Book Review: Risky Game by Tracy Solheim

Risky Game
Author: Tracy Solheim
Series: An Out of Bounds Novel (Book 3)
Publication: Berkley (May 6, 2014)

Description: In the next sizzling sports romance from the author of Foolish Games, Brody is at the top of his game… until Shannon changes the rules.

Baltimore Blaze tight end Brody Janik is a natural-born football star. At twenty-seven, his record-breaking athletic performance and his cover-boy good looks have turned him into a household name. But Brody’s hiding a major secret behind his charming public persona: a health condition that may cut his career short.

PhD candidate Shannon “Shay” Everett works multiple jobs to put herself through school—including an unpaid internship with the Blaze training department.  Strapped for cash, Shay answers the call of an NFL gossip blogger to uncover personal details about the Blaze players. Sneaking into the locker room one night, she gets entangled in Brody's secret…and swept up by his charm.

Brody isn't sure what to make of the gawky girl with the whiskey eyes, especially when he discovers she was snooping. His first instinct is to turn her in as a snitch, but she could destroy him by sharing his secret. Instead, he decides to keep her close…perhaps closer than either of them originally intended…

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed RISKY GAME. I liked that the characters were so well drawn that I felt like I could meet them around any corner. It also helped my enjoyment that this was a sports romances. I love romances between professional athletes and the women who are just right for them.

It doesn't seem the NFL star Brody Janik and PHD candidate Shay Everett would have much in common. He's a golden boy from a privileged background leading what seems to be a charmed life. Shay is from a much more difficult background filled with financial worries, a father with a traumatic brain injury, and a grandmother who didn't waste one chance to put her down.

But Shay is very bright. At age twenty-four, she is going for her doctorate in nutrition and interning with Brody's football team. She overhears a conversation between Brody and his trainer that tells her that Brody is having blood sugar problems and that he is keeping them from the team. An accidental comment from Shay lets Brody know that she overheard the conversation prompting Brody to blackmail her to make her keep his secret.

Since there is a blogger exposing all sorts of secrets of NFL players, Brody is certain that Shay will pass the information on despite Shay's assurances that she will not. The lack of trust between them doesn't bode well for a romance. However, they get to know each other better as Brody has Shay preparing his meals to help keep his blood sugar in balance. Shay is okay with this because she can use the data for her PHD thesis. They are mutually using each other and pretending to have a relationship.

Watching the relationship go from pretend to love made for a very engaging story. Fans of sports romances won't want to miss this one.

Favorite Quote:

Shay's eyelids snapped open to see Brody's trademark baby blues inches from her own face, his forehead resting against hers. His pupil's were bright with mischief and that's when it hit her: Brody Janik wasn't kissing her to kiss her. He'd kissed her as part of some sort of male-posturing ego trip; the big steer in the herd asserting his dominance. The flush stinging her cheeks, originally brought on by potent desire, was now fueled by embarrassment. And anger.

I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. You can buy your copy here.