The Baller

Brody Easton is an MVP football quarterback, and he’s an arrogant, insufferable ass. Delilah Maddox is a sportscaster, assigned to interview the football team in the locker room. In her first interview as a professional sportscaster, Delilah interviews Brody, and he drops his towel on purpose, just to fluster her. From that point forward, he decides to mess with her, and then he decides he wants to be with her. Delilah isn’t interested in having a fling with an athlete.The story moved along fairly quickly, and I enjoyed the snarking back and forth between the two leads. However, there were too many ghosts from the past in this book. I was glad they found love again with each other; it just took them a while to get to that point.The other woman angle is what spoiled this one for me. I hated the handful of chapters told from his first love's POV. I skimmed most of those, reading only enough to get the gist of what was going on because I didn't care what she was doing, thinking or feeling. She needed to be less prominent. She didn’t belong in this book.Another issue I had is one that’s a pet peeve of mine – the lack of descriptive text. What did these characters look like? There wasn't enough description about either one of the main characters or even in the romance scenes. Those were sadly lacking. I expected more, given his character and the way he dirty talked her all the time (and given that cover!). All I know of their physical appearances are that she had lots of dark hair, and he had green eyes. I couldn't mentally draw a picture of either one of them. There was more description of the "other woman" character than there was of the two protagonists. Why?

I loved the first half. It was fun and lighthearted. Brody was an excellent hero. I just love funny, self effacing heroes. I was surprised I was only fifty percent through the book. It was easily a five star fun read. Then it took a sharp nosedive into one star territory. Zero stars it was possible. That is how much I hate the direction the plot went.May have some spoilers ....The addition of Willow was unnecessary. Plus she was given several chapters in her POV. I hated her even though the author tried very hard to make her a good guy. I had already accepted Delilah as my heroine. There was no way I would accept the junkie. Maybe I wouldn't be so hard on her if I wasn't all in for Delilah.Then there was Delilah backing out of the relationship because of her out of the blue unresolved feelings for her dead boyfriend. It wasn't a big deal until Willow showed up. Last I was frustrated with the amount of time Brody and Delilah stayed apart at the end. They spent the majority of the second half of the book apart until the final scene. Brody spent more time with Willow than Delilah.I did love the final scene and really loved the epilogue. I am a sucker for epilogues that show the couple as a family. This one was really cute.I have read the summary to this book multiple times but the reviews that talk about the same thing I had a problem with kept me from buying it. Unfortunately for me I didn't read the reviews and didn't remember my issues this time. I wish we could make notes to ourselves on Amazon. I have made this mistake before.So I loved fifty percent and hated fifty percent, so I guess three stars. However I do not recommend this book and I am bummed I wasted money on it.I still love the author though.

This book had so much potential to be a 5-star. The first half is simply delightful to read. It's fun, lighthearted, fast moving, and the banter between Brody and Delilah was just excellent.Then at the 50% mark the story took a sharp nosedive into the "I hated it" category.**spoiler alert.As others have stated, I agree that the addition of Willow was unnecessary. You're 50% into the book, rooting for both lead characters and them wham out of nowhere is this new third lead character that has entire chapters dedicated to Willow and her point of view. From Willow's introduction the book focuses on Brody and Willow, and Delilah takes a back seat for no reason.Why did I need a third character lead out of the blue? What on earth was the author and developmental editor thinking? The story was just find with Brody and Delilah. but adding in Willow, ruined this story for me. If it weren't for the stellar first half, I'd rate this one star.

The Baller by Vi Keeland was my first book by this author but as a sports romance fan, I was intrigued to read this and let me tell you, it definitely didn’t disappoint me, nor will it be my last book by this author. I couldn't put this book down from start to finish, it was addicting. Definitely going on my favourites list!The sizzling chemistry between Delilah and Easton is right there from the start and soon ignites into something special when they decide to take a chance on each other. While the two characters have sizzling chemistry, I love it when an author can get a good balance of not turning the whole book into what can feel like just constant sexy scenes, somethings Vi Keeland manages perfectly.Also, I loved how I felt the characters handled things, especially Delilah with the actions she took in regards to Michael; it’s so common in books today to question a character’s morals where they are supposedly into one person but yet they will still go out with another and lead them on. It’s refreshing to read romances, even if the main characters have issues to overcome, where it feels like they are handled in a responsible, adult way. Adding in the relationship between Easton and Marlene added another dimension to portray Easton and his past; the handling of Marlene’s dementia was written brilliantly (having personally experienced dementia with my own grandmother) and it was so heartbreaking at times.The quality and at times witty writing gives the perfect style of writing to this book that is addicting to read. I felt the book flowed at a nice, steady pace and the way the relationship is developed gives a more believable aspect; you knew both characters were ready to take that step. Adding another point of view, other than just Delilah and Easton, gives a different angle to the whole story, especially into Easton.Finally, I personally like stories that have an epilogue that rounds off a story and in The Baller we get a sweet epilogue that summed up any lingering questions and get a small glimpse of Easton and Delilah’s future, allowing for an extra sweet HEA ending.It’s so rare to find genuinely great, HEA standalone sports romance books but do not hesitate to give this book a read - you won’t regret it!

Halfway through this book, this review was going to be a 5*. A proper 5*. I haven't given a 5 in a while, and was quite looking forward to it. The writing was tight, the scenes between the protagonists full of tension. I liked both characters. There was just enough football background.Unfortunately, the author lost her way shortly after. Maybe she liked the initial scenario, and after they got into bed she moved on to another project? I've checked out a few of this author's other novels and found this seems to be the pattern: start strong, lose interest.Why focus so much on his ex's life? I was thinking she would have her own novel, but that doesn't appear to be the case. The second half was drowned out by extraneous information. Their relation didn't progress, and the drama was alarmingly predictable.I've been dithering between a 3 and 4. To drop to a 3 is one hell of a slump, that's how disappointing it became. I'll reread it again soon to check if this is a little harsh.

This book had me at the blurb, the thought of a woman interviewing a famous footballer who drops his towel right as the interview starts, well that was good enough for me! I loved "Cocky Bastard" which was co written by Vi and knew I would enjoy The Baller. Not being American the sports terms were a little lost on me but it didn't matter. I loved Delilah and Brody's tempestuous relationship and OMG can Vi write some hot sex scenes? Oh yes she can... This review will no doubt get lost among the many that this book is deservedly receiving but I really enjoyed it and will be reading more by Vi Keeland.

Couldn't put it down! Great humour!"The table seated twenty, and the chairs were three rows deep. Sixty pairs of eyes turned to look in my direction."Like... LOL!!!I was surprised to get the 3rd person POV so suddenly out of nowhere... but as with other books I felt as I was cheated on the end like a quick wrap up of the story with epilogue and BAM THE ENDThere was so much of W but then suddenly she just vanished no idea what did she say and what E's reaction really was would like but more explanation bit more in the end that's why I couldn't give it 5 stars as I did with other books otherwise I really enjoyed it a lot!

This story didn't go how I expected at all - and it was a pleasant surprise! I expected womanising jock falls for wary woman who eventually gives in. What I actually got was a heart warming story of people with lost loves finally searching again. It was sweet, funny and the banter between Brody and Delilah made for great reading and really added a lot of chemistry to their relationship. Fab secondary characters too with Marlene, Grouper and Indie giving it a family feel. Overall, easy and enjoyable read. Lovely epilogue too.

Wow!!! What's not to love about the Cocky Brody Easton?The man just oozes sex appeal. He's everything a typical football player should be, but so much more too.This book made me laugh out loud at some parts. The things that came out of that man's mouth. ( Good God!!!! )It also moved me to see there was a soft side to this arrogant man, I couldn't help but fall for him.Such a good book, absolutely loved it.Highly recommended read for all sports romance fans.Although even if your not a sports fan, this book is sure to change your mind.

I love VI's books because when life gets in the way and I can't read for weeks, I can pick it back up and feel like I never stopped reading. Brody and Delilah were perfect leads who literally lead each other back from heartache to find true love. It's what it says on the tin and I really enjoyed their story. Love all of Vi Keeland's stories. Cannot wait for Dear Bridget.

I have read several of this authors books and this one is my favourite. You can't help but love Brody Easton. He isn't over the top or obnoxious, yet he is confident and knows what he wants. And Delilah is a great match for him. She keeps him in his place, is confident, successful and is kind and loving. Both have a back story that warms you to them even more.Just a great book!

Well written and had me captured from page 1. Brody’s character was so naughty but completely lovable and Delilah was brilliant kept Brody on his toes. Can’t wait to read another story

This book was a good read, but for me it was lacking in character development and the storyline was to simple with no surprising moments. This was a easy read.

This is a book about a cheeky, non committal football player that gets tamed by a reporter. They both have similar hang ups about serious relationships. Brody has a soft side with a heart of gold which is shown in the story with its real life issues. The sex scenes fade to black and it is predictable but is well written and a nice read.

I don't know anything about American football but I loved this story. Brody is so much more than the charming but arrogant 'player' people think he is. He's hot, funny and has a big heart and his pursuit of Delilah was a joy to read. Moving and funny in equal measure with touching background stories, this is a great book.

I absolutely love this book. It was my first book by Vi Leeland and it hasn't been my last as now I'm going through all her other books.

Don't you just love it when you find an author that's right up your street. I have a few thousand on my e reader, good and bad . This is my first book from Vi Keeland and I loved it....And Brody!! OMG. The banter, one liners and hot sex make this a great read. This will definitely get a second read. Now hopefully she's released at least thirty books for me to read!

The Baller was a really fun enjoyable read. It held my attention throughout and flowed really well.I have to say I picked this book up and didn't put it down until I finished. It had humour, romance, some pretty hot moments and a real boom moment that I didn't see coming.This is one of those books that I will actually be able to read again - Happy to recommend it.