Jackson's Trust: A Fourth Down Novel

Violet Duke

Mar 2016 · Loveswept

About this ebook

USA TODAY BESTSELLER • Violet Duke kicks off her fun and sexy new Fourth Down series with a heartwarming friends-to-lovers romance between a no-strings-attached sports analyst and the hottest damn tomboy he’s ever met.

It’s no secret that sports analyst Jackson Gray doesn’t do relationships. What is a secret, however, is the reason why. Jackson’s life is . . . complicated. And it doesn’t help that his current hands-off “friendship” is with the cute-as-hell new sideline reporter he’s assigned to train. Turns out, not only is the woman damn sweet, she also knows as much about football as he does. Like it or not though, Jackson has to remind himself that sex is the only thing he has to offer . . . until now.

Leila Hart’s fast-growing friendship with Jackson is something she’d never risk, no matter how unbelievably seductive the reward. Becoming an NFL sportscaster has always been the goal, and thanks to Jackson’s fierce support and mentoring, it all finally seems within reach. Problem is, a girl can only take so much of that sexy-as-sin voice whispering dirty, filthy football stats in her ear before she loses all self-control. A workplace romance with Jackson is a disaster waiting to happen, especially for someone with big dreams . . . and secrets of her own.

Praise for Jackson’s Trust

“A delightfully fresh read . . . Violet Duke delivers it all in Jackson’s Trust!”—New York Times bestselling author Jen McLaughlin

“Violet Duke’s writing jumps off the page and grabs you from the first sentence. You will love Jackson’s Trust.”—New York Times bestselling author Bella Andre

“Hot, sweet, and filled with tender moments . . . Violet Duke writes heroes who make me swoon!”—New York Times bestselling author Kendall Ryan

“Refreshing, steamy, and wonderfully written, Jackson’s Trust is a five-star read! Violet Duke’s writing is clever, original, and beautiful.”—New York Times bestselling author S. L. Scott

“I totally love this side of Violet Duke. You still get the same sweet, emotional story but with a little bit of extra sizzle. Jackson’s Trust is a must-read novel.”—New York Times bestselling author Sawyer Bennett

“A well-written insta-attraction between kindred souls . . . For the love of football, Violet Duke has scored with this book. Jackson and Leila are a couple you don’t want to miss.”—New York Times bestselling author Heidi McLaughlin

“Written in true Violet Duke fashion, with steamy chemistry, sweet moments, and witty banter.”—New York Times bestselling author Marquita Valentine

“Sweet, sexy, and sassy! Jackson will melt you, Leila will make you smile, and their romance will warm your heart.”—USA Today bestselling author Kelly Jamieson

“A swoon-worthy workplace/friends-to-lovers [novel with] just the right mix of romance, laughter, angst and drama . . . This author’s writing style is fun and entertaining.”—Once Upon a Book Blog

“Please, read Jackson’s Trust if you want to be blown away by a hot romance between the amazingly sweet Jackson and the cute Leila.”—Chelles Life in Books

“Besides being a good read in general, this story had some fun side characters that lend themselves to future plots of the series.”—The Romance Factor

Includes an excerpt from another Loveswept title.

Ratings and reviews

This is the first book I’ve read by Violet Duke. Truth is I have several of her books on my ereader and digital to be read list but for some reason I just haven’t gotten around to reading any of them yet. When I saw Jackson’s Trust offered on NetGalley that was the push I needed to actually read one of her books. Note to self: start reading her books – STAT! Not being a sports fan, this book had way more about football in it than I thought I’d like but I DID like it! Leila wants a job in a male-dominated field; her goal is to become an NFL studio anchor. She is hired by a sports network to do sideline reporting. No one but Jackson suspects how much she really knows and understands about the sport of football. She keeps her knowledge on the down-low to keep from spooking her new boss and coworkers, who assume she’s just a pretty face that the network hired. Jackson is the senior analyst for the network. He noticed Leila right away and could tell that she was hiding her knowledge of football – to let their producer look good while he was introducing her to the staff – by the little faces she made while the producers head was turned. Jackson is assigned to mentor Leila and help her learn her way around. Their common knowledge and love of football statistics helps add fuel to the instant attraction they have for each other. Determined to keep things professional they agree to not let their attraction get out of hand. Both Jackson and Leila have secrets they are keeping and Jackson let Leila know that he is not good relationship material – he never stays for breakfast. This is not an insta-love type of story; instant attraction, yes, but not insta-love. Jackson and Leila develop a close and respectful working relationship and friendship. When Leila’s secret comes out, and jeopardizes her job, Jackson is in her corner. Jackson’s deep, dark, secret is much more surprising – I sure didn’t see it coming. There were several places that this book could easily have ended sooner but I’m so glad that it didn’t. Ms. Duke has written a friends-to-lovers type story with so much more meat to it than most. There are several plot twists that I just didn’t see coming. Jackson is willing to sacrifice his happiness to protect Leila and that just made me love him even more. The dialogue between all of the characters is witty and engaging. I found myself going through a host of emotions as I read this. At times I was laughing and later I was crying. For me this is one of the best indicators of a great read. Jackson’s Trust is the first book in the Fourth Down series and Ms. Duke does a great job with fantastic secondary characters that will eventually get their own stories. I loved Jackson’s friends, Donovan and Bennett, and can’t wait to read more about them and the women they fall for. *****Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions***** I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is my first book I have read by Violet Duke and I must say I wish I had found her sooner! This book is the first book in a new series called Fourth Down. Jackson Gray works at DBC Sports Network as a sports analyst. He has a natural ability with facts and numbers that makes him one of the best at his job. Jackson does not do relationships because his life is complicated. When the new sport reporter, Leila Hart gets hired, Jackson is intrigued. During her introductions to the company, she is letting management think that she isn't too familiar with football, the sport Leila will be covering, but Jackson can tell that she is lying and he wants to know why. This begins the game of cat and mouse. I just loved this couple. Jackson is a man who knows what he wants and goes after it. The problem is Leila is just as strong willed as he is. The banter back and forth between these two was wonderful. I just loved how these two fit so well together. The shocking discovery of both of their backgrounds was great. I loved seeing two people come together who really do belong together. Without giving anything away, I just want to say, I loved this story and its characters. I can't wait to read another story from Ms. Duke.

I have read a number of books by this author and have never been disappointed. I am happy to say this one did not disappoint either. Leila is a woman working in a male dominated world; therefore she finds herself having to always prove herself. On her first day of work she tries to dumb herself down. Don’t worry it isn’t what you think. She is quite an intelligent woman. But right away Jackson is on to her. He knows she is much more knowledgeable about football than she lets on. Right from the start they are attracted to each other. But because they both have a secret and they work together they realize getting into a relationship is not the wisest thing to do. But you know how that goes. While their romance quickly heats up they first become friends. Eventually their secrets are exposed. Both secrets were a surprise; one I did not see coming. Over all, this book is well written; dialogue flows easily. I enjoyed the banter back and forth between Leila and Jackson. Both could come back with a witty response. These characters are well developed and “likeable”. There are good secondary characters. I look forward to reading their stories. Hint to author! This is one author I will continue to keep on my shelves.

About the author

New York Times bestselling author Violet Duke is a former professor of English education who’s ecstatic to be on the other side of the page writing wickedly fun contemporary romances. When she’s not feeding her book-a-day reading addiction, she enjoys tackling reno projects with her power tools, trying pretty much anything without reading the directions first, and cooking impossible-to-duplicate “special edition” dishes that laugh in the face of recipes. A born and raised island girl, she spends her days in Hawai’i chasing after her two cute kids (daughter, Violet, and son, Duke) and similarly adorable husband (their ringleader).