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chrissandrapherlv's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Abandonment, Sexism, Homophobia, Injury/Injury detail, Death of parent, and Alcohol
hazelrose13's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-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? Yes
5.0
stephaniek219's review
5.0
In true Kathryn Nolan style, this story is full of wit, romance, chemistry, and thought provoking statements. It has friends to lovers, fake dating, and supportive family (blood and not). Kathryn's writing is always superb and there isn't anything NOT to like with these characters. Rowan is swoony, and Charlie is strong and independent. But neither are without their flaws, so watching them come to terms with that and work through it is fun.
If you aren't already involved in your community, or if you haven't seen what that can look like in action, I encourage you to read On The Ropes first, then Off the Mark. And make sure you read Rival Radio, too! And then check out programs in your area!
If you aren't already involved in your community, or if you haven't seen what that can look like in action, I encourage you to read On The Ropes first, then Off the Mark. And make sure you read Rival Radio, too! And then check out programs in your area!
joskypay's review
5.0
AAAAhhhhh! She just keeps getting better folks! I swear with every book this author has me falling just a bit harder than the last one. Rowan and Charlie were SO great! Their vulnerability and longing, yet both with what they each think they have, strong sense of self. Both had moments where they realized just how much burden they were carrying unnecessarily. I loved it when clarity struck, so relatable to so many important life events when you get slapped in the face with the recognition that from this point on, nothing will ever be the same. I was insanely jealous of their friendship even before it was ever anything else, just beautiful foundation. I also fell in love with Alice lol. I was moved to the point of tears at the race. Charlie's relationship with her Dad made me miss mine out of the blue, and Alice reminded me of my Gram, so they've both been gone more than 20+ years, some things just strike the right point on the match and my memories spark to life like fire. What an incredibly well rounded book, I loved it and would recommend it even if there wasn't a Jolene's in it! (Lol I think its my favorite surprise finding my name in a book, which isn't all that often but I read SO much I've seen it a bit. They didn't mention a Jolene, but that bar sounded like a good time!)
trish_beautifulchaosreviews's review
5.0
A delightful read again from Kathryn Nolan. I love the settings of her books in Philadelphia and the love in the neighborhood between neighbors. This book was another excellent example with a look into the world of motocross racing.
Her characters are always so warm and easy to wrap yourself up in. So is the case with Rowan O'Callaghan. He's a cinnamon roll of a guy with a huge heart and kindness to spare. He also has had a crush on Charlie for years. Charlie is trying to improve her reputation, which I think was judged too harshly by her sponsor. Nevertheless, she's got to "clean up her act." It was beautiful watching this two fall in love and support each other to achieve the goals their destined goals. And for Charlie to learn found family loves just as hard.
Off the Mark left my heart all warm and squishy! Yay!
Her characters are always so warm and easy to wrap yourself up in. So is the case with Rowan O'Callaghan. He's a cinnamon roll of a guy with a huge heart and kindness to spare. He also has had a crush on Charlie for years. Charlie is trying to improve her reputation, which I think was judged too harshly by her sponsor. Nevertheless, she's got to "clean up her act." It was beautiful watching this two fall in love and support each other to achieve the goals their destined goals. And for Charlie to learn found family loves just as hard.
Off the Mark left my heart all warm and squishy! Yay!
hibiscusmama24's review
5.0
off the mark
You are amazing as always. You make me laugh,you make me cry. You pull all the emotions out. Well done Kathryn! Strong work! Great couple! Loved being back in south Philly with the gang again!
You are amazing as always. You make me laugh,you make me cry. You pull all the emotions out. Well done Kathryn! Strong work! Great couple! Loved being back in south Philly with the gang again!
modalexandra's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alice_w_greenfield's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A really fun friends to lovers, fake dating romance that can be read as a standalone.
Charlie Maddox is a badass Dirt Bike Racer and Reigning Queen of the circuit after she won the X-Games the previous season. Charlie has a bad girl reputation that her new sponsor does not approve of. To help her image she asks her best, and super hot best friend to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Rowan O’Callaghan is a sweet and flirty ex baseball player. After being injured during his first season of going pro, Rowan moves back home to his neighborhood of South Philly where he begins working for the non-profit community rec-center. When the director has to step down for health reasons, it's only natural for Rowan to step in and temporarily fill the position. Rowan may be flirty, but he loves and cares for everyone he meets, well almost everyone.
When Charlie waltz's into Rowans Rec Center with the proposition of fake dating, he initially turns her down. But after looking into the events she has to attend as part of the moto-cross convention and race series in Philly, he realizes he might be able to find some extra funding for his center.
The fake dating will benefit them both, but they also have to learn how to navigate their growing feelings and attractions for each other and their tendencies to push people away.
A fun story with some spice and plot ending in a HEA.
Charlie Maddox is a badass Dirt Bike Racer and Reigning Queen of the circuit after she won the X-Games the previous season. Charlie has a bad girl reputation that her new sponsor does not approve of. To help her image she asks her best, and super hot best friend to pretend to be her boyfriend.
Rowan O’Callaghan is a sweet and flirty ex baseball player. After being injured during his first season of going pro, Rowan moves back home to his neighborhood of South Philly where he begins working for the non-profit community rec-center. When the director has to step down for health reasons, it's only natural for Rowan to step in and temporarily fill the position. Rowan may be flirty, but he loves and cares for everyone he meets, well almost everyone.
When Charlie waltz's into Rowans Rec Center with the proposition of fake dating, he initially turns her down. But after looking into the events she has to attend as part of the moto-cross convention and race series in Philly, he realizes he might be able to find some extra funding for his center.
The fake dating will benefit them both, but they also have to learn how to navigate their growing feelings and attractions for each other and their tendencies to push people away.
A fun story with some spice and plot ending in a HEA.
excel_spreadsheet_book_nerd's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0