ARC Book Review-Tempting The Player by Kat Latham

Tempting The Player
London Legends (3)
Kat Latham
Carina Press
E Book
Acquired: Author Request
Published November 2014
Contemporary Sports Romance
ISBN:  9781426899218
Authors Website

Synopsis
Libby Hart and Matt Ogden are perfect for each other—as friends. They’ve known each other for ages. They act as each other’s plus-ones. They even share custody of a dog. And if there’s always been a little spark between them, so what? It’s never been worth jeopardizing their friendship.

Professional rugby player Matt is fighting for a starter position with the London Legends—and that’s not the only thing he’s fighting. A crippling fear of flying means he’s struggling to get his career off the ground. He has no time for a relationship, even if Libby does make him ache. As an airline pilot, Libby’s looking for a stay-at-home husband so she can have a family without sacrificing her high-flying career. Matt’s certainly not that man.

But just because they don’t have a future together doesn’t mean they can’t have a right now. When Matt asks Libby for help overcoming his fear, they agree to take a vacation from their platonic relationship—whenever they fly together, they can have sex. It’s the perfect way to resolve all that built-up tension. As long as they can avoid getting a little too comfortable…

My Review

I was requested by Kat Latham to read and review her newest book “Tempting The Player” which is the third book in her London Legends series. Since I really loved the second book, and I could wait to get a chance at this one. Kat Latham got me hooked on sports romance, and this series goes a bit deeper than that. This series takes place in London, and deals with a national rugby team. This story is based on a theme of friends turn into lovers. Which is one of my favorite themes for romances, and I enjoyed seeing the way that Kat Latham put this story together. We begin with Matt, as he is trying to make a name for himself on the team, and when he gets a chance, things don’t go as planned, and when his fear of flying almost keeps him from making the spot, he goes to his best ‘mate, Libby. Libby has always cared for Matt, and would love to take their relationship further, but there is something she doesn’t know about Matt, his fear of flying. Libby loves to fly and pilot planes, its always been one of her dreams. As Libby starts to help Matt overcome his fear of flying, their relationship turns into something more. But right when Matt and Libby begin to embrace this new relationship, will they be able to have a future with each of their careers taking them different directions or will they find a way to make a future…together.

Tempting The Player was a phenomenal read and I loved having the chance to read it. I have enjoyed this author quite a bit so far, and she puts in British sayings into the story that make it seem much more realistic. And having been to London, it reminded me so much of that place, with the unique phrases and culture that she implements in the story. It is very obvious that she has done her research on the lifestyle of those that live in Great Britain, and what fun it was to get a insiders view of it. This story had a unique twist, and even though I don’t know much about the sport that is involved, you find yourself breathless in anticipation when a scene begins of a game, and its almost like your actually watching it in real time. The descriptions in the story are very well done and thorough, and I had no hardship following along with the story.  This could easily be read as a stand a lone or read in order. There are some emotional twists in the story and I liked how the author has a well developed plot and with enough sensuality to heat the room on a winter day. Such amazing storytelling ability this author has, in weaving a story that makes your feel like your falling in love for the first time.

Overall a sensational romance with a sexy toned hero, independent heroine, exciting sports scenes that gets the Adrenalin pumping, and a stimulating story that will keep you going for days!! UTTERLY CHARMING!!

My Grade
4 Blossoms

Heat Rating
Steamy

Other Books In Series

ARC Book Review-Playing It Close

Playing It Close
London Legends (2)
Kat Latham
Carina Press
E Book
Published  April 14 2014
262 Pages
Contemporary Romance
ISBN: 9781426898211
Authors Website

Synopsis
Where do you go to escape everything when you’re one of the most famous rugby players in the world? For Liam Callaghan, that place is a remote lodge on Venezuela’s Caribbean coast. Perfect, except he doesn’t exactly want to be alone with his thoughts. Enter Tess Chambers, the ultimate distraction.

Still reeling from a professional disaster that’s made her all but unemployable, Tess understands the desire to move through life as somebody else. So when instantly recognizable Liam uses a fake name, she runs with it and creates a temporary new identity of her own.

Their time spent together in paradise is idyllic but brief—after one passionate night, Liam wakes up to find Tess gone. Returning to London, he’s shocked to learn she’s taken a job with his team’s new sponsor. As the Legends’ captain, he’ll have to not only figure out how to work with the one woman who ever left him wanting more, but also convince her that their feelings in the present mean more than any lies they’ve told in the past.

My Review

Tess has left London, to escape for a while, and just have a few days of freedom where no one knows her. So she goes to a remote beach in Venezuela, and goes for a midnight swim, and as she heads back up to her hotel room, she gets stuck in a elevator with the famous Legend’s captain, who is trying to get some space too. So when he hides her identity from her, she does the same, and they share a passionate evening together, one that Tess will never forget. Then reality returns, and she has no choice but to abandon the one man that makes her feel alive. She returns to London to face a scandal of sexual harassment, and she loses her job, and shockingly the only job she is offered is by her cousin, as the new Legend’s sponsor, working with the team and with Liam. Liam is shocked that when he returns to the team, he will have to work with Tess after she abandoned him with no more than a short note. Even though they are both forbidden to pursue any romantic interest, there is a pull between Liam and Tess that they can’t deny.

Playing It Close is the second book in the Legend series. This is the first time I have read from this author. I was requested by the author, to give a honest review for this title, and I was more than willing to do so. I don’t read too many contemporaries, that make me head over heels in love, but Playing It Close succeeded, and oh boy do I want to read the first book now. I can even begin to describe how much I fell in love with this story, and the unique way this author tells this story made me even more interested. Normally with most contemporaries I have to force myself to keep reading, but there are those rare few that have got me so hooked, I can’t put it down, and Playing It Close did that for me.

The two main characters, Liam and Tess, are explosive together and not just physically. From the beginning we see the chemistry between the two, but as the plot thickens more, you start to see how strong their bond is to each other, and even though they both make mistakes, we see how vital their connection is to each other. There was a ongoing conflict between these two, that keeps the reader more engaged, and I was anxious in waiting to find out how these two would get their HEA. It was definitely fully satisfying, and the ending was just right for the story. There were some quirky scenes, and lots of laughs guaranteed, and we get to see more culture from London. I loved the different unique British humor that was mixed in, and I found it a delightful addition to the story that added more flair and a sense of playfulness.

Overall I couldn’t help but find myself captivated by this romance. A tale to confound, captivate, and charge its reader up with desire, fun romance, and fascinating characters. A vibrant love story that is enriched with culture and packed with emotion. AN ENDEARING MOVING LOVE STORY!!

 My Grade 
4.5 Blossoms

Heat Rating 
Steamy

Other Books In Series 
Knowing The Score