Without a Net

The Santa Monica Trilogy #1

by Jill Blake

Eva has always played it safe…and where has it gotten her? Betrayed by her husband, left alone to raise her young son, and struggling to keep head above water, the last thing she needs is another philandering male.

Max has always pursued adventure…until he's sidelined by an accident. While recovering from his injuries, he discovers that the biggest adventure of his life may be closer than he ever imagined—in the form of Eva, his baby sister’s best friend.

The problem? Convincing Eva to risk it all…without a net.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Romance, Fiction, Second Chance Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 28, 2014

About the author

Jill Blake loves chocolate, leisurely walks where she doesn’t break a sweat, and books with a guaranteed happy ending. A native of Philadelphia, Jill now lives in southern California with her husband and three children. During the day, she works as a physician in a busy medical practice. At night, she pens steamy romances.

The Doctors of Rittenhouse Square :
Pursued by the Playboy (Kate & Marc) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B1S1EJQ
Taking a Chance (Samantha & Alex) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FG936YC
This Time for Keeps (Isabelle & Luca) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I6SYS60

The Santa Monica Trilogy :
Without a Net - (Eva & Max) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00LDVF1VS
Coming Home - (Grace & Logan) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00OZR19C2
Balancing Act - (Angie & Zach) - http://amazon.com/dp/B00VUKNZ60

The Silicon Beach Trilogy :
Beyond the Ivory Tower - (Anna & Ethan) - http://amzn.to/1FQQceo
Sweet Indulgence - (Becca & Leo) - http://amzn.to/1ndlclu
A Matter of Trust (Klara & Vlad) - http://amzn.to/2cvDqvv

Reviews

[Viri · Rating 2 out of 5]

Es difícil para alguien como yo... a quien le encanta hacer/escribir reseñas dar una opinión "no muy buena" cuando la autora de un libro especialmente contacta contigo para leerlo y más tarde reseñarlo.

Siempre me he caracterizado por ser honesta y fiel a mis opiniones.
He tratado de decir que algo me gusta o no de la manera más respetuosa posible.
Así que hoy... siguiendo basándome en esos principios debo decir que estoy un poco desilusionada con este libro.

En cuanto leí la sinopsis no dude un minuto en aceptar... se veía exactamente como los tipos de libros que suelo leer...
Con un protagonista tipo player
Una madre viuda/soltera
Con niños incluidos (no se, AMO el toque tierno y divertido que le dan los niños a una historia de amor)

Pero al momento de leerlo fue como:

mmmm...
voy a esperar que pase algo interesante...
...
...
...
Oh! Al fin algo interesante!!!
Y luego...
Nada.

Debo admitir que la segunda parte fue mucho mejor que la primera, pero es que yo tengo un problema muy fuerte cuando no puedo conectar con los personajes. Y está historia además de eso, no me enganchó.
Eva me cayó mal desde el principio, me pareció que sus miedos y complejos regían su vida exageradamente y en ningún momento me pareció ver en ella eso que yo siempre busco en las protagonistas femeninas. VALENTÍA. FORTALEZA. PASIÓN.
Eva no tuvo nada de eso, o sea... tenía al hombre perfecto queriendo ser feliz con ella, queriendo entregarle su corazón y compartir una vida feliz JUNTOS. Pero ¿qué hacía ella? Bueno, en primera, negarlo, ocultarlo, mantenerlo siempre en secreto como si fuera un bicho raro y el no se mereciera estar con ella. Como si le avergonzará. Y eso es algo que yo no puedo tolerar.
A mí me gustan las protagonistas que son valientes y no se quedan ahí... viendo la vida pasar.

En fin, no pude disfrutarlo como quería, y es una lástima porque en realidad quería hacer una reseña buena y apoyar a su autora. Pero bueno, hoy no pudo ser.
De cualquier manera, como siempre me gusta mencionar. El que yo no pudiera disfrutarlo no significa que alguien más tampoco lo haga. Si les interesa la historia y quieren leerlo. ¡Háganlo! No se fíen totalmente de mi palabra jajja al final que gustos hay tantos como colores.

Muchas gracias a la autora por permitirme leerlo. Esta vez no pudo ser para mí. Pero te deseo el mayor éxito del mundo Jill, en todos tus proyectos actuales y futuros.

[Sandy.between.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Me ha gustado bastante, la verdad es que me ha recordado a muchos de los harlequines que suelo leer de vez en cuando. Es una historia sencilla, sin giros argumentales y sin sobresaltos, pero creo que es perfecta para leer entre libros más densos.

Los personajes me han gustado. Ella es una joven viuda a la que su marido no trató bien y además le dejó bastantes deudas, por lo que le cuesta bastante salir adelante. Me gusta que luche por su futuro y no tire la toalla y la verdad es que me ha dado bastante pena por todo lo que pasa.

Él es el típico ligón que a causa de un accidente, debe guardar cama. Me ha gustado que sea algo chulo, aunque en realidad es solo la apariencia, es diferente, y aunque siempre ha sido un mujeriego, quiere cambiar su vida y formar una familia.

Puede ser que la relación entre los dos suceda demasiado deprisa, pero como he dicho más arriba, ya he leído varios libros así y no es algo que me moleste siempre y cuando me lo crea y en este libro no he visto mayor problema.

Creo que es un libro ideal para leer entre libros más densos o simplemente cuando apetece leer algo sencillo y sin complicaciones. También añadir que algo que me ha gustado es parte de la trama, pues la autora habla bastante del tema de la publicación de un libro, de editoriales, correctores y auto publicación y es algo de lo que he aprendido bastante.

La causa de no darle más puntuación ha sido porque han habido ocasiones en que me costaba seguir el hilo de la historia a causa de como están formados los diálogos. Me explico. Aquí, se suelen usar los guiones lasrgos (-) cuando se empieza un diálogo y en cambio la autora ha usado las comillas latinas o angulares (« » ) por lo que me costaba bastante saber cuándo estaban hablando y no era parte del párrafo y a veces tenía que volver a leer para darme cuenta.

Ese es el único pero que le he encontrado a la historia, eso, y que al ser pocas páginas pues todo va deprisa. Es el primer libro de la trilogía y el primero que traduce al español, así que estaré pendiente de los demás libros de la trilogía. Desde aquí darle las gracias a la autora por el ejemplar en digital.

[Jill Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep, I wrote Without a Net. I write what I enjoy reading, and what I hope others will enjoy reading too.

This is my fourth contemporary romance, and the first of a new trilogy set in Santa Monica, California. I’m a former East coast girl, transplanted to southern California, and I love it here! While the setting doesn’t play a big role in the book, it certainly provides a lovely backdrop against which the characters’ dramas unfold. For those readers who are local, you may actually recognize some of the places described.

The cardinal rule of writing is write what you know. As a physician, mom, and indie writer, I tried to follow this rule in Without a Net. The hero is an ER doc who starts writing while he’s recuperating from an injury. The heroine is a single mom of an 8-year-old, trying to stay afloat after her husband dies. Their romance progresses in fits and starts, but ultimately they get their happily-ever-after.

I love hearing from readers, so please feel free to drop me a line either through Goodreads or through my blog The Heart of It . To get the inside scoop on new releases, sign up for my newsletter. (Hint: Logan & Grace are up next!)

[Alia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jill Blake's books are all delicious and eminently readable. They are erotica for the thinking woman. This fun book features a single mom of an 8 year old who became a widow after her husband died of cancer. The husband was no angel. She is on her own dealing with financial problems as a result of her husband's decisions. She has to re-enter the working world and has no time for love.

Along comes gorgeous MAX. Complications ensue. Believable and fleshed out characters, delicious sex scenes, page turner!! Read it! Bring on the next one Ms Blake!

[Melody Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and read it this afternoon. I know when I begin a Jill Blake novel I won’t do anything else until I complete it.

In this story we have our gorgeous hero, 36-year old Max. He’s a red Ferrari driving, ER physician, adventure and thrill seeking man-whore to the tenth power. The man had been around...and around! Personally, I don’t like man-whores but Max was a bit different. He had not been with another woman since his skiing accident months ago...which was not his style. He was also not with another woman in the book so you are safe there. He runs into a woman who is a good friend of his sister’s. He has seen her through the years and was always drawn to her but she was married and he didn’t bed women who were. He actually did draw the line somewhere. Her husband was no longer an issue since he passed away six months ago. Now was his chance to make a move. No woman ever said no to him...ever!

Eva, our heroine, feels as if she has been through a battle that has left her scared and scarred. The last thing she wants is another philandering male and she knows Max’s reputation all too well. He had made his way through some of the teachers at her son’s school that he left broken-hearted. (His nephew went to the same school as her son.) She figured he’s been through tons of women in Santa Monica and who wants a man who so carelessly flits from one woman to the next just for sexual kicks? Not her! Her husband, on his deathbed, admitted to a continual string of women when he worked out of town which was a lot. So many women he couldn’t dare venture a guess at the number. He was out playing while she was home raising their son and being the dutiful supporting housewife. Then after his death she found out many other lies and misconceptions that left her broke and having to sell her home to pay off her husband’s financial debt. It was pretty wretched and she was angry and wary. Now she had to get back into the workforce and support her and her eight-year-old son, Ben.

This story is definitely worth the read. I highly recommend it as I do all of Jill Blake’s work.

Disclaimer: This was an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

Without a Net is a sweet love story.

Eva has had a hard year. Her husband died, she found out truths she wasn't even looking for, she found out her husband left her with more debt than she knew what to do with. Her life was in shambles. When she runs into Max literally, in the grocery store she notices how good looking he is but Max comes with a reputation. He likes to live life on the edge. He takes chances. He doesn't stay with one woman for long. Even though he is her best friend's brother, she can't risk her heart or waste her time and energy on a passing fling. When he hires her as a PR for his upcoming novel, can she keep professional?

This was my first read from Ms Blake. I enjoyed her style of writing. I will be looking into the other books in this series.

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

This is a really lovely story, which successfully captured my emotions, making me laugh, tear up and sigh. Good mix of characters too, and good cameo for the son, and best buddy. I loved that it was partly explaining the process that Indie writers go through, giving us some insight into the other side of the world that we so happily immerse ourselves into every day. The growing romance was well planned out, and the passion fun as well as hot. In fact, now that I have thought back, I've upped my rating to 5*s as it really was very satisfying read. I am looking forward to the next one.

[Letícia Kartalian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5
Fofo.
Sempre temos o cara fugindo da relação e, dessa vez, temos a mocinha fazendo esse papel e eu gostei da Eva.
Adorei o romance, os personagens e já quero os outros da série.
O mocinho escreve um livro e toda a aproximação dos dois é por causa disso, e com tantas informações acerca do meio independente (uma mensagem que a autora quis passar para outros escritores?), pra mim faltou algum tipo de conclusão nesse ponto.

[Kate McMurry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a keeper. I'm reading it for the second time, and I almost never do that with any book.

[Christine Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full review posted on my Blog:


Without A Net



Cover: 4
Plot: 3.5
Characters: 4

Overall Rating: 3.5




This is the first book from author Jill Blake which I have read and I wasn't disappointed.

A mother to an 8 year old, Eva became a widow when his husband died due to cancer. After her husband's death, debts starts to arise due to her husband's decisions and she started to doubt herself when her husband confessed having affairs to her before his death.

She then meets Max her best friend's brother a daredevil who wasn't the kind of man who would settle down.

Eva was hired by Max to be the one to handle the promotions regarding his book and they spent time together.

They were instantly attracted to each other but Eva who had been hurt by her late husband was scared of having a relationship and she also doubts Max's intention since he wasn't the kind of man to settle down.

How will Max prove to Eva that his intentions are pure and will they be able to get through their inhibitions and achieve their happily ever after?

The plot was really engaging and I loved how the indie industry was also mentioned in this book which opened up my eyes regarding indie authors. Though I liked this part in the book, at some parts it would take up a lot of page and it irritated me since the focus was moving from the characters to the indie authors.

The story was light and I was hoping more like a revelation from Eva why she wasn't able to trust Max and the ending was very abrupt and I feel that it could be rectified if the author lessened the focus to the industry.

All in all this was a good book which was really engaging and surely a book tag you should add to your to-be read list.

Received digital edition from author in exchange for an honest review

[Susan Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Eva’s husband, Roger, dies of brain cancer, she suddenly becomes a struggling single mom to their son, Ben. Mourning the loss of Roger was complicated by the fact that he waited until he was on his deathbed to tell Eva about his numerous affairs. To make matters even worse, Roger had made some illegal transactions while operating his real estate development company and now Eva is left to clean up his legal mess. After all of this, who wouldn’t be guarded and just a little bit jaded?

Enter Max, a successful physician and self-professed playboy who is determined to love ‘em and leave ‘em before they get too close. That is until he meets Eva. While recuperating from a skiing accident, Max decides to write and self-publish a book. Since Eva is desperately attempting to revive her graphic design career, Max hires Eva to help him with his book design and marketing. That’s when the sparks fly. Max realizes it’s time to settle down and he hopes it can be with Eva. Eva tries to convince herself it’s simply a physical relationship that couldn’t possibly become anything more, while she struggles to overcome her insecurities and trust issues.

I enjoyed Jill Blake’s style of writing. It’s easy and flows naturally like “real” conversation between friends and family. And, she sure knows how to write some steamy sex scenes! A couple of times I thought, “Now why don’t these people just simply say what’s on their minds? Have an honest conversation about what they want?” But of course that wouldn’t make for compelling reading. We were made to wait for a resolution to both Max’s and Eva’s relationship baggage, while we rooted for a happy ending. I liked that Eva was the hold-out - I found this to be refreshing since it’s usually the male character that is having relationship issues.

I loved, loved, loved the fact that Jill Blake was able to interject some fantastic marketing advice for indie authors - a subject near and dear to my heart. It’s very apparent that she knows what she’s talking about!

I would definitely recommend Without a Net to readers. I’m looking forward to reading her follow-up books!

[Sandra Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva has played it safe her whole life. Then she meets Max, “the ultimate hit and run artist.” Of course, Max has never had any interest in settling down with a family, not with his fast, adventure-seeking lifestyle. But suddenly a broken leg and Eva’s smile could make him re-think his perspectives.

Still, with everything she had to go through with her late husband’s illness, infidelities, and all his debt, the last thing Eva needs is another womanizer—you know, one of those “good-looking, cocky, and too charming to stay mad at for long” perps. (86) Oh, the ones that just drive you nuts!

But fate has a funny way of bringing two people together. Max needed a graphic designer for his new book and Eva is the starving artist desperate enough to take anything.

Beginning with the accidental bump of the shopping carts, the reader is immediately thrust into the potential and swiftly budding romance of the two main characters. I thought Max had attributes that were a little too perfect with his sculpted body, surfer’s tan, and his ineffable ability to make women swoon in the blink of an eye; on top of that, he has a PhD, climbs mountains, and can write a best-selling novel. Is it any wonder that Eva fell for this “perfect” type, especially since she did it once before? It’s interesting how people have a tendency to repeat the same pattern.

Of course, Max’s one flaw was his Hugh Hefner status. Frankly, a guy who has 100 ladies on speed dial is not likely to give it all up for one girl. Frankly, I wouldn’t even bother trying. But, supposedly, Eva needs to see that there is something more to Max beneath his conceited, vapid—and, let’s face it, sexy—exterior. I must admit that I was impressed by Max’s researched knowledge concerning the book publishing business. There’s this dialogue scene where he explains the pros and cons of traditional and digital publishing (useful for writers.) Okay, so the guy wasn’t an idiot either.

Witty and well-written, this is a tale of taking risks, jumping at opportunities, and following your heart.

Fun and adorable! A quick and simple love story you’ll enjoy!

[LJT · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth book that I have read by author Jill Blake because I truly enjoy her fluid writing style. Without A Net is a welcome addition to the contemporary romance genre, and I was quickly engaged from the very first chapter. This is a slightly gritty romance with more than a few splashes of scorching desire. The two main characters, Eva Landry and Max Palmer are real and easily identifiable with the world we live in. I believe most readers will be able to relate in some way to their experiences.

After eight years of marriage and losing her husband to cancer, Eva is a single mom, struggling with the revelation that her late husband cheated on her. In addition, she is strangled in debt because he made some very bad investments with both their money, and the money of his clients. Luckily Eva's graphic design and marketing skills are still cutting edge, so she can begin charging for services she used to just donate. She was recently hired to do some promotional work for a new author's book.

Max is an emergency room physician that loves to live life on the edge. He is in great shape, enjoys the outdoors and always seeks out the most dangerous ways to entertain himself. He is only happy when he is pushing his limits to the extreme. Max finally begins to realize that he needs to calm his life down when he brutally breaks his leg in a skiing accident. Since he cannot work in the hospital for a few months, he puts all his energy into book writing. Spending time with Eva, his new book promoter and his sister's best friend, only exemplifies his need to find someone to love and settle down with.

Ms. Blake does a nice job of evolving the relationship between Eva and Max. Their chemistry is hot. Both have some baggage that they need to work through in order to forge a future together. Overall, a good read.

Complimentary copy provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Olga · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner from Jill Blake!

1. The hero, Max. He starts out as your classic commitment phobic, adrenaline-junkie, bad boy (man-whore) type. But he cleans up nicely.
2. The heroine, Eva. She’s a single mom who has to get back into the workforce after her husband does some bad things and dies.
3. Eva’s son, Ben. He’s eight, and hats off to the author for doing a nice job writing a very believable 8-year-old character.
4. The setting. I love southern California, and the way Ms. Blake describes Santa Monica, I felt like I was there! A few spot-on details to paint the scene, and you can almost feel the ocean breeze and see the palm trees.
5. The writing. Easy to read, flows well.
6. The plot. Even though this takes place in what Jill Blake at some point calls the “Land of the uber-rich and famous”, the problems the characters face are real, and the way they handle things also rings true to life.
7. The sex. Mm-mm.
8. The side characters. Especially Eva’s younger sister, who’s funny in an in-your-face kind of way.
9. These people work for a living, and you get some great insight into what their jobs are really like (ER doctor, graphic artist, writer, lawyer, etc)
10. This is a full, complete, as in NO CLIFFHANGER ENDINGS, novel. Yay! I hate being left hanging, so thank you, Jill Blake, for giving Eva and Max their happily ever after!

Bonus thing I liked: There’s more to come! The author drops hints about Eva’s siblings starring in their own future stories (see the family tree at the end).
Full disclosure: I received this book free from the author for an honest review.

[Jennifer Hines · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*

Eva thought she had a good life. She had a husband who worked hard, a wonderful son, and the enjoyment of being a good mom and wife. It wasn’t until a deathbed confession did her world turn upside down. It changed the way she looked at her husband, her life, and her entire look on life and relationships.

“It wasn’t every day that a man offered his heart to the woman of his dreams.”

Trying to get on her feet without anyone knowing she had fallen off them was a small challenge for Eva, but she had the help of her sister and best friend.

Max had been intrigued by Eva ever since the first time he laid eyes on her. It didn’t matter to him that she had been married at the time and for some crazy reason it didn’t matter that now she had a seven year old son. For the playboy he’d always been his desire to be more with Eva was a first, but he was up for the challenge.

“He wanted to be part of her charmed inner circle. Wanted to wake up with her every morning. Wanted to kiss her whenever he felt like it, regardless of who might be looking.”

I loved the humorous banter between Eva and Max. It weaved throughout the pages…right down to the very last page. Mix in some steamy sex and a kid who speaks his mind and you’ve got a really good story. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Jill Blake.

My Favorite Moment: The ending. Everything from the moment she goes home until the last sentence. I loved the humor, the trickery, and the ‘need you now’ vertical sex.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this read it is a story you can relate to about a people who are pretty normal. There are trust issues, both have things they must overcome before they can think about a relationship. Max is a playboy who was in a skiing accident which made him rethink his life. Eva husband died 6 months before which was a very trying time for her with the mess he left financial as well as emotional. She isn’t looking to start a relationship anytime soon, if ever. Her husband really did a number on her and who could blame her.

Max isn’t sure why he is attracted to Eva he just knows he can’t get her out of his mind. Eva takes one look and thinks hummmm but then remembers all the stories about his playboy ways and backs, more like makes a run for it. Max isn’t letting her run to far too fast before he does his best to hook her.
Both Max and Eva are very strong characters, both are a little bullheaded. They both are very caring, loving people who you would be honored to call a friend. I did feel the ending was rushed a little but it is truly a wonderful one. I was also a little surprised that Max wasn’t to concern about a pregnancy so early on. I had a little problem believing that but it did make the story interesting.

The author gives you a well told story of heartbreak, trust, learning to live, making room for more in your life and just wanting more but to scare to try for it. The author gives you an easy page turner that keeps you smiling as you cheer Max on. This is the first time I have read this author, I do look forward to reading more by her.

[Nancy R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starts a bit slow, ends a bit quickly. But everything in between? Yummy.

I love Max. Total man-whore before the book starts, but after a life-altering accident he "sees the light" and decides it's time to stop wasting his time and start making connections that matter. There's no inta-love here. Max and Eva run in the same social circles, his sister is her best friend, and so they've met and interacted over time. The attraction has been there under the surface for years, but while she was married he never made a move, because even at the height of his man-whore days, he drew the line at married women. Now that her husband is gone, all bets are off.

Eva's a great mom, sister, friend. But she's been traumatized in her marriage and is now struggling to get over her late husband's betrayals. She's also struggling financially, trying to piece back her life after her husband's death leaves her with piles of debt. Enter Max. He's sexy and persuasive, but she's just not in a place in her life where she can trust a guy with his reputation.

The premise for their coming together is that he's written a book and hired her to market it. You see their relationship grow over time as they work together, and it happens in a way that seems very true to life. The way both Eva and Max grow as a result of their relationship is beautiful and poignant, and it makes perfect sense in the context of their individual backgrounds and life experiences.

I can't wait to read the rest of the series about Eva's siblings!

[Amber Boyd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went in having only read the synopsis and thinking that it sounded enjoyable. What I got was a grown-up love story that just made me feel good. Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the fantasy of romance novels that we miss the stories that are just about real people. Eva and Max are real. They have both been moving thru life in their own safe ways, but missing an important element - real emotional connection with someone else. While Eva thought she had that in her marriage, what she found was that her husband was a philandering liar who left her with medical bills and not much left but a possible lawsuit of his business. So she's trying to start over in the work world to support herself and her son. Max on the other hand has lived his life in the ER and seeking adventure in extreme sports, which is how he's now dealing with a broken leg and trying his hand at becoming an author. Which is what brings these two together when Max's sister hooks him up with Eva to help him launch his book.

While Eva is leary of Max, despite the attraction she recognizes. Max is drawn to all the facets of Eva that he never thought he was attracted to namely that she's close to his age and has a kid. Max has his work cut out for him to proe to Eva that he is capable of having a real relationship and that he's in this for more than a fling. Seeing these two embrace the idea of taking a leap of faith without a net was sweet and enjoyable. Definitely recommend it!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read from this author, it was well written with likeable characters. Eva had the perfect safe life, wife, mother with a nice house, supportive family and friends until her husband is diagnosed with cancer...he decided to confess all his sins, he's been unfaithful repeatedly(like her father), used all their money and made bad business deals. When he dies she is left with an enormous debt, a child and feelings of betrayal and wondering how she didn't know about any of this .Can she survive? She must survive for herself and her son, that means getting a job/career(graphic designer) to try and pay down the debts so she can support her son and keep their home. She meets Max(her best friends brother)an ER doctor, who also written a book and is need of her skills to help him in the world of social media. He has a history of being a manwhore(date em, do em and leave em!)Both of these characters have issues and aren't perfect, but together they have great sexual chemistry. Can they work through their issues together and separately? This is a lighthearted romance with a side of humor. Highly recommend. This author is a full-time mother, doctor and wife who also writes romance novels, WOW WHAT ENERGY!!!! I was given a copy of this book for an honest review from DRC'S REVIEW TEAM.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eva is a widowed single mom after losing her husband to cancer but the devastating discovery that he cheated on her during the marriage leaves her doubting her self worth but the ugly secret of bad business decisions leaves her financially in debt and the betrayal cuts even deeper. She is taking care of her son the best she can and carving out a new career while trying to sell her beloved house to keep afloat. When a handsome ER doctor authors a book he needs Eva to use her graphic design skills to help him market it and anchor him in the social media world.

Max is a vivid character who is recovering from a broken leg due to his daredevil love of the outdoors and writing the book is a goal he achieves while sidelined during his healing. When he sees Eva in the grocery store he is thrilled to make their friendship deeper but his sister makes sure their business relationship keeps them in close proximity.

I liked that each character had doubts and flaws and they actually showed their jobs and responsibilities that drove them and their personalities. It was a quick read and I liked the pacing and it is great to see a single mom get the guy of her dreams.

I received an advance reading copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Cocktails and Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Cocktails

A great realistic read about a widowed wife and mother who thought she had the perfect marriage until an accident left her husband wanting to tell her the truth before he died. Eva was left finding out that her husband had affairs and was involved in a ponzie scheme leaving her to deal with the aftermath. Struggling to keep her house and just making her son happy and worry free in hard enough without having feelings for the town’s hot Dr who is a player.

Max is a hot ER Doctor who lives life to the fullest until a skiing accident leaves him with a broken leg and left to his own devices. This is where is knows there is more to life than what he has been doing. He has nothing but time on his hands so he decides to write a book, he is need of a PR person and Eva is just the person he is looking for.

I loved how their relationship grew and how she struggled with keeping it professional. But Max didn’t let up he wanted Eva and Eva wanted him. Team that up with family members who were real and a little boy who was too cute for words and this makes a great book even better. I loved it and look forward to reading more of her books.

Reviewed by BookBud for Cocktails and Books

[Felicity Nichols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without A Net swept in from the first few pages. Between Eva's grief and Max's internal struggle, it provides a strong story. Eva has lost her husband and in his final moments he reveals hidden secrets that the family wasn't aware of. Left with his pile of bills and a child she struggles to find normalcy in the midst of chaos.

Max has always been an adventure seeker but when a skiing accident puts him out of work, he struggles to find into the normal. Eva has always caught his attention and now that her husband has passed he sees his opportunity.

I was very impressed with Jill Blake, the characters felt real and Eva's struggle to maintain her lifestyle is put into a realistic light. I will gladly read more from Blake and I look forward to hearing more about these characters in the future.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eva and Max

The story begins with information about her marriage to Roger. While he was dying he confessed his infidelities to her. She continued to take care of him until he died. During that time she lost her trust in men. Max had seen her before but this time she was single. After a run-in at the supermarket they can't stop thinking about each other.

This book was ok. I don't know. There was conflict for Eva trusting Max. That was it though. She treated him terribly and he kept coming back. The ending was anticlimactic for me. The book just kind of ended. How did it go when he met the parents? There was no epilogue.

It was in 3rd person POV. I prefer 1st person POV.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

He's a playboy doc sidelined due to injury. She's a frazzled widow trying to piece her life back together while raising her eight year old son. No way does she have time for his kind of fun!! What an incredibly enjoyable read. Very well written with interesting characters and a story that keeps you turning the page. Jill Blake is a new to me author but I will definitely be reading her other books. I highly recommend this one!

[Maya Calden · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I have read by Jill Blake and I enjoyed it alot. From the very first page I was sucked into the story and couldn't put it down. Jill has a capturing writing style, with paragraphs that made me laugh, and worry, and feel with the characters.
The romance between the characters is very believable and we find ourselves on a roller coaster ride of emotions with spicy sex scene descriptions that made me read through the book in a very short time. Well done, Jill.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just got this book free as a giveaway from Goodreads. It is a really good summer read. Jill Blake knows how to bring the heat that is for sure. It is a very sweet and HOT love story with likable characters. I started and finished it in one day so that should tell you that it holds your attention. Give it a try. I will be looking at more titles from this author.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

Ms. Blake has a wonderful steamy love story involving two thirty-somethings with real life issues and hurts to overcome.

Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.

[Natalie Rysavy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story....but really fast ending.....

[Jen Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

With some additional editing this story could be five stars. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[linda m. johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a Net

This was really a great and fast read. Please take time to read this book as I am sure that you will enjoy.