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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***5 ‘Innocence and Sin’ Stars***
I absolutely adored this baby!
Adored.
It gave me all the things I love when it comes to romance and I’m really, really, REALLY hoping that there will be more coming from this world because it is filled with some pretty amazing characters I NEED to know more about.
First: I need to get this out now. I LOVE the names Parker and Rhys. Parker because of Leverage (amazing TV show that should not have been cancelled) and Rhys is just one of those names that’s on my fav’s list. So. Awesome choices!
As for Parker and Rhys. I freakin’ ADORED them. Parker is a mix of awkward and fierce. She is sweet and sassy and though she definitely owns who she is, she has a few things to work on and I loved watching her evolve. Rhys. He’s all kinds of alpha protector with a marshmallow heart. The man is simply book boyfriend material.
Their journey to their HEA was a lot of fun. Things definitely do not start off on the best foot, but it was a lot of fun watching as they worked things out between them and began to actually see who the other was and find that, despite their differences, actually fit quite well together. The bantering was on point, the smexy was HAWT and I loved how they ended up being each others biggest champions and safe place to land. While there is a bit of angst, it wasn’t anything OTT and I loved the way everything worked out for them.
This was a great read. The writing was engaging and seamless, the pacing good and I really enjoyed the dual first person POV’s. There are a couple of heavy issues that are woven into the story, but they are done well and necessary to the growth of both Parker and Rhys individually and as a couple. And as for the supporting cast of characters. I loved Zoe, Dean,Carlos and Easton and there are a few more that didn’t have as much page time, but caught my interest, so I’m crossing my toes that we will get more books from this world in the future!
~ Copy provided by Social Butterfly PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
Outmatched is an amazing read. I love what Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young bring to this one. Parker is sweet and yet you get this sense that she is never quite seen as she should be. Rhys he is strong and is trying to do anything to save his gym. I love how opposite Parker and Rhys are. They have this wonderful slow burn chemistry that is so hot. I love how they help each other to get what they need. They are just simply wonderful together once they give into their chemistry. This book is so good that I don’t want to give anything away. I couldn’t put this one down. I’m so in love with Rhys and Parker.
4.25 stars–OUTMATCHED co-authored by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young is a stand alone, contemporary, romance story line focusing on thirty year old, PhD graduate Parker Brown, and thirty-four year old, former boxing champion Rhys Morgan.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Rhys and Parker) OUTMATCHED follows the fake boyfriend / girlfriend relationship between thirty year old, PhD graduate Parker Brown, and thirty-four year old, former boxing champion Rhys Morgan. Parker Brown needs a ‘significant other’ in order to land her dream job working for a company whose employees have proven their commitment in their personal life. Believing she found a match in Dean Morgan, Parker will have to face off with his older brother Rhys, a former championship boxer, and the man with whom Parker will fall in love. What ensues is the building relationship between Rhys and Parker and the potential fall-out when Rhys is forced to return to the ring, one more time.
Parker Brown finds herself caught between a rock and the proverbial hard place when her boss takes more interest in Rhys Morgan than his own employee but Rhys wants nothing to do with sucking up to Parker’s boss, a man who is about to take control without letting go. Forced to enter the ring one final time Rhys struggles with what was and what will never be including the loss of a friend to the sport he once loved.
The relationship between Parker and Rhys begins as a business arrangement that quickly turns into something more. Parker Brown doesn’t do relationships having lost someone she loved years before but meeting Rhys Morgan finds our heroine falling for a man who believes he is not worthy of love. The $ex scenes are passionate and intense without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Rhys’ brother Dean, and gym trainer Carlos; Parker’s roommate Zoe; Parker’s boss Jackson Sanchez, and company CEO Franklin Fairchild; Parker’s parents Charles and Marion Brown, as well as her sister Easton.
OUTMATCHED is a story of family, struggle, power and control; a story of desperation and love; of romance and happily ever after. The premise is engaging , entertaining and inviting: the characters are colorful, energetic and feisty; the romance is flirty, animated and captivating.
Outmatched was such a pleasure to read. It had all the making of a great slow burn romance, with it’s sassy upper class heroine that falls for a rough around the edges ex boxer, to it’s great background plot, it kept me captivated throughout as they began to fall in love. Parker and Rhys had such great chemistry, I loved the banter that they shared and the heat that quickly builds between them, turns this story into one sexy and hot affair.
I really enjoyed this collaboration between these two amazingly talented authors. The writing was very good and it flowed so well. It kept me wanting to keep reading as they characters were so engaging, it was such a really quirky and funny romance story that it was hard to put down and not read it all in one go. Wonderfully romantic storytelling at its best!
What an addictive read. It’s romcom with wit, charm, and lovely chemistry.
One of the things I find irresistible is the contrast between a strong, troubled alpha male and a spirited, delicate and smart woman. This couple is awesome! They clash like fire and ice, yet deep down they give each other something unique and so needed.
For instance, he is this rough ex-boxer with money problems, a wayward younger brother and a gym in disgrace. He doesn’t trust rich women or date tiny beauties with a big grain. However, he starts to find exactly that kind of woman adorable and a balm to his spirit as they spend more time together. And what a time! I loved the premise, and the meet-cute is phenomenal. She wants to hire the perfect boyfriend to help her in her misogynistic work environment. Care to guess who shows up to tell her off? This big guy may have some harsh manners but his cocky appeal wins her day and ignites all her hormones.
Such wonderful dialogues. They are full of banter and lively energy. The dynamics between Parker and Rhys are both challenging and sweet. They go on these dates to deceive her boss which turn out to be hilarious, engaging and oh so enchanting. What about the kisses?! The first one manages to be magical and then a huge explosion of heat. Wow.
I found all the activities they did together very charming and entertaining, for example when they do a sport outing that ends up being an incredible adventure. They are dreamy together when their attraction mixes with the fake goals and the real goals.
I enjoyed the character developement. He faces guilt and remorse in some pretty emotional ways, and she learns to trust love again after a sorrowful past. The transition from playful dislike to really knowing each other and having feelings is wonderful, so when they reach that climax of strong feelings and confronting misunderstandings it is a powerfull moment. The tormented boxer and the prim lady have to confront a few problems including a sleazy nemesis and deep emotional fears. The result is both intense and beautiful. The happily ever after of this couple is a total knock – out.
Sensual, funny and real. I loved this couple’s journey and the witty writing style.
AHHH!! Outmatched was AMAZING!!! I need to catch my breath because I loved it so much. This book you guys!! THIS BOOK IS WHY I BLOG . It was the perfect combination of smirks and swoons and giggles with a sassy af heroine and a broody alpha hero with a heart of gold. I DIED for this story! Callihan and Young knocked it out of the park!
When being a single woman in a male-dominated company may hurt Parker Brown’s chances for career advancement, she is forced to hire a man to pose as her boyfriend. But she has no idea what’s hit her when Rhys Morgan, (a broody, moody, intense retired boxer) shows up to take the position. GAHHHH!! Rhys was every-damn-thing under the sun! He was protective and vulnerable with a hard exterior. Loyal and loving to his friends and family doing what he could to help his late father’s failing business. He was so delicious. I loved his connection with Parker. They were opposites to a T but their intense attraction, once lit, was an inferno of epic proportions. I loved how he brought Parker out of her shell and was the perfect combination of tender and tough in a delicious package.
Overall, this story was sexy, emotional and funny. Callihan and Young, separately are both favorite authors of mine, but together they are on another level! Outmatched was PERFECTION! 5 stars! ~Ratula
Si vous lisez en VO et si vous avez envie de découvrir une douce comédie romantique où une geek pro de l’environnement va affronter en combat inégal un ancien champion de boxe, alors cette romance est faite pour vous . J’ai passé un super moment en compagnie de ces deux héros qui sauront ravir nos coeurs.
Parker Brown est une jeune femme de 30 ans qui est au sommet de sa carrière mais qui doit encore lutter pour se faire une place dans un monde professionnel dominé par les hommes. Si son chef Jackson est assez sympathique et qu’il ne regrette absolument pas de l’avoir engagé, son supérieur hiérarchique est une autre père de manches. En effet, Fairchild ne conçoit pas de promouvoir des collaborateurs qui ne soient pas en couple et c’est là que ça va coincer pour notre héroïne qui est une célibataire endurcie. Elle se met donc en tête de mentir à ce dernier en se payant les services d’un faux petit ami . Mais ce qui devait être une mission simple lorsqu’elle avait choisi d’engager Dean va se corser quand elle devra faire affaire avec son frère aîné qui n’a pas sa langue dans sa poche.
J’ai aimé les scènes où on découvre notre héroïne en charmante compagnie car il est évident qu’elle est troublée par le charisme que Rhys dégage et elle ne peut pas concevoir que les autres puissent croire en son manège d’autant plus qu’elle n’est pas le genre de femme que le boxeur fréquente. De plus Fairchild est plus qu’en admiration devant Rhys qui devra se contenir face à certaines paroles mais surtout face à des comportements de plus en plus détestables. Malgré ce qu’elle pouvait croire l’alchimie est bien présente et elle devra faire attention à ne pas confondre fiction et réalité car si l’entente est plus que cordiale , elle est surtout orchestrée par le salaire qu’elle va lui payer. J’ai aimé le personnage de Parker car elle saura évoluer au fur et à mesure des pages et des scènes. Elle va devoir sortir de sa zone de confort pour mener un combat qui sera loin de la mettre à l’aise. Son avenir vaut il tous les sacrifices?
Rhys Morgan est donc un ancien champion de boxe de 24 ans qui a vécu de belles expériences mais qui a aussi vécu des drames personnels. S’il ne veut pas que Dean, son plus jeune frère , sache tous les sacrifices qu’il a fait pour lui et son avenir, il va devoir se la jouer stratège. On sent dès le début un caractère fort mais très protecteur chez notre héros. Malgré les enjeux et le poids qu’il supporte sur les épaules , il sera prêt à tout pour mener à bien la mission qu’il s’est donné. Il n’est pas désagréable mais il sait aussi tenir une bonne discussion. Il devra lutter contre ses démons pour aller jusqu’au bout mais il se pourrait bien qu’il trouve en notre héroïne une personnage de confiance avec qui il peut parler à coeur ouvert. J’ai aimé les mini tensions qu’on sent entre nos deux protagonistes car nous allons nous rendre compte de ce qu’ils leur arrivent avant qu’eux même n’en aient conscience. A l’aise en société, il ne veut plus croire en l’amour et il va jouer son rôle à la perfection . Mais ne se pourrait il pas que la jeune femme fasse sauter ses barrières les unes après les autres?
Bref, j’ai passé un bon moment de lecture avec ce roman écrit à quatre mains. Samantha Young et Kristen Callihan s’unissent pour nous offrir une douce comédie romantique comme je les aime avec de belles émotions, des joutes verbales, des scènes qui vous donnent le sourire et des héros auxquels on va s’attacher.
I’m a huge Samantha Young fan! So when she peppers her readers that she has a collaborative book in the works with another author, you are intrigued. Now I’ve read many books that have had two authors collaborate on the work, many of them you can tell when one of the authors stopped and the other began, which is not a great outcome, so I was a bit apprehensive on how this was going to turn out. I’m here to say that I’ve never enjoyed a book more. Samantha Young is incredible, one of my favorites, but it appears that Kristen Callahan can hold her own with writing a story alongside Samantha. It was truly seamless, Rhys and Parker became this amazing couple that were pretty darn funny, sassy, chemistry that jumps off the page at you, and a tender heartbreaking story behind it all in one neat little package. I’m not a huge boxing fan, but the way this book was written kept my interest page after page. Very well written and very worth the read, and I would definitely look forward to other books by these two author’s together. Great team work!
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
5 Stars!
Parker Brown is a single woman living in Boston who comes from a well known, wealthy family. Her career has become her entire focus, and she loves her job working in renewable energy as a data analyst. She’s determined to move up in the company, and wants to score a permanent contract. The only problem is the top boss has an old fashioned way of thinking, and prefers his employees to be “settled.” Since Parker hasn’t found that special someone yet, she looks to hire someone to be her date to work functions. She’s found the perfect guy. He’s an intellectual like herself and they should have plenty in common. Instead she gets his older, overprotective big brother Rhys.
Rhys Morgan is an ex-professional boxing champion who is known as the best of his generation. He’s now retired from boxing, and running his family’s boxing gym. The only issue is his finances are in trouble, and he needs money to pay off his mountains of debt. He has a lot of responsibilities that have fallen on his shoulders, but his top priority would always be his younger brother Dean. When he finds out about his deal with Parker, he decides to give this society girl a piece of his mind. There was no way he was going to let this privileged princess get anywhere near his brother. Then he realizes when her rich boss shows up that this may be the opportunity he’s been needing. If he could find a sponsor for his gym, then all his problems would be solved.
Rhys ultimately decides he could be arm candy for the right price. So what if they couldn’t stand each other. He would pretend to be her boyfriend, and things between them would be strictly business. He never thought he would find anything about her appealing. He could admit the quirky, polished environmentalist was beautiful, but they came from very different backgrounds, and had nothing in common.
Parker was furious that Rhys basically hijacked here life. She’d made a deal with the devil, and now had to spend too much time with the broody jerk who was full of attitude. Where his brother looked more pretty boy, Rhys was rugged and more rough around the edges. He was extremely hot, but totally not her type. She liked her men more refined, and less bad boy, but as they get to know one another better she realizes she’s developed a huge crush on her fake boyfriend. He was intoxicating, and their unexpected connection blindsided her. Their pretend relationship starts to feel very real all of the sudden. Will they explore the chemistry between them, or will they decide they are too different to ever fit into each others worlds?
Outmatched by Kristen Callihan and Samantha Young is a fabulous enemies to lovers romance where opposites attract and fall hard for one another. I loved this book so much!!! It was an easy five stars for me. This writing duo is golden together, and I hope they collaborate again. I couldn’t get enough of Rhys and his huge heart and gentle soul. He was completely dreamy! I would be thrilled if we could get more books in this world. I would love a story for Carlos or Dean!
When Parker Brown gets her dream job she thought she was lucky but there’s a big catch. She needs a boyfriend!! Now she is stuck hiring a fake boyfriend & that’s how she gets mixed up with ex boxer Rhys Morgan. Rys needs a little help before his gym goes under financially. When he decides to fill in for his little brother on a ridiculous idea, Rys ends up face to face with Parker & an offer he can’t say no to. Can these two keep it to a professional deal or will they end up liking each other in real life too? Rys and Parker have the perfect chemistry and I truly enjoyed their back and forth banter. A cute, sweet, funny, romantic story that everyone will enjoy. Told in dual POV
This book was perfect, enemies to lovers, fake boyfriend and sport romance all mixed into one great story. Dean and Carlos story was brilliant, I was so engaged since page one and I didn’t want it to end, it had it all steamy, emotional, funny, I love both authors but together I think they set one new bar for them and I can’t wait for more.
OMG I LOVED THIS ONE! Rhys and Parker are the perfect fake relationship opposites attract! I loved the conversations between these two! Seriously Kristen and Samantha wrote very seamlessly that they both sounded the same and I can’t tell who wrote who or what. The imagery was so vivid and the beginning really hooked me in. I love that Rhys was a retired boxer and Parker is a data analyst. The story just flowed very well and it was such a page-turner!
I wonder if Dean (Rhys’ brother) is going to get his story!
I received this book at my request and have voluntarily left this unbiased review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Parker Brown was trying to impress her boss to obtain a permanent position with her dream job and she thought hiring a fake boyfriend was the answer. Rhy Morgan was not what she was expecting but he was definitely the answer!
4.5+ stars
This is such a fun premise and these two authors make magic together.
Parker Brown needs a fake boyfriend…fast. What could go wrong with an online ad? She lined up a perfectly acceptable handsome nerd to help her represent herself as stable and settled to her head boss and keep her job in renewable energy. But she never anticipated that his big (and I do mean big) brother would crash their date and end up having to act as her boyfriend. He is everything she would not have picked out for herself. Burly, athletic, unrefined, dirty-mouthed, and a bit intimidating. But he also shows himself to be smart and funny and at least her boss is impressed.
Rhys Morgan is an ex-heavyweight champion fighting new battles. He is trying to revive his family’s struggling gym, get them out of debt, and keep his younger brother in check. He was only going to give Parker a piece of his mind for trying to use his brother, but he found himself thrown into a situation he never expected. But it is mutually beneficial if he sticks around
Parker is the opposite of his type. She is tiny, intelligent, driven, and a bit prim and proper. She grew up wealthy, but is independent and just trying to gain a permanent placement in her dream job. School and work have been her primary focus, and she has not felt ready to explore a relationship in a long time. She does not trust or give of herself easily.
Opposites-attract, tempers are flaring, sparks are flying, but a mutual appreciation begins to develop. These two have fun and witty banter, sexual tension, and amazing chemistry. But it is a complicated situation due to communication and so many obstacles and variables involved between her business and his. Is it fake? Is it real? Is it just about what the other needs out of the situation?
This is a feisty, sexy, witty, and emotional opposites-attract sports romance. I enjoyed the side characters including his brother, Dean, his friend, Carlos, and her friend, Zoe and her sister, Easton. I hope we see them back in future books from this duo. I liked how the plot had so many moving pieces and variables that needed to be figured out and a couple of creepy antagonists.
I just loved these two together. He is a rough-around-the-edges, protective alpha with such a big heart. And she is cute, quirky, and has some insecurities, but is also stubborn and strong. I enjoyed seeing them challenge the other, and also show their vulnerability and let the other see the real them. This book just hit all my buttons and I did not want to put it down.
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review
Oh my goodness! This book is so much fun!!!! Some of the best banter I’ve read. I laughed and smiled so much throughout this story. From the moment I started, I could not put this book down. I was addicted.
This story is the perfect blend of humor and deep emotions.
Rhys, Woah! He’s become one of my favorite characters! Sexy and intelligent with just the right amount of cockiness, sincere, and loyal. He’s the total package! And Parker, she’s cute, feisty, full of wit, and so genuine.
These two are perfect together! I loved their interactions and the growth of their relationship. And their chemistry is off the charts!
This heartwarming story is full of fun, fantastic banter, amazing characters, and just the right amount of angst. It’s exhilarating and I absolutely loved it!
It was a fun, sassy, and sexy read. I definitely recommend this book, and these authors.
Amazing!!! This book was absolutely fabulous! Rhys never thought that when he locked his brother in the closet his life was about to change. Especially, when he comes face to face with “Tinker Bell”. He carries so much on his shoulders. Needs a way to save his gym. When he meets Parker, he finds out that there might be a way to do that. But will he get more than he bargained for? Or will he find true happiness?
Parker was a people pleaser. Never wanted to let her parents down. And loved her job so much. So when she needs to show her colleagues and her bosses boss that she was in a committed relationship, an idea comes to mind. However, she never expected Rhys. Can she please everyone? Or does she find something she didn’t even realize she needed?
This book hooks you from the beginning. I think I didn’t stop smiling through the whole book. I honestly think I even laughed out loud. I like how we get to read both Rhys and Parker’s points of view. I love that! I feel it gives you more understanding of what each person is thinking and feeling.
This book is a true “knock out”!
Rhys Morgan is a retired boxer, who is trying to save the gym he was raised in. Parker Brown is in renewable energy. The two wouldn’t ordinarily cross paths, and really they were never supposed to. However when Parker needs help to secure a permanent position in her company, she finds someone who is looking to make some quick cash, she end up meeting his overbearing older brother instead. What starts out as a mutually beneficial relationship for their careers turns into more than that. However Rhys and Parker are the true definition of opposites. One ‘pretend’ kiss changes everything. The question is, are they willing to embrace that change or will they fight it?
I’ve never read anything by Samantha Young, but Kristen Callihan is one of my favorites so I knew that I needed to snatch this book up. I was not disappointed. The banter back and forth between Parker and Rhys was hilarious, the sass and snark was amazing! One of the things that I loved most about this book was that even when Parker and Rhys were just ‘working’ together, they still had each other’s backs. They weren’t afraid to stand up for each other, and that become even more apparent when their feelings for each other changed. They truly complement each other in the best way! I do hope this turns into a series, because there are some secondary characters that I would love to see get their own story!
I absolutely loved this book! ‘Outmatched’ was even better than I expected and my expectations were high. As a HUGE Kristen Callihan fan, I jumped at the chance to read an ARC of this book and boy am I glad that I did. Kristen and Samantha Young have written a wonderful story about two very different people who prove that opposites do attract. Rhys is an ex-boxer, he’s a commitment phobic, sexy as sin, lady’s man. Suffering from the repercussions of his father’s mismanagement of his money, he’s trying to pick up the pieces of his life. Parker is quirky, slightly geeky but cute AF woman desperate to get ahead in her career. To this end she’s willing to hire the perfect boyfriend. Instead of her ideal man she ends up with his brother, Rhys. Although neither one’s type, the chemistry between the two is unequivocally high and they are not able to resist the attraction between them. I loved the premise of this story and the resulting happily ever after. A great read, add it to your TBR list now.
I’m a big fan of Samantha Young’s writing and now I’m in love with Kristen Callihan …. The Perfect Match!
Parker is used to working in a predominantly male environment but when her boss says she needs to be committed to someone in order to be hired, she gets worried. After all, for him, only those who show commitment in their personal lives can be a person who is committed to the company. Her direct boss ends up implying that this requirement is a fact because the company depends on the capital that the millionaire boss is investing in them.
Parker is a shy and quiet geek who likes to work and is keen to get hired after the trial contract period. As she does not want to get involved then she think it is most viable to hire someone until she is hired in the company.
The big problem is that Rhys is all good and more than she imagined as soon as she met him.
Rhys is a boxer who stepped out of the ring after a tragedy struck him and realizing that his father’s gym was in dire financial straits, decided to devote himself to keeping his father’s dream. But this effort is not easy at all, so when he sees the chance of getting an investor through Parker’s acquaintances, he swallows his pride and agrees to be with the girl at company events.
Parker and Rhys together are great and even though they are so different they realize how focused they are on their goals and how they can help each other and give each other strength. Loved this unlikely and cute couple.
I confess that what tied me most to the book was knowing how would end Parker’s story in the company and what would happen to her boss … Wow! I loved how it all ended and was overjoyed by Parker’s behavior.