THE WEDDING DEAL (Heart in the Game #1) by Cindi Madsen-a review

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date March 25, 2019

Former quarterback Lance Quaid just inherited the most losing team in the NFL. He’s got only a few weeks until draft day to turn things around, and after firing more than half his staff, he can’t do it alone. Thankfully, his HR manager is more than capable, if only she’d stop focusing on “due diligence” and stop looking so sexy while she’s yelling at him.

Charlotte James has made a life out of following the rules. But nothing could have prepared her for Lance Quaid––he’s a human resources nightmare. The man is brash, has no filter, and, as her new boss, is constantly relying on her to cover his ass. Which is admittedly quite nice.

When Lance begs her to join him on a trip down the coast for his brother’s wedding so they can finalize details––on a strictly business basis––she agrees…after they fill out the necessary forms, of course. Away from the office, though, sparks start flying as the team starts coming together. But both of them know anything more than the weekend would be a colossally bad idea––after all, the extra paperwork would be a nightmare.

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REVIEW: THE WEDDING DEAL is the first instalment in Cindi Madsen’s contemporary, adult HEART IN THE GAME romance series. This is former NFL quarterback and team owner Lance Quaid, and HR manager Charlotte James’ story line.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lance and Charlotte) THE WEDDING DEAL follows the building but forbidden relationship between the former NFL quarterback and San Antonio Mustangs’ owner Lance Quaid, and the team’s HR manager Charlotte James. Upon the recent death of his beloved grandfather Lance Quaid inherited the struggling NFL San Antonio Mustangs. Already at the end of his rope Lance fires the majority of the team executive and coaches but retains his feisty HR manager Charlotte James. Lance and Charlotte must pull together in an effort to reorganize and recruit for the upcoming season but Lance’s brother’s wedding throws a kink into their tight schedule. Needing a plus one to keep his mother off his back, Lance invites Charlotte to Nag’s Head, North Carolina where their search for a new executive and quarterback continues. What ensues is the building relationship and romance between Lance and Charlotte, and the potential fall-out as Lance’s issues of trust come to a head with the reveal of team secrets and Charlotte’s past.

Charlotte James has a head for statistics; a mind for numbers and in this she is a stickler for rules and regulations, so much so that her relationship with Lance is directly affected by her need to recite and follow the rules. Lance Quaid struggles between head and heart knowing to get involved with a member of his staff could bring about another round of publicity that will affect negatively against himself and the team.

The relationship between Lance and Charlotte begins acrimoniously as Charlotte continues to speak her mind. A case of instant attraction tempered by Charlotte’s almost obsessive-like quality to quote and obey the rules, Lance battles his need for a woman whose secrets are about to be revealed. The $ex scenes are passionate but limited, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Charlotte’s friend and roommate Shannon, and Lance’s large extended family including his parents Maribelle and Chuck, brother Mitch and fiancee Stacey, and her bridesmaids Grace and Bridget; sister Taylor and husband Scott, nephews Aaron and Austin, as well as an assortment of prospective team members and executive.

The world building focuses on the game of football- behind the scenes as our leading couple struggle to rebuild a team that has fallen below expectations. There is plenty of rules and regulations, legalese and statistics as Charlotte is not above laying down the law and offering her opinion.

THE WEDDING DEAL is a story of family, friendship, betrayal and trust. The premise is engaging; the romance is flirty and fun; the characters are sexy and sassy but I did have an issue with the frenetic change in third person perspectives so much so that I had to re-read several passages in order to clarify which point of view was presented.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy