Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski by Ian O'Connor

 

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The definitive biography of college basketball’s all-time winningest coach, Mike Krzyzewski
 
Mike Krzyzewski, known worldwide as “Coach K,” is a five-time national champion at Duke, the NCAA's all-time leader in victories with nearly 1,200, and the first man to lead Team USA to three Olympic basketball gold medals. Through unprecedented access to Krzyzewski’s best friends, closest advisers, fiercest adversaries, and generations of his players and assistants, three-time New York Times bestselling author Ian O’Connor takes you behind the Blue Devil curtain with a penetrating examination of the great, but flawed leader as he closes out his iconic career.
 
Krzyzewski  built a staggering basketball empire that has endured for more than four decades, placing him among the all-time titans of American sport, and yet there has never been a defining portrait of the coach and his program. Until now. O’Connor uses scores of interviews with those who know Krzyzewski best  to deliver previously untold stories about the relationships that define the venerable Coach K, including the one with his volcanic mentor, Bob Knight, that died a premature death. Krzyzewski was always driven by an inner rage fueled by his tough Chicago upbringing, and by the blue-collar Polish-American parents who raised him to fight for a better life. As the retiring Coach K makes his final stand, vying for one more ring during the 2021-2022 season before saying goodbye at age 75, O’Connor shows you sides of the man and his methods that will surprise even the most dedicated Duke fan.  

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Ian O'Connor's Coach K: The Rise and Reign of Mike Krzyzewski is a fabulous look into the leader of Duke basketball. 

Having been a fan of Duke basketball and Coach K for most of his time at the elite program, I was thrilled and honored at the chance to review this book. 

This book is an absolute must read for any fans of Duke and Coach K. The author does a wonderful job looking back through the coach's career; thoroughly revisiting many of the important moments of his career. 

As a Duke fan, this book carries me back to the highs and lows of Coach K's time at Duke. I cried many times, as the author brought me fully back to some emotional wins and losses through the years. 

This is a look at many pivotal moments. From the start of his own basketball career, to his time at Army, and his rough start at Duke, this is a fantastic read. Many important games are discussed, many former players and coachs are talked about, as well as the way Coach K had to adapt through the years. 

I love this book. It takes me back to some moments I will never forget. It reminds me of the way the game has changed over the years, with Coach K right there adapting throughout. 

This Coach K book is a great way to honor a legend as he's about to retire. Love him or hate him, he has had an insurmountable impact on the sport over the years. His name will forever be up there as one of the greats. I enjoyed every moment of this look back at his journey. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - The Girlfriend Game by Sierra Hill

 

★NOW AVAILABLE★

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 by Sierra Hill is a hot new off-limits romance releasing tomorrow! One-Click yours today!

Purchase here: https://books2read.com/u/47Ne67

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/58144150-the-girlfriend-game

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Zeke Forester’s life is spiraling out of control. After an anxiety attack occurs on the court during a final playoff game, resulting in Zeke blacking out on live television, The Pilot’s GM demands that Zeke attend therapy and counseling with sought-after sports psychotherapist, Kendall Rush.

Kendall has been treating high-profile clients with her expert care for years. Athletes, entertainers, politicians, and others living in the spotlight clamor for Kendall’s unique brand of tough love therapy during their moments of crisis. Coined “The Rush Method” – she operates using unique, intimate methods of getting clients to open up and share their most private fears.

But for both Zeke and Kendall, success has come with a steep price to pay. For Kendall, it’s the one goal she’s not yet been able to fulfill – finding love and starting a family before it’s too late.

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My Rating - 5  Stars!

The Girlfriend Game is a fabulous romance by Sierra Hill. I love this sports romance. 

This is a story of Zeke meeting a woman online and then finding out it's his therapist. And he's falling for this forbidden woman. Everything about their developing romance and the obstacles in their way are a lot of fun. 

The anxiety aspect is wonderfully written, with honesty and plenty of care. I appreciate all of it. 

Their story is a lot of fun, with plenty of moments to keep you invested. And if you enjoy basketball, you'll love that Zeke's an NBA player. 

Written in alternating first person pov, both characters easily come to life and pull you into their stories. 

The Girlfriend Game is a delightful sports romance. This is yet one more wonderful addition to Sierra Hill's book catalog. Definitely check it out the next time you're in the mood for a sports romance. 

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Read more books by Sierra Hill here: www.sierrahillbooks.com 

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Rim Shot by Skylar M. Cates

 

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Kyle: Basketball is my life. I'm confident that with hard work, my position will carry me from rural Indiana to the NBA. I have big dreams, but they don’t include coming out of the closet. Admitting to the world that I’m attracted to guys is something I’m afraid to do. Basketball and my dad are everything to me, and I can’t risk losing either one. And now I’m secretly lusting after my new roommate, who is nothing like me. He’s out, proud, and definitely not a virgin.

Micah: My large family can't spare the money for my education, but that won't stop me from studying medicine—I’ll work my butt off to get where I need to go. I can deal with anything, now that I’m out of the house I shared with my ex, even if it means living with a straight jock. But our tiny dorm room is becoming smaller, and my feelings are becoming larger. What will Kyle do if I accidentally cross a line?

When a sports scandal rocks Kyle’s world, he and Micah fight for his reputation, and life's plans are turned upside down by love.

Rim Shot is a republished New Adult romance that contains tropes of forced proximity, friends-to-lovers, and hurt-comfort. It is a standalone work with a guaranteed HEA.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Rim Shot is a great college romance by Skylar Cates. I loved it the first time I read it, and I love it again, as I re-read it prior to it's re-release. 

It's a  fabulous combination of new adult romance, closeted athlete, and roommates. This, of course, is one of my favorite types of stories.

Micah and Kyle get to really know each other when they become roommates. Kyle's a closeted gay athlete who is terrified to come out. Even to his gay roommate.

Their story includes some hot and yet embarrassing masturbation. Dear god, that scene is HOT!

Written in alternating first person pov, the reader is able to fully understand both men. 

Rim Shot is definitely a great choice if you're looking for a college romance. 

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Nice Guys Don't Win (The Boys #2) by Micalea Smeltzer

 

Title: Nice Guys Don't Win

Series: The Boys #2

Author: Micalea Smeltzer

Genre: New Adult College Romance

Release Date: May 19, 2021

When I agreed to be his roommate, I had no way of knowing that Cole Anderson was one of my father’s star players.

Having transferred to Aldridge University for my junior year, I wasn’t familiar with anyone on campus.

If there’s one rule I’ve always been supposed to follow it’s don’t date a basketball player.

Cole is different, though, and I don’t want to stay away.

But when he finds out I’m the coach’s daughter I might not have any say in the matter.

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Nice Guys Don't Win is a great college romance. This Micalea Smeltzer read is a new adult combo of sports romance, coach's daughter, and roommates. The second book in The Boys series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

I love this book. Course this is exactly the type of book I wish I could read every day. What's not to love about a college romance involving roommates? If you're like me and search out books like that, you will love this read. 

I seriously adore every moment of this book. Cole and Zoey are simply amazing together and I couldn't devour their journey fast enough.

The roommates factor is of course delightful. I love that circumstances bring these two into one another's world. The slow burn as they go from strangers, to friends, to more is wonderful. 

The coach's daughter aspect is well done, with plenty of tension hanging overhead throughout. Hell, we all know what dating the coach's daughter can entail.

I enjoy that both characters are biracial. It's a great addition to this world. 

The writing is great. The characters are well developed. And the storyline is riveting and compelling. I absolutely adore the friend group and all the secondary characters. 

Nice Guys Don't Win kept me intrigued throughout. I couldn't get enough of this Micalea Smeltzer gem and hope there's more to come in this series. 

PURCHASE LINKS

$2.99 for today only!

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I finish my beer and add it to the growing empty pile beside the cooler. Fluffing my hair, I shake out my arms and smile at my roommate. “I’m going to dance. Alone.”

His eyes follow me as I walk over to the actual fire where some people sit on the ground but quite a few are dancing. Sail by AWOLNATION plays, the beat vibrating along with the pulse of my blood flowing through my veins.

I danced from the time I was four through high school. Even though I love math and the sciences, and consider myself on the more studious side, dance has been my creative outlet, a passion. I know I’m good at it, and as I move my body, eyes closed, I know people are watching. When I dance I don’t care why they’re looking at me or what they’re thinking. I do it for me. Because it feels good to move my body, to exist in a moment. Dance is freeing, it’s the language of our bodies.

When I finally open my eyes, they connect immediately with caramel brown ones. He’s moved closer to the bonfire, beer bottle in hand while his jaw works angrily at the piece of gum he’s chewing.

I know I shouldn’t do it.

I’ve sworn off men.

He’s my roommate.

He’s hot as hell.

But I do it anyway.

I crook my finger. It’s a challenge, a silent dare. The ball’s in his court.

He shoves the bottle into the hand of one of his friends, slinking toward me like a panther. When he gets to me he wraps one big hand around my waist, the heat of his palm a brand against my skin. He begins to move to the song as well, and despite our massive height difference it works—we work, but I don’t let my brain linger on that thought too long.

I don’t know if he has any formal dance training, but he moves like someone who has at least some knowledge or basic understanding of rhythm. The fire crackles nearby, and I faintly taste ash on my tongue. His brows are drawn low as he watches me, our movements evenly matched as we anticipate each other’s movements. People still watch, but this time they’re not just watching me. It’s us. Normally I would be scared to put on a show like this, I’m not this bold, but after everything with Todd some spontaneity won’t kill me. In fact, I think it’ll be good for me. It also helps that on this campus no one knows who I am. I like the anonymity of it. I can be anyone.

He knows you, my conscience whispers to me.

But not really, sure he knows who I am, but Cole doesn’t know much of my past, of my hurts, the scars I bear. And tonight, I just want to be, to exist in this moment.

With both hands on my waist, he dips me backwards and my hair falls with me, the ends touching the grass. When he pulls me back up, we’re closer than before. Chest to chest. Heartbeat to heartbeat—well, maybe not quite since he’s such a giant. I crane my neck back as we sway, our hips moving in a sensual rhythm, and our eyes meet.

Lust.

Desire.

Sex.

It’s there. In his gaze. Mine too. We can’t go there, not just because we’re living together, but because I need time. To heal. To stand on my own two feet. To grow.

I pull out of his arms. “No. I can’t. I’m sorry.” I bite my lip, truly remorseful. “I’m sorry,” I repeat, taking a step back.

Another.

One more.

Until I’m disappearing into the shadows.

ALSO AVAILABLE

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Bad Boys Break Hearts is the first book in The Boys series. This Micelea Smeltzer college romance sports series is fabulous. 

But damn, this book is plenty messy. The relationship between Mascen and Rory has plenty of history. Both good and bad. 

Reunited after many years, the two end up not getting along at all. Hell, Mascen is a down-right ass to her through most of the book. So, if you like bully romances, you'll enjoy this one. 

Complete opposites, I love the push and pull between these two. It's not for everyone, as previous reviews show, but I enjoyed it all. 

Bad Boys Break Hearts is a fun introduction to this college campus universe. I'm excited to have discovered this Micalea Smeltzer series. 

Hi. I’m Micalea. Ma-call-e-uh. Weird name, I know. My mom must’ve known I was going to be odd even in the womb. I’ve written a lot of books. Like a lot. Don’t ask me how many, I don’t remember at this point. I have an unhealthy addiction to Diet Coke but I can’t seem to break the habit. I listen to way too much music and hedgehogs have taken over my life. Crazy is the word that best sums up my life, but it’s the good kind of crazy and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

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BLOG TOUR & REVIEW - MF - On the Rebound by LA Cotton

  

  ON THE REBOUND, 

a brand new enemies-to-lovers sports romance from L A Cotton IS LIVE!

  Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54609285-on-the-rebound  

    

  AVAILABLE NOW!! 

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  FREE PREQUEL: 

Read the prequel to Zach and Calli's story, Trick or Treat, An 'On the Rebound' Prequel Story, available FREE here! 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/34eEVdK 

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3dLWt3N 

Apple: https://apple.co/2T9S2q5 

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They say your first love leaves a mark. For Calliope James it didn't only leave a mark, it tore out her heart and left it bleeding on the ground. He was her best friend. Her first kiss. Her everything. Until one day, he wasn't. Zachary Messiah will never forget the girl with eyes the color of whiskey. But he's not that boy anymore. Cold. Cruel. He's devoid of emotion. Their paths were never supposed to cross again. But love doesn't always play by the rules. Now he's the King of Steinbeck University and she's the new girl on campus ... and the pasts they have fought so hard to bury are about to collide. Only this time, they might not survive the fallout.  

My Rating - 4.5 Stars!

Sports romances are my absolute favorite, and On the Rebound is just that. I definitely have some mixed feelings about this LA Cotton story though. I loved it. I consumed it, unable to put it down. But I definitely struggled with a few things. 

Again, no matter what I say below, I could not put this book down. 

I love the intensity of  Zach and Calli, especially the way they can't stay away from each other. 

But damn, I hated how bad Zach treated Calli. I understand it, as they are both so damn broken. But it's a tough thing to read. As well, the way Calli's brother treats her is maddening. Honestly, if you love the enemies part of enemies to lovers, this is your kind of story. 

There's a lot going on in this story. Both Callie and Zach are the products of their upbringings. Both grew up as the invisible kid in their families. And damn did it ever affect them! This second chance romance is full of anger and manipulation. It includes some hate sex, which I know is a big plus for many readers. 

There's a lot of time spent working with troubled youth, there's family issues galore, and plenty of extremely broken people, all trying to survive their grief and guilt. 

As much as I was obsessed with the book, I struggled with all the questions throughout. I desperately wanted to know what happened. And Zach, ugh. I assumed why Zach did what he did, but it still didn't make sense. I couldn't understand why he was so awful to Calli. Basically, I got upset with how long the questions went unanswered.

Overall, On the Rebound is a riveting new adult romance. LA Cotton brought a lot of layers into this sports romance. If you enjoy drama and angst, this book is for you. 

      

 Author of over thirty mature young adult and new adult novels, LA COTTON is happiest writing the kind of books she loves to read: addictive stories full of teenage angst, tension, twists and turns. Home is a small town in the middle of England where she currently juggles being a full-time writer with being a mother/referee to two little people. In her spare time (and when she’s not camped out in front of the laptop) you’ll most likely find LA immersed in a book, escaping the chaos that is life.

Connect w/L.A. Cotton: 

Website: https://www.lacotton.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authorlacotton 

Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LACottonReadersGroup 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authorlacotton 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorlacotton 

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Amazon: https://amazon.com/author/lacotton 

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/l-a-cotton 

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Surrender (Wrecked #2) by Kelly Fox

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link



Blurb

Dark cloud, meet seven-foot wall of sunshine.

We’ve been friends for almost a year, we both volunteer at my brother-in-law’s gym for combat vets, and the chemistry between us is undeniable. So, getting together should be a no brainer, right?

Yeah, not so much.

Pairing up the joyful refugee NBA hero with me—the grumpy wanna-be artist who cracks jokes about being waterboarded—has got to be the mother of all bad ideas.

An even worse idea? Let’s add a splash of kink to the mix.

We’re all going to need a little therapy after this.

Surrender is a post-military, hurt-comfort MM romance with gentle power exchange, a therapy office set next to a sex club, and a gym full of scorching hot head cases.

Review 
My Rating - 5 Stars!

Kelly Fox's Surrender, the second book in the Wrecked series, is fabulous. If you haven't yet read Sanctuary, this series revolves around a gym that is for ex-military men. It can be read as a standalone, but is definitely more enjoyable if you've read the first book. 

We met Jean-Pierre and Jake in the first book, and are blessed with their story now. Both men have PTSD and a whole slew of painful memories. Their story is emotional, as they slowly get to know each other better, breaking down barriers. They are broken men whose broken pieces ultimately fit together perfectly.

Jean-Pierre's a former NBA player who was married to stay closeted. Unlike many books, his ex wife is actually wonderful and lovable. 

Both men like kink, yet Jake can't allow himself to do a lot of his favorite things anymore, making for some intense scenes. There's some breathe play and more, adding a lot of emotion to their sex scenes. The moments of dealing with Jake's panic attacks are mesmerizing, and will bring a tear to your eyes. Luckily for the reader though, in addition to BDSM, there's also a hot docking scene. 

The flashbacks are often, the triggers are plenty, and all of it's written with care and understanding. My favorite thing though may just be the level of sweetness involved. Their endearments are adorable, making me smile often. 

I love this book. It's written with sensitivity, thoughtfulness, and understanding. As well, the danger is real and the fear is intense. But, best of all is the amazing group of friends and family that are part of this world. The author captures the readers heart with the love, support, and meddling involved. This is a group we'd all want to be a part of.

Surrender is a beautiful comfort/hurt romance. Kelly Fox entertains in this gripping romance. It's an impressive multi-layered romantic read of two men who love hard. You won't regret spending time with these amazing men. 

Rebound by Andrew Grey

Dreamspinner Press Link

Amazon Link

Goodreads Link

Blurb

Professional basketball player Bri Early needs a physical therapist after an injury, and he’s heard that Obie is the best. Bri takes an immediate liking to the out-and-proud man with the magic touch, and even though Bri isn’t openly gay himself, he’d never let anything stand in the way of something he wants.

Obie can’t deny that the sexy athlete presses all his buttons, but he’s a professional and has no intention of getting involved with a client. While they’re working together, it’s hands off, no matter how great the temptation.

But being a pro athlete isn’t easy. Bri has enemies, and one of them is making his life hell. When his house is set ablaze, Bri can no longer pretend the threatening messages he’s receiving are jokes. He needs a safe place to stay, and Obie can’t turn his back. But the two of them in the same house is a recipe for combustion that could burn them both….

Review 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Rebound is a fantastic sports romance by Andrew Grey. A closeted basketball player falling for his physical therapist, hell yes, sign me up!

I love how determined Bri is from the start, wanting to force his recovery from an injury to get back into the game quickly. This is so damn realistic, and wonderfully written.


Bri's a closeted basketball player who ends up befriending his physical therapist, Obie. Their friendship develops naturally and is seamless, which I adore. And the attraction is instant.

I love and adore these men, especially the way they are with one another. Everything develops naturally and at a great pace.

One of my favorite parts is the name factor. Both Bri and Witt have funny/embarrassing names. But it's the way that it's used for more than just laughs that I enjoy and appreciate.

Adding to the tale, Bri has a stalker who's threatening him and the threats keep escalating.

Rebound's an amazing story of an athlete living only half a life, hiding who he is for years. Every decision he makes has been to hide who he is and what he wants. Andrew Grey does a terrific job of exploring the journey of learning to live an authentic life. And, omg, the last line of the book if superb!