05/24/2021
Rochon follows The Boyfriend Project with a nuanced rom-com that sees Taylor Powell working to launch her career as a fitness consultant. Taylor is broke, struggling to get her business off the ground and fearfully considering the possibility that her only way forward is to go back to school. The solution to her problems comes in the form of former NFL star Jamar “Diesel” Dixon, who hires her as his personal trainer after attending her pop-up workout session. Jamar hopes to return to the field after an injury and offers Taylor a hefty fee to get him back into shape. But he has one condition: to avoid feeding into fan speculation about his career, no one can know they’re working together. Taylor agrees, and to cover the true nature of their relationship when pressed by reporters, she blurts out that they’re lovers. With both of their careers on the line, the pair create a “Dating Playbook” to guide their fake relationship—but the game plan changes when their chemistry becomes too powerful to ignore. There’s no shortage of sexual tension, and Rochon’s emphasis on boundaries and healthy communication creates a strong central pairing. Exploring themes of self-doubt and recovery, this emotional romance is sure to win hearts. Agent: Evan Marshall, Evan Marshall Agency. (July)
Deeply felt and hilarious…a winning playbook. A” —Entertainment Weekly Kirkus, Starred Review Abby Jimenez, New York Times bestselling author USA Today PopSugar An absolute romp, packed with humor, brilliant banter , and — of course — sex appeal. … The humor is first-rate, but the emotional journey is also well-crafted. Sisterhood, deep friendships, and family connections are just as important as [the] romance. … Rochon's central love story comes through beautifully with inspiration, heart, and soul. Taylor and Jamar are magic — they'll keep you enthralled from the start of the book to the very last word .”—NPR Vulture Publishers Weekly Kristan Higgins, New York Times bestselling author Woman's World BuzzFeed Marvelous Geeks Media
07/30/2021
In Rochon's ("Bayou Dreams" series) follow-up to The Boyfriend Project , Taylor and Jamar's relationship starts off as a lie, but they fight to stay focused on their ultimate goals as the feelings between them become the real deal. Personal trainer Taylor hopes that helping Jamar get into shape to return to the NFL will bring her the professional success and familial validation she lacks. Jamar sees returning to pro football as a way to silence his critics and right past wrongs. Taylor and Jamar's compatibility extends beyond an initial physical attraction, and they support each other as they deal with the serious issues that prevent them from realizing their dreams. Rochon interweaves serious topics such as debt, misogyny, and online bullying, with her signature laugh-out-loud dialogue, and imbues her scenes with enough detail to give readers the fly-on-the-wall experience. The novel features the fake dating trope, but will likely appeal to anyone looking for a good romance. Events of the first book are referenced, but with enough context that those new to the series won't feel lost. VERDICT Highly recommended for all collections.—Nicole Williams, Englewood, NJ
★ 2021-05-19
Jamar Dixon was the star of his high school and college football teams, but a devastating knee injury cut his NFL career short in his first season. Although some doctors predicted he would never play again, Jamar is determined to prove them wrong. He hires Taylor Powell, an independent personal trainer, to get him into shape. Jamar hopes to keep his dreams of a big, splashy return a secret for as long as possible. Taylor knows fitness and nutrition, but she can’t land the jobs she wants without a college degree. Working with Jamar is the opportunity of a lifetime, and Taylor hopes the prestige of working with an NFL player will eventually boost her flailing business into solvency. Taylor and Jamar pretend to be dating to keep the plan under wraps, but their training sessions and fake dates only amplify their explosive chemistry. Rochon creates realistic and interesting personal dilemmas for each character while still keeping the romance front and center. Jamar’s best friend died in high school, and he still carries grief and guilt for his role in the tragedy. Taylor struggles with financial insecurity, which she keeps secret out of shame and the fear of disappointing her high-powered family. The romance between the two is charming and well developed. They are well matched as competitors and workout partners, but it’s her emotional care of his wounded soul and his staunch support of her dreams that make them winning partners.
This football romance is a total knockout: funny, sexy, and full of heart.
Rebecca Lee narrates a humorous romance that is also deeply emotionally resonant. Taylor Powell has a great business as a personal trainer—and, unfortunately, a lot of financial problems. When former NFL player Jamar Dixon approaches her with an incredible professional opportunity, she leaps at the chance, but things get complicated quickly. Lee gives both Taylor and Jamar well-rounded characterizations that go beyond their perceived identities: Taylor is a savvy business woman but has insecurities about a possible learning disorder; Jamar is a successful former athlete but carries guilt over the death of his childhood best friend. The chemistry, humor, and banter between the two are delightful, and Lee absolutely knows how to time a (bad) joke. A heartfelt story. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
SEPTEMBER 2021 - AudioFile
Rebecca Lee narrates a humorous romance that is also deeply emotionally resonant. Taylor Powell has a great business as a personal trainer—and, unfortunately, a lot of financial problems. When former NFL player Jamar Dixon approaches her with an incredible professional opportunity, she leaps at the chance, but things get complicated quickly. Lee gives both Taylor and Jamar well-rounded characterizations that go beyond their perceived identities: Taylor is a savvy business woman but has insecurities about a possible learning disorder; Jamar is a successful former athlete but carries guilt over the death of his childhood best friend. The chemistry, humor, and banter between the two are delightful, and Lee absolutely knows how to time a (bad) joke. A heartfelt story. K.M.P. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine
SEPTEMBER 2021 - AudioFile
