BOOK REVIEW ~ SKIN IN THE GAME BY JACKIE BARBOSA

Title: Skin In The Game (Play Action, Book One)

Author: Jackie Barbosa

Release Date: May 27, 2013

ARC provided by NetGalley

Angela Peterson was always the quiet, shy kid growing up in Harper Falls, crushing on the high school quarterback and honing her football strategy skills. Now grown up and coaching the high school team, she’s shocked when that same sexy quarterback returns to Harper Falls asks her back to his hotel room. And then tries to steal her job.

Injured NFL quarterback Cade Reynolds is in Harper Falls to take over as interim head coach, and he never thought the tall, blond bombshell he propositioned would offer up any resistance. Not to a repeat of the amazingly wild night they shared and certainly not to his coaching position. 

But the Harper Falls High Eagles are Angie’s team, and even the hometown hero won’t take that away from her, no matter how hot he is. As the two engage in a battle of wits and wills, this is one game neither is prepared to lose.

Book Review

Cade Reynolds is sitting inside a coffee shop when he spots a very sexy woman approach the counter and order a nonfat latte with an extra shot. And then she starts to peruse the sports section of a discard newspaper.

Cade cannot believe his luck. This mysterious stranger seems like sheer perfection and he is determined to get to know her. Intimately. 

Angie is shocked when she turns around and spots Cade Reynolds eyeing her like she was a tall glass of water after months in the desert. She had idolized him in high school but knew she could never attract the school's football hero. Now he's a Pro quarterback football player, recouping from a shoulder injury. 

After the two talk, it is obvious that Cade doesn't remember the shy, awkward girl she was in high school. And she certainly isn't going to remind him. Right now, in this moment, he wants her. And she thinks she deserves one night of fantasy before returning to the very real world.

Jackie Barbosa creates an interesting story where Angie, hell bent on avoiding another run-in with Cade, finds him as her new boss. Angie wanted their one night to stay in the past, but when Cade makes the moves off the football field to woo her, she can't help but fall for the sexy and suave man he has become. 

But how can they have a future when he is in Harper Falls temporarily? The Vikings are talking to him and now the Jets want him to be their new quarterback. How can a long distance relationship work and one that would put her in the spotlight as well?

 Skin In The Game is an entertaining read with great characters who share an explosive sexual chemistry. It makes you want to slap on your favorite football jersey and rally in the stands and cheer for your favorite team.  

Favorite quote:

"Here's some honesty for you. I want you so much, I ache with it. I've jacked off every night for the last week remembering how it felt to be inside you. I'm hard right now, just standing here with you."