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.
more
I liked the Dear Ava novella in this anthology. I cannot wait till the full version releases. I would recommend this anthology, there are so many great authors in it.
Fast Break is a sexy, fun novella in the Hoops world by the fabulous Kennedy Ryan.
Fast Break is Quinn and Ean’s story. Quinn is Banner’s best friend and Ean is the coach of The Waves. Ean is a smart, dedicated coach. He loves his job, numbers and statistics. He’s looking for someone to share his life with and he can’t stop thinking about Quinn, a woman who’s an inspiration to all women, people and athletes. When he gets a chance to actually meet her, he can’t stop himself. He’s nervous and awkward, but he’s not giving up until she says yes. He wants more than one night with her. He wants it all. Quinn has been though so much in her life. Losing her leg, overcoming depression, learning to walk and live again. She can’t trust men. She never knows what they want from her. When Ean keeps showing up and putting himself out there, she can’t help but want more. She’s afraid, but she’s strong. She’s a fighter. And Ean is so sexy! He’s tall, broad, strong and those glasses. Yes, please! This story is fantastic. Yes, it’s a sexy romance, but it’s so much more. Quinn’s story is emotional and inspiring. I really want to get her app! Ean pursues her, but it’s not pushy. He just knows he has to have her. Their story might be short, but it packs the punch of a full length sexy romance novel. And we get to see my man, DECKER, so that was a major bonus!
Dear Ava is Ilsa Madden-Mills’ newest novella that’s part of the Team Player Anthology. Ilsa in one of my go-to-authors and she always entertains me and leaves me wanting more. Dear Ava is a short novella, but it’s also a glimpse into a never before seen world and we’re going to get MORE! Ava has been hurt, but she’s back with her head held high and determination in her heart. She isn’t going to let what happened to her derail her future or that of her little brother’s. She’s strong, she’s smart and she’s going to do whatever it takes to succeed. Even find out who hurt her. Knox is the leader of the Sharks. The rich kids. He’s the most popular guy in school, the QB1. He’s also a royal jerk! But he can’t stop looking at Ava. Or talking to her. No one know what to think of his behavior, most of all Ava. It’s odd, yes, but it’s welcome. They are from different worlds, but they aren’t that different. They’ve both been hurt. They are both just trying to survive. Why can’ they do that together? It will be hard to go against what’s always been done, but will it be worth it? I loved this story! I couldn’t put it down and finished it in one sitting! I’m so excited that we are going to get more from Ava and Knox and I’m hoping we see Dane and Wyatt again! It’s short, but it’s packed with emotion! If you’ve never read Ilsa before, read this. You’ll be addicted to her writing!
I don’t normally like novellas because you don’t have time to fall in love with any of the characters. That is definitely NOT the case here! I felt such a fast connection to Ava in just the first few pages. I had a harder time connecting to Knox because I was so worried about the ‘secret admirer’ angle. By the end of this, you are seriously in love with Ava and Knox, but you still have questions. As I understand it, this will be released as a full length story soon and I am definitely looking forward to getting a little more Ava & Knox time.
Arena Lights – Mandi Beck
This quick and saucy brother’s best friend romance is the perfect novella! Benny and Maeve’s story has me wanting oh so much more from them! Their banter, their chemistry…GAH! Their relationship just jumped right of the pages at me and I could feel the intensity of just where this relationship is going to end up. I cannot wait until Mandi Beck can expand on their story, I have a feeling it’s going to be epic!
Holt – Meghan Quinn
This novella was everything! Cute, sexy and hilarious, I’m totally invested in Holt and Harmony. Their relationship is sassy and snarky and the sexual inuendos had me crying I was laughing so hard. Harmony has definitely met her match in Holt. I’m excited to see where Ms. Quinn takes this story!
I read Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills. This story killed me! Seriously Dare Ava had me up all night and now I cannot wait for more… I need to rave or rant, either way I’ll be over here swooning. These characters have a hard history and as eachside is revealed you can’t help but fall in love with them. All of them!
Dear Ava is part of Team Player 2: A Sports Anthology
Where do I even start with Ava…….amazingly strong, selfless Ava. From the start you are rooting for her. You want her to succeed and never doubt herself.
I never read Novellas, unless it’s by an author I love. Ilsa Madden-Mills did amazing with Dear Ava. I had all sorts of emotions as I was reading. All the feels were present and expressed. It was a quick read that left you feeling good with Ava, but wanting more of her story!
Review for Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills
Oh Boy….I was completely sucked into this story and these characters and I am in desperate need for more of Ava and her secret admirer. Dear Ava is a novella about Ava who has been through a traumatic experience that she doesn’t remember, but is seeking justice for. She is trying to piece together her memories of the night in an attempt to get justice and isn’t sure who she can trust along the way. Upon returning to school she finds a note from a secret admirer in her locker. At the same time, she is trying to navigate being back at school and trying to fit back in and figure out who really is a friend and who has ulterior motives.
I really enjoyed these charaters created by this author and the intrigue surrounding the events of the story line. I absolutely cannot wait for the full story to come out in 2020 to see exactly what happened and who was behind Ava’s traumatic experience and if justice will be served and if Ava will get her HEA. I enjoyed the writing style of the author and felt like the story flowed smoothly. I found the story highly engaging and I read it in one sitting. I NEED MORE!!!
Arena Lights by Mandi Beck – I loved this. I really loved Benny and Maeve. Their chemistry was sizzling! I wish this was a full novel!!
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills – I loved this one too! Didn’t feel like a novella but I am dying for more! Knox and Ava, loved loved them. He was sweet to her.
Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose – I loved Halston and Sully. Their chemistry was seriously explosive. I really loved them together.
End Goal by Ella Fox – This was a sweet one. I loved how Law was with the twins! So sweet and swoony. I loved Law and Addison. Dying for more of them!
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills:
„Every choice we make leads us down a path and we never know what’s waiting for us at the end.”
I’m speechless! Dear Ava is breathtaking and heartmelting read and I can tell you right now that it’s gonna be the best book from Ilsa Madden-Mills! The author started this story with a bang and I was completely consumed. The emotional depth filled my heart with so many emotions and I’m a hot mess after this novella! I need more of Knox and Ava!
I adore Ava. She’s a real fighter and I admire her determination to reach her goals. Even though something terrible happened to her, she keeps her chin high and she doesn’t let it dictate her life.
Knox was such an enigma from the start. He’s the most popular boy in school, filthy rich and worshipped by the peers, but you could sense the mysterious vibe coming off of him. He carries his own baggage and when he lets his guard down you’re gonna swoon! I’m so in love with this guy!
These two are complete opposites on the surface, but time shows that they have a lot in common. The chemistry is off the charts and their vulnerable moments left me in a state of delight. I need to read more about them!
This short novella is a must read! This read was quick, but it filled my heart to the brim. I’m in awe!
Fantastic. Every single one of these “short” stories holds everything you’d expect from a full length novel. The talent of the these authors is witnessed right here in their writing. The anthology should be called ‘All-Stars’ because that’s what is represented by this group of writers.
by Ilsa Madden-Mills
A short, powerful story about coping and recovery after trauma. One of my favorite aspects of IMM’s writing is her continuity of incorporating such depth in her main characters. The male counterparts, as seen with Knox here, exude dominance but also have this raw, fragility lingering under the surface. It plays well with the strong, snarky female lead that she’s created. Kudos to IMM for packing so much into this short story. Love that she left so many avenues open for development as we move into the next, full length book. 5 stars!!!
by Kate Stewart
Kate Stewart delivers again. For those who read, , this is a peek into Lance’s story. For those who are new to the series, it reads great as a stand alone. This is a novella, to be continued in Lance’s full length novel in January 2020. Kate has created beautiful, dynamic characters, each complex and struggling with “image” and internal demons. As they find their way to one another, the chemistry, pain, and selflessness takes on a tangible presence in the story. Loved this.
Dear Ava – Ilsa Madden-Mills.
For a novella in an anthology Dear Ava sure packs a punch.
I was absolutely consumed by this story and characters from the beginning.
Ava is amazing, such a strong girl. I admired her resiliency the way she took charge of her life was brave. I loved her steely determination.
Knox is an enigma a puzzle yet to be finished, we’ve only scratched the surface and he already has me under his spell.
There’s just something about him, he has left me fascinated.
I seriously loved Knox and Ava they have this spark, they’re kindred spirts. I can’t wait to read more of their journey.
I laughed at their witty banter, they’re sweet and a little bit spicy a great combination.
I’m really really hoping that when the full book comes out next year that Ilsa Madden-Mills has plans to make this a series. There’re some characters in this novella that NEED their stories too. ( fingers crossed )
I will definitely be reading the rest of this anthology.
Review for Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills
What a start to what I have no doubt to be an absolutely fantastic stand- alone novel when it will be released in 2020!
From the moment I started this novella I was hooked! I couldn’t put it down. My emotions have just been put through the ringer with this one, Ilsa has truly outdone herself with this one.
I absolutely fell in love with Ava and Knox’s story. Ava is one of those characters who you just connect with from the start. You can’t help but fall in love with her character. As for Knox, oh my goodness, who doesn’t love the quiet brooding type. All I can say is next year can’t come quick enough because I am dying for more of Ava and Knox
4.5 Cranky Stars
Who doesn’t love a good sports romance? Team Player 2 has them all from tennis (I know right) to wrestling (you know what douchebags I’m talking about) to basketball. A little something for everyone. Not only just the sports but the hunky hero’s and kick butt heroines who they fall in love with.
In Team Player 2 we see some familiar faces such as the characters from Sara Ney and Meghan Quinn. The douchbags and the baseball hotties with a magical locker room. It’s in The Teaching Hours we get a story of Rex and Hannah and boy did I love these two! In Holt’s story we FINALLY get a taste of Holt and Harmony. I have loved Holt since Knox’s book and I still want more of them. I really enjoyed Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan an uplifting sexy story about Ean and Quinn. He’s a famed basketball coach and she is the nations Titanium Princess. An amputee who’s made an amazing life for herself overcoming diversity. It truly made me want to read more in this series to see if the others are just as amazing. Finally, we get Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter it’s here we get Jonas and Frankie. Jonas is a footballer who is home recovering from a knee injury before he heads out to achieve NFL stardom and Frankie an artist who went against her parents wishes and attended art school. At one point Jonas held Frankie’s heart in his hands and well that went down the drain real quick. Now faced with each other Jonas wants to make amends with Frankie and see just where this thing could go between them.
There are so many more stories by some amazing authors in this anthology with amazing stories as well and I could wax poetic about them all. I just love anthologies it’s like fun little stories about already established characters and new characters alike. They make you want to go back and dive into the series of the authors you haven’t read and that’s amazing since you only get a small story of them. That’s real story telling power right there. I will end this here saying please go purchase this anthology and I hope it helps you discover new authors and you find more book boyfriends and chicks you just wish you could be like!
Rate: 4.5 / 5 stars for Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden Mills
Dear Ava is a sweet sports & high school novella that deals with important issues. It’s also an introduction of this couple and a new world by Ilsa Mills coming in 2020.
You’ll fall in love with these two, individually and as a couple. Ava is a strong girl who has been through so much throughtout her life and is now ready to face her fears and do anything for her future and her little brother’s. And Knox is a football player that surprised us all… he has a depth that I can’t wait to learn more about. He himself has been through a lot and those events shaped him into who he is today and it’s also those events that connect him and Ava althemore.
When it comes to the team, I’m not a fan of anyone besides Knox, not even his brother. He has secrets and I’m kind of scared of what he has been hiding. But I’m so intrigued about it all and I can’t wait to get more of these two in the future.
Dear Ava is very innocent when comes to the development of the main character’s relationship but not when it comes to the whole issue of the story. It deals with rape so be careful if it might be a trigger for you. Knox and Ava are special and I loved watching them slowly get to know each other and trust one another. It was very sweet and I honestly cannot wait to watch these two in a relationship and looking for the truth of what happened to Ava that night.
Rate: 4.5 / 5 stars for Guys Like You by Charleigh Rose
Halston and Sully were hot af! Charleigh bought on the spice with these two and I loved it. I also loved that we got to see Jesse and Allie again and relive a little of their story through their bff’s eyes.
These two started off as just a good time, for us readers as well. The first hook-up was sexy as hell and funny too. But as time passed… things started getting real. Halston was on the fence about relationships and she fought what she felt for Sully tooth and nail.
This was a sexy and fun novella, but it wasn’t missing the angst vibes and depth of falling in love with someone when you’re not in a good relationship with love.
Halston and Sully were a match made in heaven. Zach Sully surprised me with how sexy he was and how into a relationship he was, I thought he’d be more of a player. I really enjoyed these two together and I hope we get a little more of them when Charleigh releases this novella as a standalone.
Rate: 5 / 5 stars for Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
Kennedy Ryan never fails! This novella was full of heat, emotion and tells a relevant story just as all Kennedy Ryan books do.
Quinn plays hard to get and Ean goes on to fight for the girl. It’s an emotional journey because we get a lot of Quinn’s back story and her struggles, some she stills face today. But Ean was the right guy for her, he wasn’t just gonna let her run away without a chance with her. And he showed her there are good men in the world and this particular man wanted her unlike any other.
These two were absolute fire between the sheets and I enjoyed me some of that. I also loved to see some of my fav characters from the other Hoops books. I miss them so much, so this novella was the perfect thing to give me a little taste of them and how they are doing.
Dear Ava by Ilsa Madden-Mills:
Talk about captivating and nerve-wracking! From the very first page, Ilsa tells a story of heart aching tragedy and young love…and enduring strength. This tiny glimpse of Ava is brilliant and she is the true hero in this book. Knox is an incredible character though, and his own resolve adds countless layers to their dynamic and the story itself. Ilsa has managed to write a novella revealing enough to feel satisfied, yet the nuanced details open many more possibilities. I can’t wait to read more from this new world! 5 incredible stars for Dear Ava!
I was able to read A Slice of Love by Teagan Hunter. Let me tell you, Teagan did not disappoint. Lovers to enemies to lovers again. You will laugh out loud, multiple times. You will get sad with Frankie and understand Jonas! I need more!
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
I adore Kennedy Ryan’s Hoops series and when I saw she was releasing a novella in the series, I jumped (get it) at the chance to read it. Fast Break follows Quinn Barrow who was Banner’s best friend and Ean Jagger who becomes the coach of August’s team. I just want to say that Quinn is my new heroine! She was an athlete who lost her leg and had to learn how to rebuild her life. And successfully rebuild it she did! Jag has had a crush on Quinn for years and finally has the chance to meet her at the start of the story. I love that he sees her as an extremely capable and sexy woman. This was a great story and beautifully written.
All three of the stories I’ve read so far have left me wanting more…Ilsa Madden-Mills, I’m looking at you in particular!
The taste we’re given of Dear Ava in this anthology has me desperate for 2020 to get here, I need the rest of the story! I was completely sucked into Ava and her secret admirer’s story, and I really do need to know more. Although we are left with a hfn I still have so many questions, and I’m not sure if I should let down my guard just yet. Is it safe to be happy with who it turned out to be?!? Is he really all that he seems?!? IMM has me questioning everything and I can’t wait to see where the story takes us.
Love Game by Emma Scott
This is a first so I’m marking it on my calendar- I did not cry while reading this story! Not to say that Daisy and Kai’s story didn’t pull on all my emotions, because it definitely did, but for once Ms. Scott didn’t have me in a puddle of tears! No matter how short of a story she writes, she’s still able to imbue her characters with so much heart, and Kai and Daisy are no different. Daisy’s trying to come to terms with the trauma she went through, and Kai’s barely coping with his past, when they’re thrown together. I love when 2 people meet at just the right time. And while there was a slight hiccup when it came to them finding their hea, it was a necessary one, and made things all the more sweeter.
Fast Break by Kennedy Ryan
Like Ms. Scott, Ms. Ryan can sure pack a punch into a limited amount of words. And you know you’re going to get some sort of life lesson when you read one of her books, and Fast Break was no different. If you don’t come through this story inspired and wanting to do more with yourself, Quinn would be disappointed!
I loved how persistent Ean was with Quinn, without being overly stalkerish. She was leery of falling for his charms, and who could blame her after all she’d been through. But he made sure to show her that he “saw” her, and that was just so swoony and endearing.
First, I read Arena Lights by Mandi Beck and loved it! Miss Beck has a way with words that will leave you wanting more and this is for sure the case! I need more!
Then I was lucky to receive an ARC of the entire anthology and devoured all the stories! I need them all to become full length books lol!
Team Player 2
Are you a lover of Sports Romance? Team Player 2 is another round of awesome delicious athletes to sink your teeth into. Featuring some of my favorite authors, Team Player 2 exceeded my expectations. It has everything from the fun loving college start to the sport enthusiasts most irresistible jock between its covers.
Teagan Hunters- Slice of Love
5 STARS
If you’ve ever read a novel by Hunter, then you know you can expect some incredible characters filled with witty banter, angst driven romances and a touch of cravings between the pages. Her surprise novella, A Slice of Love was a wonderful addition to an already exciting sports anthology. Hunter surprised readers with a bonus novella featuring our favorite small town pizzeria and ex football star, Jonas. From the beginning Jonas’ weird attraction of high school nerd Frankie had the inner high school dork in my screaming with excitement. Who doesn’t root for the underdog? These two were the perfect match. Hunter creates a spark that only she can ignite between these two. Although it was only a novella, Hunter managed to work her magic creating a funny, heartfelt and utterly sweet novella that is hard to resist! Hope you enjoy it as much as I did!