Category Archives: Alexa Martin

September 27, 2021 · 12:01 am

Review: Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin

Title: Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Women’s Fiction
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Two best friends say “I do” to living together, for better or worse, in this bold women’s fiction novel from Alexa Martin.

Jude Andrews is famous. Well, at least on Instagram. Her brand is clean eating, good vibes, Pilates, and casually looking like a sun-kissed goddess. In real life, however, she’s a total disaster. She has a strained relationship with her fame-hungry mom and her latest bad decision emptied out her entire savings account.

Lauren Turner had a plan: graduate medical school and become the top surgeon in the country. But when she became unexpectedly pregnant, those plans changed. And when her fiancé left her, they changed again. Now navigating the new world of coparenting, mom groups, and dating, she decides to launch a mommy podcast with all the advice she wishes someone had given her.

Jude and Lauren don’t have much in common, but maybe that’s why they’ve been best friends since the third grade. Through ups and downs, they’ve been by each other’s sides. But now? They’re broke, single, and do the only thing that makes sense—move in together, just like they talked about when they were teenagers. Except when they were younger, the plan didn’t include a five-year-old daughter and more baggage than their new townhouse can hold.

Review:

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes by Alexa Martin is a wonderful novel of friendship and motherhood.

Lauren Turner is a single Black woman with a precocious five-year-old daughter, Addy. She has never quite gotten over her break-up with Addy’s dad, Ben, and she is not looking for love. Lauren is trying to adjust to Ben’s new interest in fatherhood and she is uneasy about their visitation schedule. Just as she and her best friend, Jude Andrews, move in together, her world is turned upside down by a shocking custody fight. With so many changes and unexpected upheaval in her life, will Jude convince Lauren to give a new man in her life a chance?

Jude is a popular social media influencer who never lets her fans see what her life is really like. In reality, she is a hot mess with a dysfunctional relationship with her actress mother. Jude relies too heavily on alcohol to numb her feelings instead of facing her problems. Despite her issues, she and Lauren have a strong friendship that has survived all of their respective ups and downs over the years. Jude adores Addy so when the custody fight begins, she has the necessary contacts in social media that might give Lauren the edge she needs to win. But will Jude’s issues and her inability to deal with them cause problems between her and Lauren?

Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes is a delightfully charming novel with a relatable storyline and likable characters. Lauren is a fantastic mother with a successful career but she does not feel like she lives up to her mother’s strict standards. Jude has a bit of a devil may care attitude, but she feels things deeply. Both women are flawed but Jude’s problems definitely outweigh Lauren’s insecurities and fears. Addy is absolutely adorable and she is quite the scene stealer! With their friendship hanging in the balance, Alexa Martin brings this captivating novel to a very uplifting conclusion.

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Filed under Alexa Martin, Berkley, Contemporary, Mom Jeans and Other Mistakes, Rated B+, Review, Women's Fiction

October 18, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Snapped by Alexa Martin

Title: Snapped by Alexa Martin
Publisher: Berkley
Playbook Series Book Four
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With the stakes this high, it’s no longer just a game for the Mustang’s quarterback in this romance by the author of Blitzed.

Elliot Reed is living her best life—or pretending to. She owes it to her dad’s memory to be happy and make the most of her new job as Strategic Communications Manager for the Denver Mustangs. Things are going well until star quarterback Quinton Howard Jr. decides to use the field as his stage and takes a knee during the national anthem.

As the son of a former professional athlete, Quinton knows the good, the bad, and the ugly about football. He’s worked his entire life to gain recognition in the sport, and now that he has it, he’s not about to waste his chance to change the league for better. Not even the brilliant but infuriating Elliot, who the Mustangs assign to manage him, will get Quinton back in line.

A rocky initial meeting leads to more tension between Quinton and Elliot. But as her new job forces them to spend time together, Elliot realizes they may have more in common than she could’ve imagined. With her job and his integrity on the line, this is one coin toss that nobody can win.

Review:

Snapped by Alexa Martin is a slow burn romance with a socially relevant storyline. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Playbook series, it can be read as a standalone.

Elliot “Elle” Reed is thrilled to have landed her dream job with the Denver Mustangs. Unfortunately she is immediately handed a potential PR disaster that could cost her the coveted position. As she works with Mustangs’ quarterback Quinton Howard Jr., Elle is immediately befriended by the  players’ significant others and she is completely enjoying their support. She is still deeply mourning the death of her father and her career decisions become entangled in her grief.  As her situation with the Mustangs’ owner becomes even more complicated,  Elle is caught between the  man she is beginning to love and the job that makes her feel close to her father.

Quinton starts off his first season with the Mustangs by blocking out the league’s name and taking a knee during the anthem.  Immediately stirring up controversy, his actions are not at all appreciated by the team owner and some of his fans. But Quinton is determined to draw attention to the racial inequality within the league and the lack of financial support for a certain set of retired players. With Elle’s help, he is able to set up a foundation and begin fundraising to raise awareness. Quinton is quite smitten with Elle, but her inability to acknowledge her own issues is not something he can ignore.

Elle is feisty, fun and good at her job.  But she is struggling with her insecurities about not fitting in. Raised by her white father to be colorblind, Elle is very uncomfortable when it comes to dealing with race relations. Working with Quinton makes it difficult for her to continue ignoring her growing awareness of what is happening around her. As their relationship gradually slides into a surprising romance, Elle makes a decision that jeopardizes her future with Quinton.

Snapped is a  thought-provoking romance that deals with true to life issues with sensitivity. Quinton is articulate about his issues and passionate about making positive changes within the football league. Elle initially wants to ensure she keeps her job, but she grows and transforms as she is forced to confront her own biases and reactions to racism.  Elle and Quinton’s relationship is wonderfully flirty, funny and sensual.  Alexa Martin’s latest addition to the Playbook delivers a powerful message that will resonate in today’s world.  I absolutely loved and highly recommend this captivating romance to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Alexa Martin, Berkley, Contemporary, Playbook Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Snapped

April 24, 2019 · 11:58 pm

Review: Fumbled by Alexa Martin

Title: Fumbled by Alexa Martin
Playbook Series Book Two
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 331 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A second chance doesn’t guarantee a touchdown in this new contemporary romance from the author of Intercepted.

Single-mother Poppy Patterson moved across the country when she was sixteen and pregnant to find a new normal. After years of hard work, she’s built a life she loves. It may include a job at a nightclub, weekend soccer games, and more stretch marks than she anticipated, but it’s all hers, and nobody can take that away. Well, except for one person.

T.K. Moore, the starting wide receiver for the Denver Mustangs, dreamt his entire life about being in the NFL. His world is football, parties, and women. Maybe at one point he thought his future would play out with his high school sweetheart by his side, but Poppy is long gone and he’s moved on.

When Poppy and TK cross paths in the most unlikely of places, emotions they’ve suppressed for years come rushing back. But with all the secrets they never told each other lying between them, they’ll need more than a dating playbook to help them navigate their relationship.

Review:

Fumbled by Alexa  Martin is a humorous second chance at love romance. Although this latest release is the second book in the Playbook series, it can easily be read as a standalone.

Poppy Patterson is a hard-working single mother of nine year old Ace. Although she’s not crazy about her job as a waitress in a nightclub, she is a hard worker who is doing what she has to do to support her family.  Poppy has never quite gotten over Ace’s dad, Trevor Kyle “TK” Moore so when he suddenly re-enters her life, she finds herself in a bit of quandary.  Although there is never any question of keeping him from Ace, she is a bit hesitant to tell him about the son he never wanted. Poppy is also uncertain about risking her heart on him again, but will TK convince her to take a chance on him?

Poppy is an incredibly likable character. She is refreshingly honest, upbeat and quite sassy.  Poppy is fiercely protective of Ace but she is also incredibly soft-hearted when it comes to her son. She has every reason to be wary of TK’s sudden reappearance in her life. However, Poppy realizes right away that TK has been “the one” but she is uncertain how he will react to Ace. Due to her past, she finds it difficult to count on anyone but herself. Will Poppy be able to let TK completely into her life and heart?

TK is a fun-loving man who does not take anything or anyone too seriously. He does not do long term relationships but he is fiercely loyal to his friends.  He is absolutely stunned when he meets Poppy again and he immediately sets out to convince her to date him again. However, he is not initially receptive to her news that he has a son. Will TK welcome Ace into his life? TK has never gotten over losing Poppy, but will she be open to starting over with him?

Fumbled is a witty romance that is fast-paced and engrossing. TK and Poppy are wonderful characters who are quite endearing despite their flaws.  Poppy’s concerns about becoming involved with TK are well-founded. When TK’s football career comes between them, will Poppy persuade him to take her fears seriously?

An outstanding romance that old and new fans of Alexa  Martin’s Playbook series are sure to enjoy.

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Filed under Alexa Martin, Berkley, Contemporary, Fumbled, Playbook Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance

September 10, 2018 · 11:57 pm

Review: Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Title: Intercepted by Alexa Martin
Playbook Series Book One
Publisher: Berkley
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 320 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher

Summary:

Marlee thought she scored the man of her dreams only to be scorched by a bad breakup. But there’s a new player on the horizon, and he’s in a league of his own…

Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She’s definitely had enough practice by dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last ten years. But when she discovers he has been tackling other women on the sly, she vows to never date an athlete again. There’s just one problem: Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback and a fling from the past, has Marlee in his sights.

Gavin fights to show Marlee he’s nothing like her ex. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to let her escape her past. The team’s wives, who never led the welcome wagon, are not happy with Marlee’s return. They have only one thing on their minds: taking her down. But when the gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation.

Between their own fumbles and the wicked wives, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin’s relationship to survive the season.

Review:

Intercepted by Alexa Martin is a debut romance that is sassy, hilarious and steamy. This first installment in the Playbook series is a highly entertaining and laugh out loud read that also includes serious undertones.

Marlee Harper’s life has revolved around her football player boyfriend Chris Alexander since the two were teenagers. He calls the shots in their relationship and because she loves him, she puts up with his infidelities and their breakups. However, once she catches him cheating on her yet again, Marlee is finally finished with him. Unfortunately, her very hot, one time fling, newly signed quarterback Gavin Pope, witnesses her somewhat undignified exit. As Marlee settles into single life and  a rewarding career, she and Gavin embark on a sweet but oh so sexy relationship that quickly becomes more serious than she expects. Is there any chance Marlee’s rebound romance with Gavin will last longer than the Mustangs’ football season?

Marlee is an absolute breath of fresh air. Despite staying with Chris long past their relationship’s expiration date, she is a strong, fiercely independent woman who is more than ready to come into her own. She is determined to stand on her own two feet, fight her own battles and make her own decisions. Once she leaves Chris, Marlee wastes no time establishing herself in a new apartment and career. But is Marlee emotionally prepared for Gavin to waltz in and sweep her off her feet and into a new relationship?

Gavin is not the typical arrogant, self-centered jock. He is well-grounded with a supportive and loving family. He has never quite forgotten Marlee and he wastes no time convincing her to go on a date with him.  Gavin is chivalrous and over protective which are wonderful qualities but he sometimes oversteps when he interferes in situations that Marlee would rather handle herself.  Despite his swoon-worthiness, Gavin makes a huge misstep that could cost him the woman he loves.

With a fantastic cast of characters, a sigh-worthy romance and plenty of humor, Intercepted is a captivating romance that is quite endearing. Marlee is sarcastic and snarky but she is also loyal, big-hearted and Oh. Em. Gee. She BEDAZZLES! Can’t help but love a heroine who understands the importance of bling. Gavin is a charming and sexy hero who always has Marlee’s back but he proves to be all too human when he makes a life-altering decision that threatens their future together. The resulting conflict proves to be the catalyst Marlee needs to put herself first and come to terms with the damage from her relationship with Chris. This well-written debt from Alexa Martin is a light, engaging read that fans of contemporary romances will enjoy. I LOVED this novel and  I cannot wait for the next book in the Playbook series.

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Filed under Alexa Martin, Berkley, Contemporary, Intercepted, Playbook Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance