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College life should come with a content warning.
All Phoebe Sharpe wanted was to start over at a new college to escape the drama and humiliation of her mom’s sordid past. But her present is hardly less complicated. To avoid sleeping on the streets, Phoebe seeks sanctuary at a 24-hour gym. When she meets the smoking hot Tiago, her desire to remain anonymous disappears.
Fortis University kicker Tiago Trindade has more on his plate than the average college sophomore. He’s trying to keep his GPA high enough to maintain his football scholarship while balancing practice and a job at the local gym to help support his family. When he learns his grandmother’s been swindled out of the title on her house—which would leave them homeless—he’s determined to save them. And then he meets the girl of his dreams…who just might be involved in her mom’s con.
When Phoebe learns the truth about her mother’s role in scamming Tiago’s family, she’s torn. Should she protect her own family or save Tiago’s?
All Phoebe Sharpe wanted was to start over at a new college to escape the drama and humiliation of her mom’s sordid past. But her present is hardly less complicated. To avoid sleeping on the streets, Phoebe seeks sanctuary at a 24-hour gym. When she meets the smoking hot Tiago, her desire to remain anonymous disappears.
Fortis University kicker Tiago Trindade has more on his plate than the average college sophomore. He’s trying to keep his GPA high enough to maintain his football scholarship while balancing practice and a job at the local gym to help support his family. When he learns his grandmother’s been swindled out of the title on her house—which would leave them homeless—he’s determined to save them. And then he meets the girl of his dreams…who just might be involved in her mom’s con.
When Phoebe learns the truth about her mother’s role in scamming Tiago’s family, she’s torn. Should she protect her own family or save Tiago’s?
255 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 2, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 25, 2021
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. That being said I was not disappointed in C.R. Grissom second book. She had me hooked with in the first chapter I wanted to get to know the new characters and hoping I would get to read about some characters from the first book. Christine did not disappoint me, she has me hooked! She invites you in to these characters life and you want to learn more. You are cheering for them and you ache with them durning hardships that they go through. Phoebe is a sweet and sassy young lady, love her spirit! Christine also has me wanting to attend more festival. I want to go to a Portuguese festival for the sites and the food. Truly love this book and I am so hoping she writes another soon!!
March 2, 2021
I have read book 1 Mouthful ,and honestly I didn't think the writer could top Faith and Caleb's story which I gave it 5 stars by the way, until I read Tiago and Phoebe's storyline in Eyeful.Two Students who come from different family backgrounds TJ comes from a close-knit family that depends on him financially. Phoebe who transferred to Fortis University because of the publicity she was getting from her mom's indictment just wants to lay low with her Grams at the retirement home even that comes with it's own problems like not living full time,so she tries to take up residence at the 24 hour gym where Tiago works.A must read.
February 13, 2021
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
A great addition to the Gladiators of Gridiron series.
I enjoyed the first book in this series Mouthful and Eyeful by C. R. Grissom was just as powerful a storyline. I would consider it a New Adult since there are characters that are still in college. It had everything I wanted in a book new friends, possible romance, past issues, and a touch of spiciness. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
A great addition to the Gladiators of Gridiron series.
I enjoyed the first book in this series Mouthful and Eyeful by C. R. Grissom was just as powerful a storyline. I would consider it a New Adult since there are characters that are still in college. It had everything I wanted in a book new friends, possible romance, past issues, and a touch of spiciness. I can't wait to read the next in the series.
February 28, 2021
What a great addition to this series. This book was filled with romance, laughter, and so much more. From the moment I picked up this book I was held captivated by the story line and the characters. This author has a way of making you feel like you are part of the story. I am really looking forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed this book in exchange for an honest review.
September 10, 2020
I got to read an early version and it’s so good! Can’t wait for the next!
March 2, 2021
Amazing book. I am so glad I got to read an arc of this book.
This book is drama, intrigue, romance and sass all in one.
I am looking forward to book three.
This book is drama, intrigue, romance and sass all in one.
I am looking forward to book three.
March 3, 2021
This is one of those books I just didn’t want to put down. When I read this author’s first traditionally published book (also the first book in this series), Mouthful, I knew she had talent. With Eyeful she proves she’s more than a one hit wonder. The storytelling is smooth and flows nicely. The characters are amazing. The chemistry between the main leads is palpable. Color me impressed.
From the very beginning of this story the reader knows, to a certain extent, what the conflict and climax are going to entail. The closer the book inched toward the climax, the slower I read…not wanting to see either of these characters I fell in love with get hurt. To the author’s credit, she didn’t have things play out quite as I had expected. In some ways that was a good thing, as I always enjoy not knowing the exact course characters are taking. In other ways it was heartbreaking because, well, I’m not going to tell you. No spoilers in my reviews!
Phoebe is a wonderful heroine. Not just her relationship she develops with Tiago aka TJ, but also her rapport with the senior citizens in her grandma’s community. She’s a good person that was dealt a raw hand when it came to her mother. I really ached to give her a good hug.
While Tiago has a much bigger support base than Phoebe, he has been keeping things close to the chest. This means a large part of his support system doesn’t even realize how much support he needs. He’s such a good guy. He helps pay the bills since his dad had an accident and is out of commission. On top of football, work, and school, he also tries to help his mom who is the caregiver to his dad and his grandmother who is spiraling into the abyss of Alzheimer’s. He definitely doesn’t have time for a relationship. Yet it’s so obvious from the first second they meet that Tiago and Phoebe aren’t going to be able to stay away from each other.
Just as I loved them in book one, the football players are terrific. You throw them into the mix here and there’s no way TJ and Phoebe can avoid each other. Not when Faith has taken Phoebe under her wing and pulled her into the orbit of said football players. Now that I know this is a series (that was unknown when I finished book one) I really, really, really want to beg for a book that centers around Everest. He is seriously The Best.
I am now official a fan of C.R. Grissom and wait impatiently for the next story in this series.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
From the very beginning of this story the reader knows, to a certain extent, what the conflict and climax are going to entail. The closer the book inched toward the climax, the slower I read…not wanting to see either of these characters I fell in love with get hurt. To the author’s credit, she didn’t have things play out quite as I had expected. In some ways that was a good thing, as I always enjoy not knowing the exact course characters are taking. In other ways it was heartbreaking because, well, I’m not going to tell you. No spoilers in my reviews!
Phoebe is a wonderful heroine. Not just her relationship she develops with Tiago aka TJ, but also her rapport with the senior citizens in her grandma’s community. She’s a good person that was dealt a raw hand when it came to her mother. I really ached to give her a good hug.
While Tiago has a much bigger support base than Phoebe, he has been keeping things close to the chest. This means a large part of his support system doesn’t even realize how much support he needs. He’s such a good guy. He helps pay the bills since his dad had an accident and is out of commission. On top of football, work, and school, he also tries to help his mom who is the caregiver to his dad and his grandmother who is spiraling into the abyss of Alzheimer’s. He definitely doesn’t have time for a relationship. Yet it’s so obvious from the first second they meet that Tiago and Phoebe aren’t going to be able to stay away from each other.
Just as I loved them in book one, the football players are terrific. You throw them into the mix here and there’s no way TJ and Phoebe can avoid each other. Not when Faith has taken Phoebe under her wing and pulled her into the orbit of said football players. Now that I know this is a series (that was unknown when I finished book one) I really, really, really want to beg for a book that centers around Everest. He is seriously The Best.
I am now official a fan of C.R. Grissom and wait impatiently for the next story in this series.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
You can find more of my reviews at All In Good Time.
March 2, 2021
Eyeful (Gladiators of the Gridiron Book 2) by C.R. Grissom is a college romance story. Football is center stage in Fortis University kicker Tiago Trindade’s life but it hardly consumes all of him. He has to works for his grades and work at a gym to help his family. All in all he is well-rounded individual not the arrogant jock sometimes portrayed. No wonder Phoebe Sharpe falls for him. She has so many problems of her own. Before long the problems of these two are intertwined.
I don’t remember college being this difficult. However, I didn’t have the family members that some of the characters in this series have. College life is part of these stories but dealing with family is really at the heart. Phoebe had hoped to leave the drama of her life behind when coming to Fortis University but it is not to be. Romance that is steamy at times, decisions to be made, and hardships to over come are in store for this couple. Life is not easy, not even college life. You are rooting for team Phoebe and Tiago to win.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I don’t remember college being this difficult. However, I didn’t have the family members that some of the characters in this series have. College life is part of these stories but dealing with family is really at the heart. Phoebe had hoped to leave the drama of her life behind when coming to Fortis University but it is not to be. Romance that is steamy at times, decisions to be made, and hardships to over come are in store for this couple. Life is not easy, not even college life. You are rooting for team Phoebe and Tiago to win.
An ARC of the book was given to me by Tule Publishing which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 11, 2021
This is my first story by C.R. Grissom, so I honestly went into this story weary and low expectations. Then boom! C.R. Grissom smashed those expectations and I was hooked! I fell totally in love with Tiago and Phoebe's story. The lies, the deceit, the passion and the love. Oh, let's not forget about laughing my butt off, that was a tip over. The mama's in the community made me smile. Then the residents of the senior community, wow. They were a total hoot. Agnes has to be my official favorite person, period. Those are now where my goals are set for when I'm older, period. I loved that the story was set on the West Coast. This may have been my first story, but definitely not my last, by said author. The Dear Reader in the beginning of the story did throw me off and is the reason I was kind of weary, I would have probably preferred it in the back, but that's my opinion and little grapes compared to the entire story being amazing.
This is definitely a must read!!!
This is definitely a must read!!!
March 9, 2021
Eyeful, the second book in the Gladiators of the Gridiron series is a fun college romance. This CR Grissom tale is easily read as a standalone.
I was drawn into this one immediately, as Phoebe's grandmother had me laughing out loud. Written in alternating first person pov, I enjoy the character's voices.
But then, poor Phoebe has to find someone to live. And soon she meets Tiago at a local gym.
I adore this story. The characters are refreshing and funny. They're realistic and entertaining. Yet they both have a lot on their shoulders. One is homeless, as her mother is in jail. The other is helping his parents with their bills. Although, I have NO clue how he has time to work so much.
This is a story with plenty of aggressive women, and some major underhanded motivation that brings these two together.
Eyeful is a good college romance. Add in sports and I can't get enough. CR Grissom delights in this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
I was drawn into this one immediately, as Phoebe's grandmother had me laughing out loud. Written in alternating first person pov, I enjoy the character's voices.
But then, poor Phoebe has to find someone to live. And soon she meets Tiago at a local gym.
I adore this story. The characters are refreshing and funny. They're realistic and entertaining. Yet they both have a lot on their shoulders. One is homeless, as her mother is in jail. The other is helping his parents with their bills. Although, I have NO clue how he has time to work so much.
This is a story with plenty of aggressive women, and some major underhanded motivation that brings these two together.
Eyeful is a good college romance. Add in sports and I can't get enough. CR Grissom delights in this emotional rollercoaster of a story.
March 4, 2021
This is the 2nd book in this series and is Tiago and Phoebe’s story. Tiago is struggling to juggle his studies and keeping his football scholarship, working in a gym, and supporting his family, while Phoebe has had a tough life and just needs to escape from her mother, and she is hoping college is a new start for her. From the moment these two meets there is an instant and undeniable attraction between them, but can they survive her mother’s scamming of Tiago’s family, and who will Phoebe be loyal to? This is a well written story which is intriguing, and with drama, conflict, friendships, family, and is a humorous and entertaining read. I look forward to reading more from this author whose wok I recommend.
March 4, 2021
Such a good book. I would definitely recommend it to any reader, obviously at least 16 +. I thoroughly enjoyed this read, an introduction to a new culture, language, and just the right amount of reality wake-up call. It’s sad to know that this actually happens and it’s upsetting. Greedy bastards, but that’s enough of a spoiler. I seriously recommend this book to anyone who wants a taste of college life, teenage/young adult drama, serious self issues, and the ultimate love story. Beware for any nonsports fan, read at your own risk.
March 12, 2021
This is the second book in Ms. Grissom’s debut series. I loved the first book and was anxious to read the second. Like the first story, this one didn’t disappoint and had me staying up late to read it. Phoebe and Tiago are complex characters who have issues they must contend with. Phoebe’s mom’s actions have placed her in a tight and uncomfortable spot, and Taigo is just a super guy who understands the importance of family, but he has a lot to contend with in his life as well. If you’re looking for a fast-paced story with wonderfully drawn characters I highly recommend this book.
March 2, 2021
This was one of those books that had me rooting for the underdog even though in this case it would be both of the main characters. Tiago and Phoebe meet under not the best reasons but fate has it in-store that they meet and yes cheesy though it might be, they are meant for each other. This book is so true to life it is not funny. Especially with things that are going on now during the pandemic, this book hit home. A well-written and smooth love story.
March 20, 2021
It's review time 🎧
Warning ⚠️: young love, bad parent, secrets, a scam, hot Portuguese man.
Narrator score🎧 ; both narrator's were great especially Thiago's i loved the voices he gave him.
Level of steam🔥: the book was hot, but it wasn't too much as well wich I loved.
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: the book wasn't sad, you had drama, quite a lot of it actually. But it wasn't sad.
The book itself📖: its a lovely book about love, hard life from both sides, lovely elderly couple 💑 that I just adored.
The story was between sweet and dramatic.
Warning ⚠️: young love, bad parent, secrets, a scam, hot Portuguese man.
Narrator score🎧 ; both narrator's were great especially Thiago's i loved the voices he gave him.
Level of steam🔥: the book was hot, but it wasn't too much as well wich I loved.
Level of anxiety and sadness0😱😢: the book wasn't sad, you had drama, quite a lot of it actually. But it wasn't sad.
The book itself📖: its a lovely book about love, hard life from both sides, lovely elderly couple 💑 that I just adored.
The story was between sweet and dramatic.
March 2, 2021
I really enjoyed these two together. Young love and so much emotion with it. It kept me going until the end. I love when the author makes you feel like you are there with the characters. It was a really good read.
February 13, 2021
Football, family and friends/lovers fill the pages in this young adult novel. Secrets are held close as a footballer pursues a young woman who may hold the key to his family’s problems. Love and lust amp up as he realizes there is more to her than he bargained for.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 18, 2021
A sweet upper YA/NA romance
The connection between Tiago and Phoebe is ...
not really a slow build - more a natural outcome to the events - if that makes sense
They clicked so well together
The story was easy to follow - there were some areas that for me were a bit glossed over and I wish there had been more detail but I think the real story wasn't the events, or the stepdad or so many other little things
It was finding one's place, making the right choices in a world filled with so many hurdles and misdirections
The connection between Tiago and Phoebe is ...
not really a slow build - more a natural outcome to the events - if that makes sense
They clicked so well together
The story was easy to follow - there were some areas that for me were a bit glossed over and I wish there had been more detail but I think the real story wasn't the events, or the stepdad or so many other little things
It was finding one's place, making the right choices in a world filled with so many hurdles and misdirections
September 6, 2021
I received this arc from Tule Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Eyeful is the second young adult book in the series Gladiators of the Gridiron. In this book we meet Phoebe and learn she has transferred to Fortis University her sophomore year of college. Her mother had been arrested in a public way for a scandal where she helped swindle people out of their homes. Phoebe is humiliated and changes her name, leaves the state and refuses to help her mom’s lawyer. Unfortunately she is living with her grandmother in a senior citizen complex and the security guards have decided to make sure she isn’t allowed to stay with her. They threaten her grandmother with fines and eviction if she is caught staying overnight. She can’t get a dorm room so she decides to go buy a membership at a 24 hour gym and try to live there undetected.
When she joins the gym she meets a super hot guy named TJ who she has instant chemistry with. She tries to sneak around to stay overnight but he insists on driving her home and warns that people are trying to use the gym as a residence and it won’t be allowed. TJ is on the football team as the kicker. His dad recently was badly injured in a car accident and is off work. His mom is taking care of him. To save money they moved in with his grandmother. He moved back home to save money too. His mother has learned that his grandmother was coerced into signing over her house in the scheme Phoebes mom is running and they will have to move. His grandmother has developed Alzheimer’s and this makes things more difficult. The family has contacted the police detective and a lawyer to try to fight this injustice.
TJ recognizes Phoebe from the publicity when her mom was arrested. He wants to make her family pay. Unfortunately he has developed feelings for Phoebe and can’t believe she is involved in cheating people out of their homes. He won’t divulge his family’s problems to Phoebe. There is also a “mean girl” in the book that causes many problems for Phoebe and TJ.
Phoebe receives many calls from her mother trying to make contact. She always refuses to take the calls. She also hears from her mother’s creepy boyfriend asking her to help them. She avoids those calls. The police have also called her for help and she claims she can’t help. His plan is to get close to Phoebe and see what she lets slip or shares with him.
Phoebe lets her grandmother know about her lack of a place to sleep. She works out a plan with her man friend and best friend for Phoebe to stay at each place 10 days and then switch to the next one. Phoebe doesn’t let TJ know of her housing problems and he keeps his family situation a secret from her as well. It is quite suspenseful for the reader, wondering if he will find out her secret or if she will learn about him. We see how much each cares for the other.
In the book we see some of the same characters we met in book one. Phoebe has never had a close friend due to her home life. In this book she meets Faith from book one and they become fast and close friends. Faith introduces her to the guys on the football team. TJ calls dibs on Phoebe to his teammates and she starts developing friendships with his teammates.
This is a terrific book. I laughed in parts, cried in some and cheered in others. I enjoyed learning about the Portuguese couture though TJ and his family. The suspenseful parts concerning Calvin and Phoebe’s mom were quite exciting. It also was nice to see the characters from the prior book again. The ending was enjoyable and I give this book 5 stars.
When she joins the gym she meets a super hot guy named TJ who she has instant chemistry with. She tries to sneak around to stay overnight but he insists on driving her home and warns that people are trying to use the gym as a residence and it won’t be allowed. TJ is on the football team as the kicker. His dad recently was badly injured in a car accident and is off work. His mom is taking care of him. To save money they moved in with his grandmother. He moved back home to save money too. His mother has learned that his grandmother was coerced into signing over her house in the scheme Phoebes mom is running and they will have to move. His grandmother has developed Alzheimer’s and this makes things more difficult. The family has contacted the police detective and a lawyer to try to fight this injustice.
TJ recognizes Phoebe from the publicity when her mom was arrested. He wants to make her family pay. Unfortunately he has developed feelings for Phoebe and can’t believe she is involved in cheating people out of their homes. He won’t divulge his family’s problems to Phoebe. There is also a “mean girl” in the book that causes many problems for Phoebe and TJ.
Phoebe receives many calls from her mother trying to make contact. She always refuses to take the calls. She also hears from her mother’s creepy boyfriend asking her to help them. She avoids those calls. The police have also called her for help and she claims she can’t help. His plan is to get close to Phoebe and see what she lets slip or shares with him.
Phoebe lets her grandmother know about her lack of a place to sleep. She works out a plan with her man friend and best friend for Phoebe to stay at each place 10 days and then switch to the next one. Phoebe doesn’t let TJ know of her housing problems and he keeps his family situation a secret from her as well. It is quite suspenseful for the reader, wondering if he will find out her secret or if she will learn about him. We see how much each cares for the other.
In the book we see some of the same characters we met in book one. Phoebe has never had a close friend due to her home life. In this book she meets Faith from book one and they become fast and close friends. Faith introduces her to the guys on the football team. TJ calls dibs on Phoebe to his teammates and she starts developing friendships with his teammates.
This is a terrific book. I laughed in parts, cried in some and cheered in others. I enjoyed learning about the Portuguese couture though TJ and his family. The suspenseful parts concerning Calvin and Phoebe’s mom were quite exciting. It also was nice to see the characters from the prior book again. The ending was enjoyable and I give this book 5 stars.
September 11, 2020
I am loving this series!! Mouthful was fantastic and Eyeful is just as amazing! I loved, loved, loved when the author went into Tiago’s Portuguese culture. I live within a large Portuguese community, so it all resonated for me. Tiago is that perfect combination of wicked-hot Alpha with a quiet side of sweet caretaker. I loved him! And Phoebe is adorable. She’s been through a lot, is facing some pretty dire straights, but never gives in to self-pity. She does what needs to be done, no matter how difficult or uncomfortable. Thankfully, she has one person in her life (before meeting Tiago) who cares for her. Her grandmother and her over-sexed geriatric crowd in the retirement community are hilarious and do their best to watch over Phoebe.
I’m REALLY hoping Everest gets his story told next. I love that mountain! :)
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I’m REALLY hoping Everest gets his story told next. I love that mountain! :)
I received an ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 12, 2021
I loved this book, it was full of drama, romance, so much laughter and heartwarming moments. This is my first book by this author and I will definitely be reading more from her. I just could not put this book down, I loved how the way the author made you feel every emotion the characters did. I definitely recommend this book.
June 8, 2023
Narrator C. R. Grissom
Audio Book May 2023
Audio Book May 2023
November 5, 2023
2.9
It's not the story, it's the writing.
I just wanted it over.
It's not the story, it's the writing.
I just wanted it over.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews