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Waverly Wildcats #1
Claiming Carter
Three words to describe Austin Reid?
Quarterback. Captain. Player.
Did I mention delusional? His suggestion that I ditch the women's soccer team to play Wildcat football is proof enough.
I’d rather streak across campus than surround myself with arrogant ballers. They’re all swagger and no substance. Guys who like to play games on and off the field? Hard pass. I know exactly how those stories end—with me crying into a pint of mint chocolate chip. But when the cocky QB dangles the prospect of a full athletic scholarship under my nose? It’s game on.
Sparks fly and the more time we spend together, the harder it gets to fight the sizzling attraction. Coach has forbidden dating within the team, which is fine by me—I could never give my heart to a player—but he didn’t say anything about teammates with benefits…
Quarterback. Captain. Player.
Did I mention delusional? His suggestion that I ditch the women's soccer team to play Wildcat football is proof enough.
I’d rather streak across campus than surround myself with arrogant ballers. They’re all swagger and no substance. Guys who like to play games on and off the field? Hard pass. I know exactly how those stories end—with me crying into a pint of mint chocolate chip. But when the cocky QB dangles the prospect of a full athletic scholarship under my nose? It’s game on.
Sparks fly and the more time we spend together, the harder it gets to fight the sizzling attraction. Coach has forbidden dating within the team, which is fine by me—I could never give my heart to a player—but he didn’t say anything about teammates with benefits…
329 pages, ebook
Published October 19, 2020
About the author
Jennifer Bonds
18 books514 followersJennifer Bonds is the USA Today bestselling author of sizzling contemporary romance with sassy heroines, sexy alphas, and a whole lot of mischief. She’s a sucker for enemies-to-lovers stories, laugh-out-loud banter, and over-the-top grand gestures. Jennifer lives in Pennsylvania, where her overactive imagination and weakness for reality TV keep life interesting. She's lucky enough to live with her own real-life hero, two adorable (and sometimes crazy) children, and one rambunctious K9. Loves Buffy, Mexican food, a solid Netflix binge, the Winchester brothers, cupcakes, and all things zombie. Sings off-key.
You can also connect with Jen @jbondswrites
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You can also connect with Jen @jbondswrites
https://www.tiktok.com/jbondswrites
https://www.instagram.com/jbondswrites
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 2, 2020
3 ❤️ 🏈 ❤️⭐️s
A very well written sports romance read.
Austin and Kenedy (Carter) were interesting characters and well developed, focused on their goals and had great chemistry.
An enjoyable slow burn story.
A very well written sports romance read.
Austin and Kenedy (Carter) were interesting characters and well developed, focused on their goals and had great chemistry.
An enjoyable slow burn story.
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 12, 2023Dnf @20%
Decided I’m not sticking around to see where this is going despite falling in love with the author’s style of writing, the realistic dialogue and the authentic sports talk.
The heroine has a large chip on her shoulder.
The H has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Right off the bat she’s unnecessarily rude and dismissive; that set the tone for the rest of what I managed to read.
I like the idea of story, but the execution not so much: its a “sport” NA - I do get that, but apart from the sport, people have to eat, set their heads down at night, be in class, interact with others, none of which is shown.
So their world feels empty to me.
Decided I’m not sticking around to see where this is going despite falling in love with the author’s style of writing, the realistic dialogue and the authentic sports talk.
The heroine has a large chip on her shoulder.
The H has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
Right off the bat she’s unnecessarily rude and dismissive; that set the tone for the rest of what I managed to read.
I like the idea of story, but the execution not so much: its a “sport” NA - I do get that, but apart from the sport, people have to eat, set their heads down at night, be in class, interact with others, none of which is shown.
So their world feels empty to me.
January 29, 2021
Oh, my!
Honestly, I am a sucker for good college and sports romances.
Somehow Austin and Kennedy's has a unique gleam. The plot is interesting, side characters lovable and supportive, they make me want to know more about the whole group. Also, their sense of humor is great.
This book definitely a slow burn. I adored them. That is not an overcomplicated story - far from it but pretty enjoyable. I didn't want it to end.
They are 21 but mature enough to not do stupid shi*s and that's really fresh for me. Well, they are still young and not perfect but still.
Can't wait for Coop's story to come.
Highly recommend this one. Especially if you are into football! Huge part of the storyline.
Honestly, I am a sucker for good college and sports romances.
Somehow Austin and Kennedy's has a unique gleam. The plot is interesting, side characters lovable and supportive, they make me want to know more about the whole group. Also, their sense of humor is great.
This book definitely a slow burn. I adored them. That is not an overcomplicated story - far from it but pretty enjoyable. I didn't want it to end.
They are 21 but mature enough to not do stupid shi*s and that's really fresh for me. Well, they are still young and not perfect but still.
Can't wait for Coop's story to come.
Highly recommend this one. Especially if you are into football! Huge part of the storyline.
November 17, 2020
What a fab read!
"We've been on a collision course since you told me you'd rather streak across campus than play ball with me."
Austin Reid is the star quarterback for the Wildcats and his kicker has just broken his leg. It's his senior year before the NFL draft and he's desperate to make sure that his college finishes on top. So desperate that he looks to the women's soccer team to find a replacement kicker. When his eye zones in on Kennedy Carter and her fantastic leg, he knows that she's the one.
"Just one kiss. One taste of the forbidden fruit. We'll get it out of our systems and move on."
Kennedy has no interest in football players in any shape or form. She learnt the hard way to mistrust them. However, the undeniable lure of a full scholarship has her trying out for the popular football team. A talented kicker, she only has her eye on the prize - to graduate with as little debt as possible and place in a top engineering firm. She can't afford any distractions, especially in the form of the dimpled, cocky QB.
"I don't want to go another day without her sexy, STEM-loving nerd power in my life."
Ooh, I really enjoyed this story. There was a slow-burn start as Kennedy struggle to gel with the team, mainly due to her own hang-ups about football players. She was determined to think the worst of them, especially Austin. However, the chemistry between them was irresistible and when Austin proposes a TWB (teammates with benefits) arrangement, she finds it impossible to turn him down. I loved the development in their relationship - the trust they built, their connection, and the support they showed one another. I felt that their relationship evolved naturally into something that they were both heavily invested in. They each struggled with personal things and the pressures put upon them, but I loved how Austin refused to give up on Kennedy. I loved how they made each other stronger and their feelings gave them courage to follow their dreams. This was a heartfelt, sexy read. The tension between Kennedy and Austin was really taut and scorching! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one in the series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1TEKNZ...
"We've been on a collision course since you told me you'd rather streak across campus than play ball with me."
Austin Reid is the star quarterback for the Wildcats and his kicker has just broken his leg. It's his senior year before the NFL draft and he's desperate to make sure that his college finishes on top. So desperate that he looks to the women's soccer team to find a replacement kicker. When his eye zones in on Kennedy Carter and her fantastic leg, he knows that she's the one.
"Just one kiss. One taste of the forbidden fruit. We'll get it out of our systems and move on."
Kennedy has no interest in football players in any shape or form. She learnt the hard way to mistrust them. However, the undeniable lure of a full scholarship has her trying out for the popular football team. A talented kicker, she only has her eye on the prize - to graduate with as little debt as possible and place in a top engineering firm. She can't afford any distractions, especially in the form of the dimpled, cocky QB.
"I don't want to go another day without her sexy, STEM-loving nerd power in my life."
Ooh, I really enjoyed this story. There was a slow-burn start as Kennedy struggle to gel with the team, mainly due to her own hang-ups about football players. She was determined to think the worst of them, especially Austin. However, the chemistry between them was irresistible and when Austin proposes a TWB (teammates with benefits) arrangement, she finds it impossible to turn him down. I loved the development in their relationship - the trust they built, their connection, and the support they showed one another. I felt that their relationship evolved naturally into something that they were both heavily invested in. They each struggled with personal things and the pressures put upon them, but I loved how Austin refused to give up on Kennedy. I loved how they made each other stronger and their feelings gave them courage to follow their dreams. This was a heartfelt, sexy read. The tension between Kennedy and Austin was really taut and scorching! Thoroughly enjoyed this book and looking forward to the next one in the series.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R1TEKNZ...
October 15, 2023
Austin Reid has a ton of expectations riding on him. From being team captain of the football team and trying to follow in his father's footsteps by getting into Pittsburg, he does not have time for anything else. The only problem is the football team is out of a kicker and they need one fast. Austin and one of his teammates might have missed the boys’ soccer team, at least they can check out the girls' soccer team to check out potential candidates for their new player. They did not expect their new kicker to be a girl, but once they saw Kennedy Carter kick a soccer ball, they were determined to get her on the team.
Kennedy Carter is a fierce soccer player and is looking forward to her senior year, although it is certainly going to be hectic as she is a mechanical engineering major. She has a deeper hatred and lots of mistrust when it comes to football players, thanks to her father. She hates football so much that when Austin and Coop approach her after soccer practice to try out for the football team she is not hesitant to say no. However, the situation changes when the chance of getting a full scholarship becomes part of the deal in joining the football team.
With Kennedy now being on the team everything is bound to change. Even with the bound hatred for football players, there is no way to ignore the charming Austin Reid. Plus, Coach made it clear that nothing could happen between her and anyone on the team. Yet, it all changes when the teammates with benefits start to become something deeper. The incredible chemistry between them is nothing to ignore, not like they exactly want to because they are a match made in heaven.
Kennedy Carter is a fierce soccer player and is looking forward to her senior year, although it is certainly going to be hectic as she is a mechanical engineering major. She has a deeper hatred and lots of mistrust when it comes to football players, thanks to her father. She hates football so much that when Austin and Coop approach her after soccer practice to try out for the football team she is not hesitant to say no. However, the situation changes when the chance of getting a full scholarship becomes part of the deal in joining the football team.
With Kennedy now being on the team everything is bound to change. Even with the bound hatred for football players, there is no way to ignore the charming Austin Reid. Plus, Coach made it clear that nothing could happen between her and anyone on the team. Yet, it all changes when the teammates with benefits start to become something deeper. The incredible chemistry between them is nothing to ignore, not like they exactly want to because they are a match made in heaven.
July 5, 2022
I am actually glad that I read Catching Quinn before this book. While I instantly fell in love with Quinn and Cooper, it took me awhile to warm up to Reid and Carter.
Austin carries the weight of a ton of expectations on his shoulders. As the team captain, he is expected to set an example on and off the field, so when the team's kicker got hurt on a dare at a party Austin took it to heart. His team, the fans and his own father all expect him to deliver a national championship in his senior year, and they cannot do that without a kicker.
Kennedy has a deep mistrust and borderline hatred for football players that has been ingrained in her since her NFL player father walked out on her and her mom when she was just a kid. Her mother has drilled it into her head that football players are cheating entitled jerks who cannot be trusted for years, so when Austin approaches her with a crazy idea to try out for the men's football team, her immediate response is a strong hell no. She loves soccer but when he dangles the possibility of a full scholarship before her, she grudgingly agrees to try out.
Kennedy delivers on the field but off the field, it's another story. Too many years of her mom chirping in her ear have prejudiced her against all players, so she has a difficult time truly meshing with the team. Reid takes it upon himself to make sure it happens but doesn't expect to find himself falling for her along the way. He has too much on the line to get distracted now.
The slow burn eventually catches fire as they sneak around thanks to Coach's no funny business mandate when Kennedy was offered the spot on the team. Of course you know it is all going to blow up spectacularly, right? Austin is a great guy but when he breaks a promise to Kennedy for a really stupid reason, he has to seriously grovel to win her back. All in all, it was a good book with the second half really redeeming it for me.
Austin carries the weight of a ton of expectations on his shoulders. As the team captain, he is expected to set an example on and off the field, so when the team's kicker got hurt on a dare at a party Austin took it to heart. His team, the fans and his own father all expect him to deliver a national championship in his senior year, and they cannot do that without a kicker.
Kennedy has a deep mistrust and borderline hatred for football players that has been ingrained in her since her NFL player father walked out on her and her mom when she was just a kid. Her mother has drilled it into her head that football players are cheating entitled jerks who cannot be trusted for years, so when Austin approaches her with a crazy idea to try out for the men's football team, her immediate response is a strong hell no. She loves soccer but when he dangles the possibility of a full scholarship before her, she grudgingly agrees to try out.
Kennedy delivers on the field but off the field, it's another story. Too many years of her mom chirping in her ear have prejudiced her against all players, so she has a difficult time truly meshing with the team. Reid takes it upon himself to make sure it happens but doesn't expect to find himself falling for her along the way. He has too much on the line to get distracted now.
The slow burn eventually catches fire as they sneak around thanks to Coach's no funny business mandate when Kennedy was offered the spot on the team. Of course you know it is all going to blow up spectacularly, right? Austin is a great guy but when he breaks a promise to Kennedy for a really stupid reason, he has to seriously grovel to win her back. All in all, it was a good book with the second half really redeeming it for me.
December 26, 2021
First of all this is NOT enemy's to lovers story! I hate when a book is falsely advertised! Why do they do that? People who love enemy's to lovers kind of stories will be disappointed and annoyed ( that's what happened to me)! On the other hand people who don't will skip it...
The only explanation I can think of is that the author doesn't know the meaning of the word enemy because in Claiming Carter there is not one element of real animosity between the main characters let alone hate or some similar enemies behavior.
You only have two people who are instantly attracted to each other but only one of them is half-hartedly trying to resist it because of the past trauma that has nothing to do with the person it is currently attracted to.
Also there are some aggravating circumstance that are going against them having a relationship but it is noting to important...As far as the main characters are concerned they have been nothing but helpful and caring to each other.. and that my friends is, according to miss Jennifer Bonds, enemy's to lovers story!!! 😀
Besides all that lovely goodness there was too much football babbling in this book. I had to skip a lot of pages because I was bored to death. I know that this is a football romance but come on... there must be a limit to how much football is allowed in the romance or even worse erotica books...
DNF 83%! I JUST COULDN'T STAND ANY MORE!
The only explanation I can think of is that the author doesn't know the meaning of the word enemy because in Claiming Carter there is not one element of real animosity between the main characters let alone hate or some similar enemies behavior.
You only have two people who are instantly attracted to each other but only one of them is half-hartedly trying to resist it because of the past trauma that has nothing to do with the person it is currently attracted to.
Also there are some aggravating circumstance that are going against them having a relationship but it is noting to important...As far as the main characters are concerned they have been nothing but helpful and caring to each other.. and that my friends is, according to miss Jennifer Bonds, enemy's to lovers story!!! 😀
Besides all that lovely goodness there was too much football babbling in this book. I had to skip a lot of pages because I was bored to death. I know that this is a football romance but come on... there must be a limit to how much football is allowed in the romance or even worse erotica books...
DNF 83%! I JUST COULDN'T STAND ANY MORE!
October 10, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
NA • Sports Romance
330 pages
🏈football romance
🏈college romance
🏈teammates with benefits
🏈secret romance
“She’s the only distraction I’ve allowed myself and the one distraction I can’t afford.”
Have you ever just vibed with book? Like, you start reading and there’s a recognition, a feeling of righteousness? Because damn, I vibed with Claiming Carter immediately 👏🏼
Kennedy Carter was raised to work hard and to distrust football players. But when Austin Reid shows up with a proposal she can’t refuse… things get less clear 👀
“I’ve never been one to share my jersey, but a lot of guys on the team swear there’s nothing sexier than a woman wearing their numbers. They’ve got it all wrong. Looking at Carter, I’m certain there’s nothing sexier than a woman wearing her own numbers.”
These two were 🔥 from page one and I loved seeing them give in and into each other one game at a time. And as far as grand gestures go, Reid (and their teammates) might be unbeatable 🤌🏼
If you love sports romance, if you love that dislike/like pull, if you love a good college setting, and some 🥵… this is ready for you 🤌🏼
NA • Sports Romance
330 pages
🏈football romance
🏈college romance
🏈teammates with benefits
🏈secret romance
“She’s the only distraction I’ve allowed myself and the one distraction I can’t afford.”
Have you ever just vibed with book? Like, you start reading and there’s a recognition, a feeling of righteousness? Because damn, I vibed with Claiming Carter immediately 👏🏼
Kennedy Carter was raised to work hard and to distrust football players. But when Austin Reid shows up with a proposal she can’t refuse… things get less clear 👀
“I’ve never been one to share my jersey, but a lot of guys on the team swear there’s nothing sexier than a woman wearing their numbers. They’ve got it all wrong. Looking at Carter, I’m certain there’s nothing sexier than a woman wearing her own numbers.”
These two were 🔥 from page one and I loved seeing them give in and into each other one game at a time. And as far as grand gestures go, Reid (and their teammates) might be unbeatable 🤌🏼
If you love sports romance, if you love that dislike/like pull, if you love a good college setting, and some 🥵… this is ready for you 🤌🏼
October 18, 2020
Austin is a college quarterback who is entering his final year and is expected to be chosen in the first round of the NFL draft but for that to happen the team needs to have a good season and that means they need to find a replacement for their injured kicker.
Kennedy is attending college on a partial scholarship for the woman’s soccer team when she is approached by Austin with the opportunity to receive a full scholarship kicking for the football teams. It is an offer too good to pass up since it will allow her to quit her part-time jobs and focus on her studies.
There are so many reasons for them not to be together as not only has the coach made it clear that no one on the team should be dating Kennedy but they both also have family issues that make it more complicated. What starts as teammates with benefits turns into something much deeper, but first they must learn to balance not only the demands of the team but what direction their futures should take as well.
Kennedy is attending college on a partial scholarship for the woman’s soccer team when she is approached by Austin with the opportunity to receive a full scholarship kicking for the football teams. It is an offer too good to pass up since it will allow her to quit her part-time jobs and focus on her studies.
There are so many reasons for them not to be together as not only has the coach made it clear that no one on the team should be dating Kennedy but they both also have family issues that make it more complicated. What starts as teammates with benefits turns into something much deeper, but first they must learn to balance not only the demands of the team but what direction their futures should take as well.
October 18, 2020
This is the 1st in a new series and what a brilliant beginning this story is. Austin is the sexy quarterback for the football team, and he goes above and beyond for his team, family, and friends, and when the star kicker is injured and will not be fit for the university’s opening game, he comes up with crazy plan to find a replacement. Kennedy is the star kicker for the woman’s team, and she does not like football players, and when Austin approaches her with a deal by dangling a carrot in front of her face of a full scholarship, she jumps at the chance. The sparks fly between these two and the chemistry is undeniable. This is a beautifully written story which is unique, refreshing, and an entertaining sports romance story, which had me captivated throughout this addictive page turner. I look forward to reading more from this author whose work I recommend for all.
October 7, 2023
Es un deportivo que me pareció muy dulce .
Nuestro protagonista quiere ganar el campeonato del fútbol americano y para eso necesita a una persona en la posición de pateador y pues ve a nuestra chica que jugadora de fútbol soccer normal y pues le dice para ingresar al equipo y al principio no quiere porque no quiere saber absolutamente nada de los jugadores de fútbol americano porque su papá fue uno y fue un mal hombre y ella como que está medio traumada y aparte que la mamá también como alimenta ese trauma así que ella asiste porque le prometen una beca ella va y así pasas de parte de este equipo y empieza a tener más contacto con Austin .
Como dije es un romance algo dulce algo tierno creo que estaba escrito muy bien la verdad no me aburrió pero tampoco me portó como nada nuevo también lo vi un poco básico pero no quita que es muy entretenido y se lee rápido.
Nuestro protagonista quiere ganar el campeonato del fútbol americano y para eso necesita a una persona en la posición de pateador y pues ve a nuestra chica que jugadora de fútbol soccer normal y pues le dice para ingresar al equipo y al principio no quiere porque no quiere saber absolutamente nada de los jugadores de fútbol americano porque su papá fue uno y fue un mal hombre y ella como que está medio traumada y aparte que la mamá también como alimenta ese trauma así que ella asiste porque le prometen una beca ella va y así pasas de parte de este equipo y empieza a tener más contacto con Austin .
Como dije es un romance algo dulce algo tierno creo que estaba escrito muy bien la verdad no me aburrió pero tampoco me portó como nada nuevo también lo vi un poco básico pero no quita que es muy entretenido y se lee rápido.
October 12, 2023
Love me a good sports romance as you all know, and Claiming Carter was really good. It's book one in the Waverly Wildcats series, and I've read the fourth book as well and really enjoyed it too. Austin is the quarterback for his team and expected to move on to the NFL. When their kicker is injured and unable to play, he approaches Kennedy about the kicker position on the team and lets her know that it comes with a full scholarship as well. Kennedy thinks that this is great since she is at college on a partial scholarship, not to mention working all the time to make ends meet. This would give her the opportunity to study and focus on her academics. Even though they shouldn't be a couple (coaches' rules and other reasons), the spark and chemistry are undeniable between these two. This was such a cute story, and I can't wait to read books 2 and 3 now.
October 18, 2020
Synopsis: Austin Reid’s college football career might be ending, but he’s determined to finish out the season with a bang and get drafted to the NFL. Only problem is they’re a player short and their only chance at winning the national championship is Kennedy Carter. She dislikes football players, is an absolute genius and is already playing soccer. But when Austin makes her an offer she can’t refuse, things get a little more complicated than Kennedy would like.
Review: If you know me, then you know how much I love sports romances. Jennifer Bonds’ first book (there is a novella before this one that I haven’t read, but probably should) in the Waverly Wildcats series is a sports romance with a brilliant storyline, interesting characters and enough drama to keep you entertained for a while. I also finished this book in three hours because once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
Kennedy Carter is an absolute favourite. I love that she’s sassy, smart and takes no bullshit from anybody. But also that she knows what she wants and goes after it, sometimes even doing things that other people might not do to get there. And that includes joining the football team as their kicker just so she can get a scholarship, take the pressure off her mother, participate in a competition and graduate without having to constantly worry about money and her place in school. She’s also in STEM, making her basically an all around perfect woman.
And Austin Reid would agree. Ugh, Austin. He’s so amazing. I mean, she compares him to Captain America, so you can already imagine the kind of beauty this man holds. Plus, he’s so passionate about football, cares about his team and knows that taking them to a championship would be the best thing in the world. While it might seem like Austin is doing this for himself, he’s actually doing it to help everyone on the team. And he’s just such a good guy. He’s got this whole football hero shtick down, but he’s not a complete asshole. Honestly, Austin is incredibly endearing and if anyone says they don’t like him, they’re lying.
One of the things that I really loved about this book is that Austin doesn’t go easy on Kennedy just because she’s a girl. He’s trying to bring her into the team and make her part of the family, but he also steps up and defends her when he needs to - just like he would with anybody else on the team. To Austin, winning is important and he isn’t going to apologise for that, but he also believes that if someone can do a job really well, it doesn’t matter what they look like, as long as they deliver on their promises. And Kennedy does.
Their relationship is so much fun. I love watching strangers become friends and become lovers to becoming so much more. That growth and that gradual build is always such a treat. Because when they first meet, it’s not about feelings. Austin has a reason for being there and he has a reason for wanting Kennedy to move from soccer to football and that’s it. It takes them both some time to really warm up to each other and that’s when things start to get interesting.
Gah, the steam in this book! Good god, it was just so hot. Austin and Kennedy have incredible chemistry and that’s evident from the moment both of them realise that there’s something more between them than what they realised. I love how Jennifer brought these two characters together, because it could have been a whole lot more complicated, but it wasn’t. It was simple, but with a catch. I also love that Kennedy makes Austin work for her attention and her time. She’s not going to sit back and just let him have her, he needs to earn her. While, sure, she wants him something fierce, it’s still so good to watch them just fall apart around each other.
Really, it was the simple things in this book that won me over. Like Kennedy and Austin referring to each other by their surnames, the football games where they both want to grab each other but they behave like teammates would, how their relationship grows from friendship to something more, how Kennedy outshines literally every other character in this book with her sheer brilliance. There’s just so much going on that not just one thing will make you love it. The camaraderie, the romance, the sport - it all sucks you in and makes you beyond content with what this book delivers.
Thanks to Jennifer Bonds and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Find more of my reviews on anna reads here
Review: If you know me, then you know how much I love sports romances. Jennifer Bonds’ first book (there is a novella before this one that I haven’t read, but probably should) in the Waverly Wildcats series is a sports romance with a brilliant storyline, interesting characters and enough drama to keep you entertained for a while. I also finished this book in three hours because once I started, I couldn’t put it down.
“I’ve learned to take pleasure in the game. To appreciate the slow burn of a well-executed play. Because that constant ache of desire? It makes the victory dance that much sweeter.”
Kennedy Carter is an absolute favourite. I love that she’s sassy, smart and takes no bullshit from anybody. But also that she knows what she wants and goes after it, sometimes even doing things that other people might not do to get there. And that includes joining the football team as their kicker just so she can get a scholarship, take the pressure off her mother, participate in a competition and graduate without having to constantly worry about money and her place in school. She’s also in STEM, making her basically an all around perfect woman.
And Austin Reid would agree. Ugh, Austin. He’s so amazing. I mean, she compares him to Captain America, so you can already imagine the kind of beauty this man holds. Plus, he’s so passionate about football, cares about his team and knows that taking them to a championship would be the best thing in the world. While it might seem like Austin is doing this for himself, he’s actually doing it to help everyone on the team. And he’s just such a good guy. He’s got this whole football hero shtick down, but he’s not a complete asshole. Honestly, Austin is incredibly endearing and if anyone says they don’t like him, they’re lying.
“You can try to shut me out, but the thing is, I’m an offensive player. There’s no one better at reading—and bypassing—a defensive move than me.”
One of the things that I really loved about this book is that Austin doesn’t go easy on Kennedy just because she’s a girl. He’s trying to bring her into the team and make her part of the family, but he also steps up and defends her when he needs to - just like he would with anybody else on the team. To Austin, winning is important and he isn’t going to apologise for that, but he also believes that if someone can do a job really well, it doesn’t matter what they look like, as long as they deliver on their promises. And Kennedy does.
Their relationship is so much fun. I love watching strangers become friends and become lovers to becoming so much more. That growth and that gradual build is always such a treat. Because when they first meet, it’s not about feelings. Austin has a reason for being there and he has a reason for wanting Kennedy to move from soccer to football and that’s it. It takes them both some time to really warm up to each other and that’s when things start to get interesting.
“Looking at Carter, I’m certain there’s nothing sexier than a woman wearing her own numbers. I can easily picture her prancing around my bedroom in that jersey and nothing else, her golden legs leading straight to the end zone.”
Gah, the steam in this book! Good god, it was just so hot. Austin and Kennedy have incredible chemistry and that’s evident from the moment both of them realise that there’s something more between them than what they realised. I love how Jennifer brought these two characters together, because it could have been a whole lot more complicated, but it wasn’t. It was simple, but with a catch. I also love that Kennedy makes Austin work for her attention and her time. She’s not going to sit back and just let him have her, he needs to earn her. While, sure, she wants him something fierce, it’s still so good to watch them just fall apart around each other.
Really, it was the simple things in this book that won me over. Like Kennedy and Austin referring to each other by their surnames, the football games where they both want to grab each other but they behave like teammates would, how their relationship grows from friendship to something more, how Kennedy outshines literally every other character in this book with her sheer brilliance. There’s just so much going on that not just one thing will make you love it. The camaraderie, the romance, the sport - it all sucks you in and makes you beyond content with what this book delivers.
Thanks to Jennifer Bonds and Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Find more of my reviews on anna reads here
October 16, 2023
Austin and Kennedy were so good. It was a slow burn but so worth it. It a forbidden romance and has its ups and downs but they prevail. The chemistry was great and it was well written
January 30, 2024
sooo cute and cheesy!!! which was exactly what i was looking for 😋
February 1, 2024
“#93 on the field, #1 in my <3!” Are you kidding me??? That’s adorable!!!!
October 19, 2023
I am a sucker for a sports romance book. Doesn’t matter what the sport is … I’m down to read it . It all came together as it was meant to be . Kennedy has daddy issues it’s evident as soon as you start reading the story. She’s willing to take the financial burden of her college away from her mother if she can get the full ride scholarship from the foot ball team. Austin is the #1 QB . One thing I loved was how it was really him chasing her and developing there relationship. I loved that it’s not all focused on football it also is focused on her major in STEM. Which made the book even more interesting. I loved how Austin didn’t give up on her and kept on breaking down her walls till basically she had no other choice but to love him . It was a good fun sport romance book to read !
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌟🌟🌟🌟
April 10, 2023
3.5⭐️
First of all I really enjoyed this book. Jennifer Bonds did a great job writing the characters and their relationship because they had so much chemistry. Their interactions often made me feel things. I really liked reading about the female main character Kennedy joining a new team and becoming a real team member trough out the whole book. I can't wait to read other books by this other and I will definitely recommend this book.
There were a few things I did and didn't like.
The things I did like as I've stated before is of course the writing and the relation between the characters but also the characters themselves were great. They weren't annoying or anything which I find quickly of many characters. I did not necessarily care for the other side characters (except for Cooper) and didn't really remember them trough out the book.
I also really enjoyed the plot even though it was pretty simple and straightforward. I was easy to follow and really enjoyable.
The things I didn't like were mostly small but still bothering to me.
The author used a lot of the same words and sentences. An example is that that the female main character mentioned her ovaries a few times in the same situation when the male main character made her feel some type of way. This happened a few times in a row which made me feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. One time I actually thought I was reading a page I've read before until I skipped to the next page. The word usage and sentences are used in a way that are too similar to each other which makes you feel like you are having a deja vu the whole time. And it's not a good feeling.
The other thing I disliked is that the characters sometimes lacked critical thinking skills and were self-centred. They came across as selfish especially during conflicts. It's was very annoying to read.
I overall really enjoyed this read and I was quick to finish. I would recommend this to almost anyone who enjoys a quick sports romance with great chemistry between the characters. I do want to say that the smut scenes are not graphic and very fast. It's not quite YA but sometimes can feel like it because it almost fades completely to black. (it isn't YA though.) Or maybe I've just read to must hardcore dark romance smut so now everything else feels like non graphic to me. I personally don't mind because it doesn't matter for the story and the book is still enjoyable anyways but it's something to keep in mind.
First of all I really enjoyed this book. Jennifer Bonds did a great job writing the characters and their relationship because they had so much chemistry. Their interactions often made me feel things. I really liked reading about the female main character Kennedy joining a new team and becoming a real team member trough out the whole book. I can't wait to read other books by this other and I will definitely recommend this book.
There were a few things I did and didn't like.
The things I did like as I've stated before is of course the writing and the relation between the characters but also the characters themselves were great. They weren't annoying or anything which I find quickly of many characters. I did not necessarily care for the other side characters (except for Cooper) and didn't really remember them trough out the book.
I also really enjoyed the plot even though it was pretty simple and straightforward. I was easy to follow and really enjoyable.
The things I didn't like were mostly small but still bothering to me.
The author used a lot of the same words and sentences. An example is that that the female main character mentioned her ovaries a few times in the same situation when the male main character made her feel some type of way. This happened a few times in a row which made me feel like I was reading the same thing over and over again. One time I actually thought I was reading a page I've read before until I skipped to the next page. The word usage and sentences are used in a way that are too similar to each other which makes you feel like you are having a deja vu the whole time. And it's not a good feeling.
The other thing I disliked is that the characters sometimes lacked critical thinking skills and were self-centred. They came across as selfish especially during conflicts. It's was very annoying to read.
I overall really enjoyed this read and I was quick to finish. I would recommend this to almost anyone who enjoys a quick sports romance with great chemistry between the characters. I do want to say that the smut scenes are not graphic and very fast. It's not quite YA but sometimes can feel like it because it almost fades completely to black. (it isn't YA though.) Or maybe I've just read to must hardcore dark romance smut so now everything else feels like non graphic to me. I personally don't mind because it doesn't matter for the story and the book is still enjoyable anyways but it's something to keep in mind.
October 17, 2020
First off let me say that I love that Kennedy joined the football team. Football is one of my favourite sports & I love when girls join teams & show how kickass we can be. Even if Kennedy hated football (gasp! How can anyone hate football?!)
Austin was a determined, caring, amazing football player who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Who couldn’t help but love him right from the very first chapter. He went above & beyond for his team, friends & family. I think what I loved most about him was how he fell for Kennedy & got her back. So good!
Kennedy was just as determined & focused on her future as Austin but also hella smart & sassy. I loved that she had so many sides to her. The jock, the nerd, the hard worker & the sassy woman. Even though she wasn’t a huge football fan, the sports scenes were some of my favourite. Had me really missing getting to watch sports live & in person.
This book was such a great read & any sports romance junkie will love it! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
Austin was a determined, caring, amazing football player who carried the weight of the world on his shoulders. Who couldn’t help but love him right from the very first chapter. He went above & beyond for his team, friends & family. I think what I loved most about him was how he fell for Kennedy & got her back. So good!
Kennedy was just as determined & focused on her future as Austin but also hella smart & sassy. I loved that she had so many sides to her. The jock, the nerd, the hard worker & the sassy woman. Even though she wasn’t a huge football fan, the sports scenes were some of my favourite. Had me really missing getting to watch sports live & in person.
This book was such a great read & any sports romance junkie will love it! I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
I received an arc of this book in return for an honest review.
October 19, 2020
Claiming Carter is the first book in Jennifer Bonds new romance series and what a start to the series. Claiming Carter is packed full of romance, laugh out loud moments and tention that you can cut with a knife.
Austin is the cheeky, charming, cocky quarterback of the football team and he is determined to win the championship this season but with a team kicker out on injury and can't play, he resorts to some unusual drastic measures to make sure he take the team all the way. He asks Kennedy the star striker of the woman's soccer team to step in. There is only one problem Kennedy hates football especially football players but when the offer of a full scholarship is on the table how can she refuse. The sparks fly of the page between these two and the chemistry is undeniable and the more time they spend together the more they see a different side to each other but will they take the chance or will the let insicurites get in the way of something that could be beautiful.
Beautifully written story about finding love when you least expect it and learning not judge a person based others people's experience. Cant wait to see what else Jennifer has in store for us.
Austin is the cheeky, charming, cocky quarterback of the football team and he is determined to win the championship this season but with a team kicker out on injury and can't play, he resorts to some unusual drastic measures to make sure he take the team all the way. He asks Kennedy the star striker of the woman's soccer team to step in. There is only one problem Kennedy hates football especially football players but when the offer of a full scholarship is on the table how can she refuse. The sparks fly of the page between these two and the chemistry is undeniable and the more time they spend together the more they see a different side to each other but will they take the chance or will the let insicurites get in the way of something that could be beautiful.
Beautifully written story about finding love when you least expect it and learning not judge a person based others people's experience. Cant wait to see what else Jennifer has in store for us.
November 1, 2020
Great book, and reprieve from the day to day. Sizzling chemistry, and love the sass, smarts, and strength of the heroine. This book is a twist on the typical college quarterback story, with the added dimension of a women's soccer team member joining as the kicker. It was a welcome reprieve from the day to day, and so good that I read it straight through in one sitting. Another winner from this author. Read this book - you won't be disappointed.
April 4, 2024
I've become a sucker for a good college sports romance book. I've switched it up with this series as I have been consumed lately by hockey romance books. I felt I needed a new sport because the ice and skates and being checked into the boards needed a break. It was nice to jump into a football story and one that involved female opportunity.
If you started the series with Holding Harper, you will know that the Waverly University football team is in a great position this year to make it to the championship. Well, until their kicker, Chase, has a stupid accident right before training camp. In Claiming Carter we pick up the story 1 week after Chase's accident. Team captain, senior and NHL hopeful, Austin Reid, is looking for a way to quickly recruit a new kicker to the team and salvage the year. Reid is the son of an NHL legend and he has a lot riding on having a great season in his senior year so he is desperate to find a solution.
He finds Kennedy Carter, a soccer player on the woman's Waverly team. Carter has a partial scholarship thanks to playing soccer, but it doesn't cover all her expenses and both Kennedy and her mother have to work a lot to make ends meet financially. Reid offers to talk to the football coach to allow her to try out for the team and, if she gets the position, have it come with a full-ride scholarship. Financially, Carter can't let this opportunity pass her by.
Obviously, Carter gets the position and the scholarship. With time, Reid and Carter's relationship turns from teammates to friends to friends with benefits until their feelings are so strong, they fall in love. However, it is not an easy journey. Kennedy has a history of not trusting football players (they continuously break her heart and lie to her) and it takes a while for Reid and the team to break down those barriers. Carter is also studying in the field of STEM, a career path dominated by men. In both this major and in football, she is fighting for equality and female representation. The love story is good and the way that both Carter and Reid need to stand up for their dreams and their self-worth is good.
My issues with some of the story:
1. Carter is hesitant in the beginning to trust her new teammates and doesn't want to mix with the football team. Reid, as captain, wants to build bonds within the team. A team that gets along well, and plays well. We see Kennedy resisting in the beginning any efforts to hang out with the team but with time she starts to become friends with some of them. However, we don't see any of that. Based on other sports romances, we know that the teams are always found family, especially in college romance books when some of the teammates are also roommates. Well, there is some bantering with Cooper, Parker and Vaughn but we don't see much. We don't see those moments where they bond with Carter. We barely have a few scenes where they bond with Reid outside of football.
2. Carter left her soccer team for the football team. It is understandable as her main goal was to be able to financially afford her degree and the football team was offering her that possibility. However, other than Becca, who is her BFF and roommate, I'm surprised we didn't see any interaction with her old teammates (good or bad). She played on the same team as some of them for 3 years and yet she left the team, and a sport that she played and loved since the age of 5, for football without a second thought. I know she is a dedicated student and mechanical engineering is important to her, but couldn't we get some conversations or interactions or insight into her old friendships?
3. The relationship with the parents. Carter has a history with her dad, who basically abandoned her to live his life reminiscing about his glory days as a football player. But there was little of the background story. Did he make it to the pros? Did he have an accident that cut his career short? Why was he so bitter and caught up in the life he almost had instead of being there for his family? I didn't understand why he abandoned his family. And what memories does Carter have that justify her hating her father? Or rather, why her mother hates Kennedy's father and why Kennedy still holds out hope.
Austin's family history is less confusing but I still wish we had some insight into his childhood memories. I feel that Austin's dad has been replicated in other sports romance books, however, compared to others (which I won't say the books because I don't think it is fair), his character development is not as well established.
If you started the series with Holding Harper, you will know that the Waverly University football team is in a great position this year to make it to the championship. Well, until their kicker, Chase, has a stupid accident right before training camp. In Claiming Carter we pick up the story 1 week after Chase's accident. Team captain, senior and NHL hopeful, Austin Reid, is looking for a way to quickly recruit a new kicker to the team and salvage the year. Reid is the son of an NHL legend and he has a lot riding on having a great season in his senior year so he is desperate to find a solution.
He finds Kennedy Carter, a soccer player on the woman's Waverly team. Carter has a partial scholarship thanks to playing soccer, but it doesn't cover all her expenses and both Kennedy and her mother have to work a lot to make ends meet financially. Reid offers to talk to the football coach to allow her to try out for the team and, if she gets the position, have it come with a full-ride scholarship. Financially, Carter can't let this opportunity pass her by.
Obviously, Carter gets the position and the scholarship. With time, Reid and Carter's relationship turns from teammates to friends to friends with benefits until their feelings are so strong, they fall in love. However, it is not an easy journey. Kennedy has a history of not trusting football players (they continuously break her heart and lie to her) and it takes a while for Reid and the team to break down those barriers. Carter is also studying in the field of STEM, a career path dominated by men. In both this major and in football, she is fighting for equality and female representation. The love story is good and the way that both Carter and Reid need to stand up for their dreams and their self-worth is good.
My issues with some of the story:
1. Carter is hesitant in the beginning to trust her new teammates and doesn't want to mix with the football team. Reid, as captain, wants to build bonds within the team. A team that gets along well, and plays well. We see Kennedy resisting in the beginning any efforts to hang out with the team but with time she starts to become friends with some of them. However, we don't see any of that. Based on other sports romances, we know that the teams are always found family, especially in college romance books when some of the teammates are also roommates. Well, there is some bantering with Cooper, Parker and Vaughn but we don't see much. We don't see those moments where they bond with Carter. We barely have a few scenes where they bond with Reid outside of football.
2. Carter left her soccer team for the football team. It is understandable as her main goal was to be able to financially afford her degree and the football team was offering her that possibility. However, other than Becca, who is her BFF and roommate, I'm surprised we didn't see any interaction with her old teammates (good or bad). She played on the same team as some of them for 3 years and yet she left the team, and a sport that she played and loved since the age of 5, for football without a second thought. I know she is a dedicated student and mechanical engineering is important to her, but couldn't we get some conversations or interactions or insight into her old friendships?
3. The relationship with the parents. Carter has a history with her dad, who basically abandoned her to live his life reminiscing about his glory days as a football player. But there was little of the background story. Did he make it to the pros? Did he have an accident that cut his career short? Why was he so bitter and caught up in the life he almost had instead of being there for his family? I didn't understand why he abandoned his family. And what memories does Carter have that justify her hating her father? Or rather, why her mother hates Kennedy's father and why Kennedy still holds out hope.
Austin's family history is less confusing but I still wish we had some insight into his childhood memories. I feel that Austin's dad has been replicated in other sports romance books, however, compared to others (which I won't say the books because I don't think it is fair), his character development is not as well established.
October 9, 2023
Claiming Carter is the first book in the Waverly Wildcats series by Jennifer Bonds, featuring forced proximity/ secret romance between Austin and Kennedy. When the Wildcats lose their kicker to injury and stupidity, team captain, Austin Reid obliterates the box by recruiting Kennedy Carter from the women’s soccer team. She has a killer leg and the potential to save their season. The problem? She hates football players and the chemistry between them is going to be impossible to deny, no matter what Coach says. A secret Teammates with Benefits arrangement seems like a good solution, but will it really work without someone getting hurt?
I really enjoyed going back to where this series began for the release of the new covers. I loved the premise of introducing a female kicker to the team, and the drama that comes with that. Austin is a great character with more layers than you realize at first. He’s a strong leader, a good friend, and he is willing to sacrifice entirely too much to make his father proud. When it comes to Kennedy, I’m a bit conflicted. I appreciate her strength, her drive to succeed, and my heart certainly went out to her over the emotional issues she still carries from her father. However, it felt like she spent way too much of the book painting every football player with a broad brush, making them pay for her father’s shortcomings, especially Austin. Yes, he made a mistake late in the book, while under family pressure, but she couldn’t give him an inch. I don’t know, it just frustrated me. Other than that, I enjoyed their relationship, their banter, the angst and definitely their passion. I also loved the dynamics of the guys on the team, and this book definitely succeeded in setting up an interesting world for a series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #bookish #jenniferbonds #waverlywildcats #NewAdultRomance #ContemporaryRomance #sportsromance #HatetoLove #ForcedProximity #Angsty #SecretRomance #Fling #greyspromo #ReadNow #bookstagram #romancebookstagram #romancebookreview #arcreader #bookrecommendations #bookreview #ARCreview
I really enjoyed going back to where this series began for the release of the new covers. I loved the premise of introducing a female kicker to the team, and the drama that comes with that. Austin is a great character with more layers than you realize at first. He’s a strong leader, a good friend, and he is willing to sacrifice entirely too much to make his father proud. When it comes to Kennedy, I’m a bit conflicted. I appreciate her strength, her drive to succeed, and my heart certainly went out to her over the emotional issues she still carries from her father. However, it felt like she spent way too much of the book painting every football player with a broad brush, making them pay for her father’s shortcomings, especially Austin. Yes, he made a mistake late in the book, while under family pressure, but she couldn’t give him an inch. I don’t know, it just frustrated me. Other than that, I enjoyed their relationship, their banter, the angst and definitely their passion. I also loved the dynamics of the guys on the team, and this book definitely succeeded in setting up an interesting world for a series.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#NewRelease #bookish #jenniferbonds #waverlywildcats #NewAdultRomance #ContemporaryRomance #sportsromance #HatetoLove #ForcedProximity #Angsty #SecretRomance #Fling #greyspromo #ReadNow #bookstagram #romancebookstagram #romancebookreview #arcreader #bookrecommendations #bookreview #ARCreview
October 19, 2020
Claiming Carter by Jennifer Bonds
Waverly Wildcats Book 1
Austin- Quarterback, captain of the football team, Son of a NFL Star has all the pressure on his shoulders to lead his team to national championships. With now Having to find a new kicker to replace the one that was injured. He goes to the women’s soccer team to poach a great kicker, when he find Kenndey Carter.
Kenndey Cater- daughter of a washed up nfl player that formed her views on Football player. She is no jersey chaser she the opposite. When Austin approached her and asks her to try out she instantly turns him down. But when he tells her she could get a full scholarship vs her half scholarship with soccer that is a different story. This full scholarship could not only help her but her mom as well.
Blurb
Quarterback Austin Reid’s got it all—talent, looks, women. The only thing missing? A national championship. Something he intends to rectify. With his kicker laid up and the university’s home opener in three weeks, he’s not above poaching talent from the women’s soccer team. Or recruiting a sassy, STEM-loving brunette who wants nothing to do with football or him.
Kennedy Carter is no jersey chaser. Hell, she doesn’t even like football players. They’re all swagger and no substance. Guys who like to play games on and off the field? Hard pass. She knows exactly how those stories end. But when Waverly’s sexy quarterback dangles the prospect of a full scholarship under her nose, it’s game on.
Sparks fly and the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to fight the sizzling attraction. Austin’s always done what’s expected of him, but when the clock runs out, he’ll have to decide what’s more important: fulfilling his legacy or following his heart.
This is a full-length, standalone enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a sizzling, swoonworthy HEA.
Waverly Wildcats Book 1
Austin- Quarterback, captain of the football team, Son of a NFL Star has all the pressure on his shoulders to lead his team to national championships. With now Having to find a new kicker to replace the one that was injured. He goes to the women’s soccer team to poach a great kicker, when he find Kenndey Carter.
Kenndey Cater- daughter of a washed up nfl player that formed her views on Football player. She is no jersey chaser she the opposite. When Austin approached her and asks her to try out she instantly turns him down. But when he tells her she could get a full scholarship vs her half scholarship with soccer that is a different story. This full scholarship could not only help her but her mom as well.
Blurb
Quarterback Austin Reid’s got it all—talent, looks, women. The only thing missing? A national championship. Something he intends to rectify. With his kicker laid up and the university’s home opener in three weeks, he’s not above poaching talent from the women’s soccer team. Or recruiting a sassy, STEM-loving brunette who wants nothing to do with football or him.
Kennedy Carter is no jersey chaser. Hell, she doesn’t even like football players. They’re all swagger and no substance. Guys who like to play games on and off the field? Hard pass. She knows exactly how those stories end. But when Waverly’s sexy quarterback dangles the prospect of a full scholarship under her nose, it’s game on.
Sparks fly and the more time they spend together, the harder it gets to fight the sizzling attraction. Austin’s always done what’s expected of him, but when the clock runs out, he’ll have to decide what’s more important: fulfilling his legacy or following his heart.
This is a full-length, standalone enemies-to-lovers sports romance with a sizzling, swoonworthy HEA.
September 4, 2023
Claiming Carter is the first book in the Waverley Wildcats series by Jennifer Bonds. Austin Reid has it all. A star quarterback with amazing talent, good looks and any woman he wants. The only thing he is missing is a national championship. When the team’s kicker is injured and the home opening game is three weeks away, he needs to find a replacement. He does so in an unorthodox way. He recruits one player from the women’s soccer team. Kennedy Carter is no jersey chaser. In fact, she hates football and football players. She is focused on finishing her degree. But with the possibility of a full-ride scholarship, she can’t refuse. Sparks fly between them from the get go. And the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the building fire. Can Austin convince Kennedy that he is not a typical football player?
I love the game of football. I look forward to every season with anticipation. I also love a good football romance story. Let me say that it’s hard to find. Claiming Carter has it all. It is a sweet, steamy romance with fun, witty banter and personal growth. I loved both Austin and Kennedy as individuals and as a couple. I enjoyed a glimpse, even a fictional glimpse, of a football team behind the scenes which most football fans will never see. Even when the story was predictable, it is a romance after all, but it has the great romantic moments and the grand public gesture is so incredibly sweet. Overall, I loved this story. I stayed up well into the night in order to finish it. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a sweet, steamy sports romance, I highly recommend Claiming Carter.
Claiming Carter is available in paperback and eBook
I love the game of football. I look forward to every season with anticipation. I also love a good football romance story. Let me say that it’s hard to find. Claiming Carter has it all. It is a sweet, steamy romance with fun, witty banter and personal growth. I loved both Austin and Kennedy as individuals and as a couple. I enjoyed a glimpse, even a fictional glimpse, of a football team behind the scenes which most football fans will never see. Even when the story was predictable, it is a romance after all, but it has the great romantic moments and the grand public gesture is so incredibly sweet. Overall, I loved this story. I stayed up well into the night in order to finish it. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. If you enjoy a sweet, steamy sports romance, I highly recommend Claiming Carter.
Claiming Carter is available in paperback and eBook
December 17, 2023
Title: Claiming Carter (Waverley Wildcats)
Author: Jennifer Bonds
Hero/Heroine: Austin & Kennedy
Tropes: Sports Romance, Friends with Benefits, Opposites Attract, Heroine in STEM,
tw/cw: death of a parent, parental abandonment, mention of cancer,
✨the good ✨
Sports. Great characters. Enough sexual chemistry to start a small fire. Claiming Carter was such a great story, I was completely consumed by Austin and Kennedy’s antics.
In desperate need of a kicker for the most important football season of their lives, Waverly Wildcats captain Austin resorts to seeking out the girls football (soccer) team to find a solution to his problem. Coming up against sassy and outspoken Kennedy wasn’t in his plans, but we all know how plans can change in romance books.
I have to admit I loved everything about Austin and Kennedy as a couple. With her guard thrown fully up, Kennedy was reluctant to trust Austin, however he was not easily deterred. His determination to get to know her was admirable, and I loved how he didn’t give up on her. Both characters found themselves weighed under by expectations from their respective families, and I loved how they confided in each other when it got to be too much. Also, a heroine who’s good enough to play on the men’s football team and is in STEM? Absolute queen.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to reading more about the loveable Waverly Wildcats.
✨ the bad ✨
Kennedy’s Dad. What an arsehole.
Thank you to the author and @greyspromo for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: loved this low angst, steamy sports romance
✨ 3rd act break up: yes (sort of)
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Jennifer Bonds
Hero/Heroine: Austin & Kennedy
Tropes: Sports Romance, Friends with Benefits, Opposites Attract, Heroine in STEM,
tw/cw: death of a parent, parental abandonment, mention of cancer,
✨the good ✨
Sports. Great characters. Enough sexual chemistry to start a small fire. Claiming Carter was such a great story, I was completely consumed by Austin and Kennedy’s antics.
In desperate need of a kicker for the most important football season of their lives, Waverly Wildcats captain Austin resorts to seeking out the girls football (soccer) team to find a solution to his problem. Coming up against sassy and outspoken Kennedy wasn’t in his plans, but we all know how plans can change in romance books.
I have to admit I loved everything about Austin and Kennedy as a couple. With her guard thrown fully up, Kennedy was reluctant to trust Austin, however he was not easily deterred. His determination to get to know her was admirable, and I loved how he didn’t give up on her. Both characters found themselves weighed under by expectations from their respective families, and I loved how they confided in each other when it got to be too much. Also, a heroine who’s good enough to play on the men’s football team and is in STEM? Absolute queen.
This was the first book I’ve read by this author and it definitely won’t be the last. I’m looking forward to reading more about the loveable Waverly Wildcats.
✨ the bad ✨
Kennedy’s Dad. What an arsehole.
Thank you to the author and @greyspromo for providing me with a copy of this to read. This is my honest review.
✨overall thoughts: loved this low angst, steamy sports romance
✨ 3rd act break up: yes (sort of)
✨ heat level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
✨ star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
October 20, 2023
I think I may addicted to sports romance and this one was another fantastic read. It's a new series starter, it was a delightful way to start it too. We get to understand the Waverly Wildcats and all it's characters.
This one was about Austin and Kennedy.
Austin star QB and this is his year to leave on a high and get picked by NFL. But his best kicker is injured and it could cost his dream.
Then he notices Kennedy Carter! What a breath of fresh air she was. A girl in STEM and plays Soccer(Football). I have not read many like this, specially as she is a proud nerd.
She is the best kicker in their team and she would be perfect in their Football (American Football) team.
She detests Quarterbacks and Football, because of her past.
But she also can't ignore the offer she is given in return. So here she is playing Football with the boys!!! Isn't that amazing! Future looks great haha.
She will play and get through so she can get her prize. Unfortunately, she was thinking how hot her chemistry would be with Austin. Not relationship is allowed between players. But rules didn't say no to, teammates with benefits 🤔.
Read and find out how these to navigate this affair, their fears, dreams, family, disappointments and how they build each other up and eventually admit to their love. It was wonderful to see how they build each other up and give strength.
I can't wait for more from this author and this series.
Favourite Quotes :
"We've been on a collision course since you told me you'd rather streak across campus than play ball with me."
"I don't want to go another day without her sexy, STEM-loving nerd power in my life."
This one was about Austin and Kennedy.
Austin star QB and this is his year to leave on a high and get picked by NFL. But his best kicker is injured and it could cost his dream.
Then he notices Kennedy Carter! What a breath of fresh air she was. A girl in STEM and plays Soccer(Football). I have not read many like this, specially as she is a proud nerd.
She is the best kicker in their team and she would be perfect in their Football (American Football) team.
She detests Quarterbacks and Football, because of her past.
But she also can't ignore the offer she is given in return. So here she is playing Football with the boys!!! Isn't that amazing! Future looks great haha.
She will play and get through so she can get her prize. Unfortunately, she was thinking how hot her chemistry would be with Austin. Not relationship is allowed between players. But rules didn't say no to, teammates with benefits 🤔.
Read and find out how these to navigate this affair, their fears, dreams, family, disappointments and how they build each other up and eventually admit to their love. It was wonderful to see how they build each other up and give strength.
I can't wait for more from this author and this series.
Favourite Quotes :
"We've been on a collision course since you told me you'd rather streak across campus than play ball with me."
"I don't want to go another day without her sexy, STEM-loving nerd power in my life."
January 8, 2024
Song Inspo: "Are You Ready For It?" Taylor Swift
I rated this 3.5/5! First, I love college football, so this book was right up my alley. This book centers around Kennedy Carter, a soccer player recruited by the star QB, Austin Reid, to try out for the football team as a kicker. All her life Kennedy has been warned about the bad boys of football as her father was a deadbeat former football player who never had time for Kennedy or his responsibilities as her father. Kennedy doesn't want to leave the soccer team or associate with the football team, however, she needs a full-ride scholarship to focus on her degree during her senior year as a mechanical engineering major. Can Kennedy figure out how to be vulnerable around her teammates or will she continue to fly solo?
Overall, I thought this was cute. I loved that it was set around a female athlete on a D1 football team. There were some discrepancies between the game vs the book. And I also found it weird that no other team tried to "prove something" by attempting to hurt Kennedy. (It's very difficult to be a woman playing a "man's" sport). I watched when Vanderbilt had a female kicker and multiple teams went after her in an attempt to hurt her. I can't imagine that not happening to Kennedy too. At any rate, I had some issues with how Kennedy and Austin interacted with one another. I'm not one for insta-love or "I saw her running, tight butt, golden legs and knew she was the one for me." Like ... ??? Seems unrealistic to me, but again insta-love/lust is not what I like to read. However, I did like the side characters and since there are more books in the series I look forward to reading others.
I rated this 3.5/5! First, I love college football, so this book was right up my alley. This book centers around Kennedy Carter, a soccer player recruited by the star QB, Austin Reid, to try out for the football team as a kicker. All her life Kennedy has been warned about the bad boys of football as her father was a deadbeat former football player who never had time for Kennedy or his responsibilities as her father. Kennedy doesn't want to leave the soccer team or associate with the football team, however, she needs a full-ride scholarship to focus on her degree during her senior year as a mechanical engineering major. Can Kennedy figure out how to be vulnerable around her teammates or will she continue to fly solo?
Overall, I thought this was cute. I loved that it was set around a female athlete on a D1 football team. There were some discrepancies between the game vs the book. And I also found it weird that no other team tried to "prove something" by attempting to hurt Kennedy. (It's very difficult to be a woman playing a "man's" sport). I watched when Vanderbilt had a female kicker and multiple teams went after her in an attempt to hurt her. I can't imagine that not happening to Kennedy too. At any rate, I had some issues with how Kennedy and Austin interacted with one another. I'm not one for insta-love or "I saw her running, tight butt, golden legs and knew she was the one for me." Like ... ??? Seems unrealistic to me, but again insta-love/lust is not what I like to read. However, I did like the side characters and since there are more books in the series I look forward to reading others.
January 13, 2024
Eh- it was okay. I've read better sports/football romance books. I really did think about DNF this about a fourth of the way through the book. Kennedy Carter (FMC) seemed very one note- aka "I hate football players because I have daddy issues". And Austin Reid (MMC) was just a tool- only thinking with his you know what.
Things started to turn around when my alma mater (the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers) handed Carter and Reid's football team their first loss of the season. Thanks for that- we don't get too many football victories lately. I'll claim the fictitious win. (I think I added a bonus star in this review just for that fact.)
Here's the pros and cons.
Pros:
*The team- a nice variety of characters here. I liked Vaughn so much I think I'd consider reading his story in this series (Protecting Piper).
*A STEM heroine
*Both Carter and Reid had a complete story arc and character development throughout the book.
*Reid's protectiveness of Carter
Cons:
*Can the author find some other way to describe Carter wanting to jump Reid other than her ovaries told her to? After about the 5th time of that being brought up I wanted to throw the book across the room.
*3rd act breakup- I wanted to smack Reid upside the head for that stupidness
*Reid's ego- I get it being the star football player, but man- it was very off-putting to me at the start of the book and the main reason why I wanted to quit early.
Overall- it was meh. Nothing to write home about, but an okay book to read the week of the NCAA national championship game.
Things started to turn around when my alma mater (the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers) handed Carter and Reid's football team their first loss of the season. Thanks for that- we don't get too many football victories lately. I'll claim the fictitious win. (I think I added a bonus star in this review just for that fact.)
Here's the pros and cons.
Pros:
*The team- a nice variety of characters here. I liked Vaughn so much I think I'd consider reading his story in this series (Protecting Piper).
*A STEM heroine
*Both Carter and Reid had a complete story arc and character development throughout the book.
*Reid's protectiveness of Carter
Cons:
*Can the author find some other way to describe Carter wanting to jump Reid other than her ovaries told her to? After about the 5th time of that being brought up I wanted to throw the book across the room.
*3rd act breakup- I wanted to smack Reid upside the head for that stupidness
*Reid's ego- I get it being the star football player, but man- it was very off-putting to me at the start of the book and the main reason why I wanted to quit early.
Overall- it was meh. Nothing to write home about, but an okay book to read the week of the NCAA national championship game.
April 3, 2023
I have to say, this book took me by surprise. I actually really loved it. The plot was incredibly unique, I loved how we got not only an extremely smart h but a sporty one too. We have Kennedy who ends up on the football team to secure a full ride scholarship to help her mom ease her finance responsibilities. Then we have Austin, the cocky QB who’s taken with Kennedy from the start.
I enjoyed that there was no other woman or man drama, that there was witty banter and the third act breakup was resolved quickly and I felt sweetly for what had happened. We got a LOT about sports, which was also different from a lot of the sports romance books I read. This was definitely more slow burn than I’m used to, it wasn’t SUPER spicy, but when we did get it you felt the tension and heat between them. I completely understood Kennedy’s hesitancy to football players, honestly I’ve read books where the h stayed away from players for much less. I was happy she was able to forgive Austin in the end and his grovel was good enough for me.
My only issues were the ending felt kind of rushed? We didn’t get much resolution from her being on the football team. The last page is them getting back together officially and then we get an epilogue. It would’ve been nice to see if they won a championship with Kennedy. I also wouldn’t have minded a further out epilogue. This book was super cute though and a complete shake up from the usual sports books, I definitely recommend!
I enjoyed that there was no other woman or man drama, that there was witty banter and the third act breakup was resolved quickly and I felt sweetly for what had happened. We got a LOT about sports, which was also different from a lot of the sports romance books I read. This was definitely more slow burn than I’m used to, it wasn’t SUPER spicy, but when we did get it you felt the tension and heat between them. I completely understood Kennedy’s hesitancy to football players, honestly I’ve read books where the h stayed away from players for much less. I was happy she was able to forgive Austin in the end and his grovel was good enough for me.
My only issues were the ending felt kind of rushed? We didn’t get much resolution from her being on the football team. The last page is them getting back together officially and then we get an epilogue. It would’ve been nice to see if they won a championship with Kennedy. I also wouldn’t have minded a further out epilogue. This book was super cute though and a complete shake up from the usual sports books, I definitely recommend!
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