Becky Wallace

This was an adorable read. The story follows Maddie as she works at her aunt’s sports marketing firm as an intern for the summer. While on a walk with her aunt’s dumpy mastiff, Watford, she goes flying off her bike and crash lands at the feet of Gabriel Fortunato, a world renown soccer player, who’s gotten into a bit of trouble. Never did she think she’d ever see him again but fate has a sense of humor. The two are thrown together to work - her to better his social media status and him to learn to relax around her. This book was adorable and funny. If you love soccer and a fun romance, this is a great book to read!… (más)

Fairly unremarkable, if convoluted, fantasy along the lines of traditional fantasy tropes. Which is to say that I actually wondered at one point if the keeper's party would gather an elf and a dwarf to go with them south of the wall to pick up their circus performer/rogue. Not that I minded -- and not that they did -- it's a more unexpected story than that. It's a perfectly fine story, just not a stand-out one for me. And I've read a lot of fantasy, so I expect the intended audience will find it fresher than I did.

advanced reader's copy provided by edelweiss.… (más)

The plot isn't terribly unique, we've all read other variations of the famous/notorious boy/girl finds themselves in a prickly/attractive situation with someone not famous/infamous who's trying to survive or just get a bit ahead.
There are several elements that make this stand out in a very positive way.
1-Maddie's a middle child with a brilliant older brother and her mother bends over backwards to act like Maddie isn't different, but the message sent and received is anything but.
2-Gabriel is a much better and deeper 'bad boy' than we generally get and the more you read, the richer a character he becomes.
3-How they meet is both unique and hilarious.
4-Her aunt Emma is both sympathetic and devious, but most readers will end up cutting her some slack.
5-The interactions between Maddie and Gabriel are extremely well done.
6-Maddie is a nice mix of vulnerable and gutsy.
7-Then there's the evil uncle and nearly as evil rival intern.
Get the book and plan to have a great escape when you open the cover.… (más)