In Rushing Amy (Love and Football #2) by Julie Brannagh, Amy Hamilton embarked on a new career about a year ago by opening her own flower shop, Crazy Daisy. Things are going pretty well, but with all the hard work she’s putting in, there isn’t much time for a social life. When she meets former NFL star Matt Stephens at her sister’s wedding, Amy is not thrilled, even though she’s a huge football fan. Matt seems overbearing and has a huge ego. But he’s persistent in his pursuit of her so she has to give him credit for that. Amy’s had her heart stomped on before and she’s not quite sure she’s ready to take a chance on Matt. No matter how charming he can be.
“So you don’t care if I wine and dine you first?”
Amy had to laugh, too. “That would be a no. Dazzle me, Matt Stephens.”
“Oh, I intend to.”
Matt Stephens is pretty sure the first time he meets Amy that she’s The One. He’s never met someone who can challenge him mentally or verbally like her. And their attraction is undeniable. Matt begins to chase after Amy in earnest, convinced he can get her to go on a date with him. While he loves the pursuit, keeping her guessing what his next move will be, he can’t wait to finally spend some time alone with the gorgeous lady. And he hopes it will be the start of the long, lasting relationship he’s been dreaming of.
‘Other guys’ girlfriends lost it over a piece of fine jewelry, a shopping trip to New York City, or a weekend in Paris. The woman in his life would be ecstatic watching football practice. He couldn’t wipe the grin off his face.’
I have a confession to make: I’m not a huge sports fan. I am, however, a fan of well-written sports romance novels like Rushing Amy. There’s just something about those talented athletes with all their swagger and alpha male tendencies. It’s also fun to see the strong women who end up taking them down a peg or two!! And that’s exactly what happens with Amy and Matt.
Book two in the Love and Football series was a wonderful surprise. I fell in love with Julie Brannagh’s writing style and the characters she created. I really enjoyed the mix of emotions she brought into every scene, whether it was a lighthearted joke to offset troubling news, or a sarcastic comment to bring the character back into focus. The dialogue was witty and flirty and it just flowed perfectly. I even thought the quirky nicknames they had for each other were really funny–Fifi and Sparky. I also had a very difficult time deciding what quotes to use–there was so much to choose from!
‘She wondered if it was possible to die of great sex. She had a feeling she was about to find out, and she was willing to take the risk.’
To me, Matt and Amy seemed pretty much tailor made for each other…although he had a heck of a time proving that to Amy and convincing her he was truly interested in her. My first reaction to Matt, though, was to think how arrogant he appeared during the bar scene. But by the end of that first encounter, I was sold. He turned out to be a generous, caring, funny, super sexy guy who thought Amy hung the moon and stars. I felt it seemed pretty realistic that she would have hang ups about Matt and his intentions. She’d been burned before and had seen her own loved ones get their heart broken, so it stands to reason she’d be cautious. Amy was just as compassionate as Matt was and I loved how they connected when trying to help others. And what a great HEA. It was completely heartwarming.
I hope when you read Rushing Amy you enjoy it as much as I did. This is a contemporary romance done exactly right and I can’t wait to see what’s next by Ms. Brannagh!
Book Info:
Published February 11th 2014 by Avon Impulse | Love and Football #2
Julie Brannagh’s sparkling and romantic Love and Football series continues!
For Amy Hamilton, only three Fs matter: Family, Football, and Flowers. It might be nice to find someone to share Forever with, too, but right now she’s working double overtime while she gets her flower shop off the ground. The last thing she needs or wants is a distraction … or help, for that matter. Especially in the form of gorgeous and aggravatingly arrogant ex-NFL star Matt Stephens.
Matt lives by a playbook—his playbook. He never thought his toughest opponent would come in the form of a stunning florist with a stubborn streak to match his own. Since meeting her in the bar after her sister’s wedding, he’s known there’s something between them. After she refuses—again and again—to go out with him, Matt will do anything to win her heart … But will Amy, who has everything to lose, let the clock run out on the one-yard line?
marcyshuler
I bought this and the first book in the series a bit ago and am looking forward to reading them even more after your review. 🙂