From Samantha Towle, New York Times bestselling author of Breaking Hollywood and Ruin, comes a new powerful, passionate and dramatic contemporary romance.“With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select…”It’s been three years since quarterback Ares Kincaid’s NFL dream came true, and he’s living the high life. The days of cleaning up after his drunk of a father are long gone, … life. The days of cleaning up after his drunk of a father are long gone, and he has no intention of going back.
A car crash and DUI charge meant a lengthy stint in rehab for Arianna Petrelli, and her dream of being a professional artist slips further away when she’s sacked from her position at a gallery. Her need for a job stronger even than her dislike of football, Ari goes to work for her father, the head coach of the New York Giants.
Ares hates alcoholics, which is fine with Ari because she thinks he’s a brainless jock. Yet when Ares rescues Ari from a situation with her ex-boyfriend, an unlikely friendship begins – one that quickly becomes more.
But messing around with the coach’s daughter can only lead to one thing…trouble.
‘A moving and fan-yourself-worthy love story’ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on Ruin
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* A review copy was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review *
As I have said before….the more books I read by Samantha Towle the better they get.
I absolutely LOVED Rush!!! This story hit me in spots I didn’t expect it to. This was an emotional love story dealing with a tough subject of Alcohol substance abuse and how the people who have this disease and those around them deal with it.
Samantha’s writing is AMAZING and I love it!!! Her stories suck me in and I love her characters. Even the Hero who isn’t much of a Hero in the beginning. I read Rush in less than a day. I couldn’t put it down once I started it. I love that her books get right to the heart of the story right from the beginning. There isn’t any excess filler to slow the story down. As with all her books, Rush will take you heart and emotions on a rollercoaster ride, but what a ride it was!!!!
Rush is the second book in Samantha’s Gods Series. This is series is about the Kinkaid siblings. Ruin is book one and is about Zeus Kinkaid (the oldest sibling). Rush follows the story of Ares Kinkaid (the second oldest). I think Rush might be favorite book of Samantha’s to date. Each of these books can be read as a standalone and you don’t have to read them in any particular order, but I would suggest reading them in order because there are some minor spoilers in Rush for Ruin.
In this book we follow the story of Ares and Ari. Ares is a well known Quarterback for a NFL team. He has worked hard to get where he is and refuses to let anything come in between him and his career. Ari (Arianna) is the daughter of a famous NFL coach. Her father just happens to be Ares’s head coach. Ari got herself into some trouble and is forced to come and work for her dad. Not happy about that, she is determined to turn her life around. Having a tough first day, she got caught in a downpour, she is in the locker room looking for a replacement shirt when she runs into Ares. To say this meeting doesn’t go well is an understatement. Once Ares finds out who she is….you could say this turns into hate at first sight. Can Ares and Ari get past their past issues to get their HEA??? Read this book to find out.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of a sport romance and/or an enemies to lovers story. I am normally not a huge fan of the enemies to lovers story, but this is the best one I have read in a while. Not too much push and pull!!! Just enough to keep it interesting. If you are a fan of Samantha Towle’s books you will want to 1-click this book once it releases.
“My stupid heart is whispering foolishness to my brain, and I need to put a stop to it.”
I’m writing this review with a #BookHangover, I just could not put it down. I tried to stop reading and sleep, but my mind couldn’t turn it off so I picked it back up and kept reading… all night long. These characters, Ares & Ari…sigh. They are both broken and loaded down with baggage too heavy to bear. Their painful pasts have written the script for their present and an HEA seems too much to hope for when public opinion is factored in. If it’s on the internet it must be true, right?
They are the most unlikely couple possible since she hates football and he has a strong aversion to alcoholics. They are mentally judging each other but that doesn’t stop their instant attraction to each other. They don’t admit it, but their lustful looks don’t lie. Heated stares and heated words combine for a confusing beginning. He tries to avoid her, but it’s hard since she works for the team he plays for. He has a shining reputation and her father sings his praises. But apparently, he hasn’t shown his coach his evil side, he saved that for her. His good guy tendencies battle with his bad boy behavior and it’s a toss-up which will win until his assholery is overshadowed by his protective instincts. When he steps into a situation with her douchebag ex she sees another side of him.
Will his insistence on #FullDisclosure be the beginning or the end of their truce? Will they be able to let go of the past in order to embrace the future? Will their #FriendZone lead to the #EndZone? Will he drop the ball, or will he risk his heart for the touchdown?
I floved this story so hard and I can’t stop replaying it in my head like a game tape. But I’m not reviewing it to find weaknesses in the player’s performance, but because it’s perfect and worth seeing again and again. In case you weren’t aware, there are three very sexy brothers and they are named after Greek gods. We’ve covered Zeus and Ares so far, and I can’t wait for the next installment in the God’s series. The line forms here…
After reading and enjoying ‘Ruin’, the first book of the ‘Gods’ series, I decided to read the second book in the series next, ‘Ruin’ and I’m so happy that I did because I enjoyed this story also very much. If you have read ‘Ruin’ than you will remember Zeus’s younger brother Ares, the famous footballer player. Well, this is his story. It was really great to get to know him in bit better in this story and to see the other characters again from book one. But don’t worry if you haven’t read the first book yet. ‘Rush’ can perfectly be read as a standalone.
This story is told from Arianna’s POV and although the story has a sensitive theme in it (alcohol addiction), it is handled in a light and delicate way but nothing dark or too emotional. The balance between a light, fun story and intense emotions were well done.
I really liked both main characters, Ares and Arianna (Ari). Arianna’s self-esteem is low but she’s really trying and fighting the addiction day by day. But she’s also strong, sensitive and very lonely. Ares is confident, a bit arrogant but also down to earth and he cares about his family very much. He’s a good guy. I loved the banter between these two very much! And although there is a chemistry between them from the beginning, because of his past with an alcoholic father, Ares reacts badly on Arianna being an ex-alcoholic. So they first become more enemies than friends but after a few chance encounters where they have to spend time together, they slowly become friends. But both are also human and they make mistakes. I really appreciated that Arianna didn’t forgive Ares suddenly, she made the right decision by putting herself first. Because like Arianna says, in a relationship you need love and trust for it to work. Sometimes actions say more than words. I liked how the writer handled the situation between them at the end.
The secondary characters in this story were great too. The relationship between Arianna and her father was also an interesting one. And in the end we got show a glimpse of another romance story that could happen. I really hope that the writer will write this story someday too because I really enjoyed this world that she has created and I would like to read more of it.
I love when I finally random stumble on a book that I ended up LOVING!
I previously read The Storm series a while back by Sam and enjoyed it, but not as much as this read. I found this book unexpectedly at my local library and I am extremely happy I did!
This story begins as an enemies to lovers, that turns into friends into lovers. I adore the two main characters connection. It’s instant (as much as the hero wants to deny it at first), and it keeps getting deeper and deeper.
The heroine, Arianna, in this story was previously an alcoholic, which is an emotional journey that the author portrayed quite well. In comes the hero, Ares, a famous NFL player. The support she needed, but didn’t know she needed. And them two together, become an unstoppable team as they tackle their demons together.
I adored Ari. She was so hard on herself and I just wanted to hug her. I am so relieved Ares saw who she really is and made sure she knew.
Overall, an easy 4.5 Star read for me.
I will now be going back to read the first book in this series – Ruin.
Another winner from Samantha Towle. Ares and Arianna are in such different places in their lives professionally when they meet – yet – they’re both damaged and alone. This was the quintessential enemies to lovers but it was more than that. The subjects handled and the way the characters lives are impacted by them are very honest and raw. I loved the banter between these two, the dialogue was fantastic and don’t get me started on the chemistry. Wowsa!!! Absolutely loved this story and looking forward to the next book in the series. Definitely recommend.
This is an incredibly sexy, angsty and entertaining read. I‘m loving this series so much. The story flowed perfectly and I loved both the hero and heroine and side – secondary characters.
Enemies to lovers
Angsty
Passionate
Steamy
Sexy
Ares Kincaid has played in the NFL for the past three years. He is the star quarterback for the New York Giants. He’s stubborn, charming, loving, caring but also flawed and complex.
Arianna Petrelli has had a difficult life and she got in some trouble. She is recovering alcoholic. She is a professional artist and loves to paint. Ari is trying to get her life back on track. She is loving, caring, independent, strong, brave but also vulnerable, complex and flawed. She recognizes her mistakes and is trying to better herself.
I just loved Ares and Ari. Their first encounter was awkward and yet amazing and sexy. Until Ares found out who she really is. Yes, he was mean but all that stemmed from his insecurities and his relationship with his dad. They both have their demons and issues they needed to confront. I loved how they both were trying to better themselves. Even though they were trying to stay away from each other the chemistry and pull were present. Loved how they started to become friends and get to know each other. Loved Ari’s strength. She was an amazing heroine. This is second book in #Gods series. I’m a sucker for Enemies to Lovers story and this story was everything I loved about that trope. Besides the well written and well developed plot, characters, scenery I loved that it was filled with sass and quick banter. I love when characters are flawed, jaded from the past. Because that means they are going to grow, learn from their mistakes, reevaluate and become the people they were always meant to be. Their journey is filled with angst, emotions, feistiness, sexual tension and sexy times. The more they spend time together the more feelings grow and they start to fall for each other. Ari and Ares are so honest and open with each other. Their road to HEA wasn’t easy but loved how everything turned out to be.
I loved family ties and connection, sibling teasing. And how it ended with Zeus and Cam’s wedding ceremony but also a glimpse into Ares and Ari’s future. I really love Kaden with Missy so I hope their book is next. Thoroughly enjoyed every single moment and characters.
Another awesome book from Samatha Towle, i really really loved this story and it was so easy to read that it just flowed and before i realised it i had finished Rush and i didn’t want it to.
As we have already met Ares in the first book i was excited to get his story as him and his brothers had been through so much and these boys supported each other fiercely and i loved that. Ares was your typical quarter back big and strong but he had many faults and and not trusting was one of them.
Ari was a special character and for some reasons i really like the characters that are struggling or trying to fight addiction and Aris character was written so well and i could almost feel the need to drink and could feel he battle everyday, her relationships with people since becoming sober were strained and it was good to see some of them come back to life and gave me the warm and fuzzies. There were times i had tears in my eyes just reading how desperate Ari was for people to trust her and what happens when someone does something to bring you down.
Loved this story and would recommend to anyone who loved a bit of sport and amazing love story with some hate and a bit of banter.
Loved it and thought it was the best next book in this family’s story loved loved loved and a big fan of Samantha towels
Big 5 stars for this baby
Rush is the second installment in Samantha Towle’s “God’s” series. It was a great read, filled with angst.
Ari is a recovering alcoholic who is currently 6 months sober. She just completed a stint in rehab. She had been charged with DUI when she crashed her ex-boyfriend’s after she caught him in a compromising position. Ari is attempting to rebuild her life but her addiction weighs on her. She is very difficult on herself and has yet to learn how to forgive herself. I really felt her struggles with staying sober.
Ares is initially a jerk. He is very judgemental. He has a whole lot of opinions on alcoholics and has no problem whatsoever voicing those to Ari. To say that the first meeting between these two characters doesn’t go well would be an understatement as Ari’s reputation proceeds her.
This is an enemies to lovers romance that heats up pretty quickly. The couple definitely navigates some rough patches. I’m trying not to give away too much of the plot!
This story consumed me from the first page and I read it in one sitting. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. I’ve been a fan of Samantha Towle’s books for a long time and each book she writes is better than the last. I can’t wait for the next in the series. Bravo!!!
I loved this book about Ares and Ari. It is part of a series, but can easily be read as a stand-alone. Ari’s past is not one that intrigues Ares at first. In fact, I found Ares to be sort of condescending and judgemental. All of my feels went to Ari as she struggles to become whole again. There is a lot of push and pull in the book. There is a lot of healing to be done. The storyline was believable and it flowed. We only get Ari’s point of view, and I would have loved to have been inside of Ares’ head as the story unfolded. No cliffhanger.
Arianna Petrelli’s life is at a low. Coming out of rehab and trying to get her life back together her father who is the head coach for the Giants gives her a job. Ares Kincaid is the star quarterback for the Giants and no stranger to dealing with a recovering parent. Meeting Ari was the one thing Ares was not expecting nor was she like anyone he ever met. Ares is just the man to show Ari that she is than she sees but can Ares learn to trust in return. Started this book and couldn’t put it down.
Rush knocked my glasses off, which is a bookworm’s version of having my socks knocked off. Samantha Towle has outdone herself with this sexy, feel-good sports romance that packs an emotional punch. Ari is a recovering alcoholic, and Ares hates alcoholics. When they meet, it is an explosion of sparks that is equal parts chemistry and animosity. Ares does not want to be attracted to Ari, or even like her, but a few twists of fate allow him to see her as more than her addiction. A friendship blooms that quickly evolves into a romance, but their past psychological wounds make trusting difficult, especially when faced with challenges that trigger deep-seated fears. They have to fight for their own healing in order to give their relationship a chance, and it’s the ultimate heartwarming experience to see them succeed. Rush is a poignant and steamy romance with an insightful, powerful and inspiring look at addiction, redemption and love.
Recommendation appeared @ USA Today’s Happy Ever After on August 7, 2018
ARC provided, but this review was voluntarily and honestly written.
4.5 Stars
I have been waiting for the next book in the Gods series after finishing Ruin. I love sports romances and this one was everything I hoped it would be.
Ari’s life is not at all what she thought it would be. She lost her job, got a DUI and is fresh out of rehab. Struggling to find a job her dad offers her one. He is the coach for the New York Giants football team. Her first day on the job doesn’t exactly go the way she planned.
Ares is gorgeous and plays football for the New York Giants. The moment her met Ari he wasn’t sure about her. Once he finds out about her past he wants nothing to do with her. The attraction between these two is something they are having a hard time fighting.
Will Ares be able to let his guard down and allow Ari in? I really enjoyed this book and the characters.
5 Supernova Stars
I just knew this book would give me the feels. In fact I don’t think I’ve read a Samantha Towle book that hasn’t got to me. So yeah this book really got to me.
Rush is book 2 in the Gods series and is Ares Kincaid’s story. Ares being the brother of Zeus from book one and Quarterback for the New York Giants.
Arianna Petrelli, a recovering alcoholic has been struggling for acceptance since one particular event that resulted in her trip to rehab. She is thrown a lifeline when her Dad, coach of the New York Giants, gives her a job as the teams assistant.
Let’s just say Arianna and Ares initial meeting isn’t exactly love at first sight and it was at that exact moment my heart actually broke for her.
I can’t speak from experience but this felt like we got a glimpse as to the struggles faced when someone is battling any kind of substance addiction and not only their own personal battles but battles with the people around them.
In all honesty I don’t think I had a dry eye throughout this entire book apart from the sex scenes, because lets face it they were pretty hot.
Seriously I know I’m fan girling big time, but I just haven’t got one negative thing to say about this book other than the fact that I have to now wait for Samantha Towle to release another book for me to love all over again.
I really enjoyed Ares and Ari’s emotional and uplifting story. There’s a good balance of light humorous moments, sexual tension and drama, which had me devouring this book in one sitting. Ares is the most frustrating man at the beginning of Rush and it was difficult to find anything to like about him. It was clear he had preconceived ideas about Ari because of experiences in his own life, which I guess was understandable, but the way he treated Ari was downright rude and unnecessary. I love it when an author makes you feel conflicted about a character. Although I did find him exasperating at times, I came to love Ares, even when I did want to shake him when he jumped to conclusions.
I completely loved Arianna. Her struggles were real and her past was heartbreaking. Now trying to get her life back on track, I loved her strength, her feisty personality and her courage. I admired the fight in her and the way she didn’t back down, or give in, even when the going got tough. Her struggles were dealt with sensitively and were well written. This book gave me all the feels and I loved it.
Although this is book two of an interconnected series, Ruin can totally be read as a stand-alone.
5 Stars!
Ares Kincaid has played in the NFL for the past three years, and is living his dream as the star quarterback for the New York Giants. He’s nicknamed the missile because of his accuracy at getting the ball to his target, and is currently living the life. He’s known for being an all around good guy who has a great reputation.
Arianna Petrelli has had some touch breaks, been in some trouble, and is now trying to get her life back on track. After being charged with a DUI she lost her job at a gallery. She’s always wanted a career as a professional artist, but right now she’d just be happy to have a job period, so when her dad offers her one she takes it. He’s the head coach for the Giants. Wanting to keep her close he hires her as an assistant to the team.
As the coach’s daughter she feels like an embarrassment. Since she began struggling with addiction she thinks she’s a disappointment and a screw up. She just wants to make her dad proud. On her first day of her new job she meets her dad’s golden boy, Mr. Perfect, aka Ares Kincaid. Her father is always singing his praises about how responsible he is. Must be nice to have it all together. Her encounter with Ares goes from awkward to intense as he’s cold towards her. Turns out he can’t stand alcoholics. Her opinion of him quickly changes from mouthwateringly delicious hottie to judgmental jerk. Then one evening he rescues her from a situation with her ex, and a friendship forms that soon turns into more.
Sexual tension erupts as Ares and Ari finally give into the passion between them. They get to know each other better and delve into their pasts. As they grow closer they become obsessed and completely addicted to one another. Suddenly all that matters is their love and being together is their top priority.
Book two in the Gods series was a fantastic enemies to lovers romance full of angst, and emotion. It was super steamy & sexy, and reminded me why I love Samantha Towle’s writing so much. She creates the most beautiful men I can’t help falling for.
After Ruin, I wanted more of the Kincaid family and now my wish has been granted in the very best way! Ares Kincaid is much like his brother Zeus, doesn’t say much but has that brooding thing down perfectly. His first encounter with Ari Petrelli has him seeing red, not giving the recovering alcoholic the time of day. But as they have to now work together since he is the starting quarterback for the football team her father coaches and she is an assistant, let’s just say sparks between them fly nonetheless, even if at first they are filled with a bit of distaste for the other.
The chemistry is undeniable between Mr. Perfect and his Jailbird. I loved the way they both gave it as good as they got and Ari never backed down, determined to make her life her own no matter how attracted she was to Ares. Finding some semblance of respect for the other took time and in between all the snarky comments, a friendship is formed that was truly sweet. Ari has made so many mistakes in her life, but it took a man like Ares to truly understand the whys. All the fighting, the hurt they throw at each other more than once as their feelings become more than just a casual thing, often led to some incredibly sexy trysts that had a layer of tenderness neither one was prepared to handle. That push and pull was extremely enticing and I was hoping they could work their differences out.
Samantha Towle is on her game with Rush and I am completely enamored by the Kincaid family and the way they try to find their bit of happy despite their less than stellar upbringing. I honestly could not put this book down and am thrilled we will be getting more with Missy’s story next. The characters in both books are genuine and thoughtful and full of fire. Each is finding their match in the most unexpected ways and it is true treat to get to be there with them.
5 solid stars!
ARC received for an honest review
I have been looking forward to this second book in the Gods series since I finished Ruin. I am not a fan of American football at all, but I knew I was going to adore Ares book.
And that I did. I was not expecting Ares and Arianna’s story to be quite so emotional. I would be reading and BAM – my eyes would start leaking!
Ares and Ari are both a little broken, both with baggage, both emotionally dragged down.
I freaking adored Ari – for all her past weaknesses, she is strong. She is still fighting her addictions, and doing it with her head held high.
Ares – gah, I have a love/hate relationship with him. He can be so wonderful, but then he can just be such a d!ck His stubborness got frustrating, and I just wanted to throw my kindle at his head to make him come to his senses. His douchebagerry fought it out with his protectiveness.
In the words of Elsa from Frozen, he needed to just “let it go”.
I was drawn into this story right from the start. Emotional. Heartfelt. Heartbreaking and hopeful. Rush had a bit of it all.
I can’t wait to see which of the “Gods” Ms Towle brings us next.
4.5 fab stars for this fabulous read. I was hooked from the very first chapter and although I don’t read that many sport romance books, I know this book will change this. I loved Ari and Ares, the main characters in the book. I loved their back story which was true to life and I thought the author addressed the issues that developed in their relationship very well indeed. I found that I just wanted to read non stop to find out what happens next, which is what every reader wants to experience. This is a book that I would recommend without a second thought.
4.25 Stars
WARNING! If you’re mega-scared of spoilers – don’t read my review! I tried not to spoil too much, but I guess I couldn’t avoid some spoilishings. Some things had to be said.
Arianne has been through a few very bad months. But now she’s feeling much better. She’s starting her new job! Her dad kinda created a position for her at the Giants’ football team. Which he coaches.
She’s been fired at her gallery job because she drunk-drove her cheating ex’s car into a wall. And after she came out of rehab, nobody wanted to hire her – an alcoholic with a ‘criminal’ past.
And now she’s here – working with/for one of the sexiest guys on the planet – Quarterback Ares!
description
But the idiot is mega mean to her. He hates alcoholics. Hashtag Daddy-Issues.
Ari is so proud of herself for surviving these last six months sober and this guy is looking at her like she killed his puppy.
Poor Ares grew up with an alcoholic father and he just hates those people and the lies they tell and the promises they make and never keep.
Could there ever be something romantic between him and Ari??
Because they have to be together for work a lot – and the sparks are flying. Angry, mad and very sexy sparks!
Let the fun times begin!!!
What will happen with Ari & Ares?
Will there be a HEA?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
Awww, that was adorable!!!
I love football romances!
There was almost no football in here but it was a really cute and sexy and funny and moving romance.
I’m a bit on Ares’ side here with not liking alcoholics. That’s a horrible thing to say, but I don’t like them in my romances. Romances should be something to escape reality for a while. And alcoholism is too close to so many people. I’m lucky, I’m not touched by it in my life, but so many others are and I just think if a romance hero or heroine needs to have a problem, it should be something else. Something that’s ‘healable’. I don’t want my book darlings to get their happy end with a but. There’s always the chance/fear that she’ll drink again one day. Just like with cancer survivors. I don’t want to get a happy end only to be afraid what would happen to the fictional couple in a fictional future. I know, I’m mega weird!
IN SPITE of this alcohol thing it was a really adorable book.
Ares is sooo mega hot!!! Grrrrrr.
Even when he’s mad at Ari.
Especially when he’s mad at her!
And Ari tries so hard to have a good life. To find friends. And to not show her feelings for Ares too obviously. Adorable. Of course he can’t resist her for all that long!
But the team’s superstar with the coach’s daughter?? Not going to be easy for those two!
I really loved reading it!
Can’t wait for the next book … Missy with Kaden?? GIMMEEEEE!!!!
RUSH was an adorable & funny & sexy & very moving romance with some very serious problems for our darlings. Run to your nearest amazon for your own Ares – this one is MINE!!!
Some tiny little things I didn’t like…. aside from that alcohol problem…
I hope I’m not spoiling too much, but at the 77% mark there comes this typical thing that authors often do. This way too obvious, stupid, ridiculous, avoidable unnecessary drama thing. I wanted to throw my kindle out the next window. And then it could’ve gotten cleared up pretty fast, but it was dragged out too long and too stubbornly. And the moment where the scene began … Can I get you something to drink??? Really??? How can one person be sooo stupid and naive?!?! Ugh. BUT, we’ll get that happy end of course – so it was just a tiny little bit of drama on the way.
And then, just like in the first book. Or basically in any book by an English author that is set in America and filled with American people! But don’t worry, that’s just my reading weirdness.
I HATE the word AS. In the non-comparing meaning. You know the one I mean? The one that could be exchanged for a semicolon, a since or a because. (I couldn’t pick up my son from school, as I had a mani-pedi appointment!) It’s a British thing (and maybe a legal/official thing too) and obviously Sam is British, but the book and all its characters are American, so I hate that word in this book! No idea why, but I always hated it. I have never in my life heard a young American person use that word in conversations, so I don’t want it in my books! Most books already use way too much written language instead of how normal people would really talk. So that AS thing is just too much for me.
And also, the book has mega-many British words and expressions in it. I don’t get why an English author needs to create a book that’s filled with Americans in America if they can’t leave out the Britishness. Either get a good American editor!!! Or just put your book in a London world. Sorry, rant over. It just annoys me so much! I tried highlighting all the British words and expressions … I lost count after 48 asses and cinemas and let’s go to yours or mine et cetera.
No offense/offence 😉 intented – I loved the book and I love all of Sam’s books and all you other Brits out there – but please … try!
P.S. ALL THAT ↑↑ doesn’t mean that I hated the book – I LOVED ARES!!!! He’s sooo cute and hot and sweet and the story was really adorable! But it could’ve been a bit better for my tastes. A bit different. Also. I would’ve loved it so much more if we could’ve gotten both POVs – not only Ari’s :/