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Kemmons Brothers Baseball #1
Save My Soul
Psychotherapist Maggie Collins has always been a little off the proverbial wall, but now she’s also knee deep in a delayed quarter-life crisis. With her meager paychecks devoured by student loan debt, a car payment, and rent for office space, living at home with a flighty, folk-singing mother seemed like a good idea . . . at first. Now Maggie’s not so sure. She wants space to sort things out and launch a life of her own, but she needs a cushion of cash to get there. When an unexpected phone call brings an offer Maggie can’t refuse, she’s one deal with the devil away from moving out of her mother’s house.
The devil of contract negotiations, baseball agent Jordon Kemmons, has a problem the usual experts can’t fix . . . his star pitcher is too depressed to throw strikes. Even worse, Jordon's post-divorce grudge against women is turning him into a raging mess. If desperate times call for desperate measures, then cynical Jordon has made the most desperate move of all. He's hoping sexy psychotherapist Maggie Collins is the answer to all his rusty prayers.
Soon Maggie and Jordon are fighting an attraction that threatens everything they’ve ever believed. If it’s not just physical attraction . . . if it’s something more, maybe two wrongs can make a right.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
The devil of contract negotiations, baseball agent Jordon Kemmons, has a problem the usual experts can’t fix . . . his star pitcher is too depressed to throw strikes. Even worse, Jordon's post-divorce grudge against women is turning him into a raging mess. If desperate times call for desperate measures, then cynical Jordon has made the most desperate move of all. He's hoping sexy psychotherapist Maggie Collins is the answer to all his rusty prayers.
Soon Maggie and Jordon are fighting an attraction that threatens everything they’ve ever believed. If it’s not just physical attraction . . . if it’s something more, maybe two wrongs can make a right.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2013
About the author
Elley Arden
43 books184 followersElley Arden is a born and bred Pennsylvanian who has lived as far west as Utah and as far north as Wisconsin. She drinks wine like it’s water (a slight exaggeration), prefers a night at the ballpark to a night on the town, and believes almond English toffee is the key to happiness.
Elley writes provocative, emotional, contemporary romances, where Mr. Not-My-Type ends up being Mr. Right.
Elley writes provocative, emotional, contemporary romances, where Mr. Not-My-Type ends up being Mr. Right.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 23, 2013
I fell in love with this book right away, for one simple reason: the first scene was entirely too funny, too clever and too enchanting for me to walk away from this book. I'm not sure exactly how Arden came up with that idea, but it's absolutely brilliant.
Maggie has a unique view on life, one that I don't necessarily agree with, but the more that I read, the more I found it fit her personality like a glove. She is sweet, smart and ever-so-slightly naive, but enough so that it's charming. At first, her relationship with her mother appeared to be a little odd, but worked...read the rest of my review at The Canon (http://canireadeverything.blogspot.co...)
Maggie has a unique view on life, one that I don't necessarily agree with, but the more that I read, the more I found it fit her personality like a glove. She is sweet, smart and ever-so-slightly naive, but enough so that it's charming. At first, her relationship with her mother appeared to be a little odd, but worked...read the rest of my review at The Canon (http://canireadeverything.blogspot.co...)
May 9, 2013
Unorthodox is the word that comes to mind when I think of this original story. It describes the characters, the situations, the treatments, everything. Elley Arden has dared to go where no author has gone before -- well, at least from my experience anyway.
Maggie is an unusual heroine. Raised by a free-spirited crack-pot of a mom, she craves and rejects anything that resembles normal. Even though she seems lost herself, she's a psychotherapist, giving hope and help to others from an oddly jaded vantage point.
Then there's Jordan. He's experienced enough betrayal and emotional pain to fill the Hudson and yet, for all his take-no-prisoners negotiations for the athletes he represents, he's warm and compassionate under his gorgeous tailored suit. It's hard to say who needs this relationship more. I do like a man that knows what he wants and pursues it.
Now the set-up. Jordan's star client, a pitcher in the pros, is having an emotional breakdown and no one can reach him. His arm is off and he's lost his focus. Enter Maggie, in Jordan's house, along with his sobbing guest (her new client). See what I mean? Unorthodox.
Even though the pretense to get Maggie under Jordan's roof was to help the pitcher, Maggie's hands-off approach to her patient -- no organized sessions, etc., struck me as odd. Talking to him through his door when he's hiding out doesn't exactly count as therapy. There was very little going on in that quarter. However, barring that, this was an enjoyable story. Maggie's mother was a colorful and zany character with an odd view of life.
There was plenty to smile about in this quick read.
Maggie is an unusual heroine. Raised by a free-spirited crack-pot of a mom, she craves and rejects anything that resembles normal. Even though she seems lost herself, she's a psychotherapist, giving hope and help to others from an oddly jaded vantage point.
Then there's Jordan. He's experienced enough betrayal and emotional pain to fill the Hudson and yet, for all his take-no-prisoners negotiations for the athletes he represents, he's warm and compassionate under his gorgeous tailored suit. It's hard to say who needs this relationship more. I do like a man that knows what he wants and pursues it.
Now the set-up. Jordan's star client, a pitcher in the pros, is having an emotional breakdown and no one can reach him. His arm is off and he's lost his focus. Enter Maggie, in Jordan's house, along with his sobbing guest (her new client). See what I mean? Unorthodox.
Even though the pretense to get Maggie under Jordan's roof was to help the pitcher, Maggie's hands-off approach to her patient -- no organized sessions, etc., struck me as odd. Talking to him through his door when he's hiding out doesn't exactly count as therapy. There was very little going on in that quarter. However, barring that, this was an enjoyable story. Maggie's mother was a colorful and zany character with an odd view of life.
There was plenty to smile about in this quick read.
July 15, 2014
*I received this book free from Barclay Publicity in exchange for an honest review*
Maggie is quite the unique person. On the surface she seems kinds of flakey, but she’s sweet and caring and she knows how to love like no one else…even if she doesn’t realize it. Jordon, on the other hand, is like her polar opposite. He’s intimidating and sometimes cold, but she’ll call him on it every time.
When Jordan offers Maggie just the job she needs to get out of her financial problems and away from her wishy-washy mom she takes it, but her first day there has her wishing she hadn’t. Jordan drives her insane, which says a lot considering her profession, but she’s there to help Carlos, and she’ll put his well-being above her own discomfort.
Jordan has a secret. He’s wanted Maggie since the first time he saw her. She’s his balance and he has never felt for anyone the way he feels for her. Now all he has to do is convince her of that.
Save My Soul had me hooked from the first page. The first chapter had me laughing hysterically and I couldn’t put it down until I hit the last page. The emotional ride is bumpy, but the passion between them is intense.
My Favorite Laughable Moments: The first conversation between Maggie and Jordon and the…spider. OMG! The way they spoke to each other and the way the spider kept interrupting had me laughing so hard I was in tears.
Between that and the conversation that took place in the grocery story – poor toothpaste woman – I was dying. Literally, tears were rolling down my cheeks.
My Favorite Moment: The pier. The moment thoughts get pushed aside and actions take over.
Maggie is quite the unique person. On the surface she seems kinds of flakey, but she’s sweet and caring and she knows how to love like no one else…even if she doesn’t realize it. Jordon, on the other hand, is like her polar opposite. He’s intimidating and sometimes cold, but she’ll call him on it every time.
When Jordan offers Maggie just the job she needs to get out of her financial problems and away from her wishy-washy mom she takes it, but her first day there has her wishing she hadn’t. Jordan drives her insane, which says a lot considering her profession, but she’s there to help Carlos, and she’ll put his well-being above her own discomfort.
Jordan has a secret. He’s wanted Maggie since the first time he saw her. She’s his balance and he has never felt for anyone the way he feels for her. Now all he has to do is convince her of that.
Save My Soul had me hooked from the first page. The first chapter had me laughing hysterically and I couldn’t put it down until I hit the last page. The emotional ride is bumpy, but the passion between them is intense.
My Favorite Laughable Moments: The first conversation between Maggie and Jordon and the…spider. OMG! The way they spoke to each other and the way the spider kept interrupting had me laughing so hard I was in tears.
Between that and the conversation that took place in the grocery story – poor toothpaste woman – I was dying. Literally, tears were rolling down my cheeks.
My Favorite Moment: The pier. The moment thoughts get pushed aside and actions take over.
May 8, 2013
Wow! I absolutely loved this book! There was something deeper and meaningful about the characters and the obstacles they had to face. I love how Elley knew the insides and the outs of each character and how she delved deep into their “souls” to make the readers feel like we really knew the characters. I made connections – and that’s what reading is about.
The story begins with a funny scenario that had me giggling and cringing at the same time. What I loved was that Maggie seemed real yet unique starting from page one. She is a free-spirit, who struggles with events around her – including spiders chasing her, I might add! I loved the realness of her screaming whenever she saw a spider (because I’ve done that so many times I can’t count).
Jordan, the MMC, is a true Alpha, powerful businessman who knows what he wants. What I love the most is he realizes he’s in love with Maggie way before she is able to admit it and I found it endearing. This big tough guy is a softy at heart – and wants to love!
Although the story is funny in parts, it really is full of struggles and hardships that captures the reader’s interest. Each character has their own fight and the readers are right beside them cheering them on! Maggie and Jordan are truly saving each other’s souls along with Carlos, a sweet secondary character who I loved reading about.
I give Save My Soul FOUR WINKS! Well-done Elley Arden! I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
The story begins with a funny scenario that had me giggling and cringing at the same time. What I loved was that Maggie seemed real yet unique starting from page one. She is a free-spirit, who struggles with events around her – including spiders chasing her, I might add! I loved the realness of her screaming whenever she saw a spider (because I’ve done that so many times I can’t count).
Jordan, the MMC, is a true Alpha, powerful businessman who knows what he wants. What I love the most is he realizes he’s in love with Maggie way before she is able to admit it and I found it endearing. This big tough guy is a softy at heart – and wants to love!
Although the story is funny in parts, it really is full of struggles and hardships that captures the reader’s interest. Each character has their own fight and the readers are right beside them cheering them on! Maggie and Jordan are truly saving each other’s souls along with Carlos, a sweet secondary character who I loved reading about.
I give Save My Soul FOUR WINKS! Well-done Elley Arden! I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
June 13, 2013
Save My Soul is a unique story that has a little bit of everything sprinkled in. It is witty, funny, full of tension, and sweet all at the same time. The characters that Elley Arden has created are likable and believable yet have just enough angst to be really gripping.
The opening of Save My Soul will hook you and make you really feel for Maggie. Her bad date experience will top almost any story you have heard before! How Maggie presents her professiona nd deals with her patients is unique and a really good idea. She has a mother who is a 'free spirit' that just cracked me up more than once throughout the story. Jordon is not as unique as Maggie but is is a lovable character with his share of baggage and his own set of ideals. The unexpected romance between them is almost magical.
The secondary characters are almost as important, if not more so, to the story than Maggie & Jordon. Elley Arden creates a full cast and doesn't skimp on any of her character or plot development. There are a few twists that liven things up, but Save My Soul was truly a romance to remember as she imparts several views on various world situations and how to deal with them. She will really make you think about things while enjoying her special writing style. Pick up Save My Soul and find out if a driven and hardened businessman can find happiness with a flaky, free spirited, psychotherapist.
http://www.illustriousillusions.com/2...
The opening of Save My Soul will hook you and make you really feel for Maggie. Her bad date experience will top almost any story you have heard before! How Maggie presents her professiona nd deals with her patients is unique and a really good idea. She has a mother who is a 'free spirit' that just cracked me up more than once throughout the story. Jordon is not as unique as Maggie but is is a lovable character with his share of baggage and his own set of ideals. The unexpected romance between them is almost magical.
The secondary characters are almost as important, if not more so, to the story than Maggie & Jordon. Elley Arden creates a full cast and doesn't skimp on any of her character or plot development. There are a few twists that liven things up, but Save My Soul was truly a romance to remember as she imparts several views on various world situations and how to deal with them. She will really make you think about things while enjoying her special writing style. Pick up Save My Soul and find out if a driven and hardened businessman can find happiness with a flaky, free spirited, psychotherapist.
http://www.illustriousillusions.com/2...
March 6, 2013
Save My Soul opens with heroine, Maggie, on a date from hell. She’s immediately sympathetic, relatable, smart, and considerate. She struggles to combine her years of schooling in psychology with the alternative, “natural” lifestyle her mother raised her in. The result is charming and funny. When she gets the opportunity to counsel a star pitcher, she butts heads with his agent. Jordon Kemmons is “spiritually retarded” but challenging and charismatic.
The supporting characters are just as awesome. Maggie’s mother, Crystal, is hilarious. A peace, love, and talisman kind of lady, Crystal goes with the flow and complicates Maggie’s already stressful life. Beyond being an amusing minor character, Crystal has her own history and reason for being the way she is, and the home life she created for Maggie is responsible for a lot of Maggie’s inner turmoil.
Watching the developing relationship between Maggie and Jordon is enthralling. They’re both so complex and try to figure themselves out while they figure each other out. Their connection is so strong, and they really do save each other just by being a mirror. Jordon helps Maggie realize things about herself, and she does the same for him. It’s such a fulfilling story, and the character growth is awesome. The ending is a home run!
The supporting characters are just as awesome. Maggie’s mother, Crystal, is hilarious. A peace, love, and talisman kind of lady, Crystal goes with the flow and complicates Maggie’s already stressful life. Beyond being an amusing minor character, Crystal has her own history and reason for being the way she is, and the home life she created for Maggie is responsible for a lot of Maggie’s inner turmoil.
Watching the developing relationship between Maggie and Jordon is enthralling. They’re both so complex and try to figure themselves out while they figure each other out. Their connection is so strong, and they really do save each other just by being a mirror. Jordon helps Maggie realize things about herself, and she does the same for him. It’s such a fulfilling story, and the character growth is awesome. The ending is a home run!
April 26, 2013
The strong points of this book were the well developed characters and the well written story. This reader could certainly identify with Maggie Collins. When first love happens, how does one distinguish between true love and lust? Maggie travels to North Carolina to help a distressed baseball player and finds herself lost in a soul searching struggle with his agent.....is she sexually attracted? has the agent, Jordan, displaced feelings of love for her as a therapist? Has she made a terrible mistake by giving in to her own sexual desires?
The first chapter had me laughing out loud. Maggie and Jordan were at odds and Maggie's sarcasm and sharp wit were evident. The remaining chapters centered around helping Carlos, the ball player, come to grips with his own reality and the sexual tension between free spirited Maggie and not sexually active, Jordan. It wasn't my favorite love story of all time--Maggie seemed to over think things too much. I did enjoy the ending and the changes in the characters as they found their resolutions to the problems at hand.
The first chapter had me laughing out loud. Maggie and Jordan were at odds and Maggie's sarcasm and sharp wit were evident. The remaining chapters centered around helping Carlos, the ball player, come to grips with his own reality and the sexual tension between free spirited Maggie and not sexually active, Jordan. It wasn't my favorite love story of all time--Maggie seemed to over think things too much. I did enjoy the ending and the changes in the characters as they found their resolutions to the problems at hand.
March 21, 2013
If you like your dark and broody heroes to have a pulse, you are in luck. Elley Arden created a memorable if initially menacing figure of the highly successful sports agent Jordon Kemmons. I didn't like him at first, but over the course of book, Arden made his hard exterior both it believable and sympathetic. Of course it helps that he is aided in his story journey by Dr. Maggie Collins, an innovative psychologist. Jordan needs Maggie to help his top client, Carlos, break through a slump. Maggie does more than that. A lot more. To say what happens spoils the story, but I loved the character journey for all the major characters. Arden did a terrific job giving life to her characters. Also, she's not afraid to tackle big real world issues, but does so in a way that doesn't rely on heavy handed tactics but rather is organic and integral to the story.
I received an ARC of Save my Soul in exchange for an honest review and I'm glad I did.
I received an ARC of Save my Soul in exchange for an honest review and I'm glad I did.
May 26, 2013
"Save My Soul" is a quick trip around the bases touching on an opposites-attract romance, an athlete with a personal challenge, a mother-daughter relationship that provides much of the book's humor and a happy ending at home plate.
Maggie Collins is a PHD psychologist who's consulted by baseball super agent Jordan Kemmons. His star pitcher has fallen into the slump from hell and needs help. Maggie, who has been living with her hippy-dippy mother Crystal, is almost relieved to have an excuse to go to North Carolina to see what she can do although she has her doubts about Jordan's confidence in her. The banter between Jordan and Maggie is fun to read and even more interesting to follow as their attraction grows.
There are a few twists and turns in the plot but in the end, author Arden does a good job of bringing her characters along in a believable way to the reader's--and the characters'--satisfaction. Fun read.
Maggie Collins is a PHD psychologist who's consulted by baseball super agent Jordan Kemmons. His star pitcher has fallen into the slump from hell and needs help. Maggie, who has been living with her hippy-dippy mother Crystal, is almost relieved to have an excuse to go to North Carolina to see what she can do although she has her doubts about Jordan's confidence in her. The banter between Jordan and Maggie is fun to read and even more interesting to follow as their attraction grows.
There are a few twists and turns in the plot but in the end, author Arden does a good job of bringing her characters along in a believable way to the reader's--and the characters'--satisfaction. Fun read.
March 29, 2013
Gosh, I loved Save My Soul. It was such a fun, warm, insightful read. I myself am a vegetarian who doesn't kill spiders, so maybe that's why I found myself instantly identifying with Maggie. She's much more enlightened than me, but I loved going on her journey with her. She's convinced that romantic love is a myth and she avoids attachment. I knew she'd need help changing her mind about that, and I relished watching Jordon help ease her out of her faulty thinking. Jordon was the kind of guy I wouldn't like, but with a deft hand Ms. Arden managed to give him a steady, believable course of change throughout the story.
I've got a towering stack of books in my TBR pile, so any time one doesn't grab me and keep me I just toss it aside. Save My Soul kept me up past my bedtime so I could spend more time with the characters.
Very well done!
I've got a towering stack of books in my TBR pile, so any time one doesn't grab me and keep me I just toss it aside. Save My Soul kept me up past my bedtime so I could spend more time with the characters.
Very well done!
April 1, 2013
When psychotherapist Maggie Collins agrees to help a struggling pitcher, she becomes embroiled in the high-stakes negotiating life of Jordan Kemmons. He thinks she’s sexy, but flaky; she thinks he’s cynical and cold. Their attraction is overpowering, and their sexual encounters come as fast and hot as Carlos’s fast pitch. Maggie’s fears of spiders and commitment, and her earthy philosophy (the product of her quirky mother) make her someone you’d like to hang out with. Jordan’s tight grip on control and intimidation make his transformation remarkable. Both Maggie and Jordan must overcome pain from the past and let go of life-long beliefs to allow the vulnerability that will open them to love.
July 18, 2014
Maggie tries to combine two worlds into one and manages quite successfully in her professional life. Her personal life however is in a bit of a mess as you find out immediately. It starts with her on a date and the guy turns out to be a polygamist. Jordan is a no-nonsense sports agent who has cultivated quite the reputation over the years as being hard nosed and edgy. How on earth can these two get together?
This story is well written and full of humour and wit. There is an interesting diversion in Carlos as Maggie tries to figure out what his problem is and how to help him. The supporting characters in this book are just as interesting, if not more so occasionally, as the main characters.
Enjoyable contemporary romance.
This story is well written and full of humour and wit. There is an interesting diversion in Carlos as Maggie tries to figure out what his problem is and how to help him. The supporting characters in this book are just as interesting, if not more so occasionally, as the main characters.
Enjoyable contemporary romance.
July 7, 2015
I came across this series when it was on sale, and given my love of baseball, I thought there was no way I could go wrong with 4 baseball centric romance stories. I was pleasantly surprised to find when reading this first book...it completely surpassed my expectations. There was humor and heartwarming depth, and the conflict wasn't outrageous. I found the words resonating with me, reminding me of every day things that were taking place in my life. I love when a book has the ability to suck me in without being too fanciful to connect with. I am excited to start the next in this series.
May 23, 2013
The characters in Saving My Soul were so vibrant, they just about shouted at me from the page, and I loved it. The chemistry between Jordon and Maggie - especially in the first few chapters - was great fun, and even as their deepening connection toned down some of the snarky back and forth, they stayed true to themselves. The supporting characters were real and quirky, and Ms. Arden deftly recreated the world of big-league baseball. This is a very entertaining book, and one I can easily recommend.
March 5, 2013
Overall, I enjoyed this book and its unconventional characters. Maggie was fascinating and I enjoyed her interactions with people.
The writing style, however, sometimes annoyed me. The POV changed were sometimes random and the inner monologues tended to get confusing. I also thought most of Jordan's issues were forced into the book and weren't really necessary (especially the brother, who I am guessing was just added so he makes sense for another book).
The writing style, however, sometimes annoyed me. The POV changed were sometimes random and the inner monologues tended to get confusing. I also thought most of Jordan's issues were forced into the book and weren't really necessary (especially the brother, who I am guessing was just added so he makes sense for another book).
May 24, 2013
Elley pens"Save My Soul" in an unique and original plot that is full of hardships and romance with a touch of humor. With strong, well developed characters that had some great chemistry throughout, I fell in love with this book from the very first chapter. A really enjoyable read that will captivate you from the start and should be on everyone's TBR list.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the author which was provided for an honest review.
June 3, 2013
Loved this therapist meets sports agent love story as much for the main characters as the secondary characters. The new age mom was hilarious and the baseball player's issue, when finally revealed (no spoilers) is heartbreaking and beautifully written. The subplots here were terrific. Fast paced, romantic, and funny. Highly recommend!
December 29, 2013
Best book I have read in a long time.
kept my interest the whole time. loved that it discussed human behavior and most of all did not get bogged down with descriptions of scenery like most books. would highly recommend to other readers.
kept my interest the whole time. loved that it discussed human behavior and most of all did not get bogged down with descriptions of scenery like most books. would highly recommend to other readers.
January 9, 2016
MJ
Maggie and Jordan are a complicated, hot, hopeful, intense match that I fell in love with. I love the other members in their story, the push and pull of want and desire - I loved it all!
Maggie and Jordan are a complicated, hot, hopeful, intense match that I fell in love with. I love the other members in their story, the push and pull of want and desire - I loved it all!
June 22, 2016
Arden has written a great read for baseball fans
When I began reading this book , I wasn't sure if I would finish it. As I read further. It was interesting to follow the twists and turns the characters would make. Great read.
,
When I began reading this book , I wasn't sure if I would finish it. As I read further. It was interesting to follow the twists and turns the characters would make. Great read.
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Read
March 4, 2013I'm Elley's critique partner, so any review from me is biased, but I love Her writing style and am always eager to read more from her.
June 13, 2013
Review soon.
August 23, 2013
Got this as a first reads for my wife. She loved it. I'm going to tackle it sometime soon.
October 4, 2013
Great romance, very unpredictable story line. Good characters and story flow.
Did Not Finish
October 25, 2013It's not the authors fault I didn't like it. Just picked it up at the wrong time.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews