Winner Takes All

July 25, 2016
In this somber first entry in Kern’s Champion Valley contemporary series, two unlikable people awkwardly connect. Superstar quarterback Blake Carpenter pretended ignorance of the performance-enhancing drugs injected by his trainers, and now his legacy is tarnished. In an effort to put the past away, he returns to his Colorado hometown to coach his high school football team. Determined to take them to the play-offs, he resents physical therapist Annabelle Turner getting between him and the players. Blake and Annabelle certainly lust after each other, but they don’t seem to like each other very much, with Blake being downright vulgar at times, in one instance accusing Annabelle of “rubbing self all over like a cat in heat.” Sometimes tension and arguments are the precursor to passion, but they don’t spend enough time talking, so they never click. Strangely, Kern keeps most of the action inside their heads as both consider the consequences of getting to know each other better. Agent: Kristyn Keene, ICM Partners.

August 1, 2016

Former pro football star Blake Carpenter has his hands full (and his future at stake) trying to turn a small-town high school team that hasn't won a championship in decades into a winner. But physical therapist Annabelle Turner is getting in his way, and she's a little too pushy and too attractive to suit him. They both care about the kids, though, and as they begin to work through their differences, their mutual attraction takes on a life of its own, despite their best intentions. Reputation, self-esteem, and family relationship issues contribute to a vibrant, fast-paced story. VERDICT Sassy wit, likable characters, and breathtaking sexuality result in an engaging read and a solid start to a promising series. Fans of "Friday Night Lights" titles will love this one. Kern (The Trouble with Trouble) lives in the Dallas/Ft. Worth Area.

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