Review & Excerpt Tour for The Game Series by J. Sterling

THE GAME SERIES BY J. STERLING – SPECIAL REVIEW AND EXCERPT TOUR

Get ready for the best sports romance you haven't read and the hottest baseball player you haven't met... yet! 

This series has it all- real life drama, angst, the value of forgiveness, the importance of family, friendship and one epic love story to span the ages. Come read the series with over half a million copies sold worldwide and see why people can't stop talking about Jack F'n Carter.

   

THE PERFECT GAME 

TAGLINE: What happens when the hottest baseball player in college falls in love? Sometimes life gets ugly before it gets beautiful. 

Purchase at Amazon US / CA / UK / AU 

CASSIE'S POINT OF VIEW- Meet Jack F'n Carter 

Goodreads

“Kitten.”

The deep, sultry voice stopped me in my tracks as my smile faded. I turned toward the source of the voice with revulsion. “You know, I don’t even like cats.” I lifted one brow and fixed Jack with a fierce stare.

“Actually, I didn’t know. But I’m glad I do.” He smiled and I swear part of my heart melted right then and there at the sight of his dimples.

I totally suck.

He fiddled with his baseball cap before putting it back on his head and tucking his dark hair underneath. I felt almost mesmerized as he ran his fingers absentmindedly across the white stitching of our school’s initials. I found myself noticing the way his dark blue shirt fit snugly against the muscles in his arms and shoulders. I hated how good-looking he was.

I tried to walk toward my best friend Melissa, who eyed me with piqued curiosity, but he stood his stupid gorgeous body in my path. I quickly moved to the right, but he hopped to his left to block me. I took another step to the left and he quickly moved too.

“What do you want, Jack?” I said, the anger in my voice taking us both by surprise.

“Are you always this hostile?” His smile told me he was teasing.

“Only to guys like you.”

“So tell me, Kitten, what’s a guy like me?”

“Not worth my time.” I shoved my tray into his gut and when he let out an ooof, I scurried past him, trying not to spill my soda.

“You’ll come around,” he shouted.

“I wouldn’t hold your breath.” 

I rushed to our table, throwing down my tray of food.

“Nice scene.” Melissa’s eyes were huge as she fought a grin.

“Huh?”

“Look around.” She waved an arm, gesturing toward the crowd.

I glanced around at the other tables in the student union. All eyes were either on me or Jack. Great. The last thing I wanted was the entire school thinking I was Jack Carter’s latest conquest.

“Is he always that obnoxious?” I ripped the top off my raspberry yogurt.

“I don’t know, Cass. I’ve never seen him act that way before if that’s what you’re asking.”

“I don’t know what I’m asking.” Irritated and annoyed, I scanned the room for Jack’s face. He sat at a table surrounded by giddy girls, tossing their hair, pawing his muscles, and laughing obnoxiously at whatever he said. His eyes briefly met mine before I turned away, and I felt my heart beat a little faster.

Kim's 5 Star Review

Cassie Andrews never expect the one guy who could turn her world up-side-down was also the biggest player on campus.  He was the one guy she knew to stay away from but couldn’t seem to get enough of him.

Jack Carter had everything any guy his age wanted, a promising baseball career and girls were falling at his feet to have just one night with him.  Jack never let anyone get close until he met Cassie.  She’s the one who changed everything.

Life can get messy but will their love be enough to keep them together or will the people around them tear them apart?

Cassie Andrews is used to being disappointed.  Her father is the king of promises but almost always never follows through.  Cassie is a strong-mind, confident young woman who knows what she wants.  After being forced to spend time at the local junior college before moving to Fullton State by her mother, Cassie was more than ready to start the next chapter in her life.  Moving in with her best friend Melissa was just the beginning of the new life Cassie was making for herself.  Getting the “College” experiences was one thing but as she walked up the driveway to the frat party she laid eyes on the one person who would change her life forever.

Jack Carter and his brother Dean was dealt a crappy hand but thanks to the love and support of his grandparents he got through it just fine.  Jack is alpha male to the core and he knows he’s not just a good ball player but the best.  He’s lives his life without any complications of a relationship.  The females at Fullton State just fall at his feet to be the next girl to have him but they never really have him.  Jack is known for only being with a woman once before moving on to the next one but they still keeping coming.  That was until the night Cassie walked pasted him at the party.  She not only didn’t fall for his charm but challenged him.

This is the first book in the series and the first I’ve read from J. Sterling and boy did she hit it out of the park.  The first page of this book had me hooked.  There was just something about Jack and Cassie that I couldn’t get enough of.  The bantering back and forth along with the determination that Jack had to get Cassie to go out with him left me wanting more.  I loved the fact that Cassie told him he had to pay fifty cents to touch her.  One their first date Jack pulled out all the stops.  A bag full of quarters just so he could touch her wasn’t only sweet but genius and started a quarter collection so that Jack could touch Cassie whenever he wanted.  These two have chemistry like nothing I’ve read before.  All you wanted was for these two to get together and live happily ever after because after all the heartache they experienced in life they deserved that.

One thing I loved about this book was the fact that J. Sterling didn’t keep them in a perfect life.  Like real life there was ups and downs for this couple and there were a lot of times I was frustrated with both of them.  I couldn’t help but yell at them while I was reading, not that it helped much but it did make me feel better.  This book drew me in, tore me apart and put me back together at the end. This is one of my most favorite books that I could read over and over again and still come back for more.

THE GAME CHANGER

TAGLINE: Getting your athlete is just the beginning. How do you stay together when the world is trying to tear you apart? 

Purchase at Amazon US / CA / UK / AU

CASSIE'S POINT OF VIEW 

Goodreads

I sensed Jack watching me from the bedroom doorway we shared as I tossed pieces of clothing into my open suitcase. Deliberately, I forced myself not to look at him. He could take the broken parts of me and shatter them even further. If I looked at his perfect face, I’d question everything. He could make me stay and I desperately needed to go. After adding two pairs of shoes, I zipped up the suitcase and lifted it from the bed.

“Let me help you,” he offered from behind me, his breath gliding across my back.

“It’s fine. I have it,” I said tightly, refusing to face him.

“How long will you be gone?” he asked, his tone desolate.

I shrugged, unsure of my actual plans. “I don’t know. A few days. A week, maybe. I’ll text you,” I offered with a glance in his direction.

Jack’s face turned sullen as the color drained instantly from his cheeks. He reached for me, his fingers tightening around my wrist, stopping all forward movement. “You are coming back. Right, Kitten?” A look of powerlessness covered his face.

My stomach dropped to my feet with his question. I took a few short breaths before responding, “Yes, Jack. I’m coming back.”

It wasn’t a lie, but the truth was almost as painful. Of course I would come back, but I wasn’t sure what I’d be coming back to. “I have a job here.”

His eyebrows pinched together, tears filling his eyes as he dropped his grip on my arm. My phone rang, breaking the sorrow-filled heaviness in the room.

“I need to go.” I leaned toward Jack and planted a soft kiss on his cheek before turning to walk away.

He gripped my wrist from behind and yanked me around to face him. “Get over here,” he said roughly as he pulled my body effortlessly into his. Before I could situate my arms, his were wrapped around me, pulling me tight against his heaving chest.

Oh my God, he’s crying.

“I love you more than anything. You need to know that before you walk out that door.” The warmth of his breath fluttered against my skin. My eyes met his and the tears that rolled down his cheeks caused my heart to shatter and turn to broken pieces in my chest.

“I love you too.” My current dysfunction had nothing to do with my feelings for Jack. I loved him more than I ever thought possible, but sometimes love isn't enough.

Kim's 5 Star Review

This is the 2^nd book in the Perfect Game Series and should be read in order

When Cassie Andrews told Jack Carter to “Prove it”, Jack did had no problem getting his life in order to get the only woman he ever wanted.  Now that he has made it to the major league is their relationship strong enough to withstand the cruel realities that come with the job?

Jack and Cassie have been through a lot.  Between a conniving woman who was hell bent at tearing them apart and their careers taking them in two different directions.  The one thing that stayed constant was their love for one another.

Jack knows he screwed up before and he wasn’t ever going to make that mistake again.  Jack knew what he had to lose because he lost her once but now that they are back together he’ll do anything to protect her and she’s the one person he can’t live without.  She is his heart and soul, his soul mate.

Cassie knows what hell feels like cause she’s been through it.  Losing Jack almost killed her but now that he’s back and explained what happened while they were apart she understands now more than ever that the mistake was just that.  She knew Jack wouldn’t do it again. 

As the series continues Jack and Cassie captured my heart.  Everything they went through I did too. J sterling pulls you in so you couldn’t help but feel what they were feeling.  She also brought the harsh reality of what happens when you date a professional athlete comes to life and had me looking at things differently.  What Cassie went through because someone caught a picture and took it out of context is so real it’s not funny.  When we talk about bullying Cassie received in in the worst way as the media fueled the fire.  Just when you think their lives are back on track a twist is thrown at you and it’s Cassie turn to “Prove it”.

What stands out the most is the love these two have for each other.  How strong they love and with everything they have.  The chemistry sizzles and burns when these two are in the room and they are the most stubborn hotheaded characters but you can’t help but fall in love with them.  J sterling wrote another amazing book, leaving me wanting more and I can’t wait for the next book in the series, The Sweetest Game!!

THE SWEETEST GAME

TAGLINE: When Jack loses baseball, will he lose the love of his life as well? 

Purchase at Amazon US / CA / UK / AU 

JACK'S POINT OF VIEW 

Goodreads

The next morning, I woke up with a back sore from sleeping on the couch two nights in a row. The constant barrage of conversation surrounding me reminded me that my brother and Melissa were here.

Great.

It had to be clear to everyone that I was avoiding my wife. My mind was spinning out of control with thoughts I never imagined having. The idea of my baseball career being over wrecked me.

Literally fucking ruined me.

I couldn’t function like a normal human being anymore. The thought turned me into an unrecognizable asshole. And the worst part was, I knew it. I was completely aware of my behavior, but I couldn’t stop it. My head would tell my mouth not to say what it was about to say, but my mouth would say it anyway.

And even though I wanted to take it all back, I didn’t. It’s as if I started digging a hole and once I got in it, I couldn’t stop digging. I wanted to get low enough so that I could bury myself inside and never see the light of day again. That was what losing baseball felt like.

“Hey, asshole,” my little brother’s voice called out and I cleared my throat.

“What do you want, dick?”

“I want to sightsee and you’re taking me,” he demanded.

I almost fucking laughed. There was no way I was going to let Dean boss me around. “I’m sure Cassie would be better at that sort of thing.” Even that sentence came out sounding like a slam against her.

“I’m sure she would be too. But I want you to take me. You need to get out of this house. And you look like shit.”

Melissa laughed and I shot her an evil look. “Shut up, Fun-Size. Why are you even here?”

“Fuck you, Jack. I’m here because you’re being an asshole to my best friend. And someone has to give a shit about her.”

Her words stung, but I pretended not to be fazed. Each breath I sucked in pierced my heart more deeply. I had to stop hurting Cassie, but I couldn’t. Why couldn’t I just fucking stop? Pushing up from the couch, I glared at the three of them sitting at the table, then growled at Dean, “Be ready to leave in ten.”

Kim's 5 Star Review

This is the 3^rd book in The Perfect Game Series and should be read in order

Have you ever woke up and realized what you wanted before isn’t what you want now. For Jack Carter that day has come.  When one game ends the sweetest game just begins. Just when you thought Jack and Cassie’s story was done, J Sterling gives her readers what they all want…more of Jack and Cassie!!

With the ugly past behind them Jack and Cassie can finally look to the future.  After saying their vows in front of their friends and family they head back to New York.  Loving life and living it to the fullest their life can’t get any better.

At the top of his career Jack knows that he loves the game but one stupid move could end his career as he tries to catch a ball he never should’ve.  The injury isn’t the worst part, the fact that he doesn’t know if he’ll ever play again is.  The unknown make life hell for both Jack and Cassie but when Cassie has had enough of Jack’s self-pity and piss poor attitude towards her, she calls her brother-in-law Dean to come and help her out.

Temper flare, words are said, emotions run high and that was just between Dean and Melissa. As for Jack, after reading a letter his Gran sent him, he realizes he’s been a bad husband and swears to make it up to Cassie.  Just as Jack is working on it his team trades him, leaving Cassie to decide what her next step is.  Does she move with Jack and give up her career or stay in New York and try dealing with a long distance relationship. 

It seems as these two love birds can’t catch a break.  Life isn’t easy but they get it all.  One thing I liked about this book was it took place over several years giving the readers a glimpse of what life looks like as Jack hit ten years in the league.  His life with Cassie has never been easy but he see what he has and comes to realize that what he once wanted and what he is missing out on is nothing compare to being with his family.  Jack has one of the biggest hearts out there and having Cassie and their son Chance gives us a look at how big it is.  Both he and Cassie love each other with everything in them.

If this book doesn’t pull at your heart strings, than I don’t know what will.  The struggles Jack and Cassie have to deal with when it comes to what they want and what are their priorities is something we all face although very different from theirs.  J Sterling wrapped up Jack and Cassie story beautifully giving her readers an epilogue to remember.  I will always want more of Jack and Cassie story as it’s an epic one but it couldn’t have been done any better.  This is without a doubt one of my top favorite series!!

 

THE OTHER GAME - A DEAN CARTER NOVEL 

TAGLINE: You thought you knew everything there was to know about Jack & Cassie's story... but you were wrong. 

Purchase at Amazon US / CA / UK / AU

DEAN'S POINT OF VIEW 

Goodreads

Melissa and I headed outside, following Jack toward a cement bench where he pulled his baseball hat even lower over his eyes. Then he sat down and looked up at us, his eyes all but hidden.

“What are you doing?” I asked, expecting him to get up and continue walking back to the student union with us.

“Waiting.”

“For what?”

“Cassie's class to end. I’m going to ask her out in front of everyone. She won’t be able to say no then,” Jack said with a big grin.

“Make sure you show those.” Melissa pointed at the pair of dimples on his face, and his grin only widened.

“I knew you secretly liked me. But I know you like him more.” Jack nodded toward me, and Melissa scowled.

“Don’t listen to him.” I threw my arm around her shoulder and steered her back toward the student union. “See you at home, brother.”

“‘Bye, you two lovebirds.”

“You’re so little.” I looked down at Melissa and smiled, wishing for once that I’d been born with at least one dimple for her to admire.

She scowled again. “I’m not that little.”

But she was. I was six feet tall, and she might hit five feet if she stood on her tiptoes. I towered over her, and I loved the manly feeling it gave it me.

“Do you have any more classes today?” I asked.

“Nope. You?”

“Just one.”

“Sucks.”

“Only because it’s not the class I have with you,” I said with a smile, and she swatted my shoulder.

“Dean Carter, did you just feed me a line?”

I chuckled and stopped walking. “No. Did it sound like a line?”

“Yes.” Melissa smiled, but kept walking.

I watched as her perfect little butt moved with each step she took, her entire body sashaying like it couldn’t help it. She stopped and turned around to catch me staring.

“What are you looking at?”

Terrified that she might think I was some sort of pig like my brother, I practically stuttered. “Uh, nothing.”

“Uh-huh.” She waited as I hurried to catch up to her. “So, do you want to maybe study together sometime?”

I cheered inside my head, and had to stop myself from throwing my fist in the air and doing a victory dance.

“Definitely. I could use the help,” I said, trying to keep my voice even. I knew damn well that I was doing perfectly fine in that class, but if she thought I needed help, she wouldn’t bail on me.

“Okay, good. I always do better if I have a study partner.”

My mind whirled at her words. How many study partners had she had? How could I convince her to only study with me?

I could have sworn that before Jack’s antics with her roommate that Melissa and I were on track toward something. I couldn’t help but want us to get back on that road, wherever it was leading.

“Can I get your number?” I asked while I still had the nerve.

“Oh yeah, of course.” She recited her phone number while I tapped it into my phone. “Send me a text so I have yours too.”

I did as she asked.

Dean: Hi. It’s me. You know, Dean. The other Carter.

When her phone pinged and she read the text, she laughed. “Got it. I’ll just put you in here as the Other Carter.”

“Or the only Carter you like,” I suggested with a smirk, and she smiled back.

“That’d work too.”

“All right. I’ll talk to you later. You know, to set up studying and stuff,” I said, stumbling all over my damn words.

“‘Bye, Dean.” Melissa laughed as she sashayed away.

Kim's 4 Star Review

This is the 4^th book in the Perfect Game Series and should be read in order

Freshman in College, Dean Carter knows all too well what it’s like to be Jack F’n Carter little brother.  See Jack and Cassie’s story through Dean’s eyes and get a never before glimpse of what was going on with Melissa (Cassie’s best Friend) and Dean before the Sweetest Game book.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review and J Sterling did an amazing job writing from Dean’s point of view.

Life as Jack F’n Carter’s little brother wasn’t always easy but Dean knew what Jack was going through.  Both of them had to deal with crappy parents who left them to be raise by the most amazing grandparents they could ever ask for.

Dean met Melissa before Jack ever met Cassie but Dean didn’t have the confidence that his big brother had.  He wasn’t the love them and leave them guy that Jack was.  Dean wore his heart on his sleeve but this didn’t always work out for him.  Dean is a quiet yet strong man who knows what he wants and he wants Melissa.  The only problem is she runs hot and cold all the time it hard to tell just where he stands with her.  To top it off having your brother date the best friend of the girl you want to date just adds more complication to the mix.

Reading this book was like coming back home to visit with the Carter’s.  I loved that J Sterling gave her readers a different point of view to Jack and Cassie story.  Dean gave the readers a side of Jack and Cassie story they wouldn’t normally get.  It’s like having the deleted scene from a movie finally being released. I got to reminisce the good times and the bad times with Jack and Cassie with the added bonus of getting the dirt on what happened between Dean and Melissa. 

What was missing from this book was more about what was going on in Dean’s life at that time.  I wanted to read more about what was going on with Melissa and him while Jack and Cassie’s story was being told by his point of view.  Don’t get me wrong this was an amazing book and it’s a great addition to the Perfect Game series.  You don’t want to miss out on this book and I high recommend reading it as you can never get enough of the Carter Family!!!