Just My Type

This book was funny, and had a decent storyline, but I did find myself daydreaming in certain parts which for me when that happens I have to say the book was just ok to me! I enjoyed moat of the book and its definitely worth reading but just ok for me! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

This is a terribly addictive sports romance (rugby, South Africa) that I devoured in one sitting. The leads both come with so much baggage, but you can’t help but root for them - they’re undeniably perfect together. A large number of misunderstandings stood in the way, but that made the HEA all the more deserved.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Funny, sweet,. romantic with a little surprise at the end. This is a fun book to read. There are some misunderstandings along the way but true love conquers all. The characters are great and likable. A very happy ending... makes you smile inside.

While I loved the dynamics of the couple in this story, I found the story itself to just be okay. It didn’t do too much for me. However, I loved the authors writing style and I love that her stories often take place in a far off setting, this book was set in South Africa. I’m intrigued by some of her other stories and I definitely want to give them a try!

Thank you NetGalley, Backlit PR and Sophia Karlson for gifting me an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review!
What kind of Hero do you prefer in your romances? Are you a fan or the rough and rugged alpha males who dominate the pages or do you swoon for the sweet and humble heartthrobs? Give me the shy and vulnerable guy minus the mind games and I’m sold! My own guy is the NICEST person I’ve ever met. I’ve had strangers tell me what a “Good Guy” he is, whatever that means. I’m the more closed off and hesitant of the two of us and we’ve found the perfect balance over the last 6+ years. I love finding him in the pages of my books, little reflections that remind me I love him even when I’m in a different reality.
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Mark ‘Stings’ Hastings has quite the reputation. After ending a years long relationship and still early in his career, Mark had gone a little wild. During those years the internet came to know him only on the field and on social media under #stingsneverstingstwice. What was once an easy thing to roll off his back, now hurts. Mark isn’t the man fans and friends think he is, he just doesn’t know how to show that. Mark was such a breath of fresh air. From the very beginning I was already swooning and rooting for him. He is so misunderstood and I was right there with Hayley wanting to defend him to anyone who said otherwise. He was the anti-alpha while still leaving no doubt he was all Man. He was a fantastic listener, observant, selfless... ugh. As Hayley would say, so everything. New book crush for sure! There were a few lines I highlighted about being a celebrity of any sort in the limelight and the sacrifices you’re forced to make. It’s so easy, especially in the social media era, to think of celebrities and sports stars as otherworldly and above feeling hurt by the things strangers say on the internet. Now that more and more people are speaking up, it’s clear to see that’s not the case! I can’t imagine how many of those celebrities feel the same way Mark did just doing something as simple as stopping at the gas station. I was pleased to see a male lead with anxiety instead of the female. Males struggle with mental health issues the same as women, but the stigma is somehow even stronger for them. Hayley Brooke has just landed her first celebrity wedding and her photography business is starting to pick up. With a big step for her career hanging on the success of her next wedding, the last thing she needs is a distraction. Enter Stings. Her best friend's boyfriends’ best friend. Also a total player and the guy who snubbed her on a blind date years ago. It’s not long before Hayley realizes everything she thought she knew about Mark is wrong, and that the chemistry between them is so right. Hayley was such a good female lead! She was strong and stubborn without being immature and mean. She was witty and sarcastic, and funny while still being able to be vulnerable and advocate for herself. I feel like way too often a strong female lead equals a witchy female lead. I fell in love with these two as they fell in love with each other!

Some stories just hit you the right way or shall I say ... are just your type? This one definitely was it for me.

We have these two characters, Hayley and Mark/'Stings', who meet and have an instant attraction to each other. Mark is a well-known rugby player and is known as this womanizer, who is supposedly only dating blonde model-type women. Hayley is not that, she is brunette and a little more curvy, and she is very sure that Mark would not seriously be interested in her - because she is just not his type. She had bad experiences in her past of people leaving her and she got cheated on, so obviously she has fears of being hurt like that again and is weary when Mark does try to get a date with her. That is how their push and pull starts, mutual pining and the struggle with being actually vulnerable with another person included. They have obvious chemistry, cute and supportive camaraderie, and growing feelings neither can seem to stop.
I thought their romance was nice and while I'm normally not a fan of relationship struggles due to miscommunication, it made sense in the context of this story. Mark and Hayley are two very likeable characters that I rooted for their relationship from their first scene together.

They were surrounded by a neat cast of side characters. I really enjoyed/adored the supportive and protective friendship Hayley had with her best friend Katie and Mark had with Candy.

I also very much enjoyed the flow of the story and how it spanned a (realistic) timespan of several month. There was also this little twist in the end that connected several previously mentioned events together in a way you cannot help but find brilliant.

Besides those points I deeply resonated with one thing in this book, which was Mark's struggle with his mental health and the impact it had on his life and relationships. I was very happy this book discussed how men have a harder time talking about their mental health and how him being a professional athlete made it even harder. That was not something I expected to find in this book, but I'm so glad that it was.

I love a good misunderstood hero. Mark Hastings (Stings) is a rugby player with a mostly undeserved playboy reputation and Harley Brooke is a wedding photographer with high walls around her untrusting heart.

This is a slow burn even though Mark is into Harley from the get-go. The two of them work together so well and have a great combination of sweet friendship and sexy chemistry. You definitely root for them from the beginning and there is payoff in the end!

This book tackles a lot of tough subjects along with the romance. I love how they talked about sports performance anxiety, panic attacks and general mental health issues and how supportive all the side characters were of Mark’s admission.

Thank you NetGalley, Backlit PR and Sophia Karlson for the advance copy of this book.

We meet Hayley, a (mostly wedding) photographer who doesn't want anything to do with the male population and especially Stings, the guy that she was supposed to go on an arranged blind date with. Supposed because Mr. Rugby Player decided to bring his own company and completely ignore her. But because they belong to the same circle of friends, at some point they were bound to communicate. Except that when they get to know each other, Stings is nothing like the womanizer social media describes him to be.

There were several things that I really enjoyed about this book but the main one has to be Stings. Although he may appear as your typical player on and off the field, this couldn't be more false. He is a genuinely kind and nice guy who is dealing with his demons alone and in secret. He is a generous and loyal (to a fault) friend. Yes he could have handled some situations better but in the end, this is why he was a realistic character. As for Hayley, her past relationship really took its toll on her and she struggles with her self confidence a lot and her main battle is against herself and her insecurities.

Even if I sometimes wanted to shake some of the characters to make them communicate, this was a really nice story with a particularly great intake on anxiety and on the false perception given on social. I definitely recommend.

I'll finish this review with this :
#love #anxiety #misunderstanding #friendship #mentalHealth #JustMyType

*This book was provided to me by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

So cute!

If you ever want a slow burn romance, this book has got you covered! It was hard to get at another level and since you don't see that often, it was kind of fun to experience! Stings is known to be a player but when he meets Hayley, a wedding photographer, it's love at first sight and he'll do anything to have her and convince her that he's a changed man, while she tries to convince him that she's "not his type."

I loved seeing rugby focused in tis book, it's not focused enough and as a Canadian, we're into rugby! And we also love grand gestures involving interviews, those are always entertaining.

Thank you to NetGalley and Backlit PR for the earc in return for an honest review.

I enjoyed reading Just My Type, by Sophia Karlson. This book follows the relationship arc of Hayley and Mark.
While I liked Hayley, it was Mark that really stole the book. What a sweetheart of a hero. He is everything we all wish we could find in a partner. What a really good guy! I enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to my friends and fellow readers. Strong 4.5 stars! Thanks NetGalley for an advance copy!

Featuring an awesome hero, widely misunderstood and painfully and constantly faced with misconceptions in the social media jungle, “Just my Type”, by Sophia Karlson (Backlit PR), is a very engaging and satisfying read, with a fascinating insight into celebrity life and the price of success and fame.
Mark is such an intriguing hero and the more we get to know him the more endearing he becomes. I loved the way Sophia Karlson slowly revealed his personality and showed how appearances can be so deceiving in the world of internet.
The depth and intensity of how he feels things and the gap between his inner self and life and his social persona reveal the cruelty and devastation of social media exposure.
This is much more interesting since there are fundamental differences between the real person and the social media representation.
Mark’s anxiety episodes were beautifully and painfully written.
The characters and their backstories feel realistic and authentic and the relationships, too. Mark and Beth are both understandably wary, but the hero turns out to be very sure of his feelings, despite his crippling issues, and completely smitten with the heroine.
I found Hayley’s demanding job as a wedding photographer was very well depicted by the author.
I also liked the slow burn romance and the eroticism and sensuality of some scenes.
The setting - South Africa – is lovely and wonderfully portrayed.

Just My Type is that perfect little love story you need to brighten your day. Sophia Karlson delivers two wonderful characters in Hayley and Mark (aka 'Stings') and their bumpy road to happiness. I loved that both Hayley and Mark were strong in their own right yet harbored secret fears that would ultimately create a surprising friendship when needed most.

Karlson creates an easy kind of flow as she 'sets up' Hayley and Mark to meet and really take notice of one another at a friends' soiree. Since both Hayley and Mark are a bit guarded in what they present to the outside world, seeing as their true selves appear under the stars of a quiet night proved to be the beginning of finding that someone who might just silence all the inner noise.

I love Hayley's feisty nature. How she is a truly gifted photographer with a heart of gold. She definitely has an innate nature for diffusing difficult situations yet I was saddened that she never felt worthy enough to the men in her life. Thank goodness that Mark could see behind her lens and make her finally believe she is everything and more. He is a keeper for sure and his sensitive side only made him sexier. Whether it was his love for his beloved rugby, his teammates, family, and good friends, Mark showed he was so much more than his Stings hashtag and was worthy of a fabulous woman like Hayley.

Just My Type is easy-to-read and simply makes you feel good. Full of feels, I happily give this well-written book a solid 4 stars!

Just My Type follows Mark "Stings" Hastings, a pro rugby player in South Africa, and Hayley Brooke who is a wedding photographer. The two first met when they were supposed to be each other's blind date to a party and Mark shows up with another woman leaving Hayley the odd girl out. She writes him off and it is quite some time later when they actually connect again and this time in a good way. Mark is all in from the start and Hayley is hesitant to believe Mark is as good as he seems. Is he her type or not?

I liked this book, but had hoped for more. I liked the South African setting and the rugby/sports aspect. Mark especially had an interesting storyline dealing with the pressures and anxiety caused by his career. What I wished for was more relationship building. This is a slow burn, which I like, but it doesn't seem like much is happening. We get a lot of thinking about the other person and physical attraction and longing. We learn that they are communicating across the miles through phone conversations but we don't really get included in those moments. We are told that they are growing closer, but I just didn't feel it. Lastly, there is misunderstanding/non-communication stuff toward the end of the book. I'm not a fan of that trope even though I did like how it was resolved. I truly enjoyed epilogue at the end. All in all, it was a good romance and even though it wasn't all I hoped it would be, I will still tell others who I think would enjoy it to check it out.

My sincere thanks to Backlit PR and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book and give my unbiased opinion of it.

Sophia Carlson writes a story that is captivating and fresh. Mark (Stings) is not at all what everyone (including me) thought he was. To write a strong male character that had some striking weaknesses was unique and made the “dance” between Hayley and Mark so much more interesting.

What I liked most was the slow burn of the romance, each not willing to admit to themselves what they were feeling. What I liked most was the writing style. The transitions were smooth. The secondary characters were woven into the story in such a way that they became familiar rather than a distraction.

Of course I loved how it ended but also wasn’t quite ready to leave these characters.

*Thank you to NetGalley, Sophia Karlson and Backlit PR for an ARC in exchange for an honest review*

Just My Type is a standalone Rugby romance.

Mark Hastings aka Stings is a famous Rugby player in South Africa. Hayley is a wedding photographer. Years ago, there was a misunderstanding and Mark brought a date to his blind date with Hayley. She could not look at or talk to him since. But when a party with mutual friends happens, they are thrown together again and Mark looks at her in a fresh way. Despite their history and his womanizing reputation, all is not what it seems.

Both Hayley and Mark have been left by their previous mates. Both have major insecurities about trusting again. Combined with Mark's anxiety disorder, it becomes difficult to see them together. This book is a slow burn!

I loved the honesty of this book, though sometimes I found Hayley a bit wishy-washy and confusing. I enjoyed the funny texting and hashtags. I literally laughed out loud at some of the scenes. I also found Hayley's roommate really unlikeable. I understand her protecting Hayley, but I felt she was a bit nasty at times.

This is the first book I have ready by Sophia Karlson. I am giving it four stars because I felt it was slow at times, but I would definitely read this Author again.

*If I had to nitpick something, I would say the cover doesn't match the description of the characters. In the book he is a huge and bulky rugby player while she is a curvy girl with curly hair*

Have you ever been misunderstood? Have your intentions ever been misconstrued? I'm sure most of us have been unfairly judged a time or two and Ms. Karlson did a tremendous job in eliciting the feels and emotions from these types of circumstances. I loved both characters so much and I felt truly invested in their story. Hayley and Mark's characters were both written with real depth and understanding. They're both completely engaging and endearing but it was Mark that broke my heart. I wanted them both to have their HEA, but it was Mark I cried tears for. We all have scars and baggage and fears and that's why this book is so relatable. I've read a few other books by Ms. Karlson but I must say this is my favorite by far! I can't wait to read more from this author! I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC for NetGalley.

What I liked most was the slow burn of the romance, each not willing to admit to themselves what they were feeling. I truly would recommend this!

Loved this book! Such a cute and easy to read story that will fly by. It is definitely a weekend type of read book when you need something relaxing and funny.

Disclaimer!! This is not my normal type book. I normally read history or regency romance type books. I have gotten on a contemporary lately but this book reminded me why I stick to history. They don't swear, or talk about sex or alcohol or the world like we do now. I read to escape this time period so this didn't work for me. There was a lot of swear words and crude talk about sex and body parts.
I enjoyed the romance part of this, the tension and the back and forth between them. The idea of what happens to people in the news or on social media. Lots of lies can become beliefs. I love that she showed so clearly that this man was nothing like what was believed about him.

3.5 Stars
I happen to be a sucker for people who have been misunderstood due to "Branding, Social Media, and Odd Situations. Having these people deal with the ramifications and then work out how to overcome them is a win.

In Just My Type by Sophia Kartson, we have Mark Hastings, a past rugby player who had all the trappings of being the Hot Bachelor, never being with a woman more than once, and having the fans either love him or troll him. This is a man who is not his rep at all. His dearest dream is to have a wife and family.

Hayley Brooke has a career that allows her to use her photographic talents. Have a camera in her hands, and she can conquer anything. Photography is her passion. The other passion she once had is gone...no men, they all suck. From being cheaters to yucky blind dates to blind dates who never show up...Don't get her started.

These two have a history...and Mark wants to change it because he, unfortunately, was the blind date that didn't show.

Mark has the opportunity to make things better and works to change Haley's feelings for him. Circumstances cause Mark and Haley together and before they realize what is happening...walls are coming down and feelings are getting real.

(https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/3892676304)

I can’t thank you NetGalley team and Backlit PR enough for giving me a chance to have this book on my NetGalley shelf.
This is my first read from Sophia Karlson and phew!!!
This is the kind of slow burn romance I much looking for this day. You know, the type that made you swoon and butterflies flutters from inside you almost like you fall-in-love-at-first sight thing?
Hayley and Mark story is a hell of a ride. Yes, it was that good. I admired at how the author slowly revealed Stings full name. I felt bad and impressed at Mark’s determination at pursuing Hayley. I like how he is gentleman enough despite the fact that Hayley is being way ridiculous. And when they finally got together.. oh.. you don’t say.
And oh, we all need a Grant and a Katie in our life. -wink-

Mark & Hayley’s story was a page turner. Mark was beyond swoon worthy. Mark & Hayley had great chemistry and terrific banter.

Just My Type is the first book that i have read by Sophia Karlson, but won’t be my last! I can’t see what adventures she takes us readers on next.

I voluntary reviewed this book.

A slow-paced sports romance about a rugby player with a no so stellar image and she's a photographer that prefers to hide behind the lens.
This was an okay read with a somewhat predictable outcome.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book received from the publisher via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The romance was slow burn which I don't dislike but this whole book was a bit slow moving for me. Also a bit predictable, but it was a cute story.

I’m becoming a fan of this author book. This was good. Really enjoyed this story. I will read more. Go read. This book was just my type.

This book was pretty predictable but still a good quick read about second impressions and second chances.
Thank you Sophia Karlson, Backlit PR and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

There could not be a better book to read during these 2021 Olympics and the focus on mental health and media coverage of sports celebrities.

Mark "Stings" Hastings is a champion rugby player and the fodder of tons of gossip. Hayley is a wedding photographer and acquaintance for some time. Their friendship and then romance was natural and progressed believably, but the real meat was the emotional and mental issues that both of them face. Hayley has been hurt before and her inner monologue is something that almost all women could relate to, while Mark has so much pressure on him to perform.

It had a great twist ending and was a wonderful read.

Well written with good character development but very predictable to me. I just couldn’t get into it. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I neither really like nor disliked this book, which is why I won't actually go into to much detail about the storyline or characters. Honestly I don't even know why I didn't like this book more than I did. I was very excited for the story and the writing was good too. Ultimately I think I just didn't really connect with the characters and there also wasn't anything all that special about it. It's not that the MCs aren't likeable or not well written, but there wasn't anything that really stuck out to me. Overall the book was fine and I'm sure other people might love it and I'm really sorry I didn't like it more. It truly isn't a reflection of the quality of the book, it just wasn't for me.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A cute women's romcom. The cover is really cute.