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Stadium of Lights
He can’t help claiming her. But can he love her?
Max Anderson enjoys all the perks of being a star NFL quarterback―including the women. He has no intention of changing his carefree, hard-loving lifestyle … until a twist of fate reunites him with the girl he knew growing up.
Abby Morrison has worked hard to become a physical therapist. She knows she needs to keep things professional with Max―but the truth is, she’s always loved him. Back then, she hid it. Now, it’s not so easy.
As they rekindle their friendship, the heat between them is impossible to ignore. Soon it flares out of control, and the fallout threatens to ruin everything. Can they salvage a future together ... or will the consequences wreck their lives?
Max Anderson enjoys all the perks of being a star NFL quarterback―including the women. He has no intention of changing his carefree, hard-loving lifestyle … until a twist of fate reunites him with the girl he knew growing up.
Abby Morrison has worked hard to become a physical therapist. She knows she needs to keep things professional with Max―but the truth is, she’s always loved him. Back then, she hid it. Now, it’s not so easy.
As they rekindle their friendship, the heat between them is impossible to ignore. Soon it flares out of control, and the fallout threatens to ruin everything. Can they salvage a future together ... or will the consequences wreck their lives?
242 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2016
266 people are currently reading
573 people want to read
About the author
Tia Lewis
25 books527 followersTia Lewis is a romance author from the Midwest who writes about smart, sexy, sassy women and hot, possessive alpha males. Her favorite bad boys to write about include sports players, mafia, bikers, billionaires and the bad-ass next door. You can find her cooking, reading, or traveling when she’s not busy working on her next release.
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text LEWIS to 31996 or go to: www.NextBookRelease.com
Want to be kept up to date on new releases? Text LEWIS to 31996 or go to: www.NextBookRelease.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
September 8, 2016
Release Date: September 19, 2016
Tia Lewis thoroughly entertained me with this book. It was the first work I've read from her but it won't be the last. I've always had a strange fascination with sports romances. It could be because I have a slight obsession with athletic hunks *wink*. What I liked about this one is that it didn't follow the usual formula. It was one part sports, but it wasn't bogged down with sports trivia. It was one part the friends-to-lovers trope, which is always a favourite. It also had plenty of angst and drama and steam. These were the elements that kept me glued to the story.
Abby and Max were best friends growing up, but haven't seen or spoken to each other in 10 years. Max is now a star NFL quarterback and Abby is a successful physiotherapist. They try to rekindle their friendship, but past feelings, bad behaviour and miscommunication keep getting in their way.
Max was an a-hole. Seriously. I wanted to hit him upside the head so many times. He was cocky, arrogant and had a one-track mind. I didn't hate him but his actions and most of his inner thoughts didn't convince me to like him either. I will say that this character finally started to really thaw me out at the 90% mark. That's not to say I wasn't enjoying myself until then. When you read the book, you'll see why he frustrated me so much. I guess you can call it a love/hate relationship because at the same time he was incredibly hot! Oh, and lets not discount Abby's insecurities. She suffers from ugly duckling syndrome and fails to see and appreciate her own beauty. The fact that Max was an a-hole didn't help matters either.
This story was sexy and sassy and I recommend it to all lovers of romance.
XO
Tia Lewis thoroughly entertained me with this book. It was the first work I've read from her but it won't be the last. I've always had a strange fascination with sports romances. It could be because I have a slight obsession with athletic hunks *wink*. What I liked about this one is that it didn't follow the usual formula. It was one part sports, but it wasn't bogged down with sports trivia. It was one part the friends-to-lovers trope, which is always a favourite. It also had plenty of angst and drama and steam. These were the elements that kept me glued to the story.
Abby and Max were best friends growing up, but haven't seen or spoken to each other in 10 years. Max is now a star NFL quarterback and Abby is a successful physiotherapist. They try to rekindle their friendship, but past feelings, bad behaviour and miscommunication keep getting in their way.
Max was an a-hole. Seriously. I wanted to hit him upside the head so many times. He was cocky, arrogant and had a one-track mind. I didn't hate him but his actions and most of his inner thoughts didn't convince me to like him either. I will say that this character finally started to really thaw me out at the 90% mark. That's not to say I wasn't enjoying myself until then. When you read the book, you'll see why he frustrated me so much. I guess you can call it a love/hate relationship because at the same time he was incredibly hot! Oh, and lets not discount Abby's insecurities. She suffers from ugly duckling syndrome and fails to see and appreciate her own beauty. The fact that Max was an a-hole didn't help matters either.
This story was sexy and sassy and I recommend it to all lovers of romance.
XO
September 16, 2016
3.75 "second chance" stars
This was my first book by Tia Lewis and i pretty much liked it.
I was instantly drawn by the blurb and when i dug into the story it was fluently written and very easy to follow the storyline.
A story about a second chance reunion of a quarterback hotshot/player (read manwhore) Max Anderson and Abby Morrison "an ugly duckling childhood friend and one of the "good girls"/turned into a gorgeous swan" physical therapist for his team was both steamy and dramatic at the same time and yet some points of the story left me blank of connection.
I wanted more of Max's background...
what made him the "player" he was other than the actual free access to the women bowing to his star reputation.
Abby was at times either too expressive in her lack of self-esteem and than she would burst into an impulsive drama queen.
And in between their escapades they tried to find each other again...over the frienship lost in the span of a decade...and being on a path of growth for them both...the buried emotions get awakened through their sexual chemistry and sensuality that expanded into a realism of notion that what they both feel is more than real and more than right.
But when the potential loss comes lingering above them there's only one chance in a nick of time to acknowledge the truth and their feelings to each other.
All in all, it was an interesting read.
September 19, 2016
3.5 stars
Stadium of lights is a sports twist on a ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan trope kind of story. I didn’t know what to expect from the blurb to tell the truth but curious enough. My first book from Tia Lewis and it was likable enough writing style. Easy to follow story line that flows.
Max is a hotshot quarterback and golden boy of his team. Abby is the girl who was his best friend. They go way back only he didn’t recognize the her when sees her again. My first impression of Max was not good at all, he acted like a jerk, cocky and douche. Only it continued for a while and he kept going back to it. Was that who he is around teammates or is that real him? I know many athletes can be crude and arrogant once they start out in the lifestyle tons of girls, fame etc. Abby transformed from her former appearance gained confidence only to be tripped up by meeting the guy she crushed on. They skate around the boundaries of their interactions and it gets tested.
Max was one of those popular guys in school not surprised that he still is a girl magnet cause of his player status. I don’t know much about him except that he was hot and plays football and then what? He had this way of being unintentionally obtuse sometimes and can come off like an ass. Abby is insecure enough cause of her former wallflower status. She can turn moods so fast, it can be hard to keep up at times, while I can understand why it just threw me at some point. With some character growth and development this could have been way better.
A quick second chance romance read it had steam and drama. I just felt like some parts felt like they had gaps in transition that left me uncertain at times. I feel the premise had potential and could have been a fun easy short story. I’m pretty sure many people will still love this kind of story though.
** Copy received in exchange for an honest review **
Stadium of lights is a sports twist on a ugly duckling turning into a beautiful swan trope kind of story. I didn’t know what to expect from the blurb to tell the truth but curious enough. My first book from Tia Lewis and it was likable enough writing style. Easy to follow story line that flows.
Max is a hotshot quarterback and golden boy of his team. Abby is the girl who was his best friend. They go way back only he didn’t recognize the her when sees her again. My first impression of Max was not good at all, he acted like a jerk, cocky and douche. Only it continued for a while and he kept going back to it. Was that who he is around teammates or is that real him? I know many athletes can be crude and arrogant once they start out in the lifestyle tons of girls, fame etc. Abby transformed from her former appearance gained confidence only to be tripped up by meeting the guy she crushed on. They skate around the boundaries of their interactions and it gets tested.
Max was one of those popular guys in school not surprised that he still is a girl magnet cause of his player status. I don’t know much about him except that he was hot and plays football and then what? He had this way of being unintentionally obtuse sometimes and can come off like an ass. Abby is insecure enough cause of her former wallflower status. She can turn moods so fast, it can be hard to keep up at times, while I can understand why it just threw me at some point. With some character growth and development this could have been way better.
A quick second chance romance read it had steam and drama. I just felt like some parts felt like they had gaps in transition that left me uncertain at times. I feel the premise had potential and could have been a fun easy short story. I’m pretty sure many people will still love this kind of story though.
** Copy received in exchange for an honest review **
September 26, 2016
Stadium of Lights
is my first Tia Lewis read and was all about love, friendship, taking risks, and second chances. While I didn't always love the male lead, he did eventually come around to showing more than just a bravado, cocky, and assinine persona he showcased.
As for the female lead, I liked her. She is one of those overlooked girl next door characters who has always pined after the boy but was overlooked. Until now.
I liked both characters' banter and growth throughout. You see them clash, you see them come together and make amends, and you also see tremendous growth...with a little football thrown into the mix of course.
Sexy, friends to lovers sports romance!!
As for the female lead, I liked her. She is one of those overlooked girl next door characters who has always pined after the boy but was overlooked. Until now.
I liked both characters' banter and growth throughout. You see them clash, you see them come together and make amends, and you also see tremendous growth...with a little football thrown into the mix of course.
Sexy, friends to lovers sports romance!!
September 6, 2016
This book was good for me, but it would have been better, if I hadn't hated Max so much . I'm pretty sure I spent the 1st quarter of the book absolutely hating him. Then he would have a few redeeming minutes and I would go back to hating him for the majority of the book.
I did like Abby for the most part and she kept me going. I wanted her to get her happily ever after (though not necessarily with Max). I'm going to keep my eye on Tia Lewis. It looks like this is only her second book, and I only expect her to improve as she keeps going. I enjoyed this book, but Max was a miss for me.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I did like Abby for the most part and she kept me going. I wanted her to get her happily ever after (though not necessarily with Max). I'm going to keep my eye on Tia Lewis. It looks like this is only her second book, and I only expect her to improve as she keeps going. I enjoyed this book, but Max was a miss for me.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 28, 2016
ARC provided by author for an honest review.
3.5 - 4 Second Chance Stars
Abby Morris has spent the last ten years living and working in Europe. She hasn't seen her childhood best friend and star quarterback, Max Anderson, since she and her father moved to Germany. Now she's a Physical Therapist working for the same team Max plays.
Max is shocked to realized the woman he's trying to pick up is the same geeky girl he was friends with as a child. She's certainly changed since then. But although Abby has grown and matured into a beautiful woman, it's hard for Max to break out of the pattern of thinking of her as a little sister type and the geeky girl who had no other friends but him.
That is until other members of the team start to notice her and she's befriended by one of the teams fiancee, who encourages her to be and look who she is now and not how Max remembers her.
When things change between them, will Max be able to see what he's always had right in front of him? Or will he keep being the cock-sure quarterback and push Abby away?
I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming, second-chance novel. It was a very quick read. And I liked the two main characters a lot.
There are a few reasons I'm not giving it more stars. Keep in mind this in an ARC and therefore I'm criticizing what's not completely edited. But I got a little lost with some of the sentence structure at the beginning. I was so caught up in trying to figure out what the author meant, I got pulled out of the story a bit.
Once it got up and going, my only real complaint is that some of the characters came and disappeared. I thought they could have had more involvement with the story, therefore brining a bit more weight and depth to what was happening between Max and Abby.
Also my last complaint, I don't know any coach from pee wee to pro who doesn't like to be called Coach by everyone involved. The author had Abby call him 'Mr. Cramer.' That was odd to me. Not enough to make any difference in the rating, I just kept finding it odd every time I read it.
That all being said, I did like it and will read more from this author.
3.5 - 4 Second Chance Stars
Abby Morris has spent the last ten years living and working in Europe. She hasn't seen her childhood best friend and star quarterback, Max Anderson, since she and her father moved to Germany. Now she's a Physical Therapist working for the same team Max plays.
Max is shocked to realized the woman he's trying to pick up is the same geeky girl he was friends with as a child. She's certainly changed since then. But although Abby has grown and matured into a beautiful woman, it's hard for Max to break out of the pattern of thinking of her as a little sister type and the geeky girl who had no other friends but him.
That is until other members of the team start to notice her and she's befriended by one of the teams fiancee, who encourages her to be and look who she is now and not how Max remembers her.
When things change between them, will Max be able to see what he's always had right in front of him? Or will he keep being the cock-sure quarterback and push Abby away?
I enjoyed this sweet, heartwarming, second-chance novel. It was a very quick read. And I liked the two main characters a lot.
There are a few reasons I'm not giving it more stars. Keep in mind this in an ARC and therefore I'm criticizing what's not completely edited. But I got a little lost with some of the sentence structure at the beginning. I was so caught up in trying to figure out what the author meant, I got pulled out of the story a bit.
Once it got up and going, my only real complaint is that some of the characters came and disappeared. I thought they could have had more involvement with the story, therefore brining a bit more weight and depth to what was happening between Max and Abby.
Also my last complaint, I don't know any coach from pee wee to pro who doesn't like to be called Coach by everyone involved. The author had Abby call him 'Mr. Cramer.' That was odd to me. Not enough to make any difference in the rating, I just kept finding it odd every time I read it.
That all being said, I did like it and will read more from this author.
September 17, 2016
ARC KINDLY PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW
I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
Stadium of Lights is the first book I read by the amazing new author Tia Lewis and it certainly will not be the last! I could not put the book down, this one grabbed on to me so tight and wouldn’t let go. I lost myself in this story and IT was AMAZEBALLS!!
“ He can’t help claiming her. But can he love her? “
The story is told from a dual point of view- Abby and Max.
Abby is one of the strongest heroines I came across. On one hand, she is fearless, has no filter and excel in her job as a physical therapist for an NFL team. On the other hand, she is the girl next door who has been secretly in love with the same boy since elementary school, Max.
Max is a star NFL player “who enjoys all the perks of being a star NFL quarterback”. Max lives his life to the full, with no strings attached. However, when a blast from the past makes a comeback into his life and is now a hot red hair woman, Max doesn’t know how to deal with the girl who he has always considered as a sister.
Max is not your typical sports romance character, he is without a doubt the biggest asshole in the planet and he remains true to himself and his motto - take them and throw them. But I can’t help it, he is now one of my favourite alphas. He is so real that I couldn’t help but falling in love with his character.
The banter was great, the sex of the charts and the angst… Tia Lewis , I can’t believe what you did to me , you ripped my heart out and made me cry of sadness and happiness. You are a genius! what a rollercoaster!! Max and Abby are my favourite power couple!
What a hidden gem read! The characters in Stadium of Lights are absolute perfection and their backstories are just the perfect cherry on top. There is nothing I love more than a sweet heroine with sass and a cocky Alpha that triggers all kind of emotions from me.
HEA guaranteed ;-)
I FREAKING LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
Stadium of Lights is the first book I read by the amazing new author Tia Lewis and it certainly will not be the last! I could not put the book down, this one grabbed on to me so tight and wouldn’t let go. I lost myself in this story and IT was AMAZEBALLS!!
“ He can’t help claiming her. But can he love her? “
The story is told from a dual point of view- Abby and Max.
Abby is one of the strongest heroines I came across. On one hand, she is fearless, has no filter and excel in her job as a physical therapist for an NFL team. On the other hand, she is the girl next door who has been secretly in love with the same boy since elementary school, Max.
Max is a star NFL player “who enjoys all the perks of being a star NFL quarterback”. Max lives his life to the full, with no strings attached. However, when a blast from the past makes a comeback into his life and is now a hot red hair woman, Max doesn’t know how to deal with the girl who he has always considered as a sister.
Max is not your typical sports romance character, he is without a doubt the biggest asshole in the planet and he remains true to himself and his motto - take them and throw them. But I can’t help it, he is now one of my favourite alphas. He is so real that I couldn’t help but falling in love with his character.
The banter was great, the sex of the charts and the angst… Tia Lewis , I can’t believe what you did to me , you ripped my heart out and made me cry of sadness and happiness. You are a genius! what a rollercoaster!! Max and Abby are my favourite power couple!
What a hidden gem read! The characters in Stadium of Lights are absolute perfection and their backstories are just the perfect cherry on top. There is nothing I love more than a sweet heroine with sass and a cocky Alpha that triggers all kind of emotions from me.
HEA guaranteed ;-)
September 18, 2016
***This and other reviews can be found at www.imasweetandsassybookwhore.com ***
*ARC*
Stadium Of Lights is a second chance, friends to lovers, football romance that I was able to read in a couple of hours one afternoon. It has some angst, some heartbreak, an asshole for a male lead and a sassy female lead who you can’t help but love.
Max and Abby used to be friends when they were little, until Abby moved away when her dad got stationed in Germany. Abby always loved Max, but Max just saw her as the geeky friend he had known for years. When they meet up again Max can’t not only believe that the beautiful woman in from of him is Abby, once he remembers her of course, but that he finally sees her as someone he wants. He doesn’t do relationships but that doesn’t mean he is going to allow any other guy to take Abby. Abby, I felt for her so many times, I felt her pain especially with how Max was treating her and I loved it when she finally stood up to him. He needed the verbal smack down he got along with a kick in the balls if you ask me.
I liked Stadium Of Lights, it was a good way to pass a couple of hours over the weekend, but I just didn’t love it. Don’t get me wrong, the chemistry between Max and Abby is off the charts but a few things being left unresolved is what made me only like it. I hate when things are swept under the rug, resolution needs to occur even if it is a small part of the overall plot.
*ARC*
Stadium Of Lights is a second chance, friends to lovers, football romance that I was able to read in a couple of hours one afternoon. It has some angst, some heartbreak, an asshole for a male lead and a sassy female lead who you can’t help but love.
Max and Abby used to be friends when they were little, until Abby moved away when her dad got stationed in Germany. Abby always loved Max, but Max just saw her as the geeky friend he had known for years. When they meet up again Max can’t not only believe that the beautiful woman in from of him is Abby, once he remembers her of course, but that he finally sees her as someone he wants. He doesn’t do relationships but that doesn’t mean he is going to allow any other guy to take Abby. Abby, I felt for her so many times, I felt her pain especially with how Max was treating her and I loved it when she finally stood up to him. He needed the verbal smack down he got along with a kick in the balls if you ask me.
I liked Stadium Of Lights, it was a good way to pass a couple of hours over the weekend, but I just didn’t love it. Don’t get me wrong, the chemistry between Max and Abby is off the charts but a few things being left unresolved is what made me only like it. I hate when things are swept under the rug, resolution needs to occur even if it is a small part of the overall plot.
September 10, 2016
My second book by this author and I didn't enjoy it at much as Draw Play, but I did enjoy it none the the less. The story is a second chance romance that neither Abby or Max, especially, thought to expect.
Abby always thought of her self as an ugly duckling when she was young, she was tall, skinny, redhead with thick glasses. She was teased terribly, but Max thought she was great, and they were the best of friends. They lost touch with each other and she's become a physical therapist and has filled out in all the right places, and Abby is a beauty.
Max has become a star NFL quarter back, and the fun starts when Abby joins the team and Max doesn't recognize his tomboy playmate.
Abby always thought of her self as an ugly duckling when she was young, she was tall, skinny, redhead with thick glasses. She was teased terribly, but Max thought she was great, and they were the best of friends. They lost touch with each other and she's become a physical therapist and has filled out in all the right places, and Abby is a beauty.
Max has become a star NFL quarter back, and the fun starts when Abby joins the team and Max doesn't recognize his tomboy playmate.
September 25, 2016
Not a bad sports romance book. Just wanted more. Wanted a deeper connection. More dialogue. But overall not a bad book
September 3, 2016
I have something of a soft spot for the nerd/underdog getting the popular kid trope and when you add the whole friends to lovers/second chance trope into the mix then I really can’t resist jumping in and that’s what happened here with Stadium of Lights and I really enjoyed it, even when there were moments of me wanting to reach through my Kindle and smack some sense into Abby and Max. It was a fun, sexy and sweet read that hooked me from the start and kept me turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
Growing up Abby was the nerdy girl that no one paid any attention to, though her best friend was one of the most popular kids in school. But now she’s shed most of that girl no one wanted and has become a confident and accomplished physical therapist with a sassy, take no shit attitude tempered with a gentle and compassionate bedside manner that put everyone at ease. I loved Abby from the very beginning because of how she handled seeing Max for the first time in a decade. That had me cracking up. What I found interesting was how she was confident one second then then could let her insecurities take over the next. She never let them rule her for long, but I liked seeing that vulnerable side of her and how she’d work through it.
Max is that guy. The BMOC, Big Man on Campus and beyond. He’s got the looks, the talent and that bad ass I know I’m good attitude that draws you to him even as it repels. He has no qualms about accepting the perks that come with his celebrity and though his arrogance is almost so tangible you believe you can touch it, the heart that beats beneath it has a way of keeping him in check and from crossing too many lines. Funny thing about Max is that despite his ego, I really liked him. There was an honesty in how he saw the world around him that made it difficult to hate him. And as the book progressed and we got to see underneath the BMOC outer layer to his heart, I could see that he really was a good guy. Did I want to smack him for being an asshat at times? Sure, but I couldn’t hate him for the things, some of them stupid, that he did.
Abby and Max’s relationship was one of those ones where they both pushed the other away with one hand while pulling closer with the other. I’m not always a fan of that kind of drama, but it didn’t bother me here because: 1) I liked them both and 2) I could understand where they were both coming from. Max wants to keep things “simple”, meaning no commitment, and he can’t get past thinking of Abby as the geeky girl. Abby sees Max for who he is and always has, her battle is that while her head understands all too well Max’s need to not commit, her heart wants more. So the battle between them has them reverting to the teenagers they were, but when they aren’t at odds they were really fun to be around. The ease in how they banter and treat each other when their walls are down is what had me rooting for them and wanting them to have their HEA. But as with any type of romance we all wait for that boot to drop, and the drop here was intense. I’m still not all too sure how I feel about it because I have a hard time believing that two normally sensible and responsible people could let things get that crazy, but when emotions are high people do extremely stupid things, so I’m rolling with it.
The writing was engaging and I was hooked from the first page and finished in no time flat. The pacing was good and the dual 1st person POV was well done. I liked the supporting cast and found their takes on their relationships, and what they’d put up with, interesting. It was probably the most realistic views I’ve read in a long time. My one issue is that I felt the ending, after the boot dropping situation,was a bit rushed. I liked it and have no issue with the epilogue, but I would have liked to see Abby and Max actually address that “boot” a little more. But, all in all, this was an enjoyable read by a new author, not only to me, but to the publishing world since this will be the second book she has published, and am looking forward to seeing what else she has for us in the future.
~ ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ~
Growing up Abby was the nerdy girl that no one paid any attention to, though her best friend was one of the most popular kids in school. But now she’s shed most of that girl no one wanted and has become a confident and accomplished physical therapist with a sassy, take no shit attitude tempered with a gentle and compassionate bedside manner that put everyone at ease. I loved Abby from the very beginning because of how she handled seeing Max for the first time in a decade. That had me cracking up. What I found interesting was how she was confident one second then then could let her insecurities take over the next. She never let them rule her for long, but I liked seeing that vulnerable side of her and how she’d work through it.
Max is that guy. The BMOC, Big Man on Campus and beyond. He’s got the looks, the talent and that bad ass I know I’m good attitude that draws you to him even as it repels. He has no qualms about accepting the perks that come with his celebrity and though his arrogance is almost so tangible you believe you can touch it, the heart that beats beneath it has a way of keeping him in check and from crossing too many lines. Funny thing about Max is that despite his ego, I really liked him. There was an honesty in how he saw the world around him that made it difficult to hate him. And as the book progressed and we got to see underneath the BMOC outer layer to his heart, I could see that he really was a good guy. Did I want to smack him for being an asshat at times? Sure, but I couldn’t hate him for the things, some of them stupid, that he did.
Abby and Max’s relationship was one of those ones where they both pushed the other away with one hand while pulling closer with the other. I’m not always a fan of that kind of drama, but it didn’t bother me here because: 1) I liked them both and 2) I could understand where they were both coming from. Max wants to keep things “simple”, meaning no commitment, and he can’t get past thinking of Abby as the geeky girl. Abby sees Max for who he is and always has, her battle is that while her head understands all too well Max’s need to not commit, her heart wants more. So the battle between them has them reverting to the teenagers they were, but when they aren’t at odds they were really fun to be around. The ease in how they banter and treat each other when their walls are down is what had me rooting for them and wanting them to have their HEA. But as with any type of romance we all wait for that boot to drop, and the drop here was intense. I’m still not all too sure how I feel about it because I have a hard time believing that two normally sensible and responsible people could let things get that crazy, but when emotions are high people do extremely stupid things, so I’m rolling with it.
The writing was engaging and I was hooked from the first page and finished in no time flat. The pacing was good and the dual 1st person POV was well done. I liked the supporting cast and found their takes on their relationships, and what they’d put up with, interesting. It was probably the most realistic views I’ve read in a long time. My one issue is that I felt the ending, after the boot dropping situation,was a bit rushed. I liked it and have no issue with the epilogue, but I would have liked to see Abby and Max actually address that “boot” a little more. But, all in all, this was an enjoyable read by a new author, not only to me, but to the publishing world since this will be the second book she has published, and am looking forward to seeing what else she has for us in the future.
~ ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review ~
September 18, 2016
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This is a second chance romance, and the main characters are Max and Abby. These two used to be best friends, until the lost contact with each other. Now Max is a quarterback for the NFL, and Abby the team’s physical therapist.
Tia has done a wonderful job in writing this storyline. This is a fun, sweet, and sexy read, and I was captivated from the very beginning. I really love Tia’s work, and I recommend to all. I cannot wait to read the next book from this author.
This is a second chance romance, and the main characters are Max and Abby. These two used to be best friends, until the lost contact with each other. Now Max is a quarterback for the NFL, and Abby the team’s physical therapist.
Tia has done a wonderful job in writing this storyline. This is a fun, sweet, and sexy read, and I was captivated from the very beginning. I really love Tia’s work, and I recommend to all. I cannot wait to read the next book from this author.
October 1, 2016
“She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. Like a goddess come to life, all glowing and happy in the light of the full moon.”
Heat Rating:
4 tackle me stars!! Addicting and hard to put down!!
Max is a pro football player and he enjoys his time in the spotlight and all the perks that comes with it… ahem the ladies! Abby is a physical therapist and shares a past with Max, a past she’s not willing to revisit. But when Max shows up in her life again, that’s exactly what she has to do. Is she ready to rekindle the relationship they once had or will his playboy ways ruin everything… again?
I found this book to be quite entertaining and there was some definite heat in it! While it was a little slow to start off, it started to build and I found myself not wanting to put it down!! I can’t wait to read more from Tia in the future!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
Heat Rating:
4 tackle me stars!! Addicting and hard to put down!!
Max is a pro football player and he enjoys his time in the spotlight and all the perks that comes with it… ahem the ladies! Abby is a physical therapist and shares a past with Max, a past she’s not willing to revisit. But when Max shows up in her life again, that’s exactly what she has to do. Is she ready to rekindle the relationship they once had or will his playboy ways ruin everything… again?
I found this book to be quite entertaining and there was some definite heat in it! While it was a little slow to start off, it started to build and I found myself not wanting to put it down!! I can’t wait to read more from Tia in the future!
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest bitchin’ review.
Reviewed by The Sarcastic Bitch from Bitches N’ Books
September 29, 2016
Stadium of Lights is my first Tia Lewis book and it was a great read. There is a lot of emotions that run thru this book and it is about love, friendship, friends to lovers, and second chance romance.
Max and Abby used to be friends when they were younger until Abby moved away when her dad got stationed in Germany when her dad got stationed over there. Abby had always adored and loved Max; now Max, he didn’t see her that way. He just saw her as the nerdy friend. When they end up meeting up again years later, Max is astonished that the beautiful woman in front of him is the same nerdy girl he knew from years before. That is, he didn’t even remember her at first as his friend . He saw her as someone he wanted and when he finally remembered her as his friend, he wanted to keep her as friend but not as someone to actually date. Poor Abby, she didn’t know if she was coming or going with this guy. He didn’t want to date her but then made it that no other guys would date her. He was possessive with her. She was such a sweet and lovely woman who had loved this man forever and here he was being such a rude jerk at times.
Their chemistry is awesome- it was electric and it was real. I did like this story a lot but there was some things I didn’t like…Max at times used Abby , made her feel like a doormat. That I didn’t like. Maybe that was to keep the angst bit going in the story but I felt there were other ways to get that going. I also felt there are a few things there were being left unresolved and I would have liked those wrapped up. Otherwise, this was a good 2nd chance romance story.
My rating: 4.3 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the Hidden Gems / the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
Max and Abby used to be friends when they were younger until Abby moved away when her dad got stationed in Germany when her dad got stationed over there. Abby had always adored and loved Max; now Max, he didn’t see her that way. He just saw her as the nerdy friend. When they end up meeting up again years later, Max is astonished that the beautiful woman in front of him is the same nerdy girl he knew from years before. That is, he didn’t even remember her at first as his friend . He saw her as someone he wanted and when he finally remembered her as his friend, he wanted to keep her as friend but not as someone to actually date. Poor Abby, she didn’t know if she was coming or going with this guy. He didn’t want to date her but then made it that no other guys would date her. He was possessive with her. She was such a sweet and lovely woman who had loved this man forever and here he was being such a rude jerk at times.
Their chemistry is awesome- it was electric and it was real. I did like this story a lot but there was some things I didn’t like…Max at times used Abby , made her feel like a doormat. That I didn’t like. Maybe that was to keep the angst bit going in the story but I felt there were other ways to get that going. I also felt there are a few things there were being left unresolved and I would have liked those wrapped up. Otherwise, this was a good 2nd chance romance story.
My rating: 4.3 stars ****
**I was given an ARC by the Hidden Gems / the publisher in exchange for an honest review***
September 27, 2016
Max is a professional football player who loves the game and loves his women. When the team sees the coach talking to a new beautiful women all men want her. Max goes to see her in the office turns out she is the same girl he grew up with but she isn't the nerdy girl she has grown into a beautiful women. Abby wasn't sure what to expect at her new job and she wasn't sure what will go down when she met her old crush again after 10 years. Max and abby have fights as they are getting back together up and down their "relationship" is going. But in the end will abby stay or leave because the bad boy football player doesn't want to settle down.
At first I wasn't sure how I was going to like it the whole team are players even when some of them are married or have girlfriends. Max also talking about wanting to be with another girl to get away from abby thoughts. I felt like Max was such a an A-hole towards abby and then he would say sweet things to her and there she went back with him. It was a rollercoaster of emotions but eventually he gets his head out his butt and did something for to fight for her. Towards the end I was gasping wasn't sure how it was going to go down, but Max does redeem himself so that's good.
At first I wasn't sure how I was going to like it the whole team are players even when some of them are married or have girlfriends. Max also talking about wanting to be with another girl to get away from abby thoughts. I felt like Max was such a an A-hole towards abby and then he would say sweet things to her and there she went back with him. It was a rollercoaster of emotions but eventually he gets his head out his butt and did something for to fight for her. Towards the end I was gasping wasn't sure how it was going to go down, but Max does redeem himself so that's good.
December 28, 2016
I loved the premise, but this did not work for me. I did not connect with either character. Max was too full of himself. I honestly did not think he really cared for Abby until he noticed other men (his teammates) "looking" at her. He said he did not notice her until that dinner that Garrett's wife picked out a dress for her, etc and his teammates wanted to sit next to Abby at the table. I just feel that Abby's feelings for Max would always be stronger than the other way around.
Abby confronted Max about him always talking to her about his girlfriends, etc. and really not seeing her more than a friend, but she gave in too easily. In my opinion, she would always give in too easily to Max.
I am okay with the hero being a manwhore, but I don't need to hear how he enjoyed the sex with certain women or in this case cheerleaders. I don't need details about him having sex with them after the game(s) and what make them "good" in bed.
This is written in dual POVs where the switch happens every other chapter and in my opinion too frequently. Just when I was starting to connect with one character's POV, the switch happened.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. Read the book. Reading is subjective so my opinion may be the opposite of yours.
Abby confronted Max about him always talking to her about his girlfriends, etc. and really not seeing her more than a friend, but she gave in too easily. In my opinion, she would always give in too easily to Max.
I am okay with the hero being a manwhore, but I don't need to hear how he enjoyed the sex with certain women or in this case cheerleaders. I don't need details about him having sex with them after the game(s) and what make them "good" in bed.
This is written in dual POVs where the switch happens every other chapter and in my opinion too frequently. Just when I was starting to connect with one character's POV, the switch happened.
This may work for you, but it did not work for me. Read the book. Reading is subjective so my opinion may be the opposite of yours.
September 11, 2016
Max was being the usual jock we all hate to love and that did not endear him to me. Taking advantage of all the women throwing themselves at him, including the cheerleaders. Actually the book started with the players checking out and counting the number of them they have bedded. That was so uncool. Even those of them in committed relationships, married or not. Abby is the typical heroine who knows all these and thought she could change him. She should have known better, after all they grew up together.
What she did to get him to admit his feelings was even more asinine. She could have been killed, and even ended Max's carrier. I don't like the fact she also cries at inconsequential stuff. A professional woman like that. The epilogue to me is not a true reflection of the prognosis of their HEA. Max could revert back to type in a nano second. Just saying....
*ARC provided by author for my honest review*
What she did to get him to admit his feelings was even more asinine. She could have been killed, and even ended Max's carrier. I don't like the fact she also cries at inconsequential stuff. A professional woman like that. The epilogue to me is not a true reflection of the prognosis of their HEA. Max could revert back to type in a nano second. Just saying....
*ARC provided by author for my honest review*
September 3, 2016
I received a copy of this for book for an honest review.
I probably would have liked this more if I had liked the characters more.Max and Abby grew up together and were best friends. they have been apart for 10 years. when they meet again, Max does not even recognize Abby. Max was a selfish, inconsiderate jerk. Abby was a little bit of a whiner. She seemed to have low self esteem. She expected Max to be a mind reader and to know all her feelings. She ran instead of confronting him. She came a long way from her youth and accomplished a lot. As soon as she is around Max, she loses all her confidence and start doubting herself. Max did give mixed signals. It was never clear why he was holding back. This was a very short story so there wasn't really much time to develop character or an in depth story. The ending was rushed but lucky for us we get a nice epilogue at the end.
I probably would have liked this more if I had liked the characters more.Max and Abby grew up together and were best friends. they have been apart for 10 years. when they meet again, Max does not even recognize Abby. Max was a selfish, inconsiderate jerk. Abby was a little bit of a whiner. She seemed to have low self esteem. She expected Max to be a mind reader and to know all her feelings. She ran instead of confronting him. She came a long way from her youth and accomplished a lot. As soon as she is around Max, she loses all her confidence and start doubting herself. Max did give mixed signals. It was never clear why he was holding back. This was a very short story so there wasn't really much time to develop character or an in depth story. The ending was rushed but lucky for us we get a nice epilogue at the end.
October 12, 2016
As soon I've finished Draw Play,Tia Lewis Debut Novel,I was curious to read more stories written by this author and fortunately Stadium of Lights was already completed.
This was a nice contemporary sport romance with some smokin' sexy times.
I liked how Abby has fought with tenacity to gain the respect of all her coworkers even showing her femininty in an almost completely manly environment.
She is a tough girl but she becomes her insecure self again in front of her childhood friend,also making some poor choices.
Max is his team star quarterback and a well known "player" out of the field but his encounter with Abby after 10 years will change his life forever.
I'm not too fond of the supporting characters,they are all a bunch of immature kids.
Even if I've liked the epilogue a lot I would have appreciated a longer ending.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
September 17, 2016
4 touchdown stars!
Sports romance? Football (my faves- I married a college football player!)? Second chance romance? Friends to lovers? All my favorite tropes rolled into one book! Although Tia Lewis was a new author for me, I knew from reading the blurb it was right up my alley!
I really enjoyed Lewis's writing. It flowed easily and I found myself rooting for Max and Abby to get together. I loved that Max didn't recognize Abby at first and that it took some time for it to dawn on him that she had feelings for him. I love when romances start as totally platonic and then develop into something more that than later. In this case, it was years down the road and Max's feelings new feelings for Abby took him by surprise. I also loved knowing from the beginning that this was a HEA! I will definitely be checking out more books by Lewis.
**ARC provided for honest review**
Sports romance? Football (my faves- I married a college football player!)? Second chance romance? Friends to lovers? All my favorite tropes rolled into one book! Although Tia Lewis was a new author for me, I knew from reading the blurb it was right up my alley!
I really enjoyed Lewis's writing. It flowed easily and I found myself rooting for Max and Abby to get together. I loved that Max didn't recognize Abby at first and that it took some time for it to dawn on him that she had feelings for him. I love when romances start as totally platonic and then develop into something more that than later. In this case, it was years down the road and Max's feelings new feelings for Abby took him by surprise. I also loved knowing from the beginning that this was a HEA! I will definitely be checking out more books by Lewis.
**ARC provided for honest review**
August 31, 2016
Oh good lord this was was a fantastic read. Thank you again Tia Lewis for sharing your amazing book and gifting it to me.
Wow where to start firstly I may be a bit biased as my favourite genre is a sports romance but for it to be about friends to lovers, second chances, the angst was fantastic as well to the point where I wanted to scream (which for me is a good sign of a good book)
I loved Max and Abby and the boys on the team they were funny and were described exactly how boys are, there was drama, hot dirty scenes. I laughed, I may have cried a little, Oh goodness it just had everything.
If you want a good easy, sexy, hot read then you need to go preorder this book on Amazon now, if you can't wait go get Draw Play by Tia Lewis another awesome sports read
Wow where to start firstly I may be a bit biased as my favourite genre is a sports romance but for it to be about friends to lovers, second chances, the angst was fantastic as well to the point where I wanted to scream (which for me is a good sign of a good book)
I loved Max and Abby and the boys on the team they were funny and were described exactly how boys are, there was drama, hot dirty scenes. I laughed, I may have cried a little, Oh goodness it just had everything.
If you want a good easy, sexy, hot read then you need to go preorder this book on Amazon now, if you can't wait go get Draw Play by Tia Lewis another awesome sports read
September 17, 2016
4*
Abby is a physical therapist & max is a star nfl player they knew each other growing up they lost touch 10yrs ago.
I loved the fact max didn't recognise his best friend Abby had grown from a weed to a beautiful flower!
However after a night out with friends he certainly see's just how beautiful she is. He can't resist taking her to his home where things get hot.
The whole relationship is a roller coaster she certainly never believed she was good enough for him.
After they have a falling out can they work it out or will it be to late.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion & I loved it.
Emotional story.
Abby is a physical therapist & max is a star nfl player they knew each other growing up they lost touch 10yrs ago.
I loved the fact max didn't recognise his best friend Abby had grown from a weed to a beautiful flower!
However after a night out with friends he certainly see's just how beautiful she is. He can't resist taking her to his home where things get hot.
The whole relationship is a roller coaster she certainly never believed she was good enough for him.
After they have a falling out can they work it out or will it be to late.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest opinion & I loved it.
Emotional story.
September 7, 2016
Childhood friends reunited! I really liked this book and it was definitely emotional at some points. My only complaint is I wish near the end there was a little more added to show how they were in their relationship compared to other team relationships.
I received an exclusive arc for an honest review.
I received an exclusive arc for an honest review.
September 24, 2016
This is my first read by this author and all I can say is... I absolutely loved it! If you're a fan of second chance sports romance stories with a great story-line and interesting characters and plenty of drama, angst, and some steamy moments, then you definitely need to read Stadium of Lights by Tia Lewis.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review.
October 8, 2016
Second chance love story
3.5 stars. Abby has loved Max since they were kids. Now they are all grown up and reconnecting again. This was second chance at love story with a lot of angst thrown in.
3.5 stars. Abby has loved Max since they were kids. Now they are all grown up and reconnecting again. This was second chance at love story with a lot of angst thrown in.
August 19, 2018
I found the story very frustrating. Initially we meet the heroine and she seems confident and self aware. She is well travelled, educated and professional. Then, wham she meets her old high school crush and she completely disintegrates. How disappointing.
He is worse than any high school jock I have ever read. Yet he must be close to 30. Treats women like trash. The whole team seem like womanizers - even the so called committed ones join in on the whole culture in the off chance they lose their cool status it's incredibly immature and hopefully no where near the reality of professional football. All of them cheat? Yuck. They score a leadership board of how many cheerleaders they've been with and of course our hero has ten out of twelve. What a player. His inner thoughts when we are exposed to his point of view are stupid and immature.
Then we see he goes to the hospital to read to the kids and I'm surprised he can even read. No kidding. He really doesn't like anyone seeing he could be human and we are not given any reason why he behaves this way. There is some awakening at the end scenes but it's so sudden I really don't believe it so therefore struggle to believe the longevity of the couples HEA. It's quite possibly a happy for now. We don't hear him from his POV say there will be no one else for him, we don't see anything other than the grand gesture in the epilogue. By that stage I can't say he has really redeemed himself to my mind.
Our heroine could have been better as well. Drinking and driving? She was smart, then dumb, then dumber and then TSTL.🙃
He is worse than any high school jock I have ever read. Yet he must be close to 30. Treats women like trash. The whole team seem like womanizers - even the so called committed ones join in on the whole culture in the off chance they lose their cool status it's incredibly immature and hopefully no where near the reality of professional football. All of them cheat? Yuck. They score a leadership board of how many cheerleaders they've been with and of course our hero has ten out of twelve. What a player. His inner thoughts when we are exposed to his point of view are stupid and immature.
Then we see he goes to the hospital to read to the kids and I'm surprised he can even read. No kidding. He really doesn't like anyone seeing he could be human and we are not given any reason why he behaves this way. There is some awakening at the end scenes but it's so sudden I really don't believe it so therefore struggle to believe the longevity of the couples HEA. It's quite possibly a happy for now. We don't hear him from his POV say there will be no one else for him, we don't see anything other than the grand gesture in the epilogue. By that stage I can't say he has really redeemed himself to my mind.
Our heroine could have been better as well. Drinking and driving? She was smart, then dumb, then dumber and then TSTL.🙃
October 27, 2016
This was a very enjoyable book. I really enjoyed the characters. It took me a little while, but Max grew on me. He is a cocky guy that is kinda oblivious regarding his feelings for Abby. I liked Abby right away. She was a great character and one that I probably related to quite a bit. Abby was not exactly gorgeous growing up and didn't come into her own until college and when she went abroad. She had her best friend Max, that she was in love with but knew that he didn't see her that way at all. She wasn't popular and Max was pretty much her only friend. They haven't spoken in about 10 years. They drifted apart when Abby's dad got stationed in Europe. Abby is back as a physical therapist for Max's football team. As soon as they meet again, sparks fly! Max is an a**hole and he hurts Abby with his words multiple times. This is why he had to grow on me. He just couldn't figure it out and get it right lol. Abby dealt with it and I thought she handled herself pretty well. She had to deal with her past and her self-esteem that she had back then and figure out how to stay the confident person she had become. I loved the interactions between the characters, for the most part....definitely wanted to smack Max, at least a few times. The banter was good, the sex was explicit and hot, and the story flowed really well. I enjoyed the cast of teammates and the whole story.
June 4, 2019
This was both a waste of time and money and I'm fuming. The male was an arrogant chauvinistic, arrogant excuse for a person while the female was a wimpy selfish excuse for a woman who would contemplate quitting a job because someone was mean to her. She acted like everyone owed her something and the fact that she wasn't drop dead gorgeous 10 years ago was the cause of all her troubles not because she behaved like a 5 year old trapped in a woman. This was a solid DNF. I don't understand the other 4 and 5 stars but it's false advertising. Read if your okay with feeling the urge to punch the stupid out of someone.
January 4, 2017
Funny and Sweet
I laughed is much in this book that I had to stay up all night to finish it. Then I cried from the pain that was revealed when he realizes he lives her. Then happy and smiling again.
I laughed is much in this book that I had to stay up all night to finish it. Then I cried from the pain that was revealed when he realizes he lives her. Then happy and smiling again.
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