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Harris Brothers #1
Challenge
He’s her patient. She’s his doctor. They shouldn’t. But God, do they want to.
Camden Harris, the famously hot, hulk of a footballer is laid up in a London hospital. But his busted knee doesn’t stop him from running his well-practiced game on Indie Porter—his redheaded spitfire of a doctor. She’s not his type, not even close. But she could be the perfect distraction from the soul-crushing damage this injury could cost him.
Indie’s tired of her naivety putting a target on her back. As a gifted child, she’s let her education take the front seat her whole life. But a fling with a footballer like Camden might be just what she needs to grab life by the balls.
And he could be the perfect guy for the plan she’s been sitting on for over two years.
But when feelings make a final play, there’s no amount of medicine that can heal the damage to their hearts.
Camden Harris, the famously hot, hulk of a footballer is laid up in a London hospital. But his busted knee doesn’t stop him from running his well-practiced game on Indie Porter—his redheaded spitfire of a doctor. She’s not his type, not even close. But she could be the perfect distraction from the soul-crushing damage this injury could cost him.
Indie’s tired of her naivety putting a target on her back. As a gifted child, she’s let her education take the front seat her whole life. But a fling with a footballer like Camden might be just what she needs to grab life by the balls.
And he could be the perfect guy for the plan she’s been sitting on for over two years.
But when feelings make a final play, there’s no amount of medicine that can heal the damage to their hearts.
318 pages, Paperback
First published September 23, 2016
5593 people are currently reading
14590 people want to read
About the author
Amy Daws
40 books10.9k followersNumber 1 Amazon Bestselling author Amy Daws writes spicy love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond. She's most known for her footy-playing Harris Brothers and writing in a tire shop waiting room. When Amy is not writing, she’s likely making charcuterie boards from her home in South Dakota where she lives with her daughter and husband.
For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,690 reviews
February 29, 2020
3.5 stars
Challenge is the first book in Amy Daws ‘Harris Brothers’ series, and ever since I’ve read a few of the spin off books, I’ve been wanting to start this series. The first book was good, I didn’t love it as much as the others I’ve read by Amy, but it was still a sweet and steamy sports romance, and I loved the doctor/patient forbidden aspect.
Indie is a young doctor, and Camden is one of the Harris brothers who needs his knee repaired after a sports injury. These two have a ton of chemistry. I loved Camden, but Indie had a bit of growing up to do. I think it mostly had to do with the way she was raised, but she was frustrating to me at times. By the end, I was happy with how things turned out, though.
I listened to the audiobook of Challenge and it’s narrated by Will Watt and Charlotte Cole. They both do a fantastic job and have great accents. I’m glad I listened to this one opposed to reading it, and I’ll defiantly be doing the other books in this series in audio format!
Challenge is the first book in Amy Daws ‘Harris Brothers’ series, and ever since I’ve read a few of the spin off books, I’ve been wanting to start this series. The first book was good, I didn’t love it as much as the others I’ve read by Amy, but it was still a sweet and steamy sports romance, and I loved the doctor/patient forbidden aspect.
Indie is a young doctor, and Camden is one of the Harris brothers who needs his knee repaired after a sports injury. These two have a ton of chemistry. I loved Camden, but Indie had a bit of growing up to do. I think it mostly had to do with the way she was raised, but she was frustrating to me at times. By the end, I was happy with how things turned out, though.
I listened to the audiobook of Challenge and it’s narrated by Will Watt and Charlotte Cole. They both do a fantastic job and have great accents. I’m glad I listened to this one opposed to reading it, and I’ll defiantly be doing the other books in this series in audio format!
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July 26, 2022
Challenge is book one in the Harris Brothers series by Amy Daws. This is my first book by this author and it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Camden Harris is twenty five years old and is a professional soccer player in London. Camden is part of a huge soccer family, with three other brothers, one of which is his twin, all whom play soccer, an older sister and his dad who is the team’s manager. Soccer is all he’s ever known. But then it happens, a knee injury that has the potential to ruin everything, permanently!
Indie Porter is twenty four years old and is a second year resident at the hospital. She has chosen orthopedics as her specialty and is currently working under the hospital’s best ortho surgeon. Because of her long hours at work, she has no time for a social life and most definitely no time for romance.
When Cam is brought into the hospital, the sparks immediately start flying between he and Indie. Cam is not the relationship kind of guy, more of the one and done type. And Indie has no interest either in a relationship. But she does want some experience. Who better to teach her about sex than the very experienced, very sexy soccer player?
“How can one person seem so very wrong but so very right all at the same time?”
Cam has no experience with feelings but he wants more from Indie than just one night. He isn’t ready to let her go yet. Maybe they can extend their time together just a little bit. But even that doesn’t seem like it will be enough.
This is my first book by this author so maybe I chose the wrong one to start with. I struggled a bit with this in the beginning. I found the characters to be immature. Things did get better the second half of the book but I still struggled with Indie even though I understood why she was the way she was. I did enjoy getting to know this huge, intrusive, overbearing Harris family. Their love for each other was so evident, even while they were all up in each other’s business. Their sister, Vi’s story is told in the previous book, Strength. The next book is Cam’s twin brother, Tanner’s story in Endurance.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Camden Harris is twenty five years old and is a professional soccer player in London. Camden is part of a huge soccer family, with three other brothers, one of which is his twin, all whom play soccer, an older sister and his dad who is the team’s manager. Soccer is all he’s ever known. But then it happens, a knee injury that has the potential to ruin everything, permanently!
Indie Porter is twenty four years old and is a second year resident at the hospital. She has chosen orthopedics as her specialty and is currently working under the hospital’s best ortho surgeon. Because of her long hours at work, she has no time for a social life and most definitely no time for romance.
When Cam is brought into the hospital, the sparks immediately start flying between he and Indie. Cam is not the relationship kind of guy, more of the one and done type. And Indie has no interest either in a relationship. But she does want some experience. Who better to teach her about sex than the very experienced, very sexy soccer player?
“How can one person seem so very wrong but so very right all at the same time?”
Cam has no experience with feelings but he wants more from Indie than just one night. He isn’t ready to let her go yet. Maybe they can extend their time together just a little bit. But even that doesn’t seem like it will be enough.
This is my first book by this author so maybe I chose the wrong one to start with. I struggled a bit with this in the beginning. I found the characters to be immature. Things did get better the second half of the book but I still struggled with Indie even though I understood why she was the way she was. I did enjoy getting to know this huge, intrusive, overbearing Harris family. Their love for each other was so evident, even while they were all up in each other’s business. Their sister, Vi’s story is told in the previous book, Strength. The next book is Cam’s twin brother, Tanner’s story in Endurance.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
November 2, 2021
"‘I am thine, thou art mine.’"
This has been my first time reading an Amy Daws book. To be honest, this series has been on my TBR for a while, and now all I want is more. I love sports romance, and it helps that this time it's a sport I know a lot about.
"He feels like a brand new textbook just waiting to be read, and God I love textbooks."
It didn't take much for me to warm up to Camden. His reflections on football and sex, and his pre-match ritual had me laughing because he comes off as such a player at first. However, he is the perfect mix of hot and sweet, sexy and considerate, and he's also very open when it comes to his feelings. He also admits to them first, which even better.
"And for the first time in my entire life with a woman, I’m at a loss for words."
It took me a while to like Indie, though. It's cool that she's a sort of genius, but I couldn't get her, or the reasons for her detachment from everyone and everything. When she pushes Cam away, I wanted him to move on, because she didn't deserve his attention or even his words. But then, and coming from a family that is sort of similar to hers, I got it.
And then all I wanted was for them to get together.
"Darkness can make you brave. That’s what I want out of Indie. There’s something about her that I want to break through."
They're opposites in many ways. He comes from a big, supportive family who is always there for him. She's been on her own since forever, having parents who care more about their job than her, and who have never been an example for her when it comes to simply feeling. He's used to feelings, she's used to avoiding them. He's open to what may be, she sticks to a plan. A stupid one at that.
"But bloody hell, when his lips touched mine, I was doomed."
Their differences also show in the way they approach life. Indie is still a virgin. It's not that she's waiting for the perfect guy, it's just that she had so much going on that it never happened. I loved how the virginity issue was handled in this book – no magic first time without pain, no absence of soreness, no multiple orgasms on the same night. It felt a lot more real than many other books I've read.
"I roll on my back to assess my injuries. Knee feels fine. Head feels groggy. Heart feels fucked."
Their relationship is a hard one, it doesn't really progress as it could (or should). Cam is trying his best to show her she can let go of all her plans, and just be in the moment. She's trying to make him see he's a lot more than just a football player. They both harbor some resentment, and it almost stops them short of their HEA. Almost, but not quite.
What's obvious for the reader is that they actually complement each other's shortcomings, and complete each other. Now... if only they could both get their heads out of their respective asses...
"I pressed my lips to hers. Scoring my first goal as a Gunner felt like a million pounds. Realising I love Indie Porter…felt like a billion."
I loved the ending, it was perfect for their story. It really shows how far they've come, and how much they (and their relationship) have grown. How wonderful all of it can really be, with the right person.
I'm definitely reading the other books in this series!
This has been my first time reading an Amy Daws book. To be honest, this series has been on my TBR for a while, and now all I want is more. I love sports romance, and it helps that this time it's a sport I know a lot about.
"He feels like a brand new textbook just waiting to be read, and God I love textbooks."
It didn't take much for me to warm up to Camden. His reflections on football and sex, and his pre-match ritual had me laughing because he comes off as such a player at first. However, he is the perfect mix of hot and sweet, sexy and considerate, and he's also very open when it comes to his feelings. He also admits to them first, which even better.
"And for the first time in my entire life with a woman, I’m at a loss for words."
It took me a while to like Indie, though. It's cool that she's a sort of genius, but I couldn't get her, or the reasons for her detachment from everyone and everything. When she pushes Cam away, I wanted him to move on, because she didn't deserve his attention or even his words. But then, and coming from a family that is sort of similar to hers, I got it.
And then all I wanted was for them to get together.
"Darkness can make you brave. That’s what I want out of Indie. There’s something about her that I want to break through."
They're opposites in many ways. He comes from a big, supportive family who is always there for him. She's been on her own since forever, having parents who care more about their job than her, and who have never been an example for her when it comes to simply feeling. He's used to feelings, she's used to avoiding them. He's open to what may be, she sticks to a plan. A stupid one at that.
"But bloody hell, when his lips touched mine, I was doomed."
Their differences also show in the way they approach life. Indie is still a virgin. It's not that she's waiting for the perfect guy, it's just that she had so much going on that it never happened. I loved how the virginity issue was handled in this book – no magic first time without pain, no absence of soreness, no multiple orgasms on the same night. It felt a lot more real than many other books I've read.
"I roll on my back to assess my injuries. Knee feels fine. Head feels groggy. Heart feels fucked."
Their relationship is a hard one, it doesn't really progress as it could (or should). Cam is trying his best to show her she can let go of all her plans, and just be in the moment. She's trying to make him see he's a lot more than just a football player. They both harbor some resentment, and it almost stops them short of their HEA. Almost, but not quite.
What's obvious for the reader is that they actually complement each other's shortcomings, and complete each other. Now... if only they could both get their heads out of their respective asses...
"I pressed my lips to hers. Scoring my first goal as a Gunner felt like a million pounds. Realising I love Indie Porter…felt like a billion."
I loved the ending, it was perfect for their story. It really shows how far they've come, and how much they (and their relationship) have grown. How wonderful all of it can really be, with the right person.
I'm definitely reading the other books in this series!
October 26, 2016
I liked this one. Football in the background, hot hunk of a player and quirky heroine. Throw three hot brothers (also football players), sassy sister and generally tight, overprotective family and you have a really nice story. Also funny but with an emotional touch too and ok, I have to say it, heroine annoyed me a bit at some point with her running away, but Camden more than made up for it with his British goofy charm. I enjoyed. Looking forward to the next Harris brother. Hmmm? I think I'd like Gareth's story. Let's wait and see.
April 3, 2017
3 out of 2,5... A mediocre read with some annoying moments...
First of all, I must say that I disliked the heroine.
Indie was a virgin at the age of 24 and she had an uber stupid “penis list” that she prepared with her friend.
P #1 would be a player, a bad boy...
P #2 would be a romantic guy.
P #3 would be a mixture of P#1 & 2.
Why not Lover 1, 2 & 3, but Penis 1, 2 & 3? I have no idea... Whatever... Even with a different name, making such plans with numbers as if you are going to meet them in this order is idiotic for me. What if the first or the second one is "the one"?
Our hero, Camden, was not a bad boy but he was a player. At first, he was just interested in her for sex and he emphasized it to her but later he started feeling more and soon he fell for her. However, she freaked out. She had a plan to experience more. She had a plan to find P#2 and then P#3. She didn’t want to stay with P#1. The hero, Camden (aka P#1), was supposed to be just an experienced player who would help her lose her virginity in the best way possible. So, she pushed him away when he told her he had feelings for her.
There was this annoying pull and push between them for a while and she was so dumb that she couldn’t see for a long time that he was in fact number 3!
I felt sorry for Indie's upbringing with no affection from her parents and the book implies that is why she didn’t know how to accept love & affection at first, but it was still so very annoying...
The hero was OK, there isn’t much to criticize about him but I didn’t love him that much, either. He was just OK. I still cannot put my finger on it but maybe because he called women “birds”, or maybe because he was obsessed with "puns" and was trying to make sentences with puns in them so often, he kind of felt like "not my type of hero". Oh, Indie also turned out to be someone who liked puns, as well and they used puns every now and then.
It’s not that the woman did not know how to juggle, she just didn’t have the balls to try.
Show me someone in denial and I’ll show you a person in Egypt up to their ankles.
When they even declared their love using puns, I felt sick of it and wanted to vomit.
Some may find it cute, though... it may be just me... I would definitely refuse to have a lover who talked with puns so often. So immature and childish for me!
See for yourselves how this declarations of love sound for you:
I love you from my head tomatoes.
I love you a latte.
You make one or two, and they sound funny but you should never overuse anything if you ask me, then it becomes annoying.
As a last word, let me tell you that the book has its emotional and hot moments and it is written in dual point of view. Also, there is no cheating, it is safe.
I just don’t know now if I want to dive into the next book to read Camden's brother and Indie's best friend in Endurance... I think I need some time and thinking for that...
First of all, I must say that I disliked the heroine.
Indie was a virgin at the age of 24 and she had an uber stupid “penis list” that she prepared with her friend.
P #1 would be a player, a bad boy...
P #2 would be a romantic guy.
P #3 would be a mixture of P#1 & 2.
Why not Lover 1, 2 & 3, but Penis 1, 2 & 3? I have no idea... Whatever... Even with a different name, making such plans with numbers as if you are going to meet them in this order is idiotic for me. What if the first or the second one is "the one"?
Our hero, Camden, was not a bad boy but he was a player. At first, he was just interested in her for sex and he emphasized it to her but later he started feeling more and soon he fell for her. However, she freaked out. She had a plan to experience more. She had a plan to find P#2 and then P#3. She didn’t want to stay with P#1. The hero, Camden (aka P#1), was supposed to be just an experienced player who would help her lose her virginity in the best way possible. So, she pushed him away when he told her he had feelings for her.
There was this annoying pull and push between them for a while and she was so dumb that she couldn’t see for a long time that he was in fact number 3!
I felt sorry for Indie's upbringing with no affection from her parents and the book implies that is why she didn’t know how to accept love & affection at first, but it was still so very annoying...
The hero was OK, there isn’t much to criticize about him but I didn’t love him that much, either. He was just OK. I still cannot put my finger on it but maybe because he called women “birds”, or maybe because he was obsessed with "puns" and was trying to make sentences with puns in them so often, he kind of felt like "not my type of hero". Oh, Indie also turned out to be someone who liked puns, as well and they used puns every now and then.
It’s not that the woman did not know how to juggle, she just didn’t have the balls to try.
Show me someone in denial and I’ll show you a person in Egypt up to their ankles.
When they even declared their love using puns, I felt sick of it and wanted to vomit.
Some may find it cute, though... it may be just me... I would definitely refuse to have a lover who talked with puns so often. So immature and childish for me!
See for yourselves how this declarations of love sound for you:
I love you from my head tomatoes.
I love you a latte.
You make one or two, and they sound funny but you should never overuse anything if you ask me, then it becomes annoying.
As a last word, let me tell you that the book has its emotional and hot moments and it is written in dual point of view. Also, there is no cheating, it is safe.
I just don’t know now if I want to dive into the next book to read Camden's brother and Indie's best friend in Endurance... I think I need some time and thinking for that...
July 9, 2020
dice app
The book was cute, but it was full of stupid clichés. ⭐⭐⭐
What’s for sure is - soccer players are HOT, dammit!!!
Want to read
September 8, 2017
FREEE eBook! I HAVE BEEN MEANING TO READ.
Stand-alone book 1
📚 FREE! (9/5/2017) | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
Blurb:
He’s her patient. She’s his doctor. They shouldn’t. But God, do they want to.
Camden Harris, the famously hot, hulk of a footballer is laid up in a London hospital. But his busted knee doesn’t stop him from running his well-practiced game on Indie Porter—his redheaded spitfire of a doctor. She’s not his type, not even close. But she could be the perfect distraction from the soul-crushing damage this injury could cost him.
Indie’s tired of her naivety putting a target on her back. As a gifted child, she’s let her education take the front seat her whole life. But a fling with a footballer like Camden might be just what she needs to grab life by the balls.
And he could be the perfect guy for the plan she’s been sitting on for over two years.
But when feelings make a final play, there’s no amount of medicine that can heal the damage to their hearts.
Signed paperback provided to me by author Amy Daws.
September 27, 2018
Challenge is my first read by Amy Daws. It was an amazing book and it won’t be the last book I’ll read by the author. I loved Camden! He’s sporty, talented, strong, honest and determined. He loves playing soccer and he’s amazing at it. Camden wants Indie very much and he would do anything for a chance with her. He will fight for her, but she won’t make it easy. I liked Indie most of the time, but I also struggled with her sometimes. Indie is smart, caring, determined and honest. She loves her job and she works/studies hard. Her job is very important to her and that’s why I found it a little odd that she wanted to risk it all for a man she just met. I did adore Camden and Indie together. I will definitely read the next books in this series, since it’s about Camden’s brothers and I already like them very much.
September 30, 2023
4.5 P-list and doctor/patient-goodness stars
Ah… a female doctor with a male patient? Well, that’s different… add in duet narration and accents and I’m SOOOOOLD 👏🏻. The audiobook is FREAKING FANTASTIC 😮💨.
Camden (25 ish) lives, eats, breathes football (soccer). It’s his everything. I mean, he even thinks about it in the shower 😅 (IYKYK). He’s also a manhooooar, but he never prioritizes women. Soccer is his life. So when he get severely injured while playing, he feels like life is over… until he realizes how hot his red-headed doctor is, and he can’t help but picture her in his room 👀.
Indie (24) knows she’s young for being a doctor; she skipped three grade levels and advanced quickly. She’s learned a lot and has dedicated herself to her career. When the hot AF footballer flirts with her, she gets flustered 😅, so flustered that she loses her footing while putting the blood pressure cuff away 😬, and, well, Camden does the only thing he CAN (has been wanting) to do- he kisses her 👀.
And then he decides he wants her to be his 😅.
Good thing she’s on the market to lose her v, and Camden is the perfect candidate for p3n1s #1 👀.
What I liked/loved:
—Camden being just what the doctor ordered, PUN INTENDED 🤣 (you see what I did there? Lol). Indie wants to finally lose her v, and he’s the perfect P #1 🤷🏻♀️. He’s VERY experienced, so that’s good for her
—the 🤣 moments. Oh my gosh, I giggled and laughed so many times 🤣. The audiobook being duet narration made it EVEN👏🏻better👏🏻! The narrators did an amazing job at showing the characters’ emotions (good and bad)
—the sweet moments 🫶. Camden seeking solace in Indie and Indie being there for him was everything ❤️. Being injured is no joke, and Indie makes sure to offer him support 🥰
—the tension 👀. Camden sees and wants her, and he’s gonna make sure to convince her 😉. Lucky for him, Indie’s a willing participant 😉. Obviously? There’s hesitation because of…
—the taboo elements 😅. Doctor/patient 😉
—the 🔥. Ufffff the way these two light up a room with their chemistry is delicious. Kissing begins at 10%, continuing at 26% (the way Camden kisses should be ILLEGAL 🥵) with full 🔥 by 50% 😉.
—the P list 😈
—the sweet moments ❤️. The way these two bond is heartwarming; Camden’s scared, and Indie’s the shoulder he needs to lean on 🫶. Plus, he makes sure to show reciprocity ❤️
—he falls first 😉. Sure, Camden’s been around, but he can’t deny the connection he has to Indie, especially when he finds out about this list and the potential he could be, especially because it’s supposedly just smeex
—he calls her specs 🫶
—the OMD and the OMD that hasn’t even happened 🤣. Not Camden getting jealous over potential men Indie might eventually meet 🤣 but also 😈. He DOES feel he has competition with Indie’s colleague though 😅
—MINEMINEMINE 💅
—tequila sunrise moments 🥹🫶
—the side characters 👀. I gotta keep reading this series
What I wanted more of:
—a proper epilogue 😭. I know I’ll keep seeing their HEA in the next books, but still 😭
—there were times I made this face 😬, buuuut… I didn’t even care 🤣 it was a lighthearted read so 🤷🏻♀️… 🤣
Overall, I luuuuurved this ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/or real owd*
-in the hospital, the H’s sister comes to visit and the h thinks she’s his girlfriend. She gets jealous, thinks he’s a cheater, and doesn’t let the H tell her that the woman is his sister 🫣
-OM- the H gets jealous when OM touches the h, even causally. The h has no feelings and feels irked about OM (OM is another doctor)
-virgin h/manhoooar H
-condoms/H has always used condoms
-HEA/no epilogue 😐
Ah… a female doctor with a male patient? Well, that’s different… add in duet narration and accents and I’m SOOOOOLD 👏🏻. The audiobook is FREAKING FANTASTIC 😮💨.
Camden (25 ish) lives, eats, breathes football (soccer). It’s his everything. I mean, he even thinks about it in the shower 😅 (IYKYK). He’s also a manhooooar, but he never prioritizes women. Soccer is his life. So when he get severely injured while playing, he feels like life is over… until he realizes how hot his red-headed doctor is, and he can’t help but picture her in his room 👀.
Indie (24) knows she’s young for being a doctor; she skipped three grade levels and advanced quickly. She’s learned a lot and has dedicated herself to her career. When the hot AF footballer flirts with her, she gets flustered 😅, so flustered that she loses her footing while putting the blood pressure cuff away 😬, and, well, Camden does the only thing he CAN (has been wanting) to do- he kisses her 👀.
And then he decides he wants her to be his 😅.
Good thing she’s on the market to lose her v, and Camden is the perfect candidate for p3n1s #1 👀.
What I liked/loved:
—Camden being just what the doctor ordered, PUN INTENDED 🤣 (you see what I did there? Lol). Indie wants to finally lose her v, and he’s the perfect P #1 🤷🏻♀️. He’s VERY experienced, so that’s good for her
—the 🤣 moments. Oh my gosh, I giggled and laughed so many times 🤣. The audiobook being duet narration made it EVEN👏🏻better👏🏻! The narrators did an amazing job at showing the characters’ emotions (good and bad)
—the sweet moments 🫶. Camden seeking solace in Indie and Indie being there for him was everything ❤️. Being injured is no joke, and Indie makes sure to offer him support 🥰
—the tension 👀. Camden sees and wants her, and he’s gonna make sure to convince her 😉. Lucky for him, Indie’s a willing participant 😉. Obviously? There’s hesitation because of…
—the taboo elements 😅. Doctor/patient 😉
—the 🔥. Ufffff the way these two light up a room with their chemistry is delicious. Kissing begins at 10%, continuing at 26% (the way Camden kisses should be ILLEGAL 🥵) with full 🔥 by 50% 😉.
—the P list 😈
—the sweet moments ❤️. The way these two bond is heartwarming; Camden’s scared, and Indie’s the shoulder he needs to lean on 🫶. Plus, he makes sure to show reciprocity ❤️
—he falls first 😉. Sure, Camden’s been around, but he can’t deny the connection he has to Indie, especially when he finds out about this list and the potential he could be, especially because it’s supposedly just smeex
—he calls her specs 🫶
—the OMD and the OMD that hasn’t even happened 🤣. Not Camden getting jealous over potential men Indie might eventually meet 🤣 but also 😈. He DOES feel he has competition with Indie’s colleague though 😅
—MINEMINEMINE 💅
—tequila sunrise moments 🥹🫶
—the side characters 👀. I gotta keep reading this series
What I wanted more of:
—a proper epilogue 😭. I know I’ll keep seeing their HEA in the next books, but still 😭
—there were times I made this face 😬, buuuut… I didn’t even care 🤣 it was a lighthearted read so 🤷🏻♀️… 🤣
Overall, I luuuuurved this ❤️
⚠️safety squad⚠️
-no cheating/sharing/or real owd*
-in the hospital, the H’s sister comes to visit and the h thinks she’s his girlfriend. She gets jealous, thinks he’s a cheater, and doesn’t let the H tell her that the woman is his sister 🫣
-OM- the H gets jealous when OM touches the h, even causally. The h has no feelings and feels irked about OM (OM is another doctor)
-virgin h/manhoooar H
-condoms/H has always used condoms
-HEA/no epilogue 😐
October 4, 2016
4 Stars
This was my first book by this author, and it was quite the fun adventure. I'm a sucker for a tight knit family, throw in hot hunky footballers and a sassy sister that runs the bunch of them, well I'm sold. I look forward to reading Tanner's story, dare I predict his leading lady will be none other than his favorite, Dr. Ryan.
This was my first book by this author, and it was quite the fun adventure. I'm a sucker for a tight knit family, throw in hot hunky footballers and a sassy sister that runs the bunch of them, well I'm sold. I look forward to reading Tanner's story, dare I predict his leading lady will be none other than his favorite, Dr. Ryan.
April 27, 2020
3.5 Stars
This was just okay. I enjoyed the beginning when Cam was determined to get Indie to go out with him. He was charming and it was fun watching Indie learn to trust and let her walls down. After that, though, the story was kind of boring and I just listened to the audio to pass the time and get to the end. While Cam is a soccer player, he gets injured at the very beginning of the book, so I wouldn't really call this a sports romance. Sure he's worried about playing again, but the entire book is about his surgery and recovering and making decisions about his life. Like I said, it was a cute story but nothing special.
This was just okay. I enjoyed the beginning when Cam was determined to get Indie to go out with him. He was charming and it was fun watching Indie learn to trust and let her walls down. After that, though, the story was kind of boring and I just listened to the audio to pass the time and get to the end. While Cam is a soccer player, he gets injured at the very beginning of the book, so I wouldn't really call this a sports romance. Sure he's worried about playing again, but the entire book is about his surgery and recovering and making decisions about his life. Like I said, it was a cute story but nothing special.
September 23, 2016
“I want what I feel when I’m with you.”
What a fabulous sports romance with a footie playing hero who will charm your knickers off and a sweet yet naïve heroine who’s a bit of a wonder kid. Challenge had us hooked from about a third way in and we became completely sucked into the story of Camden and Indie; two opposites whose paths collide when a nasty accident happens on a muddy pitch in Bethnal Green.
“I am football. Nothing more. If I can’t play, what the fuck am I?”
We had so many laughs whilst absolutely swooning over the footie ace who went on a bit of a journey of self-discovery after facing his past and coming to terms with what this could mean for his future. This all aided by his attending doctor who for reasons he can’t quite understands manages to capture more than just his attention, medically.
‘I’m drowning in deep, dark, delirious destiny. I’m in a place I never want to leave. A place I never want to say goodbye to. A place I never want to let go. Just sinking further and further into a world I’ve never known.’
Dr. Indie Porter is quite a force to be reckoned with in the London hospital. She’s brave, intelligent and quite lonely. Other than her best friend Belle, she really doesn’t have anyone else in her life. It took us a while to fully warm up to Indie, what was sweet, endearing and funny in the start began to grate a bit after a while and she pissed us off big time on occasion. We put it down to her being the classic case of ‘book clever’ with an impaired ability to function in social situations unless in the role of Dr. Porter. Indie has no filter though when it comes to her personal life and clearly doesn’t suffer fools gladly. Hence, we struggled at times but she definitely won us over in the end.
‘I want her. I want her more than she wants me…and that never happens to me.’
As for Camden Harris; he started off as the typical sexy football star who’s got the skill and potential to strike it big…pun intended. We fell completely under his spell, as sure he was cocky, but he never played games nor did he act under pretence or instigate anything that wasn’t emotion led, wearing his heart on his sleeve, always.
Penis #1: The Virginity Snatcher.
Penis #2: The Sweetie.
Penis #3: The Ultimate Cocktail
Commence operation The Penis List by Indie Porter. It had us in stitches in the beginning. Then it became a bit of ‘enough already, grow up Indie girl’. Saying that, her childhood and fast paced entry into adulthood did give her a free pass in the end. Between her and Camden; both have such strong and vivid scars from the past emotionally that it’s no wonder some things played out the way they did.
‘Tears slide down my temples and into my hair at the realisation that I’ve never felt this level of devotion before, both for him and from him. It’s more than I’ve ever felt about anything in my entire life.’
We fell completely in love with the whole Harris family and Belle too. Challenge made for a real feel good romance with a bit of angst and drama that never took anything away from the beauty of Cam and Indie’s love story. We can’t wait for more and have to say that we really love the easy feel of Amy Daws’ writing.
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October 1, 2018
3.5 Stars
A high three star read for me. I like a good sport book and this one has raving reviews. The last Amy Daws book I read was pretty cute. I will admit I started this book months ago and didn’t finish it. I thought maybe I wasn’t in the mood. Now that I am in the mood, I felt like it was okay. It wasn’t bad, but it was just okay.
The angst towards the second half of the book got to me and that’s where my rating dropped a little.
Camden is a football player (soccer player) and he’s your typical jock. He’s successful, a man whore and he doesn’t want a relationship. He messes up his knee after a game and the story starts from there.
I did want the book to be more about the game, but if you like a doctor / patient relationship type of read, this is more for you.
Indie is one of his doctors. I wanted to like Indie but I think I didn’t get a good read on her character. I liked that she is a virgin, really smart, but her issue is that she doesn’t do relationships. Even though the relationship she has with her best friend seems really normal.
I felt like Indie should have been more damaged to be so guarded. She bugged the heck out of me. No matter what Camden did, she pushed him away which in resulted in him getting defensive. It was whip lash reading it.
The steamy parts were good, not enough in my opinion, but I’m a dirty perv like that. I felt like the conversations between side characters where too much. I really didn’t need to read about inner monologues and the characters whine about the relationship. I did like the little bits of Tanner and Belle since they will be in the next book. Kind of wished they had more tension. But not the pull the hair out kind.
I will be continuing with the series.
A high three star read for me. I like a good sport book and this one has raving reviews. The last Amy Daws book I read was pretty cute. I will admit I started this book months ago and didn’t finish it. I thought maybe I wasn’t in the mood. Now that I am in the mood, I felt like it was okay. It wasn’t bad, but it was just okay.
The angst towards the second half of the book got to me and that’s where my rating dropped a little.
Camden is a football player (soccer player) and he’s your typical jock. He’s successful, a man whore and he doesn’t want a relationship. He messes up his knee after a game and the story starts from there.
I did want the book to be more about the game, but if you like a doctor / patient relationship type of read, this is more for you.
Indie is one of his doctors. I wanted to like Indie but I think I didn’t get a good read on her character. I liked that she is a virgin, really smart, but her issue is that she doesn’t do relationships. Even though the relationship she has with her best friend seems really normal.
I felt like Indie should have been more damaged to be so guarded. She bugged the heck out of me. No matter what Camden did, she pushed him away which in resulted in him getting defensive. It was whip lash reading it.
The steamy parts were good, not enough in my opinion, but I’m a dirty perv like that. I felt like the conversations between side characters where too much. I really didn’t need to read about inner monologues and the characters whine about the relationship. I did like the little bits of Tanner and Belle since they will be in the next book. Kind of wished they had more tension. But not the pull the hair out kind.
I will be continuing with the series.
September 26, 2016
Reviewing my own book is kind of a funny feeling, but I like doing this because it reminds me of the experience I had while writing it.
This book was a Challenge for me to write...pun definitely intended. It was one of the hardest books I've written and I don't know if it was because of my break away from my core group in the London Lovers Series, the shift into the sports romance genre, or just because of life and timing, but it was tricky. Many rants of my own occurred similar to the rants that Indie has in the book over how I was going to end this story and why these characters were taking so long to tell me where they needed to go. But ugh! I finally got there and I have to say that Camden and Indie took me completely by surprise. Their banter and chemistry was so natural and fun! I can't wait to hear this in audio for that reason alone. And the Harris Family is such a warm and exciting home for me to live in for the next few books. I seriously can't wait. I wish I could blink and have all the books written because I have a crazy idea for a book 5, but we have to get there first. :) So many more obstacles for these crazy brothers to leap.
Luckily I like a challenge. ;)
This book was a Challenge for me to write...pun definitely intended. It was one of the hardest books I've written and I don't know if it was because of my break away from my core group in the London Lovers Series, the shift into the sports romance genre, or just because of life and timing, but it was tricky. Many rants of my own occurred similar to the rants that Indie has in the book over how I was going to end this story and why these characters were taking so long to tell me where they needed to go. But ugh! I finally got there and I have to say that Camden and Indie took me completely by surprise. Their banter and chemistry was so natural and fun! I can't wait to hear this in audio for that reason alone. And the Harris Family is such a warm and exciting home for me to live in for the next few books. I seriously can't wait. I wish I could blink and have all the books written because I have a crazy idea for a book 5, but we have to get there first. :) So many more obstacles for these crazy brothers to leap.
Luckily I like a challenge. ;)
August 31, 2020
Cliché, cliché e ancora cliché.
Come ho già detto in altre recensioni, però, tutto dipende da come si gioca con i cliché e la Daws ha saputo ben districarsi non rendendo il tutto banale.
I due protagonisti, Camden e Indie sono molto interessanti. Lui un calciatore all'apice del successo subisce un infortunio e si ritrova nel pronto soccorso dell'ospedale al cospetto di una giovane dottoressa che mina le sue certezze, Indie Porter. Una famiglia ingombrante per Cam, la famiglia Harris, composta da quattro fratelli e una sorella chioccia, tutti "troppo presenti" e una famiglia completamente assente per Indie, con due genitori sempre in giro per il mondo completamente disinteressati a lei e alla sua carriera. Il ruolo delle famiglie ha un peso sul carattere dei due ragazzi e sulle loro scelte sentimentali e, non sarà facile trovare un punto d'incontro.
Carino, scorrevole, sensuale, a tratti serioso, ma anche ironico e divertente.
Nella mia carriera di lettrice ho letto di tante liste, ma mai e dico mai avevo letto di una "Lista di Peni". Ebbene, se volete soddisfare la vostra curiosità, Indie ha proprio una lista del genere da spuntare.
Come ho già detto in altre recensioni, però, tutto dipende da come si gioca con i cliché e la Daws ha saputo ben districarsi non rendendo il tutto banale.
I due protagonisti, Camden e Indie sono molto interessanti. Lui un calciatore all'apice del successo subisce un infortunio e si ritrova nel pronto soccorso dell'ospedale al cospetto di una giovane dottoressa che mina le sue certezze, Indie Porter. Una famiglia ingombrante per Cam, la famiglia Harris, composta da quattro fratelli e una sorella chioccia, tutti "troppo presenti" e una famiglia completamente assente per Indie, con due genitori sempre in giro per il mondo completamente disinteressati a lei e alla sua carriera. Il ruolo delle famiglie ha un peso sul carattere dei due ragazzi e sulle loro scelte sentimentali e, non sarà facile trovare un punto d'incontro.
Carino, scorrevole, sensuale, a tratti serioso, ma anche ironico e divertente.
Nella mia carriera di lettrice ho letto di tante liste, ma mai e dico mai avevo letto di una "Lista di Peni". Ebbene, se volete soddisfare la vostra curiosità, Indie ha proprio una lista del genere da spuntare.
September 2, 2017
It is a lighthearted read and can be quite fun if you don't have the same petpeeves I do. If you want to know, here they are:
1) we don't see the main male character do what he is good at. When I don't get that, I start thinking that guys in romances are interchangeable. He is a football (soccer for US folks) player but we don't see him play much.
2) the female main character is a 24-year old virgin. Of course, she is smart and sexy.
3) there is the all too common chat-with-friends scene where they are discussing one's sexual life or lack thereof. The earlier it is in a book, the more it puts me off.
September 20, 2017
Accepting the Challenge and scoring the goal...
My goal was to finish Challenge. I hit buy, cued it up and then went travelling. OMG...It has been a very long time since a book took me four days to read. Honestly, it wasn't my fault. I went to the Fictionally Yours, Melbourne book signing AND Hubby joined me to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. So, unfortunately, reading wasn't my priority.
Of all the books to choose, I should have picked a re-read or something. There is NOTHING worse than putting down a book that you're enjoying. Hanging out with fellow bloggers, readers and authors...OR...reading a book that will wait for me? Spending quality time with Hubby...OR...reading a book that will wait for me? You guessed it...the book waited for me.
I got there in the end and really enjoyed it. The characters were engaging, the storyline interesting and the connection between the characters jumped off the pages. It was refreshingly sweet that our sexy, sporty hero wasn't a douchewaffle. Yes, he was a wee bit arrogant and a touch sleazy, but funny enough, these were the characteristics the heroine was searching for.
I kind of get a kick out of a storyline when the hero cottons on before the heroine that it's more than a hookup. What follows is a man who can pull anyone getting frustrated when the one he wants puts him in her short-term, he couldn't really commit, category. Loved it!!
It took me longer than I wanted, but it was worth it in the end. I enjoyed Challenge and I can't for more Harris Brothers.
My goal was to finish Challenge. I hit buy, cued it up and then went travelling. OMG...It has been a very long time since a book took me four days to read. Honestly, it wasn't my fault. I went to the Fictionally Yours, Melbourne book signing AND Hubby joined me to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary. So, unfortunately, reading wasn't my priority.
Of all the books to choose, I should have picked a re-read or something. There is NOTHING worse than putting down a book that you're enjoying. Hanging out with fellow bloggers, readers and authors...OR...reading a book that will wait for me? Spending quality time with Hubby...OR...reading a book that will wait for me? You guessed it...the book waited for me.
I got there in the end and really enjoyed it. The characters were engaging, the storyline interesting and the connection between the characters jumped off the pages. It was refreshingly sweet that our sexy, sporty hero wasn't a douchewaffle. Yes, he was a wee bit arrogant and a touch sleazy, but funny enough, these were the characteristics the heroine was searching for.
I kind of get a kick out of a storyline when the hero cottons on before the heroine that it's more than a hookup. What follows is a man who can pull anyone getting frustrated when the one he wants puts him in her short-term, he couldn't really commit, category. Loved it!!
It took me longer than I wanted, but it was worth it in the end. I enjoyed Challenge and I can't for more Harris Brothers.
January 30, 2019
1.5/2 Dunno about this one
This was a confusing book. I wanted to DNF it a few times, especially at the beginning (then, somehow, it became tolerable for some unknown reason).
What I didn't like were the characters. Yeah, I get insta-love, but this one was that annoying one that makes absolutely no sense. The two talk about each other like they've known one another for their entire lives (when they barely met a few hours ago). Plus, the male char does like a 180 after just a few days of knowing the chick. They're idiots for most of the book and annoying almost 90% of the time.
Even more, it's too long. I'm the kind of person who adores long books, as long as it makes sense. And, no, this one didn't.
It should have been a nice plot, a cute read, but it wasn't. The two ruined the book. Wouldn't recommend it.
This was a confusing book. I wanted to DNF it a few times, especially at the beginning (then, somehow, it became tolerable for some unknown reason).
What I didn't like were the characters. Yeah, I get insta-love, but this one was that annoying one that makes absolutely no sense. The two talk about each other like they've known one another for their entire lives (when they barely met a few hours ago). Plus, the male char does like a 180 after just a few days of knowing the chick. They're idiots for most of the book and annoying almost 90% of the time.
Even more, it's too long. I'm the kind of person who adores long books, as long as it makes sense. And, no, this one didn't.
It should have been a nice plot, a cute read, but it wasn't. The two ruined the book. Wouldn't recommend it.
October 17, 2017
The five stars are for the outstanding production of the audio version of this book. It is a production, not just a narration. There are three actors, two male and one female. All of them speak with a delicious British accent. This audio is not to be missed!
The story? Well, I'm going to be nice and say that it wasn't my cup of tea. Probably nothing wrong with it for anyone who likes mushy NA romance. It's just not my thing. I find it terribly unrealistic.
But - hey! I listened to every single hour of this story just to hear those amazing voices. So, yeah, five stars for the audio.
The story? Well, I'm going to be nice and say that it wasn't my cup of tea. Probably nothing wrong with it for anyone who likes mushy NA romance. It's just not my thing. I find it terribly unrealistic.
But - hey! I listened to every single hour of this story just to hear those amazing voices. So, yeah, five stars for the audio.
May 11, 2019
4 Tequila Sunrise stars!
I was first introduced to Camden & Indie while reading Cocktales and really wanted to hear their story. This was my first novel by Amy Daws and it won’t be my last.
Challenge is part crass, part hilarious, and a whole lot steamy!
I like Indie, she was a prodigious child and is one of the youngest doctors at the hospital. She’s lived a life of solitude until she reached college, so the little idiosyncrasies she has about enjoying being alone are endearing, but we all know that deep down she wants to belong to someone.
Camden is the typical European football star, with a big ego to match his skills.
I loved the push and pull between these two MCs. The sexual chemistry was so tangible. Their banter was great and I absolutely loved all of their clever puns.
This was a fun, light, easy read. I definitely want to read more about the Harris brothers and their HEAs!
I was first introduced to Camden & Indie while reading Cocktales and really wanted to hear their story. This was my first novel by Amy Daws and it won’t be my last.
Challenge is part crass, part hilarious, and a whole lot steamy!
I like Indie, she was a prodigious child and is one of the youngest doctors at the hospital. She’s lived a life of solitude until she reached college, so the little idiosyncrasies she has about enjoying being alone are endearing, but we all know that deep down she wants to belong to someone.
Camden is the typical European football star, with a big ego to match his skills.
I loved the push and pull between these two MCs. The sexual chemistry was so tangible. Their banter was great and I absolutely loved all of their clever puns.
This was a fun, light, easy read. I definitely want to read more about the Harris brothers and their HEAs!
June 5, 2019
So
So first off I have to say I am NOT a fan of “soccer” or football as it is in this series. Only reason I’m here obviously is because I LOVE Amy Daws writing. When I need a laugh she gets me there EVERY SINGLE TIME!! So if your needing a laugh out loud book look no further. Read any Amy Daws and you won’t regret it.
So first off I have to say I am NOT a fan of “soccer” or football as it is in this series. Only reason I’m here obviously is because I LOVE Amy Daws writing. When I need a laugh she gets me there EVERY SINGLE TIME!! So if your needing a laugh out loud book look no further. Read any Amy Daws and you won’t regret it.
March 23, 2025
Althought I admire Miss Daws, not all of her book hits home with me. Challenge is that book. Not hit home with me. I do love both characters but their story is shallow.
I need more drama and more complex relationship between the characters. More twist.
Not entirely bad. Some parts are funny.
3 stars
I need more drama and more complex relationship between the characters. More twist.
Not entirely bad. Some parts are funny.
3 stars
November 20, 2021
SCORE ⚽️🎄 The First Of The Infamous Harris Brothers...🎄⚽️🎄⚽️🎄
Get A Taste Of All That Naughty, Fun, Sexy Humor Amy Daws Is Known For...
A Doctor Ready For A Romp With A Footballer...
Little Did They Know It Would End Up Much More Than That...
Challenge (Harris Brothers #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Endurance (Harris Brothers #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keeper (Harris Brothers #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
End Goal (Harris Brothers #3.5)
Surrender ((Harris Brothers #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominate (Harris Brothers, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Payback (Harris Brothers #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
Get A Taste Of All That Naughty, Fun, Sexy Humor Amy Daws Is Known For...
A Doctor Ready For A Romp With A Footballer...
Little Did They Know It Would End Up Much More Than That...
Challenge (Harris Brothers #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Endurance (Harris Brothers #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keeper (Harris Brothers #3)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
End Goal (Harris Brothers #3.5)Surrender ((Harris Brothers #4)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Dominate (Harris Brothers, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Payback (Harris Brothers #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
February 26, 2020
It was a good read. There were certain aspects I liked such as the how the whole virgin heroine trope was handled. For probably the first time in a contemporary romance I didn’t mind that little detail (not so little actually since the instigating factor for the h’s actions was kinda based on her losing it). Anyway, it wasn’t all about shy, naive, crazy-romantic girl loses it to bad boy with loads of experience. I mean there was that but within a broader context.
So yeah, that was ok, but overall the story wasn’t that exciting. I kinda went into this one with very high expectations for some reason and maybe my rating is reflective of my subjectivity.
I will say tho, the writing is good, witty, the dialog is pretty captivating and humorous when the time calls for it. So it’s more a matter of the plot itself, it just didn’t quite do much. There was just back and forth and back and forth and .. you get it. Nothing really happened. Tbh apart from the scene at the end (the OR kiss and what ensued) it was all just about a guy and a girl getting it on and not wanting to commit... until.. THE END
So yeah, that was ok, but overall the story wasn’t that exciting. I kinda went into this one with very high expectations for some reason and maybe my rating is reflective of my subjectivity.
I will say tho, the writing is good, witty, the dialog is pretty captivating and humorous when the time calls for it. So it’s more a matter of the plot itself, it just didn’t quite do much. There was just back and forth and back and forth and .. you get it. Nothing really happened. Tbh apart from the scene at the end (the OR kiss and what ensued) it was all just about a guy and a girl getting it on and not wanting to commit... until.. THE END
February 26, 2024
Do you know what?
Fuck this book.
It’s 2020 and I can’t believe we’re still being accosted with this judgemental, ignorant bullshit.
Said ignorant bullshit being virgin shaming and STD shaming.
I mean, come on? Seriously? Are we still fucking doing this?
…
I actually don’t know why I’m surprised by people refusing to educate themselves and continuing to spread vitriol, but I am, and I’m livid.
Fucking furious.
I read Romance to feel good, to get my heart thrown around a bit and then pieced back together with a well-earned HEA, not to read supposed intelligent women throw around slurs as if they don’t wound people.
Because they do, and because this is literature, it’s for-fucking-ever. There are no take-backs, it’s printed, it’s being seen by thousands of vulnerable people who don’t know that the author is absolutely, unequivocally wrong. And that is so fucking harmful.
We need to be writing romance that takes account of all aspects of sex. Not just the pretty, idealised stuff. The real, honest, painful aspects of being sexual or not.
Instead of this judgemental rhetoric.
Such as the above mentioned virgin shaming.
Firstly, let’s get one thing straight:
Virginity is a social construct thought up by old cis males to control women.
…
Did that sink in?
Do I need to say it again?:
Virginity doesn’t exist. Get the fuck over it.
The idea that a woman needs to be broken in order to be whole is barbaric and quite frankly, sick.
The hymen is not the holy grail. It’s a piece of skin that can be broken at any point in your life. And it doesn’t have to be by a fleshy pole attached to a man.
Would you really say to a lesbian that she was lesser because she’d never been penetrated by a dick?
Would you accuse a gay man of not being whole because he doesn’t want to have sex with a woman?
Would you fucking dare tell an asexual person they aren’t worthwhile because they don’t want or even have the impulse to engage in any sexual acts?
Honestly? Would you really do these things?
Because that’s what we’re saying, as a culture, by shaming someone because they’re a “virgin”. Because they haven’t been “broken”. Because they're trained from birth to think they're nothing if they haven’t had sex.
What even is sex?
Why is penetrative sex deemed the only marker of losing your “virginity”?
Why does non-penetrative sex not count? Why doesn’t gay sex count? Does a trans-woman not having her hymen broken make her any less of a woman? Or a trans-man any less of a man?
What if someone broke their hymen using a dildo? Does that mean they’re not a virgin anymore? The skin’s broken, it can’t be put back together, the only difference is flesh and plastic. Why does a penis hold so much power over the validity of a woman? Why does a man wield that power?
In answer, they don’t and they shouldn’t, and this fucking story is saying otherwise.
Do you have any idea how many people lose their virginity through rape? Child molestation? The sex trade? (FYI: I’m pro sex work. I’m referring to forced prostitution, porn etc. here)
Does that make them valid now? Even when they didn’t want it? And just because society deemed one physical act the signpost for adulthood?
No, it doesn’t. It really fucking doesn’t.
There is a significant difference between wanting to have sex for the first time and being forced or shamed into doing it. Or not doing it.
Have sex when you’re ready. Have sex when you’re in your 20s. Have sex when you’re in your 70s. Have all kinds of sex. Have as much as sex as you want with as many people as you want. DON’T HAVE SEX AT ALL.
It’s your choice and sod everyone else. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel or live. Especially ill-educated romance authors who should know fucking better.
A broken hymen does not make you more valid than anybody else.
I will die on that fucking hill, I swear it.
Just to point out, in the book there is very little verbal virgin shaming, which is good, I guess? I’d prefer none at all, with a heroine confident in her life choices and a hero who sees women as more than a wet hole to plunder.
My problem is that the whole premise of the book is virgin shaming. It reinforces the idea that even if you’re smart, capable, confident, you aren’t complete until you’ve been railed by some dude.
And if my above tirade didn’t point this out already: That’s fucking bullshit.
Now, to my second issue:
STD shaming.
I just… I can’t… I’m so mad.
Look at this harmful bullshit:
How could a ROMANCE FUCKING AUTHOR write this?
This book was written four years ago. FOUR.
I’m so sad at the idea that people still think this way.
Do you have any idea how common sexually transmitted diseases are? Google it. Go on. It takes two seconds.
That’s cited from WHO. A reliable source, no?
1 million. Every day. Worldwide.
Chances are someone you know has an STD.
Would you shame them for having one? Would you think them dirty? Or worse, call them dirty? Would you refuse to touch them? Eat with them? Have sex with them?
If the answer is yes, then I pity you. I really do.
STDs do not make you dirty.
Say it with me:
STDs do not make you dirty.
Learn it. Live it. Pass it on.
Because STDs are not a badge of dishonour for the “town slut”. They are not a reason to dismiss someone as a sexual partner. They are not a punishment for enjoying sex.
Did you know that you can contract genital Herpes without even having sex? It can be passed on through pregnancy by a parent, it’s called Neonatal herpes.
Also, it can present in the genital area without sex being a factor (there are two strains of Herpes: HSV-1 [oral but can cause genital herpes] and HSV-1 [genital herpes]), so you can be a “virgin” and still get the life-long virus.
And it’s such a common virus:
Look at those numbers and tell me you have any right to shame anyone? Sexually active or not. I fucking dare you.
You might even have it and not know because it doesn’t always actively present but you still carry it.
Think before you shame people. Think before you open your ignorant fucking mouth.
Honestly, that should just be a life rule at this point.
I’m so sick of reading this hateful bullshit.
Yes, you are absolutely allowed to take a pause and evaluate whether you want to sleep with someone who has an STD.
That’s beyond valid because some STDs, like Herpes, are a life-long condition (at least until they find a cure) and you and your partner should be as safe as possible.
And you have every right to say no to sex. Period.
What you shouldn’t do is act like a child and throw disgust in their face.
Especially when you’re a supposed “prodigy doctor”.
…
I’d be laughing my non-prodigal ass off if I wasn’t so disgusted.
And angry.
God, I’m angry.
And so fucking tired.
I don’t want to read this anymore. I don’t want to have my mind violated by other people’s prejudices. It’s 2020. When is enough, enough?
Virginity doesn’t exist.
Having sex doesn’t make you whole.
STDs don’t make you dirty.
STDs don’t make you any less sexually desirable.
STDs are perfectly manageable with medicine, condoms, honesty and trust.
We need to make these things known.
We need to let people live, have satisfying, safe sex, and be free of this judgemental bullshit.
To all writers of romance (and every genre, actually):
You’re an author. You’re literally spreading the word. You have a responsibility to your readership to welcome them, make them feel safe, and not hurt them with your prejudices.
And if you don’t believe that, then fuck you, you don’t deserve the platform you’ve been given.
…
Oh, and I swear to god, if anyone reads this and thinks : “Oh, she must be a virgin with an STD”, I will scream this fucking website down.
There will be nothing left but me and my wrath.
Don’t. Fucking. Test. Me.
Fuck this book.
It’s 2020 and I can’t believe we’re still being accosted with this judgemental, ignorant bullshit.
Said ignorant bullshit being virgin shaming and STD shaming.
I mean, come on? Seriously? Are we still fucking doing this?
…
I actually don’t know why I’m surprised by people refusing to educate themselves and continuing to spread vitriol, but I am, and I’m livid.
Fucking furious.
I read Romance to feel good, to get my heart thrown around a bit and then pieced back together with a well-earned HEA, not to read supposed intelligent women throw around slurs as if they don’t wound people.
Because they do, and because this is literature, it’s for-fucking-ever. There are no take-backs, it’s printed, it’s being seen by thousands of vulnerable people who don’t know that the author is absolutely, unequivocally wrong. And that is so fucking harmful.
We need to be writing romance that takes account of all aspects of sex. Not just the pretty, idealised stuff. The real, honest, painful aspects of being sexual or not.
Instead of this judgemental rhetoric.
Such as the above mentioned virgin shaming.
Firstly, let’s get one thing straight:
Virginity is a social construct thought up by old cis males to control women.
…
Did that sink in?
Do I need to say it again?:
Virginity doesn’t exist. Get the fuck over it.
The idea that a woman needs to be broken in order to be whole is barbaric and quite frankly, sick.
The hymen is not the holy grail. It’s a piece of skin that can be broken at any point in your life. And it doesn’t have to be by a fleshy pole attached to a man.
Would you really say to a lesbian that she was lesser because she’d never been penetrated by a dick?
Would you accuse a gay man of not being whole because he doesn’t want to have sex with a woman?
Would you fucking dare tell an asexual person they aren’t worthwhile because they don’t want or even have the impulse to engage in any sexual acts?
Honestly? Would you really do these things?
Because that’s what we’re saying, as a culture, by shaming someone because they’re a “virgin”. Because they haven’t been “broken”. Because they're trained from birth to think they're nothing if they haven’t had sex.
What even is sex?
Why is penetrative sex deemed the only marker of losing your “virginity”?
Why does non-penetrative sex not count? Why doesn’t gay sex count? Does a trans-woman not having her hymen broken make her any less of a woman? Or a trans-man any less of a man?
What if someone broke their hymen using a dildo? Does that mean they’re not a virgin anymore? The skin’s broken, it can’t be put back together, the only difference is flesh and plastic. Why does a penis hold so much power over the validity of a woman? Why does a man wield that power?
In answer, they don’t and they shouldn’t, and this fucking story is saying otherwise.
Do you have any idea how many people lose their virginity through rape? Child molestation? The sex trade? (FYI: I’m pro sex work. I’m referring to forced prostitution, porn etc. here)
Does that make them valid now? Even when they didn’t want it? And just because society deemed one physical act the signpost for adulthood?
No, it doesn’t. It really fucking doesn’t.
There is a significant difference between wanting to have sex for the first time and being forced or shamed into doing it. Or not doing it.
Have sex when you’re ready. Have sex when you’re in your 20s. Have sex when you’re in your 70s. Have all kinds of sex. Have as much as sex as you want with as many people as you want. DON’T HAVE SEX AT ALL.
It’s your choice and sod everyone else. Don’t let anyone tell you how to feel or live. Especially ill-educated romance authors who should know fucking better.
A broken hymen does not make you more valid than anybody else.
I will die on that fucking hill, I swear it.
Just to point out, in the book there is very little verbal virgin shaming, which is good, I guess? I’d prefer none at all, with a heroine confident in her life choices and a hero who sees women as more than a wet hole to plunder.
My problem is that the whole premise of the book is virgin shaming. It reinforces the idea that even if you’re smart, capable, confident, you aren’t complete until you’ve been railed by some dude.
And if my above tirade didn’t point this out already: That’s fucking bullshit.
Now, to my second issue:
STD shaming.
I just… I can’t… I’m so mad.
Look at this harmful bullshit:
“You have herpes?” I screech and slap my hand over my mouth, afraid of drawing his nurse’s attention outside.
“Fuck no, Indie. It’s a bloody joke.”
“Why would you joke about a lifelong STD?”
He scoffs and drops his hands to his hips. “You have my damn medical chart. You’d know if I had herpes.”
He’s right. For a moment I forgot I am his doctor.
“Would it disappoint you if I had herpes?” He asks, his tone far too serious.
“Yes! What the hell are you going on about?”
“Why would it bother you?”
“What do you mean?"
“Why would you care if I had an STD?”
“Because it’s herpes. It’d be weird if I wasn’t bothered. And…” I falter.
How could a ROMANCE FUCKING AUTHOR write this?
This book was written four years ago. FOUR.
I’m so sad at the idea that people still think this way.
Do you have any idea how common sexually transmitted diseases are? Google it. Go on. It takes two seconds.
More than 1 million sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are acquired every day worldwide (1, 2). Each year, there are an estimated 376 million new infections with 1 of 4 STIs: chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis and trichomoniasis (1, 2).
That’s cited from WHO. A reliable source, no?
1 million. Every day. Worldwide.
Chances are someone you know has an STD.
Would you shame them for having one? Would you think them dirty? Or worse, call them dirty? Would you refuse to touch them? Eat with them? Have sex with them?
If the answer is yes, then I pity you. I really do.
STDs do not make you dirty.
Say it with me:
STDs do not make you dirty.
Learn it. Live it. Pass it on.
Because STDs are not a badge of dishonour for the “town slut”. They are not a reason to dismiss someone as a sexual partner. They are not a punishment for enjoying sex.
Did you know that you can contract genital Herpes without even having sex? It can be passed on through pregnancy by a parent, it’s called Neonatal herpes.
Also, it can present in the genital area without sex being a factor (there are two strains of Herpes: HSV-1 [oral but can cause genital herpes] and HSV-1 [genital herpes]), so you can be a “virgin” and still get the life-long virus.
And it’s such a common virus:
More than 500 million people are estimated to have genital infection with herpes simplex virus (HSV)
An estimated 3.7 billion people under age 50 (67%) have HSV-1 infection globally.
An estimated 491 million people aged 15-49 (13%) worldwide have HSV-2 infection.
Look at those numbers and tell me you have any right to shame anyone? Sexually active or not. I fucking dare you.
You might even have it and not know because it doesn’t always actively present but you still carry it.
Think before you shame people. Think before you open your ignorant fucking mouth.
Honestly, that should just be a life rule at this point.
I’m so sick of reading this hateful bullshit.
Yes, you are absolutely allowed to take a pause and evaluate whether you want to sleep with someone who has an STD.
That’s beyond valid because some STDs, like Herpes, are a life-long condition (at least until they find a cure) and you and your partner should be as safe as possible.
And you have every right to say no to sex. Period.
What you shouldn’t do is act like a child and throw disgust in their face.
Especially when you’re a supposed “prodigy doctor”.
…
I’d be laughing my non-prodigal ass off if I wasn’t so disgusted.
And angry.
God, I’m angry.
And so fucking tired.
I don’t want to read this anymore. I don’t want to have my mind violated by other people’s prejudices. It’s 2020. When is enough, enough?
Virginity doesn’t exist.
Having sex doesn’t make you whole.
STDs don’t make you dirty.
STDs don’t make you any less sexually desirable.
STDs are perfectly manageable with medicine, condoms, honesty and trust.
We need to make these things known.
We need to let people live, have satisfying, safe sex, and be free of this judgemental bullshit.
To all writers of romance (and every genre, actually):
You’re an author. You’re literally spreading the word. You have a responsibility to your readership to welcome them, make them feel safe, and not hurt them with your prejudices.
And if you don’t believe that, then fuck you, you don’t deserve the platform you’ve been given.
…
Oh, and I swear to god, if anyone reads this and thinks : “Oh, she must be a virgin with an STD”, I will scream this fucking website down.
There will be nothing left but me and my wrath.
Don’t. Fucking. Test. Me.
dnf
March 26, 2018Oh dear. I did not like the half of this one I read/listened to. I found it a rather shallow book, tbh.
If planning the loss of your virginity and the acquisition of sexual experience around labelling guys Penis 1, Penis 2 or Penis 3 is your jam, well, you go for it. A man's penis as a means to an end. (Surely a dildo would do just as well? A sex doll?)
Even if I did not like the hero Camden Harris, soccer star and all-time sex-god/legend in his own mind, I reject this objectification of men. Yes, he did the same for women. No better than she was. That is why I could not believe that either of them would ever be able to really see someone of the opposite sex as a true partner. They were both so incredibly sexist and contemptuous of the opposite sex. So incredibly selfish. Each of them was all about themselves. What they needed, what they wanted. Am I supposed to believe, then, that there is some road to Damascus epiphany and they become caring, sensitive, selfless people?
I found the MCs incredibly stereotyped: he was a man-whore, the female best friend frighteningly promiscuous, the language vulgar without being arousing or sexy: the full sports romance cliché. Just in case we start thinking this, we find out Cam is a reader- yes, he makes notes in James Patterson's Alex Cross books! Yup. Really- he writes the notes in the margins of the books. Because he is a secret intellectual. I mean, how could a genius doctor ever be interested in him (beyond being Penis 1, and that is a one night stand gig, btw) if he weren't?
I have to say, it was not that well-written, either ("The bar had well and truly been RISEN"? That is an adjective, isn't it? Not a verb. Oh well.) And then the heroine telling her best friend all about the sex- really? I have had heaps of conversations with friends about sex, detailed discussions, but we never go into facts about our encounters with NAMED individuals. That's just not respecting someone's privacy. Guess she can't complain if he does the same with his mates.
I have read several sports romances that I loved, (Kulti and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me for example,) where we had layered and more complex characters. I find the child genius turned doctor character of Indie very unconvincing, the portrait of Camden quite unflattering and I guess I was just disappointed. Even the sex scenes were not sexy, just descriptive. Don't even get me started on how a virgin is supposed to give him the best blow-job of his life when he has been getting them from football groupies around the clock for the last 8 or 9 years. I read erotic novels, too- and this did not make my cut.
I know many enjoyed this and I am sorry that I didn't. Got to 57 % and died. I just could not get past the Tower Park fangirl blow-jobs, especially when Indie is this 24 year-old virgin. I quote our handsome football hero:
I just pictured Indie spread out on the pitch and me slamming myself into her. I've been sucked off at Tower Park by a couple of fans in the past, but shagging someone there will be a first for me..
I reckon Indie should just have used Tinder and found her Penises 1, 2 and 3 (one of them is the marrying one, apparently) there- the perfect way to locate your next booty call. That way you don't need to actually offer them a coffee (apparently you NEVER do that for a girl: the law according to Camden Harris. Because it equates with "going down on one knee". Wow.) or treat the other person as a fellow human being.
It's all about the penis- penis-envy, anyone????
If planning the loss of your virginity and the acquisition of sexual experience around labelling guys Penis 1, Penis 2 or Penis 3 is your jam, well, you go for it. A man's penis as a means to an end. (Surely a dildo would do just as well? A sex doll?)
Even if I did not like the hero Camden Harris, soccer star and all-time sex-god/legend in his own mind, I reject this objectification of men. Yes, he did the same for women. No better than she was. That is why I could not believe that either of them would ever be able to really see someone of the opposite sex as a true partner. They were both so incredibly sexist and contemptuous of the opposite sex. So incredibly selfish. Each of them was all about themselves. What they needed, what they wanted. Am I supposed to believe, then, that there is some road to Damascus epiphany and they become caring, sensitive, selfless people?
I found the MCs incredibly stereotyped: he was a man-whore, the female best friend frighteningly promiscuous, the language vulgar without being arousing or sexy: the full sports romance cliché. Just in case we start thinking this, we find out Cam is a reader- yes, he makes notes in James Patterson's Alex Cross books! Yup. Really- he writes the notes in the margins of the books. Because he is a secret intellectual. I mean, how could a genius doctor ever be interested in him (beyond being Penis 1, and that is a one night stand gig, btw) if he weren't?
I have to say, it was not that well-written, either ("The bar had well and truly been RISEN"? That is an adjective, isn't it? Not a verb. Oh well.) And then the heroine telling her best friend all about the sex- really? I have had heaps of conversations with friends about sex, detailed discussions, but we never go into facts about our encounters with NAMED individuals. That's just not respecting someone's privacy. Guess she can't complain if he does the same with his mates.
I have read several sports romances that I loved, (Kulti and The Wall of Winnipeg and Me for example,) where we had layered and more complex characters. I find the child genius turned doctor character of Indie very unconvincing, the portrait of Camden quite unflattering and I guess I was just disappointed. Even the sex scenes were not sexy, just descriptive. Don't even get me started on how a virgin is supposed to give him the best blow-job of his life when he has been getting them from football groupies around the clock for the last 8 or 9 years. I read erotic novels, too- and this did not make my cut.
I know many enjoyed this and I am sorry that I didn't. Got to 57 % and died. I just could not get past the Tower Park fangirl blow-jobs, especially when Indie is this 24 year-old virgin. I quote our handsome football hero:
I just pictured Indie spread out on the pitch and me slamming myself into her. I've been sucked off at Tower Park by a couple of fans in the past, but shagging someone there will be a first for me..
I reckon Indie should just have used Tinder and found her Penises 1, 2 and 3 (one of them is the marrying one, apparently) there- the perfect way to locate your next booty call. That way you don't need to actually offer them a coffee (apparently you NEVER do that for a girl: the law according to Camden Harris. Because it equates with "going down on one knee". Wow.) or treat the other person as a fellow human being.
It's all about the penis- penis-envy, anyone????
January 16, 2019
Relaxed 3 Stars
The first 40% of this book had me thinking this would be an ok-ish or possibly a really annoying read, but despite the fact there are still things in this book that I question and wanted a little different, I was a tad too quick to judge.
In the first 40% or so, I felt Camden was annoyingly cocky and Indie’s Penis list needed to be named anything but that. The following tropes and their depiction in the this first part annoyed me to varying degrees: genius heroine who is a virgin and thinks the hero would be an excellent way of being introduced to the world of sex, and the cocky hero who gets what he wants, when he wants. Some of how this was depicted in the first 40% had me rolling my eyes, and being a little annoyed by the characters.
After the 40%-mark things picked up for me and the book made for a good light read. After this mark I enjoyed the book far more, there was a good mix of fun, some angst and romance. And for that reason I will be giving book 2 a go.
Acquired the book via Kindle Unlimited.
The first 40% of this book had me thinking this would be an ok-ish or possibly a really annoying read, but despite the fact there are still things in this book that I question and wanted a little different, I was a tad too quick to judge.
In the first 40% or so, I felt Camden was annoyingly cocky and Indie’s Penis list needed to be named anything but that. The following tropes and their depiction in the this first part annoyed me to varying degrees: genius heroine who is a virgin and thinks the hero would be an excellent way of being introduced to the world of sex, and the cocky hero who gets what he wants, when he wants. Some of how this was depicted in the first 40% had me rolling my eyes, and being a little annoyed by the characters.
After the 40%-mark things picked up for me and the book made for a good light read. After this mark I enjoyed the book far more, there was a good mix of fun, some angst and romance. And for that reason I will be giving book 2 a go.
Acquired the book via Kindle Unlimited.
March 28, 2018
*5 Stars*
This was my first book by Amy Daws, and it won't be my last! I loved this one. It was fun, flirty, had some serious issues to do with each of the characters lives, and was just all round an enjoyable read.
I don't want to give too much away, but the basic plot line as per the blurb, is that the two main characters are Indie; a doctor, and her patient, Camden Harris; one of the top football (soccer for us Aussies) players going around. They have instant chemistry (no this isn't weird insta-love, this book actually works) and obviously being DR/Patient this presents some issues.
The story unfolds in a really great way and has some really awesome secondary characters in terms of Indies best friend and also Cam's family.
I breezed through this one and would love to read more about these guys or the secondary characters to continue the series.
Highly recommend, I couldn't put this down!
Review also on my blog:
EscapeintoaBookSite-ChallengeByAmyDaws
This was my first book by Amy Daws, and it won't be my last! I loved this one. It was fun, flirty, had some serious issues to do with each of the characters lives, and was just all round an enjoyable read.
I don't want to give too much away, but the basic plot line as per the blurb, is that the two main characters are Indie; a doctor, and her patient, Camden Harris; one of the top football (soccer for us Aussies) players going around. They have instant chemistry (no this isn't weird insta-love, this book actually works) and obviously being DR/Patient this presents some issues.
The story unfolds in a really great way and has some really awesome secondary characters in terms of Indies best friend and also Cam's family.
I breezed through this one and would love to read more about these guys or the secondary characters to continue the series.
Highly recommend, I couldn't put this down!
Review also on my blog:
EscapeintoaBookSite-ChallengeByAmyDaws
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