Review: The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart

The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart is LIVE! Check out this jaw-dropping excerpt! Don't forget to one-click yours today!

Contemporary Romance

Stand Alone

Designed by QDesign

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40944080-the-guy-in-the-middle

PURCHASE HERE!!!

Universal link: http://mybook.to/TheGuyInTheMiddle

𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲-⁣ https://www.instagram.com/p/B9FIiUliq4-/?igshid=5dag9h7ejzme

Blurb:

I was born to play and bred to win.

My priorities were instilled in me early on—family and football. Those ideals led me to TGU and a coach whose ironclad principles mirrored my own.

With one last college season to play, my goal was singular—get drafted. By realizing my NFL dream, I could save my family, our ranch, and the only home I’d ever known.

Two birds, one ball.

Playing hard was my only option, but there’s always a wild card.

For all of my planning and hard work, I never anticipated falling for the coach's daughter. Harper was a fair catch, but who knew loving her could be the one play to throw my career before it started or that the weight of our secret would change the game.

*This is book #3 of The Underdogs Series, but you can read as a stand-alone. *Formerly published in Team Player 2 but is now a 107k full length novel with an extended epilogue.


Christy's 5 star review: 

 

What an epic way to end The Underdogs series. Every book in this series has been a five star favorite for me and this was no exception. After reading the first part of this story in the 'Team Player' anthology, I was chomping at the bit to get to this. It was everything I wanted and more. Lance and Harper stole my heart. I loved this book so much!

Harper and Lance meet in college. Lance is a football player but also loves boxing. He uses as an outlet, as he’s got a lot going on in his family life. He’s a serious guy and is a little broody and stand-offish at first. Harper is a dancer, but is waiting to follow her dreams until she gets a college education. She’s not traditionally the most beautiful girl, but I loved seeing her through Lance’s eyes. These two have a bumpy start to their relationship, but they fall in love. It's a bit forbidden due to who Harper's dad is, but they make it work. Or they try to.

What I loved most about this story was the way these two fought for one another. Their were times Lance fought for Harper, and there were times that Harper fought for Lance. They never gave up on each other, even when things seemed impossible. And oh my goodness, the way that Lance saw Harper, the way he looked at her.. my heart. I love that Kate wrote a character that wasn't conventionally beautiful. My heart was so heavy with what Harper went through but Lance saw her as the most gorgeous thing alive and isn't that the way it's supposed to be when you truly love someone?

“She’s a six at most, why are you wasting time with a six?”

“Add five to that.”

“What?”

“She’s my eleven.”

Not only do we get Lance and Harper's story, we get a fair bit of Theo and Laney, as well as Troy and Clarrisa. I loved getting more from these two couples and I adored the ending of all their stories.

This story was amazing. It had the perfect amount of angst, heartache, and emotion. It's a beautiful second chance romance you don't want to miss out on. The Guy in the Middle is by far my favorite book of 2020 so far, and I'm sure it will be a contender for my best book of the year!

I cling to him knowing that from this moment forward, all my steps will always lead back to him. This isn’t commitment. This is forever.

 

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Website Facebook Group Facebook Author Page Newsletter signup Twitter Instagram

Excerpt Reveal: The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart

Want a peek inside The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart? Check out this jaw-dropping excerpt! Don't forget to add it to your TBR!

Contemporary Romance

Stand Alone

Designed by QDesign

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40944080-the-guy-in-the-middle

Blurb:

I was born to play and bred to win.

My priorities were instilled in me early on—family and football. Those ideals led me to TGU and a coach whose ironclad principles mirrored my own.

With one last college season to play, my goal was singular—get drafted. By realizing my NFL dream, I could save my family, our ranch, and the only home I’d ever known.

Two birds, one ball.

Playing hard was my only option, but there’s always a wild card.

For all of my planning and hard work, I never anticipated falling for the coach's daughter. Harper was a fair catch, but who knew loving her could be the one play to throw my career before it started or that the weight of our secret would change the game.

*The Guy in the Middle is a stand alone novel in the Underdog Series. This is Lance's story.

EXCERPT:

Harper

“I’ve missed you, you know? More than you can imagine.”

“Can’t imagine it at all,” he says, picking through a book he’s not reading.

“Can I help you two?” One of the store sales associates asks, and I shake my head and smile. When she takes her leave, I look over to Lance who stands fuming on the other side of a table filled with loose items. We’re in a mismatch shop full of mostly cheap junk, and I can’t imagine him finding anything for his mother here.

“Lance, I have missed you. Horribly.” 

“Could have fooled me.”

I can only take so much. Irritated, I lift a designer coffee mug from the table.

“You like this for your mom?”

“No.”

“How about this?”

“Nope.” He’s not even looking at what’s in my hands.

“You sure? It’s a hide purse. Cute for a rancher’s wife, don’t you think?” This gets his attention, and stormy eyes lift to mine.

“Would you buy that for you?”

I look it over and shake my head. “Not really my style.”

“Bet it’s not.”

I can feel my ears reddening. Fuming, I eye a box on the shelf, snatch it and shove it into his chest. “How about this giant fucking purple dildo and matching anal plug!? Think mom will like that?”

He looks up completely unaffected, “Nope.”

“I don’t think we’re in the right place,” Tossing the box down, I stalk out of the cluttered shop and into the department store next to it. He’s hot on my heels.

“Got that fucking right.”

I turn back to see he’s spoiling for a fight and release a stressed breath. Fighting with him is the last thing I want to do. “Look, lets, just…” I search around and pull a sweater from the closest rack. “How about this? Simple, elegant.”

“You think Mom’s simple, huh? I’ll give her your regards.”

“That’s it.” I hook the sweater back on to the rack and close the space between us, forcing his eyes to mine. “God, you’re still a brute, aren’t you? You haven’t changed a bit. Still pig-headed as hell.”

“Pig-headed?” He opens his mouth in mock shock and covers his chest with his hand. “How dare you.”

I’m in between fight or flight, but I’ve been dodging this long enough. My heart can’t take more confrontation. I missed him too much. His eyes flare with satisfaction at my irritation. “Misery loves company, right, Lance?”

“Never said I was miserable.”

“You don’t have to. Did you come to New York just to torture me?”

“Maybe.”

“Rub it in on what I’m missing out on?”

A voice sounds from next to us. “Is there something I can help you find today?”

We both turn to the woman with lasers in our eyes, and she swallows. I clear my throat. “We’re fine. Thank you.”

Lance winks at the woman, his eyes scanning her form. “Maybe you can help me?”

“You son of a bitch,” I hiss, before walking away from the table. His voice rings out next to me as I rip through a rack of scarves.

“Good to know you care, Priss, gotta admit, it’s surprising.”

I reel on him. “Don’t you dare! Leaving you was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. I had to make a clean break. I had just lost everyone that mattered to me. I was losing my mind.”

“I got pissed for one day, and you went off the grid.”

“And you let me go because you knew no matter how much we wanted it to work, it couldn’t. You have no idea what I went through!”

“What you went through? Do you know I spent six months ranting to an Uber driver named Dave because everyone on my team hated me when the truth came out?” He stomps after me as I pull sweater after sweater off the rack. “Troy jumped ship after he got drafted. I had no one but Tony and those fights.”

I turn to him with twenty sweaters in my arms. “Jenner? When did y’all get so tight?”

“When shit got tough, and my fucking girlfriend bailed!” He glares down at me, his breaths coming out fast.

“Guys, we’re going to need you to take this outside.” A woman whom I assume is the store manager approaches us cautiously.

I look around the store and see all eyes are on us, especially the women sizing him up. “He’s available ladies,” I snap, laying the sweaters on a nearby table, “I’m willing to bet he comes really cheap.” He’s on my heels as I push through the glass of the department store.

“Oh, was I supposed to wait for you? Must have missed that memo. That’s it, you must want a saint. That’s why you didn’t stay.”

“I was twenty years old and alienated from a place I didn’t want to be anyway.”

“Good to know.”

“That’s not the way I meant it. And you know damn well until you, I was only there to appease my Dad, who I barely speak to now.”

“I’m sorry about that, I am, but that’s on him. And what in the hell are you talking about ‘alienated’?”

“Forget it.” I pull on my gloves as heavy snow starts to come down. “I think we’ve concluded our tour for today.”

He glances around the sidewalk. “Well, no need to show me more, I hate this fucking place!”

“And why is that? Not enough free-range chickens?!”

His eyes flare. “You digging on the ranch now, Priss? I saw a fucking rat the size of a cat on my run this morning!”

“Probably has better manners than you, shit head.”

“Pulling out the big guns now, huh? There’s that backbone. I was wondering where it went.”

“Go home, Lance, you hate it here. And you obviously hate me.”

“Just the opposite. It’s impossible, and believe me, I’m trying!”

“Well, I hope you succeed! Thanks for stopping by, Mary Poppins. Best Christmas ever! Make sure to bulldoze the nativity scene on your way out!”

“Fuck this.” He throws his hands up and eyes me warily before turning and walking away.

“Merry Christmas to you, too!”

Blogger Sign ups!

The sign ups are open to bloggers, and we would love for you to join us for the upcoming release events!

Teasers: Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

Excerpt reveal: Feb 12

Release day: Feb 29

Review tour: Feb 29-Mar 7

SIGN UP HERE!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Website Facebook Group Facebook Author Page Newsletter signup Twitter Instagram

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Cover Reveal: The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart

We're so excited to reveal the cover for The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart! The sign ups are open to bloggers, and we would love for you to join us for the upcoming release events!

Contemporary Romance

Stand Alone

Designed by QDesign

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40944080-the-guy-in-the-middle

Blurb:

I was born to play and bred to win.

My priorities were instilled in me early on—family and football. Those ideals led me to TGU and a coach whose ironclad principles mirrored my own.

With one last college season to play, my goal was singular—get drafted. By realizing my NFL dream, I could save my family, our ranch, and the only home I’d ever known.

Two birds, one ball.

Playing hard was my only option, but there’s always a wild card.

For all of my planning and hard work, I never anticipated falling for the coach's daughter. Harper was a fair catch, but who knew loving her could be the one play to throw my career before it started or that the weight of our secret would change the game.

*The Guy in the Middle is a stand alone novel in the Underdog Series. This is Lance's story.

Blogger Sign ups!

Teasers: Feb 4, 11, 18, 25

Excerpt reveal: Feb 12

Release day: Feb 29

Review tour: Feb 29-Mar 7

SIGN UP HERE!

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title, Drive, was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Website Facebook Group Facebook Author Page Newsletter signup Twitter Instagram

REVIEW: The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart

The Guy on the Left by Kate Stewart is LIVE! This is a standalone contemporary romance packed with all the feels! One-click yours NOW!

Contemporary Romance/Romantic Dramedy

Stand Alone

Designer: Q Design

Goodreads: http://bit.ly/2WsCGhh

AMAZON US: https://amzn.to/2PmwlRs
AMAZON UK: https://amzn.to/38j4dHh
AMAZON CA: https://amzn.to/351VsPQ
AMAZON AU: https://amzn.to/2YpMhXf

Blurb:

It started with a lie. A night of blurred lines between a teacher and a student.

I wasn’t her student, yet it was the single most defining night of my life.

I’ve never been the man she thinks I am.

Most people have no idea about the life I’ve lived or the words that ring true when it comes to me—still waters run deep.

But you’d be hard-pressed to find a coed on the TGU campus who knows otherwise…because I’ve never corrected them.

The clock is ticking down, it’s Fourth and Inches with the ball inside the one-yard line and the focus is on me, The Guy on the Left. I’ve never felt like a football god, inside I’m…just Troy.

It’s time to set the record straight.

For my son, I‘ll find the strength.

In her eyes, I’m determined to gain redemption.

I will have them both, even if I have to take my eye off the ball.

*The Guy on the Left is a stand alone novel in the Underdogs Series. This is Troy's story.

Christy's Review: 

 

When I read 'The Guy on the Right' earlier this year, I fell in love. That book was all kinds of epic and I was instantly intrigued with Troy, who was Theo's roommate. Then we found out the connection between Troy and Dante and I knew I had to have his book. I loved TGotR so much, I didn't know if this would be quite as good for me. Well... it was. In fact, I think it was a tiny bit better. Because along with being hilarious and a blast to read, it gave me all the feels. And Troy Jenner... Troy is Kate's best hero to date. I was obsessed with this book!

Troy Jenner told a lie one night to a pretty girl, and his life was forever changed. Troy and Clarissa meet at a bar and really hit it off. Clarissa is a new teacher, and she believes Troy is one too. A few months later, she finds out she's pregnant. And then she finds Troy. And then... she finds out Troy is not a teacher. No, he's not a teacher at all. He's an 18 year old high school student. Clarissa is devastated and more than a little upset, which is understandable. This puts her entire career, her entire life in jeopardy. She shuts Troy out and never wants to see him again.

Fast forward 5-6 years later. Even though Troy has never met his son, he's always done the best he can for him. He's been on the sidelines, watching out for them and helping when Clarissa will let him. But now that he has his life together, he's a senior in college and headed to the NFL, he feels like he can approach. Things are about to get hella complicated for all parties involved...
 

He’s so smart, my son. My son. He wasn’t a mistake. I refuse to believe it. I will be whatever he needs. For my son. It’s time to be a father.

My absolute favorite thing about this book was Troy and Dante's relationship. Troy really stepped up for him, and not only became a constant present in his life, but also his best friend. It was truly the sweetest, most heartwarming thing to witness. There were so many scenes between these two that made me laugh hysterically. I adored them together. I have to admit, it took a little while for me to warm to Clarissa. But I do understand why she made the choices she did.

Not only was the familial aspect of this story fantastic, but the romance was great as well. It was steamy, sweet, and messy at times, but it was still beautiful. Kate Stewart does the best job of writing love story's that are a bit of a mess, but still perfectly imperfect. I know I've said it once, but it bears repeating. Troy Jenner is the best hero Kate has ever written. That's hard for me to say because I love her Jack and Reid, but Troy truly takes the cake for me.
 

“I’m lucky you’re mine.” He turns to me, his eyes filling with emotion as I tell him my truth. “You’ve surprised me, Troy. In the best way.”

I loved that The Guy on the Left wasn't a carbon copy of TGotR. They are totally different books in a lot of ways, but both of them are equally wonderful. If you're looking for a heartwarming story that has a little angst, a lot of laughs, and a ton of heart, pick this book up! It's definitely one of my top top favorites of the year!!
   

"You and Dante, you redefined my dreams. My everything is yours."

 

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author and Texas native, Kate Stewart, lives in North Carolina with her husband, Nick, and her naughty beagle, Sadie. She pens messy, sexy, angst-filled contemporary romance, as well as romantic comedy and erotic suspense. Kate's title Drive was named one of the best romances of 2017 by The New York Daily News and Huffington Post. Drive was also a finalist in the Goodreads Choice awards for best contemporary romance of 2017. Her works have been featured in USA TODAY, BuzzFeed, and translated in five languages.

Kate is a lover of all things '80s and '90s, especially John Hughes films and rap. She dabbles a little in photography, can knit a simple stitch scarf for necessity, and on occasion, does very well at whiskey.

Contact Kate- Email-authorkatestewart@gmail.com

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*blog tour through WordSmith Publicity*