From USA Today bestselling author, L A Cotton comes an angsty YA/NA hate-to-love romance. Cocky football players, school rivalry, and the girls who get in their way. Get ready … The Raiders are back! Felicity Giles has a list.Lose her virginity.Meet her knight-in-shining-armor and fall in love.Have the best senior year a girl can have. The only problem? Her knight isn’t a saint, he’s a villain, … the best senior year a girl can have.
The only problem? Her knight isn’t a saint, he’s a villain, and she’s pretty sure he’ll destroy her before ever handing over a piece of his heart.
Jason Ford has a plan.
Win State and go down as one of the most successful Quarterbacks in Rixon Raider history.
Head off to college and pursue his dream of being drafted to the NFL.
Avoid the girl under his skin. Felicity Giles, his stepsister’s best friend and perpetual pain in his ass.
She’s annoying as hell.
Quirky.
She’s a game to him, nothing more.
Until his arch rival comes after him and the few people he cares about … and Felicity gets caught in the crossfire.
And suddenly hating her feels a whole lot like falling in love.
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The Game You Play is the second book in the Rixon Raiders series, but you don’t have to listen to the first one to enjoy this one. The same characters feature prominently in both books, but they’re a lot nicer in the second book. I actually want to go back to listen to the first book again to revisit the characters and an old event because I had a drastically more positive impression of them from this book.
You know when you get to the twist at end of the movie The Sixth Sense, how you think back over the events to see if it could be true? The same thing happened in the second half of this book. I actually listened to a couple hours in the middle a second time trying to see if it made sense (the narrators are amazing, so I didn’t mind listening to it again, though it totally did come out of nowhere). There were also a couple times at the beginning of the book, mainly in a character’s thoughts, that pushed the boundaries of no means no, and I was disappointed that a coach in 2019 was insulting his football players by calling them “ladies”. I would have liked to give story 4.5 stars.
I listened to the Audible version. Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross are fabulous narrators and if I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. I always appreciate dual narrators for stories with dual points of view, and these two make a great team to bring the story to life. I almost never listen to audiobooks more than once, but i’ve already listened to the middle of this one twice and I would go back to listen to the first one again because it’s another great performance by these narrators.
#AudiobookObsession
I loved this story but I hated Jason in the beginning. Felicity had backbone although in the beginning I found her a little weak.
No unnecessary descriptions of surroundings
Good dialogues
Secondary characters that had me yearning for their stories.
Lots of feelings in this story and intense love scenes.
Young love is scary, heartbreaking and beautiful.
Narrators:
I love these two, they are reading with such intensity and making the story and the characters come alive.
The pronunciation is clear and NOT once did I feel that the sound was to sharp.
Wonderful narrators
5 stars overall
#AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Y’all, I think I spent about 85% of this book cussing Jase out!
Ok, now that I have that out…
I loved seeing Cam and Hailee all loved up, and sweet Asher holding back from shooting his shot, while encouraging the rest of the world to not mess things up. And I can’t wait for Asher’s book.
But Jase & Flick? When I got done yelling at him, my whole heart just pitter pattered over his sweetness that he kept tucked far far away.
His walls were high, but she scaled them like a champ.
This stuff right here? Absolute heart melting GOLD:
“I’d chase you to the ends of the earth. You’re mine, Felicity. Every single piece of you.”
A million stars. Seriously.
#QB1stolemyheart
I’d already met Jason Ford in The Trouble with You which is the first book in the Rixon Raiders series and found that he had the personality you’d totally expect a star quarterback college player to have. However, I particularly disliked Jason because of the ‘games’ he was playing that involved his step-sister. What I didn’t expect by the end of this book was to have my opinion of Jason completely turned round and although I kept wavering between liking and disliking him throughout, once I learned more about him and I got to understand the reasons behind his actions I was totally team Jason in the end.
I absolutely love everything about Felicity. I loved the change that I saw in her as she embraced her final year of school. She’s an amazing friend to have and I loved her quirky ways.
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. I devoured it in one day, unable to put it down and I thought the author wrote it brilliantly. This is a definite must read!!
***5 “Endgame!!!” stars***
“You can’t help who you fall in love with…”
I knew that I was going to love Jason Ford very much, even though he was a huge broody a$$ most of the times, but near to the end of the book, he was starting to care and that couldn’t be ignored!!!!
The truth is that i was expecting that Lianne would take us a trip back to the previous book, in the moments that Jason and Felicity were facing each other, and especially after that ending!!!!
But nope, the story started after the events that had taken place in the end of “The trouble with you”!!!
“He wasn’t a white knight swooping in to win the damsel’s heart. He was the evil Prince out to wreck and ruin and leave a trail of broken hearts in his wake.”
Well, Jason is a big deal in Rixon… He is the biggest football star, the QB, and everyone is loving him… When i say everyone, I mean everyone!!! Except from Hailee, but she is coming around… Bahahaha…
Jason is cruel, cold, broody, arrogant and generally, an asshole!!!
But lately, with this thing between Cameron and Hailee, his best friend and his stepsister, he is starting to change in a way, but he don’t need any distractions….
He had to focus on his goals and to need other persons in his life, is nothing more than distraction… Also, it’s this damn rival with Thatcher!!!!
“I couldn’t be committed one hundred percent to the game and committed to some girl.”
“Felicity deserved Prince Charming, not the misunderstood Knight with a chip on his shoulder and hate in his soul…”
Felicity was a good girl that her path had been planned from her parents since birth… But this is the last year of high school and she wants to experience new things to her, things that are given to other people at her age….
So, she is making that stupid bucket list…. and Hailee is an unwilling assistant!!!!
And then, her best friend’s jerk stepbrother is everywhere and she can not resist him…
“Jason Ford was the devil in sheep’s clothing and I was nothing more than a game wrapped up in a pretty package.”
“She reminded me of a doe. Innocent and vulnerable. Waiting to be picked off by the big bad wolf.”
Well, these two couldn’t be more opposite, but in a way, they were so right for each other…
I enjoyed very much their story and their banters and their heartbreaks and their making up!!!
It was very refreshing and i can say with the hand on my heart that i think that this story in this series will be my favorite!!!!
Way to go Asher!!!! I love you and i want to see what you have to give me!!!
“I wasn’t just a pawn in his game.
I was the goddamn queen.
And this queen wanted her king to kneel at her feet.”
“And although I’d never do it, for the first time in my life, I wanted to chase the girl.”
Jason is under a lot of pressure, home, school, football , making state championship, continued rival school problems , college. The rivalry between schools get dangerous Relationships just get in the way. Jason has to keep focus on what is important getting to Penn state and a shot at the NFL. But somehow Felicity gets under his skin. He tries to keep his heart hidden when it come to her. Felicity has eyes for one guy and thats Jason. . How much more can he take? Secrets are revealed. Friendships tested, family torn apart, betrayal and love found.
Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross narration flows from one character to another with ease. They both bring the angst, raw emotion and personality to each character. I enjoyed listening to this story. I was gifted this audio and offered my honest review.
**4.5 Stars**
The Game You Play is book two in the Rixon Raiders series and focuses on Jason Ford, QB 1 of the Raiders, and Felicity, who happens to be Jason’s stepsister’s bestie. The first book in the series ended with them in a compromising position of sorts, so I was very excited to dive into this book and see what would become of these characters.
Jason’s sole focus has always been football, yet he can’t seem to get Felicity out of his mind. Felicity is not one of the popular girls and because Jason and his stepsister have always had a tumultuous relationship, that makes her even more off limits. But, senior year she decides to break out of her shell and embrace new experiences, and try new things, one of which might just be the school’s most popular bad boy.
I enjoyed the transformation throughout the book of Jason’s character. He showed tremendous growth from being very self-centered and egotistical to looking out for others and putting other people before himself. Despite he and Felicity seemingly being polar opposites, there was something about them that just worked.
I really enjoy this author’s writing style and absolutely cannot wait for book three in the series. I have thoroughly enjoyed these characters and all the drama. It has kept me fully engaged in the story. I would definitely recommend this book and this series!!!
This is the second book in the Rixon Raiders Series. This is a great YA, sports romance, enemies to lovers, and bully romance. Felicity and Jason’s story is well written. Felicity is a lovely character. Jason is definitely an intriguing character. The story has angst, and drama. This Series has interconnected characters, but you can listen to this story as a standalone. Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross did a great job with the narration. #AudiobookObsession
The Game You Play By L.A. Cotton is a YA/NA enemies to lovers sports romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross.
All I can say is Wow! This is an amazing book and I cannot wait until The Harder You Fall is released on January 7, 2020. Lianne did an amazing job with the characters. I just had to know how the story was going to end. I enjoy that each book can be read as a standalone but are based around the same group of friends just a different relationship.
Once again Sarah and Wen knocked it out of the park. They are an amazing duo. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves Young Adult, Enemies-To-Lovers Romance, or Sports Romance.
AudiobookObsession
AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Awesome Story & Narration Loving this series!
The Game You Play
Rixon Raiders Book 2
By: L. A. Cotton
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Wen Ross
L.A. Cotton delivers another fantastic book in her Rixon Raiders series. She has a great writing style and her storylines are interesting, realistic and engrossing from start to end. She does an amazing job capturing the drama and teenage angst in their high school years and all the emotions that come with it, including young love. Her characters are complex and well developed. This book is Felicity and Jason’s story. Felicity (Flick) is Halee’s best friend and Jason is Halee’s step-brother who were introduced in the first book of the series. I was not a fan of Jason in Halee’s book, he was still pretty much of a jerk in this book, but his jerk persona is just a cover and we finally get to see what he has to off under that persona. So I can say he does redeem himself in this book. It was nice to see him getting along better with Halee, but he still has issues with his father. Felicity had a love/hate relationship with Jason, she hated him for his treatment of Halee, but there was something about him that drew her to him. Jason was drawn to her as well, she was not like any of the other girls who just wanted him for his QB stardom and the godlike status he has for being the star player on the school’s football team. They have a fling and then fight their feelings for each other, he pushes her away with his angsty attitude and she just goes along, telling herself to forget about him, but she can’t. There is more drama with school rivalry and trouble with Thatcher. It was great seeing some of the other characters in this book, I think Asher is one of my favorites, I am looking forward to his story. L.A. Cotton, thank you for another great story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
I listened to the Audible edition, Sarah Puckett and Wenn Ross are fantastic narrators and talented voice artists. They continue to bring these characters to life giving each their own voice and personality. They do an amazing job projecting the characters emotions and attitude into their performance. They are entertaining storytellers, it is always a pleasure to listen to their work, their portrayal of the characters are spot on. Thank you for another amazing listen
Thank you @AudiobookObsession AudiobookObsessionReviewer
Oh how I loved this book! It is a fantastic continuation of the previous book even though it can be read as a stand-alone since it’s a different couple. This group of teens learn so much about growing up and being more mature, but you will definitely see the invisible teen actions as well. I had so many emotions pulled out of me while listening to this that I believe I may have a book hangover. Great listen for all!
The Game You Play
Rixon Raiders, Book 2
By: L. A. Cotton
Narrated by: Sarah Puckett, Wen Ross
Sometimes I hesitate when a book is about high school aged romance, but LA Cotton has a style of writing that pulls me in and lets me remember what it was like to be that age. This second in her Rixon Raiders series brings us Jason and Felicity. They have an enemies to lovers story that had me going! Jason is the star quarterback, you know the one we all swoon over and wish would notice us. Well Felicity has a crush on him, and as his stepsister’s best friend they do have interactions whether wanted or not. Jason is attracted to Felicity, and when the two do hook up, things are combustible. But will they ever be a couple? Jason has a set path, a dangerous rival and a past that will haunt him. Felicity is trying to fulfill her high school bucket list and decide on her future. The two may not be a perfect fit. And with so much of the high school angst, it brings it all to a head. The great friendships and hard decisions that come with that last year, it’s realistic and emotional and a fantastic listen. I can’t wait for Asher’s book!
Bring on the narration by Sarah Puckett and Wen Ross now! These two give this story a life of itself. Puckett has an extremely emotional voice, and I can feel the uncertainty and the love that Felicity has. It’s that push pull feeling and Puckett nails it. Ross adds so much in with his portrayal of Jason. That popular kid that no one knows, the pressure he has, the attitude he gives and Ross brings that to the table as he narrates Jason. Together this team gives the story the feelings it deserves and makes the book a great listen.
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After reading The Trouble With You (Book 1) I couldn’t wait to read The Game You Play. Jason is a character that you hate to love. You know the ones that get your interest going and make you want to find out more about them.
I wasn’t sure if Jason’s story would out do Cameron and Hailee’s, but I have to say that I loved it more then The Trouble With You. It was addictive, full of angst and steam. I loved Jason and Felicity’s chemistry, their was so much of it. I couldn’t put this book down, I finished it in 24 hours. I kept reading and I didn’t want to do adult stuff.
We got to see Jason’s past and understand why he is the way he is. I loved Felicity, she was the opposite of Jason but you know what they say “opposites attract” and that is certainly true in this story.
I have to say I’m really excited for Asher’s book. I loved him throughout this book, he’s so sweet to Flick sometimes and he’s a true friend.
5 STARS
“There’s nothing more I love than to hate you.”
WOW!!! I absolutely LOVE this book, it was amazing! I didn’t read book one of the Rixon Raiders series, so this book can be read as a standalone. L.A. Cotton is a new-to-me author and I know I will definitely read more of her work.
I couldn’t get enough of Jason and Felicity’s story…their love/hate relationship had the perfect amount of angst that made it hot! This book had all I look for in a YA read, the drama, the friendships, the growth and discovery, and so much more! It’s all about the ENDGAME!!!
I can’t wait for the next book, so I highly suggest starting this series before the next one! The Game You Play is an EPIC read and will join the ranks of the BIBLIO-ARISTOCRACY!!!
QB One is officially off the market and I’m sad.
I didn’t think LA Cotton could out do her self after writing The Trouble with you but she just slayed it with The Game You Play.
“ You don’t chose who you fall in love with.”
Where do I start with Jason Ford?
That guy, hot damn. QB1 for the Rixon Raiders, infuriating as hell, cruel, arrogant, football is his everything until one night with Felicity Giles completely rocks his world. Jason’s problem though….
”I couldn’t be committed one hundred percent to the game and committed to some girl.”
”Football was in my blood; my legacy.”
Jason struggles with the pressure of everyone else’s expectations, he struggles with what he wants and he does it all internally, never asking for help. But Flick calms the storm that is swirling inside of Jase and he hates that.
Flick, I loved her so much. She doesn’t put up with Jase’s crap and goes after her own dreams. She hates that she wants him though. She hates that she has feelings for him and can’t do anything about it.
Can we just have a minute to say how much I LOVE ASHER and I need his book! I can’t wait to see that guy bought to his knees! I love him.
A RIXON RAIDER STOLE MY HEART….and I’m not even sorry.
I’m officially a Raider!
Once again I was caught by the Raider fever and I don’t want it to stop. These books certainly have something so addicting you can’t resist being part of the ride.
And this book was sure one hell of a ride!
At the beginning of the story, I wasn’t so sure. I mean, Jason, for sure, is a 100% assh*le, but those last chapters disarmed me completely and I understood so many things.
I like the ups and downs the author puts in her stories. They don’t seem forced or rushed, everything’s so balanced and angsty at the same time.
I’m not a sporty person, and I may not get all the excitement about them, but the way L.A Cotton writes makes you feel there as well. You’re part of the team, part of the fans, part of that world and you’re one of them.
I’m so hyped for the next book. Asher stole my heart too.
I just wish to see all the couples after high school. A glimpse of their lives in college or a few years later. Hopefully at the end of the series.
Felicity Giles is going through what a lot of girls her age do. But then she also has things going on in her life that hopefully not a lot of girls her age do as well. Jason Ford seems to be the man around campus. He’s a young man with attitude. This story seems more college level than high school. The teens seem to do some things that in real life wouldn’t fly. Then we have the adults. They do things that in reality they shouldn’t be doing. But not all the adults are bad and sometimes they even come out with some sage advice.
The book is coming out at the perfect time of year since its football season. If you’re a mood setter, why not put one of the college games on in the background. Or better yet, go visit one of your local high school’s games and see if maybe you can envision the Raiders and one of their rivals out on the field. Possibly you’ll see Felicity and Hailee up in the stands somewhere.
Maybe you’re a fan of a couple of series – one is titled Friday Night Lights and the other is called All American. Would this series fit right in? Could you picture waiting for it every week and wonder what the teens of Rixon would be up to next? Can you picture what actor/actress would play one of this author’s characters? Would it make a comeback for the soap opera – bring in some new blood? Make it seem more real than over the top and unbelievable? The other two shows never interested me but if I knew that Rixon was going to have a shot, I just might see if they stay true to the stories or try and change things – and that’s what ruins it for me every time. But there’s this little thing and it’s what’s going to happen with Asher – I just have to know. Now if you don’t know who that is, you haven’t been following the series. And if you don’t know anything about this author, her stories are addicting.
I was not compensated nor was I required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
So, I liked this book a lot more than book 1 but still felt a few things missed the mark.
1. Again, these characters should have been in college, not high school.
2. While I felt we got more character interaction between Flick & Jason, it annoyed me to no end how easily she caved to him every time he touched her/looked at her. Like, COME ON girl! Have a little bit of self-respect!
3. I don’t mind a douchebag guy but I need a bit more depth out of him than Jason’s character gave us.
4. I needed him to move beyond his “daddy” issues. It was annoying and really wasn’t enough for him to act the way he did…but I get that it was the main motivator for his dickish behavior so….it is what it is.
5. I really, really liked seeing the change in his character when he FINALLY came around!
6. I liked seeing Flick push herself to want more than the mundane…I just needed her to have more of a VOICE.
I’m excited to read Asher’s book because I adore his character so much. the jury is still out on whether I’ll like the character that was showing potential as his love interest….I wasn’t too fond of her in this book at all.
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.***
I ended up loving this book by the end, but I was not crazy about it the entire time. I really like Jason and Felicity together but at the same time, I hated Jason for the dickish moves and wish Felicity would stand up for herself more than she did. She let Jason get away with all too much!
The next book in the series revolves around Asher and I am looking forward to that book. I think Asher will have his hands full with Mya!
Once you start you can’t stop reading. This is such a good series. I love all the characters. This book is about Jason, the high school popular quarterback who can get any girls he wants and Felicity who is his step sister’s best friend. Their love just grows despite how they both denies each other feelings for each other and how others try to destroy them. Can’t wait to read the next book on Asher.