Football is my life, and coaching in the NFL is my dream. I have a doctorate in sports psychology, but the fact that I’m a woman means I couldn’t possibly know a thing about football, let alone coaching a team. At least, that’s what my critics say. Others argue a woman on the sidelines would be a distraction.Distraction. Pfft. I’m a professional, and I certainly don’t fall for players.When I land … players.
When I land my dream job coaching the Boston Rebels, I realize just how difficult it will be to maintain a hands-off approach to the team. Everything about them, from their broad shoulders and thick biceps to their chiseled abs and narrow waists, makes it so I’m the one who’s having trouble staying focused.
As if that weren’t bad enough, I’m attracted to not one, but three, players. Three offensive players who keep breaking through my defenses.
I’m their coach, but absolutely nothing in my playbook prepared me for this. My head seems to understand they’re completely off-limits, but my heart is pulling a reverse play.
The Reverse Play is the first book in a slow-burn reverse harem series.
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With football season finally here again, this couldn’t have been a more perfect read! I loved Blake and her unapologetic love for football and chasing her dreams. The characters were uniquely complex and each added depth and pulled me further into the story. I can’t decide which player I love the most, but Bastian was a winning combo of comedic relief and loving support, and he couldn’t be more perfect. The writing was exceptional and I liked the author’s use of football related puns and lingo in her descriptions. I was on the edge of my seat from the tension and read this in a single sitting. If you love football, strong females, or sports romances, this is an absolute must-read!
Let me be frank, I am a huge football fan. I watch football way too much and wished I could have been allowed to play it growing up. Might make me a little biased, but oh well haha. This book really resonated with me. For 1, it helped bring football back to me, even for a couple days, while we are in the offseason. I read through this book way too quickly, but I loved every second of it!
I saw some reviews mentioning there was too much football. I beg to disagree, but to each their own. I absolutely appreciated that this book set up the series and wasn’t huge on the romance side. Yes, I would consider this book slow burn based on other RH books I have read, but I think it lends itself to the reality of the situation. It wouldn’t have been as amazing if the MC hooked up with all the players in the first book. That would take away from the whole message and Blake’s attempt to show everyone that women belong in football too. Like yes, there is tension and maaaybe something happens with 1 of the players, but this series lends itself to have the relationships build. Blake and the guys need to trust each other first before anything can really happen.
I can’t praise this book enough in terms of likability. I connected with Blake and her relationship with her dad and football. I grew up going to my hometown’s stadium with my dad and we still go when we get tickets and when we don’t we get into debates EVERY Sunday that my brother and I go over and watch the game with him and my mom. By adding that layer to this story with Blake and Big Mac, it made it personal and made me connect so much with the story.
In terms of the guys (holy moly they are DELICIOUS and need to know who their inspirations were!), I loved that the author gave us 3 different personalities for Blake’s future harem, and yes some are predictable, but that didn’t detract from the story at all. I thought the author did a great job painting the “baddies” of the team and made it clear what would be some of the future conflicts. I can’t wait to learn more about X, Tris, and Colt and see how they tackle their feelings for Blake. I enjoyed the tension but also the blossoming of something between her and the guys. I wish I had one of each for myself
Another thing in the pro column for this book is Blake’s believability. As a woman in a predominantly male industry, I understand Blake’s feelings about proving yourself and being role models for others. Also, needing to stay professional so people continue to take you seriously. The message in this story I think is super important and I haven’t seen anyone in the RH community tackle it like this author has. Yay girl power!! I liked that Blake could hold her own and enjoyed the relationships she is building with the other members of the Rebels, especially Carrie and Coach Sawyer.
Oh, one last thing. I looooved her bff, Bastian, and I need him to have a spinoff story, like RIGHT NOW! I am a huge M/M fan and he needs some lovin’ too .
I highly recommend this series and cannot wait for Book 2!! I wish I could be Blake so badly, its not even funny . Can’t wait to see how Tristan and the guys reconnect/grovel with Blake after what happened in Book 1. Only a little bit to go until we all get to see what the author has up her sleeve for Book 2