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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book was addictive. I could not put it down! Despite this I did have some issues with it which prevented me from truly enjoying it wholeheartedly. The story follows Poppy and TK as they reconnect after being apart for a decade. They have both changed drastically since their split a decade ago and they must get to know each other all over again and contend with major factors in each other’s lives.
The writing style was fun and relatable. I chuckled on more than one occasion and very much enjoyed some of the character relationships and banter. It was a fast paced plot and nothing felt superfluous. My main issue with the book came down to the overuse of miscommunication and the profound stubbornness of Poppy. I read her character as having deep seated trauma and anxiety which went pretty much unaddressed in the book which was disappointing. I found that the MCs had major issues that needed to be worked through - past hurt, miscommunication, lies/omissions - which I felt they never really talked about. There were some conversations but I didn’t feel like any of the big red flags were addressed and resolved appropriately. I also had some major reservations about how quickly Poppy allowed TK back into her life and home after the way he reacted when he got the full story. TK needed to atone and earn the right to be back in her life and I didn’t see that happen. I found there were moments where she was also being unfair towards him and those were not addressed either. The chemistry and steamy scenes were good but not my favourite. Overall I liked it. I ate this book up like a giant bag of candy but it kind of left me feeling meh.
The writing style was fun and relatable. I chuckled on more than one occasion and very much enjoyed some of the character relationships and banter. It was a fast paced plot and nothing felt superfluous. My main issue with the book came down to the overuse of miscommunication and the profound stubbornness of Poppy. I read her character as having deep seated trauma and anxiety which went pretty much unaddressed in the book which was disappointing. I found that the MCs had major issues that needed to be worked through - past hurt, miscommunication, lies/omissions - which I felt they never really talked about. There were some conversations but I didn’t feel like any of the big red flags were addressed and resolved appropriately. I also had some major reservations about how quickly Poppy allowed TK back into her life and home after the way he reacted when he got the full story. TK needed to atone and earn the right to be back in her life and I didn’t see that happen. I found there were moments where she was also being unfair towards him and those were not addressed either. The chemistry and steamy scenes were good but not my favourite. Overall I liked it. I ate this book up like a giant bag of candy but it kind of left me feeling meh.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Stalking, Abortion, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent
Poppy is such an amazing mother! I loved her dedication to her son, who was adorable! I loved the way that Martin wrote the struggle of bringing another parent into the fold especially when you’ve been the only one. It gave the book a lot of depth. TK’s whole arc was fabulous and really dug into the scary side of football. It is a needed discussion that I feel like Martin deals with every day. Once again the writing was so fun and easy to get sucked into!
Didn’t Love: this book falls into the same issues as the first. TK is a little too perfect. Can I have my men a little broken/issued? Please? The plot lines just end up falling flat. There’s build but they’re solved so easily and you don’t get the satisfaction of conclusion. I want the conflict! There’s none! It’s skimmed over in the in-between scenes blanks.
Didn’t Love: this book falls into the same issues as the first. TK is a little too perfect. Can I have my men a little broken/issued? Please? The plot lines just end up falling flat. There’s build but they’re solved so easily and you don’t get the satisfaction of conclusion. I want the conflict! There’s none! It’s skimmed over in the in-between scenes blanks.
What I Liked:
Okay first thing I loved about this book was the family values. I loved that although there was some drama in the beginning, they still quickly became a family unit and it was so enjoyable to read. I thought Martin wrote this so delicately compared to the first book, Intercepted. There wasn’t as much drama throughout which was great, where as the other book it was like every chapter was a new issue.
Second, no hashtags! Throughout the first book there was random hashtags sprinkled throughout and I hated it! This book… no hashtags! Thank you! haha.
Third, Ace and TK’s relationship. So cute. So adorable. I literally wish I could read it forever.
What I Disliked:
So, I did notice something between the first book and this one, it has a very similar layout. I noticed by page 50-60, they are a couple. By page 100 they are pretty intimate, and by page 250 there’s an issue. By the last 3 pages, the problem is completely solved. Very similar book layout, which made things kind of predictable based on where I was page wise.
Also, another rushed ending! The ending was so rushed, but at least in this book the issue that was created was a pretty legitimate issue that Poppy felt needed to be addressed. In the first book, the whole conflict at the end was kind of ridiculous, so I’m glad we got a good reason in this book!
Okay first thing I loved about this book was the family values. I loved that although there was some drama in the beginning, they still quickly became a family unit and it was so enjoyable to read. I thought Martin wrote this so delicately compared to the first book, Intercepted. There wasn’t as much drama throughout which was great, where as the other book it was like every chapter was a new issue.
Second, no hashtags! Throughout the first book there was random hashtags sprinkled throughout and I hated it! This book… no hashtags! Thank you! haha.
Third, Ace and TK’s relationship. So cute. So adorable. I literally wish I could read it forever.
What I Disliked:
So, I did notice something between the first book and this one, it has a very similar layout. I noticed by page 50-60, they are a couple. By page 100 they are pretty intimate, and by page 250 there’s an issue. By the last 3 pages, the problem is completely solved. Very similar book layout, which made things kind of predictable based on where I was page wise.
Also, another rushed ending! The ending was so rushed, but at least in this book the issue that was created was a pretty legitimate issue that Poppy felt needed to be addressed. In the first book, the whole conflict at the end was kind of ridiculous, so I’m glad we got a good reason in this book!
3.5 stars. Good read but sometimes the heroine was annoying. Love all her friends though.
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
So much more than a sports romance.
I’ve had Fumbled, book 2 in Alexa Martin’s Playbook series, on my TBR since last summer but picked it up recently because of NFL playoff fever! Having read the first book I knew I was in for a sassy female lead, girl power friendships, and of course some smokin’ hot football player lovin’ but what I got was so much more.
Poppy and TK were high school sweethearts who were torn apart so seeing each other after 10 years is a bit of a shock as is the fact that the share a child and love that never went away. But block their way to the fairytale HEA is the fact that Poppy has some well earned trust issues, TK’s mom is still awful, and football while fun is also dangerous.
I really liked the exploration of CTE and the fact that TK respected Poppy’s parenting choice about football. The ending was also very well done and satisfying. Speaking of satisfying, the steam level on this one was absolutely perfect and I loved the slight objectification, all in good fun, of TK by Charli and Vonnie.
I’ve had Fumbled, book 2 in Alexa Martin’s Playbook series, on my TBR since last summer but picked it up recently because of NFL playoff fever! Having read the first book I knew I was in for a sassy female lead, girl power friendships, and of course some smokin’ hot football player lovin’ but what I got was so much more.
Poppy and TK were high school sweethearts who were torn apart so seeing each other after 10 years is a bit of a shock as is the fact that the share a child and love that never went away. But block their way to the fairytale HEA is the fact that Poppy has some well earned trust issues, TK’s mom is still awful, and football while fun is also dangerous.
I really liked the exploration of CTE and the fact that TK respected Poppy’s parenting choice about football. The ending was also very well done and satisfying. Speaking of satisfying, the steam level on this one was absolutely perfect and I loved the slight objectification, all in good fun, of TK by Charli and Vonnie.
https://celebrityreaders.com/2019/03/31/fumbled-by-alexa-martin/
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — Another book that brought me a lot of joy, but again…had a few tiny moments that made me cringe. And I will admit that reading this one directly following reading book 1, I did notice some similarities of jokes on occasion…not often, but there was at least one memorable instance.
Let’s get the cringe out of the way first: there were times where Poppy’s attitude and reactions made my shy/sensitive soul flinch. Like the way she talked to and started getting up in the face of the fan girls on her first date with TK at the bowling alley. It’s the kind of actions that prevent me from ever being interested in watching reality TV shows, b/c while I LOVE sass, I don’t love aggression and possession (by either gender), and in your face stuff…and stuff that for *ME* borders on mean and over the top. For the most part Poppy wasn’t like that, but there were just moments here and there where I was drowning in second-hand embarrassment.
Now BESIDES that, Poppy was pretty awesome. I loved how she was this strong single mom, but internally she was constantly worried about being enough for Ace…so basically like every other mom out there. I was constantly worried about how she was going to treat TK and him coming into their lives, but at every turn she surprised me. It’s not that she didn’t have a hard time sharing, but she was always up front with TK and she knew the right thing to do and always tried to do it. She was very strong in her convictions as well, and she stood by them, for better or for worse.
TK was a bit of a surprise as well. From the glimpse we got in the first book, I expected to love him more than I did. I still really liked him, don’t get me wrong, but because of the background story playing out with him, I found myself angry and confused by him a LOT throughout the book. In the end, this was by design, and it worked well, but it left me on my toes for periods. Other than that story, I did love how he was all in once he found Poppy again, and once he accepted Ace, though I feel like I wish I knew more about what their relationship had been like when they were younger.
The two of them together had some great moments, but a lot of their chemistry felt like it was based on the physical…which is cool, just not my most favourite.
Ace was a pretty kick ass 9 year old, and he really felt his age. He was sweet and adorable with just that little bit of kid attitude. I loved watching Poppy try to embarrass him.
I LOVED the strong set of female friends that Poppy comes to rely on, and how different they all were but, in general, were all very accepting of their differences. I’m always still a bit bummed when there are so many villainous girls in books…it’s not unexpected, I think I’m just personally getting weary of them. So the way Rochelle, Dixie, even Lydia, and the groupies were depicted was…eh, not my fave. But at least it was balanced by her diverse group of friends.
I noticed the negative look at football in the first book, but it was even more prominent in this one. It was kind of an interesting take. I’m not completely sure how I feel about it altogether, but I *really* appreciated how TK’s story played out and the dangers that Ms. Martin shone a spotlight on. It was an unexpected bonus that I didn’t see coming (though perhaps I should have), and one that I thought she handled deftly.
So yeah. Another book that gave me mixed feelings, but on the whole was a super fun read. I am super excited to see that Brynn’s getting a book, and I’m curious how that will play out.
I received a free copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.
3.5 stars — Another book that brought me a lot of joy, but again…had a few tiny moments that made me cringe. And I will admit that reading this one directly following reading book 1, I did notice some similarities of jokes on occasion…not often, but there was at least one memorable instance.
Let’s get the cringe out of the way first: there were times where Poppy’s attitude and reactions made my shy/sensitive soul flinch. Like the way she talked to and started getting up in the face of the fan girls on her first date with TK at the bowling alley. It’s the kind of actions that prevent me from ever being interested in watching reality TV shows, b/c while I LOVE sass, I don’t love aggression and possession (by either gender), and in your face stuff…and stuff that for *ME* borders on mean and over the top. For the most part Poppy wasn’t like that, but there were just moments here and there where I was drowning in second-hand embarrassment.
Now BESIDES that, Poppy was pretty awesome. I loved how she was this strong single mom, but internally she was constantly worried about being enough for Ace…so basically like every other mom out there. I was constantly worried about how she was going to treat TK and him coming into their lives, but at every turn she surprised me. It’s not that she didn’t have a hard time sharing, but she was always up front with TK and she knew the right thing to do and always tried to do it. She was very strong in her convictions as well, and she stood by them, for better or for worse.
TK was a bit of a surprise as well. From the glimpse we got in the first book, I expected to love him more than I did. I still really liked him, don’t get me wrong, but because of the background story playing out with him, I found myself angry and confused by him a LOT throughout the book. In the end, this was by design, and it worked well, but it left me on my toes for periods. Other than that story, I did love how he was all in once he found Poppy again, and once he accepted Ace, though I feel like I wish I knew more about what their relationship had been like when they were younger.
The two of them together had some great moments, but a lot of their chemistry felt like it was based on the physical…which is cool, just not my most favourite.
Ace was a pretty kick ass 9 year old, and he really felt his age. He was sweet and adorable with just that little bit of kid attitude. I loved watching Poppy try to embarrass him.
I LOVED the strong set of female friends that Poppy comes to rely on, and how different they all were but, in general, were all very accepting of their differences. I’m always still a bit bummed when there are so many villainous girls in books…it’s not unexpected, I think I’m just personally getting weary of them. So the way Rochelle, Dixie, even Lydia, and the groupies were depicted was…eh, not my fave. But at least it was balanced by her diverse group of friends.
I noticed the negative look at football in the first book, but it was even more prominent in this one. It was kind of an interesting take. I’m not completely sure how I feel about it altogether, but I *really* appreciated how TK’s story played out and the dangers that Ms. Martin shone a spotlight on. It was an unexpected bonus that I didn’t see coming (though perhaps I should have), and one that I thought she handled deftly.
So yeah. Another book that gave me mixed feelings, but on the whole was a super fun read. I am super excited to see that Brynn’s getting a book, and I’m curious how that will play out.
Sigh. Another Alexa Martin book that just didn’t work for me. This book needed a stronger edit, as there were so many weird plot points and character tics that seemed so out of place. (A grown woman who throws glitter on people? The main character starting a serious conversation by sticking her tongue out playfully? WHAT.) There was a weird stalker side plot that didn’t move the story forward at all and didn’t need to be included. There was so much SCREAMING in this novel, too. I can’t remember the last time I just screamed in a restaurant while having dinner with friends... like, never? So odd! (And don’t even get me started on the secret baby trope. Oof.) I liked the discussion of CTE in football players and I did enjoy the chemistry between TK and Poppy, but otherwise, eh.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes