He thinks we’re playing the longest game of hard-to-get ever. We’re not.Joel: The hottest girl on campus won’t go out with me. I know, I know, that sounds presumptuous, but this girl… this girl has gotten under my skin, and I can’t seem to walk away.Every Thursday, I show up at the café where she works. She’s fed me every excuse in the book. I should give up and bang one of the many girls … book. I should give up and bang one of the many girls blowing up my phone. I’m not.
Even when she says no, Thursday is my favorite day of the week.
Katrina: The hottest guy on campus won’t stop asking me out. I know that sounds like a good problem to have, but this guy… this guy has no idea how complicated my life is trying to juggle being a single mom and college student.
Every Thursday, he shows up at the café where I work. His cheesy pickup lines and arrogance should have me completely annoyed. I’m not.
I can’t say yes, but Thursday is my favorite day of the week.
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I knew this was going to be a good one. I mean the party guy, commitment phobe falling for the girl. Of course it was going to be a good read.
Katrina is a single mom, she is independent and doesn’t need anyone to help her. She takes care of herself and her son raising him alone, so she doesn’t need a hot party jock trying to take her on a date.
Joel wanted Katrina from the moment he met her and was kind of shocked that she turned him down. Nobody has ever turned down a date with him. And its not like she doesn’t want him, he can feel the attraction. Now he kind of regrets his reputation of being a man whore. So what is he going to do to get the girl? Show her there is more to him than the jock and the man whore
The chemistry between these two were so good. Katrina was a total bad-**s, she was independent and strong and an awesome mother. Joel despite his reputation was sweet and loyal and definitely the right one for Katrina. I cant wait for the next book in this series.
Loved Joel and Katrina SO MUCH!!
I’m very much enjoying this series. Hot basketball players and the strong women who love them!
These books have strong female characters that you will love and this one features Katrina, a single mom with an adorable son, Christian.
Joel is used to women falling at his feet and Katrina, understandably, has bigger priorities than being another notch on his belt. But he realizes that she is worth the effort. Of course, at some point – his no relationship rule is going to wreak havoc on their relationship, but love will triumph.
I loved the glimpses of Joel that we got in Book 1 and since these books partly run concurrently – it’s better to read from the beginning to understand all the connectedness.
This was a fun, quick, enjoyable read and I can’t wait for Zeke & Gabby’s story.
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
I love this series. This is book 2 and we have the hot Joel Marino who loves the ladies. He loves to play ball and have fun hookups with no strings attached. He has made his way around campus sharing his talents but when he meets the beautiful girl at the campus coffee shop he sets his sights on her. He doesn’t know how to respond when Katrina (Kitty) declines his offer over and over again. Surprisingly Joel sets his mind to win Kitty over and devotes his attention to just that.
Katrina is a single mom struggling to keep life together. The last thing she needs is a love affair with the famous Joel Marina but oh would she really like to. When he finally breaks down her walls she falls hard. Problem is Joel isn’t looking for long term. Where does that leave them?
Oh my goodness this audiobook is so good. Great story and the narration from Teddy Hamilton and Summer Morton are perfect for these characters. I was so wrapped up in this book and fell in love with more of the Valley ballers. This is a great series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I received a code to listen and review and give my honest opinion. I loved it and I highly recommend it. It is a standalone so you don’t have to listen to the first one but it is fantastic as well so I recommend it too. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
This story was a great addition to this series. Joel and Katrina are a great example of growing up too soon and growing up in the nick of time. When the two first see each other, instant fireworks. The ups and downs of this story are great, keep you at the edge of your seat to want to know when she finally gives in.
Cannot wait until the next installment of this series!
First page to last page, The Fadeaway by Rebecca Jenshak had my attention in a vice grip. An incredible college sports romance surrounding Katrina, a single mother just trying to keep her head above water and Joel, a star basketball player and womanizer from an affluent family. These two couldn’t be more opposite, yet something undeniable kept pulling them together. Katrina’s life was a struggle. Her past blemished and difficult. Joel had something to prove with his sights laser focused on a future in the NBA. No room for distractions or commitments other than basketball.
Joel was unapologetically charming and persistent. Katrina was absolutely smitten by his charm but not a total dummy when it came to his reputation. Could he win her over with his weekly date offers and orders at the cafe she worked? Would she eventually give in to his diligent pursuit and let him have one date? So much was on the line for both of these characters that there wasn’t room for serious and committed. But maybe one date wouldn’t be enough and they’d both find themselves flipped on their heads.
This book was quite funny, but deep and emotional at the same time. You really connected with the characters and became invested in their successes and struggles. Katrina’s story and personality had me by the heartstrings from the first scene. I loved the flow of the story and how little by little, walls were chipped away until they eventually came crashing down. I couldn’t have asked for a better ending. I hope to see more of “Katel”(or was it “Jina”) in the rest of the series!
Oh Joel… I was intrigued by you in The Assist and you SO did not disappoint in your story. I connected with The Fadeaway on a different level due to the single mom aspect of Katrina. I have been there and I know the fear of getting involved because you want to protect your child. As it was, Katrina was sassy but also witty that kept Joel on his toes the whole time. He finally met his match with her. Joel is all parts swoon worthy and you really want one of your own. As the story progresses, you discover why Joel is gun shy and it is heartbreaking. But watching his character develop in this story was stunning. These two played so well off of each other as well as how much Joel took the role of being there for Christian.
I have to say, I am not sure how Jenshak is going to top Joel and Katrina’s story. It was romantic and loving but also passionate and heartwarming. I could not put this one down and devoured it! I am in love with this Valley basketball team and I am so excited to see what will be coming next!
I’m not sure what I expected from this book but what I got blew me away. Joel and Katrina made my little hear beating so fast I was scared that it would jump right out. These two were match made in heaven. To say I was so happy to see there was more to Joelthan meets the eye is such un understatement.
He kept proving that he was a great man even with all his insecurities making him believe he was not right for Katrina and her boy.
I’ve got to say this series has seriously grown on me and I can’t believe it too me this long to discover it. I’m super excited to see what happens next.
***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
The Fadeaway (Smart Jocks 2)
By Rebecca Jenshak
This is Book 2 in the smart jocks series. All can be read as a standalone although reading the previous book would give you some insight to the characters.
This was a great follow up to the first book. Joel, mr. no strings attach type of jock falls hard for Katrina who has responsibilities that most college students don’t have. The connection between the two was so swoon worthy. This friends to lovers was so sweet. The patience Joel had was commendable.
I was consumed by Joel and Katrina’s story. It was heartwarming and will have you smiling from the beginning to the end. This is a must read!
I was really excited to read Joel’s book after reading The Assist because I love when the cocky, charming, ladies man falls hard and this one did not disappoint.
When Joel meets Katrina at the coffee shop he immediately tries to take her home, but Katrina is not like the typical coeds that fall all over Joel and she turns him down. No…not a word Joel is used to, so she immediately becomes the challenge. Katrina has no intentions of ever accepting Joel’s invitation, but it’s nice to feel wanted by one of the most popular and good looking guys on campus. As a single mother trying to put herself through school, her life is a lot more complicated than Joel’s. Joel finally starts to wear her down after months of pursuing her by showing her a side of him she never knew existed…but Joel’s been a love ’em and leave ’em type for a reason and old wounds and insecurities are hard to lay to rest, leaving Katrina feeling like she’s made a mistake with her heart.
Really enjoyed the storyline and characters. Joel was much more multidimensional than we were lead to believe from book 1 and it was nice to see how much depth he had. Katrina was such a sweet character, you have to love the single moms in romance books, always have so much respect for them and Katrina was no exception. I feel like there was more of an emotional connection in this one compared to The Assist for me which was an improvement. I’m enjoying these books and this author and I’m super anxious to get Z’s story!!!!
I’m a sucker for single parent romances and when you add sports in there I’m all over it! I really enjoyed The Assist so I was primed and ready for Joel and Katrina’s story. It wasn’t quite as angsty as I was expecting (and I’m not mad about that) and it came from an unexpected source – reading Joel’s backstory is unexpected and the way that Rebecca Jenshak laid it out was masterful. I love how the timeline for Katrina and Joel’s story and Blair and Wes’ overlap and how we got sneak peaks at them too. I loved that Katrina is portrayed as a single mom with drive and vision and goals. And I absolutely love how love snuck up on Joel. He was sweet and thoughtful and caring in a way I don’t think he even comprehended and that might’ve been my favorite part of their story. I can’t wait for Z’s HEA! 4 out of 5 wine glasses.
This is the second book in the Smart Jocks Series, a college sports romance. I love this Series! The Assist was amazing, and The Fadeaway is as good as the first story! The story is beautifully written. Katrina and Joel’s story is sweet, and fun. I love their slow burn story. They are both great characters. Katrina is a single mom, strong and independent. Joel is totally handsome, caring and loving. I enjoyed reading this story. If you like college sports romance, you will love this one. This book is also available in audiobook, narrated by Teddy Hamilton and Summer Morton. You don’t want to miss it! Now, I can’t wait for the next book i the Series, The Tip-Off, Gabby and Zeke’s story. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
So this book is Joel, Wes’s wild and fast roommate/teammate from book one, The Assist, and when I say fast, I mean he gets around…a lot. He doesn’t apologize for who he is, he’s gorgeous, single and living life to the fullest. And there weren’t any scenes where any of his past came back after he meets her, it’s just known and he probably left a lot of broken hearts along the way. But I absolutely adored him, he pulled out his A game with her. I love that he saw her, knew he wanted her and pursued her for months before she finally agreed to hang out with him, but it was so she could interview him. I love that she kept turning him down, gotta love a girl with that kind of control. Katrina is the sweet single mom that worked at the coffee shop with Blair. She makes Joel work for it and he really did. He came in every Thursday and asked her out, and she said no every Thursday when he asked her out. I loved seeing him have to work that hard, because honestly, pretty sure that was the first time ever that he had to work for it and repeatedly. She knows his reputation and since she is a single mother, she was being a very smart mother.
These two have so much chemistry and we really get to see Joel’s soft and sweet side. He gets so creative with their dates and it just made him that much more adorable. He more than made up for his past in my opinion. This was a safe read, neither were with others after they start dating. And I don’t think he was with anyone after he met her either. There is a little pushing away from both sides, and he does push her away for a hot second, he got a little scared at their closeness and we get more insight on his past and the reason for why he is the way that he is when dealing with relationships…or lack of serious relationships. No need to get upset, he comes and gets her…like literally comes and gets her, all’s good. This story had my heart breaking for each of them a few times, very emotional. I really would have loved an epilogue for these two, I love these characters and would love to see that they get their hea. We get to read the same great characters that we loved and adored from the first book, The Assist. Kudos for drunk Jenna, I had no idea that was a thing…noted. I love this world she has created and the wonderful characters in it. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book….absolutely giddy. And yes, I did use the word giddy. *Grabby hands* *Grabby hands*
Katrina wants nothing to do with Joel, he is a ladies man and she has to stay focused on her son. No time for any extra curricular activities, no matter how sexy they are. He starts coming into the café daily to talk to her and she is more confused than ever. Why now, he couldn’t possibly want her.
Joel has never longed for any woman but can’t stop himself from seeking out Katrina anywhere and everywhere. What is wrong with him, he’s going soft. A woman has also never rejected him so that must be it, he has to prove himself again. No one dare resist him except she does and it is driving him insane.
Katrina finds herself being wooed by the sexy basketball player and can’t help herself. She knows her son is being cared for when he isn’t with her so that isn’t an issue. Her son’s deadbeat dad is an issue sometimes but that can’t be helped. She is trying to get her life together for her son and is Joel the distraction she needs right now?
Joel has to stay focused on his A game if he wants to turn pro. He has a chance to leave college early and sign straightway but will missing his senior year be worth it? Bringing Katrina and her son into the mix now seems like a bad idea. But an idea he can’t seem to push aside.
I voluntarily read and reviewed book #2 in the Smart Jocks series without expectations. I am forever a fan of this author and can’t wait for book #3. I’m still praying it is about Z and Gabby!!! 4 ½ stars is my rating for The Fadeaway.
I loved this second book in the Smart Jocks series. Joel is so much more than his cocky, player persona he wears on campus. But hardworking, single mom, Katrina only sees a hot, sexy jock looking for his next conquest. So when he visits her while she’s working at the coffee shop every Thursday and asks her out on a date, she turns him down repeatedly. Her life is more complicated than she believes he would want to get involved in. But she soon learns that Joel has a sweet, thoughtful side that makes her imagine having more, and not having to do everything on her own. Unfortunately Joel has been burned before, and he is afraid to risk his heart again. Once again I love how Jenshak takes her time building their relationship, giving them a strong foundation for a HEA. I loved catching up with their friends who made this story even more fun but heartrending at times as well. Joel and Katrina are so perfect together, balancing their strengths and vulnerabilities. I totally swooned over Joel when he spoke spanish but mostly because of how sweet and genuinely thoughtful and attentive he was to her adorable son. I loved how strong Katrina is, wanting to be successful and a good mom. Narrators, Teddy Hamilton, and Summer Morton are so perfectly cast as Joel and Katrina. I easily felt all the fun, passion, heartbreak, and love these characters felt. I loved the chemistry between Hamilton and Morton, and think they compliment each other beautifully. They did a great job bringing this sweet, heartfelt and steamy story to life.
After reading about Bless (Blair and Wes) in THE ASSIST, I was excited to read about how Joel, the cocky and gorgeous-as-hell playboy, meets his match in Katrina, a single mother struggling to balance her family life with her college life, and this novel did not disappoint!! Both Joel and Katrina are so much more than they let the world see, and I loved rooting for them the entire time.
Joel, Oh Joel the ultimate playboy gets rocked. It was a blast to watch the big man on campus befall to his Kitty.
Katrina is a single mom, college student and she has a job on top of all that. She moved away from home and has very little help with her son, not as she would ask. She is focused and determined to finish school for her and her son. Joel the hottest basketball jock EVER suddenly throws her off when he comes in every Thursday to her workplace to ask her out. She wants to say yes but she knows all about Joel and his one nights, and her baggage is more than most.
Joel is not giving up, no one has ever turned him down and he is intrigued and hopelessly falling for Katrina while working harder than ever to get the girl.
I loved this read, knew I would it wasn’t an easy fix and the author made the characters really open up and see what they needed. Joel needed the Basketball. I am so in love with this series and can’t wait for the next. All of the guys on the team are just amazing and they have a brotherhood that I love to watch.
Overall Rating: 4.5
Can a “player” find love? Is he redeemable? Or is he doomed to “play the field” forever?
In Rebecca Jenshak’s The Fadeaway, Joel is the consummate manwhore. He has no interest in relationships. Anyone to warm his bed for a short time is fine with him.
Enter Katrina.
One day, Joel walks into the campus’s coffee shop and becomes instantly attracted to Katrina, giving her the nickname “Kitty.” His sole purpose is to bed her and move on. Unbeknownst to Joel, Katrina is a single mother and letting him into her life will make it much more complicated.
After months of weekly visits to the coffee shop to woo her, Joel finally persuades Katrina/Kitty to go on a date with him under the auspices of helping her with her screenplay. One date turns into another. Before he realizes it, he has stopped his man-whoring ways, and he finds himself wanting to spend more time with Kitty and her son. Unfortunately, relationships are not Joel’s “thing,” and he realizes he might be in too deep. Will Joel choose the eternal single life, or will he find his HEA with Katrina?
I’m not sure about most readers, but I really do love a redeemable player. There is always something amazing when they realize that it is better to be with one person than sleeping with different girls every night of the week. At his core, Joel is a good guy. He comes from an amazing family, he has the ability and interest to play in the NFL, and he cares for others, although he hides it behind a mask of humor. In this story, after all of those positive qualities, he can also be incredibly frustrating, as it takes him some time to figure out his life.
Thankfully, Jenshak has created an amazing heroine in Katrina. For all that Joel puts her through in the story, she has the maturity to handle her feelings about him. Oftentimes, the heroine pushes back as a way to earn back the hero when he walks away. This isn’t the situation with Katrina. She shows so much maturity in simply wanting the best for Joel as a friend. And it’s her maturity that eventually brings them together. I loved this about her. She was my favorite part of this story.
This is a story about an unlikely character (Joel) finding his forever in an unlikely place (Katrina). It’s full of humor and angst and sweetness and love. Rebecca Jenshak has quickly won me over as a new author in my reading repertoire. I’m always a little afraid of new authors, but after reading The Assist and The Fadeaway, I gobbled up her book, Electric Blue Love, and realized that I’m now a true fan of her books.
You should definitely read The Fadeaway. You will love these characters and their story.
Wow, what a great second book in this series!!
In the first book I always thought there’s something more to Joel, than he lets us see. And indeed there is! He’s sweet, he’s charming, he’s smart, and a great baller. He went through some dramatic stuff in high school, which hardens him a bit.
Katrina. Mom. Student. Mom. She’s awesome, how she manages hers and Christians life. That little man is adorable! Fits perfectly in this story!
And it’s so sweet to see Joel and the team interact with that kiddo.
Characters are wonderful, chemistry is high. These books have me gripped from the first to the last page!
Now I’m (not so) patiently waiting for Z’s story! I was rooting for him and Gabby since the first book!!! (
When I read the blurb I knew the book would be good! I mean the book features a playboy basketball player and a single mother as lead characters!!
The first time Joel sees Katrina, he’s instantly attracted to her. However, Katrina doesn’t fall to his feet and he can’t fathom why! Katrina is a single mother of a 3-year-old and she doesn’t have time for a man. After all her son’s father left her alone to raise him.
Joel tries really hard to make her give him a chance. His charm doesn’t have the desired effect, since Katrina is still resisting him even after they kissed.
I wouldn’t think that Joel has a big Mexican family. His family reminded me my Greek family. They have Sunday lunches and his parents are the best. After a few chapters he comes out as a true romantic.
Both Joel and Katrina are skeptical about relationships. Their previous experiences are not the best ones but they overcome it together. Joel is so good with Katrina’s son Christian; he actually entertain the thought of them as a family!
I really enjoyed this book and I can’t wait for more Smart Jocks!!!
I enjoyed this book a lot. I wish there was an epilogue set in the future a little. I am hoping since it’s a series there is a chance there will be a sort of wrap up book of all the guys in the future.
Recommend giving it a read.