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Line of Scrimmage
She's given up on him and moved on...
Susannah finally has a peaceful, calm life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion, heat, energy, and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team, watching women throwing themselves at him, and living in terror of the hard hits he took on the field. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance...
He's finally figured out what's really important to him. If only it's not too late...
Ryan has just ten days to convince his soon-to-be ex-wife to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship and his career is at its pinnacle, but during the year of their separation, Ryan's come to realize it doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...
Susannah finally has a peaceful, calm life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion, heat, energy, and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team, watching women throwing themselves at him, and living in terror of the hard hits he took on the field. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance...
He's finally figured out what's really important to him. If only it's not too late...
Ryan has just ten days to convince his soon-to-be ex-wife to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship and his career is at its pinnacle, but during the year of their separation, Ryan's come to realize it doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...
356 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 1, 2008
562 people are currently reading
5,756 people want to read
About the author
Marie Force
241books8,342followersMarie Force is the New York Times bestselling author of contemporary romance, romantic suspense and erotic romance. Her series include Gansett Island, Fatal, Treading Water, Butler Vermont and Quantum.
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at and on Instagram at . Contact Marie at [email protected].
Her books have sold more than 12 million copies worldwide, have been translated into more than a dozen languages and have appeared on the New York Times bestseller more than 30 times. She is also a USA Today and #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller, as well as a Speigel bestseller in Germany.
Her goals in life are simple—to finish raising two happy, healthy, productive young adults, to keep writing books for as long as she possibly can and to never be on a flight that makes the news.
Join Marie’s mailing list on her website at marieforce.com for news about new books and upcoming appearances in your area. Follow her on Facebook at and on Instagram at . Contact Marie at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 375 reviews
May 23, 2016
♦♣� BIG 5 I've only-ever-loved-you ٲ....˦♣�
This book is one of the most memorable books I've ever had the pleasure of reading and there's no doubt its heading straight for my favorites shelf.
MY insight to the summary :
Susannah and Ryan have been married for a very long time,in fact right out of high school.
But after Ryan got signed on by the Mavericks to play at the prestigious NLFs....Thier perspectives started to differ,priorities changed and the media oncs caught up on the heartbreaks turns things into a flashy circus.
Now finally with the divorce, just 10 days away,Ryan realizes what a fool he had been to let the only girl he's ever loved walk away.Determined to win her back and get rid of her fiance once and for all,Ryan decides its time to show his wife,that he's finally changed and there's only one place she should ever really be,( and that's right)by his side :)
"Sussanah, if you make love with me and then go back to him,You'll ruin me."
I loved sussanah and Ryan and the way the story just flowed through the angsty portions..Honesty,I knew when I read the first chapter that this book was defiantly going to be one of "Those special books" that reminds you why reading is one of the most lovley ways to pass your time.
I instantly loved the author's writing and the way she portrayed her characters and bought up their past history and problems.With just the right kind of amount of angst and the right feel of love the plot flowed through & through.
In short I adored everything about this book � EXCEPT its ending ...I DID not understand how the author thought it was ok..to just cut of a portion of the climax and head off straight to the epilogue... :/It just left me wanting more in not such a giid way.I wanted a proper closure.
But then again,this book was so very good,I couldn't help butrate it a 5 star! Everything about it was a through entertainer ! I'm glad to have picked this up in the right mood and discovered another one of my favorites! :) Will defiantly look forward for more from this author !
As always,
Happy reading mon amies ! �
This book is one of the most memorable books I've ever had the pleasure of reading and there's no doubt its heading straight for my favorites shelf.
MY insight to the summary :
Susannah and Ryan have been married for a very long time,in fact right out of high school.
But after Ryan got signed on by the Mavericks to play at the prestigious NLFs....Thier perspectives started to differ,priorities changed and the media oncs caught up on the heartbreaks turns things into a flashy circus.
Now finally with the divorce, just 10 days away,Ryan realizes what a fool he had been to let the only girl he's ever loved walk away.Determined to win her back and get rid of her fiance once and for all,Ryan decides its time to show his wife,that he's finally changed and there's only one place she should ever really be,( and that's right)by his side :)
"Sussanah, if you make love with me and then go back to him,You'll ruin me."
I loved sussanah and Ryan and the way the story just flowed through the angsty portions..Honesty,I knew when I read the first chapter that this book was defiantly going to be one of "Those special books" that reminds you why reading is one of the most lovley ways to pass your time.
I instantly loved the author's writing and the way she portrayed her characters and bought up their past history and problems.With just the right kind of amount of angst and the right feel of love the plot flowed through & through.
In short I adored everything about this book � EXCEPT its ending ...I DID not understand how the author thought it was ok..to just cut of a portion of the climax and head off straight to the epilogue... :/It just left me wanting more in not such a giid way.I wanted a proper closure.
But then again,this book was so very good,I couldn't help butrate it a 5 star! Everything about it was a through entertainer ! I'm glad to have picked this up in the right mood and discovered another one of my favorites! :) Will defiantly look forward for more from this author !
As always,
Happy reading mon amies ! �
November 17, 2010
5++ STARS!
Wow, just wow.
I usually wait for many goodreads' friends to have read the book and adored it before starting it myself. I don't like to try new books. But I'm so HAPPY I read this one. I'm not sure what made me read it because I seriously never read a book that isn't already a best seller or loved by many before but I did read this one and I just want to recommend it to everybody else.
Hear me out here, there's just no way you won't love this book guys! You have to read it! It's so good you wont be able to believe nobody told you before so you could have read it sooner. Well, I'm that girl, and I'm telling you all you need to read this book right away. It was so good I still can't believe it's over. I never thought I would be this excited about contemporary romance but I'm loving it now. I just want you all to understand this is one of those reads you can't help to love.
In this book we have a Quarterback who spent a year apart from his wife because they were having problems in their marriage. In that year the heroine got engaged to another man and the hero is desperate to win her back. We get to see how they try to make things work once again. But I swear I have never read something that felt so real before. I just felt part of their marriage and needed them to be okay. I got so involve with this book that I just wanted to help them myself. It is so clear all the time they love each other, and all the problems they face are not their fault at all. We also get to see how difficult a marriage can be when you're famous, which was a great change in my readings. I have read about famous couples before but never like this one.
You just have to read this book. It wont make it into my favs shelf because I'm a series chick and standalones are not my thing. But it definitely was one of the bests I have ever read. Just please don't start it thinking this will be the read of your lives because that usually makes us not like books as much as we would if we start it thinking it's just another book,LOL, don't let my review ruin it for you guys. Level your hopes, control yourselves,LOL. And definitely enjoy this read!
Wow, just wow.
I usually wait for many goodreads' friends to have read the book and adored it before starting it myself. I don't like to try new books. But I'm so HAPPY I read this one. I'm not sure what made me read it because I seriously never read a book that isn't already a best seller or loved by many before but I did read this one and I just want to recommend it to everybody else.
Hear me out here, there's just no way you won't love this book guys! You have to read it! It's so good you wont be able to believe nobody told you before so you could have read it sooner. Well, I'm that girl, and I'm telling you all you need to read this book right away. It was so good I still can't believe it's over. I never thought I would be this excited about contemporary romance but I'm loving it now. I just want you all to understand this is one of those reads you can't help to love.
In this book we have a Quarterback who spent a year apart from his wife because they were having problems in their marriage. In that year the heroine got engaged to another man and the hero is desperate to win her back. We get to see how they try to make things work once again. But I swear I have never read something that felt so real before. I just felt part of their marriage and needed them to be okay. I got so involve with this book that I just wanted to help them myself. It is so clear all the time they love each other, and all the problems they face are not their fault at all. We also get to see how difficult a marriage can be when you're famous, which was a great change in my readings. I have read about famous couples before but never like this one.
You just have to read this book. It wont make it into my favs shelf because I'm a series chick and standalones are not my thing. But it definitely was one of the bests I have ever read. Just please don't start it thinking this will be the read of your lives because that usually makes us not like books as much as we would if we start it thinking it's just another book,LOL, don't let my review ruin it for you guys. Level your hopes, control yourselves,LOL. And definitely enjoy this read!
November 29, 2011
If you are a fan of contemporary romance stories with a pseudo-sports theme (the Chicago Stars series by SEP, the Chinooks series by Rachel Gibson) then Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force is a must-read for you. Like the comparable stories, the hero is a professional sports icon who will have your heart from page one. But unlike those similar books where the hero and heroine meet and then face the trials and tribulations of a new union, the protagonists in LofS have been married 10 years and are just 10 days away from being divorced.
Ryan Sanderson, quarterback for the Denver Mavericks, has just led his team to their 3rd Super Bowl victory. However, Ryan's happiness in winning the championship is bittersweet because his career has cost him his marriage to Susannah, the love of his life. Knowing that his divorce will be final in 10 days, Ryan is panicked that he is about to lose the only woman he has ever loved. Desperate to convince her their marriage is worth fighting for, a battered and bruised Ryan shows up on Susannah's doorstep. Unfortunately, he has picked a most inconvenient time to make an appearance as a celebration is going on inside...Susannah's engagement party.
The story begins...
First of all, you will absolutely LOVE Ryan and mourn the fact that all men have not been created in his image (or any man, for that matter). He is tall, ruggedly handsome in that modern-day cowboy style, and has a killer body like an athlete of his caliber should. (Overall, think Tom Brady* and you'll get a good image). Ryan is a sweetheart with a heart of gold and at first you'll wonder what the hell was Susannah thinking to file for divorce from this model of perfection, and soon after become engaged to a nerdy Wall Street guy that wears bow ties. But as you get to know Susannah you come to understand why she felt she could no longer be married to the football star. She had once devoted her life to loving Ryan but it no longer was enough. She felt like nothing more than a fixture on a shelf - taken down and dusted off whenever an occasion called for a wife. She was second to his career, his endorsements and to his public. Susannah knew that Ryan loved her and she would always love him, but the intimacy they had shared in the early years of their marriage was now nothing more than a fond memory. The love that had once been the wall that sheltered them from the rest of the world was buried beneath the avalanche of activity that monopolized a superstar's life. Then the rumor started to circulate that there was another woman...and Susannah had had enough. Ryan moved across town and Henry, Susannah's high school sweetheart, swooped in to pick up where they had left off ...before Ryan had ventured in and stolen Susannah's heart.
Ryan intends to keep that heart! He is going to convince her - or die trying - that they are meant to be together. Hating to hurt Henry but needing the closure with Ryan, Susannah agrees to spend the last 10 days of their marriage together. What follows is the sweetest story of two people rediscovering an incredible love they had almost let slip away. Like Gibson and Phillips, Marie Force presents a hero and heroine that are genuinely likable characters who, early on, become lodged in your heart. Ryan and Susie (as he calls her) both have engaging qualities yet very individual personalities, and they play off each other perfectly. The "fleshing out" of their characters is done primarily through dialog so you, the reader, can live their story instead of merely reading about it.
He turned in his seat so he could see her. "It's going to be crazy for a day or two, but I want you to remember it's not the most important thing I'm dealing with right now." Squeezing her hand, he added, "Patching things up with you is my top priority, and the only reason I'm letting this other stuff in is because my contract is set to expire right around the same time our marriage ticket comes due."
"Ironic coincidence."
"Yep. Ironic is the word. In five days, I'm either going to have everything or nothing."
She glanced at him. "No pressure though, right?"
His dimples were on full display when his face twisted into a lazy grin. "None at all." Sweeping his thumb over the palm of her hand, he asked, "How's my mug looking?" He stuck out his jaw in a dramatic pose.
She rolled her eyes."Much better."
"So I'm not going to look hideous in all the pictures that'll be plastered on the front pages of every newspaper in the country?"
She snorted with laughter. "There's that legendary Sanderson ego on full display."
"What ego? It's an honest question." He flipped down the visor and opened the mirror to study his reflection. "Looking good, my man."
"Puleeze. Listen to yourself. 'Looking good, my man'."
"I love giving you the opportunity to burst my bubble," he said with a chuckle.
"You do it often enough."
"I need to keep you sharp."
"Keeping you humble was my greatest challenge as your wife."
"IS your greatest challenge."
"Was."
"Is."
"Was."
"Is."
"Shut up."
"Shut me up."
"I'm driving."
"So?" He slid his hand up her thigh. When he reached his destination, she inhaled sharply and grabbed his hand.
Not to be deterred, he kissed her neck, whispering in her ear. "Is."
"Shut up."
He laughed and sat back in his seat but kept a firm hold on her hand.
They are so cute together!
The book does have several humorous scenes, but (in keeping with the aforementioned authors) the gist of the story isn't funny at all...it is real, it is touching and at times you'll want to sob right along with Ryan or Susie. Overall, however, it is a most heartwarming story that you will hold onto long after the last page is read. Definitely a keeper!
*
Ryan Sanderson
Ryan Sanderson, quarterback for the Denver Mavericks, has just led his team to their 3rd Super Bowl victory. However, Ryan's happiness in winning the championship is bittersweet because his career has cost him his marriage to Susannah, the love of his life. Knowing that his divorce will be final in 10 days, Ryan is panicked that he is about to lose the only woman he has ever loved. Desperate to convince her their marriage is worth fighting for, a battered and bruised Ryan shows up on Susannah's doorstep. Unfortunately, he has picked a most inconvenient time to make an appearance as a celebration is going on inside...Susannah's engagement party.
The story begins...
First of all, you will absolutely LOVE Ryan and mourn the fact that all men have not been created in his image (or any man, for that matter). He is tall, ruggedly handsome in that modern-day cowboy style, and has a killer body like an athlete of his caliber should. (Overall, think Tom Brady* and you'll get a good image). Ryan is a sweetheart with a heart of gold and at first you'll wonder what the hell was Susannah thinking to file for divorce from this model of perfection, and soon after become engaged to a nerdy Wall Street guy that wears bow ties. But as you get to know Susannah you come to understand why she felt she could no longer be married to the football star. She had once devoted her life to loving Ryan but it no longer was enough. She felt like nothing more than a fixture on a shelf - taken down and dusted off whenever an occasion called for a wife. She was second to his career, his endorsements and to his public. Susannah knew that Ryan loved her and she would always love him, but the intimacy they had shared in the early years of their marriage was now nothing more than a fond memory. The love that had once been the wall that sheltered them from the rest of the world was buried beneath the avalanche of activity that monopolized a superstar's life. Then the rumor started to circulate that there was another woman...and Susannah had had enough. Ryan moved across town and Henry, Susannah's high school sweetheart, swooped in to pick up where they had left off ...before Ryan had ventured in and stolen Susannah's heart.
Ryan intends to keep that heart! He is going to convince her - or die trying - that they are meant to be together. Hating to hurt Henry but needing the closure with Ryan, Susannah agrees to spend the last 10 days of their marriage together. What follows is the sweetest story of two people rediscovering an incredible love they had almost let slip away. Like Gibson and Phillips, Marie Force presents a hero and heroine that are genuinely likable characters who, early on, become lodged in your heart. Ryan and Susie (as he calls her) both have engaging qualities yet very individual personalities, and they play off each other perfectly. The "fleshing out" of their characters is done primarily through dialog so you, the reader, can live their story instead of merely reading about it.
He turned in his seat so he could see her. "It's going to be crazy for a day or two, but I want you to remember it's not the most important thing I'm dealing with right now." Squeezing her hand, he added, "Patching things up with you is my top priority, and the only reason I'm letting this other stuff in is because my contract is set to expire right around the same time our marriage ticket comes due."
"Ironic coincidence."
"Yep. Ironic is the word. In five days, I'm either going to have everything or nothing."
She glanced at him. "No pressure though, right?"
His dimples were on full display when his face twisted into a lazy grin. "None at all." Sweeping his thumb over the palm of her hand, he asked, "How's my mug looking?" He stuck out his jaw in a dramatic pose.
She rolled her eyes."Much better."
"So I'm not going to look hideous in all the pictures that'll be plastered on the front pages of every newspaper in the country?"
She snorted with laughter. "There's that legendary Sanderson ego on full display."
"What ego? It's an honest question." He flipped down the visor and opened the mirror to study his reflection. "Looking good, my man."
"Puleeze. Listen to yourself. 'Looking good, my man'."
"I love giving you the opportunity to burst my bubble," he said with a chuckle.
"You do it often enough."
"I need to keep you sharp."
"Keeping you humble was my greatest challenge as your wife."
"IS your greatest challenge."
"Was."
"Is."
"Was."
"Is."
"Shut up."
"Shut me up."
"I'm driving."
"So?" He slid his hand up her thigh. When he reached his destination, she inhaled sharply and grabbed his hand.
Not to be deterred, he kissed her neck, whispering in her ear. "Is."
"Shut up."
He laughed and sat back in his seat but kept a firm hold on her hand.
They are so cute together!
The book does have several humorous scenes, but (in keeping with the aforementioned authors) the gist of the story isn't funny at all...it is real, it is touching and at times you'll want to sob right along with Ryan or Susie. Overall, however, it is a most heartwarming story that you will hold onto long after the last page is read. Definitely a keeper!
*
Ryan Sanderson
April 17, 2017
Que desperdicio de libro.
Tonto
Insulso
Գí
Malo
Simple.
No voy a perder mi tiempo con una reseña
DNF 48% y porque le di oportunidad...
Tonto
Insulso
Գí
Malo
Simple.
No voy a perder mi tiempo con una reseña
DNF 48% y porque le di oportunidad...
October 12, 2008
This was a very well-written, easy read, that was very hard to put down. At times it was like a soap opera--so many things happened to the H/H! I loved the hero--he was one of those loveable "bad boy" types, but really very sweet and vulnerable at times. The heroine...well she ticked me off a bit. At times I found her selfish, childish, and a bit spoiled. But towards the end of the book she started to grow on me, and I forgave her for how she treated the hero. This book was about a young couple who seemingly had it all, yet were on the verge of divorce due largely to the husband's inattention to his wife. The hero (a world famous football quarterback) never wanted a divorce, and makes an 11th hour attempt to save his marriage. The book takes off from there, with the hero doing everything in his power to win back his wife before she is scheduled to be remarried (to a real dolt) in a few weeks. There's lots of passion, some heartache, and potential scandal thrown in--enough to make you wonder if this couple can weather the storm and put their marriage back together. This book also shows a little inside look at the life of a professional athlete--it's not all money and glamour--there's a lot they have to put up with while being in the public eye. For those who like a little sports background with their romance, I'm sure you'll enjoy this one. I'm taking off 1/2 star, only because the heroine got on my nerves a few times--4 1/2 stars!:D
November 24, 2017
Read in 2008 and was my very first book by Marie Force. I loved Ryan and Susannah and their story. I thought I had reviewed every book that this author has written - but it appears this one slipped through the cracks. And it deserves my accolades. From this I soon moved on to each and every release and they've only added hours of reading pleasure.
Coming soon is an extended Epilogue bringing readers up-to-date on The Sandersons and their life as it has changed since the ending of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. I have had a sneak peek and it's well-worth the wait!
Coming soon is an extended Epilogue bringing readers up-to-date on The Sandersons and their life as it has changed since the ending of LINE OF SCRIMMAGE. I have had a sneak peek and it's well-worth the wait!
September 18, 2019
My first by this author and I will say I was entertained
Yes, my buts always get in the way.
"Baby" Can we just agree to find another term of endearment? I wish I had a dollar for every "baby" I've read as an endearment
I'll admit I deducted a full star for that tacky and trashy fiasco that occurred at the Ball for the Children's Hospital. I mean come on, not even believable.
That is some mentally unstable Real Housewives crap. Where were the snipers with tranquilizer guns?
I'll shut down the freak side of my brain and say that I did like the second chance romance, however tacky it is to be engaged when your divorce isn't even final. I absolutely loved the honesty when Susannah and Ryan discussed
Tears and more tears!
Yes, my buts always get in the way.
"Baby" Can we just agree to find another term of endearment? I wish I had a dollar for every "baby" I've read as an endearment
I'll admit I deducted a full star for that tacky and trashy fiasco that occurred at the Ball for the Children's Hospital. I mean come on, not even believable.
That is some mentally unstable Real Housewives crap. Where were the snipers with tranquilizer guns?
I'll shut down the freak side of my brain and say that I did like the second chance romance, however tacky it is to be engaged when your divorce isn't even final. I absolutely loved the honesty when Susannah and Ryan discussed
Tears and more tears!
November 1, 2012
Annoying, irrational heroine.
Godlike quarterback hero.
Fight. Make up sex. Repeat.
Not Rachel's thing.
However, there's a brilliant scene near the end when the heroine goes fucking bananas and throws a hissy in public. It amused me enough to increase the rating to 2 stars!
Godlike quarterback hero.
Fight. Make up sex. Repeat.
Not Rachel's thing.
However, there's a brilliant scene near the end when the heroine goes fucking bananas and throws a hissy in public. It amused me enough to increase the rating to 2 stars!
November 13, 2014
5+ stars � Contemporary/Sports Romance
I loved this emotional contemporary sports romance about a pro-football star trying to reconcile with his soon-to-be ex-wife before it's too late. It's a very moving, well written story and a realistic depiction of the difficulties and tribulations of marriage, even for two people who so clearly love each other. I'm looking forward to more from this talented author! Big 5 stars!
I loved this emotional contemporary sports romance about a pro-football star trying to reconcile with his soon-to-be ex-wife before it's too late. It's a very moving, well written story and a realistic depiction of the difficulties and tribulations of marriage, even for two people who so clearly love each other. I'm looking forward to more from this talented author! Big 5 stars!
September 10, 2011
I just couldn't get into this. The heroine cries about ten times in the book, no joke. No, not just cries, but sobs. I'm sure that I'd be a little jealous and possessive if my husband was some huge star with women crawling all over him, but good grief. She was so over the top, that if I knew this chick in real life, I'd call her a psycho and steer clear. Ryan seemed like an okay guy, and while I did want to have a happy ending, I just couldn't bring myself to care all that much.
While I suppose romance novels typically are predictable, that's usually what I love about them. I always know there will be a happy ending. But Line of Scrimmage took it so far as to be cheesily predictable. It seemed as if this book used almost every cliche known to romance. I'm going to stop now, because I hate when reviewers go on and on about how they dislike a book. I didn't hate this one, which is why I gave it two stars. I just kept thinking that since I knew exactly what the next page/chapter was about, I had so much more that I could be reading.
While I suppose romance novels typically are predictable, that's usually what I love about them. I always know there will be a happy ending. But Line of Scrimmage took it so far as to be cheesily predictable. It seemed as if this book used almost every cliche known to romance. I'm going to stop now, because I hate when reviewers go on and on about how they dislike a book. I didn't hate this one, which is why I gave it two stars. I just kept thinking that since I knew exactly what the next page/chapter was about, I had so much more that I could be reading.
March 19, 2012
At about the 70% mark of this book I was really hesitant in finishing this story, because in my mind Henry with his diabolical, obsessive mind, and Becky with all the rumors that Susanna had heard about her affair with her husband Ryan...it gave me such a HUGE knot in my stomach, that I forced myself to continue reading the story. I know that sounds really 'wimpy', but I really HATE infidelity in the stories I read.
That being said...I'm really glad I pressed on and finished the book. I really enjoyed the story, and 'fell in love' with Ryan. The Author really let the reader get to know him, and let us have a glimpse of his insecurities and why he had them.
Susanna stepped up and became the Woman I wanted her to be.
Not being a football fan myself....hey I'm Canadian Hockey's my sport (we grow up living and breathing it) I didn't find that it was a 'football' book, but a really great love story.
I'm glad I read this story, Ms. Force is one of my favorite story-tellers!
That being said...I'm really glad I pressed on and finished the book. I really enjoyed the story, and 'fell in love' with Ryan. The Author really let the reader get to know him, and let us have a glimpse of his insecurities and why he had them.
Susanna stepped up and became the Woman I wanted her to be.
Not being a football fan myself....hey I'm Canadian Hockey's my sport (we grow up living and breathing it) I didn't find that it was a 'football' book, but a really great love story.
I'm glad I read this story, Ms. Force is one of my favorite story-tellers!
September 29, 2008
Reviewed for queuemyreview.com; book release Sep08
Can you believe it? Me, Mrs. doesn’t really read ‘sports� romances, and I’ve read two in the last week! And enjoyed both! This is surely cause for celebration. My most recent is “Line of Scrimmage� by Marie Force. It’s about football, did you guess? It’s also about the debutante and the quarterback. But don’t hate them for that because their life hasn’t been a bed of roses.
Susannah is finally calling it quits. After ten years of marriage to football’s ‘Golden Boy�, she’s just 10 days away from divorce. She’s going to marry the man she left behind who never gave up on her (and never let her forget it either) 30 days after her divorce is final. So when her soon-to-be-ex shows up demanding she spend the remaining 10 days of their marriage with him, she’s furious. But he swears if she doesn’t, he’ll contest the divorce. What’s a girl to do?
Ryan never meant to cut it this close. He’s been against the divorce from day one. Susie is the only girl for him and he’s always been true to her. While he doesn’t know exactly what happened to kill their romance, he knows he’s not about to give up without a battle. So if he has to blackmail (he prefers bully or persuade) her into giving him this time; then so be it.
The author did a great job of personalizing these characters. I actually grew to care for this couple. They have taken several hard knocks during their marriage; ones that many marriages don’t survive. So once I read enough to get to know both of them, I wanted their relationship to continue. I wanted them to be happy, together. At first I disliked Susannah…which is interesting because I think most women readers normally take the female’s side in a ‘divorce� situation and have to be persuaded over to the other side. But from page one, she seemed pretentious and weak...she rubbed me the wrong way. As the story progressed, I would like her, then dislike her, then like her, then dislike her. She frustrated me which made me admire Ryan even more! Ryan, on the other hand, was almost too good to be true. Poor boy makes good yet doesn’t fall victim to booze, drugs, or women. He also was willing to admit mistakes and sacrifice even his pride for his woman. Like I said, hard to believe. But I still fell a little in love with him, and isn’t that what we want in all our heroes?
“Line of Scrimmage� kept me ‘in� the story. I didn’t get bored or want to put the book down. I wanted to know about this couple and how they would resolve their problems. I think the thing I liked best about Marie Force’s novel is the lesson that no marriage, no matter who you are or what your situation is, can survive without working at it and learning to compromise and see your partner’s point of view. Ms. Force didn’t scream this at me, she snuck it in throughout the book while I wasn’t looking. Clever, clever woman!
Can you believe it? Me, Mrs. doesn’t really read ‘sports� romances, and I’ve read two in the last week! And enjoyed both! This is surely cause for celebration. My most recent is “Line of Scrimmage� by Marie Force. It’s about football, did you guess? It’s also about the debutante and the quarterback. But don’t hate them for that because their life hasn’t been a bed of roses.
Susannah is finally calling it quits. After ten years of marriage to football’s ‘Golden Boy�, she’s just 10 days away from divorce. She’s going to marry the man she left behind who never gave up on her (and never let her forget it either) 30 days after her divorce is final. So when her soon-to-be-ex shows up demanding she spend the remaining 10 days of their marriage with him, she’s furious. But he swears if she doesn’t, he’ll contest the divorce. What’s a girl to do?
Ryan never meant to cut it this close. He’s been against the divorce from day one. Susie is the only girl for him and he’s always been true to her. While he doesn’t know exactly what happened to kill their romance, he knows he’s not about to give up without a battle. So if he has to blackmail (he prefers bully or persuade) her into giving him this time; then so be it.
The author did a great job of personalizing these characters. I actually grew to care for this couple. They have taken several hard knocks during their marriage; ones that many marriages don’t survive. So once I read enough to get to know both of them, I wanted their relationship to continue. I wanted them to be happy, together. At first I disliked Susannah…which is interesting because I think most women readers normally take the female’s side in a ‘divorce� situation and have to be persuaded over to the other side. But from page one, she seemed pretentious and weak...she rubbed me the wrong way. As the story progressed, I would like her, then dislike her, then like her, then dislike her. She frustrated me which made me admire Ryan even more! Ryan, on the other hand, was almost too good to be true. Poor boy makes good yet doesn’t fall victim to booze, drugs, or women. He also was willing to admit mistakes and sacrifice even his pride for his woman. Like I said, hard to believe. But I still fell a little in love with him, and isn’t that what we want in all our heroes?
“Line of Scrimmage� kept me ‘in� the story. I didn’t get bored or want to put the book down. I wanted to know about this couple and how they would resolve their problems. I think the thing I liked best about Marie Force’s novel is the lesson that no marriage, no matter who you are or what your situation is, can survive without working at it and learning to compromise and see your partner’s point of view. Ms. Force didn’t scream this at me, she snuck it in throughout the book while I wasn’t looking. Clever, clever woman!
September 11, 2012
This book and I got off on the wrong foot. I found the whole set-up so repugnant: an estranged husband who decides to get his wife back 10 days before their divorce is final, and blackmails her into doing it by threatening to drag out the divorce so she can't marry her new fiance� and the new fiance is the old boyfriend she had already dumped once for her husband� I'm channeling young Alvy Singer in "Annie Hall" going, "what an asshole." How am I supposed to root for this guy when I felt so sorry for the poor fiance? And since Ryan's job in the book is to convince Susannah (and us) that he's no longer an asshole, it was not a good start.
But just like a rich, sexy, devoted ex with a drawl, Line of Scrimmage won me over. In many ways the book is similar to Force's , but since the couple doesn't fall in love at first sight, it's far more believable, and considerably less dysfunctional. Ryan does have reasons for his actions and he's very sincere about starting over, though not to the point of utterly ridiculous fawning over Susannah. I liked that he fought back when she was in the wrong.
There's a little too much villainous melodrama and then an abrupt HEA that left some strings hanging, but it otherwise combined fun, sexy, and emotional into a very readable package. Ryan and Susannah's sad history was very well done, as was its closure; I've lived moments exactly like the ones they undergo. After the mess that was , it was so nice to enjoy this one.
October 11, 2008
After reading Line of Scrimmage, I have found a new author to add to my list of sports romance favorites. This was a very good book with a touching story. I liked the emotional intensity between the main characters. The heroine, Susannah Sanderson, was exasperating at times, but she was mostly likeable. The beginning of the story was from her point of view, and as she placed the blame for the failure of her marriage completely on her Pro quarterback husband I expected him to be an insensitive jerk. Nothing could have been further from the truth. The hero was incredible. He was gorgeous, wealthy, faithful, and totally in love with his wife. I enjoyed reading as these two worked their way back to one another after a tragedy that was the final blow to their relationship. The heroine's inability to trust in the hero's honesty and faithfulness was annoying, but I tried to keep in mind that with a fabulous, famous husband who travelled extensively, most women would probably have to struggle against this to some extent. I enjoyed every moment spent reading this book, and I eagerly anticipate the next one by this author.
Susannah Sanderson's divorce from Denver Mavericks quarterback, Ryan Sanderson, will be final in ten days, and she is planning her future marriage to her reliable, safe, ex-high school boyfriend. Entertaining her fiance and his parents in her home for dinner, she is appalled when her soon to be ex shows up and refuses to leave. Ryan Sanderson has returned to Susannah after a football season that was much more successful and longer than expected, leaving him no time to spare in convincing her not to end their marriage. Ryan returns to Denver after winning the Superbowl and suffering injuries that required him to be hospitalized for three days. He left the hospital against the doctor's wishes and arrives home in rough shape. Susannah sees to the speedy exit of her guests and is furious when Ryan tells her that he will contest the divorce unless she agrees to spend the final ten days of their marriage with him. Susannah reluctantly and angrily agrees to his demands, but her attitude begins to relent toward Ryan when she realizes how badly he is injured.
Ryan convinces Susannah to spend a couple of days at their cabin in Breckenridge while he recuperates and she also recovers from a harrowing incident. Ryan vows his love for Susannah and repeatedly appeals to her to give their marriage another chance. Susannah is unable to resist Ryan for long, and although she is unable to commit to giving their marriage another chance, the two resume an intensely passionate physical relationship. Susannah is shocked to see the change in Ryan's emotional committedness. He is suddenly acting like the husband she always wished for, and he tells her that he has discovered what is really important in his life and that he wants this connectedness that they lacked before. Reality intrudes when a phone call causes Susannah to turn on Ryan and unfairly acuse him of lying and manipulating her. Ryan is devastated, but he finally convinces Susannah of his honesty.
Returning to Denver, Susannah supports Ryan as he makes announcements to the public concerning his career, and their relationship appears to be headed in a very positive direction. As Susannah ends her relationship with her fiance, Henry, she finds out that he is not the compassionate, supportive friend that she always believed him to be. Just as everything seems to be working out for Ryan and Susannah, her inability to trust him threatens again to derail their relationship. Susannah must decide once and for all whether she trusts Ryan enough to continue their marriage.
I truly liked this book. I enjoyed the sweetness of the love between the hero and heroine. The only downside to the story was Susannah's insecurity over Ryan's honesty and faithfulness. Susannah's engagement to Henry before her divorce bothered me at first, but he was a fixture in her life that represented the security she craved. I was glad to read that she had refused to sleep with Henry while still married to Ryan. Although the reader is told that Ryan didn't give Susannah enough of his attention when they were married, we never see that side of him, and it was hard to visualize. Even though Susannah's continued mistrust of him hurts Ryan and causes a reserve in his treatment of her, he is never tempted for a second to give up on his marriage. Ryan and his love for Susannah is what made the book special. If you are a fan of sports romances, this is a must read.
Susannah Sanderson's divorce from Denver Mavericks quarterback, Ryan Sanderson, will be final in ten days, and she is planning her future marriage to her reliable, safe, ex-high school boyfriend. Entertaining her fiance and his parents in her home for dinner, she is appalled when her soon to be ex shows up and refuses to leave. Ryan Sanderson has returned to Susannah after a football season that was much more successful and longer than expected, leaving him no time to spare in convincing her not to end their marriage. Ryan returns to Denver after winning the Superbowl and suffering injuries that required him to be hospitalized for three days. He left the hospital against the doctor's wishes and arrives home in rough shape. Susannah sees to the speedy exit of her guests and is furious when Ryan tells her that he will contest the divorce unless she agrees to spend the final ten days of their marriage with him. Susannah reluctantly and angrily agrees to his demands, but her attitude begins to relent toward Ryan when she realizes how badly he is injured.
Ryan convinces Susannah to spend a couple of days at their cabin in Breckenridge while he recuperates and she also recovers from a harrowing incident. Ryan vows his love for Susannah and repeatedly appeals to her to give their marriage another chance. Susannah is unable to resist Ryan for long, and although she is unable to commit to giving their marriage another chance, the two resume an intensely passionate physical relationship. Susannah is shocked to see the change in Ryan's emotional committedness. He is suddenly acting like the husband she always wished for, and he tells her that he has discovered what is really important in his life and that he wants this connectedness that they lacked before. Reality intrudes when a phone call causes Susannah to turn on Ryan and unfairly acuse him of lying and manipulating her. Ryan is devastated, but he finally convinces Susannah of his honesty.
Returning to Denver, Susannah supports Ryan as he makes announcements to the public concerning his career, and their relationship appears to be headed in a very positive direction. As Susannah ends her relationship with her fiance, Henry, she finds out that he is not the compassionate, supportive friend that she always believed him to be. Just as everything seems to be working out for Ryan and Susannah, her inability to trust him threatens again to derail their relationship. Susannah must decide once and for all whether she trusts Ryan enough to continue their marriage.
I truly liked this book. I enjoyed the sweetness of the love between the hero and heroine. The only downside to the story was Susannah's insecurity over Ryan's honesty and faithfulness. Susannah's engagement to Henry before her divorce bothered me at first, but he was a fixture in her life that represented the security she craved. I was glad to read that she had refused to sleep with Henry while still married to Ryan. Although the reader is told that Ryan didn't give Susannah enough of his attention when they were married, we never see that side of him, and it was hard to visualize. Even though Susannah's continued mistrust of him hurts Ryan and causes a reserve in his treatment of her, he is never tempted for a second to give up on his marriage. Ryan and his love for Susannah is what made the book special. If you are a fan of sports romances, this is a must read.
December 13, 2010
I don't read a lot of reconsiliation romances. Wait that isn't true because I read a lot of scorned lovers getting back together, but I don't read them about once-married couples. Probably because marriage is the end of my little HEA and I hate having my bubble broken.
So, I was a little wary about starting this book. But so many of goodreads were a-flutter over this that I gave it a go but I am SO HAPPY that I ended up reading it!
So interesting. So good. The characters were great, and complex. I love that the problems weren't all one sided, even though they appeared to be at first. But most of all I LOVED the ending pre-epilogue. Why? Because the romance, the love, was seperate from the baby.
I always whine, bitch and complain when the baby brings people together but it didn't here in some ways. The ending really showed the commitment and trust she had in him. So good!
I also LOVED the way the Henry was written. His dialogue and his behaviours. To me he was a subtle evil, and everyday sort of evil. Sometimes, I find that these sort of people slip into my life and so many times in books and movies we see the villain so clearly, but in life bad people, and the people that are bad for us, aren't always so obvious.
Obviously, I will be reading Marie Force again, a 5 star rating and a sport on my faves bookshelf ... that's not a regular occurance. When I started reading romances, I started with the Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibsons of the industry. While reading those books, I would get this feeling. I can't really explain it, but I can tell you that it's different from the feeling when I read other types of stories (like suspense, paranormal, smut, or lesser contemporaries). Now that I've made my way through the books of contemporary powerhouse authors, I miss picking up a new story and knowing I'm going to get so sucked into and involved in a story that the elusive feeling will come. I got that feeling with this book! I am off later today to see if I can find more Marie Force. I doubt this book is a fluke, I think she is fabulous!
So, I was a little wary about starting this book. But so many of goodreads were a-flutter over this that I gave it a go but I am SO HAPPY that I ended up reading it!
So interesting. So good. The characters were great, and complex. I love that the problems weren't all one sided, even though they appeared to be at first. But most of all I LOVED the ending pre-epilogue. Why? Because the romance, the love, was seperate from the baby.
I always whine, bitch and complain when the baby brings people together but it didn't here in some ways. The ending really showed the commitment and trust she had in him. So good!
I also LOVED the way the Henry was written. His dialogue and his behaviours. To me he was a subtle evil, and everyday sort of evil. Sometimes, I find that these sort of people slip into my life and so many times in books and movies we see the villain so clearly, but in life bad people, and the people that are bad for us, aren't always so obvious.
Obviously, I will be reading Marie Force again, a 5 star rating and a sport on my faves bookshelf ... that's not a regular occurance. When I started reading romances, I started with the Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Rachel Gibsons of the industry. While reading those books, I would get this feeling. I can't really explain it, but I can tell you that it's different from the feeling when I read other types of stories (like suspense, paranormal, smut, or lesser contemporaries). Now that I've made my way through the books of contemporary powerhouse authors, I miss picking up a new story and knowing I'm going to get so sucked into and involved in a story that the elusive feeling will come. I got that feeling with this book! I am off later today to see if I can find more Marie Force. I doubt this book is a fluke, I think she is fabulous!
December 13, 2010
To say that it exceeded my expectations is one thing, but knowing that I loved it, I can't help but bounce with excitement as I am typing furiously on my keyboard to describe all my bottled feelings for this book.
Line of Scrimmage is one of those good books which leave you with a contented heart and a final parting sigh. It didn't feel like a rush of thrill as it came to an end but it was like one of those refreshing moments which you'd love to revive.
I adored Ryan Sanderson knowing that he wasn't perfect and that he had some faults of his own. His caring nature, undying love for Susannah and the passion to keep that ember of their relationship blazing, I loved him more than I can say.
Susannah is a whole different matter though. I liked her, no doubt in that, but still there were moments where I felt like smacking some sense into her. She was loving, witty, charming, caring...everything I'd want Ryan to have and I could actually connect to her and sympathize with her. As I moved on with the book, I felt sorry for Susannah and Ryan's loss and I couldn't help but admire both of them for their efforts to reconcile a broken relationship that had left them both shaken.
This book reveals the ups and downs in relationship... It tells us what happens after the happily ever after and that love is all that matters in the end. The book had a perfect ending and I really enjoyed the time I spent curled on my bed, reading it. It was a really good read.
Line of Scrimmage is one of those good books which leave you with a contented heart and a final parting sigh. It didn't feel like a rush of thrill as it came to an end but it was like one of those refreshing moments which you'd love to revive.
I adored Ryan Sanderson knowing that he wasn't perfect and that he had some faults of his own. His caring nature, undying love for Susannah and the passion to keep that ember of their relationship blazing, I loved him more than I can say.
Susannah is a whole different matter though. I liked her, no doubt in that, but still there were moments where I felt like smacking some sense into her. She was loving, witty, charming, caring...everything I'd want Ryan to have and I could actually connect to her and sympathize with her. As I moved on with the book, I felt sorry for Susannah and Ryan's loss and I couldn't help but admire both of them for their efforts to reconcile a broken relationship that had left them both shaken.
This book reveals the ups and downs in relationship... It tells us what happens after the happily ever after and that love is all that matters in the end. The book had a perfect ending and I really enjoyed the time I spent curled on my bed, reading it. It was a really good read.
April 10, 2015
Line Of Scrimmage es la primera novela que leo de su autora, Marie Force y debo decir que cuando empece la lectura no esperaba que el libro me gustara tanto, pero termine totalmente enamorada de la historia de amor y superacion de Ryan y Susannah.
Mas que nada empece a leer esta novela porque tenia un poco de resaca literaria y no me apetecia leer nada de mi lista de pendientes, esperaba que fuera una historia mas light pero me sosprendio lo profunda que llego a ser la trama en algunas ocasiones y aunque tiene un par de cliches, fue una lectura tan buena que es muy facil pasarlos por alto, ademas los protagonistas fueron un amor.
3.75 Estrellas!
September 23, 2019
I really wanted to like this book more. It had so many things I love in contemporary romance: second change romance, cocky athlete, hate to love, witty banter, and 3rd person narrative. The 1st half was reminiscent of Susan Elizabeth Phillips. I was psyched!
Then halfway through, it fell flat with contrived drama and behavior that was out of character for the heroine.
Oh well, on to the next.
Then halfway through, it fell flat with contrived drama and behavior that was out of character for the heroine.
Oh well, on to the next.
September 30, 2015
Historia de segundas oportunidades, deportista con su Stetson (me recuerda a Bobby Tom Denton.... ainssss)y ohhhh el amor. Me ha gustado mucho.
3,5
3,5
February 8, 2018
I've got to say, no romance should be over 350 pages long. The genre just doesn't need that many pages to tell their story, especially if there is no suspense, mystery or humor. I enjoyed their story and could see why Susanna felt lost in the whirlwind that was Ryan. Not sure what she thought she was signing up for, but I can understand how it went wrong for her.
Ryan and Susanna got married right after he graduated from college. They were married for 8 years when a personal tragedy drove them apart. By their tenth anniversary, they are just days away from divorce, Ryan has just won his third Super Bowl, he has decided to end his career and win his wife back.
Ryan and Susanna got married right after he graduated from college. They were married for 8 years when a personal tragedy drove them apart. By their tenth anniversary, they are just days away from divorce, Ryan has just won his third Super Bowl, he has decided to end his career and win his wife back.
March 25, 2010
4.5/5 stars. This novel made me feel like a fly-on-the-wall of a separated couple on the brink of divorce. Technically, that doesn’t sound interesting, but the story in this romance was absorbing. It was full of realism (despite the unbelievable situation the characters were in) and had a bittersweet shade to the entire plot. I think the realism was due to raw emotions that occurred between the characters � you couldn’t help but feel their love for each other.
From the cover, it looks like you will need to be a big fan of sports romances to enjoy this book, but that wasn’t true. The football theme was merely a backdrop for the story, albeit an enjoyable one. The author could likely have had an alternate theme and still made believable characters.
Yes, it’s a romance novel, so you can likely figure out who will end up with who within the first few pages, but it did have one or two surprise twists I didn’t see coming. To make the reader fall completely one direction in allegiance, the author had to vilify one character. If she hadn’t done that, I suppose it could have been a very depressing love triangle. Despite the obvious choice for the heroine, even in the last chapter there was still drama. The author had to use the epilogue to resolve some issues for the reader.
One thing I found interesting was the role reversal the author kept throughout the book. At several points, the hero is in pursuit of the heroine, while at others the heroine pursues the hero. It definitely wasn’t a one-sided romance. The emotions were strong on both sides. I also liked how the author had the hero need to take breaks frequently, disappearing for walks alone to think. The idea of a testosterone driven alpha-male having strong feelings and being humanized is always an appealing one to female readers, I think.
The reason I am not giving the book 5 stars in the end was due to some of the dialogue in the book. Even though the story was fascinating to read, there were a few times I felt like the conversation between the characters was awkward. For example: the hero inserted the heroine’s name into a conversation at inappropriate times - they would be in the middle of a heated talk, and he would say her name as if we didn’t already understand they were talking to each other. Think of something along the lines of:
�.heroine: John, you’re making me so angry. Get out of here!
�.hero: Why do you want me to go, Jane?
�.heroine: I don’t know, John. I can’t love you anymore.
�.hero: Ah, but Jane� I can’t live without you.
No, that passage is not in the book (it is merely a figment of my deranged imagination), but you get the idea with the repetition of character names. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way during the first 100 pages of the book. In the end, though, I stopped noticing because the plot was so interesting. Don’t let my faux dialogue above discourage you from reading the book. It really wasn’t such rampant abuse of characters names, I was merely trying to illustrate a point. Plus, the author’s dialogue is much better than my contrived and silly four-line soap opera. hehehe :)
If you have ever been in a failed relationship and reconnected with someone, you will likely understand the feelings that occur within this book - remembering both the good and bad at a moment’s notice and trying not to look at things with a rose-tinted perspective. You may also appreciate this book more if you’ve ever been in a relationship where you had others try to talk you out of it. I really enjoyed the book and plan to put it on my keeper shelf.
From the cover, it looks like you will need to be a big fan of sports romances to enjoy this book, but that wasn’t true. The football theme was merely a backdrop for the story, albeit an enjoyable one. The author could likely have had an alternate theme and still made believable characters.
Yes, it’s a romance novel, so you can likely figure out who will end up with who within the first few pages, but it did have one or two surprise twists I didn’t see coming. To make the reader fall completely one direction in allegiance, the author had to vilify one character. If she hadn’t done that, I suppose it could have been a very depressing love triangle. Despite the obvious choice for the heroine, even in the last chapter there was still drama. The author had to use the epilogue to resolve some issues for the reader.
One thing I found interesting was the role reversal the author kept throughout the book. At several points, the hero is in pursuit of the heroine, while at others the heroine pursues the hero. It definitely wasn’t a one-sided romance. The emotions were strong on both sides. I also liked how the author had the hero need to take breaks frequently, disappearing for walks alone to think. The idea of a testosterone driven alpha-male having strong feelings and being humanized is always an appealing one to female readers, I think.
The reason I am not giving the book 5 stars in the end was due to some of the dialogue in the book. Even though the story was fascinating to read, there were a few times I felt like the conversation between the characters was awkward. For example: the hero inserted the heroine’s name into a conversation at inappropriate times - they would be in the middle of a heated talk, and he would say her name as if we didn’t already understand they were talking to each other. Think of something along the lines of:
�.heroine: John, you’re making me so angry. Get out of here!
�.hero: Why do you want me to go, Jane?
�.heroine: I don’t know, John. I can’t love you anymore.
�.hero: Ah, but Jane� I can’t live without you.
No, that passage is not in the book (it is merely a figment of my deranged imagination), but you get the idea with the repetition of character names. It kind of rubbed me the wrong way during the first 100 pages of the book. In the end, though, I stopped noticing because the plot was so interesting. Don’t let my faux dialogue above discourage you from reading the book. It really wasn’t such rampant abuse of characters names, I was merely trying to illustrate a point. Plus, the author’s dialogue is much better than my contrived and silly four-line soap opera. hehehe :)
If you have ever been in a failed relationship and reconnected with someone, you will likely understand the feelings that occur within this book - remembering both the good and bad at a moment’s notice and trying not to look at things with a rose-tinted perspective. You may also appreciate this book more if you’ve ever been in a relationship where you had others try to talk you out of it. I really enjoyed the book and plan to put it on my keeper shelf.
August 29, 2008
Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force is not only a fantastic read for the romance fan but also for the female sports fan. I found this story ripe with emotion, steadfast with passion and downright endearing. Ladies hold onto your hats cause this Line of Scrimmage is full of secret game plays.
Susannah Sanderson is a stunning blond who's had her fill of a one sided relationship. Marriage to a football superstar is marriage to the team and for Susannah it seems to be taking more than she can give.
Ryan Sanderson is superstar quarterback with three Superbowl wins under his belt but his ten years of marriage aren't quite getting him the awards that he needs. More money than he could possibly ever spend, good looks enough to snag any woman he wants, leaves this jock with happiness in his fantasy world and trouble in his real world.
Henry Merrill is an overly possessed, back stabbing creep who is so in love with Susannah that he sits on the sidelines waiting for his chance to pick up the pieces of her life as it shatters with her separation and upcoming divorce from her husband. Like a leach he sucks his way into her life and into a promise of marriage as soon as the divorce is final.
The story starts us out with Susannah and Henry having a dinner party with his parents to discuss their upcoming wedding. They have a short four weeks before they will be husband and wife and the only thing that can possibly go wrong is Susannah's court date in ten days. All is going well until her estranged husband decides to throw a money wrench into all of Susannah's carefully laid plans by showing up and saying, "Honey I'm home".
Ryan, Susannah and Henry immediately are in conflict over Ryan's presence and there is not a thing that can be done about it as the house still legally belongs to both Susannah and Ryan. Henry is put on the back burner so to speak for the immediate future and sparks of tension, anger and passion fly around our divorcing couple like flies around a rotten banana.
As the story plays out Ryan and Susannah go on a roller coaster ride of blackmail, love and anger, tears and laughter, trust and distrust, pain and sorrow, danger, unbelievable patience and devotion to bring them into a state of questioning possibilities.
Our author has given us an insightful look into true love, passion and undying devotion. She has given us a wonderful back story of team playing with football as it basis. I truly found it uncanny that the story back line is so close to my own beloved New England Patriots and the accomplishments that come with hard work and even harder struggles.
Our characters are totally believable in every situation thrown to them and the intensity of the story grabs us on page one and carries us to the very last page without a blink of the eye. A must read that will not disappoint even the most finicky romance reader.
Susannah Sanderson is a stunning blond who's had her fill of a one sided relationship. Marriage to a football superstar is marriage to the team and for Susannah it seems to be taking more than she can give.
Ryan Sanderson is superstar quarterback with three Superbowl wins under his belt but his ten years of marriage aren't quite getting him the awards that he needs. More money than he could possibly ever spend, good looks enough to snag any woman he wants, leaves this jock with happiness in his fantasy world and trouble in his real world.
Henry Merrill is an overly possessed, back stabbing creep who is so in love with Susannah that he sits on the sidelines waiting for his chance to pick up the pieces of her life as it shatters with her separation and upcoming divorce from her husband. Like a leach he sucks his way into her life and into a promise of marriage as soon as the divorce is final.
The story starts us out with Susannah and Henry having a dinner party with his parents to discuss their upcoming wedding. They have a short four weeks before they will be husband and wife and the only thing that can possibly go wrong is Susannah's court date in ten days. All is going well until her estranged husband decides to throw a money wrench into all of Susannah's carefully laid plans by showing up and saying, "Honey I'm home".
Ryan, Susannah and Henry immediately are in conflict over Ryan's presence and there is not a thing that can be done about it as the house still legally belongs to both Susannah and Ryan. Henry is put on the back burner so to speak for the immediate future and sparks of tension, anger and passion fly around our divorcing couple like flies around a rotten banana.
As the story plays out Ryan and Susannah go on a roller coaster ride of blackmail, love and anger, tears and laughter, trust and distrust, pain and sorrow, danger, unbelievable patience and devotion to bring them into a state of questioning possibilities.
Our author has given us an insightful look into true love, passion and undying devotion. She has given us a wonderful back story of team playing with football as it basis. I truly found it uncanny that the story back line is so close to my own beloved New England Patriots and the accomplishments that come with hard work and even harder struggles.
Our characters are totally believable in every situation thrown to them and the intensity of the story grabs us on page one and carries us to the very last page without a blink of the eye. A must read that will not disappoint even the most finicky romance reader.
April 1, 2011
This is a reread for me, I am giving away some of my favorites and wanted one more taste. It is as good as I remember! Line of Scrimmage is a twist on the typical sports romance because it shows an existing couple that has real problems. They are about to give up on their 10 year marriage until they come together and determine it is worth saving.
It is great sport’s love story about a stud quarterback, Ryan Sanderson, who has reach the pinnacle in his sports career, is about to retire, but has lost his wife to his neglect and lack of communication on both their parts. He is up for the challenge and fights tooth and nail to win her back and avoid divorce before she makes a huge mistake and marries another. I loved Ryan! He wasn’t your typical spoiled sports guy who has it all. Well, he did have it all, but he wouldn’t give up on the woman he loved at first sight and he never strayed during their separation.
I love the first scene when Ryan enters Susannah’s dinner party she is having with her fiancee, the weasel Henry, and his parents and Ryan says “Honey, I am home� after 1 year or so of estrangement. It is instant chemistry (and war) rekindled between Susie and Ryan. They are sizzling and steamy together and made my insides quiver. They made me cry as they relive the main event that tore them apart. And they made me hope as they fight to put their marriage back together and overcome their conflicts. There were some juicy issues and a few slimy villains.
Line of Scrimmage showed me an engaging view into true love, hard forgiveness and undying devotion and what it takes to keep it.
November 20, 2012
I read a couple of reviews of this from bloggers I respect, and I was really looking forward to it. What a disappointment. The hero is a pretty cool guy, but the heroine is a real wimp who spends most of the book in tears. As far as I could tell, she has no claim to fame aside from being the beautiful wife of an extremely wealthy football player. She has a lot of 2012 sex, but other than that, she's a throwback to a Harlequin 1970's heroine. The secondary characters are stereotypes. There's an evil ex-boyfriend and an equally evil wannabe girlfriend who are so predictable they are funny. The writing is mediocre, and the plot reads like something lifted from a soap opera. The plot is a series of disjointed misunderstandings and situations that are loosely strung together. Very few of them really move the plot forward, and most of them could be cut with no harm done.
I paid $5.38 for this book, and it wasn't worth it. I can't recommend it to anyone, and I doubt I will buy anything else by this author.
I paid $5.38 for this book, and it wasn't worth it. I can't recommend it to anyone, and I doubt I will buy anything else by this author.
January 30, 2018
Reread 2018 - still holds up for me. :)
Reread 7/2015 - Still really like this book. I've seen a lot of folks dislike it because they feel that the heroine is a cheater, but I just don't see it that way.
reread 1/2014
Not sure why this hits so many readers' hot buttons, but it's one of my favorites. This is my 3rd or 4th reread of this book.
I'm always a big fan of reconciliations in a marriage/relationship where the 2 parties still love each other but have separated for various reasons. I always want to believe in true love forever.
^_^
Reread 7/2015 - Still really like this book. I've seen a lot of folks dislike it because they feel that the heroine is a cheater, but I just don't see it that way.
reread 1/2014
Not sure why this hits so many readers' hot buttons, but it's one of my favorites. This is my 3rd or 4th reread of this book.
I'm always a big fan of reconciliations in a marriage/relationship where the 2 parties still love each other but have separated for various reasons. I always want to believe in true love forever.
^_^
June 23, 2011
4 1/2 stars. Pleasantly surprised at what a good book this was. I just blew right though it. It was just the right balance of good dialogue, an engaging story and one hot, hunky football player Ryan. He isn't about to give up on his marriage to Susannah, who is days away from marrying someone else. It was surprising and heartbreaking to find out what tore them apart, and an enjoyable journey to see that they still had passion, desire and love for each other. Very sweet HEA...loved it!
May 24, 2011
First n formost Marie you are such a talented wonderful awesome excellent writter,you bring about the emotions so well,the characters are so well developed and human,the issues in the stories are so well handled and tackled and at no point i was stuck or bored it moves at a great pace,you keep the readers glued to the story from 1 till the last page
i have read 2 books and both the times i instantly connected with the characters,i loved them adored them got angry with them wanted to smack them also and also cried along with them,i offcially announce myself your lifelong crazy fan who will never ever miss any of your books,you can never get rid of me hehe
Coming to the book swear its Öne Of THE BEST BESTEST CLASSIC "second chance romance i have ever read,from the first page till the last i was so in the book,just enjoyed every moment of reading it,its definetely a keeper for me
Ryan is such a cute humble adorable courageous patient moralistic man,he is strong enough to acknowledge and accept his mistakes and also tries to make it right,he puts so much effort to make his marriage work and deals with all the issues so beautifully may it be the way he behaved in the past or the death of their child,he explains and brings out how he felt and why did their marriage went on rough path,just love the way he loves,adores,pampers Susie,just love him cho much
Susie she is one sweetest woman,who always supported and loved Ryan unconditionally, she married the love of her life made some sacrifices and also handled all the loneliness in their 10 years of marriage but with the death of their child she is just so much in grief she does'nt even realises but she pushes Ryan away,one thing i disliked was the way she jumped to conclusion at one point and said aweful things to Ryan but then she apologises,also she let unintentionally a third person in her marriage that Henry but i applaud her for standing up top her parents for Ryan and defending him,liked the way she also accepted her mistakes which she contributed in almost break up of the marriage but she also puts efforts and it brings happiness to both of them
I just enjoyed every second and moment of Ryan's n Susie's beautiful heart warming sweet cyte journey of bringing back what they had,all the issues were brought and talked so beautifully,just loved the bantering in between followed by teasing and passionate love making,they both fought for their love and marriage and got their truly deserved HEA
Excellent read,definetely a keeper for me(wanted to rate 5+++++++++++++++++ stars)
Recommend it
i have read 2 books and both the times i instantly connected with the characters,i loved them adored them got angry with them wanted to smack them also and also cried along with them,i offcially announce myself your lifelong crazy fan who will never ever miss any of your books,you can never get rid of me hehe
Coming to the book swear its Öne Of THE BEST BESTEST CLASSIC "second chance romance i have ever read,from the first page till the last i was so in the book,just enjoyed every moment of reading it,its definetely a keeper for me
Ryan is such a cute humble adorable courageous patient moralistic man,he is strong enough to acknowledge and accept his mistakes and also tries to make it right,he puts so much effort to make his marriage work and deals with all the issues so beautifully may it be the way he behaved in the past or the death of their child,he explains and brings out how he felt and why did their marriage went on rough path,just love the way he loves,adores,pampers Susie,just love him cho much
Susie she is one sweetest woman,who always supported and loved Ryan unconditionally, she married the love of her life made some sacrifices and also handled all the loneliness in their 10 years of marriage but with the death of their child she is just so much in grief she does'nt even realises but she pushes Ryan away,one thing i disliked was the way she jumped to conclusion at one point and said aweful things to Ryan but then she apologises,also she let unintentionally a third person in her marriage that Henry but i applaud her for standing up top her parents for Ryan and defending him,liked the way she also accepted her mistakes which she contributed in almost break up of the marriage but she also puts efforts and it brings happiness to both of them
I just enjoyed every second and moment of Ryan's n Susie's beautiful heart warming sweet cyte journey of bringing back what they had,all the issues were brought and talked so beautifully,just loved the bantering in between followed by teasing and passionate love making,they both fought for their love and marriage and got their truly deserved HEA
Excellent read,definetely a keeper for me(wanted to rate 5+++++++++++++++++ stars)
Recommend it
June 7, 2011
Ryan Sanderstone has it all. Fame, fortune, 3 superbowl rings and more money than he can spend. What doesn't he have? His wife.
Susannah Sanderstone is ten days away from freedom. Her divorce will be final, she will marry her safe high school boyfriend Henry, and all will be light in the world of previous darkness.
God I hated the premise. Susannah is STILL MARRIED to Sex on a stick Ryan, and is ENGAGED to Henry the pansy. Um no. Not so much. This shit doesn't fly with me. So she is cheating on Ryan, and then cheating on Henry with Ryan. I guess. I guess it's Okay though, because she never had sex with Henry... right? So it's not cheating? Either way? Oh wait.. she does have wild monkey sex with Ryan, but since he's her husband it's Ok...right? Riiight.
Oye.
The writing was solid, I ran through some emotional gauntlets, but they were few and far between. Generally I like second chance romance. When done right, it can be very rewarding to the reader, and the characters. But when done wrong, it pretty much sucks for all parties involved.
I actually did like when Ryan and Susannah had their big heart to heart about the loss of their son, what went wrong with their marriage, and re-kindled their relationship. I just could have done that without the freaky engagement. Should have just made Henry the weird, creepy, stands too close BFF, who was "there" for her when her marriage crumbled, waiting to pick up the pieces and slide himeself into place... In my non-author opinion this would have been easier to swallow.
Also Susannah was kind of a freaking drama queen and quick to accuse Ryan of all sorts of nasty shit. Seriously? You just told him you loved him, want him back, trust him bla bla bla then you are all "You ruined everything! You're a liar! I hate you, I knew it!! then more tears.. ugh the tears...
I really did like Ryan, well at least this new version of Ryan we meet. I doubt I would have liked the old Ryan. The selfish Ryan.
I like dirty talkers. Ryan was a talker :) Yum
Susannah Sanderstone is ten days away from freedom. Her divorce will be final, she will marry her safe high school boyfriend Henry, and all will be light in the world of previous darkness.
God I hated the premise. Susannah is STILL MARRIED to Sex on a stick Ryan, and is ENGAGED to Henry the pansy. Um no. Not so much. This shit doesn't fly with me. So she is cheating on Ryan, and then cheating on Henry with Ryan. I guess. I guess it's Okay though, because she never had sex with Henry... right? So it's not cheating? Either way? Oh wait.. she does have wild monkey sex with Ryan, but since he's her husband it's Ok...right? Riiight.
Oye.
The writing was solid, I ran through some emotional gauntlets, but they were few and far between. Generally I like second chance romance. When done right, it can be very rewarding to the reader, and the characters. But when done wrong, it pretty much sucks for all parties involved.
I actually did like when Ryan and Susannah had their big heart to heart about the loss of their son, what went wrong with their marriage, and re-kindled their relationship. I just could have done that without the freaky engagement. Should have just made Henry the weird, creepy, stands too close BFF, who was "there" for her when her marriage crumbled, waiting to pick up the pieces and slide himeself into place... In my non-author opinion this would have been easier to swallow.
Also Susannah was kind of a freaking drama queen and quick to accuse Ryan of all sorts of nasty shit. Seriously? You just told him you loved him, want him back, trust him bla bla bla then you are all "You ruined everything! You're a liar! I hate you, I knew it!! then more tears.. ugh the tears...
I really did like Ryan, well at least this new version of Ryan we meet. I doubt I would have liked the old Ryan. The selfish Ryan.
I like dirty talkers. Ryan was a talker :) Yum
February 16, 2012
Since this was my FIRST Marie Force read, I figured it deserved to be an official Throwback. I think I have read Line of Scrimmage about ten times, and each time I do, the story has the ability to suck me in and not let go until the last page. Don't we love those books?
One of my Favorite Football Romances, Line of Scrimmage is so much more than what you might think by looking at the cover....Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with the cover....It just doesn't give justice to the emotion packed story that we get inside.
Ryan Sanderson screwed up big time by letting Susannah get away the first time, but he won't let that happen again. Even if the Superstar Quarterback is supposed to be recovering from an injury sustained in the last quarter of the Superbowl. Susannah is about to marry another man, a man who is safe and she won't have to worry about. She is done with worrying and trying to put on a brave face. She wants peace and normalcy and she can have that...just as soon as Ryan gives her a divorce.
Line of Scrimmage is an emotion packed book that will have you tearing up numerous times. We get to see inside the broken marriage of Two people who still truly love each other, but as they say "Sometimes Love Just Ain't enough".
Great Read, Great Storyline, Great Characters and just a wonderful all around Romance!! Get it, Read it and Enjoy it!!
One of my Favorite Football Romances, Line of Scrimmage is so much more than what you might think by looking at the cover....Not that there is ANYTHING wrong with the cover....It just doesn't give justice to the emotion packed story that we get inside.
Ryan Sanderson screwed up big time by letting Susannah get away the first time, but he won't let that happen again. Even if the Superstar Quarterback is supposed to be recovering from an injury sustained in the last quarter of the Superbowl. Susannah is about to marry another man, a man who is safe and she won't have to worry about. She is done with worrying and trying to put on a brave face. She wants peace and normalcy and she can have that...just as soon as Ryan gives her a divorce.
Line of Scrimmage is an emotion packed book that will have you tearing up numerous times. We get to see inside the broken marriage of Two people who still truly love each other, but as they say "Sometimes Love Just Ain't enough".
Great Read, Great Storyline, Great Characters and just a wonderful all around Romance!! Get it, Read it and Enjoy it!!
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September 23, 2011
Nah - not very good at all. I actually started to write quite a long review and thought - nope. Some just don't deserve the time.
Don't you just hate those books that give you the idea they will be about a specific theme? In this case, football. Very minimal story content about the game - shame. And, top this off by a weak storyline, weakly developed characters, shallow minimal emotion in the relationship - yuk!
This story could have been so much more. She started out with all the right stuff, but ... just didn't get there.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I have a few others I've purchased on the "cheap" in my TBR pile. They will stay there for a while.
Not for me, but maybe for you.
Happy Reading!
Don't you just hate those books that give you the idea they will be about a specific theme? In this case, football. Very minimal story content about the game - shame. And, top this off by a weak storyline, weakly developed characters, shallow minimal emotion in the relationship - yuk!
This story could have been so much more. She started out with all the right stuff, but ... just didn't get there.
This is the first book I've read by this author. I have a few others I've purchased on the "cheap" in my TBR pile. They will stay there for a while.
Not for me, but maybe for you.
Happy Reading!
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