Courtney Bishop is as sugary sweet as her famous blueberry muffins.Southern belle at heart, Cali girl by choice.She barged into my life and easily became my best friend.All was great as roommates and just friends, but then I fell for the girl who could chop firewood, deliver baby calves, and bail hay without breaking a sweat. She’s the perfect mixture of sugar and spice, and I love her.Being more … spice, and I love her.
Being more than friends and trying to build our future isn’t as easy as it sounds.
Moving forward and creating memories is all I want for us, but when the past continues to come back and haunt me, I’m not so sure she’ll stay for the ride.
Loving her is easy, but losing her will break me. Burning passion combined with an undeniable chemistry constantly pushes and pulls us together. In the end, I’ll prove we’re worth the fight, even when the game is far from over.
Checkmate, sweetheart.
*Recommend for ages 18+ due to sexual content and adult language.*
**This is book 2 in the Checkmate Duet Series–a friends to lovers romance. You must read book 1, Checkmate: This is Reckless first.
Highly recommended to read the Checkmate Duet, This is War and This is Love first, but not necessary. This can read as a standalone duet.**
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Checkmate: This is effortless is book 2 of Drew and Courtney story. It starts off right where book one left off so you must read book 1 This is Reckless first. Drew and Courtney’s relationship is the complete different from the drag out knockdown relationship that V and Travis shared but it is no less beautiful. It’s sweet and Drew is everybody’s picture perfect candidate of Prince Charming. There is just one problem with it all Mia F***in Montgomery and she could end it all for them in a blink of the eye and she’s crazy enough to do just that.
Mia freaking Montgomery strikes again! The story of Drew and Courtney continues and it was one full of easy and loving sweet chemistry growing between the two but as close as they are getting to move past to something more there is something/someone who is making their lives on edge. Love is quite the challenge when obstacles keep standing in their way which in turn will have you feeling some intense moments from all angles.
So I was very eager to read this one after how the first book left off. And it definitely started off very good, with lots of drama and things going on. And I definitely wanted to see Drew and Courtney get their happy ever after. And I wanted to see Mia get what she was deserving after her psycho self did all the stuff she did.
Like the first one in the duet though, for a long time in this book it was kind of dragging for me. And again, I actually fast-forwarded through some of the sex scenes, because I wanted more story at times. I almost got irritated at Courtney at one point when she almost didn’t give Drew a chance to explain, but then she did and it all worked out. I loved when she and Drew went back to visit her family, that was fun, and again made me eager to read or listen to the Bishop family series.
The ending of this definitely took a twist and an exciting finale at that! Once again there was an awful lot of an epilogue as well, maybe a little more than was needed as with the first duet in this series. But I guess we’re getting the next duet set up, for Kayla I assume. I also wondered if the Tyler they talked about was maybe from another series by Kennedy Fox, but surely not after the issues Kayla had with him in the steamy bits she talked about.
Thank you!!! This was JUST the ending I was looking for!
Drew and Courtney are just freaking awesome! They seem to overcome anything. And it is because they discuss matters, keep an open mind and trust each other! They way they work through everything that psycho, Mia, puts them through is quite inspiring! These 2 have got to be just about one of the sweetest couples ever!
And that wedding! I swear I could see the whole thing in my mind as I was reading about it. And with the lead in to Logan and Kayla’s story….. I am so excited to jump into that one next!!!
Drew and Courtney can not deny the attraction, but will Drew’s crazy ex get in there way? This is the conclusion to the Drew and Courtney duet and it is HOT. Drew has fallen hard for this sweet southern girl. Will he be able to have the happily ever after or will everything unravel? Give it a listen and find out. Absolutely loved the ending to Drew and Courtney.
Amazingly Brilliant Sequel! Fabulous Story & Audible Listen
This Is Effortless
Checkmate Duet Series, Book 2
By: Kennedy Fox
Narrated by: Lia Langola
Series: Checkmate Duet: Drew and Courtney, Book 2, Checkmate Duet Series, Book 4
Wow, the awesomeness continues in the second book of Drew and Courtney’s story as Kennedy Fox ups the drama and the heat. Their story is an epic friends to lovers romance, I love Courtney’s southern charm and the light-hearted humor she brings where ever she goes. She has even gotten Drew, Mr. Health and Fit, to indulge in her muffins. There is only one problem in their relationship and that would be Mia. And I thought she was a piece of work in the first book, she takes it to a whole new level in this book, starting with what happened at the end of the 1st book. I loved how everything plays out in this book, beautifully and cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment. I felt the romance and friendship was beautifully plotted, there were many wonderful scenes, that made me smile. The Mia storyline was cleverly plotted and brought some darkness in the story, as well as mystery and thrilling suspense. There was plenty of drama, angst, heartfelt and emotional moments. It was great to see more of the other characters in the series as well. Kennedy Fox, thank you for another awesome story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
And for the fabulous narration, Lia Langola continues to do an awesome job portraying these characters, taking each role and making it her own. She is a talented narrator and a versatile voice artist, covers the voices for all the characters, switches rolls effortlessly, handles all the dialogue naturally and with ease. She is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another awesome listen
Courtney and Drew’s relationship, while full of drama thanks to Mia, is absolutely the best. It has taken what seems like forever for them to finally get their HEA.
What a great end for a great couple. I was rooting for them since the previous duet and I loved seeing them get their Happily Ever After. Big time crazy ex-girlfriend alert in this story. Mia Montgomery can boil my blood like no other. The lengths she goes to are insane. Kennedy Fox has given us another fun story with plenty of sexy times and some unexpected twists. Blueberry muffins anyone?
Audio review:
The continuation of Courtney and Drew’s story is so, so good.
Drama, sexy, happiness, love, death and crazy about sums it up.
These two are just THE BEST.
As always, Lia did a absolutely amazing job with narration.
Love this couple
Wow, Mia was crazy. I liked the storyline (no spoilers) and Drew and Courtney are still my favorite. Excellent progression of their relationship – amazing connection. So much heart. Fun special guests. Can’t wait for Kayla and Logan- what is his deal???
Lia Langola was still just as fabulous as a narrator as in previous books.
I love Drew and Courtney!! This story of theirs is my favorite and I could listen to it over and over again!! Drew has to be the best male character that I have read.
This love story is one you can’t ignore! This couple brings all the feels and all the emotions!!
The love you feel for all the characters in this book.
Courtney is one of the sweet and sassy characters you can’t get enough of!!
4.5 STARS AUDIO REVIEW
This is my favourite of the CheckMate duets so far. The dynamic between Courtney and Drew was on point and the cameos made me smile. What Drew and Courtney go through in this story was staggering and I loved how they (mostly) communicated every step of the way this time. This picks up right here This Is Reckless leaves off and it’s action action pretty much from there. I loved how it ended and I really am excited to read the next duet. Lia Langola is an ace on narration and I really enjoy her superb work bringing these books to life. I volunteered to listen and review a complimentary copy of this. All opinions are my own.
********AUDIO REVIEW********
I absolutely love Drew and Courtney in audio…..they are AMAZING! Lia Langola has done superb work in the first four books of this series and I cannot wait to get to the last two books.
In this second part of Drew and Courtney’s story they are still being bothered by Mia all while trying to build their relationship. Being the two head strong people that they are they don’t even let a little obstacle in the form of Mia get in their way….they are stronger together. There is a silver lining to the whole Mia issue…her craziness makes Drew realize he cannot live without Courtney and is ready for the next steps in their relationship.
Just like the first book there is a trip back to Texas with that crazy Bishop gang and Drew experiencing some ranch activities for the first time. Nothing like a city cop from California working on a ranch!
#review #bookstagram #spoilerwarning @kennedyfoxbooks
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This book was such an fun read, good storyline, some parts were an bit long in details but you need them to understand the depth of the storyline
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Overall I loved reading them both, it’s an duology ….
Notes on book 1;
Drew deputy, Courtney best friend and secretly in love, Mia the crazy girlfriend/ex
Loved it, hate the cliffhanger ending… really need to buy the second book NOW!
Notes on book 2;
Sequel, a lot of plot twist some did got to me as an surprise, but to long on some subjects to end the story.
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Blurb;
Checkmate: This is Reckless & This is Effortless is a friends-to-lovers romance that’ll have you swooning and laughing from the first to the last page! Are you ready to play the game?
Drew Fisher is the type of guy every girl wants.
Noble police officer by day, charming prince by night.
He has no idea the effect he has on women, especially Courtney—his little sister’s best friend. She’s the blonde Southern belle who lives up to the cliché, except she has her own quirks. She’s smart as a whip, can change her own oil, and recite The Pledge of Allegiance backward, but no matter what, he doesn’t see that girl. It’d be easier to forget him if he wasn’t Courtney’s roommate and if the first thing she saw in the morning wasn’t his shirtless body covered in tattoos. She’s crushed on him since the day they met, but he’s made it perfectly clear where they stand. Just friends.
Courtney Bishop is as sugary sweet as her famous blueberry muffins.
Southern belle at heart, Cali girl by choice.
She barged into Drew’s life and they easily became best friends.
All was great as roommates and just friends, but then he started to fall for the girl who could chop firewood, deliver baby calves, and bail hay without breaking a sweat.
She’s the perfect mixture of sugar and spice, and he wants her.
One drunken hookup leaves them with much more than a platonic friendship. Pretending it never happened proves to be more difficult than either of them anticipated. A crazy ex-girlfriend, a dangerous war of stolen glances, and passionate kisses leads to the most reckless battle yet.
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#books
4 stars for Checkmate: This is Effortless by Kennedy Fox. This is book 4 in the Checkmate series, but book 2 for Courtney and Drew. Book 4 picks up right where book 3 left us. Mia is one crazy woman and will go to drastic lengths to get Drew. I loved Drew and Courtney, they have a love everyone wants. “I’m deeply, madly, insanely, in love with you and the future I see for us.” There is love, drama, and suspense in this story. It had an amazing ending. I will say there where parts where I wanted to reach in and slap some people but I did get over that. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. Great work Kennedy Fox.
Great book.
It’s finally here! Words can not explain how excited I am to be given the opportunity to review this book before its release! I have been sitting on pins and needles since I finished “This is Reckless” to see where we will be taken with the story of Courtney and Drew and most importantly, what will happen to the character everyone needs to hate Mia Montgomery. The witty banter, funny moments, and just good old fashion love story is still there for us but they are able to give us a little bit more. Kennedy Fox adds an edge to this story that was not expected in order to gives us a fast paced and action oriented love story without sacrificing the true focus on love between Courtney and Drew.
We pick up right where we left off in the last book to continue our adventures. However, Kennedy Fox does not rush the romance between the two main characters. We are able to watch their love grown into something more. Something bigger than the two of them, or what we can even say a love the transcends the test of time. Like any other couple, Courtney and Drew had their ups and downs in order to get to their happy ending. However, Mia (oh crazy) is relentless in her pursuit of Drew and now even her revenge tactics again Courtney. The couple is tested beyond what normal couples have to deal with, but will they be able to remain strong with this new more aggressive threat standing in their way? I don’t know about you, but even with knowing the ending now I always knew these two could make it through anything if they stayed together. Drew and Courtney could conquer the world, as long as they tried to do it together.
Now Mia, I am not going to spoil this book for you, but YES! Kennedy Fox is able to have Mia still being in the forefront of our minds without having us focus on her and miss what is happening between Courtney and Drew. We discover aspects of Mia and her personality during this book that we are not given in the previous ones. This possibly gives us a better understanding of Mia and why she behaves the way that she does toward those around her. Now that’s not an excuse for her actions nor do I forgive her for being psycho, but it does explain something for me. In doing so, we are all given closure in the Mia situation. Let just say there is no bad feelings from this lady on how things went down, Mia had it coming!
I am sad for the end of Courtney and Drew’s story, but I am excited to see what KF has in store for us with their next couple. Again in true cliffy bitches fashion they have left us hanging! Now go and pre-order NOW, you must read this when it is released. There is no waiting for this book because it is worth it! Actually go back and read everything all over again, I know I am going to do that right now!
Drew and his on-again-off-again girlfriend Mia, were having problems again. Let me just say, even since the first two books, I haven’t liked Mia, ever since her trying to sabotage Travis and Drew’s & Travis and Viola’s relationships- but she gets to a whole new level of crazy in these books.
Viola and Travis get married after baby number two- and her tubes tied, because after a puppy and two kids- they can’t handle any more. For a week before the wedding, after Drew and Mia broke up again, after she gave him an ultimatum- her or his roommate, he wasn’t having it anymore- Drew has been dreaming about Courtney, and not in the just friends and roommates way. Him and Courtney get fairly drunk at the wedding, and they (finally) hookup. Come morning, he claims he doesn’t remember it.
So with them trying to figure out where they stand, with the stress of his job as a police officer, impromptu trips to Texas, and Vegas, and the drama of his ex Mia these two go on a whirl wind of emotions & tensions run high. Do they finally reveal their feelings for each other? Does the stress of the job get to them? Does Mia bring a ton of unwanted drama into their lives?
I give both books 4 out of 5 . These were great quick steamy reads and a great friends to lovers romance
f: Courtney
m: Drew
(Dual POVs)
The suspense in this book! It seriously had me sitting on the edge of my seat quite a bit cause I felt like I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop with how unpredictable Mia was. At times, things were a bit dramatic, I’m talking soap opera dramatic, but I honestly really appreciated the bit of Mia’s history that we get to help understand why she acted the way she did.
I adored seeing how Courtney and Drew interacted as a couple in this book! The depth of their love easily flew off the pages and I was in awe of how passionate they were about each other. It was truly beautiful to see how much Drew cared for Courtney and the lengths he was willing to go in order to make her feel comfortable and safe. The heated love these two share was seriously inspiring and I’m so happy they were able to get their HEA!
Favorite Quotes:
We go together like blueberries and muffin batter- or as Drew would say, tofu and broccoli. -Courtney
”Loving you has and will always be effortless. -Drew
Kennedy Fox is amazing! Writing another amazing book! The twists and turns just keep coming in this book and it definitely keeps you on your toes. I literally could not put this book down. The love between these two is absolutely amazing! They were definitely fated to be together and man do they love each other hard! I highly recommend reading this! Cant wait for the next Kennedy Fox book!