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

 

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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

 

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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.

Down By Contact (Wilmington Breakers #1) by Quinn Ward

 

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Nothing could derail his season like being forced to spend time with the only man he’d allowed close enough to hurt him...

Zach couldn't step out of the closet if he wanted to play professional football. Griffin refused to stay locked in the dark. As much as it hurt, Zach knew Griffin had done the best thing for both of them when he walked away.

Now Zach will do anything to prove his rookie season wasn't a fluke. The last thing he wants is to be part of a reality TV show. He doesn't need the distraction of cameras tailing him through training camp but he's determined to be a team player.

Distraction becomes an understatement when the camera man assigned to him is none other than his ex. For the next six weeks, the two of them will spend nearly every waking minute together.

Working on Outside the Pocket wasn't where Griffin imagined his career heading but he knows he needs to put in the time before landing the jobs he's dreamed of. Little does he realize his new boss is counting on a heavy dose of sexual tension and unresolved pain to keep the series alive.

Will Griffin be able to convince Zach the chemistry between them is real and not a ratings ploy?


Down by Contact is the first book in the Wilmington Breakers series, previously available under the pen name Sloan Johnson. 

My Rating - 4.5 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. 

Understanding Desire (Club DeSires #2) by Quinn Ward

 

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They were both filled with regrets over the night they accidentally wound up in bed together. When they realize the chemistry is real, the fun begins...

Tanner has never forgotten the night he let his impulsive nature get the best of him... or the look on Ryan's face the morning after. He was certain he'd blown any chance of turning his fantasies into reality. When he's forced to face his brother's best friend, he has no clue how much his life is going to change.

Ryan kept his life packed into different boxes. When he was back home, he was the All-American boy next door. No one knew how much he craved hearing a boy call him Daddy. But it wasn't any boy he wanted... it was the one man he needed to stay far away from. There was no way his best friend would give them his blessing if he knew all the things Ryan wanted to do to Tanner.

The moment Tanner confesses to wanting all the things Ryan has to offer, what was supposed to be a weekend of exploration turns into something neither of them can give up. Will Ryan find a way to help Tanner become the boy he's meant to be with them living on opposite sides of the country?

Understanding Desire is the second book in the Club DeSires series, part of the kinky town of Annandale. It features a tender yet twisted Daddy, a boy with an exhibitionist streak he didn't know existed, and a host of friends who can't wait to corrupt Tanner's mind.
Note: This story is an expansion of Ring in the True, originally available as a free short story. The beginning has been expanded, and the story continues after Ryan and Tanner ring in the new year with style!

My Rating - 4 Stars!

Understanding Desire is the second book in the Club DeSires series by Quinn Ward. Another book in the Annandale setting, I love this fictional setting.   

This tale is smoking hot, with lots of controlled demands, sex toys, and risky moments. 

Tanner and Ryan are reunited and brought together by some nicely done forced proximity. They have some past issues to deal with, but soon agree to a weekend of daddy dynamics. 

With them having a long distance relationship, there's lots of steamy phone moments and built up tension. 

There are some family issues, as Ryan's brother is Tanner's  best friend.

There's pressure to stay long distance, which prolongs the tension and longing. 

I enjoy most of this book, but I didn't get any of the club scenes I wanted. There was anticipation and teasing of it, but the story ends before we ever get one. I was left wanting. 

I definitely enjoy the way the author writes, and the storyline is definitely enjoyable. I am always excited to read this author.

Understanding Desire is a good addition to this series. I hope we get to visit with the club more in the next book. But basically, I can't wait to see what comes next no matter what.

Dressed in Desire (Club DeSires #1) by Quinn Ward

 

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He left home to find acceptance. When he falls for a supposedly straight bouncer, can he awaken the man who's everything he needs?

Living in the shadows has always been easier for Maverick. One trip to Annandale was all it took for him to see what life could be like if he let both sides of his personality shine. After all, what good was a closet filled with pretty clothes and killer makeup skills if he couldn’t show them off?

His best friend thought he was crazy for moving cross-country, but it was exactly the move he needed to finally live in the light.

John’s known as the token straight guy at work. But can he claim that when one encounter with a pretty boy has haunted him for months? His attraction to men isn’t the only thing that’s fully awake after they meet again. Yes, he wants to see if he’s more than just bi-curious, but he also wants to be the one to take care of Maverick and show him how special he is.

When a chance encounter leads to a love John never expected, can he accept who he is and be the Daddy his boy deserves?

Dressed in Desire is the first book in the Club DeSires series, set in the kinky town of Annandale. While there are cameo appearances from characters in the other series, you can jump in wherever you are without a problem! This book features a bi-awakening for an older man, and the genderfluid boy who sometimes wants to be Daddy's princess. Together, they'll explore kinks that might be better left as fantasies... 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Dressed in Desire is the first book in Quinn Ward's Club DeSires series. And, damn, it's one hot tale. 

Maverick and John's story is riveting and all consuming. Both men are struggling with being who they really are. Maverick's struggling to start over, moving to a new place where he can be himself. John, meanwhile, works at the club but is struggling with his sexuality. 

There's a lot going on in this tale and I love the way it all unfolds. The men are wonderfully complex and make for an amazing couple. They definitely belong together and help one another, but their journey has some obstacles in it's way. 

I love Mav. He's a genderfluid man who has long struggled to find acceptance. Moving and joining the club definitely helps him to be himself. I adore the way John connects with him and completely supports his needs. 

John's struggles are a huge issue, as his brother has expectations and issues that make it hard for John to be himself. It's all well explored and an important part of his character, as well as adding a lot of tension to the storyline at parts. 

Their story is one with first times and some hot kink, including some super hot role play. And, wow, I am still thinking about that scene. It's beautifully done and extremely memorable. Just wow!

This is a wonderful tale of finding a place and a person who accepts and supports you as you are. It's about finding someone who understands you and can give you what you need.

Once again, I am in love with Quinn Ward's writing style and the world building. This series is a spin-off of The Lodge series and it's just perfectly done. 

Dressed in Desire is a beautiful story with some extremely emotional and beautiful scenes. I love everything about this Quinn Ward story and can't wait to see what comes next in this series. 

Line Drive (Homeruns # 6) by Quinn Ward

 

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Auctioned off to the highest bidder for charity, PJ was able to have one night where he wasn’t living a lie. Nate’s return is going to make it hard to lay low until he can get out of his contract with a toxic team.

PJ Nolan just has to get through this year. He’d been hoping for a trade to Milwaukee, where he wouldn’t have to hide the fact that he was gay, but that didn’t pan out. He’s close enough to achieving his goal that he can’t walk away, no matter how hostile the Miami clubhouse had become. That changes when he arrives for the first day of spring training and his teammates think it’s funny to mock the one night that made him feel alive. They didn’t know that it wasn’t a joke to him. Unfortunately, those pictures are all he has left of Nate Kendricks. 

Nate knows nothing about baseball, but agrees to a spring training road trip as a way to spend time with his twin brother and get away from their dad’s micromanagement for a while. He’s not thrilled about the prospect of seeing PJ Nolan, the man who’d haunted his dreams since the night of the charity auction, but figures PJ has probably already forgotten their chance encounter. Nate thought their chemistry was undeniable, but after that night, he never heard from PJ again.

Once they reunite, PJ’s certain of one thing: he’s not going to let Nate slip away again. With his priorities constantly changing, PJ needs to find a way to achieve his dreams, both on and off the field. As he gets closer to joining his dad in the record books, he feels Nate slipping away. What will he choose if forced to pick between new love and a lifelong dream?

Line Drive is the final book in the Homeruns series, originally published under the pen name Sloan Johnson.

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Line Drive is the sixth and final book in Quinn Ward's Homeruns series. If you haven't yet started reading this amazing sports romance series, be sure to go back and start with Wild Pitch. This book is easily read as a standalone, but this is a series not to be missed. 

PJ and Nate's relationship starts with a charity auction, an elevator, and some intense attraction. 

I loves these two together. They mesh so well and instantly connect. The relationship develops quickly, but it's never in doubt to me that the two are honest in their feelings. One can feel that they mean a lot to each other and that they have each other's backs. 

The obstacles in their way are well done. PJ's issues with his teammates are so damn realistic and tough to read. We all know that athletes face a ton of homophobia in the locker room. To see all PJ has to deal with is heartbreaking. We'd be stupid to believe that no athletes have ever retired to get away from the rampant homophobia. So this just adds to the emotions. 

As for the way others try to help PJ, I just love it. It's also realistic that others are trying to make sports more inclusive. It's an important topic and I love every aspect of how the author explores this. 

Line Drive is a great sports romance. I am so thrilled that Quinn Ward has re-released this series. Previously published under the pen name of Sloan Johnson, I am thrilled for new readers to find this fantastic baseball romance series. 

Change Up (Homeruns Book 5) by Quinn Ward

 

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No one expected the loudmouth of the team to be hiding in the biggest closet of them all. When he’s paired with someone who just wants to keep his head down and play the game, sparks are going to fly.

Kevin Green has always been the life of the party. He’s the one everyone turns to for a bit of comic relief. With so many of his teammates coming out of the closet and living healthy lives, it’s getting harder for him to keep the secret only one other person knows: that he’s not as straight as everyone assumes when they see him out with his hot girlfriend. Now, the façade is cracking as Amber decides it’s time to follow her dreams, but she doesn’t want to leave until she knows Kevin will embrace the side of him he’s hidden from everyone but her. 

Clint Davies isn’t sure what to think of his new road roommate assignment. Kevin runs hot and cold toward him and has zero sense of boundaries. He doesn’t think before he speaks, and worse, before he acts. What starts as one night of throwing caution to the wind is instantly complicated in ways Clint isn’t prepared to deal with. He’s never seriously considered a relationship at all, much less an open arrangement with a teammate. 

Having a little fun is one thing, but will Kevin and Clint strike out when things start getting serious?

Change Up is the fifth book in the Homeruns series, originally released under the pen name Sloan Johnson. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Change Up is a delicious sports romance by Quinn Ward. It was previously released under the pen name Sloan Johnson. If you didn't read it then, be sure to read it now. And if you aren't familiar with this series, go read it! It's awesome. 

When Clint and Kevin become road roommates, things get interesting. Of course, it doesn't help that Clint catches Kevin watching porn. 

Both these men are closeted. Clint's a closeted gay and Kevin meanwhile, has a girlfriend who's the only one who knows he's bisexual. 

I love this book. I love this series. 

Kevin and Clint are delicious together. They're hot as sin. And I love the way the sparks fly between them long before they're even together. The tension is high and the chemistry between the two is awesome. 

And hot damn, dancing with Nick and Cody! Wow! Love those two and the way they talk to Clint. Simply sizzling. 

But even better is the first move between Kevin and Clint. Smoking!

This is a tale that's enjoyable from start to end, as the two go from being awkward together, to hooking up, to friends with benefits, to more. I appreciate all the little things about these guys. Clint's feelings about Amber are wonderfully honest and raw. And, damn, I love Kevin's hesitations in the bedroom. I love everything about his fears. 

There's no cheating, but Kevin is definitely sleeping with Clint while still with his girlfriend. And it's tough for Clint to deal with it. But not for her, as she's definitely all for them being together. It's refreshing to find a female character like Amber.  

Everything about Change Up makes me happy. This Quinn Ward book is just another fabulous sports romance in this addictive series. I can't get enough of these men. Thank you Quinn for these incredible men. 

Sweet Spot (Homeruns #4) by Quinn Ward

 

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Four years ago, he gave his heart to a rookie pitcher and struck out. Now, they have a second chance to get things right.
No longer living on the streets and surrounded by men who supported him, Cody Marshall’s life was finally looking up. He hadn’t expected to hook up with anyone on his first spring training trip, but there was something about Nick Stone that called to him. The chemistry was instant and intense. Cody finally allowed himself to believe he could have something good.

And then, Nick left…

Nick’s spent the first four years as a professional ball player trying to prove he deserves his spot on the roster. His biggest goal is to finally step out of the shadow of his father’s legendary career. He hasn’t forgotten the one person who made him feel alive and seen, nor has he forgiven himself for breaking both their hearts.

When he sees Cody at the front of the team bus with the rest of the staff, he knows he won’t be able to turn him away again. Now, they have to find the sweet spot between their dreams and desires.

Sweet Spot is the fourth book in the Homeruns series, previously released under the pen name Sloan Johnson

My Rating - Stars!

Sweet Spot is a marvelous sports romance. The fourth book in the Homeruns series, Quinn Ward is re-releasing these books that were formally released under the pen name of Sloan Johnson. 

This time around we get Nick and Cody's story. 

They started something years ago, but now they are back at Spring Training together. Nick's reunion with Cody isn't so easy. Cody's still hurting, angry and sad, that Nick dropped him four years ago. 

Nick's the coach's son, so he has a mess in front of him. Either the coaching staff is too tough on him, or people assume he's only had success because of his father. It's a tough role. And, as a baseball fan, I appreciate this aspect a lot. I've seen it time and time again, so I love that the author uses this in their novel. 

They have to deal with an ass of a teammate who we hated in the past. They have to deal with Nick's mental block. And they have to deal with being together again, as well as coming out. 

Their story includes some homophobia, a hate crime, some understanding, and some forgiveness. There are some tough to read moments, but it's also sweet and tender, as these two men are perfect for each other. 

I absolutely love the baseball compound that Drew and the guys own. They're all supportive and loving to each other and I adore the way they took in Cody. Love it. In general, I enjoy every moment of this big group of friends and teammates throughout this series. 

And, yes, Nick and Cody are hot together!

I love Sweet Spot. This entire series is one of my guilty pleasures. I have read them all many times and am thrilled that Quinn Ward is re-releasing them. If you haven't yet read them, so do. They are fantastic!

Triple Play (Homeruns # 3) by Quinn Ward

 

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When Eric is unable to help his friend recover, he has to put his feelings aside for a second time. He never imagined the man who could help would be the glue that bound them together.

Drew Jackson had it all: a family who loves him, a tight circle of friends, and he’s a rising star with the Milwaukee Mavericks. Then, it all begins to unravel when the man he’s loved since they were kids falls for Drew’s teammate. 

He makes a critical mistake in the playoffs he’s not sure he’ll be able to recover from. 

And then, his world really crashes around him…

Eric Sapp may no longer play for the Mavericks, but he’s still one of the guys. After stopping a brutal attack, Eric is forced to face the feelings that have been growing for his roommate, Drew. That’d be much easier if Drew wasn’t hell-bent on pushing everyone away as he recovers. 

Neither of them were counting on Bryce Shaw. He and Drew enjoyed the one night they spent together, but knew it was unlikely they’d be anything more since they lived in different parts of the country. When Bryce is relocated to help a failing LGBT homeless outreach, he wants to explore something more with the Mavericks’ short stop. 

As much as Eric wishes he could be the one to help his friend, he knows Bryce holds the key to Drew’s recovery. Will pushing the two back together be the biggest mistake of his life or will they all learn there is strength in numbers?

Triple Play is the third book in the Homeruns Series, previously published under the pen name Sloan Johnson. 

My Rating - 5 Stars!

Triple Play is the third book in Quinn Ward's Homeruns series. It was previously released under the pen name Sloan Johnson, and is now re-released with some added content. 

I first read this book years ago and it remains one of my favorites to this day. Baseball. Hurt/Comfort. Menage. It's amazing!

In this book, we get Drew's story. And dear god, how I already love Drew from the first two books. Unfortunately for him, his story starts with him as the victim of a hate crime. Tears. Omg. Tears. Don't hurt Drew!

Luckily Eric is there to stop the attack and get him help. And Bryce is in town temporarily, with his timing perfect to help Drew as well.

What follows is an emotional journey towards healing and love. Drew, Bryce, and Eric. I love everything about this story and these men. I love the way both men connect with Drew. And I love the way both men are interested in Drew. 

And the sex is hot! Their chemistry is off the charts!

It's tough reading about Drew's attack and all the flashbacks for him and Eric. There are nightmares and a slew of insecurities. It takes time to recover mentally as well as physically. But having these two men by his side get him there in the long run. 

Their journey towards being a triad is complex and wonderful. Eric plays for a team out of town and is reconsidering his future. He's near the end of his game, while Drew is at the beginning. And of course, Bryce is only in town for a temporary work assignment. They have no set ideas or easy path towards ending up together. 

Triple Play is a fabulous romance. Quinn Ward has once again left me delighted with a great romance. Adding to the fun is the great group of teammates and friends. This is a series with the past characters always around. It's fabulous as they all start to feel like family. And I am so excited to re-read these books yet again.