Checkmate: This Is Love

Checkmate Duet, Book 2

By: Kennedy Fox

Narrated by: Lia Langola

Length: 8 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

The anticipated conclusion of the Checkmate Duet from a secret duo of best-selling authors! Checkmate: This Is Love is an enemies-to-lovers romance that will have you crying with laughter one moment and screaming in frustration the next...but you'll be begging to play the game with The King.

Game on.

***

Viola Fisher is the epitome of perfection.

She despises my one-night stands and mocks my less-than-classy habits.

She's smart, beautiful, and too good to be true.

And I want her.

If she were anyone else, I'd have made my move years ago, but considering she's my best friend's little sister, she's always been off-limits. Not to mention how much she loathes my very existence.

Hating me is her religion, but needing her is mine. Her sexy curves and filthy smart mouth make me want her even more, and I'm more determined than ever to change her mind.

I'll prove I'm done playing games.

But until then, we'll continue to play by her rules.

Viola Fisher may have won the battle, but the war isn't over yet.

Checkmate, princess.

Recommend for ages 18+ due to sexual content and adult language.

This Is Love is book two in the Checkmate Duet. It is recommended that listeners start with This Is War.

©2016 Kennedy Fox Books, LLC (P)2017 Kennedy Fox

3 This is Love Stars

I wanted to read this second part so much after the first book. But I am disappointed; it felt like I read the story before many times. Even with the surprises in-store.

My favorite character is Travis, he is who I was rooting for he really grew as a character and I loved that. I loved how the story unfolded for him.

Viola and I we just don’t mix no matter how much I wanted to like her. I felt like she was childish and selfish, ugh I hate even saying that. I just have strong feelings about how she did what she did. And all the secrets I just can’t with that.

I know it’s a book but I am invested after book 1. I wanted this one to kill it and so I could shout I love this book but sadly it was more like I rolled my eyes and wanted it to end too much dramalama for me.


I am a Courtney fan, she is cute and bubbly and I want to see her with Viola’s brother together like a lot! I wish we had gotten more of her.

I did love the narration! I mean not only does she bring the characters to life, I love her man voices. :)
I would listen to her again and again and again.

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*

My Two Pennies

The way we were left with book one I was dying to jump into this book and see what happened. Travis & Viola are still one helluva team but I just want to scream at them for keeping Drew out of the loop. Their arguments to keep the illusion of what they want everyone to believe are still alive and kicking but when they're alone together it's absolutely amazing. Just when you think Travis can't get any sweeter he takes it to the next level. I love how this story develops and I was squeaking with excitement at times. Courtney and her over the top Crush on Drew has me cracking up with her comments. This is such a great read I loved every minute.

Loved Travis & Viola's story!!!

A beautiful ending to this duet! You'll love the characters. You must listen to both books. You will not be disappointed. Their story has it all and I look forward to Courtney & Drew's own story!!

Good book!

After that cliffhanger in the first book I couldn't wait to start this book. It was good, some parts dragged. I can't wait did her next book.

love this series!

I love the book. it finished up nicely but looks like there will be more in the series!? I loved the writing, the characters are so easy to connect with! I loved the narration, she did such a fabulous job. there is nothing I would change or critique!

Not my favorite

I believe this could've been one book. It seemed like things were dragged on when it could've been summed up in the first. I was hoping the second book would bring on more surprises but it didn't. It was rather predictable. The narrator did a pretty great job bringing the characters to life.

Fulfilling Conclusion to this Duet!

Would you consider the audio edition of Checkmate: This Is Love to be better than the print version?

Yes, because Lia Langola really brings all the characters to life! She gives them much more depth and personality.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I loved Courtney this time around the most! She's so sassy and funny, but a complete nerd at heart! I also really enjoyed Travis, with his cocky attitude and heart of gold. All the characters are wonderful in their own ways!

Which character – as performed by Lia Langola – was your favorite?

Again, Courtney was my favorite! Lia Langola voiced her so perfectly, especially all the playful banter between her, Viola, and Travis. I could feel her pining away for Drew!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes, when Mia came over to speak to Drew and dropped the bomb on everyone. There was so much emotion in everyone's reactions and Lia Langola did an amazing job with all the characters, espcially Viola and Travis. My heart was literally breaking during this scene/chapter.

Any additional comments?

A fun and fulfilling conclusion to this enemies to lovers duet. I'm really impressed with Lia Langola's narration in both books, especially the male characters!

Feeling Frustrated!

Ok. I’m a little disappointed…I gave leniency regarding the frustrations I felt for the first book in this duet. And then the second book…major frustration for a few reasons. First, Travis didn’t come clean about Mia (it doesn’t matter if you technically didn’t do anything wrong…your girl and your best friend deserve every detail of the truth…sooner rather than later). Then there’s the issue of Travis and Viola not coming clean about being together…these are “no brainers,” folks! Then Viola keeps her own secret for months…a secret that affects everyone, ESPECIALLY Travis. And she left him without a word…B move! The story did improve toward the back half and of course, these authors hook you for the next book in the series. Worth a credit? Undecided. Honestly, it depends on the next books in the series to know if it’ll be worth it and that requires more time and money?!!!

so disappointed

I don't get it! talk about terrible fill in's. putting ridiculous just to keep a story going.
the narrator made the book ever worse. I actually caught myself screaming at the book because it was so stupid. would have been a great story without our all the jibberious and a different narrator

Hard to finish..

i rarely write a bad review but these 2 books were just boring. I couldnt wait till this was done. it did absolutely nothing for me. the whole pregnancy thing was just weird and the timeline was off. how do you break up with someone about an indiscretion with another girl and then get back together with him and never discuss it with him, or did I fall asleep? and how does a 24 yr old that had to borrow money from his mom to start a small business and then can buy a large house, nice ring, trips and your GF can be a stay at home mom? That doesn't even make sense. the narrator tried to read drama into this but there was nothing there and she drove me nuts! IMO I wouldn't waste a credit..

Travis & Viola - Book 2

#Traviola I’m a fan!!

After the cliffhanger from the first book I was desperate to find out what/why. All the scenarios I conjured up in my mind did not prepare me for the reality and I must say Kennedy Fox’s plot twists are genius!!
Let’s not even talk about the steamy scenes… I made the mistake of listening in at work and nope… had to turn it off and wait until I was on my own.. seriously too hot to listen at work.

Lia Langola is great. She does such a great job narrating both Travis and Viola changing her voice to suit the character and their personalities. I’m a huge fan.

Travis and Viola!

After trying to do the right thing Travis finds himself in a predicament when it comes to both Viola and his best friend Drew but despite what appeared to have transpired they both show their trust in him. As the relationship between Travis and Viola strengthens it becomes more complicated trying to keep it a secret from his brother especially since secrets have a way of being exposed at the worst time and in the worst possible way.

Travis is determined to win the heart of the woman he loves even if that means letting her go and hoping that she returns to where she belongs which is with him. Let the angst begin!

Travis has come so far from the playboy he used to be and Viola has matured both in her career and personally that you know they will be able to handle whatever curveballs life throws at them together. The narrator did a great job at bringing out the heat and emotion of the story.

My Thoughts on Checkmate: This is Love

Now that I finished this story I feel bad for even doubting Kennedy Fox. Travis didn't make a full 180 or anything, it's more that he grew on me. And he more than showed his dedication and devotion to Viola and that's all I really wanted. There were so many surprises and unexpected moments. But they were laid out perfectly to keep the story flowing and keep me invested.

I also really loved Courtney and Drew. They were too funny, especially Courtney and her responses to him. I kind of wanted to shake him sometimes because of Mia, but it also has me super excited for future books.

Lia Langola was perfection once again. She's one of my favorite narrators for a reason. She has great female and male tones. And overall she just has a great voice for romance novels.

I can't wait to devour more books by this author duo as well as this narrator.

Traviola <3

Traviola are for life 🥰 I really enjoyed the ending to their story and I’m ashamed to say it took me far too long to realise where Courtney’s home roots are 😜 I also enjoyed this book as whole much better than the first one. This Is Love focused more on Travis and Viola’s relationship in a positive light instead of the toxic back and forth banter I found with This is War. Without giving to much away This is Love is full of secrets, of the good kind and encourage that you sit down, buckle up and enjoy the wild will unfold.

Plenty of steam and I swooned so bad!

Audiobook listen 🎧

The book picks up where book one left us with Travis in hospital and then dealing with his recovery, which allows him time with Viola, who is helping him and brings them closer together as a couple but sees them still hiding it from her brother who is also Travis’ best friend.

Who is this new Travis? This is the Travis is wanted to see in book one and I have ultimately forgiven him for his bad-boy ways due to his unconditional love for Viola.

I loved their coming together and their commitment to each other and liked how they could trust each other even after everything that had happened previously. Until that moment that threw doubt into Viola’s mind and I want to shake her so bad with some of the choices she made.

This book is filled with so many swoon moments and talk about HOT, pass me the fan! Their chemistry for each other never lessened and when they did finally get together they made my heart warm with their love and dedication for each other.

We get more of Courtney and Drew in this book, setting them up for what I sure will be another great read for this series.

This was a well-read audiobook and I loved both the male and female voices from the narrator.

Lord, can someone turn on the AC?!?!

Kennedy Fox seriously turned the saunas heat up. This is Love, the conclusion to Travis and Viola's story. I was obsessed with it! I lived the push/pull of the love/hate they had going on in the first book. However,  this second installment was different,  or it felt different. After the first book, they had reached a truce and were starting to see each other as something more. Travis was a fabulous character when he was a jerk, he was that guy we all loved to hate. But sweet Travis? Falling in love Travis is irresistible!

Lia Langola continued to excel in the narration. I do wish we would have had a male co-narrator but I think that's just my preference. Langola didn't do a thing wrong and she did good trying to cover both characters. I just prefer duet or dual narration when the book has a male and female side.

Travis and Viola get their HEA

The story carries on right where we left Travis and Viola in that massive cliff hanger of book 1. I was on the end of my seat waiting to hear the explanation of how Travis ended up in the situation he was in that night. I didn't doubt that Viola would stay by his side in some capacity as they have too much history between them. Mia ugh Mia I can't stand her, she is such a conniving character, always out to cause harm and stir the pot; but granted it does add to the drama of the story throughout this book, she is like a bad smell that won't go away.

This novel has all the back and forth banter and chemistry I loved about Travis and Viola, although their relationship felt more on a level playing field. Feelings are out in the open (between them at least) and everything seems like it will work out until it doesn't. A lack of communication is what causes things to hit the rocks yet again; but I love seeing how to characters that are so irrevocably drawn to each other navigate their way back to the other half of themselves.

Overall I was happy with how Travis and Viola's book turned out, it held the humour, the chemistry, the drama and emotion that I loved about the first book. The pacing lulled a little for me at times but other than that I enjoyed the audiobook a lot. I wasn't a huge fan of Lia Langola's narration in the first book This is War as I found her voice to similar between characters and I lost track of which characters POV it was. I am glad to say her performance for me was much improved her and the characterisation was much easier to follow, I enjoyed her performance this time.

Travis and Viola's HEA

I wondered just how Kennedy Fox was going to solve the problem that arose at the end of the first novel of this duet but I needn't have worried.

Once again this writing duo (ably supported by narrator Lia Longoria) bring a story of which you can't wait to get to the end, whilst conversely, not wanting it to end at all!

I love that we get not only a HEA but beyond that and 'evidence' which reaches far into the future.

#ilovetraviola

fun and sexy conclusion

Good conclusion to Viola and Travis's story. Great sexual chemistry between them. The roles were reversed in this book as I like Travis a lot more than Viola. She created some drama where there shouldn't have been but I'm very happy with how it turns out.

Can't wait for the next duet as Drew & Courtney seem really interesting.

The narration was fabulous.

An Amazing Ending to the Checkmate Duet

Kennedy Fox really knows how to knock a book out of the park. I was dying when the first book of this duet ended in the cliffhanger it did but knew the follow-up would be amazing and it is. You do not want to miss out on this drama filled, steaming hot romance!

The narrator, Lia Langola did a fantastic job in portraying each character and making the audio version of the book truly wonderful! I will definitely be looking for more books read by her.