Blind Side: A Fake Dating Sports Romance
[{'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'First and foremost, let me start by saying that college football isn’t necessarily a favorite sport of mine, but I may just have to start watching now. Secondly, just when I thought that Zeke would be #1 in my heart…… Clay motherloving Johnson came barreling in and claimed that spot…. And rightfully so. Clay has a way with words and actions that just….. make you mad, make you sad, and make you downright fall for him.\nI could NOT put this book down. Got mad at myself for starting it so late in the night because I knew I had to sleep and wouldn’t finish it. However, first thing when I woke up… I HAD to finish it. There was no putting it down. I’m not normally a fan of the virgin h storyline, but this one didn’t bother me one bit. Giana Jones is easy to love and sympathize with. She was shy, but grew into her own throughout the book. I love how this “fake” relationship played out. The kisses were …. Whew!!! And the night at the observatory??? Had to fan myself after reading that.\nI wasn’t a fan of the plot twist….. just because I felt that Clay and Giana had been through enough and didn’t need that on them. However, I felt it added to the crazy that was their lives and ultimately made each of them stronger.\nI truly enjoyed this book and look forward to the next one in the series. I also really like how we got a glimpse of Riley and Zeke from Fair Catch. I love that their story didn’t just end when their book ended.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Absolutely in love with Clay and Giana. This entire story was seriously amazing, and I devoured it. I could not put it down. From page one until the very end, I was completely captivated by this story.\n\nGiana may see herself as a bit of a shy girl, but her job as the Public Relations Coordinator has her showing that she has a tougher side. She knows how to corral rowdy football players, and the deal she makes with Clay had me falling off my chair in the best way!!\n\nClay, my sweet, sweet Clay. Having married my own high school sweetheart, I can’t imagine the devastation he felt when his broke up with him, but holy smokes was he a brat there for a minute. I loved every part of the way Clay and Giana’s plan played out. They both brought out different sides to each other, and the chemistry between these two…. WHITE FREAKING HOT!!!\n\nI think this may be the steamiest Kandi Steiner book I’ve ever read. I honestly needed a fan at times with the way the steam came off the pages! Epic story, and now I’m dying for Holden to get a story!!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 16, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "I am so in love with the Blind Side! Kandi Steiner delivers her sexiest, most DELICIOUS story to date, but still with her characteristic heartfelt charm and soulful chemistry. It's angsty, it's emotionally resonant, it's adorable, and it's so darn sexy! Hands down a favorite Kandi read!\n\nTalk about my trope catnip- nerdy virgin girl-popular guy, fake dating, sexy “tutoring, “ friends to lovers. But oh man, this story is so much more than trope. Kandi Steiner always writes romantic relationships that have such sincerity, such authenticity. With characters so uniquely realized- memorable and lovable, relatable and empowering. And the Blindside is brimming with Kandi charisma- characters you adore, a story with emotional teeth, one so heartfelt and swoony that you can’t help but feel lighter and happier.\n\nGianna, my goodness- hands down my favorite Kandi heroine to date. She’s so endearing and relatable, with her big giant heart. Her strength is her vulnerability, her compassion, her gentleness. But she’s also fierce- she loves hard, accepts openly, and feels deeply. But like so many of us, Gianna sometimes feel like a secondary character in her own life- sidelined and isolated in her world with only her dreams and romances and sweet kind soul to sustain her. And my, haven’t we all felt that way? Feeling contentledy invisible, feeling just average, feeling like you’re forever a supporting character in a world full of more vibrant, more interesting, more gifted people than you. My heart ached with familiarity, but like so many of us, Gianna doesn’t see just how brightly she shines. She’s committed and loving, authentic and charming, moderately insecure within her own quirkiness but also ready to embrace it. I was so deeply charmed by her, and I loved seeing her friendship and “fake” situation with Clay help her find more confidence, helped her demand to be the star of her own story. She found her soulmate, and in doing so, she found more of herself. And the courage to start to accept that she’s truly a treasure.\n\nCLAY. OH MY HEART AND SOUL AND PANTIES. CLAY IS EVERYTHING. My favorite Kandi bookboyfried EVER. I said what I said. He’s a good guy- too much so. A guy that has sacrificed his own happiness and needs for so long to make those around him happy. It it takes a pint-sized little sexy librarian-like PR intern to wake him up. To help him realize that his gift is that he loves so hard, loves so intensely, but that he’s lost himself in the way he loves others. And that he doesn't’ have to. She sees him in a way that no one else has, and helps him see what kind of love he deserves. He just has to have the courage to expect it- and to give it in return.\n\nThe chemistry- HOLY SMOKES the chemistry. Pure perfection. These two start out as awkward allies, then evolve into meaningful and compassionate friends, and then find their way into so much more. And Kandi creates each note, each dynamic of their progression with pitch perfect precision. Not only are they INCREDIBLY sexy- I kid no you not, Kandi set my kindle on fire with her steamiest book yet, and HOLY DIRTY TALKING CLAY AND ALL HIS BOOK BOYFRIEND RESEARCH!- but they also touch the heart. Because they slowly start to see and understand each other in really powerful and captivating ways, they help each other heal and accept parts of themselves, but they also help each other see their own worth, their own needs. Giana may be the virgin, but they are both experience first- they are both learning for the first time what real, healthy, and fulfilling partnership can be. They’re learning the true potential of LOVE with a soulmate. Fake dating to friends to lovers to one of the most emotionally fulfilling, beautifully rendered, mesmerizing connections Kandi has written. They are truly soul mates, the perfect match, with a love so rich and authentic and adorable that my heart swelled with joy for them.\n\nWe have a bit of a blindside (see what I did there?) twist at the end- not my favorite plot convention, but i appreciated how the characters’ reactions were outside of the box, and gave a create chance for the ensemble to shine. But the real blindside is how something so fake turns into the most authentic thing these two have ever experienced - the love they both finally deserve. And I can not stop smiling."}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "Whenever Ms.Steiner announces a new book my book loving heart is overjoyed! Having read Fair Catch earlier this year, i could not contain my excitement when i found out about Blind Side! This easily became one of my anticipated reads! I picked it up as soon as i could and once i did, i couldn't put it down! I loved this story so much!\n\nGiana and Clay's journey had me hooked from beginning to end! She's the football team's Public Relations Assistant Coordinator and He's the safety for the North Boston University football team. As Clay proposes the idea of fake dating to Giana to help each other out, i couldn't wait to see how everything would unfold for them!\n\nGah! This book had me all in my feels! Giana and Clay's journey is one i could not nor wanted to turn away from! I was glued to their story with every page turn. The way these two had me going through such a range of emotions had me adoring their story even more! I related to Giana on such a deep level and i admired her. There was so much more to Clay than meets the eye and oh how this man stole my heart! The chemistry between these two was absolutely off the charts! I swear Giana and Clay are one of the best kindle melting worthy couples that i've ever read!\n\nIt brought me such joy to be back in this world, experience more of the NBU crew, and get to reunite with Riley and Zeke! \n\nWith Blind Side, Ms.Steiner has created a read that will grab ahold of your heart in the most unforgettable of ways! I had to finish it in one sitting and i still can't stop thinking about it! Ms.Steiner never fails to bring such realness and ALL kinds of feels with her books! The queen of angst and heart has done it once again! Her writing feels like being wrapped into a big warm hug every single time and for this reader, that's something truly special. This is hands down one of my top reads of the year! I am so stinking excited for Holden's book Quarterback Sneak!\n\nIf you haven't picked up her books, you so need to change that this year! This touchdown of a read is not to be missed! 💚🏈"}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'This is one of the best fake dating romances I’ve ever read. Clay and Giana coming up with a fake plan to get his ex back and her to be noticed by a musician she likes seems simply enough, until it isn’t. Clay agrees to give Giana “lessons” and they assume everything will go perfectly fine. When do the lines start to blur? I absolutely could not put this book down or read fast enough. The spice, the chemistry, the sudden plot twist. And as always I loved the friendships from the team throughout this story as well. It was all just SO. GOOD. Clay is one of my absolute favorite book boyfriends. - when you read this he’ll quickly become yours too- you’ll see. Once again, Kandi Steiner does not disappoint.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': '📖 The Blind Side\n🖋 @kandisteiner\n⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5\n\n“𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢“ ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑒𝑝𝑒𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑜𝑛 𝑎 𝑟𝑎𝑠𝑝𝑦 𝑏𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ．“𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛’𝑡 𝑤𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑡𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑑 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒“\n\n𝕄𝕐 ℝ𝔼𝕍𝕀𝔼𝕎:\nI can’t even tell you how much I enjoyed this book! Sports/college romance and Fake dating trope.\n\nHe proposed the idea of fake dating to make her seen in front of her crush. And for him, it was to make his ex girlfriend jealous and seem like he’s moved on. But things start to get blurry when they he realizes he’s not faking anymore. She wants ‘lessons’. Because she’s a virgin. And she trusts him to do it since they are in a FAKE relationship. 😅 he ends up falling. And falling deep. These two are the definition of opposites attract. But their chemistry is 🔥🔥🔥 and things certainly get spicy despite how ‘fake’ they are.\n\nClay is straight football KING. Gianni is sweet and innocent. And the way they progressed together… \U0001f90c🏼😘 I highlighted so many parts of the book because I just loved it so much. Kandi really knew what she was doing when she wrote this book.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Blind Side by Kandi Steiner\nThis was such a cute story. I loved Kitten aka Giana. She is quirky and shy yet courageous and curious about life enough to go and make things happen. Then we have outgoing personable Clay who would help anyone in need but never ask for help even if he was drowning. They are perfect for each other. The way Giana just knows who Clay is and what he needs is just awesome to read. Their friendship is so cute and funny it is palpable. Their chemistry is off the charts hot and steamy. It was the perfect story. I hated Cory for what he does to Clay and wanted to know some sense to Clays mom but was glad she realized she needed help in the end and got it. Truly enjoyed this book. Looking forward to Holden’s book.'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': "Another absolute banger from Kandi Steiner. This is a college football, fake dating, jock + bookish girl romance and it was fantastic. Clay and Giana agree to fake date to help Clay make his ex jealous and so Giana can get the attention of the guy she’s had a crush on forever. What starts as a mutually beneficial arrangement (in more ways than one) eventually turns into something neither of them ever expected.\n\nThis book was just perfect from start to finish. The banter, the tension, the CHEMISTRY, the mutual pining. It exceeded my expectations! Clay is a typical hot football jock, and Giana is the innocent bookworm (who knew how to hold her own and drive Clay wild). This is the perfect opposites attract romance! I read it so fast because I just could not put it down!\n\nThese two had the perfect development for their relationship. And the spice!?! Top notch. Obviously you aren't going to escape a Kandi Steiner book without some drama and angst, but the groveling and grand gesture make it all worth it in the end. Highly highly recommend!"}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'I want to give a big thank you to Kandi Steiner for hosting a giveaway in her Facebook group, Kandiland, that I won and received and e-arc of Blind Side to review.\n\nREP:\nTW + CW: discussion of rehab, alcohol/drug addiction, blackmail\nTropes: fake-dating, sports romance, hero falls first, virgin heroine, jock hero\nSimilar Books: The Deal by Elle Kennedy, The Perfect First by Maya Hughes, The Relationship Pact by Adriana Locke,\n\nWhen I won the arc giveaway, I did the biggest happy dance and squealed a little. Another Kandi Steiner book in my hands? HECK YEAH! Every book that I have read by her has 4 stars and above. She just never disappoints! Ever since I discovered her books last year, I have been down a rabbit hole trying to read her backlist. Let\'s just say it has been THE BEST TIME. I originally planned to take my time with reading Blind Side because I wanted to savor every bit of it but its Kandi Steiner, who am I kidding? I was not expecting to be just as OBSESSED with the main characters as I was with Fair Catch but, here I am!! Clay and Giana just found a spot in my heart and set up shop right next other characters written by Kandi Steiner.\n\nBlind Side is set in the same world as Fair Catch (I\'m not too sure if this would be considered a sequel or a companion. Both books can be read on their own.) and follows the perspective of two characters, Clay and Giana. Clay is one of the most popular football safety players in the country and Giana works as Public Relationships Coordinator for the team. Clay is used to be the easiest for Giana to work with but after a devastating break up from his girlfriend, Clay is cold and not in the mood for any of it. As much as Giana would love to work with other players and move on, she needs Clay. When they meet up to discuss a new strategy, Clay takes notice of how Giana melts around her crush and comes up with a plan that could help the both of them. Clay and Giana will fake-date in public to get his ex jealous and running back and her crush to notice her. Also, he\'ll stop being difficult when she needs him for the media. The plan starts off simple but quickly becomes complex when the feelings Clay and Giana have change and Giana asks Clay to take her virginity so she knows what to do when she\'s with her crush.\n\nKandi\'s Steiner writing has continuously gotten better over time. I swear each book I read is better than the last. Blind Side is also the spiciest book Kandi has written. I am very curious to see if that trend will continue or if there will be a surprise extra spicy book every once in awhile. In this one, Clay and Giana\'s chemistry was obvious from the jump. They already have an established friendship but there was room for them to build and grow that friendship. Having both perspectives allows readers to see that growth from both the character\'s eyes and how their motivations have changed. At first, I was skeptical of this because sometimes the POVs blend together or I really enjoy one character more. But Kandi succeeded in keeping me interested in both characters with every chapter. I wanted to know who was going to fall first and how the romance was going to play out. Who was going to cause the big conflict in the third act? Who will commit first? Giana just wants to do well with her career and get this guy to like her but she\'s a little lost in the romance category. She reminded me a lot of me during my past relationships because I felt LOST. I loved reading about her and watching her grow. Pet names like the one Clay has for her (Kitten) normally makes me want to gag but you know what, PURRRRRR. I was eating this up! Where are these men when I was going on dates with people from my college??\n\nWith all that being said, I was a bit underwhelmed with the ending. If I were Giana, Clay would have to GROOOOOVEEELLL. The grand gesture was cute but I think Clay would need to put in some more work to repair that damage afterwards. I know Giana\'s heart took a hit and realistically, would probably have some trust issues from him. The way he handled the situation that caused the big breakup was not my favorite. I understand wanting to help and protect your mother but where would any of that gotten him? I did not see that playing out well for him in the end.\n\nOverall, Blind Side by Kandi Steiner is a fantastic read. It is definitely one of the best she has written and is going high on my tier ranking. If you are looking for a steamy fake-dating sports romance where the male love interest falls first and keeps you on your toes, this is a good one to check out! It will get you laughing, smiling, and hurting all within a few pages. You\'ll be dying for more (there\'s books set in the same university if you do end up looking for more!!!) 5/5 stars, I can not wait for the next one!\n\nIf you\'re looking for exclusive information about what Kandi is writing or up to, join her Facebook group, Kandiland! Also, I heard there is a hockey romance book in the works?? Say less. Once the preorder link and "Want to Read" button is available, I\'m on it!'}, {'review_meta': 'Reviewed in the United States on July 7, 2022', 'review_star': 'a-icon a-icon-star a-star-5 review-rating', 'review_body': 'Thank you KU for recommending this book by Kandi! This is the first book I have read of yours Kandi and it did not disappoint. I loved the witty banter between the characters. Then taking a shy quiet girl who usually is invisible “thinks she is at least” and uses her to show these rowdy athletes a thing or two when it comes to Media time.\n\nThe fake romance no feelings involved… of course we all saw that one failing. But I loved how you crafted their story and intertwined some fun ways of incorporating how she loves reading books just like these in telling her story.\n\nClay…. Can I take him home please. I love how loyal he is how he did is “homework”.\n\nYup this was a 5/5 for me. I would highly recommend if you want a good laugh, add in some heat and lovable characters then don’t wait either purchase or read on KU for free!'}]