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Grand Valley #1
First Step Forward
Pro-football player Cooper Lowry is off the field and into some trouble—in the form of a very alluring, very free-spirited apple orchard owner named Whitney Reed—in the first installment in Liora Blake’s all new Grand Valley series.
After eight seasons playing pro-football, Cooper Lowry knows all the right answers.
Is he stubborn, short-tempered, and impatient? Yes . Are jersey chasers more trouble than they’re worth? Absolutely . Has he ever imagined a life beyond the game? Nope .
Cooper has built an enviable career—the result of staying focused, working hard, and keeping his head on straight—even as his body takes the brunt. So when a hard hit during a Sunday home game leaves him in a dazed heap on the field, it’s nothing more than another day at the office. The only thing that’s different about this Sunday is a chance encounter with a certain fascinating, beautiful free-spirited woman. And some sternly-worded instructions from his coach to take a little time off and give his body the TLC it craves—before he does lasting damage.
Whitney Reed is a few months away from losing the organic fruit orchard she bought three years ago in the tiny town of Hotchkiss, Colorado. At the time, she was just looking for a place to get lost. Instead, she found a home, somewhere she could finally put down roots. Now foreclosure is knocking on her door—along with a grumpy, gorgeous football player who might be just what she never knew she needed.
A charming love story for romance and sports fans alike, First Step Forward is a sexy, heartwarming romp perfect for readers of Jennifer Probst, Kristan Higgins, and Julie James.
After eight seasons playing pro-football, Cooper Lowry knows all the right answers.
Is he stubborn, short-tempered, and impatient? Yes . Are jersey chasers more trouble than they’re worth? Absolutely . Has he ever imagined a life beyond the game? Nope .
Cooper has built an enviable career—the result of staying focused, working hard, and keeping his head on straight—even as his body takes the brunt. So when a hard hit during a Sunday home game leaves him in a dazed heap on the field, it’s nothing more than another day at the office. The only thing that’s different about this Sunday is a chance encounter with a certain fascinating, beautiful free-spirited woman. And some sternly-worded instructions from his coach to take a little time off and give his body the TLC it craves—before he does lasting damage.
Whitney Reed is a few months away from losing the organic fruit orchard she bought three years ago in the tiny town of Hotchkiss, Colorado. At the time, she was just looking for a place to get lost. Instead, she found a home, somewhere she could finally put down roots. Now foreclosure is knocking on her door—along with a grumpy, gorgeous football player who might be just what she never knew she needed.
A charming love story for romance and sports fans alike, First Step Forward is a sexy, heartwarming romp perfect for readers of Jennifer Probst, Kristan Higgins, and Julie James.
358 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2016
18 people are currently reading
1165 people want to read
About the author
Liora Blake
14 books233 followersLiora is a contemporary romance author living in Colorado. She writes because it's what she's always wanted to do, she writes novels because she likes to tell the whole story, and she writes romance because a happily ever after is the best kind of story to tell.
Note: Liora is not active on social media and does not maintain an author website. And while she would like to claim that's because she's been busy doing Very Important Things, it's more likely that she's just watching Gilmore Girls again.
For rights inquiries, please contact The Bent Agency.
Note: Liora is not active on social media and does not maintain an author website. And while she would like to claim that's because she's been busy doing Very Important Things, it's more likely that she's just watching Gilmore Girls again.
For rights inquiries, please contact The Bent Agency.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
April 5, 2017
This unlikely duo clutched my heart and wouldn't let go.
Liora Blake’s writing has that elusive ‘it’ factor—that charm and charisma that manages to turn my insides to fairy dust*. I’m often awestruck by her wit and innate ability to create such lovable characters, all while spinning a story that feels sincere. Four books in and I have to wonder, how does she manage to pull it off each and every time?
This go-round, I found myself flying giddily through the pages, desperately consuming her words, leaving me completely lost to the world of adulting. Forgoing what I was supposed to get done, in favor of surrounding myself with two characters I couldn’t seem to get enough of and wallowing in all of their delicious possibility.
So, what does a hippy chasing her dream of being a successful organic apple farmer and a professional wide receiver have in common? A case of opposites attract, First Step Forward is riddled with great banter, straight shots of humor, scorching hotness, enviable intensity and that crucial component of any memorable story - emotional depth. Honestly, does it get any better than this?
When I wasn’t caught up in Whitney’s impending doom at losing her orchard to foreclosure or watching Cooper struggle with the reality that it might be time to retire his football jersey, I was waiting with bated breath for these two to see, that despite their differences, what they needed most was one other. That their connection was more than a few fleeting moments thrown together. Mixing Whitney’s quirkiness, Cooper’s grumpiness and their mutual stubbornness, makes for an interesting and wholly delectable recipe, that’s for sure. One I would personally order again and again.
“I was convinced that when you took your shirt off, I’d find a little blue thundercloud with raindrops, right here.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Like Grumpy Bear. The grouchy Care Bear.”
What strikes me, each and every time I pick up a book from Liora Blake, is how relatable her characters tend to be. Despite their fame, success, bank account balance or lack thereof, they all have heart and an intrinsic charm. It isn’t about ego or flaunting their status to get attention. There’s no sleeping around, over-the-top antics or the dreaded angsty-drama that plagues this genre. The focus of the story is always the genuine connection forged between the unlikely pair at the heart of the story and issues that feel reminiscent of many, here I go again with this word—relatable, relationship woes. Liora Blake doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to keep the plot moving or drag the reader through a tirade of breakups. She doesn’t need to. Instead, through Whitney and Cooper’s eyes, she delivers a sincere and heartfelt love story that’s incredibly addicting.
Have I mentioned Garrett, yet? Book two, Second Chance Season, is told from the adorable co-op employee’s perspective. Suffice it to say, I might have a little bit of a crush on the redneck . . . already.
(*I have to note, Whitney’s ‘fairy dust’ comment was just too great not to borrow.)
Liora Blake’s writing has that elusive ‘it’ factor—that charm and charisma that manages to turn my insides to fairy dust*. I’m often awestruck by her wit and innate ability to create such lovable characters, all while spinning a story that feels sincere. Four books in and I have to wonder, how does she manage to pull it off each and every time?
This go-round, I found myself flying giddily through the pages, desperately consuming her words, leaving me completely lost to the world of adulting. Forgoing what I was supposed to get done, in favor of surrounding myself with two characters I couldn’t seem to get enough of and wallowing in all of their delicious possibility.
So, what does a hippy chasing her dream of being a successful organic apple farmer and a professional wide receiver have in common? A case of opposites attract, First Step Forward is riddled with great banter, straight shots of humor, scorching hotness, enviable intensity and that crucial component of any memorable story - emotional depth. Honestly, does it get any better than this?
When I wasn’t caught up in Whitney’s impending doom at losing her orchard to foreclosure or watching Cooper struggle with the reality that it might be time to retire his football jersey, I was waiting with bated breath for these two to see, that despite their differences, what they needed most was one other. That their connection was more than a few fleeting moments thrown together. Mixing Whitney’s quirkiness, Cooper’s grumpiness and their mutual stubbornness, makes for an interesting and wholly delectable recipe, that’s for sure. One I would personally order again and again.
“I was convinced that when you took your shirt off, I’d find a little blue thundercloud with raindrops, right here.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
“Like Grumpy Bear. The grouchy Care Bear.”
What strikes me, each and every time I pick up a book from Liora Blake, is how relatable her characters tend to be. Despite their fame, success, bank account balance or lack thereof, they all have heart and an intrinsic charm. It isn’t about ego or flaunting their status to get attention. There’s no sleeping around, over-the-top antics or the dreaded angsty-drama that plagues this genre. The focus of the story is always the genuine connection forged between the unlikely pair at the heart of the story and issues that feel reminiscent of many, here I go again with this word—relatable, relationship woes. Liora Blake doesn’t rely on unnecessary drama to keep the plot moving or drag the reader through a tirade of breakups. She doesn’t need to. Instead, through Whitney and Cooper’s eyes, she delivers a sincere and heartfelt love story that’s incredibly addicting.
Have I mentioned Garrett, yet? Book two, Second Chance Season, is told from the adorable co-op employee’s perspective. Suffice it to say, I might have a little bit of a crush on the redneck . . . already.
(*I have to note, Whitney’s ‘fairy dust’ comment was just too great not to borrow.)
October 16, 2016
Oh what an amazingly sweet and endearing read. From one of my favorite authors comes the first in a new series entitled Grand Valley. I honestly have a big smile plastered on my face after finishing this. I’m not even sure where to begin, I just wanna hug somebody and go get apples to make apple butter and chutney.
Okay, so – a chance meeting in a pharmacy leads to a crazy exchange of information and an even crazier connection. Pro football player Cooper Lowry is having some health issues in a profession that tends to have an early retirement age. He feels a need to find some direction and clarity in his world of grid iron craziness.
Whitney Reed has sunk all she has into an organic apple orchard. Seasons and harvests can be a precarious business and one bad season can end it all for her. She is struggling and doing all she can to figure out a plan to keep what she has worked so hard to get, but now her plans are a bit rattled when in walks a wonderful mess of a man that gives her pause. He needs to get away and reassess his life, and apparently he’s decided the place he wants to do it is on her apple farm. As if her life isn’t complicated enough right now. GAH! I loved it!
It’s a sweet read with a tarty bite of flirty fun. I can’t recommend it enough.
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Book Babblers
Okay, so – a chance meeting in a pharmacy leads to a crazy exchange of information and an even crazier connection. Pro football player Cooper Lowry is having some health issues in a profession that tends to have an early retirement age. He feels a need to find some direction and clarity in his world of grid iron craziness.
Whitney Reed has sunk all she has into an organic apple orchard. Seasons and harvests can be a precarious business and one bad season can end it all for her. She is struggling and doing all she can to figure out a plan to keep what she has worked so hard to get, but now her plans are a bit rattled when in walks a wonderful mess of a man that gives her pause. He needs to get away and reassess his life, and apparently he’s decided the place he wants to do it is on her apple farm. As if her life isn’t complicated enough right now. GAH! I loved it!
It’s a sweet read with a tarty bite of flirty fun. I can’t recommend it enough.
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April 12, 2017
Realistic dialogue and witty banter. Fantastic couple I fell in love with. Smoking hot chemistry. No cheesiness. This was my perfect kind of romance. I'm definitely a new fan of this author!
November 20, 2016
I loved the premise of this, so I was quite eager to get to reading it.
I loved Whitney and Cooper. Sure, she's a little too hippie and lecturing about the environment and he's a little too cocky and "I know best", but they truly work. I loved their banter and chemistry; plus there were loads of sweet moments. Bonus points for the conflict coming from outside sources and not from stupid miscommunication.
The angst was minimal and the ending was adorable. I wish there would have been an epilogue, but I loved what happened. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Books and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Whitney and Cooper. Sure, she's a little too hippie and lecturing about the environment and he's a little too cocky and "I know best", but they truly work. I loved their banter and chemistry; plus there were loads of sweet moments. Bonus points for the conflict coming from outside sources and not from stupid miscommunication.
The angst was minimal and the ending was adorable. I wish there would have been an epilogue, but I loved what happened. I'll definitely be reading the next in the series.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Books and NetGalley for providing the arc free of charge**
December 8, 2016
Favorite Quote: Fucking Hugh Grant movies. They're like the earworms of romantic comedies. I'm stuck in a place, half-hard, and all I can think is: I'm just a boy, standing in front of a girl, asking her to do something, anything, to make his cock stop hurting.
Seriously. Fuck off, Hugh Grant.
Cooper Lowry is a wide receiver for an NFL team in Denver. When he suffers a concussion after a big hit in a game, his trainer pleads with him to take a few days off and recover. Cooper is stubborn and would rather suck it up, than take a day off, but when he wakes us with his head pounding out of his skull, he realizes he may not be able to practice. Shuffling to the drug store to get some epsom salts, he runs into a woman wearing her pajamas.
After Whitney's dad died, she spontaneously bought a run-down orchard, with big dreams of fixing up the place and growing a ton of fruit. But with a bad winter, and a late frost, her fruit harvest is barely existent. Running into bill after bill, with no end in sight, she heads to the city to get a loan - but she gets denied. It's while she is here, she runs to the drugstore in her PJ's (it's right next door to the hotel she is staying in) and she meets Mr. Sexy football player. The next morning they meet again, and Cooper finds out what town her orchard is in. When his trainer tells him to spend a few quiet days to recover, Cooper decides to hunt down the sexy woman he met in the drug store and shows up at her house uninvited. (that sounds creepy but it's not in the book!)
A while ago I read Blake's, True series and it was good. I was excited to see she is starting something new and I really enjoyed this book. Good chemistry, super sexy, good banter and just a fun story. Cooper is a NFL player and he really felt like one. We get to see him play in some games and meet some of his teammates. I think he has been in the NFL for eight years, which is a long time for that profession. He is a little more on the bad-tempered side and can be a little stubborn and impatient - but who wants a perfect hero? He gets mad when he gets hurt, and is always living life on 100% full throttle ahead.
All Whitney wants to do is grow fruit and sell it. Simple really - but her orchard is a lot of work and when the weather doesn't cooperate, it's hard. She is so cute - a little unorganized in life in general. Hard worker but with bills piling up, she just can't dig her way out. This all leads to Cooper offering a loan, something Whitney does not want from him. Grumpiness from both sides ensue.
This book also has great sexual tension:
Voice lowered, she leans even closer.
"If you want me, Cooper, I'm right here. All you have to do is come get me."
Ah, Christ.
Fuck it.
Fuck waiting. Fuck savoring. Fuck relishing.
One rough yank and I've got her right on the edge of the dresser, off balance so she has to grab my shoulders. I press the tip to her opening and try not to pound right in on the first stroke.
A fun, sexy contemporary. I can't wait for another one.
Grade: B+
Seriously. Fuck off, Hugh Grant.
Cooper Lowry is a wide receiver for an NFL team in Denver. When he suffers a concussion after a big hit in a game, his trainer pleads with him to take a few days off and recover. Cooper is stubborn and would rather suck it up, than take a day off, but when he wakes us with his head pounding out of his skull, he realizes he may not be able to practice. Shuffling to the drug store to get some epsom salts, he runs into a woman wearing her pajamas.
After Whitney's dad died, she spontaneously bought a run-down orchard, with big dreams of fixing up the place and growing a ton of fruit. But with a bad winter, and a late frost, her fruit harvest is barely existent. Running into bill after bill, with no end in sight, she heads to the city to get a loan - but she gets denied. It's while she is here, she runs to the drugstore in her PJ's (it's right next door to the hotel she is staying in) and she meets Mr. Sexy football player. The next morning they meet again, and Cooper finds out what town her orchard is in. When his trainer tells him to spend a few quiet days to recover, Cooper decides to hunt down the sexy woman he met in the drug store and shows up at her house uninvited. (that sounds creepy but it's not in the book!)
A while ago I read Blake's, True series and it was good. I was excited to see she is starting something new and I really enjoyed this book. Good chemistry, super sexy, good banter and just a fun story. Cooper is a NFL player and he really felt like one. We get to see him play in some games and meet some of his teammates. I think he has been in the NFL for eight years, which is a long time for that profession. He is a little more on the bad-tempered side and can be a little stubborn and impatient - but who wants a perfect hero? He gets mad when he gets hurt, and is always living life on 100% full throttle ahead.
All Whitney wants to do is grow fruit and sell it. Simple really - but her orchard is a lot of work and when the weather doesn't cooperate, it's hard. She is so cute - a little unorganized in life in general. Hard worker but with bills piling up, she just can't dig her way out. This all leads to Cooper offering a loan, something Whitney does not want from him. Grumpiness from both sides ensue.
This book also has great sexual tension:
Voice lowered, she leans even closer.
"If you want me, Cooper, I'm right here. All you have to do is come get me."
Ah, Christ.
Fuck it.
Fuck waiting. Fuck savoring. Fuck relishing.
One rough yank and I've got her right on the edge of the dresser, off balance so she has to grab my shoulders. I press the tip to her opening and try not to pound right in on the first stroke.
A fun, sexy contemporary. I can't wait for another one.
Grade: B+
November 12, 2016
I love this book so much!! AGH! I’m gonna gush for a little while so be prepared.
This book is so very different than just a sports romance. The characters are quirky and fun with loads of anticipation and heat buildup. With delightful doses of humor, flirty banter, in-depth emotion, and insightful detail that truly makes this a must-read!
The amount of description that the author puts into this book makes a difference in how you read and appreciate the story. Told from two points of view, both Cooper’s and Whitney’s, you get an in-depth look at how this perfect romance develops just from a single look and casual meeting.
Hot and so steamy, this seriously is one book I hated to put down and I definitely hate it that it ended. It is so full of emotion and their personal thoughts and feelings, you just get sucked into the story and never want to let go. SOOOO Good!
Liora Blake is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I am looking forward to more from the series, especially if they’re written in the same strain.
Full review on http://amidlifewife.com/first-step-fo...
This book is so very different than just a sports romance. The characters are quirky and fun with loads of anticipation and heat buildup. With delightful doses of humor, flirty banter, in-depth emotion, and insightful detail that truly makes this a must-read!
The amount of description that the author puts into this book makes a difference in how you read and appreciate the story. Told from two points of view, both Cooper’s and Whitney’s, you get an in-depth look at how this perfect romance develops just from a single look and casual meeting.
Hot and so steamy, this seriously is one book I hated to put down and I definitely hate it that it ended. It is so full of emotion and their personal thoughts and feelings, you just get sucked into the story and never want to let go. SOOOO Good!
Liora Blake is quickly becoming one of my favorites and I am looking forward to more from the series, especially if they’re written in the same strain.
Full review on http://amidlifewife.com/first-step-fo...
November 28, 2016
Liora Blake blew me away with First Step Forward. I've been a fan of hers since the first moment I read True North which was fantastic. Her whole True series is awesome. It was a no-brainer for me to jump at the chance to start another novel by her.
As with True North, First Step Forward has an unlikely couple as the main characters.
What do a jock and Treehugger have in common?
At first glance, you'll say nothing and be completely wrong. I have no idea how Liora Blake comes out with her characters but I hope she never changes it. The chemistry between them is always there. The reader knows this couple is meant to be and there's nothing that can change that.
Whitney Reed is about to lose her apple orchard. She has been the owner of the Delaney Creek Orchards for the last three years. She bought the property after her father passed away. Unfortunately, mother nature has not been nice lately and she lost most of her apples to the weather. Whitney knows she's running out of time and she goes to the city in search of a bank loan. A chance encounter with Cooper makes her forget about her problems for the time being.
Cooper Lowry is a star football player. He has been doing it for almost a decade. He's good at it and the rest of the team respects him. After a bad hit during the last game, he develops a horrible headache/concussion and he goes to the store in search of bath salts. His body is in pain and his mind is muddled. The last thing he was expecting is the help of a beautiful woman in pj's and socks.
I love books that when I finish reading them leave a smile on my face or a sigh escapes me. This is exactly what happened with this novel. I love both characters.
At times, Whitney was crazy treehugger and a second later she would be in love with a diesel car as long as it provided heated seats (I understand, I love them too). She was a breath of fresh air. She was patient with Cooper and called him on his grumpiness.
I love that Cooper wasn't good at lying. He was a straight-forward kind of guy. No need to hide it. He had a reputation of quiet, stubborn and grumpy but he was also sweet, very lovable throughout the book.
There were some great secondary characters and I'm hopeful Tanner and Garrett get their own books too.
Cliffhanger: No
5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pocket books via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
MrsLeif's Two Fangs About It | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
November 10, 2016
This is the first time I have read this author, and I loved it! The nutty, granola crunching dirt dweller with a heart of gold and the bad ass, grumpy, hot as hell football star. Worlds collide and the smell of Hawaiian Tropics changes Cooper's whole outlook on what's important. I loved the slow build of friendship and love, the banter, ying and yang of their two worlds coming together and making one. Not use to someone not knowing who he is, or wanting more than he give is a whole new thing for Cooper, while letting someone help her and being a part of something bigger is a totally foreign concept for Whitney.
Wanting only the what is best for each other made this a simple love story to fall head over heels for. The realness of a dirt dwelling, namaste hippy and the truth telling of a hunk pro athlete with lots of everything, made this such an easy read for me to connect with. I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series. Cute, light, fun read with just the right amount of angst, I also feel like I can farm organically with the best of them now.
**arc received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review from http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls ** Thank you
Wanting only the what is best for each other made this a simple love story to fall head over heels for. The realness of a dirt dwelling, namaste hippy and the truth telling of a hunk pro athlete with lots of everything, made this such an easy read for me to connect with. I will definitely be reading more from this author and this series. Cute, light, fun read with just the right amount of angst, I also feel like I can farm organically with the best of them now.
**arc received from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review from http://www.facebook.com/twounrulygirls ** Thank you
dnf
September 20, 2017DNF @ 11%.
The blonde ending up in my bed last night was Whitney’s fault. Really, it was. There wasn’t a single other reasonable explanation as to why I let a girl who would not shut up come home with me.
This rationale will make sense to only forty-nine percent of the population. Because a woman, no matter how hot she is for one specific man she can’t have, will not take another replacement home with her just to take the edge off. Women don’t think like that. But with men, our decision-making skills are often driven by irrational dick-based instincts. It’s stupid. We know it, you know it, but there’s the truth of it.
Why exactly does some authors think this is the kind of heroes we would like?? I do not want to read about a guy (someone I should be rooting for and liking) sleeping with another woman as a substitute to the heroine, while thinking about the heroine and still giving the other woman two orgasms. And it’s sad because until this part I was liking the book :-(. This is my first book by this author and I won’t be reading her again.
August 25, 2018
Read this book, the main characters are funny, likeable, committed to each other and to the things that they absolutely love.
Cooper is a football player and he's in dilemma, whether to keep on playing or to retire. Whitney,our heroine, buys and runs an orchard, using the money that she received from her dad's death. She's facing financial problems managing the Orchard but she didn't not roll over and let anyone walk all over her, she fights till there aren't any punches more to throw. Cooper and Whitney despite their many differences are really great, they are absolutely non nauseating sweet to one another and there are plenty of scenes of them together.
I can't choose who I like more as Cooper and Whitney are an unforgettable couple and I totally <3 them.
Cooper is a football player and he's in dilemma, whether to keep on playing or to retire. Whitney,our heroine, buys and runs an orchard, using the money that she received from her dad's death. She's facing financial problems managing the Orchard but she didn't not roll over and let anyone walk all over her, she fights till there aren't any punches more to throw. Cooper and Whitney despite their many differences are really great, they are absolutely non nauseating sweet to one another and there are plenty of scenes of them together.
I can't choose who I like more as Cooper and Whitney are an unforgettable couple and I totally <3 them.
June 21, 2017
Fantastic! One of the best books I've read this year!
If you are looking for a witty and romantic book with very little drama, a well developed, fun & sexy relationship, and light on the angst, this book is for you. I absolutely adored Whitney and Cooper's story. Whitney is a hippie and Cooper is a football player - these two are SO GOOD together. LOVED!
Looking forward to reading more from this series.
If you are looking for a witty and romantic book with very little drama, a well developed, fun & sexy relationship, and light on the angst, this book is for you. I absolutely adored Whitney and Cooper's story. Whitney is a hippie and Cooper is a football player - these two are SO GOOD together. LOVED!
Looking forward to reading more from this series.
September 18, 2017
5 Sterne
In meinem Kopf sprudelt es nur so vor Gedanken zu dem Buch! Ich habe bereits viele New Adult Bücher gelesen und hatte ehrlich gesagt keine hohen Erwartungen. Und doch wurde ich positiv überrascht. Es ist da erste New Adult Buch, in dem mir die Protagonisten in Bezug auf ihr Handeln nicht naiv und dumm vorkamen.
Whitney und Cooper waren im Umgang miteinander sehr respektvoll. Zudem stechen die beiden mit ihrem Charakter heraus. Whitney kümmert sich liebevoll und mit absoluter Hingebung um die Obstplantage ihres verstorbenen Vaters, die kurz vor dem Ruin steht. Sie gibt sich mit den kleinen Dingen im Leben sehr zufrieden. Sie trägt einen Nasenring und einen Zehenring. Das unterscheidet Whitney äußerlich wohl von anderen Frauen aus New Adult Büchern. Cooper dagegen lebt für Football. Und obwohl er damit gutes Geld verdient, lebt er nicht übermäßig im Protz. Kurz gesagt: er ist am Boden geblieben und hat das Herz trotz Geld und Erfolg am rechten Fleck. Bettszenen gab es natürlich auch. Diese wurden jedoch an den richtigen Stellen eingesetzt, was mir gut gefallen hat. Außerdem habe ich mit Whitney förmlich mitgefiebert, die alles tut, um ihre Apfelplantage zu retten.
Natürlich war das Buch in gewisser Weise vorausschauend. Welches New Adult Buch ist das nicht? Ich wusste ab einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt, wie die Geschichte ausgehen wird. Mir hat der besondere Charme von "Fair Catch" gefallen: sympathische Protagonisten, die sich wunderbar ergänzen. Keine teuren Geschenke. Stattdessen ein Eichhörnchen Pyjama. Eine tolle Kulisse rund um die Apfelplantage in Colorado bzw. mitten in Denver. Kein übermäßiger Sex, sondern gut gewählte Bettszenen. Das schafft nicht jedes New Adult Buch, weshalb ich mich dafür entschieden habe, volle 5 Sterne zu vergeben. Letztendlich hebt sich "Fair Catch" einfach klasse von der Masse ab. Einzig das Thema Football mochte ich selbst nicht so sehr. Dies hat der Story jedoch keinen Abbruch getan und ist schlichtweg Geschmackssache.
In meinem Kopf sprudelt es nur so vor Gedanken zu dem Buch! Ich habe bereits viele New Adult Bücher gelesen und hatte ehrlich gesagt keine hohen Erwartungen. Und doch wurde ich positiv überrascht. Es ist da erste New Adult Buch, in dem mir die Protagonisten in Bezug auf ihr Handeln nicht naiv und dumm vorkamen.
Whitney und Cooper waren im Umgang miteinander sehr respektvoll. Zudem stechen die beiden mit ihrem Charakter heraus. Whitney kümmert sich liebevoll und mit absoluter Hingebung um die Obstplantage ihres verstorbenen Vaters, die kurz vor dem Ruin steht. Sie gibt sich mit den kleinen Dingen im Leben sehr zufrieden. Sie trägt einen Nasenring und einen Zehenring. Das unterscheidet Whitney äußerlich wohl von anderen Frauen aus New Adult Büchern. Cooper dagegen lebt für Football. Und obwohl er damit gutes Geld verdient, lebt er nicht übermäßig im Protz. Kurz gesagt: er ist am Boden geblieben und hat das Herz trotz Geld und Erfolg am rechten Fleck. Bettszenen gab es natürlich auch. Diese wurden jedoch an den richtigen Stellen eingesetzt, was mir gut gefallen hat. Außerdem habe ich mit Whitney förmlich mitgefiebert, die alles tut, um ihre Apfelplantage zu retten.
Natürlich war das Buch in gewisser Weise vorausschauend. Welches New Adult Buch ist das nicht? Ich wusste ab einem bestimmten Zeitpunkt, wie die Geschichte ausgehen wird. Mir hat der besondere Charme von "Fair Catch" gefallen: sympathische Protagonisten, die sich wunderbar ergänzen. Keine teuren Geschenke. Stattdessen ein Eichhörnchen Pyjama. Eine tolle Kulisse rund um die Apfelplantage in Colorado bzw. mitten in Denver. Kein übermäßiger Sex, sondern gut gewählte Bettszenen. Das schafft nicht jedes New Adult Buch, weshalb ich mich dafür entschieden habe, volle 5 Sterne zu vergeben. Letztendlich hebt sich "Fair Catch" einfach klasse von der Masse ab. Einzig das Thema Football mochte ich selbst nicht so sehr. Dies hat der Story jedoch keinen Abbruch getan und ist schlichtweg Geschmackssache.
November 29, 2016
Not going to lie, First Step Forward snuck up on me. I picked this book up expecting to be able to read a few chapters while I carried on with my day. Ahhhhhh, that was a big, fat no. This story and its characters were magnetic and with each turn of the page I was done for. Unfortunately, so was my to do list. #sorrynotsorry
Where do I start? There are so many wonderful things about First Step Forward, I am afraid of missing something. This book is funny, sweet, smart and sexy. Being inside the heads of these two characters as they navigate the challenges in their own lives while moving toward each other is pure joy. Liora Blake’s work is new to me and it makes me a little sad that I have been missing out, because I am a little in awe of her. (And by a little, I mean – OH. WOW.) This book is so perfect --- I need more. Her True series is now most definitely high up on my must-click list.
That joy I mentioned? It is all because of Whitney Reed and Cooper Lowry. At first glance, they were complete opposites, but their hearts were the perfect match. It was fun to be in their company and have front row seats as they fell helplessly for each other. But even more so, it was beyond a heart-eyes kind of fall – it was the understanding and the respect for who the other was outside their bubble, that really brought this story home for me.
Also, woven into First Step Forward, was Hotchkiss, Colorado. This town became more than a place on the map, it is an agri-community that looks out for its own. This town serves as reminder that no matter life’s challenges, there are places that offer soft landings.
First Step Forward has a completely stolen my heart. Page to page, it is beyond delightful. Get your hands on the book and simply revel in it. Enjoy!
Where do I start? There are so many wonderful things about First Step Forward, I am afraid of missing something. This book is funny, sweet, smart and sexy. Being inside the heads of these two characters as they navigate the challenges in their own lives while moving toward each other is pure joy. Liora Blake’s work is new to me and it makes me a little sad that I have been missing out, because I am a little in awe of her. (And by a little, I mean – OH. WOW.) This book is so perfect --- I need more. Her True series is now most definitely high up on my must-click list.
That joy I mentioned? It is all because of Whitney Reed and Cooper Lowry. At first glance, they were complete opposites, but their hearts were the perfect match. It was fun to be in their company and have front row seats as they fell helplessly for each other. But even more so, it was beyond a heart-eyes kind of fall – it was the understanding and the respect for who the other was outside their bubble, that really brought this story home for me.
Also, woven into First Step Forward, was Hotchkiss, Colorado. This town became more than a place on the map, it is an agri-community that looks out for its own. This town serves as reminder that no matter life’s challenges, there are places that offer soft landings.
First Step Forward has a completely stolen my heart. Page to page, it is beyond delightful. Get your hands on the book and simply revel in it. Enjoy!
December 30, 2016
So I gotta say, Cooper made this book. He was one of the best male hero's I've read. His inner thoughts and things he said, they were just total "guy" and I loved it. What bothered me a little was Whitney. She was funny and not as granola as I feared in the beginning. But she was just too stubborn and prideful. It was to the point of being obnoxious. I felt her lack of communication to Cooper at the end about her situation was annoying and I felt there needed to be some groveling or like a grand gesture or something. She was let off the hook too easily. I liked this book, but I LOVED Cooper. I'll definitely read more in this series.
April 10, 2023
DNF
I've been dedicating myself the whole morning and part of the afternoon to this book but I'm not interested in reading anymore. The idea is actually excellent - probably why I added it - but I just can't seem to connect with the characters. Their thoughts and actions feel very childish, in the sense they seem to only think about certain things when others are clearly more important. I prefer to go and read about other characters instead.
I've been dedicating myself the whole morning and part of the afternoon to this book but I'm not interested in reading anymore. The idea is actually excellent - probably why I added it - but I just can't seem to connect with the characters. Their thoughts and actions feel very childish, in the sense they seem to only think about certain things when others are clearly more important. I prefer to go and read about other characters instead.
![Profile Image for Tina [kupfermuenze].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1735673938i%2F63316474._UY200_CR20%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
October 6, 2017
Der Anfang der Geschichte hat es mir nicht leicht gemacht. Irgendwie bin ich nicht in einen Lesefluss gekommen und auch die ersten Einblicke in die Story konnten mich nicht 'catchen'.. Die Geschichte hat sich relativ gut entwickelt. Das Ende war leider auch vorhersehbar. Alles in allem gebe ich dem Buch 3 Sterne, was immernoch zeigt, das hier ein gutes Buch vorliegt.
November 29, 2016
TJ and Carmela really loved this one. 4.5 stars! Follow this link to their full review:
http://bit.ly/2fxOiNH
http://bit.ly/2fxOiNH
November 30, 2016
First Step Forward was a feel-good romance that reminded me why I love this genre so much. I think I read the entire book with a smile on my face!
Whitney was a surprise, showing up without warning, without any intention on my part. I wasn’t looking for anyone. I certainly wasn’t looking for her.
Whitney is a self-proclaimed tree-hugging hippie, and proud apple orchard owner, and Cooper is the Cooper Lowry: professional footballer and hometown star of the Denver team.
This unlikely pairing worked from their very first late-night chance encounter, back when they were just “Miss Hawaiian Tropic” and “Salt Guy” to the very last page. I loved their story, and I didn’t want it to end!
From beginning to end, this beautiful story was packed full of heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking moments. It was a slow burn love that followed as Cooper and Whitney progressed from friends, to lovers and finally to soulmates.
“I’ve spent most of my life doing one thing, given it everything I had in me. I’m hardwired for that kind of focus. So, whatever comes next?” Cooper blinks once, looks over my shoulder at nothing. “It has to be forever.”
While, Cooper is a professional footballer, I wouldn’t class this as a sports romance. The story was light on the sports and heavy on the feels.
If you like your romance with a little sass, snark , quick-witted one liners and some seriously swoon-worthy moments, then First Step Forward is just the book you didn’t even know you were looking for. ~ Tamara, 5 Stars
Whitney was a surprise, showing up without warning, without any intention on my part. I wasn’t looking for anyone. I certainly wasn’t looking for her.
Whitney is a self-proclaimed tree-hugging hippie, and proud apple orchard owner, and Cooper is the Cooper Lowry: professional footballer and hometown star of the Denver team.
This unlikely pairing worked from their very first late-night chance encounter, back when they were just “Miss Hawaiian Tropic” and “Salt Guy” to the very last page. I loved their story, and I didn’t want it to end!
From beginning to end, this beautiful story was packed full of heartwarming and sometimes heartbreaking moments. It was a slow burn love that followed as Cooper and Whitney progressed from friends, to lovers and finally to soulmates.
“I’ve spent most of my life doing one thing, given it everything I had in me. I’m hardwired for that kind of focus. So, whatever comes next?” Cooper blinks once, looks over my shoulder at nothing. “It has to be forever.”
While, Cooper is a professional footballer, I wouldn’t class this as a sports romance. The story was light on the sports and heavy on the feels.
If you like your romance with a little sass, snark , quick-witted one liners and some seriously swoon-worthy moments, then First Step Forward is just the book you didn’t even know you were looking for. ~ Tamara, 5 Stars
August 30, 2017
Der Klappentext mit seinem ungleichen Paar hatte mich direkt angesprochen und ich war sehr gespannt auf die Geschichte von Cooper und Whitney.
Der Beginn war auch gleich sehr interessant mit der ungewöhnlichen Begegnung von Cooper und Whitney. Ich fand die beiden Welten, aus denen die beiden stammen, sehr interessant: er der erfolgreiche Footballspieler und sie, die mit ihrer Obstplantage ums Überleben kämpft.
Insgesamt war das Setting für mich sehr gelungen, besonders die Plantage von Whitney war mal ein etwas anderes Umfeld.
Ich fand es realistisch dargestellt wie sich die beiden angenähert haben und nicht alles so plötzlich passierte. Auch die Geschichte um die beiden drumherum fand ich sehr interessant.
Einiges war natürlich sehr vorhersehbar, aber das hat mich nicht wirklich gestört. Die Geschichte konnte mich gut unterhalten und Cooper und Whitney waren mir sehr sympathisch.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist flüssig und angenehm zu lesen.
Ich bin nun sehr gespannt auf die Geschichte von Garrett, den wir bereits in diesem Buch kennengelernt haben.
Der Beginn war auch gleich sehr interessant mit der ungewöhnlichen Begegnung von Cooper und Whitney. Ich fand die beiden Welten, aus denen die beiden stammen, sehr interessant: er der erfolgreiche Footballspieler und sie, die mit ihrer Obstplantage ums Überleben kämpft.
Insgesamt war das Setting für mich sehr gelungen, besonders die Plantage von Whitney war mal ein etwas anderes Umfeld.
Ich fand es realistisch dargestellt wie sich die beiden angenähert haben und nicht alles so plötzlich passierte. Auch die Geschichte um die beiden drumherum fand ich sehr interessant.
Einiges war natürlich sehr vorhersehbar, aber das hat mich nicht wirklich gestört. Die Geschichte konnte mich gut unterhalten und Cooper und Whitney waren mir sehr sympathisch.
Der Schreibstil der Autorin ist flüssig und angenehm zu lesen.
Ich bin nun sehr gespannt auf die Geschichte von Garrett, den wir bereits in diesem Buch kennengelernt haben.
Read
February 5, 2017DNF at 30%
Как-то не складывается у меня с ЛР от первого мужского лица. А тут еще и чередуется герой/героиня, но автор такая девочка-девочка, что они почти неразличимы. Еще и настоящее время. Еще и юмор не смешной. Еще и спортивные подробности не захватывающие, а нудные. В общем, как-то... не удалось.
Как-то не складывается у меня с ЛР от первого мужского лица. А тут еще и чередуется герой/героиня, но автор такая девочка-девочка, что они почти неразличимы. Еще и настоящее время. Еще и юмор не смешной. Еще и спортивные подробности не захватывающие, а нудные. В общем, как-то... не удалось.
November 23, 2016
What a fantastic way to kick off a new series! I LOVED Cooper and Whitney's unconventional and quirky love story!
*** Full review over @Literati_Lit on release day
*** Full review over @Literati_Lit on release day
June 18, 2018
A worthy read.
September 6, 2017
Süße Romanze mit viel Humor
Das Cover hat mich ja schon ein wenig auf das Buch aufmerksam gemacht und dabei auch schon halbwegs angedeutet, um welche Art von Buch es sich handeln könnte. Der Klappentext und die Leseprobe haben dann ihr übriges getan und ich wusste, dass ich dieses Buch lesen "musste". Ich wurde auch nicht enttäuscht. Das ist das erste Buch dieser Autorin, das ich gelesen habe und ich muss sagen, mir gefällt ihr Stil, ihre Schreibweise und auch die Charaktere und die Welt, die sie erschaffen hat. Man liest sich wirklich sehr schnell ein und lässt sich so sehr vom Lesefluss und den angenehmen Protagonisten mitreißen, dass man erst zu spät merkt, dass man gerade die letzte Seite gelesen hat.
Die Protagonisten sind, wie bereits erwähnt, sehr angenehm, sympathisch und man muss sie einfach lieben. Cooper ist einmalig, ein großer, mürrischer Brummbär, den man einfach knuddeln und anschmachten möchte. Whitney passt da als Konterpart perfekt zu ihm. Sie hat ihren eigenen Kopf und ist nicht so ein Schicki-Micki-Mädel, mit dem Coop sich sonst rumschlagen muss. Man kann also sagen, es ist mal eine erfrischende Abwechslung für ihn, wenn er Whitney begegnet und merkt, dass er mehr will. Ihre Dynamik zusammen ist großartig und ich wollte einfach nur immer mehr lesen von den beiden. Man spürt das Knistern und die aufgeladene Energie zwischen ihnen schon beim Lesen.
Wer also eine romantische Story mit viel (sarkastischem) Humor sucht und heißer Leidenschaft, ist hier genau richtig. Ich kann Fair Catch sehr empfehlen und freue mich schon, mehr von dieser Autorin zu entdecken.
Das Cover hat mich ja schon ein wenig auf das Buch aufmerksam gemacht und dabei auch schon halbwegs angedeutet, um welche Art von Buch es sich handeln könnte. Der Klappentext und die Leseprobe haben dann ihr übriges getan und ich wusste, dass ich dieses Buch lesen "musste". Ich wurde auch nicht enttäuscht. Das ist das erste Buch dieser Autorin, das ich gelesen habe und ich muss sagen, mir gefällt ihr Stil, ihre Schreibweise und auch die Charaktere und die Welt, die sie erschaffen hat. Man liest sich wirklich sehr schnell ein und lässt sich so sehr vom Lesefluss und den angenehmen Protagonisten mitreißen, dass man erst zu spät merkt, dass man gerade die letzte Seite gelesen hat.
Die Protagonisten sind, wie bereits erwähnt, sehr angenehm, sympathisch und man muss sie einfach lieben. Cooper ist einmalig, ein großer, mürrischer Brummbär, den man einfach knuddeln und anschmachten möchte. Whitney passt da als Konterpart perfekt zu ihm. Sie hat ihren eigenen Kopf und ist nicht so ein Schicki-Micki-Mädel, mit dem Coop sich sonst rumschlagen muss. Man kann also sagen, es ist mal eine erfrischende Abwechslung für ihn, wenn er Whitney begegnet und merkt, dass er mehr will. Ihre Dynamik zusammen ist großartig und ich wollte einfach nur immer mehr lesen von den beiden. Man spürt das Knistern und die aufgeladene Energie zwischen ihnen schon beim Lesen.
Wer also eine romantische Story mit viel (sarkastischem) Humor sucht und heißer Leidenschaft, ist hier genau richtig. Ich kann Fair Catch sehr empfehlen und freue mich schon, mehr von dieser Autorin zu entdecken.
November 28, 2016
The Grand Valley series starts off with a winning story packed with very appealing characters plus a plot that fully captures the imagination. I have never read any books by Liora Blake, but I will definitely be picking up her backlist to discover what I missed. From the moment Cooper Lowry is met, I instantly fell in love with this sometimes grouchy man whose life is filled with uncertainties. Whitney Reed is delightfully different from many women, yet her caring nature shines through time and again. Liora Blake interweaves intriguing developments to make FIRST STEP FORWARD constantly enthralling.
Being a football player was the childhood dream of Cooper Lowry, and he is certainly thankful for the chance to play professionally for many years. But as the wide receiver for his team, he frequently gets tackled when the ball is in his possession. In his last game, Cooper got hit and afterward much of his body was not working quite right. Luckily for him, he gets some advice from a woman as he walks back home. Yet her helpful suggestions are not enough to counter the effects of the injury that he suffered, and Cooper is told not to show up to practice until the end of the week.
When Whitney Reed bought an orchard three years ago, she had hoped it would lead to much better days for her. But numerous setbacks during the growing season leave her with little money and foreclosure looming. Although she does love being a businesswoman, with no prospects of getting a loan anywhere, Whitney fears she will soon lose the land she owns in a small Colorado town. However, she did enjoy meeting the charismatic football player when she had been in Denver pleading with a bank. When Cooper decides to visit her during his forced time off, the bad luck both are currently having just might be forgotten, at least for a short period.
There are so many compelling scenes in FIRST STEP FORWARD that I have fondly recalled after completing the book. Cooper is a charmer, and his comments plus inner thoughts are continually priceless. The moments when he is conversing with either a teammate or one of his brothers are always filled with humor and lots of snarky remarks. But when it really counts, he is ready to offer his undivided attention and assistance. From organic farming to her views on how to live her life, Whitney follows her own set of rules. She is an independent woman who wants to make her farm productive without help, yet this self-determination causes some major personal problems. I was often anxious to see how Cooper and Whitney would work out their various differences, as both are stubborn and not easily swayed.
Sex is the one aspect of their relationship where their wishes are the same. Several of their encounters are extremely steamy, and their inventiveness kept these moments exciting. The story is told from both viewpoints, which repeatedly gives their opinions about the same incident. Though their romance is the focus of the story, life choices do play a big part at times. When it comes to her work as an organic farmer, I enjoyed seeing what she did in the orchard or after the fruit was picked. Football is very important to Cooper, and whether he is on the field or working through a problem, every single scene is convincing. Liora Blake creates situations where characters are believably realistic. FIRST STEP FORWARD is deeply affecting and absolutely outstanding.
Received copy from publisher for my honest opinion
Being a football player was the childhood dream of Cooper Lowry, and he is certainly thankful for the chance to play professionally for many years. But as the wide receiver for his team, he frequently gets tackled when the ball is in his possession. In his last game, Cooper got hit and afterward much of his body was not working quite right. Luckily for him, he gets some advice from a woman as he walks back home. Yet her helpful suggestions are not enough to counter the effects of the injury that he suffered, and Cooper is told not to show up to practice until the end of the week.
When Whitney Reed bought an orchard three years ago, she had hoped it would lead to much better days for her. But numerous setbacks during the growing season leave her with little money and foreclosure looming. Although she does love being a businesswoman, with no prospects of getting a loan anywhere, Whitney fears she will soon lose the land she owns in a small Colorado town. However, she did enjoy meeting the charismatic football player when she had been in Denver pleading with a bank. When Cooper decides to visit her during his forced time off, the bad luck both are currently having just might be forgotten, at least for a short period.
There are so many compelling scenes in FIRST STEP FORWARD that I have fondly recalled after completing the book. Cooper is a charmer, and his comments plus inner thoughts are continually priceless. The moments when he is conversing with either a teammate or one of his brothers are always filled with humor and lots of snarky remarks. But when it really counts, he is ready to offer his undivided attention and assistance. From organic farming to her views on how to live her life, Whitney follows her own set of rules. She is an independent woman who wants to make her farm productive without help, yet this self-determination causes some major personal problems. I was often anxious to see how Cooper and Whitney would work out their various differences, as both are stubborn and not easily swayed.
Sex is the one aspect of their relationship where their wishes are the same. Several of their encounters are extremely steamy, and their inventiveness kept these moments exciting. The story is told from both viewpoints, which repeatedly gives their opinions about the same incident. Though their romance is the focus of the story, life choices do play a big part at times. When it comes to her work as an organic farmer, I enjoyed seeing what she did in the orchard or after the fruit was picked. Football is very important to Cooper, and whether he is on the field or working through a problem, every single scene is convincing. Liora Blake creates situations where characters are believably realistic. FIRST STEP FORWARD is deeply affecting and absolutely outstanding.
Received copy from publisher for my honest opinion
April 5, 2017
When I saw Liora Blake had a new series I eagerly signed on to read it. Add in the fact that it's set in Colorado and I instantly became fixated (and promptly planned a day trip to Hotchkiss only to have my plans thwarted by who knows what). Anyway, one chapter in and I was enamored. I learned in reading the True North series that Blakes writing is flawless; her characters are magical and her story lines well developed. First Step Forward is everything I hoped for and more. Blake does one amazing thing in that I found myself appreciating football in an entirely new way.
When the story opens, we meet Denver wide receiver Cooper Lowry . Within a few hours, Cooper has a chance meeting with Whitney Reed, a central valley apple farmer whose is so close to losing the only tangible thing she has left, her over leveraged farm. Despite the miles between their homes, the vast differences in their professional and financial status', these two are strongly drawn to each other. That magic that Blake creates with her characters is well represented here. Cooper and Whitney have that immediate connection that's hindered only by proximity. The predicament of closing the gap of miles between them creates some of the sweetest facets of their involvement. The length that they will go to to see each other and the expectations set up a fabulous story line.
Blake delivers the story to us through alternate POV's and I so loved being in Coopers head. Cooper is a jock totally in touch with his feelings, he's observant and he understands why he does things a certain way. He cycles through his emotions for Whitney, at times overthinking things, but usually he's just very in touch with how his actions may reflect on who he is and impact the people around. He promptly shot to the top of my favorite male characters in 2016 with his earnest and genuine nature.
Whitney is an absolute delight. She uses terms like "squicky" and challenges a very competitive Cooper leading Cooper to some usually awkward reactions on his part. She's forthright when she herself feels awkward (which is often) but she's funny and playful with him. Basically she gives as good as she gets - she just has a hard time leaning on anyone, accustomed to being on her own in this world, so she's isolated herself and it's hard not to feel sorry for her. We are very aware of the struggle she faces and the only knock against her is that she is a little slow to trust Cooper, but she has good reason or at least her logic is understandable. With the situation she is in, the standard new relationship fears are amplified by Coopers financial position and Whitney's desire to remain self sufficient.
I can't stress enough what a great read this is! The angst is perfectly balanced with the joy of falling in love. I adore Blakes description of Coopers life living in the LoDo area of Denver and his struggle as an NFL player facing career threatening injuries. It's sexy, sweet and heartwarming and another 5 star read from Liora Blake and I'm very excited about Second Chance Season (Grand Valley, #2) coming in early 2017 and rescheduling my day trip to checkout Hotchkiss :-)
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
When the story opens, we meet Denver wide receiver Cooper Lowry . Within a few hours, Cooper has a chance meeting with Whitney Reed, a central valley apple farmer whose is so close to losing the only tangible thing she has left, her over leveraged farm. Despite the miles between their homes, the vast differences in their professional and financial status', these two are strongly drawn to each other. That magic that Blake creates with her characters is well represented here. Cooper and Whitney have that immediate connection that's hindered only by proximity. The predicament of closing the gap of miles between them creates some of the sweetest facets of their involvement. The length that they will go to to see each other and the expectations set up a fabulous story line.
Blake delivers the story to us through alternate POV's and I so loved being in Coopers head. Cooper is a jock totally in touch with his feelings, he's observant and he understands why he does things a certain way. He cycles through his emotions for Whitney, at times overthinking things, but usually he's just very in touch with how his actions may reflect on who he is and impact the people around. He promptly shot to the top of my favorite male characters in 2016 with his earnest and genuine nature.
Whitney is an absolute delight. She uses terms like "squicky" and challenges a very competitive Cooper leading Cooper to some usually awkward reactions on his part. She's forthright when she herself feels awkward (which is often) but she's funny and playful with him. Basically she gives as good as she gets - she just has a hard time leaning on anyone, accustomed to being on her own in this world, so she's isolated herself and it's hard not to feel sorry for her. We are very aware of the struggle she faces and the only knock against her is that she is a little slow to trust Cooper, but she has good reason or at least her logic is understandable. With the situation she is in, the standard new relationship fears are amplified by Coopers financial position and Whitney's desire to remain self sufficient.
I can't stress enough what a great read this is! The angst is perfectly balanced with the joy of falling in love. I adore Blakes description of Coopers life living in the LoDo area of Denver and his struggle as an NFL player facing career threatening injuries. It's sexy, sweet and heartwarming and another 5 star read from Liora Blake and I'm very excited about Second Chance Season (Grand Valley, #2) coming in early 2017 and rescheduling my day trip to checkout Hotchkiss :-)
*I was gifted a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
November 29, 2016
My Review:
I fell in love with this author's writing with her True series, but I was still astounded by just how much I loved this book and this story. With this book, this author just solidified her place on my auto-buy-author list. I loved this book so, so much!!
The book begins on game day when Cooper gets his bell rung and is trying not to let the fact that he's concussed show. As a result, he's about to pass out when he meets Whitney at the convenience store. Whitney has no idea who he is, although everyone in Denver knows their favorite receiver/running back (? I can't remember his exact position). She's only in town trying to get a loan for her apple orchard that's about to go into foreclosure...and the relationship develops from there.
The author was incredibly creative in how she got these two characters together and how she kept them in touch, considering they live 200 miles apart and a world apart in lifestyles. It's also the middle of football season and Whitney has a farm she can't just leave. But she managed it and it was so good. I loved how the romance/relationship unfolded.
Although the two seem to come from completely different lives, it was interesting to see the parallels between their lives. Cooper is 34...for a pro player, he's at the end of his career. His body is getting more and more beat up every time he goes out onto the field. For Whitney, she's still new in her career, but it also looks to be coming to an end as she's about to lose her farm...lose her dreams. They are both facing the loss of their dreams...and trying not to admit to that reality.
The author also captured the details so well for both of the completely different careers...and made them both so interesting even though they are nothing alike. We have a pro football player and an apple farmer...and I fell in love with both of them and their careers. Both perspectives were really interesting.
A lot of the story takes place at Whitney's orchard in this little town of Hotchkiss. I'm so excited about the possibilities for future stories from this small town because there is a plethora of really interesting characters to choose from. The author set up a fantastic series with this first book. The only problem...it's going to be hard for her to go up from here. This was pretty much contemporary romance perfection in my opinion.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and cannot wait for another installment to this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I fell in love with this author's writing with her True series, but I was still astounded by just how much I loved this book and this story. With this book, this author just solidified her place on my auto-buy-author list. I loved this book so, so much!!
The book begins on game day when Cooper gets his bell rung and is trying not to let the fact that he's concussed show. As a result, he's about to pass out when he meets Whitney at the convenience store. Whitney has no idea who he is, although everyone in Denver knows their favorite receiver/running back (? I can't remember his exact position). She's only in town trying to get a loan for her apple orchard that's about to go into foreclosure...and the relationship develops from there.
The author was incredibly creative in how she got these two characters together and how she kept them in touch, considering they live 200 miles apart and a world apart in lifestyles. It's also the middle of football season and Whitney has a farm she can't just leave. But she managed it and it was so good. I loved how the romance/relationship unfolded.
Although the two seem to come from completely different lives, it was interesting to see the parallels between their lives. Cooper is 34...for a pro player, he's at the end of his career. His body is getting more and more beat up every time he goes out onto the field. For Whitney, she's still new in her career, but it also looks to be coming to an end as she's about to lose her farm...lose her dreams. They are both facing the loss of their dreams...and trying not to admit to that reality.
The author also captured the details so well for both of the completely different careers...and made them both so interesting even though they are nothing alike. We have a pro football player and an apple farmer...and I fell in love with both of them and their careers. Both perspectives were really interesting.
A lot of the story takes place at Whitney's orchard in this little town of Hotchkiss. I'm so excited about the possibilities for future stories from this small town because there is a plethora of really interesting characters to choose from. The author set up a fantastic series with this first book. The only problem...it's going to be hard for her to go up from here. This was pretty much contemporary romance perfection in my opinion.
I HIGHLY recommend this book and cannot wait for another installment to this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
November 14, 2016
"But I don't love you anyway. I love you because. Because you're a grouch, because you're determined, because you're a good man. Because, Cooper."
First Step Forward, the first book in a new Grand Valley series, is my first book of Liora Blake. And I have to say it's an absolutely enjoyable first time for me!
The story introduced us to an unlikely pair as the main characters: a grumpy, jaded, seasoned pro-footballer and a free-spirit and self-reliant lady organic farmer. Both told the tale from their POV (as first in present tense, I might add!) alternately, in a way that brought forward each unique traits on the pages.
You know that proverb "the way to a man's heart is through his stomach" ...well, this is not exactly like that. Though it certainly help a huge dollop of; one of the many aspects of Whitney that gradually brought Cooper to his knees.
The characters were what brought the story to live. Granted, some of them were too goody goody in an already marvelous surroundings (albeit not too fine conditions) but the easy pace more than makes up for it.
I enjoyed the banter between Cooper and Whitney, that I really didn't mind reading their sexual tango as they made the scenes as much entertaining and laugh-induced as their out of bed scenes. Just to be clear, I'm not a fan of too many smut in a story, but somehow in here - not only I could bear it - I enjoyed it! Moreover, their relationship progress was steady and believable, even when I felt some change-of-POVs made the time span a bit bumpy.
Without doubt, I'd be following this series and look forward to the next installment that will feature Garrett (you'll meet him here) and hoping the book will be as engrossing and funny as I find this one.
Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2017
A little foodie, a little sports, and a whole lot of love. First Step Forward is a great start to Grand Valley series. It’s a story of two very different people who found love in each other while down on their luck. Liora Blake is a new to me author, and I’m very happy to report that FSF is my kind of love story. It was fun, flirty, and it was a sweet read. Cooper Lowry is at the tail end of his football career and after a bad play on the field, he was ordered complete rest away from football and the lifestyle it comes with it. It might be the need to get way, or maybe the need to see the girl he just met, but the idea of getting away to be with her is all he could think of.
Whitney Reed is not the typical women Cooper is used to. No, she is quite the opposite. A plain Jane from a small town who owns an apple orchard. Also down on her luck, Whitney is in a financial rut barely hanging on to her land. She is all about determination and it will all be hard work but she will go down kicking and screaming. Reality bites but while at it, she will still entertain the idea of Cooper right by her side. Why the hell not?
I love the opposites attract in this story. Cooper's attraction to a small town orchard girl was definitely swoon worthy and Whitney’s refusal to be like any groupie was commendable. I love her independence and pursuit of her dreams despite hardships. Cooper, on the opposite side, has already had his success and his acceptance of it all including the end bit was heart warming. What I love most is that despite the different times of their lives, they found each other. Love that is well deserved for both sides.
Looks like Second Chance Season , the second installment is in the works with a release set for May of next year. Looking forward to what Ms. Blake has in store for us.
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Angela❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
November 22, 2016
This is the first book I've read by Liora Blake and she's made a new fan. First Step Forward is witty, intriguing and sexy. The writing is fresh, hilarious and kept me entertained and interested from start to finish. Cooper Lowry is a pro football player on the wrong side of thirty who takes a hard hit and gains himself a concussion. Whitney is a fruit farmer trying to save her business. When a chance meeting at a drug store in the middle of the night starts with a grumpy, cantankerous Cooper growling in the aisle and Whitney helping him get something off the bottom shelf. When Whitney gives him homemade apple butter, Cooper is drawn to the things about this gorgeous hippie that remind him of home. Cooper is put on bed rest for his head and he decides tracking down Whitney is the best medicine. After a few days together it's obvious their chemistry is off the charts, but will the distance and differences in their lives keep them apart? Or will Cooper's love for football carry over into Whitney's love for her land? These two souls are at the crossroads in their respective lives, but will their roads collide or go separate ways? I loved this story! It's a football romance with actual football! But it's more than that. It's an epic opposites attract love story that had me laughing out loud the entire time. From Cooper's filthy mouth to Whitney's granola view of life. I loved every second!
But with men, our decision-making skills are often driven by irrational dick-based instincts. It's stupid. We know it, you know it but there's the truth of it.
"Are you going to send me dirty pictures? Like of …?"
"I am not sending you any dick pics."
"Why not? What if I want you to?"
"Because I'm not an idiot. If you want my dick, you'll just have to come get it."
But with men, our decision-making skills are often driven by irrational dick-based instincts. It's stupid. We know it, you know it but there's the truth of it.
"Are you going to send me dirty pictures? Like of …?"
"I am not sending you any dick pics."
"Why not? What if I want you to?"
"Because I'm not an idiot. If you want my dick, you'll just have to come get it."
December 1, 2016
“You should have said something about that – oh, I don’t know – eight flipping hours ago! Instead, you spend all this time giving me a bunch of hot, smoldering looks while man spreading your way around my house, and I’m thinking there’s going to be some wocka-wocka action between us. But the whole time you knew nothing could happen. Which makes you a tease, Cooper Lowry.”
When I saw the blurb for First Step Forward I was like OH HELL YES! A football player and a struggling orchard owner. This book was right up my alley and Liora Blake did not disappoint with the witty banter and so hot they made me blush sex scenes mixed in with characters you fall for and a plot that keeps the story moving.
“First off, your pussy and I are on the same team. I’m team captain and that amazing place between your legs is MVP. And, if you hadn’t noticed, we play really well together.”
Cooper Lowry was the star of the book for me personally. He never waivers in his devotion to Whitney had me hooked from the start. Add to that a dirty mouth and some extreme patience and you have a perfect man. I loved him and found him to be a perfect balance to Whitney, who struggles with trust and letting others help her. They don’t have the easiest road but I also wouldn’t say that this was a book filled with angst.
“Jesus, Whit. I had no idea I was capable of missing someone like this.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable read from an author I have come to trust to put out a great book. I will definitely be finishing the series and look forward to seeing the next one on my kindle in a few months.
~miranda
When I saw the blurb for First Step Forward I was like OH HELL YES! A football player and a struggling orchard owner. This book was right up my alley and Liora Blake did not disappoint with the witty banter and so hot they made me blush sex scenes mixed in with characters you fall for and a plot that keeps the story moving.
“First off, your pussy and I are on the same team. I’m team captain and that amazing place between your legs is MVP. And, if you hadn’t noticed, we play really well together.”
Cooper Lowry was the star of the book for me personally. He never waivers in his devotion to Whitney had me hooked from the start. Add to that a dirty mouth and some extreme patience and you have a perfect man. I loved him and found him to be a perfect balance to Whitney, who struggles with trust and letting others help her. They don’t have the easiest road but I also wouldn’t say that this was a book filled with angst.
“Jesus, Whit. I had no idea I was capable of missing someone like this.”
Overall, this was an enjoyable read from an author I have come to trust to put out a great book. I will definitely be finishing the series and look forward to seeing the next one on my kindle in a few months.
~miranda
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