Review: Delightful Characters & Witty Banter!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 04 25, 2014
Not having read the previous book in the Love and Sports series, nor any other book by Ms. Quinn, I had no idea what to expect when I first started turning the pages of this book.  What I got was an unexpected rollercoaster ride full of larger than life characters, rapid-fire dialogue, and enough sizzling sexual tension to burn an entire city!From their first meeting full of sarcasm and insults Piper and Mason form an unbreakable connection.  Their journey from friends to something more doesn't go smoothly though as Piper hates domineering men but finds herself drawn to the sexy and very Alpha football player.  Mason is still reeling from being dumped by his spoiled and slightly delusional fiancée Brooke and has closed himself off from happiness.  He's become cold and calculating because of his loss, but around Piper he feels energized and wants to be a better man, if he can just win her over.  There's a huge roadblock to their becoming more than friends though and his name is Jax.  Jax is a truly nice guy who's recovering from the death of his wife and is drawn to the energy and embracement of life Piper exudes.  He's supportive of her and is the complete opposite of Mason, but I can understand Piper being drawn to him too as he's safe.  Mason is a challenge, he fires her blood and libido and even their banter sizzles with sexual tension.  Ms. Quinn has crafted a love triangle that's believable and keeps you guessing as both men are mouthwatering.Along with this main love triangle comes an additional cast of compelling characters with issues of the heart weighing on them too.  Mason's ex has returned and is determined to win him back in a pathetic and needy plan that makes her look desperate.  She sees Piper as the enemy and uses her womanly wiles and cattiness in an attempt to reclaim Mason and eliminate Piper along the way by any means.  Along with the intense love triangle of Piper/Mason/Jax, there's the sweetly sensual romance between good girl Hannah and reformed (since seeing Hannah) playboy Ryker.  Hannah has a boyfriend of her own though who she continually expects to marry, but his devotion to work leaves her disappointed and drawn to the fun-loving and charming Ryker.  Hannah's kindhearted and deserves better than her ho-hum boyfriend and I see Ryker as her savior from what will be a lifetime of disappointment.  Ryker is charming, witty, and truly enamored of Hannah as to become tongue-tied.  Seeing them together brought a smile to my face.  Their romance is lovely to watch and adds an extra layer of entertainment to an already engaging and emotionally compelling read.From start to finish I was on the edge of my seat watching Ms. Quinn's talent in juggling so many different storylines.  In her role of magician author she crafted romances that were hot with sexual tension oozing from every page and it kept me fully immersed in each character's outcome as all were worthy of a HEA, except for the annoying Brooke.  The dialogue was witty and showed off each character's unique personality as well as being funny and sexy.  Along with the compelling romances were vivid depictions of a day in the life of a football player which added an extra depth to both Mason and Ryker as we see them interacting amidst the manly world of football.  This was an addictive tale that now has me clamoring to read the previous book and counting down the days until the next installment in this cleverly crafted sports-themed series!