Recently, reading a book for the sheer and simple pleasure of traveling, in my mind, has been an elusive goal.

Books are often sent to me for review, but the stack is a foot high and getting higher.

But, finally, I had some time off and stuck this book in my bag before I set off on my trip. I'm glad I did.

I didn't know what to expect and wasn't terribly excited about getting into the book.

One reason I was rather lukewarm about it was that I wasn't familiar with the author's work. I also wasn't sure I cared to read a football "novel". Given my less than enthusiastic start I tried to keep my expectations in check.

Right off the bat I had a problem with the book.

The author notes in her acknowledgments that she is a lifelong Boston Red Sox fan, not a football fan. What? I am a Bronx NY Native! Could I give this Sox fan an unbiased review? I grounded myself and had a serious heart to heart with myself about journalistic integrity, and then I started reading.

First and foremost, this is not a football book filled with football-speak and x's and o's. This is a book every red-blooded woman will enjoy. Why, because, surprisingly, Line of Scrimmage is a love story. And what a love story, it sizzles.

This book contains some very is hot and erotic scenes. I must admit that I blushed several times during the recounting of the intimate love scenes and I definitely broke out in a sweat on a few occasions. It's a love story with the ingredients you want and expect in a love novel, sex, a beautiful athlete and a compassionate woman. If you happen to be a female who love sports, then that is simply a bonus.

I kick myself for waiting so long to read the book. But I made up for lost time as I sped through it in less than two days. This is the perfect book to wile away the hours by the pool. Warning, stay close to a source of water; you just might need to cool off occasionally!

Marie Force writes with humor, passion and compassion. She tells a story of strong characters who have to fight through the demands and celebrity of a professional athlete trying to win back his one true love. I think women will enjoy reading this book, whether they are baseball fans, football fans, or simply fans of good old fashioned love.

Line of Scrimmage
Marie Force

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