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LA Wolves #4
Taking the Handoff
Luke
When my best friend asked me if his little sister could crash at my place until she got her feet under her in LA, I thought that meant I’d be roommates with the awkward girl with bright red hair, endless freckles, glasses, and braces.
I was not prepared for the vixen that showed up at my door, suitcase in hand, looking NOTHING like the girl I remember.
Now, she’s strutting around our place in the skimpiest shorts and tightest tank tops I’ve ever seen and I’ve never taken so many cold showers in my life.
I’m trying to be noble, I really am, but the longer she stays here, the more tempted I am to take her and make her mine.
Emma
I’ve been desperately in love with Luke Carter since I was 8 years old, but he only ever looked at me like Drew’s adorkable little sister.
To be fair, I was. But I’m not that awkward girl anymore.
I’m a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants. If Luke thinks he can still treat me like that little girl, he better prepare himself. I plan to show Luke just what he’s been missing.
I moved to LA to make my dreams of becoming a singer come true, but maybe I can finally make another dream of mine come true in the process.
Taking the Handoff is a steamy standalone sports romance. It is book four in the LA Wolves series.
When my best friend asked me if his little sister could crash at my place until she got her feet under her in LA, I thought that meant I’d be roommates with the awkward girl with bright red hair, endless freckles, glasses, and braces.
I was not prepared for the vixen that showed up at my door, suitcase in hand, looking NOTHING like the girl I remember.
Now, she’s strutting around our place in the skimpiest shorts and tightest tank tops I’ve ever seen and I’ve never taken so many cold showers in my life.
I’m trying to be noble, I really am, but the longer she stays here, the more tempted I am to take her and make her mine.
Emma
I’ve been desperately in love with Luke Carter since I was 8 years old, but he only ever looked at me like Drew’s adorkable little sister.
To be fair, I was. But I’m not that awkward girl anymore.
I’m a strong, confident woman who knows what she wants. If Luke thinks he can still treat me like that little girl, he better prepare himself. I plan to show Luke just what he’s been missing.
I moved to LA to make my dreams of becoming a singer come true, but maybe I can finally make another dream of mine come true in the process.
Taking the Handoff is a steamy standalone sports romance. It is book four in the LA Wolves series.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 2, 2021
131 people are currently reading
323 people want to read
About the author
Cadence Keys
30 books221 followersCadence Keys writes steamy contemporary sports romances about complex alpha males and the women who love them. She loves football, coffee, and watching Gilmore Girl marathons. She has been writing for almost a decade, but only recently got the gumption to really do something with her work. She looks forward to publishing many more novels, specifically her LA Wolves series.
You can also find more information about all future releases at www.cadencekeysauthor.com/
You can also find more information about all future releases at www.cadencekeysauthor.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
September 1, 2021
I loved Luke & Emma so much!!! Luke oh man my sweet sweet Luke he tired so hard not to fall for Emma but the heart wants what the heart wants. Emma once a nerdy girl who has had a crush on Luke forever has now grown into this Thicc bombshell babe that looks like a pin up girl!!! Heck yes that is what I am talking about. Emma hasn’t had a easy life and she is definitely feels a bit like the black sheep but she really comes into her own and shines bright. I loved watching her and Luke grow together and realize what they mean to one another. Their chemistry is off the charts hot and definitely burns up the pages. This series has amazing characters and even better story lines. You will not be disappointed
August 30, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters in Luke and Emma. She's his best friends little sister so .. no .. gotta follow the "bro-code". She's had a crush on him for years and is determined to get him to notice her. The author once again does a terrific job building the drama and misunderstandings as well as moving the story fluidly with her perfectly painted scenes. This is the fourth book in the LA Wolves series and I'm loving it!!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
September 4, 2021
WARNING: plan to keep the A/C cranked on full blast and a bucket of ice cubes nearby!
Taking the Handoff is the 4th book in the LA Wolves Series by Cadence Keys. This book tells the story of Emma, a gorgeous young woman who has moved to LA to pursue a career in music, her lifelong dream, with the support and assistance of her older brother Drew who is helping her move into the apartment she rented sight unseen. Drew is alarmed when they arrive at the apartment complex because it looks nothing like the photographs advertised online. The safe neighborhood they were expecting is miles away in another part of LA. The apartment is filthy, and Drew and Emma feel something is not quite right about the place. Fearing for his sister’s safety, Drew contacts his best friend Luke Carter, a professional football player living in LA, to ask if Emma can stay with him until she can find a new place that is safe and within her budget. Luke loves Drew like the brother neither of them had growing up and would do anything for him, their bond having been solidified during an incident that occurred in college which neither ever discussed with anyone. Luke agrees to let Emma move in with him if she feels unsafe and in need of a place to stay. Luke figured her presence in his home would not be too bad as he remembers Emma as an awkward child who didn’t quite fit into any group and was always picked on and bullied for one reason or other. He and Drew were kind to her and encouraging when everyone else, including her parents, found fault, made fun of, and criticized her about the food she ate, the activities she chose, her career plans, and even the clothing she wore. Her parents, Luke recalled, were constantly nagging Emma because she didn’t exactly fit into the family image they worked hard to present to the world. Luke remembered how isolated Emma was, and except for her brother Drew, he could not recall anyone who ever encouraged or supported her. Before they left for college, he and Drew often protected her from the mean kids who taunted her. He dismissed thoughts of what might have happened after they were no longer around.
After someone broke into her new apartment, Emma feared for her safety and decided she must move in with Luke. When he answered his door to Emma, Luke is knocked over! He never expected to find a lovely, poised, and curvaceous beauty standing before him instead of the Emma he remembered from years ago! She was the epitome of a voluptuous pinup girl from a bygone era, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Luke knew he had to keep his hands off her because he could never, under any circumstances, betray his best friend by making a move on his sister, but he was worried because he could not recall any other woman who caused such a reaction in him. Luke knew he is in real trouble since he promised his best friend that he would protect Emma while she was in LA and the bro code prohibited him from even thinking about finding Emma attractive, let alone pursuing her. Emma, who has always had a crush on Luke for as long as she can remember, is likewise struck when she sees that he is no longer a boy or young man, but has been transformed into the most handsome, full-fledged male with a body that filled out into an enormous solid mass of muscle, strength and power making him even more attractive than she remembered. When they make eye contact with one another they each feel something shift within that recognizes a connection and attraction unlike either of them have ever known. Luke is a sophisticated and self-assured man inviting her into the protection of his home and his world. This was going to be uncomfortable for Emma who had to promise her brother that the crush she had on his best friend years ago was a thing of the past.
Each fighting hard against the overwhelming and instantaneous attraction they feel for the other, Emma and Luke begin living together as they face all manner of circumstances and situations that cause them to be emotionally and physically in one anothers lives. I won’t give away any of the juicy and hot details of these encounters that rule the course of their relationship because Ms. Keys presents a series of compelling and exciting interactions between these characters that will leave the reader breathless, excited, hot, and hoping for more! As with every Cadence Keys novel I have had the pleasure of reading, Luke and Emma are characters with loads of heart and soul who have each faced and overcome childhoods filled with isolation, loneliness, abuse, difficulties, and other events which left them scarred and vulnerable. There are many incredible plot twists that cannot be anticipated, but these make the novel Taking the Handoff a pure joy to read. Warning: plan to keep the A/C cranked on full blast and a bucket of ice cubes nearby!
Taking the Handoff is the 4th book in the LA Wolves Series by Cadence Keys. This book tells the story of Emma, a gorgeous young woman who has moved to LA to pursue a career in music, her lifelong dream, with the support and assistance of her older brother Drew who is helping her move into the apartment she rented sight unseen. Drew is alarmed when they arrive at the apartment complex because it looks nothing like the photographs advertised online. The safe neighborhood they were expecting is miles away in another part of LA. The apartment is filthy, and Drew and Emma feel something is not quite right about the place. Fearing for his sister’s safety, Drew contacts his best friend Luke Carter, a professional football player living in LA, to ask if Emma can stay with him until she can find a new place that is safe and within her budget. Luke loves Drew like the brother neither of them had growing up and would do anything for him, their bond having been solidified during an incident that occurred in college which neither ever discussed with anyone. Luke agrees to let Emma move in with him if she feels unsafe and in need of a place to stay. Luke figured her presence in his home would not be too bad as he remembers Emma as an awkward child who didn’t quite fit into any group and was always picked on and bullied for one reason or other. He and Drew were kind to her and encouraging when everyone else, including her parents, found fault, made fun of, and criticized her about the food she ate, the activities she chose, her career plans, and even the clothing she wore. Her parents, Luke recalled, were constantly nagging Emma because she didn’t exactly fit into the family image they worked hard to present to the world. Luke remembered how isolated Emma was, and except for her brother Drew, he could not recall anyone who ever encouraged or supported her. Before they left for college, he and Drew often protected her from the mean kids who taunted her. He dismissed thoughts of what might have happened after they were no longer around.
After someone broke into her new apartment, Emma feared for her safety and decided she must move in with Luke. When he answered his door to Emma, Luke is knocked over! He never expected to find a lovely, poised, and curvaceous beauty standing before him instead of the Emma he remembered from years ago! She was the epitome of a voluptuous pinup girl from a bygone era, and he couldn’t keep his eyes off her. Luke knew he had to keep his hands off her because he could never, under any circumstances, betray his best friend by making a move on his sister, but he was worried because he could not recall any other woman who caused such a reaction in him. Luke knew he is in real trouble since he promised his best friend that he would protect Emma while she was in LA and the bro code prohibited him from even thinking about finding Emma attractive, let alone pursuing her. Emma, who has always had a crush on Luke for as long as she can remember, is likewise struck when she sees that he is no longer a boy or young man, but has been transformed into the most handsome, full-fledged male with a body that filled out into an enormous solid mass of muscle, strength and power making him even more attractive than she remembered. When they make eye contact with one another they each feel something shift within that recognizes a connection and attraction unlike either of them have ever known. Luke is a sophisticated and self-assured man inviting her into the protection of his home and his world. This was going to be uncomfortable for Emma who had to promise her brother that the crush she had on his best friend years ago was a thing of the past.
Each fighting hard against the overwhelming and instantaneous attraction they feel for the other, Emma and Luke begin living together as they face all manner of circumstances and situations that cause them to be emotionally and physically in one anothers lives. I won’t give away any of the juicy and hot details of these encounters that rule the course of their relationship because Ms. Keys presents a series of compelling and exciting interactions between these characters that will leave the reader breathless, excited, hot, and hoping for more! As with every Cadence Keys novel I have had the pleasure of reading, Luke and Emma are characters with loads of heart and soul who have each faced and overcome childhoods filled with isolation, loneliness, abuse, difficulties, and other events which left them scarred and vulnerable. There are many incredible plot twists that cannot be anticipated, but these make the novel Taking the Handoff a pure joy to read. Warning: plan to keep the A/C cranked on full blast and a bucket of ice cubes nearby!
September 7, 2021
Taking the Handoff is the 4th book in Cadence Key’s LA Wolves series. I’ve enjoyed the first three books but was excited this as it combines two of my favorite tropes: star athlete and his best friend’s younger sister.
Luke is an NFL running back who happens to be Emma’s older brother’s best friend. They’ve known each other for years, but he’s only ever seen her as Drew’s quirky little sister. Emma is a new college graduate who has moved to LA to try to break into the music business. When she finds herself in a bad living situation, she’s sent to Luke’s for help. He gets the shock of his life when he opens the door to a grown-up Emma. Gone is the awkward teen. In her place is a beautiful woman with curves and a unique sense of style. The attraction is immediate, but he fights it tooth and nail. He’s not relationship material and he won’t risk his relationship with Drew, the only person who has been there for him throughout his life, by starting something with Emma. Emma has loved him forever, but for the first time, feels like it’s one-sided. As they get reacquainted, the attraction can’t be denied. They start a relationship knowing that it had to be kept from Drew. Is the relationship they’ve built strong enough to weather the storm when Drew finds out?
I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters were well developed, and their relationships (Luke and Drew’s friendship and Emma and Drew as sibling) were well written. I found myself rooting for the characters as individuals as well as a couple. The storyline was well paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. The heat factor was high throughout and did not disappoint in that arena.
Overall, I would highly recommend Taking the Handoff to my friends and family.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
Luke is an NFL running back who happens to be Emma’s older brother’s best friend. They’ve known each other for years, but he’s only ever seen her as Drew’s quirky little sister. Emma is a new college graduate who has moved to LA to try to break into the music business. When she finds herself in a bad living situation, she’s sent to Luke’s for help. He gets the shock of his life when he opens the door to a grown-up Emma. Gone is the awkward teen. In her place is a beautiful woman with curves and a unique sense of style. The attraction is immediate, but he fights it tooth and nail. He’s not relationship material and he won’t risk his relationship with Drew, the only person who has been there for him throughout his life, by starting something with Emma. Emma has loved him forever, but for the first time, feels like it’s one-sided. As they get reacquainted, the attraction can’t be denied. They start a relationship knowing that it had to be kept from Drew. Is the relationship they’ve built strong enough to weather the storm when Drew finds out?
I really enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters were well developed, and their relationships (Luke and Drew’s friendship and Emma and Drew as sibling) were well written. I found myself rooting for the characters as individuals as well as a couple. The storyline was well paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. The heat factor was high throughout and did not disappoint in that arena.
Overall, I would highly recommend Taking the Handoff to my friends and family.
I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
September 1, 2021
Taking the Handoff was a great best friends sister/forbidden love story that had the perfect amount of sports rolled in.
Emma is a strong woman who doesn't know her own strength who unknowingly brings her brother best friend, Luke, the powerful and confident football player to his knees. I loved seeing Emma grow into her confidence and to start seeing herself the way others saw her. I also loved seeing Luke give into his emotions and feelings for the woman who is off limits.
Cadence wrote amazing characters and the plot and flow worked so well. I was happy to see the other characters of the LA Wolves series making their appearances as well.
Emma is a strong woman who doesn't know her own strength who unknowingly brings her brother best friend, Luke, the powerful and confident football player to his knees. I loved seeing Emma grow into her confidence and to start seeing herself the way others saw her. I also loved seeing Luke give into his emotions and feelings for the woman who is off limits.
Cadence wrote amazing characters and the plot and flow worked so well. I was happy to see the other characters of the LA Wolves series making their appearances as well.
September 2, 2021
Luke has known Emma forever - she is the quirky little sister of his best friend Drew, the guy who has made so many good things in his life possible. When Drew asks Luke to have Emma stay with him while she tries to build her music career, Luke does not hesitate for one minute. Until he opens the door and sees Emma is all grown up. Luke starts down a path of being torn between his loyalty to Drew and his love for Emma. Terrific characters and a really great book.
I have read the other books in this series and really liked them. You would not have had to read them to enjoy this one.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
I have read the other books in this series and really liked them. You would not have had to read them to enjoy this one.
I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 2, 2021
I really enjoyed the story of Luke and Emma… a great addition to the LA Wolves series.
I liked both characters and especially liked that Luke was a good guy even before Emma came into his life again. The author wrote both the H and h as interesting characters. It wasn’t just sex scenes, it was also a good storyline.
There was a bit of angst in the book, but the author did not drag it on unnecessarily. The issue was there in the background for the whole book, but it didn’t become an issue until near the end and it was resolved quickly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I liked both characters and especially liked that Luke was a good guy even before Emma came into his life again. The author wrote both the H and h as interesting characters. It wasn’t just sex scenes, it was also a good storyline.
There was a bit of angst in the book, but the author did not drag it on unnecessarily. The issue was there in the background for the whole book, but it didn’t become an issue until near the end and it was resolved quickly.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 7, 2021
This is my first read by Cadence Keys and I was hooked from the beginining. Taking the Handoff is the 4th book in Cadence Key’s LA Wolves series.
Emma has been in love with her brother's best friend Luke since childhood even though she has not seen him for five years. I enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters and relationships were well written. The storyline was well paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. It was a sweet sport romance with plenty of steam.
Looking forward to reading more on this Author! This is a must read book! Highly Recommended! I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
Emma has been in love with her brother's best friend Luke since childhood even though she has not seen him for five years. I enjoyed this book. I felt that the characters and relationships were well written. The storyline was well paced and kept me hooked from start to finish. It was a sweet sport romance with plenty of steam.
Looking forward to reading more on this Author! This is a must read book! Highly Recommended! I was given a free copy of this book for an honest review.
August 29, 2021
This is book four in The LA Wolves Series and it is Luke and Emma's story and omg it is a must read. I absolutely love this book and series but I have to say that this book is my favourite so far but that could change as each story is getting better and better with each book. Luke and Emma's chemistry is so hot that you can feel it sizzling of the pages of this book but will Luke give in to his he feels for Emma especially as he is best friend's with Emma's brother Drew only time will tell. This book has really great characters and a storyline that pulled you in right from the start and kept you on the edge of your seat wondering what else would happen. Cadence Keys is an amazing author and writer and her books are definitely worth reading and you will not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2021
This is my first read by Cadence Keys and I was hooked. Taking the Handoff was intriguing, romantic and heartfelt. Luke and Emma’s story gave me the feels! I enjoyed the characters and seeing how they moved closer to understanding each other. I’m excited to read the other books in this series and can’t wait to read more by Keys.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
I voluntarily leave an honest review of this Advanced Readers Copy.
September 3, 2021
I enjoyed this new "LA Wolves" story. This is a stand alone about Luke and Emma. Luke's best friend needs a favor; let his sister stay with him until she settles in. What he expects and what he gets are two very different things. She has had a crush on him for a long time and she is very determined to make him see her as more than his best friends little sister. These two are combustible. This is such a good read that is nicely developed and fun!
September 6, 2021
Emma's been in love with her brother's best friend Luke for ages. She is now living in LA and her new apt is a rat hole and Drew (brother) refuses to let her live there. So he calls Luke and he agrees she can live with him until she finds some new digs... They've not seen each other in a few yrs and when he opens the door, he knows he is screwed. She is gorgeous and not just Drew's lil sis anymore. This is a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ read. I highly recommend!
September 4, 2021
Luke’s best friend Drew’s sister Emma has grown up and the sparks fly when she moves into Luke’s place. The characters are engaging and well developed with plenty of chemistry throughout the pages keeping me entertained. Looking forward to reading more.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I received a copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
September 5, 2021
This book is a standalone sports romance novel that tells the story of Luke and Emma. This is book four from the LA Wolves series. This author knows how to write! I was sucked into the story from page one and devoured this book in one sitting. I just could not put it down and stop reading. This is definitely a must read!
August 23, 2021
Loved it. Luke is stubborn but he can’t fight his heart with Emma, no matter his best friend, a brother from another mother, Emma’s older brother Drew will think. Bro-code is Drew’s law on dating his sister, NO!
Emma has had a tough life, she’s not her ‘perfect’ brother in their parents eyes, Drew pretty much was her protector, cheerleader for her to follow her dream of music, he helped her in her life to get her what she needed and in my opinion he was more of her father figure then her own parents combined. She’s a BBW and her mother nippicked everything in Emma’s life. Emma keeps feelings buried, afraid to show tears or emotions really, encase people see her as weak. I connected to Emma, her life other then The rich doctor parents she has, I’ve dealt with. I’m just like her and even had my father tell me tears are for the weak that I should suck them up. I even had, and still have a crush on a boy I went to school with but things happened and my parents figured it out and pissed the kid and mother off and well nothing to say other then it’s an emotional shitstorm for me. I would give this more then 5 stars.
Emma has had a tough life, she’s not her ‘perfect’ brother in their parents eyes, Drew pretty much was her protector, cheerleader for her to follow her dream of music, he helped her in her life to get her what she needed and in my opinion he was more of her father figure then her own parents combined. She’s a BBW and her mother nippicked everything in Emma’s life. Emma keeps feelings buried, afraid to show tears or emotions really, encase people see her as weak. I connected to Emma, her life other then The rich doctor parents she has, I’ve dealt with. I’m just like her and even had my father tell me tears are for the weak that I should suck them up. I even had, and still have a crush on a boy I went to school with but things happened and my parents figured it out and pissed the kid and mother off and well nothing to say other then it’s an emotional shitstorm for me. I would give this more then 5 stars.
August 26, 2021
I loved this story about Luke, Emma and big bro Drew! And it was nice to see the characters from the previous books back.
The brother-sister relationship and the friendship between Drew and Luke are well written. You can understand why Luke is afraid to lose his best friend. Luke is sweet and caring but also stubborn.
Emma felt more real to me than the other ladies from the LA Wolves series. With her insecurities, her crush and her emotions.
I really enjoyed this story with swoonworthy characters about family, football, friendship and love. It also contains steamy scènes and serious topics.
5💛
*I received an ARC. Thank you Cadence.
Warning: this book contains a scène with sexual assault. Read at your own discretion.
The brother-sister relationship and the friendship between Drew and Luke are well written. You can understand why Luke is afraid to lose his best friend. Luke is sweet and caring but also stubborn.
Emma felt more real to me than the other ladies from the LA Wolves series. With her insecurities, her crush and her emotions.
I really enjoyed this story with swoonworthy characters about family, football, friendship and love. It also contains steamy scènes and serious topics.
5💛
*I received an ARC. Thank you Cadence.
Warning: this book contains a scène with sexual assault. Read at your own discretion.
August 30, 2021
I’m glad this book had a health/trigger warning as that one particular scene could affect some people, not me thankfully. How difficult it was for Luke to keep his feelings hidden, whilst secretly crushing on Emma, I’m so pleased that they both decided, in the end, to follow their desires, although that road wasn’t a smooth one. Enjoyed this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2021
This is the fourth book in the LA Wolves series and I definitely recommend this book. Emma has had a crush on Luke almost her entire life and Luke is just now noticing how grown up she is. A Sweet and steamy story.
September 4, 2021
Amazing book! I'm so glad I had the opportunity to read it. I look forward to more books by this author and would definitely recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2021
A really enjoyed this book which, though it contained an element of seriousness, was for the most part fun and endearing (and steamy..)
The lifelong friendship between Luke and Drew was well written and absolutely backed up the storyline and the feelings of Luke about how his feeling soft Emma put his relationship with Drew at risk.
I loved Emma, she was just such fun and so much stronger than she gave herself credit for. I also liked how Like wasn’t portrayed as a total player which made it more believe able when he finally fell for Emma.
The storyline was pacy and full, with lots to keep you interested and the HEA hard fought for in the end.
Nice to see some of the characters from the earlier series return also.
Enjoyable stand-alone read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The lifelong friendship between Luke and Drew was well written and absolutely backed up the storyline and the feelings of Luke about how his feeling soft Emma put his relationship with Drew at risk.
I loved Emma, she was just such fun and so much stronger than she gave herself credit for. I also liked how Like wasn’t portrayed as a total player which made it more believe able when he finally fell for Emma.
The storyline was pacy and full, with lots to keep you interested and the HEA hard fought for in the end.
Nice to see some of the characters from the earlier series return also.
Enjoyable stand-alone read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 24, 2021
Omg I received an ARC and immediately had to dive in! I absolutely love Luke and Emma together😍 Luke is so swoon worthy🥺 this spicy scenes were great😍 I cant wait to read about the rest of the LA Wolves🥰
September 12, 2025
cute premise & yet somehow…. meh
March 4, 2025
Ughhh I hate when things don't make sense.
As someone who collects and wears 1950s vintage clothing imI know how small they run. If the fmc was able to fit in 1950s clothing the MMCs shirt wouldn't be tight on her. The majority of 1950s clothing was tiny. If people didn't have small waists they wore a corset which mean the clothing would have small waist measurements. Marylin Monroe was tiny. Look it up. I know there is some meeme out there that made her seem large but her dresses had a 22" to 23" inch waist. The female character would not have been "thicc" and able to fit into fashionable 1950s things. Other than that decent story. Sorry but I can't get over it just didn't make sense. Pick one. She's either very large or hourglass with a tiny waist.
As someone who collects and wears 1950s vintage clothing imI know how small they run. If the fmc was able to fit in 1950s clothing the MMCs shirt wouldn't be tight on her. The majority of 1950s clothing was tiny. If people didn't have small waists they wore a corset which mean the clothing would have small waist measurements. Marylin Monroe was tiny. Look it up. I know there is some meeme out there that made her seem large but her dresses had a 22" to 23" inch waist. The female character would not have been "thicc" and able to fit into fashionable 1950s things. Other than that decent story. Sorry but I can't get over it just didn't make sense. Pick one. She's either very large or hourglass with a tiny waist.
September 14, 2021
I realized I have a pet peeve for inappropriate moments of insta-lust. I almost stopped reading at 10% because of this, it's not realistic IMO. There is a time and place for that, the situation that put Emma & Lukes into their first meeting wasn't it.
This excerpt between Luke (H) and LA Wolf teammate Will sums up the whole brother’s bff/sister, bro code dating and should have put an end to Luke's worry:
“You have sisters. How would you feel if one of your friends was attracted to one of them?”
He shrugs. “Depends on the friend and his intentions.”
My jaw drops a little. I wasn’t expecting that answer. I was expecting a firm no. It’s bro code. You do not date your friend’s sister. “You’re telling me you’d be okay with one of your friends— let’s just say your best friend— dating your sister?”
“Like I said, it depends on his intentions. If he’s just using her, then no, I wouldn’t be okay with that. But if he cared about her and they were genuinely trying to make a go of it, then sure, why not?”
“Because he’s your best friend!”
He frowns at me. “Yeah, which means I know he’s a good guy. I’m not friends with assholes. Why would I have a problem with my sister dating someone who I know will treat her right?”
Yeap, it’s that simple. So Luke must think himself to be an ahole.
I did enjoy the book and I am a big fan of Cadence Keys and her LA Wolves series. I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
This excerpt between Luke (H) and LA Wolf teammate Will sums up the whole brother’s bff/sister, bro code dating and should have put an end to Luke's worry:
“You have sisters. How would you feel if one of your friends was attracted to one of them?”
He shrugs. “Depends on the friend and his intentions.”
My jaw drops a little. I wasn’t expecting that answer. I was expecting a firm no. It’s bro code. You do not date your friend’s sister. “You’re telling me you’d be okay with one of your friends— let’s just say your best friend— dating your sister?”
“Like I said, it depends on his intentions. If he’s just using her, then no, I wouldn’t be okay with that. But if he cared about her and they were genuinely trying to make a go of it, then sure, why not?”
“Because he’s your best friend!”
He frowns at me. “Yeah, which means I know he’s a good guy. I’m not friends with assholes. Why would I have a problem with my sister dating someone who I know will treat her right?”
Yeap, it’s that simple. So Luke must think himself to be an ahole.
I did enjoy the book and I am a big fan of Cadence Keys and her LA Wolves series. I received an ARC from the author for my honest review.
September 11, 2021
This is the 4rh book in this awesome series and is Luke and Emma’s story. Emma is the younger sister of Luke’s best friend Drew, and she has loved him since she was 8-years old but knowing he has never seen her in the same light. Emma has had a tough life and Drew has always been her protector and encourages her to follow her dreams. When Emma is in a predicament she is sent to stay at Luke’s, and he is taken aback when he opens the door, as she is now strong and confident, and the sparks fly between them. The chemistry between them is combustible and undeniable, but what will happen when Drew finds out? This is a beautifully written story which is filled with emotions, humor, witty banter, and love, which leads to a steamy and all-consuming page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
September 7, 2021
Aspiring singer-songwriter Emma needs a place to stay in LA.
Famous football player Luke Carter has some room for her.
Problem solved, right?
Well, all would be fine and dandy if it wasn’t for Emma lifelong crush on Luke.
However, seems like Luke might not completely be immune to Emma’s charm.
Well that’s good news! Right!
Well it would be if Emma wasn’t Luke’s best friend’s little sister and totally OFF-LIMITS.
Why big brothers always gotta ruin a good thing huh?! Overall a really cute story. Luke kept fighting his feelings for Emma but like the saying goes “the heart wants what it wants”. We really feel the struggle he goes through between risking losing his friendship with Drew or losing Emma. I liked seeing Emma and Luke’s romance grow, they strong chemistry.
Famous football player Luke Carter has some room for her.
Problem solved, right?
Well, all would be fine and dandy if it wasn’t for Emma lifelong crush on Luke.
However, seems like Luke might not completely be immune to Emma’s charm.
Well that’s good news! Right!
Well it would be if Emma wasn’t Luke’s best friend’s little sister and totally OFF-LIMITS.
Why big brothers always gotta ruin a good thing huh?! Overall a really cute story. Luke kept fighting his feelings for Emma but like the saying goes “the heart wants what it wants”. We really feel the struggle he goes through between risking losing his friendship with Drew or losing Emma. I liked seeing Emma and Luke’s romance grow, they strong chemistry.
September 23, 2021
5-stars for Taking the Handoff, just WOW
This is an amazing storyline and plot, it's well written and you'll definitely be hooked from the beginning to the end of the book. Luke and Emma's story is a brothers best friend genre read with heat, smoking hot chemistry and plenty of bumps along the way these two have to work through to get their HEA! Being the first time I read this author's work, I was blown away and will be looking for more of her books in the future. Seeing Taking the Handoff is book 4 in this series, I am hoping Cadence Keys is planning on more books in this LA Wolves series (hint, hint).
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited, voluntary opinion with this review.
This is an amazing storyline and plot, it's well written and you'll definitely be hooked from the beginning to the end of the book. Luke and Emma's story is a brothers best friend genre read with heat, smoking hot chemistry and plenty of bumps along the way these two have to work through to get their HEA! Being the first time I read this author's work, I was blown away and will be looking for more of her books in the future. Seeing Taking the Handoff is book 4 in this series, I am hoping Cadence Keys is planning on more books in this LA Wolves series (hint, hint).
Even though I did receive an advanced review copy of this book, I am voluntarily leaving my own unsolicited, voluntary opinion with this review.
September 3, 2021
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. The fourth book in the LA Wolves series is about Luke and Emma. She is the sister of his best friend who he lets stay at his place. Emma has liked him for a long time while he is just seeing the woman she has become. While a relationship is forbidden thanks to Drew, the chemistry between them will not be denied for long. They try to navigate these new feelings while keeping things hidden. I enjoyed this book and the characters in it. It was a sweet romance with plenty of steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2022
I love Emma. She is so loving and kind and so sweet in spite of her hardships growing up as the kid who is different. I love her confidence that comes with doubts. I love her attitude and her drive and her heart. I love that Luke is such a good friend. I love that he cares about his best friend Drew so much. I love that he protects Emma but he protects Drew too. He is a good team mate and a good guy. This story takes some hard turns that are emotionally draining, but it is so worth it. I hope there are stories about his team mates, I will be looking and I will be looking for Drew's story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 3, 2023
This was a story of a professional football player that tied off the club scene because of the women that want to be with him because of his fame and money. He likes alone time in his home and the pool. He meets a young woman when they run into each other but she’s gets fired because of this happening. He hires her as his housekeeper even though he doesn’t need one and they get to talking and he offers her the pool house to live in. She has a bad past but says nothing until they start leaving notes fir each other. It’s easier this way than talking. He learns about her and this leads to them getting closer. Will it lead to more? I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
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