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The Gladiator Players #1
Shape of My Heart
Like a Phoenix from the Ashes, True Love Can Arise From Illness and Death
An aspiring fashion designer, Amy’s life changed when her mother suddenly falls ill. Her mother needs lifesaving surgery, and it’s up to Amy to acquire the funds.
A famous and highly valued football player, Josh has an incredible lifetime of excellence in his sport. His life crumbles when his mother and sister are killed in a car crash while on their way to see his last game of the season. Distraught with self-loathing and self-blame, Josh descends into a life of alcoholism and loose women that threatens to ruin his football career and possibly his life.
Mission Impossible?
A friend sets Amy up with a job as a PA at the LA PR Agency which represents Josh’s football team, the Gladiators. Her task is to whip Josh into shape mentally and physically for the next football season.
From Worst Person in the World to Love of a Lifetime?
Shocked to her core, Amy discovers that Josh is the worst person in the world. His daily protests, unsavory habits and loose women are unbelievable. Josh is equally annoyed with Amy. As Amy gets Josh to see some hope a spark is kindled…
Will that spark grow into a flaming romance? Or will they return to their regular lives?
An aspiring fashion designer, Amy’s life changed when her mother suddenly falls ill. Her mother needs lifesaving surgery, and it’s up to Amy to acquire the funds.
A famous and highly valued football player, Josh has an incredible lifetime of excellence in his sport. His life crumbles when his mother and sister are killed in a car crash while on their way to see his last game of the season. Distraught with self-loathing and self-blame, Josh descends into a life of alcoholism and loose women that threatens to ruin his football career and possibly his life.
Mission Impossible?
A friend sets Amy up with a job as a PA at the LA PR Agency which represents Josh’s football team, the Gladiators. Her task is to whip Josh into shape mentally and physically for the next football season.
From Worst Person in the World to Love of a Lifetime?
Shocked to her core, Amy discovers that Josh is the worst person in the world. His daily protests, unsavory habits and loose women are unbelievable. Josh is equally annoyed with Amy. As Amy gets Josh to see some hope a spark is kindled…
Will that spark grow into a flaming romance? Or will they return to their regular lives?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2017
About the author
Khardine Gray
147 books861 followersKhardine Gray is a USA Today Bestselling author who also writes under the pen name Faith Summers.
Khardine lives in England with her husband and two adventurous kids.
She writes contemporary romance, dark romantic suspense, and dark new adult romance.
Her books have sassy heroines and sexy, drool-worthy book boyfriends who will make you melt.
She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.
When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her in a ballet class or ice skating.
Khardine lives in England with her husband and two adventurous kids.
She writes contemporary romance, dark romantic suspense, and dark new adult romance.
Her books have sassy heroines and sexy, drool-worthy book boyfriends who will make you melt.
She simply adores her readers and loves spoiling them.
When she’s not writing or reading, you can find her in a ballet class or ice skating.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
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August 8, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (8/8/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Like a Phoenix from the Ashes, True Love Can Arise From Illness and Death
An aspiring fashion designer, Amy’s life changed when her mother suddenly falls ill. Her mother needs lifesaving surgery, and it’s up to Amy to acquire the funds.
A famous and highly valued football player, Josh has an incredible lifetime of excellence in his sport. His life crumbles when his mother and sister are killed in a car crash while on their way to see his last game of the season. Distraught with self-loathing and self-blame, Josh descends into a life of alcoholism and loose women that threatens to ruin his football career and possibly his life.
Mission Impossible?
A friend sets Amy up with a job as a PA at the LA PR Agency which represents Josh’s football team, the Gladiators. Her task is to whip Josh into shape mentally and physically for the next football season.
From Worst Person in the World to Love of a Lifetime?
Shocked to her core, Amy discovers that Josh is the worst person in the world. His daily protests, unsavory habits and loose women are unbelievable. Josh is equally annoyed with Amy. As Amy gets Josh to see some hope a spark is kindled…
Will that spark grow into a flaming romance? Or will they return to their regular lives?
Blurb:
Like a Phoenix from the Ashes, True Love Can Arise From Illness and Death
An aspiring fashion designer, Amy’s life changed when her mother suddenly falls ill. Her mother needs lifesaving surgery, and it’s up to Amy to acquire the funds.
A famous and highly valued football player, Josh has an incredible lifetime of excellence in his sport. His life crumbles when his mother and sister are killed in a car crash while on their way to see his last game of the season. Distraught with self-loathing and self-blame, Josh descends into a life of alcoholism and loose women that threatens to ruin his football career and possibly his life.
Mission Impossible?
A friend sets Amy up with a job as a PA at the LA PR Agency which represents Josh’s football team, the Gladiators. Her task is to whip Josh into shape mentally and physically for the next football season.
From Worst Person in the World to Love of a Lifetime?
Shocked to her core, Amy discovers that Josh is the worst person in the world. His daily protests, unsavory habits and loose women are unbelievable. Josh is equally annoyed with Amy. As Amy gets Josh to see some hope a spark is kindled…
Will that spark grow into a flaming romance? Or will they return to their regular lives?
September 13, 2018
This is a written well funny, sweet and sexy story that was really good and I enjoyed reading it.
The thing that I didn't like was how extremely rushed the ending was and the little drama right before it ended really annoyed me.
overall it was a fun, romantic read.
The thing that I didn't like was how extremely rushed the ending was and the little drama right before it ended really annoyed me.
overall it was a fun, romantic read.
August 15, 2017
Loved this book.
Josh is a star football player and also an egomaniac, womanizer, jerk, alpha male and in a depression after his mother and sister are killed in an auto accident. Josh can't forgive himself for their deaths and he is spiralling into a hole of women and booze.
Amy is a fashion designer whose dream has always been to work for Dior. Life has thrown her many curve balls but she has kept her track and is doing everything she can to have her dream come true. her latest curve ball is her mother's illness. She needs money fast and the job of being PA to Josh pays really well. Enough for Amy to pay for her mother's surgery and treatment. And she needs to kept that in mind as she encounters Josh.
This is a story about two people whose lives have been effected by events in their lives. Josh's death of his sister and mother, Amy's leaving of her father and how her mother lived her life form that point on.
As Amy does everything she can to get Josh back to wanting to be among the land of the living and play football again. Josh can't seem to get out of his own head.
Can these two people heal each other? Can Amy trust Josh who is an alcoholic and womanizer like her father? Can Josh see himself with only one woman?
I really enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more books by them.
I received this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Josh is a star football player and also an egomaniac, womanizer, jerk, alpha male and in a depression after his mother and sister are killed in an auto accident. Josh can't forgive himself for their deaths and he is spiralling into a hole of women and booze.
Amy is a fashion designer whose dream has always been to work for Dior. Life has thrown her many curve balls but she has kept her track and is doing everything she can to have her dream come true. her latest curve ball is her mother's illness. She needs money fast and the job of being PA to Josh pays really well. Enough for Amy to pay for her mother's surgery and treatment. And she needs to kept that in mind as she encounters Josh.
This is a story about two people whose lives have been effected by events in their lives. Josh's death of his sister and mother, Amy's leaving of her father and how her mother lived her life form that point on.
As Amy does everything she can to get Josh back to wanting to be among the land of the living and play football again. Josh can't seem to get out of his own head.
Can these two people heal each other? Can Amy trust Josh who is an alcoholic and womanizer like her father? Can Josh see himself with only one woman?
I really enjoyed this author and look forward to reading more books by them.
I received this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
August 15, 2017
Oh wow! What an amazing book! This is the first book by Khardine Gray that I have read, but it definitely will not be the last!
Josh is a pro football player that has gone off the rails after his mom and sister were killed in a car accident. Now the team needs him back, and he is by no means ready!
Amy is a fashion designer with dreams of working for Dior. And that dream is nearly in sight! At least, until her mom gets sick. Now she needs an operation, and Amy needs money to pay for it. Her boss gets her an interview for a high paying job as a PA to a football player, and Amy takes it. There is a huge bonus in one month that she really needs.
But she didn't plan on Josh, and Josh doesn't want Amy there. They clash from the very beginning. But when it comes right down to it, will either of them lower their guard and learn to trust in themselves, each other and love?
This book has humor, heartbreak, steamy sex, jealousy and so much more. You won't be sorry you read it!
I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. This is my honest opinion.
Josh is a pro football player that has gone off the rails after his mom and sister were killed in a car accident. Now the team needs him back, and he is by no means ready!
Amy is a fashion designer with dreams of working for Dior. And that dream is nearly in sight! At least, until her mom gets sick. Now she needs an operation, and Amy needs money to pay for it. Her boss gets her an interview for a high paying job as a PA to a football player, and Amy takes it. There is a huge bonus in one month that she really needs.
But she didn't plan on Josh, and Josh doesn't want Amy there. They clash from the very beginning. But when it comes right down to it, will either of them lower their guard and learn to trust in themselves, each other and love?
This book has humor, heartbreak, steamy sex, jealousy and so much more. You won't be sorry you read it!
I received and ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review. This is my honest opinion.
August 13, 2017
Talk about story hang-over. I don't even know what to say. There is such a depth of emotion packed into this book, I still haven't quite recovered from it. Together, Amy and Josh are packing so much baggage they could outfit a small island nation. Josh blames himself for the deaths of his mother and sister. And after the way her father left their family, Amy doesn't believe she's worthy of a man's love, that she's enough to inspire faithfulness in the right man. Josh starts out a prime jerk but we get to watch him work through his issues and become a better man. By the time we get to the end, I was more than a little tired of Amy's self-doubt and lack of trust, in herself and in Josh. I completely understand why she held that fear but it was heartbreaking to see her continually shore up her defenses to stay safe. The story held me so captivated I wasn't ready for it to be over when it was done
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book.
August 16, 2017
Josh and Amy are two broken souls to whom life has dealt a strong blow. Josh had it all – wealth, fame, a star studded football career, women and then he went to pieces. He was so depressed and overcome with guilt over the accident that killed his mom and sister. He turned to booze and self destruction. Not to mention that he was a complete jerk. In an effort to get him back on track the team hired Amy as his PA. For her it was the job from h......., but she really needed the money. This is a story of redemption, renewal, forgiveness, overcoming obstacles and how love can make a difference. Lots of drama and twists, but it's a beautiful love story that is full of emotion. You will remember this story for a long time. I received an advance reader copy and voluntarily chose to review
August 16, 2017
This book surprised me in the positive way. Khardine Gray is a new author to me and this book is not going to be the last one I want to read from her. It is an amazing story that is very well written. It is so emotionel that it flows of the pages. You can feel the main characters sorrow, joy, pain and loss. But luckily you also have their passion, chemistry, laughs and love so you have a balance. The characters are very strong and they only have to find the one that can help them heel. The main characters are described with a lot of depth and you get caught up in the story from page one and just have to read on. Josh and Amy are an amazing couple that has to find out how to get past the pain before they can see their HEA.
I can only recommend this book.
I received this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I can only recommend this book.
I received this book and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
August 24, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Amy is at the point that she's willing to do pretty much anything to get the money for her mom's surgery. When she's handed the job as Josh's PA, she thinks it'll be an easy job. Boy was she wrong. The things she does to him to wake him up a couple of times is hilarious. But when she finally becomes the bossy girl she was meant to be, things start to get shaken up. Josh starts to realize how much of his life he's wasting on grieving his mother and sister, and how close he is to losing his job on the team. With Amy's help, he's able to turn his life around...and they both find the love of their life. Unfortunately, there's always a couple twists that break HEAs apart...this one is heart wrenching...both times. This is definitely a book that I'm recommending to all of my fellow readers. I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 27, 2017
Captured My Heart!
This was a really good book. Josh and Amy meet under extraordinary and unfortunate circumstances. They initially despise each other. Then there is an incident that changes the tide and realize they both need each other not only professionally but emotionally. Things blossom from there. My favorite part of this book is it shows how sometimes all we need is that one person that believes in you, supports you and is there for you no matter what and it can completely change you and the course of your life for the better. This book is raw, emotional, heartbreaking, passionate, romantic and beautiful. My only problem for me is I feel it needed an epilogue to find out how they all are a bit down the road.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
This was a really good book. Josh and Amy meet under extraordinary and unfortunate circumstances. They initially despise each other. Then there is an incident that changes the tide and realize they both need each other not only professionally but emotionally. Things blossom from there. My favorite part of this book is it shows how sometimes all we need is that one person that believes in you, supports you and is there for you no matter what and it can completely change you and the course of your life for the better. This book is raw, emotional, heartbreaking, passionate, romantic and beautiful. My only problem for me is I feel it needed an epilogue to find out how they all are a bit down the road.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
November 6, 2017
Breathtakingly beautiful! Josh is suffering from a severe case of guilt after a terrible tragedy upended his life. His only way of coping are alcohol & women. Amy is working her butt off to try and make her dream of becoming a designer for Dior com true. Her path to Dior leads her to be a PA for Josh. At first, Amy is disgusted with him, how he acts, and how he's living. But she finally sees the truth behind the filth, he's broken by his guilt. Yes, Josh is an absolute jerk at first. He starts to change when he realizes that Amy actually cares about him. This was a beautiful story with characters that had depth. This was another outstanding book by Ms. Grey!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
August 15, 2017
This book is amazing. It is well-written and has a great plot and characters. Everyone deals with grief in a different way. Josh just happens to not be handling his as well as some. He is a football player that has to have a PA help him complete his commitments and get himself together and move forward. Amy has no patience to deal with his tendencies. She needs this job and knows that is her only choice. She has her own dreams to wants to fulfill. Are they able to move forward with the healing process and put the negative things behind them? Can Josh stop reminding Amy of her horrible father and can Amy rescue Josh from himself? This book is a must read!
August 15, 2017
Josh has lost everything but football, and is so depressed, he can't see straight. Amy, desperate for some cash is willing to do anything to reform him. At first, they rub each other the wrong way, but as time progresses, it becomes clear that the bond they have is one that few people ever have.
This story was a surprising mix of sweet, tough and emotional. Ms. Gray allows you deep into both of the main characters' minds, allowing a glimpse into Josh's grief & helplessness & Amy's frustration and desperation. The secondary characters supported well with light entertainment without distracting from the main story.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, and recommend it.
This story was a surprising mix of sweet, tough and emotional. Ms. Gray allows you deep into both of the main characters' minds, allowing a glimpse into Josh's grief & helplessness & Amy's frustration and desperation. The secondary characters supported well with light entertainment without distracting from the main story.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book, and recommend it.
August 18, 2017
This is a sexy, sweet and funny story that was really good. Written well, the characters were very likable even when they were down. Josh is a football player who is on a downward spiral due to an accident and now his focus is woman and alcohol. Amy who is now Josh's new personal assistant has her own problems and is in need of making money. This job pays well so how can she refuse. Obsiously the job is to help Josh get his life together but she isn't supposed to fall for him or him for her. What will happen when two people who have their own issues want more for themselves? Can they both help each other? I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
August 20, 2017
Shape of My Heart by Khardine Gray
This is Josh Mancini and Amy Rose's story.
Josh's, star football player, life is out of control since the tragic accident. Amy has been hired as Josh's PA to get him back to the living so he will be ready for the next football season. Will Amy succeed where the other PAs failed?
What a story! A story that is sweet, sexy, and funny but also includes emotionally and tough issues. This story grabbed by attention from the beginning to the end. The characters emotions jump right off the pages. I really enjoyed this read.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is Josh Mancini and Amy Rose's story.
Josh's, star football player, life is out of control since the tragic accident. Amy has been hired as Josh's PA to get him back to the living so he will be ready for the next football season. Will Amy succeed where the other PAs failed?
What a story! A story that is sweet, sexy, and funny but also includes emotionally and tough issues. This story grabbed by attention from the beginning to the end. The characters emotions jump right off the pages. I really enjoyed this read.
FYI, contains mature content. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 2, 2017
I really enjoyed Shape of My Heart. It is a well written story about Joshua Mancini, a star linebacker whose mom and sister died in a car accident. The story is all about his deep depression over his loss and his turning to alcohol to numb the pain. Throw in the witty Amy as is PA when she is really a fashion designer trying to win a design contest and you have a very emotional story that may bring you to tears as it touches your heart. Some parts of the story will make you laugh. Any author that can make me do both has written an excellent book in my opinion. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
August 14, 2017
What an emotional roller coaster! This book grabs your heart from the very first page...and simply does not let go. This has to be one of the most heartbreaking books I've read this year. The storyline is masterfully done; the characters just grab your heart and you feel all their pain, sorrow, and loss. Grab tissues before you start this one. Trust me...the HEA is well worth the pain of the journey. Thank you, Khardine Gray for an absolutely beautiful read! (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and was totally blown away by it!) ❤️
December 14, 2018
Shape of my Heart
I really loved this story and the way it was written, not to mention the characters. Where it fell over for me was that Amy never explained to Josh about her father & now it affected her. Josh to me was the most honest person, sober or drunk, he said what he felt except, about his family. I did laugh my head off when Amy fulfilled Jake's shopping order of condoms , lubricants & beer. lo! This is a really well written story but, at the end, it felt incomplete.
I really loved this story and the way it was written, not to mention the characters. Where it fell over for me was that Amy never explained to Josh about her father & now it affected her. Josh to me was the most honest person, sober or drunk, he said what he felt except, about his family. I did laugh my head off when Amy fulfilled Jake's shopping order of condoms , lubricants & beer. lo! This is a really well written story but, at the end, it felt incomplete.
April 22, 2025
Wonderful
Josh and Amy's love story was amazing and beautiful.
Both had experience loss and pain. He was in a bad place when he met Amy.
Amy, was there to help him get back to playing football.
At the same time, she had her own issues. Working to pay for her mother's medical bills. Childhood memories protected herself from love.
Lots of adventures and suspense. Truly enjoyable.
Like the way it all came together with a great, happy ending.
Look forward to the next adventure.
Josh and Amy's love story was amazing and beautiful.
Both had experience loss and pain. He was in a bad place when he met Amy.
Amy, was there to help him get back to playing football.
At the same time, she had her own issues. Working to pay for her mother's medical bills. Childhood memories protected herself from love.
Lots of adventures and suspense. Truly enjoyable.
Like the way it all came together with a great, happy ending.
Look forward to the next adventure.
August 20, 2017
I received an arc of this book for a honest review.
This was the first book I've read from Khardine Gray, and it won't be the last.
This book touched on some very heart wrenching subjects. It has so much and is so well written. It feels so realistic that you just has to read on. If you are like me and usually avoid books with this much emotion DON'T MISS this book because of it. This book is so worth the ride!!!!
This was the first book I've read from Khardine Gray, and it won't be the last.
This book touched on some very heart wrenching subjects. It has so much and is so well written. It feels so realistic that you just has to read on. If you are like me and usually avoid books with this much emotion DON'T MISS this book because of it. This book is so worth the ride!!!!
October 15, 2021
There isn't anything about this book that I didn't love. The characters were amazing. I loved the honesty that Josh had, his ability to overcome his struggles and depression, and his huge heart. His love for Amy was so heartwarming. Amy is a great lead female. Her dedication to her family and her determination to live her dream. The angst was great, the drama was fantastic, but the heart of the story of love and triumph is what really pushed it over the top for me.
October 18, 2022
I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. This is a tale of grief, love forgiveness and overcoming obstacles. Josh a football super star is down on his luck due to a tragic accident and is spiraling out of control. Amy who is having some personal issues of her own is hired to help Josh get back on track. The problem is Josh doesn't want her help but he needs it. This is a beautiful story that will pull at your heart.
August 22, 2017
Wasn't that bad
I have read a lot of bad sports romance book, not by this author but this one was pretty good. I understood his pain and why he was the way he acted in the beginning. I get her also and what she was going through. I liked all the characters except the skanks lol. This book has drama and slow romance and some sex but it's just right.
I have read a lot of bad sports romance book, not by this author but this one was pretty good. I understood his pain and why he was the way he acted in the beginning. I get her also and what she was going through. I liked all the characters except the skanks lol. This book has drama and slow romance and some sex but it's just right.
December 5, 2017
Great story. Josh is a football player mourning his mother and sister and letting that ruin his life. Amy is hired on as his PA and needs to turn his life around back to the way he was before, but it isn't very easy as he is a major jerk. Can she get her job done and help Josh past his grief? I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
August 15, 2017
I enjoyed this story so much. There is so much emotion going on in this book. Once you start to read it you won't be able to put it down. It was well written, the characters have so much depth to them. You will feel their pain and their love. A truly wonderful story of love and forgiveness.
August 15, 2017
Wow! Another amazing book. I was blown away with the story, I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong characters. I want more.....I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 16, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed and ARC of this book. LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this story!! You know when you've read a fantastic book when you can feel all the emotions that they are feeling in the book. That's when you know that the author did a DAMN good job with the book and this is no exception!!
August 16, 2017
I received this book for a voluntary, completely honest and non incentivized review. This story left a lasting impression of love, forgiveness, overcoming obstacles and peace. It's rough and real. Highly recommended!
August 17, 2017
My favorite sport is football so it's a bonus that Josh is a linebacker. I so loved the humor and romance in this story, and the progression of the relationship between Amy and Josh. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
August 27, 2017
3.75☆ I enjoyed this book immensely. I liked the characters, although at the start Josh was an arsehole, however, there were good reasons for his behaviour and attitude plus he more than redeems himself later on. There were some editing issues which is why it didn't get a higher star rating.
August 29, 2017
I loved this book! A lovely story about breaking free from the clutches of guilt and grief, and following one's dreams. Beautifully developed characters and a sweet romantic thread to tie it all together. A great (loosely sport) romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews