Publisher: Carina Press
Publish Date: Out Now
How I got this book: NetGalley
Reviewer: MinnChica
When retiring rugby star Ash Trenton considered his next career move, coaching troubled teens at his ex-girlfriend’s California camp wasn’t on the list. But when Camila Morales reappears after eighteen years, begging for his help, he can’t say no to his first and only love.
Camila was just sixteen when Ash moved on to start his rugby career, leaving her heartbroken…and on her own to make a life-changing decision. Now she needs his help to win a tournament prize and save her camp. Relying on Ash is the last thing she wants. But while it’s hard to get over being dumped for a sport, it’s even harder to ignore the rush of attraction that has only gotten stronger after so many years apart.
Coaching teens is the hardest job Ash has ever had, and the task becomes personal when he begins to fall for Camila all over again. But when he is offered his dream job, will he choose the job—or the woman whose heart he already sacrificed once?
*Blurb from Goodreads*
I’m a big fan of Latham’s rugby series. She is the only author who has made me so interested in a sport, I tried to get into it on TV. (PS: Rugby isn’t nearly as exciting as she makes it out to be, IMO!)
Ash is retiring from professional rugby and has no idea what he wants to do with his life. Meeting up with his first love, Camila, offers him the chance to not only get some closure from his past, but also take a shot at coaching kids. It’s the hardest job he’s ever had, but finds it to be more rewarding than he ever thought possible.
Camila was devastated when Ash picked rugby over her all those years ago, but seeing him again brings everything she put behind her back to the front of her mind and heart. The attraction is still strong between them, and she can’t deny that she wants a second chance at making things work. But when Ash is offered the chance of a lifetime, will he go back to London and leave her once again?
I really enjoyed this story, it hit so many buttons for me. I loved the second chance love story aspect, and I also really liked the secret that they shared, it is a trope I love, and the spin that Latham put on it put a smile on my face throughout the book.
I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adored Ash. He was sweet and sexy and caring and so dedicated to everything. Once he committed to something, he was 110% in. He gave it his all, and he was determined to make it work, regardless of the cost to himself. I loved that about him. Although he was a total badass rugby player, there were times he was a big teddy bear that I just wanted to love and squeeze.
While I had some issues with Camila throughout, she really grew on me as the book went on. I could understand why she was so upset with Ash in the beginning of the book, but I felt as if it took her a really long time to try and see things from his perspective, and how hard and disappointing it was for him to learn about the past they could have had together.
Their relationship was so great, though. I loved the way they started as a couple with a troubled history and worked their way to friends and eventually lovers. The support they showed each other was so cute, and I loved watching their relationship evolve over time, especially since they seemed to have a slow burn that burned REALLY hot. 🙂 The sexual tension was smoking and that really worked for me!
I can’t wait to see where Latham takes this series next. We didn’t really get to spend a whole lot of time with the teammates from the London Legends, so it’ll be interesting to see what character is tackled next (no pun intended). While I really love this series, I do wish that we got to see more of the bonding and sense of brotherhood that these players must have after spending years together on and off the field.
All in all, I really enjoyed this one. Ash was a wonderful hero that worked for me on every level. Camila was an all around sweetheart, and after having to go through some really difficult decisions as a young adult, she made the most of life and I liked that about her. The romance was fabulous and this series continues to pique my interest in rugby.
I give Taming the Legend a B+