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.
