Kristie J’s review of Rush (Gods Series, Book 2) by Samantha Towle
Contemporary Romance published by Headline Eternal 7 Aug 18
I loved the first book, Ruin, in this series and have been keeping my eye out for Book 2. So when I saw it was published, I picked it up lickity split. The name of the series comes from the fact that all the brothers/sister in this family have been given names of ancient Greek Gods. In this case the hero’s name is Ares Kincaid. Ares is a pro quarterback and as such is living the good life. But he’s still a very decent guy – for the most part. One must raise an eyebrow over his initial treatment of Arianna Petrelli, the heroine of the book.
Arianna is the daughter of the head coach of the football team Ares plays for. When they first run into each other, there are definite sparks, but the next time Ari sees Ares, he’s cold as ice to her. Ari’s father has given her what’s basically a pity job working for the team. Ari’s had a rough go of it. Her mother suffered from bipolar while Ari was growing up and ended up hanging herself and Ari found her. Her father wasn’t often home due to his coaching and, unfortunately, this only got worse when Ari’s mother died. As a result, Ari grew up without a father’s love and support. Thus she had issues, the biggest one an addiction to alcohol.
The reason for Ares’ coldness after their initial meeting is he has no time for drunks. He was raised by one and doesn’t want that kind of thing in his life. Ari tries explaining she no longer drinks, but Ares doesn’t buy it. In his mind once a drunk always a drunk. But Fate has a way of bringing them together and eventually their chemistry and his observances of Ari help to thaw out his hard line. Once it does, these two are great together. The reader’s heart goes out to Ari. She really had it rough growing up and is doing everything she can to overcome her issues. She doesn’t think she really deserves Ares, but the reader knows it’s closer to the other way around and we can’t help but root for this damaged young woman.
Ares is a little bit tougher. He is downright cruel to Ali at the beginning to the point I can see it turning a reader off, but I held on and kept reading, having loved the first book and seeing potential in Ares. And we are rewarded. And thankfully he does have to do a grovel that we women readers are so very fond of.
I love it when a book clicks with me and this one does for sure.
Grade: B+
Summary:
“With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the New York Giants select…”
It’s been three years since quarterback Ares Kincaid’s NFL dream came true, and he’s living the high life. The days of cleaning up after his drunk of a father are long gone, and he has no intention of going back.
A car crash and DUI charge meant a lengthy stint in rehab for Arianna Petrelli, and her dream of being a professional artist slips further away when she’s sacked from her position at a gallery. Her need for a job stronger even than her dislike of football, Ari goes to work for her father, the head coach of the New York Giants.
Ares hates alcoholics, which is fine with Ari because she thinks he’s a brainless jock. Yet when Ares rescues Ari from a situation with her ex-boyfriend, an unlikely friendship begins – one that quickly becomes more.
But messing around with the coach’s daughter can only lead to one thing…trouble.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
