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X-Treme Boys #1
Skater Boy
For 25 year old attorney, Hindley Hagen, life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Avoiding surprises and keeping people at a distance is the only way she has to protect herself from the painful scars and shattered memories of her past. When Hindley is offered a new position at her prestigious Austin law firm as sports agent for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor, she’s ready for the new challenge but completely unprepared for the man who captures her heart. Suddenly, Hindley is thrust into a world where protecting all their secrets could cost her everything; her family, her career, and maybe even her life.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after two years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s having to make a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for a comeback, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time... it may not be enough.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after two years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s having to make a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for a comeback, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time... it may not be enough.
352 pages
First published September 8, 2013
About the author
Kay Manis
36 books107 followersIn addition to being an author, I’m also a wife and mom. My family lives in the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin, Texas.
I am blessed to have a family that supports all my wild and crazy ideas. They give me the time and the encouragement I need to write and publish the stories that still float around in my head every single day.
I hope you enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. I’ve always said, as long as people keep reading, I’ll keep writing.
Join my private Facebook Group
The Manis MOB Squad – I post sneak peek teasers, ARCs, pre-release buy links and giveaways exclusive to the members. We also obsess over books (MOB – Mania of Books) and support one another’s One-Click addiction.
www.kaymanis.com
www.facebook.com/kaymanisauthor2
www.twitter.com/kaymanis
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I am blessed to have a family that supports all my wild and crazy ideas. They give me the time and the encouragement I need to write and publish the stories that still float around in my head every single day.
I hope you enjoy my books as much as I enjoy writing them. I’ve always said, as long as people keep reading, I’ll keep writing.
Join my private Facebook Group
The Manis MOB Squad – I post sneak peek teasers, ARCs, pre-release buy links and giveaways exclusive to the members. We also obsess over books (MOB – Mania of Books) and support one another’s One-Click addiction.
www.kaymanis.com
www.facebook.com/kaymanisauthor2
www.twitter.com/kaymanis
www.instagram.com/kaymanis
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
January 8, 2014
Sizzling Pages Romance Reviews
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So I had a crush on a Skater boy in highschool and I have never forgotten him. It's funny I can even still remember his name. John Reed. OMG. That is funny! So I went into this thinking it would be a pretty good YA romance. Well, it's definitely not YA it's pretty raunchy in parts because this dude doesn't have a filter and I FREAKING LOVE A DIRTY TALKER.
Rory (Sexy Name)
6'2" of tattooed yummyness I tell you!
This guy put the C in Cocky (get your mind out of the gutter) LOL. He is so freaking sexy and he know's it. But underneath all that confidence is a soul that has been torn down by insecurities and abuse from a horrible childhood. He rescues Hindley from herself one drunken night and a funny, sexy friendship begins. They both think they aren't right for each other but their attraction is so explosive they can't fight it.
Two lonely souls come crashing together and just when it's getting good they run into another wall ! You'll have to read this sexy story to find out all their obstacles and beware there is a cliffy but ..book 2 is already out so go for it.
If I had one negative thing to say about this book ..is that I hate FADE to BLACk with a passion and for all the hot sexy dirty talk...2 important scenes faded to black and I felt ROBBED. I would have been ok if there were no sexy scenes in the book but there were! Major hot sexin! But two firsts were held from me and I am so mad!
Rory is what saved it all for me. His brooding " I am falling and I can't help it " attitude was the best. Love him.
All in all a unique story with some crazy characters especially the BFF Dana. She is something else!
On to My Skater Boy now :)
December 8, 2013
I was given a free e-copy of this book by the author in exchange for an honest review. Here goes nothing:
This is Kay Manis' debut romance novel. As far as romances go, it follows the typical genre rules as one might expect. My first overall impression of this book is that the author is trying hard to do something different. Skater Boy tells the story of Rory Gregor, a talented X-games skater (See? that is different, right?? happy face) trying to make a comeback after too much partying, drugs, and women and Hindley Hagen, a new lawyer trying to impress her boss and build up her own career. Rory is likeable enough. His inability to read is weird to me, I mean, I get it. Every hero has a boo-boo, his fatal flaw, but Hindley offering to teach him just didn’t sit well with me. Everyone has tried to teach him and failed. How is Hindley qualified to teach him? I felt like Hindley was condescending to Rory when she offered to teach him to read. Another thing that didn’t sit well with me is how Hindely and Rory talk to themselves in italics. It is distracting. I did not care for all the sexual puns and innuendo. Lastly, Rory is supposed to be a skater boy. Yet he is he always dressed in a polo and khakis? Why is he never really, um, you know… skating? And how come he is described as your typical romance hero: rippling hard muscles, bulging biceps, tanned skin, big blah blah blah… I mean skater guys are hot , but that is not typically how I picture a skater guy looking.
There were also some continuity issues in this book. At one point Hindley says she has no clubbing clothes when asked by her step dad to accompany her step sister on her bachelorette party, but then she said she didn’t know they were going dancing. (i.e. “Wendy had conveniently forgotten to tell me we were going out dancing after class.”)Okay, so things I liked: I liked Hindley’s name. I liked that Rory wanted to protect Hindley even before ever really knowing her. I liked the way this book began, but once Rory’s um, to quote from the book, “land down under” starting “twitching”, I was immediately turned off. Also, the ending was very abrupt. I really felt like the story was not finished and it just stopped. Abruptly. Unfortunately, this book was just not for me. I do not believe I will continue to read on to the second book, My Skater Boy.
This is Kay Manis' debut romance novel. As far as romances go, it follows the typical genre rules as one might expect. My first overall impression of this book is that the author is trying hard to do something different. Skater Boy tells the story of Rory Gregor, a talented X-games skater (See? that is different, right?? happy face) trying to make a comeback after too much partying, drugs, and women and Hindley Hagen, a new lawyer trying to impress her boss and build up her own career. Rory is likeable enough. His inability to read is weird to me, I mean, I get it. Every hero has a boo-boo, his fatal flaw, but Hindley offering to teach him just didn’t sit well with me. Everyone has tried to teach him and failed. How is Hindley qualified to teach him? I felt like Hindley was condescending to Rory when she offered to teach him to read. Another thing that didn’t sit well with me is how Hindely and Rory talk to themselves in italics. It is distracting. I did not care for all the sexual puns and innuendo. Lastly, Rory is supposed to be a skater boy. Yet he is he always dressed in a polo and khakis? Why is he never really, um, you know… skating? And how come he is described as your typical romance hero: rippling hard muscles, bulging biceps, tanned skin, big blah blah blah… I mean skater guys are hot , but that is not typically how I picture a skater guy looking.
There were also some continuity issues in this book. At one point Hindley says she has no clubbing clothes when asked by her step dad to accompany her step sister on her bachelorette party, but then she said she didn’t know they were going dancing. (i.e. “Wendy had conveniently forgotten to tell me we were going out dancing after class.”)Okay, so things I liked: I liked Hindley’s name. I liked that Rory wanted to protect Hindley even before ever really knowing her. I liked the way this book began, but once Rory’s um, to quote from the book, “land down under” starting “twitching”, I was immediately turned off. Also, the ending was very abrupt. I really felt like the story was not finished and it just stopped. Abruptly. Unfortunately, this book was just not for me. I do not believe I will continue to read on to the second book, My Skater Boy.
March 2, 2015
If this book had received a bunch of three star reviews, I would have given it my 2 stars and moved on BUT after reading through all of the 4 and 5 star reviews, I'm wondering if I read the same book as everyone else. Let's face it, not every book can be five star worthy and as a reader, I don't expect that. However, I usually read some reviews before diving into a book and I do expect those reviews to be honest or at least somewhat accurate.
The foundation of the MCs and their storylines were interesting enough that I finished this book in order to know the secrets they were keeping. So I guess I'll give the author an A for effort on creating enough intrigue for me to finish. However, the execution of their stories was a complete fail.
The dialogue was generic. The way every other sentence of both POVs was italicized was beyond irritating and distracting. The inner dialogue was cringe worthy and juvenile. So bad. There was so much throbbing... Throbbing dicks, throbbing lady parts, throbbing that needed soothing, painful throbbing, instant throbbing, throbbing meat whistles. For the love of god I can't, just stop the throbbing! And there was all the "sexual innuendo" and "dirty talking" - nope, just no, it was bad.
More than half of this book was one of the MCs describing how attractive the other character was and all the dirty kinky things they wanted to do to each other. We get it. Every time Rory saw or thought about Hindley, his hard on (in which he also referred to more than once as his one-eyed milkman) was bigger than the state of California (his words, not mine). And every time Hindley thought about or saw Rory, there was zinging lady parts and a need to change her panties.
Oh, AND it's a cliff hanger. I wish I could, but I just can't. I'm out. I'll never know the horrid secrets these two are keeping. I wanna know more about their pasts but not enough to read another whole book. :(
Like I said earlier, if this book had received mostly 3 star ratings, I would have let it go but I wished that I had been warned. As much as I'm a fan of the if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it mindset, I'm also a fan of being honest. I would never discourage someone from reading a book because we all have different tastes and opinions. This one was not for me but I think I'm in the minority on that so if it sounds interesting to you, go for it!
The foundation of the MCs and their storylines were interesting enough that I finished this book in order to know the secrets they were keeping. So I guess I'll give the author an A for effort on creating enough intrigue for me to finish. However, the execution of their stories was a complete fail.
The dialogue was generic. The way every other sentence of both POVs was italicized was beyond irritating and distracting. The inner dialogue was cringe worthy and juvenile. So bad. There was so much throbbing... Throbbing dicks, throbbing lady parts, throbbing that needed soothing, painful throbbing, instant throbbing, throbbing meat whistles. For the love of god I can't, just stop the throbbing! And there was all the "sexual innuendo" and "dirty talking" - nope, just no, it was bad.
More than half of this book was one of the MCs describing how attractive the other character was and all the dirty kinky things they wanted to do to each other. We get it. Every time Rory saw or thought about Hindley, his hard on (in which he also referred to more than once as his one-eyed milkman) was bigger than the state of California (his words, not mine). And every time Hindley thought about or saw Rory, there was zinging lady parts and a need to change her panties.
Oh, AND it's a cliff hanger. I wish I could, but I just can't. I'm out. I'll never know the horrid secrets these two are keeping. I wanna know more about their pasts but not enough to read another whole book. :(
Like I said earlier, if this book had received mostly 3 star ratings, I would have let it go but I wished that I had been warned. As much as I'm a fan of the if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it mindset, I'm also a fan of being honest. I would never discourage someone from reading a book because we all have different tastes and opinions. This one was not for me but I think I'm in the minority on that so if it sounds interesting to you, go for it!
May 8, 2016
Rory Gregor & Hindley Hagen
Hindley is a attorney just starting out. She works for a law firm dealing with contracts.
Rory is a pro-skater and is on his way to a career comeback after screwing up on the skater circuit a little bit ago.
When Hindley gets herself into a bad predicament Rory can't help himself with the need to help and protect her. Little did either know that this encounter would lead to something so wonderful in their personal and professional lives.
Rory has a terrible secret that no one can ever find out. He also has a terrible agent & attorney, neither looking out for his well-being. Hindley sees a problem with Rory's contracts and upon correcting them to protect Rory's career as well as the Sponsor's money she has put herself in the front of the line to take over as his manager and attorney. But this means that anything that happens with Rory and Hindley in the personal area of their lives will have to stay that way or risk Hindley's career.
This is a good intriguing story of two people who doubt themselves and cannot see their own self worth. Rory's secret makes him feel stupid, inadequate, and undeserving. Hindley's past makes her feel inexperienced, unloveable, and damaged. In Part 1 of their story we find out Rory's secret but the author is still slowly revealing Hindley's past. There is still a big secret/mystery that only Dana (Hindley's best friend), her mother and stepfather know. This secret carries over to Book #2. I can decipher that it must be a sexual encounter that was not agreed upon by both parties. In what context I am unsure.
We see the couple struggle to be A COUPLE. We see them struggle with jealousy, the secret of their relationship, and their insecurities of being good enough for the other. This is a TO-BE-CONTINUED book with a cliffhanger so be prepared to grab Extreme Devotion as well to get the ending of Rory & Hindley story.
Also, the title seems like it was changed. I found it under Skater Boy (X-Treme Boys #1) and My Skater Boy is part 2. The title change is Extreme Risk (Skater Boy) Series X-Treme Love Book #1 and Extreme Devotion (My Skater Boy) Series X-Treme Love Book #2. You may have problems finding book #2 as I did when searching the original titles.
Rating: 3 1/2 STARS
Hindley is a attorney just starting out. She works for a law firm dealing with contracts.
Rory is a pro-skater and is on his way to a career comeback after screwing up on the skater circuit a little bit ago.
When Hindley gets herself into a bad predicament Rory can't help himself with the need to help and protect her. Little did either know that this encounter would lead to something so wonderful in their personal and professional lives.
Rory has a terrible secret that no one can ever find out. He also has a terrible agent & attorney, neither looking out for his well-being. Hindley sees a problem with Rory's contracts and upon correcting them to protect Rory's career as well as the Sponsor's money she has put herself in the front of the line to take over as his manager and attorney. But this means that anything that happens with Rory and Hindley in the personal area of their lives will have to stay that way or risk Hindley's career.
This is a good intriguing story of two people who doubt themselves and cannot see their own self worth. Rory's secret makes him feel stupid, inadequate, and undeserving. Hindley's past makes her feel inexperienced, unloveable, and damaged. In Part 1 of their story we find out Rory's secret but the author is still slowly revealing Hindley's past. There is still a big secret/mystery that only Dana (Hindley's best friend), her mother and stepfather know. This secret carries over to Book #2. I can decipher that it must be a sexual encounter that was not agreed upon by both parties. In what context I am unsure.
We see the couple struggle to be A COUPLE. We see them struggle with jealousy, the secret of their relationship, and their insecurities of being good enough for the other. This is a TO-BE-CONTINUED book with a cliffhanger so be prepared to grab Extreme Devotion as well to get the ending of Rory & Hindley story.
Also, the title seems like it was changed. I found it under Skater Boy (X-Treme Boys #1) and My Skater Boy is part 2. The title change is Extreme Risk (Skater Boy) Series X-Treme Love Book #1 and Extreme Devotion (My Skater Boy) Series X-Treme Love Book #2. You may have problems finding book #2 as I did when searching the original titles.
Rating: 3 1/2 STARS
August 5, 2017
sometimes we create in our minds a hundred walls in our head to protect ourselves and prefer to suffer than to give it a chance and try.
January 12, 2014
**A Copy was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**
~~ 4 Solid Stars ~~
This was my first Kay Manis book, and I will say for a debut novel, she did a really great job on this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the story flowed well and really told any interesting story. I have never read a book about a Professional Skateboarder before, I learned some interesting facts about the sport. This story kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I really loved the characters!!!! My only real negative about the story was that I felt somethings kind fell by the wayside. In the beginning of the book we meet Hindley and her Step sister and there is a story there but after like the first 1/4 of the book we never heard from the step sister again. I just felt that she should've come into the story again somewhere. Maybe she will in book 2 :) Also I felt the ending was kind of abrupt. I understand it is supposed to be a cliffhanger/to be continued ending but for some reason, it just didn't seem to end at the right spot. Even with that said I still enjoyed this book and will continue on to the next book to see what happens between Hindley and Rory.
As I said before I truly enjoyed the characters in this book. We met Hindley, Rory, Dana, Leif, Jack and Kara (Leif's parents) and Paul (Hindley's Stepdad). We also met Geneva (Hindley's Stepsister) but I didn't like her at all and really don't want to waste any time on her. Hindley and Rory were both broken souls who really had low self esteem. Neither one of them thought they were good enough for each other. I liked watching how they each proved that the other was worthy for them and of love. Their relationship has it's ups and downs, but the downs were because both of them jump to conclusions due to their low self esteem. It truly was sad to see how down they were on themselves. We learned why Rory was down on himself and what happened in his past, but we really didn't find out what happened to Hindley. We got glimpses that something major happened in the past, but never found out everything. I am hoping that comes to light in book 2. One thing I will say, is that if you are not a fan on inner monologue then this book probably isn't the one for you. There was a lot of inner monologue. Both Rory and Hindley talk to themselves. At times I thought it really wasn't necessary but it didn't irritate me that much. I loved that this story was told in Dual POV, because it was great seeing how both felt and reacted to certain things. As for the other characters…I truly loved them. Dana was hysterical…she had me laughing throughout most of the book. But with that said she also knew how to be serious when she needed to be. She was such a strong support system for Hindley. I love a loyal and strong side kick :) Leif, Jack and Kara were all great support systems for Rory as well. They would do anything for him and they pretty much did. From what we learn about Paul in this book I would have to say he is a good guy. I am hoping to see more of him in book 2 also.
I would recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a fun and sexy love story about a shy girl and a famous skateboarder. I will say that if you do read this book, you will definitely want book 2 ready to start right after.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
~~ 4 Solid Stars ~~
This was my first Kay Manis book, and I will say for a debut novel, she did a really great job on this book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I thought the story flowed well and really told any interesting story. I have never read a book about a Professional Skateboarder before, I learned some interesting facts about the sport. This story kept me intrigued throughout the whole book. I really loved the characters!!!! My only real negative about the story was that I felt somethings kind fell by the wayside. In the beginning of the book we meet Hindley and her Step sister and there is a story there but after like the first 1/4 of the book we never heard from the step sister again. I just felt that she should've come into the story again somewhere. Maybe she will in book 2 :) Also I felt the ending was kind of abrupt. I understand it is supposed to be a cliffhanger/to be continued ending but for some reason, it just didn't seem to end at the right spot. Even with that said I still enjoyed this book and will continue on to the next book to see what happens between Hindley and Rory.
As I said before I truly enjoyed the characters in this book. We met Hindley, Rory, Dana, Leif, Jack and Kara (Leif's parents) and Paul (Hindley's Stepdad). We also met Geneva (Hindley's Stepsister) but I didn't like her at all and really don't want to waste any time on her. Hindley and Rory were both broken souls who really had low self esteem. Neither one of them thought they were good enough for each other. I liked watching how they each proved that the other was worthy for them and of love. Their relationship has it's ups and downs, but the downs were because both of them jump to conclusions due to their low self esteem. It truly was sad to see how down they were on themselves. We learned why Rory was down on himself and what happened in his past, but we really didn't find out what happened to Hindley. We got glimpses that something major happened in the past, but never found out everything. I am hoping that comes to light in book 2. One thing I will say, is that if you are not a fan on inner monologue then this book probably isn't the one for you. There was a lot of inner monologue. Both Rory and Hindley talk to themselves. At times I thought it really wasn't necessary but it didn't irritate me that much. I loved that this story was told in Dual POV, because it was great seeing how both felt and reacted to certain things. As for the other characters…I truly loved them. Dana was hysterical…she had me laughing throughout most of the book. But with that said she also knew how to be serious when she needed to be. She was such a strong support system for Hindley. I love a loyal and strong side kick :) Leif, Jack and Kara were all great support systems for Rory as well. They would do anything for him and they pretty much did. From what we learn about Paul in this book I would have to say he is a good guy. I am hoping to see more of him in book 2 also.
I would recommend this book/series to anyone looking for a fun and sexy love story about a shy girl and a famous skateboarder. I will say that if you do read this book, you will definitely want book 2 ready to start right after.
Reviewed for www.bookbitchesblog.com
March 12, 2015
Skater Boy by Kay Manis is the perfect example of why we shouldn't judge a book by it's cover or it's name. I had seen this book before, actually on a friend of mine's bookshelf. She had a set of book with skateboarders and motorbikes on them. I thought they were her pre-teen son's, I never gave them a second thought. This past weekend I went to a book signing and afterwards I was at the meet and greet with the same friend that had these books on her bookshelf. I had an author that wasn't at the signing, give me a card with her book advertised for free, I happen to like free books! So, I talked to her for a bit and I told her I would read it and review it for my blog. She change the cover since I had seen it on my friends shelf and this was not a book about a skater boy but a skater man... a very HOT one at that!
Hindley is a young lawyer, she has worked hard to get herself there. She had a really hard childhood and still has a ton of insecurities, she is such a sweet girl. Her evil step sister, is getting married and as always is cruel to Hindley. Hindley has a tad too much to drink and that is where she and Rory meets.
Rory is a HOT (did I mention that already) professional skateboarder. He can pretty much have any woman he wants, he is just swoony, charismatic, and a very talented skater (oh, don't forget the HOT part).
This is your classic case of opposites attract, Hindley is shy and Rory is bold. There are tons of differences but I don't want to give too many away. What these two have in common is CHEMISTRY. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts! This is not a pre-teen boys book, as I thought- ugh no.
I LOVED Hindley's inner dialog. I could picture her in my head, lost in thought sometimes. She talks to herself like I talk to myself. I loved how Rory changed through out the book, how caring and gentle with Hindley. Then, wham bam, he helped Hindley come out of her shell.
Oh, how I have learned my lesson from drunk girl and skater boy. I so enjoyed this book.
I give this book 5 Kick Flipping Stars!
Hindley is a young lawyer, she has worked hard to get herself there. She had a really hard childhood and still has a ton of insecurities, she is such a sweet girl. Her evil step sister, is getting married and as always is cruel to Hindley. Hindley has a tad too much to drink and that is where she and Rory meets.
Rory is a HOT (did I mention that already) professional skateboarder. He can pretty much have any woman he wants, he is just swoony, charismatic, and a very talented skater (oh, don't forget the HOT part).
This is your classic case of opposites attract, Hindley is shy and Rory is bold. There are tons of differences but I don't want to give too many away. What these two have in common is CHEMISTRY. Their sexual chemistry is off the charts! This is not a pre-teen boys book, as I thought- ugh no.
I LOVED Hindley's inner dialog. I could picture her in my head, lost in thought sometimes. She talks to herself like I talk to myself. I loved how Rory changed through out the book, how caring and gentle with Hindley. Then, wham bam, he helped Hindley come out of her shell.
Oh, how I have learned my lesson from drunk girl and skater boy. I so enjoyed this book.
I give this book 5 Kick Flipping Stars!
November 14, 2013
Skater Boy by Kay Manis
I’ve always been a sucker for romance but don’t get chance to read them much anymore, that makes them all the more enjoyable when I do. Skater boy was a totally unexpected romance! It is no secret that I don’t read the blurb for any book I read, I kind of like the surprise! I choose my books purely from the cover alone and if I’m honest if I was perusing the shelves this would not be a book I’d pick up… Wow what a mistake that would be! I just assumed from the picture on the front that it would be about teenagers in a skate park doing everything teenage, a kind of coming of age drama from a male POV…How wrong am I.
Hindley was not a teenager, she was a professional, a lawyer and she was very straight laced. Rory the 24-year-old bad boy, but trying to reform, was a professional top ranking sportsman. I’d like to say that you wouldn’t put the pair together but I know opposites attract and the unlikeliest pairing is usually the most dynamic. I loved these two, they were the perfect match. I loved that both of them had insecurities, neither of them was overly cocky or confident, and that just made them feel all the more real.
This book was perfect for me, apart from the way it ended, but that can be forgiven as I have book two waiting for me to start right now. I loved everything about it and can’t wait to start on book two ‘My Skater Boy’.
Copy supplied for review
I’ve always been a sucker for romance but don’t get chance to read them much anymore, that makes them all the more enjoyable when I do. Skater boy was a totally unexpected romance! It is no secret that I don’t read the blurb for any book I read, I kind of like the surprise! I choose my books purely from the cover alone and if I’m honest if I was perusing the shelves this would not be a book I’d pick up… Wow what a mistake that would be! I just assumed from the picture on the front that it would be about teenagers in a skate park doing everything teenage, a kind of coming of age drama from a male POV…How wrong am I.
Hindley was not a teenager, she was a professional, a lawyer and she was very straight laced. Rory the 24-year-old bad boy, but trying to reform, was a professional top ranking sportsman. I’d like to say that you wouldn’t put the pair together but I know opposites attract and the unlikeliest pairing is usually the most dynamic. I loved these two, they were the perfect match. I loved that both of them had insecurities, neither of them was overly cocky or confident, and that just made them feel all the more real.
This book was perfect for me, apart from the way it ended, but that can be forgiven as I have book two waiting for me to start right now. I loved everything about it and can’t wait to start on book two ‘My Skater Boy’.
Copy supplied for review
May 18, 2018
Re-read May 2018
3 stars
So. I have a lot of problems with this book. First, it was a short book, but it took my one week to finish it since nothing was happening. A.KA. Boring.
Second, the two protagonists were so indecesive. They both wanted each other. they said so and then something little always happened to make them doubt themselves. I understand low self steem and insecurities, but to me it wasn't well develop. Once or twice was fine but that was the tune for the whole book.
Third, the male protagonist was over the top jealous. We see this side of him by the end of the story, but the way he made sure people knew that Hidley was his was annoying. Let's start by the point that she wasn't his. He went against the girl's wishes, since they had to hide their relationship.
There are more little things. Honestly I remembered this book being better than what I read. That shows thay before I used to give 5 stars really easy.
3 stars
So. I have a lot of problems with this book. First, it was a short book, but it took my one week to finish it since nothing was happening. A.KA. Boring.
Second, the two protagonists were so indecesive. They both wanted each other. they said so and then something little always happened to make them doubt themselves. I understand low self steem and insecurities, but to me it wasn't well develop. Once or twice was fine but that was the tune for the whole book.
Third, the male protagonist was over the top jealous. We see this side of him by the end of the story, but the way he made sure people knew that Hidley was his was annoying. Let's start by the point that she wasn't his. He went against the girl's wishes, since they had to hide their relationship.
There are more little things. Honestly I remembered this book being better than what I read. That shows thay before I used to give 5 stars really easy.
November 2, 2015
2.5 stars!
Pros:
I loved how this book didn't automatically throw sex in my face before I got to learn the character's names. They took their time and it was refreshing!
Cons:
This book was insanely predictable and the only reason it got more than one star was because of Rory. There were too many internal thoughts from both of the main characters and it annoyed me. It seemed like they had a serious problem. The 'heroine' was too ... weak, for my taste. She kept crying over the smallest detail and it wasn't making me like the book any better. I was surprised Rory didn't run the other way at the amount of tears this woman shed. If he had ran away I wouldn't have finished this book. There wasn't a real plot. It was all hormones and testosterone.
Also, the cliffhanger wasn't enough to make me want to read the next book. I'm sorry but this is where my Kay Manis train stops.
Pros:
I loved how this book didn't automatically throw sex in my face before I got to learn the character's names. They took their time and it was refreshing!
Cons:
This book was insanely predictable and the only reason it got more than one star was because of Rory. There were too many internal thoughts from both of the main characters and it annoyed me. It seemed like they had a serious problem. The 'heroine' was too ... weak, for my taste. She kept crying over the smallest detail and it wasn't making me like the book any better. I was surprised Rory didn't run the other way at the amount of tears this woman shed. If he had ran away I wouldn't have finished this book. There wasn't a real plot. It was all hormones and testosterone.
Also, the cliffhanger wasn't enough to make me want to read the next book. I'm sorry but this is where my Kay Manis train stops.
November 16, 2013
I just so happened to be the 200th like to Ms. Manis' author page and was given an e-copy of Skater Boy. Having a million *maybe a slight exaggeration ;)* other books on my Kindles TBR list, I decided to jump right in to Rory and Hindley's story. The first sign that I have found an awesome book is that I find myself connecting with, not only the main characters, but with the author as well. I loved how the story played out, I could feel the emotion along with Rory and Hindley, and I can not wait until I can start My Skater Boy. Well done, Kay, well done!
June 29, 2015
The first part of this book was so sweet. Unlikely, but sweet. Unfortunately after that we kind of got into Rory constantly thinking: I want her but I can't have her and Hindley saying: I want him but I can't have him. I won't even get into both of the MC's self-esteem issues. It got really old really fast. Also, as sweet as Rory was at the beginning of the book, he became a completely possessive asshole near the end. I also hate being left right in the middle of the story/scene, which happened at the end of this book, and that annoyed the heck out of me.
May 25, 2015
Truthfully I didn't really care for this one. I practically skim read the last 30%... It was starting off rather interesting then slowly it seemed to get sloppier, and just plan annoying. The characters were walking contradictions left and right of yes then no it was so frustrating. I wanted this to be quirky like it started no bat shit crazy. It ended cliffhanger ish but I can't bring myself to continue on the story to care if they get together or not. 2 stars for trying
October 24, 2013
I have a total crush on Rory!! Full review to come!!
December 25, 2014
Originally posted at Bedroom Bookworms book blog.
A few months ago, I got to chatting with author Kay Manis (I don't really even remember how. I just run in cool circles like that, I guess. HA!) and was interested in reading her Skater Boy series for review. (See our ARC policy here.) Unfortunately I was something like 12 ARCS (I see you over there judging me!) behind at that point and just couldn't swing it. When I finally got sort of caught up, I was super excited to talk to Kay again. I haven't read any books about skaters yet, so I was stoked to branch out.
Well, let me tell you, I tore through book 1. One of those books I couldn't seem to turn the pages quick enough to read more. It was sort of odd, because there are some elements that really started to annoy me (I'll get to that) but I still just couldn't get enough. When when I got to the giant cliff at the end (yes. another friggin' cliff) I literally groaned out loud. That's when you know you're into a book. When it's 1 a.m. and you're yelling at the ceiling "What?! NO WAY!"
Overall Rating: 4 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
I think what really has me drawn into this story is the back-stories of our main characters. I have such a weakness for characters who have survived something tragic and both our characters have. Of course, at the end of book 1 we still don't know what it is that Hindley has survived (it's killing me!) but we do get a lot of Rory's back-story and I love it.
My only two real complaints aren't huge, but did crop up a lot. First, while I normally love the male POV, some of Rory's POV just didn't ring true to me. All of his interactions with his friends and family, I loved those. But when he's thinking about Hindley, he's just a little bit too flowery. I mean, maybe I just know a lot of assholes, but most guys I know aren't that sappy even if they really, really like a girl.
The second is the back and forth. And it makes sense. Both our characters and wounded and very prickly. They want each other but they're scared of each other. This leads to an unfortunate amount of making out and then running away. Not long does that leave all of us (Rory, Hindley and me) sexually frustrated, but it's also just annoying. I kept wanting to yell "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER, SHEESH!"
Now, as much as that would normally take away from a story, it felt very authentic to me because they are both so screwed up. And by the end of the novel, they do finally start to share some personal bits about themselves and open up to each other.
I'm definitely very much looking forward to the 2nd book - My Skater Boy. I try not to read books by the same author back-to-back. I really like a palate cleanser in between, plus a little perspective about each book individually. But I had My Skater Boy pulled up on my Kindle and was just staring at it for a while trying to decide if I could really wait or not. In the end, I stuck to my own rule and am reading another book before I continue the series, but I was VERY tempted to just dive right back into our lover's story again because the suspense is just killing me.
Smut Factor: 3 stars- Not Bad
Character likability: 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 5 stars- I wake up thinking this really happened.
Writing and editing quality: 4 stars- Well done!
A few months ago, I got to chatting with author Kay Manis (I don't really even remember how. I just run in cool circles like that, I guess. HA!) and was interested in reading her Skater Boy series for review. (See our ARC policy here.) Unfortunately I was something like 12 ARCS (I see you over there judging me!) behind at that point and just couldn't swing it. When I finally got sort of caught up, I was super excited to talk to Kay again. I haven't read any books about skaters yet, so I was stoked to branch out.Well, let me tell you, I tore through book 1. One of those books I couldn't seem to turn the pages quick enough to read more. It was sort of odd, because there are some elements that really started to annoy me (I'll get to that) but I still just couldn't get enough. When when I got to the giant cliff at the end (yes. another friggin' cliff) I literally groaned out loud. That's when you know you're into a book. When it's 1 a.m. and you're yelling at the ceiling "What?! NO WAY!"
Overall Rating: 4 stars- Kept telling myself “just one more chapter.”
For 25 year old attorney, Hindley Hagen, life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Avoiding surprises and keeping people at a distance is the only way she has to protect herself from the painful scars and shattered memories of her past. When Hindley is offered a new position at her prestigious Austin law firm as sports agent for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor, she’s ready for the new challenge but completely unprepared for the man who captures her heart. Suddenly, Hindley is thrust into a world where protecting all their secrets could cost her everything; her family, her career, and maybe even her life.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. But after two years of bad decisions and one-night-stands, he’s having to make a comeback he never anticipated. Hiring a new agent may be what his team thinks he needs to rebuild his career, but what if it costs him his heart in the process? Just when he thinks he’s posed for a comeback, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love. In a sport where trust means everything, this time... it may not be enough.
I think what really has me drawn into this story is the back-stories of our main characters. I have such a weakness for characters who have survived something tragic and both our characters have. Of course, at the end of book 1 we still don't know what it is that Hindley has survived (it's killing me!) but we do get a lot of Rory's back-story and I love it.
"I do all of those things for you, man."
"Yeah, but you don't have long blonde hair, awesome tits, and legs to die for."
My only two real complaints aren't huge, but did crop up a lot. First, while I normally love the male POV, some of Rory's POV just didn't ring true to me. All of his interactions with his friends and family, I loved those. But when he's thinking about Hindley, he's just a little bit too flowery. I mean, maybe I just know a lot of assholes, but most guys I know aren't that sappy even if they really, really like a girl.
"You girls read too much Fifty Shades of Grey."
The second is the back and forth. And it makes sense. Both our characters and wounded and very prickly. They want each other but they're scared of each other. This leads to an unfortunate amount of making out and then running away. Not long does that leave all of us (Rory, Hindley and me) sexually frustrated, but it's also just annoying. I kept wanting to yell "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER, SHEESH!"
Now, as much as that would normally take away from a story, it felt very authentic to me because they are both so screwed up. And by the end of the novel, they do finally start to share some personal bits about themselves and open up to each other.
"That's why I told you to leave her alone, fuck-face!"
I'm definitely very much looking forward to the 2nd book - My Skater Boy. I try not to read books by the same author back-to-back. I really like a palate cleanser in between, plus a little perspective about each book individually. But I had My Skater Boy pulled up on my Kindle and was just staring at it for a while trying to decide if I could really wait or not. In the end, I stuck to my own rule and am reading another book before I continue the series, but I was VERY tempted to just dive right back into our lover's story again because the suspense is just killing me.
"Oh God, Hindley, tell me his breakfast sausage has not been in your biscuit."
Smut Factor: 3 stars- Not Bad
Character likability: 4 stars- I wish we were friends.
Storytelling: 5 stars- I wake up thinking this really happened.
Writing and editing quality: 4 stars- Well done!
March 23, 2019
I hate both the main characters.
October 24, 2017
If I give a book one star it usually means I couldn’t even get through it. That’s how I know what authors are not my style
January 12, 2014
Review Originally Posted at: Book Freak
Rating: 4.5 Stars
At 25, Hindley Hagen had been through a lot in her past. She puts a wall around her - protecting herself and most especially her heart had been her number one concern. She doesn’t easily trust people and she prefers to stay in the ‘safe’ zone. Then she had met Rory Gregor – a pro-skateboarder, who according to her was a living breathing oxymoron.
He was a professional skateboarder, a bonafide player of the most dangerous kind. He was a delinquent, a trouble maker, a punk and he made no excuses for it…. He was so kind, caring, offering up something I’d search for probably my entire life if I was honest.
They had met in the most unusual circumstances – it was her step-sister’s bachelorette party, and she was having the worse time of her life. They got her so drunk, and then left her. He just saved her from being taken home and molested by a stranger. Out of the goodness of his heart (AHEM), he brought her home (thanks to the help of the cab driver), and put her to bed, without taking advantage of her (which is hard for him, most likely). It didn’t help when Dana caught them the next morning… the next thing he knew, he was Hindley’s date to her sister’s wedding.
But everything got complicated when she was assigned to him as a sports agent for Rory. She needed to put a halt to whatever she’s feeling and be professional with her dealings with him. How can she ever do that, when every time they stand in the same room – fireworks erupt and she couldn’t even breath evenly? Not to mention, she had some deeper, darker secret (even darker than his) that she had been keeping not just to protect her career, but her family as well.
It was a good comeback for Professional skateboarder, Rory Gregor after he rolled down from the top post due to his drinking, womanizing and drug problems. Everyone wanted to see him skate once again. Hiring a new agent might seal the deal to it, but it may cost his heart in the process… Hindley was everything any guy would have dream of, and he was lucky enough she was wasting her time on him. But what if she knew about his past? About his secrets? She would run as fast as she could to the other side of the room. She was way beyond his league. Would she ever accept him if she knew?
I love some characters, and hated some too. Hindley – she has self-esteem issues, no thanks to her past. I didn’t know why she allowed herself to be treated like that by her step-sister! I wished she stood up against her. Geneva was a piece of work, and I hated her so much. For her to continuously sabotage Hindley’s life, and for Hindley’s mom not paying attention towards the situation makes me want to wring their necks and smashed their heads together. Argh! And there was Paul, her step-dad who would move heaven and earth to keep her safe and protected. He had treated her like a real daughter, and given her everything she wanted without even her asking for it. So, if he ask her to baby sit her evil sister, who is she to refuse? Then there’s Dana – OMG! I so love her feistiness! She was the strong foundation Hindley needed and leaned on when things got rough into her life.
Rory, on the other hand, has some self-esteem issues as well. His reasons are enough for him to think twice before jumping into bed with Hindley. She was a lawyer, beautiful, successful – what would she want to do with him? I understand his dilemma, but I still wished he would see his worth. He was not just an athlete, but he was a gentleman, and a hero too!
Hindley tried to fight it, she knew what the consequences would be if she would give in to her desires and they would get caught. Rory might turned hot then cold at the beginning, but when he finally got over his insecurities – he would do anything to have her.
Two broken people clothed with insecurities, Dark past, mysterious secrets, and secret love affair – Skater Boy was one heck of a ride. I laughed, cried a little, got frustrated, angry, fell in love and drunk with anticipation for the next book. I was blessed to have both books ready to review rather than agonizing to wait for the next one to come out. Nevertheless, I eagerly started to read the next one – because you will honestly want to finish this series and know the ending ASAP!
★ARC Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.★
January 15, 2014
Don't judge a book by the cover, Skater boy is an amazing touching heartfelt read. It took me by surprise with the level of depth it was able to reach. Hindley has things in her past that she keeps from everyone, dark things that haunts her to the core. But instead of focusing on things she is unable to change she throws herself completely into her education earning her law degree and passing her bar exam landing herself a job with a very prestigious law firm with the help of her loving stepfather.
Unlike Hindley, Rory's colourful past is public knowledge however his childhood secrets and tragedy torments him daily.
Two very broken individual who are destined to meet one way or another.
On a night out Rory encounters a scene; a drunk girl being helped out of a club by another lady when she women has to return inside so she regrettably leave the drunk girl in the arms of a man claiming that he has her. Something does not sit right with the good simian so she turns to the guy in the corner smocking his cigarette watching their every move she kindly ask him to keep an eye on the pair. Rory wants no part in whatever that is unfolding before him but as he looks at her and the state she is in and the man holding her he knows he needs to do something.
I love how he took charge and safely got her home he is a natural born protector.
Hindley woke up half naked in bed with an equally half naked man the most beautiful she has ever seen. their first proper reaction to each other is pour magnetism and raw.
This book deals with very difficult issues but Kay did a marvellous job balancing all the heavy emotional subjects with great humour and banter Hindley's best friend is off the charts funny I laughed so hard....
I loved how there relationship developed after they woke up together something sparked between them which they both can feel along with Dana (the best friend).
They all depart together heading towards Hindley's step sister bridal brunch upon arrival evil step sister goes off at Hindley for been late; seeing Hindley being mistreated Rory steps in to protect her (he is just so sweet and kind). long story short she ends up been his attorney and sports agent through her law firm. They are not suppose to be together but they the want and chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable so the inevitable happens.....they get together in secret. I completely adore them together they truly each other's better half he gives her the confidence she needs and in return she gives him the love and admiration he so desperately craves which he was deprived of as a child.
They have the ability to see into each others soul creating a unique bond. walls come down as they lay out the ugly truth of their past to each other. He also comes clean to her about his illiteracy then she proceeds to devise a plan to help him (this was such a beautiful thing how he started applying himself to learning he really wanted to be better and do better to prove his worth to Hindley.
The various subject matters brought forward in Skater boy are extremely difficult but Kay wrote with conviction, empty, concern and truth. The words were beautifully constructed with purpose and a flawless flow. I highly recommend you read this book its sooooo good way beyond good AWESOEME, MATURE, SENSITIVE, EMOTIONAL AND FUNNY IN PARTS.
Unlike Hindley, Rory's colourful past is public knowledge however his childhood secrets and tragedy torments him daily.
Two very broken individual who are destined to meet one way or another.
On a night out Rory encounters a scene; a drunk girl being helped out of a club by another lady when she women has to return inside so she regrettably leave the drunk girl in the arms of a man claiming that he has her. Something does not sit right with the good simian so she turns to the guy in the corner smocking his cigarette watching their every move she kindly ask him to keep an eye on the pair. Rory wants no part in whatever that is unfolding before him but as he looks at her and the state she is in and the man holding her he knows he needs to do something.
I love how he took charge and safely got her home he is a natural born protector.
Hindley woke up half naked in bed with an equally half naked man the most beautiful she has ever seen. their first proper reaction to each other is pour magnetism and raw.
This book deals with very difficult issues but Kay did a marvellous job balancing all the heavy emotional subjects with great humour and banter Hindley's best friend is off the charts funny I laughed so hard....
I loved how there relationship developed after they woke up together something sparked between them which they both can feel along with Dana (the best friend).
They all depart together heading towards Hindley's step sister bridal brunch upon arrival evil step sister goes off at Hindley for been late; seeing Hindley being mistreated Rory steps in to protect her (he is just so sweet and kind). long story short she ends up been his attorney and sports agent through her law firm. They are not suppose to be together but they the want and chemistry that crackles between them is undeniable so the inevitable happens.....they get together in secret. I completely adore them together they truly each other's better half he gives her the confidence she needs and in return she gives him the love and admiration he so desperately craves which he was deprived of as a child.
They have the ability to see into each others soul creating a unique bond. walls come down as they lay out the ugly truth of their past to each other. He also comes clean to her about his illiteracy then she proceeds to devise a plan to help him (this was such a beautiful thing how he started applying himself to learning he really wanted to be better and do better to prove his worth to Hindley.
The various subject matters brought forward in Skater boy are extremely difficult but Kay wrote with conviction, empty, concern and truth. The words were beautifully constructed with purpose and a flawless flow. I highly recommend you read this book its sooooo good way beyond good AWESOEME, MATURE, SENSITIVE, EMOTIONAL AND FUNNY IN PARTS.
January 11, 2014
Book Worms was given this book as an ARC for an honest review
We gave this book 5 Skater Boy Stars!!
This review was left by Lindsay Thibodaux a Book Worm reviewer.
Thanks Lindsay.
Rory Gregor fell from grace in the skating world and is trying to make a come back and hide his secrets that could destroy him. Hindley Hagen a lawyer trying to build her confidence and leave the past where it belongs in the past.
Hindley's sister, who hates her, is having a bachelorette party that her step father begs her to attend. After too many drinks, Hindley finds herself in a compromising position on the side of the street. Rory, out with his best friend Lief, sees what is happening and his protective side takes over to save her from a bad situation. He takes her home and stays the night to make sure she is ok. The next morning proves to more difficult when they both realize that something is stirring in both of them. Something that neither one are used too.
Even with past demons of having low self esteem, hopelessness, and fear of the past coming back that they both share, they allow their feelings for each other to happen despite many protests. However being that Hindley is not his lawyer/agent, will their love ruin what they have worked so hard to accomplish; Rory trying to make it back to number 1 on the pro skater circuit, and Hindley's job a so his lawyer/agent that she has worked so hard to do on her own. Can their love overcome their professional relationship? Will it destroy their hearts in the process?
Kay Manis has created a love story between two people who are struggling to find the one thing that is missing in their lives....hope. In this beautiful story of two people who have worked so hard to prove that they are something, but lack the confidence to truly believe that are worthy, Manis has you cheering for their success professionally and in their new found personal relationship.
February 7, 2014
This series definitely wasn't what I was expecting, but I loved every moment of it. It was so refreshing to read this series because I am such a fan when the couple actually takes their time before having sex! To me, it just seems more real that way and I like being able to relate to the couples I read about. The series is dual POV, which everyone knows I love it when books are written that way.
OK, lets start from the beginning. Hindley, she's a bit of mystery right from the get-go. It's pretty easy to figure out that she has a past that no one really knows about, but we won't find that out until way later in the series.
It was hilarious how Hindley and Rory first meet. All it took was a "few" drinks and for someone to remember not a damn thing ;) Rory & Hindley's inner turmoil was extremely entertaining, they're seriously at war with themselves. But at least Rory knows when he's being a dick, which I rather appreciate! They're really adorable together and I love the interactions between the two. After their little slumber party, where nothing physical happened, the following morning, Rory ended up being Hindley's date to her evil step-sister's bridal luncheon. That was when I started to fall for Mr. Rory, standing up for Hindley (someone he barely knows, but it is obviously attracted to and protective of), but shutting down her evil step-sis, Geneva ( I don't like her, she's a crazy bitch).
As the story progresses we learn that Rory is a professional skater boarder with a past he refuses to talk about. And knowing that Rory is an attorney and soon becomes his attorney, that becomes a little barrier with their relationship, do the math. But Rory's amount of messing up when it comes to Hindley. Lets just say he has a lot to make up for.
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OK, lets start from the beginning. Hindley, she's a bit of mystery right from the get-go. It's pretty easy to figure out that she has a past that no one really knows about, but we won't find that out until way later in the series.
It was hilarious how Hindley and Rory first meet. All it took was a "few" drinks and for someone to remember not a damn thing ;) Rory & Hindley's inner turmoil was extremely entertaining, they're seriously at war with themselves. But at least Rory knows when he's being a dick, which I rather appreciate! They're really adorable together and I love the interactions between the two. After their little slumber party, where nothing physical happened, the following morning, Rory ended up being Hindley's date to her evil step-sister's bridal luncheon. That was when I started to fall for Mr. Rory, standing up for Hindley (someone he barely knows, but it is obviously attracted to and protective of), but shutting down her evil step-sis, Geneva ( I don't like her, she's a crazy bitch).
As the story progresses we learn that Rory is a professional skater boarder with a past he refuses to talk about. And knowing that Rory is an attorney and soon becomes his attorney, that becomes a little barrier with their relationship, do the math. But Rory's amount of messing up when it comes to Hindley. Lets just say he has a lot to make up for.
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August 22, 2014
I'm wondering if I read a completely different version of Skater Boy than everyone else, because I certainly do not see the appeal.
I've seen reviews say that Skater Boy is "amazing, touching, heartfelt, unique." Really? I beg to differ. Skater Boy was not touching nor heartfelt, and definitely not amazing. It was also far from unique—it held a lot of predictable and cliché moments. The dialogue between all characters, but mainly between the two lead characters Hindley and Rory, was either overly dramatic, sickeningly cliché and eye-roll inducing, or unnatural. The characters back stories and personalities were unoriginal and bland. Nothing exciting or suspenseful or unexpected happened; everything was so forced, there were a lot of unrealistic moments—during the first beginning chapters I was wondering why the author couldn't put in a little more effort in regards to realism. The whole bitchy-evil-stepsister thing was stupid. The instant "connection" between Hindley and Rory was laughable; it was seriously ridiculous and entirely unbelievable. Plus, it was obvious with Rory's point of view that it was written by a female; his whole character was really poorly executed—he did not sound like a man, his personality was uninspiring and dull, it was a struggle getting through his point of view. The author obviously can't transition between two separate point of views, two different genders, in a realistic and natural way. It was a train wreck.
Everything in this book was very poor quality, and I was so fucking bored by the characters and the pathetic and horribly executed plot line. The writing in itself wasn't so bad, if I'm honest, there was potential there. However, you need more than that to create a worthy story, and unfortunately the author of Skater Boy missed the mark by a long shot.
I've seen reviews say that Skater Boy is "amazing, touching, heartfelt, unique." Really? I beg to differ. Skater Boy was not touching nor heartfelt, and definitely not amazing. It was also far from unique—it held a lot of predictable and cliché moments. The dialogue between all characters, but mainly between the two lead characters Hindley and Rory, was either overly dramatic, sickeningly cliché and eye-roll inducing, or unnatural. The characters back stories and personalities were unoriginal and bland. Nothing exciting or suspenseful or unexpected happened; everything was so forced, there were a lot of unrealistic moments—during the first beginning chapters I was wondering why the author couldn't put in a little more effort in regards to realism. The whole bitchy-evil-stepsister thing was stupid. The instant "connection" between Hindley and Rory was laughable; it was seriously ridiculous and entirely unbelievable. Plus, it was obvious with Rory's point of view that it was written by a female; his whole character was really poorly executed—he did not sound like a man, his personality was uninspiring and dull, it was a struggle getting through his point of view. The author obviously can't transition between two separate point of views, two different genders, in a realistic and natural way. It was a train wreck.
Everything in this book was very poor quality, and I was so fucking bored by the characters and the pathetic and horribly executed plot line. The writing in itself wasn't so bad, if I'm honest, there was potential there. However, you need more than that to create a worthy story, and unfortunately the author of Skater Boy missed the mark by a long shot.
April 3, 2015
Hindley Hagen is a young attorney who believes that life is all about staying one step ahead of the game. Hindley always avoids surprises and always keeps people at a distance. She believes that it is the only way she has to protect herself from the scars of her past. Her career is flourishing and she is offered a sports agent position for pro skateboarder, Rory Gregor. She’s wants the new challenge, but is completely unprepared for that man. Suddenly, Hindley finds herself completely enthralled with him and his life.
Unfortunately, keeping her secrets could cost her a family, her career, and maybe her life.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. He also is the king of making bad decisions. He needs to make a comeback and wipe the slate clean. He realized that hiring a new agent may be what his team needs to rebuild his career. He soon realized that the agent stole his heart. Just when he thinks he’s posed for success, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love.
Kay Manis brought to life an amazing story. Two characters from two completely different worlds are brought together in an uncommon situation. Hindley and Rory’s chemistry sizzles through the pages of this book. Women will fall in love with Rory and it doesn’t matter if you think he isn’t your type. Kay brings together a broken woman and a hotshot bad boy and you have a front row seat to an amazing bond.
This book will have you hooked from the moment you open it. Kay handles emotional and sensitive subjects with expertise. Rory and Hindley are such an unlikely couple but their relationship will have you wanting more. It is well written and such a positive read. You won’t want to put it down.
Skater Boy is a 4 book series with Rory and Hindley’s story continuing on to Book 2.
Unfortunately, keeping her secrets could cost her a family, her career, and maybe her life.
Professional skateboarder and X Games royalty, Rory Gregor knows what it’s like to be at the top. He also is the king of making bad decisions. He needs to make a comeback and wipe the slate clean. He realized that hiring a new agent may be what his team needs to rebuild his career. He soon realized that the agent stole his heart. Just when he thinks he’s posed for success, secrets from his past threaten to ruin his chance for gold and a new love.
Kay Manis brought to life an amazing story. Two characters from two completely different worlds are brought together in an uncommon situation. Hindley and Rory’s chemistry sizzles through the pages of this book. Women will fall in love with Rory and it doesn’t matter if you think he isn’t your type. Kay brings together a broken woman and a hotshot bad boy and you have a front row seat to an amazing bond.
This book will have you hooked from the moment you open it. Kay handles emotional and sensitive subjects with expertise. Rory and Hindley are such an unlikely couple but their relationship will have you wanting more. It is well written and such a positive read. You won’t want to put it down.
Skater Boy is a 4 book series with Rory and Hindley’s story continuing on to Book 2.
January 5, 2014
Kay Manis has created a love story between two people who are struggling to find the one thing that is missing in their lives....hope. In this beautiful story of two people who have worked so hard to prove that they are something, but lack the confidence to truly believe that are worthy, Manis has you cheering for their success professionally and in their new found personal relationship.
Rory Gregor fell from grace in the skating world and is trying to make a come back and hide his secrets that could destroy him. Hindley Hagen a lawyer trying to build her confidence and leave the past where it belongs in the past.
Hindley's sister, who hates her, is having a bachelorette party that her step father begs her to attend. After too many drinks, Hindley finds herself in a compromising position on the side of the street. Rory, out with his best friend Lief, sees what is happening and his protective side takes over to save her from a bad situation. He takes her home and stays the night to make sure she is ok. The next morning proves to more difficult when they both realize that something is stirring in both of them. Something that neither one are used too.
Even with past demons of having low self esteem, hopelessness, and fear of the past coming back that they both share, they allow their feelings for each other to happen despite many protests. However being that Hindley is not his lawyer/agent, will their love ruin what they have worked so hard to accomplish; Rory trying to make it back to number 1 on the pro skater circuit, and Hindley's job a so his lawyer/agent that she has worked so hard to do on her own. Can their love overcome their professional relationship? Will it destroy their hearts in the process?
Rory Gregor fell from grace in the skating world and is trying to make a come back and hide his secrets that could destroy him. Hindley Hagen a lawyer trying to build her confidence and leave the past where it belongs in the past.
Hindley's sister, who hates her, is having a bachelorette party that her step father begs her to attend. After too many drinks, Hindley finds herself in a compromising position on the side of the street. Rory, out with his best friend Lief, sees what is happening and his protective side takes over to save her from a bad situation. He takes her home and stays the night to make sure she is ok. The next morning proves to more difficult when they both realize that something is stirring in both of them. Something that neither one are used too.
Even with past demons of having low self esteem, hopelessness, and fear of the past coming back that they both share, they allow their feelings for each other to happen despite many protests. However being that Hindley is not his lawyer/agent, will their love ruin what they have worked so hard to accomplish; Rory trying to make it back to number 1 on the pro skater circuit, and Hindley's job a so his lawyer/agent that she has worked so hard to do on her own. Can their love overcome their professional relationship? Will it destroy their hearts in the process?
January 7, 2014
Two damaged souls, find each other and learn to cope with the past and how to love and trust again.
Skater Boy and My Skater Boy told a phenomenal tale of Rory Gregor and Hindley Hagen and their trials on their journey to finding a Happily Ever After. The story was well written and talked about some difficult situations in life. It was also about becoming whole again when you have only felt like a half for so long.
I can honestly say I didn’t want these stories to end. I loved how it was told from dual points of view. I also loved loved loved the inner dialogue of each character. Most of the time it was hilarious reading their internal thoughts to themselves, it really helped the reader connect to each character more.
Of course, Rory and Hindley faced some trying situations. Things I would never want to face in my lifetime. They struggled to come to terms with the things of their past and situations that life had dealt them or that others had created for them. Some people were out to destroy each of them individually or as a couple no matter what the cost.
They also felt inadequate themselves and had a hard time moving past those feelings. I loved how they always thought the worst of themselves but always thought the best of the other. I enjoyed watching them help heal each other and move past their own insecurities to become the power couple they were meant to be.
There are definitely scenes that will break your heart, there were also some pretty steamy scenes but thankfully that didn’t take away the impact of the story overall. I will also never look at Hello Kitty the same again!
Skater Boy and My Skater Boy told a phenomenal tale of Rory Gregor and Hindley Hagen and their trials on their journey to finding a Happily Ever After. The story was well written and talked about some difficult situations in life. It was also about becoming whole again when you have only felt like a half for so long.
I can honestly say I didn’t want these stories to end. I loved how it was told from dual points of view. I also loved loved loved the inner dialogue of each character. Most of the time it was hilarious reading their internal thoughts to themselves, it really helped the reader connect to each character more.
Of course, Rory and Hindley faced some trying situations. Things I would never want to face in my lifetime. They struggled to come to terms with the things of their past and situations that life had dealt them or that others had created for them. Some people were out to destroy each of them individually or as a couple no matter what the cost.
They also felt inadequate themselves and had a hard time moving past those feelings. I loved how they always thought the worst of themselves but always thought the best of the other. I enjoyed watching them help heal each other and move past their own insecurities to become the power couple they were meant to be.
There are definitely scenes that will break your heart, there were also some pretty steamy scenes but thankfully that didn’t take away the impact of the story overall. I will also never look at Hello Kitty the same again!
April 22, 2015
Although not a bad book I have to say this one is definitely not for me. I finished it and will read the next one because I won them on a giveaway a while back and I feel like I owe a review but I am hoping the next book is better than this one.
Here is my first issue, I normally love the inner dialogue from the characters because I love knowing what they are thinking but in this case I didn't care for it, in fact I skipped a lot of it because it felt like it was always something silly that they were thinking and I just didn't really care to read it.
****Bit of a SPOILER ahead****
My next issue is definitely Rory not being able to read, I just couldn't really believe it even if it's something that could be explained medically. He is in the spotlight because he is a pro-skater so he needs to do interviews and much more and specially in this age of technology when you even need to know how to read to send a text and use your phone, just didn't quite made sense to me. Also no one knows his secret except for a very few, idk about that...
I did like the characters, I liked Hindley and Rory and even their friends. I would have liked to know more about Rory's world, I wanted to read more about the skating part of the story not about the legal part from Hindley.
I did like how they met and definitely appreciated that the author didn't make the characters jump into a relationship right away and waited for the sex scenes till they knew more about each other.
The beginning of the story is really good and will suck you in so that is a big plus.
So, like I said, the story is not bad. Give it a try and see for yourself.
Here is my first issue, I normally love the inner dialogue from the characters because I love knowing what they are thinking but in this case I didn't care for it, in fact I skipped a lot of it because it felt like it was always something silly that they were thinking and I just didn't really care to read it.
****Bit of a SPOILER ahead****
My next issue is definitely Rory not being able to read, I just couldn't really believe it even if it's something that could be explained medically. He is in the spotlight because he is a pro-skater so he needs to do interviews and much more and specially in this age of technology when you even need to know how to read to send a text and use your phone, just didn't quite made sense to me. Also no one knows his secret except for a very few, idk about that...
I did like the characters, I liked Hindley and Rory and even their friends. I would have liked to know more about Rory's world, I wanted to read more about the skating part of the story not about the legal part from Hindley.
I did like how they met and definitely appreciated that the author didn't make the characters jump into a relationship right away and waited for the sex scenes till they knew more about each other.
The beginning of the story is really good and will suck you in so that is a big plus.
So, like I said, the story is not bad. Give it a try and see for yourself.
July 23, 2015
I realized I've been lacking books with athletic main characters, so I had to correct that by grabbing this freebie. The cover might have helped make my decision as well, look at those abs.
Hindley Hagen is a young up and coming attorney. She's dragged along to celebrate her stepsister's bachelorette party at a club and has a bit too much to drink. And when I say a bit too much, I mean she gets plastered and strangers have to come to her rescue since her stepsister is evil. Lucky for her, a guy stuffs her in a cab and makes sure she gets home safely. I like Rory's character immediately, he has that protective, yet super sweet guy feel. He's also not afraid to stand up for what he believes in which made me smile in several instances. During those instances I was really disliking Hindley's family, which made me think a bit less of her for allowing that type of behavior to go on.
The two part ways after the wedding, and I was wondering how they'd wind up together again. I was happy to see Rory was in negotiations for his skateboarder/X Games contract and Hindley would be the one to help. We get a peek at both do their jobs, which was nice. Hindley even gets to see Rory on his skateboard which were nice touches to the book. In the end I think Rory Gregor stole the show, he has that badboy feel, but he's super sweet and caring. I kept waiting for the instance he'd turn into the bad boy with an attitude but it never really came. He was always pretty sweet, with a protective edge. The book itself was pretty good and I'd read book two to see what happens next. I'd recommend this if you're looking for an atheletic sweet guy.
Hindley Hagen is a young up and coming attorney. She's dragged along to celebrate her stepsister's bachelorette party at a club and has a bit too much to drink. And when I say a bit too much, I mean she gets plastered and strangers have to come to her rescue since her stepsister is evil. Lucky for her, a guy stuffs her in a cab and makes sure she gets home safely. I like Rory's character immediately, he has that protective, yet super sweet guy feel. He's also not afraid to stand up for what he believes in which made me smile in several instances. During those instances I was really disliking Hindley's family, which made me think a bit less of her for allowing that type of behavior to go on.
The two part ways after the wedding, and I was wondering how they'd wind up together again. I was happy to see Rory was in negotiations for his skateboarder/X Games contract and Hindley would be the one to help. We get a peek at both do their jobs, which was nice. Hindley even gets to see Rory on his skateboard which were nice touches to the book. In the end I think Rory Gregor stole the show, he has that badboy feel, but he's super sweet and caring. I kept waiting for the instance he'd turn into the bad boy with an attitude but it never really came. He was always pretty sweet, with a protective edge. The book itself was pretty good and I'd read book two to see what happens next. I'd recommend this if you're looking for an atheletic sweet guy.
June 15, 2015
So this was the first time for me to read a book by this author. Her writing was very detailed and fresh. Her detail of the characters and their story was spot on. I was very impressed.
Rory is a professional skateboarder, he is on his way back to the top of the charts after crashing and burning. He has to keep his head on straight and the goal in sight! But one night was all it took for Rory to meet his "Drunk Girl" and have her throw him for a loop! Hindley is a smart, soulful, extraordinary person. She wants to just keep everyone happy and her head down. Unfortunately here evil stepsister is a force to be met. On the eve of her stepsisters wedding Hindley's stepdad ask for her to go along to keep an eye on the evil sister. What ends up happening is Hindley getting trashed and not remembering a thing, until she wakes up with her "One Nightstand" AKA, Rory!! These two couldn't be more different but still the same. He is a skateboarder and she is an attorney. What happens when you judge a book by it cover? Can these two lost souls heal each other or is there to much self doubt to change how they each see themselves. There are so many secrets to over come I hope they can handle the truth!!
I can't wait to see what happens in My Skater Boy book 2! Yes it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. There were times I felt that some of the detail was to much. But besides that I will be recommending this book to others!! Rory is HOT, and just what Hindley needs. Someone that will help her see the beauty she is. Hindley will be the one to save Rory from himself I hope, he has some issues that I don't think even Hindley is ready for!! Fingers cross d for these two!!
Rory is a professional skateboarder, he is on his way back to the top of the charts after crashing and burning. He has to keep his head on straight and the goal in sight! But one night was all it took for Rory to meet his "Drunk Girl" and have her throw him for a loop! Hindley is a smart, soulful, extraordinary person. She wants to just keep everyone happy and her head down. Unfortunately here evil stepsister is a force to be met. On the eve of her stepsisters wedding Hindley's stepdad ask for her to go along to keep an eye on the evil sister. What ends up happening is Hindley getting trashed and not remembering a thing, until she wakes up with her "One Nightstand" AKA, Rory!! These two couldn't be more different but still the same. He is a skateboarder and she is an attorney. What happens when you judge a book by it cover? Can these two lost souls heal each other or is there to much self doubt to change how they each see themselves. There are so many secrets to over come I hope they can handle the truth!!
I can't wait to see what happens in My Skater Boy book 2! Yes it ends with a bit of a cliffhanger. There were times I felt that some of the detail was to much. But besides that I will be recommending this book to others!! Rory is HOT, and just what Hindley needs. Someone that will help her see the beauty she is. Hindley will be the one to save Rory from himself I hope, he has some issues that I don't think even Hindley is ready for!! Fingers cross d for these two!!
January 5, 2014
(ARC received from author in exchange for an honest review)
Hindley is an attorney who has paid to put herself through college. She has a Mum who doesn’t understand her, a step-sister who hates her and a step-dad who adores her. She meets Rory when she wakes up with the mother of all hangovers and finds him in her bed! Hindley is a shy, reserved woman who has serious self-esteem issues. She’s beautiful; but doesn’t know it; she’s clever and uses her brain for good. She is the perfect little package with a bad ass best mate. What is it about these bad ass best mates? They are simply fabulous!
Rory is an X-Treme sports professional athlete. He’s done it all; drink, drugs and women and is now getting his act together. Or at least he’s trying. He meets Hindley outside of a club and loses his heart in the process.
Skater Boy is a funny, heart breaking and suspense filled journey of self-discovery for both lead characters. The book is told in both POV’s and this really helps you to connect and empathise with both characters as the plot develops. Kay has done a great job of bring her book to life and grabbing your attention from the first page with Skater Boy. She gives you just enough information to keep you turning the page without frustrating her readers. There were a few areas where the author hasn’t kept up with what was previously written and has contradicted herself but for a debut novel I think Kay has done a good job with Skater Boy. It had me reading it in one sitting.
Review rating of 3.5*
Hindley is an attorney who has paid to put herself through college. She has a Mum who doesn’t understand her, a step-sister who hates her and a step-dad who adores her. She meets Rory when she wakes up with the mother of all hangovers and finds him in her bed! Hindley is a shy, reserved woman who has serious self-esteem issues. She’s beautiful; but doesn’t know it; she’s clever and uses her brain for good. She is the perfect little package with a bad ass best mate. What is it about these bad ass best mates? They are simply fabulous!
Rory is an X-Treme sports professional athlete. He’s done it all; drink, drugs and women and is now getting his act together. Or at least he’s trying. He meets Hindley outside of a club and loses his heart in the process.
Skater Boy is a funny, heart breaking and suspense filled journey of self-discovery for both lead characters. The book is told in both POV’s and this really helps you to connect and empathise with both characters as the plot develops. Kay has done a great job of bring her book to life and grabbing your attention from the first page with Skater Boy. She gives you just enough information to keep you turning the page without frustrating her readers. There were a few areas where the author hasn’t kept up with what was previously written and has contradicted herself but for a debut novel I think Kay has done a good job with Skater Boy. It had me reading it in one sitting.
Review rating of 3.5*
January 21, 2014
Received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
4 Stars
16 % in "Oh I am enjoying it so far..... Have actually laughed out loud! Rory is freaking hysterical and Dana! Love the banter! Love Rory too! Mmmmmm sexy! great characters..... Well described so am totally connected with them all......"
First let me tell you, I laughed a lot! I am in love with all the new phrases I picked up and am using some already...
'Beat the snot out of you'
Kay Manis is very witty! The banter between characters is freaking hysterical. Dana Hindley's best friend is lol funny.
Rory the hot Skater Boy (man!) rescues Hindley from a drunken disaster outside a club on her evil step sister's hen night and it all continues from here.....
Both have secrets, Rory has a deeply troubled past, Hindley... I am itching to know her secret and we get a glimpse at the hen night, but...oohhh i want to know more...we don't find out, but that makes it all the more exciting for the next installment, she thinks it could be something so bad that it could rock Rory's interest!
With jealousy....Rory is slightly possesive (and then some)!! Hindley being Rory's Agent! and so trying to hide their relationship.....leads to a few moments within the book...but Rory's past isn't easy to overcome......
Their Hotter than hot keep their hands off each other is off the charts! And the wit, i had a great time reading this....I loved it and with a Cliffhanger ending which I always love!!!! I am looking forward to starting the next book to find out where their journey takes them.
4 Stars
16 % in "Oh I am enjoying it so far..... Have actually laughed out loud! Rory is freaking hysterical and Dana! Love the banter! Love Rory too! Mmmmmm sexy! great characters..... Well described so am totally connected with them all......"
First let me tell you, I laughed a lot! I am in love with all the new phrases I picked up and am using some already...
'Beat the snot out of you'
Kay Manis is very witty! The banter between characters is freaking hysterical. Dana Hindley's best friend is lol funny.
Rory the hot Skater Boy (man!) rescues Hindley from a drunken disaster outside a club on her evil step sister's hen night and it all continues from here.....
Both have secrets, Rory has a deeply troubled past, Hindley... I am itching to know her secret and we get a glimpse at the hen night, but...oohhh i want to know more...we don't find out, but that makes it all the more exciting for the next installment, she thinks it could be something so bad that it could rock Rory's interest!
With jealousy....Rory is slightly possesive (and then some)!! Hindley being Rory's Agent! and so trying to hide their relationship.....leads to a few moments within the book...but Rory's past isn't easy to overcome......
Their Hotter than hot keep their hands off each other is off the charts! And the wit, i had a great time reading this....I loved it and with a Cliffhanger ending which I always love!!!! I am looking forward to starting the next book to find out where their journey takes them.
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