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Taking Shots #2
Anatomy of a Player
This bad boy is about to get played…
After getting her heart broken by a player again, Whitney Porter is done with men. She's focusing on her future career and her first assignment at the college newspaper: Posing as a sports writer for an exposé on the extra perks jocks receive. But Hudson Decker, the bad boy of the hockey team, is about to test her resolve. To keep herself from breaking her no-sex rule with the temptingly tattooed athlete, she decides to use him for a side project: Anatomy of a Player, to help Whitney—and women everywhere—spot a player, learn what makes him tick, and how to avoid falling for one.
With his life spiraling out of control, Hudson Decker's looking for a distraction. When his teammates bet him that he can't land the gorgeous but prickly new reporter, he accepts the challenge, boasting he'll have her in bed by the end of the semester. But Whitney is so much more than Hudson expected, and soon enough, he's in too deep. The last thing he needs is another complication, but staying away isn't an option. One thing's for certain: this girl totally throws him off his game.
After getting her heart broken by a player again, Whitney Porter is done with men. She's focusing on her future career and her first assignment at the college newspaper: Posing as a sports writer for an exposé on the extra perks jocks receive. But Hudson Decker, the bad boy of the hockey team, is about to test her resolve. To keep herself from breaking her no-sex rule with the temptingly tattooed athlete, she decides to use him for a side project: Anatomy of a Player, to help Whitney—and women everywhere—spot a player, learn what makes him tick, and how to avoid falling for one.
With his life spiraling out of control, Hudson Decker's looking for a distraction. When his teammates bet him that he can't land the gorgeous but prickly new reporter, he accepts the challenge, boasting he'll have her in bed by the end of the semester. But Whitney is so much more than Hudson expected, and soon enough, he's in too deep. The last thing he needs is another complication, but staying away isn't an option. One thing's for certain: this girl totally throws him off his game.
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First published January 25, 2016
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About the author
Cindi Madsen
65 books2,257 followersCindi Madsen is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance and young adult novels. She sits at her computer every chance she gets, plotting, revising, and falling in love with her characters. She loves music and dancing and wishes summer lasted all year long. She lives in Colorado (where summer is most definitely NOT all year long) with her husband and three children. She and her family also take their Marvel addiction very seriously, as their one-eyed cat, Agent Fury, and their kitty named Valkyrie can attest.
You can visit Cindi at: www.cindimadsen.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter to get all the up-to-date information on her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 279 reviews
November 7, 2016
3 Stars
Anatomy of a Player is much better compared to the first book of the series. However, it took me a while to warm up to the story.
The book follows journalism student Whitney Porter and ice hockey player Hudson Decker. After getting Whitney's heart broken by her cheating ex, she swore to never fall in love again with guys-- most especially athletes. When she met hockey star Hudson though, her plans to avoid athletes failed. It's difficult to resist a sexy, tatted, and packed-with-abs guy who knows how to treat her right. When she knew she's about to fall for him, that's the time when conflict began. Dating him is not an option because she's also secretly working for an article that may destroy Hudson's hockey life.
The writing once again especially awed me. It was good! There was also an angst here which made me like it. However, Whitney turned me off. She was weak for a character. And she didn't fail to annoy me most of the time. For once, she was so full of drama and the way she treated Hudson at the first few chapters was immature.
While I loved that there were also conflicts, I found the story packed with too many issues and problems and that's just so frustrating.
1. Hudson has mommy issues.
2. Hudson is having academic problems.
3. Hudson has a bet with his teammates that he can get Whitney to sleep with him.
4. Whitney has relationship issues.
5. Whitney is secretly writing an article that may hurt Hudson.
Yep, too many issues.
As a whole, The Anatomy of a Player was just okay. It could have been a lovable NA romance book if there weren't too many issues that ruined my enjoyment.
Anatomy of a Player is much better compared to the first book of the series. However, it took me a while to warm up to the story.
The book follows journalism student Whitney Porter and ice hockey player Hudson Decker. After getting Whitney's heart broken by her cheating ex, she swore to never fall in love again with guys-- most especially athletes. When she met hockey star Hudson though, her plans to avoid athletes failed. It's difficult to resist a sexy, tatted, and packed-with-abs guy who knows how to treat her right. When she knew she's about to fall for him, that's the time when conflict began. Dating him is not an option because she's also secretly working for an article that may destroy Hudson's hockey life.
The writing once again especially awed me. It was good! There was also an angst here which made me like it. However, Whitney turned me off. She was weak for a character. And she didn't fail to annoy me most of the time. For once, she was so full of drama and the way she treated Hudson at the first few chapters was immature.
While I loved that there were also conflicts, I found the story packed with too many issues and problems and that's just so frustrating.
1. Hudson has mommy issues.
2. Hudson is having academic problems.
3. Hudson has a bet with his teammates that he can get Whitney to sleep with him.
4. Whitney has relationship issues.
5. Whitney is secretly writing an article that may hurt Hudson.
Yep, too many issues.
As a whole, The Anatomy of a Player was just okay. It could have been a lovable NA romance book if there weren't too many issues that ruined my enjoyment.
January 25, 2016
ARC received via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"I realized that when you love someone, you show up when they need you, because you need them right back."
Where do I even start with how amazing and enjoying this read was? I loved it!!! It reminded me a bit of The Friend Zone (Game on #2) and that's one of my favourite books, ever! So, I think it's safe to say that this book is really good.
I was so relieved when I saw that the book is told by both, Whitney and Hudson. You get both their thought, feelings and you can definitely better understand why they say or do things that they do. I'm not sure I would believe Hudson's feelings for Whitney, had there not been the double POV. What I also enjoyed about this book is that it has it's funny moments.
“Stop what?”
“Looking at me like I’m adorable.” He circled the air between him and the dino. “I’m badass, my dinosaurs are badass.”
The secondary characters were quite likable and I loved that they didn't 'steal' the couples limelight. This book is mainly about the couple and not about thousand other things, like in some other books that I've read. I loved that, since I could really connect to them and their story.
I know some of you might be thinking 'Oh, another story where the jock makes a bet and still gets the girl.' Well...you'd be thinking correctly. But what you're probably wrong about is thinking that Hudson had it easy. Oh no, there was nothing easy about getting the hot new reporter girl. He really had to bust his ass to get her and the hardest part was how to make her stay. Because let's face it, the boy was falling hard and fast! And you know another thing, I freaking loved it! ;)
"I was going to have the worst case of blue balls ever, and I still wanted her to stay. Again I wondered what the hell this girl had done to me—and then I wondered how I could get her to keep on doing it."
These two could really get at each others throats but they also had their sweet moments that made me love them even more. There were times where I wondered how their secrets affected their relationship and how would they come out of this big mess unscathed. Both had so much guilt over what they were really doing, especially Hudson.
Speaking of wants, more than anything I wanted to forget the stupid bet existed in the first place. For the most part, I did, because when I was with Whitney it was the last thing on my mind. Every time I thought about it, though, self-loathing climbed up and sat on my chest. I never should’ve made that stupid bet.
In the end, those two had to face their decisions and mistakes and hope it wasn't too late to save what they've build. There was heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness and love that made your heart beat just a little faster.
All in all, a wonderful read!
Safety-gang:Overall safe but there might be triggers.
"I realized that when you love someone, you show up when they need you, because you need them right back."
Where do I even start with how amazing and enjoying this read was? I loved it!!! It reminded me a bit of The Friend Zone (Game on #2) and that's one of my favourite books, ever! So, I think it's safe to say that this book is really good.
I was so relieved when I saw that the book is told by both, Whitney and Hudson. You get both their thought, feelings and you can definitely better understand why they say or do things that they do. I'm not sure I would believe Hudson's feelings for Whitney, had there not been the double POV. What I also enjoyed about this book is that it has it's funny moments.
“Stop what?”
“Looking at me like I’m adorable.” He circled the air between him and the dino. “I’m badass, my dinosaurs are badass.”
The secondary characters were quite likable and I loved that they didn't 'steal' the couples limelight. This book is mainly about the couple and not about thousand other things, like in some other books that I've read. I loved that, since I could really connect to them and their story.
I know some of you might be thinking 'Oh, another story where the jock makes a bet and still gets the girl.' Well...you'd be thinking correctly. But what you're probably wrong about is thinking that Hudson had it easy. Oh no, there was nothing easy about getting the hot new reporter girl. He really had to bust his ass to get her and the hardest part was how to make her stay. Because let's face it, the boy was falling hard and fast! And you know another thing, I freaking loved it! ;)
"I was going to have the worst case of blue balls ever, and I still wanted her to stay. Again I wondered what the hell this girl had done to me—and then I wondered how I could get her to keep on doing it."
These two could really get at each others throats but they also had their sweet moments that made me love them even more. There were times where I wondered how their secrets affected their relationship and how would they come out of this big mess unscathed. Both had so much guilt over what they were really doing, especially Hudson.
Speaking of wants, more than anything I wanted to forget the stupid bet existed in the first place. For the most part, I did, because when I was with Whitney it was the last thing on my mind. Every time I thought about it, though, self-loathing climbed up and sat on my chest. I never should’ve made that stupid bet.
In the end, those two had to face their decisions and mistakes and hope it wasn't too late to save what they've build. There was heartbreak, betrayal, forgiveness and love that made your heart beat just a little faster.
All in all, a wonderful read!
Safety-gang:Overall safe but there might be triggers.
July 30, 2017
2.5 Stars
Overall Opinion: This was ok. Yep. That about sums it up. I found myself bored and wanting something to happen, but sadly for the most part I felt like that "something" never came. It was super predictable. Don't get me wrong -- I wasn't expecting something deep here, but I wanted more. I don't think I'll remember this down the road. That along with the fact that I skimmed some, I'm going to go with the 2.5 star rating.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Whitney and Hudson's story. Whitney just got out of a relationship with a player, and has sworn off men. When she decides to go out for the school paper she proposes to write about players, but is asked to write about certain perks that the college give athletes instead. This is where she officially meets Hudson, because he is one of the star players of the hockey team. She goes in a sort of disguise in order to hopefully prevent the athletes from hitting on her, but it doesn't stop Hudson. He is instantly intruiged by her. But after a humiliating rejection of his advances, his teammates make a bet with him that he can't sleep with her by the end of the semester. That's all I'll say for that, but know that there are some cute times, some funny times, a few sexy times, and some frustrating times...and the couple get their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Whitney and Hudson's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not so great. Slow. I wanted to skim a good bit, but refrained from doing so a lot of the time. They took forever to actually get together, then they had their conflict, then they were back together, and then it was over. I wanted some time with them as an actual couple.
Instalove: No. I felt like there was adequate time in their development of feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Hudson. I liked him, but he really needed to talk with his friends and change his circumstances in regards to the bet and his school work.
h rating: 3 stars. Whitney. She was determined to become a reporter, and I found that admirable. I also liked how she focused on writing about both sides of the story. I just wish that she was better at communicating at times.
Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues for this book
Heat level: Low. Low in quantity and moderate in quality
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are mentioned
OW/OM drama:Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, we do get glimpses into H history before they hook-up in the form of evidence of ONS with OW when he wakes up with a hang over.
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more. I think a jump ahead epilogue would've been great. I would call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: Safe with exception
Overall Opinion: This was ok. Yep. That about sums it up. I found myself bored and wanting something to happen, but sadly for the most part I felt like that "something" never came. It was super predictable. Don't get me wrong -- I wasn't expecting something deep here, but I wanted more. I don't think I'll remember this down the road. That along with the fact that I skimmed some, I'm going to go with the 2.5 star rating.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Whitney and Hudson's story. Whitney just got out of a relationship with a player, and has sworn off men. When she decides to go out for the school paper she proposes to write about players, but is asked to write about certain perks that the college give athletes instead. This is where she officially meets Hudson, because he is one of the star players of the hockey team. She goes in a sort of disguise in order to hopefully prevent the athletes from hitting on her, but it doesn't stop Hudson. He is instantly intruiged by her. But after a humiliating rejection of his advances, his teammates make a bet with him that he can't sleep with her by the end of the semester. That's all I'll say for that, but know that there are some cute times, some funny times, a few sexy times, and some frustrating times...and the couple get their HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Whitney and Hudson's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Not so great. Slow. I wanted to skim a good bit, but refrained from doing so a lot of the time. They took forever to actually get together, then they had their conflict, then they were back together, and then it was over. I wanted some time with them as an actual couple.
Instalove: No. I felt like there was adequate time in their development of feelings.
H rating: 3.5 stars. Hudson. I liked him, but he really needed to talk with his friends and change his circumstances in regards to the bet and his school work.
h rating: 3 stars. Whitney. She was determined to become a reporter, and I found that admirable. I also liked how she focused on writing about both sides of the story. I just wish that she was better at communicating at times.
Sadness level: Low. I didn't need any tissues for this book
Heat level: Low. Low in quantity and moderate in quality
Descriptive sex: Yes.
Safe sex: Yes. Condoms are mentioned
OW/OM drama:Not really
Sex scene with OW or OM: No, we do get glimpses into H history before they hook-up in the form of evidence of ONS with OW when he wakes up with a hang over.
Cheating:
Possible Triggers:
Closure: This had ok closure, but I wanted more. I think a jump ahead epilogue would've been great. I would call it a HFN ending.
How I got it: I paid the $3.99 on Amazon.
Safety: Safe with exception
January 21, 2016
Surely, most of you remember that late 90's teen movie She's all that starring Freddy Prince Jr. and Rachel Leigh Cook? And you probably know How to lose a guy in 10 days starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson? This book is basically a mixture of those two, only set in college.
Whitney, an ambitious journalism student, gets assigned as the new sports reporter for the college newspaper - officially following and writing about the local Hockey team and their games, but unofficially trying to investigate how jocks are being treated differently from the "normal" student body. In her line of work, Whitney meets Hudson, a talented player in all senses of the word. All his charms and innuendos are lost on her, though - Whitney has sworn off players completely after her last ugly break-up.
Hudson is struggling at college. Between classes, training, games and family drama, he barely finds time to study in order to keep the scholarship that helped him escape from his shitty home life. Slowly but surely, he's losing his motivation. What he needs is a new challenge - and he finds it in the form of the seemingly uptight new reporter who shoots down his advances every chance she gets. When his best friend Dane bets Hudson won't get Whitney into bed until the end of the semester, it's not only his pride that's on stake.
But what happens when lines start blurring, unwelcome feelings start developing and consciences start piping up?
This is one of those times I really wish I could give half stars. It wasn't quite a 4 star read for me, but 3 stars don't seem enough, either.
What I can say is, I really enjoyed this book. The main characters were so relatable and loveable. I can't recall one moment I was annoyed or frustrated by any of them, and that's something that hardly ever happens to me. Sure, there was quite a bit of the typical NA angst and drama, but considering the rather fanciful premise, the execution felt surprisingly realistic to me.
Whitney isn't a drooling mess when it comes to Hudson. Hudson doesn't change from man-hoe to boyfriend material in the blink of an eye. The characters' actions and reactions, their developments, the relationships, the dialogues - it all felt... authentic.
Unfortunately, while that made for a refreshingly genuine story, it also had its impact on the pacing, which is my main point of criticism. The story was pretty slow-going, which was totally fine by me most of the time as there was a lot to tell, and I don't need constant action when I'm enjoying a cute romance, but sometimes it just dragged along and I almost started skimming once or twice. I didn't, though, and I'm glad for it, too.
This is a cute and funny little college romance. Nothing particularly unique in the genre, but enjoyable all the same. And I freaking loved the ending.
It is the second book in the Taking Shots series by Cindi Madsen. I haven't read the first one, but I never felt lost. Anatomy of a Player can be read as a standalone.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2019
DNF
This book really not working for me. I thought its going to be rom com NA romance. But it turns out too much explanation/dragging on the insight/ self conversation and nothing much on character conversation.
I even managed to ignore some part of the audiobook while i was eating my lunch. Its that dragging. I keep waiting for climax/ moment but i feel nothing happens.
2 stars
This book really not working for me. I thought its going to be rom com NA romance. But it turns out too much explanation/dragging on the insight/ self conversation and nothing much on character conversation.
I even managed to ignore some part of the audiobook while i was eating my lunch. Its that dragging. I keep waiting for climax/ moment but i feel nothing happens.
2 stars
February 8, 2016
Oh boy, this was one long, seemingly laborious read.
For a long time I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with this book. I liked the characters. College Barbie has had her heart broken one too many times, swears off men, wants to be taken seriously for her contribution to journalism, and decides to write an expose on the special treatment athletes get in College.
Ken-doll (a.k.a hockey player Hudson) is a man whore to the nth degree, never wanting anything more than a casual hook up from his legion of devoted (female) fans. Of course as College Barbie (Whitney) begins her "research" she is thrown into the path of the ultimate player, Hudson, and the game to out play one another begins.
But I couldn't figure out why I was putting the book down every few pages. ... until it hit me like a rom-com brick in the head: I already knew everything that was going to happen. There was nothing new here at all. The characters were simple stereotypes, the passion was about as layered as candy floss on a hot day, the scenarios have all been done a thousand times since the 60's, and the reader can see how it'll all end before the third chapter even begins.
That being said, if you're new to the genre, I think you'd love this book. It's fun and well paced and has enough angsty self-dialogue to indulge any fan of feisty heroines falling for the tough manwhore on campus.
That's why I'm giving it a solid three stars because even though (for me) it was an experience in procrastination (I got a lot of laundry done while reading this book) I still think it's a fun, sweet and simple read for those who don't mind heaps and heaps of traditional, tried and true formula scenarios being thrown together in one book.
These include, but are not limited to: mistaken identies, locker room bets to bed the blonde, creepy lurkers, vengeful exes, bad parents, childhood traumas, sexualised halloween costumes, tv watching on the couch, besties giving absolutely no helpful advice whatsoever, and exaggerated gestures of love which, for the most part, are completely out of character. So you know, all the good stuff... sort of.
For a long time I couldn't put my finger on what was wrong with this book. I liked the characters. College Barbie has had her heart broken one too many times, swears off men, wants to be taken seriously for her contribution to journalism, and decides to write an expose on the special treatment athletes get in College.
Ken-doll (a.k.a hockey player Hudson) is a man whore to the nth degree, never wanting anything more than a casual hook up from his legion of devoted (female) fans. Of course as College Barbie (Whitney) begins her "research" she is thrown into the path of the ultimate player, Hudson, and the game to out play one another begins.
But I couldn't figure out why I was putting the book down every few pages. ... until it hit me like a rom-com brick in the head: I already knew everything that was going to happen. There was nothing new here at all. The characters were simple stereotypes, the passion was about as layered as candy floss on a hot day, the scenarios have all been done a thousand times since the 60's, and the reader can see how it'll all end before the third chapter even begins.
That being said, if you're new to the genre, I think you'd love this book. It's fun and well paced and has enough angsty self-dialogue to indulge any fan of feisty heroines falling for the tough manwhore on campus.
That's why I'm giving it a solid three stars because even though (for me) it was an experience in procrastination (I got a lot of laundry done while reading this book) I still think it's a fun, sweet and simple read for those who don't mind heaps and heaps of traditional, tried and true formula scenarios being thrown together in one book.
These include, but are not limited to: mistaken identies, locker room bets to bed the blonde, creepy lurkers, vengeful exes, bad parents, childhood traumas, sexualised halloween costumes, tv watching on the couch, besties giving absolutely no helpful advice whatsoever, and exaggerated gestures of love which, for the most part, are completely out of character. So you know, all the good stuff... sort of.
January 17, 2016
This book is a typical young adult romance. It follows the same lines as many of the other books in that genre I have read. While this book was very enjoyable and entertaining, it was also very predictable. I personally need a little bit incentive with unpredictable situations and conversations to keep me engaged.
I did enjoy the characters and the development of the male lead, Hudson. It was fun watching him as he realized his feelings for her and I loved the fact that he really tried to be straight with her, shared his deepest secrets, and cared for her.
Whitney was reluctant to be honest with Hudson and yet he still had to fight for her... She was more interested in her job and how to get out of her mistakes without hurting others, Hudson included, since she found herself in a tight pickle.
The story was interesting, but very similar to so many other books. The author did a wonderful job telling her story and the character development of Hudson was the best part for me. I was not fully invested, however, since it seemed so much like so many other YA books.
I did enjoy the characters and the development of the male lead, Hudson. It was fun watching him as he realized his feelings for her and I loved the fact that he really tried to be straight with her, shared his deepest secrets, and cared for her.
Whitney was reluctant to be honest with Hudson and yet he still had to fight for her... She was more interested in her job and how to get out of her mistakes without hurting others, Hudson included, since she found herself in a tight pickle.
The story was interesting, but very similar to so many other books. The author did a wonderful job telling her story and the character development of Hudson was the best part for me. I was not fully invested, however, since it seemed so much like so many other YA books.
March 20, 2016
Really enjoyable story about a college hockey player, Hudson Decker (gorgeous name don't you think?) who is a one and done kind of guy, never letting anyone close and Whitney, a girl who has had one too many disappointments in love and has sworn off men.
But fate has a funny way of working and what starts off as a wager for one and a job assignment for the other , soon becomes so much more.
I loved the characters in this book. Both the leads are well written and despite the mistakes they make , you can't help but root for them both. The secondary characters are interesting and I'm hoping for more......
This was the second book in the series , the first focused on Beck and Lyla. I enjoyed that one but I loved this one. The writing felt stronger and more developed. Both Hudson and Whitney have sad pasts, especially Hudson but together they
make an awesome team..
Cheating? No
Cliffhanger? No
HEA? Yes - can I just say the effort Hudson made to get Whitney back was GORGEOUS!
Steamy? Yes, with a steady build up.
But fate has a funny way of working and what starts off as a wager for one and a job assignment for the other , soon becomes so much more.
I loved the characters in this book. Both the leads are well written and despite the mistakes they make , you can't help but root for them both. The secondary characters are interesting and I'm hoping for more......
This was the second book in the series , the first focused on Beck and Lyla. I enjoyed that one but I loved this one. The writing felt stronger and more developed. Both Hudson and Whitney have sad pasts, especially Hudson but together they
make an awesome team..
Cheating? No
Cliffhanger? No
HEA? Yes - can I just say the effort Hudson made to get Whitney back was GORGEOUS!
Steamy? Yes, with a steady build up.
December 18, 2018
Le nostalgie Part II
I didn’t like both MCs.
Too much happened. The bet, the article, family issues etc.
He slept with OW after he met her, after the bet and after he realized she intrigued him. It rubbed me wrong. Not my understanding of romance.
I didn’t like both MCs.
Too much happened. The bet, the article, family issues etc.
He slept with OW after he met her, after the bet and after he realized she intrigued him. It rubbed me wrong. Not my understanding of romance.
January 23, 2016
4.5
I really enjoyed this sweet and fun romance. Whitney is an aspiring journalist who is writing an expose on student athletes receiving preferential treatment. She just had her heart broken again and knows that her playdar is broken (her ability to spot a player.) When she starts reporting on the hockey team, she doesn't expect to develop feelings for Hudson, a hockey player and all around player. I really liked the connection between Hudson and Whitney. There were a few laugh out loud funny moments and a great romance. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and the next book in this series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
I really enjoyed this sweet and fun romance. Whitney is an aspiring journalist who is writing an expose on student athletes receiving preferential treatment. She just had her heart broken again and knows that her playdar is broken (her ability to spot a player.) When she starts reporting on the hockey team, she doesn't expect to develop feelings for Hudson, a hockey player and all around player. I really liked the connection between Hudson and Whitney. There were a few laugh out loud funny moments and a great romance. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author and the next book in this series.
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
July 18, 2016
3.75 stars.
WARNING this probably contains spoilers which I haven't really marked so read at you're own risk!
Anatomy of a Player is the second book in the Taking Shots series. It however used a different set of characters from the first book. I remembered barely the first book and I don't remember the main characters in Anatomy of a Player being in it, though I could be wrong.
I went in thinking this would be a light new adult book. I should never have thought that because I'm pretty sure I described the genre of new adult to my friend as "like young adult but with like romance features and underlying crappy problems." Can't say I've found a new adult book that doesn't fit my description.
In this dual point of view novel our female lead is Whitney who has a habit of falling for the wrong guy, guys who play her. I have friends similar in the way they always fall for the wrong guy and there's nothing you can do in the circumstance, and I felt that Whitney was presented very realistically. Maybe others will disagree, that's my opinion on the matter.
Our male lead is Hudson a hockey player at the college on a scholarship. Though he doesn't seem to care, just keeps throwing away his studies because of outside family troubles regarding his mum. The abuse and alcohol abuse in his home life growing up seriously affected Hudson and the doubt is obvious when reading his chapters in the book. Eventually he grows and puts his work into his studies and goal of being a social worker, to help kids who grew up in a similar situation in which he did.
I really enjoyed learning more about American colleges, I'm not saying every college would be represented as the one in the novel though. However, university in Australia is very different and I think I would ultimately enjoy the college experience more. Though, it made me incredibly glad that sport isn't what bases on you getting into higher education and how well you do in your classes. I really enjoyed your Whitney conducted her research and how it factored into the plot line, not getting left behind in the romance. I also enjoyed how the romance was slow building, I'd hit about half way and nothing had overly emotional had happened between the pair. The fact there was no insta-love is also a highly appealing aspect for myself as well.
Another thing I enjoyed was that despite the fact the underlying problem in the novel wasn't as intense as some other new adult books the characters both accepted each other's easily. It didn't matter that Hudson had had the obviously harder life and Whitney's could be seen as an easier lifestyle they accepted that the problem one faces matters to that person and the phrase someone has it worse didn't matter in the slightest.
Likes
- No slut shaming
- In Hudson's first chapter he calls himself a judgemental asshole, which he is being
- Whitney is in college for communication and majoring (I think?) in journalism, I'm currently in university for communications with a major in journalism
- Whitney and Lyla's friendship
- Whitney had a habit of adopting someone's accent when talking to them thIS GIRL IS LITERALLY ME
- Whitney and Hudson discussing what their nerdy quirk is
- I laughed so much and smiled more
- Hudson recreating what Whitney said was a date she dreamed off at Rockefeller Center turned my heart to mush
Dislikes
- The bet - why are bets still a thing in books?! They're honestly slightly degrading
- I kind of got annoyed at Whitney because she got so distracted when it came to her article and the fact it would insult Hudson. JUST WRITE IT
- I'm also still pissed about the bet
Overall, Anatomy of a Player was a pretty easy read and entertaining. I'm not sure I'll be recommending it because it contained more of what I would consider humour I found funny bu I was happy to be laughing with the characters and not at the characters for once.
WARNING this probably contains spoilers which I haven't really marked so read at you're own risk!
Anatomy of a Player is the second book in the Taking Shots series. It however used a different set of characters from the first book. I remembered barely the first book and I don't remember the main characters in Anatomy of a Player being in it, though I could be wrong.
I went in thinking this would be a light new adult book. I should never have thought that because I'm pretty sure I described the genre of new adult to my friend as "like young adult but with like romance features and underlying crappy problems." Can't say I've found a new adult book that doesn't fit my description.
In this dual point of view novel our female lead is Whitney who has a habit of falling for the wrong guy, guys who play her. I have friends similar in the way they always fall for the wrong guy and there's nothing you can do in the circumstance, and I felt that Whitney was presented very realistically. Maybe others will disagree, that's my opinion on the matter.
Our male lead is Hudson a hockey player at the college on a scholarship. Though he doesn't seem to care, just keeps throwing away his studies because of outside family troubles regarding his mum. The abuse and alcohol abuse in his home life growing up seriously affected Hudson and the doubt is obvious when reading his chapters in the book. Eventually he grows and puts his work into his studies and goal of being a social worker, to help kids who grew up in a similar situation in which he did.
I really enjoyed learning more about American colleges, I'm not saying every college would be represented as the one in the novel though. However, university in Australia is very different and I think I would ultimately enjoy the college experience more. Though, it made me incredibly glad that sport isn't what bases on you getting into higher education and how well you do in your classes. I really enjoyed your Whitney conducted her research and how it factored into the plot line, not getting left behind in the romance. I also enjoyed how the romance was slow building, I'd hit about half way and nothing had overly emotional had happened between the pair. The fact there was no insta-love is also a highly appealing aspect for myself as well.
Another thing I enjoyed was that despite the fact the underlying problem in the novel wasn't as intense as some other new adult books the characters both accepted each other's easily. It didn't matter that Hudson had had the obviously harder life and Whitney's could be seen as an easier lifestyle they accepted that the problem one faces matters to that person and the phrase someone has it worse didn't matter in the slightest.
Likes
- No slut shaming
- In Hudson's first chapter he calls himself a judgemental asshole, which he is being
- Whitney is in college for communication and majoring (I think?) in journalism, I'm currently in university for communications with a major in journalism
- Whitney and Lyla's friendship
- Whitney had a habit of adopting someone's accent when talking to them thIS GIRL IS LITERALLY ME
- Whitney and Hudson discussing what their nerdy quirk is
- I laughed so much and smiled more
- Hudson recreating what Whitney said was a date she dreamed off at Rockefeller Center turned my heart to mush
Dislikes
- The bet - why are bets still a thing in books?! They're honestly slightly degrading
- I kind of got annoyed at Whitney because she got so distracted when it came to her article and the fact it would insult Hudson. JUST WRITE IT
- I'm also still pissed about the bet
Overall, Anatomy of a Player was a pretty easy read and entertaining. I'm not sure I'll be recommending it because it contained more of what I would consider humour I found funny bu I was happy to be laughing with the characters and not at the characters for once.
February 10, 2016
I probably shouldn't have read this right after book one. Isn't that always the case, though? If there are follow-up books focusing on one of the side characters from book one they're hardly ever as good as the predecessor.
Whereas book one was sweet and sexy with only little drama, Anatomy of a Player was totally predictable and just so full off clichés I got bored eventually and started skipping pages.
Whereas book one was sweet and sexy with only little drama, Anatomy of a Player was totally predictable and just so full off clichés I got bored eventually and started skipping pages.
nope
February 8, 2016According to review, one of those books where nothing happens, not even the relationship between H/h. It takes looooong time for them to get together. And low heat. So no, no, no
January 25, 2016
Rating 3.5/5
This is a college romance, another in the Taking Shots series by this author. In this story the leading lady is determined give bad boy sporty males a wide berth after a series of decidedly detrimental experiences with players. The leading man, however, is the epitome of a player – a hockey star who believes in one night stands and nothing further. When fate throws the two of them together repeatedly, their mutual attraction and determined resistance are fighting an internal battle for both of them. Add in his team mates bet and challenge and you just know you’re in for trouble ahead!
It is a great story of students striving to achieve, of the slow development of their relationship after numerous believable encounters. It is an enjoyable college romance with a brilliant ending and, although this is the second in the series, it works well as a standalone. I found it easy to connect to Hudson, especially as he tries to cope with all the pressures from his mother, his sport and studying. Whitney wasn’t quite so easy to relate to as if she wasn’t being true to herself or her personal goals, choosing to act a part she really wasn’t happy with and, having decided to stop crushing on ‘bad boys’ goes out and immediately starts doing just that! As the story develops things do get better and I enjoyed how the romance developed.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys college romances and suspect it will probably appeal more to young adults, with many scenarios they may be able to relate to in their own lives.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
This is a college romance, another in the Taking Shots series by this author. In this story the leading lady is determined give bad boy sporty males a wide berth after a series of decidedly detrimental experiences with players. The leading man, however, is the epitome of a player – a hockey star who believes in one night stands and nothing further. When fate throws the two of them together repeatedly, their mutual attraction and determined resistance are fighting an internal battle for both of them. Add in his team mates bet and challenge and you just know you’re in for trouble ahead!
It is a great story of students striving to achieve, of the slow development of their relationship after numerous believable encounters. It is an enjoyable college romance with a brilliant ending and, although this is the second in the series, it works well as a standalone. I found it easy to connect to Hudson, especially as he tries to cope with all the pressures from his mother, his sport and studying. Whitney wasn’t quite so easy to relate to as if she wasn’t being true to herself or her personal goals, choosing to act a part she really wasn’t happy with and, having decided to stop crushing on ‘bad boys’ goes out and immediately starts doing just that! As the story develops things do get better and I enjoyed how the romance developed.
I recommend this to anyone who enjoys college romances and suspect it will probably appeal more to young adults, with many scenarios they may be able to relate to in their own lives.
Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for this, an honest review.
January 21, 2016
After having yet another boyfriend cheat on her Whitney Porter decides to swear off men and relationships and focus on her studies and career. Whitney wants to be a journalist so she heads to the school paper to beg for any kind of story to cover and a chance at becoming a real writer. When asked if she knows hockey she quickly says she does and gets assigned to a story on the perks of athletes while going undercover as the hockey reporter.
Hudson Decker is the bad boy star player of the hockey team. He is immediately attracted to Whitney and sees her as a challenge so after making a bet with his teammates that he can sleep with Whitney he sets out to do just that. Hudson just never expected to actually fall for the reporter girl that he at first saw as another conquest.
Starting off reading this book I thought that I'd absolutely fall in love with it. Unfortunately, I didn't actually come away with a wow, this was awesome feeling after done. I did enjoy the writing style and the story along with the fact it wasn't a rushed we're in love with the characters and the relationship had time to develop.
The one thing that kept me from really loving the story was actually Whitney herself. She's been played and doesn't want to repeat the mistake so decides to become "serious" about becoming a journalist, however what she does is drool over the bad boy and whine about having to wear conservative clothes and not get hit on at parties. She just never made it to where I believed this girl could ever be a journalist.
On the flip side of not enjoying Whitney as a character I completely loved Hudson, the sexy bad boy with a haunting past just waiting for the right girl to come along and make him believe in love. I thought his character was done rather well in the slowly coming to terms with having feelings instead of just trying to get the girl in bed.
Overall, three stars for Anatomy of a Player. It had some really nice parts, just wish I'd connected with Whitney better.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
Hudson Decker is the bad boy star player of the hockey team. He is immediately attracted to Whitney and sees her as a challenge so after making a bet with his teammates that he can sleep with Whitney he sets out to do just that. Hudson just never expected to actually fall for the reporter girl that he at first saw as another conquest.
Starting off reading this book I thought that I'd absolutely fall in love with it. Unfortunately, I didn't actually come away with a wow, this was awesome feeling after done. I did enjoy the writing style and the story along with the fact it wasn't a rushed we're in love with the characters and the relationship had time to develop.
The one thing that kept me from really loving the story was actually Whitney herself. She's been played and doesn't want to repeat the mistake so decides to become "serious" about becoming a journalist, however what she does is drool over the bad boy and whine about having to wear conservative clothes and not get hit on at parties. She just never made it to where I believed this girl could ever be a journalist.
On the flip side of not enjoying Whitney as a character I completely loved Hudson, the sexy bad boy with a haunting past just waiting for the right girl to come along and make him believe in love. I thought his character was done rather well in the slowly coming to terms with having feelings instead of just trying to get the girl in bed.
Overall, three stars for Anatomy of a Player. It had some really nice parts, just wish I'd connected with Whitney better.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.wordpress....
January 25, 2016
3 1/2 stars
When the girl who's tired of being played meets the best player on the college hockey team, he tires and she says no. Well that wouldn't be a good story but it is how these two meet. Oh course it's not the end of the story. Whitney dons the frumpy look and takes the sports reporter job to find the dirt on the athletes on campus while Hudson tries to survive his stats class so he can keep his scholarship and actually get the degree he hopes will helps him do something with his life. So their next meeting is a bit more interesting.
I loved Hudson. He had a yucky childhood and was trying so hard to get his degree in sociology so he could help kids like him. But between practice, studying and his mother drama that won't go away, he's struggling to keep it together. Yeah, he's a player but he hasn't tried to actually get to know a girl for years. And when he ends up getting to know Whitney, the sweetness in him is clear. Like the night he really wants to kiss her but ends up giving her a neck massage because he can tell how much pain she's in. Totally sweet. Of course, I wasn't too happy about that little bet he makes. Nope.
Whitney may not have been my favorite character though it probably wasn't her fault. She rubbed my journalism buttons the wrong way. I was a journalism student before I got married so I remember the gig. And I remember why I changed to the math gig instead, when I went back to school. I just don't like that deceitful, cutthroat aspect of an expose. When you already know what you want to find when you start researching, it's exactly what you'll find. So Whitney rubbed me the wrong way at first. But I did learn to love her and I was glad for the character growth.
These two together are fun. They have banter down and the chemistry is clear even if Whitney is in resist mode. It was interesting that as each of them moved forward with their own agenda, they ended up developing the relationship that neither of them were looking for. So while I wasn't happy with either of them for their lies and poor intentions, it actually worked to help them.
Funny, even adorable at times, I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps a bit slow, it's a great college story that does have that authentic feel.
When the girl who's tired of being played meets the best player on the college hockey team, he tires and she says no. Well that wouldn't be a good story but it is how these two meet. Oh course it's not the end of the story. Whitney dons the frumpy look and takes the sports reporter job to find the dirt on the athletes on campus while Hudson tries to survive his stats class so he can keep his scholarship and actually get the degree he hopes will helps him do something with his life. So their next meeting is a bit more interesting.
I loved Hudson. He had a yucky childhood and was trying so hard to get his degree in sociology so he could help kids like him. But between practice, studying and his mother drama that won't go away, he's struggling to keep it together. Yeah, he's a player but he hasn't tried to actually get to know a girl for years. And when he ends up getting to know Whitney, the sweetness in him is clear. Like the night he really wants to kiss her but ends up giving her a neck massage because he can tell how much pain she's in. Totally sweet. Of course, I wasn't too happy about that little bet he makes. Nope.
Whitney may not have been my favorite character though it probably wasn't her fault. She rubbed my journalism buttons the wrong way. I was a journalism student before I got married so I remember the gig. And I remember why I changed to the math gig instead, when I went back to school. I just don't like that deceitful, cutthroat aspect of an expose. When you already know what you want to find when you start researching, it's exactly what you'll find. So Whitney rubbed me the wrong way at first. But I did learn to love her and I was glad for the character growth.
These two together are fun. They have banter down and the chemistry is clear even if Whitney is in resist mode. It was interesting that as each of them moved forward with their own agenda, they ended up developing the relationship that neither of them were looking for. So while I wasn't happy with either of them for their lies and poor intentions, it actually worked to help them.
Funny, even adorable at times, I really enjoyed this book. Perhaps a bit slow, it's a great college story that does have that authentic feel.
January 25, 2016
5 stars
So much love for Anatomy of a Player!
Anatomy of a Player was sweet, fun and romantic read.
I loved Whitney and Hudson together, they both made me laugh & swoon, you just can't help but love them.
They had a great connection and their chemistry was off the charts! They were truly perfect for each other.
Anatomy of a Player is a great addition to the Taking Shot series, can't wait to read Dane's book next.
Thank you Entangled Embrace via NetGalley for the advance copy.
So much love for Anatomy of a Player!
Anatomy of a Player was sweet, fun and romantic read.
I loved Whitney and Hudson together, they both made me laugh & swoon, you just can't help but love them.
They had a great connection and their chemistry was off the charts! They were truly perfect for each other.
Anatomy of a Player is a great addition to the Taking Shot series, can't wait to read Dane's book next.
Thank you Entangled Embrace via NetGalley for the advance copy.
January 26, 2016
I loved the first book. Now I love this one even more. This story is a great example of how parents can mess with their child's self-esteem which pretty much messes with all their future relationships. But Hudson and Whitney prove that if you realize the mess you're in, half the battle is won, and overcoming the rest is easier if you have that one person in your corner who gets you. As long as you stick with honesty and don't let your baggage get in the way.
ARC provided in exchange for honest review
ARC provided in exchange for honest review
March 18, 2019
While I enjoyed this one, I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the first book. I wasn't a fan of Whitney's little deception and then her hot and cold attitude, in the beginning, was annoying not to mention Decker's way of handling his slipping grades. Those are personal gripes since I would have handled things differently but I did enjoy the romance and I do plan on finishing out this series and I also liked how everything came together so it wasn't all bad.
January 7, 2016
LOVED!!!
April 2, 2016
This sweet and sexy new adult romance is the story of Whitney, a young woman determined to get serious about her life and her future and Hudson, a hockey bad boy. Whitney’s been fooled by one too many players, and she’s done with them all – to the tune of deciding to write an expose for the college paper on the entitlement of their sports students. To that end she’s found herself a job as the current sports reporter and infiltrated the hockey locker room, being sure to dress down from her normal party girl attire in an effort to be taken seriously. While Hudson initially comes across as the type of man she should avoid they still manage to strike up an honest friendship, one that goes beyond the outward appearance of serious Reporter Girl and Hockey Boy. They are both hiding secrets that will do more to hurt their burgeoning relationship than help it. Will their new relationship be over before it has a chance to become something more?
I really enjoyed the first book in this series which was a friends to lovers romance with Whitney’s friend Lyla who falls in love with her best friend Beck, a hockey player, in Lucky Number Seven. So I’d seen a bit of Whitney as a secondary character and was looking forward to reading her story. It starts off with her having been dumped by a man she was seeing with whom she thought she’d been exclusive (a fact he didn’t seem to know) and it’s definitely put her off of men. So off in fact, that she’s really tired of the entitlement issues that she’s seen with her last few ‘boyfriends’ who were all involved in sports. They were players, in more ways than one. Her revenge? To work her way into the locker room of the college hockey team and get the inside scoop on just how privileged they are.
I liked Whitney, her party self and her more down to earth self too. She’s lost some of her confidence due to her dating track record, and the comments from a professor that she’d make a good anchorwoman as opposed to a serious journalist just fuel her ire. If she has to dress down and be all business like all the time, that’s what she’ll do. Of course, it’s not her natural way of doing things, so she does find herself longingly looking at her spiked heels periodically, and letting some of her true character shine through. What Hudson sees therefore is a contradiction – a buttoned up and serious sports reporter, who, when not on the clock, has a more playful and flirtatious side. He’s intrigued by all aspects of Whitney, including her willingness to listen to him, and he finds himself sharing more things with her than he ever expected. Hudson definitely comes across as a player (and it’s no surprise that when Whitney starts making up an article for herself called ‘anatomy of a player’, she uses him as the role model). But he’s had a bit of a rough past, he struggles with keeping up his grade point average, and for all his outward bravado, there is in fact a generous and warm man inside. As it turns out both of them are adept at keeping parts of their personality hidden.
Hudson’s real friendship with Whitney makes a bet that he made with his friend Dane, a bet to get the Reporter girl in bed before the end of the season, sit heavily on him when he discovers that she’s so much more than she appears to be. But every time he wants to come clean he gets thwarted. Similarly, Whitney finds that looking into student’s opinions about those on campus with sports scholarships opens up a lot more vitriolic debate than she bargained for. As a result, there is a lot of tension throughout the story, with the secrets these two are keeping from each other just waiting to come out into the open. I found myself unable to put the book down as a result. The more involved they got with each other, including on an intimate level, the more stressful it got! Because of the push and pull between them, the sexual tension that exists from the start gives way to some steamy love scenes. And doesn’t that just bugger everything up too, because now they actually like each other! And they want to keep sleeping together! But their guilty consciences weigh on them until something gives. I was mentally braced for when things would blow up but the way everything was handled turned out to be a lot less stressful than I expected (whew!) so that everything turns out to give them the happy ending they both need and deserve. It was a thoroughly delightful story, with lots of laughs, sexy times, tension and a steady paced plot. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series, which will feature Hudson’s best friend Dane! 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
I really enjoyed the first book in this series which was a friends to lovers romance with Whitney’s friend Lyla who falls in love with her best friend Beck, a hockey player, in Lucky Number Seven. So I’d seen a bit of Whitney as a secondary character and was looking forward to reading her story. It starts off with her having been dumped by a man she was seeing with whom she thought she’d been exclusive (a fact he didn’t seem to know) and it’s definitely put her off of men. So off in fact, that she’s really tired of the entitlement issues that she’s seen with her last few ‘boyfriends’ who were all involved in sports. They were players, in more ways than one. Her revenge? To work her way into the locker room of the college hockey team and get the inside scoop on just how privileged they are.
I liked Whitney, her party self and her more down to earth self too. She’s lost some of her confidence due to her dating track record, and the comments from a professor that she’d make a good anchorwoman as opposed to a serious journalist just fuel her ire. If she has to dress down and be all business like all the time, that’s what she’ll do. Of course, it’s not her natural way of doing things, so she does find herself longingly looking at her spiked heels periodically, and letting some of her true character shine through. What Hudson sees therefore is a contradiction – a buttoned up and serious sports reporter, who, when not on the clock, has a more playful and flirtatious side. He’s intrigued by all aspects of Whitney, including her willingness to listen to him, and he finds himself sharing more things with her than he ever expected. Hudson definitely comes across as a player (and it’s no surprise that when Whitney starts making up an article for herself called ‘anatomy of a player’, she uses him as the role model). But he’s had a bit of a rough past, he struggles with keeping up his grade point average, and for all his outward bravado, there is in fact a generous and warm man inside. As it turns out both of them are adept at keeping parts of their personality hidden.
Hudson’s real friendship with Whitney makes a bet that he made with his friend Dane, a bet to get the Reporter girl in bed before the end of the season, sit heavily on him when he discovers that she’s so much more than she appears to be. But every time he wants to come clean he gets thwarted. Similarly, Whitney finds that looking into student’s opinions about those on campus with sports scholarships opens up a lot more vitriolic debate than she bargained for. As a result, there is a lot of tension throughout the story, with the secrets these two are keeping from each other just waiting to come out into the open. I found myself unable to put the book down as a result. The more involved they got with each other, including on an intimate level, the more stressful it got! Because of the push and pull between them, the sexual tension that exists from the start gives way to some steamy love scenes. And doesn’t that just bugger everything up too, because now they actually like each other! And they want to keep sleeping together! But their guilty consciences weigh on them until something gives. I was mentally braced for when things would blow up but the way everything was handled turned out to be a lot less stressful than I expected (whew!) so that everything turns out to give them the happy ending they both need and deserve. It was a thoroughly delightful story, with lots of laughs, sexy times, tension and a steady paced plot. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series, which will feature Hudson’s best friend Dane! 4.5 stars.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
This review appears as a blog post at: http://straightshootinbookreviews.com...
January 25, 2016
Whitney Porter has been played one too many times. After her most recent heartbreak, she decides she’s done with men and sets her sights on her career as a journalist. When the only job she can get is as a sports writer, she decides to take the opportunity to launch her career and get a little revenge on all those players out there by taking down the hockey team. She doesn’t expect that the tattooed bad boy of the team is going to throw her off course. She definitely should not fall for the biggest player of them all…should she?
Hudson Decker’s life is a hot mess. Between struggling with his grades, keeping up with hockey, and managing his mom—who has a history of making poor decisions—the last thing Hudson needs is a relationship. A distraction? Sure. And that’s what he thinks he’s found in the uptight new sports reporter. Something draws Hudson to her— at first he’s just intent on peeling back her layers to find the sexy vixen hidden underneath, but before he knows it he’s in way over his head. His reputation and some boneheaded moves work against him. Getting the girl has never been the problem, but can he keep her?
I enjoyed this book, it was a light, quick read with plenty of adorable, swoony moments between Hudson and Whitney that set my heart flying. I found Whitney a little harder to love than Hudson—she’s inconsistent and I had a hard time connecting to her. While I got where she was coming from, I struggled with the fact that she wasn’t entirely honest with Hudson, even after Hudson showed his soft underbelly.
And…ugh, Hudson’s soft underbelly…
MAN ALIVE, I am a sucker for a good soft underbelly. I loved Hudson—all his little quirks and unexpected adorableness. He’s a bit of a bonehead sometimes, but he has a heart of gold and I was firmly Team Hudson this entire book. I do recognize that he wasn’t entirely honest either, but I felt like his was more because, after a while, he forgot that he was hiding something, whereas Whitney’s dishonesty was more calculated. I felt like Hudson deserved more and that, ultimately, Whitney kind of got let off the hook for a lot of stuff.
In the end , though, this book is adorable. SUPER cute, super sweet, super swoony with this heaping dash of sexy thrown in. Despite the trouble I had connecting to Whitney, there was no denying the chemistry she had with Hudson. And the ending left my heart all ooey gooey with feels in the happiest of ways. ~ Shelly. 3.5 stars
Hudson Decker’s life is a hot mess. Between struggling with his grades, keeping up with hockey, and managing his mom—who has a history of making poor decisions—the last thing Hudson needs is a relationship. A distraction? Sure. And that’s what he thinks he’s found in the uptight new sports reporter. Something draws Hudson to her— at first he’s just intent on peeling back her layers to find the sexy vixen hidden underneath, but before he knows it he’s in way over his head. His reputation and some boneheaded moves work against him. Getting the girl has never been the problem, but can he keep her?
I enjoyed this book, it was a light, quick read with plenty of adorable, swoony moments between Hudson and Whitney that set my heart flying. I found Whitney a little harder to love than Hudson—she’s inconsistent and I had a hard time connecting to her. While I got where she was coming from, I struggled with the fact that she wasn’t entirely honest with Hudson, even after Hudson showed his soft underbelly.
And…ugh, Hudson’s soft underbelly…
MAN ALIVE, I am a sucker for a good soft underbelly. I loved Hudson—all his little quirks and unexpected adorableness. He’s a bit of a bonehead sometimes, but he has a heart of gold and I was firmly Team Hudson this entire book. I do recognize that he wasn’t entirely honest either, but I felt like his was more because, after a while, he forgot that he was hiding something, whereas Whitney’s dishonesty was more calculated. I felt like Hudson deserved more and that, ultimately, Whitney kind of got let off the hook for a lot of stuff.
In the end , though, this book is adorable. SUPER cute, super sweet, super swoony with this heaping dash of sexy thrown in. Despite the trouble I had connecting to Whitney, there was no denying the chemistry she had with Hudson. And the ending left my heart all ooey gooey with feels in the happiest of ways. ~ Shelly. 3.5 stars
January 25, 2016
I loved Cindi Madsen’s Anatomy of a Player. This contemporary new adult sports romance takes place at Boston College. Journalism major Whitney Porter swears off dating after once again being dumped by a player. She decides to focus on her career. She gets a job as a sports writer for her school newspaper covering the hockey team with the intension of uncovering a story about the perks the athletes receive. Meanwhile, left winger Hudson Decker’s team mates challenge him to a bet to get the uptight new reporter to sleep with him by the end of the semester.
We were introduced to Whitney in book one, Getting Lucky Number Seven. She is Lyla Wilder’s roommate. Hudson Decker is a teammate of Beck Davenport, who is also from book one. Both Whitney and Hudson start off their acquaintance with lies. As they get to know and like each other, both feel guilt for their secrets.
I love Hudon. He is considered the team bad boy but there is a lot more to him then his image. Except for making a bad bet choice; he is typically honest. He is upfront with girls, even though they sometimes choose to hear what they want and not what he says. He does not want to cheat. He works hard. I like that he does not want to enable his mom’s bad dating choices and put himself before her for once. I love that he values the gift he was given by being on scholarship for his team, and appreciate that he wants to pursue being a social worker, so he could help kids who have a difficult upbringing like he did.
I like that Whitney wants to be more than a pretty face. She wants to be taken seriously as a journalist. She is clever and determined. I like that she didn’t let her mom bully her into following in her footsteps. I like that she is open minded. She sees more than one view point in a situation and recognizes when she may have been wrong. Both characters saw a lot of growth in this story.
The title of the book is perfect, and I like how the name plays into the plot. Anatomy of a Player is believable and heartwarming. It is one of those books that you fall so in love with the characters that you do not want the story to end. I love Cindi Madsen’s writing style. It kept me fully engaged. I cannot wait for Dane’s story in book three.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
We were introduced to Whitney in book one, Getting Lucky Number Seven. She is Lyla Wilder’s roommate. Hudson Decker is a teammate of Beck Davenport, who is also from book one. Both Whitney and Hudson start off their acquaintance with lies. As they get to know and like each other, both feel guilt for their secrets.
I love Hudon. He is considered the team bad boy but there is a lot more to him then his image. Except for making a bad bet choice; he is typically honest. He is upfront with girls, even though they sometimes choose to hear what they want and not what he says. He does not want to cheat. He works hard. I like that he does not want to enable his mom’s bad dating choices and put himself before her for once. I love that he values the gift he was given by being on scholarship for his team, and appreciate that he wants to pursue being a social worker, so he could help kids who have a difficult upbringing like he did.
I like that Whitney wants to be more than a pretty face. She wants to be taken seriously as a journalist. She is clever and determined. I like that she didn’t let her mom bully her into following in her footsteps. I like that she is open minded. She sees more than one view point in a situation and recognizes when she may have been wrong. Both characters saw a lot of growth in this story.
The title of the book is perfect, and I like how the name plays into the plot. Anatomy of a Player is believable and heartwarming. It is one of those books that you fall so in love with the characters that you do not want the story to end. I love Cindi Madsen’s writing style. It kept me fully engaged. I cannot wait for Dane’s story in book three.
Complimentary copy provided in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2016
I loved the first book in this series, so I could not wait to start this one ... but I was a bit disappointed.
First of all, I really hoped to see more of Lyla and Beck but that is ok. we got to see a bit of these two and I loved it.
the pacing dragged a bit in the first quarter and I had a hard time getting into this book. for a long time we had not a lot of page time for both of them together and I really got enoyed with that.
but my main problem with this book was Whitney. for a long time I did not really like her and I could not understand how or why Hudson would ... she was not really a nice person for me.
I do understand that Journalists have to be passionate about things but she is only biased and not focusing on all the facts but only what proves her bias. that really made me angry as for a long time she always said, athletes are just "playing" around.
so, the thing is, our godson, who is 13 is playing soccer for a team and I know how hard it is for him to keep up in school and do the thing he loves -which means training 3 - 4 times a week and a game on weekends. this is a lot of pressure and a lot of time which other teenagers spend with doing other things.
I don't know if athletes are favored, I can imagine in some cases they are. but to generalize is wrong.
Another thing I was wary about was the bet thing ... and I know, it is mentioned in the plot but nevertheless, normally that is not something I enjoy.
But: the longer the story went, the more I got into it. I especially enjoyed the banter of these two together
I loved Hudson and although the bet thing was annoying, it turned out ok in the end. Maybe because one could see he did not care about it. He just cared about Whitney
The last quarter redeemed the book in my eyes. It is not one of my favourites and I don't think that will change but it was a good read nevertheless
so 3,5 - 4 stars , graded up to 4 stars as Hudson was a great guy and in the end I also liked Whitney
First of all, I really hoped to see more of Lyla and Beck but that is ok. we got to see a bit of these two and I loved it.
the pacing dragged a bit in the first quarter and I had a hard time getting into this book. for a long time we had not a lot of page time for both of them together and I really got enoyed with that.
but my main problem with this book was Whitney. for a long time I did not really like her and I could not understand how or why Hudson would ... she was not really a nice person for me.
I do understand that Journalists have to be passionate about things but she is only biased and not focusing on all the facts but only what proves her bias. that really made me angry as for a long time she always said, athletes are just "playing" around.
so, the thing is, our godson, who is 13 is playing soccer for a team and I know how hard it is for him to keep up in school and do the thing he loves -which means training 3 - 4 times a week and a game on weekends. this is a lot of pressure and a lot of time which other teenagers spend with doing other things.
I don't know if athletes are favored, I can imagine in some cases they are. but to generalize is wrong.
Another thing I was wary about was the bet thing ... and I know, it is mentioned in the plot but nevertheless, normally that is not something I enjoy.
But: the longer the story went, the more I got into it. I especially enjoyed the banter of these two together
I loved Hudson and although the bet thing was annoying, it turned out ok in the end. Maybe because one could see he did not care about it. He just cared about Whitney
The last quarter redeemed the book in my eyes. It is not one of my favourites and I don't think that will change but it was a good read nevertheless
so 3,5 - 4 stars , graded up to 4 stars as Hudson was a great guy and in the end I also liked Whitney
February 24, 2016
I absolutely LOVED Getting Lucky Number Seven. Sweet and sympathetic heroine, likable and studly hero (who is also a BFF) and a LOT of puns. I was so looking forward to the 2nd book in the series, but unfortunately it didn't hit my reading sweet spot. I had a hard time staying with this one. There is a lot of internal dialogue, particularly for Whitney, and the tempo was consequently very slow. I didn't really have feelings one way or another for Whitney, so that was another detachment from the story. I think what really didn't click with me is the sports/journalism subject of the book. Journalist/reporter genre books aren't my preference. They're usually an assertive heroine who will do anything to get the story or starts to fall into the TSTL category to get the story. Whitney never gets to TSTL, but I did grow weary of her political-type agenda against university athletics. It started to sound a little researched and preach-y to me and I couldn't stay in their story. I think I'm biased - I've lived nearly my entire life in SEC territory and worked exclusively at universities. So Whitney's agenda started veering into my least enjoyable territory and a little real life.
I did like Hudson a whole lot. I searched through the first book and was surprised he wasn't in it. I'm hoping we get a book on his friends as the one (and his name escapes me!) was such a caring and protective older brother type of friend. Hudson really grew and I liked watching that. About 60% or so into the book I did start to like Whitney. By the end, I did like her and her final decision.
I'm definitely hanging with this series and Cindi Madsen. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
I did like Hudson a whole lot. I searched through the first book and was surprised he wasn't in it. I'm hoping we get a book on his friends as the one (and his name escapes me!) was such a caring and protective older brother type of friend. Hudson really grew and I liked watching that. About 60% or so into the book I did start to like Whitney. By the end, I did like her and her final decision.
I'm definitely hanging with this series and Cindi Madsen. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley from Entangled Publishing for an honest review.
January 13, 2016
First I like to say that Cindi Madsen has become one of my got to authors. I truly enjoy her books. I can’t remember reading a book by her that I didn’t like.
That being said, if there is a chance to read her book I will jump at it and I was super stocked, that I got this book for review as well.
This is the second Book in the “Taking Shots” series, I read and loved the first one. This book was no different.
It is funny, romantic, sexy and has a great plot. The characters are great and have a good backstory. The both had a difficult childhood, while very different, the still the same in a way.
Both have very clear goals for that future and trying to archive that, with that the games begin.
Whitney, who we met in the first book being Lyla’s roommate wants to become a reporter but she was distracted with guys that she got a little of track. To get back on track she gets a job at the college paper that want her to write an article about how the athletes get better benefits and being favorite over non-athletes. The usually peppy Whitney goes undercover as a serious sport reporter who by the way has no clue about Hockey. When she meets Hudson she thinks he is the perfect candidate to write and other article about players, how they are and work to seal the deal with a girl.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/anat...
That being said, if there is a chance to read her book I will jump at it and I was super stocked, that I got this book for review as well.
This is the second Book in the “Taking Shots” series, I read and loved the first one. This book was no different.
It is funny, romantic, sexy and has a great plot. The characters are great and have a good backstory. The both had a difficult childhood, while very different, the still the same in a way.
Both have very clear goals for that future and trying to archive that, with that the games begin.
Whitney, who we met in the first book being Lyla’s roommate wants to become a reporter but she was distracted with guys that she got a little of track. To get back on track she gets a job at the college paper that want her to write an article about how the athletes get better benefits and being favorite over non-athletes. The usually peppy Whitney goes undercover as a serious sport reporter who by the way has no clue about Hockey. When she meets Hudson she thinks he is the perfect candidate to write and other article about players, how they are and work to seal the deal with a girl.
You can find my full review here:
http://snoopydoosbookreviews.com/anat...
Read
July 22, 2016So I'm really really bored with this one and I don't like Whitney. Ok, so two guys have screwed you over. Now it's ok for you to be a judgemental bitch towards athletes and attractive men? Also I feel like she is playing pretend like you do when you're little and play doctor or teacher or something. I mean if she uses the descriptor "hard-hitting" one more time for journalism type info.... This is a DNF for me. Another reviewer described this as How to Lose a Guy in 10 days and She's All That. Pretty accurate.
February 1, 2016
That ending! **SWOON**
Full review to come soon!
January 27, 2017
review originally posted on http://www.joyfullyreviewed.net/revie...
December 13, 2024
I'm really giving it more of a 2.5 than 3 stars. This one wasn't nearly as good as the book before it. So the heroine of this book, Whitney was introduced to us last book as the heroine's (Lyla) roommate. My first issue is not the fault of the author at all really, just my own personal pet peeve of hating female journalist characters. I went against my better judgment with this yet again and tried yet again to like one, but I just don't think it's meant to be. A big part of that root cause is I don't like the duplicitousness and shady nature, willing to trample over people's lives in order to "get a story" but anyways, I digress on that. What ended up being especially bad about it was the "hard-hitting reporter"schtick really doesn't fit Whitney at all. She never once mentioned anything to do with writing or journalism or anything intellectual the entire first book. It felt like that was forced into her profile for the sake of this particular story. Worst of all, she basically became Lyla. The glow down was just so unfortunate and uncharacteristic of her that it was just cringe. Speaking of cringe, Whitney came across really bitter, insecure and needy and all the horrible things the "players" accused her of. I get she'd been hurt before, but I think instead of blaming all guys for her problems, she really needed to look inward and address her own insecurities and issues with self-love. Instead of working on herself as a person, she decides to swears off all men (which is a Hallmark of an insecure female) and "stand her ground " and just becomes bitchy. Then we have the H who was also a bit of an ass hat, but for some reason, I liked him and felt for him more. He had *legitimate* problems and issues, while Whitney was just having boy problems. She needs some Jay-Z in her life. They were both hiding things from each other and normally I'd hate the bet thing and it definitely wasn't great, but I was so incredibly pissed at everything Whitney was doing, the ways SHE was using people and taking advantage of them. When she went to his house, she told him anything there would be off the record and then her shady self took that email and ran with it. Plus the complete unethical journalism she and her editor did coming up with a story and then trying to bend and find facts to play into their confirmation bias only to find out it was all mostly due to two insecure little girls boo-hooing over broken hearts willing to ruin people's lives and careers all because the players in college didn't like them. Add that with the MC's not really having much chemistry and this book just fell flat. I will probably still read the next one because I think a lot of my issues with this book were just the h and the next book is about Beck's sister which I already like.
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