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How to Score #2
Rescuing the Receiver
From the author of the critically acclaimed Blue Plate series comes the second novel in the How To Score series about a rescue dog shelter owner and a wide receiver who needs a little rescuing himself.
Caught between the media’s crosshairs and his own questionable decisions, Colorado Blizzards wide receiver Chris Lalonde has a watch his storied career burn to the ground or rehab his bad-boy image at the local dog shelter. His rescue the oldest, saddest, most mange-infested canines in the hopes that the pups can rescue his reputation in return. What he doesn’t expect? Hazel Grant, shelter owner, do-gooder, and beautiful all-American girl next door. She has no time for Chris’s excuses, antics, or cheesy pick-up lines…challenge accepted.
Hazel Grant can’t believe she got saddled with Denver’s cockiest—and most eligible—football player for a volunteer—she needs people she can trust and count on, not a man packaged in abs and wrapped in confidence who thinks scoring touchdowns is an honest day’s work. But since the shelter is in need of some serious TLC, she can’t afford to turn away help.
Chris and Hazel get along like cats and dogs. But when it comes to Chris Lalonde, there’s a new surprise around every corner, and Hazel finds that, like the pups she cares for, Chris has hidden depths, secret talents, and meets every test she throws at him. As the pressure mounts to save the shelter—and Chris’s career—lust bubbles to the surface, and suddenly love becomes anybody’s game…
Caught between the media’s crosshairs and his own questionable decisions, Colorado Blizzards wide receiver Chris Lalonde has a watch his storied career burn to the ground or rehab his bad-boy image at the local dog shelter. His rescue the oldest, saddest, most mange-infested canines in the hopes that the pups can rescue his reputation in return. What he doesn’t expect? Hazel Grant, shelter owner, do-gooder, and beautiful all-American girl next door. She has no time for Chris’s excuses, antics, or cheesy pick-up lines…challenge accepted.
Hazel Grant can’t believe she got saddled with Denver’s cockiest—and most eligible—football player for a volunteer—she needs people she can trust and count on, not a man packaged in abs and wrapped in confidence who thinks scoring touchdowns is an honest day’s work. But since the shelter is in need of some serious TLC, she can’t afford to turn away help.
Chris and Hazel get along like cats and dogs. But when it comes to Chris Lalonde, there’s a new surprise around every corner, and Hazel finds that, like the pups she cares for, Chris has hidden depths, secret talents, and meets every test she throws at him. As the pressure mounts to save the shelter—and Chris’s career—lust bubbles to the surface, and suddenly love becomes anybody’s game…
241 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 11, 2018
7 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Goodman
8 books93 followersRachel is a mojito lover, cheese enthusiast, wanderluster, book junkie, romance writer, and an enginerd. She is a Colorado native displaced in Texas and an engineer and university professor. When she's not creating optimization models or traveling the world, eating her way through city after city, she is usually tucked in the corner of a coffee shop, dreaming up stories and typing away on the computer. She lives in suburbia Dallas with her husband and two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Oliver Pancake and Rigby Peanut. FROM SCRATCH is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 13, 2018
I think it's safe to say Carmela is a fan of the How to Score series in general but you know...the doggies! Check out her full review on Scandalicious Book Reviews:
http://bit.ly/2l7MoE4
http://bit.ly/2l7MoE4
January 2, 2021
Rescuing the Receiver is available now!! Woot.
June 6, 2018
I spend a fair amount of time in the romance genre. I enjoy the different relationships tropes between two adults, trying to find their own way to each other, and ultimately discovering their own selves in the process.
Rachel Goodman is an author that I know I will get that type of story from. Despite the different walks of life that her characters are developed from, I can relate to them collectively as well as individually.
I enjoyed Hazel. She is strong and brave, bringing forth all the positive qualities for a woman that has gone through so much. I saw myself in her, despite our differing backgrounds, but that is how talented Goodman is.
Chris was definitely a wild one. He was flawed, complicated, and such a joy to descriptively imagine. His direct story was a good effect of the first book, and I loved how Rescuing the Receiver tied that in.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was the perfect weekend escape, filled with the right amount of angst and romance. Can't wait for more!
Rachel Goodman is an author that I know I will get that type of story from. Despite the different walks of life that her characters are developed from, I can relate to them collectively as well as individually.
I enjoyed Hazel. She is strong and brave, bringing forth all the positive qualities for a woman that has gone through so much. I saw myself in her, despite our differing backgrounds, but that is how talented Goodman is.
Chris was definitely a wild one. He was flawed, complicated, and such a joy to descriptively imagine. His direct story was a good effect of the first book, and I loved how Rescuing the Receiver tied that in.
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was the perfect weekend escape, filled with the right amount of angst and romance. Can't wait for more!
June 3, 2018
I’ve enjoyed all of Rachel’s other books, so I’m at the point where I don’t even read the synopsis before starting them.
I really liked Hazel and Chris. They’re both really good people and I loved how their differences complemented each other. Their relationship advanced naturally and it was refreshing to see that they got to know each other before succumbing to the chemistry.
Plot wise, there was a fair amount of push and pull and a tad more drama than I would have liked. There was some good communication, yet at the same time, it felt like there was always something one wasn’t telling the other. The dogs were probably the best part of the story and I was fully invested in their endings, even more than the MCs.
Overall, it was a quite and cute story with characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to see what Rachel writes next.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for providing the arc free of charge**
I really liked Hazel and Chris. They’re both really good people and I loved how their differences complemented each other. Their relationship advanced naturally and it was refreshing to see that they got to know each other before succumbing to the chemistry.
Plot wise, there was a fair amount of push and pull and a tad more drama than I would have liked. There was some good communication, yet at the same time, it felt like there was always something one wasn’t telling the other. The dogs were probably the best part of the story and I was fully invested in their endings, even more than the MCs.
Overall, it was a quite and cute story with characters who were easy to root for. I can’t wait to see what Rachel writes next.
**Huge thanks to Pocket Star for providing the arc free of charge**
April 15, 2018
As the second book in this series, that hooked me from its onset with Incepting the Chef, I'm completely captivated once again with Ms Goodman's remarkable and vivid realism portrayed on and off the football field.
The complexity of the transformations that transpired between Chris and Hazel drove the stories intensity as a juxtaposition to the humor and wit that also weaved itself throughout the story, giving it multidimensional heart and warmth. The "Without risk, there's no reward" theme that was the foundation for Chris and Hazel's transformations resonanted as clever way to drive the story's buildup to their HEA.
I certainly hope that there will be additional stories added to this series...I find myself now invested in the Colorado Blizzards and their drive to another Superbowl win.
The complexity of the transformations that transpired between Chris and Hazel drove the stories intensity as a juxtaposition to the humor and wit that also weaved itself throughout the story, giving it multidimensional heart and warmth. The "Without risk, there's no reward" theme that was the foundation for Chris and Hazel's transformations resonanted as clever way to drive the story's buildup to their HEA.
I certainly hope that there will be additional stories added to this series...I find myself now invested in the Colorado Blizzards and their drive to another Superbowl win.
April 25, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Anytime Rachel Goodman puts out a new book, I have to read it as soon as possible. Her books balance romance with real-life situations and with the perfect amount of steaminess. The How to Score books also feature football which is an added bonus! Rescuing the Receiver checks all of these boxes. I loved having both Chris's and Hazel's points of view.
I don't have the hatred or disdain for Hazel that others have had. I think given the way her father treated her and her mother, immediately writing off someone as soon as they make a mistake is a completely valid response. Her restraint really balanced Chris's riskiness.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series or the next book written by Rachel Goodman!
Anytime Rachel Goodman puts out a new book, I have to read it as soon as possible. Her books balance romance with real-life situations and with the perfect amount of steaminess. The How to Score books also feature football which is an added bonus! Rescuing the Receiver checks all of these boxes. I loved having both Chris's and Hazel's points of view.
I don't have the hatred or disdain for Hazel that others have had. I think given the way her father treated her and her mother, immediately writing off someone as soon as they make a mistake is a completely valid response. Her restraint really balanced Chris's riskiness.
I can't wait to read the next book in this series or the next book written by Rachel Goodman!
February 26, 2018
I loved the dog aspect of this book. A great story with great characters!!!
April 20, 2018
4.5// loved this book!!! So adorable and the characters were so different and diverse. Loved how hazel owned a dog shelter and that dog calendar!!!! Ofc the football was done so well in this book and chris was such a unique perspective. Literally dogs and football is 😍😍😍
April 16, 2018
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author. (netgalley) This is the second book in this series and while I did enjoy some things got on my nerves. Really I think it was the heroine who annoyed the crap out of me she was so judgmental and obnoxious to me, while I prefer a strong woman I think this heroine Hazel was just a little too much. Then we have Chris, while yes he did some regrettable shady things I still liked him much more. I am glad that she ended up going after him in the end after they had their break-up fight. I loved reading about Gwen and Logan (from first book) and even Tony, he needs his own book. All that said I still enjoyed and I am hoping that we get a story for Missy from the first book, she wasn't mentioned in this one but I think her character would do good and I would love to read more about Gwen and Logan, maybe even their wedding! .Enjoy!
April 18, 2018
Chris finds himself in some hot waters after he tests positive on a drug test. Until his date with the commissioner, he's tasked to help out at the local animal shelter. The owner of the team thinks that the arrangement will benefit not only Chris, who clearly needs to learn some humility, but his niece, who runs the shelter, as well. What starts off as a less than happy arrangement, slowly turns into something remarkable. Not only does Hazel help calm Chris and bring out a more relaxed side of him, Chris' fame helps bring Hazel's small forgotten shelter into the forefront.
I loved the idea of a sports romance revolving around an animal shelter. I love animals and always get excited when there is one in a story. So it was a no-brainer that I would love a setting that consisted of a bunch of animals all looking for their forever home. Even though Chris is not an animal person, he takes to one of the shelter's most difficult dogs, Olive. Olive is so fearful that she never comes out of hiding from under her dog bed. However, one of the first days Chris is there, she slowly noses her way out to check out who the new guy is. I think Olive was the one girl that Chris could always rely on. Why do I say that, especially when the heroine's name is Hazel? Well, Hazel was a bit of a judgemental b*tch. She immediately takes a disliking to Chris, no matter the fact that he does everything she asks of him at the shelter. She's always quick to think the worst of him, even though everything he did spoke of the opposite. I just couldn't figure out what her deal was. I get that she had daddy issues and crappy relationships prior, but the way she behaved and acted towards Chris was completely uncalled for.
While I very much disliked the heroine in the story, I loved that the author wrote about their lives throughout the story. We get a lot of time at the shelter while Chris is mopping up the kennels. We also get to be in his head while he's playing on the field. I very much liked that half the story is in his POV because he had so much going on. He was under a lot of pressure, and was doing all that he could to stay above water. I liked that the author didn't skim over these parts because I loved getting to see the way the shelter ran as well as experiencing him running a play out on the field.
Rescuing the Receiver was a cute read. I loved that we got to hang out with the pups at the shelter. I loved how serious Chris became when it came to the dogs. Any time there was an opportunity for him to help out and build up awareness of the shelter animals, he did it. He even wrangled his fellow teammates to help with adoption events and to raise money. I just wish Hazel wasn't so judgemental. Her talk of wishing people would give shelter animals a second chance, to give pit bulls the benefit of the doubt, and yet she can't look past her own prejudice towards Chris. Someone who has done nothing to her, who has in fact showed that he's there and willing to help not only her, but the animals as well. She just ruined the story for me in all honesty.
I loved the idea of a sports romance revolving around an animal shelter. I love animals and always get excited when there is one in a story. So it was a no-brainer that I would love a setting that consisted of a bunch of animals all looking for their forever home. Even though Chris is not an animal person, he takes to one of the shelter's most difficult dogs, Olive. Olive is so fearful that she never comes out of hiding from under her dog bed. However, one of the first days Chris is there, she slowly noses her way out to check out who the new guy is. I think Olive was the one girl that Chris could always rely on. Why do I say that, especially when the heroine's name is Hazel? Well, Hazel was a bit of a judgemental b*tch. She immediately takes a disliking to Chris, no matter the fact that he does everything she asks of him at the shelter. She's always quick to think the worst of him, even though everything he did spoke of the opposite. I just couldn't figure out what her deal was. I get that she had daddy issues and crappy relationships prior, but the way she behaved and acted towards Chris was completely uncalled for.
While I very much disliked the heroine in the story, I loved that the author wrote about their lives throughout the story. We get a lot of time at the shelter while Chris is mopping up the kennels. We also get to be in his head while he's playing on the field. I very much liked that half the story is in his POV because he had so much going on. He was under a lot of pressure, and was doing all that he could to stay above water. I liked that the author didn't skim over these parts because I loved getting to see the way the shelter ran as well as experiencing him running a play out on the field.
Rescuing the Receiver was a cute read. I loved that we got to hang out with the pups at the shelter. I loved how serious Chris became when it came to the dogs. Any time there was an opportunity for him to help out and build up awareness of the shelter animals, he did it. He even wrangled his fellow teammates to help with adoption events and to raise money. I just wish Hazel wasn't so judgemental. Her talk of wishing people would give shelter animals a second chance, to give pit bulls the benefit of the doubt, and yet she can't look past her own prejudice towards Chris. Someone who has done nothing to her, who has in fact showed that he's there and willing to help not only her, but the animals as well. She just ruined the story for me in all honesty.
June 17, 2018
RESCUING THE RECEIVER, by Rachel Goodman, is the second book in the HOW TO SCORE series. It’s an entertaining romance about a too structured owner of a rescue shelter and a bad boy NFL receiver with an image problem.
Hazel Grant runs a shelter for abused and at-risk dogs in hopes that they can have a second chance at a forever home. Chris Lalonde also needs a second chance. His NFL career with the Denver Blizzards teeters on the edge of disaster after a drug test reveals traces of a substance he quit taking the minute the NFL banned it. The team owner believes Chris needs to learn a little humility and thinks making him volunteer at the rescue shelter could teach Chris about responsibility and putting other’s needs before his own. Hazel’s not too happy about babysitting the cocky NFL player, and Chris isn’t thrilled to be a lackey for the cute but uptight shelter owner. But they need each other. Chris’s popularity can bring in donations and grant opportunities that Hazel’s shelter desperately needs, and Hazel’s rescued and rehabilitated canines can improve Chris’s downward spiraling image. They encourage each other to release old held beliefs about themselves and strive for a better future together.
PROs:
1. A well-written, nicely edited, and lighthearted story.
2. Interesting main characters with realistic flaws who learn and grow throughout the book.
3. Believable dialogue and human reactions.
4. Cute canines whose rehab and building trust reflects those of the main characters.
CONs:
1. Story’s a little too short.
2. Hazel seems too tough on Chris.
FINDINGS: RESCUING THE RECEIVER is a lighthearted romance told in first person, past tense, and with alternating points of view between Hazel and Chris. It’s an entertaining, character-driven story, and I highly recommend the (currently two-book) series, particularly to take on vacation.
CAUTION: Readers should be 18 or over due to steamy sex scenes.
If You Like This, You Might Like: INTERCEPTING THE CHEF and THE BLUE PLATE SERIES by Rachel Goodman, BOOKS & BREWS SERIES by Sara Rider, THE CHICAGO REBELS SERIES by Kate Meader, BAD BACHELORS SERIES by Stefanie London, THE OXFORD NOVELS by Lauren Layne, THE CHICAGO STARS SERIES by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, THE END GAME SERIES by Piper Westbrook
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** An e-galley was provided by Pocket Star Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.
Hazel Grant runs a shelter for abused and at-risk dogs in hopes that they can have a second chance at a forever home. Chris Lalonde also needs a second chance. His NFL career with the Denver Blizzards teeters on the edge of disaster after a drug test reveals traces of a substance he quit taking the minute the NFL banned it. The team owner believes Chris needs to learn a little humility and thinks making him volunteer at the rescue shelter could teach Chris about responsibility and putting other’s needs before his own. Hazel’s not too happy about babysitting the cocky NFL player, and Chris isn’t thrilled to be a lackey for the cute but uptight shelter owner. But they need each other. Chris’s popularity can bring in donations and grant opportunities that Hazel’s shelter desperately needs, and Hazel’s rescued and rehabilitated canines can improve Chris’s downward spiraling image. They encourage each other to release old held beliefs about themselves and strive for a better future together.
PROs:
1. A well-written, nicely edited, and lighthearted story.
2. Interesting main characters with realistic flaws who learn and grow throughout the book.
3. Believable dialogue and human reactions.
4. Cute canines whose rehab and building trust reflects those of the main characters.
CONs:
1. Story’s a little too short.
2. Hazel seems too tough on Chris.
FINDINGS: RESCUING THE RECEIVER is a lighthearted romance told in first person, past tense, and with alternating points of view between Hazel and Chris. It’s an entertaining, character-driven story, and I highly recommend the (currently two-book) series, particularly to take on vacation.
CAUTION: Readers should be 18 or over due to steamy sex scenes.
If You Like This, You Might Like: INTERCEPTING THE CHEF and THE BLUE PLATE SERIES by Rachel Goodman, BOOKS & BREWS SERIES by Sara Rider, THE CHICAGO REBELS SERIES by Kate Meader, BAD BACHELORS SERIES by Stefanie London, THE OXFORD NOVELS by Lauren Layne, THE CHICAGO STARS SERIES by Susan Elizabeth Phillips, THE END GAME SERIES by Piper Westbrook
* Read my other reviews on the Blue Moon Mystery Saloon blog.
** An e-galley was provided by Pocket Star Books and Edelweiss for an honest review.
June 12, 2018
Hazel, the owner of the Rescue Granted dog shelter, is underwhelmed when she first meets the Colorado Blizzards wide receiver, Chris, saying.” A stray just ambled in off the street, . . .And judging by his comically wide swagger, he probably needs to be neutered.” Of course Chris is cocky, charming and larger-than-life (i.e. full of himself), and as you can see, they’re not off to a great start. Chris needs to play nice, because he’s been ordered by the team owner to put in community service hours at Rescue Granted. Hazel isn’t sure what to make of Chris, but Olive, the timid King Charles Cavalier rescue, likes his rendition of Disney movie tunes enough to peek her nose out of her hiding place.
This is a new author for me and I was glad to try out her work in an early copy of this book. It definitely won’t be my last book by Goodman, because I loved Rescuing the Receiver! These two were an interesting combination. Hazel was so afraid of getting hurt that she wouldn’t take chances, and Chris came across as shallow, selfish and irresponsible. You can always rely on a dog's judge of character, though, and there was a lot more to Chris than what the surface showed. In full disclosure, I'm a sucker for a book with an animal in it and this one has several, all named for some kind of food. The setting of the dog shelter was delightful, but then pair it with a bunch of big, tough football players and, well that could very well be romance heaven.
This book is a great mix of serious and humorous, sweet and infuriating, and lighthearted and deep emotion. A job well done on the relationship between Hazel and Chris with the ups and downs and twists and turns. Both characters were endearing in their own way, and both strong and accomplished yet vulnerable. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more in the How to Score series!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
This is a new author for me and I was glad to try out her work in an early copy of this book. It definitely won’t be my last book by Goodman, because I loved Rescuing the Receiver! These two were an interesting combination. Hazel was so afraid of getting hurt that she wouldn’t take chances, and Chris came across as shallow, selfish and irresponsible. You can always rely on a dog's judge of character, though, and there was a lot more to Chris than what the surface showed. In full disclosure, I'm a sucker for a book with an animal in it and this one has several, all named for some kind of food. The setting of the dog shelter was delightful, but then pair it with a bunch of big, tough football players and, well that could very well be romance heaven.
This book is a great mix of serious and humorous, sweet and infuriating, and lighthearted and deep emotion. A job well done on the relationship between Hazel and Chris with the ups and downs and twists and turns. Both characters were endearing in their own way, and both strong and accomplished yet vulnerable. I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more in the How to Score series!
*I reviewed this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
June 3, 2018
http://www.cocktailsandbooks.com
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book for Cocktails and Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read the first book in the How to Score series and have been anxiously awaiting this second book. RESCUING THE RECEIVER is the next standalone book in the series and it is a heartwarming story with characters that are honest and real.
Chris Lelonde, a wide receiver with the Colorado Blizzards football team meets Hazel Grant when he volunteers at Hazel’s dog shelter. Chris’ boss insists he volunteer at the shelter and Chris is not happy to be there and isn’t shy about sharing how he feels. He doesn’t like anyone telling him what to do or what charities he should be helping. When Hazel meets Chris, she is not impressed with him or his bad attitude. No one has ever called Chris out on his behavior and he has never thought twice about his actions. Hazel makes Chris see how how selfish he has become and he realizes he needs to make some changes in his life.
I found Chris and Hazel easy to like despite their flaws and insecurities. Even though they are total opposites, they bring out the best in each other when they are together. Where Chris is impulsive and arrogant, Hazel is inflexible and cautious. I enjoyed reading this funny and sweet story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book for Cocktails and Books. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I read the first book in the How to Score series and have been anxiously awaiting this second book. RESCUING THE RECEIVER is the next standalone book in the series and it is a heartwarming story with characters that are honest and real.
Chris Lelonde, a wide receiver with the Colorado Blizzards football team meets Hazel Grant when he volunteers at Hazel’s dog shelter. Chris’ boss insists he volunteer at the shelter and Chris is not happy to be there and isn’t shy about sharing how he feels. He doesn’t like anyone telling him what to do or what charities he should be helping. When Hazel meets Chris, she is not impressed with him or his bad attitude. No one has ever called Chris out on his behavior and he has never thought twice about his actions. Hazel makes Chris see how how selfish he has become and he realizes he needs to make some changes in his life.
I found Chris and Hazel easy to like despite their flaws and insecurities. Even though they are total opposites, they bring out the best in each other when they are together. Where Chris is impulsive and arrogant, Hazel is inflexible and cautious. I enjoyed reading this funny and sweet story.
April 20, 2018
Rescuing the Receiver is about a cocky arrogant NFL wide receiver & the team owner's niece. Chris comes across as a immature "me first" player. This is "his" year. How could he do that to "him"? He seems to be easily angered, extreme & flies off the handle. As punishment for breaking a rule, Chris has to volunteer at Hazel's dog rescue. While there, Chris begins to go through some of life's lessons & slowly begins to change.
Hazel can't believe her uncle is saddling her with his problem child. Her rescue is her life. She doesn't need a spoiled football player interfering with her job. Hazel has something in her background that causes her to react in a certain way. She has some life lessons that she needs to learn & grow past too. Can she learn to trust Chris & their chemistry or will she retreat in fear?
This was an entertaining story with great characters. They had to hit bottom before they began to understand what others had been trying to tell them. Instead of being a distraction, I feel like the dogs & their different personalities added to the story. Dogs are great judges of character & the way Olive bonded with Chris was something else. I can't wait to read the next book.
Hazel can't believe her uncle is saddling her with his problem child. Her rescue is her life. She doesn't need a spoiled football player interfering with her job. Hazel has something in her background that causes her to react in a certain way. She has some life lessons that she needs to learn & grow past too. Can she learn to trust Chris & their chemistry or will she retreat in fear?
This was an entertaining story with great characters. They had to hit bottom before they began to understand what others had been trying to tell them. Instead of being a distraction, I feel like the dogs & their different personalities added to the story. Dogs are great judges of character & the way Olive bonded with Chris was something else. I can't wait to read the next book.
June 1, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.
While the book is a romance book, it was also the journey that Chris and Hazel took to move beyond their pasts that were stunting their present behaviors and relationships. While each had a negative role model for their fathers, their response to that upbringing was different.
Chris struggled with anger management and put on a show while Hazel strived for security and routine. Fortunately, Chris not only brought her out of her routine but he helped her feel secure. Hazel really struggled with the cocky armor that Chris wore and was able to see beneath the surface and challenge him.
It was a slow process and just when you think that things are going to work out for them, a devastating event sets them back. If they did not have such good friends in Penny and Logan, I don't think they would have realized the right path and that they could have a chance at a relationship.
Some of the football stuff went over my head, and I did skim it as I was more interested in their romance, and how can you not love a story with such cute animals in it??! Great epilogue as we see new side of Hazel and Chris as they have progressed in their relationship.
While the book is a romance book, it was also the journey that Chris and Hazel took to move beyond their pasts that were stunting their present behaviors and relationships. While each had a negative role model for their fathers, their response to that upbringing was different.
Chris struggled with anger management and put on a show while Hazel strived for security and routine. Fortunately, Chris not only brought her out of her routine but he helped her feel secure. Hazel really struggled with the cocky armor that Chris wore and was able to see beneath the surface and challenge him.
It was a slow process and just when you think that things are going to work out for them, a devastating event sets them back. If they did not have such good friends in Penny and Logan, I don't think they would have realized the right path and that they could have a chance at a relationship.
Some of the football stuff went over my head, and I did skim it as I was more interested in their romance, and how can you not love a story with such cute animals in it??! Great epilogue as we see new side of Hazel and Chris as they have progressed in their relationship.
April 14, 2018
Chris tries to be a suave man, “among other things.” I slid my hand around to the nape of her neck, cradling her head in my palm, and leaned in, brushing my lips against hers. Teasing, promising, enticing. “Want to discover my other talents—” I'm telling ya Chris and Hazel argue a lot but seriously its all sexual tension, "...at least I don’t allow the fear of taking risks to hold me back from going after what I want. Do you even know what you want, Hazel?” Hazel knows how to drive her man wild, "Hazel shrugged, but a mischievous grin had spread across her face. “You’re the one who told me I need to erase my boundaries, embrace the wild and reckless.” Then in one fluid motion, she pushed the denim over her hips before flicking open her bra and letting it slide away." I really liked this book, I loved how the characters challenged each other.
June 13, 2018
After the media crucifies him for poor life choices, wide receiver Chris Lalonde needs a way to get back in the public's good graces. He thinks by adopting a dog and volunteering at an animal shelter, he can do just that, but he wasn't expecting to cross paths with the owner of the shelter.
Hazel Grant doesn't have time for cocky athletes, her sole focus is on saving the shelter and animals she loves. The more time they spent together, the head-butting turns into an unlikely friendship and possibly more. I enjoy this serious and love any story involving animals!
Hazel Grant doesn't have time for cocky athletes, her sole focus is on saving the shelter and animals she loves. The more time they spent together, the head-butting turns into an unlikely friendship and possibly more. I enjoy this serious and love any story involving animals!
May 8, 2018
If you love sports romance, bad boys and dogs this book is for you. When's Chris's coach orders him to volunteer at an animal shelter he is not happy. Neither is Hazel, the owner of the shelter. Hazel was a heroine I could see a bit of myself in. She's sweet, smart, a bit closed off and funny. Chris is everything you want in hero. I highly recommend putting this romance on your summer reading list.
February 22, 2018
****3.5 Stars****
This book was cute in so many ways and the fact that it takes place in my home state of Colorado made it that much better! Football, rescue dogs and romance; where could you go wrong?! I can't wait to see which football player Goodman picks for book #3!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
This book was cute in so many ways and the fact that it takes place in my home state of Colorado made it that much better! Football, rescue dogs and romance; where could you go wrong?! I can't wait to see which football player Goodman picks for book #3!
Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the ARC!
April 23, 2019
I really enjoyed the way the author wrote this story and found they had a really great writing style creating a realistic story. I loved the way that the characters were different from each other but how they were perfect for each other at the same time. I loved the dog aspect thrown into he story creating a really fun and cute read.
February 26, 2018
Thank you Edelweiss for the ARC.. I really enjoyed watching Hazel and Chris develop their characters. The story was well written and had me cheering for the HEA! I am glad that I took a chance because now I'm going back to read the first in the series.
May 7, 2018
3.5 - 4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy contemporary romance. Think a Hallmark movie (cheesy) with some steamy moments.
Chris Lalonde is Denver's most famous receiver for the Blizzards. When he is caught doping with performance enhancing drugs, the Blizzard's owner sentences Lalonde to time volunteering at Rescue Granted, a dog shelter for difficult cases. Little does Lalonde know, he can't sweet talk his way through the volunteer process. The owner Hazel Grant isn't about to let him half-ass his volunteer sentence. The shelter is dangerously low on funds, maybe Lalonde is just what she needs to save her shelter.
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but it was really cute. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie, but bumped up to something rated R. I thought that the plot was cute, and the dogs were adorable. I liked Hazel and Lalonde's relationship and that they played off of one another so well. I appreciated that this book wasn't just about the romance, it was also about each of their careers and family lives too. There was a wee bit much of football in it for me, but that's probably just because I don't really care for football. haha There is one book before this, but it's not imperative to read it first. I recommend if you like fluffy and a little steamy romantic comedies. -Available 6/11 for purchase-
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
Chris Lalonde is Denver's most famous receiver for the Blizzards. When he is caught doping with performance enhancing drugs, the Blizzard's owner sentences Lalonde to time volunteering at Rescue Granted, a dog shelter for difficult cases. Little does Lalonde know, he can't sweet talk his way through the volunteer process. The owner Hazel Grant isn't about to let him half-ass his volunteer sentence. The shelter is dangerously low on funds, maybe Lalonde is just what she needs to save her shelter.
I didn't know what to expect with this book, but it was really cute. It reminded me a lot of a Hallmark movie, but bumped up to something rated R. I thought that the plot was cute, and the dogs were adorable. I liked Hazel and Lalonde's relationship and that they played off of one another so well. I appreciated that this book wasn't just about the romance, it was also about each of their careers and family lives too. There was a wee bit much of football in it for me, but that's probably just because I don't really care for football. haha There is one book before this, but it's not imperative to read it first. I recommend if you like fluffy and a little steamy romantic comedies. -Available 6/11 for purchase-
I was given advance access to by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
June 5, 2018
Cute and fun
This is my first book by Rachel Goodman.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: How to Score
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
This is my first book by Rachel Goodman.
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
Part of a series: How to Score
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
June 7, 2018
I just loved this story. Football and puppies yes please. Hazel and Chris are the perfect match and a certain lovable dog brings them together. They have some issues that they have to work out but overall they rescue each other.
June 9, 2018
I really enjoy Rachel Goodman's books. I like how she ties characters from different books together and it was nice to revisit some of these characters. I didn't quite like this heroine as much as some of Goodman's other characters, but it's still a fun, quick book.
June 12, 2018
Somewhere between 2 and a half and 3 stars. Didn’t really connect with either MCs but yay for doggos.
June 13, 2018
It’s the dogs who did it for me. Read my 4 star review over at Scandalicious Book Reviews here:
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
http://www.scandaliciousbookreviews.c...
August 17, 2018
I was NOT a fan of Chris.
May 1, 2018
This is the second book in the series, being Intercepting the Chef the first. I have to say that this is the one where the second book is wayyy better than the first and that's usually not the case. I loved Chris Lalonde - he was arrogant, sexy and kind of a pain in the butt. Hazel is the all-around girl next door, with your average hang-ups. I fell in love with this couple right off the bat. They had some smoking chemistry.
Chris gets himself in trouble on national television when it's discovered that he's been doping...Even though, he stopped when they wrote it up in the bylaws for football that it was illegal. Here's the question though - He was doing it the previous year they did the Super Bowl, so should he be at fault because he was doing it and suffer the consequences of those actions? He doesn't think so and he's prepared to fight it. Hazel is the owner of the Dog Rescue where he's going to do his volunteer work and her motto is "You did the crime, so you need to face the penalty." What happens when you bring a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel together with two very damaged people? Dogs have a way of healing people and in healing people, they can help heal others. The author did an awesome job with this story and I was sorry to see it end. I wanted to see several epilogues and what happened to Rutabaga and Olive because I loved those dogs. I'm a huge animal (dog) lover and wanted more of them. That this was set in a dog shelter was even better. If you love romances that have a plot, slow burn heat to them and a cocky hero - this is your book because it had it all!!
An ARC copy was provided for free or at a discount by the publisher without expectation or any attempt to influence or manipulate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
Chris gets himself in trouble on national television when it's discovered that he's been doping...Even though, he stopped when they wrote it up in the bylaws for football that it was illegal. Here's the question though - He was doing it the previous year they did the Super Bowl, so should he be at fault because he was doing it and suffer the consequences of those actions? He doesn't think so and he's prepared to fight it. Hazel is the owner of the Dog Rescue where he's going to do his volunteer work and her motto is "You did the crime, so you need to face the penalty." What happens when you bring a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel together with two very damaged people? Dogs have a way of healing people and in healing people, they can help heal others. The author did an awesome job with this story and I was sorry to see it end. I wanted to see several epilogues and what happened to Rutabaga and Olive because I loved those dogs. I'm a huge animal (dog) lover and wanted more of them. That this was set in a dog shelter was even better. If you love romances that have a plot, slow burn heat to them and a cocky hero - this is your book because it had it all!!
An ARC copy was provided for free or at a discount by the publisher without expectation or any attempt to influence or manipulate this review. All opinions expressed are my own and do not reflect anyone else's.
April 19, 2018
Highly Anticipating this book not only because it was the second book, because I knew I was going to laugh and fall in love with it just like the first.
I absolutely loved Chris his personality was welcoming and I couldn't help but want to get to know him deeper then what he put on. He is a cocky son of a gun but when you get to know him he is just a big teddy bear.
What I couldn't get past in this book was Hazel I could not connect with her she was arrogant and rude and irritating thru out the book. I didn't want her for Chris I didn't feel like she loved him like she should have.
I pictured Chris with a stronger, well put together woman who would look at him and know he was her world, and I didn't get that with Hazel she was so annoying. The only reason I kept on reading ignoring her was because and his humor and wanting to know if he was going to be happy in the end.
I hope the next book Rachel throws at me has a less annoying heroine and a even sexier alpha male!
I absolutely loved Chris his personality was welcoming and I couldn't help but want to get to know him deeper then what he put on. He is a cocky son of a gun but when you get to know him he is just a big teddy bear.
What I couldn't get past in this book was Hazel I could not connect with her she was arrogant and rude and irritating thru out the book. I didn't want her for Chris I didn't feel like she loved him like she should have.
I pictured Chris with a stronger, well put together woman who would look at him and know he was her world, and I didn't get that with Hazel she was so annoying. The only reason I kept on reading ignoring her was because and his humor and wanting to know if he was going to be happy in the end.
I hope the next book Rachel throws at me has a less annoying heroine and a even sexier alpha male!
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