I’m called America’s sweetheart. They say I have the voice of an angel. I almost gave all that up, thanks to a traumatic experience at the start of my career. Instead of letting it define me, I chose to rise above. I showed everyone what a woman on a mission could accomplish, and now I’m living my dream.
After one chance meeting, my entire world changes. Austin is every woman’s fantasy, and he wants me. While the attraction is there for me as well, I don’t need any distractions right now.
Austin Jones
Focused. Driven. I’m the man I am today because I never let the idea of settling down disrupt being the best I can during my hockey career.
But then Reese floats into my life and everything changes, and now all I want to do is pin her against the boards.
They say opposites attract. You can’t get more opposite than Country Music’s hottest female singer and a hockey player from Canada. With competing travel schedules, our instant attraction appears to be doomed from the start. Can it really be love? Or is it just a hot ice-melting fling?
Samantha Lind is a USA TODAY Bestselling contemporary romance author. Having spent the first 27 years of her life in Alaska, she now calls the mid-West home, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, reading, watching hockey (Go Knights Go!), and listening to country music. You can connect with Samantha on her website, www.samanthalind.com.
4 Reese and Austin are great together. They have an “easy” friendship long distance that turns into a blooming romance. I don’t mean easy-easy, they still have their troubles to deal with like every couple, but they fit together easily. I love their chemistry and how they grow together, working through their issues instead of taking the simplest path. This book was a bit fluffy, but very enjoyable. I would recommend it.
"You're just so perfect." "I promise, I'm not perfect." "You might not think you're perfect, but you are. You're perfect for me."
This was such a sweet story. These two are just too adorable for words!!
Reese Blackwood, rising country music singer, isn't looking for a man. After what happened with her first manager, and her former band, she has no trust for the gender. But, there's something about the tall, muscled, and sweet hockey player that's making her re-think that philosophy. Their crazy schedules make spending time together nearly impossible, but through the blessings of modern technology they are never out of touch. Texting, FaceTime, and airplanes are the foundation of their relationship. Long distance is hard. Do they have what it takes to make it work?
Austin Jones was never the "settle-down" kind of guy. His schedule just doesn't allow for the luxury of long term anything. But, the petite country singer might just change all that. Right away, they clicked, spending hours just talking. They hardly have any time to spend actually together, but they talk in one way, shape, or form every day. When they are together, they can't keep their hands off each other. Are they strong enough to overcome the obstacles of distance and schedules and make this work?
I liked this story. No drama, no big conflicts, no one is ever in any danger - just a nice, sweet story of finding the right person and being strong enough to make it through any obstacles. It's a nice addition to the series.
Against The Boards is another amazing and yes I keep saying it with every book but this series is simply amazing. The way Samantha writes has me reading till late in the night till I finish the book because I just have to know what happens in the end and I am never disappointed.
Reese and Austin are opposites and they attract. They have this chemistry between them that is undeniable and the two of them are hot for each other. So you are probably thinking what is the problem...... well Reese is a Famous Country Singer and Austin is a famous Hockey Player. How in the hell can that work out because of their schedules and the time they are apart but these two are committed to each other and they make it work. When they can't see each other they talk on the phone by facetime and other ways and when they are together the two of them can'y keep their hands off of each other.
Long distance is not a problem in this relationship and they show others that long distance can work you just have to put the work in and mean it. If you want it you will move heaven and earth to be with that special someone.
Samantha Lin is on a winning streak with AGAINST THE BOARDS, the fifth book in the Indianapolis Eagles series. Hockey star, Austin Jones and country singer, Reese Blackwood, are both focused on their careers. However, after meeting each other, they cannot deny their chemistry wondering if they could make a long-distance relationship work.
I was looking forward to reading Austin’s and Reese’s story since book 4, PROTECTING HER HEART. Austin is Mark’s teammate, and Laura’s brother is the drummer is Reese’s band.
AGAINST THE BOARDS is a heartwarming story. Both characters are likable. Austin is having a great season, and Reese is America’s sweetheart. The two have undeniable chemistry. However, developing a relationship when they both are on the road so much for work presents to be a challenge. There are also some other interesting issues that the characters face through the story.
AGAINST THE BOARDS is skillfully written and easy to read. It is a story that is hard to put down. I recommend this book to people who enjoy sports or music romances. It is suitable for new adult and adult audiences. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
This is the fifth book in this amazing series and is Austin and Reese’s story. These two could not be more different; a country singer and a hockey player. The chemistry between these two is intense, but with schedules which are not often aligned, they made it work. Going through the trials and tribulations of a long distance relationship and trust issues, these two worked hard and grew as their relationship progressed. No spoilers; this is a definite must read, you will not be disappointed! This is a beautifully written story which had me totally enthralled throughout this addictive page turner, and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author, whose work I highly recommend for all.
This is the 5th book in the series but can easily be read as a stand alone. It is a slow burn romance with a great friendship developed before they move ahead with a relationship. I liked Austin and Reese as characters. I enjoyed all the hockey moments as well.
The book is mostly fluff with a small bit of tension thrown in. It was a quick afternoon read for me and really did not leave me with anything more to say. Run of the mill romance with a sweet HEA.
My main issues with this author are around her writing style. Much of the book is repetitive conversations and jumps in time and action. "Weeks have gone by.... time flew by"..... filler words with out much action by our characters. This one was better than the first book of the series but it still was just meh... for me.
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
Against the boards was one of the sweetest books I’ve read this year! Filled with fun and laughter and not at all what you would expect from a Country music Star and Ice hockey champion but I was in love! The chemistry between both characters was in abundance from the start, there flirting was fun and light hearted and although Reese had serious trust issues when it came to men she quickly realised Austin would never allow anything to hurt her even him!
A truly amazing read that let me catch up with the rest of The Indianapolis Eagles players and there significant others as well, I’m addicted to this series and always get excited when another book is announced as author Samantha lind really knows how to make us fall hard and fast for her characters.
Against the Boards by Samantha Lind is a sweet tale of long distance love between a hockey hunk and country music starlet. We've got another sweet romance with no drama or tension just tons of heat! Reese and Austin will ignite your kindle with some super hot scenes that made even me blush. Great hockey action scenes as well!
Am unforeseen love between two totally workaholics who have crazy schedules! Ashley @ Carolina Chic’s Read.
What do a Championship Hockey Player and a Country Music Star have in common? You wouldn’t think much but when these two get together the chemistry that is between them changes their lives. The schedules that these two have it is a hard road to find whether or not the chemistry can build a relationship. These two make you laugh and want nothing but the best for them. I loved reading this story and couldn’t get enough of all the Indianapolis Eagles that are also throw in the mix. This Samantha Lind book will make you want to read more from her. When is the next one coming out???
Love Reese and Austin’s book. It was a beautiful and sweet book. Reese has trust issues after a traumatic experience in her past. Love how patience Austin was with Reece. Love the storyline and this series is getting better and better.
I haven’t read the other books in the series but didn’t need to in order to enjoy this swoonworthy romance between a country singer and a hockey player. Zero angst and a lot of love❤️
What an amazing story! Samantha rocked this one! Meet country superstar Reese, just finished her performance in Indy, and has a special meet & greet with some of the Indy Eagles hockey team. That's where she meets Austin, pro hockey player, and they hit it off! While Reese is still on tour, her & Austin talk on the phone all the time. They build an amazing friendship before taking on a relationship. Their story was beautifully built, I absolutely fell in love with these two! A nice refreshing relationship with no angst, just true love! Grab this as soon as it's released! 5 hockey puck for this one, if you love hockey & love, this is your next amazing read!!
I have loved this series - and the the 5th book has not disappointed!
As with all the series there is also an underlining story with meaning which I love and this focuses on Reeses ex manager who is in prison awaiting trail for sexual conduct with various women within the industry - Reese has to testify at the trail and with Austin by her side she is able to hold her head up high. Having said that it is a feel good easy read book that warms your heart from start to finish and makes you have that sigh at the end.
Austin the playboy of the team meets Reese at one of her concerts - one of her band members is brother to Laura from book 4 in the series. The two hit it off right away but Reese is about to embark on a world tour and Austin is just starting the hockey sessions not a good receipt for a romance but these two find a way with long Facetime and surprise visits when they can.
This author loves hockey. She has more details about the game than any writer I’ve come across. I have to admit I love when an author loves what they write about because the real ness come through crystal clear.
She also delves into the players minds and gives us a look into both rookie and seasoned players minds and how they view things. How they mature in their outlooks. What I really appreciate is she is truthful she doesn’t hurl bull about how players can be. She’s real. The language she uses is authentic. It’s the way I imagine actual conversations to go.
I think this is her best book to date. Her stories are never off the charts unbelievable. However, this time I think she outdid herself. She lets us see into the world of celebrity dating and how hard it is and what it takes to make it work. I will say I fell in love with Austin and Reese. They were so normal and not hype about themselves.
The writing of her romantic moments has become much deeper and much more intense. You can actually feel the intensity. In a world full of romance books that is quite the accomplishment when you don’t take these moments for granted. I’m actually writing this while I’m still reading the book. I don’t want to lose my train of thought.
The secondary characters in this story are so interesting especially Grandmom. I can literally visualize her in my mind. We all have that relative. Thank god, they make life so interesting.
She also included real causes that hit us hard today and showed that there are several ways to interpret what is happening around us.
To say I liked this book would be a disservice to the author. I loved this book. I read this in one sitting. Within this story you get laughs, smiles, romance, love and she brings the heat both on and off the ice. This story is a quick read as fast as the ice the players were skating on because you won’t want to put it down. I actually could’ve continued reading about their lives. I didn’t want to see it end. That is the type of book you want to read.
Against the Boards is book five in the Indianapolis Eagles series and each book can be read as a standalone if you choose to not read the series. Each time we get a new hockey player story it just keeps getting hotter and you cannot help but want to win the cup each time. I love that you get to see the continuing teammates and the WAGs and never feel like you don’t know them if you haven’t read the series. The author does an awesome job keeping you in the loop on the teammates. Inquiring minds want to know if your muse for this story was based on Carrie Underwood (Country Music star) and Mike Fisher (Hockey player)?! Reese is a Country Music star and one of the hottest female singers out there and though it wasn’t easy to get where she was, she is living her dream. Austin is a hockey player and is focused on his career, but from the first time they meet you can feel the instant attraction they had. They won’t have it easy even if they wanted to start a relationship as she is always on the road as is, he when he has games. I loved how their interaction starts out though and as you read you realize that while it won’t be and can’t be easy being in a relationship when two careers have you traveling all over that if you really want to work at something you will succeed. No relationship is easy but being famous must make it so much harder. I loved how Austin supported her from the get-go as does Reese. This is another great addition to this series and while I know series end, I’m hoping this one doesn’t end just yet. You will see team time, music time and how they worked on building a relationship from the bottom up despite all the blockage. Scored a goal! Is all I can say!
Against The Boards is another sweet, cute, easy read in Samantha Lind’s Indianapolis Eagles series. This book follows Austin and country sweetheart Reese. Her drummer, Michael, is the brother of Laura from Protecting Her Heart (#4). While the scene where Reese and Austin first meet actually takes place in the previous book, Against The Boards is a true standalone within this series.
What I liked most about this story was how the reader got the inside look at Reese and Austin’s long-distance relationship while she was on tour and he was in season. It could have been really easy for Lind to just fast-forward through all of that. But we really got to SEE how they get to know one another through text messages and phone calls.
I still find that Lind’s writing style is a bit clunky at times and she is super-descriptive with things that don’t need so much detail. But looking past that, this series has been quite enjoyable. Austin is a sweetheart, Reese is so damn cute, and they are just a cute, no-drama couple. If you want an easy-going romance, this is it!
Like the other books, the previous couples make appearances and the reader gets updates on those relationships. Even though Michael isn’t an Eagle, I would love to see the story between him and fellow band mate Miranda!
I received an advanced copy and voluntarily left a review.
5 opposites attract stars!! I love a good opposites attract story, and this one hit all the marks!!
Reese is a country music star with a dark past, but she doesn't want to let that define her. And she rises above it all. Austin is super focued on hockey and doesn't have time for relationships or the drama it brings. That all changes after a chance encouter with Reese. These two can't deny the electricity between them but with their conflicting schedules and complete opposit tastes in everything, can they really make it work?
Wow, what a great story! I loved the build up of their relationship and the backgrounds for both of them! Reese's story is heartbreaking but she's such a strong character and it really shows from the pages! Austin is definitely a lovable character and it's hard not to fall under his spell! Definitely worth the read!
THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR FROM SAMANTHA LIND! (scuse the All Caps, not yelling, but definitely squealing)
As I read the others in the series before this book, I felt as if I was learning the author's writing style and each book was getting better and better and it was like they have leaded up to this one. I 100% adored this book!
Austin and Reese are two very unlikely people to end up together. He is a hockey player who definitely was not looking to get series with anyone and she is America's Country Singer Sweetheart with a freaking heart of gold.
Since they are both always busy their relationship takes a little longer to develop and just wow, I feel as if definitely helped their chemistry. When they did see each other, I could feel how much these two wanted each other-- two thumbs up for that! Major steam from these two!
The story line was really good as well. There was longing between the two that previous characters did not have, they just became a couple really freaking fast. But since Reese and Austin were traveling different places this forced them to get to know each other at a slower pace!
All in All: REALLY LIKED THIS BOOK!
5 outta 5 stars!
PS: I received this book as an ARC in return for honest feedback!
Against the Boards by Samantha Lind is a fantastic book! I am enjoying reading the Indianapolis Eagles series! This is the 5th book in this series. Make sure you read the previous four books in this series before reading Against the Boards. Against the Boards by Samantha Lind tells the romance of popular Country Singer Reese Blackwood and Austin Jones who plays for the Indianapolis Eagles. The pair meets backstage of Reese's concert and the sparks fly between the pair. Reese and Austin are so attracted to each other. Since meeting each other Reese and Austin have been texting and calling each other getting to know one another. Reese had something bad that happened to her in the past so they decided to take their budding friendship and romance slow. Will Reese and Austin give in to their passion? Will Reese and Austin get their happy ever after? You will have to read Against the Boards by Samantha Lind to find out! This book has plenty of romance and love scenes. This book is also emotional because of the issue that is discussed. I couldn't put my kindle down while reading this book! I will be definitely reading more by Samantha Lind! Grab a copy of Against the Boards by Samantha Lind! You won't be disappointed!
This book was so exciting! A country music star and a hockey player!?! Talk about a power couple! But really, this book was fun, and I think probably one of my favorite sport romances so far this year!
Reese is a country music singer, in the midst of her first world tour. Her professional star is rising, but she has pushed aside any hopes for a personal relationship. Until she meets Austin, a hockey player with the Indianapolis Eagles. There is an immediate connection, but with her tour schedule, and his game travels, they have very little time to spend together. Not letting that keep them apart, they use technology to get to know one another.
I love sports romance, hockey in particular, and I've adored all of the Indianapolis Eagles books. This one was just as fabulous, if not more so, as the rest of the series. While there was plenty of time spent with the team, this book was focused more so on how they managed to build a relationship despite distance, lack of time together, and the stress of two very busy careers. Reese and Austin are a sweet couple that tug at the heart strings and are sure to become a favorite of readers!
Having been burnt by men in the past all Reese wants to do is focus on her career as an up and coming country music singer. When she meets Austin there is no denying the chemistry and connection between them but with their schedules being together is difficult.
Austin is a hockey player for the Indianapolis Eagles whose busy schedule never seems to leave room for a relationship. When he meets Reese she is the first woman to have him reconsider that idea.
They make the most of the time that they can spend together and when they can’t be together, they are never out of contact. Love and relationship are never easy but theirs is even more complicated. Will they be able to balance not only their celebrity status but also their crazy schedules?
Reese and Austin are perfect together and they show that even if you aren’t together physically being together allows you to face all the obstacles that life throws at you. I have enjoyed this series and it was great to catch up with the previous characters.
Reese is a country music star and Austin plays hockey for the Eagles. After meeting at one of Reese's concerts they strike up a friendship with the potential for it to turn into more.
I certainly get that there was an attraction there from the first meeting, but it didn't feel realistic that after knowing each other for maybe an hour she would agree to leave with him to go somewhere completely alone. Also the story then jumps to six weeks later and says they have a budding friendship but we get to see none of it. Not having that included in the book makes it hard to see their relationship growth and how it changed from friends to more.
Also with this being book five in the series it is nice to see the couples and characters from the previous books. However, sometimes I feel like they are pushed in with dialogue just to say that their relationship is going well. I do love updates, but it didn't always feel organic to the current story.
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Against the Boards by Samantha Lind “Long distance relationship, 3.5 stars”
Reese is taking the world by storm with her music and one chance encounter puts Austin in front of her. They instantly connect but between both of their travel schedules syncing up in next to impossible. Thank the lord for technology. Will they finally be able to spend some time together once life calms down? Austin was perfectly happy with his life and his hockey game, then Reese came into his life. She kicked everything up a notch and now he can’t imagine not having even the smallest piece of her. If only they could actually see each other in person. Can he make this long-distance thing work? Austin and Reese were adorable. They clicked and they were more than supportive of one another. Even with the book hitting most of the things I love it didn’t hold my attention for some reason. But I hope you enjoy it. Plot-3/5 Characters-3/5 Heat-3/5 Writing style-3/5 Overall-3.5/5
Ms. Lind has the lockdown on sweet and sexy stories.
Against the Boards is the story of Reese and Austin.
Reese is a country superstar with a bit of shaky past. Being a singer is all she has ever wanted to be and she has come through her history with strength and grace.
Austin is a hockey superstar in his prime. He does what he loves and he does it well.
Reese and Austin's relationship is magic to read. From the separations to the reunions it was beautiful and what true love should be. Ms. Lind's descriptions of both Reese and Austin's worlds, both hockey and singer bring a richness to the story that helps draw you in.
It was lovely to see old characters make appearances, and the new secondary characters bring a light hearted boost to the story.
With Ms. Lind's stories you get heart, soul and holy hotness! You just can't go wrong when her stories are so right.
I have read this entire series and the characters are all super sweet. It’s great how I got to catch up with previous couples in the series in this book too; finding out how they are getting on was lovely.
Reese and Austin are very cute; Austin coming from The Indianapolis Eagles Hockey Team and Reese being a successful County Singer, these two have an instant spark. Austin is sweet and patient with Reese. Their relationship is a gradual build up as they are both very busy people; both on tour and travelling from place to place, so it’s nice that their relationship has time to develop over the miles.
There is no real drama in this story and the two characters just deal with everyday business and fall deeper into each other. The writing is still a bit too descriptive for me, to give me that eager feeling where I can't wait to turn the page. A bit less description and it would have made a much better read for me.
Genre: Romance - Sports (Hockey), Rockstar Standalone: Yes Part of a Series: Yes Book 5 of the Indianapolis Eagles series Each book is a standalone but as the books progress you get to see the HEA's of earlier couples POV: Reese and Austin Steam Level: Slow Burn to Hot 4.5/5
Against the Boards is the fifth book in the Indianapolis Eagles series. I've read all fives books and love that you continue to see previous couples' HEAs. Samantha Lind writes in a unique style that is refreshing. While she deals with life issues they are not blown out of proportion for dramatic's sake. Against the Boards deals with one issue that is important to me. While it got a little preachy I didn't mind since this is a message that needs to be shouted until heard. My only issue was the lack of an epilogue. However, this may change in the final version.
I received an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest and voluntary review.
5 Stars Review by Elizabeth Late Night Reviewer Up All Night w/ Books Blog
Samantha Lind has written yet another amazing book! Against the Boards is standalone and is installment five in the Indianapolis Eagles series. If you love fluffy romance, this is your type of book. I promise.
In Against the Boards we meet Reese and Austin. Reese is a country music megastar and Austin is a star hockey player for the Eagles. Reese is not looking for a relationship when she meets Austin and vice versa but they just cannot keep their minds off one another. With their demanding careers, can they be in a relationship??
Best. Book. Ever!. I gobble up books that have no drama and are just huge balls of fluff. My heart did hurt for Reese when I learned her past and what she went through to get to where she is now. I laughed, cried, swooned, you name it.
***ARC received in exchange for an honest review***
This is book 5 in this series and is another sweet romance with slightly more heat then the rest of the series so far. This is Austin and Reese's story and these two couldn't be more different.
Reese is a country singer. All she ever wanted to be was a singer and she has survived her past to fulfil her dream. She isn't looking for a man, she doesn't trust them but there is something about the sexy hockey player that makes her feel safe.
Austin is the hockey superstar. He is a typical player who has never wanted to settle down until he meets Reese.
Despite their hectic work schedules these two clic straight away and their friendship was sweet to watch develop. Even with the distance they still speak for hours.
Again this is a sweet romance with medium heat and no angst. Maybe I am getting too cynical in my old age and need some angst lol
ARC received in exchange for an honest review from the author and Give Me Books