What do you think?
Rate this book
Playing For Keeps #1
Offside
When I was younger, my best friend’s little sister betrayed me, she destroyed me. Turning my whole world upside down leaving me no choice but to ghost her and rebuild myself in a whole new image, a darker, sinister new version of me. She ruined me and everything I had planned in one night, she didn’t even have the balls to admit what she did when I caught her red handed.
Now, two years later she turns up at the house I share with her brother and our three other best friends. Seeing her again after all this time has me determined to ruin her and make her pay.
I’m going to burn her world to the ground, use her weaknesses against her. I know she still wants me, I plan to use that want against her and make her bend to my will.
Leah Williams thinks she is above me, untouchable because her brother has no idea we were ever together. Here at CHU we are the kings, we rule over everyone and I plan to have her kneeling before me in no time.
Now, two years later she turns up at the house I share with her brother and our three other best friends. Seeing her again after all this time has me determined to ruin her and make her pay.
I’m going to burn her world to the ground, use her weaknesses against her. I know she still wants me, I plan to use that want against her and make her bend to my will.
Leah Williams thinks she is above me, untouchable because her brother has no idea we were ever together. Here at CHU we are the kings, we rule over everyone and I plan to have her kneeling before me in no time.
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 16, 2023
414 people are currently reading
698 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Barrett
52 books815 followersSamantha Barrett is originally from Auckland, New Zealand but living in Brisbane, Australia.
Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.
She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.
Sam writes all things dirty dark and delicious with a side of twisted mind fu*k.
She is a lover of all things red flags and an anti-hero is a must.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
December 14, 2025
Ridiculous
Contains Spoilers.
I read her mafia series and it wasn’t too bad, so I decided to try more of her books. I started book 1 of this series, but by the halfway mark I was skimming because the drama became ridiculous and completely unbelievable.
Darius had every right to not trust Leah. She keeps secrets, gives pathetic excuses, and creates chaos everywhere she goes. They have a messy past, sneaking around behind her brother Corvin’s back years ago, something went wrong, and now Darius hates her except when they’re fu*king. And the wild part is that Darius and Corvin are best friends. Neither Darius nor Leah has any respect for her brother because they restart their sneaky links behind his back like nothing happened. If it’s that serious, just tell him. Instead we get a toxic fu*k/hate dynamic where Darius spends half the book calling her a slut and the other half sleeping with her.
Then we reach the point where Darius goes off on her again, calls her out her name, and literally minutes later they’re having a threesome with another one of her brother’s friends who also lusts after her. Darius is supposed to be possessive… until suddenly he’s not. So now she’s slept with two of her brother’s friends, and somehow we’re supposed to take this couple seriously.
Next, the “big secret”: Leah was date-raped in the past, and we’re told she’s traumatized. Yet she has nonstop sex throughout the book. Then we learn her rapist Gary and her lover Darius are twins. GTFHO. One twin raped her and the other is her soulmate. But how tf did she not know they were twins. They look exactly alike…no? Trauma or not, twins don’t become unrecognizable just because they grew up in different households. That reveal was wild in the worst possible way. I know there are fraternal twins as well. But the author was better off just saying they were brothers. Them being twins didn’t add any weight to the plot. It just made the whole scenario sound silly.
Then the plot went all the way left when Gary blackmails Leah into drugging Darius. She actually does it. He tests positive for drugs and could’ve lost his entire career. At that point, I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her. She became completely unforgivable. Darius and her brother hold weight in their community, she could have told them everything from the beginning instead of making things worse.
I genuinely do not want an HEA for Darius and Leah. They are toxic, incompatible, and destructive. Darius’s mouth is lethal, yes, but after Leah’s betrayals I don’t even blame him for being done. Their relationship is doomed. She cannot be trusted and he will never fully forgive her.
I tried to open book 2 just to finish the series, made it to chapter 2, and DNF’d immediately. It wasn’t getting better.
Contains Spoilers.
I read her mafia series and it wasn’t too bad, so I decided to try more of her books. I started book 1 of this series, but by the halfway mark I was skimming because the drama became ridiculous and completely unbelievable.
Darius had every right to not trust Leah. She keeps secrets, gives pathetic excuses, and creates chaos everywhere she goes. They have a messy past, sneaking around behind her brother Corvin’s back years ago, something went wrong, and now Darius hates her except when they’re fu*king. And the wild part is that Darius and Corvin are best friends. Neither Darius nor Leah has any respect for her brother because they restart their sneaky links behind his back like nothing happened. If it’s that serious, just tell him. Instead we get a toxic fu*k/hate dynamic where Darius spends half the book calling her a slut and the other half sleeping with her.
Then we reach the point where Darius goes off on her again, calls her out her name, and literally minutes later they’re having a threesome with another one of her brother’s friends who also lusts after her. Darius is supposed to be possessive… until suddenly he’s not. So now she’s slept with two of her brother’s friends, and somehow we’re supposed to take this couple seriously.
Next, the “big secret”: Leah was date-raped in the past, and we’re told she’s traumatized. Yet she has nonstop sex throughout the book. Then we learn her rapist Gary and her lover Darius are twins. GTFHO. One twin raped her and the other is her soulmate. But how tf did she not know they were twins. They look exactly alike…no? Trauma or not, twins don’t become unrecognizable just because they grew up in different households. That reveal was wild in the worst possible way. I know there are fraternal twins as well. But the author was better off just saying they were brothers. Them being twins didn’t add any weight to the plot. It just made the whole scenario sound silly.
Then the plot went all the way left when Gary blackmails Leah into drugging Darius. She actually does it. He tests positive for drugs and could’ve lost his entire career. At that point, I couldn’t bring myself to feel sorry for her. She became completely unforgivable. Darius and her brother hold weight in their community, she could have told them everything from the beginning instead of making things worse.
I genuinely do not want an HEA for Darius and Leah. They are toxic, incompatible, and destructive. Darius’s mouth is lethal, yes, but after Leah’s betrayals I don’t even blame him for being done. Their relationship is doomed. She cannot be trusted and he will never fully forgive her.
I tried to open book 2 just to finish the series, made it to chapter 2, and DNF’d immediately. It wasn’t getting better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book as part of a giveaway. This story is set in college and the main characters are football players & dance team members. The group of guys have a close bond and not only are friends but, created a business together. Although Darius and Leah are the stars of Offside, I loved getting to know all the guys and Leah’s two friends. I hope they all get to share their stories later on. Darius and Leah’s pasts haunt them and they work through the many conflicts when they are thrown together again. We end with a cliffhanger which makes me thankful it won’t be long before book 2!
January 24, 2025
Wow this book…..
I’m just so annoyed after reading this… during the whole thing i was like wow really … wtf… omg he’s so dumb she’s so dumb…..
The MCs are just a no for me…. I thought i was gonna like Leah but no…. The fact that they were together is good and all but then Darius gets pissed and ghosts her after he thinks she cheats on him and won’t even talk to her… then turns into the biggest manwhore but insists on having unprotected sex with Leah—— yeah NOOO it’s no…. And then the threesome?!?!? Where tf did that come from?!? This broody possessive man who hates t see her with OM decides hey yeah y not let’s have a threesome with my other best friend….. and then throwing in that it’s been on her wishlist 😑
Then he proceeds to say that he beck had a threesome with some chick before—— like why why
The way Darius talks to Leah and spews out these hurtful comments- after talking—- then saying that shit again!!! Like GROSS he’s gross!’ And the lies and current lying is just a no for me…. There is nothing redeeming about this book
I’m just so annoyed after reading this… during the whole thing i was like wow really … wtf… omg he’s so dumb she’s so dumb…..
The MCs are just a no for me…. I thought i was gonna like Leah but no…. The fact that they were together is good and all but then Darius gets pissed and ghosts her after he thinks she cheats on him and won’t even talk to her… then turns into the biggest manwhore but insists on having unprotected sex with Leah—— yeah NOOO it’s no…. And then the threesome?!?!? Where tf did that come from?!? This broody possessive man who hates t see her with OM decides hey yeah y not let’s have a threesome with my other best friend….. and then throwing in that it’s been on her wishlist 😑
Then he proceeds to say that he beck had a threesome with some chick before—— like why why
The way Darius talks to Leah and spews out these hurtful comments- after talking—- then saying that shit again!!! Like GROSS he’s gross!’ And the lies and current lying is just a no for me…. There is nothing redeeming about this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 14, 2025
terrible writing
First off the writing is absolutely juvenile. It’s honestly terrible.
Second the exclamation points scared me and were incredibly unnecessary
Third does Leah have bipolar? Or does the author? Honestly one second she is “falling into a depression” the next she’s asking for a threesome. I kid you not it was like two paragraphs later
There is so much jumping around and nothing made sense. The author wanted her to be this “depressed sad girl” but then showed absolutely zero traits.
She let Darius walk all over her through out the entire book. 100% a doormat.
Will not be reading the second book
First off the writing is absolutely juvenile. It’s honestly terrible.
Second the exclamation points scared me and were incredibly unnecessary
Third does Leah have bipolar? Or does the author? Honestly one second she is “falling into a depression” the next she’s asking for a threesome. I kid you not it was like two paragraphs later
There is so much jumping around and nothing made sense. The author wanted her to be this “depressed sad girl” but then showed absolutely zero traits.
She let Darius walk all over her through out the entire book. 100% a doormat.
Will not be reading the second book
Want to read
October 16, 2025🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2023)! 🎁
May 7, 2023
Oh my god!!! This book. I so loved this bully story. I'm not for one to read this kinda trope. But hell I will read it if Samantha is writing it. Darius and Leah, what did you guys do. Oh my god, it's not said sufficiently. The pain, angst and love they have for each other the push n pull the anger and hatred . Damm this book bought out the feels for me.
Diving into the next one immediately!!
Loved it so much
Diving into the next one immediately!!
Loved it so much
November 30, 2025
What a great, absorbing read! I was so into it, but then it ended, luckily the story continues and I can't wait to get to the next book. While I understand that Darius feels betrayed, at the end of the book, I think he should take a minute to realised what Leah just told him!
Can't wait to read the next book as I want to see just what happens next!
Can't wait to read the next book as I want to see just what happens next!
March 14, 2024
Alright. I’m going to start this one off with some warnings. If you can not handle SA and blackmail- this may be triggering.
Now saying that, let’s get into what the gist is. We meet Leah who is constantly trying to hide from someone who is blackmailing her, but doesn’t want to talk about what happened to anyone. So her best option is to go to the school her brother plays football at. This is where some other miscommunication starts. Apparently, she was in a secret relationship with her brothers best friend, Darius, but he was sent information that Leah cheated on him so he has hated her ever since. The issue is supposedly her brother had no idea why they were close and now hate each other. The boys are all ‘Kings’ of their football team and own a business together so they are VERY close, but no one knows how Leah’s brother would react if he knew what had happened behind his back. Leah is forced into a difficult situation where she has to make a choice: does she betray her brother and his friends while ruining their future OR does she keep her secret and go along with the blackmailers plan?
I liked this story for the most part. There was a lot of drama, but I have a hard time remembering that people don’t just say what they need to say. Book couples want the drama and miscommunication apparently. I was really upset about the ending and how Darius acted. He doesn’t even think about Leah, just only about how he felt. I will read the other books in the series, but I am still getting over that frustration.
Now saying that, let’s get into what the gist is. We meet Leah who is constantly trying to hide from someone who is blackmailing her, but doesn’t want to talk about what happened to anyone. So her best option is to go to the school her brother plays football at. This is where some other miscommunication starts. Apparently, she was in a secret relationship with her brothers best friend, Darius, but he was sent information that Leah cheated on him so he has hated her ever since. The issue is supposedly her brother had no idea why they were close and now hate each other. The boys are all ‘Kings’ of their football team and own a business together so they are VERY close, but no one knows how Leah’s brother would react if he knew what had happened behind his back. Leah is forced into a difficult situation where she has to make a choice: does she betray her brother and his friends while ruining their future OR does she keep her secret and go along with the blackmailers plan?
I liked this story for the most part. There was a lot of drama, but I have a hard time remembering that people don’t just say what they need to say. Book couples want the drama and miscommunication apparently. I was really upset about the ending and how Darius acted. He doesn’t even think about Leah, just only about how he felt. I will read the other books in the series, but I am still getting over that frustration.
May 1, 2025
If there was a zero stars options..i would be clicking that... tenfold.
WHAT! IN! THE! HOLY! HECK! DID! I! READ!?
(Literally an exclamation mark after every thought, scene and feeling by the main characters it was beyond ridiculous - we get it. You want to make your point extra known.)
This was an absolute DISASTER!
Every interaction between FMC & MMC was so unnecessarily over the top. The cruel & spiteful words/doings by the MMC. The FMC just taking all his verbal punches.. but has the audacity to still like him after all that?! You've got to be having a laugh girl.
Messy storyline. Stupid characters. Immature dialogue. absolutely dumb decision making.
I WANT MY WASTED TIME BACK!
WHAT! IN! THE! HOLY! HECK! DID! I! READ!?
(Literally an exclamation mark after every thought, scene and feeling by the main characters it was beyond ridiculous - we get it. You want to make your point extra known.)
This was an absolute DISASTER!
Every interaction between FMC & MMC was so unnecessarily over the top. The cruel & spiteful words/doings by the MMC. The FMC just taking all his verbal punches.. but has the audacity to still like him after all that?! You've got to be having a laugh girl.
Messy storyline. Stupid characters. Immature dialogue. absolutely dumb decision making.
I WANT MY WASTED TIME BACK!
November 15, 2024
The writing and editing was awful, but I kept sticking around for the big grovel where he finds out that she was roofied and raped. I wanted to see him feel like absolute shit for not even talking to her about it and instead he gets mad at her. Admittedly she did some stupid ass shit that made no sense, ugh the whole thing was juvenile and shoulda been a DNF, definitely not bothering with the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2025
Really don't know how I pushed myself to finish this; I was desperate for it to end. The writing felt so clunky and awkward for the most part, and so many points where I had to re-read as it wasn't clear who was talking.
Really rushed but also dragged out because the same points kept getting rehashed over and over again.
Won't be reading the rest.
Really rushed but also dragged out because the same points kept getting rehashed over and over again.
Won't be reading the rest.
April 22, 2023
Holy hotness can Samantha Barrett deliver a bully romance or what?!? Because Offside, the first book in the Playing For Keeps Duet was absolute fire!!! Seriously, this is a story wrought with emotions as two characters that once shared a secret past are once again reunited, though not under the best of terms, and the chaos that ensues is utterly captivating! Needless to say Barrett will take you on quite the gamut of emotions with this one so better buckle up!
Darius, our MC, once broke the rule and fell for his best friends sister, but when tragedy intervened, certain assumptions were made that broke them apart and eventually led them down a hateful dark road full of betrayal and pain, causing emotions and anger to burn bright..even two years later. Now Darius has one thing on his mind. Revenge.
However, even though Leah may not know why Darius left her and why they stopped being even just friends, she didn’t escape unscathed and is still paying the price for it herself…and will continue to do so if her secrets are ever discovered. What ensues next is a hot and steamy push and pull between the two, with some dirty talking possessiveness going on that is absolute���🥵🔥 making this one a definite must read!
Overall if you love bully, sports university romances that travel the course of friendship, love, hate and everything in between then this is the one for you as it will take you on quite the ride and leave you screaming for more the only way Barrett knows how! And that ending?!?! Man I need June to come STAT!
Darius, our MC, once broke the rule and fell for his best friends sister, but when tragedy intervened, certain assumptions were made that broke them apart and eventually led them down a hateful dark road full of betrayal and pain, causing emotions and anger to burn bright..even two years later. Now Darius has one thing on his mind. Revenge.
However, even though Leah may not know why Darius left her and why they stopped being even just friends, she didn’t escape unscathed and is still paying the price for it herself…and will continue to do so if her secrets are ever discovered. What ensues next is a hot and steamy push and pull between the two, with some dirty talking possessiveness going on that is absolute���🥵🔥 making this one a definite must read!
Overall if you love bully, sports university romances that travel the course of friendship, love, hate and everything in between then this is the one for you as it will take you on quite the ride and leave you screaming for more the only way Barrett knows how! And that ending?!?! Man I need June to come STAT!
May 15, 2023
The perfect enemies to lovers, sports, forbidden best friend's little sister romance with a ton of twists!!
Let me say this was one of my favorite sports romance books with all my favorite tropes in it. This is Must Read it has so much suspense, mystery, secrets, and spice that makes it unputdownable!!
The author just pulls you in from the start and gives you such intense and interesting main and side characters. Yes this book ends on a cliffhanger but omg it's one you are shocked by and having you want more!
Darius is a cocky alphahole that has a back story that pulls at your heart. I absolutely love these alpha possessive characters so I just loved him so much. He brings out so many emotions from loving him to wanting to knock him out at times lol.
Leah was such a relatable character I loved her feisty side but I loved how she fought when she could. Her story is heartbreaking and the pressure she is under is a weight you can feel.
The author did an amazing job weaving together this intense secret relationship storyline and giving you unforgettable characters that you crave more of. Definitely, a top 2023 read for me. Laughs, mystery, suspense, secrets, heartbreak, and off-the-charts spicy smutty goodness. Don't wait just One Click this book Now!!
Let me say this was one of my favorite sports romance books with all my favorite tropes in it. This is Must Read it has so much suspense, mystery, secrets, and spice that makes it unputdownable!!
The author just pulls you in from the start and gives you such intense and interesting main and side characters. Yes this book ends on a cliffhanger but omg it's one you are shocked by and having you want more!
Darius is a cocky alphahole that has a back story that pulls at your heart. I absolutely love these alpha possessive characters so I just loved him so much. He brings out so many emotions from loving him to wanting to knock him out at times lol.
Leah was such a relatable character I loved her feisty side but I loved how she fought when she could. Her story is heartbreaking and the pressure she is under is a weight you can feel.
The author did an amazing job weaving together this intense secret relationship storyline and giving you unforgettable characters that you crave more of. Definitely, a top 2023 read for me. Laughs, mystery, suspense, secrets, heartbreak, and off-the-charts spicy smutty goodness. Don't wait just One Click this book Now!!
April 18, 2023
I got me a new book boyfriend and his name is Darius!!!!!!
Offside is book 1 in the Playing for Keeps duet. It’s all the second chance…brother best friend goodness you can ask for. It’s full of spice and some mystery with a cliffhanger that will have you at the edge of your seat!!!
Darius is the best friend who did the unthinkable and fell for his best friends little sister Leah. They had some drama surrounding them…they have a history no one knows about and it’s going to bring the drama.
Darius loved him from the start. But at times he had me questioning why I loved him. Leah I loved her and didn’t stop. She has something going on that we know is going to be huge. At the end I nearly fell out of my seat!!!! I didn’t see this turn coming.
This duet is one that I don’t want to end. After book 2 I would love for all the boys to get their story. These characters are a lot of fun and easy to love.
Samantha blows me away with her writing. She doesn’t waste time and always gets right to the good stuff. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. This is another top read by her and I haven’t even read book 2 yet.
Offside is book 1 in the Playing for Keeps duet. It’s all the second chance…brother best friend goodness you can ask for. It’s full of spice and some mystery with a cliffhanger that will have you at the edge of your seat!!!
Darius is the best friend who did the unthinkable and fell for his best friends little sister Leah. They had some drama surrounding them…they have a history no one knows about and it’s going to bring the drama.
Darius loved him from the start. But at times he had me questioning why I loved him. Leah I loved her and didn’t stop. She has something going on that we know is going to be huge. At the end I nearly fell out of my seat!!!! I didn’t see this turn coming.
This duet is one that I don’t want to end. After book 2 I would love for all the boys to get their story. These characters are a lot of fun and easy to love.
Samantha blows me away with her writing. She doesn’t waste time and always gets right to the good stuff. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. This is another top read by her and I haven’t even read book 2 yet.
October 23, 2025
🥵🔥
WOW! Holy mother of god! This book was… wow!
I absolutely devoured it! Not even kidding! Finished it in 1 day! I have had this on my tbr and downloaded on my kindle for a long time! I finally decided to read it! The trigger warning alone was wow! And I was here for it! Gosh it made me mad, sad, I actually may have shed a tear or two during a couple chapters… (Darius was a mean motherfucker! Some of the things he said to Leah broke my heart but I understood it was because she broke his heart first)…and don’t even get me started on the spice! God damn Samantha knows how to write a hot and heavy sex scene! I mean… Darius and Leah were hot but then throw in Beckett and holy trifecta!!!
I’m more into possessive my girl only/no sharing stories but this one was perfect! It was something I didn’t even know I would enjoy reading! So good! And the cliff hanger?!!! Chefs kiss! Glad I waited to read this that way I didn’t have to wait a long time for the next book to come out! Now I can just binge all 5!
Can’t wait to read each other stories! Including Saint and Crue…🙈
WOW! Holy mother of god! This book was… wow!
I absolutely devoured it! Not even kidding! Finished it in 1 day! I have had this on my tbr and downloaded on my kindle for a long time! I finally decided to read it! The trigger warning alone was wow! And I was here for it! Gosh it made me mad, sad, I actually may have shed a tear or two during a couple chapters… (Darius was a mean motherfucker! Some of the things he said to Leah broke my heart but I understood it was because she broke his heart first)…and don’t even get me started on the spice! God damn Samantha knows how to write a hot and heavy sex scene! I mean… Darius and Leah were hot but then throw in Beckett and holy trifecta!!!
I’m more into possessive my girl only/no sharing stories but this one was perfect! It was something I didn’t even know I would enjoy reading! So good! And the cliff hanger?!!! Chefs kiss! Glad I waited to read this that way I didn’t have to wait a long time for the next book to come out! Now I can just binge all 5!
Can’t wait to read each other stories! Including Saint and Crue…🙈
April 24, 2023
Offside, is the first book in the Playing For Keeps Duet and was a page turner right at the page one! Full disclosure, it is a duet that ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is only a month later, so not long to wait and it’s so worth the wait!
It is a new adult/bully/sports romance, the H and h started out as friends that became lovers to hate - it’s definitely a rollercoaster!
Darius is a Uni football player with a hidden past and falls for his best friends little sister Leah. Aside from Darius, there is Corvin - Leah’s older brother, along with Beckett, Saint and Crue who make up the close friendship group but even as secondary characters, they often take the lead, they are as much frustrating and hilarious in equal measures. But Corvin has made it clear that no one is to go anywhere near his sister, which makes this definitely a secret romance….
… until it isn’t!
Both Darius and Leah have pasts that haunt them and make it difficult for them to trust and when that trust is broken everyone suffers!
A brilliant start to the series, definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
It is a new adult/bully/sports romance, the H and h started out as friends that became lovers to hate - it’s definitely a rollercoaster!
Darius is a Uni football player with a hidden past and falls for his best friends little sister Leah. Aside from Darius, there is Corvin - Leah’s older brother, along with Beckett, Saint and Crue who make up the close friendship group but even as secondary characters, they often take the lead, they are as much frustrating and hilarious in equal measures. But Corvin has made it clear that no one is to go anywhere near his sister, which makes this definitely a secret romance….
… until it isn’t!
Both Darius and Leah have pasts that haunt them and make it difficult for them to trust and when that trust is broken everyone suffers!
A brilliant start to the series, definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.
May 11, 2023
Triggers: Domestic Violence, Bullying, Drug Use, Date Rape and Degradation.
Talk about an EPIC miscommunication trope. It's bad enough Lacey and Darius has been keeping their relationship a secret from her brother Corvin who is also Darius's BFF; Lacey has been keeping silent about a traumatic event that has altered the course of her life.
Darius had had a hard life and it is hard for him to trust but the one time he let his guard down in resulted in him heart being ripped out by the one he loved.
Lacey has remained silent about the one thing that causes women to hide in shame. As a result she is blackmailed into betraying her brother and Darius. Lacey's silence has cause more harm than good and the consequences of her actions may have ruined her chances of ever reconciling with Darius ever again.
Secrets, Betrayal, Manipulation, Blackmail are hard obstacles to overcome. Now with careers and livelihoods on the line, will Lacey have a chance to redeem herself as well as get justice for the crime committed against her that lead to the chaotic life she has endured?
Talk about an EPIC miscommunication trope. It's bad enough Lacey and Darius has been keeping their relationship a secret from her brother Corvin who is also Darius's BFF; Lacey has been keeping silent about a traumatic event that has altered the course of her life.
Darius had had a hard life and it is hard for him to trust but the one time he let his guard down in resulted in him heart being ripped out by the one he loved.
Lacey has remained silent about the one thing that causes women to hide in shame. As a result she is blackmailed into betraying her brother and Darius. Lacey's silence has cause more harm than good and the consequences of her actions may have ruined her chances of ever reconciling with Darius ever again.
Secrets, Betrayal, Manipulation, Blackmail are hard obstacles to overcome. Now with careers and livelihoods on the line, will Lacey have a chance to redeem herself as well as get justice for the crime committed against her that lead to the chaotic life she has endured?
April 27, 2023
I received an advanced readers copy. This is the first book in the series. Offside is part of a duet. A bully/sports/adult romance book. Samantha Barrett you nailed it. OMG just love this book. Just love it. The chemistry between Darius and Leah is off the freaking charts. I never expected that kind of cliffhanger. Can’t believe how Leah was being blackmailed. What a person will do to protect the ones they love. It’s sad how they both thought the wrong thing with the past if only they trusted each other enough to communicate it but than we would not have this fantastic book. I love all the characters. Love the relationship all the guys have with each other. Like brothers. Hope in Touchdown we see Darius and Leah working it out. We need stories for all the other guys. I mean no pressure Sam😉👍🏻👍🏻.
You are an amazing writer. Can’t wait to read Touchdown. 💜💜👍🏻👍🏻🥳🥳💃🏼💃🏼💯💯💯
You are an amazing writer. Can’t wait to read Touchdown. 💜💜👍🏻👍🏻🥳🥳💃🏼💃🏼💯💯💯
February 13, 2024
You cruel...cruel woman
The story of Darius and Leah is...OH MY GOODNESS I AM ABOUT TO BE ON A ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF FEELS!!! I could not put this book down even if it was to save myself from being torn apart by the angst of young love through turmoil, betrayal, revenge, animosity and pure unadulterated love to hate but can't emotions that swirl around these two. And just when I thought I was going to be brought back down on a soft bed of fluffy clouds and relax Samantha Barrett threw me into the lion's den called a cliff hanger NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Now I am like a emotional junkie on a "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?" need and the second book is my fix! Don't just click for this book...get the whole series. Don't be like me and get one book and start jonesing for the next one like a loon.
The story of Darius and Leah is...OH MY GOODNESS I AM ABOUT TO BE ON A ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF FEELS!!! I could not put this book down even if it was to save myself from being torn apart by the angst of young love through turmoil, betrayal, revenge, animosity and pure unadulterated love to hate but can't emotions that swirl around these two. And just when I thought I was going to be brought back down on a soft bed of fluffy clouds and relax Samantha Barrett threw me into the lion's den called a cliff hanger NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Now I am like a emotional junkie on a "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?" need and the second book is my fix! Don't just click for this book...get the whole series. Don't be like me and get one book and start jonesing for the next one like a loon.
April 25, 2023
Believe it or not, this was my absolute first sports romance and I think I've started with the best, because I don't know how anyone could match how amazing this book is! Maybe only Sam herself! 🤣
Sam has this magical ability to draw me into her books with a click of her fingers. The incredible world and character building she does, always makes me feel like I have a front seat view to the entire story.
I absolutely devoured Darius and Leah and fell head over heels along the way. AND SAM NEVER DISAPPOINTS ON SPICE AND SMUT!
Get ready for one of the hottest scenes I've read in forever. Darius may just push the Murdoch's out of my favourite spot....
If you haven't already (even though i tell you constantly) go start one of Sam's books Now!!
Sam has this magical ability to draw me into her books with a click of her fingers. The incredible world and character building she does, always makes me feel like I have a front seat view to the entire story.
I absolutely devoured Darius and Leah and fell head over heels along the way. AND SAM NEVER DISAPPOINTS ON SPICE AND SMUT!
Get ready for one of the hottest scenes I've read in forever. Darius may just push the Murdoch's out of my favourite spot....
If you haven't already (even though i tell you constantly) go start one of Sam's books Now!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2023
HOLY MACARONI!!!!!
Samantha is knocking these out of the park!!!!
First off, The whiplash is real!!
I am falling for Big D one moment and then wanting to punch him the next. He is such an Alphahole it isn’t even funny…it’s hot. Like really, REALLY HOT!
Then you add the Bucket List into the equation 🥵🥵
GaDamn!!!!!!
Leah, I love her character! She’s spunky. Gives as good as she gets. She has a moment when her entire life comes crashing back in on her, and has no one to turn to.
Especially not her brother or ANY of his friends.
What an entire Theme park of rollercoaster rides this FIRST HALF of the duet was!!! I am itching for the next half it’s flipping insane!!
Buh-Bye! I have the second half to go hunt down!
Samantha is knocking these out of the park!!!!
First off, The whiplash is real!!
I am falling for Big D one moment and then wanting to punch him the next. He is such an Alphahole it isn’t even funny…it’s hot. Like really, REALLY HOT!
Then you add the Bucket List into the equation 🥵🥵
GaDamn!!!!!!
Leah, I love her character! She’s spunky. Gives as good as she gets. She has a moment when her entire life comes crashing back in on her, and has no one to turn to.
Especially not her brother or ANY of his friends.
What an entire Theme park of rollercoaster rides this FIRST HALF of the duet was!!! I am itching for the next half it’s flipping insane!!
Buh-Bye! I have the second half to go hunt down!
May 3, 2023
Releases May 16th
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/42oIEk7
Universal: https://mybook.to/OffsidePlayingforKeeps
Offside is the first book in the Playing For Keeps duet, a dark college, sports, enemies to lovers romance. I wasn't sure what to expect as Samantha Barrett is fairly new to me, but this book surprised me in all the best ways!!!
I absolutely loved Darius and Leah and their tumultuous relationship. The chemistry was next level. Emotions definitely run high in this one, as does the angst and suspense. I loved the comradery between Leah and all the boys. Talk about friendship goals.
I was prepared for the cliffhanger ending but WOW did Barrett toss some shocks in there. I was not expecting that at all and I'm thankful I don't have to wait long for the next book.
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/42oIEk7
Universal: https://mybook.to/OffsidePlayingforKeeps
Offside is the first book in the Playing For Keeps duet, a dark college, sports, enemies to lovers romance. I wasn't sure what to expect as Samantha Barrett is fairly new to me, but this book surprised me in all the best ways!!!
I absolutely loved Darius and Leah and their tumultuous relationship. The chemistry was next level. Emotions definitely run high in this one, as does the angst and suspense. I loved the comradery between Leah and all the boys. Talk about friendship goals.
I was prepared for the cliffhanger ending but WOW did Barrett toss some shocks in there. I was not expecting that at all and I'm thankful I don't have to wait long for the next book.
July 21, 2023
Devoured
I could not put this down!
Yes the storyline has been done before. Football jock falls for his best friends sister and then gets his heart broken. She turns up with a dark secret and although he tries to stay away his first love is his greatest and they can’t resist each other.
The character development is good the spice is very nice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and we even get an unexpected threesome ✅
The brother is the last to find out as per usual. But the guys have also been working hard at making themselves financially set for life. But just as all their dreams are about to come true.
“Blondie” is blackmailed into setting up the guys to take a huge fall and when her blackmailer leaks what he has anyway, Darius is murderous and looks like he has f’d it up for everyone!
I could not put this down!
Yes the storyline has been done before. Football jock falls for his best friends sister and then gets his heart broken. She turns up with a dark secret and although he tries to stay away his first love is his greatest and they can’t resist each other.
The character development is good the spice is very nice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and we even get an unexpected threesome ✅
The brother is the last to find out as per usual. But the guys have also been working hard at making themselves financially set for life. But just as all their dreams are about to come true.
“Blondie” is blackmailed into setting up the guys to take a huge fall and when her blackmailer leaks what he has anyway, Darius is murderous and looks like he has f’d it up for everyone!
April 25, 2023
Whoa is all I can say. Darius and Leah are like phew. Darius and his four best friends in college are considered the untouchables. They literally rule the school. Girl want them and guys want to be like them. One of the five (Corvin) has a younger sister Leah that none of the guys are allowed to touch. Well Darius didn’t listen lol. They had a relationship until something happened (misunderstanding) to end it. Now a few years have passed and Leah ends up at the same school as the guys and all hell breaks loose. This was intense and I couldn’t put this book down. Very well written.
April 26, 2023
Omg this was only my 2nd book by this author and im now officially obsessed!!
Darius was everything you never knew you needed and do much more
I will admit at times he frustrated me so much I wanted to throw my kindle but he has a way of getting under your skin and you've no chance of shaking him off
The chemistry between him and Leah was off the charts hot and as a female lead character she was awesome, I did want to slap her a few times but hey that's the sign of damn good writing
Loved this book cant wait for book 2.
Darius was everything you never knew you needed and do much more
I will admit at times he frustrated me so much I wanted to throw my kindle but he has a way of getting under your skin and you've no chance of shaking him off
The chemistry between him and Leah was off the charts hot and as a female lead character she was awesome, I did want to slap her a few times but hey that's the sign of damn good writing
Loved this book cant wait for book 2.
May 23, 2023
The tense between Darius and Leah is off the charts in this book. I could put the book down cause i wanted to see how everything goes down.
Its amazing how 1 incident can change 2 people's lives. They both have secrets that they are keeping from each other, friends and family. Darius has a love / hate relationship with Leah. The big man is hurting because of of something in the past. Leah still loves Darius even though he acts like a jerk most the time
The cliffhanger is wow i really didnt expect that. I cant wait to read book 2 in the duet.
Its amazing how 1 incident can change 2 people's lives. They both have secrets that they are keeping from each other, friends and family. Darius has a love / hate relationship with Leah. The big man is hurting because of of something in the past. Leah still loves Darius even though he acts like a jerk most the time
The cliffhanger is wow i really didnt expect that. I cant wait to read book 2 in the duet.
June 11, 2023
This told the tale of Leah and Darius, there were secrets that were hidden that have a way of coming out……
Honestly I love a good sports romance book, but boy I was not prepared for the dark elements in this book. It left me hanging on to ever word, now by chance went to read the part 2 and found out I would have to wait two weeks for it. Little did I know I would meet the author, discuss the book, and be able to purchase the second part on Saturday, instead of waiting two weeks.
There is so many ways this book can go, and I can’t wait for every single one of them.
Honestly I love a good sports romance book, but boy I was not prepared for the dark elements in this book. It left me hanging on to ever word, now by chance went to read the part 2 and found out I would have to wait two weeks for it. Little did I know I would meet the author, discuss the book, and be able to purchase the second part on Saturday, instead of waiting two weeks.
There is so many ways this book can go, and I can’t wait for every single one of them.
June 15, 2023
College Enemies to lovers/ friends sister
I love this book. There is sarcasm that just speaks to me. I love a good enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden Romance, the friends brother/ friends sister, and this just has all of it. Samantha Barrett quickly became one of my favorite authors with her Murdoch family series. This series is not letting me down. This is book one book and two releases soon. I am just chomping at the bit to get my hands on book two (Touchdown) and keep going with the series. You can’t go wrong with any of her stories so if you’re looking for a new Author or you are looking for a new series of Books… Definitely check out all of her books!
I love this book. There is sarcasm that just speaks to me. I love a good enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden Romance, the friends brother/ friends sister, and this just has all of it. Samantha Barrett quickly became one of my favorite authors with her Murdoch family series. This series is not letting me down. This is book one book and two releases soon. I am just chomping at the bit to get my hands on book two (Touchdown) and keep going with the series. You can’t go wrong with any of her stories so if you’re looking for a new Author or you are looking for a new series of Books… Definitely check out all of her books!
October 7, 2025
Whew
Well, I totally went into this one blindly — and wow, what a ride! It’s got that perfect mix of push and pull, a defiant enemies-to-lovers vibe, and a forbidden romance twist (hello, brother’s best friend 👀). I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was, but it completely surprised me.
Poor Leah… my heart broke for everything she went through on her own. But at the same time, I can’t lie — I’m still mad at her for what she did. 😤 This book ends on a cliffhanger, but thankfully the second one is already out, so I’m diving in right away!
Well, I totally went into this one blindly — and wow, what a ride! It’s got that perfect mix of push and pull, a defiant enemies-to-lovers vibe, and a forbidden romance twist (hello, brother’s best friend 👀). I honestly wasn’t expecting it to be as good as it was, but it completely surprised me.
Poor Leah… my heart broke for everything she went through on her own. But at the same time, I can’t lie — I’m still mad at her for what she did. 😤 This book ends on a cliffhanger, but thankfully the second one is already out, so I’m diving in right away!
April 15, 2023
Holy s way to end the book!’I love and I hate you for this! This book was soooooo good!
My good . The chemistry leah and Darius have is sooooo hot and spicy my god, she’s such a little s*x god.
The Guys are all amazing ! The part in the bedroom with beck and Darius and leah , I will re read that a million times.
I loved this book so much! I hate you for the ending but I can’t wait for book 2.
M
So much more I want to say but don’t want to ruin it
My good . The chemistry leah and Darius have is sooooo hot and spicy my god, she’s such a little s*x god.
The Guys are all amazing ! The part in the bedroom with beck and Darius and leah , I will re read that a million times.
I loved this book so much! I hate you for the ending but I can’t wait for book 2.
M
So much more I want to say but don’t want to ruin it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews