Well, well, well...

 

New Adult is a tricky genre, to be sure. When it's done right though, there's nothing that can make me as teary-eyed. I know, I don't get it either. I think it's just the intensity of that time.

 

This was New Adult done right, yet again. I love assholes. And I don't just mean the jerks that say the wrong thing now and again or are insensitive. I mean the real jerks. The sharp, insecure ones that don't let anyone close. Zeke was one of these, without a doubt. And though his backstory was one I don't particularly connect to-poor little rich boy-it was actually more compelling than others I've seen using this defense mechanism. Now, I fully realize I'm in a category of weirdos when it comes to these heroes. Ben from Truly by Ruthie Knox. Love him. Jimmy from Lead by Kylie Scott. He's my favorite hero of hers. These don't seem to be wildly popular opinions. The problem is that it is so easy to go wrong here. An asshole can quickly turn into a dark, terrible, controlling, alpha-hole. I was breathing sighs of relief at the fantastic way Sara Ney avoided this trap. 

 

 

 

It was evident from the grocery store scene how subtly Zeke was caring for the people around him. Unfortunately, it wasn't clear if he meant to do it, or if he just filled the gaps.

 

As we figure out he quietly helps people out without destroying making them ask or destroying their pride. And as Jameson figures him out in this scene, how he's irritated with her for beginning to see through him. 

 

The use of the little brother  (Kyle) relationship. Yep, he was rough around the edges-clueless really-with the kid, but also steady. And dear god I almost sobbed when during their conversation in the car when he let him know it wasn't Violet that helped him, but Kyle. 

 

And for me, this piece was also very important (Him and Violet after the big fight): 

"I'm... I can't explain why I acted like an ass, and I feel like a bigger asshole for apologizing; it makes me feel like one of those pricks who treat women like shit. I'm not that guy." 

 

Her hazel eyes regard me thoughtfully. "If you're not careful, you could be." 

 

Honestly, whoosh. I thought that was so important for both of them. And I haven't even gotten to Violet, who I absolutely adored by the way, and I'm not sure I can do her justice. I loved the way Zeke saw her, but I also loved how she saw herself. She's the self-aware one, where he's resigned himself to being an asshole. Anyway, the scene in the study in the library is the piece that makes some NA so emotional for me (and why I love it). Violet was willing to accept him, love him, challenge him to be better--up to a point. And her point was a very reasonable one. When he basically denies her in the library in front of his friends and he seeks her out to explain, she lets him have it so good, and so clearly that I could hurt for both of them. And wow, his broken apology kind of undid me in that scene. (I'm married to a non-apologizer, friends. They exist. Big time. Apologies from them are not reactions like for others-and I'm in the midwest where I think it's even worse. Big Deal.)

 

(spoiler show)

 

Anyway, they were lovely complements to one another, with Violet's quiet and accepting strength and love pitted against Zeke's fear and armor. 

 

 

 

 

As I stated in an update, intense broken heroes are my jam, and this is no different. I was really pleased to see Violet bring what she did to the to the table as well.

This is book #4, in the 5* How To Date A Douchebag series.  This book can be read as a standalone novel.  To avoid spoilers, and to understand the series better, I recommend reading these great titles in order.

 

Anabelle is anxious to move out of her Dad's home.  She is an adult and needs to have her own space.  Elliott needs a roommate, so it just makes sense.

 

Elliott does not realize how hard it will be to live with an attractive woman until he does.  They become good friends right away.  Having similar interests, it is not a surprise they find one another interesting.

 

This was the final book in the series.  I found it to be witty, clever, and shockingly - heartwarming.  There is a little of everything in this story.  I loved the heat level.  Sparks were just flyin' all over the place!  I also loved how the two MC's genuinely cared about one another, and it showed.  I give this book 4/5 Kitty's Paws UP!

The Douchebags are back!!! So, here are my thoughts:

•  Rex and Eric are seriously assholes!! There ARE Douchebags in this book and they are Gunderson and Johnson!! Seriously, I have never wanted an author to kill off a character so much in my life.
•  Ana is pretty solid! She recognizes that her mom's feelings regarding her dad cloud her judgement and she is reaching out to be closer to her father despite her mom. Very mature!
• Elliot is a GOOD guy. He thinks Ana is cool and is okay with having her as a roommate. Then he realizes she's a girl. An attractive girl. And suddenly he can't stop thinking about her! But, he's a good guy, so he keeps things platonic.
• Ana and Elliot build a solid friendship first and that is so nice!

This book was a departure from the previous because Elliot and Ana don't need to change their ways to stop being douche-y. They are surrounded by douchebags though and that causes some drama! Overall, I think Ana and Elliot were the most relatable couple of this series!

The Coaching Hours gives you the somewhat raunchy one liners you expect from this series, combined with likable main characters to provide you with laughter and a pinch of angst! Overall, a great addition to the series!

 

• POV: dual 1st
• Tears: no
• Trope: college
• Triggers: none
• Series/Standalone: stand alone
• Cliffhanger: no
• HEA: yes

The Allure of Julian LeFrey by RS Grey, Drumline by Stacy Kestwick, Pucked by Helena Hunting...then you will probably like The Coaching Hours!

 
See full review on The Book Disciple

   

 

 

THERE ARE NO DOUCHEBAGS IN THIS STORY.

 

Well, there are, but they’re not who this story is about.

 

This story is about me—the coach’s daughter.

 

When I moved to Iowa to live with my dad, the university's take-no-prisoners wrestling coach, I thought transferring would be easy as pie—living with my father would be temporary, and he'd make sure his douchebag wrestlers left me alone.

 

Wrong on both counts.

 

ASSHOLES ALWAYS COME OUT OF THE WOODWORK WHEN THE STAKES ARE HIGH.

 

A bet is placed, and I'm on the table. After one humiliating night and too much alcohol, I find the last nice guy on campus. And when he offers to rent me his spare bedroom, I go all in. It’s time for the nice guy to finish first.

 

Midnight chats and spilling my problems turn to lingering touches. Lingering touches turn to more.

 

And the ultimate good guy has the potential do more damage than any douchebags ever could.  

 

AMAZON | AMAZON UK  | AMAZON AU

 

GOODREADS

 

 

   

 

 

 

EXCERPT:

She perks up. “Wait, you’ve never had a back massage?”

 

“No?”

 

“Ever?”

 

“Nope.”

 

“Well, what the hell? How can I, in good conscience, lie here letting you rub my back when you’ve never had anyone rub yours?” She scoots over, pointing to the mattress.

 

“Lie on your stomach, I’ll do you first.”

 

I wave my hands in front of me in protest. The last thing I need is her warm hands roaming my body. “No, no, you don’t have to. It’s not a big deal.”

 

“Are you crazy? Back massages are the best—like, better than an orgasm. You’re first, so lie down.”

 

“And you call me the bossy one?”

 

“Quit stalling and get on the bed.”

 

Obediently, I climb to the middle of my bed in nothing but a pair of gym shorts, legs hanging off the side. Next to me, the mattress dips, Anabelle on her knees, approaching my side.

 

A finger glides down my spine. “It will be easier for me to do this if I’m sitting on you. Hope that’s okay.”

 

“Is that the approved method?”

 

“No, but my arms will get tired if I have to lean over you the whole time.”

 

“Do whatever then, I don’t care.”

 

I stiffen when Anabelle swings one leg over my body, straddling my ass. Warm palms at my lower back.

 

“You’re so tense. Try to relax,” she coos, making it worse. “Tilt your head to the side, that’s it.”

 

I hear the lotion bottle snap open. Click closed. My roommate’s palms rubbing together, warming it up. “Sorry, I don’t have any actual massage oil. This will have to do.”

When her hands make contact with my back, I almost groan it feels so fucking good. Warm. Smooth. Pressure in all the right places, pushing gently into my muscles.

 

Slowly.

 

Slower still, caressing along my shoulders, thumbs and fingers working together to soothe the burning on my right side.

 

“Doesn’t this feel great?” Her soft voice cuts into the silence. “You’re loosening up. That’s good.”

 

I feel her leaning as her hands move up and down my spine until they stop, hovering at the base of my neck. Thumbs stroking the skin below my hairline, back and forth.

Kneading.

 

Her torso dips, hands maneuvering my arms, placing them at my sides. Palms slide up and down my biceps.

 

For several minutes, she rubs my arms and shoulders. Then she skims down my ribcage unhurriedly, in no rush, making little humming sounds inside her throat.

 

I know I’m not imagining the feather-light way her hands drift down my spine. I remain still, letting her touch me, basking in it.

 

Remain still when her lips kiss the tender spot of my shoulder where it meets my neck, nose nuzzling behind my ear, her breasts rubbing against my back and what the fuck was that all about? What does she think she’s doing, trying to drive me insane?

 

 

 

 

        

 

 

 

 

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 latte's, historical architecture and well-placed sarcasm. She lives colorfully, collects vintage books, art, loves flea markets, and fancies herself British. She lives with her husband, children, and her ridiculously large dog.

 

 

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Jameson AKA "James" is wary of jocks.  For good reason, since the ones currently bothering her think she is going to tutor them.  They should be so lucky.

 

Sebastian AKA "Oz" wants to get to know James better.  He has never met anyone like her.  No other woman has impressed him and annoyed him in the same breath.  Is it possible times are changing?

 

I have not laughed so hard in a while.  This was a series I have had waiting in my TBR, and I finally got the chance to open it up.  Well worth the read.  This is a book I will keep on the shelf and read again.  The characters literally sizzle when they are in the same room together.  It is always a pleasure to see a man fall so nicely for a woman.  I give this story a 5/5 Kitty's Paws UP!