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Love and Football #2
Rushing Amy
Julie Brannagh's sparkling and romantic Love and Football series continues!
For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she's working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.
Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister's wedding, he's known there's something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?
For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she's working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.
Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister's wedding, he's known there's something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 11, 2014
46 people are currently reading
730 people want to read
About the author
Julie Brannagh
10 books431 followersUSA Today bestselling author Julie Brannagh has been writing since she could hold a pencil. She lives in a small town near Seattle, where she once served as a city council member and owned a yarn shop. She shares her home with a wonderful husband, two uncivilized Maine Coons and a rambunctious chocolate Lab.
When she's not writing, she's reading--or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of six contemporary sports romances.
When she's not writing, she's reading--or armchair-quarterbacking her favorite NFL team from the comfort of the family room couch. Julie is a Golden Heart finalist and the author of six contemporary sports romances.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 98 reviews
February 24, 2014
I preferred this to the first book in the series.
I love how Amy made Matt do the chasing and loved the fact he was sending flowers to every known female in his life just to make her jealous.
The daughter and ex were likeable and the author didn't vilify them as often happens.
Whilst I don't usually like the "obstacle to keep them apart" in romances, I actually thought the one in this book was realistic and I could understand how both Matt and Amy felt about the situation.
Overall this book was enjoyable from start to finish.
I love how Amy made Matt do the chasing and loved the fact he was sending flowers to every known female in his life just to make her jealous.
The daughter and ex were likeable and the author didn't vilify them as often happens.
Whilst I don't usually like the "obstacle to keep them apart" in romances, I actually thought the one in this book was realistic and I could understand how both Matt and Amy felt about the situation.
Overall this book was enjoyable from start to finish.
November 27, 2014
1.5 stars, actually. I can deal with only so much of male chauvinism and sexism in a book. I'm not sure about reading "Catching Cameron" now.
The book wasn't entirely terrible, though: I loved that Amy was friends with Matt's ex-wife and they were not enemies as it usually happens when the current and past lovers are together in a book.
That was the only reason I gave 1.5 stars to "Rushing Amy", otherwise I'd give it one star or no star. AT ALL.
The book wasn't entirely terrible, though: I loved that Amy was friends with Matt's ex-wife and they were not enemies as it usually happens when the current and past lovers are together in a book.
That was the only reason I gave 1.5 stars to "Rushing Amy", otherwise I'd give it one star or no star. AT ALL.
February 28, 2014
After finishing Blitzing Emily, I was very eager to read the author’s next novel, Rushing Amy. And while I wasn’t overwhelmed with the setup in the previous book, this book features Emily’s younger sister, a hard working accountant turned florist named Amy.
Amy Hamilton meets Matt Stephens in bar after her sister Emily’s wedding is over. Amy is tired and wants to avoid men for the time being after her last relationship went south. Matt is an ex-NFL player turned analyst and is intrigued by Amy, who chooses to introduce herself as “Fifi”. Matt is persistent and keeps asking Amy out while having her deliver flowers to seemingly random women. While many readers won’t take issue with this aspect of the book, to me it smacks of game playing and it brought Matt down a little in my mind.
In the last couple of contemporaries I’ve read, the ex-wife isn’t shown as the villain of the piece, and I’m happy to report that this trend continues in Rushing Amy. Matt had a daughter when he was relatively young, but still maintains a good relationship with his ex as they raise their daughter ,Samantha. It’s rare that one character can make or break an entire book for me, but I adored Amy. She hasn’t had many successful relationships, she made a somewhat abrupt career change from accountant to florist, and she’s still very envious of her sister, Emily. You see her struggle to make ends meet to keep her business afloat, and she’s very resistant at receiving any help from her family or Matt. She wants to make it on her own.
Amy and Matt take their time getting to know one another before getting intimate and I really appreciated that particular aspect of the book, but I have to say I was equally annoyed by Matt’s refusal to take no for an answer when it came to Amy. This is brought up at times in the text, and plays a huge part at the end of the book, but it made me not care for Matt as much.
In this book vs. Blitzing Emily, I got more of a sense of who Amy and Matt were as people. As many scenes as they had together, they had an equal number apart. Matt with his daughter and ex-wife, Amy with her family, and her business. So while I can see some people being frustrated with the lack of action regarding their romance, their characters were more fully developed to me and more believable at that.
The pacing is decent, though I found myself getting a little impatient through the middle of the book. For people that are fans of sports romance, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest that this one is, despite its title. It wasn’t a particular disappointment to me, as I’m rather neutral when it comes to those types of books, but for fans that do enjoy them, it really doesn’t have any sort of focus in this novel. I enjoyed Rushing Amy quite a bit more than Blitzing Emily, and I’m looking forward to author’s forthcoming books.
- Ronnie
Amy Hamilton meets Matt Stephens in bar after her sister Emily’s wedding is over. Amy is tired and wants to avoid men for the time being after her last relationship went south. Matt is an ex-NFL player turned analyst and is intrigued by Amy, who chooses to introduce herself as “Fifi”. Matt is persistent and keeps asking Amy out while having her deliver flowers to seemingly random women. While many readers won’t take issue with this aspect of the book, to me it smacks of game playing and it brought Matt down a little in my mind.
In the last couple of contemporaries I’ve read, the ex-wife isn’t shown as the villain of the piece, and I’m happy to report that this trend continues in Rushing Amy. Matt had a daughter when he was relatively young, but still maintains a good relationship with his ex as they raise their daughter ,Samantha. It’s rare that one character can make or break an entire book for me, but I adored Amy. She hasn’t had many successful relationships, she made a somewhat abrupt career change from accountant to florist, and she’s still very envious of her sister, Emily. You see her struggle to make ends meet to keep her business afloat, and she’s very resistant at receiving any help from her family or Matt. She wants to make it on her own.
Amy and Matt take their time getting to know one another before getting intimate and I really appreciated that particular aspect of the book, but I have to say I was equally annoyed by Matt’s refusal to take no for an answer when it came to Amy. This is brought up at times in the text, and plays a huge part at the end of the book, but it made me not care for Matt as much.
In this book vs. Blitzing Emily, I got more of a sense of who Amy and Matt were as people. As many scenes as they had together, they had an equal number apart. Matt with his daughter and ex-wife, Amy with her family, and her business. So while I can see some people being frustrated with the lack of action regarding their romance, their characters were more fully developed to me and more believable at that.
The pacing is decent, though I found myself getting a little impatient through the middle of the book. For people that are fans of sports romance, I wouldn’t necessarily suggest that this one is, despite its title. It wasn’t a particular disappointment to me, as I’m rather neutral when it comes to those types of books, but for fans that do enjoy them, it really doesn’t have any sort of focus in this novel. I enjoyed Rushing Amy quite a bit more than Blitzing Emily, and I’m looking forward to author’s forthcoming books.
- Ronnie
July 12, 2017
This was a good story overall, but it wasn't without its problems. Matt and Amy were good characters, but their actions were very annoying! Amy took playing hard to get entirely too far, and seemed too skittish to be in an actual relationship with Matt. Matt was entirely too controlling and egotistical for my tastes. I did like seeing what was going on with Emily and Brandon, though, and the romance between Matt and Amy had a nice build to it. I also liked seeing the harmonious custody situation between Matt and his ex, as that's not something I've seen too often, since I've only really encountered the more negative reactions between exes. Here's hoping I enjoy the next book more!
January 4, 2016
>.> if this is even possible ... :X I think I read too many football romances in a glut so everything started running together - although this is where he punches his asshole coworker near the end and gets into a shit ton of trouble until they figure things out ...
The heroine is RELENTLESSLY independent ... but she's got her own issues and I liked that she hashed it out with her sister (god how painful, but good)
And our hero who... is wonderful but also sometimes a clueless idiot (typical male)
I know I liked the book, but I'm not sure anything JUMPED OUT at me - I have the basics, but no details or special moments coming to mind - so I'm glad I read it, but now on to the next one! [Book, I mean. In general.]
C+
The heroine is RELENTLESSLY independent ... but she's got her own issues and I liked that she hashed it out with her sister (god how painful, but good)
And our hero who... is wonderful but also sometimes a clueless idiot (typical male)
I know I liked the book, but I'm not sure anything JUMPED OUT at me - I have the basics, but no details or special moments coming to mind - so I'm glad I read it, but now on to the next one! [Book, I mean. In general.]
C+
January 10, 2015
So loving it!
This is the second book in this series that I have read and I can only say they seem to get better. I loved the laughs in Matt & Amy's romance, the way she gets along with his teenaged daughter and even the problems between them. I thought it was written very well. I would recommend it to others. Now I am off to find the next book in the series!
This is the second book in this series that I have read and I can only say they seem to get better. I loved the laughs in Matt & Amy's romance, the way she gets along with his teenaged daughter and even the problems between them. I thought it was written very well. I would recommend it to others. Now I am off to find the next book in the series!
June 14, 2014
Sweet love story.
Amy is a woman strong enough to change from a CPA to a florist but dates douche bags. She's relentlessly pursued by Matt a famous retired footballer/announcer but their road to happiness is rocky.
Light read.
Amy is a woman strong enough to change from a CPA to a florist but dates douche bags. She's relentlessly pursued by Matt a famous retired footballer/announcer but their road to happiness is rocky.
Light read.
February 20, 2014
This had some good moments but not as good as the first. But I am looking forward to the next installment.
March 22, 2014
What a sweet love story.....just a little long in the middle.
August 7, 2015
really enjoyed...seemed like poor Amy needed a wake up call! loved it though! great ending!
December 27, 2020
This is book #2 in Love and Football.
It is the story of Amy Hamilton and Matt Stephens.
Amy believes in the three F's; Family, Football and Flowers. She wouldn't mind a Forever, too, but she is working hard to get her flower shop off the ground. She certainly doesn't need or want any distractions or help. She especially doesn't want help from the gorgeous, aggravating and arrogant ex-NFL star Matt.
Matt lives by a playbook. His own playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would be a stunning florist. He knows she has a stubborn streak that matches his. He met Amy in the bar after her sister's wedding, and he has always known there is something between them. She refuses to go out with him again, and he will do almost anything to win her heart. Amy is not sure whether to let the clock run out since she has everything to lose.
Fun series. I have enjoyed them all so far!
It is the story of Amy Hamilton and Matt Stephens.
Amy believes in the three F's; Family, Football and Flowers. She wouldn't mind a Forever, too, but she is working hard to get her flower shop off the ground. She certainly doesn't need or want any distractions or help. She especially doesn't want help from the gorgeous, aggravating and arrogant ex-NFL star Matt.
Matt lives by a playbook. His own playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would be a stunning florist. He knows she has a stubborn streak that matches his. He met Amy in the bar after her sister's wedding, and he has always known there is something between them. She refuses to go out with him again, and he will do almost anything to win her heart. Amy is not sure whether to let the clock run out since she has everything to lose.
Fun series. I have enjoyed them all so far!
May 15, 2017
I love this series .... super long word count and every word is fun to read ... a great series
October 15, 2017
I just couldn't get not this. I loved the pursuit by the hero, I liked the characters, I liked the plot; but, something essential was missing.
January 1, 2018
I lost interest in Rushing Amy and did not finish reading the book.
December 17, 2019
3.5 stars
February 20, 2020
Review of Rushing Amy
I absolutely loved this book and this series. She keeps you involved from page one until the end. Julie is a wonderful writer.
I absolutely loved this book and this series. She keeps you involved from page one until the end. Julie is a wonderful writer.
Read
October 8, 20216/28/2014 Reread 1/17/19
March 29, 2014
3 1/2 stars!
Their cute-meet was that exactly, cute. Matt arrives late, by his own plan, to his friend’s wedding and he meets Amy at a bar after the reception. Amy gets almost wasted but Matt does the gentlemanly thing and brings her to her room, takes care that she’s comfortable, and then leaves. But not without Amy spilling a little bit of her heart and soul, albeit under the influence of alcohol to him. Cue, humiliation on Amy’s part and part amusement and appreciation on Matt’s part. I think that was what truly intrigued Amy to him. And so he started pursuing her, almost zealously. And it was so sweet how it was like Matt being a kid trying to get the attention of the girl he likes by pulling on her pigtails. Only now, Matt drops by or calls Amy’s flower shop and orders a bouquet of flowers every day. Only to give each of these to a different woman. Never mind the fact that it’s mostly women like his daughter Samantha, or his mother, or the nuns who taught in Matt’s school years before. That was hilarious and sweet.
I love the ease in which these two interact. Of course there is still that thrill of being strongly attracted to each other and the rush of feelings in a courtship. But at the same time, I almost always get the feeling that these two have shared more of themselves with each other than before they even realized it. Because of that, there’s this positive undercurrent between them that made me feel as if they’ve been together as a couple for a long time now.
One would think that they are at different stages in their lives at the moment, Matt having gone through divorce already and having a teenage daughter, and that age would somehow be a factor, with Amy being a lot younger than Matt is. But it didn’t affect the way I feel about them at all. Even more, it made me believe that despite what differences these two people may seem to have, if the connection is truly and wholly there between them then the rest are just circumstances that they can easily overcome.
The conflict between them seemed trivial to me at first glance. But then I realized what they had experienced in the past, how their histories have shaped them to become who they are now: Matt, growing up and having to watch his mother work two jobs and 3 shifts and vowing that he would never let another person he loves go through so much hard work when he could do something about it, and Amy, growing up in a shadow of her sister’s success, finally deciding to ditch a job she did not love and pursue the one that she does and struggling to prove something not just to everybody else but to herself as well. Having realized all these, I now understand how both of them can clash when it comes to Amy’s financial troubles with her small business. And it makes sense where each of them is coming from.
I admire Amy because it would be so easy to just sit back and let your millionaire boyfriend save you from financial debt but she stands up for herself and has enough not only pride but belief in herself that she’s capable of being independent and of standing on her own two feet.
At the same time, I also get where Matt is coming from. Because of his experience growing up and also what happened to his marriage, of course he would want and need to protect those he loved most in his life. Even at times it means not making them make their own mistakes, which is at times unhealthy especially in big doses. Although his approach is somewhat bordering on this, you know that his intentions are from his heart and he is doing it out of care and love.
I really appreciate the resolution that the author was able to present for the story because it made sense, it was logical story-wise and characterization-wise. It was a resolution that came from understanding and acceptance. And this made me believe that the relationship between these two characters will last for a long time.
Their cute-meet was that exactly, cute. Matt arrives late, by his own plan, to his friend’s wedding and he meets Amy at a bar after the reception. Amy gets almost wasted but Matt does the gentlemanly thing and brings her to her room, takes care that she’s comfortable, and then leaves. But not without Amy spilling a little bit of her heart and soul, albeit under the influence of alcohol to him. Cue, humiliation on Amy’s part and part amusement and appreciation on Matt’s part. I think that was what truly intrigued Amy to him. And so he started pursuing her, almost zealously. And it was so sweet how it was like Matt being a kid trying to get the attention of the girl he likes by pulling on her pigtails. Only now, Matt drops by or calls Amy’s flower shop and orders a bouquet of flowers every day. Only to give each of these to a different woman. Never mind the fact that it’s mostly women like his daughter Samantha, or his mother, or the nuns who taught in Matt’s school years before. That was hilarious and sweet.
I love the ease in which these two interact. Of course there is still that thrill of being strongly attracted to each other and the rush of feelings in a courtship. But at the same time, I almost always get the feeling that these two have shared more of themselves with each other than before they even realized it. Because of that, there’s this positive undercurrent between them that made me feel as if they’ve been together as a couple for a long time now.
One would think that they are at different stages in their lives at the moment, Matt having gone through divorce already and having a teenage daughter, and that age would somehow be a factor, with Amy being a lot younger than Matt is. But it didn’t affect the way I feel about them at all. Even more, it made me believe that despite what differences these two people may seem to have, if the connection is truly and wholly there between them then the rest are just circumstances that they can easily overcome.
The conflict between them seemed trivial to me at first glance. But then I realized what they had experienced in the past, how their histories have shaped them to become who they are now: Matt, growing up and having to watch his mother work two jobs and 3 shifts and vowing that he would never let another person he loves go through so much hard work when he could do something about it, and Amy, growing up in a shadow of her sister’s success, finally deciding to ditch a job she did not love and pursue the one that she does and struggling to prove something not just to everybody else but to herself as well. Having realized all these, I now understand how both of them can clash when it comes to Amy’s financial troubles with her small business. And it makes sense where each of them is coming from.
I admire Amy because it would be so easy to just sit back and let your millionaire boyfriend save you from financial debt but she stands up for herself and has enough not only pride but belief in herself that she’s capable of being independent and of standing on her own two feet.
At the same time, I also get where Matt is coming from. Because of his experience growing up and also what happened to his marriage, of course he would want and need to protect those he loved most in his life. Even at times it means not making them make their own mistakes, which is at times unhealthy especially in big doses. Although his approach is somewhat bordering on this, you know that his intentions are from his heart and he is doing it out of care and love.
I really appreciate the resolution that the author was able to present for the story because it made sense, it was logical story-wise and characterization-wise. It was a resolution that came from understanding and acceptance. And this made me believe that the relationship between these two characters will last for a long time.
January 10, 2015
This review was originally posted on Ticket to Anywhere
Place(s) Traveled To: Seattle, Washington // Cannon Beach, Oregon
First Line(s): The wedding was over, and Amy Hamilton stood amongst the wreckage.
Rushing Amy is the follow up to Julie Brannagh's Blitzing Emily and involves Emily's younger sister, Amy. Amy runs a flowshop and its through her buisness that Emily meets her one true love Brandon. In Rushing Amy, Emily returns the favor (so to speak) by being the catalyst for Amy to meet her love interest, Matt. Matt is a former teammate and a friend of Brandon's and he and Amy meet at the wedding of Emily and Brandon. Its a bit of a cliched meeting place but it works for this story. While the overall story of Rushing Amy was a cute, quick read there were things that bothered me with it.
My biggest issue was with how everyone seemed so overly concerened with Amy's ovaries. A conversation about how old she was getting and how she needed to have babies soon or never seemed to pop up in almost every chapter. She would think it and others would comment on it and it just added this weird, creepy vibe to the whole story. One example of this is when Matt's daughter tells Amy that she can't break up with her dad because she wants siblings...um...seriously?? Ugh! This is 2014 not 1814 a woman's main purpose in life and the source of all her happiness isn't in having babies. I liked how Amy was focused on setting up her business and making it work but that strength of hers, her smarts and business sense was always overshadowed with talk of her baby making capabilites.
Matt also annoyed me a bit in how he wanted to take care of Amy buy tossing money at her and all of her problems. I get that he wanted to help but he never listened to what she wanted he just bulldozed in with what he wanted and her feelings be damned. Most of the time he was sweet and I liked that he was such a giving soul but listening is such an attactive skill and so few people seem to possess it. Amy and Matt could have avoided the whole pointless breakup if Matt just listened to her issues, provided advice when asked and then let her handle things how she wanted to handle them.
I enjoyed Rushing Amy but I didn't think that it was as cute as Blitzing Emily. The issues mentioned above just took me out of the story and made me want to shake all the characters involved. I wanted them to find their HEA but at the same time they annoyed me enough that there were times when I didn't care if they reached that point or not. There also wasn't enough Brandon and Emily in this story and when they were there they didn't seem like the same characters from the first book. I will continue to read this series but as of this posting I don't think that Rushing Amy will be a book that I ever re-read.
July 15, 2017
Football and romance
This book did not disappoint. It was filled with a cute story of boy meets girl and some humor. I loved the ending, because it gives finality to the story. I enjoy books by this author because it's like reading a hallmark story. Happy reading!!
This book did not disappoint. It was filled with a cute story of boy meets girl and some humor. I loved the ending, because it gives finality to the story. I enjoy books by this author because it's like reading a hallmark story. Happy reading!!
July 23, 2016
Rushing Amy is the second book in Julie Brannagh’s Love and Football series. The first book, Blitzing Emily is one I enjoyed. These two books are recommended for fans of contemporary romance that have heroes involved in sports, (here it’s football) and mature and independent heroines. Rushing Amy features florist, Amy, the sister of the heroine from Blitzing Emily. Amy is single thirty-something who owns and operates her own business. Her sister has just married the man of her dreams, and Amy is feeling a bit lonely. Her last relationship was a big disappointment, but she really doesn’t have time to date because her florist shop takes up all her time. She ends up meeting ex-NFL star, Matt after the wedding. He purposely came late, but when he spots Amy he asks her to have a drink with him at the hotel bar. Amy already has a few drinks in her, but since Matt is cute and flirty, she takes a chance and ends up very tipsy. Matt doesn’t take advantage and puts her to bed in the hopes of seeing her again. Matt likes Amy and wants to get to know her better. He thinks wining and dining will do the trick. But Amy blocks him because she thinks he’s a player (when it comes to romance, not sports). Matt refuses to back down and won’t let up until Amy gives in.
Matt is as close as a gentleman as you can get. He has a good relationship with his ex-wife and even a better relationship with his teenage daughter. Matt has the money, the respect and much love from his family and friends. But what he doesn’t have is Amy, who for some reason won’t give him a chance and go out with him. Matt is tenacious and pulls out all the stops when it comes to romancing Amy in the hopes they can have something wonderful together.
Rushing Amy is just as good as Blitzing Emily in regards to well rounded characters you can connect with. Amy has been burned by love before and she’s afraid Matt is going to use her and then dump her, although there’s nothing in his personality or actions that proves that. Matt is an overall lovable and good guy any woman would love to date. Matt wants to date Amy and not just get her into his bed. He and Amy get to know one another over a period of time (much like the main couple in Blitzing Emily), and from that they connect and fall in love.
Rushing Amy is more on the sweeter and subtle, which I didn’t mind at all.”Lovable” is the key word here. There’s some drama added toward the end that was almost an eye rolling moment for me, but it was resolved to my liking.
Do check out Rushing Amy, including Blitzing Emily in this fun and sporty series.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/7...
Matt is as close as a gentleman as you can get. He has a good relationship with his ex-wife and even a better relationship with his teenage daughter. Matt has the money, the respect and much love from his family and friends. But what he doesn’t have is Amy, who for some reason won’t give him a chance and go out with him. Matt is tenacious and pulls out all the stops when it comes to romancing Amy in the hopes they can have something wonderful together.
Rushing Amy is just as good as Blitzing Emily in regards to well rounded characters you can connect with. Amy has been burned by love before and she’s afraid Matt is going to use her and then dump her, although there’s nothing in his personality or actions that proves that. Matt is an overall lovable and good guy any woman would love to date. Matt wants to date Amy and not just get her into his bed. He and Amy get to know one another over a period of time (much like the main couple in Blitzing Emily), and from that they connect and fall in love.
Rushing Amy is more on the sweeter and subtle, which I didn’t mind at all.”Lovable” is the key word here. There’s some drama added toward the end that was almost an eye rolling moment for me, but it was resolved to my liking.
Do check out Rushing Amy, including Blitzing Emily in this fun and sporty series.
More at Booklikes: http://katiebabs.booklikes.com/post/7...
May 7, 2014
3.5 Stars. I thought Rushing Amy was a cute romance. The beginning was quite hilarious, and I enjoyed Amy and Matt's relationship and themselves as characters. I think my main problem with the story was that it felt a bit long. I honestly got a bit bored with it 2/3 of the way through waiting for the final climax to come. I did like how there wasn't only conflict in their relationship but in their personal lives as well. I just wish it moved along a bit faster.
Full Review:
Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh was a cute, fun romance. I loved the way Amy and Matt’s relationship developed, even if it was a bit childish at times. The story did feel a bit long though. I ended up a bit bored about two thirds in waiting for the impending conflict. All in all though, it was a very enjoyable read.
Amy, the accountant turned florist, meets Matt at her sister’s wedding. (Amy’s sister, Emily, has her story told in the first book of the series.) Amy is independent and just came from a bad break up. So she isn’t really interested in a relationship. Luckily Matt is stubborn and the hilarious courtship begins.
Amy and Matt are fun together. I truly enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I definitely laughed quite a bit reading their story. Their families also brought interesting issues into their relationship and the story overall. Matt was married previously, and Amy’s parents are back together after a divorce. It definitely brings an interesting aspect into their relationship. It also ended up not just being about their romance but about their relationship with their families as well.
The story did get a bit boring, which was my biggest issue with it. I honestly thought it could have been a bit shorter. The courtship was so much fun. So once they got together and there was a lack of conflict, the story just ended up being a bit boring in comparison. It didn’t necessarily make me laugh or anything either. I ended up just reading on waiting for the impending conflict to bring action back into the story. After the conflict returned to the story, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of it.
So overall, I really liked Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh. The story for the majority of the plot was very fun. I liked all the characters even if they were a bit childish at times. I’d definitely suggest reading Rushing Amy if you’re looking for a fun romance. If you like sports, it’s even better, but you definitely do not need to understand sports to enjoy Rushing Amy either.
My rating: 3.5 stars
Full Review:
Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh was a cute, fun romance. I loved the way Amy and Matt’s relationship developed, even if it was a bit childish at times. The story did feel a bit long though. I ended up a bit bored about two thirds in waiting for the impending conflict. All in all though, it was a very enjoyable read.
Amy, the accountant turned florist, meets Matt at her sister’s wedding. (Amy’s sister, Emily, has her story told in the first book of the series.) Amy is independent and just came from a bad break up. So she isn’t really interested in a relationship. Luckily Matt is stubborn and the hilarious courtship begins.
Amy and Matt are fun together. I truly enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. I definitely laughed quite a bit reading their story. Their families also brought interesting issues into their relationship and the story overall. Matt was married previously, and Amy’s parents are back together after a divorce. It definitely brings an interesting aspect into their relationship. It also ended up not just being about their romance but about their relationship with their families as well.
The story did get a bit boring, which was my biggest issue with it. I honestly thought it could have been a bit shorter. The courtship was so much fun. So once they got together and there was a lack of conflict, the story just ended up being a bit boring in comparison. It didn’t necessarily make me laugh or anything either. I ended up just reading on waiting for the impending conflict to bring action back into the story. After the conflict returned to the story, I thoroughly enjoyed the rest of it.
So overall, I really liked Rushing Amy by Julie Brannagh. The story for the majority of the plot was very fun. I liked all the characters even if they were a bit childish at times. I’d definitely suggest reading Rushing Amy if you’re looking for a fun romance. If you like sports, it’s even better, but you definitely do not need to understand sports to enjoy Rushing Amy either.
My rating: 3.5 stars
December 6, 2015
Ahh, this could have been soo perfect... But then there was the last third of the book and it all went down in flames...
Let me start with something important: It's not okay to keep a goldfish in a bowl. Seriously, don't do that. The poor animal. That's just cruel.
The positive stuff comes next. I liked the characters, especially Amy, most of the time. The writing style was awesome and there is a kid/teen in the novel, so it had to be great.
But there were some things that I found really disappointing.
First, Meg, Amy's and Em's mother, is a mean person. Apparently, she and her (ex)-husband seem to be nice people but deep down, they have done about everything wrong with their kids. Amy doesn't feel respected by them. She thinks they are only proud of Emily and Emily? Well she thinks they are proud of Amy. Only. So, guys, where's the problem? And then Meg gets to meet Matt and she is totally mean. I mean, oh my god, what has he done to her for god's sake? Right nothing. So get off your pedestal and be a mom.
Then there is Emily. I haven't read the first book and won't cause I think I'm done with this series. Sorry, I know I always write I love it and it is a good read but after an instalment of this series, I am always so down cause I can't believe what these girls put up with... So, Emily, yeah, there's an instance when she just hangs up after she and Amy have a fight. Yeah, great. And before that, she plants ridiculous thoughts in Amy's head which is just not awesome.
So, good, now let's come to the big fight in this novel. I could totally understand Amy. She was right in everything she did afterwards. In ignoring him, not returning his calls cause come on, he could have come to here and apologized. So, then she calls him after the incident at his workplace and he is again toally mean. Also, he doesn't apologize. Again. Then he just hags up on her. Idiot. I mean, what an asshole does that?
And then there's Emily again. She totally thinks Amy had made the wrong choice but newsflash, she hasn't!! I mean, come on, after his lie?? He is the one who should come crawling and apologize! Not Amy!! And Emily doesn't get that? Grr...
Ah yeah and in the end? Matt shows up with another woman at a party. And he knows that Amy will be there, too... Ahm, thanks for the knife in my heart. Seriously, he is out to hurt her. And again doesn't apologize. I was so done with him by then. And even the ending couldn't make it all right.
So, yeah, I wanted to give four stars but after this review, take my three stars and be happy :D God, I think I've to cry..
Let me start with something important: It's not okay to keep a goldfish in a bowl. Seriously, don't do that. The poor animal. That's just cruel.
The positive stuff comes next. I liked the characters, especially Amy, most of the time. The writing style was awesome and there is a kid/teen in the novel, so it had to be great.
But there were some things that I found really disappointing.
First, Meg, Amy's and Em's mother, is a mean person. Apparently, she and her (ex)-husband seem to be nice people but deep down, they have done about everything wrong with their kids. Amy doesn't feel respected by them. She thinks they are only proud of Emily and Emily? Well she thinks they are proud of Amy. Only. So, guys, where's the problem? And then Meg gets to meet Matt and she is totally mean. I mean, oh my god, what has he done to her for god's sake? Right nothing. So get off your pedestal and be a mom.
Then there is Emily. I haven't read the first book and won't cause I think I'm done with this series. Sorry, I know I always write I love it and it is a good read but after an instalment of this series, I am always so down cause I can't believe what these girls put up with... So, Emily, yeah, there's an instance when she just hangs up after she and Amy have a fight. Yeah, great. And before that, she plants ridiculous thoughts in Amy's head which is just not awesome.
So, good, now let's come to the big fight in this novel. I could totally understand Amy. She was right in everything she did afterwards. In ignoring him, not returning his calls cause come on, he could have come to here and apologized. So, then she calls him after the incident at his workplace and he is again toally mean. Also, he doesn't apologize. Again. Then he just hags up on her. Idiot. I mean, what an asshole does that?
And then there's Emily again. She totally thinks Amy had made the wrong choice but newsflash, she hasn't!! I mean, come on, after his lie?? He is the one who should come crawling and apologize! Not Amy!! And Emily doesn't get that? Grr...
Ah yeah and in the end? Matt shows up with another woman at a party. And he knows that Amy will be there, too... Ahm, thanks for the knife in my heart. Seriously, he is out to hurt her. And again doesn't apologize. I was so done with him by then. And even the ending couldn't make it all right.
So, yeah, I wanted to give four stars but after this review, take my three stars and be happy :D God, I think I've to cry..
February 9, 2014
Amy Hamilton feels she lived in her sister's shadow for too long, and she realizes that she's only been there because of herself; no one put her there, or treated her as though she wasn't any less than her sister. But the fact remains that Emily was always - is still - the more talented of the two.
Amy's made something of herself by opening a small business - a flower shop in Seattle. It's hard work, the hours are long, and her nails will never be manicured again, but she's finally at a place where she's happy with herself and her choices. She has recently got out of a long-term relationship (ok...she was dumped, unceremoniously, by a crap boyfriend), and she's just not interested in starting anything again for a good long while.
Matt Stephens is just the opposite. He wants something real and lasting - something that's eluded him for so long, he isn't sure it exists. When he meets Amy after Emily and Brandon's wedding, he sees something in her that he likes, and isn't afraid to go after it.
Matt understands Amy from the beginning - he asks her out until she can't say no any longer. His intuition about Amy doesn't feel forced or unnatural in the story; he seems to really get her. He's willing to work hard at the chance to date her, see if he can turn his attraction into something more than a notch on the bedpost, and his perseverance pays off when she finally says yes. And I loved watching her mind change! Her thought process was so much fun (...and very much an insight into the way some women's minds work).
I enjoyed RUSHING AMY even more than the first novel, BLITZING EMILY. The best part about this story wasn't the story itself. It was the writing - I saw, from BLITZING EMILY to this one, a transformation. The writing was tighter, the characters had a bit more depth to their overall back story, and the secondary characters (especially Matt's daughter and ex-wife) gave the entire plot a better flow than BLITZING EMILY.
I didn't realize these things when I read Emily's story, but now that I've read RUSHING AMY, I can see how the author's style is growing, evolving, and getting better with each book. The only thing I didn't like was lack of introduction of the next book's characters in the previous book (I don't recall Matt Stephens in BE, and I didn't notice Cameron in RA). However, that minor point aside, I can't wait to read CATCHING CAMERON.
Four and a half stars.
Amy's made something of herself by opening a small business - a flower shop in Seattle. It's hard work, the hours are long, and her nails will never be manicured again, but she's finally at a place where she's happy with herself and her choices. She has recently got out of a long-term relationship (ok...she was dumped, unceremoniously, by a crap boyfriend), and she's just not interested in starting anything again for a good long while.
Matt Stephens is just the opposite. He wants something real and lasting - something that's eluded him for so long, he isn't sure it exists. When he meets Amy after Emily and Brandon's wedding, he sees something in her that he likes, and isn't afraid to go after it.
Matt understands Amy from the beginning - he asks her out until she can't say no any longer. His intuition about Amy doesn't feel forced or unnatural in the story; he seems to really get her. He's willing to work hard at the chance to date her, see if he can turn his attraction into something more than a notch on the bedpost, and his perseverance pays off when she finally says yes. And I loved watching her mind change! Her thought process was so much fun (...and very much an insight into the way some women's minds work).
I enjoyed RUSHING AMY even more than the first novel, BLITZING EMILY. The best part about this story wasn't the story itself. It was the writing - I saw, from BLITZING EMILY to this one, a transformation. The writing was tighter, the characters had a bit more depth to their overall back story, and the secondary characters (especially Matt's daughter and ex-wife) gave the entire plot a better flow than BLITZING EMILY.
I didn't realize these things when I read Emily's story, but now that I've read RUSHING AMY, I can see how the author's style is growing, evolving, and getting better with each book. The only thing I didn't like was lack of introduction of the next book's characters in the previous book (I don't recall Matt Stephens in BE, and I didn't notice Cameron in RA). However, that minor point aside, I can't wait to read CATCHING CAMERON.
Four and a half stars.
March 15, 2014
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I love football. I love love. I love good books about football players and love. This book was just that... and more. Where I felt like the first book, Blitzing Emily, was a bit on the long side and dragged a little, I never felt that about this book. Amy and Matt were both more relatable and I loved their courtship and everything that came after. The characters were a little older than the ones in books I tend to read, so there was more maturity and I liked that.
Amy was likable and I connected easily with her. She was sweet and sassy, she loved football and her family and she wasn't looking to get serious with anyone. Meeting ex-NFL player and current sports broadcaster Matt threatens to derail her plans. They share an immediate spark, but she fights it. He does everything he can to subtly get to her and I adored the scenes where he was ordering flowers for every woman in his life to make her jealous. I found it cute and clever. Matt was conceited, but not an asshole. He was actually a pretty great guy. I loved his relationship with his daughter and the one that eventually built between Amy and his daughter, too. They were believable as a couple and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them.
I was really impressed with Rushing Amy. The characters had depth and their relationships with each other did as well. The romance was sweet and it built slowly over time, which made it more real. I connected enough with the characters that I enjoyed reading about them as individuals as much as reading about them as a couple. This book had both an ex-wife and a daughter and the author, thankfully, stayed away from the clichéd storylines and character types when it came to them. Amy and Matt were both smart and had strong personalities, which led to a bit of drama, but it was understandable and not unnecessary.
Rushing Amy was romantic, sexy and more or less angst-free. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope Julie continues this Love and Football series. It's one of my favorite "sports romance" series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love football. I love love. I love good books about football players and love. This book was just that... and more. Where I felt like the first book, Blitzing Emily, was a bit on the long side and dragged a little, I never felt that about this book. Amy and Matt were both more relatable and I loved their courtship and everything that came after. The characters were a little older than the ones in books I tend to read, so there was more maturity and I liked that.
Amy was likable and I connected easily with her. She was sweet and sassy, she loved football and her family and she wasn't looking to get serious with anyone. Meeting ex-NFL player and current sports broadcaster Matt threatens to derail her plans. They share an immediate spark, but she fights it. He does everything he can to subtly get to her and I adored the scenes where he was ordering flowers for every woman in his life to make her jealous. I found it cute and clever. Matt was conceited, but not an asshole. He was actually a pretty great guy. I loved his relationship with his daughter and the one that eventually built between Amy and his daughter, too. They were believable as a couple and I thoroughly enjoyed reading about them.
I was really impressed with Rushing Amy. The characters had depth and their relationships with each other did as well. The romance was sweet and it built slowly over time, which made it more real. I connected enough with the characters that I enjoyed reading about them as individuals as much as reading about them as a couple. This book had both an ex-wife and a daughter and the author, thankfully, stayed away from the clichéd storylines and character types when it came to them. Amy and Matt were both smart and had strong personalities, which led to a bit of drama, but it was understandable and not unnecessary.
Rushing Amy was romantic, sexy and more or less angst-free. I thoroughly enjoyed it and hope Julie continues this Love and Football series. It's one of my favorite "sports romance" series.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
October 23, 2015
Okay I'm officially done with this series. I let myself be drawn in by a cute blurb to this book but it's the same crap with different characters. He's a lying manipulative asshole and that's supposed to be cute and when she stands up for herself she's somehow wrong and it's her own fault she's going to die old and alone. SERIOUSLY?!
If my husband treated me the way the supposed heroes in this series treat the heroines I'd be filing for divorce. Hell I would have never even dated him in the first place. When he's the one who's clearly in the wrong SHE is not the one who needs to apologize for getting mad that he lied to and manipulated her. It is not her responsibility to fix the relationship that he broke. If he was worth being with he'd fix and fight for her and never would have behaved that way in the first place.
The heroes in this series aren't heroes they're douchebags. I'm all for finding love in your life but the kind of love that expects your to compromise your dreams and your principles and goals in live isn't the sort of love that ANYONE actually needs.
I liked the humor in this book until the crap that pissed me off from the first book started up again in this one. Additionally in multiple occurrences Brannagh changed characters and situations she'd established in the previous book. There's nothing in Emily's book about her resenting not having a normal childhood, in her book what she had was what she wanted. There's nothing in Emily's book about not ever having danced before, especially since she took ballet classes and was previously involved with someone. The big to do in Brandon's story was the Sharks chose not to renew his contract and he was retiring after the Super Bowl, in this book he's playing his last season. Character behaviors and established facts being manipulated to suite a new story irritates me in any work of fiction and this one already had issues that didn't suit me as a reader or a person, so while others may adore this writer and this series. It's simply not for me.
If my husband treated me the way the supposed heroes in this series treat the heroines I'd be filing for divorce. Hell I would have never even dated him in the first place. When he's the one who's clearly in the wrong SHE is not the one who needs to apologize for getting mad that he lied to and manipulated her. It is not her responsibility to fix the relationship that he broke. If he was worth being with he'd fix and fight for her and never would have behaved that way in the first place.
The heroes in this series aren't heroes they're douchebags. I'm all for finding love in your life but the kind of love that expects your to compromise your dreams and your principles and goals in live isn't the sort of love that ANYONE actually needs.
I liked the humor in this book until the crap that pissed me off from the first book started up again in this one. Additionally in multiple occurrences Brannagh changed characters and situations she'd established in the previous book. There's nothing in Emily's book about her resenting not having a normal childhood, in her book what she had was what she wanted. There's nothing in Emily's book about not ever having danced before, especially since she took ballet classes and was previously involved with someone. The big to do in Brandon's story was the Sharks chose not to renew his contract and he was retiring after the Super Bowl, in this book he's playing his last season. Character behaviors and established facts being manipulated to suite a new story irritates me in any work of fiction and this one already had issues that didn't suit me as a reader or a person, so while others may adore this writer and this series. It's simply not for me.
March 4, 2014
3.5 STARS~
So first of all, I've got to admit that I didn't read book 1, so I wasn't familiar with any of the characters when I started, but honestly, I didn't feel lost or that I was missing something. Amy meets Matt after he shows up late to her sister's wedding to one of Matt's best friends (who were apparently featured in book 1). After getting Amy drunk then tucking her into bed, Matt leaves her with his card asking her out for coffee. Amy, being mortified for not remember what she was said while drunk, refuses to call him back.
A week later, he shows up to her floral shop to place an order and ask her out again, which she declines. Matt doesn't take no for an answer, so over the course of the next three weeks, he tries to make her jealous by sending flowers to just about every female he's ever known, including his grade school teachers. He finally breaks through her defenses and she agrees to go out with him, if for nothing else, so that they can figure out how wrong they are for eachother and move on. What happens during their date is nothing like what Amy expected and she realizes that Matt is exactly the type of guy that she's been looking for, but that fact scares the bejesus outta her!
I loved Matt; he's a sexy, dominate, alpha male, so it was kinda a no brainer for me. I wanted things to work out between he and Amy, so I found myself getting very frustrated with her when she couldn't commit to him because of all of her insecurties. But even though I was frustated with her, I'm glad Amy finally came around and things worked out for the both of them! Like I said earlier, even though this is book 2 in a series, you don't necessarily need to read the first book because it reads like a stand alone with a HEA.
So first of all, I've got to admit that I didn't read book 1, so I wasn't familiar with any of the characters when I started, but honestly, I didn't feel lost or that I was missing something. Amy meets Matt after he shows up late to her sister's wedding to one of Matt's best friends (who were apparently featured in book 1). After getting Amy drunk then tucking her into bed, Matt leaves her with his card asking her out for coffee. Amy, being mortified for not remember what she was said while drunk, refuses to call him back.
A week later, he shows up to her floral shop to place an order and ask her out again, which she declines. Matt doesn't take no for an answer, so over the course of the next three weeks, he tries to make her jealous by sending flowers to just about every female he's ever known, including his grade school teachers. He finally breaks through her defenses and she agrees to go out with him, if for nothing else, so that they can figure out how wrong they are for eachother and move on. What happens during their date is nothing like what Amy expected and she realizes that Matt is exactly the type of guy that she's been looking for, but that fact scares the bejesus outta her!
I loved Matt; he's a sexy, dominate, alpha male, so it was kinda a no brainer for me. I wanted things to work out between he and Amy, so I found myself getting very frustrated with her when she couldn't commit to him because of all of her insecurties. But even though I was frustated with her, I'm glad Amy finally came around and things worked out for the both of them! Like I said earlier, even though this is book 2 in a series, you don't necessarily need to read the first book because it reads like a stand alone with a HEA.
March 25, 2015
Meh. Nothing spectacular about this one. Amy, who seemed like such a strong and independent character in Blitzing Emily has magically been transformed into a quivering, dithering mess. The big conflict that keeps Amy and Matt apart seems terribly overblown. Yes, it is an issue in the relationship that needs to be addressed, but it didn't really warrant months of (non)relationship angst. Good night! Just answer the phone when people are trying to make things right. The level of maturity in these relationships is frighteningly juvenile for people who are in their mid 30s. And I am sooooooo sick of the story line in these stories where the heroine is so afraid of being hurt that she has to run away whenever she thinks she is in love with a guy. So overdone, and so irritating. Grow up and talk through your problems, especially when it seems that you have met someone who is super compatible and super caring. Ugh!
The best part of this book was Matt's relationship with his ex-wife. So many times in these stories the exes are portrayed as evil incarnate, but Laura and Matt have a friendly and cordial relationship as they work to raise their daughter together. I LOVED that!
This was an okay story. Frankly, I picked it up on a super sale on amazon, so it was worth the price, but this isn't a series that I would recommend. It's nice enough, but not extraordinary. I've got one more to go in this series. Julie Brannagh's writing isn't terrible. I'm hoping that maybe she'll hit gold eventually. Fingers crossed. Three stars for this one.
The best part of this book was Matt's relationship with his ex-wife. So many times in these stories the exes are portrayed as evil incarnate, but Laura and Matt have a friendly and cordial relationship as they work to raise their daughter together. I LOVED that!
This was an okay story. Frankly, I picked it up on a super sale on amazon, so it was worth the price, but this isn't a series that I would recommend. It's nice enough, but not extraordinary. I've got one more to go in this series. Julie Brannagh's writing isn't terrible. I'm hoping that maybe she'll hit gold eventually. Fingers crossed. Three stars for this one.
March 1, 2014
After reading the first book in the Love and Football series, I was so excited for Amy's story! And after reading it, I'm even more in love with this series and this author's style. Although to be honest, the beginning of this one didn't grab me as instantly as Emily's story. Still, I love the characters and how they interact. I LOVE the persistence of Matt. I love his little quirk in the beginning, teasing Amy and making her think something totally different. I love the way he's lived a bit of a rough life, has made some bad choices in life, but he's come around and become a different, much better man. Some of the things he does in the book are so sweet and heartwarming.
He is a bit of a pushy guy, but he does do it out of love. He wants to fix everything for the people he loves. That isn't technically a bad thing, but Amy has this strong sense of independence. They butt heads over it.
Oh, and there's a scene between the sisters that really had me emotional. I love Emily and Amy, and their bond. This book really brings that out more as they confront old ghosts.
I'm on the verge of totally gushing, so I'll stop, but I just have to say these stories keep me on my toes. The banter, the wit, the great pace, the lovable characters that really stick with you...yeah, this is an author to watch. I know I'll be eagerly anticipating more!
He is a bit of a pushy guy, but he does do it out of love. He wants to fix everything for the people he loves. That isn't technically a bad thing, but Amy has this strong sense of independence. They butt heads over it.
Oh, and there's a scene between the sisters that really had me emotional. I love Emily and Amy, and their bond. This book really brings that out more as they confront old ghosts.
I'm on the verge of totally gushing, so I'll stop, but I just have to say these stories keep me on my toes. The banter, the wit, the great pace, the lovable characters that really stick with you...yeah, this is an author to watch. I know I'll be eagerly anticipating more!
January 11, 2014
The second book in the Love and Football series, Rushing Amy was a joy to read. We met Amy in the first book and this book explores her relationship with ex-football player Matt Stephens. Amy is reeling from her latest breakup and sexy Matt comes into her life at the very end of her sister's wedding reception. Her goal at that moment is to become totally hammered and Matt keeps her company and gets her safely home. He's interested, she's not, so Matt has to do some creative thinking to break down Amy's defenses. When they finally do get together, her insecurities and his protective nature cause problems.
I loved both of these characters. Fifi and Sparky, as they call each other, are a perfect match even as they are striking both romantic and snarky sparks off of each other. When he finally crosses the line and sort of acts like a jerk, we love him by then and it doesn't seem so bad. When Amy behaves like a spoiled brat both with Matt and her sister Emily, we understand as well. The supporting characters are fun and add to the flow of the story.
As in the first book, there is humor throughout and I especially liked the racy notes Matt writes to unusual recipients of flowers he orders from Amy. All in all, a great read for a winter weekend!
I loved both of these characters. Fifi and Sparky, as they call each other, are a perfect match even as they are striking both romantic and snarky sparks off of each other. When he finally crosses the line and sort of acts like a jerk, we love him by then and it doesn't seem so bad. When Amy behaves like a spoiled brat both with Matt and her sister Emily, we understand as well. The supporting characters are fun and add to the flow of the story.
As in the first book, there is humor throughout and I especially liked the racy notes Matt writes to unusual recipients of flowers he orders from Amy. All in all, a great read for a winter weekend!
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