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Outmatched
What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?
Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.
Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.
Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?
They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.
Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.
Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.
Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?
They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.
334 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
About the author
Kristen Callihan
27 books13.2k followersKristen Callihan is an author because there is nothing else she'd rather be. She is a RITA winner and three-time nominee and winner of two RT Reviewer's Choice awards. Her novels have garnered starred reviews from Publisher's Weekly and the Library Journal, as well as being awarded top picks by many reviewers. Her debut book FIRELIGHT received RT Magazine's Seal of Excellence, was named a best book of the year by Library Journal, best book of Spring 2012 by Publisher's Weekly, and was named the best romance book of 2012 by ALA RUSA. When she is not writing, she is reading.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,729 reviews
December 14, 2019
3 Stars
I liked this book a lot...but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.
I am a sucker for the "fake relationship" trope and I love it when quirky/dare-I-say geeky women hook up with Alpha Athletes or just alpha-holes in general...and this book definitely had both those things going for it; however, parts of the story felt very rushed to me and, in the end, I never truly felt totally on board with Parker and Rhys' romance.
In addition, I also just didn't enjoy the constant pushing of various social agendas. We all get enough of that...well, pretty much everywhere else these days. My reading time is about letting my mind rest and be entertained, not to be lectured on feminism, toxic masculinity, environmentalism, and the evils of gas vehicles and the demonic privileged white male - especially from the perspective of a super privileged white character.
I'm not saying I'm not on board with any of that, I'm simply saying I'm tired of being constantly bashed over the head with it everywhere I look these days. It's exhausting. And it took me out of the story.
Oh well. Onward.
I liked this book a lot...but I didn't love it as much as I thought I would.
I am a sucker for the "fake relationship" trope and I love it when quirky/dare-I-say geeky women hook up with Alpha Athletes or just alpha-holes in general...and this book definitely had both those things going for it; however, parts of the story felt very rushed to me and, in the end, I never truly felt totally on board with Parker and Rhys' romance.
In addition, I also just didn't enjoy the constant pushing of various social agendas. We all get enough of that...well, pretty much everywhere else these days. My reading time is about letting my mind rest and be entertained, not to be lectured on feminism, toxic masculinity, environmentalism, and the evils of gas vehicles and the demonic privileged white male - especially from the perspective of a super privileged white character.
I'm not saying I'm not on board with any of that, I'm simply saying I'm tired of being constantly bashed over the head with it everywhere I look these days. It's exhausting. And it took me out of the story.
Oh well. Onward.
January 9, 2022
not the best romance ive ever read, but it gets the job done and is enjoyable in the process.
it has all the tried and true tropes: fake dating, bad boy and good girl, an athlete and a geek. it also covers serious real world topics like: fighting misogyny, working hard for a job, the loss of parent, trying to appease parents, sticking up for yourself and sticking up for those you care about. it has pretty much all of the foundational bases covered for a good story.
the only reason i didnt love this more is because it felt too short, too underdeveloped. i really wish there had just been… more. more growth, more dates, more overcoming obstacles/opposition, more swoon-worthy moments. just more of everything.
but again, this does the get the job done. not my favourite by KC or SY, but still a good bit of entertainment.
↠ 3.5 stars
it has all the tried and true tropes: fake dating, bad boy and good girl, an athlete and a geek. it also covers serious real world topics like: fighting misogyny, working hard for a job, the loss of parent, trying to appease parents, sticking up for yourself and sticking up for those you care about. it has pretty much all of the foundational bases covered for a good story.
the only reason i didnt love this more is because it felt too short, too underdeveloped. i really wish there had just been… more. more growth, more dates, more overcoming obstacles/opposition, more swoon-worthy moments. just more of everything.
but again, this does the get the job done. not my favourite by KC or SY, but still a good bit of entertainment.
↠ 3.5 stars
March 2, 2020
4 stars
I love both Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan’s books, so I was excited to listen to their cowritten sports romance, Outmatched.
Because of Parker’s sexist boss, she needs to be in a serious relationship in order to be placed in a permanent place in the company. The problem is she doesn’t do relationships. She hires someone to be a fake boyfriend for her, but when Rhys Morgan shows up… she’s not sure what she’s gotten herself into. She hired Rhys’s younger brother, Dean, but Rhys isn’t having that. He decides to step in and be Parker’s fake boyfriend instead.
This is very much an opposites attract romance with a bit of enemies to lovers thrown in. Their banter was insane as well as their chemistry. Rhys was amazing and by far my favorite of the book. As much as I loved Parker at times, there were other times she annoyed me and of course there were some misunderstandings that could have been handled differently, but overall this was such a fun book to listen to. It had just enough emotion, steam, and the perfect amount of romance.
The audiobook is narrated by Elizabeth Hart and Alex Kydd. I loved Alex’s Boston accent and both of them did a great job with the narration. I would recommend reading this in audio format. If you’re a fan of the fake dating troupe, sports romances, and fun/fast paced stories, this is the book for you!
I love both Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan’s books, so I was excited to listen to their cowritten sports romance, Outmatched.
Because of Parker’s sexist boss, she needs to be in a serious relationship in order to be placed in a permanent place in the company. The problem is she doesn’t do relationships. She hires someone to be a fake boyfriend for her, but when Rhys Morgan shows up… she’s not sure what she’s gotten herself into. She hired Rhys’s younger brother, Dean, but Rhys isn’t having that. He decides to step in and be Parker’s fake boyfriend instead.
This is very much an opposites attract romance with a bit of enemies to lovers thrown in. Their banter was insane as well as their chemistry. Rhys was amazing and by far my favorite of the book. As much as I loved Parker at times, there were other times she annoyed me and of course there were some misunderstandings that could have been handled differently, but overall this was such a fun book to listen to. It had just enough emotion, steam, and the perfect amount of romance.
The audiobook is narrated by Elizabeth Hart and Alex Kydd. I loved Alex’s Boston accent and both of them did a great job with the narration. I would recommend reading this in audio format. If you’re a fan of the fake dating troupe, sports romances, and fun/fast paced stories, this is the book for you!
With her, I felt like something new, something better. “I’m so fucking crazy about you, Parker Brown. You have no idea.” Her smile was the sun. “I might have some idea.”
January 23, 2020
Oh come on, guys!! REally? Yes, our standards are lower for the Kindle Unlimited freebies, but come on! Why are you all rating this so high and getting my hopes up for some funny cute romance just to crush my hopes and dreams?
Okay, so I was down with the fact that this wasn't going to be a highly original story. I mean, where can you really go with the whole fake-to-real relationship trope? Obviously they start out as a fake couple, develop feelings, a series of misunderstandings make them think the other isn't into them, there is angst, then they get their heads out of their asses through some sort of event like a life-threatening thing or whatever, and they live HEA. That's the formula. Just like Hallmark movies, it writes itself.
But, just asonly women in jammies some people will still watch every Hallmark movie ever made, I will read tropey romance novels anyway. Sometimes it's fun to just enjoy the ride that you have rode many times and liked well enough. You know, like marriage. (unnecessary husband burn!)
The problem is that the characters were NOT enjoyable people. I would hate both of them in real life. She's like some overgrown woman-child, and he's the kind of guy who says horrible things to their girlfriend then immediately apologizes but then does it again the next day until she has an eating disorder and low self-esteem. I really couldn't stand them.
Let's start thecharacter assassination completely fair review with her, shall we? Her name is Parker and she dresses like she is 5 years old - which we all know is so sexy. Yeah, if a man gets a boner because a girl is wearing the clothing that I wore to kindergarten, he needs to be arrested. But, not only does she think she rocks the children's department clothing, but she also can't bring herself to utter a swear word. Give me a fucking break! You aren't five Parker!! Whatever idiotic girl-version of Peter Pan Syndrome you are dealing with - get some therapy if you can't act like a grown-up.
This only cuts it in the Good Place. Real life involves cursing. Real cursing.
So, not only does Parker use stupid fake-curse words and literally say "the f-word", like a fucking idiot, but she is also a "Save the Planet" person who gets on her soapbox in her stupid children's dress every chance she gets. You want to annoy the rest of the people who weren't annoyed with you over the cursing thing? Just start preaching about recycling. Again. I mean, she was so annoying about it that I want to go out and litter just to spite her cabbage-patch clothes wearing ass.
So, Parker sucked.
Let's move on to thedouche guy. His name is Rhys and he is an ex-boxer. Problem is that he still likes to deal those knock-out punches verbally if not physically. After he and Parker make-out:
Him: "Don't pretend like you don't know how you were acting... Fuck, sweetheart, you light up so hot, I was just along for the ride. You like that for your society boys, or does slumming it get you off?"
Yikes. Slut shaming the girl you are into? Good way to get her to love you. A proven formula is to break down a girl's self-esteem so much that she feels lucky to have you.
Yes, he apologizes. But, it's not the only time he says something shitty to her like that. He lashes out the second he feels she has slighted him and that is something that is just not bearable over time. He says and does things out of anger that have consequences for other people. Even the whole reason he is doing this fake-relationship thing with her in the first place is because of stupid crap that he pulled that was unfair to his brother and to Parker. I just couldn't like the guy.
So, this book just didn't do it for me. I'm also disappointed in all of you for making me read it. You need to go and think about what you have done now.
Okay, so I was down with the fact that this wasn't going to be a highly original story. I mean, where can you really go with the whole fake-to-real relationship trope? Obviously they start out as a fake couple, develop feelings, a series of misunderstandings make them think the other isn't into them, there is angst, then they get their heads out of their asses through some sort of event like a life-threatening thing or whatever, and they live HEA. That's the formula. Just like Hallmark movies, it writes itself.
But, just as
The problem is that the characters were NOT enjoyable people. I would hate both of them in real life. She's like some overgrown woman-child, and he's the kind of guy who says horrible things to their girlfriend then immediately apologizes but then does it again the next day until she has an eating disorder and low self-esteem. I really couldn't stand them.
Let's start the
This only cuts it in the Good Place. Real life involves cursing. Real cursing.
So, not only does Parker use stupid fake-curse words and literally say "the f-word", like a fucking idiot, but she is also a "Save the Planet" person who gets on her soapbox in her stupid children's dress every chance she gets. You want to annoy the rest of the people who weren't annoyed with you over the cursing thing? Just start preaching about recycling. Again. I mean, she was so annoying about it that I want to go out and litter just to spite her cabbage-patch clothes wearing ass.
So, Parker sucked.
Let's move on to the
Him: "Don't pretend like you don't know how you were acting... Fuck, sweetheart, you light up so hot, I was just along for the ride. You like that for your society boys, or does slumming it get you off?"
Yikes. Slut shaming the girl you are into? Good way to get her to love you. A proven formula is to break down a girl's self-esteem so much that she feels lucky to have you.
Yes, he apologizes. But, it's not the only time he says something shitty to her like that. He lashes out the second he feels she has slighted him and that is something that is just not bearable over time. He says and does things out of anger that have consequences for other people. Even the whole reason he is doing this fake-relationship thing with her in the first place is because of stupid crap that he pulled that was unfair to his brother and to Parker. I just couldn't like the guy.
So, this book just didn't do it for me. I'm also disappointed in all of you for making me read it. You need to go and think about what you have done now.
November 10, 2019
5 STARS
I. AM. SO. HAPPY. RIGHT. NOW.
Seriously. I don't even know what to do with myself? What do you do when two of your favorite authors co-write a book together and not only does it live up to your RIDICULOUSLY BIG expectations but actually EXCEEDS it?!! You flail like the happy fangirl that you are and offer up an ovary on the chance that this will mark the first book in a series. What? It's a totally normal reaction. Stop judging me. GOD.
If you love enemies to lovers and fake relationship tropes, this is your next obsession. Guys, I'm not even kidding. This book was everything. All of the things. Witty banter, humor, and all of the steam. And the characters? My god! Talk about opposites attract.
Parker Brown is a girl after my own heart. She comes from privilege but it certainly doesn't define who she is. She's a lot smart and with just the right amount of quirky. Desperate to make an impression on her boss's misogynistic a-hole boss in order to secure the job of her dreams. Sounds easy right? Too bad it's not her knowledge at work that matters, but the having a boyfriend. So what's a girl to do? Hire one, of course!
Rhys Morgan is a retired boxer desperate to keep his gym afloat after the passing of his father. So when he learns that his brother got a job pimping himself out to some pretentious rich chick, he's all too eager to put a kibosh on it. But when he stomps to meet her and put her in her place, he somehow ends up making an impression on her boss and offering to take his brother's place. PLOT TWIST!!
The banter between these two was off the charts hot. SWEET BABY JEBUS! The banter was everything. Rhys and and Parker absolutely burn up the pages together. Their chemistry is incendiary. The slow building romance is packed with so much sexual tension that you feel like your fingers singe just turning the pages. The pages are full of witty banter and sizzling chemistry that I just couldn't get enough of. Parker may have grown up privileged but she's determined to make her own way. I just loved her. Then there's the mouthy Boston boxer with a heart of gold. Together they set the book on fire. And that's not even mentioning the incredible secondary characters that I'm desperately hoping will be getting their own books.
Basically, this book was freaking fantastic!! An absolute must read full of heart, humor, and steam!
ARC courtesy of authors in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
If we made it through this ruse with me going to prison for assault instead of murder, I’d call it a win. The guy really pushed my buttons. And I hadn’t even known I had any.
I. AM. SO. HAPPY. RIGHT. NOW.
Seriously. I don't even know what to do with myself? What do you do when two of your favorite authors co-write a book together and not only does it live up to your RIDICULOUSLY BIG expectations but actually EXCEEDS it?!! You flail like the happy fangirl that you are and offer up an ovary on the chance that this will mark the first book in a series. What? It's a totally normal reaction. Stop judging me. GOD.
If you love enemies to lovers and fake relationship tropes, this is your next obsession. Guys, I'm not even kidding. This book was everything. All of the things. Witty banter, humor, and all of the steam. And the characters? My god! Talk about opposites attract.
Parker Brown is a girl after my own heart. She comes from privilege but it certainly doesn't define who she is. She's a lot smart and with just the right amount of quirky. Desperate to make an impression on her boss's misogynistic a-hole boss in order to secure the job of her dreams. Sounds easy right? Too bad it's not her knowledge at work that matters, but the having a boyfriend. So what's a girl to do? Hire one, of course!
Rhys Morgan is a retired boxer desperate to keep his gym afloat after the passing of his father. So when he learns that his brother got a job pimping himself out to some pretentious rich chick, he's all too eager to put a kibosh on it. But when he stomps to meet her and put her in her place, he somehow ends up making an impression on her boss and offering to take his brother's place. PLOT TWIST!!
The banter between these two was off the charts hot. SWEET BABY JEBUS! The banter was everything. Rhys and and Parker absolutely burn up the pages together. Their chemistry is incendiary. The slow building romance is packed with so much sexual tension that you feel like your fingers singe just turning the pages. The pages are full of witty banter and sizzling chemistry that I just couldn't get enough of. Parker may have grown up privileged but she's determined to make her own way. I just loved her. Then there's the mouthy Boston boxer with a heart of gold. Together they set the book on fire. And that's not even mentioning the incredible secondary characters that I'm desperately hoping will be getting their own books.
Basically, this book was freaking fantastic!! An absolute must read full of heart, humor, and steam!
ARC courtesy of authors in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
November 7, 2019
30-year-old Parker Brown loves her job at a Renewable Energy company, but the owner is a chauvinistic sexist man who only hire married or woman in a serious relationship - which proves (in his eyes) a long-term commitment.
Parker has been single for 13 years, and now she could lose her job, so she hires the perfect candidate, Dean Morgan to be her fake boyfriend. 😍
But when the time comes, she finds herself in front of a different guy - He doesn't wear a suit, he's rough, has a dirty mouth... and he's PISSED! 😱
📚 "𝗟𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝘀𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲. 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗶𝘀𝗻'𝘁 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆." 📚
Rhys Morgan (Aww... even his name is sexy! 🔥) Is an ex-heavy weight-boxer that runs his family’s gym, but it's on the verge of bankruptcy. 😬
He's the perfect combination of soft and tough in one sweet package. 😋
Rhys refuses to let a rich woman "pimp" his little brother, so he goes to tell Parker exactly what he thinks of her... instead, he takes the role as her fake boyfriend. ❤
They can help each other - he could find a sponsor to save his gym and she could keep her job. What could possibly go wrong...? 😂
📚 “𝗕𝘆𝗲-𝗯𝘆𝗲.” 𝗛𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗺𝗼𝘃𝗲. “𝗔𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀?” 𝗦𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲. “𝗩á𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘀. 𝗖𝗶𝗮𝗼. 𝗔𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗶𝗿.” 𝗜 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗹𝘆. “𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗼.”
𝗛𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝘄𝗹𝗲𝗱. “𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗼 𝗺𝗲?” 📚
Rhys and Parker are complete opposites - she is tiny and intelligent, rides electric bike to save the earth and never curses. He looks like a mountain of muscles, rides a Harley and has no filters... But together, they prove that contrasts really do attract. 🎉
No doubt, the best thing about this book is their interactions- their banters made me laugh out loud!!! (especially when he tries to get her to curse) 😂😂😂
📚 “𝗢𝗵, 𝗯𝘂𝗹𝗹-𝗽𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀.”
“𝗛𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝘆? 𝗣𝘂𝗰𝗸𝘀? 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁? 𝗕𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗸𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀?” 📚
I loved their embarrassing moments, the passion and romance, the way they were the perfect balance for each other... but mostlly, I just loved Rhys. ❤
The book talks about an important issue - gender inequality and injustice that women go through in male-dominated work places, but unfortunately the "solution" was too superficial. It could have given the book an important quality and depth.
I won't lie, there were parts that made me roll my eyes (I grew wary over his size. "Do you think that’ll fit?” 🙄) and towards the end I got tired of the insecurities, misunderstandings and people who tried to destroy them... I would rather read about the way their relationships grew and evolved. But despite that - I really enjoyed this book! ❤❤❤
📚 “𝗦𝗵𝗲’𝘀 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁. 𝗜 𝗹𝗶𝗸𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿. 𝗔 𝗹𝗼𝘁. 𝗕𝘂𝘁…”
“𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀?”
𝗜 𝗱𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝗵𝗶𝗺 𝗮 𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗸. “𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘄𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻𝘀?”
“𝗜𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁—”
“𝗙𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗜 𝗮𝘀𝗸𝗲𝗱. 𝗦𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗲𝘀." 📚
It's a sweet, passionate romantic comedy that came just in the right time - with awesome characters, fun plot and great writing! 👌
I have no idea which author wrote what. I didn't even feel like the book was written by two different authors - what proves that together, Samantha and Kristen makes a hell of a great team! ❤👑
So if you want a light and fun read that would make you laugh and fall in love, this is the book for you! 💃🎉
*** 𝕀 𝕣𝕖𝕔𝕖𝕚𝕧𝕖𝕕 𝕒𝕟 𝔸ℝℂ 𝕗𝕣𝕠𝕞 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕒𝕦𝕥𝕙𝕠𝕣 𝕗𝕠𝕣 𝕒𝕟 𝕙𝕠𝕟𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 ***
📖 ᖴOᒪᒪOᗯ ᗰE Oᑎ IᑎᔕTᗩGᖇᗩᗰ: 🎉 https://www.instagram.com/the_romanti...
📖 Get your copy NOW: https://amzn.to/2NOr6Jk
November 18, 2019
*****FIVE STARS*****
{ARC Generously Provided by Authors}
No matter what he said, I had to end this deal. My feelings…well, my feelings were now involved, and after what just happened between us, I knew this man had the power to hurt me. Deeply.
Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young, two authors who have been on my favorites list for years, have come together to collaborate for the first time, and I truly hope there is more in store with this fabulous writing duo! ”OUTMATCHED” is a wildly fun and steamy opposites attract romance between a prim and proper career-oriented New York princess and a ruggedly handsome ex-heavyweight boxing champion. Parker Brown, aka ”Tinkerbell”, and Rhys Morgan at first glance, appear to be an odd match. There couldn’t be anything these two have in common but when they peel back each other’s layers, there is no mistaking how they are two halves of a perfect whole.
Parker is trying to get a permanent position at the company she works at. To do so, she needs to be in a serious relationship and bring her man to some company-sponsored functions. She uses an app to hire the perfect man to be her date for the unforeseeable future. Parker wasn’t expecting to get a two hundred fifteen pound sinfully sexy alpha male to be her fake boyfriend. Rhys’ younger brother was supposed to play the part, but Rhys was not about to let his brother throw his ivy league education down the drain to become a paid escort. He intended to meet Parker and give her a piece of his mind but winds up taking his brother’s place when he realizes that the arrangement could help him save his family-owned gym.
Rhys and Parker are like oil and water at the start of their journey but it’s clear from their first encounter that underneath the tension and hostility is some scorching hot chemistry. The anticipation for these two to give in to their desires for each other is almost painful! For readers, it’s easy to see these two are a match made in heaven but their shared cluelessness will make for some thoroughly angsty fodder.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot:
Angst: 4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”OUTMATCHED” releases on November 19th! This was a terrific debut novel by this amazing writing duo! I’m looking forward to more by Callihan and Young!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZwJjPt
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutmatchedKCSY
Kobo: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYKobo
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zsHUyR
{ARC Generously Provided by Authors}
No matter what he said, I had to end this deal. My feelings…well, my feelings were now involved, and after what just happened between us, I knew this man had the power to hurt me. Deeply.
Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young, two authors who have been on my favorites list for years, have come together to collaborate for the first time, and I truly hope there is more in store with this fabulous writing duo! ”OUTMATCHED” is a wildly fun and steamy opposites attract romance between a prim and proper career-oriented New York princess and a ruggedly handsome ex-heavyweight boxing champion. Parker Brown, aka ”Tinkerbell”, and Rhys Morgan at first glance, appear to be an odd match. There couldn’t be anything these two have in common but when they peel back each other’s layers, there is no mistaking how they are two halves of a perfect whole.
Parker is trying to get a permanent position at the company she works at. To do so, she needs to be in a serious relationship and bring her man to some company-sponsored functions. She uses an app to hire the perfect man to be her date for the unforeseeable future. Parker wasn’t expecting to get a two hundred fifteen pound sinfully sexy alpha male to be her fake boyfriend. Rhys’ younger brother was supposed to play the part, but Rhys was not about to let his brother throw his ivy league education down the drain to become a paid escort. He intended to meet Parker and give her a piece of his mind but winds up taking his brother’s place when he realizes that the arrangement could help him save his family-owned gym.
Rhys and Parker are like oil and water at the start of their journey but it’s clear from their first encounter that underneath the tension and hostility is some scorching hot chemistry. The anticipation for these two to give in to their desires for each other is almost painful! For readers, it’s easy to see these two are a match made in heaven but their shared cluelessness will make for some thoroughly angsty fodder.
Here are my overall ratings:
Hero: 5
Heroine: 5
Plot:
Angst: 4
Steam: 4
Chemistry Between Hero & Heroine: 5
”OUTMATCHED” releases on November 19th! This was a terrific debut novel by this amazing writing duo! I’m looking forward to more by Callihan and Young!
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2ZwJjPt
Amazon Worldwide: mybook.to/OutmatchedKCSY
Kobo: http://bit.ly/OutmatchedKCSYKobo
Apple Books: https://apple.co/2zsHUyR
December 3, 2019
That was some sweet romance and I liked it. Yeah, me as happy as that cat now :)
It is simple and light but good in its own way. And super cute. It made me happy and I read it with a big smile on my face.
Oh, and I loved both characters very very much and it is rare when that happens. Both Parker and Rhys were adorable.
FUN BANTER / ADORABLE CHARACTERS:
He dragged his gaze over my body and grunted.
“I’m going to ignore whatever that noise meant since I’ve evolved beyond the Tertiary Period.”
***
“Look, Mr. Morgan, my bosses will be here any minute so I would really appreciate you leaving. Now. Now would be good.”
I indicated the door behind me. “Bye-bye.” He didn’t move. “Adios?” Still staring at me. “Vámonos. Ciao. Au revoir.” I sighed heavily. “ Shoo .”
He scowled. “Did you just shoo me?”
“Only if it worked.”
“Darlin’, you’re cracked in the head. Anyone ever tell you that?”
***
“Fairchild thinks I’m the shit.”
Yes, Fairchild definitely thought Rhys was the poo. Of course he would. They were both Neanderthals.
Okay, so I could admit that he was attractive in that caveman, overtly masculine, alpha-male kind of way that some women found appealing. I wasn’t one of them. I was above that sort of primal need for power and strength in my chosen mate. At least I was determined to be. A guy had to be funny and thoughtful above anything else. Plus, I liked my men short and cute. Not intimidating and so tall they’d have to lift me up to kiss me.
***
If we made it through this ruse with me going to prison for assault instead of murder, I’d call it a win. The guy really pushed my buttons. And I hadn’t even known I had any.
***
I might have emitted a moan. His eyebrows rose toward his hairline, and then a wicked grin flashed across his face. Yup, I definitely emitted a moan. If I were Hermione Granger, I could make the railing behind me disappear, thus plunging me into the waters below. A far more efficient equivalent to praying for the floor to open beneath my feet.
EMOTIONAL & HOT MOMENTS:
I leaned down and brushed a kiss across her temple. “I’m sorry I was an asshole, Tinker Bell. My only excuse is that I’m so into you, I’ve lost all my good sense.”
A sigh gusted out of her, and she leaned her forehead against my chest. “Well, as excuses go, I suppose I can accept that.”
***
I groaned into her mouth as I came. Everything drained out of me, and in that moment, I didn’t know my own name. Only hers. I was hers.
***
I loved when he was tender … but my goodness, I loved when he lost a little of that control and took me like he’d die if he didn’t.
***
Parker rested her head on my chest with a sigh. I hauled her closer, holding on, unable to release her. My body hadn’t stopped shivering. I was supposed to be blowing her mind, rocking her damn world, but she’d flipped the script.
*********************************************
As you see, it is funny, cute, emotional and hot. What else do you need? 😊
Seriously, whenever you feel like reading a light romance, this book is a good choice as it is a sweet romance with adorable characters. It is totally safe. She is not a virgin and he is not a man-whore. She is too cute to be true; he is too good to be true and together, they make an awesome couple.
It is simple and light but good in its own way. And super cute. It made me happy and I read it with a big smile on my face.
Oh, and I loved both characters very very much and it is rare when that happens. Both Parker and Rhys were adorable.
FUN BANTER / ADORABLE CHARACTERS:
He dragged his gaze over my body and grunted.
“I’m going to ignore whatever that noise meant since I’ve evolved beyond the Tertiary Period.”
***
“Look, Mr. Morgan, my bosses will be here any minute so I would really appreciate you leaving. Now. Now would be good.”
I indicated the door behind me. “Bye-bye.” He didn’t move. “Adios?” Still staring at me. “Vámonos. Ciao. Au revoir.” I sighed heavily. “ Shoo .”
He scowled. “Did you just shoo me?”
“Only if it worked.”
“Darlin’, you’re cracked in the head. Anyone ever tell you that?”
***
“Fairchild thinks I’m the shit.”
Yes, Fairchild definitely thought Rhys was the poo. Of course he would. They were both Neanderthals.
Okay, so I could admit that he was attractive in that caveman, overtly masculine, alpha-male kind of way that some women found appealing. I wasn’t one of them. I was above that sort of primal need for power and strength in my chosen mate. At least I was determined to be. A guy had to be funny and thoughtful above anything else. Plus, I liked my men short and cute. Not intimidating and so tall they’d have to lift me up to kiss me.
***
If we made it through this ruse with me going to prison for assault instead of murder, I’d call it a win. The guy really pushed my buttons. And I hadn’t even known I had any.
***
I might have emitted a moan. His eyebrows rose toward his hairline, and then a wicked grin flashed across his face. Yup, I definitely emitted a moan. If I were Hermione Granger, I could make the railing behind me disappear, thus plunging me into the waters below. A far more efficient equivalent to praying for the floor to open beneath my feet.
EMOTIONAL & HOT MOMENTS:
I leaned down and brushed a kiss across her temple. “I’m sorry I was an asshole, Tinker Bell. My only excuse is that I’m so into you, I’ve lost all my good sense.”
A sigh gusted out of her, and she leaned her forehead against my chest. “Well, as excuses go, I suppose I can accept that.”
***
I groaned into her mouth as I came. Everything drained out of me, and in that moment, I didn’t know my own name. Only hers. I was hers.
***
I loved when he was tender … but my goodness, I loved when he lost a little of that control and took me like he’d die if he didn’t.
***
Parker rested her head on my chest with a sigh. I hauled her closer, holding on, unable to release her. My body hadn’t stopped shivering. I was supposed to be blowing her mind, rocking her damn world, but she’d flipped the script.
*********************************************
As you see, it is funny, cute, emotional and hot. What else do you need? 😊
Seriously, whenever you feel like reading a light romance, this book is a good choice as it is a sweet romance with adorable characters. It is totally safe. She is not a virgin and he is not a man-whore. She is too cute to be true; he is too good to be true and together, they make an awesome couple.
November 28, 2019
I absolutely loved this book! It was a fabulous read that put a smile on my face, and warm feelings in my heart!! With the two authors that co-wrote this book, I should have known it would be a brilliant story! Both Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan have written stories in the past that I have enjoyed. Now that they put their heads together, they could not fail! My fingers are crossed that they will continue on with this world and characters they created!
As for the main characters; Rhys and Parker, I fell in love with them immediately! They started out as pretend boyfriend/girlfriend, but it didn’t take long for them to realize their feelings were becoming more real rather than pretend!
Rhys is going on my favourite heroes list! There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about him!!
When this couple was together they were so entertaining! They made me laugh out loud more than once! The paintball scene was perfect and the sand snake scene was absolutely hilarious!
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fairly low angst read with a bunch of humour mixed in! I am definitely marking this story as my best of 2019! Now my fingers are crossed for a story about Carlos falling in love, and Rhys’s brother Dean could use a lady too! LOL!!
Thanks Steph for letting me jump in with you to buddy read it together! We have both been so busy in our lives lately but it was so nice to do a quick read with you again!❤️
As for the main characters; Rhys and Parker, I fell in love with them immediately! They started out as pretend boyfriend/girlfriend, but it didn’t take long for them to realize their feelings were becoming more real rather than pretend!
Rhys is going on my favourite heroes list! There wasn’t anything that I didn’t like about him!!
When this couple was together they were so entertaining! They made me laugh out loud more than once! The paintball scene was perfect and the sand snake scene was absolutely hilarious!
I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a fairly low angst read with a bunch of humour mixed in! I am definitely marking this story as my best of 2019! Now my fingers are crossed for a story about Carlos falling in love, and Rhys’s brother Dean could use a lady too! LOL!!
Thanks Steph for letting me jump in with you to buddy read it together! We have both been so busy in our lives lately but it was so nice to do a quick read with you again!❤️
November 23, 2019
Wow, I really needed this. This was definitely a case of the right book at the right time. I love when that happens ;)
I am a huge fan of the opposites attract trope and "the geek and the jock" is unquestionably my favorite. Not to mention the whole "fake relationship" deal. Count me in!!
Parker who is trying to climb the corporate ladder is in need of a boyfriend to impress her boss. She decides to go the unusual route to conjure one up....she hires him :P
Unfortunately, there is a case of mixed identity (kind of) and Parker is now stuck with her fake boyfriend's brother... Rhys... tall, muscled ex-boxer and totally not what she had in mind. Rhys jumps at the opportunity to solve his own financial problems.
These two were absolutely awesome together. I fell in love with both characters and their back and forth banter. There is definitely a case of "enemies to lovers" here and it was delicious.
If you enjoy funny and steamy romances with a touch of sarcastic banter thrown in, you should really give this one a go.
An ARC was provided to
in exchange for an honest review
July 31, 2021
This was such a fun hate to love, faking dating romance! Parker needs her new boss to take her seriously, and he only respects employees who have families and "priorities" straight. Parker decides to hire a fake boyfriend and instead finds Rhys, the older brother of the guy she hired. Rhys is an ex-boxer and furious his brother would be paid to date someone, but when he shows up to confront Parker, he decides to act as Parker's boyfriend after her boss recognizes him. Rhys also needs money to help his gym before he's forced to sell it, and he thinks Parker's boss could be his answer to a big donor. The way Parker and Rhys fake date is so cute. They even go on a fake date with just the two of them so that they can get to know each other and make their fake relationship more realistic. Their banter was cute and I loved how they were so opposite from one another but were brought together because they both needed something out of the relationship. I really loved Rhys's character too and my heart went out to him for his story of why he doesn't fight anymore. I would definitely recommend this if you're a fan of a fake dating romance with an athlete hero!
March 2, 2020
5 STARS
Wow this one was amazing, it was addictive,heartwarming,fun,sweet and steamy!Now, I need more books from this duo!Outmatched has everything I wanted and even more!I enjoyed the romance so much and I couldn't get enough of Parker and Rhys!
They have a great banter, they make me smile, laugh and swoon! Rhys and Parker gave to each other what they needed!They have a great combination!I adored them!They also were intense and so steamy sigh!I loved them so much!
They are my new favorite couple!Get ready to fall in love and swoon!Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young delivers a heartwarming,steamy and fun romance!
Wow this one was amazing, it was addictive,heartwarming,fun,sweet and steamy!Now, I need more books from this duo!Outmatched has everything I wanted and even more!I enjoyed the romance so much and I couldn't get enough of Parker and Rhys!
They have a great banter, they make me smile, laugh and swoon! Rhys and Parker gave to each other what they needed!They have a great combination!I adored them!They also were intense and so steamy sigh!I loved them so much!
They are my new favorite couple!Get ready to fall in love and swoon!Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young delivers a heartwarming,steamy and fun romance!
November 22, 2019
3 Cracked in the Head Stars ⭐
What could a retired heavyweight boxer and an environmentally friendly geek have in common? Well actually, almost everything once they got over their egos, animosity, and their narrow-minded views of each other…
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend to progress at work. Where she thought she was hiring a compatible escort to play the part, she got the caveman brother in his place. Before she has the chance to tell him to piss off, Rhys Morgan has accepted the role, concreting their fake relationship with her colleagues.
"If we made it through this ruse with me going to prison for assault instead of murder, I'd call it a win."
Desperation is evidentially driving Rhys Morgan as he is now officially Parker’s boyfriend. Why some high society girl needs to a hire a man is unfathomable. But for Rhys, the money he gets from this gig will help save his family gym that is sinking faster than the titanic.
Supposedly, they are two people that are total opposites and clearly despise each other. With an arrangement that forces them to spend far too much time together, they will come to realize that first impressions aren’t always right. Their newfound tolerance to get the job done soon turns into an opportunity for more. Such as all the touching and kissing disguised as practice.
This duet of authors have managed to create a light-hearted romance filled with great banter. Unfortunately these two characters both warranted a good smack across the head for being thick-headed. The constant miscommunication between Parker and Rhys and denial of their attraction created unnecessary obstacles. To be fair, I'm probably not the ideal target audience as I prefer my romances raunchier and faster paced, but I do enjoy a good rom-com. This was just OK.
What could a retired heavyweight boxer and an environmentally friendly geek have in common? Well actually, almost everything once they got over their egos, animosity, and their narrow-minded views of each other…
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend to progress at work. Where she thought she was hiring a compatible escort to play the part, she got the caveman brother in his place. Before she has the chance to tell him to piss off, Rhys Morgan has accepted the role, concreting their fake relationship with her colleagues.
"If we made it through this ruse with me going to prison for assault instead of murder, I'd call it a win."
Desperation is evidentially driving Rhys Morgan as he is now officially Parker’s boyfriend. Why some high society girl needs to a hire a man is unfathomable. But for Rhys, the money he gets from this gig will help save his family gym that is sinking faster than the titanic.
Supposedly, they are two people that are total opposites and clearly despise each other. With an arrangement that forces them to spend far too much time together, they will come to realize that first impressions aren’t always right. Their newfound tolerance to get the job done soon turns into an opportunity for more. Such as all the touching and kissing disguised as practice.
This duet of authors have managed to create a light-hearted romance filled with great banter. Unfortunately these two characters both warranted a good smack across the head for being thick-headed. The constant miscommunication between Parker and Rhys and denial of their attraction created unnecessary obstacles. To be fair, I'm probably not the ideal target audience as I prefer my romances raunchier and faster paced, but I do enjoy a good rom-com. This was just OK.
November 19, 2019
Outmatched had me hooked from the first word to the last, with a completely perfect mix of entertaining banter, seriously hot sexy times, and sweetly piercing emotion. Kristen Callihan & Samantha Young are officially one of my favorite writing duos and I hope they have more in store for us soon!
November 19, 2019
5 Stars!
(ARC provided by author/ Social Butterfly PR)
Parker Brown is a single woman living in Boston who comes from a well known, wealthy family. Her career has become her entire focus, and she loves her job working in renewable energy as a data analyst. She's determined to move up in the company, and wants to score a permanent contract. The only problem is the top boss has an old fashioned way of thinking, and prefers his employees to be "settled." Since Parker hasn't found that special someone yet, she looks to hire someone to be her date to work functions. She's found the perfect guy. He's an intellectual like herself and they should have plenty in common. Instead she gets his older, overprotective big brother Rhys.
Rhys Morgan is an ex-professional boxing champion who is known as the best of his generation. He's now retired from boxing, and running his family's boxing gym. The only issue is his finances are in trouble, and he needs money to pay off his mountains of debt. He has a lot of responsibilities that have fallen on his shoulders, but his top priority would always be his younger brother Dean. When he finds out about his deal with Parker, he decides to give this society girl a piece of his mind. There was no way he was going to let this privileged princess get anywhere near his brother. Then he realizes when her rich boss shows up that this may be the opportunity he's been needing. If he could find a sponsor for his gym, then all his problems would be solved.
Rhys ultimately decides he could be arm candy for the right price. So what if they couldn't stand each other. He would pretend to be her boyfriend, and things between them would be strictly business. He never thought he would find anything about her appealing. He could admit the quirky, polished environmentalist was beautiful, but they came from very different backgrounds, and had nothing in common.
Parker was furious that Rhys basically hijacked here life. She'd made a deal with the devil, and now had to spend too much time with the broody jerk who was full of attitude. Where his brother looked more pretty boy, Rhys was rugged and more rough around the edges. He was extremely hot, but totally not her type. She liked her men more refined, and less bad boy, but as they get to know one another better she realizes she's developed a huge crush on her fake boyfriend. He was intoxicating, and their unexpected connection blindsided her. Their pretend relationship starts to feel very real all of the sudden. Will they explore the chemistry between them, or will they decide they are too different to ever fit into each others worlds?
-He was beautiful in a primal way.
-With her, I felt like something new, something better.
Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young is a fabulous enemies to lovers romance where opposites attract and fall hard for one another. I loved this book so much!!! It was an easy five stars for me. This writing duo is golden together, and I hope they collaborate again. I couldn't get enough of Rhys and his huge heart and gentle soul. He was completely dreamy! I would be thrilled if we could get more books in this world. I would love a story for Carlos or Dean!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2O1X5ak
(ARC provided by author/ Social Butterfly PR)
Parker Brown is a single woman living in Boston who comes from a well known, wealthy family. Her career has become her entire focus, and she loves her job working in renewable energy as a data analyst. She's determined to move up in the company, and wants to score a permanent contract. The only problem is the top boss has an old fashioned way of thinking, and prefers his employees to be "settled." Since Parker hasn't found that special someone yet, she looks to hire someone to be her date to work functions. She's found the perfect guy. He's an intellectual like herself and they should have plenty in common. Instead she gets his older, overprotective big brother Rhys.
Rhys Morgan is an ex-professional boxing champion who is known as the best of his generation. He's now retired from boxing, and running his family's boxing gym. The only issue is his finances are in trouble, and he needs money to pay off his mountains of debt. He has a lot of responsibilities that have fallen on his shoulders, but his top priority would always be his younger brother Dean. When he finds out about his deal with Parker, he decides to give this society girl a piece of his mind. There was no way he was going to let this privileged princess get anywhere near his brother. Then he realizes when her rich boss shows up that this may be the opportunity he's been needing. If he could find a sponsor for his gym, then all his problems would be solved.
Rhys ultimately decides he could be arm candy for the right price. So what if they couldn't stand each other. He would pretend to be her boyfriend, and things between them would be strictly business. He never thought he would find anything about her appealing. He could admit the quirky, polished environmentalist was beautiful, but they came from very different backgrounds, and had nothing in common.
Parker was furious that Rhys basically hijacked here life. She'd made a deal with the devil, and now had to spend too much time with the broody jerk who was full of attitude. Where his brother looked more pretty boy, Rhys was rugged and more rough around the edges. He was extremely hot, but totally not her type. She liked her men more refined, and less bad boy, but as they get to know one another better she realizes she's developed a huge crush on her fake boyfriend. He was intoxicating, and their unexpected connection blindsided her. Their pretend relationship starts to feel very real all of the sudden. Will they explore the chemistry between them, or will they decide they are too different to ever fit into each others worlds?
-He was beautiful in a primal way.
-With her, I felt like something new, something better.
Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young is a fabulous enemies to lovers romance where opposites attract and fall hard for one another. I loved this book so much!!! It was an easy five stars for me. This writing duo is golden together, and I hope they collaborate again. I couldn't get enough of Rhys and his huge heart and gentle soul. He was completely dreamy! I would be thrilled if we could get more books in this world. I would love a story for Carlos or Dean!
***NOW AVAILABLE***
https://amzn.to/2O1X5ak
November 20, 2019
This was quite fun! :)
Kristen & Samantha both are one of my favorite authors and I really liked this story.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
Kristen & Samantha both are one of my favorite authors and I really liked this story.
*ARC kindly provided by author in exchange for an honest review. ❤
October 6, 2022
With her, I felt like something new, something better. "I'm so fucking crazy about you, Parker Brown. You have no idea."
November 3, 2019
Not sure what I did to get the privilege of getting an early copy of Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Sam Young but I'm extra grateful!
Amazing banter, amazing chemistry, amazing character development.
This book was just all around amazing.
I finished this book in an almost one sitting (my bladder isn't that young) and I FLOVED IT. It reads like a dream you never want to wake up from.
SO SO SO GOOD and HOT. So hot. The first kiss scene in this book had me projecting, honestly. Wow.
Enemies to lovers, opposites attracts, hired fake boyfriend, hero is a boxer— HERO IS A BOXER.
My romance reader's heart is full and also ready to read about Dean and Carlos. Please let this be the start of a neverending collab between these two authors. Brilliant!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
Amazing banter, amazing chemistry, amazing character development.
This book was just all around amazing.
I finished this book in an almost one sitting (my bladder isn't that young) and I FLOVED IT. It reads like a dream you never want to wake up from.
SO SO SO GOOD and HOT. So hot. The first kiss scene in this book had me projecting, honestly. Wow.
Enemies to lovers, opposites attracts, hired fake boyfriend, hero is a boxer— HERO IS A BOXER.
My romance reader's heart is full and also ready to read about Dean and Carlos. Please let this be the start of a neverending collab between these two authors. Brilliant!
More reviews and book talk at :
You can find me here too ☞
November 19, 2019
5 'Tinker Bell' Stars!
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
I knew it, I just knew it. These two authors together.. PURE MAGIC! As soon as Kristen and Samantha announced this book collaboration, I just knew it would work perfectly. I love these two authors and their work together in Outmatched did not disappoint. I had no doubts about that even before starting the book!
Outmatched is a standalone sports romance / fake boyfriend romance. It’s a love story between two opposite people, coming from two very different worlds but just happen to work together perfectly as fake / real couple. Parker Brown is a wealthy, smart and nerdy woman who wants (and deserves) a promotion. To get that, she needs to look like a settled person. What better way than to find a fake boyfriend? Enter Rhys Morgan. Rhys is a retired boxer who owns his father’s gym and wants to save it before losing it. He is willing to be Parker’s boyfriend for that. But nobody, especially these tow, expected chemistry and love getting in the mix.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re cracked in the head?”
“Yes,” I huffed. “You. This evening. Before you hijacked my life.”
“Saved your ass, you mean.”
That is what I call an outstanding and smart romance! Kristen and Samantha’s writing just clicked together and that turned out to be exactly what I expected. A romance full of banter, sexual tension, chemistry and emotions. I loved the MCs so much. Parker is extremely bright and I love a sharp and sassy heroine. She blossoms even more after meeting Rhys and it was amazing. And, of course, who does not love a swoony, hot AF, gentle giant? I loved Rhys to pieces, his protective nature and how he is even stronger after falling for Parker.
“Why is it so much…more when we’re alone?”
“Because it feels real.”
This whole book was just excellent. The writing, the characters, the banter, the tension, the sex, the emotions. I loved everything! Rhys and Parker’s relationship developed so wonderfully and I loved them together. I loved the secondary characters too and the storyline as a whole. I loved seeing these characters grow together and seeing them fall hard for each other. Opposites attract, that is SO true and so incredible to read!
You are the only purely good and clean thing in my life that’s just for me.
Therefore, I am rating Outmatched with 5 STARS because it was an amazing read from start to finish. As I said, I had no doubts this collaboration would work and I really hope more is coming because I loved this novel and this crew of characters. Congrats to Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young for killing it and make us fall in love with Parker and Rhys’ love story. Highly, highly recommend reading this!
CHECK OUT MY BLOG HERE:
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
I knew it, I just knew it. These two authors together.. PURE MAGIC! As soon as Kristen and Samantha announced this book collaboration, I just knew it would work perfectly. I love these two authors and their work together in Outmatched did not disappoint. I had no doubts about that even before starting the book!
Outmatched is a standalone sports romance / fake boyfriend romance. It’s a love story between two opposite people, coming from two very different worlds but just happen to work together perfectly as fake / real couple. Parker Brown is a wealthy, smart and nerdy woman who wants (and deserves) a promotion. To get that, she needs to look like a settled person. What better way than to find a fake boyfriend? Enter Rhys Morgan. Rhys is a retired boxer who owns his father’s gym and wants to save it before losing it. He is willing to be Parker’s boyfriend for that. But nobody, especially these tow, expected chemistry and love getting in the mix.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re cracked in the head?”
“Yes,” I huffed. “You. This evening. Before you hijacked my life.”
“Saved your ass, you mean.”
That is what I call an outstanding and smart romance! Kristen and Samantha’s writing just clicked together and that turned out to be exactly what I expected. A romance full of banter, sexual tension, chemistry and emotions. I loved the MCs so much. Parker is extremely bright and I love a sharp and sassy heroine. She blossoms even more after meeting Rhys and it was amazing. And, of course, who does not love a swoony, hot AF, gentle giant? I loved Rhys to pieces, his protective nature and how he is even stronger after falling for Parker.
“Why is it so much…more when we’re alone?”
“Because it feels real.”
This whole book was just excellent. The writing, the characters, the banter, the tension, the sex, the emotions. I loved everything! Rhys and Parker’s relationship developed so wonderfully and I loved them together. I loved the secondary characters too and the storyline as a whole. I loved seeing these characters grow together and seeing them fall hard for each other. Opposites attract, that is SO true and so incredible to read!
You are the only purely good and clean thing in my life that’s just for me.
Therefore, I am rating Outmatched with 5 STARS because it was an amazing read from start to finish. As I said, I had no doubts this collaboration would work and I really hope more is coming because I loved this novel and this crew of characters. Congrats to Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young for killing it and make us fall in love with Parker and Rhys’ love story. Highly, highly recommend reading this!
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November 21, 2019
5 stars - Contemporary/Sports Romance
My oh my but this was an engaging, fun, sexy, swoony read! The witty, snarky, flirty banter between Rhys and Parker was utterly entertaining and their chemistry was combustible and delicious! I just loved them together! This is definitely a successful collaboration for two great authors, and I really hope they give us more!
This was me pretty much the entire book.
And this is how I felt about Rhys.
My oh my but this was an engaging, fun, sexy, swoony read! The witty, snarky, flirty banter between Rhys and Parker was utterly entertaining and their chemistry was combustible and delicious! I just loved them together! This is definitely a successful collaboration for two great authors, and I really hope they give us more!
This was me pretty much the entire book.
And this is how I felt about Rhys.
November 29, 2019
y’all need to read this because this was so cute.
*RTC
*RTC
January 3, 2020
This book got me at 'shoo'. What a perfection. I am not familiar with Miss Callihan works. I, however familiar with Miss Young works. It is really took me by surprise she co writes this perfect rom com.
Everything about this book is perfect. The character, chemistry, story/plot, the banter, push and pull. I love Rhys and Parker together. They can not be more perfect for each other. Another example how two opposite attract each other.
Parker is forced to have fake boyfriend to secure her job at her dream company. Rhys sees opportunity to save his beloved gym. Rhys is ex boxer. Bad boy with a very soft amd sweet vulnerability. While Parker is geeky heroine with a trust fund.
Their sexual tension is build and build. It starts with a shimmer and finally explodes. The story progress is good and quite entertain with their fun and cute banters.
Overall i do enjoy this book very much. My first 5 stars in 2020.
5 stars
Everything about this book is perfect. The character, chemistry, story/plot, the banter, push and pull. I love Rhys and Parker together. They can not be more perfect for each other. Another example how two opposite attract each other.
Parker is forced to have fake boyfriend to secure her job at her dream company. Rhys sees opportunity to save his beloved gym. Rhys is ex boxer. Bad boy with a very soft amd sweet vulnerability. While Parker is geeky heroine with a trust fund.
Their sexual tension is build and build. It starts with a shimmer and finally explodes. The story progress is good and quite entertain with their fun and cute banters.
Overall i do enjoy this book very much. My first 5 stars in 2020.
5 stars
January 31, 2020
AHHH!! Outmatched was AMAZING!!! I need to catch my breath because I loved it so much. This book you guys!! THIS BOOK IS WHY I BLOG . It was the perfect combination of smirks and swoons and giggles with a sassy af heroine and a broody alpha hero with a heart of gold. I DIED for this story! Callihan and Young knocked it out of the park!
When being a single woman in a male-dominated company may hurt Parker Brown's chances for career advancement, she is forced to hire a man to pose as her boyfriend. But she has no idea what's hit her when Rhys Morgan, (a broody, moody, intense retired boxer) shows up to take the position. GAHHHH!! Rhys was every-damn-thing under the sun! He was protective and vulnerable with a hard exterior. Loyal and loving to his friends and family doing what he could to help his late father's failing business. He was so delicious. I loved his connection with Parker. They were opposites to a T but their intense attraction, once lit, was an inferno of epic proportions. I loved how he brought Parker out of her shell and was the perfect combination of tender and tough in a delicious package.
Overall, this story was sexy, emotional and funny. Callihan and Young, separately are both favorite authors of mine, but together they are on another level! Outmatched was PERFECTION! 5 stars! ~Ratula
****
Okay, I doubt my love for Rhys and Parker will be Outmatched any time soon!
But in all seriousness, I absolutely loved Parker and her geeky, awkwardness along side her fierce “Protect Mother Earth” devotion. And most especially in her tot-to-toe battle of wits and snarky banter with Rhys.
And Rhys. Dear god, the man had me panting from the start due to his wicked protective nature when it came to his family and the hilarious meet-cute with Parker.
Sparks flew between them from their first meeting and those sparks quickly developed into a raging fire of lust and love. Their romance started a bit shakily, but developed into a deep, emotional, sexy, romantic connection.
I absolutely loved everything about Outmatched. How Parker and Rhys drew out the best in each other—that they truly understood each other and what drove them to succeed and love. And I truly hope there will be many more books with this cast of characters! ~ Missy, 5 stars
***
I wouldn't say that the fake relationship trope is my favorite, but every once in a while I stumble upon one that is done just perfectly and I can't, for the life of me, remember why I don't always gravitate towards this trope.
Outmatched was one of those "done just perfectly" types. The evolution of Rhys and Parker's relationship from fake to authentic felt so natural. It started with a sort of flirty, chemistry-filled antagonism which morphed into a sweet sort of friendship, and from there the love feelings crept up on both of them before knocking them straight on their derrieres.
It was utterly delectable.
I absolutely adored Rhys and Parker. While fake relationship isn't always my jam, I am almost always sucked into "opposites attract" stories, and that's really what this is at its core. Small, nerdy Parker meets brawny, unrefined Rhys and sparks fly. They come from different worlds. They are a completely unlikely match. But they both have these giant, lovable hearts and they bring out the best in each other. I found their story to be so deeply romantic. I loved how they cared for each other, fought for each other, and - well, honestly, I loved everything about them.
There was never a moment where I felt frustrated or impatient with the story. It's written so engagingly, it was effortless to read and I never wanted to put it down. The banter - arguably my favorite part of any given romance - was perfectly executed: playful and fun, but carrying that low simmering burn that kept me yearning for the inevitable burst into flame.
This author duo is sheer perfection. I have read and loved both separately, but was blown away by the magic of their combined voices. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to see what they come up with next! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
When being a single woman in a male-dominated company may hurt Parker Brown's chances for career advancement, she is forced to hire a man to pose as her boyfriend. But she has no idea what's hit her when Rhys Morgan, (a broody, moody, intense retired boxer) shows up to take the position. GAHHHH!! Rhys was every-damn-thing under the sun! He was protective and vulnerable with a hard exterior. Loyal and loving to his friends and family doing what he could to help his late father's failing business. He was so delicious. I loved his connection with Parker. They were opposites to a T but their intense attraction, once lit, was an inferno of epic proportions. I loved how he brought Parker out of her shell and was the perfect combination of tender and tough in a delicious package.
Overall, this story was sexy, emotional and funny. Callihan and Young, separately are both favorite authors of mine, but together they are on another level! Outmatched was PERFECTION! 5 stars! ~Ratula
****
Okay, I doubt my love for Rhys and Parker will be Outmatched any time soon!
But in all seriousness, I absolutely loved Parker and her geeky, awkwardness along side her fierce “Protect Mother Earth” devotion. And most especially in her tot-to-toe battle of wits and snarky banter with Rhys.
And Rhys. Dear god, the man had me panting from the start due to his wicked protective nature when it came to his family and the hilarious meet-cute with Parker.
Sparks flew between them from their first meeting and those sparks quickly developed into a raging fire of lust and love. Their romance started a bit shakily, but developed into a deep, emotional, sexy, romantic connection.
I absolutely loved everything about Outmatched. How Parker and Rhys drew out the best in each other—that they truly understood each other and what drove them to succeed and love. And I truly hope there will be many more books with this cast of characters! ~ Missy, 5 stars
***
I wouldn't say that the fake relationship trope is my favorite, but every once in a while I stumble upon one that is done just perfectly and I can't, for the life of me, remember why I don't always gravitate towards this trope.
Outmatched was one of those "done just perfectly" types. The evolution of Rhys and Parker's relationship from fake to authentic felt so natural. It started with a sort of flirty, chemistry-filled antagonism which morphed into a sweet sort of friendship, and from there the love feelings crept up on both of them before knocking them straight on their derrieres.
It was utterly delectable.
I absolutely adored Rhys and Parker. While fake relationship isn't always my jam, I am almost always sucked into "opposites attract" stories, and that's really what this is at its core. Small, nerdy Parker meets brawny, unrefined Rhys and sparks fly. They come from different worlds. They are a completely unlikely match. But they both have these giant, lovable hearts and they bring out the best in each other. I found their story to be so deeply romantic. I loved how they cared for each other, fought for each other, and - well, honestly, I loved everything about them.
There was never a moment where I felt frustrated or impatient with the story. It's written so engagingly, it was effortless to read and I never wanted to put it down. The banter - arguably my favorite part of any given romance - was perfectly executed: playful and fun, but carrying that low simmering burn that kept me yearning for the inevitable burst into flame.
This author duo is sheer perfection. I have read and loved both separately, but was blown away by the magic of their combined voices. I absolutely loved this story and cannot wait to see what they come up with next! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars
November 25, 2019
4 STARS
A estas dos autoras las disfruto mucho sobre todo a Samantha Young que me dio a mi bebé precioso sexy NATEEEE!!!
Y entonces vi la portada con sus nombres, leo la sinopsis y YAAASS!! Tenía que leerlo.
La historia trata sobre una mujer Parker de 30 años que contrata a un hombre en una app de citas para que finja ser su novio ya le urge ya que para que le den un contrato permanente en su trabajo necesita tener “una vida estable con un hombre”. Ella tiene años que no tiene una relación por lo que ve casi imposible que lo consiga a corto plazo es por eso lo del novio falso.
Pero algo sale mal porque en lugar del presentarse su supuesto novio que es un chico formal preparado, nerd muy al estilo de ella, en cambio se presenta su hermano mayor Rhys un ex boxeador de peso pesado alto musculoso y desaliñado.
Rhys va a deshacer el trato con Parker en cuanto se ven sacan chispas se prejuzgan y se atacan pero se ven envueltos en una situación que tiene que fingir que son pareja.
Yo amo los fake romance, por eso disfruté tanto este libro, a parte que me gustó el desarrollo del romance y la interacción de los protagonistas sus peleas que me daban mucha risa y sus muestras de amor.
No es un libro del otro mundo eso sí pero sí uno que es fresco y ligero que te hace pasar un buen rato y si eres amante del cliché como yo pues lo puedes disfrutar. El único pero que le pongo es el epílogo yo espera algo más extenso y cursi.
A estas dos autoras las disfruto mucho sobre todo a Samantha Young que me dio a mi bebé precioso sexy NATEEEE!!!
Y entonces vi la portada con sus nombres, leo la sinopsis y YAAASS!! Tenía que leerlo.
La historia trata sobre una mujer Parker de 30 años que contrata a un hombre en una app de citas para que finja ser su novio ya le urge ya que para que le den un contrato permanente en su trabajo necesita tener “una vida estable con un hombre”. Ella tiene años que no tiene una relación por lo que ve casi imposible que lo consiga a corto plazo es por eso lo del novio falso.
Pero algo sale mal porque en lugar del presentarse su supuesto novio que es un chico formal preparado, nerd muy al estilo de ella, en cambio se presenta su hermano mayor Rhys un ex boxeador de peso pesado alto musculoso y desaliñado.
Rhys va a deshacer el trato con Parker en cuanto se ven sacan chispas se prejuzgan y se atacan pero se ven envueltos en una situación que tiene que fingir que son pareja.
Yo amo los fake romance, por eso disfruté tanto este libro, a parte que me gustó el desarrollo del romance y la interacción de los protagonistas sus peleas que me daban mucha risa y sus muestras de amor.
No es un libro del otro mundo eso sí pero sí uno que es fresco y ligero que te hace pasar un buen rato y si eres amante del cliché como yo pues lo puedes disfrutar. El único pero que le pongo es el epílogo yo espera algo más extenso y cursi.
October 20, 2021
idk man. everything about this was formulaic and predictable, and any conflicts that arose were resolved in a matter of pages. the characters are also just copies of their counterparts in the New Adult Romance Formula™, which means that the romance and general plot aren't all that innovative either.
the writing was criminally painful to read, and that includes all the random info-dumps about literally everything. like, no, kind sir, i would not like to know about how you and your brother caught your parents going at it in an office that one time. i lost so many braincells; it's unholy.
now, if you're currently asking 'but human, if you hate these kinds of copy-paste books, why would you willingly read it??'
i only have a few reasons:
a.) my friend offered to read it with me. why suffer through a book alone when you can do it with others ?? >:D
b.) i was at least expecting something fun?? even if it was trashy, if it was enjoyable to read and the romance was worth rooting for, i wouldn't have minded. but this book takes the 'pleasure' out of 'guilty pleasure', and leaves you only guilt for the permanent damage you've inflicted on your braincells.
anyway. i was able to read this pretty quickly which honestly is a selling point for this book. no, i did not enjoy this, and no, i would not recommend this to others lol
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December 14, 2019
RATING: 5 'TinkerBell & HotHarley' HEARTS! <3
Outmatched is an absolute gem of a compilation of everything readers have come to expect from writing sensations Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young; a heartwarming tale that juggles humour and romance with aplomb, and leaves us with a smile that remains long after the happy ending.
“Why is it so much…more when we’re alone?”
“Because it feels real.”
Physically and personality-wise, Parker and Rhys could not be more different—she’s tiny and formal to his brawny and blunt, and where she’s an academic, he’s an athlete—yet together they’re nothing short of mesmerizing. Their opposing temperaments result in rather hilarious banter that is so very well done, beautifully deepening their relationship on an emotional level as things progress on the physical one, ensuring we're left panting and swooning in equal measure.
People were a million things when they were in love but “okay” was surely not one of them.
Overall, Outmatched is a sexy-as-sin opposites attract romance that is delightfully low on the drama, but tremendously generous with its gorgeously genuine characters whose sexual chemistry and quirky charms leave us utterly satisfied while at the same time craving more.
Posted: December 13, 2019
January 2, 2020
When Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan announced that they would be writing a book together, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on it! I had no idea these two authors had ever even though about collaborating but I’m so glad they did. Their writing meshed together well – they know how to write relatable characters and humor, both of which made me fall in love with Parker, Rhys, and their enemies to lovers romance. If you’re a fan of either of the authors (which I am), you will more than likely adore Outmatched!
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend to impress her sexist boss and keep her job. Rhys Morgan needs money to keep his gym running and out of the red. So it would be a perfect setup for them to come to an agreement wouldn’t it? Except that to say that these two get on each others’ nerves would be an understatement. It’s a bit difficult for them to pretend to be head over heels in love, but they make it work. The one thing that goes right though, is the insane chemistry between them. They hate each other, but they can’t get enough of each other. This is the perfect case of ‘opposites attract,’ with Rhys being a huge, grumpy ex-boxer and Parker being a tiny, adorable nerd. She comes from wealth, he does not. I loved the way they genuinely come to slowly understand the other better, their background and where they come from, and ultimately fall for each other.
I love a smol, dorky, nerdy heroine and a big, gruff, grumpy hero. Parker and Rhys make the sweetest couple in this fake-relationship romance, with lots of great banter and tension. Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan did a fantastic job with this collaboration and I hope they write more together! I absolutely wouldn’t mind a book for Dean, Rhys’ brother!
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend to impress her sexist boss and keep her job. Rhys Morgan needs money to keep his gym running and out of the red. So it would be a perfect setup for them to come to an agreement wouldn’t it? Except that to say that these two get on each others’ nerves would be an understatement. It’s a bit difficult for them to pretend to be head over heels in love, but they make it work. The one thing that goes right though, is the insane chemistry between them. They hate each other, but they can’t get enough of each other. This is the perfect case of ‘opposites attract,’ with Rhys being a huge, grumpy ex-boxer and Parker being a tiny, adorable nerd. She comes from wealth, he does not. I loved the way they genuinely come to slowly understand the other better, their background and where they come from, and ultimately fall for each other.
I love a smol, dorky, nerdy heroine and a big, gruff, grumpy hero. Parker and Rhys make the sweetest couple in this fake-relationship romance, with lots of great banter and tension. Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan did a fantastic job with this collaboration and I hope they write more together! I absolutely wouldn’t mind a book for Dean, Rhys’ brother!
July 22, 2021
4 Stars!!!
Wow. This book is a surprise. I really did enjoy it. It was a bit cliched but the authors managed to still make it interesting and fun. Although it wasn't perfect. Had some issues with it but it was minor. Really had a problem with the misogynistic snobby little assholes in this book, but oh well.
I really love the name "Rhys", it sound really hot and manly. I liked Rhys' character. He was a big broody teddy bear with a gentle heart (for the nth time these kind of dudes are my weakness, it's not healthy anymore!).
On the other hand, Parker sound more like a surname like Richard Parker or Peter Parker. I personally think it doesn't suit the heroine's name because it's kind of bland and Parker's personality here is quite the opposite. She's fun, smart, and sassy. I love her attitude, the name though? Meh.
I did enjoy the banter between Rhys and Parker thou. They were cute and fun. The sexy scenes were okay. Not boring but also not that hot. But I did love the chemistry of these two.
Glad I picked this book up and it saved me from a very annoying reading slump. Just gonna keep this one short because I'm not really in the mood to write a proper review. Ugh. Reading slump you suck!
Wow. This book is a surprise. I really did enjoy it. It was a bit cliched but the authors managed to still make it interesting and fun. Although it wasn't perfect. Had some issues with it but it was minor. Really had a problem with the misogynistic snobby little assholes in this book, but oh well.
I really love the name "Rhys", it sound really hot and manly. I liked Rhys' character. He was a big broody teddy bear with a gentle heart (for the nth time these kind of dudes are my weakness, it's not healthy anymore!).
On the other hand, Parker sound more like a surname like Richard Parker or Peter Parker. I personally think it doesn't suit the heroine's name because it's kind of bland and Parker's personality here is quite the opposite. She's fun, smart, and sassy. I love her attitude, the name though? Meh.
I did enjoy the banter between Rhys and Parker thou. They were cute and fun. The sexy scenes were okay. Not boring but also not that hot. But I did love the chemistry of these two.
Glad I picked this book up and it saved me from a very annoying reading slump. Just gonna keep this one short because I'm not really in the mood to write a proper review. Ugh. Reading slump you suck!
November 21, 2019
The coming together of two of my favourite romance authors was like Christmas and I waltzed into OUTMATCHED with full enthusiasm. This was a story of a fake relationship (which I do enjoy) and two very opposite characters. There were misunderstandings, judgements and chemistry along the way, so lots to get your teeth into.
Parker was battling a misogynistic workplace and a boss who’s behaviour forced her hand to hire a boyfriend figure for work events. She just wanted equality but I hated that she had to do this just to get her mind to be taken seriously. Rhys was the occasionally angry and definitely grumpy character who could turn on the charm and unexpectedly offered to be Parker’s boyfriend for a price. He was all about the money…initially. I loved the uncovering of how they misjudged one another, that was something pleasurable to read.
The boss was an absolute revolting character and I didn’t love to hate him, I just hated him. This element of the plot drove me somewhat wild with annoyance. I also struggled with the fake relationship storyline going on too long and the narrative became lacking in tangability for me as the story progressed. Because of the extended fake relationship, I didn’t buy into Parker and Rhys as something more. The weird thing was, I really liked them as characters and their backstories, just not together. It made me sad that I couldn’t buy into them fully.
OUTMATCHED has lots of goodness, a nice sporting foundation (sports romance is kryptonite to me), an opposites attract story and fake dating. If these are your thing, I hope you enjoy this story.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities here.
Parker was battling a misogynistic workplace and a boss who’s behaviour forced her hand to hire a boyfriend figure for work events. She just wanted equality but I hated that she had to do this just to get her mind to be taken seriously. Rhys was the occasionally angry and definitely grumpy character who could turn on the charm and unexpectedly offered to be Parker’s boyfriend for a price. He was all about the money…initially. I loved the uncovering of how they misjudged one another, that was something pleasurable to read.
The boss was an absolute revolting character and I didn’t love to hate him, I just hated him. This element of the plot drove me somewhat wild with annoyance. I also struggled with the fake relationship storyline going on too long and the narrative became lacking in tangability for me as the story progressed. Because of the extended fake relationship, I didn’t buy into Parker and Rhys as something more. The weird thing was, I really liked them as characters and their backstories, just not together. It made me sad that I couldn’t buy into them fully.
OUTMATCHED has lots of goodness, a nice sporting foundation (sports romance is kryptonite to me), an opposites attract story and fake dating. If these are your thing, I hope you enjoy this story.
Thank you to the author for the early review copy.
This review can be found on A Take From Two Cities here.
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