I don’t need a happily ever after filled with fake promises, animosity and eventually a divorce to be content. I’m living the dream…my dream, regardless of what anyone thinks of me. My meager life was perfect until a cocky football player wormed his way into my existence.
Once upon a time, I played an unconscious role in my own life, a mistake I have no plans of repeating. I pride myself with my outspoken and frequently excessive nature. It’s the consistent reminder of the person I refuse to become ever again.
He’s the ultimate playboy…
Life is perfect. I’ve lived and breathed football since I was a kid, and now I’m making millions playing in the NFL. I keep women around for one reason, but never the same one. The only attachments I need are family and friends but life has a bizarre way of proving a person wrong. When a concussion leaves my best-friend’s life spinning out of control, the last thing I expected was to meet an outrageous woman who leaves me begging for more.
She lives in New York. I live in Arizona.
She promised me one night, but I discovered that’s not enough. Now, I need to figure out if I’m a pro off the field because I’m about to play the biggest game of my life.
Adult Contemporary Romance: Due to language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.
Riann C. Miller is the author of eight contemporary romance novels. Her new release, Returning Home is available now!
Riann (pronounced Ry-an) lives in Kansas with her husband and two teenaged children. When she’s not reading, or writing, she usually enjoying a Royals game.
“Living with Doubt” is the story of Jake & Lacey, who were side characters in “Living with Regret” . That is why, although they are both stand-alone books, I would advise you to read them both in order to get a deeper knowledge of everything going on in those people’s lives.
“Living with Regret” was a 5-star read for me although the hero in it made too many awful mistakes. With the selective amnesia, it was a unique and different story, which affected me deeply.
“Living with Doubt”, on the other hand, has a flawless hero. Jake Girard is swoon-worthy. He is perfect inside and out. With blonde hair and whiskey color eyes, he is the Football God all girls are after.
Lacey is a beautiful and sexy lawyer. With her blue eyes and dark hair, she has her own charm as well. She is also smart, funny and feisty.
In their relationship, Lacey is the one who makes it difficult all along. In fact, both Jake and Lacey had traumatic events in their past but Jake’s strong feelings for her makes him courageous enough to take the risk of a relationship again after so many years but Lacey’s scars go deeper and she is much too scared to give her heart to someone and end up broken again.
Jake's efforts to make Lacey fall in love with him and her resistance to getting into a serious relationship is the basic plot line of the book.
Lacey finds Jake irresistible and can’t say no to him when physical connection is concerned but she cannot open up to him and accept her feelings until towards the end.
In this book, we still have a few glimpses of Chase & Jordan from “Living with Regret” and I have a feeling that maybe we can have two more books there, one about Caleb, the other about Bridgitte... I hope Ms. Miller is planning to do so. I really would love to read their stories, as well.
This book is hot, emotional and fun with a little bit of drama related to the past. The characters are very loveable. As I loved the first book dearly, they all feel like family to me and it was impossible for me not to be connected to the characters easily.
There is fun banter with lots of steamy scenes. The writing is good, it flows and it makes you feel.
Here are some of their fun sexting...
Jake: Do you want me again as much I as I want you? I’ll do just about anything for one more night… Lacey: Try running through Time Square naked. If you don’t find a willing woman or don’t end up in jail, I’ll consider a repeat…
***
Jake: Scientists say people who dream have a larger IQ. Don’t fight it, dreaming about me is a good thing Lacey: I know you’re in need of your ego being stroked, but you’re barking up the wrong tree. Jake: I have something else you can stroke. It’s been rock hard ever since I woke up from dreaming about you. Lacey: I’m glad I could help your IQ…
And some emotional ones here…
“There’s something about you. Something I can’t seem to make myself walk away from,” I whisper as I place a kiss next to her mouth.
***
I learned so much about Lacey today, but I’m at a bigger loss about who she really is. I know in my heart that prick I met today holds all the answers. From the sounds of it, he royally fucked her up. Alicia messed with my head, but I didn’t turn cold—I just did everything I could to avoid finding myself in the same situation. The same doesn’t hold true for Lacey. She not only avoids relationships, but she also avoids her family. And when faced with her past, she looked as though she saw a ghost, and that tells me her story isn’t the same as mine.
***
“I think it’s time you finally leave, and when you go, you’ll need to take your fairytale ending with you.”
***
She gives me a weak smile. “You’re right. I’m not sure I was ready to meet you—I’m not sure I was ever ready to meet the Jake Girard.”
I normally don’t do ARC, but because I loved Book 1 so much, I wanted to make an exception so that I am able to read this one as soon as possible and I am glad I did. I need to thank Ms. Miller for that opportunity.
Book 1, “Living with Regret”, has a special place in my heart but I loved this book as well. This book made me feel and it made me happy. It is somewhere between 4 – 4,5 stars for me.
Do read both books; they have characters that make mistakes but aren’t we all human beings who are prone to making mistakes ourselves?
Especially when you are a teenager, it is easier to make life-altering mistakes. And sometimes, those mistakes determine your future, without you being aware of it.
Ms. Miller’s books show you why these flawed characters are the way they are and she does it in the best possible way, making you feel and making you understand them. When they are able to forgive themselves and each other, we, as the readers, are also there, having forgiven them already…
Strong, independent, sassy b*tch! And I love b*tches! It takes one to know one! *lol*
Jokes aside, she was actually a very kind and honest person. She had a golden heart and always stood by her friends. I wish to have her as my BFF.
She was hotheaded, but always honest. I loved how she supported her BFF, the heroine from the previous book, and not only because I didn't like the hero, but also because I clearly saw that she loved and cared for her friend!
Lacey/h met her BFF 10 years ago after her break-up and helped this woman to live again. And when you saw and felt the pain of a person you love, you would never just accept and forgive, when the man who caused this pain, comes back and claims to love your friend. I would also call bullsh*t. I would help to chase this as*hole away. I would never push my friend back to the man who betrayed her once.
Call me an unforgiving b*tch! I am who I am.
I totally understood why this h didn't trust the H and pushed him away. I, as a reader, had a pleasure to read the chapters from his POV and knew that he was a good guy (despite his manwhore past), but the h saw only a football player, womanizer, who didn't take NO for an answer.
Of course she had doubts! And it's normal, it's ok. I didn't judge her once, I supported her every decision.
The hero told me that he wanted to try to have a relationship, but it was so sudden that even I couldn't quite believe in his feelings. When a man tells you he only wants sex and then pursues you for commitment, I would think twice before giving this "love" a try. Not that the hero wasn't sweet, but he had a past where he didn't do repeats and we all know, that the bullsh*t you are different, the people change etc not always tend to be true. So, I stood by the h.
And even not knowing about her past and the tragedy she suffered I didn't judge her once.
As to her past mistakes, it was hard. I cried as I read her confession.
Floved this heroine from the beginning till the end. She was almost perfect to me.
Sweet epilogue.
I would recommend this book to those who want to read about a strong but real woman who didn't fall at men's feet, had her opinion, made her mistakes but didn't once lose her dignity.
Living With Doubt has a blurb that caught my attention right away and made me want to read this book as soon as possible. I'm really happy that this book crossed my path because I enjoyed reading it and I found a new author. I definitely want to read more of her work, especially Living With Regret since we got a little of Chase and Jordan in this story.
I did like reading about Jake pursuing Lacey and I love when it's the Hero that has to work the most in a relationship. He was really amazing to not give up on Lacey and I really liked that about his character. Lacey, however, was the reason for my 3 star rating and I can't say I liked her as much as I liked Jake. She came off as really judgmental and I just couldn't get on board with that.
Overall, I did like this story and I will definitely be reading more of this author, I just can't say this was a favorite of mine.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
How would you feel if your BFF has been dumped by a dickwad ten years prior. And said dickwad told your BFF that he never stopped loving her after all this time? But before the concussion he never did anything to get her back? As her BFF would you be happy for her and support the relationship? HELL NO! That is Lacey in a nutshell. Does that make her a b*tch? NO WAY! Hurt her friend and you're dead to her attitude, I love. Can I have her as my BFF please? She speaks her mind, loyal, tenacious, stubborn and strong willed. Her bitchy personality is more of a front to keep people away but deep down she has a good heart. My heart broke for her because of her past. She's a tough cookie and she has sh*t going through her head and guilt. Too much guilt. But our H Jake made it officially his mission to win her over. :)
Now, Jake was a manwhore. Typical athlete. Wild parties, random women. But the first time he saw Lacey (the spitfire) there was a connection and attraction. Let the chase begin! They both agreed to have only one night to get each other out of their system but guess what? It didn't work. Jake decided it was not enough. So one night, turned to two and then more.
I didn't read book 1 and not planning to. BUT I am so glad I read this. Thank you Alex for rating this one high and you're right with the h Lacey. I love her. :)
First of all, I loved Lacey! She may come across as bitchy to some, but i loved her! Jake was great, too :)
What stated out as instant attraction turns into a one-time thing, turns into friends-with-benefits, turns into so much more. The pacing was good, the story held my interest and it was a great read.
It did lose points because anytime Chase and Jordan were in it, I was skimming to the end of their scenes. Can't stand either of them but loved that Lacey made sure Chase knew she didn't like or trust him, merely tolerated him, only for Jordan's sake. And I wish I got to see more interaction between Lacey and her family, especially with her sister, Jena. But overall, this was enjoyable because it had a heroine I could actually relate to. Finally :)
We met Jake and Lacey in the book Living with Regret. Both of them were interesting characters on their own so I was looking forward to reading their story. Well...I loved it!! Jake is a typical football player who loves his job and women. But something about Lacey intrigues him and he can't help but go back for her. He's tall, handsome, witty and patient. You need that in heaps when dealing with a strong and opinionated woman like Lacey. Lacey is a junior lawyer in New York who works hard and parties hard. An unfortunate event with another arrogant man has left her closed off to any kind of relationships. She's sassy, sarcastic and honest to fault. Jake and Lacey, both start their one-night stand with zero expectations since relationships are a strict no-no for both. But when one-time turns to more, they need to decide how much will they allow their pasts to decide their future. The story is kinda typical romance yet there are strong elements of emotions which keep you hooked. I could not put down the book just to see how Lacey was gonna react next. Highly recommended. *~*~*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange of an honest review *~*~*
Living with Doubt is a spin off story for Jake and Lacey who were best friends of Chase and Jordan in Living with Regret. You do not have to read Living with Regret first because there is enough mentioned of their background story in this book that you will understand their history and how they met. Both books are well written with awesome characters, witty banters and entertaining storylines.
“Sometimes life doesn’t play out the way we’d expect.” “But people usually learn the greatest lessons after their biggest fall.”
Jake has a dream life – he lives and breathes football, making millions and bedding every hot woman that comes his way. He has no time or inclination to keep any of them around long. Jake met Lacey though Chase and Jordan when Chase injured his head, losing his memory. Lacey is a young, smart, sexy lawyer. She has zero interest in men thanks to her douche bag ex who broke her heart. The last person she needs to be tangled up with is the ultimate player football star. Since the first-time Jake came face to face with the feisty Lacey he could not ignore the sparks between them. Lacey is a hard nut to crack but Jake is up for the challenge. One night of fun turns into more and Jake just can’t quit her even though he knows it will be a difficult chase. The relationship between Jake and Lacey is definitely steamy albeit very turbulent at times. Lacey has a dramatic past which makes it difficult for her to let go and take a leap. Sometimes, I get frustrated with her stubbornness but I know deep down Lacey has a lot of love to give. I was not quite sure about the side story of the grandfather asking for Lacey's help. I understand how that tides to Lacey’s past but I could do without because I already love the romance between the main characters as well as all the side characters. Over all, I enjoyed Jake and Lacey’s story – sexy, fun, romantic with a touch of drama and an emotional part towards the end. This is a new author for me – I read both books back to back and they are both fantastic!!!! I hope there will be a story for Caleb – he seems like a genuinely nice guy but sort of unlucky in love at the moment.
“I can’t change your past, but I can help you build your future.”
If you read Living with Regret, then you've already met Jake and Lacey. If you haven't, no worries, Living With Doubt is their full stand-alone story and Riann C. Miller does a really good job of making sure their history and anything we might have learned about them in Living With Regret is fully explained.
This story is both scorching hot and scorchingly emotional. Jake and Lacey are both alpha characters. IMO, that made it an even better read. Lacey did all the pushing away .. again, more interesting to me. It's usually the female that clings. Not this time LOL They both have past scars that need healing before they can move forward and Lacey's ran really deep. I am so glad the Jake never gave up because it was swoon worthy :)
What I loved most about this book is that even tho both Jake and Lacey had past relationships that really messed with their heads, this journey had very little drama. It made it more poignant and real. I loved every word in this book!
5 "I love this book" stars!! Another for my favorites list!!!
This book can be read in conjunction with "Living With Regret" but I read as a stand alone and did not feel shorted at all!! Trust me this is a MUST READ!!
This is the story of Jake and Lacey. Jake is a cocky pro football player, happy with just partying and playing football. That is until he lays on Lacey... Lacey is a self assured bitchy underpaid lawyer who is jaded against men. Mind you she loves sex but that's about it. That is until some cocky football player refuses to walk away...
Now I LOVE both of these characters and let me tell you why. Lacey may be this completely jaded bitch of a woman but in time you will come to understand her better. She did irritate me on occasion but I love how strong she tried to be. Now Jake, oh my gosh...SWOON, he is perfect!! I thought maybe he would sound desperate but no it was perfect. Every girl deserves a sexy as sin, Jake!! This relationship is just how I like it. Funny, sarcastic, witty, sexy and all consuming.
The author wrote a smooth, easy to read, fantastic book with excellent character development. Let me say I did have worries because I am usually not impressed with sports romance books but this did not seem cheesy or over done. The end had me tearing up and when I read "The end" I couldn't have had a bigger smile on my face. Make sure you have no plans for the day because this book will suck you right in!!
**I received this book as an ARC and in return I gave my honest review**
I have been waiting for this book for over a year.Living With Regret was the first book I requested off of NetGalley that I absolutely loved. It was my first experience with Riann's writing, and the first time that I desperately wanted a side couple to get their own book. Living With Doubt is that book.
I REALLY liked the parts of Lacey we saw in Living With Regret. I found her less likable here, but only because it took her so long to get on board with Jake. These two are hot together, and Jake is pretty perfect. I got frustrated with how long it too for them to really be together but in the end it was worth it. The epilogue was everything I wanted, and gave me hope that there will be another book in the series.
If you haven't read Living With Regret, no worries, this book is perfectly readable (and enjoyable) without having read the 1st book. This isn't a series where you feel like you are missing something if you skip a book. But I did love that book, so I would still recommend it.
I received an advance review copy of this book that I have chosen to review.
Living with Doubt is a great novel about coming to terms with your past.
Jake and Lacey are a great pair. They meet under the most unusual circumstances and as much as Jake is ready for Lacey, she doesn't want to be ready for him. She inspires quite the chase. Jake is just swoon-worthy in his attempts to capture her heart. Lacey is flawed and her soul is damaged. But she's tough, almost too bullheaded at points, but it's all in the name of protecting herself.
While I wish we had a little more focus on her healing, watching the beginning of it is beautiful. I laughed, teared up, and and was on the edge of my seat as Lacey's secrets were revealed.
Highly recommended to any romance reader. The hero is a professional football player, but the football references are light as it takes place during his off-season.
*Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMG Reads*
Oh my I loved this book!!! I didn't read Book 1 and I don't think I need to after reading about these two. I loved Jake & Lacey even though I wanted to kill her half the time.
Jake was your typical football player with a past but he was so damn sweet, sexy and alpha all wrapped up in one. He was an amazing friend, son, brother but most of all lover. He comes across as cocky but he's confident and funny. Lacey was intelligent, gorgeous and independent. She comes across as a bitch because of her past but she's a no nonsense with no filter woman that defends her best friend like a mama bear. Her and Jake together were explosive.
Jake had to work really hard to get the stubborn Lacey into his bed. The things he did for her were so thoughtful and cute. Lacey on the other hand couldn't let go of her past and I felt like strangling her half the time. But when her past is finally revealed you'll feel sorry for her.
Jake was always by her side and it was refreshing to read a sports romance that was more about the romance than the sport and he wasn't involved with any other woman which was awesome. Also this book drama was more on Lacey than Jake.
The secondary characters played an interesting role also and I loved Lacey best friend Caleb. This is one couple that I wouldn't mind reading more about in the future.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book.
Well, this story was just fantastic. I didn't know what to expect with this being my first book by this author and all. But it was great. I loved the slow burn. I loved the alternating POV. I loved almost all of it.
What I didn't love was that it took our heroine 95% of the book to make up her mind. She wanted to come across as this strong woman but was too afraid to admit her feelings. Obviously, learning her truth made me realize how important that front was to her. It had a purpose, but I still didn't really like it.
So, overall, I'm giving this story a 3.75 stars. It was a fantastic story about forgiveness, finding happiness, and realizing you deserve more.
Hiding behind a snarky attitude and tough exterior lies a broken heart. Those were my thoughts about Lacey. She doesn't want to be hurt and uses her attitude as a weapon. She meets her match in Jake! A tough pro ball player who is just as broken as she is. Instead of being repelled by her attitude, he is attracted to it! Like A Magnet! I thought Jake was ready to move on from the past. Lacey wasn't quite there yet. She had suffered more of a loss than Jake. Her heart and soul had been shattered! I hoped she would look towards the future! That her future would include Jake!
I loved this follow up to Living With Regret! You don't have to read book 1 in order to read Living With Doubt. I think the author did a great job merging/blending the stories. I thought this book was even better than the first!
A woman wronged Jake once, and he won’t make that mistake twice. Football is his passion and that is all he needs. Woman fall at his feet but he only keeps them around for one night.
Lacey lost her true self in her relationship with her abusive ex. She has promised herself that she will never be someone’s doormat again. She has no time for men anyways as she is trying to build her legal career.
Jake and Lacey meet when they are both trying to help their best friends through some trouble. Jake is immediately attracted to the gorgeous woman with the sassy mouth. Lacey is also taken with the sex on legs Jake even though he reminds her of her ex.
Both of them do everything they can to fight their attraction; even agreeing to one night of sex to try to work it out of their system. They soon come to realize that they are very different people than their first impressions of each other.
I loved this story. The beginning of the book was a little awkward for me at first but once it started flow it was great. Jake is an absolute dream. And I love a heroine who isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
This is the story of friends of friends who meet during their friends crisis. They live thousands of miles a part and somehow must figure how to make it work.
I don’t need a happily ever after filled with fake promises, animosity and eventually a divorce to be content. I’m living the dream…my dream, regardless of what anyone thinks of me. My meager life was perfect until a cocky football player wormed his way into my existence.
Once upon a time, I played an unconscious role in my own life, a mistake I have no plans of repeating. I pride myself with my outspoken and frequently excessive nature. It’s the consistent reminder of the person I refuse to become ever again.
He’s the ultimate playboy…
Life is perfect. I’ve lived and breathed football since I was a kid, and now I’m making millions playing in the NFL. I keep women around for one reason, but never the same one. The only attachments I need are family and friends but life has a bizarre way of proving a person wrong. When a concussion leaves my best-friend’s life spinning out of control, the last thing I expected was to meet an outrageous woman who leaves me begging for more.
She lives in New York. I live in Arizona.
She promised me one night, but I discovered that’s not enough. Now, I need to figure out if I’m a pro off the field because I’m about to play the biggest game of my life.
Ahh if you love living with Regret than you will love this book as well. This book focuses on Jake and Lacey's Story who are best friends to Chase and Jordan. This book you can read as a standalone.
Lacey is a spitfire lawyer with a lot of heat in her words and Jake is the ultimate player football player. But when these two are behind closed doors they can not keep their hands to each other but in the public its all private. But both have walls up and they are trying to break each others down. But its hard when one lives in one place and the other lives somewhere else. These two though are amazing character and I love how Riann writes her5 character and stories. She gives so much depth and angst everything you want in a book. I would highly recommend reading this book. So good!
I received this arc in exchange for an honest review
Although this story is a standalone we meet characters Jake and Lacey whom we were briefly introduced to in LIving with Regret as best friends of football star Chase and Jordan. In this story we start where Living with Regret ended and fire cracker Lacey has gone to save her best friend Jordan from making another mistake and taking back old flame Chase after he has an injury leaving him with memory loss of the last 10 years and he doesn't remember that he and Jordan ever split up. In Lacey's quest she meets Chase's best friend Jake and man is he hot but there is no way she is ever getting involved with a guy like Jake again after last time...
Jake doesn't do girlfriends and never goes back for a 'repeat' but when he meets Lacey there is something different about her that he just cant shake. He thinks that if he goes there that will shake these thoughts and he can move on, how wrong he was he needs her even more now! We follow Jake in his mission to win the girl and Lacey in her attempts to steer clear but it's so damn hard when the guy is sex on legs. Will Jake get the girl and will Lacey be able to rid herself of the demons in her past?
Well yet again this was an absolute amazing read from Riann. I couldn't wait to get this bad boy started and read it in 2 sittings. I love the way she writes all her characters and man I wish Jake was real I'd certainly keep him around, if you know what I mean ;) The story was fast paced and kept me hooked all the way through. As I said earlier this book is a standalone but if you have read Living with Regret then you will already know Chase and Jordan which made for a nicer read in my opinion, having already known the characters but it's not essential to read this story. I cant wait to read what she has in store next.
***ARC provided in exchange for an honest review - Naomi / Scandalous Book Blog***
I loved both Jake and Lacey when I read Living with Regret, so with the news that they were getting their own book I was very excited!
I loved this authors writing, she has a way with words that holds you captive. This was a very emotional and passionate read that theft me feeling raw in parts.
This couple met when their best friends were trying to figure out their own relationship. But there was definitely a spark between them, one that is hard to ignore but with fact that they live so far apart it was never a problem. But now Jake is in her home town and their attraction is far from mediocre. One night was all she offered...but one night was all it took for Jake to realise he wanted more but just how much more was Lacey willing to give.
Lacey is a junior Lawyer so her smart mouth and fiery attitude come as no surprise. She is protective of the ones she loves and she has her walls built high and strong.
Jake is a star football player and is living the life. He is also a ladies man but has never had the desire to have a relationship. After watching his friend fight for his life and his woman, Jake sees thing in a different light and now with Lacey on his radar he is in a whole lot of trouble.
Lacey is stuck in the past and Jake just wants to offer her a future!!!
Can this couple overcome everything and get their HEA?
Living with Regret introduced us to Lacey and Jake, who are Jordan and Case's best friends. and while I loved Jacob and Chase, I absolutely Floved Lacey and Jake.
Lacey Davis is a kickass lawyer who has no problem speaking her mind and telling off anyone who deserves it. She's fierce and her loyalty to her best friend is admirable. She's the kind of heroine I love to read about. The way she emasculated Chase's father was epic. However, there are secrets in her past that she can't get over and that doesn't allow her to get close to anyone.
Jake Girard is one cocky, arrogant football player. He's hot. talented and a true player. After his ex-fiancee betrays him, he focuses on football and having one night stands only.
When Jake and Lacey meet, the sparks fly between them. They are both hesitant to have anything other than a casual fling, nothing serious. The more time they spend together and get to know each other, the stronger their feelings get. Can they let down their guard and give their love a chance?
This is such a good story full of twists and emotions that had me crying at times and laughing at other times. I love these characters and the plot was just awesome. This is another great read by Riann Miller.
If you ever have been afraid to love again (like me) then you should read Living with doubt by Riann C. Miller, I do like this book a lot, I didn´t love it because there´s a side story in there which I feel it was kind of forced and it didn´t bring much to the main story otherwise I would love this book. I don´t want to spoil anything but Jake and Lacey started as fuck buddies and then move on just to find trapped between the past, the present and what the future is going to be. I had been looking for some sport related book for some time and this definetely capture my interest in the genre.
Also I feel it was kind of a long book because is told by both Jake and Lacey points of view so you get to understand what they are feeling and thinking as well, the sex was hot enough to make you blush and the romance feel genuine according to Jake´s actions, I like as well the fact that both main characters are not 21 years old kids but two 30 something with a carrers of their own.
So would I recommend this book? Yes, its good but not an amazing one but if you are looking for a book to read lounging in a pool this is a fair good option.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Crazy Cajun Book Addicts for an honest review.
Living with Doubt is Jake and Lacey's story and is definitely not one to be missed it's a MUST READ!!! Its beautiful written and the story line has a great flow it will pull at your heartstrings and you can't help but hope these two can find the strength to be open with each other and find the happiness together they both truly deserve.
Lacey is a lawyer, she's fiesty, independent and definitely not afraid to speak her mind, but behind all that she's carrying around some heartache and guilt that is stopping her from believing in love she backs away from relationships at every turn.
Jake is a pro football in the NFL. After finding his fiancé in a compromising position with a team mate a few years ago he's been happy enough playing the field where the ladies are concerned not wanting to be tied to just one women and definitely not interested in having a relationship.
What starts out as the occasional hook up for Jake and Lacey soon turns into more when real feelings are thrown into the mix but with everything in their pasts is there really any chance of them been together?
That was a great read. Riann you did a superb job with this one. Lacey has a doubt that keeps her from being in a relationship but there is one man who just might change that when she shows up looking for her friend Jordan, she meets Jake Girard instead. Let the challenges begin. Jake has been in one relationship in order to have his doubts but Lacey just may be the one to change those doubts. In Living With Doubt, Riann makes you laugh (a lot) with the antics these two go through. Then Riann makes you cry at the end when Lacey reveals her doubt to Jake. But she gives a very happy ending none the less. Riann writes from both P.O.V and this is my favorite style of writing because I always wonder what the other main character is thinking, thank you. Riann you flow with your words and keep the reader interested. A must Read. **Reviewed for Sweet and Spicy Reads, ARC provided in return for honest review**
So if you've read my review for living with regret, then you know I wasn't the biggest fan of Lacey. That didn't change until the very end of this book. She was the same thru most of this book. Jordan and Chase were having issues and she'd butt in like normal. It took Jake to get her calm down and butt out. Jake is a character I liked. He was persistent in his chase with Lacey. He gave her space when needed but also stood his ground with her. It pushed her to deal with her issues and find out if she could love or not. Lacey is a frustrating character but she has a heart that wants to help. It takes a while before we see but she has good reasons for it. Both characters had tragic pasts they needed to move on from, they did that and found they were truly happy and in love. While some parts were frustrating as hell, it still was a beautiful love story.
Living in Doubt was an amazing 4 star story that kept me intrigued until the end. These characters were first introduced in the book Living with Regret. I instantly took a liking to Jake with his sense of sarcastic humour. I thought that the beginning of the story was a little bit slow to pick up mainly it was a recap of Living in Regret. So for a reader who first starts with this book will be brought up to date on some the events that happened in the first book. I had already read the first story just prior. I like that the author kept the shocking twist until the end because it kept me wanting to read this angsty, funny sexy story. I recommend this story.
These characters were written so well. I loved Lacey. She is a strong female character. Shes a lawyer that was just added to a firm so she gets stuck with the pro bono cases most. But she has worked and paid her way through college hasn't needed help from anybody. She has no filter and says whatever she feels. I found myself laughing with some of the things she would say. Jake is a football God, lol. But he too knew what he wanted to be at a young age and fought his way to become the best so he could be an NFL player. These 2 meet when Lacey flys to Arizona to save her best friend Jordan from Chase the loser who broke her heart 10 years before. He's also a NFL player who woke up with a concussion believing he was married to Jordan. They have sparks flying from the first moment. Hes not the settling down type and neither is she. But when Jake sees that Chase's ex is trying to ruin his new relationship he hops on a flight to help his best friend out. But also because he wants to see Lacey. He cant get her out of his mind and thinks one night with her will get her out of his system. But one night turns into 2 then 3. They cant keep away from each other. It is a HEA - Mandi
"Living with Doubt is book 2 in The Regret Series. These are slated as standalones but to fully understand this book, I believe reading book 1 Living with Regret is a good idea. This story is about Jake and Lacey. Both are best friends to Chase and Jordan. Lacey is a lawyer living in New York who is jaded beyond her years. Jake is a football player who lives in Arizona who loves his family and friends. When the two spend a night giving in to temptation, Jake realizes he wants more. He sets out to do just that, wear Lacey down and understand her to know why she is hesitant to give a relationship with him a try. It was a funny, sarcastic banter between the two, but the sweetness coming from Jake did it for me. I loved these characters. "
Living In Doubt is Jake and Lacey's story. It can be read as a stand alone, but it is a spinoff from Living With Regrets.
This is a second chance romance. Jake is a cocky football player living the dream. Partying and football is all he thinks he needs. Jake also doesn't show people his sensitive caring side. He's there for the ones he loves. Jake is sarcastic, witty, swoon-worthy and sexy! He's just perfect! But when he comes across Lacey, things become complicated.
Lacey is a straight up bitch with a chip on her shoulder. She can be a bit harsh. She's a strong-willed, under paid lawyer in New York living paycheck to paycheck. She's all about a good time with no strings attached. Jake sees a challenge in Lacey, but will he be able to break down her walls or will she keep her distance? Both have been through heartbreaks and are both guarded.
Great character development. Quick read. I don't usually read sports romances, but they are becoming one of my favorites. The ending was great and will have you a bit teary eyed. It will leave a smile on your face. If you like sports romance you will enjoy this. Riann Miller is a new author to me I really enjoyed reading her book and look forward to what else she has in store for us!
Living With Doubt by Riann C Miller We first met Jake and Lacey in Chase and Jordan’s story. Right from the outset it was clear that Lacey didn’t suffer fools gladly or take any bullshit either. She was quick to put Chase’s dad in his place and continues to do so in her own story. She is hiding something though, and her attraction to Jake is only part of it. Jake came across as a playboy with a devil-may-care attitude but where Lacey was concerned, he was all in from the first moment.But things aren’t as simple as they look, both Jake and Lacey have secrets they want to repress and keep hidden from the world and each other. The one secret the can’t hide is how they make each other feel. I love how this story took it’s time, finding it’s feet and giving the H/h time to get to know each other. The chemistry between the two was hot, and the sex scenes worth waiting for. But, ultimately, it was the story that made it worth reading.