Professional hockey player Rob D’Amico is confused when he’s chosen to take part in a reading program for inner-city students. While athletes are role models, he tends toward the gregarious and playful side, rather than a studious bent.
Despite the lack of funding plaguing her inner-city district, every day kindergarten teacher Alaina Rossa ensures her students learn something to prepare them for life. At first she’s unsure how a hockey player will help her achieve that goal.
When Rob visits Alaina’s class for the first time, they welcome him with open arms, despite the lack of even the basic supplies for their education. He takes it upon himself to get the students what they need, sweeping Alaina up in the excitement.
As time goes by and she learns more about Rob, Alaina finds her heart opening to him. Is it possible her soul mate could be found in a world so different from her own? And for Rob, the last person he thought he’d find forever love with was an elementary school teacher wearing clothes permanently stained with finger paint. But when you’re playing for keeps, sometimes you have to get a little dirty.
Series: Storm #2
Release Date: 10/20/13
Publisher: Twenty or Less Press
Source: Manic Readers
Reviewer: Karen
Rating:
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Reviewer’s Thoughts
UNDERNEATH IT ALL is an enjoyable story about a hockey player and kindergarten teacher.
Rob DβAmico plays for the Buffalo Storm, an NHL hockey team.Β Rob is asked to volunteer his time for a reading program at a Buffalo inner city school.Β He is assigned to read toΒ Alaina Ross’ kindergartenΒ class.Β Rob is shocked when he looks around the classroom, because there are few books, art supplies or anything else a child needs to learn.Β
Rob and Alaina are attracted to each other and a relationship slowly develops between them.Β Rob is ready for a relationship and falls hard for Alaina.Β Β However, Alaina doesnβt trust Rob because he a successful athlete and she canβt understand why he is attracted to her.Β She doesnβt feel comfortable with Robβs celebrity or when he spends money on her.Β At times her insecurities get in the way of their budding romance.Β Rob is a nice guy and is always kind and patient.
Cassandra Carr writes a fun story about meeting someone special and falling in love.Β I enjoyed the book, but I thought the ending was abrupt.Β I enjoyed the banter between the guys on the team and all their rituals before the hockey games.Β Β This is the second book in the Storm series and each book is a stand-alone.
