Community Reviews
I love cutesy, easy to read romances. But this one grated on me so much that I was literally scoffing and rolling my eyes. The story itself had so much potential. I listened to the audiobook and that contributed to some of it, too.
The final line that made me really dislike this book was towards the end, where a man who has said about 3 words to our main character for the entire book suddenly is this kind, happy, friendly person and said the line, "I'm sorry you got all caught up in this, baby girl." BABY GIRL. Ew. I just can't with lines like that unless it's coming from a father or father figure, and it is a term of endearment used often. Or constantly saying "darlin." Yuck.
I felt it was a ridiculous notion that a strong woman trying to break into the boys' club of sports broadcasting, held a flame for the man who took her virginity and left her lonely (even tho he told her straight up that was what would happen). Then, on top of that, I couldn't stand the constant, "I need to stay away from him... I need to go to good friends' wedding with him." And his end where he tells her he thinks it's best to just be friends then changes his mind a week later, then changes his mind, then flips it back again.... It was just exhausting.
I was also not a fan of the narration of this audibook. I realize it dominated takes place in Texas, but EVERYONE, except Dani, has an accent? Even the people originally introduced with a different accent suddenly have a Texan drawl?
The ending was too easy. And Tyson shows up to her house and meets his son without her there? And her mom and dad let him?? And Dani was pretty much ok with that? Nope. I'm sorry. Her whole point was to protect her son. She was pissed at Tyson for his reaction to finding out they had a kid and didn't even ask if it was a son or daughter. Then she sees Tyson unexpectedly in her house playing with their son, and she wasn't there to navigate this huge moment, and she's not upset about this intrusion? Nope. I don't buy it. I feel like this book should have been much longer with deeper characters, but the author was either rushed, uninspired, or lazy.
Honestly, I'm surprised I finished it. I kept hoping for redemption of the book itself. And sure, they get their happy ending (which is why I love cutesy romance novels), but it didn't feel earned.
The final line that made me really dislike this book was towards the end, where a man who has said about 3 words to our main character for the entire book suddenly is this kind, happy, friendly person and said the line, "I'm sorry you got all caught up in this, baby girl." BABY GIRL. Ew. I just can't with lines like that unless it's coming from a father or father figure, and it is a term of endearment used often. Or constantly saying "darlin." Yuck.
I felt it was a ridiculous notion that a strong woman trying to break into the boys' club of sports broadcasting, held a flame for the man who took her virginity and left her lonely (even tho he told her straight up that was what would happen). Then, on top of that, I couldn't stand the constant, "I need to stay away from him... I need to go to good friends' wedding with him." And his end where he tells her he thinks it's best to just be friends then changes his mind a week later, then changes his mind, then flips it back again.... It was just exhausting.
I was also not a fan of the narration of this audibook. I realize it dominated takes place in Texas, but EVERYONE, except Dani, has an accent? Even the people originally introduced with a different accent suddenly have a Texan drawl?
The ending was too easy. And Tyson shows up to her house and meets his son without her there? And her mom and dad let him?? And Dani was pretty much ok with that? Nope. I'm sorry. Her whole point was to protect her son. She was pissed at Tyson for his reaction to finding out they had a kid and didn't even ask if it was a son or daughter. Then she sees Tyson unexpectedly in her house playing with their son, and she wasn't there to navigate this huge moment, and she's not upset about this intrusion? Nope. I don't buy it. I feel like this book should have been much longer with deeper characters, but the author was either rushed, uninspired, or lazy.
Honestly, I'm surprised I finished it. I kept hoping for redemption of the book itself. And sure, they get their happy ending (which is why I love cutesy romance novels), but it didn't feel earned.
As a star NFL quarterback, Tyson Palmer had it all and he lost it all as he fell into the haze of addiction. Now he's cleaned up and proving that his game is better than ever with his aspiration to win the next Super Bowl within his reach.
Dani Carr isn't convinced of Tyson's complete rehabilitation. Having been burned by him in the past, she isn't ready to believe his zen personality. Her new job as a contracted sports journalist forces her to be near Tyson, but she's built a wall that he won't easily break down.
I really enjoyed The Total Package and will be checking out Stephanie Evanovich's other books. I am a fan of sports romances, and I liked how the story flowed. Her characters were multidimensional and interesting, I felt as if Dani was someone I could have met and been friends with. There was enough realism that made her seem touchable.
The romance between Dani and Tyson was a slow-burn that worked perfectly for the story. There was no rushing into bed as neither of them were ready to just jump into a relationship.
The only thing that I found lacking in the story was that other than with Marcus, there was no teammate camaraderie between Tyson and the other Maverick players, which I found kind of odd. I understand not wanting to clutter the story up with too many characters, but I would have liked to have seen how he was with his teammates.
*This book was given to me by the publisher for honest feedback
Dani Carr isn't convinced of Tyson's complete rehabilitation. Having been burned by him in the past, she isn't ready to believe his zen personality. Her new job as a contracted sports journalist forces her to be near Tyson, but she's built a wall that he won't easily break down.
I really enjoyed The Total Package and will be checking out Stephanie Evanovich's other books. I am a fan of sports romances, and I liked how the story flowed. Her characters were multidimensional and interesting, I felt as if Dani was someone I could have met and been friends with. There was enough realism that made her seem touchable.
The romance between Dani and Tyson was a slow-burn that worked perfectly for the story. There was no rushing into bed as neither of them were ready to just jump into a relationship.
The only thing that I found lacking in the story was that other than with Marcus, there was no teammate camaraderie between Tyson and the other Maverick players, which I found kind of odd. I understand not wanting to clutter the story up with too many characters, but I would have liked to have seen how he was with his teammates.
*This book was given to me by the publisher for honest feedback
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