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domicspinnwand's review against another edition
4.0
ja, ganz ok - kommt zwar auch wieder nicht an die frühen Chicago-Stars-Bücher heran, aber für knapp 4 Sterne hat es gereicht. Das Setting ist mal was anderes, mit der Operndiva kommt mal eine andere Kompenente dazu. Die "Krimi"-Story im Hintgergrund hat mich aber nicht so wirklich überzeugt, und die Auflösung war ein bissle "aus dem Hut gezaubert". Die Liebesgeschichte zwischen Footballstar und Operndiva war auch irgendwie strange - die waren mir irgendwie viel zu schnell "handelseinig". Und was sollte diese Story ganz am Anfang, wegen der sie den armen Footballer sogar verprügelt? Die kommt dann nachher überhaupt nicht mehr vor und hat keine Bedeutung mehr - warum wurde sie überhaupt erwähnt? Während ich das hier schreibe, fällt mir auf: 4 Sterne sind es nur aus Nostalgie, weil ich vor allem die ersten Bände der Chicago Stars Reihe so mochte. Eigentlich sind es vielleicht eher drei Sterne. Wenn Du noch nix von der Autorin gelesen hast, fang bitte nicht mit diesem Buch an, sondern vielleicht mit Band 4, der ist mein liebster - Band 2 ist auch nicht schlecht.
kate4ez's review against another edition
3.0
I mostly liked this story, but Olivia’s whiplash mood/behavior changes bothered me. She believes one thing until a single conversation then does a 180. This happened at least three times. The back and forth at the end just fell flat for me.
mlpercy's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
popgoesbitty's review against another edition
3.0
CWs: suicide
I find it hard to criticize Phillips because... well... she invented this entire genre. The Chicago Stars was the first of its kind--a sports romance series-- and I must acknowledge the elephant in the room. My favorite series of all time (The Bromance Book Club) wouldn't exist without her, without the Chicago Stars. The palpable parallels between the two underline Phillips' legacy to the subgenre. I understand. I acknowledge. I clap. I stan.
...which is why this review is so difficult to write. Truthfully, if I was rating just the first 65% of this book, it would have 5 stars. The romantic build up between these two was wonderful. The leads were super hot, and the whole setup was pure "Chicago Stars." They had a more complex chemistry than I like, but it worked really well and was true to this series. A not-so-brainless jock falling for a woman seemingly out of his league. I fall for it every time.
But dang it, Susan! Who writes a contemporary romance that's almost 400 pages long?!
The romantic tension is solved about 200 pages in. And you're left with an extraneous plot that is just so, so weak. Yes, as romance readers we are more than willing to suspend reality for a good plot arch. But a world famous opera singer who gets kidnapped like, over and over? Eek. I truly did not care what happened outside of these two people getting into bed together.
This hurts to say, but this felt like a watered down version of what Adam's does so much more skillfully in the Bromance series. Skip this, go for that.
I find it hard to criticize Phillips because... well... she invented this entire genre. The Chicago Stars was the first of its kind--a sports romance series-- and I must acknowledge the elephant in the room. My favorite series of all time (The Bromance Book Club) wouldn't exist without her, without the Chicago Stars. The palpable parallels between the two underline Phillips' legacy to the subgenre. I understand. I acknowledge. I clap. I stan.
...which is why this review is so difficult to write. Truthfully, if I was rating just the first 65% of this book, it would have 5 stars. The romantic build up between these two was wonderful. The leads were super hot, and the whole setup was pure "Chicago Stars." They had a more complex chemistry than I like, but it worked really well and was true to this series. A not-so-brainless jock falling for a woman seemingly out of his league. I fall for it every time.
But dang it, Susan! Who writes a contemporary romance that's almost 400 pages long?!
The romantic tension is solved about 200 pages in. And you're left with an extraneous plot that is just so, so weak. Yes, as romance readers we are more than willing to suspend reality for a good plot arch. But a world famous opera singer who gets kidnapped like, over and over? Eek. I truly did not care what happened outside of these two people getting into bed together.
This hurts to say, but this felt like a watered down version of what Adam's does so much more skillfully in the Bromance series. Skip this, go for that.
spclteach's review against another edition
5.0
Another great story
I get so engrossed in SEP’s books that I have to finish every page. I can’t wait for Clint’s story. Please let there be a Clint story.
The Chicago Stars series got me through some of the tough times when I was hospitalized with osteomyelitis and I love their stories!
I get so engrossed in SEP’s books that I have to finish every page. I can’t wait for Clint’s story. Please let there be a Clint story.
The Chicago Stars series got me through some of the tough times when I was hospitalized with osteomyelitis and I love their stories!
ellenrgph's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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
4.0
the_jessmarie's review against another edition
4.5
So fun! This book came at the perfect time for me. Loved it!
meggie82461's review against another edition
4.0
I don’t have a whole lot to say besides this was a solid, fun book. SEP reminds me of Kristen Ashley without all the “babes” and “honeys” and believe me, this is a good thing. I’ve always loved KA plots but sometimes can’t stand her writing. So far, SEP is the solution: stories that I’m not necessarily blown away by, but that I enjoy reading and always keeps my attention.
In this particular story, the characters were greater than the story. I really loved them. It makes sense why this is book #9; off the top of my head, I can think of 5 side characters I would love to read about, from this book alone. I’ve banned myself from buying books, and only this one was available at the library. But if a sale happens, I can’t be held responsible for my actions
In this particular story, the characters were greater than the story. I really loved them. It makes sense why this is book #9; off the top of my head, I can think of 5 side characters I would love to read about, from this book alone. I’ve banned myself from buying books, and only this one was available at the library. But if a sale happens, I can’t be held responsible for my actions
puzzlegirl30's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
flaxgoldentales's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.25