What happens when a boxer finds chemistry with a geek?
Parker Brown can’t believe she needs to hire a fake boyfriend. When she landed her dream job in renewable energy, she thought she’d be entering a world at the forefront of progressive thinking. But the head boss prefers to promote employees who are “settled.” Thankfully, she’s found the perfect candidate, a fellow intellectual looking for … looking for some quick cash. What Parker gets is his protective big brother—Rhys Morgan. The tall, muscled ex-boxer with a foul mouth shows up just as her boss does, and now she’s stuck with the manipulative jerk.
Responsibility weighs heavily on Rhys. Now permanently out of the ring, he’s trying to hold together his late father’s gym and keep his younger brother, Dean, on the straight and narrow. To save Dean from himself, Rhys takes his place, ready to give this society girl a piece of his mind. Instead, he finds an opportunity. Even though they can hardly stand each other, posing as Parker’s boyfriend is a win-win deal. She gets to keep her job, and he’ll charm her star-struck boss into sponsoring his gym.
Problem is, they can barely keep their hands off each other. And what started as an easy deal isn’t so easy anymore. Because what future can a rough ex-boxer, afraid to open his heart, and a polished society geek, who has sworn off real relationships, possibly have?
They say opposites attract. These opposites are about to combust on impact.
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Outmatched is a really fun and sexy opposites attract meets fake romance. Rhys is a former champion boxer who is trying to keep the family owned gym up and running despite financial difficulties. He’s an alpha who is strong, sexy, protective, and still drowning in guilt. Parker is brilliant, ambitious, quirky, and cares about the environment. She may have been raised in wealth, but she’s determined to make it on her own and without her parents connections. In order to keep her job, Parker sets out to hire a fake boyfriend and ends up with the burly and very much irritated Rhys. They banter and challenge each other as they agree to a mutually beneficial arrangement. Only their arrangement begins to feel all too real from run-ins with family, friends, and her boss. Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young created an entertaining, emotional, and heartfelt story that I didn’t want to put down.
5 stars!
Rhys used to be the heavy weight champion of the world but through a series of bad decisions that were out of his control he lost almost everything. He is now the owner of a failing gym, the very gym he grew up in, and he will do anything to bring it back to life. He needs money and when an opportunity for a hefty paycheck comes along, he can’t pass it by even if it may end up driving him crazy.
Pretending to be Parker’s boyfriend may seem like the answers to Rhys’ prayers but Parker isn’t so sure she can go through with it even if it is mutually beneficial. However, when it’s clear that he is the only way to securing her job, she can’t pull out of the deal.
This book is fantastic and has the perfect blend of humor, heat, and heart. It is such a feel good story with all the entertainment it provides and emotion is elicits, and I loved being invested in two wonderful characters.
“Love doesn’t make sense…Falling for someone isn’t about logic. It’s chemistry.”
First impressions have never been so wrong when it comes to Rhys and Parker. Parker comes across as a dainty delicate flower but she has a backbone of steel. She’s not the spoiled princess Rhys assumes she is. She is dedicated to her job and works hard to do her best. She doesn’t like swearing and is into the nerdy guys. Guys who are the opposite of everything Rhys is. Or so she thought.
Rhys is not the jerk Parker sees when she first meets him. He’s a gentleman and has a heart of gold. He puts his family first and works so hard to make things right. He is genuine, real, and such a great guy.
Their fake relationship is all kinds of fun and I loved feeling this slow burn romance develop. Initially, they get on each other’s nerves but there is something that makes them addicted to their back and forth banter. It is hilarious as the harsh insults morph into lighthearted fun and every exchange put a huge smile on my face.
“RhysThis: Don’t have to tell me who you are. Your number is programmed on my phone. What do you want?
AngryTink: Well, good morning to you too, Happy Pants…
RhysThis: That’s Mr. Happy Pants. Though, TBH, my pants aren’t too happy at the moment. Want to help me out with that?
AngryTink: Tempting. Truly. But, no.
RhysThis: RU sure? ‘Cuz Happy Pants Rhys is much more agreeable than Sad That He Had to Self-Satisfy Rhys.
AngryTink: Would you please behave?
RhysThis: I’m not the one who mentioned the emotional state of my pants…
AngryTink: ARGH@!!
RhysThis: You’re kind of cute when you talk pirate.”
Rhys and Parker couldn’t be more different but there’s no denying the amazing chemistry between them. They fight the attraction but it’s only a matter of time before the sexual tension that has skyrocketed since they signed their deal combusts and sets them on fire. Add in the intense feelings that develop and these two couldn’t be better for each other.
“In that moment, I’d felt seen. I’d felt understood. I’d never had that from anyone. That a whip-smart, small but mighty woman like Parker saw something worthy in me was a gift I didn’t know I needed until she gave it to me. A gift like that made a man crave more.”
Overall, Outmatched is a delightful rom com that is easy to love with its addictive slow burn romance, captivating plot, and absolutely wonderful characters. It’s a new 2019 fave written by two amazing authors I already love, and I hope they continue to write together because I am hooked on the them as a duo too!
5 ‘Tinker Bell’ Stars!
ARC provided via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
I knew it, I just knew it. These two authors together.. PURE MAGIC! As soon as Kristen and Samantha announced this book collaboration, I just knew it would work perfectly. I love these two authors and their work together in Outmatched did not disappoint. I had no doubts about that even before starting the book!
Outmatched is a standalone sports romance / fake boyfriend romance. It’s a love story between two opposite people, coming from two very different worlds but just happen to work together perfectly as fake / real couple. Parker Brown is a wealthy, smart and nerdy woman who wants (and deserves) a promotion. To get that, she needs to look like a settled person. What better way than to find a fake boyfriend? Enter Rhys Morgan. Rhys is a retired boxer who owns his father’s gym and wants to save it before losing it. He is willing to be Parker’s boyfriend for that. But nobody, especially these tow, expected chemistry and love getting in the mix.
“Anyone ever tell you you’re cracked in the head?”
“Yes,” I huffed. “You. This evening. Before you hijacked my life.”
“Saved your ass, you mean.”
That is what I call an outstanding and smart romance! Kristen and Samantha’s writing just clicked together and that turned out to be exactly what I expected. A romance full of banter, sexual tension, chemistry and emotions. I loved the MCs so much. Parker is extremely bright and I love a sharp and sassy heroine. She blossoms even more after meeting Rhys and it was amazing. And, of course, who does not love a swoony, hot AF, gentle giant? I loved Rhys to pieces, his protective nature and how he is even stronger after falling for Parker.
“Why is it so much…more when we’re alone?”
“Because it feels real.”
This whole book was just excellent. The writing, the characters, the banter, the tension, the sex, the emotions. I loved everything! Rhys and Parker’s relationship developed so wonderfully and I loved them together. I loved the secondary characters too and the storyline as a whole. I loved seeing these characters grow together and seeing them fall hard for each other. Opposites attract, that is SO true and so incredible to read!
You are the only purely good and clean thing in my life that’s just for me.
Therefore, I am rating Outmatched with 5 STARS because it was an amazing read from start to finish. As I said, I had no doubts this collaboration would work and I really hope more is coming because I loved this novel and this crew of characters. Congrats to Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young for killing it and make us fall in love with Parker and Rhys’ love story. Highly, highly recommend reading this!
This is such a great book! Parker and Rhys are so different and at the same time he is the one who she needs in the time of need. Even though they are in a fake relationship for the sake of Parker’s job, it is unfortunately real how the corporate world is sexist with women and treat us as second grade. I love how Rhys despite needing money for his gym realizes that Parker is more than a source of money and decides to do the right thing.
This is the first collaboration between Kristen Callihan and Samathan Young, two wonderful authors that have written great books about this generation that is facing so many conflicts and how to put yourself in the world.
I loved the book and you will love it too!
5 terrific stars! This story from 2 of my favourite authors absolutely blew me away. From the very first page I was hooked! I could not put it down.
Parker and Rhys’ story was so special. Their connection, their chemistry, the feels… it has it all.
Parker is in the job of her dreams; but the big boss is a bit of a chauvinist and only wants commuted people white children, married or in long term relationships working for him. So in order to keep her job Parker requires a long term partner… even if it is a fake one!
When Parker meets the guy she’s made the arrangement with; what she doesn’t see coming is Rhys!
Rhys, ex professional boxer who is struggling. He’s got the weight of the world in his shoulders, financially, personally and of course the reason why he gave up boxing in the first place.
Just trust me when I say this story was everything you want from a romance! And absolutely fantastically perfect romance…
I love opposites attract romances since they seem to always have the right amount of steam and conflict for this reader. Outmatched outdoes itself with the career-focused woman and her ex-boxer fake boyfriend. There’s great banter between them, along with an explosion of chemistry that had me smiling to the very end.
Parker is perfection as the nerdy, society woman and Rhys thinks he knows how to play it with Parker, but they are both in for some surprises as their pretend relationship advances. Together they light up the page and had me captured to the final pages.There’s a lot of passion in this steamy sweet romance to like.
I’ve read both of these authors in the past and I’m a big fan of collaborative writing and Samantha Young and Kristen Callihan hit the mark together with Outmatched. Loved it!
This wasn’t exactly what I was expecting but it was oh so much better!
Outmatched was written by authors Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young. Having been a longtime fan of Kristen Callihan, I was looking forward to this one. And it was just delightful.
Outmatched is a romantic pairing of necessity that morphs into something stronger and more permanent. Parker Brown is a nerdy environmentalist who is working to achieve a more permanent position with her current employer. And in order to appear more valuable and worthy of the offer, decides to hire a date to pose as her long term boyfriend.
Rhys Morgan is a former boxing champion who is now the head of his household and parent figure to his younger brother. He also finds himself in a financial bind with the family business. Rhys steps into the position of Parker’s boyfriend as a way to earn some extra money and perhaps find a sponsor for his family gym business. What he doesn’t realize with this new endeavor is that he will be forced to deal with some of his demons and that he’s met his match with Parker.
Both characters are highly relatable and their storyline is fun. The situation that both are presented with could easily happen in reality. Plus the not so nice, egotistical boss is just a jerk and not a very likable guy – as he shouldn’t be.
Outmatched is a lot of fun and worthy of your time to check it out.
Outmatched was everything I’d hoped it would be and more. I absolutely loved Parker and Rhys. They have amazing chemistry between them. I loved their banter. It was such a sweet opposites attract romance. What a great book.
4-4.5 STARS!
I love the fake relationship troupe and this writing duo knocked it out of the park. I love their words individually but combined they are a force to be reckoned with.
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend to appease her boss that she is in a serious committed relationship.
Enter Rhys Morgan… the ex-boxer with a dirty mouth who has come in place of his brother.
What they dont expect is something more than just irritation and contempt for one another… that chemistry that is palpable from the start, the need and want to protect the other from the hurt, insecurities and doubts, and when it comes to matters of the heart, the feeling that they have never felt so invested in someone else before (or in the case of Parker, after so many years to finally find that spark again).
I loved their interactions, his nickname for her, their different POVs so you could see what the other was thinking and just feel MORE. I hated seeing the inequality that is so present in life today between men and women and Parker’s awful boss and his scheming. Above all, I loved their protective feelings toward one another… the care and that something special that only two hearts could recognize when they find their other half.
This writing duo was so much fun to read together and I hope we get more from them in the future.
When authors decide to write a book together, regardless of whether they’ve proven to be bestselling writers or not, there’s never a guarantee that it’s going to click the same way their solo efforts have. Maybe that’s pessimistic of me, but experience has taught me this, so naturally, with my excitement over Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young penning a rom-com comes a bit of trepidation. Fortunately Callihan and Young surpassed any and all expectations, coming up with an honest-to-goodness hilarious and heartfelt story about opposites who find common ground and, of course, love and how what starts out as fake becomes very real. The whole enemies-to-lovers vibe was present, so that delicious tension thrummed between Rhys and Parker, making the anticipation palpable. There’s an ease in reading this novel, and even with my familiarity with the writing of both Callihan and Young, I couldn’t distinguish who wrote what, which is yet another reason why this was such a standout read, as well as one of the standouts in a crowded field of new releases this week. I’m awarding Outmatched five-plus stars.
Outmatched was a great read,I was engrossed and entertained from start to end.
I’ve read a few stories with the fake relationship trope and I still have enjoyed this one so so much.
I loved these characters,their banters are really funny and the chemestry between them is sparkling. I wished for their happiness throughout the book.
Parker and Rhys couldn’t be more different.She came from a rich family,she is really invested in the safeguard of the environment and she works for a company that deals with the development of alternative renewable energy.He is a former boxer extraordinaire who now runs the family’s gym that has financial troubles.
When Parker risks to lose her dream job she is obliged to hire a fake boyfriend but when the fate puts Rhys in her life she isn’t too convinced that her plan will work…I stop here with my review, you have to buy it to figure out the rest but I’m sure you won’t regret it.
I hope this is only the start of a beautiful collaboration between Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young because I really would like to read more about the supporting characters.
A fun, low angst when opposites attract storyline
I loved the flirty banter between Rhys and Parker and their chemistry is a slow yet sizzling burn. Hooked from beginning to end. Definitely worth the read.
4.25 stars. This book was really good! Outmatched is Rhys and Parker’s book. Rhys is the owner of a struggling boxing gym and a retired professional boxing champion. Parker is trying to make her way in the environmental business industry. She has a chauvinist jerk for a boss, who frowns upon single employees and wants them to be family focused. So she finds someone on a dating app to be her fake boyfriend for business functions, for pay. In a comedy of errors, Rhys ends up taking the job. As the two spend time together, their fake relationship turns into very real feelings of love.
I really liked Rhys and Parker. Their relationship was a great, slow burn romance. It was a reluctant fake relationship of convenience and opposites attract with a dash of enemies to lovers. The two were not an obvious match at first. Parker’s family was more well off and she is tiny, but smart and driven. Rhys is a tougher guy. His father died leaving him in massive debt and wondering if he will lose his business. They are from opposite sides of the track. But together, the two were sweet, sexy, and had fun banter and great chemistry.
Overall, I really enjoyed Outmatched! Rhys and Parker’s relationship development was a lot of fun to see. I think Ms. Callihan and Ms. Young make a great team and I look forward to more from them both in the future!
*4.5 stars*
What a sweet story between a nerdy, quirky girl and a rough, weary boxer! Parker has taken her dream job, and wants to stay in her position, but her boss is old fashioned and prefers someone who is in a relationship. So, she hires a fellow nerd to pose as her boyfriend. To her surprise, his older brother, Rhys, shows up instead. As it turns out, her boss is a huge fan of ex-boxer, Rhys, so he ends up pretending to be her fake boyfriend. Rhys and Parker are complete opposites yet sparks fly and things aren’t so fake anymore. They were great, unique characters. With two incredible authors at the helm, the book was well written, paced perfectly, and was an absolute joy to read! There is very little angst and drama here. It’s lighthearted, sweet and fun and I would highly recommend this!
*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow, I absolutely loved this book! Parker and Rhys are the perfect combination that pulls you in and can’t get enough of them. Parker and Rhys meet and immediately you feel the tension between these two. They come to terms with their situation and agree to a deal that benefits them both, but what happens when lines get crossed and feelings start to evolve? This story is fun, flirty, emotional, and filled with some steamy moments. You won’t help but fall for these two and see what happens between Parker and Rhys. Definitely read this fantastic book!
I’m a huge fan of Samantha Young, and Kristen was on my TBR List, so was really excited with the blurb.
And let me tell you, those two work amazingly well together!
Humor, passion and drama, it was wonderful tor read
Parker and Rhys are so different, from opposite backgrounds, but at the same time, they are so perfect for each other!
I really, really enjoyed this book, especially after several angsty reads.
Perfect timing, perfect writing, perfect chemistry!
Go grab it!
***ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review***
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„Falling for someone isn’t about logic. It’s chemistry.”
As soon as I saw which authors collaborated, I knew that the effect would be epic. I love the books of both Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young, so the level of my excitement was very high and the authors met all of my expectations. Outmatched is a wonderful story, full of smile, cuteness and delight, but also a little bit emotional. I swooned so hard over Parker and Rhys. This book is a beautiful enemies to lovers/fake relantionship story and the proof that opposites attract.
I assure you, you’ll fall in love with Rhys and Parker. These two met in quite unexpected circumstances and this meeting resulted in an arrangement where they formed a fake relationship that was supposed to help them both. And what started out as a simple deal and endless banter, quickly evolved into the most beautiful and heart-warming romance ever. Even though the characters couldn’t be more different, they gave each other exactly what they needed and that’s what made them so special and wonderful. She calmed him and he helped her gain confidence and made her become more open.
Rhys *insert heart-eyes* This dirty-talking ex- boxer is so sexy, caring and loyal. His protectiveness has no limits, he’s supportive and understanding and if there was a perfect book-boyfriend contest, Rhys Morgan would get first place.
Parker is a nerd. She’s very intelligent, quirky and sweet, but also feisty and adorable. Some would say that she’s a little bit uptight and insecure, but Rhys challenged her and brought out the best in her.
I loved their interactions, their protectiveness and support toward each other, their banter and their sizzling chemistry. Watching their relationship unfold was so wonderful that I felt my stomach flutter.
Outmatched is funny, adorable and steamy read. It also has an emotional depth, that shows how important is to let go of the past and fight for your dreams. Callihan/Young created a charming and captivating story that will made you smile and believe in happily ever after. I very much hope that the authors will resume their collaboration and they’ll give us more of their beautiful words!
Lovely! Want to read it again immediately! This book has so much warmth to it with Parker and Rhys a totally engaging central couple and a story which has satisfying and interesting content and secondary characters. This duo of talented authors have created a story which flows so well and add in a bloated plutocrat, we also have someone we can wish to throw things at!
My enjoyment of this book was enhanced by not just the will they/won’t they, fall in love, but also the banter between all the characters. It is funny and witty. One of my favourites is from a texting conversation between Parker and Rhys at the beginning of their relationship, with Parker telling Rhys that “a goat on a rope would be a better candidate at this point.” Love it! Oh, and ‘festering miscreant’ is now included in my list of insults.
Okay, I doubt my love for Rhys and Parker will be Outmatched any time soon!
But in all seriousness, I absolutely loved Parker and her geeky, awkwardness along side her fierce “Protect Mother Earth” devotion. And most especially in her tot-to-toe battle of wits and snarky banter with Rhys.
And Rhys. Dear god, the man had me panting from the start due to his wicked protective nature when it came to his family and the hilarious meet-cute with Parker.
Sparks flew between them from their first meeting and those sparks quickly developed into a raging fire of lust and love. Their romance started a bit shakily, but developed into a deep, emotional, sexy, romantic connection.
I absolutely loved everything about Outmatched. How Parker and Rhys drew out the best in each other—that they truly understood each other and what drove them to succeed and love. And I truly hope there will be many more books with this cast of characters!
This book exceeded all expectations for me. I mean it was GLORIOUS! I’ve read a lot of Samantha Young’s work, but Kristen Callihan was a new-to-me author and I have just downloaded her entire Game On and VIP series to date because OMG WHAT DID I JUST READ!?
Rhys and Parker had chemistry on all fronts! Their banter was exhilarating, and their romance was burning hot! This enemies to lovers story had sparks to spare, I tell ya! Everything about the story had spark LOL You will glued to your kindle or paperback (lol) from the moment you begin! SO MUCH FUN! GAH, I hope we get a lot more from this world these two authors have created!