Taming The Legend by Kat Latham
Series: London Legends, #4
Contemporary Romance/Sports
May 11, 2015
Carina Press

Reviewed by Tori

Favorite Quote:
“What can I say? With you I’ve always been easy.”
“With me, you’ve always been adored.”

London Legends rugby star Ash Trenton isn’t sure what he is going to do once he retires but coaching at a camp for troubled teens wasn’t on his to-do list. Not until an old lover shows up out of the blue asking for his help. Though it’s been eighteen years, he finds he can’t refuse the first and only woman he has ever loved.

Camila Morale was sixteen when she and Ash spent a summer exploring their love for one another but he had to leave to start his rugby career and she never heard from him again. She was left with a shattered heart and a very difficult decision to make. She never planned on seeing him again but she needs his help to save her camp from financial ruin and the only way to do that is for him to coach her team to victory.

Coaching kids who don’t want or care about the sport is hard enough but trying to ignore the attraction and chemistry that burns between Ash and Camilla is even harder. When Camilla begins to fall for Ash all over again, she fears that once his time at the camp is over, he will once again choose his career over her.

Taming the Legend is heartwarming contemporary with just the right balance of humor, emotional heart pinches, and some steamy romance. Well plotted with engaging dialogue and personable characters, the story sweeps you up with no hesitation. Second chances love with miscommunication as the villain is a tricky trope combination. To often the miscommunication ends up being something that could have been cleared up with one conversation. Luckily, Latham isn’t one to drag out conflict nor employ manufactured drama in order to capitalize on the angst that often goes hand in hand with this trope. Her characters are quick to communicate and resolve past problems in order to move forward.

Delightfully humorous and flawed characters open up their hearts and feelings to the reader. It’s always enlightening to see a story play out from two different sides and Latham gives us that through Ash and Camilla’s POVs. Written in an enjoyable conversational style, the laugh out loud dialogue blends well with some serious scenes that will keep you entertained and engaged all the way to the end. Latham takes her time in giving us insight into this couple’s past relationship and the reasons they separated. Youth, circumstances beyond their control, and some external forces came between them at a time when communication was much needed. Feelings were hurt on both ends and only when they meet again does the truth reveal itself.

A camp for troubled teenagers is the perfect gateway to reintroduce Ash and Camilla to one another. A lot has changed over the years but the chemistry still blazes strong.  Camilla hasn’t had an easy time of it; from childhood to now, she has had to fight small town gossip and a very low self-esteem. Ash’s “betrayal” was the final nail in her coffin and Camilla went off the deep end. This camp saved her life in more ways than one which is why she swallowed her pride and seeks him out to beg for his assistance.

Ash never forgot about Camilla but in his defense, they were young, it was only for the summer, and he was already committed to rugby-something he never hid from her. He’s a sweet, funny, intense man who, when he learns what happened to Camilla all those years ago, genuinely grieves for her, him, and their past. I appreciated that he dealt with one of the external forces that kept him from her in a realistic and timely manner.

While the actual commitment was slow to build, this second chance journey is refreshingly honest and fun; not overburdened with emotional tripe and drawn out anger. The sparks between them are bright and hot; enhanced by Ash’s dirty little innuendos. Camilla feels the connection between them but the past weighs heavily on her mind while Ash wants more but knows his time with her is brief and doesn’t want to cause her any more pain than he already has.

Taming The Legend is another enjoyable read by Kat Latham and a wonderful addition to the series. Fans of sport themed contemporary romances will enjoy the heartwarming coming home feel of Latham’s newest couple.

RATING: B

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