Thursday, August 3, 2017

Even the Score

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I'm going to hang my head in shame and quietly admit that I just can't quit the book boxes. I can't. I've become somewhat of a recluse and I only leave my house for doctor appointments, the occasional run for food, and even less frequent outings with people, so my only joy is the mail.

Which is really sad because you know my mail is unreliable.

But about a month ago, Bookworm Box had an announcement that they lowered the price on their box but also went down to one book versus two, and promised "amazing swag" and you know I'm a sucker for that kind of thing, so I was obviously all in. Then I forgot about it until the box arrived and I was so excited to tear into the box!
The "amazing swag" ended up being two bookmarks and two stickers I immediately tossed out because honestly, who needs all of this? WHY? Also the pen, the dreaded pen... which actually exploded and got ink all over my counter that I had to scrub off, and then a large jar candle. Mine smells kind of lemony, which is alright, I like lemon smell. I have to say, I'm kind of bummed about one book versus two. That, to me, was the thing that set this box apart from everything else. I know some money goes to charity and that's awesome, but at the same time, you kind of want to feel like you're getting Christmas in the mail. I want to fan girl on my own box. So... yeah. Love/hate relationship that I can't quit.

BUT, because I am all caught up on my book reviews and have reviews typed and ready to go, I had time for a fun read so I started this one.

Even the Score - Beth Ehemann


Single dad Andy Shaw loves his job as a sports agent, with one exception: it doesn’t leave him much time for his kids. No parent likes being sidelined, so Andy decides to hire someone to share the workload. But when one of the hottest agents in the industry applies, Andy knows that this deal is definitely trouble.

Danicka Douglas works her butt off, but being an attractive woman in a testosterone-heavy industry isn’t exactly a cakewalk. She guards her professional reputation fiercely, which means no crushing on her gorgeous boss. But the more they ignore that sexy little spark, the more it sizzles…

Just when it looks like romance might be in the game plan, Dani is threatened by a stalker with dark intentions. To keep her safe, Andy must cross the line between professional and very personal…because this time, he’s playing for keeps.


I'll start by saying this isn't a book I would have purchased out in a store , but because it came in my Bookworm Box, I have a duty to read it. (So says my husband who just learned that I have a lot of books on my shelf I haven't gotten to yet.) (Yet it's not like he gives me all of this reading time so I CAN read them. Ahem.)  The cover is a little deceiving because you have a guy in a suit so you're thinking, maybe something along the lines of Fifty Shades but then you have a hint of a football field so then you think... ooh maybe it's an athlete?

No.

It's the story of two reps for athletes and they work in an office. Which... alright, I'll give it a chance. We have Andy, who has two kids and a nanny, but also a nightmare of an ex-wife. He's overworked and decides it's time to hire an assistant so after countless interviews, he hires Danicka. But with a twist because he totally offends her and the job offer comes kind of oddly. Anyways. So now these two are working together and then (dun dun dun) they start falling for each other. Danicka starts receiving scary messages and threats and like your standard female lead who is too strong/also a moron, she doesn't do anything until the threats hit home (literally). Enter Andy, a totally stand up guy who seemingly wants a challenge in head strong women, and he tries to make everything better.

Here's what I liked: I really liked Andy's character and the fact he was such a good dad. We don't see that often in books so I appreciate that angle. Here's what was meh: the story line that was meant to be "suspenseful". I know the author tried to give us several strings in the story so we we thinking maybe it was her rude client, maybe her old bosses, maybe Andy's wife, maybe a completely different nut, but the strings kind of fall flat, just left dangling there because they didn't get a solid ending. Except once we find out who was at the center of it... the lack of evidence leaves Andy to solve the case and... it feels so unrealistic and over the top that it just didn't work for me at all. Overall? I can only give this book 2/5 stars. I know I'm very much in the minority because a lot of reviewers are giving this book 4 and 5 stars. I think it's alright. It's not going to be a book that I'm eagerly telling my friends they have to read and it's probably not even one I'll remember to recommend? Nothing about it sticks out and even the romantic scenes are just.. meh.

We'll see what the Bookworm Box brings next month. Maybe.

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