Scoring a coaching job with the Rebels was supposed to be a dream come true, a step toward achieving my goal of being the first female NFL head coach. But when three sexy-as-hell players blitzed their way into my life, I got distracted. I took my eye off the ball. And I’m at risk of losing it all, even the sport I love. Now, the one thing that’s kept me grounded, kept me focused, is the last … the last thing that could possibly bring me comfort. Because when it comes to Xavier, Colt, and Tristan, the lines are blurred. The rules—questioned.
I may be their coach on the field, but in matters of the heart, I’m playing defense.
Playing Defense is the second book in a slow-burn reverse harem series.
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I think Julia Clarke did an amazing job on this follow-up to Book 1, The Reverse Play. I really enjoy the progression in this series, even if I wanted more football in this book haha. I know it cant all be about football! I really enjoyed seeing Blake’s role change and how much the team was benefiting from that. I think it would have been cool to get a scene with her in the group sessions, just because of my love for football and I want to see her interpretation on how the team members interact and bring up their other concerns, but books can’t be 100K long every time. Have to be realistic and bring in the romance part bit by bit
I loved that we really start to see the relationships strengthen between Blake and her guys in this book, especially her and Xavier. Holy moly people, I wanted to combust when reading their scenes. I desperately want someone like that in my life. I mean Colt and Tristan are just as amazing, but the protectiveness, shyness, and lovable teddy bear vibe I get from Xavier is so adorable, I crave it. I loved his subtle ways of needing to be around her/spend time with her, and then he tries to go all out and it doesn’t work as planned. I would be his queen in an instant haha.
The Thanksgiving scene and the Pro Bowl scenes made be swoon for Blake and her guys. The small details, like how she and X grounded each other and were adorably touchy feeling but they took the longest to really flirt and be physical. The talking about real life issues with all 3 guys and to see their talents outside football (loved Colt’s 1-1 with Blake!). To grappling retirement and building a family around your teammates. Little nuances and details I thought elevated this story and really made it hit home for me like book 1 did.
I hated how Blake had to deal with the bet and how others have to suffer/handle it because of all the baggage and falls from grace it will cause. We still aren’t there as a society when it comes to equality and bullying/harassment and I think this story does a good job bringing it to light without pushing it down the readers throat. I am happy the guys maybe have a chance at redemption (Q and T) but its open for anything to happen. I can’t wait for karma to win out.
I really hope this series isn’t a trilogy. I am crossing my fingers for at least 4-5 books. I couldn’t imagine falling for this story only to have it end in the next book! Looooooved it! 5/5 stars easily
For someone who doesn’t like sports, I have to admit, that this is an enjoyable read. The Rebels series is for sure a slow burn of will they, won’t they (until they will because it’s a RH). In Playing Defense, Blake has a decision to make or let guilt eat her up. If you want to know her final decision but not limited to Colt, Tristan & Xavier, read the book. I’ll tell you what though, book 3 is something to look forward to.
In my opinion, there are tons of football references, but it’s to be expected because it is a sports romance with drama as per the title. There are some insightful inside information, although there’s probably little to no truth about the facts for readers who know squat about football, it is still good to know (that we could Google later) to use for future references if it randomly comes up in a conversation.
Overall: 4.5/5
Steam:
Feels:
~REVIEW~
The Quick and Dirty: A slow-burn, natural progression to the last book. Blake feels guilty for the repercussions the guys suffer for standing up for her. She tries to guard her heart from them, attempting to distance herself but as their relationships grow so does the attraction which erases her resolve to keep things professional.
As Blake tries to navigate in the aftermath of the bet, she’s torn between outing Tyrese and Quentin for what they did and keeping quiet until things blow over, like Tristan asked. When it becomes too much of a burden for her, she turns to someone who becomes an unlikely ally. Amidst all the professional turmoil, Blake is also trying to “play defense” and guard her heart against Tristan, Colt and Xavier who are slowly breaking down her walls and are becoming increasingly important to her. The problem is she can’t choose between them, and all three guys have made it clear they want more with her. She’s in a bind and in order to keep from coming between their friendships with each other, she’s willing to walk away from her feelings, but the guys have other ideas.
I honestly don’t have much to critique in this book. Reactions were organic and relationships between Blake and the guys progressed in the same fashion. Especially since it’s a gearing up to be a full blown RH novel next, the incredulity in certain parts by various characters felt genuine. I liked that they were all thinking through the consequences and not just saying “oh hey! we’ll all share and no one will blink an eye!”
Plus, we get some more time with Sebastian (Blake’s hilarious best friend), a little action between Blake and all three of her guys (separately) and we find out a little something juicy about Colt! Julia has set us up for a HOT third book. @JuliaClarke_author, I hope you write fast because I CAN NOT WAIT!!
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**I assisted in Beta reading this novel and an ARC was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.**
–> I’ll be posting my review on the blog right before release with the addition of some Playing Defense graphics so be sure to check there too! https://www.TheQDBibliophile.wordpress.com
~QD STORY DETAILS~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: Boston, MA & Florida
Character age range: late twenties
Lead: Blake MacKenzie
Love interest(s): Xavier Lee, Colt Whitney, Tristan Holmes
HEA: No – Cliffhanger
~QD BOOK INFO~
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Audible: No
Series: Yes – The Rebels Series
1. The Reverse Play – released 01/29/19
2. Playing Defense – releases 04/23/19
~QD ~
Sex/kink type: kissing and manual play only
Possible triggers: –
Holy crap, Holy crap it’s over wait I need more oh man I have to wait again…….I loved book 2 even more than book 1 and I can’t wait to see what Tristan, Xavier and Colt have up there sleeves.p, it’s gonna be good!!!! Definitely a must read for me!!!
Julia Clarke nails it with Playing Defense, The Rebels Series #2. This thoroughly appropriate title finds Blake doing her best to guard her heart against the sexy Tristan, Colt, and Xavier. And they do not make it easy on her!! 3 different personalities, everyone delicious, how will she ever choose? Thanks God we know she won’t have to! This story is so easy to read and so hard to put down. It’s funny, full of heart, and so emotionally tangled. You really feel like you are Blake and her successes and failures bleed off the page making you feel just as confused and fall just as hard. I loved everything about this story except for the end. I needed more!! Julia even gave us a little treat in the epilogue that I won’t spoil, but it really made my heart smile. Happy reading!!
Ugh, I seriously am dying over here! I love this series and these characters so much, but the slow-burn is killing me…and I LOVE it! Clarke has an unnatural ability to make you part of the story and bring her characters to life so much you’ll wish they were yours. Blake’s fiery passion and inner drive was infectious and I fell hard after getting to know Xavier, Colt, and Tristan more. I can’t get enough and flew through this book in one sitting. If you love sports romance or RH, this is a must read!