"Fine contemporary romance"

In Rockford, New York, liberal arts oriented Beckett College has added a Sports Study major that upsets Dr. Jacelyn Ross, head of the Business Department because she feels this new degree demeans the pristine reputation of the school. Still she asks the hunk putting it together, Mike "the King" Kingston for his autograph because her son Kyle, who is twenty years old and whom she raised by herself, wanted it.

Mike categorizes her as an aging groupie as he raises his son Tyler by himself because the kid's mother fled to Europe to hang with a soccer star. When Mike meets Jacey for the second time he is stunned to learn who she is. As they cannot ignore their attraction, they begin a fling encouraged by their two sons. However, her odious ex manages to make Jacey have doubts that a relationship with the coach is good for their son plus he reminds her of the ethics rule of no fraternizing amongst the faculty. The Coach needs a Hail Mary to pull out the victory of a lifetime with his beloved Jacey.

Outside of defeating Michigan this is a fine contemporary romance starring two amiable lead characters, their fine sons, and a host of academic types that bring the fall college scene in New York to life. Though readers will wonder why Jacey would allow her former spouse to sack her loving relationship (except to cause unneeded conflict between her and her beloved), fans will believe that Kathryn Shay scored the winning touchdown with this sweet tale of love.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted December 25, 2004

Summary

it all started with an autograph...

Only her son, Kyle, can get Professor Jacelyn Ross anywhere near a sports arena. Especially when the celebrity in question is a boorish football jock. But Kyle means everything to Jacelyn -- and he wants the signature.

Besides, she'll have to meet "The King" -- famous Mike Kingston -- eventually. It's his team that's tarnishing her beloved school's pristine academic reputation -- all in the name of progress. She and the rest of the teaching staff don't approve of the plan at all.

But Mike has more in common with Jacelyn than she would care to admit. Their commitment to their troubled sons, for staters. And the attraction that has Jacelyn seeing Mike in a whole new light.