Goal! A Love Story by Bellamy Black
Jenny Wales is a local television star who has everything she needs: good friends, a great career, and a gorgeous apartment with an outstanding shower. The only thing missing in her life is love, something that she hasn’t made time for in her quest to be the best reporter in town.
An international soccer star, Paolo Gutierrez is a reluctant celebrity looking for a quieter life away from the glitz and glamour of Europe. He longs for chance to remember the game he loves and build a life for himself far from the paparazzi’s lens.
When Jenny and Paolo meet, it’s love at first sight. It should be a simple story of boy meets girl, but the team, the town, and the entire world seem to have an opinion on their love affair. Up against a losing streak, Victoria Beckham wannabes, and the risk of losing their careers, Jenny and Paolo will have to fight to win this game of love.
Excerpt
Jenny’s lips fall open as she stares at the man formerly known as Paolo. “I,” she says with some disgust, “am the worst reporter ever.”
Paolo reaches out, places a gentle finger under her chin, and shuts her mouth. “You are not the worst reporter,” he says softly, willing his cheeks to not turn red. He grimaces at her expression;, she looks so dismayed, adorable but dismayed. “I am just good at evading reporters.” He shrugs helplessly, giving her what he hopes is an apologetic yet winning smile. “I’ve had to be.” It does not seem to be working. “I’ve had a lot of experience over the years.” Paolo tries not to shrink back as her expressions changes from dismay to fury.
“Well.” She leans toward him with an angry light in her eye. “I’m sure you’ve had a lot experience with that — fifteen years, I believe.” She hisses through her teeth, “Juan Carlos ‘the Assassin’ Gutierrez.”
Paolo gazes at her in awe, mesmerized by the fire in her eyes. She is really something. Gorgeous. He draws back as she squints at him. And a little terrifying. I like it. “Actually.” He chuckles weakly. “It is Juan Carlos Paolo Gutierrez. The Spanish press like to drop the Paolo and replace it with Assassin. It drives my mother crazy.” He chuckles again. “And you pronounced it excellently.”
“Well, thanks,” she snaps, folding her arms. “I got tips from an expert.” Her knee bounces in agitation. “Right now, I don’t know if I’m more aggravated with you…” Her angry gaze flies around the room, landing on the leader of the Conga. “Or with that wooly mammoth over there who has been masquerading as my best friend.” Jenny’s eyes narrow to slits.
Across the room, Rocky stumbles, nearly falling into one of the men he’d told Paolo were called the Wonder Twins.
“Prepare for extinction.” Jenny starts to rise.
“Wait.” Paolo places a hand on her knee, not wanting her to leave. “I am sorry for misleading you. It was my fault.” He confesses, “He had no choice. Please don’t be upset with Rocky.”
“He had no choice? Rocky?” She seems dubious but she slumps back onto the sofa, her eyes flitting between the hand on her knee and his eyes. Paolo smiles at her gently and her eyes narrow again but she makes no attempt to remove his hand. “What was it — the Guy Code?”
“No.” He scoffs. “Nothing as silly as that.” Paolo sighs, squeezing her knee almost absentmindedly as he gathers his thoughts, trying to find the best way to explain his friendship with Rocky. He squeezes again and Jenny lets out a little giggle. Paolo pretends not to hear her as he turns his eyes to her and holds her gaze, wanting her to see his sincerity and honest regret. “It was a handshake and a spit oath.”
About the Author
Bellamy Black has enjoyed the written word long before she could actually read it. This initially one-sided relationship has blossomed into a lifelong love affair filled with adventurous governesses, brave women, and determined warriors. An East Coast girl, living an East Coast life, when she is not writing or working her corporate day job, Bellamy enjoys spending time with friends, a nice glass of Shiraz, and the occasional bit of mayhem. She will also never turn down an opportunity to catch a rerun of the Golden Girls.
My Review
My first thought about this book was that I wasn't going to like it one bit, as I'm not really a soccer kind of girl and rarely like books about sports. And maybe I didn't love this book, but it was certainly better then I thought it would be.
It took a little ways into the book for me to finally start getting into it, but when Paolo jumped into the story, I was all in. The instant romance between him and Jenny was adorable and laughable. I couldn't help but smile as I read through their first meeting, first date and first everything else. They are really such a great literary couple.
Though I adored these characters, Rockman included, I found the writing lacking a little. There were times that I felt there could have been more added to a scene and other times less dialog and more action. And I also wasn't crazy about the scenes with Dora. I didn't think it added anything to the story and could have done without it.
But the story itself I liked and the romance was really good, as well the the comedy aspect. Sometimes I laughed so hard that my dad would give me a strange look. And with the more adorable and sweet scenes between Jenny and Paolo I couldn't help but smile and make 'aw' sounds.
Overall, it was a pleasant book, though maybe not the most well written book that I've ever read, though far better then some I have. If you love to laugh and love romance, then this is surely the book for you.
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