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Luke Roberts came to the small lazy town of Kilgore, Texas with one thing on his mind: Forgetting. He wanted to forget why he left. Forget those emerald green eyes that haunted his dreams. And forget how it felt to have his heart ripped out of his chest by a woman who didn’t like the fact that he had a child. It was something he’d been doing a damn fine job of doing, too. Until Reese smashed through every one of his defenses, and made him feel again.

Reese Doherty was just trying to do the best for her little girl. So she moved to the little boomtown nearly an hour from where she grew up to be the school nurse for Kilgore’s littlest people. That’s where she met him. The SWAT officer and the man that would change her life forever. The sexy man who liked to drive fast, and live life like it should be lived. He drove her crazy, and became something she could barely live without.
But Luke was a hero. A man used to risking his life to make the world a safer place. Something Reese had to decide whether she could handle or not. Preferably before her and her daughter became too attached.

Just when she’s ready to give him her whole heart, her world takes a huge hit, and everything she thought she knew wasn’t as it seemed.

Luke wasn’t a quitter, though. Damn far from it, and he’d prove to her that he’d be there when the dust settled. Whether she wanted him to be or not.

293 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2015

506 people are currently reading
4160 people want to read

About the author

Lani Lynn Vale

196 books7,245 followers
Lani Lynn Vale is married to the love of her life that she met in high school. She fell in love with him because he was wearing baseball pants. Ten years later they have three perfectly crazy children and a cat named Demon who likes to wake her up at ungodly times in the night. They live in the greatest state in the world, Texas. She writes contemporary and romantic suspense, and has a love for all things romance. You can find Lani in front of her computer writing away in her fictional characters world...that is until her husband and kids demand sustenance in the form of food and drink.

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 590 reviews
Profile Image for Alp.
763 reviews466 followers
July 22, 2018
3.75/5


**This review contains some spoilers.


To be honest, I had no expectations going into this book. I didn’t even read any reviews before diving into it. I just picked up this one because of the cover!

During the first 30% of the book, I felt like this was just another one of my mediocre reads. It wasn’t great but wasn’t bad either. I wasn’t that into the story or the main characters, yet I enjoyed it just fine. I'm not sure if it was because of the editing or it might be because this was my first time reading this author’s book, so it took me a while to get used to her writing style.

Until Luke and Reese had scorching sex together for the first time, everything started to get better and better! I got into the groove of the story pretty quickly and lost in it completely. The story flowed smoothly and things started getting more consistent and intense here. As some missing piece of the puzzle gradually slid into its place, I found myself unable to stop turning the pages.

Although the plot was way too simple and predictable, I liked the characters. They were likable, endearing, and funny at times.

Luke is a dream come true man. He’s a devoted father, a good cop, a trusted friend, and an amazing lover.

Reese is my kind of heroine. She’s smart, brave, and strong. She’s never acted like some of the other heroines who loved to put themselves in danger.

And the SWAT guys in Luke’s team…Oh my God! They’re all majorly swoon-worthy!

I loved Luke and Reese’s relationship. It wasn’t love at first sight, yet they were somehow magnetically drawn toward each other. It took time for them to develop their relationship before jumping into bed together, umm… actually, on the hood of Luke’s car.

The sex scenes were crazily hot! SO DAMN HOT! The author did a great job writing the erotic part. The chemistry between them was off the charts!

However, there was a tear-jerking moment when a K-9 officer was shot. He was a brave dog who died protecting his owner. This brought tears to my eyes… Rest in peace, Radar.

One of the most impressive moments for me was Oh, so sweet!

I loved the epilogue. The notes they had written to each other were so cute, funny, and full of love.
These are some of their notes which really cracked me up.


Lucas Roberts (Asshole),

I’ve spent the last seventeen and a half hours trying to push out your baby, and I’d like you to know that my vagina will never resemble the perfection it was before. You shall forever be sliding your dick into the endless black hole that will be my new vagina. I hope you know what kind of sacrifice I made when I chose to have our baby vaginally.

Reese Roberts (The Asshole’s wife)




Demon Spawn’s soon to be mother,

I love you and your loose vagina.

Roberts (Demon spawn’s mother’s lover)



Overall, this was an awesome romantic suspense story. It was cute, fun, and hilarious.

The next book is Nico’s story, and oh boy! He’s gorgeous! I’ll read his book for certain!
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,438 reviews77 followers
May 7, 2015
2.5 stars
*10 HUGE stars for the cover*


It wasn't until after I finished reading "Center Mass" that I realized I had read a novel by this author over a year ago, a novel which I didn't like at all. I didn't even take into account what genre her series were. I mention this because I dived in head first with no expectations. I read a "sample" and I honestly liked what I read. Naturally I bought it. I loved what I was reading, and I loved the sexual chemistry that Reese and Luke shared. If you love reading descriptive sexcapades, this one delivers, that and they're well-written. Talk about hot and heavy. The author does a great job of building sexual tension between the H/h from when they first meet to when they have sex for the first time. It's after their first sexual encounter that the story started to go down hill for me. In fact, I found the overall tone of the novel completely changed at that point. It felt like I started reading a whole new novel. Even the writing changed somewhat. I'd say everything up until Chapter 12 read like a contemporary romance (with erotic sex) about two single parents, one a school nurse, the other a cop, both doing their best in raising their daughters. It then changed into an erotic-BDSM novel, like those written about MC-bikers except here all the men are cops. I've got nothing against erotic-BDSM novels. I've read my fair share, some that are just amazing. But here? It just didn't work for me. I wish I could explain it better. The heroine of this novel, Reese, it was like she changed into a different person. The beautiful, fun-loving nurse that wears superhero scrubs, and has a great personality, changes into a woman full of piss and vinegar, cursing, and ready to beat the shit out of anyone who crosses her. Whatever.

As for the story itself, the entire plot was convoluted. There's Reese's ex-boyfriend and his new wife, and Luke's ex-girlfriend who's sleeping with Reese's ex-boyfriend. Throw into the mix one killer, one ATF agent, the mafia, and the Kilgore Police Department. Convoluted. The story itself doesn't flow smoothly. There were times I had to reread a passage to figure out what was going on, not to mention trying to figure out the individuals taking part in the discussion.

In the end, "Center Mass" wasn't what I anticipated it to be. That being said, I leave it up to you to make the decision whether or not to read it. You may even end up loving it.
Profile Image for ~Nichole~  Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews.
1,716 reviews626 followers
August 29, 2015
Oh Luke ..wow you are one intense sexy man. I loved this one so much. Single parent romances are some of my favorites. There was quite a bit of drama with unwanted people , but Lani handles it with the perfect balance. Reese and Luke were really hot together and funny too. I can't wait to continue in this series. Lani is just exactly what I want in my romance.
Profile Image for Diana.
636 reviews18 followers
October 22, 2016
I have had this one on my kindle for a while now, and I finally found time to read it, and I am so glad I did. It was a fast easy read with low angst and likable characters. When I thought the story was going one way that I thought would annoy me, the story took an unexpected turn. It was a nice little twist that I certainly didn’t see coming.

Good start to a series that I will certainly continue with.
Profile Image for MelissaB.
725 reviews346 followers
November 2, 2015
So this is an author who keeps coming up on Amazon forums and my friends feeds. I tried her once before and wasn't impressed but wanted to give her one more shot. Well, I can say her writing style just isn't for me. The plot of the story isn't bad, it's the execution - the author basically sets up decent scenarios that should drive the story and create some angst and somehow manages to resolve things in the most boring was possible. If I had to describe the writing style I would say slow and boring. The time line also keeps skipping around, sometimes a scene would just end out of nowhere and suddenly it's weeks later. And for my last complaint, the sex scenes are a real turnoff. The descriptions are overly clinical and having some strange terminology that is off-putting instead of sexy.

I know lots of other people enjoy this author so maybe it's just a different style than I enjoy. But hey I tried :)
Profile Image for Erth.
4,529 reviews
May 28, 2019
This book’s characters have family & have appeared in both Vale’s Freebird & Heroes of the Dixie Wardens MC series’. With Vale’s writing it’s not necessary to have to read the other two series first, if you’re just happening upon this series. But because of the involvement that Luke had during the Freebird series, the first Dixie Wardens book and Reese in the last Dixie Wardens book, I would read the others first, just for the pure enjoyment of it all.

Finally, Luke Roberts gets a book!! I’ve been in love with this single dad since he showed up in Kilgore during the Freebird series!! I kept hoping that he would get his own book, and was happy when Lani Lynn Vale announced that she would be writing a Kilgore PD/SWAT series!

Luke Roberts left the Marines years ago when his infant daughter was born and her mother was dead. He then eventually moved to Kilgore, Texas and became friends with the couples of Free and an integral part of their group in saving them, helping them and setting up a bada$$ SWAT team within the police department. He’s a natural leader and inspires loyalty in those who serve with him, those who have been helped by him and his friends & family. His daughter is his entire world and he is a great daddy, though a busy one with the PD/Swat duties and the acting assistant chief duties as well. (Luke’s sister Baylee is married to Sebastian, the VP of the Dixie Wardens MC in book 1, Lights to My Siren.)

Reese Doherty is a single mother with very little help from the dead beat father. She’s had to rely on her family for babysitting help, but with her mother undergoing cancer treatment and her father being the Fire Chief and her sister a physical therapist, they don’t have much free time either. To be there for her daughter she moved to Kilgore to take a job as an elementary school nurse, which will allow her the same working hours that her daughter will be in school & they will be off at the same time. She first gets a glimpse of Luke when his daughter Katy goes to the nurse’s office unable to breathe. From then on, they just seem to run into each other with or without their kids several times.

They soon realize how much they enjoy each other’s company and their relationship quickly progresses. But when the dead beat dad rejoins the picture, things start changing, happening, sometimes getting weird and then things also take a turn for the dangerous. They assume that it might have something to do with her ex, but can’t prove it. Not only is her life in danger, but it means that her daughter’s life could also be in danger. Luke being the alpha-protector that he is refuses to allow anything happen to the woman in his life and is willing to go to any distance to protect her and her daughter.

Luke & Reece learn how to have an actual relationship and each have a little different parenting style, but for the most part, they make it work. They do have bumps in the road as does every couple, but they have been able to work through them, even with their stubbornness. But they make a beautiful blended family and their daughters become like sisters and thick as thieves.

I LOVED the epilogue!!! I like seeing the “many years in the future.” And it also made me hope that Lani Lynn Vale will write books for the Free, Dixie Wardens & Swat babies!! I want to see not only how their parents deal with their kids growing up, but revisiting all these characters would make me happy!!

The teaser chapter at the end of the book for Double Tap (KPD/Swat #2) has me waiting on pins & needles to see what will come of that book!!
Profile Image for Shadi ***save your ratings use disclaimers**.
321 reviews182 followers
April 25, 2016
Love love! Review to come.

Book Facts: Center Mass

Genre: Contemporary Romance
Part of a Series/Installment:
Standalone/Cliffhanger:
M/F-M/M-M/M/F-etc:
Multi-Luv'n/Ménages:
Was There Descriptive Sex:
Contains Cheating:
Amount of Sex in The Book 1-10:
Overall Steam Factor/Chemistry:
HEA/HFN/etc Ending:
Any Triggers/Warnings:




My thoughts: You bring me up, you tear me low. You make me cry with joy and sadness. You are one of my favorite authors because I know I can trust you to balance that fine line between sadness and emotional wasteland, alpha hot with arrogant jerk, funny one liner and overreaching flat lines. Some how you know just where that boundary is and have never crossed it. Thank you for sharing your stories of amazing alpha hero’s with your readers.

I did not like the side story as much as some of her other books because it was a little convoluted and crazy. At times I was confused about what was going on with the suspense side but the relationship between Luke and Reese just really made me not care at all. They are one of my favorite Lani Lynn Vale couples. How much Luke and Reese loved their girls made my heart melt. THE EPILOGUE!! One of the best ever.

I do need to say something because that’s how much I do not agree with it, one review stated this book turned into a BDSM book halfway through.

Overall Rating: 5
Do You Recommend This Book: Yes
ReRead: Probably
Would You Read More Books By This Author: Yes
Profile Image for Janie.
873 reviews81 followers
October 30, 2016
4.5 stars So it is pretty rare that I love a heroine more than a hero in any book that I read. Not sure why, but it's true. I have to say though that while Luke was hot and I did like him, Reese stole the show for me.

Reese decided to move herself and her daughter to a new place for a fresh start. A place where she could get a job as a nurse that would allow her afternoons to be open to spend with her daughter Rowen. Rowen was born from a one night stand. The only one night stand that Reese has ever had. I loved Reese's confidence, strength, her love for her daughter and that she didn't take shit from anyone. She was never a bitch but wasn't afraid to stand up for herself either.

While I liked Luke a lot, there were certain things about him or that he did that pissed me off on more than one occasion. The whole Thanksgiving debacle was just ridiculous. I couldn't understand why he wouldn't even question his mother beforehand as to why she invited his ex. Who does that? If my mom invited my ex to Thanksgiving (which would not allow me to invite my current partner), I would at least question it. But no, instead he tells Reese that she wouldn't be able to come even though he knows this will be a very difficult Thanksgiving for her as it will be the first without her daughter. An hour into it though he realized what a mistake he made, so ok he screwed up. Other than that, he was awesome. I know how much he cared about her and wanted her in his life. There was never any doubt how he had no feelings for his ex and couldn't stand to be around her.

One of the things I loved the most though was their relationships with their kids. They both were so devoted to their children and with that each other's children. One thing that you can always count on with a LLV book too is an awesome epilogue. A look into how their lives turn out. I haven't read a lot of her books but will definitely be reading more now.
Profile Image for Aviva’s Library.
282 reviews3,906 followers
June 3, 2022
DNFing at page 154/50%

First, can I please get a round of applause for actually DNFing another book?? Thank you, thank you

Ok, to explain my way out of how I made it halfway through this book before I decided to give up… it was actually pretty cute in the beginning - there was solid tension and a few good initial scenes building everything up - but I should have realized something was off when they got together at around page 100 and I completely missed the conversation where they decided that giving into their attraction after two weeks and fucking like rabid dogs on top of a car = starting a full on relationship

Jump to the chapter after that and we time jump 4 months and the author starts to explain an explicit scene with phrases like “he started sawing it in between my legs” and “her core started to slowly leak” - 🫣

and then to fully cement my DNF decision - her house was completely vandalized out of nowhere on the same night that he told her she can’t come to thanksgiving dinner with his family because his mother invited his ex and it would be too weird

Oh and the writing was really bad and I had such a hard time visualizing almost every scene
Profile Image for Diana's.
1,052 reviews125 followers
May 7, 2015
Luke & Reese's story!!
loved their girls...

Full review here..

Well it should come as no surprise I Loved Luke & Reese's story
And Code -11 SWAT is already headed to be another kick-ass spin off series
Center Mass definitely had a more serious, suspenseful undertone..
So much so I had to bust out the tissues with this one..
nd they weren't happy tears!! WHYYYYYY??????

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www.bookaholicconfessions.com
Profile Image for Natalie  ~ The Biblioholic.
2,713 reviews1,416 followers
July 11, 2016
I gave this book 5 stars not because it was the greatest book of all time but because of how it made me feel in the end.

There's something about reading a book involving single parents that hits home for me. It could be because I can empathize with the characters. It could be because children in the story is always a treat! I'm not sure but the author did a fantastic job of bringing single parents Luke and Reese to life.

I liked how realistic their daily lives were. They were juggling their children, work, and attempts at a dating life. Their support systems (family & friends) were awesome. I really liked that there wasn't a huge conversation about the status of their relationship. They just kinda fell into commitment with one another and it was wonderful to watch it unfold.

I knew that Luke being SWAT and Assistant Chief would add an element of suspense. When the action came in the story, it wasn't crazy intense but it was definitely interesting. I wonder if more details concerning the aftermath will be revealed in other books in the series.

The epilogue was freaking fantastic!!

I laughed. I swooned over Luke's (and his team's) Alpha-ness. I giggled over the children. I raged at the angst caused by the exes. And I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this read.

XO
Profile Image for Rachel.
639 reviews38 followers
May 11, 2015
Overall rating: 4 "Reesey" stars!

Triggers:
Cheating:
Love triangle:
Sex with om/ow:
Intimate pasts:
OW drama:

HEA:

My review:

This book was a little hard for me to rate. On one hand, the hero was awesome (minus one bout of stupidity I'll talk about later), I loved the heroine and the kids. I loved that neither seemed like sluts. I loved the banter that I did get, but sadly this story was lacking something. I don't know if it was the time gaps, or editing or gaps in the story itself, but something was off and I almost rated this 3 stars, but then the epilogue was one of my favorites so I had to go higher.

This book had me so confused at times. I would laugh then be lost then understand and it would jump lol!!! I can't explain it.

The hero was almost perfect. When they first start seeing each other - which isn't a one night stand. They basically define their relationship status after they have some hot sex simply because they both were so hot for each other and I'm gonna go with the fact that it's been awhile for BOTH MCs in regards to sex. Lol anyways, the hero KNOWS

Favorite quotes and some of these are chapter headers. I found some hilarious.

In reference to speaking with his ex - Lydia
The thought of talking to her did not sound appealing. In fact, anything would sound more appealing than that. Like pulling out all the hairs surrounding my nipples.
LMAO

Sisters are like fat thighs. They stick together
LMAO

My neck. My back. My netflix and my snacks.
LMAO

Once upon a time, fuck you. The end.
I can't get enough of these chapter titles!!! LOL!

Love, because chocolate isn't always enough - Valentine's Day card


I wish I could type out the whole entire epilogue because it is my VERY favorite, but I won't lol! The letters were hysterical. People probably thought I was nuts reading it. :)
Profile Image for Lu Bielefeld .
4,304 reviews629 followers
November 29, 2023
==>Re-read in October 20, 2016.
==>Read in May 2, 2015.
-------------------------
review in Portuguese and English.

Eu gosto muito desta autora e sempre compro os livros dela na pré-venda. Este eu me esqueci e quando liguei meu Kindle ele estava lá me esperando... comecei a ler e não parei até o final.
Boa história para quem acompanha desde o início os personagens em outros livros da autora. Achei a trama com o ex da heroína meio enrolada, mas já dá uma abertura para a próxima história.
Vou acompanhar e estou louca pela história do Nico!
Recomendo!
----------------
I really like this author and I always buy her books on pre-order. This I forgot that I had ordered and when I turned on my Kindle to my pleasant surprise the book was there waiting ... started reading and didn't stop until the end.
Good story to those who follow along the characters in other books by the author. I found the plot involving the heroine's ex-boyfriend a little confused, but it gives an opening for the next story.
I'm going to follow and I'm crazy about the history of Nico!
Recommend!
Profile Image for Lindsay.
2,234 reviews511 followers
November 2, 2016
This book completely worked for me. I loved that Luke was all alpha and protective and yet, once he met Reese, and got to know her, he knew that she was his. He claimed her and there wasn't anyone else for him. He had a couple of opportunities where other women made their interest known, and the only woman he wanted was Reese. I loved that.

I also loved seeing Luke with his daughter and with Reese's daughter. He was so sweet with them.

I've been reading this series out of order, so it was nice to see the start of Nico's story with the woman that was after Luke and Reese in this book.

This one is definitely one I'll reread!
Profile Image for Nicla.
416 reviews345 followers
January 23, 2016
Fun read that is low on drama.

HEA
Cheating/OW
Angst Level: 2.5/10
Heat Level: 6/10
Profile Image for namericanwordcat.
2,440 reviews438 followers
September 15, 2016
I was looking forward to this book after meeting the heroine in the Dixie Wardens MC Series and seen the hero as well.

At first, it was good. We have a cute meet of the heroine treating the hero's daughter for an allergic reaction to a big sting. She is a nurse at the school He is a cop.

Then, they run into each other again like you do in a small town.

Then, she sort of just falls into bed with him without a lot of talking or dating. I like dating. I miss dating in books.

Then, things go nuts with all sorts of conflicts and side plots and twists until I am just tired.

There are also little asides that seem to be political positioning on police shootings an gun rights. I don't mind books exploring political issues but this felt heavy handed and awkward without nuance or careful reflection. These moments also were dead end plot alleys that killed the pacing of what was already a very hard to follow set of sub plots.

So, yeah. Not a good read for me.
Profile Image for Heroesinbooks.
1,158 reviews345 followers
March 10, 2019
3 Reese and Luke Stars

I did enjoy this book but it felt like it jumped about a lot.

Reese has relocated with her young daughter and is a school nurse. Luke is a single dad and he meets Reese when she has to treat his little girl. Luke is a Police Officer and on the SWAT Team.
There are cross over characters from the author's other series' and I think it would have helped if I had read them.
There is lots of chemistry between the two main characters but it felt very 'insta' and although I am always happy to suspend belief , the fact that the Hero gets shot in the head, requires a blood transfusion but still gets home in the evening to give his woman an orgasm , was a bit too much for me.
However, I liked the secondary characters and will try the next book about Nico.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
Profile Image for Emily.
5,841 reviews543 followers
July 9, 2024
Luke Roberts had been burned by a woman he loved and it had left a lasting effect. Raising his daughter he finds himself attracted to Reese Doherty, a single mother who recently moved to Kilgore. Luke knows that Reese will be his one day but he plans to take his time and Reese is a bit weary about jumping into a relationship with a man. Luke pursues though and Reese is caught but just as they are building something people from their past begin to interfere causing potential problems for the couple.

Highly entertaining, the chemistry is off the charts. I liked that the story showed both POV's, plus there was a ton of interaction with the kids. Had some very funny moments, great read.
Profile Image for Danielle.
466 reviews31 followers
May 8, 2015
I have been waiting for Luke's story since we met him in the Freebirds series, and the incredibly talented Lani Lynn Vale did not let me down. In her own special brand of witty, snarky sassiness, she gave her readers what we've come to love, expect and crave - a humorously steamy love story between an alpha hero and his fiery, feisty, funny female. This story was well written, richly developed and chock full of the supporting characters from her previous works that we've come to love.

This was a fantastic story about the coming together of two single parents. Luke and Reese have both been burned in the past. They both are dedicated to raising their daughters and neither of them is quick to trust. But they have such a strong attraction to each other that simply can't be denied - it's that something special that they've both missed and have been looking for - so it's inevitable that they'll succumb to this pull between them and pursue that connection. Of course, there are dramatic minefields to wade through, brought to the table by both of them, before happiness can be found. But don't worry, it's a sexy, steamy, and very funny ride.

Lani Lynn Vale is a favorite author of mine. She has this wonderful ability to tell a story that never fails to capture my attention and hold it. I devour her books, often in a single sitting, and immediately upon finishing one, I'm counting down the days to until she releases her next book. A Lani Lynn Vale release day is something that is looked forward to, planned around and highly anticipated. Without question or hesitation, this author is an auto buy author for me. Great job, as usual, Lani!!

Profile Image for Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile.
2,236 reviews511 followers
August 5, 2018
This is my second try with this author, my previous read by her was definitely not successful, thankfully this one was much better. Luke was a somewhat alpha police officer/SWAT captain/Assistant Chief of Police with a daughter from a previous one night stand, (whose mother never made an appearance or was even mentioned?)he meets the new school nurse and shortly after decides she's his. Reese was an ok h, she wasn't a doormat or a weak or spineless woman and for that I was extremely grateful. She too has a daughter with her ex. The confusing thing for me was the suspense, Weston's (Reese's ex) wife turning out to be an ex army mafia badass was just a little too crazy.The reason for the neighbor's death is still lost on me as well. At the point of the Thanksgiving dinner I almost dnf as I was displeased with Lydia's place in Luke's life but thankfully he realised he was an idiot and she became merely an annoyance. I'm still confused by some of the plot points but I count this as a win with a non cheating or manwhore hero, likeable h and secondary characters who I'd like to read about.
Profile Image for Victoria.
1,188 reviews94 followers
October 5, 2015
3.25+ RATING- I've stayed away from this series because the author's writing in the past hasn't really worked that well for me. I know several friends who enjoy her work so it's definitely just a personal thing with me. Still, I found myself in bed over the weekend with a cold and nothing to read so decided to give the series a try. I actually liked this book better than the previous books I had read by the author. What I didn't like is the suspense part of the story-line with this one. I got kind of lost and the story just fizzled out for me. Still, I'm checking out the next one...
Profile Image for K. D. Grace.
69 reviews3 followers
Read
April 4, 2015
I must have this book. Especially after the first chapter excerpt from Charge to my Line
Profile Image for Renée.
1,168 reviews408 followers
Read
November 6, 2021
DNF at 32%

I can't find a MF author who doesn't make me roll my eyes.
729 reviews71 followers
January 19, 2018
There were several things I liked about Center Mass, but there was a lot that just didn't make sense. A big part of my issue was the lack of research on things like child custody laws, child support issues, police procedures, etc. Although I really like the characters and the story, I spent a good part of the book thinking "But that's not how that works!"

There also seemed to be a lot of crossover between series which led to a bit of confusion about who was who and what their role was. Both main characters had ties to several different characters from other series. I think I would have been more willing to overlook my issues if I'd read the other series first and had more invested into this group of characters.

All that being said, he was hot, she was super sweet and seemingly willing to go with the flow. Not a bad book, it was just hard for me to connect.
March 11, 2017
Rated 4.5 "Hot Heroes" Stars

I've put off starting this series for quite a while but I'm not even sure why. I hope it's not early dementia, lol. Well the point is that I've started it now and it's pretty damn awesome! There's a few qualms I have with it but mostly it's all goood.

Cops, Crime, Tattoos, SWAT team, Family, Suspense, Children, Danger, Single Parents, did I mention Sexy, Sarcastic, Buff Cops? Oh yeah baby!

Luke is the Assistant Police Chief (not sure of his title but he's right under the Chief). Between him and his team of men, they're brothers in arms, one big family who'd do anything for one another. Including unwanted female advice, haranguing each other and weekend beer/grilling parties that they officially call Team Bonding time. They're a riot, that's for sure!

So, we have crimes to solve of varying seriousness, some really erotic sex time (totally alpha) and party time. It's low angst, no cheating, blah, blah, blah.

In essence, it's a super read!
Profile Image for Janna ♥ I'm A Sweet And Sassy Book Whore ♥.
1,842 reviews210 followers
May 6, 2015
www.mysecretromancebookreviews.com

When you read as much as I do, it at times can be hard to find an author who is consistently one that hasn’t let you down with their books. Sometimes an author can lose that special touch that has made their previous books ones that you re read and remember, sometimes you just don’t click with a character or sometimes your love for that particular author has run it’s course. Luckily for me, none of those scenarios have happened yet when it comes to reading Lani Lynn Vale’s books. Have I read all of her books? No I have not read her Boomtown series yet but that is something I plan on correcting very soon. I was super excited when I found out she was starting a new series that also ties into her other ones but this time it is about a S.W.A.T. team with ties to her previous characters. Center Mass is the first book in her Code 11 KPD SWAT series and I am already wanting more of these sexy alpha cops. Let us take a moment to appreciate the sexiness that is a member of a S.W.A.T. team in their full gear and guns, sigh I need to wipe the drool from my mouth.

Luke and Reese balance each other out. Luke being the alpha male tough guy that is soft inside when it comes a certain little girl in his life. Reese is sassy, stubborn as a mule at times and also a little, let’s say crazy yeah crazy works but she is crazy in a good way. I was crying from laughing at times because they would crack me the hell up, add in the secondary characters and you have yourself a real life comedy act going on, especially when you are chasing naked old men around the streets. See now you are wondering about that little tid bit aren’t you? Let’s just say I had the giggles for a while after reading about that.

I love how the author finds the perfect mix of humor, suspense and sexiness for each of her characters. Each book in my opinion has gotten funnier and draws you into quicker and quicker, to the point that once you begin reading you don’t want to stop until you reach the last word. If you are a fan of Lani Lynn Vale’s previous books then you will love Center Mass, and if you haven’t read any of her books yet please go grab them and dive right in, you won’t regret it.
Profile Image for Nance.
1,596 reviews114 followers
May 21, 2015
3.5 stars

As usual Lani Lynn Vale does not disappoint! She brings to the table strong alpha-male men with brave confident women. And, this one is no different! From the way the two meet, I thought it would be a little while before these two got together, but it’s full steam ahead with their attraction from the very beginning. He sees her. He wants her. She sees him. She’s attracted to him, And, bam! They’re together. It just seemed awfully quick to me. But, I did like both main characters. Both were caring for their young daughters by themselves. Both had a career oriented job that they took seriously. And, both were burned by their ex’s when it came to settling down and being responsible. So, they did seem like the perfect fit. I was entirely entertained and interested in their story. But, there was something missing. Or, maybe it was the quickness of them getting together. I'm more of a sexual tension for a while type of gal. Of course, the intimacy between the two was HOTTER than HOT! And, I was fanning myself left and right!! And, of course there’s the loyalness and protectiveness of both family and friends portrayed, which makes it warm and personal. There is the suspense of the backstory just waiting to be decided and dealt with under some dire conditions. And, when all is said and done, will these two incredible individuals make it as a couple? Well, you’re just going to have to read it and see. I definitely can see myself reading the next installment when it’s released. I do enjoy Ms. Vale’s books! She always seems to bring something positive and courageous out within the characters that she creates. These are people that I could actually see myself being friends with. And, that’s clearly a decisive perspective of her writing skills that I can identify with...

And, another ab-ilcious cover illustrated!! WOW!!!
Profile Image for Ally.Always.Reads.
761 reviews135 followers
May 8, 2020
The only problem I had about this was that there wasn't enough of it!!
(Also didn't like that the next book wasn't included.. I read the prologue to it and now I'm going a little crazy because I can't read the whole thing yet!!)

I can't post this review without mentioning cover.... HOLY SHHHHHIZ. I could just stare at him all day long. (And drool.)

reread April 2017: Still one of my top favorites! I need more!!

Reread June 2018:I still adore this book!!!
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