Who says romance has gone to the dogs? Richmond Rogues’ left-fielder Joe “Zoo” Zooker has his own ritual for the start of spring training—a weekend of pure pleasure, including as many pretty faces and curvaceous bodies as he can charm into his bed. After that, he’s all about baseball, especially with hungry minor leaguers eager for their own shot at the majors, just waiting for him to strike … majors, just waiting for him to strike out. But when a beautiful woman with a smart mouth brushes off his flirting, he’s determined to go to bat as often as it takes to win a smile aimed only at him.
Stevie may be new to the beach town of Barefoot William, but she’s seen plenty of charmers like hot and hunky Zoo before. Managing her aunt’s doggie daycare business, she’s up to her ears in rowdy puppies—and she doesn’t need a lifelong hound like Zoo breaking her heart. Still, there’s no denying the attraction between them, and as spring training heats up, lust suddenly begins to look a lot like love . . .
Praise for Kate Angell and her novels
“Grab a beach chair, sunscreen, and a Kate Angell book for a great summer read!”
—Roxanne St. Claire, New York Times bestselling author
“Fast-paced. Fun characters.”
—Lori Foster, New York Times bestselling author
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Fun, funny and filled with charm – what a treat this book and series truly is!
Joe “Zoo” Zooker is a hound….self-proclaimed player who enjoys women and even has his own groupies known as his posse. He never promises women more than pleasure and a good time should they take his offer to join him in bed and he is perfectly content with his life just as it is. When he’s scouting out his next night’s woman while walking on the boardwalk he notices Stevie Reynolds trying on something being sold at a bridal fair and makes a comment on the boardwalk during a bridal fair he makes a comment about something she has just tried on. Her response is not what he expected…not at all. One thing leads to another…sort of. Stevie is drawn but does not succumb easily – for more than one reason. Joe is trying to figure out why his charm doesn’t seem to work on Stevie and why he is drawn to her in spite of her stand-offish prickly behavior. Joe is more than the “hound” he seems to be and Stevie is less prickly than she first appears. Add in some great baseball, a variety of friendships and romances (human and canine), superheroes, doggy daycare, a bridal shoot…and more… and you end up with this very entertaining delightful addition to the Barefoot William Beach series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.
I loved, loved, loved Stevie and Joe in No Time to Explain by Kate Angell. This is a wonderful book that brings the reader once again back to Barefoot William. Stevie is in Barefoot William to help her injured aunt run her doggy day care. Joe, “Zoo”, Zooker, left fielder for the Richmond Rogues, is ready for spring training but has to deal with a minor leaguer vying for Joe’s spot. From their first meeting at a bridal event, which is hysterical, until the end, Stevie is unsure how to react to Joe’s comments and attention. Zoo actually is no longer into his womanizing and partying ways once he meets Stevie. There’s a secret that could affect the outcome of the relationship between Stevie and Zoo.
I also loved the appearances of some of my favorite Rogues, those still single and those married. The family the Rogue players create is amazing and tight. Also the appearance of front office and first generation Rogues, Risk Kincaid, Psycho McMillan and Kason Rhode who play a part in the outcome of the left fielder rivalry and revealing Stevie’s secret. There is a secondary romance between Zoo’s dog Turbo and his rival’s dog Etta, which just adds to the fun and games within the story.
I totally loved reading this book and really had trouble putting this book down. Kate Angell is a wonderful story teller and it was very difficult to put this book down. She wrote a fun and entertaining story that drew me in and not letting go until I turned the last page. I really want to retire in Barefoot William or at least winter there. This book should definitely be on everyone’s reading list. I highly recommend this book to other readers and cannot wait for the next Barefoot William/ Rogue story by Kate Angell.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.