Lauren:Graham is my brother’s best friend. He’s always been my protector and my confidant because he accepts me the way I am—and not many do. I can’t imagine not having him in my life.Our weekend together was supposed to be a celebration. I graduated from college, Graham got engaged and signed with a pro football team, and my brother landed his dream job. It should have been the best time of our … the best time of our lives.
Except that the weekend started with me walking in on Graham’s fiancée going down on my brother.
I complicated the situation by having sex with Graham after that, but I wanted to comfort him and, damn, when I saw desire in his eyes—for me—I couldn’t say no. I’ve wanted him for so long.
Now he doesn’t want to see me. He says he has a darker side he needs to protect me from.
Where do we go from here? Do I try to pretend to be his friend again or push him to open up to me and possibly lose him forever?
Graham
Sleeping with one of my best friends was not exactly a brilliant idea. It made things complicated, and I didn’t do anything that threw my life into chaos. The fiancée her brother Jack, had stolen had been part of my life plan, one more step I was taking to be somebody. Granted, I hadn’t been in love with my intended bride, but I didn’t really know how to love anybody.
I survived.
I pushed to achieve more.
I battled my way to the top of the heap in my pro football career..
I’m a total dick, and I don’t want Lauren to see the side of me that would trample over anybody to work my way up in the world.
Lauren sees me as a hero, a title I’d never gain with anybody else in my life, so I wanted to keep her sheltered from the hard realities of my life. I wanted her to continue to think I was a nice guy when I was really just the opposite.
We never should have crossed the line of going from friends to lovers.
There’s too much Lauren doesn’t know about me, and I care enough about her that I don’t want her to share my pain and the darkness that never sees daylight inside me.
I want her, but she’s a woman I can never have. She’s too smart, too sweet, and way too good for a guy like me.
Unfortunately, pushing her away becomes much more difficult than I’d planned…
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Graham and Lauren grew up together, Lauren her brother Jack and their father were a family to Graham that he never had. Graham grew up in foster homes under difficult circumstances because of this he’s determined to have a better life as a professional football player, but along the way he’s stepped on some people which he’s not proud of. Graham is also keeping a very personal and painful secret from Lauren.
Lauren is brilliant but she’s very insecure about herself. She’s see’s herself as not very attractive and needing to loose weight. Graham is her best friend and he also has her heart, but has no idea. The weekend they are supposed to be celebrating starts something between the two of them that’s always been there but Graham refused to let himself love Lauren because of his personal secret he’s kept from her.
Lauren and Graham start a journey together and learn a lot about themselves and each other. I loved this book it’s very heartwarming and deals with a subject that affects many people.
When reading a collaboration between authors you can sometimes tell the difference between the two while reading, but Well Played is so well done it flows together seamlessly. Don’t miss out on this book
Wow what a amazing book! The first page had me hooked and I couldn’t put it down. I loved how the authors showed us into a world with a disability and how even with it you can be strong and be what you want if you work for it. I loved Lauren’s character she was strong in her own way and loved hard and proved herself that when she loved someone she truly does. Then we have Graham I had a love/hate for him but knowing when he did for himself made me change my mind. Graham after life kept pushing him down he never gave up and proved he could be the amazing man he deserves to be. Definitely a very angst romance but loved every min of it. 5/5 stars *** I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Copy of this book ***
Lauren first met Graham when he became her brother’s friend, he was quickly welcomed into their family, and for the most part acted like another brother to her… although she never really saw him that way. Lauren had a little crush on the handsome football player all through high school, and with each year that has passed since that crush has intensified, for her anyway… he just seems to continue to see her as a friend. Then on the weekend they were supposed to be celebrating his engagement, she winds up walking in on her brother getting friendly with Graham’s fiance and it turns their worlds upside down… and inspires a drunken mishap that ends up helping Graham see her in a whole new light!
Graham has always valued his relationship with Lauren, for a long time he has saw her as the little sister that he never really had, but the older she got the less he saw her that way. She has grown into quite a beautiful woman, one that he loves spending time with, and also one that inspires naughty thoughts he never anticipated. When his love life takes a hit, and he finds himself suddenly single, it’s Lauren that swoops in to help him over the tough break-up, and find a way to move on… and somewhere along the way he starts to see her in a whole new light. And before long his naughty thoughts start to become a reality…
Well Played is a very pleasing friends to lovers romance story that will penetrate the heart, weaken your knees, and bring on a serious case of the feels! This was a first time read for me and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised with what I found, the story line was highly engaging, a few sentences into it and I was completely hooked… so much so I devoured it in one sitting! I also loved the authors approach to taking the couples friendship to a deeper level, the transition had a very realistic feel to it, capturing the feelings involved, and the doubts one may have in that situation. The characters were designed well, their descriptions of them painted a delightful picture for me, I especially enjoyed the tidbits about Graham!! Overall I would say this was a top notch first read, it checked off all my romance reading must-have’s and I walked away with a happy heart and a new book boyfriend… which is a total win in my book!
When is a mistake not a mistake? When it’s meant to be? Well Played is the ultimate double team. J.S. Scott brings the heated complications of romance and Ruth Cardello brings the humor and heart. Betrayal sets the stage for an emotional roller coaster ride. Lauren is caught up in the storm of love, secrets and loss. Graham is her heart’s desire, but the event that brings them together is rapidly tearing their friendship apart. What once was precious is on the verge of becoming a battlefield. Will these soul mates survive the war? No one does love like J.S. Scott and Ruth Cardello. Separately, they make their mark, together they are a force to be reckoned with. Grab hold of your heart because, this love story is going to be a bumpy ride.
I absolutely loved this book. I love it when you get two characters who are just made for each other. The story flowed brilliantly and pretty much from the very first chapter I was hooked
The characters are extremely likable. both each have what they consider to be flaws neither thinking they are good for each other.
I have re read it twice and will probably read again and again and i have pre ordered the next boook to read Tys story
#TeamGraham all the way.
Fantastic collab between two of my favourite authors, Lauren and Grahams story was enthralling I definitely recommend.
“Well Played” by J.S. Scott and Ruth Cardello is a great read. I loved Graham and Lauren’s story. This book has romance, passion, football, drama, friends to lovers, entertaining characters, and more. I’d love to read more about all these characters in the future! Highly recommend to all fans of romance, football, and friends to lovers.
Loved it! This is the story of two people that are both struggling for acceptance in a world that can be very judgemental. Lauren is a exceptionally intelligent woman who has struggled all her life to fit in. Graham is a man struggling with his own demons while trying to keep his secrets from the people that love him. This story really touch my heart and brought tears to my eyes at times and it was very insightful and romantic! Also, I really loved how the story was told through the individual POV’s of Lauren & Graham, it made the story flow easily.
Author JS Scott never disappoints. This story is a contribution with Author Ruth Cardello and together they have produced the perfect sport romance. With some dramatic elements plenty of steamy moments and a clever dialogue, Well Played is a #MustRead of 2018. Total page turner!
I absolutely loved this book. I love it when you get two characters who are just made for each other. The story flowed brilliantly and pretty much from the very first chapter I was hooked
The characters are extremely likable. both each have what they consider to be flaws neither thinking they are good for each other.
I have re read it twice and will probably read again and again and i have pre ordered the next boook to read Tys story
#TeamGraham all the way.
I absolutely loved this book. Jan and Ruth write so seamlessly you can’t tell where one finishes and the next begins. This is a definite read for romance writers. The characters feel like they could be people you know. Don’t miss out on this new partnership!!!
I never pass up a chance to read a book by either of these two authors and this one is another hit for these two ladies. The story was good, it flowed well, and it was easy to read from page one. I connected right away with Graham and Lauren and fell in love with them both. They each had issues with themselves that lead to some heartache but they are both strong enough to want to work these out. My heart broke for Graham, as he hadn’t had an easy life and really deserved some love in his life. Lauren had a difficult time but in a different way than Graham but these were no less important to her. This story has a lot of heart, which is what these two authors do very well. Since I read this book in one sitting I am eager for the next one!
I love when two well-known authors get together and write a book. I wasn’t disappointed with J.S. Scott and Ruth Cardello writing as both are gifted writers.
Well Played has the making of a movie, a friend who been betrayed by his best friend and fiancé, the sister of the best friend who secretly loves the one betrayed.
Graham an upcoming football star gets the surprise of his life when he goes to visit his best friend. Hurt and vulnerable he turns to his peanut (Lauren) for comfort.
As Graham works through his problems, Lauren has her own insecurities to work through as she is a genius with some social handicaps. As things heat up, Graham runs the other way leaving Lauren to pick up the pieces.
Lauren decides to go a journey of self discovery and is determined live her life. Can she ever forgive Graham for abandoning her?
I enjoyed seeing Lauren grow and Graham come to terms with his own problems. This is a wonderful read full of passion, tears, courage, forgiveness and love and I highly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
Standalone: Well Played is a stand-alone Read.
Characters: Alpha male and female genius, both searching for answers within their lives.
Writing: Smooth, developed and keeps the reader engaged.
Storyline: Struggles with friendships, relationships and finding their HEA.
Heat: Sizzling
5 Koala Paws
Fantastic story!! I love the books from both of these authors so when I saw they had teamed up to write this one I had to read it and I am so glad I did. Lauren and Graham are amazing characters and I even liked Jack (we need his story please!!!). The story touches all the emotional buttons and leaves you all warm and fuzzy.
What was suppose to be one huge celebration turns into a night filled with surprises. One broken engagement, a lifelong friendship busted, and one unbelievable night of passion that changes their lives forever. Lauren has loved Graham for as long as she’s known him. Now she has the chance to show him how easy it is to love and be loved. If only he will let her.
Definitely a book for the must read list. I highly recommend
I absolutely devoured this book. I really enjoyed their story. When I was reading yesterday, I noticed I was already at 70% and I couldn’t believe it. The pace of this book is excellent.
I highly recommend this book and I can’t wait for book two in this series.
The jock and the genius!
Well played is a story of best friends who inadvertently cross the line to be more! However, even though Lauren and Graham have been friends for years the change of their relationship puts a strain on them and pulls them apart. Graham has a secret that Lauren doesn’t know and it’s this reason that holds him back. Until he decides to put it out there and see what her reaction will be!
A good read with conflicting emotions with regards to Lauren and Graham, but they both grew on me! Looking forward to Ty’s story next:)
This was a sweet, heartwarming, and endearing journey to go on with Lauren and Graham. They have a beautiful friendship that seemed indestructible, but when friendship leads to more, will that friendship survive. I absolutely adored how these two navigated everything they went through. I enjoyed this story.
WOW! This book really had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put it down. Talk about mixed feelings and I loved it! Best friend’s, lovers, betrayal…. This book has a lot of drama in it. This book is not just for sports fans so don’t let that sway you from reading this great book. I loved the flow of this book and the writing is great. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
Well done! Ms. Scott & Ms. Cardello have written a truly entertaining & steamy book. Graham & Lauren each have their own unique challenges in life. Although Graham has had more than his fair share. I loved the flow of their developing relationship, but I did think the focus on parts of Graham’s past was a bit overdone. Overall, I’ve always enjoyed the friends to lovers type stories.
I’ve always liked knowing the “hows” and “whys”, but felt the reasoning behind Hope and Jack’s betrayal was lacking. But that is probably just me, but I was disappointed there wasn’t really any visible start of a resolution between Graham and Jack, they were supposed to have been best friends after all.
Overall, a fantastic story with a great pace that keeps you wanting to know what happens next. Those are always the best, most fun books to read. Now I would love to see these two authors come up with a book for Ty (definitely) and possibly even a HEA for Jack.
Loved this book! Can not wait for the next one 😀 Graham and Lauren are two strong loving confused people trying to fight their attraction both thinking the other thinks something other then they are really thinking lol I mean that would NEVER happen lol. Graham & Lauren have been BF for years! He made it through HS and Collage because of her help with his school work , he has always though of her as a little sister …till he didn’t ! The night they both kind of freak out over what has happened they struggle to keep their friendship and see if they really can be more ! This is a wonderful read and it has it all the sad the happy the confused the HOT can not wait to see what happens next ! Graham worries that she can’t handle his secret and she worries that she is to big a girl for him , but they realize they both have always seen each other just as they are wonderful people with flaws