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Contemporary Romance, Sports - Fiction
Line of Scrimmage by Marie Force β€” book cover

Line of Scrimmage

by Marie Force
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Overview

She's given up on him and moved on...

Susannah finally has a peaceful, calm life and a no-surprises man. Marriage to football superstar Ryan Sanderson was a whirlwind of passion, heat, energy, and excitement, but Susannah got sick of playing second fiddle to his team, watching women throwing themselves at him, and living in terror of the hard hits he took on the field. With their divorce just days from being final, she's already planning a wedding with her new fiance...

He's finally figured out what's really important to him. If only it's not too late...

Ryan has just ten days to convince his soon-to-be ex-wife to give him a second chance. He has just brought home his third championship and his career is at its pinnacle, but during the year of their separation, Ryan's come to realize it doesn't mean anything at all without Susannah...

Synopsis

He's a football star hero, and he'll do anything to win back his soon-to-be-ex wife. But her new fiancé will do anything to stop him...

Publishers Weekly

Force's debut contemporary reads like an overly long category romance. Ryan Sanderson, three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Denver Mavericks, interrupts his almost-ex-wife, Susannah, while she's dining with her new fiancé, Henry, and his parents. Ryan threatens to slow the divorce proceedings, delaying Susannah and Henry's wedding, unless she allows him to woo her until their marriage legally dissolves in 10 days. Susannah capitulates, and after they finally communicate with one another about the stillbirth that destroyed their marriage, their passion reignites. When Henry reappears on the scene, however, the story falters. Henry, who has loved Susannah for years, always tried to get between her and Ryan, and she seems to have meekly tolerated it. Susannah's passivity and poor judgment reflect poorly on her, and Henry has few positive qualities. Ryan, on the other hand, is a good guy desperate to fix past mistakes, a terrific change of pace from the typical reluctant hero. (Sept.)

Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author, Marie Force

Marie Force has worked as a reporter, editor and writer for the last 20 years, serving most recently as the communications director for a national membership organization. A lifelong reader of romance, she lives with her husband and two children in her home state of Rhode Island and had to become a football fan when the muse delivered Ryan to her doorstep! Line of Scrimmage is her first novel. Her second book, Same Time Sunday, will be out in Spring 2009.

Reviews

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Editorials

From the Publisher

"With its humor and endearing characters, Force's charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans." - Booklist

"The cast of supporting characters, many of which are friends of the couple and also involved with Ryan's team, the Denver Mavericks, add to the warmth and realism of this tale. I look forward to reading more novels from Marie Force. I thoroughly enjoyed Line of Scrimmage and this one is definitely going on the keeper shelf. " - Romance Reader at Heart

"I couldn't put this book down and I did tear up a couple times because it shows a couple working through their difficulties with such heartbreaking detail... but I liked Ryan and Susannah so much that I'm glad their story ended so well. I will definitely be reading more Marie Force! " - Revisiting the Moon's Library

"My eyes stayed glued to the book and I couldn't stop reading until it was over. It was a book that made me laugh as well as cry. " - J. Kaye's Book Blog

"I found this story ripe with emotion, steadfast with passion and downright endearing. Ladies hold onto your hats cause this Line of Scrimmage is full of secret game plays." - Yankee Romance Reviewers

"LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is a skillfully told story about a marriage in crisis and the lengths a couple will go to save it. DΓ©but author Marie Force put her football research to good use when writing this book, adding credibility and interest to an already awesome novel." - SingleTitles.com

"Overall, a great romance with steamy sex scenes, and a lovely story between a married couple who still love each other dearly." - Ramblings on Romance

"Line of Scrimmage scored a "touchdown" from me! It was an enjoyable read and one that found a place on my keeper shelf." - Simply Romance Reviews

"Marie Force writes with humor, passion and compassion...I think women will enjoy reading this book, whether they are baseball fans, football fans, or simply fans of good old fashioned love." - FemmeFans.com

"A very strong debut novel for Marie Force, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is one of the best contemporary romances I have read this year." - Wild on Books

Booklist

With its humor and endearing characters, Force's charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.
β€” Shelley Mosley

Romance Reader at Heart

The cast of supporting characters, many of which are friends of the couple and also involved with Ryan's team, the Denver Mavericks, add to the warmth and realism of this tale. I look forward to reading more novels from Marie Force. I thoroughly enjoyed Line of Scrimmage and this one is definitely going on the keeper shelf.
β€” Maambe Kanbi

Revisiting the Moon's Library

I couldn't put this book down and I did tear up a couple times because it shows a couple working through their difficulties with such heartbreaking detail... but I liked Ryan and Susannah so much that I'm glad their story ended so well. I will definitely be reading more Marie Force!
β€” Dora Mak

J. Kaye's Book Blog

My eyes stayed glued to the book and I couldn't stop reading until it was over. It was a book that made me laugh as well as cry.
β€” J. Kaye

Yankee Romance Reviewers

I found this story ripe with emotion, steadfast with passion and downright endearing. Ladies hold onto your hats cause this Line of Scrimmage is full of secret game plays.
β€” Terra

SingleTitles.com

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is a skillfully told story about a marriage in crisis and the lengths a couple will go to save it. DΓ©but author Marie Force put her football research to good use when writing this book, adding credibility and interest to an already awesome novel.
β€” Donna

Ramblings on Romance

Overall, a great romance with steamy sex scenes, and a lovely story between a married couple who still love each other dearly.

Simply Romance Reviews

Line of Scrimmage scored a "touchdown" from me! It was an enjoyable read and one that found a place on my keeper shelf.

FemmeFans.com

Marie Force writes with humor, passion and compassion...I think women will enjoy reading this book, whether they are baseball fans, football fans, or simply fans of good old fashioned love.
β€” Ivette Ricco

Wild on Books

A very strong debut novel for Marie Force, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is one of the best contemporary romances I have read this year.
β€” Natalie

Fresh Fiction

The characters are extremely likable but it's just as much fun to dislike the villains of the story, right along with the good guys.
β€” Stacey Hayman

World According to Books

I just can't say enough about this book. This is definitely a reread for me.

β€” Kara

BookGirl.net

This is a great book by a new (to me) author. I loved the emotional depth of this book.
β€” Carrie Zimmerman

Book Loons

Marie Force makes a nice debut in Line of Scrimmage... [It] is an enjoyable and often insightful story, especially during those moments when Susannah and Ryan are onstage and working through their differences.
β€” Martina Bexte

I Just Finished Reviews

Considering this is the author's first book, I am really impressed. I will certainly be reading her next book. Read Line of Scrimmage if you want to read a nice romantic book. I promise it won't disappoint.

Queue My Review

The thing I liked best about Marie Force's novel is the lesson that no marriage, no matter who you are or what your situation is, can survive without working at it and learning to compromise and see your partner's point of view. Ms. Force didn't scream this at me, she snuck it in throughout the book while I wasn't looking. Clever, clever woman!
β€” Quentin Marshall

Once Upon a Romance

Ms. Force's voice is fresh and unique. She's penned Line of Scrimmage with twists and turns to the ultimate HEA. She' created two amazingly heart-on-the-sleeve characters.
β€” Connie Payne

The Romance Studio

I really enjoyed this book. The main characters a debutante and an NFL quarterback are a great mix and the author gives enough football background to flesh out the tale without confusing readers unfamiliar with the sport.

A Romance Review

Line of Scrimmage is a romantic and sexy football romance.

Romance Junkies

The story is filled to the brim with characters you fall in love with, plot twists you'd never guess and plenty of action in between.
β€” Cat Brown

the Bad and the Unread The Good

I definitely recommend this book if you like sweet contemporaries, with a kick of heat, as well as sports heroes.

Booklist

With its humor and endearing characters, Force's charming novel will appeal to a broad spectrum of readers, reaching far beyond sports fans.
β€” Shelley Mosley

Romance Junkies

The story is filled to the brim with characters you fall in love with, plot twists you'd never guess and plenty of action in between.
β€” Cat Brown

Once Upon a Romance

Ms. Force's voice is fresh and unique. She's penned Line of Scrimmage with twists and turns to the ultimate HEA. She' created two amazingly heart-on-the-sleeve characters.
β€” Connie Payne

Fresh Fiction

The characters are extremely likable but it's just as much fun to dislike the villains of the story, right along with the good guys.
β€” Stacey Hayman

Romance Reader at Heart

The cast of supporting characters, many of which are friends of the couple and also involved with Ryan's team, the Denver Mavericks, add to the warmth and realism of this tale. I look forward to reading more novels from Marie Force. I thoroughly enjoyed Line of Scrimmage and this one is definitely going on the keeper shelf.
β€” Maambe Kanbi

Revisiting the Moon's Library

I couldn't put this book down and I did tear up a couple times because it shows a couple working through their difficulties with such heartbreaking detail... but I liked Ryan and Susannah so much that I'm glad their story ended so well. I will definitely be reading more Marie Force!
β€” Dora Mak

Yankee Romance Reviewers

I found this story ripe with emotion, steadfast with passion and downright endearing. Ladies hold onto your hats cause this Line of Scrimmage is full of secret game plays.
β€” Terra

Book Loons

Marie Force makes a nice debut in Line of Scrimmage... [It] is an enjoyable and often insightful story, especially during those moments when Susannah and Ryan are onstage and working through their differences.
β€” Martina Bexte

Queue My Review

The thing I liked best about Marie Force's novel is the lesson that no marriage, no matter who you are or what your situation is, can survive without working at it and learning to compromise and see your partner's point of view. Ms. Force didn't scream this at me, she snuck it in throughout the book while I wasn't looking. Clever, clever woman!
β€” Quentin Marshall

J. Kaye's Book Blog

My eyes stayed glued to the book and I couldn't stop reading until it was over. It was a book that made me laugh as well as cry.
β€” J. Kaye

SingleTitles.com

LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is a skillfully told story about a marriage in crisis and the lengths a couple will go to save it. DΓ©but author Marie Force put her football research to good use when writing this book, adding credibility and interest to an already awesome novel.
β€” Donna

FemmeFans.com

Marie Force writes with humor, passion and compassion...I think women will enjoy reading this book, whether they are baseball fans, football fans, or simply fans of good old fashioned love.
β€” Ivette Ricco

Wild on Books

A very strong debut novel for Marie Force, LINE OF SCRIMMAGE is one of the best contemporary romances I have read this year.
β€” Natalie

World According to Books

I just can't say enough about this book. This is definitely a reread for me.

β€” Kara

BookGirl.net

This is a great book by a new (to me) author. I loved the emotional depth of this book.
β€” Carrie Zimmerman

Publishers Weekly

Force's debut contemporary reads like an overly long category romance. Ryan Sanderson, three-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback for the Denver Mavericks, interrupts his almost-ex-wife, Susannah, while she's dining with her new fiancΓ©, Henry, and his parents. Ryan threatens to slow the divorce proceedings, delaying Susannah and Henry's wedding, unless she allows him to woo her until their marriage legally dissolves in 10 days. Susannah capitulates, and after they finally communicate with one another about the stillbirth that destroyed their marriage, their passion reignites. When Henry reappears on the scene, however, the story falters. Henry, who has loved Susannah for years, always tried to get between her and Ryan, and she seems to have meekly tolerated it. Susannah's passivity and poor judgment reflect poorly on her, and Henry has few positive qualities. Ryan, on the other hand, is a good guy desperate to fix past mistakes, a terrific change of pace from the typical reluctant hero. (Sept.)

Copyright Β© Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Book Details

Published
September 1, 2008
Publisher
Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Pages
368
Format
Mass Market Paperback
ISBN
9781402214240

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