Fourth and Goal (Seattle Lumberjacks, #1)

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Fourth and Goal (Seattle Lumberjacks #1)

by Jami Davenport (Goodreads Author)

3.95 of 5 stars 3.95 · rating details · 209 ratings · 28 reviews

In a game played on and off the field, only one of them will emerge the winner.

Armed with an uncanny ability for evaluating football talent, a dogged determination to succeed in a man’s world, and an empty bank account, Rachel McCormick agrees to help struggling wide receiver Derek Ramsey get his game back. Rachel believes Derek, her former best friend and lover, knows the...more

ebook, 2nd Edition, 249 pages

Published May 5th 2013 by Boroughs Publishing Group (first published May 3rd 2011)

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Oct 08, 2012 Kim O rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is a new author and the beginning of a new series for her. I LOVED this book. Just WOW! I want the next one bad!

Review up on wtfbookreviews.blogspot.com. I'd love for you to come by and comment.

Thanks,
K

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Mar 13, 2013 SirenBookReviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

Derek is a football player, but his game seems to be off. Then Rachel comes back into his life, all grown up and looking sexy as ever. She's there to help, and Derek hopes that she's forgiven him for the mistakes he made in the past. The mistake that ruined their long-time friendship.

Now Rachel is helping him with his game. Who would have thought sex would get him back on his game? But he's concerned about what this physical relationship without any commitment or feelings will do to Rachel, even...more

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Sep 04, 2011 Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: erotic, contemporary, m-f

Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Fourth and Goal is a hold your breath, heart pounding, gut wrenching love story. It’s been a long time since a book has captivated me enough to bring me to tears. Don’t let the sports element scare you off. I don’t watch football or any other sports, but I loved this book whole heartedly.

The Seattle Lumberjacks have never made it to the playoffs and they haven’t had a winning streak in a decade. Most of the fans have deserted them and...more Originally posted at: http://whippedcream2.blogspot.com/201...

Fourth and Goal is a hold your breath, heart pounding, gut wrenching love story. It’s been a long time since a book has captivated me enough to bring me to tears. Don’t let the sports element scare you off. I don’t watch football or any other sports, but I loved this book whole heartedly.

The Seattle Lumberjacks have never made it to the playoffs and they haven’t had a winning streak in a decade. Most of the fans have deserted them and the “Jacks” are the laughing stock of the league. What they need is a miracle. The clock is ticking and there are no more time outs.

Back in their college days Rachel and Derek were a perfect team. He was the golden child, but it was Rachel that made him shine. One mistake and their lives were changed forever. Five years later, Derek is on the verge of losing his professional football career and there is only one person who can help him. He hurt his best friend many years ago, but now she is his last hope. Pain, betrayal, and lies are a lot for anyone to get past. Can these two move beyond their differences and take one for the team?

Rachel McCormick has lost her job due to an unthinkable scandal that has also ruined her father. Her only option for employment and vindication is to take a caretaker’s job from the one man that single handedly ruined her life. Determined to prove her father’s innocence, Rachel puts her past hurts away and sets out to do her job. If it is the last thing she does, Rachel will bring down the man who broke her heart many years ago and destroyed her father: Derek Ramsey.

From the moment he started his professional career, Derek has been trying to run all his plays uphill. He has gone from a Rose Bowl MVP and Olympic Gold medalist to a washed up twenty-seven year old. Things have never been the same since he ruined his friendship with Rachel. He was injured during his first professional game and out for the rest of the season. He has been traded three times in four years, and can’t seem to catch a ball that has been tossed to him by a five year old. He knows his days are numbered. Derek has to prove himself to the new coaches before the regular season begins, one month and counting.

The secondary characters are the absolute treasures of the story. You want to smack and laugh at Tyler, the cocky overconfident quarterback. Mitch is the protective caveman of a brother, who can’t seem to see his sister as a grown woman. And Ryan, an amazing young man, is the heart and soul of the story. He captures and almost steals the whole book. He is a courageous, talented individual who crept into my heart and the cast of Fourth and Goal.

Ms. Davenport did a fantastic job on this story. Fourth and Goal is a well written sports romance novel. She told a convincing story of a woman who knows and loves the game, without alienating the readers who know nothing of the sport. With sultry and inventive sex scenes, heart breaking sorrow, nail biting football plays and a cast that is captivating and engaging, Fourth and Goal is a winner!

(less)

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Jul 05, 2011 Flygirl rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was my first Jami Davenport book, and I can tell you it won't be my last. I loved the characters, especially the female intent on being part of a male dominated sport. I like football, but I'm not a fanatic and yet this story was easy to read and the plot was clear and concise.

The characters were well defined, right from the start. I liked them and was sucked into their story. However, when Ryan enters the picture, I had to say "WOW!" Everything came together, and the depth of the character...more

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Jul 05, 2011 Dahlia (yadkny) rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Erotic Romance Lovers

Shelves: favorites

The thrill of victory means so much more when you’ve experienced the agony of defeat.

Rachel McCormick is on a mission to expose the person responsible for her father's career demise. Her disguise comes in the form of business suits, which serve the purpose of helping keep an emotionally cold and distant regard. Her target is one former best friend/lover and now struggling pro football player, Derek Ramsey. Rachel is prepared to go the distance with Derek if it means obtaining the truth, but the...more The thrill of victory means so much more when you’ve experienced the agony of defeat.

Rachel McCormick is on a mission to expose the person responsible for her father's career demise. Her disguise comes in the form of business suits, which serve the purpose of helping keep an emotionally cold and distant regard. Her target is one former best friend/lover and now struggling pro football player, Derek Ramsey. Rachel is prepared to go the distance with Derek if it means obtaining the truth, but the closer she gets the more she realizes she's in way over her head.

Derek is on a mission to regaining his glory days in football and this time taking the team all the way. The unexpected twist of having Rachel back in his life is a total game changer. Derek didn't expect a warm reception from her after their history together, but he definitely wasn't expecting the cold shoulder he received either. Despite the new appearance and attitude, she's still the same clumsily beautiful Rachel he remembers. This time around though, he needs to keep his head in the game and out of bedroom fantasies starring Rachel.

Under the guidance of a new head coach, crucial decisions are made and as the team begins to prosper, so does the spirit of the community. At the heart of the team are two players in need of a do-over and fast. This may be their last chance at any league title, but it all boils down to first making the cut. While Tyler is overly confident in his advancing, Derek is a bit more insecure. His nerve and drive aren’t what they used to be, but a very headstrong and organized Rachel is about to change all of that.

Rachel's abilities have been called into question though, because of a scandalous fallout surrounding her father, which left her without a job. However, Derek puts his faith in her and while she puts her faith in him, the results begin speaking for themselves. When a proposition that includes running plays both on and off the field is presented, Rachel and Derek agree to terms that will be mutually beneficial. All that’s required is leaving emotions out – easier said than done. When the team starts winning, Rachel and Derek start losing their hearts to each other.

The first in a new series by Jami Davenport is a wonderfully emotional underdog story with a team you can’t help but love! The players are a true to form group of misfits who are struggling with a history of game losses and a community who has lost faith in their ability. If you've never been a fan or just don't know anything about the game, readers should be prepared for an entertaining and exciting crash-course. There is plenty of non-stop edge-of-your-seat action both on and off the field in this book. Ms. Davenport's writing is engaging and sizzles off the page with passionate sex scenes.

This book was so much more than I initially expected and I am thoroughly impressed with Ms. Davenport's ability to instill escapism in her story. For the duration, I was consumed with her tale of two friends to lovers intertwined with football. The writing of the secondary characters made it impossible not to become personally involved with them. They are clearly voiced three-dimensional characters that add depth and emotion to an already intriguing storyline. Even the frustratingly cocky and jerk-like behavior of Tyler, Derek's cousin, adds a facet to the story that is sure to be more fully explored in the next book. I can't wait!

Warning: be aware of certain football terminology used throughout the story (e.g. goalpost or end zone). After reading this story, they definitely conjure up a more erotic image. Happy reading!

Review also posted @ Night Owl Reviews:
http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nor/(less)

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Oct 02, 2011 Jody rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Great Sports Romance! Rachel is hired by Derek who happens to be her former best friend and one night stand. Derek hires her to watch over his house and animals when he away at out of town games. Derek is a professional wide reciever for NFL team. Rachel is also trying to get close to Derek to find out information that could clear her Dad's reputation from a points shaving scandel. Rachel grew up around sports and is awesome at coaching and agrees to work with Derek and his cousin Tyler to get t...more

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Oct 24, 2011 Nicole rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: review, sports-romance, read-in-2011

Joint Review with Lou @ The Book Pushers originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/10/20/...

Publisher: Loose ID
Where did you get the book: e-ARC from author
Release date: Out now

Lou: MinnChica and myself are big fans of sport romance books, and when we had the change to review Fourth and Goal, we said yes. Being from the UK, I know zilch about American Football but no matter the sport I really enjoy these themes in romances. Fourth and Goal, I thought, centered a lot on the aspect of...more Joint Review with Lou @ The Book Pushers originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/10/20/...

Publisher: Loose ID
Where did you get the book: e-ARC from author
Release date: Out now

Lou: MinnChica and myself are big fans of sport romance books, and when we had the change to review Fourth and Goal, we said yes. Being from the UK, I know zilch about American Football but no matter the sport I really enjoy these themes in romances. Fourth and Goal, I thought, centered a lot on the aspect of football — as in all the surrounding plots were based upon it. But what fell flat for me was the romance and how it all played out, and I have mixed feelings about this book. I thought it started off strong with the heroine and hero being ex-lovers and best friends, and they were both strong characters. But the heroine soon got on my nerves, and I had a hard time understanding her motives and behaviours towards the hero. I also thought some of her actions really conflicted with what she wanted most out of life, and that was to be a scout.

MinnChica: I have to say, when I got the request for this book I was intrigued. Davenport presented the book as being something that the female football fans could all enjoy, and while there were parts of it I really did like, most of the book fell somewhat flat for me. Like Lou, I though it started with good potential, but after only a chapter or so things started going south for me. It wasn’t until the last few chapters that things started picking up and getting better for me. I’ll admit that the biggest thing that turned me off from this story was the NEVER ENDING football metaphors and innuendos. Every time they referred to their private bits as a “goalpost” or “end zone” I could feel my eyes rolling and my patience wearing thin. It got to the point where I almost gave up and stopped reading.

Lou: I did wonder what you thought of the metaphors *G*, and I do agree that it was a tad overdone to the point where it really really affected the pace and style of the story. What I didn’t understand about Rachel was her actions. She thought that Derek cheated her Father by shaving points, and because of that he lost his job and livelihood. Now if I thought somebody did that to my Father, NO WAY would I contemplate having a relationship with the person in question. She seemed to forget about the alleged betrayal. And I also thought if she wanted to be taken seriously by wanting to become a scout in football, sleeping with Derek — who was also paying her to do a job — wasn’t ethical. And then getting drunk and wearing a short dress where all the footie players were ogling her, again I had a HUH moment.

MinnChica: How about the fact that although she was trying to ruin Derek, she was also so willing to jump into having UNPROTECTED SEX with the guy?! O_O That baffled me. For me, the only thing that made this book worthwhile was the relationship between Derek and Tyler and Ryan, the kid they formed a friendship with that had cancer. I thought that the moments with Derek and Ryan, Tyler and Ryan and the football team with Ryan were beautifully done. It was wonderful to watch them open up their hearts and really go above and beyond for this kid. The scenes were heartbreaking and had me crying at the end. I think I could have honestly done without a lot of the other scenes, and enjoyed more with just boys.

Lou: I’ll be honest, the sex scenes I didn’t pay that much attention to because I thought that they were almost clinical, and when Rachel calls Derek ‘Buster’ in the smexy times, it totally ruined the effect for me. And omg, Ryan. Those scenes had me sobbing like a baby. Throughout the entire novel, this is what had the deepest emotional development and I also believe that if you took out the alleged betrayal and wanting Derek to pay, I would have enjoyed the book a lot more. I was put off by how sex centric it was to the point where everybody was thinking that everybody else needed to get laid. It was such mash-up of different plots that I do believe it really got lost from the beginning to middle. Tyler and Cass’ relationship was like that of immature teens, and I’m glad that she’s not his heroine.

MinnChica: Oh my favorite of the sexy scenes was when Rachel told Derek he was “in the red zone and it was time to score.” I love football, more than most, but I can’t imagine ANYONE using football references to having sex with someone they supposedly care about. it just seemed so tacky. I agree that Tyler and Cass seemed like a couple of teenagers, and the dysfunctional relationship between the two of them didn’t really add anything to the story for me. I do think that Davenport has the capacity to write an incredible series, but unless the football puns get toned down, and the emotional relationship between the hero and heroine change, I don’t know that I would enjoy reading more of her books.

Lou: I agree that Cass and Tyler’s relationship didn’t add anything to the story, though I do wonder if it was meant to show how unhappy he was in life. But I agree with you also that if Tyler’s book also features the same silly puns, I don’t think I would read it also because in this book it really did affect the pace for me. All in all, I think Davenport had a great premise in Fourth and Goal, but unfortunately it was miss and hit for me. I really liked Derek as he seemed really sweet, but Rachel’s behaviour really bothered me. I give Fourth and Goal a C-, though I was verging on a D+ but the ending really brought the grade up for me.

MinnChica: All in all I think this book had great possibilities, but really fell short for me. The puns got annoying and tacky, the romance felt forced and unreal, and while the emotional relationship between the players and Ryan really saved this for me, the book didn’t live up to the high expectation I had going in. I would be willing to give this series another go, as long as someone reassures me the football puns are fewer and far between. I give Fourth and Goal a D+(less)

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Oct 27, 2012 Vikki ~where did my *squee* go ~ rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: famous-h-h, friends-to-lovers, series, reunited

I really enjoyed this book - it was my first book by Jami Davenport - and I'll defiantly be trying some more. I really liked Rachel and Derek - they made a great couple. I enjoyed watching them try and keep their relationship to sex only, when it was painfully obvious that it was never just sex for either of them. The sex owas hot, and the romance was sweet. The HEA was throughly satisfying - and I'm really excited that Tyler gets his story next.

I only had a few complains that kept this one from...more

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Feb 15, 2013 Michelle rated it 3 of 5 stars

I have really wanted to read this book for quite a while... and finally broke down yesterday and bought it. Along with the 2nd one. Now I'm regretting the cost. The book wasn't horrible - don't get me wrong - the storyline was okay... but the author relied on cliches and football metaphors a bit too much for my liking. For a football themed erotic romance, I think that Bianca Somerland is a bit more "realistic". Personally? I can't imagine pro footballers being out late the night before a game p...more

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May 16, 2013 Rhonda rated it 5 of 5 stars

Football is my second favorite sport, second only to basketball. As a 6’0” woman, of course basketball is my favorite, that was my life in high school. I love sport romances and Fourth and Goal definitely lived up to and surpassed my expectations. I loved the story line and how these two fought the attraction until they couldn’t any more. Ms. Davenport knows how to put in just the right amount of angst and hot, sweaty sex to make a story hard to put down. I fell in love with all the characters a...more

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Mar 06, 2012 Marky rated it 4 of 5 stars

Wasn't sure if this book was going to be anything special...reviews had been good for it. It started off alright....lots of sex scenes but almost felt like the author was trying to get in all the possible "sex scene' story line. My opinion, and I am not a prude, at least I don't think so, she didn't need to put so much into the sex storyline. She had good characters, good story line....almost took away from a good book because of using sex too much. But last 1/4 of book took it all home for me.....more

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Dec 24, 2011 Liz B rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporaryrealisticfiction, ebook, romance, sports

Too much of the plot relied on a big misunderstanding, a mystery with a dull resolution. In general (and I can't believe I'm saying this), the book was too long, with too many characters. I got bored a little under halfway through.

I liked the sports parts, though. If the author had focused on what was essentially the first half of the book--Rachel helping Derek to get his pro career back on track, and the two of them moving from wary friends to lovers--then it a) would have been about category l...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Laurie Ryan rated it 5 of 5 stars

GREAT read! I just finished reading Fourth and Goal and it drove me nuts because I started it at a time when I was extremely busy and could only read a few pages at a time. Finally this week I got enough free time and read the last 150 pages in two day. I loved this story. The stakes were high, the emotion intense, and the sex sizzled. Ooh, boy, did it sizzle! (fans self as she types). The issues between Derek and Rachel were as strong as the their attraction. And I also, kind of against my will...more

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Dec 10, 2011 Danielle Calabrese rated it 5 of 5 stars

I totally expected to love these characters, read about some football, have some cheesy sexually charged football cliches, and some hot sex scenes, and I was not disappointed. I was not, however, expecting to cry my eyes out. The subplot with a 17 year old boy with cancer just did me in and made the whole book just stand out. This book has everything I look for in a great read so give it a try!

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Jan 14, 2013 Chantilly White rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: writers-i-know-and-love

I loved the high heat level between the hero and heroine, the banter between the cousins, and the fabulous football references. I especially loved reading a sports-related romance in which the heroine actually knew and enjoyed the game and in which the hero being a football player actually impacted the plot. It made for an extra-fun read for this romance AND football fan!

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Jun 17, 2011 Blackraven's Reviews rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Ravens. Ms. Davenport’s debut novel is an amazing woven masterpiece of football knowledge and the sexual interplay between a pair of friends who have had the sexual hots for each other for years. To read this review in its entirety, please visit http://www.blackravensreviews.com/?p=...

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Sep 05, 2012 Cathryn Cade rated it 4 of 5 stars

4.5 Stars to this sexy football romance. Believable, to-die-for hero and empathetic, true-blue heroine. Great secondary characters, especially Ryan, the teen character who is an unexpected delight and lynchpin of the story.

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Oct 20, 2011 Alicia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, sports-romances

Fun read. I love romances set in the sports world. The dialogue in this one was a bit corny with all of the sports slang the author used, but it didn't detract from the storyline. I'd read another book by this author.

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Jun 06, 2011 Jane Litte rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is more of a B- grade for me because I felt the beginning was a bit slow and as much as I love football, there were far too many football metaphors in the book. In fact, I didn't know there could be that many. Every chapter ended with one and every love scene EVERY LOVE SCENE had some sexual football metaphor. It was far too much.

That said, the ending was heartrending and I loved reading my way through the football season with a player who had lost his mojo.

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Jun 16, 2012 Mer rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

More than just some steamy lovin.....it had a great plot and fleshed out characters! If you're a fan of football and romance, you'll love it!

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Oct 17, 2011 Tracy rated it 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this book. The first 100 pages are filled with a bit too much football talk, but when the romance started I couldn't stop reading.

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May 07, 2011 Lavada Dee rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a very engaging story. I'm not a football fan but you don't have to be. You'll fall in love with the characters.

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Feb 25, 2013 Jasmine rated it 3 of 5 stars

There was nothing wrong with this book, it just didn't do it for me, very mediocre.

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Jun 02, 2011 Gale Stanley rated it 5 of 5 stars

If you love sports heroes in romances, you will love this book!

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Jun 26, 2012 Happy rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars

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Sep 25, 2011 Dinjolina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very engaging book! And when you consider the fact that it is a cute little sport romance it was still very deep. The character of Ry never went in to the tacky zone and I really cried for him.

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May 11, 2012 Emily rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: betrayal, bad-boys, series, athletes-football, states-washington, no-strings-attached

I really enjoyed that there was a secondary story where Rachel’s dad was concerned and uncovering the mystery behind that, there are a few more surprises in the story that will keep readers captivated.

Full review on Sensual Reads
http://sensualreads.com/?p=7107

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Jan 11, 2013 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: contemporary-romance, tear-jerker, sports-romance

A must read for football romance fans....

1 like · like · see review

May 21, 2013 Leslie Lopez rated it 5 of 5 stars

May 21, 2013 Lilabee marked it as to-read

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About Jami Davenport

Jami Davenport has been writing since she was old enough to know the alphabet. An advocate of happy endings, Jami writes sexy romantic comedy, sizzling suspense, and equestrian fiction.

Jami lives on a small farm near Puget Sound with her husband, a former Green Beret turned plumber, two dogs large enough to saddle, a prince disguised as an orange tabby cat, and an opinionated Hanoverian mare. Jami...more

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Books by Jami Davenport

Forward Passes (Seattle Lumberjacks, #2)

Down by Contact (Seattle Lumberjacks, #3)

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