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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3,5 stars
After reading and liking the first book in this series ‘The assist’ very much I was looking forward to the second book in this series.
Katrina is an intelligent, confident girl who is raising her three year old son while she’s attending college. She doesn’t have time for anything else and she certainly doesn’t have time for a playboy, someone like Joel Moreno. But then Katrina never thought that Joe would ask her out every week for months.
Joel isn’t used to girls saying ‘no’ to him. But that is just what Katrina says to him every week. But then he gets the chance to get closer to her and he takes it. And from that moment on everything between them changes. But will it be a good change or a bad one? Only time will tell.
I like Katrina very much. She was an intelligent girl who worked hard to give herself and her son a good life. Joel was a playboy there is no denying that but during the story we got to know him better and the more I got to know him, to more I liked him. This is a light new adult story, told from both POV’s.
Although ‘The fadeaway’ is a good story, I liked the first book ‘The assist’ more. For me, personally, the story missed something. Maybe it was the quick way that everything was resolved at the end? Or maybe I missed some more emotions in it? I don’t know.
Meet Katrina, single mom trying to get through college as best she can, with a pretty much non existent baby dad, but she does have the support of his family. While working at the coffee shop, star basketball player Joel stops in for coffee, and see’s her, he’s completely taken with her. He asks her out on a date and she turns him down, every week!
Follow their story as they navigate him finding out she’s got a son, and him also dealing with being wronged back in high school. I enjoyed this story, 4 1/2 stars for this one! Grab it when it comes out!
From the moment I picked this book up I felt myself wrapped up in a warm and comfortable blanket, captivated by the witty and heartwarming banter and the crackling couple who actually talked through their issues in a realistic way. Though the theme of a sexy playboy athlete falling for an unattainable single mom is familiar, Ms. Jenshak put a fresh spin on it through her crafting of such delightful characters and their entertaining dialogue that made me smile as well as giving me a few blushes along the way. By the turn of the final page I was left cheering and hoping to see more of these characters in the future as each one of them endeared themselves to me, pulled at my heartstrings while making my day just a little brighter.
Joel Moreno is the Golden Boy of his college’s basketball team. A junior star player on the court and off as guys want to be him while girls just want him. He’s happy to indulge too as he enjoys the perks of all the hard work he puts into his sport. It’s earned him a reputation, one he just smiles away, as he flits from one girl to the next. The moment he meets Katrina though is the moment where everything gets upended. How he sees himself, how others start seeing him, and what he truly wants for the future changes irrevocably. What starts out as fun and flirty soon becomes more meaningful as he realizes that his actions not only affect Kitty when it comes to the time they’re spending together, but also her son Christian. Meeting Christian brings up Joel’s painful past, a past that truly left me aching for him, and made him the man he is today. Past betrayal has left him holding his heart close, scared of giving it away out of fear he’ll be left broken. Moving on from the past is a major theme in this story for both he and Kitty and to get to HEA they’ll both have to look deep inside themselves and embrace the happiness they’ve found with each other. Joel is a delicious hero, sweet and sexy. He’s self-assured, knows he’s good with the ladies, but I never held that against him as he was just so charming. He saw Kitty as a challenge at first, thought that once he got her she’d be out of his system, but he quickly got caught up in the deep connection he felt with her. Their relationship felt easy, fun to watch evolve as they each were a strong support for the other. The few misunderstandings they had were talked through in a way that was refreshing and made for an even more enjoyable story. Throughout this book Joel charmed me with his words and deeds, both big and small, showing himself to be a truly good guy despite how superficial others might have seen him. He was a hero with substance and he’s definitely the latest addition to my list of book boyfriends.
Katrina Philipps is a hardworking young woman who had a definitive plan for her future. Getting pregnant as a teen didn’t change that plan and her days now revolve around studying theater, taking care of her son, and working at her college’s cafe where she has a life-altering first meeting with Joel. Kitty’s very aware of Joel’s reputation but is honest enough to admit that he’s attractive and that she’s more than willing to use him for one night. She doesn’t give in quickly though as what she thinks she wants, and what might be what’s best for her, could be two very different things. After months of temptation they finally begin a tentative relationship, one that shows both of them being fearful of the intense feelings coming to life. It’s a decadently delightful journey they undertake, one that allows them to grow close, and it made for plenty of sweet and sexy moments where they felt like a family. Through it all Kitty stayed true to herself, making Joel aware of her needs, but never holding back once she decided she wanted him as her own. She’s a great mom to Christian too, a bit overly protective early on, but as the story progressed she opened herself up to others helping her. For so long she felt like it was her against the world, not having help from the baby daddy, but Joel showed her that accepting help didn’t make her a bad mother. She needed time for herself as a woman and Joel was more than happy to help her discover herself in playful and sensual encounters. When things got rocky between her and Joel she proved her love in the most subtle of ways by supporting him unconditionally when he most needed support and it made me like her all the more for it.
This was a truly entertaining romance from the first page to the last as the relationship between Joel and Kitty flowed beautifully with no silly misunderstandings to distract from their delightful coupling. Their scenes together were playful yet teeming with sexual tension. The slow but steady pace of their pairing had me rooting them on while breathlessly waiting for them to give into what they truly wanted. Their connection was made even stronger by their interactions with Christian. I don’t normally care for children in romance books but he was a cute kid who brought out a softer side to Joel as well as forcing him to deal with his past which ultimately helped him make a future with Kitty. Surrounding this wonderful main couple was an equally memorable cast of secondary characters. The main couple from the previous book in this series, Wes and Blair, were on hand here to share their words of wisdom and to tempt Joel to find a relationship of his own. Glimpses of their romance were also on display to cast a shadow of love over the whole story, giving readers hope for all sorts of HEAs. Along with this happy couple were lots of single folk who caught my attention. From the quiet giant Z, to the financially struggling Nathan (and his dangerous way of earning money), to the scarred Gabby, I’m left counting down the days until we revisit Valley U with all its immensely appealing characters just waiting for their HEA.
Loved Joel & Kitty and their Thursday coffee meet-ups. Joel was a sweetheart.
One of my favorite tropes done right!! This book ticks all the boxes I was looking for and it has great characters and plot. Joel is the epitome of once bitten twice shy! Joel has a special place in my harem!!
The Fadeaway was one of my HIGHLY anticipated books for 2019 & Rebecca did not disappoint! I love a good sports romance and a college romance, and this baby had everything I loved all wrapped up in one.
Katrina is a single mom, a student and has no time for games. She’s been on her own since having her son and she hates asking for help. Even when Joel walks into the cafe every Thursday to buy a coffee from her and flirt her way, she still does not allow her self to give him the time of day.
Joel knows all he needs about Katrina; she’s smart, sassy and has done the one thing no other girl has….say no to a good time! But Joel and Katrina are both feeling something deeper beyond their weekly banter at the cafe.
Joel and Katrina had great chemistry together and it was an incredible slow burn. They both tended to mask their true feelings and put everyone else about themselves. Making them sweet and kind characters. I loved their relationship together and they will have you feeling the push and pull between them throughout the whole book.
Overall this was a great feel good, cute and funny romance. I’m loving Rebecca’s writing with each book I read and I’m so excited to see if we get more out of the Smart Jocks Series
Rating: 4.7/5 stars
A very delightful story. I liked how the story was about the development of the their relationship even though there were other outside characters. They just didn’t play a huge part in them getting together. A great HEA as well.
This is book #2, in the Smart Jocks series. This book can be read as a standalone novel. For reader enjoyment, and to avoid spoilers, I recommend reading this great series in order.
Katrina is completely thankful that such a hot jock asks her out each week. Is it crazy that she enjoys it? It makes her feel pretty and helps her make it through. When he really wants to take her out, what will she say?
Joel has wanted to take Katrina out since the very first time he asked her out. The past and how they are both hurt definitely makes a difference on how they approach dating. He never gives up and hopefully one day soon……
Such a great addition to an already very charming and yet sexy series. The characters were just perfect for one another. Even with such sensitive subjects discussed, I enjoyed and really devoured each page. I am seriously eager for the next installment.
***This ARC copy was given by in exchange for an honest review.
Blog Sol and Us
EN/PT-BR
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The Fadeaway
Rebecca Jenshak
It was good to see a woman in a single-parent situation for a change. I excpected a little more motherly love. Don’t get me wrong, Katrina isn’t a bad mother, she is just quite tough. I liked her determination and her eyes.
Both protagonists are a bit different than what we see around. Joel is more… cute? More cute than how athletes are in general portrayed in the works of fiction. And his past is pretty original. It wasn’t the focus of the book, of course, but it’d make a good story too.
In sum, I liked the book, but it missed that sparkle, you know?
However, it’s a well written book. If you like books about university athletes and single parents, give The Fadeaway a chance.
Thank you for generously providing me this ARC in exchange of a honest review.
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The Fadeaway
Rebecca Jenshak
Foi legal ver uma mulher numa situação monoparental para variar. Eu esperava um pouco mais de amor maternal. Não me levem a mal, a Katrina não é uma péssima mãe, ela só é muito durona. Eu gostei da determinação dela e de seus olhos.
Ambos os protagonistas são um pouco diferentes do que vemos por aí. O Joel é mais… fofo? Mais fofo do que como os atletas em geral são retratados nas obras de ficção. E o passado dele é bem original. Não foi o foco do livro, é claro, mas daria uma boa história também.
Em suma, eu gostei do livro, mas faltou aquela faísca, sabem?
No entanto, é um livro bem escrito. Se vocês gostam de livros sobre atletas universitários e famílias monoparentais, deem uma chance para The Fadeaway.
Agradeço por ter, generosamente, me fornecido o ARC em troca de uma resenha honesta.
Sigam Sol and Us por aí: https://linktr.ee/solandus2
What isn’t to love about this book. It’s about a single mom struggling to get through college while taking care of her 3 year old without any help from family or friends and a playboy basketball star. I have to say I loved how Joel didn’t give up on Katrina, even though she kept turning him down over and over again. I think the fact that they both wanted each other so much helped add to the chemistry that these two had and made it explosive when they finally did come together. I loved how Joel was all family and so sweet and caring toward Katrina and Christian. And even though I didn’t always agree with how Joel felt I understood him a lot better when we were finally able to get into his head and learn about his past (I disliked Polly from the moment she begged him to get her a new phone). I love Katina and her strong will and desire to be the best for her son and who couldn’t love Christian! This is the first book by this author that I’ve had the pleasure of reading and I truly enjoyed it. I’m looking forward to reading more by her. *I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book for my honest and unbiased review.*
I grabbed this book because it’s spring, people are talking about basketball, and I love a good sports romance. Katrina is a real down-to-Earth heroine who is trying to make it on her own as a single mother. Joel is an entitled basketball player who is looking for a good time. I love how Joel grows as a character, altho maybe he didn’t grow but instead he had been hiding himself. I’ve already downloaded another book by this author!
I received a review copy of the book before release for an honest review.
This is book 2 in a series but it easily stands alone.It stars Kitty who is a single mom at age 21 to a 4 year old son. She meets Joel at work and he chases her and asks her out once a week over 4 months. She always refuses because he is a major player.
Kitty and Joel see each other at a party and get to know each other in a more asual setting and that lets her open her eyes and heart to him. But Joel is very much afraid of love and while he falls for Kitty and her son he has to face his past first and it is very painful for him.
This was a well written story and I fell hard for both Joel and Kitty and her son
Joel and Katrina carry a ton of baggage. The easy going player and the ever determined college student look like they have nothing in common, but looks can be deceiving. Jenshak brings to life a world where two focused people discover that when it comes to the heart, nothing proves to be easy. The Fadeaway is a journey of false starts, heartbreaking interruptions and hard won finishes. Keeping your head in the game means staying true to your heart. The Fadeaway is drowning in heart.
Now this is a good college romance!!! I love these characters and how they fit so perfectly together.
Katrina or aka Kitty as Joel calls her is not wanting to get involved with anyone but she has a son.
Joel is the top basketball star and doesn’t have time or want a commitment. However he is drawn in by her beauty.
Sparks are definitely flying after months of small encounters. Learning she has a son only make Joel see what amazing woman she is.
It’s easy to be consumed into their story. I was rooting for the couple to get that happily ever after.
I’m a fan of college sports romance. I know sometimes those heroes have cocky god complexes and Joel definitely fits that bill. I’m going to be honest when I first started this book I wasn’t sure if Joel could win me over. Joel surprised me because once he truly went after Katrina it changed him to the man he could be. I was drawn to this book because Katrina is a single mom. Single parents books are one of my favorite troupes. It shows you how strong Katrina is and how she brings the best out of Joel. I loved the scenes with Joel’s family because is showed another side of Joel many never see. Also the scenes with Joel and Katrina’s son are so adorable. This book started out rocky at the beginning, but it turned out to a book I’m so glad that I read.
The Fadeaway was a great, unique story that I could not put down. Katrina’s strength fascinated me, and I admired her drive to accomplish her life goals despite the circumstances life dealt her. Don’t judge a book by its cover with Joel. His persona showed a player and partier, but he had such a sweet spirit. I’m excited to see where this series goes in the next book.
Katrina is a single mom and student in college. She works at the cafe. Every Thursday Joel asks her out. Joel is a hot jock and playboy but there is so much more to him.Katrina is a strong, determined woman. Joel is a bit insecure but a sweet, sexy guy. I loved this story, a recommend for anyone who likes witty banter between the characters along with plenty of steam.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
The Fadeaway is an amazing single mom college sport romance. You get a little sneak peak at Katrina and Joel in the first book The Assist. But you don’t have to read The Assist (you should though) first to know what is going on in The Fadeaway. Katrina is an incredible single mom doing her best for her 3 year old son and going to college as a screen writer at the same time. I love the flirtatious of Joel. He is known as a player but once he meets Katrina she pretty much brings him to his knees. Joel is more then you expect. He will make you swoon just the way he is with Katrina’s son. These Joel and Katrina have amazing chemistry. I was drawn in from the beginning and couldn’t put this one down. I for one can’t wait for more Smart Jock books.
I really enjoyed this book. Cute, sweet, swoon worthy and emotional, Joel and Katrina’s romance was completely engaging and totally wonderful. There was so much more to these characters than what you could see initially. I loved getting to know the many hidden facets of these characters and seeing their irresistible attraction blossom into love. A simply delightful read!
This book is the unexpected story of a playboy jock and a single mom who have more in common than anyone would think.
Joel, who we met in The Assist, is a playboy who’s always the life of the party and Katrina is a single mom of a 3 year old who is juggling a part time job, school and being a single mom. Those two people you wouldn’t think would have much in common but Katrina is fully aware of Joel’s reputation when she asks him for help which he thinks is going to get him laid.
They both have a past that leaves them untrusting and not letting people into their lives easily. But between Joel not giving up and Katrina being just as stubborn about turning him down for every date he asks her on and not letting their chemistry get the best of her.
Joel shows her a side of him that he doesn’t show others and unknowingly they both end up getting deeper in than they planned. But our past has a way of reminding us why we protect ourselves and it’s up to us to decide if we are going to stick to our signature moves or take the risk, in the words of Wes.
This ARC was generously provided for my honest review.