Illegal Contact

Hey, all, have I mentioned before that you better clear your schedule when you start on a Santino Hassel romance? Perhaps? What the hell is so addictive about his writing for me? Don't know, but I did really enjoy this.
Characters He does not fuck around in giving us the types of heroes we just know, adore, and root for. I knew immediately that I'd flove the grumpy tight end...but he gives us one with...RAGE ISSUES? Like a legitimately terrible temper. And sells the f*ck out of it.
So knowing that, no problem, not worried one little bit. Then I read and I meet Noah. Noah is the assertive, take-no-shit idealist and I feel him. He is amazing. And holy crap, he's working to pay off school loan debts and living with his dad (!) And his show more characters are never neat. In fact, I think Noah may be one of the more perfect ones I've run across.
Plot Hassel carefully wedges social commentary on sexuality and masculinity through his characters without feeling overly preachy or having said characters come off as one-dimensional.

A major hurdle for this couple is that Noah is Gavin's PA. There were pages of discussion and internal musings of the characters on sexual harassment and power dynamic. It was important and considered by both of them. And they were both sensitive to it. and it works. (I struggle with certain power dynamics but openly admit that boss/subordinate don't hit my alarm bells for some odd reason.) I know people sensitive to it might steer clear, but I want to emphasize that this piece of the plot actually had some pretty good meat to it-I can't say that I've ever seen it handled quite this way, even though in the end it still may have felt too rationalized.

This book has some great moments, particularly as Gavin starts to melt and soften. Who doesn't want to see a 6'5'' 260 guy turn into goo?

The separation was damn near heartbreaking, but understandable and mature.

Anyway, I can't say enough good things about this author. I am still not sure this is my absolute favorite, but this really appealed to me. Maybe it's because I'm an absolute sucker for the sports romances. Maybe it's because [b:Sutphin Boulevard|25404499|Sutphin Boulevard (Five Boroughs, #1)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1435776893s/25404499.jpg|45158379] knocked me off my ass so much, I have never quite been the same. Whatever it is, this read is lighter and still thoroughly enjoyable.

And make sure you set aside the time to binge on yet another incredibly readable book. show less

2nd read: 01/2018 - re-read in preparation for the sequel that will be published in a few days. still an entertaining and fast read and I stand by my original review.

1st read: 08/2017

4 stars

I was looking forward to the release of this book, having read a few of Hassell's previous books, and I wasn't disappointed.

I'm a sucker for good banter, forced proximity, and slow burn romance, so this delivered. I'm not big on the sports theme, but it wasn't overdone in this book. More of a backdrop rather than a focal point.

I really liked the characters (except for Joe, because fuck Joe) and the writing was good. Sure, there were the mandatory cliche or two, and the plot wasn't overly original or anything, but it completely delivered what I was show more looking for when I picked the book up. Namely: feels, banter, smut, and swoons.

Sidenote: Simeon being the main character of Barons #2 is what I was hoping for while reading this. Can't wait for January. show less

Like Noah, I am not much of a sports person, never have been, so his perspective is a really smart way to pull in similar readers. You don't need to know football. You understand passion and driving need. Gavin's issues are hurdles all their own. It's a great combination of characters, facing conflicts and hurdles in their own special ways, and I loved it. Santino Hassell's humor and craft shine here. Highly recommended.

SH always manages to create characters that I want to be real and have in my life. The book concept is not new, but the story is very well told and written. Loved it.

So why the long wait for book 2?

FGMAMTC Blog Review
I absolutely fell for this story. Noah is awesome. I adore him and the way he cares so much, but I'm in love with Gavin, the grump with a heart of gold type. If you're one of his people, he has your back. Gavin has anger issues and is on house arrest because of it. Noah is desperately scrambling for a job. He has no idea who Gavin is and doesn't know much more about football in general. Football is all that Gavin has in his life except for a couple of close friends. Noah becomes Gavin's PA. Both are pretty blunt so things are a bit antagonistic at first. The more they get to know each other, the more the mutual respect and attraction grow. Yes, there is definitely something between them, but there are also so many show more reasons why they can't go there. I like how the characters don't just hook up, and then everything works out perfectly. They're mature about the facts and know their actions have consequences. The storyline feels realistic. I understood and felt all the emotions with Gavin and Noah. Illegal Contact has a great storyline and plenty of sexy. I definitely recommend.


***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***

Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents

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I can't remember the last time a story held on to me so tightly I couldn't put down my Kindle before I was finished with it, but Illegal Contact made me pull an all-nighter.

"I'll just read a bit before going to sleep..." and then it's 6.27 a.m. (I checked) and I'm looking at the author bio at the end of the book.


Full review to follow.

4.5 stars. Fantastic!