REVIEW: The Striker’s Chance by Rebecca Crowley

The Striker’s Chance by Rebecca Crowley: Public Relations guru Holly Taylor can’t believe her luck. Discovery, North Carolina’s professional soccer team has just hired her to revamp their almost non-existent image, and if she is successful, she will be promoted to her dream job in the big city. Her first order of business is to relaunch the career of former international superstar Kepler “Killer” de Klerk.

Kepler used to be one of the best soccer players in the Europe, until he was in a car accident that almost took his and his soccer buddy’s life. Because he was the driver, the press went crazy and placed the blame for the accident on him, instead of the poor road conditions. More than a year later, the negative publicity surrounding the accident ceases to dissipate, even though his former colleague is completely healed and back in the league playing hard. Although Kepler was cleared of any wrongdoing, his European team did not renew his contract. Discovery got him at a bargain rate and because Kepler loves to play ball, he relocated to Charlotte.

Before the accident, Kepler played hard and partied hard. His new goal is to focus on being the best once again, without any outside influences. Because Discovery is an unseasoned team, Kepler is basically carrying each game alone and his thirty year old body is taking a beating. Luckily his teammates are learning from him and they are improving with each day.

Naturally, working so closely together causes Holly and Kepler to develop feelings for each other. Their chemistry is off the charts and after a few shared kisses, they cannot stop thinking about one another. Their night together is hot and steamy. Holly’s PR strategies are working and Kepler is becoming a hero to the people of Charlotte, which is selling lots of tickets and bringing people into the stadium. Kepler has evolved into a wanted man, by some of the best soccer teams in the world and Holly. However, because Holly knows about Discovery’s plans for Kepler, she does not let herself become any more involved with him.

Wow, what an impressive debut novel by Rebecca Crowley. I have always enjoyed sports inspired romances and this one is well worth the read. The characters are well-developed and extremely likeable. Kepler is a sensitive alpha male and his realism is swoon-worthy. I connected instantly with the couple and there was never a moment that I did not want them to be together. Ms. Crowley’s writing style is effortless and the book flows fluidly from beginning to end. If you are looking for a fun, yet emotional sports romance, give this book a chance.

Book Info:

Published September 2nd 2013 by Carina Press

Landing the PR contract for North Carolina’s new soccer team could take Holly Taylor’s career to the next level. Her task? Make Kepler “Killer” de Klerk, an athlete with a party-hard reputation, a star. But revamping the sexy footballer’s image while battling her unwanted attraction to him is easier said than done.

The car accident that derailed Kepler’s European career also gave him some much-needed perspective. He’s ready to give up on fame and focus on the game he loves. The last thing he needs is a headstrong brunette pushing him back into the spotlight, even if butting heads with her is the most fun he’s had in ages.

The more time Holly spends with Kepler, the more she sees how different he is from his tabloid persona. But when she’s offered her dream job for a price, she finds herself torn between the career she’s spent years building and the man she doesn’t want to give up.