“One kiss can change everything.”Fun and flirty Monica Stevens lives for food, fashion, and boys … in that order. And she doesn’t take life too seriously, especially when it comes to dating. When a night of innocent banter with Seattle’s hottest NFL quarterback turns passionate, she fears that everything she once managed to protect will soon be destroyed.Seattle’s most eligible bachelor, Zachary … bachelor, Zachary Ryan, is a Southern Gentleman at heart, a star NFL quarterback, and an undercover entrepreneur. He’s also addicted to the flirty office assistant with a sassy mouth—and not just because she tastes like chocolate and strawberries. She’s as challenging as she is decadent, as witty as she is charming, and she’s the perfect distraction from the daily grind.
When Monica comes to a crossroads in her life, Zachary becomes an unavoidable obstacle, forcing her to confront the demons of her past. But as their connection grows stronger, she knows it only brings them closer to their end. It’s time to let go.
To have a future, we must first deal with our pasts. But what if the two are connected?
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Under the Bleachers by K.K. Allen is a slow burn, contemporary, new adult, sports romance told in first person, dual POV. The story follows the relationship between Monica Stevens, a personal assistant at a creative agency, and Zachary Ryan, an NFL quarterback.
Monica is beautiful, feisty, flirty, and funny, but she doesn’t let anybody get too close. There are reasons for the walls built around her heart, but Zach is determined to break through them. He’s gorgeous, kindhearted, fun-loving and sweet. And hard as she may try, Monica can’t stay away from Zach. The chemistry they share is undeniable. But Monica has been keeping some pretty big secrets.
What will happen when she’s forced to face the ghosts from her past? What will happen when the truth is exposed? Will Zach’s feelings for Monica change? Can their relationship survive the fallout?
I loved Monica and Zach. They were great characters. Both were likeable, relatable, and flawed. I enjoyed the dialogue and fun banter. The story captured my interest and kept me invested until the end. Full of angsty goodness and surprising twists, I absolutely loved it.
I devoured Under the Bleachers!
Monica and Zachary’s story has so many layers, and is written beautifully. Both have pasts that keep them from taking the next step. But their attraction and connection is undeniable. Filled with ups and downs, this book keep me hooked and up past my bedtime.
4.5 “QB” Stars
I was very fond of the other books in the BelleCurve Series and was eager to finally read Zachary and Maggie’s story! Under the Bleachers was so good to experience in audiobook!
This romance was sweet and lovely! Zachary is a star quarterback, but such a good guy under all this confidence he oozes. He finds an interest in Monica, and while she’s reticent to embark on a relationship with him, he keeps pushing his point that they would make an amazing pair. Monica has trust issues with men since her father abandon their family and she sees that Zachary is different, but her old demons all always near.
The shared moments between those two are simply magical and so romantic. It’s clear that Zachary is one of the good ones. While their romance evolves into something more, they realize that they’re linked in more ways than they first thought.
I got all the spectrum of emotions listening to the exquisite interpretation of the narrators. Maggie’s tone of voice wasn’t quite fitting for her personality in my opinion, nonetheless I was eventually captured by all the passion pouring from the interpreter’s performance.
K.K. Allen never misses a chance create addicting, heartfelt stories! I highly recommend this sweet romance that will get to you deeply!
I loved this sports romance! I am so glad this one touched on Monica and Zach after their appearances in Up in the Treehouse. Once again, K.K. Allen hooked me in, no problem with this one!
Monica Stevens is so fun and flirty, but she was hurt by her father when she was younger and because of that she has built walls around her heart, unwilling to let anyone in and hurt her the way he did.
Zachary Ryan, Seattle’s NFL quarterback was the perfect gentleman. He was funny, sweet, hot, and extremely patient. He goes after what he wants and that was Monica.
No matter how hard Monica tried to push Zach away, he wasn’t giving up on her. Monica and Zach had such great flirty banter from the start and their chemistry was on fire. They’ve known each other for a few years, but their relationship and love was slowburn.
I had a feeling their pasts were going to connect the way they did, how exactly, I wasn’t sure. But when they did, it was heartbreaking the way Monica felt about how it all went down. I always feel so much anxiety when characters spend a lot of time apart, when you just want them to be together, but that time is when they overcome obstacles, trying to forgive, and other things they’ve been struggling with, and then when they get together, it’s so happy!!
I definitely wanted to read more of their story! Wasn’t ready for it to end. Thankfully, we see a little more of them in Through the Lens 😉
Apparently I have been on a little bit of a KK Allen bender this month. This was the second book of hers that I read (and also happens to be the second book in a series of standalones). The two characters this story is about, Monica and Zachary, were side characters from the first book, Up in the Treehouse. Monica was spunky and no holds barred. She piqued my interest and always had me laughing and wanting more of her. And Zachary Ryan was a bit of a mystery, besides that he was bullied when he was younger and now plays professional football. But he seemed to be a guy that goes after what he wants. He definitely had potential in UitT so I couldn’t wait to see what was to come.
“One kiss can change everything. It can grip you, weaken you, resolve you, strengthen you. It’s beginning; it’s end. His kiss saved me. And then it destroyed me. He thinks this is our beginning…I know better.”
All I have to say is….swwoooooonn. I adored Zachary Ryan and his tenacity. Not only for the game of football, his family and friends, but also for his devotion to Monica. Once he had a look, a taste of his sweet Cakes (btw, best pet name ever), he was done for. And boy was he patient with a woman that deterred all of his advances after their first connection toward the beginning of their journey. And that first connection was full of sparks. I was on board with the chemistry and their flames that definitely ignited. But Monica was only up for flirting and nothing more. She didn’t want to be burned by someone else. With that, I was intrigued with what could come of this couple.
Under the Bleachers was a well paced, but slow burn (after the initial “first date”) where we really got to know the characters and their backgrounds, their work environment, how they grew up and watching them grow as people. Every moment seemed special and I felt a part of the story. These characters had a connection that just fit. The scenes where they were together and sparring were my favorite. The banter and the looks they threw to one another left me grinning. And their pain left me feeling emotional and sad (yes, I did get tears in my eyes a few times). The emotions were definitely palatable.
Under the Bleachers is full of laughs, some deep emotions, friendship and family and a sexual chemistry that is sparking throughout the whole story. I adored the characters and I’m glad we got to go on their journey to their HEA. They more than deserve it. And it’s a beautiful thing to see a woman that never gives herself to anyone, go all in. We always are waiting for the other shoe to drop and you know we are going to get some angst and drama, but just trust. Trust that KK Allen knows how to take us full circle and give us a story chocked full of angst and love and all the good stuff we find in romances. Under the Bleachers and this couple may be my favorite of the series! 4.5 stars
Great follow up to Up in the Treehouse, they are interconnecting standalones.
This is Zackary and Monica’s story, they are friends of Gavin and Chloe.
K.K. Allen is an incredible writer who gave us another great story!!
Ok, I’ve decided that I’m moving to Seattle and getting a job at Bellecurve. I absolutely love every character I’ve been introduced to and that includes Zachary and Monica.
I loved Monica almost instantly in Up in the Treehouse. I was so excited to get more of her energetic, optimistic and witty personality. What I wasn’t prepared for was the pain that she had tucked away from her past. As for Zachary, at first I thought he was too good to be true with his interactions with Monica but as their story progressed he continued to show how patient and loving he could be. The trials these two had to go through was something else, my poor heart was so sad at times but I don’t think this story could have been told any better. I loved this book from beginning to end and can’t wait for the next one, I have a feeling I know who it’s going to be about and I’m excited!
Monica and Zach These two are my favorite couple of Kk’s. I LOVED this book. I love a lot of books but this was one of my absolute MOST FAVORITE books EVER!! I’ve heard and read that some people didn’t like Monica but I disagree. What she went through, her story and the way she acted are one of the main reasons the book is so great. The story seems so real-life. I connected with it on a personal level. Some of us go through so much in life it is so extremely hard to trust and forgive. But in the end, Monica overcame that all. She forgave, she loved, and she lived life to the fullest. I will forever carry this story in my heart. Thank you Kk for such an inspirational read.
K.K. Allen brought me to the cusp of heartbreak with this book. The angst and slow burn factor was intense. Zachary Ryan was the smooth NFL football player that I hoped he would be. He was the sweetest man ever – I wish there was a Zachary Ryan in my life. Now, Monica, on the other hand grated on my news towards the end of the book. I loved her in the start of the book but by the end, I just wanted her to get her crap together. She had her redeeming qualities though. She was feisty, witty, and spunky. I enjoyed the banter that Monica and Zach had. It was swoon-worthy.
Under the Bleachers was full of witty banter, angst, slow burn, and a sexy NFL player. Who wouldn’t love that?! K.K. Allen’s writing pulls you in, embraces you, and makes your heart rate increase.
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Monica is pretty, vivacious and seems to have everything. She meets Zachary, a NFL star quarterback, and the two end up having a passion filled night together. Zachary is an epic book boyfriend. I really liked his determination to win over Monica. Monica was so lost and sometimes she could drive you batty with her issues. All in all this is a good story and read.
This was an emotional love story with a lot of push and pull. This is Zachary and Monica’s love story.
Zachary is an absolutely great guy. He is patient, kind, caring, giving, sensitive, understanding, ambitious, successful, sexy, and loving. Basically everything you could want in a boyfriend.
Monica was funny, sassy, and caring but did have a lot of baggage. She had major daddy issues that deeply affected her ability to form romantic relationships. Zach, however, was determined to win her over but that didn’t prove to be an easy task. If I’m being honest, Monica irritated and frustrated me a little. I understand why she had her issues but it seemed to take up too much of the story and made her come across as immature and indecisive.
There were wonderful characters in this book. I especially enjoyed the supporting characters like Gavin and Chloe. They added a lot of character to the story. Towards the end of the story, there was a twist I didn’t see coming. It was surprising and added so much feeling to the story. Overall, it was a good story and had a lot of potential but it could have been paced better. The push and pull between them was a little too drug out and the story didn’t pick up for me until the middle of the book. When it picked up, I really enjoyed it. It had a lot of heartbreaking and touching moments. The ending and the wonderful characters definitely added to the appeal of the book.
***ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.***
Monica works at Bellcurve and they help represent Zach who is a quarterback. Zach and Monica are always flirty and laughing , she gives him a hard time. One kiss and the chemistry goes through the roof. Zach wants more but Monica keeps pushing him away but he won’t go. Monica has some issues she needs to work on and Zach wants to be there for her. Can she let the past go so she can have a future with him ?? Great characters and storyline. Highly recommended. Amazing book
Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy at no cost from the publisher/author. All opinions in my review are my own.
This story was just irresistible and completely captivating. I honestly couldn’t stop reading once I had started and ended up reading the entire book in a single sitting.
The first thing that blew me away was the impeccable writing. I was so impressed with the caliber of the author’s writing. She has a beautiful way with words and the writing feels very familiar and easy. The plotting of the story was clever and heartfelt. I loved how unpredictable the story was.
These characters really are incredible. They have so much depth and they experience such intense character growth. These are the kinds of characters that you can’t help but fall madly in love with. These characters really pulled at my heartstrings. The author writes them beautifully. The reader gets to step into their shoes and it’s such an intimate experience.
The romance in this story is a powerful one. Monica and Zach are starcrossed lovers, even if only one of them knows this. There are things stacked against them but they fall in love nonetheless and their romantic journey is one for the books. Their journey is one that you have to experience for yourself. It is one that will leave you feeling so many emotions.
Overall, this was a masterpiece love story that kept my heart pounding in my chest. It feels like it’s been so long since I’ve fallen so in love with a love story. This story will have you feeling a plethora of emotions. It’s one that you won’t want to miss out on!
Under The Bleachers is a stellar sports romance. I absolutely loved it. Monica Stevens and Zachary Ryan are compelling and resilient characters. I absolutely love the fun banter between these two. A sugary sweet romance, sensual moments, a bit of sports, a secret, plenty of suspense & a bombshell twist braided together into one scrumptiously ambrosial.
Told in due POV with alternating between the past and the present. This writing style perfectly fits the genre and creates a well crafted story. I found the going back & fourth between the past and the present highly intriguing. I love the title references through out the book. Perfect title for this suspenseful sports romance.
The duet narration done by Kai Kennicott and Wen Ross is flawlessly done. These two are able to capture all the hot blooded moments in a way that the characters leap off the page and come to life. The undeniable chemistry between Monica and Zach is shined through the narration.
Another 5 star read by the amazing K.K. Allen. I adored Under The Bleachers. I’m so happy she gave us a story about the secondary characters we met in Under The Tree House, Zach and Monica.
We met Monica in Under The Tree House when Chloe started her job at BelleCurve and the two became instant best friends. They both hit it off immediately. Monica Stevens has always been the life of the party. Flirty, fun, and boy crazy. Relationships are always kept at arms length for her. She has a past filled with secrets, trust issues with men, and feels it’s best to keep the past in the past. Even Chloe, her best friend has no idea how truly broken her best friend really is. Monica is the best actress when it comes to putting on a mask – never showing anyone her true self. She has a bubbly personality that’s infectious, sarcastic wit, and a sense of humor that makes everyone want to be around her.
The night she meets Zachary Ryan, star Quarter back of Seattle’s NFL football team, her world seems to sway on its axis. For one night, she allows herself to get swept away by Seattle’s most eligible bachelor and leave that night behind her. Neither Zach nor Monica realize how hard it is to stay away from one anther.
Her past collides with the present, her secrets are revealed. Will Monica run like she always does or will she stand her ground? If you loved Up In The Tree House and all the characters, you’ll love Under The Bleachers. Monica and Zach’s story is one that needs to be read. Another angsty romance with some tears that may fall from K.K. Allen. I definitely recommend this novel.
Under the Bleachers is a great angsty, sports romance that everyone can enjoy. Monica is a very likable female lead. She’s sharp with her witty banter with Zach but has a past that haunts her. Zach is America’s sweetheart, not the typical cocky jock. His past collides with Monica’s in the most unexpected way. When they come to a crossroad, they must learn to deal with the past in order to have a future.
3.75 stars
This was good but there were parts that were so frustrating.
Have you ever one-clicked a book you know you really want to read, but then you let it sit for months on your Kindle before you actually read it? Under the Bleachers was that book for me. The first time I saw the cover, which I’m in love with by the way, and read the blurb, I just had to have this book on my Kindle. I now regret waiting so long to read this book because KK Allen sure did knock this one out of the park.
The angst in this book was unbelievable. Like seriously. This book may be the angstiest (that’s a word, right?) book I’ve ever read. I don’t want to give you any spoilers, but that scene where Zach and Monica are discussing the scent of the skin care products… *cue goosebumps* I was ready to jump Zach myself. You’ll understand when you get there.
This book has everything I could want in a romance and more. Angst, laughter, steam, a fun independent heroine, a sweet gentlemanly hero with a strong take charge attitude in certain situations *wink wink*. It’s all there, mixing together to form an authentic 5-Star romance.