JOCKBLOCKED is Book 2 in Jen Frederick's Gridiron series about college football players and their love lives. After reading and loving JOCKBLOCKED, I am compelled to hunt down a copy of the previous book, SACKED. Since many of the characters are college boys who are often drunk on their local celebrity, there are multiple examples of their predictably piggish behavior. However, Jen Frederick balances that immaturity with genuine humor, a sexy and sweet romance, and sparkling dialogue between the hero and heroine.

Jen Frederick creates quite a tangled little web of relationship drama in JOCKBLOCKED but without having things rise to the level of melodrama. Quarterback Ace and pre-law student Lucy have been close friends since they were children. Ace and Matthew "Matty" Iverson are teammates. Conflict arises when Lucy and Matty develop an attraction, thus forcing Matty to give Ace two bits of news he doesn't want to hear—that Matty has eclipsed Ace in Lucy's eyes and information about a possible change in his status with the team. This conflict draws out the characters and adds intensity and urgency to the romance without obscuring it. I am very much a fan of engaging character-driven romances, and JOCKBLOCKED fits the bill. The romance between Lucy and Matty develops very organically and the resolution at the end is satisfying and makes sense for the characters.

While reading JOCKBLOCKED, I was thoroughly charmed by Matty. While Lucy's first instinct is to immediately dismiss Matty as just another shallow jock, it is not long before he wins her over and she realizes they have more in common than they thought. The easy banter that marks the beginning of their relationship is marvelous and leads to amazing moments of intimacy. I love the way they end up influencing and supporting each other. Over the course of JOCKBLOCKED, Lucy learns how to take a chance and gains more self-confidence, and Matty sees the value of Lucy's system of risk assessment and knowing her alters how he sees himself. The self-awareness Matty develops is a definite plus as a hero.

JOCKBLOCKED is a scrumptious sports-themed romance with a delightfully charming hero and quick-witted dialogue. This is the kind of sublime sexy romance you can get lost in. I'm interested in reading about some of Matty's teammates in future books like his gregarious friend Hammer. I eagerly await the next book in this Gridiron series by Jen Frederick.

Book Summary

She’s always played it safe…

College junior Lucy Washington abides by one rule—avoid risk at all costs. She’s cautious in every aspect of her life, from her health, to her mock trial team, to the boring guys she dates. When a brash, gorgeous jock walks into the campus coffeeshop and turns his flirt on, Lucy is stunned by the force of attraction. For the first time ever, she’s willing to step out of her comfort zone, but can she really trust the guy who’s determined to sweep her off her feet?

He’s always played around…

Entering his last year of college eligibility, linebacker Matthew “Matty” Iverson has the team captaincy in his sights. And it’s his for the taking, if he can convince his quarterback Ace Anderson to give up the starting position. Luckily, Matty already has an edge—the hottie he’s lusting over just happens to be Ace’s childhood best friend. Getting Lucy on his side and in his bed? Hell yeah. Matty is more than confident he can have both, but when he falls hard for Lucy, it’s time for a new game plan: convince the woman of his dreams that she’s not sleeping with the enemy.