Stadium of Lights: A Second Chance Sports Romance

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Abby and Max were best friends as kids until she moved away. Abby have alway been in love with Max and ten years later she discovered that her feelings haven't changed. Max loved the changes in Abby. They pursue a relationship but arrogance and insecurities almost tore them apart. It took a significant event for them to admit they feelings and trust in their love.

Release Date: September 19, 2016

Tia Lewis thoroughly entertained me with this book. It was the first work I've read from her but it won't be the last. I've always had a strange fascination with sports romances. It could be because I have a slight obsession with athletic hunks *wink*. What I liked about this one is that it didn't follow the usual formula. It was one part sports, but it wasn't bogged down with sports trivia. It was one part the friends-to-lovers trope, which is always a favourite. It also had plenty of angst and drama and steam. These were the elements that kept me glued to the story.

Abby and Max were best friends growing up, but haven't seen or spoken to each other in 10 years. Max is now a star NFL quarterback and Abby is a successful physiotherapist. They try to rekindle their friendship, but past feelings, bad behaviour and miscommunication keep getting in their way.

Max was an a-hole. Seriously. I wanted to hit him upside the head so many times. He was cocky, arrogant and had a one-track mind. I didn't hate him but his actions and most of his inner thoughts didn't convince me to like him either. I will say that this character finally started to really thaw me out at the 90% mark. That's not to say I wasn't enjoying myself until then. When you read the book, you'll see why he frustrated me so much. I guess you can call it a love/hate relationship because at the same time he was incredibly hot! Oh, and lets not discount Abby's insecurities. She suffers from ugly duckling syndrome and fails to see and appreciate her own beauty. The fact that Max was an a-hole didn't help matters either.

This story was sexy and sassy and I recommend it to all lovers of romance.

XO

**ARC provided by publisher**
**This and other reviews posted at imasweetandsassybookwhore.com**

I’m a sucker for a sports romance, particularly a football romance. Add in the quarterback and I’m cooked so I jumped at the chance to read this book.
Stadium of Lights follows the story of Max and Abby, childhood friends who are brought back into contact with each other through work. I was a bit surprised at how the author chose to portray the football players; implying that they all had numerous side pieces and that none of them could ever be monogamous. I get that lots of people assume that sports players can’t be faithful at all but I was surprised at just how much that was discussed here.
I do always appreciate a second chance love story and this didn’t disappoint in that regard. Abby was the shy, nerdy girl who was unsure of herself growing up but popular Max was always her friend. She, of course, had a crush on him which she eventually thought she’d get over but even after years apart her feelings came right back when the two met again.
I loved the glimpse into Max’s softer side, and I loved the author’s attempt to handle a person fitting into the popular crowd but still having a soft side and trying to balance the two. I felt that the ending in this book was a bit rushed; I just felt that they deserved a little more resolution between them before jumping to their conclusion.
The supporting characters in this story left a bad taste in my mouth overall and I wish there had been a little less of them and a little more between Max and Abby, but overall I thought the book was ok.

This book was outstanding. Max and Abby's story started when they were kids as best friends. Abby always wanted more, but Max was popular and blind. Now, after years apart, their back together. Can he see her as more than the girl she used to be? Can she wait for him to figure it all out? I received an arc in exchange for an honest review. I love the characters and the story line. Great job Tia!! Enjoy!!!

Stadium of Lights
Tia Lewis
4 stars

Max Henderson – NFL hotshot on and off the field,he palys hard and parties hard.Hes a commitment phobe,cocky and enjoys his life,hes no intentions of ever changing that.Until Abby Morrison walks back into his life,now a physiotherapist shes working with his team.They knew each other when they were kids and haven’t seen each other for ten years,shes always hidden her feelings for him but to Max she was always his best friend sister type!At first Max doesn’t recognise the woman hes trying to flirt with as his childhood friend,she was nerdy and geeky shes changed a lot since then,growing into a beautiful woman.Max struggles with the fact that his team mates have also begun to notice the beautiful Abby.He sets out to claim her for himself.They rekindle their friendship and things inevitably get hot and sexy between them but will old insecuritires get the better of Abby…shes never felt she was good enough. is she up to the job of being with a top NFL star and all that comes with it?Can Max ever give up his playboy lifestyle for Abby?Theres a few ups and downs along the way but will they get their second chance at love?
Overall I enjoyed reading this friends to lovers book. I loved Abbys character but couldn’t quite get there with Max he was arrogant,cocky and annoying as hell!But….we do see his softer side come out too. I would say is I felt the ending felt rushed somewhat but there was an epilogue to finish it off.

This was a very enjoyable book. I really enjoyed the characters. It took me a little while, but Max grew on me. He is a cocky guy that is kinda oblivious regarding his feelings for Abby. I liked Abby right away. She was a great character and one that I probably related to quite a bit. Abby was not exactly gorgeous growing up and didn't come into her own until college and when she went abroad. She had her best friend Max, that she was in love with but knew that he didn't see her that way at all. She wasn't popular and Max was pretty much her only friend. They haven't spoken in about 10 years. They drifted apart when Abby's dad got stationed in Europe. Abby is back as a physical therapist for Max's football team. As soon as they meet again, sparks fly! Max is an a**hole and he hurts Abby with his words multiple times. This is why he had to grow on me. He just couldn't figure it out and get it right lol. Abby dealt with it and I thought she handled herself pretty well. She had to deal with her past and her self-esteem that she had back then and figure out how to stay the confident person she had become. I loved the interactions between the characters, for the most part....definitely wanted to smack Max, at least a few times. The banter was good, the sex was explicit and hot, and the story flowed really well. I enjoyed the cast of teammates and the whole story.

I enjoyed Max and Abby's story. There is nothing like a good ugly duckling that turns into a beautiful swan story. Max and Abby's initial interactions are adorable and will certainly get you laughing. I liked watching Max struggle with his feelings for Abby and his possessiveness of her. The love scenes between these two were smoking hot and will for sure leave you fanning yourself. Here are a few things that steered me wrong in this book though. First, although I know that this is probably very true in the lives or professional sports players, I hated that so many of Max's teammates cheated on their girlfriends/wives. Even worse was that these woman knew about it and just kind of dealt with it. I wanted there to be more talk between Abby and Max about his feelings on this because he didn't seem to think it was a big deal and I was surprised that Abby did not touch on this with him. Wouldn't she be worried about that? Second, this book says that it is 242 pages but it is actually only about half of that since apparently there was a bonus book included that was not mentioned in the comments. I think that this kind of threw me off when I thought we were only like half way through the book and then it was over. Kind of threw me. Overall, it was a quick and sexy read that held my interest but didn't totally blow me away.

OMG! That book was amazing. It was exciting to read. I received the book as an ARC for an honest review. I recommend anyone that loves to read like I do, this book is a must read. I just couldn't put it down. I actually sat up all night until it was finished. If you like sports romance, you have to read it! Parts of the story actually had me in tears. I give this book definitely 5 stars!

I received a complimentary copy from the author...

This book was a very good quick read. Max could be such a turd at times and Abby was a little high strung when came to her past. As for the other characters in this book, you should know that they tried to portray relationships as they happen in reality (I don't condone cheating but it did lend credibility to the story).

Max is a professional football player who loves the game and loves his women. When the team sees the coach talking to a new beautiful women all men want her. Max goes to see her in the office turns out she is the same girl he grew up with but she isn't the nerdy girl she has grown into a beautiful women. Abby wasn't sure what to expect at her new job and she wasn't sure what will go down when she met her old crush again after 10 years. Max and abby have fights as they are getting back together up and down their "relationship" is going. But in the end will abby stay or leave because the bad boy football player doesn't want to settle down.

At first I wasn't sure how I was going to like it the whole team are players even when some of them are married or have girlfriends. Max also talking about wanting to be with another girl to get away from abby thoughts. I felt like Max was such a an A-hole towards abby and then he would say sweet things to her and there she went back with him. It was a rollercoaster of emotions but eventually he gets his head out his butt and did something for to fight for her. Towards the end I was gasping wasn't sure how it was going to go down, but Max does redeem himself so that's good.

Tia has written another great book. Max & Abby have known each other since they were in Kindergarten. Max has always been her friend no matter what others said. Abby has always loved him but hid her feelings from him. She sees Max ten years later & he didn't recognize her at first. The feelings Abby had for Max never left but she keeps them hidden. She knows he's a player & doesn't want to deal with the heartbreak she knows would happen. When Max sees Abby flirting with another player he steps in & takes her to his house. They have a great night & spend the next day together. Then things gets weird between them. They are both stubborn & are butting heads while wanting each other. They go back & forth, back & forth. Max wants Abby, but only when it suits him. He doesn't want anyone else with her either. Finally, Abby decides that she needs to let Max go. She & Max get into a fight again & she takes off. Max follows after her & calls her & tries to get her to pull over. When Max hears Abby scream he comes over the hill & sees her car crashed. Will he get Abby out of the car & will she be okay? Will Max be able to tell Abby he really does love her? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Stadium of Lights by Tia Lewis has quickly become one of my favourite sports romance novels!
Abby and Max absolutely made me fall in love with them over and over again!
Their story is so dynamic and unique, that you can't put the book down until you are finished!
I can't wait to read many more books from this author in the future!
4.5/5 Stars!

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First let me say that this is my first Tia Lewis book. I must say the book is well written and flows.. I didn't have the opportunity to sit and read this book all at once but I would find myself thinking throughout the day about it and couldn't wait to finish.

I love to read books about underdogs getting second chances so I immediately fell in love with Max and Abby.

Max Anderson is a cocky NFL quarterback who is all about playing football & chasing women. Abby Morrison is a Physical Therapist who knows her way around an all male locker room. After not seeing each other for 10 years Max & Abby meet each other again, it takes Max a wee bit to realize Abby is his best friend from childhood. She is no longer the nerdy girl with coke bottle bottom glasses & frizzy red hair. She is gorgeous. Abby has always been in love with Max who never thought of her as nothing more than a friend. She is upset with herself for still being attracted to Max because Max is a player & doesn't want to be tied down by any women. They explore their attraction to one another while trying to keep it causal. Max is confused by what he feels because he wants his best friend but he doesn't want strings attached. Max finds it hard to believe that Abby is okay with the no strings attached rule Max established. Max doesn't understand why it bothers him when the other players flirt with Abby and she flirts back until he realizes he is jealous. Faced with the possibility of losing Abby for good he realizes he what should have been clear to him from the beginning - his love for Abby.

I really enjoyed this book - be careful there are a couple of sex scenes not suitible for anyone under 18 years.

I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Stadium of Lights: A Second Chance Sports Romance was wonderful! The main characters Max and Abby are complex and I love Abby's spunk and intelligence. I would have liked more heat/chemistry between them. Overall I loved the story and characters and can't wait for Tia Lewis' next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Childhood friends.  Best friends.  Football star. Ugly duckling nerd turned swan. Second chances at friendship and romance.
These are always good points in a great story.

Max and Abby are best friends who lost touch 10 years ago when Abby moved overseas with her father. Fate brought them back together when Abby started as the physical therapist for Max's football team. He is still the same cocky kid she grew up with, but she is definitely not the nerdy girl with thick glasses he remembered.

They rekindle their friendship, but not without jealousy rearing its ugly head a few times.

Abby's self esteem needs some work. She still feels like the ugly duckling she once was.  Can she handle being with an NFL playboy? Can their friendship past be a base for a romantic future?

Max is a star QB on the field. Can he put his player ways aside to be with a "normal" girl? He's a bit on the jealous side as well.

Ok, before I give anything away, I need to stop lol

This is a steamy story about second chances and finding your happily ever after and overcoming obstacles on the way. A super sweet summer afternoon read :)

I really liked this second chance sports romance! I'm new to Tia Lewis being the first book I read and I like her style of writing. Loved the characters Max the cocky arrogant player and Abby the shy nerdy type. Really liked how she kept you on the edge of your seat with the plot and the twists you didn't see coming! Can't wait to read more from Tia Lewis!

*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***

Max and Abby... whoooooo!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chemistry between the characters was incredible. The book is well written and sucks you right in to the story. I loved the fact they had history together, and then fell in love + football = great story!

Max Anderson is the NFL he's cocky,arrogant,playboy one of the lads,I had love hate relationship with Max he was infuriating,cocky son of a bitch.fate comes into he's life when he's old friend Abby who has accepted job has new physio,she plays him for a while he doesn't recognize her she's turned into a beautiful woman she doesn't see it herself.until Max shows her how beautiful she is,he's a player can he change his ways ? Can he Admit he's got feeling for her before its too late he loses her for good,max & Abby's relationship was based on sex at first until feeling got in way he realises he's always loved her but would never admit it.Abby's has always been in love with max they was only friends,can a tragic circumstance bring them closer together or year them apart ? Loved storyline & characters,past my expectations and so much more,first book I've read by Tia lewis certainly won't be my last ! Well done on an emotionally,heartfelt,beautifully written second chance love story was given arc honest review !

I liked the premise of a childhood friends to lovers story especially since they spent majority of their early adult life apart. There’s always a thrill with stories where the main characters need to reacquaint themselves with the older versions of themselves while incorporating the newer versions too.

There is a good balance of his and hers points of view although I would’ve wanted a little bit more of character development for Max. There were some moments of really on point dialogue.

“What? Who the hell are you? And how do you know all those things?”
“I’m the girl who punched your tooth out.”

And there were also lines that drew you and just made your heart twinge in sympathetic pain.

“I’d tricked myself into thinking there was more to him. It was always easy to see the people we loved as being special, better than everybody else.”

One thing I wasn’t too much a fan off in this book was the casual approach to cheating in relationships between the supporting football characters and their wives/girlfriends. I’m thinking that the author was trying to show that not all relationships were perfect especially since the background was a professional athlete setting but I guess it just seemed that the approach was too callous for me. I’d like to think that most women would have better sense than to be with someone who cheated repeatedly and who stayed primarily because the guys were they were boys and that’s just how they are.

The ending for me felt a little rushed and I would have wanted a little bit more of an elaboration of how they resolved all their misunderstanding after the accident instead of the hospital scene and an epilogue that was all of a sudden a year later.

This is the second book that I’ve read by this author and I give this story gets 3 stars. I actually preferred Draw Plays’ storyline and development more than this but this book did have good bones.

An ARC was provided for an honest review.

Childhood friends reunited! I really liked this book and it was definitely emotional at some points. My only complaint is I wish near the end there was a little more added to show how they were in their relationship compared to other team relationships.
I received an exclusive arc for an honest review.

Tia has written another great book. Max & Abby have known each other since they were in Kindergarten. Max has always been her friend no matter what others said. Abby has always loved him but hid her feelings from him. She sees Max ten years later & he didn't recognize her at first. The feelings Abby had for Max never left but she keeps them hidden. She knows he's a player & doesn't want to deal with the heartbreak she knows would happen. When Max sees Abby flirting with another player he steps in & takes her to his house. They have a great night & spend the next day together. Then things gets weird between them. They are both stubborn & are butting heads while wanting each other. They go back & forth, back & forth. Max wants Abby, but only when it suits him. He doesn't want anyone else with her either. Finally, Abby decides that she needs to let Max go. She & Max get into a fight again & she takes off. Max follows after her & calls her & tries to get her to pull over. When Max hears Abby scream he comes over the hill & sees her car crashed. Will he get Abby out of the car & will she be okay? Will Max be able to tell Abby he really does love her? I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Stadium of Lights by Tia Lewis has quickly become one of my favourite sports romance novels!
Abby and Max absolutely made me fall in love with them over and over again!
Their story is so dynamic and unique, that you can't put the book down until you are finished!
I can't wait to read many more books from this author in the future!
4.5/5 Stars!

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

First let me say that this is my first Tia Lewis book. I must say the book is well written and flows.. I didn't have the opportunity to sit and read this book all at once but I would find myself thinking throughout the day about it and couldn't wait to finish.

I love to read books about underdogs getting second chances so I immediately fell in love with Max and Abby.

Max Anderson is a cocky NFL quarterback who is all about playing football & chasing women. Abby Morrison is a Physical Therapist who knows her way around an all male locker room. After not seeing each other for 10 years Max & Abby meet each other again, it takes Max a wee bit to realize Abby is his best friend from childhood. She is no longer the nerdy girl with coke bottle bottom glasses & frizzy red hair. She is gorgeous. Abby has always been in love with Max who never thought of her as nothing more than a friend. She is upset with herself for still being attracted to Max because Max is a player & doesn't want to be tied down by any women. They explore their attraction to one another while trying to keep it causal. Max is confused by what he feels because he wants his best friend but he doesn't want strings attached. Max finds it hard to believe that Abby is okay with the no strings attached rule Max established. Max doesn't understand why it bothers him when the other players flirt with Abby and she flirts back until he realizes he is jealous. Faced with the possibility of losing Abby for good he realizes he what should have been clear to him from the beginning - his love for Abby.

I really enjoyed this book - be careful there are a couple of sex scenes not suitible for anyone under 18 years.

I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Stadium of Lights: A Second Chance Sports Romance was wonderful! The main characters Max and Abby are complex and I love Abby's spunk and intelligence. I would have liked more heat/chemistry between them. Overall I loved the story and characters and can't wait for Tia Lewis' next book!

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Childhood friends.  Best friends.  Football star. Ugly duckling nerd turned swan. Second chances at friendship and romance.
These are always good points in a great story.

Max and Abby are best friends who lost touch 10 years ago when Abby moved overseas with her father. Fate brought them back together when Abby started as the physical therapist for Max's football team. He is still the same cocky kid she grew up with, but she is definitely not the nerdy girl with thick glasses he remembered.

They rekindle their friendship, but not without jealousy rearing its ugly head a few times.

Abby's self esteem needs some work. She still feels like the ugly duckling she once was.  Can she handle being with an NFL playboy? Can their friendship past be a base for a romantic future?

Max is a star QB on the field. Can he put his player ways aside to be with a "normal" girl? He's a bit on the jealous side as well.

Ok, before I give anything away, I need to stop lol

This is a steamy story about second chances and finding your happily ever after and overcoming obstacles on the way. A super sweet summer afternoon read :)

I really liked this second chance sports romance! I'm new to Tia Lewis being the first book I read and I like her style of writing. Loved the characters Max the cocky arrogant player and Abby the shy nerdy type. Really liked how she kept you on the edge of your seat with the plot and the twists you didn't see coming! Can't wait to read more from Tia Lewis!

Great second chance sports romance. Max is a star quarterback. Abby is a sports medical therapist. They were friends growing and then when Abby had to move to Germany they lost contact. She got hired by his football team without knowing he was on the team. A few parts seemed kind of high school level drama to me but in all it was a great book.

*** I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. ***

Max and Abby... whoooooo!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The chemistry between the characters was incredible. The book is well written and sucks you right in to the story. I loved the fact they had history together, and then fell in love + football = great story!

Max Anderson is the NFL he's cocky,arrogant,playboy one of the lads,I had love hate relationship with Max he was infuriating,cocky son of a bitch.fate comes into he's life when he's old friend Abby who has accepted job has new physio,she plays him for a while he doesn't recognize her she's turned into a beautiful woman she doesn't see it herself.until Max shows her how beautiful she is,he's a player can he change his ways ? Can he Admit he's got feeling for her before its too late he loses her for good,max & Abby's relationship was based on sex at first until feeling got in way he realises he's always loved her but would never admit it.Abby's has always been in love with max they was only friends,can a tragic circumstance bring them closer together or year them apart ? Loved storyline & characters,past my expectations and so much more,first book I've read by Tia lewis certainly won't be my last ! Well done on an emotionally,heartfelt,beautifully written second chance love story was given arc honest review !

This second chance love story was a good read. The characters had chemistry and real issues that kept me reading from start to finish. The plot moved along and did not drag. I enjoyed this story from start to finish and would recommend this story to others.
I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

I liked the premise of a childhood friends to lovers story especially since they spent majority of their early adult life apart. There’s always a thrill with stories where the main characters need to reacquaint themselves with the older versions of themselves while incorporating the newer versions too.

There is a good balance of his and hers points of view although I would’ve wanted a little bit more of character development for Max. There were some moments of really on point dialogue.

“What? Who the hell are you? And how do you know all those things?”
“I’m the girl who punched your tooth out.”

And there were also lines that drew you and just made your heart twinge in sympathetic pain.

“I’d tricked myself into thinking there was more to him. It was always easy to see the people we loved as being special, better than everybody else.”

One thing I wasn’t too much a fan off in this book was the casual approach to cheating in relationships between the supporting football characters and their wives/girlfriends. I’m thinking that the author was trying to show that not all relationships were perfect especially since the background was a professional athlete setting but I guess it just seemed that the approach was too callous for me. I’d like to think that most women would have better sense than to be with someone who cheated repeatedly and who stayed primarily because the guys were they were boys and that’s just how they are.

The ending for me felt a little rushed and I would have wanted a little bit more of an elaboration of how they resolved all their misunderstanding after the accident instead of the hospital scene and an epilogue that was all of a sudden a year later.

This is the second book that I’ve read by this author and I give this story gets 3 stars. I actually preferred Draw Plays’ storyline and development more than this but this book did have good bones.

An ARC was provided for an honest review.

Childhood friends reunited! I really liked this book and it was definitely emotional at some points. My only complaint is I wish near the end there was a little more added to show how they were in their relationship compared to other team relationships.
I received an exclusive arc for an honest review.

Abby is self conscience , self aware, protectionist. She has been in love with Max the all star football player for as long as she can remember. Max and Abby used to be inseparable. She cheered him m on at their high school football games and Max has completely friend zoned her for his entire life. Abby thought she could keep her feelings in check and keep things casual and nothing but physical but she falls even farther for him.

Max is a typical baller... bad boy through and through. He goes through women like he changes his shoes. Until His Abby comes back into his life. He has no idea at first that he has known her his entire life.

Max almost loses Abby to an accident and until then Max has no idea how much he loves her.

I recieved this book in exchange for my honest review

Sport story and a second chance romance two of my favourite things in a book. Max and Abby are childhood friends who lost touch. Loved both their characters and all the boys in the team. I laughed a lot reading this, it's got it all laughter, drama and some seriously hot sexy scenes.

I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review. When I first read the narrative of what this book was about, I couldn't wait to read it. But when I actually read it, it did not live up to the hype. It was a slightly interesting read but not one that I would recommend.

This second chance romance left nothing to be desired. Max is an NFL quarterback and Abby us the teams newest member if the PT team. Problem is: she's been in love with Max forever. It takes him awhile to catch up to his heart but when he does it's super sweet. Safe, HEA.

I received this ARC book in exchange for an honest review. This was my first read from this author. Max and Abby had good chemistry that they could not deny. She was scared of his playboy image but finally took a chance and was pleasantly surprised by Max's softer side.

4.5 stars Excellent contemporary second chance sports romance. This was an excellent story of two friends, Max and Abby, who grew up together then lost track of one another. Abby came to work for the football team. She struggled with self image problems most of her life. Max is just the opposite. He's outgoing, sexy and can be a cocky jerk most of the time. Abby has always loved Max he just never saw or recognized it until it was too late. Life is short an I enjoyed the way Ms Lewis brought the characters, both the good and bad, together to make them real to the readers. This is a stand-alone football story with the ups and downs of real life but with a HEA. I received a complimentary copy of this book. I look forward to reading more of this author's books in the future.

The story of Abby & Max is very entertaining. They were close as children, best friends in high school but after graduation, Abby moved to Europe with her family and completed her education there. Now ten years later, she returns as a physical sports therapist for the NFL team that happens to be where Max is the star Quarterback. Renewing an old friendship and reminiscing about the past has a rocky beginning . Pride, denial of true feelings, stubbornness on both their parts causes emotions to become tangled and confusing. It takes a life changer event to clear away the fog to what is truly important. It's a great story and keeps the reader engrossed in their trials. I  voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. Five stars.

I loved this second chance sports romance. Max and Abby are awesome characters. I was hooked on this book from the very beginning and I couldn't put it down. Definitely a great read. I would highly recommend it. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.