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Game Time #2
Guarded Heart
Welcome to the time where memories are made and hearts get broken.
Raven Quinn has always been a force on the basketball court, but in life, not so much. Having a dating life isn’t easy when she’s taller and stronger than every guy she knows, or he’s already put her in the friend zone. Which hasn’t really been a problem until now. Now she’s feels left out and left behind. What if she’s in the friend zone for the rest of her life? Shane Gibson makes her think different and takes her out of that dreaded friend zone, but in the wrong direction.
Grant Hudson has been Raven’s best friend since they were in diapers. She’s the best friend a guy could have, he’s always felt that way. So why does this guy she’s dating bother him so much? Why is he suddenly very aware of her body and the way his reacts to her? Why, for the love of everything, can’t he get her off his mind?
When things go south with Shane and Raven is broken, will Grant step up and take the shot, getting past the guard Raven has around her heart?
Raven Quinn has always been a force on the basketball court, but in life, not so much. Having a dating life isn’t easy when she’s taller and stronger than every guy she knows, or he’s already put her in the friend zone. Which hasn’t really been a problem until now. Now she’s feels left out and left behind. What if she’s in the friend zone for the rest of her life? Shane Gibson makes her think different and takes her out of that dreaded friend zone, but in the wrong direction.
Grant Hudson has been Raven’s best friend since they were in diapers. She’s the best friend a guy could have, he’s always felt that way. So why does this guy she’s dating bother him so much? Why is he suddenly very aware of her body and the way his reacts to her? Why, for the love of everything, can’t he get her off his mind?
When things go south with Shane and Raven is broken, will Grant step up and take the shot, getting past the guard Raven has around her heart?
ebook
Published November 28, 2016
About the author
S.M. Donaldson
39 books247 followersS.M. Donaldson is a born and raised Southern girl. She grew up in a small rural town on Florida’s Gulf Coast, the kind of place where everyone knows your business before you do, especially when your Daddy is a cop and your Mom works for the school system. She married one of her best friends at the age of 20 and has two sons. She is a proud military wife, has always had a soft spot for a good story, and is known to have a potty mouth. At the age of 31, she decided there was no time like the present to attempt her first book. Sam’s Choice was born and she hasn’t stopped since. If you are looking for a good, steamy, Southern set romance with true Southern dialect, she’s your girl.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
November 21, 2016
So yes I am in my 30s, yes I enjoy this YA series that SM is writing, and yes I am enjoying thinking about my days back in high school. High school can be scary, it can be drama, it can be awesome, and it can be a something you want to forget.
Remember that best friend through elementary and middle then high school hits and BAM, you have hormones and he is all of a sudden HOT?!?! That is the story of Raven and Grant. Well kinda.
Raven and Grant have been friends since birth because their friends are best friends. They are always placed together at dinners and vacations because of the parents. They are in different high schools, enjoying growing up. We get to see Raven in her first relationship, trying to figure out life. She is tall, built great, and chastised by the whole school. She has low self esteem and the new boyfriend is a butt. A full big ole butt. He reminded me so much of my high school boyfriend. Shane new exactly how to play her. Her parents see this and make sure they have time away from each other.
Raven begins going to high school with Grant. Grant tries to look out for Raven but at the same time, he wants to have his own life. When Raven gets into some hot water, Grant is there for her. They begin recognizing that each other is actually a boy and a girl and have boy and girl parts.
Raven and Grant's story intersects with Collin and Joelle's story from Crimson Catch. I loved how you saw the side of the story from their point of view of events that happened during the first book. We also get some details about Joelle's big brother and another girl that is in their group.
It is so point on with the lack of communication, not knowing what they are doing, trying to be adult yet not there yet. The assuming is what is so real. Teenagers don't talk things out, they just assume they know what they know and don't get facts. Grant assumes the worst and ignores Raven. This doesn't allow them to know where they stand and causes some damage. At the end, they figure it out as best as 16 year olds can and try to continue high school.
Remember that best friend through elementary and middle then high school hits and BAM, you have hormones and he is all of a sudden HOT?!?! That is the story of Raven and Grant. Well kinda.
Raven and Grant have been friends since birth because their friends are best friends. They are always placed together at dinners and vacations because of the parents. They are in different high schools, enjoying growing up. We get to see Raven in her first relationship, trying to figure out life. She is tall, built great, and chastised by the whole school. She has low self esteem and the new boyfriend is a butt. A full big ole butt. He reminded me so much of my high school boyfriend. Shane new exactly how to play her. Her parents see this and make sure they have time away from each other.
Raven begins going to high school with Grant. Grant tries to look out for Raven but at the same time, he wants to have his own life. When Raven gets into some hot water, Grant is there for her. They begin recognizing that each other is actually a boy and a girl and have boy and girl parts.
Raven and Grant's story intersects with Collin and Joelle's story from Crimson Catch. I loved how you saw the side of the story from their point of view of events that happened during the first book. We also get some details about Joelle's big brother and another girl that is in their group.
It is so point on with the lack of communication, not knowing what they are doing, trying to be adult yet not there yet. The assuming is what is so real. Teenagers don't talk things out, they just assume they know what they know and don't get facts. Grant assumes the worst and ignores Raven. This doesn't allow them to know where they stand and causes some damage. At the end, they figure it out as best as 16 year olds can and try to continue high school.
November 28, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in return for my honest opinion.
S.M. Donaldson has done it again. Just when I think that the book she just released is my favorite she releases another that blows my mind. She is truly a very talented writer and has a way of making you fall in love with the story while making you feel like you were there watching it unfold first hand.
Guarded Heart is book #2 in her mature YA series, Game Time. As with the first book Crimson Catch, I believe both COULD be read as a stand alone, although I really feel to get the entire experience reading both of them in order is best.
In this story you meet two very sweet teens. They were raised together as best friends and never seen each other as more. The older they got, nothing changed. He is a little more experienced and a lot more confident in who he is. She is very insecure with her boyish body and the lack of attention she gets from the male kind. One day, a popular boy from another school makes his move. Blown away by the attention he gives her, she is head over heals in lust. In love with the idea of somebody wanting her. This leads to a very UNHEALTHY relationship. Now, he must sit back and watch as his friend takes a downward spiral and wait.. has she always looked that hot in a bikini?!?!
I really don't want to give away to much of the plot, so I am going to stay a little vague and say.. This is a very sweet romance, but it is also filled with fear, anger and lots of excitement. This book has everything that an YA reader seeks in drama and romance and so much more. Don't get me wrong though. I am 31 and I enjoyed it to the max. I really feel that this is the perfect read for anyone 15-16 and up.
I highly recommend this book as well as ANY book my SM Donaldson. Hurry, One-Click it today!!
S.M. Donaldson has done it again. Just when I think that the book she just released is my favorite she releases another that blows my mind. She is truly a very talented writer and has a way of making you fall in love with the story while making you feel like you were there watching it unfold first hand.
Guarded Heart is book #2 in her mature YA series, Game Time. As with the first book Crimson Catch, I believe both COULD be read as a stand alone, although I really feel to get the entire experience reading both of them in order is best.
In this story you meet two very sweet teens. They were raised together as best friends and never seen each other as more. The older they got, nothing changed. He is a little more experienced and a lot more confident in who he is. She is very insecure with her boyish body and the lack of attention she gets from the male kind. One day, a popular boy from another school makes his move. Blown away by the attention he gives her, she is head over heals in lust. In love with the idea of somebody wanting her. This leads to a very UNHEALTHY relationship. Now, he must sit back and watch as his friend takes a downward spiral and wait.. has she always looked that hot in a bikini?!?!
I really don't want to give away to much of the plot, so I am going to stay a little vague and say.. This is a very sweet romance, but it is also filled with fear, anger and lots of excitement. This book has everything that an YA reader seeks in drama and romance and so much more. Don't get me wrong though. I am 31 and I enjoyed it to the max. I really feel that this is the perfect read for anyone 15-16 and up.
I highly recommend this book as well as ANY book my SM Donaldson. Hurry, One-Click it today!!
November 29, 2016
I have read the first book in this series and really enjoyed it so I was super stoked to be able to review this one!!
I really enjoyed the story of Grant and Raven...I love me a good friends to more book and especially one in the YA genre so this one was extra special!
I think you could read this one as a stand alone but best way would be to hook into Crimson Catch to get the bigger picture on a couple characters that are referenced quite a bit in this second book of the series!
Raven and Grant are best friends but the difference with Raven is that she is more thought of as one of the boys than potential girlfriend material and this is an underlying theme through this book! Seeing past the exterior to the goodness underneath. SM Donaldson does this perfectly through this novel, she touches on teen violence and the important issues that youth face on a day to day basis!
From the start you know that something is going to explode...you can feel the tension in the words and it isn't long before this is explained in the shape of Shane, Ravens new boyfriend...but all is not what it seems!
Throughout this book we follow the ups and downs of two young teens who feel a connection wise beyond their years!
This book was thoughtful, touching and poignant with a strong message!
I really enjoyed this novel by SM Donaldson and would be super excited to read more from this series and these characters.
4.5 stars for a book that too me by surprise with its underlying themes woven through the tale of young love!
I really enjoyed the story of Grant and Raven...I love me a good friends to more book and especially one in the YA genre so this one was extra special!
I think you could read this one as a stand alone but best way would be to hook into Crimson Catch to get the bigger picture on a couple characters that are referenced quite a bit in this second book of the series!
Raven and Grant are best friends but the difference with Raven is that she is more thought of as one of the boys than potential girlfriend material and this is an underlying theme through this book! Seeing past the exterior to the goodness underneath. SM Donaldson does this perfectly through this novel, she touches on teen violence and the important issues that youth face on a day to day basis!
From the start you know that something is going to explode...you can feel the tension in the words and it isn't long before this is explained in the shape of Shane, Ravens new boyfriend...but all is not what it seems!
Throughout this book we follow the ups and downs of two young teens who feel a connection wise beyond their years!
This book was thoughtful, touching and poignant with a strong message!
I really enjoyed this novel by SM Donaldson and would be super excited to read more from this series and these characters.
4.5 stars for a book that too me by surprise with its underlying themes woven through the tale of young love!
November 12, 2016
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS *
I would like to start off by saying that I love the Game Time series!! You do not need to read Crimson Catch before reading Guarded Heart.
I really enjoyed reading Guarded Heart!!! Raven is a spunky basketball player who has some esteem issues and feels like none of the guys notice her other than her life long best friend Grant. Shane enters the picture and he sweet talks Raven into going out with him. Little does she know, he is a major douche canoe!
Grant is the best friend that really every girl needs to have. He is protective, caring, loving and quite honestly HOT!!! When Raven's world is turned upside down, he is there for her. You can feel the tension leaping off the pages of the book. When they finally have the opportunity to talk, Shane comes back in the picture and throws you for a loop!
I read this in a day! I literally couldn't put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next. To me, Guarded Hearts touched on a couple of subjects that may be tough for some readers. I think this book is very eye opening to what all occurs in high school. This book is very well written and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS *
I would like to start off by saying that I love the Game Time series!! You do not need to read Crimson Catch before reading Guarded Heart.
I really enjoyed reading Guarded Heart!!! Raven is a spunky basketball player who has some esteem issues and feels like none of the guys notice her other than her life long best friend Grant. Shane enters the picture and he sweet talks Raven into going out with him. Little does she know, he is a major douche canoe!
Grant is the best friend that really every girl needs to have. He is protective, caring, loving and quite honestly HOT!!! When Raven's world is turned upside down, he is there for her. You can feel the tension leaping off the pages of the book. When they finally have the opportunity to talk, Shane comes back in the picture and throws you for a loop!
I read this in a day! I literally couldn't put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next. To me, Guarded Hearts touched on a couple of subjects that may be tough for some readers. I think this book is very eye opening to what all occurs in high school. This book is very well written and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
November 20, 2016
I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really loved Crimson Catch so really excited about getting to read Guarded Heart,this was a great story about life of these teenage best friends living in a small town. Raven is a basketball star but for years has been treated and felt like one of the guys, even by Grant her best friend who is protective,loyal and sweet,unfortunately that's all Grant has ever been her bestfriend.
Raven really struggles with her confidence and self image and leads her to situations she doesn't feel she can or deserves to get out of it takes her family and Grant to help her see she is worth more but unfortunately for Raven there is more for her to deal with and Grant is determined to not let the girl he cares about most in the world fall again. There is a lot of drama and ups and downs which keep you drawn to this book to the very end but is definitely worth the time. Loved reading about all the other characters in this book as well hopefully more books to come in this series. xxxx
The only thing I think there needed to be more space (~*~) in some places were there is days or weeks between time within the chapter rather than just a new sentence?
I really loved Crimson Catch so really excited about getting to read Guarded Heart,this was a great story about life of these teenage best friends living in a small town. Raven is a basketball star but for years has been treated and felt like one of the guys, even by Grant her best friend who is protective,loyal and sweet,unfortunately that's all Grant has ever been her bestfriend.
Raven really struggles with her confidence and self image and leads her to situations she doesn't feel she can or deserves to get out of it takes her family and Grant to help her see she is worth more but unfortunately for Raven there is more for her to deal with and Grant is determined to not let the girl he cares about most in the world fall again. There is a lot of drama and ups and downs which keep you drawn to this book to the very end but is definitely worth the time. Loved reading about all the other characters in this book as well hopefully more books to come in this series. xxxx
The only thing I think there needed to be more space (~*~) in some places were there is days or weeks between time within the chapter rather than just a new sentence?
November 28, 2016
I was provided an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
* MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS *
I would like to start off by saying that I love the Game Time series!! You do not need to read Crimson Catch before reading Guarded Heart.
I really enjoyed reading Guarded Heart!!! Raven is a spunky basketball player who has some esteem issues and feels like none of the guys notice her other than her life long best friend Grant. Shane enters the picture and he sweet talks Raven into going out with him. Little does she know, he is a major douche canoe!
Grant is the best friend that really every girl needs to have. He is protective, caring, loving and quite honestly HOT!!! When Raven's world is turned upside down, he is there for her. You can feel the tension leaping off the pages of the book. When they finally have the opportunity to talk, Shane comes back in the picture and throws you for a loop!
I read this in a day! I literally couldn't put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next. To me, Guarded Hearts touched on a couple of subjects that may be tough for some readers. I think this book is very eye opening to what all occurs in high school. This book is very well written and I absolutely cannot wait to read the next book in this series!
November 28, 2016
This is the first time that I've read a book by S.M. Donaldson. The story is about two bestfriends in high school who, you guessed it, fell in love. You may think thay this is a common story. But the writing is quite unique. Donaldson narrates really good. She brings the characters to life. The plot is close to what I experienced in high school since I'm a tall girl and always at the end of the line when arranged according to height. I can really relate to Raven's dilemmas.
Back to the story, Raven and Grant are bestfriends since they were little kids. Since girls grow taller than most guys, she towers majority of the male species in their school, which makes her feel left out. On the basketball court, she's a graceful and at the same time ruthless player. One day, a popular guy in school took notice of her which made her very special. This sparks Grant's feelings for her, noticing her as a beautiful girl, not just her childhood buddy. This is an exciting, romantic, YA romance that will make you glued to the book until you finish it.
I received an advance readers copy of this book that I voluntarily chose to review.
http://muretbookworm.wordpress.com
Back to the story, Raven and Grant are bestfriends since they were little kids. Since girls grow taller than most guys, she towers majority of the male species in their school, which makes her feel left out. On the basketball court, she's a graceful and at the same time ruthless player. One day, a popular guy in school took notice of her which made her very special. This sparks Grant's feelings for her, noticing her as a beautiful girl, not just her childhood buddy. This is an exciting, romantic, YA romance that will make you glued to the book until you finish it.
I received an advance readers copy of this book that I voluntarily chose to review.
http://muretbookworm.wordpress.com
November 27, 2016
I love SM Donaldson's book & this one did not disappoint. I love how raw & real this book is. It's YA but touches on very important & intense subjects such as dating abuse.
Raven & Grant are best friends and don't want anything to mess that up. Grant is very protective of Raven, especially when she hooks up with the school jerk. Raven finds herself in an abusive relationship & doesn't know how to get out. She's a tom boy & loves sports. I hate that there's a stereotype for athletic girls & it's used against them daily.
This book had me all in my feelings having a teenage daughter myself. I can see this happening. I love how the author made it feel like the reader is there & it's happening to them. I applaud her for tackling such a subject.
Raven & Grant are best friends and don't want anything to mess that up. Grant is very protective of Raven, especially when she hooks up with the school jerk. Raven finds herself in an abusive relationship & doesn't know how to get out. She's a tom boy & loves sports. I hate that there's a stereotype for athletic girls & it's used against them daily.
This book had me all in my feelings having a teenage daughter myself. I can see this happening. I love how the author made it feel like the reader is there & it's happening to them. I applaud her for tackling such a subject.
November 12, 2016
Guarded Heart isn't your typical sports book. It has a little bit about sports but its mainly about two teens living in a small town and dealing with the daily struggles of a teenager life. Raven is a basketball star but she also is a girl that everyone thinks of as one of the guys. I grew up and still live in my small town. I had guys who thought of me as one of the guys. Sometimes like Rave thing may get ugly but you have friends and family who help you realize it even if at the time you think its the worst thing. This book is a great story with several twist and turns. I wanted punch people, cry, and laugh while reading it.
November 28, 2016
I am new to SM Donaldson and this book is just so real. The way she writes makes you feel like you are there. This book is a touching romance book with 2 best friends who have known each other since they were very little. When a loss happens to Raven, Grant finds himself liking her more than just a friend and realizing what a Jerk of a boyfriend Raven has at the moment. I don’t want to give away too much and spoil such a good read but this is truly a feel good book and I would highly recommend it.
ARC Kindly given in exchange for an honest review
ARC Kindly given in exchange for an honest review
November 29, 2016
This is another great book from one of my favorite authors - SM Donaldson!! I'm an older reader and this is a YA book, but its the second in the seriesand I loved the first and this one was just as great!! This is a must read and you don't have to read the first one, but you would love too!!!! I love the small town feel of the stories. Definately a MUST read!!
March 13, 2017
Great
This was an interesting storyline. I really liked the characters. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the first book.
This was an interesting storyline. I really liked the characters. I enjoyed seeing some of the characters from the first book.
December 25, 2016
Omg... wow.. this book was great, it deals with teen dating violence, domestic violence, body image, I didnt know what going into the book, at first I was not sure if I wanted to read it but I'm glad I did, I know it's a book I'm going to have my daughter read when she gets older, it deals with very important things with out being preachy... Okay on to a review of the book.. if you have read S.M Donaldson's first Game time book Crimson Catch you will see character's from that book in it it really ties it together.Raven only sees her self as a tomboy until Shane comes along and her best friend Grant also comes to see Raven as more then a friend. I think this book everyone can some how relate to one way or another, maybe your a Raven or who someone like a Raven
It's a 5 star for me more if I could..
It's a 5 star for me more if I could..
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews