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The Name of the Game

(Something New #3)

Jennifer Dawson (Goodreads Author)

3.97 · Rating details · 994 ratings · 187 reviews

Some people follow the rules. . .

A professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the reasonable sibling among the passionate, impulsive Donovans. But there's nothing reasonable about his reaction to baker Gracie Roberts. She's all wild curls and mouth-watering curves, as deliciously tempting as the sugary treats she's famous for--and twice as irritating. But before ...more

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Paperback, 352 pages

Published September 29th 2015 by Zebra

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Sep 10, 2015 Jayme rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015-releases, dual-pov, enemies-to-lovers, family-and-friends, steamy-sexual-tension, emotional-rollercoaster, moments-of-laugh

When I know that I am reading a good book? Once while reading I think already how and when I can read the rest of the parts. Excellent team of family and friends who stick together and fall in love... and for that hate to love story. That's what I love the most.

"I like order. And calm. You're chaos and fire."

About the plot: James seems to be the most responsible of the siblings. He is a professor and leading a very orderly life. On the other hand Gracie is a sweet, warm and lovely women, but ...more

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Aug 24, 2015 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

4 Professor Stars

I've found a new author to follow. Jennifer Dawson did a fantastic job in The Name of the Game. It seems I have a knack lately though of picking books to read in the middle of a series. Luckily this one can be read as a stand alone, however, it makes me want to pick up books one and two in this series to catch up with the group.

I am a sucker for hate/love relationships and that's exactly the type of relationship that James and Gracie have. They are total opposites, yet they have ...more

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Aug 14, 2015 Ivy Deluca rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: _arc-reads, chefs, uptight-heroes

- Excellent take on an old tale : The opposites attract trope is a tried and true formula and the professor and the bombshell is something I’ve read plenty of times. Gracie is a small town baker who is in Chicago for her best friend’s engagement festivities and she’s thrown together with James Donovan, the nerdy stuffed shirt Donovan brother. But neither fits precisely in their predetermined roles, and the fun starts when they stop fighting it and start dealing with their attraction.

What separ ...more

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Feb 27, 2015 ☕️Kimberly rated it really liked it

Coffee dates with The Name of the Game

First Date: Right away, I like the tension between James Donovan and Gracie Roberts. These two will be spending a lot more time in each other’s company thanks to the upcoming marriage of Gracie’s best friend Cecilia and James’ brother Shane. The banter is delicious and had me giggling from the onset. She is a baker and he is a health nut, but underneath it all there is this bubbling sexual tension that had me craving more.
Second date: They soon begin t ...more

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Mar 18, 2015 Lisa rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: type-galleys, 2015-read, ch-alpha-males, gr-romance-contemporary, other-cute-ships, theme-family, ch-fav-heroes, ch-fav-heroines, type-my-faves, ch-great

E-ARC received thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley.

The Name of the Game has been one of my most anticipated sequels ever since I finished The Winner Takes it All. I'm a sucker for antagonistic romance (if you could call it that way?) and I knew James and Gracie's book was gonna be THE BOMB

and I'm glad that I wasn't wrong!

right, the major reason why I'm straight up in love with this book is the characters.

YOU GUYS, I can't properly express how much I adore both James and Gracie. We only se ...more

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Apr 20, 2016 Nefise rated it did not like it

Shelves: contemporary, enemies-to-lovers, dnf, not-for-me

DNF...

Another CR book built on sex and attraction without solid plot and characterization.
I tried to pass over the fact that there were a lot of sex thoughts and physical attraction at the beginning of the book.
But I couldn't ignore that heroine sounds very cheap as if she hooks up every attractive man and it's perfectly normal and logical thing to do. Even she thought using same method on hero but she gave up after some consideration.
Anyway, I don't want to waste my time writing many complaint ...more

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Dec 10, 2014 nick (the infinite limits of love) rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc

Can every romance novel feature nerdy uptight male characters , please? 2015 seems to be the year for these nerdy, but very very sexy male characters and I seriously can't get enough of them. I was introduced to Jennifer Dawson and her amazing stories when I first read The Winner Takes It All. The book was funny, had a chemistry-laden antagonistic romance and had characters that I loved. I have to say though that I was really really looking forward to reading The Name of the Game because I lo ...more

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Oct 02, 2015 Julie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, humor, paperback, night-owl-reviews

I haven't had this much fun with a contemporary romance in a long time!
A straitlaced health nut and professor of forensic anthropology, James Donovan is the exact opposite of Gracie Roberts, a baker of sweet confections, curvy, and full of sass. These two are like oil and water or Belle and the Beast because they don't mix well together and really do not like each other. However, for the sake of their friends and family, they attempt to put their animosity to rest. Once they have taken the high ...more

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Jan 12, 2019 Sam (AMNReader) marked it as life-is-too-short

Shelves: pifm-challenge, library, hc

I've tried twice. I just ain't got time for this. 9% ...more

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Aug 05, 2015 Eri rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: e-arcs, contemporary, romance

Jennifer Dawson has fast become one of my favorite contemporary authors. She knows exactly how to write a story that not only makes you swoon but has characters with depth and a truer than life quality to them.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous two installments in this series, but I'd been particularly excited for this book because Jennifer has been dropping little hints about these two characters and the unspoken tension between them forever, so I was immensely pleased when I got to read thi Jennifer Dawson has fast become one of my favorite contemporary authors. She knows exactly how to write a story that not only makes you swoon but has characters with depth and a truer than life quality to them.

I've thoroughly enjoyed the previous two installments in this series, but I'd been particularly excited for this book because Jennifer has been dropping little hints about these two characters and the unspoken tension between them forever, so I was immensely pleased when I got to read this.

And lo and behold this book was actually hotter and swoonier than the previous book with Cecilia and Shane *gasp* I adored the premise of this already but the romance in this made my heart flutter and flail over Gracie and James. Their chemistry was tangible and all too real and I adore them.

Gracie is the cutest person ever, and I love her so much. She's a baker, and as someone who enjoys baking and pastries, her job was the most fun to read about. She's been a true joy to read about in the past books as well, with her warm and cozy personality which is as sweet as the stuff she makes.

James is more of an enigma, with his quiet but stern countenance. He is a professor of the rather fascinating field of forensic anthropology, and reserved compared to his brothers. It was illuminating to see beyond his facade into what made him become the person he is, and the way Gracie softens him once they got under each other's skin was wonderful.

Obviously the romance played a central part of this book, and it was oh so magical. Every interaction between them was perfect, building such a charming relationship that one could not help but envy, something Jennifer seems to excel at.

Besides the romance, there is the delightful supporting cast of characters that surrounds the main pair, including of course, the pairs from the previous books. I love the warm and tight-knit bonds that connect the characters and the genuine love that emanates from them. Not to mention, siblings always have the most fun exchanges and there was a healthy dose of that in this book.

I'm most definitely looking forward to the next book, where we get to find out more about Penelope and Evan, who have piqued my interest in the little snippet that was included in this.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the E-ARC. ...more

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May 19, 2015 Jo rated it it was amazing

Shelves: mine, 4-5-stars, books-i-love, feel-good-read, gr2015, book-boyfriend

5 I-loved-this-book-so-much stars

“I like order. And calm. You’re chaos and fire.”

I’ve been waiting for Gracie and James’ book since reading the previous book, and I was not disappointed.

For the past year Gracie and James have been antagonising each other. They can’t be in the same room without fighting or disagreeing. Gracie is a baker, believes anything can be fixed with sugar. She’s wild and likes to have fun. James is a professor of forensic anthropology, he likes

5 I-loved-this-book-so-much stars

“I like order. And calm. You’re chaos and fire.”

I’ve been waiting for Gracie and James’ book since reading the previous book, and I was not disappointed.

Damn, did these two light sparks off each other. I found it hilarious how they couldn’t help bickering, and were totally clueless on why they couldn’t get along. The chemistry between them was INTENSE, and by the time they finally decided to do something about it, I thought I would spontaneously combust.

Gracie thought because James was uptight and staid, that he would be a dud in the bedroom. Oh was I glad that he proved her wrong. Yes, the Professor did like his control, but when it came to the bedroom that control lead to scorching foreplay. I really love how Jennifer Dawson writes sexy scenes. They are so HOT!

He smiled, flicking his gaze over her. “Well, you were right about one thing. I do like to fuck in the missionary position.”
“That doesn’t surprise me, Professor.” She kept her tone light, but it wasn’t the truth; everything about him surprised her.
A slow chuckle. “I think you’ll like it.”
“Why do you think that?”
“You’ll feel possessed, taken.” His fingers squeezed her hips. “And how long has it been since you’ve felt that?”

And damn, this Professor was HOT. I absolutely loved how beneath his geeky appearance, and his awesome t-shirts, he was damn sexy. Most men only wanted Gracie for her Marilyn Monroe appearance, but James wanted and needed Gracie because of Gracie. And I really enjoyed how Gracie brought out the caveman in James.

Some primal part of him needed to brand her in some way. “You’re mine, Gracie. And all that comes with it. You belong to me. Understood?”

The romance between Gracie and James was MAGNIFICENT. Yes, the sex was hot, but I loved how perfect they actually were for each other, especially since both of them thought that they weren’t. James was so clueless about Gracie and was confused many times regarding how to act around her. I found him so adorable. And James' grovelling scene at the end - THE BEST GROVELLING EVER!! Honestly, this book has one of the most romantic and funny endings ever!

“What do I have to do, Gracie? You make me so crazy. Since the day we met, you have been a pain in my ass.” He raked his fingers through his hair, making it stand up on end, giving him a deranged, wild look. “Do you understand how difficult you are, woman?”

And there were some wonderful secondary characters. James’ best friend Jane was hilarious, and her partner Anne had me laughing out loud many times.

“Ha!” James scoffed. “You’ve never seen her around me. She hates me.”
“See,” Anne said, pointing at him. “This is why I’m gay. Men are so dense.”
James cocked a brow. “Me? I’m why you’re gay?”
She wrinkled her cute little nose. “Well, that and I’m not a big fan of the cock.”

I absolutely LOVED this book! It met all my requirements - amazing main and secondary characters; sexy, hot and intense romance and many hilarious moments. Since this is the second book that I’ve read and loved from this author, Jennifer Dawson will be going on my auto-buy list. I can't recommend this book enough. READ IT!!!

...more

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Feb 25, 2016 Nazeefa rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015-releases, grin-inducing-fluffiness, na-or-contmp-rom, that-otp-tho

AHH I really loved this one! James is easily my favourite Donovan brother and his chemistry with Gracie is so hot. And this book was probably the best one of the series thus far.

(view spoiler)

This series has quickly become one of my fav contemporary romances, Jen ...more

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Oct 09, 2015 Fran rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars, small-town-hometown, food-of-love

Oh wow, this was really good! This was even better than the previous book. A perfect weekend read for me—light, romantic, and VERY HOT. More importantly, no stupid condom talks. LOL!

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Aug 30, 2015 Talltree rated it liked it

Shelves: y-hero-geek

Okay series bait/friends of friends romance between a nerdy professor who has a dirty streak and Marilyn Monroe look alike baker h. Slow paced, a few chapters could have been edited out. Both characters irritated me a bit, H was too passive, h was a bit of a drama queen at times. However I enjoyed the sex scenes they were a huge plus and super hot!! They evolve from a weekend fling to something longer and fall in love. h has intimacy issues that make her run but they figure it out and there is a ...more

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Aug 15, 2015 Pavitra (For The Love of Fictional Worlds) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: adult-fiction, arc, contemporary-romance, humor, netgalley, new-adult, romance

I received an eARC of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Actual Rating 4.5 Stars

Brilliantly done! It had me up the whole night and I couldn't be happier about it! Already have the first two books downloaded, so I am going to go read them now!

Full detailed review will be up closer to the release date! ...more

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Feb 27, 2016 Suraya (thesuraya) rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: genre-romance-contemporary, trope-small-town-romance, trope-friends-to-lovers

3.75 stars

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Feb 27, 2015 Claudia rated it really liked it

Shelves: contemporary, romance, netgalley

First of all: I loved the previous book "The winner takes it all" - and not only the main couple but also all the tension between James and Gracie. I knew there was quite a story here to tell and I could not wait to see what will happen between them ... and I was right. James is great - but unfortunately Gracie not so much.

the storyline and the development was real fun to watch and I liked how the relationship between them developed. Nevertheless, Gracie made it a bit hard for me to really like ...more

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Jul 31, 2015 Didi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: arc-netgalley-edelweiss, contemporary, romance, series, new-to-me-author

3.5 stars

I jumped into this book knowing it's part of an ongoing series, written by a new-to-me author, just because of the promising combo of straight and narrow professor and exuberant baker. That there were bound to be some personal issues already occurred to me, but I didn't thought it would be quite a bit SOME. :D

That James's siblings and their spouses took up quite a lot of the early chapters were one. Added to that were James and Gracie's friends, family and exes; all these too many "fami 3.5 stars

I jumped into this book knowing it's part of an ongoing series, written by a new-to-me author, just because of the promising combo of straight and narrow professor and exuberant baker. That there were bound to be some personal issues already occurred to me, but I didn't thought it would be quite a bit SOME. :D

That James's siblings and their spouses took up quite a lot of the early chapters were one. Added to that were James and Gracie's friends, family and exes; all these too many "familiar" characters to the series but I knew zilt about had me grappling a bit. I could trudge along fine though, considering. It was a plus that I found James and Grace's animosity entertaining. Of course, as the universe except the two already figured out, behind all those bickering was a mutual attraction.

The way their association developed from hostility to rather polite understanding then progressing to affair was nicely done. Too smutty for taste, but still fine. What rather threw me were the role-playing and dom/sub vibe as the story went on. Perhaps for those familiar with Ms. Dawson's style, the rather kinky turn was more than okay; for me though, it kinda not.

I also felt, for all the title James had - professor of forensic anthropology - there was little on the story contributing to this fact. There were mentions of Jane Doe cases, publications and tenure, but not so much. Pity that, considering this story had had quite long pages.

Other than that though, I liked the characters, hardheaded, lack of perceptions, whatever. Gracie was a whirlwind and James the eye of the storm. Yes, there were times I want to smack their heads over *drumrolls* misunderstanding and bad communications, but the James Donovan's drunk scene? Priceless. Well, a tad over the top drama, but I LOVED IT! *grins*

The camaraderie and close-knitted kinship these two had with their family and friends were heartwarming. I especially loved Jane and Anne with their rather ribald pushing. Not to forget, the many mentions of cakes and other baked goods. Those certainly helped my reading enjoyment!

Note:
ARC was kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley for the exchange of an honest review. ...more

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Sep 21, 2015 Susan (susayq ~) rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2015books, contemporary-romance, ebooks, favorites, hot-factor

I liked Jennifer Dawson's writing when I read Crave, and knew I'd read her work again. Reading this book has put her on my favorite author list! Holy smokes, this woman can write some hot stuff!!!

Professor James Donovan, health nut and control freak guy that he is, doesn't exactly get along with the sexy baker Gracie Roberts. The two of them are forced to spend time together because they have mutual family and friends. The more time they spend together, the more they pick at one another. Every o ...more

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Aug 03, 2015 Danielle rated it really liked it

Dawson writes another cute contemporary romance that will have you laughing and will keep you coming back for more.

Even though this is a third book in a spectacular series by Dawson you don't need to read the first two books to enjoy James and Gracie.

From the beginning of the book James and Gracie have this hate/love relationship. They are constantly arguing over the littlest things. Because they have such a close group of friends and Gracie's best friend happens to be James's sister they can' ...more

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Mar 12, 2015 Silvana [The Book Voyagers] rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs-galleys, romance, foodie, hate-to-love

I am certain The Name of the Game has killed me. I adored every second of it and I'm sure if there were to be two thousand more books of the same I will definitely read anything. Jennifer Dawson came out with the big guns in her newest Something New novel. She gave us all, from sexy tension to undeniable love. I am pleased to say she captured my heart with Gracie and James as well as she did with all her previous Something New characters. I am excited to say, though, that I need quickly Evan and ...more

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Jul 30, 2015 Heather andrews rated it it was amazing

Gracie is one of those people that doesn't hold back, “why can’t you be a normal guy? I’m offering you sex. Can’t you just take it and quit talking about it?” James may have a stick up his butt almost 75% of the time the other 25% he's a dominant, dirty talking, alpha male, “baby girl, the way you squeezed my ***k when you came is the only compliment I need.” I loved James, "vexing woman. He dragged a hand through his hair. “Fine. I can’t live without effing the hell out of you again. Is that be ...more

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Aug 14, 2016 Keya rated it it was amazing

Okay So I think James and Gracie's book book is my favourite!! The whole opposites attract thing fits in perfectly for the couple. They're chemistry was so intense! They were cute and hot together. What I really liked about this one was the fact that their we had months with James and Gracie as a couple. I really liked reading the progression of their relationship.

I really love the whole crew! And I'm hoping we get a story for Sam and even Charlie. ...more

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Mar 30, 2016 Antonietta rated it it was amazing

Ok I love this entire series but JAMES AND GRACIE ARE MY FAV.

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Nov 26, 2020 Elia rated it did not like it

yikes. the internalised fatphobia in this was truly uncomfortable to read, particularly because it was never addressed; simply treated as acceptable and not something that requires some gd therapy. it’s one thing to want to look a certain way; it’s your body, etc. it’s another to be so afraid of flab that you count calories & run 10+ miles a day. it read a lot like an ed that nobody was even remotely concerned about.

i’m also troubled by what felt like unacknowledged neurodivergence. being social ...more

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Aug 09, 2015 Kathy rated it really liked it · review of another edition

The Name of the Game is the newest addition to Jennifer Dawson's delightful Something New series. This incredibly charming antagonist to lovers romance positively sizzles with sexual tension as James Donovan and Gracie Roberts try to put aside their animosity for the sake of the friends and family. Old and new fans of the series are going to absolutely love watching this mismatched couple try to figure out their surprising relationship.

Gracie and James are complete opposites and they have been a The Name of the Game is the newest addition to Jennifer Dawson's delightful Something New series. This incredibly charming antagonist to lovers romance positively sizzles with sexual tension as James Donovan and Gracie Roberts try to put aside their animosity for the sake of the friends and family. Old and new fans of the series are going to absolutely love watching this mismatched couple try to figure out their surprising relationship.

Gracie and James are complete opposites and they have been at each other's throats right from their very first meeting. Gracie is a self-taught baker whose scrumptiously delicious desserts are a huge hit with everyone. James is a tenured professor of forensic anthropology at a prestigious college and occasional police consultant. Gracie is allergic to exercise whereas James is long distance marathon runner and health food nut. Gracie is exuberant and chaotic while James thrives on control and calm. Gracie's lush figure and outgoing personality make her the center of attention. James, on the other hand, is more of an observer who hates to be in spotlight. Neither of them believes they have anything in common but their lives are intertwined through the relationships of their friends and family and both know it is time to stop making everyone uncomfortable with their nonstop hostility. However, Gracie and James are about to discover what everyone else already knows: their enmity hides a mutual attraction.

Gracie is unfailingly cheerful, flirtatious and incredibly stubborn. She has never lacked for male companionship but her relationships never seem to last. Since meeting James, she has gone a few lackluster dates that ended after one or two dates. She is genuinely pleased her friends have found love, but lately, she cannot help but feel a little jealous of their happiness. Once she and James overcome their loathing for one another, Gracie eagerly agrees to explore their mutual desire, but her fears make it impossible for her discuss their future.

James is absolutely wonderful and impossible not to love. Although he is very close to his brothers, they share little in common. His tight control often makes him appear aloof and his matter of fact, straight forward approach to life sometimes causes him to overlook subtle social cues. James is quite caring and compassionate but he too is afraid to admit he wants a lasting relationship with Gracie.

Gracie and James are reluctant to acknowledge their mutual desire but once they do, their sex scenes are blistering hot. Quiet, unassuming James definitely seizes control in the bedroom and surprisingly, this is just what Gracie needs. Their interludes slowly begin to take on a Dom/sub vibe and by the end of the novel, Gracie has to come to terms with this previously unknown aspect of her personality.

Once they agree to date, Grace and James settle fairly easily into their new relationship. For the most part, their romance is long distance and while they do not spend a huge amount of time together, they do get to know one another through daily phone calls. They find it easy to confide in each other about their pasts but they suffer from a serious lack communication about their future. Conflict arises when James takes the initiative to help Gracie solve an ongoing business issue. Needless to say, Gracie is not at all pleased with him and her reaction reflects her displeasure. Her response was a little over the top and she essentially uses this to prove her point that they are not destined to be together for the long haul. Thankfully, this conflict is solved rather quickly in a somewhat unorthodox fashion.

The Name of the Game is a heartwarming addition to Jennifer Dawson's fabulous Something New series. James and Gracie are multi-faceted, sympathetic characters and while they are flawed, these imperfections are easy to relate to. Their relationship is a fantastic blend of blazing hot sex and tender, heartfelt moments that perfectly showcase their deepening emotions. An overall entertaining and engaging love story that fans of contemporary romances are sure to love. ...more

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Nov 05, 2015 Margaret Fisk rated it really liked it

Shelves: reviewed

Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

There’s this saying about love being the other side of hate because both are strong, passionate emotions… That’s what this novel embodies with two people who think they dislike each other when really they’re hiding from their own feelings. James is less oblivious as he recognizes his physical attraction, but Gracie sees only the ways in which they’re different, and sees his choices as a condemnation of her.

You can understand the conflicts right off, and Originally posted on Tales to Tide You Over

There’s this saying about love being the other side of hate because both are strong, passionate emotions… That’s what this novel embodies with two people who think they dislike each other when really they’re hiding from their own feelings. James is less oblivious as he recognizes his physical attraction, but Gracie sees only the ways in which they’re different, and sees his choices as a condemnation of her.

You can understand the conflicts right off, and to all appearances, they are so opposite there should be no way James and Gracie attract. Yet, from the very start, they both share strong connections with friends and family who they want to make happy even if it means suffering the presence of the one person they each cannot stand.

That sense of connection in a larger family (whether blood or not) runs throughout the book and makes for a beautiful counterpoint to their early bickering. It also ties them in knots later as they worry at the consequences when their attraction becomes unavoidable despite its presumed temporary nature.

But I’m getting ahead of myself.

A simple promise, extracted from each of them separately by those they love, dooms (and saves) James and Gracie. They’re asked if they can just be nice for a weekend. Trouble is, their battling is the only thing keeping them apart. No matter how much they believe they don’t suit, that they understand exactly the perfect person for the other—and they’re not it in any way, shape, or form—without the constant fighting, their passion has no other outlet.

You’d think this a sexual joyride, and it is both sensual and explicit at times as well as involving dominance games, but what captured my attention is the way the characters had to overcome their own insecurities to recognize just how perfect they are for each other.

James wasn’t always a sculpted Adonis while Gracie is far from the skinny, athletic type he seems to desire. But it’s more than their physical natures in play as Gracie made some sacrifices for her family and doesn’t seem able to move beyond those decisions when the need for them has passed. And James sees her behavior without understanding the roots so prejudges her as much as she has him. They both have to learn a lot about themselves before they can start to recognize how they are perfect for each other, which doesn’t mean they’re in any way perfect.

It’s a silly, irreverent story on the surface that still touches on very heavy topics about self-perception and how we’re quick to think our flaws the focus of how others perceive us. It’s a habit that doesn’t disappear after high school and can have serious effects on our life choices as is demonstrated here where James and Gracie almost deny their only chance at happiness first because they can’t see what makes them right for each other and then because they don’t believe it can last.

They are put in an impossible situation that is made more difficult by their poor choices, and yet, through crisis and conflict, they end up making it work and giving the reader an enjoyable tale with lingering questions to explore.

My only real quibble is his nickname for her, which seems out of place with the message of self-acceptance, but overall, it’s a strong, fun read with a real focus on community as well as the couple…and coupling of course.

P.S. I received this title from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. ...more

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Sep 30, 2015 Jules rated it liked it

The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson is an erotic romance. It is the third book in the Something New series. Each book in the series features one of the Donovan brothers, and each book can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Main characters Gracie Roberts and James Donovan couldn’t be more different, and their differences show in their constant bickering. Gracie is a blond bombshell who is a baker by trade. She runs her baking company out of her house in the small town of Revival, Illinois. Graci The Name of the Game by Jennifer Dawson is an erotic romance. It is the third book in the Something New series. Each book in the series features one of the Donovan brothers, and each book can be read as a stand-alone novel.

Main characters Gracie Roberts and James Donovan couldn’t be more different, and their differences show in their constant bickering. Gracie is a blond bombshell who is a baker by trade. She runs her baking company out of her house in the small town of Revival, Illinois. Gracie acts fun and flirty to keep things light and maintain the wall she has built. James is the un-athletic runt of the Donovan litter. The 34 year old professor of forensic anthropology grew up feeling insecure about his weight, looks and lack of athletic ability. While he wasn’t a chick magnet in school, he has turned into a good looking geek who loves to run and avoids eating sugar like most people avoid eating rat poison. Most of the secondary characters are fairly well developed, however, Gracie’s brother, Sam, barely had a mention. Sam pops in and out of the story with little development and little to add to the story aside from being the explanation for why Grace didn’t attend culinary school.

James and Gracie are long time acquaintances who cannot be civil to one another for more than a nanosecond. Gracie knows James through his brothers and their girlfriends. Fortunately for all involved, James lives and teaches in Chicago while Gracie resides in a small town a couple hours away. Some of their friends see Gracie and James as “the Owl and the Pussycat” who, if left alone, would tear each other apart. A few of the friends suspect that the bickering is a front for their unstated attraction. When Gracie bakes for one of the friends’ engagement parties in Chicago, she becomes an instant hit with the influential guests. She is inundated with requests for special occasion cakes to be delivered to Chicago. With all the trips she starts to make to Chicago, you know she is going to run into James more often. Will Chicago’s next great fire be the result of their explosive arguing or their flaming hot desire?

I found the first few chapters of the book hard to get into due to the constant bickering. The bickering, and the reasons for it, was immature and something you might find in a young-adult novel. Those first few chapters set Gracie up to be rather unlikable and a bit of a caricature. She never won back my empathy. James, however, was a delightful character who is likable and believable. He has his issues, but he doesn’t blow them out proportion so that they define his life. I loved the scenes with James' friends, Annie and Jane, and with his nephew, Declan. The premise of and dialogue in those scenes was entertaining and funny. Overall, the intimate scenes were hot, but the addition of D/s behavior detracted from the story and didn’t work for me. Once the bickering stopped, the relationship tension and angst worked, and the ending was satisfying. A 3.5 star read for me due to the aforementioned plot point issues.

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Sep 22, 2015 Samantha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: contemporary-romance, ebook, all

Opposites may not always attract, but it is definitely a fun ride….
Gracie Roberts knows only one thing and that is: James Donovan is her ‘anti-‘everything. He’s a health nut, re: freak, whereas she is not willing to deny herself a treat or two just to track a calorie. He’s a boring, College Professor of something that stays locked up with heavy books all day whereas she is running a small but successful bakery and never meets a person she’d call a stranger. And he’s not even that cute…so she kee Opposites may not always attract, but it is definitely a fun ride….
Gracie Roberts knows only one thing and that is: James Donovan is her ‘anti-‘everything. He’s a health nut, re: freak, whereas she is not willing to deny herself a treat or two just to track a calorie. He’s a boring, College Professor of something that stays locked up with heavy books all day whereas she is running a small but successful bakery and never meets a person she’d call a stranger. And he’s not even that cute…so she keeps telling herself. Being attracted to her best friend’s brother is NOT something Gracie is willing to admit, to anyone. Because of this, any interaction she has with James is full of sarcasm and childish bickering, she just can’t help it.
James is just as baffled by his dislike of Gracie. As the one Donovan brother to not be athletic or known for his female escapades, James is not totally thrown by the fact Gracie isn’t a fan of his. He’s grown up used to being the brother ignored by the girls. What does amaze him, however, is his lack of control when it comes to arguing right back with Gracie. He can’t understand why he can’t stop himself from taking the bait every time she is in his presence. Of course, he never lets himself be alone with her, nor will he admit that the sparks between them are anything other than extreme dislike.
A sister/best friend is getting married, however, and this causes these two to come together and the resulting passion turns from cold to hot in a heartbeat! An awesome, awesome story that left me waiting for the moment these two would shut up and just kiss! Honey is hilarious and so comfortable with herself. She has a flirtatious personality that has allowed her to keep from getting serious about anyone thereby protecting herself from getting hurt. James is the first person to challenge that part of her. He’s far from the uptight man Gracie’s been promoting, but he, too, is hiding a part of himself, protecting a self-confidence that has been long in the making. For opposites, these two definitely finds ways to fit together. Prepare for a lot of cold showers, they are definitely hot together! (kitchen table and broken dishes for starters)
Finding a way to make forever is their journey. There will have to be concessions made on both sides and with these two and their strong personalities this will not be easy. This one is definitely a keeper and one that I will be re-reading soon!
For fans of the ‘Something New’ series, you’ll love seeing Mitch and Maddie, and Shane and Cecilia again. If you are new to the series, this book can definitely be read as a standalone. (but you’ll want to then go back and read the other two, lol)
I did receive and ARC from the publisher for an honest review.
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Jan 16, 2015 Gail Mitchell rated it it was amazing

I love, love this book. Amazing main characters, some great secondary characters, off the chart sexual tension, great plot and dialogue.

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About Jennifer Dawson

Jennifer Dawson

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Jennifer Dawson is the author of the popular Something New series, spicy, small town romance released with Kensington, and pens the dark and edgy contemporary romance series Undone.

Jennifer Dawson grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and graduated from DePaul University with a degree in psychology. She met her husband at the public library while they were studying. To this day she still maintains sh ...more