Tomboy

I might have a slight addiction to this series. I loved books 1 and 2 (Butterface and Muffin Top, respectively) and couldn’t sign up for an ARC of Tomboy fast enough. I’ll most likely do the same thing when the next book in the series comes out, too. Why am I so addicted to this series? I’m glad you asked…

1. These aren’t makeover stories
You know those romance stories where the hero doesn’t notice the heroine until she’s had a makeover and puts on a sexy little red dress? Yeah, these aren’t books like that. These are stories where the heroines are more realistic. They have flaws and quirks and insecurities and aren’t necessarily movie-star pretty with little heart-shaped faces and button noses. They’re more like real, actual women that you might run into at the grocery store or be friends with in real life. And despite their lack of heart-shaped faces and button noses, they still find their HEAs with hot guys because they’re good-hearted, confident, beautiful-on-the-inside women who are comfortable in their own skin. It’s all pretty inspiring, really.

Now, that’s not to say that Fallon, the heroine in Tomboy, is unattractive. As you can see from the cover model, she’s gorgeous. But she’s the kind of fresh-faced, girl-next-door, sweat-pants-wearing gorgeous that you could definitely find in real life. And never once did she try to be something she wasn’t just to please Zach, the hero, or anyone else. I ADORED Fallon for that alone. Her snarky comments and take-no-shit attitude were just a pleasant bonus.

2. Banter
The banter in these books is beyond fabulous. It’s witty and clever and never feels over-the-top or unrealistic. It’s just right. Fallon’s conversations with Zach—and her conversations with her friends and family—were epically awesome. Avery Flynn could teach a master’s class in writing witty banter as far as I’m concerned. Plenty of other authors could learn a thing or two (or ten) from her.

3. Odds and Ends
It was also great to see Gina and Lucy from the other books again. And also, I know that I always get irritated when people talk about romance novel sex scenes as if they’re the best parts of the books, but…damn, Avery Flynn can write a hot, hot sex scene. Fallon and Zach’s chemistry was RIDICULOUS.

Now, I will admit that Zach is a jerk. BUT while he’s clearly a jerk, he’s not an alphahole. I know the distinction is miniscule, but Zach has some very valid reasons for wanting to keep people at a distance, and even while he was trying to push Fallon away, he never did anything to truly disrespect her. And he was a really good sport at the charity events. Zach has a good heart, even though he tries to hide it under layers of tattoos, piercings, muscles, and assholishness at times.

So, long-story-short, in case I didn’t make myself clear, I adore this series, I adored this book, and I feel sorry for anyone who doesn’t take a chance and buy this series. That is all.

Full disclosure: We received an ARC from NetGalley free of charge.

And feel free to check out the Romance Rehab blog for more rants, raves, book lists, and other fun romance-y stuff: http://www.romancerehab.com/

Excellent new release from Avery Flynn. It’s filled with fun and fiesty characters, lots of heart, and plenty of heat. I definitely recommend it.

This is the third book in the Hartigans series, and centers around the girl of the family Fallon Hartigan.
Fallon is an ER nurse and loves taking care of people. Her job is very important for her, as well as her family. She’s a tomboy, growing up with only brothers will do that to you.
As a favor to her friend Lucy, Fallon spends her free weekend taking care of the most hated man in town, Zach Blackburn.
Zach is a defenseman for The Ice Knights, and in a town where they bleed hockey, people dislike him for the losing streak he’s responsible for. Zach is surley and moody, but the pushy nurse pushes her way past him and into his house, determined to nurse him back to health.
That week a miracle occurs. Zach plays the best he’s played in a long time. And he attributes it to Fallon.

Now only to convince her to attend all his games so he can continue playing well.

Zach was a surprisingly pragmatic hero. He was a glass half empty kind of guy, but he was also thoughtful when he needed to be. He had his secrets, but wanted to trust Fallon with them.

Fallon was the kind of person you would aspire to be. A straightshooter, no nonsense kind of gal, which is often her weak point. Frankie wants to fix messes, and it’s often a hard pill for her to swallow when she can’t fix someone’s mess.

The two of them together was fireworks.

I’m really enjoying Avery Flynn’s books, and cannot wait for what she has in store for us.

Puke, Chapstick, Hockey!

Annnndddd….I just read my favorite book of The Hartigans series!

Author Avery Flynn is so wonderful at making the average person feel…normal!

Tomboy is an hilarious and incredible enemies-to-lovers story of an ordinary skateboard riding woman, with a caring heart, smaller breasts, and Chapstick lips…and the Ice Knights hockey player and most hated man in Harbor City. When Fallon Hartigan agreed to “nurse” grouchy hockey player Zach Blackburn back to health after what they thought was the flu, she didn’t think she could put up with him for a weekend, much less any longer…Oh, Lucy! You totally owe Fallon for this one!!!

Once again, Author Avery Flynn has written a humorous, laugh-out-loud, snort-laughing rom-com that you don’t want to miss! She does a FANTASTIC job writing a storyline that sucks you in and keeps you there. The characters are soooo great! I have enjoyed every bit of the Hartigan family (who are in this book as well!), and now added the Ice Knights hockey team (and HONESTLY…You cannot go wrong with hockey mixed in!). This is a stand-alone, but includes the characters in the first two books in the series (Butterface and Muffin Top) and all three books are so funny and inspiring that you really should just read the whole series! 5 star read from me!

I’ve had my eye on Avery Flynn’s Hartigans series for ages, but I’ve just not made the time to read any of them before now. I’m glad I took the time to read Tomboy and I’m really looking forward to reading the first two books ASAP. Preferably before ApollyCon, so I can fangirl over Avery and get her to sign all of them for me.

But that’s neither here nor there. I’m supposed to be talking about Tomboy, so let me do just that. I absolutely adored this book. Fallon needs to be my new best friend. She’s amazing. So spunky and relatable. I love me a good, grumpy hero and Zach so fit the bill. Of course, there was more to him than met the eye, too. Which makes me love him even more. Fallon and Zach were fantastic together. Their chemistry was sizzling and I loved watching both of them lower their walls to let the other in.

Tomboy was a fun read. I breezed through it in basically one sitting. I laughed, swooned and definitely had to fan myself a time or two. Now I can’t wait to go back and read the first two books because, let’s face it, I need me some more Hartigans. I have a new favorite bookish family, y’all.

Favorite Quotes:
“If we walk out of here together right now, there’s only one way tonight ends.”
“How’s that?”
“Naked. Sweaty. Drained. Exhilarated. Probably sore. Definitely satisfied.”

“I got just that, and I’m about to get it again, not because I want him to put a ring on it, but because I like fucking him. It feels phenomenal.”

Holy hell, they really were two peas in an uncomfortably tight pod. Exposed soft underbelly? Cover that shit up with a titanium plate.

She was Wonder Woman in scrubs, out for truth and justice.

4 1/2 STARS

Full of sass, snark and broodiness, Avery Flynn’s latest addition to The Hartigans series is delightful! I went into it expecting sarcasm and giggles, and while receiving those with a smile, I also got a heartfelt redemption of a guy who seemed too wounded to be reachable. Fallon and Zach were a little slice of warmth that kept on giving throughout. Really enjoyed their story!

ER nurse Fallon Hartigan knew she’d regret it when her bestie gets her to agree to go make a house call to hockey bad boy Zach Blackburn’s house, she just didn’t realize quite how much until the damage was done! Now she’s front page news as the bad boys most recent fling who needs a major make-over to be worthy. Puh-leez! She wouldn’t give this guy the time of day, and she’s perfectly happy just the way she is thank you very much!

Ice Knights defenseman Zach Blackburn is hated in Harbor City. His personal demons have a hold of his soul, and he’s having the longest dry spell of his career. If he can’t turn things around and help his team get into the playoffs, they just might throw him out of town. He never expected the snarky nurse to be his lady luck, but he has to admit, things are looking up since she’s been around. Can he convince her to stay by his side … forever?

When I finished this book, my first thought was, I NEED MORE HOCKEY ROMANCES IN MY LIFE!! I really, really enjoyed this book. Avery Flynn is a new-to-me author, I’m so glad I decided to read this one.

Enemies to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, mix in a jock and I’m so there! While third person writing isn’t my favorite, this book was so well written, I barely noticed and it definitely didn’t slow down my reading at all.

Avery Flynn is one helluva storyteller, I’ll definitely be buying more of her books. And while Tomboy is part of a series, it can definitely standalone. I loved it.

~ 4.5 Stars

As I was getting ready to read Tomboy I’d been asked what was I was about to read and was I looking forward to it. My answer was Tomboy , with a resounding YES!. Once again Avery Flynn delivered a sweet, hilarious, and sexy love story centered on Fallon Hartigan and Zach Blackburn.

We met Zach in Muffin Top, as Lucy Kavanaghs’ bad boy Ice Knights hockey captain client. He seemed like a massive jerk, and indeed I felt that way at first. But there is nothing better than a redeemable jerk and Zach redeemed himself with gusto. We learn just why Zach is so closed off. For good reason he has cause to distrust. Letting Fallon into his house will mean he not only does he needs to open the door to her, but he must put aside his fear of real intimacy.

Fallon is only there to help by the request of her BFF Lucy. She has no good other great reason to be there except that she loves the Ice Knights, but the captain…eh, not so much. Which is completely in line with most of Harbor City. When Fallon inadvertently becomes #LadyLuck to Zach, the power of social media creates the #TeamZuck movement and negotiations for Fallons’ time take on a new, and fun meaning. Zachs’ “LL” begins to influence the transformation of the much disliked captain. But when Zachs’ past refuses to stay in the past and he begins experiencing the old self-defeating emotions, Fallon shows him just how strong (and maybe a bit wrong) she can be.

In Harbor City, with the Hartigan siblings, Avery Flynn creates a world with real life characters and all the emotions, giving the reader all the feels. I really love how she takes what some would perceive as flawed characteristics and turns them into such positives. A great reminded that no one is perfect and flaws are opportunities to unite people. With a million series out there, this one is among my favorites and one I highly recommend.

Wow – I love this family. This is Fallon’s story. From the first chapter I couldn’t put it done. As a favor to her future sister-in-law Fallon is asked to go take care of Zach Blackburn, the new hockey player in town who is sick. Zach has a past that has lead to the way he plays, acts, and treats people. Being a nurse Fallon knows how to deal with difficult patients and will not take no for an answer. It’s soon clear why Zach got sick and Fallon can’t believe his stupidity. After the weekend of getting Zach better, a photo of them, and Zach playing his best Fallon has the nickname of Lady Luck. Soon Zach and Fallon strike a deal she goes to his games and he helps at her fundraiser. Watching these two grow from a friendship to feelings they were each fighting was so sweet with the sexy times throw in. I loved this story and can’t wait for more Hartigans stories but first we are getting some more hockey players. #IceKnights #TeamZuck

Avery Flynn, if you ever decide to change the cover of TOMBOY I will be extremely disappointed. I love the model on a skateboard and even more, I love that Fallon Hartigan does actually ride a skateboard in the book!

The Hartigan’s are back, and this time it’s no-nonsense Fallon’s turn to find love. Her just-get-the-job-done mantra and take-no-prisoners attitude is intimidating to many. She’s pragmatic and uncomplicated in many a thing, that it takes someone with a keen eye to see the treasure that is the Fallon underneath the shell.

And who would have thought it, but the man that makes the grade is none other than surly, grouchy and unfriendly Zach Blackburn. I loved Zach, and he is going on my list of boyfriends. He is suffering. He is suffering from the flu when he and Fallon meet, but he is suffering from a life of disappointment, betrayal and deceit courtesy of his parents. Is it any wonder he is not inclined to get close to people?

I loved Zach and Fallon. These kids are crazy for each other. Their conversations and banter make for an entertaining read. I enjoyed that they actually listened to what the other has to say, and when their walls begin to drop, I love that they showed each other in word and deed how they felt.

In TOMBOY, Flynn focuses on the perils of social media and the result of the lynch mob mentality of these keyboard crusaders. It’s uncomfortable reading at times and this is a good thing. It’s good for people to be reminded that on the other side there is a human being with feelings.

Even though Flynn tackles some heavy subjects in this series, her writing style adds a light touch. These books are not an angst fest; they are positive, optimistic and highly entertaining.