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Going for It
Before she leaves town, she’s going out with a bang…
Sam Taylor has lusted after ex-baseball-player Riley Scott for far too long. Now, her business bought out from under her, broke, and with nothing to lose, she refuses to leave town without getting the one thing she’s always wanted. Riley. In her bed.
Riley had the reputation as a player on and off the baseball field. He’s wanted Sam for years, but valued her friendship too much to let sex ruin it. Now, after a forced retirement, he’s looking for a purpose in his life. Sam’s bar, the Diamond, is just the thing to get his life back on track.
But before he can reveal that he’s the new owner, he finds himself the willing victim of her full-on seduction. As he succumbs to her feminine charms, he begins to think maybe there’s a way he can have it all—the Diamond, the woman, and the friend.
Until she finds out he’s the one responsible for taking away her most treasured possession…
58 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 25, 2008
About the author
Elle Kennedy
162 books75.6k followersA New York Times, USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, Elle Kennedy grew up in the suburbs of Toronto, Ontario, and holds a B.A. in English from York University. From an early age, she knew she wanted to be a writer, and actively began pursuing that dream when she was a teenager.
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
Elle currently writes for various publishers. She loves strong heroines and sexy alpha heroes, and just enough heat and danger to keep things interesting!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
June 10, 2009
This was a hot, extremely short (52 pages) friends-to-lovers story by the talented Ms. Kennedy. I don't know what it is about this author but I haven't been disappointed by her stories yet--they're easy to get involved in, I end up caring about the characters, and the love scenes are usually quite erotic. This one was a pretty quick read, and when I have an hour to kill or just don't feel like becoming involved in a longer book, I usually like to pick up an e-book like this.
Sam Taylor is a 26 yr.old bar owner from Chicago. For the past five years, the bar left to her by her late parents has been her life. She's tried to make a go of it, but recently her efforts have been in vain, and she's been forced to sell it. She's leaving town in a few days to start her life over in New York, but before she goes there's something she must do--have sex with her best bud and secret crush of the past two years, former ballplayer Riley Scott.
Riley's been hanging out in Sam's bar ever since he was forced to retire (bum knee), and has had a flirtatious but platonic relationship with the beautiful curvy blonde. He likes being around her, and even though he has a reputation as a 'player' who doesn't 'do' relationships, he doesn't want to endanger the friendship by indulging in a one night stand. He cares for her too much. But one night when Sam flat out propositions him for some no-strings sex, what's a guy to do?
Well, Riley and Sam set the sheets on fire as expected. (Get your fans ready!) What's unexpected is the way Riley feels afterward. Being with Sam feels so right. But Riley has a big secret that he's kept from Sam, and before he can start thinking about a possible future with her, he knows he has to come clean. How will Sam take it? Will Riley's actions destroy Sam's feelings for him? Does this former ballplayer have a chance in hell of winning the love of the only woman friend he's ever had?
Nice little romance with a generous helping of hot sex, an apologetic, sexy hero and a sassy heroine makes for a fun one-hour read. Don't miss this one if those elements appeal to you.:) 4 stars.
Sam Taylor is a 26 yr.old bar owner from Chicago. For the past five years, the bar left to her by her late parents has been her life. She's tried to make a go of it, but recently her efforts have been in vain, and she's been forced to sell it. She's leaving town in a few days to start her life over in New York, but before she goes there's something she must do--have sex with her best bud and secret crush of the past two years, former ballplayer Riley Scott.
Riley's been hanging out in Sam's bar ever since he was forced to retire (bum knee), and has had a flirtatious but platonic relationship with the beautiful curvy blonde. He likes being around her, and even though he has a reputation as a 'player' who doesn't 'do' relationships, he doesn't want to endanger the friendship by indulging in a one night stand. He cares for her too much. But one night when Sam flat out propositions him for some no-strings sex, what's a guy to do?
Well, Riley and Sam set the sheets on fire as expected. (Get your fans ready!) What's unexpected is the way Riley feels afterward. Being with Sam feels so right. But Riley has a big secret that he's kept from Sam, and before he can start thinking about a possible future with her, he knows he has to come clean. How will Sam take it? Will Riley's actions destroy Sam's feelings for him? Does this former ballplayer have a chance in hell of winning the love of the only woman friend he's ever had?
Nice little romance with a generous helping of hot sex, an apologetic, sexy hero and a sassy heroine makes for a fun one-hour read. Don't miss this one if those elements appeal to you.:) 4 stars.
October 18, 2010
3 ½ stars – Contemporary/Erotic Romance Quickie
Okay, so I had trouble believing the hero Riley’s big epiphany of realizing he’s been in love with his friend, heroine Sam Taylor, for the entire two years that they’ve known each other. So being a total playboy and manslut who beds countless women left and right and then tops that off by stealing his friend’s beloved bar and livelihood behind her back means the guy’s in love, huh? Riiight. I’m not buying it. And she was waaaay quicker to forgive him than I probably would have been. But it’s still a fun, smokin’ hot quickie read that’s worth the hour or so reading time. 3 ½ stars.
Okay, so I had trouble believing the hero Riley’s big epiphany of realizing he’s been in love with his friend, heroine Sam Taylor, for the entire two years that they’ve known each other. So being a total playboy and manslut who beds countless women left and right and then tops that off by stealing his friend’s beloved bar and livelihood behind her back means the guy’s in love, huh? Riiight. I’m not buying it. And she was waaaay quicker to forgive him than I probably would have been. But it’s still a fun, smokin’ hot quickie read that’s worth the hour or so reading time. 3 ½ stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 29, 2009
A hot, let me repeat that, HOT little short story. Maybe a little too hot with a little too little plot (I have no idea what I just typed).
I wish Ms. Kennedy would've expanded the whole deal a little, make it seem less like PWP. I still liked it, though. The two really had some chemistry going, and lots of time to make up for (two years, people!).
The heroine's reaction after learning the news surprised me, though. I would've smacked the bastard silly. And what was with him taking that long to go after her?!
All in all, a sweet (I use that word a lot, I know), short, steamy hot quickie of a story, perfect for a rainy afternoon (or at least the rainy amount of time it takes to read a short story).
I wish Ms. Kennedy would've expanded the whole deal a little, make it seem less like PWP. I still liked it, though. The two really had some chemistry going, and lots of time to make up for (two years, people!).
The heroine's reaction after learning the news surprised me, though. I would've smacked the bastard silly. And what was with him taking that long to go after her?!
All in all, a sweet (I use that word a lot, I know), short, steamy hot quickie of a story, perfect for a rainy afternoon (or at least the rainy amount of time it takes to read a short story).
October 28, 2012
Grade: C-
The heroine has lost her family-legacy business and her apartment, forcing her impending move across the country to live in her sister’s basement. But no big deal — her most important priority is to get laid by a jock.
While I didn’t have much respect for the heroine or the hero (no spoilers!), the friends-to-lovers romance was realistic and kind of sweet, I loved that the heroine did the seducing, and the grand gesture HEA was really good.
This would have been a solid C, but a few “Oh, FFS” moments kicked me out of my reading trance:
-> No-condom sex with a self-admitted manwhore. Twice. But it’s OK, because she’s on the Pill.
-> The irrelevant and unnecessary inclusion of the heroine’s BFFs — their Sex and the City drunken tell-alls were pretty eye-rolling.
-> The hero mentally describes the heroine as “saucy.” I added that adjective to to my List of Patronizing Ways to Describe Your Heroine. I haven’t decided if “saucy” is better or worse than “sassy.”
-> The heroine feels “waves of pleasure in her womb.” Let’s review: Womb ≠ Vagina. Womb = UTERUS.
-> The hero’s only defining traits as a former pro athlete are his swagger (he swaggers a LOT) and his preference for “the three B’s…blonde hair, blue eyes and big tits.”
This was one of Kennedy’s early efforts, and reviews of her recent books have been much more positive, so I’m not going to let this short “meh” scare me off this author yet.
Starting new would be good for her. She hoped. But she had no intention of leaving town with regrets, and not jumping Riley’s bones would be the biggest regret of all.
The heroine has lost her family-legacy business and her apartment, forcing her impending move across the country to live in her sister’s basement. But no big deal — her most important priority is to get laid by a jock.
While I didn’t have much respect for the heroine or the hero (no spoilers!), the friends-to-lovers romance was realistic and kind of sweet, I loved that the heroine did the seducing, and the grand gesture HEA was really good.
This would have been a solid C, but a few “Oh, FFS” moments kicked me out of my reading trance:
-> No-condom sex with a self-admitted manwhore. Twice. But it’s OK, because she’s on the Pill.
-> The irrelevant and unnecessary inclusion of the heroine’s BFFs — their Sex and the City drunken tell-alls were pretty eye-rolling.
-> The hero mentally describes the heroine as “saucy.” I added that adjective to to my List of Patronizing Ways to Describe Your Heroine. I haven’t decided if “saucy” is better or worse than “sassy.”
-> The heroine feels “waves of pleasure in her womb.” Let’s review: Womb ≠ Vagina. Womb = UTERUS.
-> The hero’s only defining traits as a former pro athlete are his swagger (he swaggers a LOT) and his preference for “the three B’s…blonde hair, blue eyes and big tits.”
This was one of Kennedy’s early efforts, and reviews of her recent books have been much more positive, so I’m not going to let this short “meh” scare me off this author yet.
August 4, 2010
Sometimes I find it difficult to rate such short books perfect stars because the books are so short. I have a tough time getting involved with the characters because the development is just to quick.
I have to say that this book was short but it was sweet. If you are looking for a little romance story with a predictable ending that is going to take you away for about an hour than this is the perfect story.
When the two main characters come together for a long overdue sexcapade, you can feel how much they love each other and that they had for a long time. The actual writing by Elle Kennedy was quite good and sexy hot. You will enjoy reading Going For It. The only downside is just before you know it the book is done and I wished it was a longer story so I had a chance to get to know them better.
I have to say that this book was short but it was sweet. If you are looking for a little romance story with a predictable ending that is going to take you away for about an hour than this is the perfect story.
When the two main characters come together for a long overdue sexcapade, you can feel how much they love each other and that they had for a long time. The actual writing by Elle Kennedy was quite good and sexy hot. You will enjoy reading Going For It. The only downside is just before you know it the book is done and I wished it was a longer story so I had a chance to get to know them better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2012
una historia corta y entretenida, hot, llena de amistad y amor...
un deseo de 2 años que solo hasta el final pudo hacerse realidad, si uno no daba el paso el otro tarde o temprano lo haria, la tension sexual era inmensa!!!
tuvieron su momento dificil en donde era todo o nada, arriesgarse o no hacerlo, confiar en el otro y trabajar juntos.
un final feliz pero que hubiera sido mejor un poco mas largo.
un deseo de 2 años que solo hasta el final pudo hacerse realidad, si uno no daba el paso el otro tarde o temprano lo haria, la tension sexual era inmensa!!!
tuvieron su momento dificil en donde era todo o nada, arriesgarse o no hacerlo, confiar en el otro y trabajar juntos.
un final feliz pero que hubiera sido mejor un poco mas largo.
August 28, 2015
Cute, quick read. Lots of sex in so few pages, but I'm not complaining! I liked both characters and felt they had pretty good chemistry. There was some tension knowing he was buying her bar, but very short lived, because the story was so short. Not much back story for either character, but just a nice glimpse into their lives right now.
August 7, 2022
“Everywhere he looked, he saw Sam. Her presence was imprinted in every inch of the room, in the walls, on the floor, everywhere.”
Lies, deceit and lust what could go wrong?
Sam and Riley deny their budding friendship which wants to be something more until it’s time for Sam to leave after the bar she owned is swept out from right under her. Little does she know she sets out on a steamy and lust filled with a splash of love escapade with the certain someone who swept the bar from right under her.
Lies, deceit and lust what could go wrong?
Sam and Riley deny their budding friendship which wants to be something more until it’s time for Sam to leave after the bar she owned is swept out from right under her. Little does she know she sets out on a steamy and lust filled with a splash of love escapade with the certain someone who swept the bar from right under her.
June 28, 2022
Not my favorite of Elle's books, but I did enjoy this one. I really liked Sam's character, and while I wanted to like Riley, I just couldn't get behind him buying out the bar from under her, especially given some of the feelings that come up in the book. It made him seem insincere.
This was a quick, fun read, though nothing earth shattering.
This was a quick, fun read, though nothing earth shattering.
November 25, 2016
No me gustó, una historia con carencia de contenido que valiera la pena.
July 28, 2017
I liked it, but this is definitely too short :(
March 20, 2018
Es malo, muy malo.
July 12, 2018
it was a good bite of a book!
August 1, 2018
Incapaz de terminarlo , me qued al 36% sinceramente decepcionada
January 2, 2019
Leído 2010
August 26, 2019
Sexy but just ok. I can't promise I would have forgiven, but apparently I hold grudges.
October 30, 2021
Everyone was horrible people, and the ending was very unsatisfactory.
July 31, 2022
La verdad no me acuerdo mucho
August 12, 2022
Why most of the authors like to show women as cry babies and as someone who easily forgives?
September 17, 2023
riley was a dick, i need sam to STAND UP.
September 28, 2023
Very hot, very steamy read, though I would have liked the male protagonist to grovel a little bit more for what he did to his lady love.
October 10, 2017
10/2017 - 1.5 stars
February 25, 2021
Short, spicy and sweet!!
I adored this little novella
It captured the essence of one of my all times favourites by Elle (Hannah and Garrett).
If you looking for a short read and a snap shot into a novel by Elle Kennedy I couldn't recommend starting with this more
I adored this little novella
It captured the essence of one of my all times favourites by Elle (Hannah and Garrett).
If you looking for a short read and a snap shot into a novel by Elle Kennedy I couldn't recommend starting with this more
September 6, 2015
Going For It by Elle Kennedy
I loved The Deal and The Mistake so much I was instantly in love with Elle Kennedy. I've re-read both of those books at least once each. So when I saw a new title by Elle Kennedy, I snapped it right up.
Now, I didn't realize it was a novella (really, more like a short story) so that was a less-than-pleasant shock. But that wasn't the problem.
I just didn't like it. At all. It's too much, too fast, too easy, too instant. I finished the whole story in under an hour and literally got up to make sure this wasn't actually written by a different Elle Kennedy. I honestly can't even believe this was written by the same author who wrote the amazingness that is The Deal and The Mistake.
My advice is to skip this one and read the Off Campus series instead.
Author: Elle Kennedy
Title: Going For It
Series Title & Book #: Stand-alone
Continuing plot or functional as stand-alone:N/A
Overall feel: Rushed
Smexy level: Vanilla
Best for: Skipping
Read or Skip It? Skip It
"I want nothing more than for you to not get on that train and stay here with me."
I loved The Deal and The Mistake so much I was instantly in love with Elle Kennedy. I've re-read both of those books at least once each. So when I saw a new title by Elle Kennedy, I snapped it right up.
Now, I didn't realize it was a novella (really, more like a short story) so that was a less-than-pleasant shock. But that wasn't the problem.
I just didn't like it. At all. It's too much, too fast, too easy, too instant. I finished the whole story in under an hour and literally got up to make sure this wasn't actually written by a different Elle Kennedy. I honestly can't even believe this was written by the same author who wrote the amazingness that is The Deal and The Mistake.
My advice is to skip this one and read the Off Campus series instead.
Author: Elle Kennedy
Title: Going For It
Series Title & Book #: Stand-alone
Continuing plot or functional as stand-alone:N/A
Overall feel: Rushed
Smexy level: Vanilla
Best for: Skipping
Read or Skip It? Skip It
"I want nothing more than for you to not get on that train and stay here with me."
February 21, 2017
Expected much more from Elle Kennedy given how much I loved the Off-Campus series, but I guess since this was published in 2002, it just goes to show how much her writing has improved.
Not worth reading unless you're a fan of insta-love, slut-shaming and a man's asshole-ish behaviour instantly being excused.
Not worth reading unless you're a fan of insta-love, slut-shaming and a man's asshole-ish behaviour instantly being excused.
November 14, 2018
From the moment Riley Scott walked into her bar, Sam Taylor has wanted him. The problem is, from that moment and every moment since for the past two years, Riley has treated her like a friend and nothing more. But all that’s about to change. Forced to sell her bar, Sam is getting ready to pack up and leave Chicago. Before she goes, Sam is determined to seduce Riley.
Riley has been at loose ends ever since an injury lead to his early retirement from the White Sox. Turning Sam’s bar, the Diamond, into Chicago’s premier sports bar seems like the perfect plan. Unfortunately, he had to go behind Sam’s back to do it. Intending to confess to Sam what he did, Riley discovers that Sam, the woman he’s wanted all these years, is out to seduce him. Soon Riley begins to wonder if he can have both Sam and the Diamond. But when Sam discovers the truth, will Riley’s plan blow up in his face?
Passion, deception, friends becoming lovers…Going For It has it all. Elle Kennedy delivers a fresh, erotic tale with endearingly realistic characters that is wholly delightful. Riley is an utterly sexy hero. Yes, he lied to Sam, but despite this huge error in judgment, I couldn’t help but hope Sam wouldn’t be too angry with him. It’s his mistake that humanizes Riley and makes him more than just a wickedly handsome hero. As for Sam, I have to admire a woman who goes for what she wants. She’s a likeable, independent heroine who is the ideal match for the man of her dreams. Neither Sam nor Riley are perfect, but they perfectly match one another, in bed and out.
Ms. Kennedy has a knack for creating winning characters and deliciously sensual plots and Going For It showcases these talents perfectly. Both charming and engaging, Going For It should not be missed.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
Riley has been at loose ends ever since an injury lead to his early retirement from the White Sox. Turning Sam’s bar, the Diamond, into Chicago’s premier sports bar seems like the perfect plan. Unfortunately, he had to go behind Sam’s back to do it. Intending to confess to Sam what he did, Riley discovers that Sam, the woman he’s wanted all these years, is out to seduce him. Soon Riley begins to wonder if he can have both Sam and the Diamond. But when Sam discovers the truth, will Riley’s plan blow up in his face?
Passion, deception, friends becoming lovers…Going For It has it all. Elle Kennedy delivers a fresh, erotic tale with endearingly realistic characters that is wholly delightful. Riley is an utterly sexy hero. Yes, he lied to Sam, but despite this huge error in judgment, I couldn’t help but hope Sam wouldn’t be too angry with him. It’s his mistake that humanizes Riley and makes him more than just a wickedly handsome hero. As for Sam, I have to admire a woman who goes for what she wants. She’s a likeable, independent heroine who is the ideal match for the man of her dreams. Neither Sam nor Riley are perfect, but they perfectly match one another, in bed and out.
Ms. Kennedy has a knack for creating winning characters and deliciously sensual plots and Going For It showcases these talents perfectly. Both charming and engaging, Going For It should not be missed.
Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed.
December 21, 2015
A very short story. Sam is the former owner of a bar who is leaving town in two days and crossing off something on her to-do list, since she has nothing left to lose. She's going to seduce the town man-whore and former baseball player Riley. They've been friends for the past two years with an undercurrent of attraction, but nothing has happened. So she's going to push the issue. What she doesn't know is that Riley is the guy who convinced her banker not to extend her loan on the bar she just lost and the one who bought it out from under her.
A lot of sex in this story. It's hot, but it comes at the expense of plot and character development unfortunately. The characters' relationship didn't really feel like love, more like lust. I actually didn't quite believe that the two were friends...I kind of got more of an acquaintance vibe or something. Nothing in this story really indicated that these two were all that close. Especially given his actions that led to all the angst. If you're really that close to someone, so close that you believe you've loved them for the entire two years, you don't do what he did. And I sort of felt that she forgave him way too fast/quickly. Especially as behavior like that is rather indicative of a personality flaw that needs some work - you don't just stop being selfish because you're in love now. Also, major squicks for having unprotected sex with a manwhore in the modern age - they just stopped using the condoms because she was on the pill. I could not stop thinking of all the possible diseases she was catching.
A lot of sex in this story. It's hot, but it comes at the expense of plot and character development unfortunately. The characters' relationship didn't really feel like love, more like lust. I actually didn't quite believe that the two were friends...I kind of got more of an acquaintance vibe or something. Nothing in this story really indicated that these two were all that close. Especially given his actions that led to all the angst. If you're really that close to someone, so close that you believe you've loved them for the entire two years, you don't do what he did. And I sort of felt that she forgave him way too fast/quickly. Especially as behavior like that is rather indicative of a personality flaw that needs some work - you don't just stop being selfish because you're in love now. Also, major squicks for having unprotected sex with a manwhore in the modern age - they just stopped using the condoms because she was on the pill. I could not stop thinking of all the possible diseases she was catching.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2016
Before she leaves town, she’s going out with a bang…
Sam Taylor has lusted after ex-baseball-player Riley Scott for far too long. Now, her business bought out from under her, broke, and with nothing to lose, she refuses to leave town without getting the one thing she’s always wanted. Riley. In her bed.
Riley had the reputation as a player on and off the baseball field. He’s wanted Sam for years, but valued her friendship too much to let sex ruin it. Now, after a forced retirement, he’s looking for a purpose in his life. Sam’s bar, the Diamond, is just the thing to get his life back on track.
But before he can reveal that he’s the new owner, he finds himself the willing victim of her full-on seduction. As he succumbs to her feminine charms, he begins to think maybe there’s a way he can have it all—the Diamond, the woman, and the friend.
Until she finds out he’s the one responsible for taking away her most treasured possession…
The story felt too rushed for me, and in the end it left me wanting and needing more of it.. I would have enjoyed it a lot more if it had gone a bit slower..
January 19, 2016
Equivalent of $2 on fast food to throw it away
I've never given something one star. I have always been able to find a redeeming quality about a book even if it wasn't for me. This is literally the worst book I have ever read. It was like when we were given the task to write short stories in grade school only if the teacher had told us all to write a sex story. There is no character development, no banter, no real backstory. The author hints at a backstory but then just BAM they fell in love two pages and to minutes later. Everything about the story line was in the description and there was maybe ten pages after that. The sex scenes were even worse. Only using the most blunt phrases was awful. I felt like I was watching my all male nerdy roommates make an amateur porn. Not worth the hour I skimmed on it. This makes me lose faith in ANY honesty the critic world has by the good reviews. This author is better than this.
I've never given something one star. I have always been able to find a redeeming quality about a book even if it wasn't for me. This is literally the worst book I have ever read. It was like when we were given the task to write short stories in grade school only if the teacher had told us all to write a sex story. There is no character development, no banter, no real backstory. The author hints at a backstory but then just BAM they fell in love two pages and to minutes later. Everything about the story line was in the description and there was maybe ten pages after that. The sex scenes were even worse. Only using the most blunt phrases was awful. I felt like I was watching my all male nerdy roommates make an amateur porn. Not worth the hour I skimmed on it. This makes me lose faith in ANY honesty the critic world has by the good reviews. This author is better than this.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews