I’ll offer up the unpopular opinion on this one, because – while I liked it – I can easily identify some things that really bugged me. There’s a lot to love about this, from the vulnerable hero to the banter to the sense of community. While this will technically read as a standalone, anyone who has been following the series will appreciate the interconnectivity and rich history woven into these characters. The vibe ended up being a little heavier than anticipated, though that worked for me – our hero is still reeling from the death of his father, friction with his mom, moving to a new home and a new team, AND dealing with a massive game-changer of a secret. The only bright spot in his life is the girl next door, and he’s not even sure that she likes him. Their chemistry was great, and I loved the playfulness of their interactions. So there’s a lot of good stuff going on.
The story follows Zander, an American soccer player who has been recruited to play overseas. It should be an amazing, exciting time in his life, but the sports star recently lost his father and learned that his mother has been hiding a secret his whole life. That means the former manhoe and carefree guy has the weight of the world on his shoulders. When Zander meets Daphney, he’s immediately attracted. He’d love to have some no strings fun with the beautiful girl, but Zander seems to have lost his game around her. As the two run into each other again and again – they’re neighbors, after all – Daphney finds it impossible to ignore her attraction. Zander might not be the right guy for forever, but surely they can have some fun in the meantime.
This was a solid 4-star read for me for the majority of the book, but my enjoyment had fallen by the end. It’s essentially a slower burn AND THEN a friends with benefits story, so it felt like it took a long, long time before actual feelings entered the equation. Sure, we had a few scenes that seemed to advance the relationship, but then something would happen to move them decidedly back into the casual zone. And then the transition from casual to more seemed to have been summarized in a paragraph or two, so… we didn’t see it. That’s really disappointing. There were also a few tone deaf jokes and one scene that was a total turn-off. (Minor SPOILER) Zander hears a woman having sex next door, and – assuming it’s Daphney – he gets so jealous and turned on that he needs to “release some tension” while listening to it happen. This is probably at least 100 pages into the book, so the fact that he just let it happen – and actually got incredibly turned on by the thought – should tell you about that slow emotional burn. In the end, it’s smaller issues that hold me back from a higher rating. I liked the vast majority of the book, loved parts of it, and really appreciated being back in this world again.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E5bObO
Blurb:
The cocky footballer next door has some serious game…luckily, Daphney Clarke knows how to play.
Zander Williams is the hot new American determined to take European football by storm. His head is so big, it barely fits under his backwards hat. And when he’s recruited to one of the biggest up and coming clubs in London, he’s certain to make his name known.
Managing the building where they live is only one of Daphney’s many jobs. It’s why she has zero patience for the obnoxious American on the other side of the wall who makes the most ungodly noises and likes to answer his door in nothing but a pink tea towel.
Tensions build and after one steamy hallway kiss, neighbor wars quickly shifts into neighbors-with-benefits and that’s a battle they both intend to win.
But Daphney doesn’t know the real reason Zander is in London and now she’s stuck in the middle of a game she didn’t even know she was playing.
Sweeper is a 117,000 word full length sports romance that is set in the Harris Brothers world but can be read as a standalone.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/3E5bObO
Haven’t read Replay yet? Now is the time!
While not required reading, if you’re planning to read the series in order, be sure you’ve read Replay before diving into Sweeper. You can start the series from the start with Challenge or get caught up with Replay!
Challenge on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2YQkhke
Replay Blurb:
Not all players deserve a second chance… no matter how hot their first chance was.
Football club lawyer, Santino Rossi is known in the locker room as the two-month chump. For years he’s been on a mission to find someone he can share his basil plant with and cure him of his former playboy ways.
Tilly Logan is a fiery, Scottish lass who didn’t bat an eye five years ago when a smoldering Italian pulled her into a nightclub bathroom. He was dark, dangerous, and exactly the good time Tilly was looking for—even if he worked for her over-protective brother’s team.
But a lot has changed and when Tilly returns to London five years later only to find herself trapped in an elevator with the smoldering Italian, it isn’t a happy reunion. Especially because her brother blames Santino for her high tailing it back to Scotland in the first place.
Tilly doesn’t want a replay of past mistakes and reconnecting with Santino is playing with fire.
But if they keep their relationship a secret, it could be worth the burn.
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Q3GA0Z
About the Author:
Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance.
For more of Amy’s work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com
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