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awayback33's review against another edition
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
One of the main characters sexually assaults the other main character at the beginning of the book. It’s completely unnecessary and gross, especially given that we are supposed to believe they later fall in love.
I can only suspend my belief so far, someone who casually sexually assaults someone for a laugh will continue to do so. They shouldn’t be a romantic lead. The “bad boy” troupe is tired. Honestly, shocking that things like this get published and normalised especially since it’s from 2017.
I can only suspend my belief so far, someone who casually sexually assaults someone for a laugh will continue to do so. They shouldn’t be a romantic lead. The “bad boy” troupe is tired. Honestly, shocking that things like this get published and normalised especially since it’s from 2017.
raeanne's review
4.0
Trigger Warning: Rape, Grief, Addiction
FYI:
--Hate to Love trope
--“Exoctic” sexy, brown skinned women as background characters
--The word “lover” is used and I know some people hate the word
--A+ Punk Rock History & Music.
--Yes, Sex Pistols Credit Cards are a real thing.
--It starts with a groping on the soccer/football park during a game
--I seriously love how well the title works on different levels
--Yes, I knew from the cover going in it was about soccer/football. Do I know anything about soccer? No. Do I care about soccer? While reading Defensive Mindset I did. It was rocky getting into it given how foreign sports are to me, but I love how it doesn’t try to define the terms and dumb it down. Context clues and paying attention is enough to get it, and once you’ve got it, you’re golden.
The games were exciting, the strategy fascinating, and the pep talks got me pumped.
Jessie is the Good Girl. I understand her inhibitions and always cheer for characters scoping out exits with a social clock ticking down. What I’m about to say next is probably backwards for most people but…She was so frustrating! She’s naive, sheltered and wholesome. I mean, her childhood and her success is what every parent asks for yet I kept thinking how fucking dull and judgmental she is and hating it.
The best moment of realization isn’t acknowledged verbally and I hope most people pick up on it. Jessie complained and whined how it wasn’t fair that Fran was treated differently. In the beginning. Once she got over herself, her prejudices, and knew more about Fran, Jessie was defending her. Pointing how hard she had to work just to be functional like most people.
Fran’s destructive thoughts and the relief from smoking is so spot on. I know smoking is terrible, I’ve smoked for 8 years and have gone 72 days without a cig. Everyone asked why I smoked but none of them understood when I tried to explain. I have anxiety, depression, and an abusive past to deal with. I’ve been on medication for the past year and couldn’t have even considered quitting smoking without that and the other progress I’ve made.
While Jessie is uncomfortable with Fran’s smoking and how she describes her addiction to drugs, everything is truthful and the overall picture is one of caution.
I was pleasantly surprised to find there was still a third of the book left at the point most romance novels would’ve wrapped it up.
I find it frustrating when authors build up so much and finish with a shallow hollow ending. If you convince me for SO many pages how they’re relationship will never work, why the hell would I change my mind quickly?
Thankfully, Defensive Mindset portrays Fran as a whole person with real issues that cannot be shaken off with a good fuck. Only gimmicks and games work like that. When faced with the future and commitment and being open, Fran’s reaction is realistic. Making her accept that escalation after the Big Moment between would be fake.
Instead, Fran and Jessie are allowed to maneuver freely and make further progress. At the end, I KNOW how much I love them and can root for them, how assured their relationship is. I can’t describe it better without major spoilers but Wendy Temple has gained a huge fan with this turn of events.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know jack about soccer, or that you call it soccer. Want a grown-ass romance between two adult women from different sides of the field and want Hate to Love? Get Defensive Mindset.
Another win for Ylva Publishing! You can check out more of their books here. I’ve read and loved all the books by Emily O’Beirne, which are YA Contemporary in Australia.
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, the 30th for my review of Under Parr by Andrea Bramhall, another W/W romance published by Ylva.
FYI:
--Hate to Love trope
--“Exoctic” sexy, brown skinned women as background characters
--The word “lover” is used and I know some people hate the word
--A+ Punk Rock History & Music.
--Yes, Sex Pistols Credit Cards are a real thing.
--It starts with a groping on the soccer/football park during a game
--I seriously love how well the title works on different levels
--Yes, I knew from the cover going in it was about soccer/football. Do I know anything about soccer? No. Do I care about soccer? While reading Defensive Mindset I did. It was rocky getting into it given how foreign sports are to me, but I love how it doesn’t try to define the terms and dumb it down. Context clues and paying attention is enough to get it, and once you’ve got it, you’re golden.
The games were exciting, the strategy fascinating, and the pep talks got me pumped.
Jessie is the Good Girl. I understand her inhibitions and always cheer for characters scoping out exits with a social clock ticking down. What I’m about to say next is probably backwards for most people but…She was so frustrating! She’s naive, sheltered and wholesome. I mean, her childhood and her success is what every parent asks for yet I kept thinking how fucking dull and judgmental she is and hating it.
“Seriously, that white shirt of yours saw more action in the thirty minutes Fran wore it than in a lifetime with you.”
The best moment of realization isn’t acknowledged verbally and I hope most people pick up on it. Jessie complained and whined how it wasn’t fair that Fran was treated differently. In the beginning. Once she got over herself, her prejudices, and knew more about Fran, Jessie was defending her. Pointing how hard she had to work just to be functional like most people.
“Life was shocking. The truth was shocking. And Jessie needed to hear it in all its gutter glory.”
Fran’s destructive thoughts and the relief from smoking is so spot on. I know smoking is terrible, I’ve smoked for 8 years and have gone 72 days without a cig. Everyone asked why I smoked but none of them understood when I tried to explain. I have anxiety, depression, and an abusive past to deal with. I’ve been on medication for the past year and couldn’t have even considered quitting smoking without that and the other progress I’ve made.
“The first drag burned the back of her throat before leaving a soothing sensation that radiated from her lungs throughout her body as she exhaled.”
While Jessie is uncomfortable with Fran’s smoking and how she describes her addiction to drugs, everything is truthful and the overall picture is one of caution.
“She fucking left me with a lifetime of chasing shadows and highs.”
I was pleasantly surprised to find there was still a third of the book left at the point most romance novels would’ve wrapped it up.
I find it frustrating when authors build up so much and finish with a shallow hollow ending. If you convince me for SO many pages how they’re relationship will never work, why the hell would I change my mind quickly?
Thankfully, Defensive Mindset portrays Fran as a whole person with real issues that cannot be shaken off with a good fuck. Only gimmicks and games work like that. When faced with the future and commitment and being open, Fran’s reaction is realistic. Making her accept that escalation after the Big Moment between would be fake.
Instead, Fran and Jessie are allowed to maneuver freely and make further progress. At the end, I KNOW how much I love them and can root for them, how assured their relationship is. I can’t describe it better without major spoilers but Wendy Temple has gained a huge fan with this turn of events.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know jack about soccer, or that you call it soccer. Want a grown-ass romance between two adult women from different sides of the field and want Hate to Love? Get Defensive Mindset.
Another win for Ylva Publishing! You can check out more of their books here. I’ve read and loved all the books by Emily O’Beirne, which are YA Contemporary in Australia.
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, the 30th for my review of Under Parr by Andrea Bramhall, another W/W romance published by Ylva.
wickedregal's review against another edition
4.0
Overall this book was a great read. The two main ladies in this book were so completely opposite but I loved both of them equally. I will say this is definitely not a complete light read. It does deal with addiction and the reality that it doesn't just go away if you give up the chosen vice. It is an everyday struggle and I think this book did a great job in telling that. But it doesn't mean you have to fight it alone. Fran was dealing with such a past and kept people distanced from her, because she thought it best and to protect them. But what happens when a person comes into your life that you can't seem to escape from, and if being honest with yourself, you don't want to? Or what if that person, even when you try and try to push them away, won't give up on you... but instead, waits.
brokebybooks's review against another edition
4.0
Trigger Warning: Rape, Grief, Addiction
FYI:
--Hate to Love trope
--“Exoctic” sexy, brown skinned women as background characters
--The word “lover” is used and I know some people hate the word
--A+ Punk Rock History & Music.
--Yes, Sex Pistols Credit Cards are a real thing.
--It starts with a groping on the soccer/football park during a game
--I seriously love how well the title works on different levels
--Yes, I knew from the cover going in it was about soccer/football. Do I know anything about soccer? No. Do I care about soccer? While reading Defensive Mindset I did. It was rocky getting into it given how foreign sports are to me, but I love how it doesn’t try to define the terms and dumb it down. Context clues and paying attention is enough to get it, and once you’ve got it, you’re golden.
The games were exciting, the strategy fascinating, and the pep talks got me pumped.
Jessie is the Good Girl. I understand her inhibitions and always cheer for characters scoping out exits with a social clock ticking down. What I’m about to say next is probably backwards for most people but…She was so frustrating! She’s naive, sheltered and wholesome. I mean, her childhood and her success is what every parent asks for yet I kept thinking how fucking dull and judgmental she is and hating it.
The best moment of realization isn’t acknowledged verbally and I hope most people pick up on it. Jessie complained and whined how it wasn’t fair that Fran was treated differently. In the beginning. Once she got over herself, her prejudices, and knew more about Fran, Jessie was defending her. Pointing how hard she had to work just to be functional like most people.
Fran’s destructive thoughts and the relief from smoking is so spot on. I know smoking is terrible, I’ve smoked for 8 years and have gone 72 days without a cig. Everyone asked why I smoked but none of them understood when I tried to explain. I have anxiety, depression, and an abusive past to deal with. I’ve been on medication for the past year and couldn’t have even considered quitting smoking without that and the other progress I’ve made.
While Jessie is uncomfortable with Fran’s smoking and how she describes her addiction to drugs, everything is truthful and the overall picture is one of caution.
I was pleasantly surprised to find there was still a third of the book left at the point most romance novels would’ve wrapped it up.
I find it frustrating when authors build up so much and finish with a shallow hollow ending. If you convince me for SO many pages how they’re relationship will never work, why the hell would I change my mind quickly?
Thankfully, Defensive Mindset portrays Fran as a whole person with real issues that cannot be shaken off with a good fuck. Only gimmicks and games work like that. When faced with the future and commitment and being open, Fran’s reaction is realistic. Making her accept that escalation after the Big Moment between would be fake.
Instead, Fran and Jessie are allowed to maneuver freely and make further progress. At the end, I KNOW how much I love them and can root for them, how assured their relationship is. I can’t describe it better without major spoilers but Wendy Temple has gained a huge fan with this turn of events.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know jack about soccer, or that you call it soccer. Want a grown-ass romance between two adult women from different sides of the field and want Hate to Love? Get Defensive Mindset.
Another win for Ylva Publishing! You can check out more of their books here. I’ve read and loved all the books by Emily O’Beirne, which are YA Contemporary in Australia.
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, the 30th for my review of Under Parr by Andrea Bramhall, another W/W romance published by Ylva.
FYI:
--Hate to Love trope
--“Exoctic” sexy, brown skinned women as background characters
--The word “lover” is used and I know some people hate the word
--A+ Punk Rock History & Music.
--Yes, Sex Pistols Credit Cards are a real thing.
--It starts with a groping on the soccer/football park during a game
--I seriously love how well the title works on different levels
--Yes, I knew from the cover going in it was about soccer/football. Do I know anything about soccer? No. Do I care about soccer? While reading Defensive Mindset I did. It was rocky getting into it given how foreign sports are to me, but I love how it doesn’t try to define the terms and dumb it down. Context clues and paying attention is enough to get it, and once you’ve got it, you’re golden.
The games were exciting, the strategy fascinating, and the pep talks got me pumped.
Jessie is the Good Girl. I understand her inhibitions and always cheer for characters scoping out exits with a social clock ticking down. What I’m about to say next is probably backwards for most people but…She was so frustrating! She’s naive, sheltered and wholesome. I mean, her childhood and her success is what every parent asks for yet I kept thinking how fucking dull and judgmental she is and hating it.
“Seriously, that white shirt of yours saw more action in the thirty minutes Fran wore it than in a lifetime with you.”
The best moment of realization isn’t acknowledged verbally and I hope most people pick up on it. Jessie complained and whined how it wasn’t fair that Fran was treated differently. In the beginning. Once she got over herself, her prejudices, and knew more about Fran, Jessie was defending her. Pointing how hard she had to work just to be functional like most people.
“Life was shocking. The truth was shocking. And Jessie needed to hear it in all its gutter glory.”
Fran’s destructive thoughts and the relief from smoking is so spot on. I know smoking is terrible, I’ve smoked for 8 years and have gone 72 days without a cig. Everyone asked why I smoked but none of them understood when I tried to explain. I have anxiety, depression, and an abusive past to deal with. I’ve been on medication for the past year and couldn’t have even considered quitting smoking without that and the other progress I’ve made.
“The first drag burned the back of her throat before leaving a soothing sensation that radiated from her lungs throughout her body as she exhaled.”
While Jessie is uncomfortable with Fran’s smoking and how she describes her addiction to drugs, everything is truthful and the overall picture is one of caution.
“She fucking left me with a lifetime of chasing shadows and highs.”
I was pleasantly surprised to find there was still a third of the book left at the point most romance novels would’ve wrapped it up.
I find it frustrating when authors build up so much and finish with a shallow hollow ending. If you convince me for SO many pages how they’re relationship will never work, why the hell would I change my mind quickly?
Thankfully, Defensive Mindset portrays Fran as a whole person with real issues that cannot be shaken off with a good fuck. Only gimmicks and games work like that. When faced with the future and commitment and being open, Fran’s reaction is realistic. Making her accept that escalation after the Big Moment between would be fake.
Instead, Fran and Jessie are allowed to maneuver freely and make further progress. At the end, I KNOW how much I love them and can root for them, how assured their relationship is. I can’t describe it better without major spoilers but Wendy Temple has gained a huge fan with this turn of events.
It doesn’t matter if you don’t know jack about soccer, or that you call it soccer. Want a grown-ass romance between two adult women from different sides of the field and want Hate to Love? Get Defensive Mindset.
Another win for Ylva Publishing! You can check out more of their books here. I’ve read and loved all the books by Emily O’Beirne, which are YA Contemporary in Australia.
Don’t forget to come back next Tuesday, the 30th for my review of Under Parr by Andrea Bramhall, another W/W romance published by Ylva.
theamandashelby's review against another edition
3.0
Defensive Mindset for me is a hard book to review. Typically, I like to just talk about if I liked a book or disliked a book or struggled to finish a book but still enjoyed the story or still like the author. This one is difficult because it had potential, and I do not know the author, and some parts I enjoyed. If you are looking for a sports romance… this may leave you wanting more. I wouldn’t categorize it that way, even though the cover may lead you in that direction. My biggest issue with the book was I didn’t like the character Fran. I was so off put with this character everything else just looked gray. Perhaps if I had liked the characters more, and actually wanted them to get together it would have worked. I could even overlook the no so healthy semiprofessional athlete. Fran is by far not my favorite, but Jessie.. wow.. I would read a book about her falling in love.. not with Fran but someone else. I guess I just did read a book about it, but I kind of want a different one. I liked Jessie but unfortunately my like of one half of a couple is not enough to overcome me actively rooting against Fran’s happiness. I was also rooting for Jessie’s next girlfriend who is going to be amazing. I can’t wait to read that book
liana's review against another edition
2.0
Review: https://forloversofbooks.wordpress.com/2017/06/09/defensive-mindset-by-wendy-temple/?preview_id=1228&preview_nonce=11fe0f98f8
I wish I could say I enjoyed this… I was actually very excited to read this, but, unfortunately, it was a complete miss for me.
Star footballer and successful businesswoman Jessie Grainger has her life set, and doesn’t need anything getting in the way. That includes rebellious rival player Fran Doherty, a burnt-out barmaid with a past as messed up as her attitude. So when the clashing pair find themselves on the same Edinburgh women football team, how will they survive each other, let alone play to win?
When I read the book synopsis, I was over the moon. Lesbians? In Scotland? Playing football? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP!!! I adore football (I am referring to european football) and as a queer girl myself, I thought I had found a book very close to my personal taste and interests. I have to admit that every scene set in the football field or practice was very enjoyable, and actually became the most interesting part of the book for me. Unfortunately, these scenes only made up about 15-20% of the book.
As for the rest of the book? A complete mess, for me. I couldn’t connect to any of the characters. The secondary characters were a bit underdeveloped (probably to allow Jessie and Fran to grow and shine more), but here’s the thing: both Jessie and Fran were just very dull. I found nothing interesting about them. They both fell into literature stereotypes and tropes, and, consequently, their relationship also felt trope-y and unoriginal as hell. Jessie was the golden, extremely organized and put-together girl. Fran, on the other hand, was the female version of the mysterious bad boy trope. I couldn’t see any chemistry between the characters or any reason for them to be together, to be honest.
I wish football had played a bigger part in this story. I truly found the football scenes and the team dynamics to be the author’s strongest asset and I wish she had focused more on it. I picked up the book specifically for its sapphic romance, but it ended up becoming my least favourite part of the book.
**An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review**
I wish I could say I enjoyed this… I was actually very excited to read this, but, unfortunately, it was a complete miss for me.
Star footballer and successful businesswoman Jessie Grainger has her life set, and doesn’t need anything getting in the way. That includes rebellious rival player Fran Doherty, a burnt-out barmaid with a past as messed up as her attitude. So when the clashing pair find themselves on the same Edinburgh women football team, how will they survive each other, let alone play to win?
When I read the book synopsis, I was over the moon. Lesbians? In Scotland? Playing football? SIGN ME THE FUCK UP!!! I adore football (I am referring to european football) and as a queer girl myself, I thought I had found a book very close to my personal taste and interests. I have to admit that every scene set in the football field or practice was very enjoyable, and actually became the most interesting part of the book for me. Unfortunately, these scenes only made up about 15-20% of the book.
As for the rest of the book? A complete mess, for me. I couldn’t connect to any of the characters. The secondary characters were a bit underdeveloped (probably to allow Jessie and Fran to grow and shine more), but here’s the thing: both Jessie and Fran were just very dull. I found nothing interesting about them. They both fell into literature stereotypes and tropes, and, consequently, their relationship also felt trope-y and unoriginal as hell. Jessie was the golden, extremely organized and put-together girl. Fran, on the other hand, was the female version of the mysterious bad boy trope. I couldn’t see any chemistry between the characters or any reason for them to be together, to be honest.
I wish football had played a bigger part in this story. I truly found the football scenes and the team dynamics to be the author’s strongest asset and I wish she had focused more on it. I picked up the book specifically for its sapphic romance, but it ended up becoming my least favourite part of the book.
**An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange of an honest review**
jediroot's review against another edition
3.0
I received an ARC copy in exchange for honest review.
All I can say is don't trust the cover of this novel. Yes, football has some presence in this story, but not much. I honestly thought it was going to be all about teammates or rivals playing football and fall in love along the way. Technically the two main characters, Fran and Jessie, are teammates, but they interacted mostly outside of the football scenarios through the book. Personally, I think this story could've been so much better if the football aspect is removed. The biggest part of the story focused on Fran's struggles and Jessie slowly falling for Fran while dealing with her own issues. I noticed a lot of reviewers mentioned how unrealistic it is for Fran to be a footballer while not being healthy at all. That's very true and become another reason why I think football should not be a part of this story. Fran and Jessie could've met through different circumstances such as Jessie taking a look at the rooms available at Fran's bar for renting (Jessie runs rental/real estate office). That would give them reason to interact and go from there, plus it would be more realistic than playing football together especially with Fran's smoking habit among other issues.
I do believe this story has potential though. I really appreciate reading about Fran's struggles as I can relate. Yes, she is a quiet person and doesn't talk much, but when she does talk- it's emotional and often lead to progress in her character development.
Overall, this is not a bad novel and I enjoyed reading about Jessie and Fran and how their relationship grows.
Just don't start the novel and expect it to be all about football and romance.
All I can say is don't trust the cover of this novel. Yes, football has some presence in this story, but not much. I honestly thought it was going to be all about teammates or rivals playing football and fall in love along the way. Technically the two main characters, Fran and Jessie, are teammates, but they interacted mostly outside of the football scenarios through the book. Personally, I think this story could've been so much better if the football aspect is removed. The biggest part of the story focused on Fran's struggles and Jessie slowly falling for Fran while dealing with her own issues. I noticed a lot of reviewers mentioned how unrealistic it is for Fran to be a footballer while not being healthy at all. That's very true and become another reason why I think football should not be a part of this story. Fran and Jessie could've met through different circumstances such as Jessie taking a look at the rooms available at Fran's bar for renting (Jessie runs rental/real estate office). That would give them reason to interact and go from there, plus it would be more realistic than playing football together especially with Fran's smoking habit among other issues.
I do believe this story has potential though. I really appreciate reading about Fran's struggles as I can relate. Yes, she is a quiet person and doesn't talk much, but when she does talk- it's emotional and often lead to progress in her character development.
Overall, this is not a bad novel and I enjoyed reading about Jessie and Fran and how their relationship grows.
Just don't start the novel and expect it to be all about football and romance.
cdownes's review against another edition
4.0
What a lovely surprise. I must admit I am guilty of judging a book by its cover now and then with this being one of those times. I was expecting a light, easy read with a touch of sports which is like candy to me. What I got was a strong tale with depth, tragedy and light.
Wendy Temple has created an environment I never expected but very much appreciated. Well worth a read.
---
I received an ARC for an honest review
Wendy Temple has created an environment I never expected but very much appreciated. Well worth a read.
---
I received an ARC for an honest review
themaliciousreader's review against another edition
3.0
I was provided a Reviewer Copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jessie is a football player, she’s extremely friendly, almost annoyingly so. The best way to describe her would be prim and proper. Fran is her opposite. She’s got tattoos and piercings everywhere. She’s an addict and an alcoholic. Fran’s also very closed off and barely speaks.
When the two first meet on the field, on the last game of the season, they don’t exactly get along. Fran gets handsy while defending and Jessie gets pissed and slaps her.
Jessie takes an immediate dislike to her but then tries to sort it out when Fran gets signed by her club. Shit then gets complicated.
The book started out ok, a bit conventional, maybe. It felt like another love story I’ve read times and times before but it was still entertaining. I was mostly enjoying it. But as things escalated, the connection between the two main characters didn’t feel genuine anymore. For example, Jessie first mentions she’s in love with Fran to a third party but the two of them haven’t even had a real conversation yet… How can you be in love with someone you barely know?
At some point in the book, some of the dialogues seemed weird to me, they didn’t seem like what anyone would actually say. Idk... It’s just that for a big part of the book, I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and I had a hard time getting back into the story afterwards.
It didn’t help that I didn’t really connect with the two main characters. They were fine I guess but, sadly, I didn’t fall for either of them….
Honestly, this would have usually been a lower rating than 3 stars but I rounded up because it’s set in Edinburgh and Edinburgh is the best city in the world and everything set there deserves a chance.
Jessie is a football player, she’s extremely friendly, almost annoyingly so. The best way to describe her would be prim and proper. Fran is her opposite. She’s got tattoos and piercings everywhere. She’s an addict and an alcoholic. Fran’s also very closed off and barely speaks.
When the two first meet on the field, on the last game of the season, they don’t exactly get along. Fran gets handsy while defending and Jessie gets pissed and slaps her.
Jessie takes an immediate dislike to her but then tries to sort it out when Fran gets signed by her club. Shit then gets complicated.
The book started out ok, a bit conventional, maybe. It felt like another love story I’ve read times and times before but it was still entertaining. I was mostly enjoying it. But as things escalated, the connection between the two main characters didn’t feel genuine anymore. For example, Jessie first mentions she’s in love with Fran to a third party but the two of them haven’t even had a real conversation yet… How can you be in love with someone you barely know?
At some point in the book, some of the dialogues seemed weird to me, they didn’t seem like what anyone would actually say. Idk... It’s just that for a big part of the book, I found myself rolling my eyes a lot and I had a hard time getting back into the story afterwards.
It didn’t help that I didn’t really connect with the two main characters. They were fine I guess but, sadly, I didn’t fall for either of them….
Honestly, this would have usually been a lower rating than 3 stars but I rounded up because it’s set in Edinburgh and Edinburgh is the best city in the world and everything set there deserves a chance.
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