Review: Intercepted by Alexa Martin

Title: Intercepted

Author: Alexa Martin

Series: Playbook #1

Genre: Sports Romance

Publication date: September 11, 2018

Publisher: Berkley

Goodreads

Synopsis

Marlee thought she scored the man of her dreams only to be scorched by a bad breakup. But there's a new player on the horizon, and he's in a league of his own...

Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She's definitely had enough practice by dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last ten years. But when she discovers he has been tackling other women on the sly, she vows to never date an athlete again. There's just one problem: Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback and a fling from the past, has Marlee in his sights.

Gavin fights to show Marlee he's nothing like her ex. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to let her escape her past. The team's wives, who never led the welcome wagon, are not happy with Marlee's return. They have only one thing on their minds: taking her down. But when the gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation.

Between their own fumbles and the wicked wives, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin's relationship to survive the season.

PURCHASE 

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2wIqcGH

B&N: https://bit.ly/2MTJRO9

Kobo: https://bit.ly/2wKqoUR

Google: goo.gl/rHbgsu

Praise for Intercepted:


“Reading Intercepted is like drinking wine and gossping with your best girlfriends.
It’s fast-paced, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny without the hangover the next day.”— HELEN HOANG, AUTHOR OF THE KISS QUOTIENT

"All the hot sports and romance action you could hope for."—Kylie Scott, New York Times Bestselling author

REVIEW

Intercepted by Alexa Martin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

    He lights up a part of me that fades away without him. It’s not that I’m not whole without him— I am. It’s just that with him— next to him— everything shines brighter. Gavin doesn’t make my world, but I’ll be damned if he doesn’t enhance it.

Marlee is one of the sassiest, and most entertaining heroine I've read in some time. Her snarky narration made the book for me, as she had me laughing out loud on countless occasions. But besides her fantastic sense of humor, there was quite a bit more to love about her. She's sweet, unfailingly loyal to her longtime boyfriend, and she doesn't allow anyone to disrespect her. The wives of her boyfriend's teammates try to cut her with barbs on a regular basis because her man still hasn't attempted to put a ring on it. After ten years. One in particular, Courtney, is the ringleader of the mean girls. She's a secondary character you will immediately dislike, and eventually thoroughly despise. Marlee's take no bullshit attitude makes for some hilarious moments, because even when she's at her lowest point, she gives just as good as she gets. She has a steely confidence that comes across on every page.

Gavin is a one night stand she had when she was on a brief break with her boyfriend years ago. She ended up running out the next morning full of regrets. Discovering that Gavin had lied to her about what he did for a living was enough to convince her she'd made a big mistake. As someone who values honesty, she wasn't very impressed with his deception, and he became her dirty little secret after reconnecting with Chris. Sure, their night was unforgettable, (much to her chagrin) but she didn't plan on ever letting it effect her present. Until she discovers that Gavin has now signed on with the Mustangs, and he makes it clear that he remembers her with crystal clear clarity.

Intercepted is the perfect title for this novel, because that is precisely what Gavin did. When Marlee discovers what her boyfriend has been hiding from her, he swoops in and catches Chris' massive FUMBLE. I had so much respect for Gavin. Clearly, it's obvious from their first interaction that he appreciates her worth and treats her accordingly. She isn't just some random hookup from his past, he genuinely wants to get to know her better, and build something from their connection. You get the feeling that she's his potential dream girl, and the one that slipped through his fingers. And he's willing to be as patient as it takes until she feels ready to place her trust in a new relationship after being burned when she least expected it.

Which brings me to another thing I really loved about their story. Marlee is a woman who gave her whole heart and soul to Chris when they were together. Then her trust was broken pretty brutally, and it would have been easy for her to carry that baggage with her. To treat Gavin unfairly because of her ex's actions, or jump to conclusions because she had trust issues. That didn't happen. She saw him for who he really was from the start, and it was so refreshing. Yes, she did need some time to transition into a relationship with Gavin, but that's more than understandable. It would have been highly unrealistic if she jumped from one man to the other with no qualms after what happened to her.

Gavin was a complete and utter sweetheart. He was so supportive and protective of Marlee. In fact, at times, he unintentionally stepped over the line with his protectiveness and got pushy. (If that's a man's worst failing, I'd say he's doing pretty well.) He did have a pretty big screw up in the end, but I never got upset with him over it because his heart was in the right place. He just needed to learn that Marlee values her independence and she had to make her own way in the world. Accomplish her own dreams.

I did think that the drama leaned toward over the top on a few occasions, especially her getting attacked twice in unrelated incidents. I didn't think anything of the first one with the homeless man, but then when it happened again with the two men on the train it was a bit much. Another issue I had was the hashtags throughout the book. At first I thought they were really funny, but the further I read, they got to be overkill. I started skimming them when there were two or three on one page. This didn't effect my overall enjoyment to a big degree, so I'm not complaining that much.

I can honestly say that I loved both main characters from beginning to end. As a couple they were flawless, and set my romantic heart fluttering at their sexy connection and banter.

    The football field’s the only place you’ll ever beat me. Learn to accept it.” “You’re a sore winner,” Gavin says. I give him a crisp nod. Duh. “The only thing I heard you say was I’m a winner.”

Intercepted was a fast paced, low angst, fun and flirty novel that's sure to be a big winner with many readers. As a debut novel, I was really impressed with Alexa Martin's storytelling. It's so naturally engaging and entertaining. If you're in the mood for a light, sports rom-com, this could be the book you're looking for. It's always exciting finding not only a new author to follow, but a new series. This book provides both, so this book nerd is blissfully happy! The next book in the Playbook series is entitled Fumbled , and it's scheduled for publication March 2019. I'm really looking forward to continuing on with Poppy and TK's story.

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