Pages

Review ~ Kick by Holly S. Roberts

Title: KickAuthor: Holly S. RobertsSeries: Completion #3

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Published: July 1st 2014

Cami Avesque is a shy, wannabe journalist, working for the largest newspaper in Ohio.  She’s stuck editing classified ads until she lands her big break.  That break comes when the only female sports reporter goes on bed rest for the remainder of her pregnancy.  For some reason, Cami is chosen to cover The Slam, a rugby team in Colt, Ohio.  They have a chance of going all the way to the Rugby League Championship. 

Unfortunately, Cami has a poor track record with jocks and going all the way is one of her problems.  Because of her past, she hides her assets behind clothes that are a size too large and big glasses that camouflage the sexual sizzle that eats ripped bodies for lunch.  Shy, she must remember she’s shy.  If only man muscle didn't bring her wild side out to play she might survive a rugby try. 

Gorgeous brothers, Van and Joel Stelson, own, manage, and play for The Slam.  They see through Cami’s cover up and attack in order to make their goal.  Who will be the first to get her in bed?  Who will be the first to win her heart? 

To be honest, I was a little hesitant going into this book knowing it had rugby players in it.  For those who don't know, I'm an Aussie and both forms of rugby (league and union) are big down-under.  I'm a bit of a sports fan and tend to enjoy watching Rugby League, having grown up around it.  But I was pleasantly surprised how much I ended up enjoying Kick.  I can see that there may be a few differences as this one is set in Colt, Ohio but the general gist seems to be the same.  I was a little confused at first as some of Cami's research didn't match up, but she really didn't understand the game, so it may have just been her trying to come to terms with the game. 

I could see that Cami was the quiet type and she had closed herself off from the world.  She went to work, did her job as a copy editor at the Cleveland News and Journal and returned home.  She avoided eye contact and has only one friend, all due to some bad boyfriend experiences in high school and college.  I kind of felt sad for her, but when she was sent on an out of the blue assignment she started to open up and I really began to like her and her naughty thoughts and amusing banter.  The shy girl kept falling away and this fun girl who has an addiction to ripped bodies came out!!  Wild Cami was a hoot and it was great to see her out of her shell, making friends and ogling those hot bods… Yum! 

The brothers… What can I say but dayum!  They are both tall, ripped sexy athletes that had Cami turning to jelly.  Van is very confident and you can see he is a womaniser, but Cami can't help checking him out and he knows he affects her.  He pushes her to uncomfortable limits and she does everything she can to keep her distance.  Joel, oh my, the dark broody type, and he rarely shows emotion.  Cami was not sure how to handle him and he comes across a little aggressive and mean, but Cami manages to get past his walls.  I enjoyed watching this relationship grow and see how nice Joel is underneath. 

I loved the passion and the team bonding that the guys had.  This team brings the whole community together and whether you won or lost you celebrated together.  The building relationships was great to see and the transformation that Cami went through was awesome too.  There was plenty of sexual tension and passion to keep you flicking the pages, but overall I REALLY enjoyed the story.  Now, I know that one brother got his HEA, I hope we get a story for the other and maybe some of the other players too! 

Complimentary copy provided by the Publisher, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

I'd never given any thought to how I'd feel if an author got details wrong about a sport I knew a lot about, Naomi...but I can see where it'd bother me.  So I'm glad that for the most part, Ms. Roberts got rugby right for you. 

And girl, *sigh* you've added ANOTHER book to my tbr and one I want to read much sooner than later.  I love the character growth.  And, um, hot, ripped rugby players being included, doesn't hurt. ;)  Great review!!