Diesel

Nighthawks #3

by Lisa Lang Blakeney

Diesel is the best friend & boy next door who got away.

From bestselling author, Lisa Lang Blakeney, comes a sweet and sexy standalone friends-to-lovers romance set in the world of professional football.


Two best friends.
One hot romance.
Lots of obstacles.

Will these two childhood sweethearts find their way back into each other’s hearts and lives, or will they keep repeating the same mistakes?

Genres: Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Audiobook, Contemporary, Second Chance

193 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 29, 2018

About the author

Enter my world of possessive alpha billionaires when you read the first book in my forbidden romance series, MASTERSON. Or join me for some hot, bad boy, pro ball players when you read the first book in my sports romance series, SAINT.

About me: Hi, my name is Lisa and I am the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. I grew up an only child gorging myself on daytime soaps, night time dramas, and romance novels. I'm a wife, mom of 4 daughters, mom of 2 labradoodles and a houseplant hoe!

Be sure to join my VIP list to be notified about all my new releases and sales: https://LisaLangBlakeney.com/VIP or shop all books at: https://LisaLangBlakeneyBooks.com

Reviews

[Just A Girl With Spirit · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

This one fell a little flat for me. Had parts that I loved being a childhood best friends to lovers story, but...yeah. I’m not really sure how I feel about this one yet.

[Sybil Pun · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little flat...

I waited for this story to come out because I really wanted to read Diesel's story, but I was a little bit disappointed. I thought it was a little bit flat, with no eagerness and no emotion. I mean, Diesel was the bomb. The best , most handsome, and nice jock ever. He was compassionate and caring and he loved Olivia ever since they were children; and Olivia was so cute specially being a football fanatic (I can relate) that I was hoping at one point that she was going to play football.... She was different and that didn't deter her from going forward specially with Mason's help and love.
That said, what bothers me was mostly the finish part where sundenly after 5years they reunite again as if nothing happened and picked back up as if all of these days, hours, minutes haven't pass. I mean, what happened during these 5 years? Yes there was a little background on Diesel, hence Sarah, but what about Olivia? Did she date? Did she have any boyfriend with benefits or did she stayed celibate all of these years, and as soon as she sees Diesel, it's like nothing had happened. How about her job, did she keep it? Is everything alright? And Diesel, why was he traded...etc...
I could keep on going on and on, but nevertheless, I loved these two and truly liked their story. It was nice, very nice...

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2019)! 🎁

[April Symes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia and Mason are childhood BFFs turned teenage sweethearts but when Mason aka Diesel when he went Pro, Olivia felt she had no choice but to break up with him so he could go after his dreams. Fast forward several years later, Sports publicist Olivia Robertson moves to New York City for her new job working for the NFL team, the Nighthawks. Olivia thought she'd moved on from her ex, the sexy Mason Bridgewater. What's Olivia going to do when she finds out that Mason, superstar wide receiver, has been traded to the New York Nighthawks AND her 1st assignment is to get Mason to do a PR campaign? Oh my. The twists, turns, angst, heartache, passions, drama, tension, sizzle heat, and romance is phenomenal in this 2nd chance at love romance story which brings together a great hero and heroine. Their chemistry is intense and yet healing at the same time. The love is sweet and cute. I dont want to give the story away so just know that this is one story you dont want to miss.

My Rating: 4.5 stars *****

[Renée · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diesel by Lisa Lang Blakeney is the third book in the Nighthawk series. This is a standalone football romance and there’s no need to have read the previous books.

Olivia and Mason’s story is a second chance, childhood friends to lovers romance when their paths cross as adults after they’ve both moved to New York and their past and love rekindles.

But this story isn’t a simple flashback, but more a summarised story of their friendship and relationship, until everything ended and that lead to present day with a HEA.

The story is dual POV’s from both Olivia and Mason.

[DarkDamsel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sweet friends to lovers romance by Ms. Blakeney was satisfying to read.Diesel was definitely a legit hottie who not only was not only a jock but he was also intelligent. I loved Olivia up until I didn’t. She was a tomboy who could handle herself with the best of them. She loved football and dreamed of playing to no avail. I didn’t love it but I did like it.

[Kalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted so badly to love this one, but I just didn’t. I loved the beginning and I loved their friendship as children and Olivias love for football was so fun, but once they grew up their relationship just didn’t vibe well for me. I just wanted so much more from the story, and more for Olivias character.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars / 2 Steam Fans

Nana Malone's #BrownNippleChallenge author and read.

Video review available in Week 30: Jul 19 – Jul 25 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Valeen Robertson (Live Thru Books Blog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Olivia and Mason meet as children and neighbors and quickly become friends. She's Jersey Girl and he's Diesel and they stick to their best friend status until high school when they realize they love each other as more than friends. But when they go to college together and suddenly Mason starts making decisions in his life that Olivia doesn't want the pressure of being responsible for, she breaks his heart by breaking up with him. Years later, he's been traded to the Nighthawks and she's just gotten a PR job with the same team. Can the two work together without the past interfering, or will the love they've never been able to get over get in the way?



While I thought this was a sweet second chance romance, it just didn't quite work for me. Over 75% of the story is spent on their past relationship, which was nice because their backstory is important. But when when the two meet again in the present, there's one quick meeting then bam, they're back together and rushing to the ending. They aren't together in the present long enough for me to enjoy their adult relationship, so I felt a bit disappointed. If the present relationship had been given more time to develop, I would have been much happier.



ARC via Booksprout for an honest review.

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book in audio.

Book 3 in this series and I really loved listening to it.Narrated by Hayden Bishop and Jeremy York who just make every story so easy to get lost in.They are an Excellent duo and as always did an Amazing job bringing these characters to life.
Mason and Olivia's story goes way back to when they are young and innocent,their parents are neighbours and so they strike up a friendship.
But that friendship goes above and beyond normal friends they are the best of friends and grow up together..until they start to see one another in a not so friendly way.
It is one night at a party when everything changes and they kiss,from that night onwards they are together and the love they feel takes them through to college.
Mason aka Diesel plays football and aims to play in the NFL,Olivia is at college but has no idea what she wants to do..she loves football and wants to be involved in that somehow. Their relationship changes again and they become lovers and insatiable for one another..But Interference from Mason's family has them being driven apart,leaving two broken hearts.
5 YEARS Pass by and Olivia is a publicist and Mason is a successful NFL Player and has been traded to The Nighthawks NFL team the team Olivia works for...Talk about awkward..
Now she has to work closely with the man she still loved,will they both survive without hurting one another again?
I LOVED Mason he is a dream he is so thoughtful and everything he did was for his love for Olivia but she didn't see it that way ,she felt like a burden in their relationship.She never had the confidence in their LOve like what Mason had and that was the problem that tore them apart.
This was really an enjoyable story,I loved hearing how they first met until their break and what mended them back together..The Epilogue was so perfect I swooned over it.
Loved Lisa's words she is incredible at writing short stories that pack a punch.
Brilliant
LOved it.
5 Stars.

[B. C. Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

All boxes checked in this new release by Lisa Lang Blakeney in her sports romance series, Nighthawk. It's a standalone,no need to read the previous 2 but I lived them and you might too. Sooo good.

This one features Olivia, 11 year tomboy freshly removed from New Jersey to relocate in a small Georgia town with her single mom. On her 1st day in town, she meets a bunch of boys playing football..Olivia lives for football but these southern boys don't think a girl should play with them. This is where Olivia meets Mason, who literally runs her down like the Diesel train he is! He's a football star in the making and lives next door to Olivia. Despite their unusual meeting, they become an unlikely pair of best friends who share just about everything. Diesel is smart, sweet, big hearted and is the next big thing in their little town with the serious football talent he has.

Even as their senior year is coming to the end, Olivia is still bumming around the guys in her baggy sweats while every girl in school is trying to nail down her hot, sexy friend and using her to get closer. Diesel finds himself noticing for the 1st time that his feelings for Olivia are heading in a different direction now. She is his, always will be his and now she needs to believe it too.

What happens when the truest of friends become so much more? Read this sweet, funny, steamy friends to lovers book to get all the feels for yourself. This one is not to be missed, it's soooo good and the ending had me reaching for the tissues. Love it! Recommend.

An advanced copy was generously given via Booksprout for my honest review.

[LMR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Diesel: A Sports Romance (The Nighthawk Series Book 3) By: Lisa Lang Blakeney
Can The 'Jersey Girl' ReIgnite "Diesel" Into A Burning Flame Not Enough To Claim Her Forevermore!
Life is Perfect, Until it's NOT for this 'Jersey Girl' who's gotta Say Goodbye!
She's giving HIM Up, letting HIM GO,
Knowing He'll Fly without HER Holdin' HIM Down!
Now... It's Years Later!
Will there be another Chance at that HEA they both want so Desperately...
There's Flames HOT as "Diesel" F¡R€ when these Lovers Rekindle their Desire!
I was granted an ARC of Lisa Lang Blakeney's "Diesel: A Sports Romance (The Nighthawk Series Book 3)" via Booksprout; I recommend this book to others based upon its own merits. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given!
Until next time... Happy Reading!

[Stephanie Ditmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. I think this was my favorite story out of this series. I loved Mason (Diesel) and Olivia. Olivia the new girl in town, just one of the guys, meets the boy next door, she’s sassy, tough as nails, and has a mouth on her and when she meets Mason she deems him the nickname Diesel and he’s intrigued by her she’s not like the other girls. Who knew that these two would become besties for years to come, but what happens when one day you realize that you don’t see your best friend as one of the guys anymore and now see her as a beautiful woman that you want for yourself? Well you make your move and see what happens. These two were inseparable, doing things together, making plans for the future, deciding when Diesel should enter the draft. So many variables, obstacles, feelings of doubt, feeling like you are holding the one person you love the most back from what he deserves, and making a decision that will change both of your lives forever. How do you go on after giving up the one thing you can’t live without? Fate has a funny way of stepping in when you least expect it, and it takes over like a swoosh of air lifting you up and opening your eyes to what was really the truth back then, that you really were more than a distraction you were everything. I loved this book, it was so heart-warming, the banter between Mason and Olivia had me cracking up at times, the love, the passion that ignited between them was amazing. I highly recommend this book.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Mason and Olivia

Romance trope: second chance
Series: Nighthawks
Length: 270 pages

Plot: Mason and Olivia have been best friends since middle school, and as they moved into high school, they became more. But once in college, Olivia began to worry that she was holding Mason back, so she let him go. Years later, they meet again and Olivia has to make a decision about what she really wants.

Commentary: Quick second chance romance. Most of the story is taken up by fairly abrupt anecdotes (in the sense that they end suddenly and then the plot picks back up some time later without a smooth transition). The actual second-chance romance occurs quite late in the story and is quick, with little conversation, straight to make-up sex and a HEA. It was a strange pace and while I definitely believed they still loved each other, given the reasons for the break-up, I think it still would have warranted a little more conversation before the reconciliation.

Previous book in the series: Wolf
Next book in the series: Jett

[Randa Knight · Rating 4 out of 5]

Olivia never got over her first love--Mason. The sweet boy she met at eleven years old. The boy who turned her life upside down. Her best friend and protector. He fell in love with her the moment she picked herself up from a tackle during touch football. Every decision he's made has been about her. Misunderstanding, fear, and insecurities tear them apart. Olivia rips Mason's heart out right after the Championship football game. He hasn't been the same since. Not multi-million dollar NFL contract or dating Hollywood starlets and models. There's only one person who owns his heart.
Olivia has lied to herself for years. Even though there's a chance of running into the one man who still owns her heart, she's still going to take her dream job. A month later, she regrets ever doing so. Now she not only has to work for the same team as Mason, but tasked with getting him to do a PR tour that she's in charge of that requires her to work closely with the man. One picture of him on tv, magazines, her yearbooks, sends her down memory lane.
I love how the author set this book up from their childhood to high school and college into adulthood. It allowed the reader to join the characters on their lifetime journey together to see how their love has grown slowly over time.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I listen to a book, I like to become enraptured into the story. Lisa Lang Blakeney has a talent to make each story unique and this one of the Nighthawks series had me completely invested in the story from the very start. I think it was the history of the couple. I loved going all the way back to when Olivia and Mason were kids and how their friendship was formed, how it grew and where it ended. It is nostalgic and gives the story that extra boost! Olivia is a great character. She is not afraid to be who she is and is unaware of her beauty both inside and outside. Mason is every girls' dream. Super athlete, smart and so attentive and compassionate, is he too good to be true? It's so easy to fall for both of them, and just want to push them together. It's a wonderful sports romance, and my favorite of the series.

Hayden Bishop and Jeremy York continue their narration of the series, bringing the characters to life. This one was a little tricky with the different age brackets, but this team stepped up to the challenge,and their narration aged from 8 years old to grownup! It's fun and quirky and their performance enhanced the story!

[Taenarra · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 eme tome de la série universitaire de la Saga Nighthawks.
Avis mitigé : un superbe début, prometteur mais une fin trop rapide, manque t il des chapitres ?

On reste dans la lignée des 2 premiers opus, un mâle sportif, arrogant et qui transpire la testostérone, alias Diesel / Mason ; une héroïne au caractère fougueux, la meilleure amie, alias Olivia / Jersey.
C’est une amitié d’enfants qui se transforme en amour de jeunes adultes, que la jeune femme va briser brutalement. Retrouvailles 5 ans plus tard dans le monde du travail, archhhh… un moment plutôt désagréable en apparence.

Les codes du genre sont là, bien exploités et on enchaîne les chapitres avec avidité. Les personnages sont vraiment attachants, on rêve du petit ami parfait qu’incarne Mason et on aimerait ressembler à Jersey, jolie et maline.
Toutefois au 3/4 du livre, la douche froide, tout s’accélère et les choses arrivent comme des cheveux sur la soupe.
C’est dommage.

Sachant cette faiblesse, laissez vous envoûter par le lien spécial entre ces deux héros contemporains dans le monde pailletée du football américain !

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Nighthawk Series, but it can be read as a standalone. It is a light, enjoyable read and revolves around football. Olivia Robertson and her mom move to Bear Springs, Georgia when she is eleven years old. She loves football and would rather be playing that than doing just about anything. She meets up with a group of boys who reluctantly let her play with them. Mason Bridgewater is the star football player of the group. From that time forward, Mason and Olivia become best friends and later in high school, they become sweethearts. At the end of college, they break up. For five years they don't see each other or have contact. Olivia works in publicity for pro football teams and she has recently taken a job with the New York Nighthawks. Shortly thereafter, Mason is traded to the Nighthawks.

Most of the book is focused on the past. I wish that Olivia and Mason's encounter in the present had lasted a little longer. Thank you to Goodreads and Lisa Lang Blakeney for the gift of this book that I received in a giveaway.

[Yvette89 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This part of a series but can be read as a standalone. We get the full Olivia and Mason ride to romance from their first meeting t 11, high school and college. I was expecting more of a second chance at romance but that part of the story was very short. I still liked the book. It was a cute when they were kids, angsty when they were high schoolers and college. College added some fun sexy times. The relationship grew as Olivia and Mason grew. I loved Olivia in middle and high school. In college she lost some of her sass. She made some sketchy decisions and doubted her relationship with Mason. Mason also made a few decisions that were not always right. He never doubted Olivia until the end . They both allowed pride and doubts get in the way. The ending felt a bit rushed. The story was mostly about the growth of the relationship through the years.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandi Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Diesel is the the third book in the Nighthawk series. I love this series. This is Mason and Olivia's story. They met when Olivia and her mom moved next door to Mason's family. They became best friends, then much more! Mason, had the chance to go to big name schools because of his football talent, but decided to go to the local University because Olivia was going to attend there, as her mom taught there. Things go well for them until they don't. Trying not to influence Mason, Olivia suddenly breaks up with him so he is free to make good decisions for his professional future without her feeling like she's holding him back. They meet again, five years later and reconnect. I love second chance love stories, but I felt like this story wasn't fleshed out enough. It was over too quickly for me. The first part of the book was very detailed but after they met again, just felt a little rushed. I still recommend Diesel, as part of the series.

[Dolores 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review.

Another Fantastic standalone HEA by the brilliant Lisa Lang Blakeney..
Here we first meet the 2 main characters when they were 11 & Olivia Robertson (NJ) moves to small town Bear Springs Georgia from the large city of New Jersey & she comes across a few lads playing her favourite game Football & she wants to join though the majority of them agree, it's Mason Bridgewater (Diesel) who butts head but this is the start of what will become a great friendship throughout school & just at the end they both admit to themselves how they truly feel about each other. Then we see them in college together & they become stronger than they have been, well that is until she listens to Diesel's uncle without talking to Mason and it's here we see how things will transpire for the 2 of them...

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful love story with wonderfully crafted characters. The storyline entertained as the story played out. I loved everything about this story - from their first introduction to each other to their years in high school to college and beyond. The insight given by the snapshots of their budding friendship to their recognition of their feelings for each other to the heartbreak to the final moments will stay with me long after I've left this amazing story behind. I could feel their emotions through the author's creative use of dialogue. I almost felt like I knew them personally. I am truly glad I've found an author who continuously writes romantic stories full of angst and love that connect with the reader. I've never been disappointed by anything she has written. I cannot wait for the next book. One of my favorite books of the year.

[Daniella Marchand · Rating 5 out of 5]

hen Olivia gets a new teacher position in Georgia, both will move to the house next to Diesel/Mason. From then they'll become beestjes through out high school. She will then choose to go to her mom's college, and Mason van choose where he wants till he gets draft. But what happens when you're feelings for your bf Changestraat to something more ? Yeah, you take a chance at love and see where it goes. Buurt when you make a decision that will change everything ? How can you go back tot what you had before ? Take a 2nd chance ? Now Mason has been trade to NY Nighthawks but who knew Olivia would get a PR position at the same time, Mason will be her first assainment ?
Heartache, Passion, angst, intens chemestry, sizzling...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I volunteered to read this ARC for an honest review. Loved this story about Mason and Olivia. She just moved to a new town from Jersey and tries to play football with the boys. Mason is a big kid and says he won't play with a girl. But she gives them a run for their money, until Mason knocks her down. Offering to ride her home on his bike, the two become best friends. This story is about how their relationship grows from football friends to, best friends to girlfriend/boyfriend. They go of to college together, but have some stumbles thanks to other people missing with them. But when his uncle tells Olivia that she's the reason he's no achieving his potential, she decides that she needs to set him free. This is a great HEA story. Really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Snail · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wish it were longer!
This was a sweet story about two friends who fall in love and then breakup, only to have a second chance to mend their relationship.
The story did such an amazing job setting up the past and the tension but unfortunately when we got back to present day all their problems were solved in a heartbeat. Very disappointing. I was looking forward to some pining, angst, and the slow process of mending a broken relationship.

It was a rushed ending which was so weird when you compare it to the slow burn of the entire book.
Also I found it hard to believe that Olivia never considered that Mason went to the same college as her in order to stay with her? I mean, isn't that obvious? That plot line was a tad bit too unbelievable for me.

Still dissatisfied from the ending but overall I thought it was pretty good nonetheless.

[Olivia St. Antoine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, I promise that I tried to follow the series in order, but once I saw that I share a name with one of the main characters, I just had to read it.

This is definitely going on the favorites list! I read this book embarrassingly fast - 1.5 - 2 hours maybe? I honestly could not put it down, it had me invested from cover to cover. And it didn’t help that it was one of my favorite tropes ever, Childhood Friends to Lovers. I find this trope very hard to read and write but Lang Blakeney nailed it!!

This book was absolute perfection. Angst? You got it! Longing? You got it! Romance? Jealousy? Rough emotions? Spice? This book has got it all! This is high on my recommendation list and I’ve got to say, I think I have all my friends invested in it as well. I found this book a fast-paced, easy read that I love!! Definitely check this one out and the rest of the Nighthawk series!!

[Dolores 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review.

Another Fantastic standalone HEA by the brilliant Lisa Lang Blakeney..
Here we first meet the 2 main characters when they were 11 & Olivia Robertson (NJ) moves to small town Bear Springs Georgia from the large city of New Jersey & she comes across a few lads playing her favourite game Football & she wants to join though the majority of them agree, it's Mason Bridgewater (Diesel) who butts head but this is the start of what will become a great friendship throughout school & just at the end they both admit to themselves how they truly feel about each other. Then we see them in college together & they become stronger than they have been, well that is until she listens to Diesel's uncle without talking to Mason and it's here we see how things will transpire for the 2 of them...

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chances are rare but worth it

Desiel and Jersey girl were meant to be together always.

Moving to Bear Springs Creek JG wanted to play football. The love of the game was all she thought about until she got tackle by a boy . It felt like a Desiel truck hit her and the rest they say is history. Lots and lots of history.

College sweethearts they have been together since forever. But when his Uncle gives her the facts of what's going on she makes the heart breaking decision to leave him.

Fast forward, fate has stepped in and they are now working together. This first private interaction was all it took to break down the walls and start the life they should have had all those years ago.

Great background on the history but the end was very insta. Still a good story line that's gives us hope that second chances bring great things.

[CS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mason and Olivia share a long emotional past. Best friends and high school sweethearts that shared the same heart for years.
When Mason gets his big chance in football, Olivia cuts him loose.
A lot of drama leading up to that decision, and Olivia has never gotten over Mason.
Five long years later, Mason is now Diesel, with a high profile pro football career that is on the brink of success or failure.
Olivia is still not over him as they meet and have a second chance at love.
As this story flips back and forth through time, my heart broke for Olivia and the choices she made.
A well written heartfelt romance!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Diesel
By Lisa Lang Blakeney
Main Characters: Mason & Olivia
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Loved this book. Needed tissues at one point. This was a sweet; friends to lovers stand alone contemporary romance with a hea ending and no cliffhanger. Ms Blakeney does a wonderful job at her character development and you just can't help loving both of them. They start out as friends and neighbors at 11 years old both with a love of football and become more in high school. Things don't always go smoothly, hence the tissues. It shows how much people will sacrifice for love. I will definitely continue to read books by her.