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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I loved Team Player 2 so much! Every single short story was awesome. Favorites definitely include End Goal by Ella Fox and Body Heat by Rochelle Paige. Each story is unique, but all (as you may have guessed from the title of the anthology) have a sports theme. I can’t wait to read more about The Guy In The Middle by Kate Stewart. This one leaves a bit of a cliffhanger. Also, Ella Fox will be expanding End Goal into a full-length book!!
If you love short stories and sports romance, be sure to grab a copy of this one! It does not disappoint.
Arena Lights
by Mandi Beck
Arena Lights is a fun, sexy, well-played story that will leave you breathless.
With that oh so Mandi Beck style of heat, angst, and charm that encapsulates in all her stories. This one is no different but throw in sports and the added sex appeal of the Forbin. Yes, the brother’s best friend romance!
Well, you have the working of pure hot magic!
The Guy In The Middle – 4 Stars
By Kate Stewart
I started this anthology only planning to read a few of the stories but since I love sports romance I figured I would have a quick peek at the writing since Kate Stewart is a new to me author. And then I had finished it.
Turns out her writing is great. And now I have a new author to check out once I finish the rest of these stories but for right now I guess I should talk a little about the guy in the middle.
I went into the story completely blind and in honesty if I knew at the start it was going to end on a cliffhanger I have to wait until January 2020 to read i wouldn’t have read it. My goldfish brain can’t hang out that long between books.
I loved Harper and Lance. They had great stories and I wanted to know everything about them. And for a novella i did get plenty of background info and enough of a tease of the other characters to want me to check out the rest of the series.
The chemistry was perfect and I felt all the emotions along with Harper and Lance. I just really wish I could dive into the second half of the story now. Anyway I will finish crying and jump into the next story in the anthology.
Arena Lights – 4 Stars
By Mandi Beck
This was a perfect length for a novella. Just long enough to get me invested in the story and characters, yet short enough to read on a sunny arvo by the pool. And the pacing was right on point too.
There was a bit of other woman drama but Benny cleared up any misunderstandings and miscommunication so quickly I really enjoyed it. Maeve was a little annoying but only because she reacted first and talked second.
But overall it was a really good novella that reminds me how much I enjoyed Mandi Beck’s writing.
Body Heat – 4 Stars
By Rochelle Paige
This was a more mature novel than I was expecting after the previous two stories. That’s in no way a complaint since it was exactly what I love and expect from Rochelle Paige.
I loved that Sera was an absolute arse kicking heroine. And that Rowan wasn’t just accepting of it but that he embraced it.
They were such a sweet couple together with hot as hell chemistry and even though it was a little insta I loved the natural progression of there relationship. And the touch of suspense had me intrigued.
Overall this was a great well paced novella and I have added the books from the secondary characters.
Guys Like You – 4 Stars
By Charleigh Rose
Omg I am loving this anthology but it’s killing me TBR pile. During everyone of these novellas I’ve had to stop and trawl GoodReads to see if the books part of a series or if the secondary characters have books.
And this one is no different. Zack was just so great and I loved him for Halston. He wasn’t all gushy but he didn’t do the whole macho thing either.
I would have loved more closure for Halston with the ex, like idk maybe an eyeful of Zack or something but I’m a vengeful one and I did love the epilogue so I guess I should just smile and get back to the next one.
Fast Break – 4 Stars
By Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan has been on my must read asap list for so long. I live in a basketball obsessed house and sadly the passion for the sport has rubbed off on me so whenever I see new basketball romances I add them to the TBR. And the rave reviews this series has gotten just has me even more sold. I just never seem to find the right time / mood to commit.
Ean was so focused. I loved that he was so intrigued by everything he knew of her that he went out of his way to meet her. And that Quinn was so strong even while she was a little gun shy.
The epilogue was great and I really need to bump this series up my TBR again.
End Goal – 3.5 Stars
By Ella Fox
Ok so I liked it but I didn’t love it. And honestly I think it’s just the fact it was a novella and obviously there’s not a lot of time to flesh out the details. So I feel like I missed out on Addison growing up and I needed that.
Law had made such a balls up at the beginning and then we jump to ten years later and Addison is still holding a grudge. And while 10 years older Law certainly made my ovaries whimper I still needed a hell of a lot of groveling and I really got none.
Now to be fair the story played out well and for a novella it was cute and to the point it just didn’t have the elements I wanted to make me love it but that’s probably just me.
The Teaching Hours – 4 Stars
By Sara Ney
So this is one of the main reasons I was dying to get my hands on this anthology. I love Sara Nye and I especially love this series. And what’s even better than a random novella by Sara Ney? One that contains 2 secondary characters from some of the other books.
Rex was king of the douches. And I really love that become the “funcle” to Annabelle’s beautiful baby girl made him into a semi decent human being. And seeing him be so sweet and slightly vulnerable for Hannah was awesome.
I love Hannah she’s so fierce yet as the main character she was just your average insecure new adult trying to negotiate the dating world. These two were the perfect compliment to each other and I can’t wait for the next Douchebag to be tamed.
A Slice of Love – 4.5 Stars
By Teagan Hunter
No it cant just end like that. I feel so unresolved. I need more Franks and Jonas. And Julian just has to have his own book already. This was such a typical new adult college romance and I loved every word of it.
I started off all dreamy in lust with Jonas, then I was a little pissed but luckily dual POV meant I couldn’t stay mad for long and everything came out perfectly in the wash. But that ending was abrupt and I want so much more.
I am really hoping there’s a heap of books with Jonas’ s mum and dad in them and his sister but most especially Julian. And I admit I feel a little guilty hoping Frankies dad will just die already but only a little.
I am off to obsessively look for other books by Teagan Hunter. Great another author to stalk and more books to add to my TBR.
Love Game – 3.5 Stars
By Emma Scott
This story was a little different for me. I am really not a tennis fan, like I feel bored and sleepy just thinking about it. And I know I shouldn’t generalise but tennis players just don’t do it for me.
I found Kai’s attitude annoying and juvenile and I wanted to slap him for the way he acted. He did get slightly better but not enough for me to really warm up to him. Maybe if he had done something other than just not act like a huge dickhead I might have come around but idk.
I liked Daisy and I loved that she didn’t take his shit but she deserved a whole lot more. This wasn’t a bad read and I do generally like Emma Scott’s writing but this one just didn’t work for me.
Holt’s Story – 4 Stars
By Meghan Quinn
Well atleast Meghan knows that she’s an evil wench, I mean sure I may have used slightly stronger words but the general gist of it was the same. And Meghan, November is forever away so still horrible but maybe once I get the full story I’ll forgive you.
Because seriously Holt is doing it for me in all the best ways. And I really am loving everything about Harmony. Not that there’s any surprise there since I am addicted to these boys in the locker room and the dugout.
So I guess for now I will go off and make a calendar so I can mark off the data until my next Brentwood baseball player fix.
Dear Ava – 5 Stars
By Ilsa Madden-Mills
It’s official Dear Ava was my favorite story in the book. Not a major surprise since Ilsa Madden mills could write toilet paper ads and have me hanging on her every word.
And I am incredibly excited to read the whole story in January. Because I can’t get enough of Knox and Ava but also because I need to know how they get to the bottom of Ava’s assault and how all the pieces are going to fit together.
Plus there’s already a few secondary characters I love who I am hoping will be getting their own books or just more of them. This book had all the feels and I just know it will blow me away in January. But omg is it January yet?
Fair Catch (The Guy in the Middle) by Kate Stewart
Harper and Lance
This is the story of Lance Prescott and Harper Elliott. We had a brief glance of the conflict between Lance and Harper that was coming our way in The Guy on the Right. Lance is the mysteriously quiet reclusive roommate to Theo and Troy.
Their initial meeting is far from a sweet little meetcute. They are both ready to tear into each other over a turf war of sorts! When Harper starts spoutin off his football stats he thinks she’s just another “Helmet Hootchie.” There is something about Harper that he is drawn to. She’s not classically beautiful by society’s standards. But the more he gets to know the real Harper the more Lance realizes she is beautiful by Lance Prescott’s standards.
Lance has a lot on his plate, he juggling a lot of responsibilities and has the weight of the world on his shoulders. He feels the pressure. He not your normal cocky jock. He is a really great guy. He doesn’t give girls false expectations or promises for more than he can offer, which is not much right now.
It’s everything he can do to keep his head above water. He has a perfect plan that will fix everything…It just has to, there isn’t a backup plan! What will happen if something or someone comes along who can derail all of his plans? Will he consider the risks worthy of the possible rewards?
Harper Elliott is a really talented dancer. If she had her way she would be in NYC dancing with her BFF, not at the college where her father is the head football coach! When she meets Lance, she immediately hates the hot football player who thinks the gym is his. After several times of being around Lance, Harper realizes there is so much more to this man than muscles and a pretty face. She finds ways to make him smile to fulfill some of his dreams and to get him to open up to her and share parts of himself that no one else gets to see. In return Harper shares how she feels about her own life and dreams, she shares everything… Well almost everything!
For a novella this one has plenty of goodness going on. It didn’t feel rushed. It was perfect! The relationship was authentic and grew organically. I love these characters, I felt every emotion they were struggling with. My heart broke with them, I laughed out loud with them, and Holy Hell I got all flustered, flushed and heart-a-flutter with them. Y’all they are HOT,HOT,HOT!
Forewarning for ya, their story is not wrapped up for you at the end of this novella so you should plan to read The Guy on the Left, Troy’s story. You were planning to anyway, am I right? BTW if you haven’t read The Guy on the Right, now is a fabulous time!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
-This is my obsession! whoops sorry Y’all, broke out in song for a second. Happiness does that to me. Lol GET THIS BOOK. Actually get TGOTR too!
– I would let Lance into my end zone ANY DAY of the week!! The book is HELLA HOTT Y”ALL!
Cliffhanger Warning- THAT CLIFF GOT ME LIKE WHAT?!?!
Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose
Sully and Halston
We were first introduced to Sully and Halston in Bad Influence. I loved Allie’s rich, beautiful, and opinionated BFF! Sully the hot Lacrosse playing best friend to Jess. Neither are looking for anything serious. Halston has been hurt by people in her family so she has severe trust issues.
Sully has a lot going on with his mom. Both go into this arrangement with the intention of this being more of a hook-up only type of situation, When Sully wants more will he be able to convince Halston to take a chance on love again?
** My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!
– I LOVE CHARLEIGH ROSE!! I would read a shampoo bottle if she wrote the ingredients. This was the perfect little novella. I would love to see more out of Sully and Halston thought. Just Sayin’.
– Panty Chucker! HOLY HOTT HELL Y’ALL!!
Cliffhanger Warning- NO CLIFFY
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan (Hoops Series)Quinn and Ean
This amazing novella is about two characters we first met in other books in the Hoops Series. If you haven’t read any of the others its okay, you won’t be lost or anything. Ean former Basketball player turned coach has been a Quinn fan for a while. He has a chance to hear her speak to his team. He is really inspired by the former Olympic Runner who lost a leg after an injury. She has overcome so much and he is mesmerized by her beauty, strength and accomplishments.
“ People assume what’s titanium, what’s bionic, is my leg. Wrong. My will is titanium. My spirit is bionic. I am made of steel, and hard times don’t break me.” -Quinn
He immediately asks her out, and is rejected. He does not give up and starts to go to her public speaking events determined to get a yes to a date. She has been hurt in the past so she has some trust issues, can Ean break down her walls? Can she believe that someone really likes her for her and is not bothered by her disability? Read this amazingly, hot and sweet inspirational novella!
My cr8zysockbookblock blog wrap up for this book!”
– This is one of those that just makes you feel good.
– Perfectly Hot and Sweet at the same time!
Cliffhanger Warning- #PerfectEnding
*I voluntarily reviewed an advanced complimentary copy of this book!
3- 3.25 stars. Team Player 2 is a sports anthology featuring stories by some of my favorite authors and some new-to-me authors. There were some stories I really enjoyed in this anthology and some I did not like very much. But, overall, I enjoyed this anthology. Here are my thoughts on the stories included:
The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart- 2 stars. I did not really enjoy this story very much. It is “to be continued” in a longer book at sometime. I felt it started off roughly with a sex scene between the H and an OW. But, as the story went on, I did start to really like the h and H. I was not expecting a long separation and a cliffhanger. I was disappointed.
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck – 3.25-3.5 stars. This was a pretty cute and light story. The characters were a little immature because of their age. There was some somewhat sexy moments, but I needed more depth and emotions. There’s no deep feelings or even an “I Like You”.
Body Heat by Rochelle Paige – 2.5-3 stars. This was a quick read that I enjoyed at times. But I felt like it was too fast moving, with scenes being skipped, and no connection, chemistry or burn. The story was pretty good, but it felt like the emotion, personality and connection was removed to make it shorter.
Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose – 2.5 stars. I found this story to have very immature, wishy washy characters and was filled with drama. It was a good example of the worst about hookup culture.
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan – 3.5 stars. Very good writing. A good story featuring an amputee heroine. I enjoyed the story, but for some reason could not connect to it well.
End Goal by Ella Fox – 3.25 stars. I liked the premise of this story, but I found the ending abrupt. The “love” feelings came out of nowhere and I never felt them.
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney – 3.5 stars. This was a cute story. I felt like it got started on a poor foot with the characters clashing. But it got better and I ended up enjoying it.
A Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter – 3-3.25 stars. I liked the story, but I felt like the drama was silly and immature. The characters were over dramatic and immature teenagers. This story felt very YAish.
Love Game by Emma Scott – 4 stars. This story was my favorite of the book. This is a love story between a temperamental professional tennis player and a reiki healer/yoga teacher/ PTSD sufferer, set in Hawaii. I really enjoyed it. It was very original, sweet, sexy and fun.
Holt’s Story by Meghan Quinn – 3.25 stars. This was not a bad story, but it wasn’t my favorite. The characters were a little immature, but also kind of funny. This story was just a slice of life story, set in one day. No HEA or HFN, but it will be continued in a full book later on.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills – 4 stars. This was one of my favorite stories in the book. I am not really into high school bully romances, but I liked this story a lot. The H was not very bullyish, more mysterious and hot. The heroine was strong and not a victim, despite her past. There is a good romance and a good story with an HFN. This story will be expanded into a full novel later and I definitely want to read that.
Overall, I enjoyed this anthology and found it entertaining. It is a little on the long side (1014) pages, with many of the stories being full novellas. But, still, I liked many of the stories and found some new authors!
Arena Lights
I’ve only read a few books by Mandi Beck, but I did like how she writes. Hers was the first story I looked for in this Anthology.
I liked how this involves twins that are opposite as they can be but are best friends nonetheless. I really like reading stories that has siblings and that they love them to bits. One good thing I liked about anthologies are that they are short and sweet. It’s like those bite size chocolates. It quelches your cravings yet not too bad for you compared that of the full size. With just a few chapters, ttthis story offered all the components of what I liked in a romance novel without having to spend hours. There’s angst, jealousy, groveling, a little heartache and just the right amount of sexy time and romance. And because it has to be short and sweet. It focuses mainly on the plot instead of having to fill it with so much sexy times.
Teaching Hours
II haven’t really read a full novel from Sara Ney. The last I remembered reading from her was from the first Team Player. I remember liking that one so why not give her a chance for this one?
I’m a little torn between liking or not liking the plotlline for this. I was initially intrigued on how this will play out. But I kind of felt that the characters were trying hard a little too much. I really didn’t feel that Hannah was a little too sassy or that she mostly repel men with the way she talks. I mean, just the choice of words alone doesn’t really strike me as sassy or rude. I didn’t see anything wrong with it and would only realize that it was meant too be “repelling” when the characters, point it out. I feel that it was a little forced. But overlooking that part, I was able to still enjoy the story as a whole. It was a light read. A little laugh and not too much drama..
Holt’s Story
I had a phase where I binged read Meghan Quinn’s LOL novel so I know I would like the way she writes.
I liked that the story just happened in a span of a day, yet it was pretty much an enjoyable read. I like how the characters interact with each other as well as the supporting characters. And for the first time, a guy who likes to look at pretty girls but doesn’t really sleep around. It gets tiring somehow where a guy likes to sleep around, meets the heroine and somehow he is converted. I know it can still happen but it’s kind of refreshing to meet someone who respects girls in general. Seeing that I was only a few chapters left, yet the end doesn’t seem to be making an appearance should’ve been a big red flag that something isn’t right. Apparently, this would’ve been some sort of introduction for Holt. Now this makes me want to read the other books in the series.
I chose novellas from four of my very favorite authors to review. I am excited to go back and finish the rest of the book soon!
Love Game by Emma Scott
Love Game is the story of Kai, a talented tennis star, and Daisy, who has recently moved to Hawaii to study Reiki after suffering a terrifying encounter at her parents home. I have read a lot of sports romance, but Love Game was my first ever tennis story. Both characters are dealing with intense issues and they were able to help each other so much. Their chemistry was so intense from their first meeting and I enjoyed them together.
The Guy in the Middle (Fair Catch) by Kate Stewart
What a story! Kate Stewart gave us a fantastic taste of her upcoming novel with this novella- The Guy in the Middle left us with a cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to read the rest of the book! Stewart plans to expand and finish the story early next year. Lance is a football player who enjoys boxing, and meets Harper at the gym where she is practicing her dance routines. Both an enemies to lovers and forbidden romance, this one hooked me right from the start.
The Strikeout by Meghan Quinn
The Strikeout leaves us in a bit of a cliffhanger too! Meghan Quinn promises to finish Holt’s story for us soon. I enjoyed seeing more of our favorite baseball players from Quinn’s recent baseball books The Locker Room and The Dugout. Holt and Harmony have amazing chemistry and even though she tries to be immune to his charms, she fails pretty fantastically. Can’t wait to read more about these two!
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney
I love Sara Ney’s How to Date a Douchebag series and was excited to see this featured in the novella. This one was so fun! Rex and Hannah were a hoot and I smiled the whole time I was reading this one. So far this is my favorite novella!
What’s better than a sports romance story from one of my favorite authors?
How about an anthology chuck full of them!
I’ve been a tomboy all of my life, and I’m quite the sports junkie even as an adult, so it makes sense that I gravitate toward sports romances, and I’ve been lucky another to read quite a few amazing stories set in the world of sports and it’s in these settings that I get to not only cheer for the hero and heroines, but also the underdogs and those secondary characters who deserve success in both their personal and professional lives.
I’ve read quite a few stories from each of the 11 authors in this sports romance compilation, so I’m no stranger to their writing and character development, but what makes these new novellas even better is that some continue in the same worlds I’ve already been introduced to while others offer up new settings and characters, teasing readers with a small taste, preparing them for what’s to come.
Whether it’s tennis, basketball, football, boxing or another sport…college, amateur, or the pros, Team Player 2 has something for all sports romance readers. Lovers of angst, good girl/bad boy relationships, the slow burn, enemies-to-lovers, forbidden romances…these 11 stories are a perfect introduction to new authors or a happy reunion with old friends. It’s absolutely one of my favorite compilations and I can’t wait for the full-length stories promised and whatever else this collection of authors has in store for their readers!
5 Poison Apples
4.25 ‘ Sporty’ Stars
This Anthology is just as delicious as expected: smoking hot jocks, sassy and strong female leads and oh sweet, funny and SEXY love stories! These novellas hit just the right spot of our sports romance lover’s heart! <3 <3 <3 <3
5 ‘Bodyguard’ Stars for BODY HEAT by Rochelle Paige
I have now a new Rochelle Paige FAV – second only to her emotional Fortuity Duet! Sera and Rowan are now one of my all time fav couples and on my list of OTP favorites!
I love Ms. Paige’s writing, so it should come as no surprise that I was hooked on this little story from the very first line, but I did not expect this level of emersion, I DEVOURED in a instant and swoon and sigh with love for this couple! A reversed gender version of the movie Bodyguard, Body Heat proved just how kickass a female lead can be and still have and scorching hot love story where the H is still all ALPHA, and straight to my best book boyfriend with his undying unwavering devotion to Sera and the ones he loves! Rowan was my epitome of Romance Hero! Hope I get to see even more of these two in the rest of the Body and Soul series! Sporty Novella perfection! <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
3.5 ‘Second Half’ for END GOAL by Ella Fox
I adore Ella Fox’s writing, so I was thrilled to get a brand new novella with new characters from her. Well, End Goal was undoubtably a deliciously speedy read! Addison and Law have a very trouble past together, with him being her teenager crush and one night he wrecking her trust. Though this is a trouble I personally tend to stay away from, due to my dislike of unrequited, but not really love, here what ended up detracting from my enjoying was that due to the short length of the story, their interaction and reunion – in the best of context, because BABIES! – with his newly adopted children and Addison as their nanny, ended taking second place, naturally, to his new parenthood of twins, and their makeshift new family, and their past being brushed off far two easily, considering how BIG his screw up was, and with basically no groveling on his end, as well as many answered, or unclear questions. I believe with the extended length, which I’m hoping Ms. Fox will give us, because after that abrupt ending – yes, another issue this epilogue lover had, lol – I believe and am hopeful we will get much more on these two. Ok, on these four! The story telling was as awesome as ever, the sexy time and sexual tension were OFF THE CHARTS, sadly I was just left wanting more, so I’m praying we will get that in the future, preferably asap! LOL <3 <3 <3
ARC Kindly provided by the authors via Candi Kane PR for an honest review
*4,5 stars*
I haven’t read all of the stories in this anthology, just a couple of them.
The Guy in the Middle by Kate Stewart
*5 stars*
I really enjoyed this short novella sports romance story and can’t wait to see how it goes next! I just need more 🙂
Harper is trying to make it as a dancer but with her making a deal with her father, she still has a ways to go in school before she can try and make that dream come true. When she and Lance first meet, they get of on the wrong foot but there seems to be something between them that soon both will find hard to deny. Even though their relationship progresses, they keep it silent and hidden from everyone around them because both have a lot to lose, especially Lance trying to be drafted but also trying keep his head above water for his family. Will they be able to keep it under wraps? And will both be able to finally make their dreams come true?
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
*4 stars*
Quinn has had a hard life and is taking it day by day. She lost one of her legs years ago but tries to get on with her life the way she’s able to. When she and Ean meet again, there’s this instant attraction between them but Quinn doesn’t let him come close. Although Ean doesn’t take no for an answer and tries to do whatever he can to hopefully get a chance with her, it’s not easy but persistence is a word he knows very well being the head coach Will he be able to get down her walls?…
End Goal by Ella Fox
*4,5 stars*
Addison has always had a crush on Law but never took it any further until one night ruined it all. Now years later, Law needs her help to raise the two kids of his friends that have passed away. But being around him is not easy although she wants to help him out but she desperately needs to money and goes to stay with him as the live-in nanny. They grew closer again but is she willing to take a risk… again?…
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney
*4 stars*
A short novella read that’s a fun but sweet story.
Hannah gets to know Rex during an app conversation but when the two first meet, they don’t get along and she wants to stay far away from him but nothing is as it seems and they grow closer. Will both see the light at the end of the tunnel and give each other a chance at something more?…
Love Game by Emma Scott
*4,5 stars*
A sports romance about tennis is something I haven’t read before yet and Emma Scott writes about it in her own unique way! I really enjoyed Kai and Daisy’s story!
Kai’s tennis career is on the slump and he can be whatever he wants to be but his big mouth gets him nowhere but into trouble. When his manager hires a receptionist/rheiki healer to help him deal with the loss of his father and his hurting elbow, he tries to avoid Daisy every way he can but somehow she’s helping him in a way he didn’t think was possible. Can he manage to get his career back on track? And who knows maybe Daisy is the right woman to be his game changer? …
Holt’s Story by Meghan Quinn
*4,5 stars*
An entertaining sports romance novel that I want more off…!
Harmony has had enough of jocks thinking they are entitled to everything when she’s working hard to earn her money and get out of her debts. When she and Holt have an encounter, she’s not too impressed with him. But Holt has never had a woman say no to him and pursues her. Problem is she wants nothing to do with him but there’s something about him that draws her to him. But will it be enough to break down her walls and give him a chance?…
What can I say about this book besides, hubbada hubbada! It had all of the goodness any warm blooded woman who loves sports and romance could want and more.
Featuring some of my favorite authors in the genre, not to mention the hottest women out there, these stories will get your blood boiling and have you looking for a fan.
Stories have a wide range of emotions. Some range from sweet and tender to outrageously funny! While others handle very sensitive topics but in the most delicate of ways.
These authors have grouped together to pack a punch like a professional boxer and this is one hit you won’t mind taking! If you love sports like I do you won’t want to miss even one page of this epic read!
As Always, Happy Reading!
“5/5 Beaming Brains” – Lit-Up My Mind
This is a collection of sports romance stories with heart! If you like sports themes in your reads you will love this collection. I’ve read two stories in this collection so far and they were awesome reads. Pick up this book today.
I received a copy of this book and am leaving a review.
A big thick book full of sweet & steamy sports romance novellas. Personally nothing sounds better. Anthologies are usually not my thing, but the Team Player anthology is a personal favorite of mine because LOOK AT ALL THESE AMAZING AUTHORS IN ONE PLACE!!! I’m a HUGE fan of so many of these names and I absolutely LOVE sports romances, so there was no way I going to pass this up. I was NOT disappointed. Short stories are great ways find some escape in a busy day without being too emotionally invested. I did enjoy each story, but there were a few I wish were full blown novels because I needed more – much more – of these characters in my life.
Kate Stewart (The Guy in the Middle) – 4 stars
Meghan Quinn (The Strike Out) – 4 stars
Kennedy Ryan (Fast Break) – 4 stars
Charleigh Rose (Guys Like You) – 3 stars
Sara Ney (The Teaching Hours) – 4 stars
Teagan Hunter (A Slice of Love) – 4 stars
Mandi Beck (Arena Lights) – 3 stars
Ella Fox (End Goal) – 4 stars
Ilsa Madden-Mills (Dear Ava) – 3 stars
Rochelle Paige (Body Heat) – 3 stars
Emma Scott (Love Game) – 4 stars
Overall rating for the compilation, 4 stars.
LOVE!!! If you’re a fan of a sports romance, then you NEED this anthology! There are so many wonderful stories that I didn’t want to put it down. I can’t decide which was my favorite!
Team Player 2 is a treasure chest of amazing sports romance. It was bound to be exceptionally great when so many brilliant authors came together. But it exceeded my expectation. The spectrum of emotions in stories was astounding. Some were sweet and sexy. Some were angsty sexy. Some were inspirational stories. It has something for everyone.
My favorite story was Fast Break : A HOOPS novell by Kennedy Ryan. Her words inspired me like nothing else. Quinn and Ean’s story was deeply moving and delivered some life changing motivational words for me. Quinn may be fictional but she embodies the brave, strong, fighting, surviving and blooming women of today’s world. Her struggle will give me strength always. And Ean empowered her like a true man. He takes care of her and protects her but also respects her. The relationship had a rocky start. And in true Kennedy Ryan style, the torturing slow burn turned into soul deep and passionate chemistry. The writing affected me from some surreal point. And Kennedy Ryan had me by heart and soul.
The close second favorite was Love Game by Emma Scott. I love her writing and the story was truly unique. Kai is the bitter, adamant, angry and tragic genius of Tennis world who is about to throw away everything as he is unable to cope with the soul crushing pain of his father’s death. Enter Daisy. She is fighting demons of her own trauma but she feels this undeniable pull to Kai’s hurting soul. Set in the heavenly Hawaii, they start an unbelievably engaging and mesmerizing journey of healing. The epic ending gave me tears and goosebumps. Kai may be my most favorite character in this whole anthology. He is so dreamy with the bad boy vibe but a secret gentleman’s heart. The chemistry was sensual and intense. I just loves everything about this story. The emotional ups and downs was so good.
Let’s have a change of gear and talk about my next favorite story by Charleigh Rose called Guys Like You. Set in the world of her popular and iconic Bad Love world; this angsty, steamy and intense New Adult sports romance was exactly what my heart wanted and needed from Charleigh Rose. Halston and Sully are best friends of Allie and Jesse respectively. What started as a druken hook up and subsequent friends with benefits system without emotional ties soon morphed into something serious, important and breathtaking. Halston is the sassy and fierce girl with hidden insecurity. And Sully is the kind of cocky , arrogant and attractive guy who breaks heart everyday. But this unlikely pair would heal each other and the chemistry was pure perfection!
The other book I liked was Body Heat by Rochelle Paige. It was a steamy and sexy love story between a superstar and his body guard. It was scorching hot with a wicked element of suspense and mystery. Teagan Hunter made me laugh and swoon heard while reading the second chance love story A Slice of Love. Kate Stewart and Ilsa Madden Mills both had two amazing incomplete stories. I love the direction the stories are taking. While The Guy in The Middle was an angsty rom com, Ilsa Madden Mills left me craving so much more from the enemies to lover romance, Dear Ava.
Team Player 2 is one of the best anthologies I ever read. It did not have any bad story. Every author poured abundant emotions in their words. And left their unique mark in my heart.
Received ARC for Honest review
4.5 Stars
I love a sports themed romance, and this anthology features several of my favourite authors.
Fast Break:
I love the Hoops series and was excited to see that Kennedy Ryan had added another novella to the series.
I adore Quinn and Ean and loved that so many familiar characters feature in this sweet, steamy novel.
A Slice of Love:
I adore Teagan Hunter’s writing. Jonas and Frankie’s story is a heartfelt story full of humorous moments that will leave you laughing out loud. I can’t wait for the next addition to the Slice series.
The Teaching Hours:
I’m a huge fan of Sara Ney’s How to Date a Douchebag series and Rex Gunderson appeared throughout the previous titles, and I couldn’t wait to see him meet his match. I couldn’t wait to read their story after meeting Hannah in The Lying Hours. The Teaching Hours is full of Sara’s signature brand of humor and is sure to give you a laugh.
Holy hotness!! This has to be one of my favourite anthologies and I couldn’t get enough!
Each of the stories written by my favourite authors made this the perfect way to spend a cold and rainy weekend and boy did I devour all the words!
It was jam packed full of hot alphas and heroines I couldn’t help but fall in love with. Perfect!!
Lately, I have been a sucky for sports romance lately so when I saw this had come out. I knew I needed to read it, and then you add in all the amazing authors in the line up? How could I say no?
Team Player is A sports anthology consisting of 11 authors
Ella Fox,
Mandi Beck,
Teagan Hunter,
Ilsa Madden-Mills,
Sara Ney,
Rochelle Paige,
Meghan Quinn,
Charleigh Rose,
Kennedy Ryan,
Emma Scott,
Kate Stewart.
All new words never read before anywhere else. I have read all but one author before.
I don’t know I can pick just one favorite, they are all amazing in their own way. But if I have to Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills.
Seriously if you want a romance that’ll have your emotions all over the place well this one is for you. Ilsa, as she is known to do bought so many of the feels. The range of emotions I felt while reading this and after… Woah.
Dear Ava was a hell of a ride and I loved every second of it..
Ava is strong, strong-willed and a girl that has been through hell and back, but she doesn’t let it define her. Rather than hide from what’s happened, she rises above and fights it. She needs answers and she is not one to turn around and give up and will go great lengths to get this answer. I felt for this girl, yet I admire the way the author wrote her out. She was perfect!
Add in Knox — The Jock, the guy everyone loves and the guy every girl wants. He’s the star quarterback and the popular guy in school. He carries himself with that reputation too. But, as I read into this more, I could see all kinds of sides to him, and they flawed me. I was smitten with the guy from the beginning of the story, but after seeing more than the Jock side of him… And seeing a side of him that not many people have seen. Well, I was putty in this character’s hands.
These two together? Well, they are a very unlikely couple and at first, I didn’t see how they would match up well. But the author knows how to create characters that not only bounce off each other but surprisingly they balance each other out. The chemistry between these two was intense and hot. Their bond was such an amazing thing to read. These two were beautiful, intense and raw. All in all, opposites do attract and as I got deeper into this sort novella, I found myself cheering them on hard!
This was incredible, I was left speechless and in complete awe.
In saying this… Each and every short story in this one was amazing in all different ways. I also think that this line up was perfectly picked.
5 STARS!!
What a fantastic treat of an anthology collection of 11 new standalone novellas by a group of fabulous romance authors. I have 5 of out 11 that are my favorites so here they are.
Boys Like You,” by Charleigh Rose, is about Halston, and Sully—Jesse and Allie’s best friends from, “Bad Influence.” I was so glad to read Halston and Sully’s story. A one night stand leads to some sizzling chemistry. Short, sweet and steamy. Loved it and wished that this could be a full length book. My Rating: 4.5 stars ****
Body Heat,” by Rochelle Paige, appears to be tied in with the “Save Your Soul,” series. This was a good novella that had an OTT alpha . The characters were both likable and the characters’ chemistry shine. Sera and Rowan have this instant connection- they try to stay all business but that soon falls apart. Love the sassy sweet romance. My Rating: 4.6 stars *****
FAST BREAK by Kennedy Ryan
Ean and Quinn are phenomenal! They HOOPS crew is back again in this college sports romance. Loved the chemistry and feels. My Rating: 4.5 stars *****
End Goal by Ella Fox – This was a swoony sweet novella. Just reading how Law was with the twins had my emotions just sighing in sweetness! Just a beautiful and lovely read. My Rating: 4.7 stars ******
The Strike Out by Meghan Quinn.
I was excited to read that Holt was getting a story. I loved reading this novella but just understand that it’s not his whole story and will have to wait for his whole book. I did like the short story. It was great to get a glimpse of what his story will look like. My Rating: 4.4 stars ******
***The remaining novella stories are
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck- my rating: 4.5 stars ****
A Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter- my Rating: 4.5 stars ****
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills- my Rating: 4.7 stars ****
The Teaching Hours by Sara Ney- my Rating: 4.6 stars ****
Love Game by Emma Scott- my Rating: 4.4 stars *****
Fair Catch by Kate Stewart-my Rating:4.7 stars ****
THE GUY IN THE MIDDLE (FAIR CATCH BOOK #2) BY KATE STEWART
I adored this novella. I devoured Lance & Harper’s story. Could not put it down. Lance was a mystery to me in the Guy on the Right and I could not wait to read his story. Lance was so much more than the quiet type that he was initially portrayed as. Yes he is very reserved, very focused and doesn’t socialize much with his roommates. He keeps to himself, plays football, goes to college and the gym. But deep down there is so much more. I loved his huge heart towards his family and Harper. Harper is a dance student who is waiting for her big break to head to New York City so we know right from the start that a relationship is the last thing she wants to get in the way of achieving her dreams. She is my favourite kind of heroine. Strong, and confident. Knows what she wants and won’t let anything get in her way. The way these two characters connect as they open up to each other was so special. The enemies to lovers vibe is strong and the chemistry is intense! This one ends in a cliffhanger and we will get the conclusion to their story in January, and so cannot wait! 5 STARS
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THE TEACHING HOURS BY SARA NEY
I absolutely love Sara’s writing in the Douchebag Series. Her romcoms are my fave. This story is about Rex Gundersen who we met in The Coaching Hours, and Hannah. Hannah is Skylar’s best friend who we met in The Lying Hours. Hannah is a totally awkward heroine who meets Rex on a dating app, LoveU. They meet up for him to help her not be so awkward with dating but instead they hit it off right away and there connection was adorable, and I couldn’t get enough. 4 STARS