False Start (Tackled by Love #2) by Quinn Ward

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

There was no way for them to be together in the past. Now that Lincoln's retired and the world football is more accepting, can he convince Nixon to give them a chance?

Nixon Cross isn’t wired to share his life with anyone. He’d considered a relationship once, but after the one man patient enough to put up with all his quirks shut him down, he committed all of his energy to football and helping his players. Now, one of his players need more help than Nixon can provide and his former flame is the one man who will know what to do.

Retired NAFL player Lincoln Sims had no choice but to stay in the closet; he was a professional athlete at a time when it was impossible to be honest about his sexuality. After retiring, he confessed his secret to his wife and son because he was tired of living a lie. Now, he’s ready to live his life.

Nixon Cross is the man he left behind but could never forget.

Can these men find a way to recover from their false start years earlier?

My Rating - 5 Stars!

False Start is the second book in Quinn Ward's Tackled By Love series. This part of the series takes overlaps with the first book's timeline, with it perfectly following book one. 

In Down By Contact, we met Nix and Linc. Now we get their story, which I simply love. 

Their journey is one of second chances between two men in their forties. Being together now makes them face their pasts and all the pain and fears it involves. 

They fell in love years ago, but were victims of the times, never able to be out and proud together. 

This story also has a very serious side to it, as a secondary character is dealing with the side effects of repeated head injuries during his football career. It's a tough thing to read and definitely has a major impact on the other characters. I appreciate the author tackling such a serious issue in a way that explores how it effects the injured person as well as those around them. 

I love this book. And I love this series. Quinn Ward is fabulous at writing sports romances. Each of Quinn's sports books holds a spot close to my heart, with the characters who have come to feel like family. 

False Start is a great addition to this series. Quinn Ward once again impresses with this look into the locker room and support staff. 

Down by Contact (Tackled by Love #1) by Quinn Ward

 

Amazon Link - Available in KU
Goodreads Link

He’s never faced a blitz like this. Will romance be sacked by the media, or can this star-crossed couple make it to passion’s endzone?

My whole life, I’ve carried a secret that could destroy my dreams. Sure, I may have completed one of the greatest rookie campaigns the NAFL has ever seen, but the only way to keep myself and the team focused on winning was to stay firmly in the closet. And now, with the whole world eager to prove I was a one-season wonder, a TV crew follows me everywhere… and the cameraman is the guy whose heart I broke.

At first, we thought it was a coincidence. But it didn’t take long for both of us to figure out that someone at the network was in on our history. And they expect drama.

With a spot on the Breakers roster and my heart on the line, I’m about to face the most terrifying opponent I’ve ever played: love.

Down by Contact is the first book in the Tackled By Love series, previously available under the pen name Sloan Johnson. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Down By Contact is a wonderful sports romance by Quinn Ward. No surprise that I love this book! As a sports romance whore, I loved this book when it was first released. I'm thrilled it's now being re-released by Quinn Ward.

If you like football romances, look no further. This has everything I could ask for. Sports. Closeted players. And all the angst of if, when, and how to ever come out.

The first book in the Wilmington Breakers series, this is a spin off of Quinn's Homerun series, with Nate as the connecting character.

Zach, Nate's twin, is a closeted football player. In this read he gets a second chance with Griffin. They're reunited via a reality show that follows Zach's team. And yes, Griffin is one of the men working on the show.

I enjoy the way everything develops between these two. The feelings are real, yet so is the angst. These two definitely are great together, but they first have to overcome some major obstacles in their way.

Down By Contact is a fantastic sports romance. Quinn Ward delivers all the feels in this closeted world of sports. A subject I can't get enough of, I love it all.

RELEASE BLITZ & REVIEW - MF - Kissing the Quarterback (Charleston Pirates #2) by Jacob Chance

 

Title: Kissing the Quarterback

Series: Charleston Pirates #2

Author: Jacob Chance

Genre: Sports Romance

Release Date: January 7, 2022

Cover Design: Sybil Wilson/Popkitty Design

Buy Links (Kindle Unlimited): 

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/3e8lzuT

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3pa1gn4

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3FfX5vA

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3pd00j2

As the quarterback for the Charleston Pirates, the current Super Bowl champs, I lead a blessed life.

Between my salary and endorsements, I have more money than I could ever spend.

But when the sale of my old home doesn’t line up with the closing on my new one, I’m forced to take up residency in a friend’s empty house.

Except, it’s not empty.

Kendra, the woman of my dreams, my best friend’s tempting little sister, is here taking up more space than just the rooms in this house.

She’s in my head and under my skin. The only problem is she’s hell bent on resisting me, and I’m determined to make her surrender.

I didn’t achieve everything I have without hard work and focus, and that’s the way I’ll win Kendra over.

No matter how hard she tries not to, she’ll be kissing this quarterback in no time.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/57815805-kissing-the-quarterback

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Kissing the Quarterback is the second book in the Charleston Pirates series by Jacob Chance. It's no surprise that I love this book, as I seem to love everything Jacob writes. 

This tale is my favorite trope, with a best friend's sister relationship. And omg, I love it all. 

Darren's been in love with Kendra for quite a while, and it's awesome to see them finally get together. 

Their tale is full of tension, as well as a whole lot of steam! Major steam!

Everything about this story works for me. The writing is fabulous, the background is perfectly set up, and the pacing is flawless. 

Kissing the Quarterback is a must read for any sports romance fans. This Jacob Chance is a pure delight and is sure to satify.

In The Series: Kindle Unlimited - on sale for $0.99

Changing the Player

Amazon US: https://amzn.to/30IG6Tx

Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/3Fa1SyB

Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/3pb4ZRm

Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/3J3tojz

Jacob Chance is a New Englander. Born and raised in Massachusetts, he still lives there today. He is a bestselling author of twenty-seven novels, writing romantic suspense, romantic comedies, and sports romance. He is also half of the male-female writing duo, Remy Blake, who write short, steamy stories with insta love/lust and a side of taboo.

Jacob is a huge football fan, especially of the New England Patriots. He is also a martial artist and self-proclaimed practical joker.

When not writing or working his day job, Jacob enjoys reading, hanging out at the beach, and eating as much bacon as he can.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jchanceauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jchanceauthor/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/jacobchance

Book Bub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jacob-chance  

Spoiled By Chance Reader's Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/spoiledbychance/

Newsletter: https://tinyurl.com/y7fv9tyj

Website: jacobchanceauthor@wixsite.com

HOSTED BY:

BLOG TOUR, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone.

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities.

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm.

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

---

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

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MF - Campus Hottie (Campus #3) by Jennifer Sucevic

 

Amazon Link  
Goodreads Link

From USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Sucevic comes the next sexy standalone novel in the Campus Series.

Carson Roberts is Western University’s most sought after tight end. He’s the total package. A pretty face to go along with all those sculpted muscles—check. An All-American—double check. A guaranteed one-way ticket to the NFL after graduation—triple check.

Did I happen to mention that he’s also my brother’s best friend, which means I grew up with the guy and have crushed on him for nearly just as long?

We’re talking a decade of unrequited yearning here, folks. Don’t worry, I’m slowly coming to terms with the fact that he’ll never see me as anything more than the little sis he never had.

Sort of.

And even if he did just so happen to notice that I’ve filled out and no longer wear braces, Brayden would have a major conniption. When it comes to the male species, he’s ridiculously overprotective. Any guy who has so much as given me a bit of side-eye has been treated to a swift and memorable beat down.

Which is precisely why I’m still in possession of my V-card.
Want to know how to make being a nineteen-year-old virgin with a major crush on her brother’s best friend even more pathetic?

Blurt out at a frat party that you’ve spent all these years saving yourself for him. Sadly, I can’t even blame it on the alcohol because I don’t drink.

If you’re thinking it can’t possibly get more humiliating than that, you’d be wrong.

Oh. So. Wrong.

*This is a mature New Adult novel with strong language and sexual situations intended for readers over the age of 18*

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Campus Hottie is the third book in the Campus series by Jennifer Sucevic. Each book can be read as a standalone. As one who can't read enough college romances, I absolutely love this series. 

I love everything about this book except the title. Sorry, but Campus Hottie just doesn't set the right tone for this one. As much as we know Carson's a hot, popular football player on campus, that never is really a part of this story. Nor is the fact that he plays sports.

Instead, this story revolves around Carson being in love with his best friend's younger sister, Elle. The majority of this story is about Carson fighting their mutual desire for one another, as he knows Elle's brother would kill him for being with her. 

Their relationship is full of intense attraction, plenty of will they/won't they, hot sex, and sneaking around. And damn, the sex is sizzling! 

These two ooze chemistry and one just can't wait for them to finally give into their desires. And when they do, watch out!

But, good god, Elle is so damn naive. Spending any time with her professor is creepy, but damn, the repeated times with him are just pathetic. This was a forced plot point that never seemed natural to me, but of course, it helped to establish Elle's positive look at the world. 

Campus Hottie is just my kind of book. This Jennifer Sucevic gem is a riveting brother's best friend romance that combines forbidden romance and a ton of heat. I just love it. Definitely pick it up the next time you're in the mood for a college romance. 

RELEASE BLITZ, EXCERPT, GIVEAWAY & REVIEW - Playing at Home (Sporting Secrets #2) by Jax Calder

 

Release Blitz, Excerpt & Giveaway:
Playing at Home
By Jax Calder

Sporting Secrets, Book 2

Jacob Browne comes from rugby royalty but he’s never come close to being the heroic idol his father was on the rugby field. And now he’s failed off the field as well with the breakdown of his marriage. When his ex-wife hires a manny, it feels like the ultimate kick in the guts that another guy gets to spend more time with his kids than he does.

But when he actually meets Austin, the connection that grows between them upends everything Jacob thought he knew about himself and forces him to reconsider what it truly means to be a hero.

Universal Link

Add to Goodreads

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Playing at Home is a great sports romance by Jax Calder. The second book in the Sporting Secrets series, it's easily read as a standalone. 

Jacob and Austin's story is a boss/employee story, as Jacob hires Austin as his nanny. I love the way everything develops between them, as they go from strangers to friends to lovers. The attraction between them is instant, and the chemistry is sizzling.

Both characters are wonderfully developed, with their pasts adding greatly to their depth. I love the differences between them, as well as all the doubts and insecurities. 

Their journey is a slow burn one, with low angst. They certainly have some obstacles to overcome, all of which are realistic and natural.

The writing is great, with a nice storyline and plenty of banter and charm. 

Playing at Home is a sweet, quick read. This is another delightful read by Jax Calder. I highly recommend this to any sports romance fans.  

 

New Release Excerpt:

“Are you okay if I ask Jen to babysit next Saturday night?”

My eyebrows knitted together. “Why, where’s Austin going to be?”

“Austin and I are going out together.”

My breath left me. It felt as if I’d been kicked in the guts. This is what I’d worried about right from the start. Matilda starting something with our ridiculously good-looking manny.

But now my guts were clenching not just because of my concern about the instability for the girls if Matilda started something with Austin. This was a whole other level of distress.

Hell. I scraped my hands through my hair.

Could I really blame Matilda for being attracted to Austin? No. Not when I suffered from the same affliction.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” The words came out half strangulated.

Her forehead rumpled. “Why isn’t it a good idea?”

“I mean…I just don’t think it would be good for the girls…if you and Austin…”

Matilda’s frown morphed into a smirk. “Are you worried about me and Austin? Seriously?”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea to get involved with our manny, that’s all.”

Matilda’s smirk remained. “I think you’ll find I’m lacking one major thing that Austin looks for in a partner.”

“What’s that?”

“A dick.”

My eyebrows flew up, and Matilda giggled.

“Oh my God, you should see the look on your face right now.”

I tried to keep my breathing even. “Austin’s gay?”

“Well done, I’m glad you managed to put those clues together.”

Fuck. My stomach was auditioning to be a somersault performer right now. At the same time, my heart raced harder than if I’d just played a full eighty minutes of a hard game.

Matilda’s smile faded. “What’s wrong? You’re not homophobic, are you?” Her eyes narrowed. “You can’t be. You’re fine with Beth and Charlotte.” She named her cousin and her cousin’s partner.

No, my physical reaction had nothing to do with the fact Austin was attracted to members of the same sex as him.

It was because the fact that I found him so attractive wasn’t quite as innocent anymore.

Yeah, I wasn’t exactly about to tell my soon-to-be ex-wife that.

“I’m not homophobic. What Austin does in his private life is his own business.”

“I totally agree. And that’s why I’m going to help him find someone,” she said. “I’m going to take him to the gay-friendly nightclubs and be his wingman. He deserves to have some fun. Hopefully he’ll manage to pull someone.”

My stomach twisted as I considered that possibility.

Of course he’d pull someone. Austin was gorgeous and charming and funny and sweet…yeah, that feeling inside me, the one that made me clench my teeth, it felt like…jealousy. And more than just mild jealousy. This was a fiery burn in my gut as I imagined Austin smiling at another guy.

Which I was fairly sure wasn’t what I was supposed to be feeling right now.

---

Enter the Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Playing At Home, Jax is giving away a $10 Amazon Voucher and an e-set of the Sporting Secrets Series so far (2 ebooks)!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Direct Link: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/cc0f2a57367/?

---

Jax's stories are all about light-hearted conversations and deeply-felt connections. She loves exploring exactly why two characters are the only ones who’ll make the other truly happy, and the journey they take to reach their happily-ever-after.

Jax lives in New Zealand and is a rabid sports fan, a hiking enthusiast and has a slightly unhealthy addiction to nature documentaries. As an extrovert who spends way too much time in her own head, she loves to connect with readers. Join her Facebook group Jax's Crew (www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew) for bonus stories plus exclusive excerpts from her upcoming books.

Connect with Jax:

https://www.jaxcalder.com
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jax-calder
https://www.facebook.com/JaxCalderAuthor
https://www.facebook.com/groups/jaxcaldercrew
https://www.instagram.com/jaxcalderauthor/
https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B099JFZYC7

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Tackling The Tight End (Long Pass Chronicles #3) by Tara Lain

 

Amazon Link   - Available in KU  ??

Goodreads Link

Lives far apart. Souls close together.

Raven Nez thinks he’s got problems. Everybody expects him to become a big pro football hero and promote his tribes’ casino. He wants to work with gay kids.

Then he meets Dennis Hascomb and finds out what problems really are. Dennis’s struggle to break away from his ugly life and everything he’s been taught could literally kill him.

Throbbing with their unexpected attraction, Raven sets out to rescue Dennis from pain and destruction— and puts himself in danger.

They’re the most unlikely couple on earth, but as friendship grows into more, they’re willing to fight for their love.

First, they have to fight for their lives.

TACKLING THE TIGHT END is a hurt/comfort, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, MM romance.

NOTE—TACKLING THE TIGHT END is a republication of a previous work. Only the cover is changed.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Tackling the Tight End is the third book in the Long Pass Chronicles series. This Tara Lain book is awesome. I loved it when it was first released and am thrilled it's being re-released. 

This one starts off a little different, as I hated Dennis coming into this story. He was the bad guy in the first book and I couldn't forget how horrible he was. But damn, if you enjoy redemption tales, you will love this.  

Yes, there is much more to Dennis than meets the eye. The Dennis we know is actually a victim of his family's control and my heart hurts greatly for this young man. He is truly a troubled character and I enjoy the way he comes to his own in this story. 

As for Raven, oh how my heart hurts for him. He is being pressured by his family to live a life he doesn't want. I could feel the tension throughout. I just wanted to hug him and tell him to forge his own path. The poor man. 

I have to note that I don't know much about Native Americans, so I definitely can't comment of the genuineness of this aspect. But I do absolutely enjoy every bit of this part and love Raven's grandfather. 

This is a story with a lot going on. It's a story of two young men being pressured to take a path in life that neither wants. I enjoy the relationship they forge and the way everything develops between them. 

Tackling the Tight End had me engrossed from start to finish. I love this Tara Lain story and highly recommend it. This one is definitely for more than just sports romance fans. I love it all.