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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Team Player 2 was an amazing anthology.
Seriously, each story was better than the last. I never wanted them to end. In some cases, that will be true as some of these stories are expected to move into full-length books. Thank GOD, because I could definitely use more Lance in my life.
It was so difficult to figure out which story to write my review on, but I went with Kate Stewart because I just love this world she has created and can’t wait for more.
Although, I really loved that my Queen Kennedy Ryan finally gave Quinn her happy ending.
I can always count on Charleigh Rose for some steamy HEA.
These stories were gold — you need this anthology today!
FAIR CATCH BY KATE STEWART
Kate Stewart has absolutely nailed this world she created. It started out with the Guy on the Right. I was absolutely intrigued with Lance from his brief cameos in the book and was excited to get his story and learn more about him in Team Player 2.
Lance is the silent brooder. Angry with good intentions. I love that Kate captured how difficult it can be for someone to carry the weight of their family on their shoulders.
Harper is the definition of daddy’s girl. Withholding her true desires to follow in her family’s expectations.
Their meetings are fueled with fire and passion. Sarcasm, wit, and humor. I love this story, and the ending has me dying for more in their full length novel debuting next year.
I also love and appreciate Kate for bringing back my favorite character, #daveinthewhitetaurus.
Football, boxing, twerking, and steamy sessions on the gym floor. Their love is quick and passionate and holds just enough angst to make you sweat.
And as always from my reviews, my top quotes of the book:
“Why can’t I shake what I feel for her and chalk it up to curiosity? What I am standing so close to the fire doused in kerosene?”
“you gave me a love story, a real love story, even if it doesn’t have the ending I was hoping for.”
A big thick book full of sweet & steamy sports romance novellas. Personally nothing sounds better. All the novellas are brilliant!
You don’t want to miss reading this one book which consist of all the hot athletes finding love!
Fast Break- 5 Stars by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan is masterful. A novella that is absolutely perfect in every way. Its construction is flawless as is the storytelling. You get completely immersed in the characters and before you know it, the epilogue appears and it’s over.
Quinn Barrows is someone you want to be friends with. She is amazing, strong, resilient, and a woman whose has dealt with adversity and risen above anything she could have imagined. Ean Jagger is a man who decides that in order to get what he wants he has to go after what he wants at all cost. Quinn and Ean’s relationship is full of great banter and deep emotions. While the novella is short, a full and emotional story is given to the readers.
It was great to see Banner Morales-Foster make a cameo along with August West. And let me just say, this novella is not to be missed!! It’s perfect in every way
The Guy in the Middle- 5 Stars by Kate Stewart
I loved it!! A NA novella that captures your heart and tugs on your heartstrings.
Lance Prescott is the silent broody guy who has a lot on his plate. No one knows but he does what he needs to do. Harper is this sweet and sassy dancer who has to get an accounting degree before she can pursue her real dream. These two start out as oil and water. They clash in every way but with time they create a friendship with lots of sexual tension. These college kids have similarities that draw them together. Their banter is sweet, fiery, spot on and addicting. I loved Harper and Lance and look forward to more and seeing if they get their HEA.
Love Game – 5 Stars by Emma Scott
What a great little story. Broken characters that have experienced trauma in their past that carry into their present life. They are both in desperate need of healing but have yet to figure out how. Sometimes fate has a way of bringing the right person in your life where magic finally happens. As a novella, the story moved rapidly. There were parts that I would have loved more insight and development but the story still packed a lot in a little space.
Kai Solomon and Daisy bring out the best in each other. They have great banter but they are each guarded. Kai’s bitter attitude and Daisy’s need to want to help clash at the beginning but sometimes people are meant to be together.
Loved the tennis aspect of the story, loved how both Kai and Daisy were able to grow and move forward with their life and what more can I say except…..it was a fabulous novella to start and end your day with.
*I still want to read other stories by new authors to me so will add reviews as I finish*
Review for Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Absolutely loved it! I loved Ava’s character, my heart broke for this girl and I applaud her bravery. She’s strong fierce and a great leading character. Knox isn’t so bad himself…… he’s not the typical jock. He’s sweet, deep and has a big heart. There is a who done it in this read and I’m excited for the full version to get the answers to my questions. I really enjoyed it.
*Review by Michelle
Review for Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Absolutely loved it! I loved Ava’s character, my heart broke for this girl and I applaud her bravery. She’s strong fierce and a great leading character. Knox isn’t so bad himself…… he’s not the typical jock. He’s sweet, deep and has a big heart. There is a who done it in this read and I’m excited for the full version to get the answers to my questions. I really enjoyed it.
Review of Fair Catch by Kate Stewart
I love a hot enemies-to-lovers romance and Lance and Harper will give you what you want! !She’s about to go head-to-head with a hot jock and come out with a TKO!
Lance is quiet, broody and keeps to himself. All he has time to focus on is football, school and family obligations. The last thing he wants is any complications. Getting drafted is what he needs.
Harper is driven to reach her goal. Dancing is everything to her. She spends hours honing her craft and working to be her absolute best. For hours each day, she goes to the gym to dance. That’s where she meets Lance.
Sparks fly and it’s not the good kind. These two get off on the wrong foot. Lance is a d-bag with some anger issues. Harper is sassy and doesn’t take crap from some hot-headed baller. Neither is about to back down.
This may just be the beginning of something because all that hate has turned into attraction. And Harper is not above leading him to temptation. However, they both have secrets that could change everything.
My heart was pulling for them. Watching their relationship grow and transform was sweet indulgence. It’s a forbidden romance that will suck you in and leave you yearning. I cannot wait to read the complete story.
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GUYS LIKE YOU by Charleigh Rose
Halston doesn’t want labels. She doesn’t even plan to end up spending a super hot night with a sexy lacrosse player. Best night ever but she’s not above sneaking out and moving on. She knows all about jocks and their conquests.
One night of hot sex was all is was supposed to be, but Sully just won’t give up. He’s not ready to let her go. Their chemistry is beyond hot. And whenever you put them in a room sparks fly and clothes disappear!
The plan is just to have fun. Set some ground rules and keep things uncomplicated. That always works out, right?
A college romance between a sexy jock with a big heart and a stubborn girl who doesn’t want to risk getting hurt. Halston will soon find out that Zach is worth the risk.
The Guy in the Middle
By: Kate Stewart
5 Stars
The Guy in the Middle (Fair Catch), is Lance’s story from The Guy on the Right. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to read The Guy on the Right first.
Lance is the football player and Harper is a dancer. While Lance is banking on getting drafted by the NFL, Harper is getting her education under wraps before doing what she loves.
Lance had grabbed my attention in The Guy on the Right. Was so excited to hear the author announced she would include his novella story in this collection. Was even more stoked to learn that Lance will also get a full length novel! Totally deserved. So while enjoying this taste of Lance and Harper, know that when you finish, there will be more coming.
Absolutely enjoyed reading this story.
Love Game
By: Emma Scott
5 Stars!
I typically do not read sports romance books. However, when one of my favorite authors had a contribution to this collection, I knew I had to read it.
Boy what a story that was packed into this novella!
Daisy Watson has had a rough time this past year. Finding her peace in Hawaii, she is trying to move on and overcome what had happened. On a great path, secured a job and living on the island, life has gotten better for her.
Bad boy Kai Soloman is having a rough time keeping his temper under control on the tennis court. Fines, penalties, you name it, Kai just chalks them up to another day on the court.
When all is looking like it will be the end of his tennis career, his manager steps in and believes he had found the solution to his client’s career.
You will fall in love with Kai and Daisy! Absolutely enjoyed reading every page of this one. Could only hope and dream that there will be more from this couple.
I love anthologies especially when you want a great quick read. The Team Player Anthlogy is one of my favorites with sports romance and the great line-up of authors! I can’t wait to read more of these stories!
Arena Lights by Author Mandi Beck
I loved Maeve and Benny! This story was a great combination of flirty and fun. I enjoyed it so much and was left wanting more!!!
I was only able to get in 3 stories before release, but the three that I inhaled were FANTABULOUS!!!
Mandi Beck’s uber hot, forbidden with touches of sweet and swoon held me transfixed and smiling throughout. Charleigh Rose took me back to a group of characters I love, and Halston and Sully made me giggle, burned up my kindle, and left me elated beyond measure!! So, so good!! And finally, Ilsa Madden Mills sucked me in to a world I didn’t know about, but now I NEED with a passion, so I can’t wait for more of Knox and Ava…can’t wait for that lengthened version!! It really packed a punch and left me breathless!! I hope I can go back and inhale all the other stories very soon, but if they’re anything like the 3 I read, you won’t want to put it down!! I thank the Authors for providing a copy to review!!
~~~Erika, Book Haven Book Blog
Review for Holt by Meghan Quinn
*Big, Heavy, Sigh*
Why? Why did you give me this tease of Holt only to cut me off like that???
GAH!
Ok. I really can’t complain all too much since I know more is coming from the man, who is all KINDS of goodness and even I know that the issues he and Harmony will face cannot truly be dealt with in a novella ~ or at least not properly ~ but it’s still not fair.
So, Yes, I will pout for a moment more and then take a breath and do my best to practice patience until the rest of the story comes out next year.
Review for The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney
Rex Gunderson.
To say I wanted to gut the guy with a spoon is an understatement. HUGE one.
And that feeling lasted through all the books until The Coaching Hours. I still wanted to gut him a few times, but by the end of the book I did look at him a bit more kindly, so when it was announced that he’d actually be getting a little something I was intrigued and I have to say this was a great, quick read.
I won’t say that Rex is my fav DB, that honor is still Z’s, but I can’t deny that I actually like the guy now. He’s pulled his head out of his ass, became the Funcle and is a pretty cool guy when everything was said and done. And Hannah, well this girl is all kinds of fun. She’s definitely comfortable in her own skin ~ for the most part. And I loved them together.
~ Copy provided by Candi Kane PR & voluntarily reviewed ~
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Review for Dear Ava by Isla Madden-Mills
I NEED MORE!!
No really. I got totally sucked into this world and need more of Ava, Piper, Dane, Knox, Wyatt and the rest of the admittedly questionable, but interesting, students at Camden and dig deeper into who they all are. Thankfully that will be happening in 2020 *BSEG*
But as this is a novella, Imma keep it short and sweet. I adored Ava. She went through hell, but pulled herself out of it and is determined to not let anyone get in her way. And as for the guy? He was a total surprise, but an amazing one. This is a novella so things happen quickly, and while there are still some issues still up in the air, I’m honestly good with it because there is no way all that needed to be dealt could be in a novella.
So, for now. This is a great intro/tease/taste of what we have to look forward to next year!
~ Copy provided by the author & voluntarily reviewed ~
Hoooooooly crap!
I’ve just devoured the entire thing….
So many feels (yes, Meghan Quinn I am PISSED about you introducing me to Holt only to leave me hanging! Yes, I read the note after but I’m still pissed).
Amazing. Absolutely fucking amazing
A million stars
Loved it
Review for Fast Break: Hoops Novella by Kennedy Ryan
This novella is a quick read – a wonderful story about overcoming setbacks.
Quinn is one badass heroine you want to meet. She’d been through a lot but that doesn’t deter her from pursuing what she wants. She’s resilient that way.
Ean, a sexy, dirty talker kind of man who goes for what he wants. And he wants Quinn.
The undeniable attraction was obvious when they first met, but Quinn has her apprehension when it comes to having a relationship because of what happened in the past.
Kennedy Ryan once again wowed me how her characters are well-written like real people in a lifelike situation. I enjoyed it and a cameo from August and Banner is always welcome.
Fast Break by Queen Kennedy Ryan brought us back into the Hoops world and I couldn’t be more thankful. Jag and Quinn’s story was beautiful and emotional all while teaching us life lessons that despite unforeseen challenges that may come our way there will always be light on the other side. Quinn was the epitome of a Boss Chick and I was so happy to see she got her HEA. Jag, like all Queen Kennedy’s male leads was not a disappointment and left me wishing for my own version. What a man!!!! Loved seeing a glimpse of my favorite Hoops couple Banner and Jared as well. Amazing story.
If there is one time I am ever sure of YA romance it’s if Rose has written it. This was a quick read that was filled a great plot that consisted of a little bit of angst, humor, lots of perfect sass (from Halston), and steamy as hell sexy chemistry that yet again makes another great YA read from this author. Halston reluctance to be open due to her ex-boyfriend and there is no one better up to the challenge that than Zack Sullivan. I absolutely loved how strong both characters were. The secondary characters were just as amazing and I can’t wait to read about em. Everything about this works!
Loved this Anthology. Some are from authors I know and a few from authors I hadn’t read before. These stories were full of fun, life and love. Definitely a must read.
Love Game: Emma Scott
Grief comes in many forms and sometimes it knocks you on your behind when you least expect it. You don’t know when it will start, and you don’t know when or if it will end. It can affect everything around you if you don’t find a way to move through life with it.
I think sometimes you just need a new start. I loved Daisy’s determination and her honesty. She wasn’t completely whole, but she was trying. She didn’t let Kai run her over with his less than enthusiastic response to her healing methods. Kai was drowning in his grief, and it was slowly killing his tennis career. I like that this was a little unconventional, and that we all have different ways to deal with hurt and loss. I liked that I learned a little more about tennis, too.
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck
I loved going back to FU with Maeve and Benny. This quick, sexy and charming story about one of Levi’s sister, Maeve and his roommate, teammate and friend Benny. Heading to Arizona for a softball clinic, Maeve, her twin Millie and her teammates are joined by Benny as a chaperone. Though her sister is upset to have a hockey player babysitting them, Maeve could care less. She is looking forward to the clinic. But as she spends more time with Benny, the sparks fly and their connection is undeniable. But can one of the school biggest playboys and a good girl find a way to come together? This can totally be read as a standalone and is another great read by the amazing Mandi Beck.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden – Mills
From the first sentence to the very last, I devoured Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills. After a night that changed her life, Ava is now determined to show them all they will not keep her down. She has dreams to follow and a brother that needs her. But without any memory of that night, she has no idea her hurt her. Now she needs the navigate the halls with that same person her devasted her. But she is not the same person she once was. Can she trust Knox or is he part of the danger that surrounds her? I loved this quick and am excited to read more next year.
The Guy in the Middle (Fair Catch) by Kate Stewart
Kate Stewart gives us a great story in Lance and Harper’s story and left us wanting more! We first met Lance in The Guy on the Right and we get to know more about him this time around. Lance and Harper were not looking for each other, but that is usually how you find the unexpected. Their story was full of chemistry, witty banter and so much more!
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney
I knew Sara Ney had a contribution to the Team Player anthology but had no idea it would be Rex Gunderson’s story and I could not be happier. Rex is no different, but at the same time, very different than how we have seen him in past books. I loved him with Hannah. What started out as Rex helping out a girl, turns to so much more. For a quick read, this one held all the things I love from Sara’s book slow burn, amazing and witty banter and characters who seem perfect for each other even if they did not at first!
I am excited to read more from this anthology.
Read and reviewed for Sultry Sirens Book Blog!
Happy reading!
The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart
I love this author and her writing! This takes readers back into the world she created with The Guy on the Right which I absolutely loved. This is the beginning of Lance and Harper’s story and it’s an amazing tease of what is coming with two! Love conquers all and secrets always come to light in this novella
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck
Now, this is a new to me author. And this fast-paced story about Maeve and Benny is fantastic! This is YA romance at it’s best. I loved the dialogue, it was authentic and I have to admit that I had to look up a couple of words on Urban Dictionary but it was worth it. This was a great story!
Body Heat by Rochelle Paige
Another new to me author, I enjoyed the reversal of the bodyguard theme. Sera was a kick-butt close protection detail for Rowan. Chemistry and steam that was off the charts hot!
Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose
I have heard a lot about this author and was glad to have the opportunity to read her story. This is a fast-paced story about Halston and Sully, two college kids, a steamy hookup and the rocky makings of a love story. Fun read!
Fast Breaks – A Hoops Novella by Kennedy Ryan
Ms. Ryan writes the best heroines. Quinn is the epitome of hope and perseverance. Her fragility when comes to her personal life was tragic. Ean is truly like Superman. He is exactly what Quinn needed most! What a fantastic novella!
End Goal by Ella Fox
Wow, I enjoy second chance romance and this story is perfect. Law and Addison have history and when they see each other again, the chemistry explodes on the pages. Another new to me author and a new fan.
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney
Oh how I wish this was longer! Loved the humor, I was laughing out loud with this one. What an adorkable couple Rex and Hanna were!
Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter
I am gonna be stalking this author! I loved this too short story of Frankie and Jonas. And everyone needs a BFF like Julian!
Love Game by Emma Scott
Ahhh what a lovely story, set in a beautiful location. I’m a bit of a tennis fan so seeing the “cameos” in this story was fantastic. The healing power of love and understanding indeed.
Holt’s Story by Meghan Quinn
Gah! I flove Meghan Quinn…and this teaser of a story got me in the feels! This installment with the Brentwood baseball team is classic Ms. Quinn and it just makes me admire her more. And her little letter to the readers at the end…priceless.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
Oh Ms. Madden. This too-short story gave me all the feels! Yes, it’s YA but it’s so much more! Knox and Ava are just brilliant. I cannot wait to read their full-length novel in the future!
Over all this anthology is amazing and so worth the read! Every story had something special and you will definitely want to read it!
Teagan hunter novella
5 stars
What a cute entertaining novella! Loved everything about it! Loved the characters, the banter, the way things ended especially too!! I could read so much more! It also made me hungry what with all the talk of Pizza!!
I laughed, I thought both Frankie and Jonas were characters you would definitely want to be friends with! What more can I say but read it!!!
Ilsa Madden Mills novella:
5 stars
Dear Ava is an intriguing story about Ava and her time in college as she tries to maintain a strong persona due to something that happened the year before.
Can she find out who it was? Who is her secret admirer and what does Knox want in befriending her?
I really enjoyed this novella, I did feel incredibly sad for Ava but I admired the way she stood up for herself. I am so chomping at the bit for so much more from these characters! Loved it!
Kate Stewart novella:
5 stars
Lance and Harpers novella has so much heart in it and words that made me tear up that I couldn’t stop reading till I finished!
What I genuinely loved about this book was that both Lance and Harper although both like to be alone with their thoughts, together they seem to be stronger and become better people.
Im really looking forward to the whole story! I sincerely hope they have an amazing life! Beautiful heartwarming story!
The highlight for me was Kate Stewart’s “Fair Catch” The Guy in the Middle. This is a continuing story from “The Guy on the Right” Loved the main characters Lance (Theo’s room mate) and Harper!!! Such chemistry and banter that had me addicted right from the start. Lance is a football player and Harper a dancer. When they get together the sparks fly. So looking forward to the full length version coming out January 2020!!! Loved it!!!