This is a story about a popular, antagonistic pro football player and a female sports reporter who get off on the wrong foot. By the time he begins to reel her in with his cocky charm, they realize they have totally different needs regarding sex and relationships. He is all about sex without complications and she is a sex-with-relationships kind of girl (not to mention she was enjoying a sex detox period).

Brody was such a charismatic, playful charmer. He was flirty, funny, and sexy, but underneath had a big heart, was thoughtful, and had deep emotions. He was much more than a star player and playboy, and had some demons to deal with. His relationship with his grandmother figure Marlene just melted my heart.

Delilah was feisty, sassy, smart and knowledgeable about sports. But she also had fears and insecurities from her past that sometimes held her back. Her friendship with her best friend, Indie was quite entertaining.

I really liked both Brody and Delilah. Brody could be pretty assertive and persuasive. When they could compromise, they managed to find a rhythm. Their banter and chemistry was infectious. But they could also be frustrating when it came to effective communication and full disclosure. 

Their lives were complicated by their closely tied jobs, their pasts, jealousy, and some conflicts. They had fears, insecurities, and a tendency to guard their hearts. The only way they could move forward is if they could find a way to be able to put their pasts behind them. But the past does not always stay in the past. And both of them are not always on the same page at the same time.

It was told in both Brody and Delilah's points of view and then a third one was added in. I will admit that the third POV actually allowed me to have some sympathy for that character that I might not have had otherwise.

There were some good messages about life in this one. It was funny, sexy, sweet, and emotional. I had some issues getting my bearings in the beginning since there was some mysterious build up of his past. And some of the characters' decisions and timing towards the latter half of the book exasperated me, but overall it was entertaining and I loved the epilogue.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review.

Delilah Maddox finally got the break she has been working for as a sports reporter. As a female sports reporter, she knows more stats and records than most of her male counterparts and takes her job seriously, even when it finds her taking interviews in the locker room.

Brody Easton is intrigued by the feisty reporter who rises to his baiting and refuses to feed his reputation. He doesn’t hear no often, and as he becomes more determined to make Delilah change her mind and give him a chance, his antics become more and more daring.

I loved these two together. Their banter, particularly in the early locker room scenes, but continuing through the story, makes for hilarious and often devious situations. He is always looking for a reaction from her, quick to offer a sexual innuendo, and hides the caring man behind the public persona of a jerk.

The blast from the past that arrives to shake things up was a completely unexpected twist and had me questioning what I knew and what was happening between Delilah and Brody. For as many parallels as their pasts held, I loved the connection they built as they got to know each other.

Though most of the relationship scenes are from Delilah’s point of view, Brody’s scenes added an emotional depth to his character I wasn’t expecting to find. I loved what those scenes say about him and the love he has for Marlene.

The side characters are a great support and give an added boost to the drama of the story. Indie, in particular, struck me as a character with a lot going on. She is such a fun, off the wall character that she makes a great compliment to Delilah. 

I had fun reading this story from beginning to end. It surprised me as well as entertained me. The potential for characters to pick up a series exist all around Delilah and Brody, but the focus on their relationship and the issues that pop up between them made for a great standalone story.

ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.