It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.
Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.
I had to gather my thoughts on this one and also filter out half of the information that I highlighted to write my review. Annoying when you nearly highlight half of the damn frigging book. I would like to add that this is the first book that I’ve read by Ms. Duke and I consider her to be very talented.
But what I can say after a slow beginning but a genuinely fantastic read I give it 4.5 ‘Sunshine & Weatherman’ Stars.
The first time Jackson Grey sees Leila Hart he knows that she is a fibber. He is one of the best book boyfriends that I have read this year and overall a superb guy, hot, good looking, a sense of humor and kindness. All very appealing. His inner musings are funny and very entertaining. But he could honestly say he’d never once played second fiddle to an inanimate object. Never watched a woman stare, all hot and bothered. At his football stats the way Leila was doing right now. Damn he was in trouble with this one.
Leila always wanted to work as a reporter for the NFL events and she is grabbing this opportunity by the horns. There is instant attraction between them but they are adults about it and actually admit to the chemistry but say why they can’t act on it. She wants to be recognized for her job and he can’t do relationships as he has a huge secret. He wants the whole white picket fence and 2.5 kids but has his reasons. See point 1. Under spoilers. But knows that he can only offer sex with breakfast until he realizes that he can offer more by Leila proving it to him.
But he can’t help but be smitten with her even though he knows that it is a bad idea and that they work together.This wasn’t going to be easy. Because while he had absolutely no problem stepping back when a woman wasn’t interested, Leila wasn’t disinterested. In fact, all evidence would point to her being about as interested as he was. She was just… off limits. A volatile combination.
There wasn’t any unnecessary drama which I loved and all plot lines were within the realm of reasonability. Where not once did I think what the hell? And why would you do that?
Leila’s family is awful and not to mention her ex who is a politician and a cheating, lying bastard at that. To leak her secret persona to the press was also an arse move.
Leila is smart and sassy and they both complimented one another really well. At the beginning and during the book they were as honest as they could be. They told one another no deep, dark secrets until they were both ready.
Leila actually makes the first move as she realizes when she goes back to Utah that she has missed Jackson and her family is bloody awful and non-supportive in every possible way.
They started off as ‘A perfect, and perfectly chaste friends-with-snuggle-benefits relationship.
I liked how their relationship progressed and that they faced everything together, well nearly everything. Leila made a deal with the devil but in the end didn’t go through with it and paid the price as being used as a human shield.
Three excruciating days later she is out of the woods.
But Jackson blames himself. Sunshine,
No one-not one mortal man in your heaven, or my hell-will ever love you as much as I do … but I want you to at least get the chance to find someone who will try.
Always yours Jackson
They both go to the extreme for one another and give each a happily ever after. They are each other’s happily ever after. Even after she broke Jackson’s trust. All the time she didn’t care about his money unlike others. I know it’s your entire family legacy but I never really bought into the whole billionaire hype.” Jackson’s mouth twitched up at the corner. “As if I didn’t already have enough reasons to adore the heck out of you.”
But what Leila writes, oh my gawd!Weatherman,
I predict this will help you build that big, amazing life you so richly deserve. Screw your family legacy. Make your own. Greatness you’ll achieve- I have no doubt of that. Happiness is trickier. You need to believe that it has a place in your life, and trust that you deserve it. Because it does and you do. No more running. Just… be happy.
Never anyone else’s,
Leila
There were two points that were really unexpected for me in the plot with two twists and turns. See spoilers below if you are really interested in knowing what it is.
I wanted the ending to be a little more hashed out what with the whole ‘them’ shite. I found it lacking. Suddenly everything is dandy and bam! Happy days!
I look forward to the coming books with Donovan, Owen, Bennett and Shane. I can’t wait to see Bennett fall. Oh and I hope the Bodyguard Mike gets a book as well.
SPOILER ALARM
- Jackson’s secret wasn’t that bad but it was unexpected and for me it added to the story, With his past and being Reginald Jackson Grayhurst III and half his family being offed because of money I would protect that one person as much as possible. 2. Leila got shot which I didn’t expect at all.
For those of you have issues with o/w it does get mentioned that he slept with a different woman every night for a couple of days only once he’d met the heroine. Personally it didn’t bother me at all.
