NOTE FROM NICUnurse: Check out my thoughts on this awesome new release from author Anne Leigh and scroll down to enter our GIVEAWAY!!

Bishop Cordello lived by one rule: WIN. He never lost a critical game, never failed a class, never had a girl turn him down. He’s been able to shift everyone’s attention to his wins instead of them digging into his past.

Kara Chamberlane’s laser-like focus in everything that she did was what set her apart from everyone else. Growing up under the weight of her family name was not easy, but she never allowed anyone to dampen her optimism.

The funny thing about life – it’s unpredictable.

When Bishop and Kara are brought together by a college class, neither of them could control the chemistry that sparked between them.

But what if their attraction could destroy the stability of the lives that they’d carefully built? What if being together pushed everyone else they loved apart?

How do you justify loving someone who rearranges your whole world?

Sometimes the greatest loves aren’t the ones that withstand the test of time.

Sometimes…they are the ones that break under the weight of unimaginable loss.

*This is a standalone new adult sports romance*

******************NICUnurse’s Review of Graphite by Anne Leigh******************

Are you ready for something a little different?! Do you love sports romance books? Do you love when the hero and heroine don’t fit the typical mold? If you answered, “Yes!” to even one of those questions, Graphite is for you!

Bishop and Kara meet in their college Quantum Mechanics class. He’s a well-known rugby player and the son of a hockey legend. She’s from a rich Texas family with parents that want her to be a trophy wife. They both have big plans and big dreams that they are focused on. And yet, they are drawn to each other in an inexplicable way from day one in class together. When Kara’s secret comes back to haunt her, will Bishop let her go, or will he do what he always does…play to win?

I’ve always been a fan of this author’s writing. In each successive book she’s stretched herself, and her talent, a bit more. And the growing pains have been worth it. Each book is better and better. This book is most definitely in the top 2 for me that she’s written. In Graphite, she pushes the boundaries with the characters and with the story. And while some might argue that it’s not realistic, I say it’s what sets it apart. I’m a true believer that authors should write where their minds, creativity, and characters take them. Not everyone believes that and will give bad reviews because a story didn’t end the way they wanted it to. Or it didn’t follow a certain path. What makes a book good, or great, is whether or not the author is able to use their words to pull you in, keep you turning the pages, and evoke your emotions. Ms. Leigh does all of these things well in Graphite. Bishop may be a star athlete with a famous father, but he’s super smart, he’s a good friend, he’s caring, and he’s more mature than most young men his age in his position. Kara is stunningly beautiful but doesn’t chase after fashion, men, or the spotlight. She’s super smart, a great friend, caring, and she’s more mature than most young women her age in her position. So while they come from opposite sides of the track, they really do have a lot in common. I love that Ms. Leigh showcases their intelligence and their drives to succeed, even as she showcases their love story. Bishop is a true gentleman who goes after what he wants. And while he strives to win, he doesn’t step on anyone’s head along the way to get there. Kara is so stinkin’ loyal to those that she loves, but she’s not a push-over. She stands firm in her belief in what is the right thing to do.

NICUnurse’s Rating: I give this book 5 propellers. Days later, I’m still thinking about the characters, the story, and all the feels! If you’re looking for a sports romance that doesn’t test and push the boundaries of the norm, this book probably isn’t the best one for you to read. But if you’re looking for something new and different in your sports romance, Graphite is your book!

Favorite Quotes:

“…I wanted her to be mine. And when she became mine, there’d be no questions about whether or not she was important to me.” – Bishop

“Man, this is like watching Romeo and Juliet, college edition.” – Ian

“But if there’s one thing I’m sure of, it’s that I’m not compromising on you anymore.” – Kara

Wickedcoolflight Giveaway!

1st Prize: All the above (both books are signed and that’s a Wickedcoolflight logo bag, a $10 value) PLUS a $10 Amazon gift card, courtesy of Anne Leigh (Thank you, Anne!)

2nd Prize: All the above!

Enter HERE: a Rafflecopter giveaway