Hot jocks. We love them all.Sexy baseball players. Intense footballers. Sweaty MMA fighters, and sizzling hockey hotties. Score!The good news? Eleven bestselling authors have gathered to give you a set of stories focused on the men we love most—sports heroes. We bet you’ll love this thick…book.The bad news? The men in these novellas don’t actually exist.*This anthology does not contain calories, … anthology does not contain calories, just eleven original, never-before-seen stories by the following authors: Adriana Locke, Mandi Beck, Charleigh Rose, Kennedy Ryan, LJ Shen, Meghan Quinn, Rochelle Paige, Ella Fox, Kate Stewart, Emma Scott, and Sara Ney. We aren’t responsible for melted devices.
Team Player:
Adriana Locke (Cross)
Charleigh Rose (Yard Sale)
Ella Fox (Out of Formation)
Emma Scott (One Good Man)
Kate Stewart (Sweeping the Series)
Kennedy Ryan (Full Court Press)
L.J. Shen (The End Zone)
Mandi Beck (Sin Bin)
Meghan Quinn (Back in the Game)
Rochelle Paige (Slapped Into Love)
Sara Ney (Switch Hitter)
more
Kate Stewart’s Sweeping The Series is just what I expected from her- a story that makes me want more. A dramady aptly named. Drama, heartache & laughs all combined for a long-ish Novella. I’ll definitely be picking up the first 2 full length books of the series.
LJ Shens End Zone was a first read of hers for me. I’m not sold on the style – the direct address of this he characters doesn’t connect well for me. More like they are telling me the story instead of me living it with them. I did however enjoy the story itself. Friends to lovers of course comes with angst and issues. But an HEA wins the day.
As for the Anthology as a whole, it is a looong book with MANY great authors contributing. Well worth the purchase. I look forward to reading more of it!
A compilation of short sport stories by an amazing group of authors. Get ready for some flirty, sexy, and HOT chemistry between these players and their heroines. Highly recommend this fun and quick read.
Oh My …this fantastic group of authors certainly brought their A Game to the table. This is an amazing copulation of sexy alpha men, the sports they play and the women that fall in love with them. This anthology had something for everyone! Instalove/lust, smoldering romance, sweet, sexy, romantic and oh so sizzling hot! Each novella had well written lovable characters. Not only did I have some of my favorite authors writing but discovered ones along the way!! A great read!!!
~~Michele McMullen ~~
I LOVE ALL THINGS SPORTS!!! This was the best anthology I’ve ever read!!!
End Zone- Jolie & Sage. So ducking adorable. I love how they secretly loved each other and how honest to god close they were. He loved her so much he didn’t want other people dating her. They were so hot and super perfect
Slapped into love -Tamara & Ryan. I love how they knew each other before, how she’s a coach of sorts and how she’s an athlete. I love the taboo of her being his coach. How much he truly tries to help her. So adorable
Full Court Press. Avery & Mack. Avery’s Story is so sad. I love how these two have chemistry after 10 YEARS. It’s hot and adorable. I love how he tries to lift her up and make her believe in herself
Out of Formation – Elena (Lina) Colin. This was so cute! I love how Colin and Elena had so much history they have. Also love how they r bffs w the opposite sex.
Sweeping this series – Ren & Erica. This is one of my favorites. I loved how we got so much from this small story! Erica and Ren are so passionate! The whole story was so fierce, passionate and amazing
Back In The Game – Rachel & Calder. Omg this is the cutest damn story. Probably my favorite so far. I love how quirky these two are. And his love for his daughter!!! I loved every minute of this one and CANNOT wait to read Hayden’s story
Sin Bin – Jason & Stella. LOVED THIS BOOK. This couple was SO HOT. I loved the story, the MAJOR surprise. I also loved how real they were as people. There was no BS they told it as it was. I can’t wait to read from these characters
One Good Man – Adrian & Janey. I LOVED how different this book was. Although it was set in 1970, other than the clothing you wouldn’t really know that it was set that long ago. Also this story was so much more romantic than the others, it was a great addition to this anthology!
Switch hitter – Dante & Amelia. Omg this one was so good!!! I loved the chemistry between these two and how hard Amelia had to work to not be herself. I was really hoping this would end up like it did. I CANNOT wait to read the book next year!
Yard Sale – Cam & Mollie. Yet another amazing story! I love that it was the only snowboarder story. Cam was everything I hoped for and so was Mollie. I love off pairings and the surprise topic. My fav! So good. I can try wait to read the books that go with this!
Oh an Anthology full of SEXY sports hotties ! Yes PLEASE! COLD SHOWER ANYONE?
SIN BIN By MANDI BECK I suddenly love HOCKEY! I’ll never look at a penalty box again or a pair of pajamas with a flap! Trust me you’ll be thanking me later! Stella has bite , she’s strong and don’t tell her what to do but Jason he’s not having it! Fun sexy Hot I couldn’t turn the pages quick enough! loved every single word.
FULL COURT PRESS By KENNEDY RYAN Avery and Deck their first meeting you know what they say about first impressions? Wow! Yes let me say these two add some steam without even trying! 10 years later when they meet again hello sexual Tension! You’re hooked , while dealing with serious issues with Avery you are routing For DECK! Damn could I love this anymore? Not possible? Loved it!
CROSS by ADRIANA LOCKE What a set up for her Gibson boys! This is prequel to that, it’s perfect we have Kallie and Cross sexy delicious Cross . We see the beginning of a beautiful relationship ( hear me chuckle) no really past mistakes come to present when Kallie returns home. This was down so well , so smart you’ll love it I did!
SIN BIN by Mandi Beck [.5]
Sin Bin was my first taste at Mandi Beck’s beautiful writing style and all I can say is that I am hooked! Seriously if her full length stories are anything like this short novella then I cannot wait for more. Jason is a sexy NHL star with a swoon worthy smile that will melt the panties off of any gal. Enter Stella. She’s a no-nonsense kind of gal who refuses to take crap from no one. Let me just say that things get a little hot and heavy one night in the sin bin (pun fully intended) and six months later Jason gets the surprise of a lifetime. Get ready for the sweet dose of drama that’s about to come your way.
YARD SALE by Charleigh Rose – []
“When a skier or snowboarder eats it on the slopes and loses all of their gear. If a skier loses his skies, poles, hat, googles, and anything else, shout “YARD SALE” from the ski lift above him.”
Yard Sale features a cocky pro snowboarder, Cam, and a sweet out-of-towner, Mollie. What they thought was going to be a one-night stand turns out to be something so much more when they suddenly get the surprise of a lifetime. Charleigh Rose has once again captivated me with her one of a kind characters, even throwing in some old characters you might recognize if you’ve read her latest release, Bad Habit. This was a quick one sitting read and let me just say that I loved every second of it! I’m really hoping that these two reappear in Charleigh Rose’s next release in the Bad Love series!
SWEEPING THE SERIES by Kate Stewart []
Sweeping the Series was my very first Kate Stewart read. I can’t believe that I haven’t picked up one of her stories in the past. This story instantly drew me in and I found myself totally in love with our leads, Ren and Erica. Upon finishing their story, I discovered that this was actually part of the author’s Balls in Play series (totally have to read these ones ASAP)! This novella (although I think it could be considered a short full-length story) was a sweet second chance romance filled with a ton of witty banter, humor and lets not forget the sexual tension between these ex-lovers turned client/PR rep turned lovers again. Get ready for some hot and steamy chemistry between these two!
FULL COURT PRESS by Kennedy Ryan [.5]
Full Court Press is only my second experience with Kennedy Ryan’s writing style and I have to say that I FLOVED every single moment of this emotionally captivating novella. You know what they say about first impressions…Lets just say that Avery and Decker’s was one for the books. Fast-forward 10 years later. These two have had their highs and their lows, but one thing is for sure…the undeniable attraction is still there. Although their story is short, you will still experience all the FEELS. If you are on the search for a slow burning romance, then this is the one for you!
SLAPPED INTO LOVE by Rochelle Paige []
Slapped into Love was my first experience with a Rochelle Paige story. This novella was super sweet and essentially a one-night stand turned second chance romance. We’ve got two pro athletes, a NHL player and an Olympic speed skater, who skates their way right into our hearts. The chemistry between Ryan and Tamara comes in with a bang and settles deep within our souls. It may have initially taken me a moment to get into this story, but once I did I couldn’t get enough of these two!
OUT OF FORMATION by Ella Fox [.5]
Out of Formation was yet another great story from Ella Fox! I loved the concept of the novella, but I felt that things were slightly rushed due to the length. I must say that I would really love if this one was extended to a full length story one day because I really connected with Elena and Colin. If you love a good friends to lovers romance then you should check this one out!
BACK IN THE GAME by Meghan Quinn [.5]
Back in the Game was an absolutely amazing read and I couldn’t help but devour every single word. The author did a phenomenal job hitting us with her hilariously funny humor in such a short and sweet novella. Calder is a sexy NHL player, but he’s really known as Wanda (if you want to find out what that means then you should totally pick up this anthology). Every great hero needs his own beautiful heroine…enter Rachel, a sassy kindergarten teacher. BUT WAIT! We can’t forget about sweet little Shea (Calder’s 5-year-old daughter). She is truthfully the star of the story even though she only has a few scenes. Get ready for some feel good “falling on the floor” laughable moments!
ONE GOOD MAN by Emma Scott []
One Good Man certainly came with a few unexpected surprise. The biggest having to be that the story was set in Paris, France in the 1970s. Janey dreams of being a hard hitting reporter, but of course she is set in the path of Adrian, a cocky soccer star who turns out to have a soft side. This novella was sweet, lovable and chock full of emotions. These two will capture you whole body and soul right from the very first page. Make sure to take time and check out this beautiful tearjerker read.
SWITCH HITTER by Sara Ney []
Switch Hitter was one of my most anticipated reads in this anthology, so I was super excited to dive in, but I paced myself and saved it for the very end. I am so glad that I waited because this was truly a perfect end to the #DreamTeam! Where to start? Amelia Ryan’s twin sister, Lucy, gets this bright idea for the two of them to switch places during a date with Dash Amado, the catcher of the college’s baseball team. Suddenly, the disinterested Dash finds himself falling for the new and improved “Lucy.” As much as I adored this novella, I was so sad that it wasn’t a full-length story (although the story did have a beginning, middle and end) because I FLOVED these two. OMG! Bring on JOCK ROW!!!
THE END ZONE by L.J. Shen []
The End Zone is a hot and sexy friends to lovers romance with just a splash of fake relationship tossed in for good measure. This novella features two childhood best friends who couldn’t be more perfect for each other. Seriously these two have that undeniable chemistry that leaps right off the pages! Jolie is the sweet gal who has admired her best friend from afar since she climbed out of her bedroom window that fateful night and Sage is the kind of man that puts the ‘ho’ in manwhore. If you’re on the search for a sexy romantic comedy with a little bit of sass that’ll leave you laughing and swooning all at the same time then this is the book for you!
CROSS by Adriana Locke -No review at this time.
Sports Romance at its best!!
This is a whopping anthology with 11 authors contributing decent length short stories about sports romance. To be honest, I only bought it because a few of my favourite authors were taking part and so I’ve read all the stories I’ve wanted to and I hope to (someday) get to the others but for now the set of stories is going back on the bookshelf.
Read my reviews for the stories I read below.
Overall rating
nicandbooks
Amazon/Goodreads
Switch Hitter by Sara Ney
In my opinion, Sara writes the best college based romance novels (see the Douchebag series) and this one, even though it’s short, hits a home run It made me laugh, it gave me some feels and it left me like this I loved the lead characters, loved the plot and I want more!!!!
One Good Man by Emma Scott
This is my first experience of Emma Scott’s work but it won’t be my last. I did not expect an absolutely heartfelt romance set in Paris, France under the backdrop of the Vietnam War in the 70s. But this story was absolute perfection – a football, a journalist and a whole lot of emotion
Back in the Game by Meghan Quinn
I love everything Meghan writes so I knew her contribution to Team Player would be awesome!! And it was everything I could have hoped for:
Super sexy male lead who has a sweet and sensitive side – CHECK
A female lead who is funny, caring and hot – CHECK
A best friend we want to know more about – CHECK
Too many laugh out loud moments to count – CHECK
A fabulous story with the best text message conversations I have ever seen – CHECK
The End Zone by L.J. Shen
I’ve heard so many good things about Leigh Shen and I have big plans to read all her books this year. But starting with this short novella was perfect and has cemented why everyone raves about her. A friends to lovers romance, Sage and Jolie have a beautiful history together which makes their romance all the more sweeter. Yes the story takes place in a sport context but this is a romance that’s so much more than that. It’s about the couple and boy do they fit together … in steamy, sweet and swoon worthy ways.
Sweeping the Series by Kate Stewart
Kate Stewart is an author I’ve heard so much about and just haven’t got round to reading yet. But after this short story I know she’s going to end up high on my tbr! This was a fabulous story of second chance love, of redeeming past mistakes and of discovering that love and baseball can sit hand in hand. I’m keen to read more of Kate’s work – because if it’s as fabulous as Sweeping the Series I know I won’t be disappointed.
4 Stars Sin Bin by Mandi Beck is Jason and Stella’s story. Jason is a professional hockey player and Mollie is a pitcher for FU University’s ball team and a senior in college. It was sweet, sexy and hot. I only wish there was more. Maybe Ms. Beck will make this story into a novel in the future.
4 Stars Yard Sale by Carleigh Rose was another fun read. Cam and Mollies’ story has everything you want in a short, sweet, and sexy novella.
5 Stars for Cross by Adriana Locke. Even though it’s a Novella, its a well rounded second chance romance between Cross and Kallie. You won’t be disappointed in this story. You will laugh at the banter between Cross and his buddies and swoon over the relationship between Cross and Hallie.
Team Player is a compilation of sports novellas by some fabulous authors.
Team Player is a very smooth read is one of those books that you can easily seat and enjoy all the stories.. i can say i have a few favorites.. some of them really stuck with me.. specially Kate Stewart story Sweeping the Series it was magnificent, fun and raw that kind of love and hate relationship but not totally hate, more like I’m trying so hard to hate you but i love you so much..
Ren and Erica what an amazing story .. Ren was a Baseball player showing the world a face that it wasn’t really him.. he adopted this playboy persona after a very hurtful heartbreak.. but what nobody knew is that he was so in love with Erika and thats exactly what made him this way.. someone who would sleep with a different women everyday and didn’t care.. but everything changed when Erica is asigned to PR Ren’s career … the team can’t tolerate anymore his behavior and if someone doesn’t turn around his image it can be the end for his career and his team mates.. he fights with Erica, he can’t understand her, he is jealous and possessive but at the same time trying very hard to put distance between them.. what an amazing story!! i really felt the love, the emotions between them Erica and Ren…
Ella Fox – Out Of formation.. Colin and Elena Story is super sweet and that makes it so adorable.. i really love Colin his love was very protective, very caring. i love how he protected Elena even without her knowing.. Elena and Colin story a young love that keeps growing with time .. the’ve been in love since they were just kids.. but both of them keep it quiet so they won’t hurt the friendship .. until one day they can’t no longer hide their feelings and love for each other and decide to act on it .. after a few misunderstandings but everything comes safely for them, this is a story that I’ve re read a few times.. i just can’t get enough of Colin..
There’re so many great stories in this amazing book.. LJ Shen, story is fun is sexy and is a best friends love.. Kennedy Ryan story very emotional, very raw.. it touches a very important message.. Charleigh Rose, Adriana Locke, Emma Scott, Mandi Beck , Meghan Quinn , Rochelle Paige and Sara Ney is a book that you want to really keep and re read over and over again.. this is a book for sport lovers, romance lovers.. to anyone who wants to read something good with a dream team of authors…
Do Not Pass This One Up!!
This Anthology contains a little of everything – Some of the stories will literally have you in stitches others will bring tears to your eyes and some even have that sweet Awww factor – No matter what your troupe you will find it within these pages – I have listed a few outtakes to help you choose
-Back in the Game this was a sweet and funny single dad romance “The way you blush, it’s hot, You’re this confident attractive man, but you can blush as red as a tomato in seconds”
-Sweeping the Series a bit of a heartbreaker “I could never make you chose” So, I chose for you”
-Full Court Press this was hot “The man @u@ks like a train. And I’ve been railroaded”
-Switch Hitter another hot read with a touch of comedy “I’m going to date the $h1t out of you”
-The End Zone this was one of my top three “You’re in my heart and in my fingertips on my #u@k1ng lips like a prayer ”
It is currently on Kindle Unlimited and on sale
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first anthology I have read, and it was HUGE! I had heard so much about it during the promotion period, and with the list of authors in this one I was really excited about it.
Here are some brief thoughts on the stories:
THE END ZONE – LJ SHEN
This was my first L.J Shen book and I enjoyed this one. Definitely going to read more from her. My first thoughts in this were “Oh boy! Best friends to lovers! And roommates at that!”
This was a funny one as well – “What is it about me that attracts douchebags? I mean, I do occasionally wear Taylor Swift perfume….”
Sexy, fast paced (as novellas usually are) and full of twists turns and nice surprises.
Enjoyed it!
SLAPPED INTO LOVE – ROCHELLE PAIGE
Ice Hockey Players, hot damn!
Ryan & Tamara are both ice skaters, one an ice hockey player and the other a speed skater, so it was a good match.
Fast paced and fun. This was my first by this author so I have now marked the rest of the series on my TBR list.
Enjoyed it!
FULL COURT PRESS – KENNEDY RYAN
Interesting first meeting between the two main characters – sports reporter and NBA player.
It then skips to 10 years later and my first thought was that this will be interesting.
Serious undertones and issues in this one, its about love and loss and learning who you are again. Being accepting and moving forward.
Enjoyed this one also.
OUT OF FORMATION – ELLA FOX
This one is friends to lovers and is fast paced but sweet. Fun friends as secondary characters.
SWEEPING THE SERIES – KATE STEWART
Holy shit. This one is a second chance romance. Full of angst and emotion and drama. I definitley want to read the stories of the others, who are secondary characters in this one.
I loved this one and the ending perfect.
BACK IN THE GAME – MEGHAN QUINN
Calder & Rachel meet by chance. This has classic Meghan funny moments like the hilarious text exchange at start.
Calder is such a sweetie and Rachel is hilarious. Meghan knows how to write swoony men!
I loved this one so much and so am excited for Hayden’s book!
YARD SALE – CHARLEIGH ROSE
Cam and Molly are an intriguing mix. I loved the trick at the start she plays on him.
We meet them later on down the storyline and theres a big surprise. Not a lot of angst in this one and flows well.
SIN BIN – MANDI BECK
This is another brief meeting and then jumps forward. Surprises later in the book. This kind of feels like a double up, even though they’re different authors and stories. Little to no angst in this one, moves quite fast.
ONE GOOD MAN – EMMA SCOTT
This one is a bit different, the story of Janey & Adrian is set in the 70’s and its really a story within a story.
“Sometimes its the smaller stories that have the greatest impact”
Emma always packs a punch of emotion in her stories. This one has such a ring of truth to it and its more than just a love story. I always know to expect to feel emotion with her books and this was no different.
SWITCH HITTER – SARA NEY
I was instantly hooked. The twin switch is a well known trick, but I’ve never read a book about it, and this one was awesome. Its not too fast paced, its kind of drawn out, but in a sexy way. I loved this one too and cannot wait to read Jock Row when Sara releases that next year.
Please note that Cross by Adriana Locke was not included in my ARC copy of Team Player, however that does not affect my review or rating of the book.
Overall these stories were fun and easy to read. The only thing for me was that because I had it as an ARC I read it all in one continuos go. I think if you’re reading it, the more enjoyable way would be to space it out as it really is such a massive volume. This thought did not affect my review though, its just an opinion that I had and thought might make a difference to some people when they choose to read this.
I found some new authors in this, and read some more of ones I already loved.
It sure is one…thick….book.
AMAZING ANTHOLOGY!!!! Who can resist sexy athletes!!! These novellas are packed with them from all kinds of sports….baseball, hockey, MMA, and more!
I haven’t read any books by these talented ladies with the exception of Meghan Quinn, and I fell in love with all of them. All of the stories are packed with steam, romance to curl your toes, and irresistible heroes and the amazing women who love them. I had never been a huge fan of anthologies until I read one, and now I’m hooked. The stories are shorter, and I have found new authors whom I now love.
If you are looking for something to warm you up on cold, winter nights, I highly suggest reading this anthology written by some incredible writers.
Team Player is one amazing Sports Anthology which includes 11 different authors with 11 never before seen stories. I have only read Sweeping the Series by Kate Stewart so far and just going on her story alone, the rest of this book is going to knock it out of the park. In Kate’s contribution, you find Ren Makavoy, a cocky conceited catcher in the major leagues who gets a second chance with the only woman that he has ever loved. Kate Stewart really knows how to write them and this story is beyond amazing.
I’m going back in and finishing up all of the other stories in this amazing anthology. Where else can you get a book filled with amazing authors such as Adrianna Locke, Charleigh Rose, Ella Fox, Kate Stewart, Kennedy Ryan, L.J. Shen, Mandi Beck, Meghan Quinn, Rochelle Paige, and Sara Ney. This is by far one of the best 1-click purchases I have made all year.
I’m not sure how to review this many novellas in one actually. In any case I’ll try to have a general summary. Sports romance anthology no brainer for me add fave authors sold. I tried to read them all ran short of time but I really liked those I did which around 7. Complete stories, well researched and entertaining all good things. Some I want more of some stories, couldn’t get enough of the couple and hope they get expounded. Some sweet and cute, some hot and steamy and heartfelt emotional. In particular One Good Man and Switch Hitter are my faves. Sweeping the series and Full Court Press are also notable. Still all great holiday novellas reads that will keep you you glued. Don’t miss this if you love sports romance like I do.
Cross by Adriana Locke
AMAZING!!!
Adriana always finds a way to create a new book boyfriend for me and Cross is no different! Cross is a fighter who will do what it takes to get what he wants. The chemistry between Cross and Kallie is off the charts and I need more!!
All the stories in this anthology were super hot and I devoured each and every one of them!!!! This anthology is a MUST read!!!
Devilishly dirty hot and sinfully delicious!
11 assorted steamy romance stories by 11 amazing authors.
Each author shows their unique style of story telling, using sports heroes as the common denominator.
I’m not singling one story over another or touting one author over another one. Each story is unique, sexy with a different plot. Some stories are better developed than others and some characters are more relatable than others.
The end result pays off as it has everything you can expect for a fun, seductive reading situation.
This read is the perfect anecdote to bring on the holiday spirit!
sports romance Anthology written by some amazing authors is definitely your next must read. I loved Cross by Adriana Locke. Kallie and Cross were down to earth, relatable characters with some steamy hot chemistry. Their novella introduces us to the new Gibson boys series of which the first book, Crank, is out now. Also included in this great Anthology is End Zone by L.J. Shen, Full Court press by Kennedy Ryan and several more. I loved that these were all quick to read novellas that had a wide range of sports to choose from.
Review of Cross by Adriana Locke
4 Stars
Cross is a fast paced, quick, sweet, enjoyable second chance romance, that prequels Crank. The characters are endearing and I hope we see more of them in future Gibson Boys titles. A lovely novella with the heat, and heart I’ve come to expect from Adriana Locke.
I don’t usually go for anthologies but was gifted an ARC in exchange for an honest review! I am so glad that I read it! Each novella brings something new, easy to read with great storylines. Some of the authors new to me and some very familiar. Hot athletes, steamy stories… I definitely recommend it if these things appeal to you!
While I haven’t read all of the stories yet, I have read the ones by Kennedy Ryan, Adriana Locke and Mandi Beck, all of which I liked a lot!! Even though these are novellas, that doesn’t mean there is no depth to them. The characters are well written and the stories are great. I do plan on reading all the stories, I actually like that there are multiple, as I can read them when I only have a short amount of time to read. Worth the money!!!!!