It was an interesting way a reporter ends up dating a bad boy NFL player. You could follow along with no problem, but parts of it were not believable.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be a very enjoyable read. I have read other books by this author in the same series and I am eager to read the rest of the books by her.
I loved the pet names that Catarina and Barrett called each other.
As a special education teacher I was impressed that the author added the element of dyslexia to one of the main characters. It is a real struggle but it does not have to set limits on what you can do in your life - it may take more work/effort but you have to be willing to strive for the best.

I could tell Barrett was going to be special after meeting him in Man Candy and I wasn't disappointed. I fell as hard as Catarina did. I love a good enemies to lovers story. Barrett and Catarina couldn't be more different, but they worked so perfectly together. Barrett slowly wears Catarina down and I couldn't get enough of the tension building up between them. Their sexual chemistry was off the charts and that closet romp had me swooning. I couldn't get enough of these two and I can't wait to see who's going to get their HEA next!

A charming story of when two complete opposites are thrown together for the sake of a captivating story.

Barrett Fox is the cocky, former NFL player, who's up for anything. Catarina Everhart is a serious journalist, who's assigned to "date" the bad boy, even though she already has a boyfriend.

The chemistry between these two is off the charts, and I love how they allow themselves to be open and honest with each other. A delightful read with minimal drama!

I received a copy of RUMOR HAS IT on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the publisher and author.

Five stars and here's why:

I love a fantastic opposites attract love story and Ms. Lemmon delivers. The author does a great job of sucking you right into the story with the conflict and soon you’re glued to the pages. Serious book hanger. I just loved it so much.

This book reminds me of “How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days.” He’s naughty. She’s nice. He’s the bad boy. She’s the good girl. It’s hard to be perfect and that’s exactly how former pro football star Barrett helps Catarina overcome her high expectations of herself as they co-write a dating column. It’s a bit unbelievable that their boss would force this relationship just to sell papers, but at the same time, the story is just so good, who cares? I’ll suspend belief because Barrett could charm the socks off any reader. Of course, Catarina would just pick them up and put them away. LOL.

Prepare to start this story and not put it down until the very end. Highly recommend.

4.5

After injuries forced Barrett Fox to leave the NFL, he decided to have a more behind the scenes job as a broadcaster. That is, until his temper got the best of him, and his tirade went viral. Now, he's trying to get his career back on track. To do that, he's working with journalist Catarina Everhart and playing the part of the "bad boy boyfriend".

Catarina loves her job, she loves writing about romance and giving advice to the people who read her column. That's why, even though she thinks pretending to date the bad boy of the NFL Barrett Fox is a silly idea, she'll go along with whatever her editor says.

But when Fox and Cat actually start going on their pretend dates, they begin to see a different side of each other and invariably they're both attracted to one another. But can something that started out as pretend really turn into something real?

I loved the way that Jessica Lemmon starts this story off. We sort of begin at the end, so to speak. We're thrust right into the issue that has arise due to certain actions that have transpired over the course of the story, and the rest of the read is catching readers up to what goes wrong, what leads us to this point. I thought it was clever that Jessica Lemmon decided to put it out there right in the beginning and then working our way back (or to) this moment.

I really felt like Rumor Has It speaks a lot about the nature of celebrity. Barrett Fox inhabits the bad-boy title to the max. He's crass and pretty unapologetic about his actions. He knows that he gets away with a lot in being a figure in the spotlight. We see on numerous occasions him using his name / celebrity to get special treatment. And the fact is: people seem to love it. People let Fox get away with his crass behavior. That is, until he turns that crassness on them. Then we see the coin flipped. People like to be spectators, they like to feel involved in the "scandal" but when they are affected, it's a different matter completely.

In that regard, I feel like Barrett Fox actually inhabited that titled of Bad Boy more than any other romance hero I've read about in a long time. He's misunderstood to some extent, but only so far as people don't know his whole life story, they don't see him interact with his family or friends. But as far as how he acts in public and towards people oftentimes, it's legit.

That's why the pairing of Fox and Cat is so wonderful. She doesn't care about his celebrity. Being a journalist she's used to digging to get a story and facts so she can somewhat see beyond the bad boy persona he's built for himself. She speaks her mind to him and is probably one of the only women who deals with him truthfully despite being clearly attracted to him.

Rumor Has It was another standout for me from Jessica Lemmon. I seriously read this book in a day, I didn't want to put it down, and I'm now in major book hangover mode because of it. I cannot wait to read America's Sweetheart out later this year, and as of this moment there's not even a synopsis up about it. Jessica Lemmon has become an auto-buy for me and I highly recommend anything she's written.

I am torn about this book. The hero was a pretty big douche and I feel like his "redemption" never really came. I thought the scene where he turned her down was off tone as well. The last third of the book redeemed it for me. I was slayed by "I'm becoming". That was so unusual for a romance book and it stood out to me. I'm glad I stuck through to the end because it was worth it.

4 1/2 Stars!

Barrett was the bad boy of the NFL until he blew out his shoulder and now he just wants to get in front of the camera announcing at football games. But in order to do that, he agrees to co-write a column with a journalist ... by pretending to date her and then they each write about their experience on the date. Catarina can't believe that she got stuck doing this assignment, but she's a professional and will do her best. All goes good until the pretending part is no longer pretending.

I loved the banter between these two characters ... Barrett was a bad boy with attitude, but underneath he was just a softie. Catarina was a hard nosed journalist who needed a little everyday excitement in her life ... that only Barrett could provide. This story will make you laugh and cry ... but mostly laugh. A great romantic comedy with lots of steam!

I received an ARC courtesy of Random House - Loveswept through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

Rumor Has It
Real Love #4
Jessica Lemmon
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another great book in this series. This author has such an awesome writing style. She makes it so easy to fall in love with her characters and the storyline. Can’t wait for the next one in this series.

Barrett: As a former pro football star, I’m used to playing the field. After injuries cut my NFL career short, my second act as a broadcaster ended on live television when a hot mic picked up a little verbal . . . indiscretion. But this latest publicity stunt might just land me back on top—much to the chagrin of Catarina Everhart, the prissy, beautiful journalist who’s been assigned to date a bad boy (i.e., me) and write about it. Catarina swears I’ll never touch her, let alone kiss those full lips of hers. Based on our chemistry, I’m not buying it. . . .

Catarina: Barrett Fox seems to be doing everything in his power to make me hate him. The cocky egomaniac is infamous for his bad behavior, and now, thanks to my boss’s harebrained schemes, he’s apparently my problem. As one fake date leads to another, I start to see a different side of Barrett. He’s close with his family. He does volunteer work. And, okay, he kisses like a dream. Am I really dating Barrett Fox? Or is he playing me? Because suddenly I’m risking my reputation—and my heart.

Thanks NetGalley for the arc in exchange for my honest review.

There is something about a bad boy redemption story...

I mean - I make no secret that I am powerless to resist a rascal. And I think Barrett Fox takes it one step beyond that even. Full disclosure: I wasn't really sure what to make of him at first. I mean - he was a bad boy. And because of that - along with the fact that enemies to lovers stories are sort of hit-or-miss for me - it took me a little while to warm up to him. And Catarina. And this whole story. I basically spent the first quarter of this book on the fence - but unable to put it down. Even when I wasn't sure I loved the characters, I was certain I wanted to know what happened to them.

And then - as was intended, I'm pretty sure - the whole thing turned around for me. I got the peeks of soft underbelly that I'd been craving. The antagonism turned into reluctant feelings and then the ooey gooey heart flutters that to which I am positively addicted. On top of that, Ms. Lemmon writes with such charm - and there were lines and scenes littered throughout the book that had me smiling so big and, at least at one point, took my breath away.

So, in the end - Barrett completely stole my heart. Rumor Has It is a fantastic redemption story. It's light and fun, sexy and engaging and it broke down all my walls leaving me with a giant smile on my face! ~ Shelly, 4 "FoxyCat" Stars

Loved this book. Barrett is 100% bad boy on paper and what he show the world, but Catarina was the only one to break the walls and see who he truly is.

The way they met was not traditional what so ever, Catarina is a journalist and her boss tell her that her new assignment is to pretend to date the famous bad boy ex NFL player. She has to date him and write about dating the bad boy. She is in a relationship at the time they start to pretend date, however it’s the same time she is noticing that her boyfriend was pulling away. With a turn of events that you need to read about, no spoilers, Barratt cannot get her out of his head.

Barratt is known as the bad boy of the NFL. He made a mistake and got fired from his job and will do anything to turn his media attention positive to try and get his job back. He has to pretend date a journalist and write his side of dating someone totally out of his league. They are form two separate world, she comes from money and he comes from the poor side of town. But there is something about her he can’t stay away from. How can he convince her that the guys she is with is an ass and to give him a chance and when that happened what can he do to keep her in his arms.

I just realized after I finished this book that is part of a series and I can’t wait to read the rest. I love the way this book was written and how we got both side of the story. I do wish there was more of Barratt’s side, but overall this book was really good!

**I was given this ARC by NetGalley for my honest opinion and review.**

I thought this story between Catarina and Barrett was deliciously sexy and swoony! I loved their enemies to lovers spitfire banter and chemistry. Their connection was fiery and their e eventual explosion was just as hot! Bravo. 4 Stars!

This book is a quick, sexy, hot and a whole lot of funny.

These two can't be more different but somehow they seem to be perfect for each other. Catarina aka Kitty Cat is such a great MC. I loved her quick wits, smart mouth, her lovely heart. And Barrett.. now that man is a poster child for Bad Boy. I loved how even though he knew better he was still helping his brother out. Or how he went out of his way to help his Kitty Cat relax and just be present and enjoy the moment. Oooo how I loved Barrett's sense of humor or his romantic side.

"Falling?" I make a whistling sound while pointing to the floor. "I haven't hit the ground yet, but yeah. Falling." "What if I don't let you hit the ground?" and que the swooning...

My first book by this author and if I'm judging by this I'll be a repeat reader for sure.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog ***

Barrett & Caterina's story is super hot! They are definitely a story of opposites attracting & boy is it steamy. They are paired up to pretend date for Caterina's column. Barrett is doing it to try to get his old job back (after he was extremely offensive to a female ref) & Caterina is doing it b/c her boss is looking for lots of readers. Can something that starts out as a job turn into something much more? Or will they be a temporary fling? I highly suggest reading this book to find out!

3.5 Nothing As It Seems...Well Sort Of Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
The Real Love series by Jessica Lemmon has been a fun read. This time she takes Barrett, who has this Crass Ass image. He was a huge football star who had his career cut off way too soon by an injury.

He recently was an on the field commentator for a network only to shoot himself in the foot by mouthing off to a female referee on live television for a call she made. This starts his downward turn which he needs to disparately change.

This is paired with Catarina, a driven journalist, who works for a publisher who wants hits on the site anyway she can get it. Catarina is paired with Barrett to do a series of "Dates" that are supposed to be real but are far from it...

Well, not exactly...

Because once this Oil and Vinegar couple start this ploy...Things start to surface... Like how how hard Barrett's childhood life was and what type of responsibilities he carried and stilled carries on his shoulders. He got locked into a type... player and fresh, brash mouthed... using it to hide and distract.

As time goes by, his true self is shown and we benefit...

And so does Catarina. She is shown how a relationship should be... how interest should be shown, how sparks should fly.

I thought this was a good read with the crass sports guy who hid behind all of that and a woman who was a bit uptight but had ethics and was willing to see the real man behind the crass. He turned out to be caring and concerned for her... she was better for him and him better because of her.

Love Lemmon and this series.

Eye Candy (Real Love, #1) by Jessica Lemmon Eye Candy (Real Love, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Arm Candy (Real Love, #2) by Jessica Lemmon Arm Candy (Real Love, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Man Candy (Real Love, #3) by Jessica Lemmon Man Candy (Real Love, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Rumor Has It (Real Love, #4) by Jessica Lemmon Rumor Has It (Real Love, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


A gifted copy was provided by author/publisher for an honest review.

This is the first book I have read by Jessica Lemmon and I was very impressed with her writing style. I had no idea what I was getting into when Barrett told Beth that he screwed things up with Catarina. It starts in the present time and then most of the story follows the series of events leading up to that conversation. The two main characters are complete opposites but I found myself drawn into their storyline and was hoping for their happy ending. The book flowed easily and although I was reading an unedited copy, I found it to be very polished. This is an easy read and and definitely an enjoyable one. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes the romance genre.

Loved it!
This is my first book by Jessica Lemmon.

What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Dual POVs
The humor
Part of a series: Real Love
Standalone
HEA

I look forward to reading more from this author and the other books in this series.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. I chose this book because it sounded similar to How To Lose a Guy in 10 days. Catarina is a hard working journalist whose boss wants her to pretend date an ex-NFL bad boy. Here is where we meet Barrett. I liked this book, but something was missing. I couldn't relate to either main character and there wasn't anything special or different about the story to make it stand out against the countless stories I read. I really didn't see Barrett as a bad boy, but more of a misunderstood guy. There was nothing he did that really screamed bad boy to me. I also didn't like how many times Catarina compared and contrasted Barrett with her ex-boyfriend. I also felt that the end was a little out of left field and just for dramatic purposes. The ending also felt glossed over and the two main characters seemed juvenile while handling what happened. Honestly blocking his calls and banning him from her workplace because he said something mean to her? Grow up!

What I did like was the banter between Catarina and Barrett, for me that's what saved this book from a lower star rating. It was an easy read where I didn't have too put much thought in what I was reading. I also liked that they dealt with a learning disability. Barrett has dyslexia and trying to write a column in a short term around with that disability was written very well in the book. Honestly I don't think this book was meant for me, but if you like quick easy romances you might like this.

To improve readership and income for a paper, the editor has paired a bad boy ex-football player and the prim and social advice columnist to go on dates and each write about their experiences. The two are diametrically opposites and the dates prove to be both humorous and revealing of their disparate personalities. An enjoyable and sexy romp.

This book has everything that anyone with good reading sense would enjoy. It's funny and quirky. The only fault I had with this book is that it was pretty predictable. You knew where it was going, but it was a good read while it was on its way. Catarina was funny and smart and really independent which I loved, and I love that Barrett had a sweet side that we didn't get to see very often at the beginning. The start off of this book you are reading in present day, then you back track but I LOVED how the author let us read the story has it went, not bouncing back and forth. This is definitely a book worth reading! 

I would give this book 4 Stars!

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review.