BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

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Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone.

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities.

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm.

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

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Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities. 

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm. 

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.  

 

New Release Excerpt:

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

---

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

https://www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Jock Reign (Jock Hard, #5) by Sara Ney

 

Release Date: September 30

Goodreads

IT’S NOT EASY LIVING IN YOUR BROTHERS SHADOW.

Jack Dryden-Jones is easily the worst rugby player on the field—when he moves to The States to follow in his brothers footsteps, he has no idea how he’d hate the game. He’s so horrible he considers faking an injury to take himself out of the game. 

Jack is a quick-witted, comic book loving gentleman—not an athlete. 

 

DO NOT DATE YOUR ROOMMATES CRUSH.

 

When her roommate brings home a random stranger, Eliza is shocked when he makes himself at home; he’s strapping, strong and watching a movie at the end of her couch as if he belongs there.

 

It makes her uncomfortable in the best way possible.

 

But if there is one thing she believes in, it’s GIRL CODE: No girl may date her friend's ex, past crush, or guys who have humiliated/used her. And she most certainly may not date any guy her friend currently fancies... 

 

DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK.

 

Jack and Eliza are two of the good ones—it’s going to take a miracle to keep them apart.

Grab Your Copy Here:

Amazon US | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU 

Free in KU 

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My Rating - 5 Stars!

Jock Reign is a riveting college romance. I absolutely love this Sara Ney gem. The fifth book in the Jock Hard series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

From the start, I feel for Jack. The poor boy is living in his brother's shadows and struggling to fake his way in rugby. 

This isn't anything new, but it feel into my hands at a time when I needed this type of book. I love college romances and this one is a nice delight. 

Jock Reign had me mesmerized with this overall feel good book. This Sara Ney tale is an easy read and a great distraction. 

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Sara Ney is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the How to Date a Douchebag series, and is best known for her sexy, laugh-out-loud New Adult romances. 

Among her favorite vices, she includes: iced lattes, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. 

Connect with Sara Ney

Newsletter | Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Book+Main | Pinterest | Goodreads    BookBub | Ney's Little Lattes

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RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing Offside (Sporting Secrets #1) by Jax Calder

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing Offside
By Jax Calder

A M/M enemies to lovers sports romance

Aiden Jones, aka the Ice King, is one of the best rugby players in the world. He got there by working hard and sacrificing a lot, including denying a large part of himself. But there’s plenty of time to be the poster boy for gay rugby players after he retires. At the moment, he’s focused on passing a long-standing points record to cement his legacy, and he’s not about to surrender his starting spot to the cocky loudmouth who just joined the training squad, no matter how talented the kid might be.

Tyler can’t believe he’s made it into the New Zealand rugby training squad after only his first professional rugby season. Now management has decided that it’s a good idea for him to room with Aiden Jones, who Tyler’s had a long-range crush on for years. And although Aiden is icy to him both on and off the field, Tyler figures with a little charm, he can melt the Ice King. But even he’s not prepared for how heated things become between them. Now Tyler’s falling for the same guy whose starting spot he’s gunning for. But all is fair in both love and sport, right?

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing Offside is a fantastic sports romance by Jax Calder. The first in the Sporting Secrets series, I can only hope the rest of the series is this addictive. 

I love sports romances and in a nice change of pace, this one has rugby players! And, omg, it's so damn good!

Aiden and Tyler's story is more than I could have asked for. They're two rival rugby players who are roommates on the road. 

This is a story with internalized homophobia and a homophobic father. And it's main focus is the fear of coming out in the world of rugby.

I love everything about their story. Their attraction is wonderful and their chemistry is off the charts. Their love slowly develops into something that makes things more complicated. I love that they work hard through many issues to get their happy ever after. Their feelings are never in doubt, but rather they need to figure out a way to have the future they want.

Their story also involves a father who died young, giving us a reminder to live in the moment and enjoy life while you can. 

Best of all is the way they come together, despite being rivals. I absolutely can't resist a man who is willing to help a younger teammate. Seriously, Aiden falls for the man who's trying to steal his spot on the team. It doesn't get any better than this. 

And oh man, the connection and dynamic between the two is amazing. I absolutely love how they bring out the best in each other, especially with Tyler helping Aiden to enjoy life and drop his ice king persona. 

Written in alternating first person pov, I fell into this one hook, line, and sinker. This is my preferred writing style, with the men fully coming to life, and their storyline flowing perfectly. 

Playing Offside is one hell of a riveting romance. This Jax Calder tale is a must read for anyone who can't get enough of athletes falling in love. Good god, I love these men and their journey. You simply can't go wrong with this book.

 

I was a strong man. But right now, I definitely wasn’t made of ice.

And it would have taken someone with a stronger willpower than Gandhi not to check out a half-naked Tyler Bannings standing a few feet away. All that golden skin lying over perfectly sculpted muscle. I swallowed. Hard.

“Like what you see?” He smirked.

Fuck. It looked like the direction of my attention had not escaped his notice.

I managed to stop my cheeks from igniting. I raised my gaze to stare straight at him. He was still smirking, and I had an overwhelming urge to wipe that smug grin off his face.

“Yeah, I do, actually.” The words were out of my mouth without me stopping to think through the consequences.

His smile dropped. “Wait, what?”

Now was the time to backtrack and turn this into a joke. But part of me liked the fact I had the cocky bastard flummoxed. I could always claim the joke later.

“I said I do like what I see.” My voice came out husky.

His Adam’s apple bobbed. “You’re shitting me, right? You’re just messing with my head?”

He’d started breathing harder, his chest rising and falling as he watched me. My smart-ass teammate was the most freaked out I’d ever seen him. Even more freaked out than when he thought the New Zealand coach disapproved of him.

And that caused anger to flash through me.

I quirked an eyebrow. “What? I thought you’re this enlightened, woke generation. You’re not going to tell me you’re homophobic, are you?”

His eyes narrowed. “You are messing with me.”

I shrugged. “If that’s what you want to believe.”

He licked his lips. I couldn’t help my gaze dropping to his mouth. When I looked back up, his eyes had heated.

Holy shit, maybe I’d read this situation wrong. He couldn’t be, could he?

Bannings stepped toward me, his dark eyes not leaving my face.

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Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing Offside, Jax is giving away a $20 Amazon Voucher and an e-copy of Playing Offside!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57288/?

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Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after

Jax lives in New Zealand with her family and a wide assortment of animals. She's a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. She has also been known to read the odd book on occasion.

Connect with Jax:

www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/Jax-Calder-Author-102045195499410
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder

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RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Just My Type by Sophia Karlson

 

Title: Just My Type

Author: Sophia Karlson

Release: February 23, 2021

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Goodreads

She hides behind a camera lens. He’s played himself into a corner. Can they outrun the rumor mill and make way for forever?

Hayley Brooke is done with men. So when a sloshed guy at a party makes a sloppy play for her affections, the wedding photographer is relieved when a hunky stranger comes to the rescue. But her gratitude quickly sours when she realizes her savior is the same infamous womanizer she once met on a bad blind date.

Mark Hastings is tired of trying to tough it out. Heralded online as the hottest bachelor on the market, the rugby player’s crippling anxiety steers him well away from the suffocating public spotlight. So saving a familiar pretty face and then being rejected is made a million times worse when pictures light up the internet with salacious gossip that suggests they are a couple.

Horrified to be caught up in the swell of fangirl spite, Hayley demands he set the record straight by being seen with somebody else… only to be bitten by unexpected jealousy. When they’re forced back together to plan a mutual friend’s engagement bash, they give in to their physical attraction and Mark vows to finally expose his vulnerability.

But with social media commenting on their every move, will Hayley ever believe Mark’s love is real?

Just My Type is a heart-fluttering contemporary romance novel. If you like endearing characters, steamy excitement, and breathtaking twists, then you’ll adore Sophia Karlson’s sensual scrum.

Buy Links (KIndle Unlimited):

Amazon US * Amazon CA

Amazon UK * Amazon AU

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My Rating - 4 Stars!

Just My Type is a standalone sports romance by Sophia Karlson. 

A bad mistake years ago left Hayley disliking Mark, aka Stings. But when a wedding of friends brings them together, things change. I love the way they get to talking and slowly grow closer. 

I adore that Hayley doesn't watch Rugby and doesn't know much about the star.

After Mark being left by his long time girlfriend, he became known for his one night stands. My favorite part of this tale, is Hayley reacting to Mark's confession that he is never with the same girl twice. "I'm sorry. To think that you didn't even jell with one person." I love that she thinks this way instead of being disgusted with him. 

This is a tale with the downfalls of being famous. Of being smothered in public, of nicknames, paparazzi, and rumors. And of some greatly named cats!

It's also a tale of insecurities, as Hayley struggles to trust anyone. 

This is a major slow burn. Honestly, I got a little bored waiting for things to speed up. The writing's good, but the pace is a little too slow for my liking. I definitely found myself wanting to skim some parts. But, I love sports romances so I keep on reading. And then ending is when things get good.

Just My Type is a good romance. This Sophia Karlson read is perfect if you're in the mood for a slow burn sports romance. I love the Mark and Hayley together, but I definitely wanted them to communicate sooner.

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Sophia Karlson writes sensual, emotional, and evocative contemporary romance, often set in far-flung settings. She used to work in the travel industry before turning to full-time writing. Her first book, Perfect Mistake, was a finalist for the Daphne Award for Romantic Suspense and won the Kathryn Hayes award in 2019. All her novels can be read as standalone, although she tends to write about siblings because family dynamics are so intriguing.

Taking readers on a journey of their own with her books is part of the plot. Bon voyage!

She loves hearing from readers, follow her on Facebook, or Twitter.

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Website: https://sophiakarlson.com/

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