Audio Review ~ Even the Score ~ Beth Ehemann #AudioChallenge #COYER

Even the Score by Beth Ehemann
Narrated by: Christian Fox and Lucy Rivers
Release Date: September 6, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Audible
Rating: 4 Bookworms
Challenges: #AudioChallenge, #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads

Synopsis
Single dad Andy Shaw loves his job as a sports agent, with one exception: it doesn't leave him much time for his kids. No parent likes being sidelined, so Andy decides to hire someone to share the workload. But when one of the hottest agents in the industry applies, Andy knows that this deal is definitely trouble.

Danicka Douglas works her butt off, but being an attractive woman in a testosterone-heavy industry isn't exactly a cakewalk. She guards her professional reputation fiercely, which means no crushing on her gorgeous boss. But the more they ignore that sexy little spark, the more it sizzles...

Just when it looks like romance might be in the plan, Dani is threatened by a stalker with dark intentions. To keep her safe, Andy must cross the line between professional and very personal...because this time, he's playing for keeps.

Even the Score was my first Beth Ehemann read and I'm eager to read her backlist now so I can get the stories behind a few of the characters I met here. Andy and Danicka's story was one I enjoyed even though I wished a few things had been handled differently.

What Worked:

• Characters Andy is a good guy. A single dad who has built his business and life around providing for his kids. In order to spend more time with them he decides to take on a partner - enter Danicka. Danicka is a strong and intelligent woman making a name for herself in a male-dominated profession. I liked them both, who they were as individuals - loyal and compassionate and funny - and I liked them together. They built a friendship first and then worked at the more.
• Plot The circumstances that enabled Andy and Danicka to get closer, while maybe a little predictable, felt realistic. Ehemann was able to surprise me with the reveal which kinda shocked me. I appreciated the suspense and tension these circumstances created. I also liked the sports management element which kept me guessing.
• Romance This is a slow-burn and it worked. There were many things to consider before going in - Andy and Danicka's work relationship, Andy's kids, their pasts - but I liked how Ehemann made it all work.
• Narration I admit to having grabbed this book because I adore Christian Fox's narration. And he proved once again why he's one of my favorites. His delivery, his pacing, his voices...gah! I just love him. Lucy Rivers is a narrator I enjoy as well and that's a good thing since she's routinely paired with Christian Fox. ;)

What Could Have Worked Better:

• Danicka's Issues I felt like there were things - like her being raised by a single dad - that could have been explored more which would have given her more depth and complexity.
• The Reveal The reveal honestly surprised me but at the same time, I think it was tied up way too neatly. That part wasn't realistic all things considered.

Overall, I liked Even the Score and I'll be adding more of Ehemann's books to my library.

#COYER Review ~ Alex ~ Sawyer Bennett

Alex by Sawyer Bennett
Cold Fury Hockey #1
Release Date: October 14, 2014
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance
Source: Purchased on Kindle
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #COYER, #ShelfLove
Goodreads ~ Amazon

Synopsis
Hockey star Alexander Crossman has a reputation as a cold-hearted player on and off the rink. Pushed into the sport by an alcoholic father, Alex isn't afraid to give fans the proverbial middle finger, relishing his role as the MVP they love to hate. Management, however, isn't so amused. Now Alex has a choice: fix his public image through community service or ride the bench. But Alex refuses to be molded into the Carolina Cold Fury poster boy...not even by a tempting redhead with killer curves.

As a social worker, Sutton Price is accustomed to difficult people--like Alex, who's been assigned to help her create a drug-abuse awareness program for at-rish youth as part of the team's effort to clean up his image. What she doesn't expect is the arrogant smirk from his perfect lips to stir her most heated fantasies. But Sutton isn't one to cross professional boundaries--and besides, Alex doesn't do relationships...or does he? The more she sees behind Alex's bad-boy facade, the more Sutton craves the man she uncovers.

My first Sawyer Bennett read was in January of last year. I started with Off Sides and I've jumped around to different series - Legal Affairs, Sugar Bowl... I wanted something lights so I chose Alex because, HOCKEY. Right? No, I chose wrong for light BUT I *did* get a fabulous story with characters I came to adore. I can't wait to move further in the series. Alex and the other SBennett reads I've subsequently enjoyed this year after Off Sides have all proven what I thought about her writing when I reviewed Off Sides... it's gotten better and better. :)

Alex is a hockey player for Carolina's Cold Fury. A hockey player who hates the game. He's known as the MVP - Most Valuable Prick - but although he may be a jerk, he's excellent on the ice. His childhood - specifically his dad - is the reason for his talent for and hatred of the game. Cold Fury management has had enough of his attitude though and is mandating changes. One of those changes is to work with the county in developing a program for at-risk youth. Enter Sutton.

Sutton is a counselor at a drug-crisis center and her focus is at-risk youth. She has a personal investment in her chosen profession and she's determined and tenacious when it comes to helping her clients. Meeting Alex rather up-ends her world.

These two together were magic. They understood each other on a level no one else ever had - especially Alex. And even though he had a hard time accepting his worthiness of her and her love, he got there. Watching as their feelings grew and the changes brought about in Alex for having someone care about him for the first time he can remember was awe-inspiring.

Despite the story not being "light" there were moments of levity - usually courtesy of Garrett. Alex's teammate and first friend, was a hoot! He always seemed to know what to say to Alex - and it was typically snarky and involved cursing. ;)

I'm eager to continue the Cold Fury series but it may have to remain on hold for awhile if I don't already have the next one - and I don't think I do. But I bet I can find more SBennett on my ereaders...and that's an exciting prospect!

Audio Review ~ The Wall of Winnipeg and Me ~ Mariana Zapata

The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata
Narrated by: Callie Dalton
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Genre: Adult, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Tantor Audio in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.5 Bookworms
Challenges: #2016NewRelease, 
#COYER
Goodreads

Synopsis
Vanessa Mazur knows she's doing the right thing. She shouldn't feel bad for quitting. Being an assistant/housekeeper/fairy godmother to the top defensive end in the National Football Organization was always supposed to be temporary. She has plans, and none of them include washing extra-large underwear longer than necessary. But when Aiden Graves shows up at her door wanting her to come back, she's beyond shocked. For two years, the man known as the Wall of Winnipeg couldn't find it in him to tell her good morning or congratulate her on her birthday. Now? He's asking for the unthinkable. What do you say to the man who is used to getting everything he wants?

Oh my goodness! What a listen! Being a football fan and from Texas, listening to a story revolving around a defensive end playing for the Dallas 300's was a delight! Meeting a feisty young woman working for/crushing on said defensive end? Even better. This was my introduction to Zapata's writing and I'm hooked!

Vanessa is the plucky heroine. I adored that she took such care of Aiden but also didn't let him walk all over her. Most of the time. She's a survivor - made it through a horrible childhood and suffered at the hands of those who should have taken care of her. But she's made something of herself and working for Aiden has afforded her options.

Aiden - I admit that it took quite awhile for me to warm up to him. He's dedicated to his job, for sure. He severely lacked in social skills though. Seriously. Things changed for him when Vanessa quit. And when he got her back and the began getting to really know one another, he had me swooning. The banter between them was so much fun! Aiden is a deep guy which wasn't really apparent in the beginning. I enjoyed seeing Vanessa realize there was so much more to him than she'd ever dreamed.

The secondary cast was excellent - particularly Zach. The "Big Texan" added a lot of depth to the story as well as offering comedic relief often. I hope he gets his own story but since this one isn't listed as being part of a series, I may be out of luck.

There was much more going on than just the romance here. Tough topics, like abuse, were explored and I liked the complexity these topics added. Then emotional growth both Vanessa and Aiden experienced was amazing to witness - especially what they accomplished individually. That individual growth made their blossoming romance more solid. Opening up to one another about themselves served to aid in their personal healing as well as help them grow closer.

I could gush on and on. The story was engaging, well-paced, and a pleasure to listen to. Callie Dalton, the narrator, played a huge role in that. With the exception of Aiden's voice being a bit shaky in the beginning, she did well with keeping the story flowing and conveying the emotion of the characters. She nailed a Texas accent and helped me fall for Zach. *wink* I'd absolutely listen to her again and am keeping my fingers crossed for more from this cast of characters!