota, Cade is helping out his former coach and pseudo father after he sustains a heart attack.
Angela Peterson knows everything about football. Born into a family of all boys, she knows her way around the game as good as any man. Quiet and mousey growing up, she helped Cade realize their problems as a team and helped behind the scenes get them to state. Now all grown up, she filled out in all the right places, teaches math at the high school and coaches the high school football team as an assistant. With the head coach recovering, she thinks she is stepping into the head coach shoes on the eve of the team going to state again, only to be sidelined when Cade shows up.

Unbeknownst to each other, the two shared a one night stand before the proverbial shit hits the fan over coaching. But Angie sees the night for what it is, a good time and is prepared to move on. Cade sees more and is ticked off she leaves in the night, preventing him from having the morning after. Angie knows who he is, but thinks he's in town trying out for the Vikings. Cade has no clue who Angie is until he meets with his old coach.
The two wrangle around each other while dealing with outside forces pulling them apart. Angie's life is wrapped up in this little town, while Cade will be off to the next team that will sign him after his injury. Conflict with another coach causes such an uproar you want to punch the guy. But in some ways I was lost on how fast this seemed to move. The timeline of the story seemed off with time passing that you didn't know went by.
The most play time we see is in a high school game, but never really on the field for Cade. You see Angie pull off a stunning play for the high school to win. Overall the magic of the team with Angie was amazing to see.
The conflict between the characters felt weak at times. Always pulling off "plays" in their life to fix things. It just seemed a little forced.
The two do steam up the sheets when they have a bed and fog up the room when they don't. The turmoil they feel is easily pushed to the side for passion.
Overall it was an enjoyable story, but I felt at times pushed to believe what I was being told when I felt very differently about what really happened.
For fun off the field, this was a good way to spend a Sunday afternoon waiting for the football season to start again.
June 3, 2013
I’m definitely not a sports person, especially when it comes to football. Sure, I do love a fit man in tight shorts, but I think that’s not the point of the game. With that being said, I liked the fact that Skin in the Game made me really appreciate the art of football and helped me understand a little bit about why people are so passionate about it. Here we’ve got two characters who love this game completely, one being a quarterback and the other writing the plays, so it great being in their heads and seeing the game through their eyes. Not only was the story line that revolve around football interesting, the characters were highly entertaining and the romance was sweet and the sexy scenes were downright sexy.
Angie is the odd woman out, so to speak, being a female who helps to coach a high school football team. She grew up watching football games with her father and learned the ins and out of the game from him, so she is pretty skilled at strategizing and writing out plays for her team. Being a geeky, unpopular teen, she definitely has some issues with self-esteem and falling in love, but I liked that Barbosa didn’t make her out to be annoying. She had her doubts about Cade and having a relationship with him, but she was also fiercely passionate about her job and I really liked that aspect of her personality. She has to deal with a lot of crap from her co-assistant coach, who I seriously hated, and was constantly under the microscope with the parents of the school, being that she’s from a small town, but I liked how she handled things and always managed to take things in stride.
Cade is such a sweetheart and a really nice guy. As he’s trying to get his career back after his shoulder injury, he agrees to help coach his old high school football team along with Angie. Cade was very supportive of Angie right from the start, whether she realized it or not, and he could easily see how awesome she was at coaching her team. I loved their dialogue and the way Cade basically swept her off her feet. I liked that he was never arrogant or self-centered, but really tried to understand Angie and focused on being with her. There wasn’t much to his character, he basically has to choose between playing for the Vikings or the Jets, while trying to figure out where his relationship with Angie is going. I felt like this was more about Angie than anything else, which was fine and all.
Skin in the Game has all the elements of a great romance novel – fun characters, witty dialogue, a plot line outside of the romance that had substance, and very juicy sexy times. I loved the awkward, funny moments and I also loved the sweet, intimate moments that this story was full of. I am definitely hoping for more books centered around this world from Jackie as there were a few secondary characters I would love to know more about. It’s a very fast, fun, and light read. Another excellent Brazen title that all readers can enjoy.
Angie is the odd woman out, so to speak, being a female who helps to coach a high school football team. She grew up watching football games with her father and learned the ins and out of the game from him, so she is pretty skilled at strategizing and writing out plays for her team. Being a geeky, unpopular teen, she definitely has some issues with self-esteem and falling in love, but I liked that Barbosa didn’t make her out to be annoying. She had her doubts about Cade and having a relationship with him, but she was also fiercely passionate about her job and I really liked that aspect of her personality. She has to deal with a lot of crap from her co-assistant coach, who I seriously hated, and was constantly under the microscope with the parents of the school, being that she’s from a small town, but I liked how she handled things and always managed to take things in stride.
Cade is such a sweetheart and a really nice guy. As he’s trying to get his career back after his shoulder injury, he agrees to help coach his old high school football team along with Angie. Cade was very supportive of Angie right from the start, whether she realized it or not, and he could easily see how awesome she was at coaching her team. I loved their dialogue and the way Cade basically swept her off her feet. I liked that he was never arrogant or self-centered, but really tried to understand Angie and focused on being with her. There wasn’t much to his character, he basically has to choose between playing for the Vikings or the Jets, while trying to figure out where his relationship with Angie is going. I felt like this was more about Angie than anything else, which was fine and all.
Skin in the Game has all the elements of a great romance novel – fun characters, witty dialogue, a plot line outside of the romance that had substance, and very juicy sexy times. I loved the awkward, funny moments and I also loved the sweet, intimate moments that this story was full of. I am definitely hoping for more books centered around this world from Jackie as there were a few secondary characters I would love to know more about. It’s a very fast, fun, and light read. Another excellent Brazen title that all readers can enjoy.
May 1, 2013
There once was a time when a freshman laid into the high school's star quarterback about poor plays that would ultimately cost them their championship if he didn't change the way they were playing. Now, years later, that quarterback is none other than NFL quarterback, Cade Reynolds. He still remembers that freshman firecracker who lit a fire under his butt in high school. He has no idea however, that that girl is now the hot chick he's ogling in the coffee shop.
I will admit that I am not a fan of football. I don't understand it first of all, and second, it bores me to tears. So I'm glad to say that there is little football time in this story, which may deter others, but for me, it was a good thing.
I found the characters to be likable. Even though Cade is an NFL player, he doesn't really have the "I'm hot sh*t" attitude. He's pretty down to earth and when his coach needs help with the high school football team while recovering from medical problems, Cade is right there to help out.
Angela was definitely an interesting character. She immediately recognizes Cade but when she realizes that her has no idea who she is, she isn't forthcoming to clue him in. Instead she plays along with him as if they've never met before. I thought it was funny that she was very uncomfortable with calling her father to let her know that she was going to be spending the weekend with Cade and that he would have to fend for himself. Yeah, she's in her late twenties but heck, even I'd be uncomfortable having that conversation with my father... and I've been married for 8 years. It's just weird. HaHa
"'Love you, too. Bye, Dad.' Angie pressed the end button on her cell, completing the most uncomfortable conversation she'd ever had. It was silly, of course. She was twenty-nine, not eighteen. But still... there was something about telling her father she was spending the weekend with Cade Reynolds-and knowing her dad knew exactly what they were doing together-that made he want to crawl into a hole and die."
This is the first book by Jackie that I've read but I hope that she turns this into a series. I think it would be interesting to follow Warren Harris who is one of Cade's best friends, who's also a NFL quarterback who's recovering from an injury.
Favorite part...
"None of that 'Oh, I'm not hungry; I'll just have a salad' crap so many woman pulled, as if he'd think they were less attractive somehow if they ate like real human beings. Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, what was the point in taking a woman out for dinner if she didn't like food?"
I will admit that I am not a fan of football. I don't understand it first of all, and second, it bores me to tears. So I'm glad to say that there is little football time in this story, which may deter others, but for me, it was a good thing.
I found the characters to be likable. Even though Cade is an NFL player, he doesn't really have the "I'm hot sh*t" attitude. He's pretty down to earth and when his coach needs help with the high school football team while recovering from medical problems, Cade is right there to help out.
Angela was definitely an interesting character. She immediately recognizes Cade but when she realizes that her has no idea who she is, she isn't forthcoming to clue him in. Instead she plays along with him as if they've never met before. I thought it was funny that she was very uncomfortable with calling her father to let her know that she was going to be spending the weekend with Cade and that he would have to fend for himself. Yeah, she's in her late twenties but heck, even I'd be uncomfortable having that conversation with my father... and I've been married for 8 years. It's just weird. HaHa
"'Love you, too. Bye, Dad.' Angie pressed the end button on her cell, completing the most uncomfortable conversation she'd ever had. It was silly, of course. She was twenty-nine, not eighteen. But still... there was something about telling her father she was spending the weekend with Cade Reynolds-and knowing her dad knew exactly what they were doing together-that made he want to crawl into a hole and die."
This is the first book by Jackie that I've read but I hope that she turns this into a series. I think it would be interesting to follow Warren Harris who is one of Cade's best friends, who's also a NFL quarterback who's recovering from an injury.
Favorite part...
"None of that 'Oh, I'm not hungry; I'll just have a salad' crap so many woman pulled, as if he'd think they were less attractive somehow if they ate like real human beings. Nothing could be further from the truth. After all, what was the point in taking a woman out for dinner if she didn't like food?"
May 26, 2013
My Rant: Skin in the Game was erotic and sensual. Cade was mouth watering hot. This man knew how to push your buttons in a good way. Cade was unadulterated sexy muscle build athlete that knows how to turn a woman into mush by the things he would say and the way he takes his time at doing the things he did, completely made me drool over him. He completely aimed to please and set out to do just that when he met Angela
Angela was strong, independent and smart. She worked hard to get where she was in her career and she would destroy anyone that stood in her way. But what I liked most about her, as a character was that she was real with herself and the people that are around her. But when her childhood crush comes back into town that completely knocked her off her game especially when she realizes that he is infatuated with her.
The romance between the characters kicks off at the beginning of the book and it seems that their relationship is going to be a smooth sailing until the author throws a twist into the plot, which completely throws you off guard. Cade and Angela are squaring off at each other and it doesn’t help that they both have their own personal issues to deal with.
Cade want to get his career back on track with the NFL but cant help but keep his promise to his coach and longtime friend but in keeping his promise he has to do the unthinkable and keep Angela at bay when he wants her so bad. How Ironic is that. Angela on the other hand, dream is to be the head coach of the Harper Fall Eagles but Cade is in her way. She loves and hates him but she cannot deny the chemistry they have between each other but she is not going to give in to Cade who is now the man than stands in her way to completing her dream.
This author completely keeps you attached to the book. You are reading the POV of both characters so you know how they feel about their issues, obstacles and infatuation with each other. Which was just amazing. I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds. She pulls you into to the characters where you are immersed in their lives, you feel what they feel and you connect with the characters immediately. I enjoyed the authors writing style and I completely loved the story from beginning to end.
My Recommendation:
I rated this book 4 out of 5 Purple Rant Hearts. I loved this story and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a contemporary romance with two strong characters and some skin ( literally) in the game.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author, editor, publisher, or Promo Host. This is my honest opinion about this book and I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.
Angela was strong, independent and smart. She worked hard to get where she was in her career and she would destroy anyone that stood in her way. But what I liked most about her, as a character was that she was real with herself and the people that are around her. But when her childhood crush comes back into town that completely knocked her off her game especially when she realizes that he is infatuated with her.
The romance between the characters kicks off at the beginning of the book and it seems that their relationship is going to be a smooth sailing until the author throws a twist into the plot, which completely throws you off guard. Cade and Angela are squaring off at each other and it doesn’t help that they both have their own personal issues to deal with.
Cade want to get his career back on track with the NFL but cant help but keep his promise to his coach and longtime friend but in keeping his promise he has to do the unthinkable and keep Angela at bay when he wants her so bad. How Ironic is that. Angela on the other hand, dream is to be the head coach of the Harper Fall Eagles but Cade is in her way. She loves and hates him but she cannot deny the chemistry they have between each other but she is not going to give in to Cade who is now the man than stands in her way to completing her dream.
This author completely keeps you attached to the book. You are reading the POV of both characters so you know how they feel about their issues, obstacles and infatuation with each other. Which was just amazing. I felt like I was getting the best of both worlds. She pulls you into to the characters where you are immersed in their lives, you feel what they feel and you connect with the characters immediately. I enjoyed the authors writing style and I completely loved the story from beginning to end.
My Recommendation:
I rated this book 4 out of 5 Purple Rant Hearts. I loved this story and would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a contemporary romance with two strong characters and some skin ( literally) in the game.
FTC Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the author, editor, publisher, or Promo Host. This is my honest opinion about this book and I did not receive any monetary compensation for writing this review nor was I obligated to write a positive one.
June 17, 2013
My review can also be found on my blog:
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/06...
Skin in the Game is book #1 in Jackie Barbosa’s Play Action Series and this story definitely kicks the series of with a great start!
Angela Peterson can’t believe her eyes. Is that Cade Reynolds she sees sitting in her little hometown coffee shop? The very same Cade Reynolds NFL quarterback who she’d gone to high school with and had the biggest crush of her life on? What could he be doing back here? Before she can think of those answers, she finds herself sitting at the table with him and accepting an invitation to dinner…now she’s questioning of she should be upset that he didn’t recognize her from all those years ago. Guess she really had changed from the awkward, football fanatic teen he’d known back then.
Cade Reynolds, after being sidelined with an injury, is back in his hometown and ready to help coach his old high school football team at the request of the coach who’d practically raised him. It feels good to be back and feels even better to have met the beautiful blond at the coffee shop this morning. He has a nagging feeling he knows her from somewhere but surely he wouldn’t have forgotten a woman like her. Maybe he can learn more about the sexy high school math teacher over dinner….or room service if he has anything to say about it.
Well, the fates certainly have surprises in store for Cade and Angie. When they realize their history and realize they will both be coaching the football team, sparks start to fly. Their chemistry is undeniable and now, being thrown into a situation where they see each other and work together, they will have to decide if they have something between them worth throwing a pass at. With emotions, and careers at stake, hopefully it won’t end in a fumble.
What a great take on a contemporary romance! I adored the sporty spin on things! It was a fresh and interesting story packed with emotions, sexiness and fun. I really enjoyed Cade and Angie as characters and the chemistry between them was done just right. She wasn’t a starry-eyed gal mooning over the larger than life sports star Cade has become and Cade wasn’t a self-absorbed jock. He was humble when needed most and was really a heart-warming hero. The ending was absolutely perfect and played out like a chick flick and I loved it! Well done, Jackie!
If you’re looking for sweet and sassy with a sporty spin on romance, then definitely pick this book up! Thank you, Ms. Barbosa, for a great read!
*I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
http://www.read-love-blog.com/2013/06...
Skin in the Game is book #1 in Jackie Barbosa’s Play Action Series and this story definitely kicks the series of with a great start!
Angela Peterson can’t believe her eyes. Is that Cade Reynolds she sees sitting in her little hometown coffee shop? The very same Cade Reynolds NFL quarterback who she’d gone to high school with and had the biggest crush of her life on? What could he be doing back here? Before she can think of those answers, she finds herself sitting at the table with him and accepting an invitation to dinner…now she’s questioning of she should be upset that he didn’t recognize her from all those years ago. Guess she really had changed from the awkward, football fanatic teen he’d known back then.
Cade Reynolds, after being sidelined with an injury, is back in his hometown and ready to help coach his old high school football team at the request of the coach who’d practically raised him. It feels good to be back and feels even better to have met the beautiful blond at the coffee shop this morning. He has a nagging feeling he knows her from somewhere but surely he wouldn’t have forgotten a woman like her. Maybe he can learn more about the sexy high school math teacher over dinner….or room service if he has anything to say about it.
Well, the fates certainly have surprises in store for Cade and Angie. When they realize their history and realize they will both be coaching the football team, sparks start to fly. Their chemistry is undeniable and now, being thrown into a situation where they see each other and work together, they will have to decide if they have something between them worth throwing a pass at. With emotions, and careers at stake, hopefully it won’t end in a fumble.
What a great take on a contemporary romance! I adored the sporty spin on things! It was a fresh and interesting story packed with emotions, sexiness and fun. I really enjoyed Cade and Angie as characters and the chemistry between them was done just right. She wasn’t a starry-eyed gal mooning over the larger than life sports star Cade has become and Cade wasn’t a self-absorbed jock. He was humble when needed most and was really a heart-warming hero. The ending was absolutely perfect and played out like a chick flick and I loved it! Well done, Jackie!
If you’re looking for sweet and sassy with a sporty spin on romance, then definitely pick this book up! Thank you, Ms. Barbosa, for a great read!
*I received a copy of this ebook in exchange for an honest review
June 1, 2013
Cade is only back in town for a couple of weeks as a favor to his old high school coach and to give him time to finish healing from an injury. He's still hoping to get back to being the quarterback for an NFL team but owes the man who was a surrogate father to him the world. He's intrigued by a woman he meets while out for coffee and they engage in an incredible one night stand. He's not happy when he wakes up the next morning and she's run off but when he finds out that she's the assistant coach for the football team he's supposed to be head coach for he just can't believe his luck. It starts out with him being a bit pissed off and wanting to get even with her for leaving him but as he spends more time around her he's a goner. He's smart, alpha and yet has enough sense to figure out what is truly important in life. I loved how he took other people's thoughts and future in to consideration before he made a decision except in typical romance land fashion… neglects to complete think his decisions through and their impact on the heroine. He's redeemed though as he never hid anything from her but he just needed a nudge to do the right thing.
Angela has always had a thing for Cade but back in high school she was always the nerdy girl who happened to be big in to sports and he was the high school star quarterback that was nice enough to let her talk about how the team could improve. She's always wanted to be the head coach and is not too happy when Cade comes in to take over the team while the head coach is out for health issues. She's used to fighting the prejudice that comes with being a female trying to coach a male dominated sport but she's smart and has a natural head for the game. She decides that the one night stand she had with him should be it for them but as Cade keeps pushing for more and more time with her she can't help but indulge. After all she knows he is really trying to get back in the NFL and she just won't fit in there as she only wants to stay in their small hometown and coach for the team she loves. She's got an entertaining father and some issues with believing in herself but this isn't a turn off and isn't something that feels like whining. She's very practical and does have trouble taking help but when it is offered in such a way that it makes sense she's willing to back off and listen.
This was a very nice read that I have to thank Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for. I loved the story and appreciated the chance to read it in exchange for my honest review.
Angela has always had a thing for Cade but back in high school she was always the nerdy girl who happened to be big in to sports and he was the high school star quarterback that was nice enough to let her talk about how the team could improve. She's always wanted to be the head coach and is not too happy when Cade comes in to take over the team while the head coach is out for health issues. She's used to fighting the prejudice that comes with being a female trying to coach a male dominated sport but she's smart and has a natural head for the game. She decides that the one night stand she had with him should be it for them but as Cade keeps pushing for more and more time with her she can't help but indulge. After all she knows he is really trying to get back in the NFL and she just won't fit in there as she only wants to stay in their small hometown and coach for the team she loves. She's got an entertaining father and some issues with believing in herself but this isn't a turn off and isn't something that feels like whining. She's very practical and does have trouble taking help but when it is offered in such a way that it makes sense she's willing to back off and listen.
This was a very nice read that I have to thank Entangled Publishing and NetGalley for. I loved the story and appreciated the chance to read it in exchange for my honest review.
May 2, 2013
3.5 stars!
In high school, Angela Peterson wasn't tall and gorgeous and she crushed on the high school quarterback just like everyone else. He only noticed her because she gave him some well timed advice that helped him go on to win the championship and eventually make a career out of football.
Years later, she's the gorgeous woman who Cade singles out at the local coffee shop and invites out... not knowing who she is, but sensing he should know her.
Cade has struggled over the last few years. A shoulder injury has kept him out of the game and he's returned to Harper Falls, MN as a favor to his high school coach... Help run his team while he's dealing with some medical issues.
What he didn't realize is that the girl he invited back to his hotel and spent one incredible night with, is the same girl who is planning on filling in as head coach herself... hopefully making the position hers permanently when the real coach retires.
There isn't a whole lot to this book to be honest. I read the whole thing in less than 2 hours, and at one point I looked to see how long it was and I was surprisingly already at about 60%.
That said, the story was fun and light and other than a few dramatic moments was fairly sweet and even though a bit predictable, I liked it.
I really liked both Angie and Cade in this one and their chemistry was believable. It was definitely wonderful to see an author not pigeonhole her female lead. Angie was incredibly smart and analytical which made her job as a math teacher and a coach on the football team nice to see. What I didn't like was the lack of action on her part when she was harassed by the other assistant coach. I mean, I get it, her explanation makes sense, but to see her stand by and ignore what he was doing left a bad taste in my mouth.
I've said before that I really enjoy the Brazen line from Entangled and this story is no different. I'm pretty sure I'll be reading each and every one! Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for something with wonderful chemistry and steam between the characters and a bit of football talk on the side.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
In high school, Angela Peterson wasn't tall and gorgeous and she crushed on the high school quarterback just like everyone else. He only noticed her because she gave him some well timed advice that helped him go on to win the championship and eventually make a career out of football.
Years later, she's the gorgeous woman who Cade singles out at the local coffee shop and invites out... not knowing who she is, but sensing he should know her.
Cade has struggled over the last few years. A shoulder injury has kept him out of the game and he's returned to Harper Falls, MN as a favor to his high school coach... Help run his team while he's dealing with some medical issues.
What he didn't realize is that the girl he invited back to his hotel and spent one incredible night with, is the same girl who is planning on filling in as head coach herself... hopefully making the position hers permanently when the real coach retires.
There isn't a whole lot to this book to be honest. I read the whole thing in less than 2 hours, and at one point I looked to see how long it was and I was surprisingly already at about 60%.
That said, the story was fun and light and other than a few dramatic moments was fairly sweet and even though a bit predictable, I liked it.
I really liked both Angie and Cade in this one and their chemistry was believable. It was definitely wonderful to see an author not pigeonhole her female lead. Angie was incredibly smart and analytical which made her job as a math teacher and a coach on the football team nice to see. What I didn't like was the lack of action on her part when she was harassed by the other assistant coach. I mean, I get it, her explanation makes sense, but to see her stand by and ignore what he was doing left a bad taste in my mouth.
I've said before that I really enjoy the Brazen line from Entangled and this story is no different. I'm pretty sure I'll be reading each and every one! Definitely pick this one up if you're looking for something with wonderful chemistry and steam between the characters and a bit of football talk on the side.
Thank you to Netgalley and Entangled for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This review can be found on my blog, Fic Fare:
May 6, 2013
I was provided this ARC in return for an honest review
4 Fun Stars
A fresh take on the game of football with our heroine, Angie, a savvy Asst.Coach at her former High School. Not only is Angie a whiz at strategies and plays in football, but she just happens to be a smart, caring, and gorgeous gal who honestly has no idea just what a catch she is.
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These two meet by accident in a coffee shop and are drawn to one another for very different reasons: She knows exactly who he is: the NFL football hero of her town, and the guy she crushed on in HS. But she's 29 now, and a High School teacher. Cade is recovering from an injury
but sees this gorgeous blonde and wants more than coffee from her.
Cade has no idea she's the geeky kid from high school who saucily told him how to make HIS team better and win the State Championship. Angie wants Cade and Cade wants Angie. And they both indulge in a very sensual evening together, even though Angie knows it's only for one night. Or so she thinks.
The plot thickens as Angie finds out that her coach, who is ill with his heart, has brought Cade in to be the Interim coach. Angie is furious, hurt, confused, and well...pissed! Cade, on the other hand, just can't wait to get in her panties again, which just doesn't seem to happen fast enough for him.
Their story only covers a 3 week period but I enjoyed it. Angie was not a wimpy, needy gal; and Cade was a guy who knew what he wanted and when to stop and re-evaluate his decisions.
Not a heavy, emotional story, but a quick, enjoyable read and I'm hoping there will be a sequel based on the epilogue.
Great HEA for these two! Read and enjoy for the fun of it!
4 Fun Stars
A fresh take on the game of football with our heroine, Angie, a savvy Asst.Coach at her former High School. Not only is Angie a whiz at strategies and plays in football, but she just happens to be a smart, caring, and gorgeous gal who honestly has no idea just what a catch she is.
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These two meet by accident in a coffee shop and are drawn to one another for very different reasons: She knows exactly who he is: the NFL football hero of her town, and the guy she crushed on in HS. But she's 29 now, and a High School teacher. Cade is recovering from an injury
but sees this gorgeous blonde and wants more than coffee from her.
Cade has no idea she's the geeky kid from high school who saucily told him how to make HIS team better and win the State Championship. Angie wants Cade and Cade wants Angie. And they both indulge in a very sensual evening together, even though Angie knows it's only for one night. Or so she thinks.
The plot thickens as Angie finds out that her coach, who is ill with his heart, has brought Cade in to be the Interim coach. Angie is furious, hurt, confused, and well...pissed! Cade, on the other hand, just can't wait to get in her panties again, which just doesn't seem to happen fast enough for him.
Their story only covers a 3 week period but I enjoyed it. Angie was not a wimpy, needy gal; and Cade was a guy who knew what he wanted and when to stop and re-evaluate his decisions.
Not a heavy, emotional story, but a quick, enjoyable read and I'm hoping there will be a sequel based on the epilogue.
Great HEA for these two! Read and enjoy for the fun of it!
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