Ellie wants to change her life and stop being the shy and reserved good girl. Jake Armstrong seems like the right guy to bring out her naughty side and make her a bit more adventurous. Asking him on an old-fashioned date seems like the first step to break out of her shell, however, when the pair are caught on camera, everything seems a little too adventurous for Ellie. Yet, Jake will do anything to protect Ellie even if it means they start fake dating.

I really liked Ellie and the fact that she wanted a change in her life and that she wanted to find her adventurous side. Jake definitely takes her out of her comfort zone and is the right person to get naughty with. While Jake, it isn't always easy being him. Women are constantly throwing themselves at him because he's a pro athlete. In saying that, I liked that he wanted to protect Ellie when things got out of control after they were caught on camera.

Overall, this was a sexy opposites attract, fake relationship trope filled story where the chemistry between the characters was fan-your-face hot and spilled over onto the pages with lots of heat that showed how right this couple were for each other.

I read this delightful book by Kathy Lyons, a new author for me, as a stand alone. Lots of lively banter, endearing characters, a good story line and well written prose, made it a 5 star read for me.

The story begins at a bbq for Connor, catcher for the Indianapolis Bobcats, in the backyard of his aunt and uncle's house. His team is all present, as are his cousins, Rachel and Ellie McDonald. Ellie is a shy nurse, who has been trying to get over her risk aversion, by exposing herself to rejection. Her sister goads her into asking her long time crush, short stop Jake Armstrong, for a date- an old fashion date. Jake has been told by management that he needs to tone down his bad boy image and thinks that Ellie is cute, so surprises her by agreeing, evening showing up to said date in a tux and with a limo. After a wonderful dinner, where they really hit it of, the evening goes down hill, when there is a fire in the hotel room next to Jake's, he and Ellie rescue a boy stranded there and then Jake has to rescue Ellie from the balcony- all caught on video and Ellie cruel shamed. To fix both their images, Jake comes up with the story that they have been dating for a while- just to the end of the season. As the season progresses, they open up to each other. Jake has his own issues that he is dealing with eventually opens up to Ellie. And as this is a romance with the required HEA, by the end the relationship is no longer fake.

I read an ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley.com. This I say unbiased and voluntary review.

Kathy Lyons really had me hooked on this story from the first paragraph. Light, funny and enchanting are definitely words that describe Sliding Home.

Hot, sexy and frustrating are words that describe our short-stop Jake. Shy, cautious, modest are words that describe Ellie. He’s the playboy that every girl wants. She’s the wallflower. Accepting a bet from her sister, Ellie throws all caution to the wind and asks Jake out. Ready for rejection, she has no idea how to act when he says yes. Especially when he hears her terms. Nope, she’s not going to be another notch on his bedpost … it’s going to be romantic and fun without even a good-night kiss. Riiiight. How does she expect herself to not touch or kiss the man that has been the star of her dreams?

There is just something about Ellie that draws Jake in. She’s smart, shy and stunning. He’s had a little crush on her from the first time he’s seen her. Surprised isn’t the word for what he was when she asked him out on a date. He knows it’s a bet but, after a little talking to, he was told to curb his libido and what better way to show management that he’s finally seeing someone “good” than to take Ellie out. He didn’t expect her to be so vibrant and fun. When she says “yes” to a nightcap, he can’t help but hope for it to lead to something a little bit more. Well, he got what he was hoping for and a whole lot more. But, what would a woman like her want with a man like him …

I loved Jake and Ellie as they wound their way through their “fake” relationship. They were both vulnerable and afraid to let the other see their true selves or their true feelings. But, the way Kathy Lyons finally brought them together and let the truth be told was absolutely beautiful. He was supportive of her job, she was supportive of his family. They showed that, together, they could overcome all the obstacles that they put in their own way.

Apologies for the delay in sending this, but I (obviously) have chosen not to read and review this title.

As always, I appreciate the opportunity to read early tiles from your authors.

Thank you!

Kathy Lyons' Sliding Home was adorable. I really enjoyed Jake and Ellie's characters and their love story was so much fun to follow.

The author had me hooked in this story form the very first moment i read this story. I am a big fan of sport romance and the author hit everything i enjoy about sport romance. This was a great read with a very enjoyable storyline that had me addicted to this story.

Ellie was ready to change her life. The ability to be rejected was something she was working on and it led her to Jake. When she approached Jake she expected him to say no to a date. Imagine her surprise when he actually said yes. Their first date turned out to be more than either of them expected. Embarking on a relationship with one another would help them find neither the piece of their heart they were missing. Another great story from Kathy Lyons.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC from Netgalley.

I must say that I was really happy when reading this novel. I've never read Ms Lyons before, however, this won't be my last from her. The story was engaging, the characters were interesting and the editing was wonderful. Oh yeah, the writing was awesome. If you're looking for an enjoyable reading day, I'd suggest giving Sliding Home a chance. And those of you familiar with Ms Lyons....you should've passed the word on. :D

If you want something hot this is for you. I love that you get to know the characters so well. It’s a plus when a story isn’t rush and you enjoy it from the beginning until the end. I can’t wait to read more from this author. This is now one of my favorites.

I enjoyed this story so so much and the plot was well thought out, and just fantastic. Loved it! I also liked the writing style and how she brings the story to life. I really loved the flow of the story and the characters were well defined, developed and you just can’t help but fall in love with them, right from the very beginning and their chemistry was super hot and just flowed off the pages. Plus thrown in a baseball player then you have everything you need for a fantastic book. Totally loving this author and this is definitely a one click and must read of 2018. I would absolutely recommend to all book lovers out there.

This book was a delight! It took me a little to warm to Jake, but once the main crisis (the hotel room fire) happened, I was all in on these two. Super fun, sexy read.

What would you do if the one man you thought would never go out with you accepts your challenge? Don't miss the latest installment from Kathy Lyons. Her stories get me every time - lots of chemistry, heat, heart and a whole latte love!

I can't wait for the next installment!

It was cute... but the connection between the characters was lacking. The relationship seemed to all be based on physical attraction that really didn't develop beyond that. At times it felt forced.

It was okay... just not what I had hoped for.

It was a quick, spicy read. The second book out of three but a standalone that was totally worth the effort.

I could not put it down and loved how the storyline flowed.

This was a well written, engaging story. The characters are colorful and entertaining. Once I started I couldn't put it down. Cant wait for more

I'm not a big fan of sports romances but this one was quite good. It's a wonderful read and I liked the heroine Ellie.

I enjoyed reading this story between Jake and Ellie a lot!

Jake is a very fun character and Ellie is she and a little unsure of herself but decides to work on overcoming her fear of rejection. Together, they sizzled physically and their intimate talks were heartfelt.

Jake’s storyline lacked in the development department, I would have liked to see some growth especially in regard to his relationship with his family. Ellie's family was close and her sister especially was a Cracker Jack.

I hope there are more stories for some of the other characters in this book.

Sliding Home is a sweet, light, fast read. The premise of the good girl that, in essence, redeems the bad boy made the story a bit predictable. The hero and heroine were well drawn and engaging, and I enjoyed their journey to happily ever after. I think that what I really appreciated was the strength of the secondary characters. Sliding is the second book of a set, stood alone just fine, but there are quite a few characters I wouldnt mind reading more about.

I thought this was a really good read! The writing flowed well, and I liked the characters. There was more focus on Jake than Ellie, but the drama with Jake's family was prominent in the story. I liked Jake and Ellie together, and I thought they had great chemistry. There was a few scenes that were a little aggravating. The freak out Ellie has about being wild in bed. That was just crazy. The other was when Jake gets mad at her for leaving. Really? He bailed first, and then she was in the wrong? I don't think so. Other than that, I thoroughly enjoyed this story.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

Ellie McDonald is generally shy and retiring. But when she decides to do one thing every day where she gets rejected, her sister dares her to ask out MVP on her cousin's pro baseball team, Jake Armstrong. Except that he doesn't reject her. And then there's a hotel fire... and things really spiral out of control. Suddenly she's agreeing to pretend to be in a relationship to help save his job and her reputation.
There were parts of the book that I didn't love (a lot of misunderstandings) but I am interested in reading more books in this series.

Three and a half stars
This book came out August 13
ARC kindly provided by NetGalley