Romance Review: Blitzed

* Book 3 in the Playbook series *

Brynn's been around the Lady Mustangs enough to become friends with several of the women. It helps that they and some of the team players frequent her bar - including Maxwell.

Brynn's been crushing on him for a while - until one night his anger destroyed part of her bar. Of course he paid for the damages without being asked. But Brynn's no longer interested.

Maxwell comes to apologize. He can't tell her the details, but he's more sorry than she'll ever know. He's been wanting to date Brynn for months. He realizes this changes everything, but he'll do what it takes to win back her trust, her friendship, and maybe her heart.

My Thoughts: I love this series. I didn't want to put this book down. And I want to hang out with at Hers and grab a drink. Also I love the Lady Mustangs. I love the friendship in this series and how the women support each other. I love the moments at the game where the kids run wild and the women talk, but everyone comes together to watch football. I loved Maxwell and his slow approach, his banter, and his manners. I love how Brynn hooked him on Parks and Rec. Another great addition to this series and I'm already eagerly awaiting the next installment. 

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your public library's romance collection.

Review: Fumbled

* Book 2 in the Playbook series *

Poppy Patterson's main concern is her son. As a single mom, she worries about making his life the best that she can. She's not concerned about the past - until her past walks into her work.

When football player TK Moore walks into the club, he's stunned to see her. From their reunion, it's clear that they both have feelings for each other. When Poppy tells him about his son, TK flips out.

Poppy's not impressed. But when TK runs into his son on the soccer field, there's no denying the truth. He's dumbfounded to learn the truth about the past. TK knows he's can't make up for the past, but he can be present in the future - if Poppy will let him...

My Thoughts: I loved this book. I loved the chemistry between Poppy and TK. I loved Poppy and Ace and their relationship. I loved the friendships Poppy found within the wives and girlfriends of the team football players. I loved the snark and the support from the other women. I enjoyed hearing updates about the characters in the previous book. I liked the discussion about concussions and the dangers of playing football. I loved the second chance romance. I couldn't put this book down.

Cover Thoughts: Cute
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: A must have series for your romance section at your public libraries

Best Discovery: The next book in the series is already out (and I'm currently reading it)

Are You Ready for Some Football?

Check here for a few older favorites

Click here for some If You Like Reading Recommendations for Football Books

Newish Additions to the list:

Review: Friday Night Stage Lights

Brooklyn lives for ballet. Even though her life's changed so much in the past few months, she's hopeful for a spot at Texas School of Arts. She and mother moved when her mother remarried. Now they live in Texas - smack in the middle of football country. She doesn't understand the fascination with football.

But when her dance partner injures himself, she must find a substitute partner - and quickly. She turns to an unlikely source - a football player. Logan makes her a deal, he's willing to learn the steps, but he asks for a favor in return. He wants Brooklyn to learn to appreciate football.

She knows it's never going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to try if it means making her dreams come true.

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book - I loved learning about dance. I loved the football moments. I loved how both the football jocks and Brooklyn came to appreciate each other's favorite sport. I liked the family moments, especially those between Brooklyn and Tanner. I loved the support from Brooklyn's friends and how they had her back in the Big Moment. And I loved that ending! 

Cover Thoughts: Love it!
Source: My Library
Library Recommendation: Grab this one for your school and public libraries.

Upcoming Review: Last Man Out

Tommy loves football. He lives for it both on and off the field. During one of the most important games of the season, he hears the fire whistle. He knows his dad's out there battling the flames.

It isn't until afterwards that he learns the truth - his father didn't make it out. He always said be the first man in and the last man out, but not this time.

Now Tommy, his sister, and his mother must learn to live without him. Tommy becomes angry at the world and a little reckless. His sister Em quits the soccer team and shuts out the world. And their mom just tries to keep everyone together.

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It made me tear up twice in the first few pages and it certainly tugged at my heartstrings a few more times. I liked the football moments. I liked learning more about Tommy's dad. He had great philosophies. I liked the moments between Tommy and his sister - how he tried to coax her out of her shell after the death of their father. 

The one problem I had was Tommy's age. The back cover of the ARC didn't mention Tommy's age and it wasn't until page 170 that it was mentioned. From the rest of the book, I thought he was older at least 14 if not 16 from the way he acted.  It changed the perspective of the book for me. 

Cover Thoughts: Great - Love the placement of the two helmets
Source: Book sent for review
Release Date: September 13th
Library Recommendation: Perfect for tween library collection - both school and public libraries. 

New Adult Review: Under the Lights

 * First book in a new series *

Chase could be having the worst day. His long time girlfriend left him for another man and his business partner took their money and left. Then the phone rings.

Kelly, the daughter of his high school football coach, wants his help fundraising for the team. If they don't raise enough money, there's no team. With nothing left to lose, he gives in to the guilt.

The once golden boy returns home without a plan for his future and no present. As he starts volunteering, he remembers his past and how he felt like a hero winning the state championship. He wants other boys to have that chance.

He wouldn't mind having a chance with Kelly either...

My Thoughts: I really liked this book. It reminded me of Friday Night Lights (set 10 years in the future). 

I felt bad for Chase because he worked hard but his entire life fell apart. I did admire the way he picked himself up - determined to start over and not live in his glory days.

I loved Kelly - how she cared for the kids, how she took her job seriously, and how she gave back to the community.

I really liked meeting the younger players and the former players. They had a lot in common. I liked how the coach shaped a generation of boys becoming men and how he had expectations of them. 

Source: My Library

Cover Thoughts: Cute

Final Thoughts: I can't wait to read more in this series: sports, romance, and witty banter all make me a happy reader.

If You Like Pins (12)

This edition features football books: fiction, nonfiction, middle grade, and YA. I started these pins while working at the library and have continued them. Look for more pins all year long.

Top Ten Tuesday: Upcoming Football Books

This week since it's Football Week here on the blog, I'm changing up the topic to Top 10 Recent/Upcoming Football Books.Check out what's new or soon to be new. 

- meme from The Broke and the Bookish

Did I miss any? 

If so, please let me know in the comments!

Football Displays:

Football starts up this week. So I'll be posting this week about football. 

Step 1:
Display Slogan Ideas:
Score with a Good Book
Super Books!
Score big with these books
Touchdown Books!
Are you ready for some football?
Friday Night Lights
These Books Can't Lose

Step 2:
Book Props:
Create football shirts but with the book title instead of the name/number"

found on Pinterest

Create a game field out of paper:

Like I did here

Football player silhouettes:

Found on Pinteres

Football Garland or Team Colors:

Found on Pinterest

Step 3:
Grab the Books and you're all set!
Check out books here at my post last year for The Hub
Or to this librarian list (it's a few years old)

Superbowl: Football Books

 

Looking for some good YA books about football - here you go!

Nonfiction Review: Football then to Wow!

I fully confess that I don't know much about football. I watch it occasionally and usually with a book in my hand. I know the basics of the game and how it's played, but I don't know the history of the sport. I'm not one to memorize STATs of the players, but I appreciate a good player.

I found this book fascinating. I liked learning more about the history of the sport, although probably the set-up of the book helped too. The timelines were great - not overcrowded with too much information, illustrations to help make the points, and humor.  The book talked about the rules, how the ball's changed, the different type of equipment used over the years, the Stadiums, the fans, the salaries of players, and the STATs. Important players through the decades were highlighted and the book talked about how the positions have changed over the years as the game grew. They talked about coaching styles and if offense or defense won more Super Bowl championships. I enjoyed the part of how technology changed the game, especially Draft Day.

A remarkable book for football fans of every age or for anyone wanting to learn more about the sport. Great book for libraries!

Tween Tuesday Review: Fantasy League

Charlie lives and breathes football - and he knows everything about it. He kills it in his fantasy leagues, but he' ready to admit he's not hte greatest player on the field.  He roots for his hometown team, even though they haven't had a winning record - ever.

When his BFF Anna invites him to meet her grandfather (the owner of the local football team), the two of them hit it off.  As they become friends, Charlie isn't shy about sharing his football opinions.  When Charlie mentions an older QB that's been overlooked by everyone else, Mr Warren takes a look.

He signs the QB to the team, hoping that this move will turn the team around. It does - for a while. Word gets out that a 12 year old is helping determine the team. Charlie has his moment in the spotlight but not everything is golden.  Will the sudden fame change him and would it all be worth it for a winning season?

My Thoughts:  I really really liked this book. I liked learning more about fantasy football. I loved the relationship between Charlie and Anna - how they talked football all the time, the banter between them, and how they weren't afraid to say it like it is (mostly Anna). I liked the developing relationship between Mr Warren - especially since Charlie's father isn't in the picture. Charlie grows in confidence with the fame thrust upon him - both in good ways and bad ways. I like how he gains more confidence on the field, but I'm not crazy about his secret keeping from Anna.A feel good book that's full of love for the game of football, the stats, and making the hard choices.

Cover Thoughts: Good - it captures the feeling of the book without being a scene from the book
Source: Sent for review
Similar Read:

Tween Tuesday Review: Football Genius

Yes, I realize it's Thursday, but I had something else I needed to post on Tuesday, so I just switches days, but I want people to be able to search for it if needed under the usual headings. So...

Troy can predict football plays before they happen once he get into the mindset. Although he's on the team for his school, he mostly plays the bench while the coach's son plays QB. Troy can read the field and throw better than Jamie, but he rarely gets the opportunity to play, which frustrates him.

When Troy's mom gets a job with the Atlanta Falcons, Troy thinks it could be his big break. He could help the Falcons win games, especially since they've been losing lately.  He could meet the players and become part of something bigger - if only he could get someone to listen to him.

My Thoughts: With each sports books I read, I'm becoming a bigger and bigger fan of them. I really liked the relationship between Troy and his mom. She worked really hard as a single mom, both at her job, but also in making sure that Troy has manners and morals. While they were at odds for most of the book, their relationship gave the book depth. Tate and Nathan were great friends, sometime helping Troy get into trouble, but there for him at all times. Everyone needs friends like them. I liked Seth and how he started to believe in Troy and how he didn't take no for an answer.  Sometime we just need that one person believing in us and that makes all the difference.

Cover Thoughts: Good - although it isn't a scene from the book.
Source: My Library

Review: Bridge From Me to You

Lauren's new to town, she just moved in with her aunt, uncle, and two cousins. Lauren's trying to put her past behind her and move on, but she can't move on if she can't find a place to call home.

Colby lives in the same small town, but has visions of escaping.  He doesn't want to be known for his football skills. In fact, he doesn't even want to play football in college.

Can the two of the figure out a way to belong?

My Thoughts: I really love the dual perspective of this book and how Lauren's voice is in verse while Colby is in prose. The combination works really well. I love the small town which has virtually no secrets, as gossip spreads like wildfire. Although I like how Colby and Lauren can confide in each other. The accident that rocked everyone's world made the future a harder place to find --with secret wishes and then guilt. The themes of friendship and family were woven in nicely to this book, but the important piece for both characters was finding yourself, letting others in, and living for the day and not for the future. Stop waiting and live the you want now. It's easier said than done, but good advice. A fabulous book of small town life and characters with big dreams. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the wrap-around cover - especially the football field and the bridge. I wish they had combined the two to make guys pick up the book too.

Source: My Library 

Review: QB1

Jake's always lived in his brother's shadow. Last year, Wyatt won the state title as the quarterback. Being a QB runs in the family - like father, like son. As Jake begins his freshman year of high school, he knows he's not the team's first string quarterback.

When the senior QB goes down in the first game and ends up out for the season, it's up to Jake and Casey to battle for the spot on the team. Jake knows that he has the mental game, but his throws don't always pack the heat.  Casey has a heck of an arm, but he also has a way of showing the defense his movie.  Can Jake up his game enough to make the top spot and finally get out from his brother's shadow?

My Thoughts: From the first sequence of the book, I was hooked. I felt terrible for Jake - because of his shadow, because of his lack of confidence in himself, and because of this father's behavorio. Nothing he did seem to be good enough to capture his father's attention. I really enjoyed the loyalty and friendship for his teammates Bear and Nate. It's clear these boys think about football all the time, but they're observate on other details too. A fantastic sports novel filled with tension, drama, and action both on and off the field.

Cover Thoughts: Great
Source: My Library

Football Display

I'm not a huge football fan, but I do watch the Superbowl (mostly for the commercials).

Check out the display I made at the library - complete with a fun football bookmark with a list of football titles on the back!