Author: Jennifer Lane
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: March 19, 2021
Cover Design: Dan Irons, Designs by Irons
“I embrace my rival. But only to strangle him.”~Jean Racine
After landing her dream job as head volleyball coach at Ohio State University, Lauren Chase’s career has become a nightmare. Her only hope of saving her job is to recruit a star player to her team. Too bad the player’s twin has signed a football scholarship for OSU’s chief rival, Michigan. And too bad Michigan coach, Jeremy Trent, sends sparks through Lauren every time they cross paths. But no way will she pursue an attraction to a man who represents the university she hates.
Jeremy detests his boss, and he hopes that signing the nation’s #1 recruit is the ticket he needs to become a head coach himself one day. Lauren Chase is already a head coach, and Jeremy has to admit that she intrigues the hell out of him. He wants to know why her performance has tanked after winning a national championship. He wants to see beneath Lauren’s fast pace and dirty mouth. But he can’t get with a Buckeye, right?
Maybe rivals don’t have to remain enemies. Maybe they can learn to appreciate their opponent’s strengths. And, if they’re lucky—if they excel at the game—maybe rivals can bring out the very best in each other.
"Absolutely loved this book. The rivalry was spot on. This book has it all, humor, love and sports." ~Michelle from Besties & Books
"The uncanny portrayal of recruiting high-profile athletes in Rivals completely transported me into the story. I became so invested in Lauren Chase's success! When Coach Chase met Coach Trent, the chance of finding love on the recruiting trail turned into such a charming contest--a game more meaningful than they could ever imagine on the court or field." ~Gwynn Harrison, Head Swim Coach, Bridgewater College
"Fun read that captures the best of the greatest sports rivalry in the midst of a smoldering romance."~Kevin Kropf
REVIEW:
When I had the opportunity to read an ARC of author Jennifer Lane’s book, Rivals, I had to grab it because she’s one writer who does romances really well, mixed with sports and psychology- two of her fields of interests, and I’ve previously read and loved her sports romances Streamline and the Blocked series. Besides, I trust her fully and blindly to write and share the most awesome stories. I knew Rivals would show a newer, better and more brilliant side of Jen as it’s an adult romance (the others were young adult), and it didn’t disappoint even one bit.
While not the most well versed (in fact, not all all) with American sports, I found myself having a great time trying to understand how the system of college sports works when coaches of rival teams, Lauren and Jeremy who, while on a mission to recruit student-athletes, start to fall in love. From the twins Emma and Evan, they each get one and it was adorable and amusing to read about their journey with the students. As a teacher myself, I really loved the student teacher bond which was portrayed in the most astounding and relatable manner.
For someone like me who isn’t into reading about it, reading the sports scenes was fun and I never once felt lost or disinterested in knowing what was going on. The highlight of the book, however, was the romance was sizzling, saccharine and super fun. I found myself enjoying the banter between our two main characters. Jeremy’s firm, calm and understanding personality was the perfect match for Lauren’s feisty, fun and strong one- a perfect couple whose romance was enjoyable, hot and sweet.
Rivals is another great read by Jen Lane. While I do find it difficult to read e-books, this one had me wanting to read more and more, to the point where I hope Jen is considering writing a sequel (hint, hint) as I’d love to know more about the excellent couple that’s Lauren and Jeremy.
I did some makeup inspired by the state sports team colours mentioned in the book! Here's the look:
Psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane invites you to her world of sports romance and romantic suspense with a psychological twist!
Jen fell in love with sports at a young age and competed in swimming and volleyball in college. She went on to become the Honda Award Winner for Division III Athlete of the Year. She still gets high from the smell of chlorine and the satisfaction of smashing a beautiful volleyball set.
Jen’s latest novel is Rivals, a romance between coaches from rival universities. Her Blocked trilogy also explores the transformation from hate to love. Particularly in this time of division, Jen’s favorite theme is finding common ground.
A romantic suspense trilogy (The Conduct Series) and a psychological thriller (Twin Sacrifice) complete Jen’s collection of stories. She calls Ohio home and shares writing space with her two trusted feline collaborators: Tuxedo and Tessa.
Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time, she likes to exercise and visit her amazing sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.
Jen fell in love with sports at a young age and competed in swimming and volleyball in college. She went on to become the Honda Award Winner for Division III Athlete of the Year. She still gets high from the smell of chlorine and the satisfaction of smashing a beautiful volleyball set.
Jen’s latest novel is Rivals, a romance between coaches from rival universities. Her Blocked trilogy also explores the transformation from hate to love. Particularly in this time of division, Jen’s favorite theme is finding common ground.
A romantic suspense trilogy (The Conduct Series) and a psychological thriller (Twin Sacrifice) complete Jen’s collection of stories. She calls Ohio home and shares writing space with her two trusted feline collaborators: Tuxedo and Tessa.
Whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time, she likes to exercise and visit her amazing sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.
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