Domingo Torres, star center fielder for the Los Angeles Riptide, needs to stay off management's radar after a Spring Training game ended in flying fists and bloodshed. He's ordered to keep a lid on his temper and a low profile for the rest of the season. Keeping his focus solely on baseball isn't a problem- until he meets his sexy new neighbor, and his thoughts shift to a lot more than his batting average. After years of complete control in handling every aspect of her brother's multi-platinum selling rock band, Irisa Rostov is ready to crack. And it doesn't help that the band is on the verge of self-destruction. Playing peacemaker and keeping them together for the last eight weeks of their spring concert series is all that matters- until she meets Dom, and the feelings he stirs up causes the guards around her heart to weaken. Getting distracted by romance is the last thing Irisa wants, and being in the headlines is the last thing Dom needs, but their attraction is undeniable, their connection is immediate, and staying away is impossible. But when being captivated by each other causes their worlds to fall apart, they must decide whether they're better off staying on the bench and out of each other's lives, or if love can find a way to win.
USA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow. Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com
Captivated is by Susan Scott Shelley. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by the author.
Irisa Rostov is the manager of her brother Zander’s rock band. They have been touring for months and tensions are constant between the four guys. Irisa loves her brother and the other three just as much. But the constant stress of taking care of their every whim and running interference with all the in-fighting is causing her to constantly pop antacids. There is no room in her life for anything else. But she still can’t seem to help notice the oh so good looking guy who just moved into the apartment above hers.
Dom Torres is a professional baseball player. He is the center fielder for the Los Angeles Riptides. Dom loves baseball and has given his life to it. But with the constant criticism from his father and the stress of being on the road, Dom’s anger has been getting the best of him. After a brawl on the field, his coach warns him, that’s strike one. Three strikes, and you’re out. As he is moving in to his new apartment he notices the beautiful woman that lives in his building and makes sure to find a way to meet her.
Irisa’s ex used her to get to her band, then broke off their relationship once he had the contacts he was after. She was hurt badly. So it is very hard for her to trust that anyone wants to get to know her for herself, not the band she is associated with. But she can’t resist the sexy ball player. Dom has been hurt in the past as well but he knows Irisa is something special, something he doesn’t want to miss out on. They take things slow but there are still bumps along the way. Still, these two are perfect together.
With ex’s getting in the way, band mates that are constantly getting bad publicity for their actions and Dom’s great dane that wants attention at all the wrong times, Dom and Irisa have just about every road block thrown in their path that you can imagine. I have to say, in the beginning, when they were both traveling and trying to find a way to still get acquainted, Dom did something that actually made me swoon just a little bit. I love that feeling when you can just feel your heart melt, that makes your tummy do the twirly thing. Well, it happened.
The fighting is getting worse between the band members and threatening the future of their careers. The more Dom gets involved with Irisa and protective of her, the more he is thrown in to what is going on with the band. This in turn has an effect on his own career. Is it too much? Can Irisa fulfill her obligations to take care of the band the way she needs to so they will keep the peace and still have time for a relationship of her own? And what of the consequences of Dom’s participation? Is her presence in his life threatening his career as well? Maybe it’s just too much to expect a Happily Ever After. Maybe there just isn’t room for love and her band.
This really was such a sweet story of Dom and Irisa’s love of their careers, their families, their friends and hopefully each other. Is there any way they can fit it all together? This is my second book by Susan Scott Shelley. I previously read her first baseball short story, Rekindled, about Adam and Gemma. I loved getting a little bit of Adam in this book and updates on how he and Gemma were doing. So if you like sports romances, specifically baseball, then you should give this a try. I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I have.
I love baseball, and baseball players. So, it’s no brainer to buy this second story in the series by Susan Scott Shelley. The heroine, Irisa has her hands full managing a rock band full of misbehaving musicians. She barely has time to breathe, but one whiff of the hot new tenant in the penthouse of her building and she can’t help herself.
And why would she want to stop herself? Dom, the center fielder for the local baseball team is beyond hot. And he has a lovable dog, and he has demons. Besides his contentious relationship with his father, his career is on the line because he always seems to get into trouble for doing the right thing at the wrong time.
The chemistry between them is awesome. There’s enough sexual tension to keep the pages flying by. BY my count there are 9 men on the team. This is only the second story in the series. And we’ve just hit post-season play.
Captivated is a very fast read that is full of high emotions surrounding misunderstandings, career stress, and previous bad relationships.
This book focuses on Domingo "Dom" Torres. A professional baseball player who has never been good enough in his fathers eyes. And the fierce and compassionate Irisa Rostov, who is the manager for her brothers world famous band, The Fury.
When Dom and Irisa meet there is an immediate attraction on both sides. However, both of them are facing difficult career complications and decisions that seem to keep getting in the way. And no matter how hard they try, they both keep finding themselves mixed up in bad situations.
Shelley's writing is very fast paced, with a lot of drama thrown into the storyline. It is one of those books you would grab when looking for a quick fun read, with a little passion and a lot of angst mixed in.
When Irisa focuses all her time and energy to her Brother Zander Band as their Manager, her life is put on the back burner. Dom loves his job but with a scuffle happens on the field he is given all the blame by his Coach. What is the chances of meet they perfect person for you during moving day. Well Dom cant stop thinking about Irisa and and Irisa cant put her finger on why she is drawn to Dom but she is guarded to get close to anyone due to a pass betrayal to get close to her to get a job. So when Dom says he loved her Brothers band she thinks he want to use her to get to the band. Well Don shows her she is wrong. With the new relationship gets caught in the cross fires of the Bands troubles, can they fine a happy medium or will it tear them apart. I love sports books and baseball is a favorite. Follow Irisa and Dom's journey to fining that one person you just cant live with out. I recommend this read.
Really enjoyed getting to know these two. Irisa and Dom are two people who have had some bad relationships that cloud their judgment. Not sure I liked how the teams management treated Dom........but it could happen that way. Good story with some wonderful characters that I look forward to seeing again in future stories.
Irisa has been managing her brother's band for years. The stress on her has been unrelenting. They act more like immature boys than grown men. Trying to keep them together and under control has taken a huge toll on her life, both emotionally and physically.
Domingo Torres is her new upstairs neighbor. He's a baseball player and has his own issues he's dealing with. And yet when they meet, they're both drawn to one another.
I liked the premise here - both being professionals who are constantly in the public eye (albeit rather being the scenes for Irisa but still feels responsible for all of the band members' actions), both dealing with superiors, both having some family drama.
A few things seemed a little over the top - but I don't want to give anything away by mentioning those. Let me just say that I'm not sure a professional baseball player would do what he did even for a girlfriend, possibly jeopardizing his career. And Irisa seemed to take on way more baggage from the band until she was almost sick. For having been with them for years and one being her brother, they seemed clueless as to how much their drama was effecting her. And she put so much pressure on herself over things out of her control (trying to make everyone happy in the band all the time).
Dom is the all star baseball player, Irisa manager her brothers rock band.. When more trouble than good happens to them is their relationship worth fighting for?
Great blend of life throwing a million curveballs but love being their and worth fighting for
Captivated is an astoundingly brilliant masterpiece that highlights the very best aspects of love. There is nothing better than a story that makes you feel with every part of your heart and soul! Above all, this wonderfully breathtaking gift shows us that even when we least expect it, life can bring us the greatest treasure of all. Our job is to recognize it, hold it close, and treasure it all the days of our life.
Dom has run into some snags during Spring Training for which he hopes to keep off the radar for management. While he tries to lay low and behave, he meets his new neighbor, and suddenly he can’t think of a better way to distract himself from how own problems then to get to know her. Irisa has managed her brother’s band for years, and they slowly driven her to the brink of her sanity. With her nerves on edge, and their constant bickering, she can’t think of a better distraction then her devilishly handsome and kind neighbor Dom. She is his fantasy come to life and he is her knight in shining armor. Together, they find what they have wanted secretly for so long in the other, but making it a reality, as most everyone knows, could be next to impossible. Can they beat the odds and win the heart of the other, or will misunderstandings and mistakes tear them apart forever?
I had no idea what to expect when I started this book, but I was far from disappointed. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised, and blown away by the fantastic characters and the incredible storyline that I discovered. I couldn’t get over how much I fell in love with both Dom and Irisa as well as their friends and family. They were all absolutely stunning in how real they felt, and how I could easily relate to each of them. My heart literally hurt for Dom and Irisa at times, and I wasn’t sure I would be able to recover at one point. Becoming completely lost within the characters that I read about is the ultimate compliment that I can give an author, and I have only good things to say about this author!
Susan Scott Shelley is a beautiful treasure that I have been fortunate enough to find with the romance world. Her approach is very unassuming yet powerful, and her stories will quickly latch onto your heart in a very short period of time. Be prepared to feel in a big way and have your heart invaded by her extraordinary characters. Her stories will stay with you for a long time after you read the last word. That is the mark of a truly talented author!
3.5 Stars This was a nice, light and easy read from an author I have recently discovered. It provided me a break from the emotionally draining stories that I have found myself reading lately.
Captivated is about Domingo (Dom) Torres and Irisa Rastov. Dom is a professional baseball player who has spent most of his life trying to gain his father’s approval. However, no matter how hard he tried, it would appear that he could never please him. Irisa is the manager of a band named Fury and the sister of the lead guitarist. From the instant these two laid eyes on each other it was evident that there was a mutual attraction. Dom knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he wanted to get to know Irisa on a deeper level. Irisa on the other hand, despite her attraction to Dom, was wary of getting close based on her hurtful experience where past relationships were concerned
Irisa tried hard to fight her feelings; however, this only lasted for a time. As the story progresses, we see two people who inspite of their busy schedules and the memories of past hurt made the decision to follow their hearts. Little did they know that their blossoming romance would be put to the test by some unexpected and adverse events. Will they be able to conquer these adversities or will they allow these events to overcome them, preventing them from attaining their happily ever after?
When I chose to read this title, I had no idea what I would be getting myself into as this was my first experience with this author. Well, on completion I can safely say that this was a pleasant read and the romance was sweet. It was not cloyingly sweet, but had just the right blend of sweetness. The storyline, although not unique was interesting enough to get my attention and hold it to the end. The characters were interesting and real life. The author introduced us to characters that experience real life situations making them easy to relate to. I loved Irisa and Dom together. I thought they were great for each other and I could not help but root for them. I sincerely hoped that they would have the happiness that they both deserve.
Now that I have completed this title, I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Susan Scott Shelley's latest book in the Game of Love series captivates its audience with the lovable characters of Irisa Rostov and Domingo Torres. Irisa Rostov is the band manager for the multi-platinum band, The Fury, and sister to their lead singer. The highly stressful job of managing the band's activities becomes even more stressful when the band seems to be disconnecting with each other. Domingo "Dom" Torres also seems to have his share of problems. A fight during Spring Training lands him in hot water with the general manager and constant critique on his baseball plays from his father. Upon meeting each other, sparks fly and desire sizzles between the two. A look here and a touch there is all that is needed to convey their feelings for each other. Deciding to give this relationship a chance, both Irisa and Dom seem happier than normal. But then work comes in between them. Will they forego their relationship to keep their careers or will they manage to juggle both before irreparable damage is done to both their professional and personal lives?
Susan Scott Shelley's book had me captivated from page 1. The characters, Irisa and Dom, were absolutely adorable. Their vulnerabilities and strengths were well balanced and their character development throughout the story was written superbly. This is your typical 'boy meets girl and they fall in love' scenario, but the story is anything but typical. Shelley managed to convey the complex emotions and desires of each character, both main and secondary, with just the right amount of detail, allowing the reader to form a bond with the characters. The amount of sports jargon was also limited to popular phrases and words so that even those who are not sports inclined can follow the story without getting lost. If you love books in a series in which the extra characters in the book get their own book, then you'll love this series. I'm looking forward to the next book. Enjoy.
This was my first book by Susan and I really enjoyed it. This book is action packed from start to finish. Irisa and Dom have a very strong connection but just when things are going good… Bam trouble isn’t far behind.
Irisa is one of the sweetest girls I have read about in a long time. She would literally do anything from anyone. That girl put up with more drama throughout this book and held her head up high and never backed down. The band is always keeping her on her toes so when Dom comes out of nowhere Irisa is throw off for a bit. But Irisa has been done wrong in the past and she has a strong guard up against her heart and isn’t ready to let it down… not until Dom proves himself to her.
Domingo aka Dom is a hotheaded sexy alpha. I loved him from the minute he opened his mouth. He is super sweet with Irisa and I loved their connection. Dom isn’t the person everyone thinks he is and always ends up at the wrong place at the wrong time. But with Irisa guarding her heart do they even stand a chance?
There is a lot that takes places throughout this book. Irisa is dealing with the band and trying to hold them together. Dom is trying to stay out of trouble, which he is always finding himself in. These two can never catch a break. One minute they are doing good… then life throws them a curve ball every single time. I was pulling for these two from start to finish. I am actually hoping some of the secondary characters get a book. Can’t wait till the next one.
I really enjoyed this book, it’s a great mix of sports and rocker’s which I loved. Irisa is the manager of her brother’s rock band and it’s a daunting task. Her life revolves around the band and after being on tour and working for the last few years non-stop the tension is becoming unbearable between the band members. Irisa spends most of her time eating antacids because of all the stress. Finally receiving a few days off from the tour Irisa returns to her apartment and runs into Dominic Torres, centerfielder for the LA Riptides, their local baseball team. Dominic is everything a sexy baseball player should be and some. His life is baseball and his dog, Champ. Dom’s dealing with the stress of his father’s constant criticism, being out on the road all the time, and hateful player’s from rival teams and at he allows it to get the best of him at one of his game’s turning into an on-field fight between him and a player from another team. Irisa and Dom become each other’s stress relief, when they’re together they’re always happy. Until Irisa’s band problems get Dom in big trouble with his team and Irisa decides to remove herself from his life.
This was a really great read, I loved it! It has a little bit of everything from steamy romance to hot baseball players. I look forward to reading more from this author.
**Given a copy in exchange for an honest review!** Review by Lee'Ann
*****4.5 Stars***** Captivated is my first book by Susan Scott Shelley, and I truly enjoyed it.
Star center fielder for the Los Angeles Riptide, Domingo Torres, made a bad choice in reacting to another player during a spring training game. It ended in fists, and now management has ordered him to keep a low profile the rest of the season. Irisa Rostov's whole life has revolves around managing her brother's band. Now that they're famous, her responsibilities are even heavier, and she's ready to crack. It doesn't help that the band won't stop fighting amongst themselves, and about to self destruct. Getting distracted with romance is the last thing Dom nor Irisa needs at this time. However, when they meet for the first time, there's an instant connection that's making it impossible for them to stay away from each other.
This book combined two of my favorites things; sports and rock n roll, so I absolutely loved the story. The character development is great with awesome secondaries. Storyline is original, and flows well. Susan Scott Shelley's writing style is easy to read, and I was hooked from the beginning. I became completely immersed in the characters instantly, and loved them all. My one issue is that the ending seemed a bit rushed after all Dom and Irisa went through. All in all, it's a great book, and I can't wait to read more from this author!
I really enjoyed this book, it’s a great mix of sports and rocker’s which I loved. Irisa is the manager of her brother’s rock band and it’s a daunting task. Her life revolves around the band and after being on tour and working for the last few years non-stop the tension is becoming unbearable between the band members. Irisa spends most of her time eating antacids because of all the stress. Finally receiving a few days off from the tour Irisa returns to her apartment and runs into Dominic Torres, centerfielder for the LA Riptides, their local baseball team. Dominic is everything a sexy baseball player should be and some. His life is baseball and his dog, Champ. Dom’s dealing with the stress of his father’s constant criticism, being out on the road all the time, and hateful player’s from rival teams and at he allows it to get the best of him at one of his game’s turning into an on-field fight between him and a player from another team. Irisa and Dom become each other’s stress relief, when they’re together they’re always happy. Until Irisa’s band problems get Dom in big trouble with his team and Irisa decides to remove herself from his life.
This was a really great read, I loved it! It has a little bit of everything from steamy romance to hot baseball players. I look forward to reading more from this author.
**Given a copy in exchange for an honest review!**
Domingo Torres is a star baseball player who has found himself in trouble with his General Manager. However, his luck turns for the better when he meets his stunning new neighbor Irisa Rostov. Irisa has an exciting career herself. She is the manager of her brother's famous band. Sparks fly when the two meet, but will their lifestyles and careers get in the way of their blossoming romance?
Dom is more than a talented baseball player; he is sexy, down to earth, and just an all around good guy. Irisa is beautiful, smart, and dedicated; she feels the need to take total control where her job is concerned, and she wants to be nothing less than perfect. Both characters have been hurt in the past, and lately both their careers have taken some hard knocks.
I had fun reading this book. It was an easy read, and a sweet love story. I didn't know how I would feel about the book because I'm not a baseball fan, but if all baseball players are like Dom Torres I just found a new past time! Shelley didn't give this story a chance to lag, it was fast paced, dramatic, and the characters are relatable.
This is the first time I have read Shelley's work, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work soon.
Domingo "Dom" Torres played center field for the LA Riptides let a player on the other team push his buttons and he reacts by punching him. How he has been ordered to stay out of the spotlight for the season by management. Irisa Rostov is the manager of her brother Zander's rock band. Musicians that have problems staying out of trouble, stressing Irisa out to no end. Dom and Irisa meet when he is moving into her building. He is drawn to her and needs to find a way to meet up with her again. Seeing her in the bar in the building gives him a chance to get to know her. They both feel the attraction and as things heat up he becomes embroiled in the bands troubles and keeps him in the spotlight.
I loved the sexual tension between Dom and Irisa. It draws you in and you fall in love with both of them. Their personalities just make the story so much better. Irisa is sweet and easy to get along with. Dom is protective and will do anything for Irisa. No matter the price he has to pay. The book hooks you from the first page and I am looking forward to reading more in the series. I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love sports and anytime I can get a good sports romance, I’m on it. Susan Scott Shelley has managed to combine two romance subgenres into story with her latest, CAPTIVATED. The story follows Dom and Irisa, who meet by chance in the building where they live. Dom is a professional baseball player with anger, work, and family issues, Irisa manages a successful rock band and has work and family issues. Along the way they discover their biggest problem: they are nuts about each other.
There’s romance, rock and roll, and baseball, a seemingly unrelated grouping that Susan Scott Shelley makes work very well. There are more than your share of supporting characters but each fits into the weave of the story well without taking control. There’s just enough to titillate for future installments of the band and team’s stories. The plot moves smoothly as Irisa and Dom try to figure out how to make everything work. There’s even a dog to steal a scene or two!
It’s a book with just about everything and a great read!
This is a quick, fast paced read with lots of turmoil and drama. The characters are likable and their chemistry unmistakable. However, I felt some of their reactions were a bit over the top. I also felt their problems were solved too easily. I always enjoy a happily ever after that leaves me feeling good about the outcome. This story didn't do that for me.
ARC received from the author in exchange for an honest review.
*An ARC was provided in exchange of an honest review*
What a great read! I found this book both captivating (love the title by the way because it will have you captivated) and living the characters! I definitely can relate to Irisa & Dom in the sense of having no so great past relationships that cause you to be very wary of something new.