The Tip-Off (Smart Jocks, #3) by Rebecca Jenshak

Jul 19, 2019 Claire Robinson rated it it was amazing

Shelves: shit-hot-series

5 - "You were not part of the plan..." Stars!

I was absolutely bowled over with reading enjoyment from the first two books of the Smart Jocks series, so finding out that, the quiet, solitary and relatively unknown hotness that is Zeke was up next in The Tip-Off made me all sorts of happy.

Being with Gabby is like wearing my headphones except instead of music drowning out the noise, it’s her making everything else fade to the background…

Gabby is someone we have gotten to know as a secondary ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 MELISSA *Mel Reader* rated it really liked it

Shelves: arcs

4.5 Stars!
(ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions)

Gabby is a 21 yr. old junior in college who has just moved to Valley to attend Valley U. Due to circumstances she’s been a bit sheltered the last few years, so she’s thrilled to now be at Valley University where she can be with her best friend Blair, and have the true college experience she’s been missing out on. She’s even created a college bucket list to guide her way.

Zeke Sweets is graduating in less than two months. He’s so close to ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Jen rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, friends-to-luvahs, virgins, dual-pov, part-of-a-series, sporty-and-stuff

4 Goat Yoga Stars

It’s finally Gabby’s time to have her college experience. For the last several years, she’s basically been living as a shut in while she comes to terms with her new reality. Once beautiful and popular, a car accident her senior year of high school has left her with scars, both visible and internal, she’s still trying to come to terms with. Now a few years later, with the encouragement of her bestie Blair, Gabby’s going to make up for lost time. And she has a list.

From the time 4 Goat Yoga Stars

It’s finally Gabby’s time to have her college experience. For the last several years, she’s basically been living as a shut in while she comes to terms with her new reality. Once beautiful and popular, a car accident her senior year of high school has left her with scars, both visible and internal, she’s still trying to come to terms with. Now a few years later, with the encouragement of her bestie Blair, Gabby’s going to make up for lost time. And she has a list.

From the time Zeke Sweet can remember, his only goal was to play in the NBA. If he’s being honest, he doesn’t just want to get drafted. No he’s aiming for number one and nothing else will do. Becoming numero uno takes all of Zeke’s attention and focus, but when his friend Blair asks him to watch out for Gabby during spring break, he can’t refuse. It doesn’t hurt that Zeke’s already been sucked into Gabby’s loveable orbit. Or that he’s already a little bit infatuated with her. Plus...goat yoga.

From the first book of the series, The Assist, Gabby and Zeke were the stories I wanted told. Granted, I didn’t know I wanted them told together, but from the beginning these two fascinated me. I wanted to see Gabby break out of her shell and rock her college years. Likewise, I wanted to know about the quiet, thoughtful, Tom Cruise loving basketball star in the making. Turns out these two were fabulous at bringing out the best in each other and their slow to build romance meant I had plenty of time to enjoy their sweet banter and their eventual realizations that they were perfect for each other.

The genuine affection was evident between these two, but there were times when I wasn’t feeling the romance. I loved them as friends from the word go, but the leap from friends to lovers lacked the entensity I wanted from the pair.

I’m sorry to see Gabby and Zeke’s story end, but I’m already looking forward to Nathan’s book. He’s been the real mystery/slacker/jackass/kickass friend of the series and I can’t wait to uncover that whole thing.

ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions in exchange for an honest, voluntary review ...more

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Sep 22, 2019 Syndi rated it really liked it

This book is absolute delight for me. When it comes to romance, the hero is usually portrays in such a way that he is the nan whore and alpha male. Now Miss Jenshak gives us a hero with a brain.

In Tipp Off, meet Zeke. Now he is a fine hero. A perfect example of star athelete. All of his life, he sets his goal only in achieving his big dream as NBA player. Others just background noise. Until Gabby collides with his world. What a start as an awkward blind dating, it turns into so much more.

...more

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Oct 05, 2019 XxTainaxX Curvy and Nerdy rated it it was amazing

Audiobook review. Zeke intrigued me from the get go with his quiet and focused presence. In earlier books in the series, he came across as someone who had little to say but when he did speak up, you listened.

Gaby was interesting to me but for another reason. I wanted to see the beautiful girl who was scarred in an accident come out of her shell.

I enjoyed how Zeke and Gaby developed their spark. The interest was there but it was nurtured carefully into becoming a tender and eventually ...more

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Jul 27, 2019 Melanie (mells_view) rated it really liked it · review of another edition

“You were not part of the plan, Zeke Sweets.”

If you’re looking for slow burn, low angst, sweet as sugar, college sports romance, then look no further because Rebecca Jenshak has provided the goods in The Tip-Off.

Gabby and Zeke are characters that were around in books one and two of the series. Although you get to know them a bit there, you do not need to read those books to understand this story. (I do recommend both books though, because they are good!) Their story is actually a pretty easy ...more

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Aug 15, 2019 Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile rated it liked it

Spoilers ahead,2.5* rounded up because that cover is gorgeous as hell!

The cover of this book is what prompted me to give this series a try, I just couldn't resist all that yummy chocolatey goodness........sadly the book didn't deliver what I hoped it would

Gabby is the best friend of book 1's h, as a teen she was in an accident that left her with facial scars. Her self confidence suffered greatly and so she started her college career with online classes while her best friend went to campus. Spoilers ahead,2.5* rounded up because that cover is gorgeous as hell!

The cover of this book is what prompted me to give this series a try, I just couldn't resist all that yummy chocolatey goodness........sadly the book didn't deliver what I hoped it would

Gabby is the best friend of book 1's h, as a teen she was in an accident that left her with facial scars. Her self confidence suffered greatly and so she started her college career with online classes while her best friend went to campus. Eventually she decided to venture to university and creates a list of stuff she'd like to try before the semester. She enlists the help of Zeke, the silent giant NBA hopeful in her scheme's

Zeke is the best friend and roommate to the guys of the previous books. While everyone parties and gets into relationships Zeke's focus has been entirely on basketball. He's had a few hookups but nothing that causes him to lose his focus on his dreams until Gabby

In all honesty this one wasn't a favourite. In book 1 I liked Blair's growth, in this one Gabby was insecure from beginning to end, I wanted Zeke to try harder with and for her but he actually seemed to be prodded into getting involved with her. She was the main pursuer IMO and I hated that. I wanted her to get a guy who'd fight for her. I almost preferred her with Nathan at one point. Zeke wasn't a bad guy but he didn't try hard enough for me. All her invitations to get naked and her little pushes for things to get physical between them made me cringe. For their first time SHE set up candles and music! Dammit I like my guy to pursue his woman! In the end Zeke was the one to profess his love and ask her to move with him and as mercenary as it may seem I was happy Gabby got the big time NBA baller with the million dollar contract 😂

Again I enjoyed the friendships and banter in this one and was happy to see Zeke get drafted and him propose to Gabby(which eased me a little bit).

I'm interested in Nathan's story and will try more from this author,while this one didn't deliver as I hoped I enjoyed much of it and look forward to more

Virgin h
Nonmanwhore H
No OW drama
Slight OM drama as Nathan liked Gabby but she wasn't interested in him as anything but a friend ...more

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Sep 08, 2019 Carmen Rae rated it really liked it

Shelves: must-read-series, sports, na, amazon-reviewed, a-rr-review, college

Ok so Rebecca was a new to me author three days ago. I kept seeing her books and thinking they sounded like my kind of stories but I never got around to them. Then I grabbed The Assist on KU and binged the entire series.

The tip off has been my absolute favorite. I knew I was going to love Zeke, he had the whole dark and brooding thing going and I was a little in love with him from the start. I loved that he gave his all to making his dream come true.

But I loved him even more once he started ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 Gitte TotallyBookedBlog rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2019

4.5 Stars

‘One thing I hate more than gawking – the pity. As if my life were defined by my face. As if my life were defined by my face. As if I’m somehow less than because I’m not perfect. As if they’re better than me because they wear their scars on the inside.’

We absolutely love this college sports romance series. Every book so far has been a winner for us and we just knew Zeke and Gabby’s book was going to be super special! Whilst each book can be read as a standalone we highly recommend a ...more

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Jul 18, 2019 - Michelle Claypot_Reads rated it it was amazing

Shelves: na-ya-college, sports

Seriously adored this book!!! I binged it one late night session staying up til almost 3am to get my hard fought HEA. My favourite of the series so far - soooooo good!

Zeke has been a favourite since book one. I'm a sucker for the quiet, determined guy. I don't need my heroes to be alpha in an obvious way - I'm much more intrigued by the hard working, seemingly closed off characters. It didn't hurt he was all kinds of delicious. And Gabby - well she's my kind of romance heroine. Not your cookie ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 Annabelle Anders rated it it was amazing

Shelves: feel-good-read

Gotta love when the sweet underdog girl manages to capture the hottest cool guy's heart. Fast, fun read with tons of heart. I loved this series before but I think this book is my favorite so far. And already, I'm thinking... What about Nate?

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Jul 08, 2019 Christine (Shh Moms Reading) rated it it was amazing

TotallyBooked has an EXCLUSIVE excerpt for The Tip-Off on their blog today! Stop by to check it out... I am DYING for this book!!!!

https://totallybookedblog.com/2019/07...

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Sep 15, 2019 book bruin rated it really liked it

Audiobook Review

Overall 4.5 stars
Performance 4.5 stars
Story 4 stars

This was such a sweet, slow burn sports romance! I have been waiting to get inside the mind of quiet Zeke Sweets from the start of this series and I couldn't have been happier to see the sparks fly between him and Gabby. They couldn't have been more perfectly paired. Both have scars (emotionally and physically), but I loved how they each supported and brought strength to the other. They really helped the other grow and be better. ...more

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Oct 01, 2019 Steph's Romance Book Talk rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: part-of-a-series-or-duology, audiobooks, new-adult, read-in-2019, sensitive-topics, smut-o-meter-2-fans, sports-stars-related, standalone-but-part-of-a-series, rating-4-stars, college-setting

4 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

I received this book from the PR Company to review the audiobook. Of course I went into the story blind with the exception of looking at the cover to know that the story is a sports romance. Zek is a basketball star waiting to get picked up in the draft. Gabby is the unattached friend of the group that has been sheltered since an almost fatal accident. Zek and Gabby start to hang out and find that they balance each other in a special way. Being that this is the third book ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 ~Stéphanie's Journal~ rated it it was amazing

The Tip-off was pure bliss and perfection wrapped in one beautiful love story! Gabby and Zeke were the cutest couple ever! I've been patiently waiting for their story for a few weeks and I'm over the moon.

I always like a good alpha man but after that I'm a sucker for brooding mysterious guy.
Well it turns out Zeke is not really brooding, he's just super focus on his goal. His life is centered around basket ball and becoming a NBA player is his dream.

Gabby is a young lady full of energy who's ...more

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Jul 23, 2019 nikki rated it it was amazing

“If you think that your scars make me want you any less, you’re wrong. I want you because of them. I want you because you’re here and you’ve made me feel more alive in the past month than I have my entire life. You lived and you brought me to life.”

OH. MY. DAYS...

You guys have no idea how badly I’ve been wanting Zeke and Gabbys book; from book one I loved Zeke. He was mysterious, the strong silent type, and I just couldn’t wait to find out what made Mister Sweets tick.
Let me start by saying, I ...more

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Jul 21, 2019 Book Snob Sue rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites, dibs-bbc, safe-reads, all-the-emotions, relationshipgoals, book-crack-series, lmao-funny, hea, friends-to-lovers, rom-com

So many stars. I have been anxiously waiting for this book and it did not disappoint….like at all. It was everything and so much more. This is my favorite couple in this series, I honestly don’t think anyone could possibly top these two for the favorite spot, they were just perfect together. These two were absolutely everything, total relationship goals. Melted my heart. And I love me some Zeke, definitely calling dibs, double dibs, on him for sure. He was so perfect and perfect for Gabby in so ...more

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Jul 21, 2019 Book Fanatic rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-am-in-love-with

Zeke and Gabby finally get their story and let me tell you it is as sweet as Mr Sweets himself.

Zeke Sweets has one goal in mind, which is to be drafted for the NBA. It's all he's been working towards, however what he doesn't expect is Gabby to come in his way.

Gabby is a bubbly, live in the moment gal. After being in a car accident that left her with visible scars she does whatever she can to hide up but still try to live.

Her moving to Valley U with her bestie, Blair (who's story you can read ...more

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Jul 16, 2019 Pavlina Read more sleep less blog❤❤ rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, best-cover

Finally!! I was waiting for this one :))

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Jul 23, 2019 Jenny - TotallybookedBlog rated it really liked it

4.5 Stars

‘One thing I hate more than gawking – the pity. As if my life were defined by my face. As if my life were defined by my face. As if I’m somehow less than because I’m not perfect. As if they’re better than me because they wear their scars on the inside.’

We absolutely love this college sports romance series. Every book so far has been a winner for us and we just knew Zeke and Gabby’s book was going to be super special! Whilst each book can be read as a standalone we highly recommend a ...more

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Sep 27, 2019 Rebecca rated it really liked it

The Tip-Off was my first read by Rebecca Jenshak; I had been seeing her name and the different titles of her sports romance series all over social media and because I’m such a sport romance junkie, I knew signing up to listen/review the audio version of Gabby and Zeke’s story was a perfect way to be introduced to this new-to-me author.

Even though I headed into the third book of the Sports Jock series without reading the previous two stories, the fact that they are standalones about different The Tip-Off was my first read by Rebecca Jenshak; I had been seeing her name and the different titles of her sports romance series all over social media and because I’m such a sport romance junkie, I knew signing up to listen/review the audio version of Gabby and Zeke’s story was a perfect way to be introduced to this new-to-me author.

Even though I headed into the third book of the Sports Jock series without reading the previous two stories, the fact that they are standalones about different couples allowed me not to feel lost despite not meeting the other couples of the series until The Tip-Off.

Jenshak does a great job illustrating just how ready Gabby is to be a normal college student - one who takes risks, has fun, and spreads her wings without the safety net of her overprotective parents. And while, at times, she does seem like a fish out of water, I admired her tenacity when it came to trying new things and truly experiencing all that life has to offer.

At the beginning of the story, it was clear that it would take Zeke some time to figure out that his life didn’t have to only be about the game he loves and excels at…he was never one to allow anyone to get too close to him and his quiet and reserved demeanor allowed him to flourish on the court, keeping up his training regiment without interruption. As cliche as it sounds, Gabby is a game changer for Zeke and as much as he fights his attraction to her and worries what those feelings would mean for his future and his goal to be number one in the NBA Draft, he finds it way too difficult to keep Gabby at arm’s length which means that if he’s truly going to give in to what he feels for her, Zeke needs to be sure that his willingness to risk it all doesn’t end up a sacrifice that, in the end, he cannot make.

Gabby and Zeke definitely take their time when it comes to exploring what’s between them, but that fits both of their temperaments as well as Zeke’s singular focus on the NBA draft. But even though it takes a lot of awkward encounters, silent conversations, and quick glances at each other before either of them take the first step toward something more, it was clear that what was building between them was a bond that would allow them both to step outside of their shell and see what it was like to want to simply be together, learning about each other and finding out that life has so much to offer them…they just have to be willing to try.

Jakobi Diem and Savannah Peachwood did a good job bringing Zeke and Gabby’s story to life. I especially enjoyed Jakobi’s portrayal because there’s an aloofness and loner vibe that surround Zeke and Jakobi conveys those characteristics with ease and precision, showing just how much he changes and grows as a person with Gabby by his side.

4 Poison Apples ...more

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Jul 22, 2019 ItaPixie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 5-stars

The Tip-Off was an amazing read.
The anticipation almost killed me and when I had a copy of this book in my hands I forgot everything else in order to enjoy Rebecca Jenshak's every single word.

I loved Gabby and Zeke's story.They are great characters and I've been rooting for their happiness from the start.
Gabby's just arrived at campus and she can't wait for her classes to start so she can finally have the full college experience after years spent taking on line courses.But she doesn't want to

...more

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Jul 17, 2019 Anna Doe rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arc, 2019, college-romance, sports-romance, friendship-turned-to-love, slow-burn, basketball

From the moment I met him I knew Zeke will be my favorite and he DID. NOT. DISAPPOINT!

Gabby and Zeke are the cutest, most perfect match there is. I loved every second of their story. It was amazing watching them help each other grow as individuals, forming a friendship that after a while turned into something way bigger then either of them expected to find.

The Tip-Off is sweet, funny, sexy NA sports romance you do not want to miss out on!

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Sep 16, 2019 Jessica (Angie & Jessica's Dreamy Reads) rated it really liked it

If you're a fan of Elle Kennedy and Kristen Callihan, then you NEED to be reading Rebecca Jenshak. I'm late to the party too but I've just binged all three books in this series and I am IN LOVE. College sports romances are my jam... throw in solid writing and characters with both depth and captivating personalities and you've got me completely ensnared. Well that sums up Jenshak's series in a nutshell and I'm officially addicted.

The Tip-Off follows Zeke and Gabby and HOLY MOLY did these two ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 it.sgottabethebooks rated it it was amazing

I’ve been waiting for Zeke and Gabby’s story. Rebecca Jenshak took this book and brought this series to a whole new level of amazing. She had Zeke and Gabby playing a pick up game of chill to a full out game of love. Gah, the sweetness had me feeling all sorts of happy.

Both had won the tip-off at some point in the book. It wasn’t a one sided game as both Zeke and Gabby played their heart out. When it went from friendship and attraction to love and affection my heart burst for them. Their game ...more

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Jul 17, 2019 michelle Shelly rated it it was amazing

My two favorite things, books and basketball! What a great read. I’ve waited for this one. I couldn’t wait for Gabby to get her story and Zeke, well it’s hot in here.

These two are absolutely wonderful. She’s funny, sweet and beautiful. He likes to stay to himself and chasing a dream and I love seeing him get it and so much more.

I have fallen in love with this series and can not get enough. So excited to see where we go next with Nathan. Love it!

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Jul 17, 2019 booksiflove rated it it was amazing

Oh my, what a great story about Gabby and Zeke aka Zebby!

I love these 2, they are perfect for each other. Gabby is still shy, a little inexperienced in almost everything because being secluded for the last 4 years, after her accident left her with scars. Visible scars.

Zeke is so good to her, with her. Showing and telling her, that she’s beautiful, inside and out...

So they starting something casual, after becoming friends. It’s a sweet slow burn.

I love the whole story, the series, the group of ...more

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Jul 22, 2019 Jessica Cox rated it it was amazing

I am obsessed with these books, This is the third in the Smart Jocks series. Zeke has been in all three books he is the quiet one. He rarely says anything and is so focused on basketball everything else fades away. Gabby is outgoing, fun and just a bubble of fun. She is dealing with wanting to experience everything that college students do that she missed out on, due to her being in a horrible car accident that left her scared on most of her body. She decides that Zeke is going to be her partner ...more

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Oct 09, 2019 Kim rated it it was amazing

Shelves: loved, new-adult, read-in-2019, 2019-audiobook-challenge, 2019-tackle-my-tbr-challenge, most-favoritest-2019, audio-books, reviewed, audio-review-copy, friends-first

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.

As soon as everything went down with Gabby in the beginning of The Assist, I knew I needed her book. I mean, I even skipped the second book in the series — something I hardly ever do — because I was so anxious to see her get her happily ever after. The Tip-Off would've been totally worth the wait, but I'm still not sorry I skipped ahead. (I do have every intention of reading book two, just so I can put all the pieces together.)

Gabby was a great

Find this review and more at kimberlyfaye reads.

As soon as everything went down with Gabby in the beginning of The Assist, I knew I needed her book. I mean, I even skipped the second book in the series — something I hardly ever do — because I was so anxious to see her get her happily ever after. The Tip-Off would've been totally worth the wait, but I'm still not sorry I skipped ahead. (I do have every intention of reading book two, just so I can put all the pieces together.)

Gabby was a great heroine. I already liked her before starting The Tip-Off, just from the little bit of her I saw in the first book in this series. I wanted to see her come out of her shell, put aside her insecurities over the scars from her accident and be the spunky woman I knew she once was. It thrilled me to learn she would be joining Blair at Valley. I couldn't wait to see how she would thrive once she got there. She was still dealing with a lot and it took her some time to get her feet under her, but that was understandable.

I couldn't have picked a more perfect match for Gabby than Zeke. Hello, swoony and sexy man. Their friends to lovers story was everything my heart needed. The slow burn and build up felt real and I was shipping them so freaking hard. I was a little worried initially because Zeke was pretty closed off and Gabby really needed and deserved love, but I had nothing to be concerned about. They just fit. He basically treated her like a queen, which helped her let go of some of her insecurities. It was so sweet and kind. I swooned all over the place. And there was some heat, too. Just how I like my romance.

The audio version of this book was wonderful. Both Jakobi Diem and Savannah Peachwood did a fantastic job bringing Zeke and Gabby to life. So often I'll switch from audio to ebook and I didn't do that once while reading The Tip-Off. Their performances were so good, I didn't want to stop listening. Rebecca was a new-to-me author up until a couple weeks ago and now I'm borderline obsessed. I need to check out her backlist and let the binge commence. After I read The Fadeaway, at any rate. Naturally it's first on my list. I'll also be waiting with grabby hands to see what she gives us next! I love discovering new authors to love.

I received a complimentary copy of this book for review consideration. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Favorite Quotes:

She's reckless and naive. So desperate to make a mark on the world she doesn't realize she already has.

"You're stunning in that dress. Scratch that, you're stunning. The dress is just along for the ride."

I want someone to love me for the ugly and the beautiful, and every shade in between. ...more

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Jul 24, 2019 Angie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: snuggable-chick-lit, arc-copy, adult-romance, favorites, ebooks, for-the-love-of-sports

One thing I hate more than gawking--the pity. As if my life were defined by my face. As if I'm somehow less than because I'm not perfect. As if they're better than me because they wear their scars on the inside. And I flipping hate that I feel like they might be right.

5+ Zebby stars!!

Oh my Cliff. Every time I read another book in this series, I question whether Rebecca can make me love another book/couple more than her previous novel, and every single time she proves me wrong. This novel was ...more

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