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A review by the_cover_contessa
The Hot Shot by Kristen Callihan
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
3.0
I've been a fan of this series from the get go. I love watching all the characters grow and interact. It's great to see so many personalities come together and make a story come alive. And Callihan really gave herself so much to work with. The possibilities are endless. So when I heard this would be Finn's story I was ecstatic. The glimpses of him we had gotten were not enough for me but also only showed me the rough exterior of this guy who had so much more underneath. I'm so glad she took his story to a deeper level!
This is one you can definitely read alone. As with most of the books in this series, there is some overlap, mostly with characters. But for this one, you really just get Chess and Finn's story (which is happening at the same time as Dex's story).
The introduction really starts with a bang. Callihan goes no holds barred with how she introduces Finn and Chess. It's full on, in your face, "here we are," attraction. And I love this because to both characters it's completely unexpected. I adore when characters are not looking for things that get thrown right in their face. Yes, build up is nice, and this book has that, don't get me wrong, but Callihan makes it clear from the beginning that physical attraction is definitely a key player. And there's nothing wrong with that. After all, you have to be attracted to the one you love, even if unexpected!
Chess is an amazing character. She's gruff and bold. She has no problem holding back who she is, at least when it comes to her work. In love, on the other hand, she's got some issues. No shocker there as most characters in these types of stories have some kind of secret that needs to come out at some point. And hers is a big one that takes a while to be revealed.
Finn, oh Finn. I think he might actually turn out to be my favorite character in this series. I wasn't planning that at all. I really thought he was going to be this big headed jerk. I wasn't expecting this big, tender, gentle, giant. Callihan really knows how to show a different interior from what you see outside, believe me! Emotionally, he's so well put together, I was surprised. Even with his background and the one big hurdle he's had to endure, he's so amazing. He knows exactly how to get under Chess's skin and he knows exactly how to make her feel special. He does it without thought for the most part, it's just who he is. Momma raised him right!
Of course there's tons of funny scenes in the book that keep you laughing. Finn's interactions with his teammates are no different from what you've seen in the past books of this series. These guys are the best of friends and have such brotherly love you know they would do anything for each other. His assistant, Charles, is great, and a bit unexpected. When you read the description of the guy and find out a bit about him, it's surprising, and kind of fun! And Chess's best friend James, he is another amazing addition to this story. He's fun and funny and totally quirky. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of him, but then I let him just be in my mind and he was absolutely perfect as her side kick. I want him for my own!
Overall this book was a total hit for me. Am I sad this series has come to an end? Oh yes! There are so many characters that need their stories told (though Callihan has promised a spin off which I'm sure won't disappoint). If you've had fun with any books in this series, you'll certainly enjoy this one just as much. The story, the pace, the laughter, the tears, they are all worth the read! Thank you for providing me with this book to read and give an honest review!
This is one you can definitely read alone. As with most of the books in this series, there is some overlap, mostly with characters. But for this one, you really just get Chess and Finn's story (which is happening at the same time as Dex's story).
The introduction really starts with a bang. Callihan goes no holds barred with how she introduces Finn and Chess. It's full on, in your face, "here we are," attraction. And I love this because to both characters it's completely unexpected. I adore when characters are not looking for things that get thrown right in their face. Yes, build up is nice, and this book has that, don't get me wrong, but Callihan makes it clear from the beginning that physical attraction is definitely a key player. And there's nothing wrong with that. After all, you have to be attracted to the one you love, even if unexpected!
Chess is an amazing character. She's gruff and bold. She has no problem holding back who she is, at least when it comes to her work. In love, on the other hand, she's got some issues. No shocker there as most characters in these types of stories have some kind of secret that needs to come out at some point. And hers is a big one that takes a while to be revealed.
Finn, oh Finn. I think he might actually turn out to be my favorite character in this series. I wasn't planning that at all. I really thought he was going to be this big headed jerk. I wasn't expecting this big, tender, gentle, giant. Callihan really knows how to show a different interior from what you see outside, believe me! Emotionally, he's so well put together, I was surprised. Even with his background and the one big hurdle he's had to endure, he's so amazing. He knows exactly how to get under Chess's skin and he knows exactly how to make her feel special. He does it without thought for the most part, it's just who he is. Momma raised him right!
Of course there's tons of funny scenes in the book that keep you laughing. Finn's interactions with his teammates are no different from what you've seen in the past books of this series. These guys are the best of friends and have such brotherly love you know they would do anything for each other. His assistant, Charles, is great, and a bit unexpected. When you read the description of the guy and find out a bit about him, it's surprising, and kind of fun! And Chess's best friend James, he is another amazing addition to this story. He's fun and funny and totally quirky. At first, I wasn't sure what to make of him, but then I let him just be in my mind and he was absolutely perfect as her side kick. I want him for my own!
Overall this book was a total hit for me. Am I sad this series has come to an end? Oh yes! There are so many characters that need their stories told (though Callihan has promised a spin off which I'm sure won't disappoint). If you've had fun with any books in this series, you'll certainly enjoy this one just as much. The story, the pace, the laughter, the tears, they are all worth the read! Thank you for providing me with this book to read and give an honest review!