Muscular football players. Passionate tennis pros. Sexy soccer stars. All sorts of alpha hotties, on the field and off.Have no fear! The team is back again, and this time…it’s thicker. You’ll get your sports romance fix with brand-new stories from eleven bestselling authors.Need one last summer fix? Dive into this anthology.*This anthology contains original, never-before-seen stories from Ella … never-before-seen stories from Ella Fox, Mandi Beck, Teagan Hunter, Ilsa Madden-Mills, Sara Ney, Rochelle Paige, Meghan Quinn, Charleigh Rose, Kennedy Ryan, Emma Scott, and Kate Stewart.
We still aren’t responsible for melted devices.
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Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
I have wanted a story about Quinn since she was first introduced in the HOOPS series as Banner’s client/friend. I really enjoyed learning more about Quinn and I really liked Ean. These 2 were a great match for each other. My only negative is that I wish there were more! A novella isn’t enough of the goodness.
I’m starting to work my way through some of the other stories now and may update my review as I finish them.
A SLICE OF LOVE by Teagan Hunter is one of the fabulous novellas in the bulging anthology.
Quick and easy to read, ASOL explores first love and expectations of life. Because of its length, the characters are developed quickly, the story moves seamlessly and leaves me craving for more of the best friend.
I can’t wait to dive into more stories by some of my favorite authors.
-Dear Ava (team player 2 Anthology) By Ilsa Madden Mills (5 stars) This is one of the novella’s within the Team Player 2 Anthology. Ava Harris goes to Camden Prep where she wanted to try to fit in. A year after a horrendous event at a party, Ava finds herself back but with a whole new mission than when she started there. Knox Grayson is part of the “sharks” Football Elite at Camden. He was there that fateful night a year ago along with the other “sharks”. He has always been cold to her but is there a reason why? When Ava starts receiving strangers notes in her locker, can she figure out who is sending them? These two have both been through some awful experiences and yet find the strength to go on. This is an emotional,eye opening yet beautiful novella and yes there will be a full story coming. Ava is such a strong young lady. There are triggers involved for some so beware. Told in dual POV
For Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills – 5 Stars
This novella sure packed one heck of an emotional punch and I totally devoured it!! So, so, so incredible!!
I am completely in love with Ava and her strength and resilience. After going through such a traumatic and devastating experience, she could have let those who harmed and bullied her win – but she came back with her head held high and was determined to find out who left her in the woods. And Knox – I don’t even know what to say about him, other than I love him too and everything he’s done for Ava……ahh!! 2020 better hurry up and get here because I need the full story NOW!!
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan – 5 stars
What a beautifully written, emotional and inspiring story!! Quinn is such a powerful and strong woman who triumphed over the adversity in her life. And Ean – a devoted coach and former athlete who saw the true beauty in Quinn. When the two of them came together, it was truly something special; and their story truly teaches us to never give up, to go after what we want, and that the sky is the limit. Just loved everything about this Hoops world series and I hope we haven’t seen the last of them.
The Guy in the Middle (Fair Catch) by Kate Stewart – 5 Stars
Oh Kate! I’m so glad that this is going to become a full length story, because I need more of Lance and Harper!! I loved how they were complete opposites, yet absolutely perfect together. The entertaining and witty banter just cracked me up, but there was so much emotion and passion between them too. And that ending – my heart hurts for them! I get why Harper did what she did, but it just broke me. Can’t wait to see how Kate puts the pieces of my cracked heart back together again.
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck – 5 stars
I’m so glad we have a new story from Mandi Beck! I’ve missed her words, and the ones she gave us in Arena Lights were fantastic! I’m so hooked on Benny and Maeve!! These two were so hot together!! They are going to have an uphill battle trying to convince her brother – and his roommate and hockey teammate- that they should be together (i’m guessing some punches will get thrown!). But, I’m sure Mandi has a plan for them and I can’t wait to see how the rest of this story plays out……as well as seeing what might be in store for some of the other characters from this awesome story!!
Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose – 4.5 stars
I love getting to visit the Rivers Edge world that Charleigh Rose has created and after meeting Halston and Sullivan in Bad Influence…..I needed more of them and am so thankful that we got their story! It was quick, hot and sexy and I loved it! Hopefully we’ll see more of them in future books set in the Bad Love series!
Holt’s Story – 4.5 stars
I’ll be honest, the first part of this novella felt a little off to me…..but once Holt really started pursuing Harmony, I was all in on this couple! The banter between them was absolutely hilarious and I thought they were quite the match together! Can’t wait to see where she takes them when they get their full length story.
*review will be updated as I read other novellas*
This is a kick butt lineup of authors! I haw no doubt I’ll love every story in Trina anthology <3
A Slice of Love was absolutely adorable. I was laughing out loud and swooning the entire book! For a short novella, Teagan Hunter made me fall in love with her characters hard and I wanted so much more because I loved them so much! Teagan creates a fabulous story where you just enjoy, smile, laugh and remember why you love reading so much.
Review for Love Game by Emma Scott.
Five stars. This novella packs so much chemistry, banter and emotion…it’s nothing short of wonderful! I really could’ve read a full novel about Kai and Daisy; they were perfect!
ARC generously provided by author for honest review.
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Beta review for The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart
Lance and Harper: I loved them together and as individuals. The circumstances they were put under were heavy for such young adults and when you’re inexperienced, scared of failure and don’t want to disappointment…well that can put stress on even the strongest relationships. That being said, I’m very excited to see where Kate takes these two in the future. This didn’t feel like too bad of a cliffy more like an extended to be continued and I can handle that! Overall, I’m fully invested in Priss and The Blanket! Another 5 solid stars for Kate Stewart!
ARC of Fast Break provided by Author.
Ok I know these are going to novellas. I love the fast pace of them, but when done right (and Fast Break was done right) I just want more. I need to know more. I need to feel more. I need so much more of the hotness that is Quinn & Jagger.
I can’t wait to dive in to the other stories.
I love sports romance and I am so excited for this brand new, original collection of stories by a #DreamTeam of authors, all in one even thicker . . . book!
~ FAST BREAK by Kennedy Ryan takes us on a touching, poignant, and sexy journey. It is so exquisitely written that once I started, I couldn’t stop reading until the very last word. Ean and Quinn are so great together. Quinn is a survivor, learning what true beauty is and being blessed for it. Ean is the new coach for the San Diego Waves Basketball Team. He has wanted to meet Quinn for over a year, being captivated by her resilience, passion and fire. He isn’t easily deterred when she keeps her distance. He’s a fighter and isn’t afraid to work and prove to her that he is her perfect match. I loved this story so much! Ms Ryan created a quick story that moved me to tears and made me believe in soul mates. I loved every moment of this beautiful romance, wanting more, but was totally satisfied.
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck:
Sibling’s best friend is one of my absolute favorite tropes & as usual Mandi did not disappoint!
Even though Maeve has no intention of doing anything but play softball, her twin sister is ready for them to party! Unfortunately for the girls, their hockey star brother Levi thinks he’s got everything covered when he finds out his teammate & roommate will be chaperoning his twin sisters’ softball training camp…but he really should know better!
Hockey player Benny’s looking for a good time while helping his assistant coach sister by chaperoning this trip, but even he knows better than to mess with one of his best friend’s sisters. But from the second he takes the seat next to Maeve on their flight to AZ, he knows he’s in over his head!
As hard as they both try, there’s no denying the electricity between them. These two were great together!
Though it may be short, Arena Lights is a well written romance that gave me all the feels! As always Mandi gives us characters that you just can’t get enough of & secondary characters that leave you wanting their stories! (BTW Mandi, I really NEED to know what happens when they get home!)
If you haven’t read Mandi Beck yet, this is a sweet, short story & a great place to start!
So far I have only had the opportunity to read 2 of these lovelies so I will definitely be back to review the rest.
The Guy in the Middle (Fair Catch) by Kate Stewart: Gaaaahhhh! As if I wasn’t still swooning enough from TGotR, Kate Stewart punts this perfection into my lap.
Lance is closed off and hot tempered, with good reason since he is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Of course, for me, it just turns up my girlybits to overdrive because I already know there is more to his story and I want, no NEED, to find out. From the jump I knew Harper would be the one to help penetrate that tough exterior of his. She is strong and independent with her own goals and ideas for her future and won’t be taking any crap from anyone, especially not Shrek here.
So many feelings and so much to say about this book but can’t express myself properly because everyone needs to go into this novella blind(ish, because we already met Lance briefly). But Kate Stewart, I do want you to know “you gave me a love story, a real love story, even if it doesn’t have the ending I was hoping for.”
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck: Holy Dynamite Disco! Mandi Beck knocks it out of the park with the beginning of this series that already looks to hold some of my favorite characters. Benny being a roommate of Maeve’s brother pretty much makes them nonexistent to one another. It isn’t until this trip, away from said brother and outside their usual routines, that they actually become “aware” of eachother. From that point on my kindle started generating enough heat to make me use it to fan myself. Great banter, scorching scenes and a miscommunication later, I’m chomping at the bit to get more of their story. Though AL ends on a perfect note I’m still left wanting to yell at Mandi “You’re killing me Smalls!” I need to see where we go from here!
Team Player 2 is an anthology made up of 11 new, never before published stories written by some of my favorite authors.
My two favorites are:
Arena Nights by Mandi Beck
This is the story of Mauve and Benny. Both play college sports. One a softball player and the other ice hockey and is a roommate of Mauve’s over protective brother, Levi. Mauve is supposed to be off limits to Benny but they just can’t fight the attraction. This is a very well written, quick and sexy read. It’s been a year since this author has published a book but it was worth the wait!
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Oh. My. God. This novella was so very emotional and it is an introduction to an upcoming series coming out in 2020. This series seriously cant come soon enough!! This story is set at Camden Prep, the school seniors Ava, the smart scholarship student and Knox, the quarterback of the football, attend. Ava is a survivor of a sexual assault that happened at a post game party. She is so incredibly strong and brave! Knox is a player, on and off the field, but he is way more than that and he is very protective of Ava. While there are so many questions I want the answers too, this glimpse at Ava, Knox and the others at Camden Prep is an incredibly written story!
Review for Love Game by Emma Scott
People come in and out of our lives. Daisy Watson and Kai Soloman come together when they need each other the most. Both having gone through a devastating experience, their relationship challenges each other to conquer their fears. An instant attraction in a beautiful setting, Emma Scott once again gives us a lovely romance to warm the heart and soul.
Review for Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
I love the Hoops world. And Kennedy Ryan satisfies that love by giving us a short, but sweet glimpse with Fast Break. Kennedy’s ability to pack so much emotion and life into just a few chapters is amazing. I was invested in Ean Jaggar and Quinn Barrow. Their connection and chemistry is evident but it’s the story of their romance that had me smiling. Kennedy Ryan just does it for me every time.
Review for Fair Catch by Kate Stewart
We jump right into the fray with an intense encounter between Lance Prescott and Harper Elliot and it only gets better from there. In a mere 36K words (give or take a few), Kate Stewart immerses us in a story so full of depth and romance, you would think you were reading a full length novel. Lance and Harper are beautifully complicated, complete opposites yet have so much in common and witty banter that had me cracking up. They just work. And speaking of full length novel – guess what? Lance and Harper are getting one and I can’t wait! Ding! Ding!
Love Game – Emma Scott
Emma has deviated a tiny bit from her heart stabbing, tears inducing stories and given us a hopeful, light hearted, albeit intense love story. She takes us to Paia Maui, where the beautiful sun drenched beaches & lush landscape is crawling with tourists, turtles and Clusters of young people in a haze of smoke . It’s also a hideout of sorts for Daisy Watson, a Reiki & Yoga Trainee, running from horrors of her nightmares.
“kale-eating, yoga- doing, Earth-Godess
It also happens to be a rehab-getaway for world renowned tennis player, 44th seed -Sikai Solomon, who carries a volcano of boiling anger within him. His misdirected frustration and temper is lethal for his career and he’s here to find his inner peace and re-center his emotions
“The meltdowns they accuse me of weren’t me losing my mind; they were me directing it- pain, anger, pain- outward so it wouldn’t burn me up from inside”
The twain meet and the lofty walls of the heart come crumbling down and they both find peace and love at unexpected place- a Goat Yoga Farm…yep, you read it right.
Trust Emma to take a detour and go find unusual ways to tell simple stories with unexpected journeys.
I’ve become a huge fan of hers, stalking her books and sometimes her physical books from her table.
Jokes aside, I loved the story with a passion, loved #KaiSy
This being my second book of the anthology, I’m raring to go read ALL OF THEM!!
5 stars for Golden Showering Goats
Fair Catch – Kate Stewart
“What if this moment, right here, is the moment that changes your life?”
It did…..IT DID!!
The MOMENT I picked up DRIVE, I KNEW my life as a reader would be changed forever!!
The MOMENT I opened SEO, I KNEW I had just scratched the surface of what Kate’s talent is capable of…
The MOMENT I met her and hugged her in nyc, I KNEW we’ll be connected forever…her soul to my soul!
The MOMENT Heartbreak Warfare annihilated me, I KNEW I had taken pledge of allegiance in Kate’s Fanclub!
The MOMENT I met #TheoAndLaney in TGOTR, I KNEW…I had upgraded from a fan to a DEVOTEE.
I sincerely & religiously WORSHIP every word that ever has or will sprout in your brain Kate, I’m your designated stalker, whether you like it or not!
And she has book and book again proven her Ninja Stealth in creeping upon us with light sweethearted stories and halfway in, out come the sabres and she massacres our hearts.
And This book…OMG THIS BOOK will slowly waft like a heady perfume, envelope you, seep into your skin, linger in your heart and you’ll forever smell like Lance. His frustration, his mania, his generous heart will win you over and you will cross all boundaries of Forbidden to be with him. It’s no surprise that Harper falls for him, although they know how it’s gonna end
“Not every dream is realized.
That’s the hard truth, and the lesson I’ve come away with and survived.
Not all hard work pays off.
Not every guy gets the girl.
And sometimes even the most carefully laid plans get changed, interrupted, or abandoned because life has other ideas.”
I want to strangle Kate but NC is too far away!!!
I’ve loved her and hated her with equal fervor…but I go down on my knees for her words, her thoughts and her stories.
An emotional powerhouse that will sweep you in its maddening lust, make you fall head over heels in love and leave you unsatisfied cause you will end up begging for MORE!!
Too short a story…I wish it went on and on….
#LanceIsMyMan #HungoverAF #KateIsMyEleven #TroyYoureNext
ELEVEN stars cause I HATE season of Summer!!
Review So far, I’ve read Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan. I loved it and adore Jag and Quinn. She has overcame and achieved so much and he is in awe of her from the start. Kennedy’s writing is on point, as usual. I always want more from her, I could read her words forever.
The review is for Love Game by Emma Scott
I don’t know many authors that can pack so much emotion into a novella, but Emma Scott never shies away from the difficult subject and this story packs a punch. Kai, the bad boy of tennis, is actually a soft hearted soul, but his grief has left him filled with an anger that he cannot control. Daisy has her own demons to battle but is empathetic and kind, she is not afraid to challenge Kai at his worst. Instant attraction but with a slow burn feel, I loved this couple and would love to see more of them!
Cant wait to read more of the stories in the anthology, especially Kate Stewart’s Fair Catch!
Review of Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
This short novella was truly amazing. Dear Ava is one of the best things I’ve read this year. It was the perfect novella, leaving me content with the ending but loving the characters enough to want more of their story. Knox and Ava were perfectly crafted, and the complexity of the subject matter was well-rounded and expertly covered. It grabs your attention and interest from the very first page. The characters and storyline was fascinating and I absolutely adored Ava and Knox so much! There is so much chemistry there and I just could not get enough of them. With heartbreaking, sweet and laugh out loud moments, Dear Ava was an incredible start and such a tease for the rest of their story that’s to come in 2020.