In book three of Love by the Yard: Ten years ago, Coach Xavier Jackson was poised to complete a lifelong journey. When he wasn’t picked up after the seventh round of the draft was over, he was left to wonder if his dreams of playing professional football were finally over. Instead, with a chance as a free agent he made good on his, but the lure of off-field activities led the tight end to make the worst decision of his life.
Chelsea Monroe was engaged to the best football player their little college had ever seen. She’d become part of his family, tasked with keeping his baby sister, Leeda, safe when he had to go away. But a visit between training put an end to everything, leaving her shattered and unwilling to give herself to anyone ever again. Though a decade of focus on her career made her a sought after litigator, it kept her from making any personal connections.
Chelsea decides to take a trip to Jamaica before her fresh start in Chicago, but instead of it being a break, it turns into a second chance. Leeda Jackson has plans for her brother and the woman that should have been her sister.
Review by Twinsie Angie
I received this audio book from the author for an honest review.
I want to start by saying I love Logan McAllister’s voice during audio stories. He does such a great job. Michel has had him voice a few of her stories and I have to say, I can’t wait to listen to more!! He does a great job changing the voices for characters but place great inflection for the story.
This story….Man, Xavier and Chelsea …..they just hit me in the heart. This is the story about what if and what happens when you realize you pushed the best part of you away. What will you do when given a 2nd chance???
Xavier and Chelsea were happy, in love, and waiting to hear about his chance at a pro-football career. They can’t wait to start their life together and are happy to have his little sister around to complete their little family. When Xavier gets cocky, greedy, and excited about all the “jersey chasers”, he throws everything he has with Chelsea away. After 3 days he realized that was an epic EFF UP but Chelsea was gone.
10 years later Chelsea is recovering from a divorce. She decided to take a week trip with her best friend to a wonderful resort to drink and prepare for her next move in life. When she sees Xavier, she is none to thrilled and also excited beyond imagination. Seems Xavier’s little sister has been doing some Facebook stalking of her favorite “almost sister” and is not letting her brother EFF UP AGAIN!!!
I loved loved loved the story and how Chelsea was on her guard but also willing to try again with Xavier. I also loved how Xavier knows this is the only time he will ever be able to get what he threw away back but is scared. Now he fears she will reject him after all this time.
The couple have some things to work through, like trust and communication, BUT I have to say I was just like Xavier’s sister in pulling for the two of them. I loved her and her fire. She was the perfect person the kick Xavier’s butt in to gear and not let him throw this 2nd chance away.
Michel Prince is an author who graduated with a bachelor degree in History and Political Science. Michel writes young adult and adult paranormal romance as well as contemporary romance.
With characters yelling “It’s my turn damn it!!!” She tries to explain to them that alas, she can only type a hundred and twenty words a minute and they will have wait their turn. She knows eventually they find their way out of her head and to her fingertips and she looks forward to sharing them with you.
When Michel can suppress the voices in her head she can be found at a scouting event or cheering for her son in a variety of sports. She would like to thank her family for always being in her corner and especially her husband for supporting her every dream and never letting her give up.
Michel is a member of RWA Pro and Midwest Fiction Writers. In 2013 she was awarded Elite Status with Rebel Ink Press. She lives in the Twin Cities with her husband, son, and cat.