Review: Witty Verbal Banter, Likable Characters in Another Installment to the Series
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 30, 2013
As a fan of sports-themed romances I was immediately drawn to this book and for the most part there's much amongst the pages to enjoy.  There's a likable main couple along with a cast of equally likable secondary characters who have been seen in the previous books in this series.  Though these characters play a big part in bringing the main protagonists together it's not necessary to have read the previous installments of this series to enjoy this release.Mac has always been a tomboy more comfortable around men than woman.  She likes being one of the boys except when she sees the super sexy Bruiser who she's been attracted to for years.  She'd love for him to see her as a woman he wants to spend time with and when the chance at career advancement means dressing up more girly their previous flirty relationship becomes something more.  For years though her life has been devoted to finding out her missing brother's whereabouts who they think has met with foul play.  It's become an obsession for her father and obligation has her following along behind him as they investigate.  With both of the protagonist's futures ruled by events in their pasts neither is willing to admit that their steamy sexual interludes could become permanent.  But when a wounded child comes into their lives he becomes the catalyst for them to finally put the past behind to reach their HEA in a subtle, no less romantic, conclusion.  Mac is an immensely likable heroine with a no-nonsense attitude.  She's made the best out of what life has handed her, never complaining.  She's strong-willed and I enjoyed seeing her slow acceptance and pleasure when embracing girly things and its affect on Bruiser.Bruiser has had sadness in his past too with an ex-wife who broke his heart and a death that weighs heavily on him and that's guided his entire life.  Since becoming a football player he's seen as the poster boy with only good looks and partying to his name.  To enforce that image he's always dated models and other women only looking for fun.  His attraction to Mac evolves slowly as he likes her as a friend at first until her makeover makes him see her as a lover.  With his superficial past he thinks he'll hurt her but as his deeper layers are revealed you see a man longing for love and the honesty and pureness of her soul has him addicted to Mac and trying to convince her of their path to a HEA.  Bruiser is sexy and charming and used his looks in the past to get what he wanted.  That way of life, a life he's lived in honor of another, has grown stale and I'm pleased to see him choose substance over style in a satisfying conclusion.I enjoyed the mix of sports action and action between the sheets in an entertaining story with delightfully witty banter between Mac and Bruiser.  Their playful moments brought a smile to my face and their romantic moments made me blush.  They were a good match and brought out the best in each other while helping each other heal past hurts through numerous sexual encounters and the saving of a scarred young boy.  The mystery of what happened to Mac's brother felt out of place and seemed a bit like a soap opera to me.  It slowed the story's momentum down and left me feeling annoyed.  Seeing so many other sexy football players though has me excited for more stories in this series and the continuing mix of action and romance.