Draft Pick Season One: Carver

by Darie McCoy

It's Lit Literary Award Finalist 2023 for Best Interracial Book by a Black Author

Alyssa Ripley and Carver Jamieson met in college through her best friend, who just happened to be Carver's girlfriend. When he was drafted into the NFL, they left one another's orbit.

Years have passed and circumstances have changed since they last saw one another. He's no longer dating her best friend nor is he a starting quarterback in the NFL. And...They're both very much single.

When Carver lands a coaching job in the city Alyssa calls home, can he also land a place in her heart? If he can, will their relationship survive his very public lifestyle?



Previously published as a Kindle Vella Series

Genres: Sports

400 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 19, 2023

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars / 4 Steam Fans

A highly addictive read!! Carver gave major BDE and Alyssa's sassy met him every step of the way.

I can't wait for the next season and couple.

Video review available in Week 18: Apr 30 – May 6, 2023, weekly book reviews on Steph's Romance Book Talk (https://www.youtube.com/@stephsromanc...)

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved and enjoyed Carver

Carver and Alyssa's story unfolds with heartwarming moments, a touch of sweetness, and a surprising dose of spice that kept me engaged. The plot centers around Carver and Alyssa, who initially met during college but never blurred the lines of friendship. Despite their mutual attraction, Carver was dating Alyssa's best friend, creating a complicated dynamic. The narrative takes a twist when they reunite after five years, and the chemistry between Carver and Alyssa ignites, leading to a passionate connection.

Carver's character stands out with his protective and slightly over-the-top nature, balanced by his humility, groundedness, and appealing personality. His determination to make the most of the second chance is endearing. Alyssa, on the other hand, is portrayed as naive and a bit clueless despite her intelligence. The slow realization of Carver's feelings adds a layer of depth to her character.

I am happy the author released this KindleVella story on Kindle. The story follows some familiar tropes of the romance genre, and I feel the author skillfully navigates them, creating a captivating and enjoyable read. Draft Pick Season One is recommended for fans of second-chance romances, friends-to-lovers dynamics, and sports-themed love stories.

[BookKraves · Rating 4 out of 5]

From the moment we met, I knew that you would be important in my life. With each interaction, that feeling grew. The night I proposed to you, I told you that you’re my beginning, my foundation and that remains true

I enjoyed this second chance, sports read. Carver and Alyssa have my heart. Draft Pick Season One is heartwarming and sweet, but don't let the cover fool you because the spice in this book is 🥵

Carver and Alyssa met while in college and although they were friends, and were feeling each other that line was never crossed. Carver dated Alyssa's best friend for two years in college, and she ensured that the best friend code remained in effect. Carver and Alyssa hooked up 5 years after they graduated from college, however, Alyssa is a runner. They reconnected 10 years after hooking up and Carver was not about to let her run again.

I like Carver. He is protective, a little over the top but he made sure to insert himself in Alyssa's life. When given a second chance he made the most out of it, and did not waste the opportunity he was given. As a well-known football player and now a coach, Carver is humble, grounded and has a great personality.

Alyssa is cute, sweet, caring and a bit naive for all the intelligence she has. LOL, it took Alyssa a minute to get with the program.

This book is long, but it's easy to read.

[CLorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

When football star Carver and computer engineering student Alyssa (Bit) met in college they were on two different trajectories. Bit was a bit of a nerd and Carver was dating her best friend and roommate. Even with these barriers, they recognized the spark between them even if they never acted on it. Fast forward to fifteen years and they are working in the same city! Only this time our over the top hero is not going to let anything stand in the way of winning the heart and hand of the only woman he ever loved. Carver used some questionable methods in order to be a part of Bit's life. Will he go too far?
I look forward to Andrei's story and I ALWAYS enjoy catching up with characters from other stories....hearing about Asher from Involuntary and Candy from Christmas Candy was exciting! It is cool how so many of the characters in Ms. McCoy's books share a connection.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carver and his Bit

Darie McCoy really takes you on a journey of finding trust and admitting to long held desires in this story.

Carver has been waiting for his chance with Alyssa for 15 years. His longing for her is palpable and filled with so much heat.🔥🔥🔥Carver knows what he wants immediately after reconnecting with Alyssa. His obsession with not losing anymore time with her translates to overprotection on his part, but his celebrity status warrants it. Alyssa has to grow into accepting her own feelings for Carver. It takes her some time to come to terms with just how much Carver loves her and that allows her to let go of being so independent. I loved riding this steamy romance rollercoaster with Alyssa and Carver so much, I didn’t want it to end❤️

[Stephanie Jynelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bit and Carver

I first read this as a kindlevella story and loved it. It was hard waiting for updates but it was so good.
It's more than a lost love story. It's about that connection that wasn't right to explore at the first meeting. Navigating a relationship with someone well known and learning to communicate completely. Love their parents and their true friends support.
Highly recommend reading this as a book.
In process of reading Andrei and Zaria's story in kindlevella. Recommend waiting until the entire story is complete. Once I'm done with the ones I'm following I will only purchase or borrow. The idea of snippets at a time was good but without consistency in updating stories, kindlevella is not a good product.

[Lee Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Draft Pick: Carver

Carver
In college, at the height of your career, and you’re dating…
Only, you’re dating the wrong person…
How does one rectify rashness…

Bit
Entering college early… feeling alone, you befriend your roommate…
Said roommate knows a secret but keeps the details hidden…
You develop feelings unbeknownst to you…

Mary Beth
Vindication ex and best friend…
Gambled and lost, will she concede…

Will Alyssa allow her happiness to be thwarted by the internet…
Will Carver push Bit too far with his overprotectiveness…

[Katy Beth Mckee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carver has had feelings for a long time for Alyssa and her dud of a date is the opening he needs. In the beginning Carver is intense and little heavy handed in “helping”. But Alyssa is strong enough to stand up for herself. I appreciated that this issue was recognized as a potential problem and they took steps to address it for themselves and their relationship. I thought Carver’s parents were great with the way they let Carver know exactly how they felt. The ending is a great HEA. #CMCon26

[Dorathy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

another hit by Ms. McCoy

I loved this book of Carver and Bit. They were both attracted to one another in college, but was unable to act on it. They met up again when they were older, but Bit I wasn’t ready for anything several years later they met up again and Carver had no intention of ever letting her go. This was a great love story I can’t wait for the next one of Zaria and Andrei.

[Pamelon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carver ❤️ Alyssa Draft Pick is a 5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read!!

Draft Pick Season One: Carver by Darie McCoy has a wonderful and engaging storyline. This story had me engaged from beginning to end. Carver and Alyssa are each other's destiny. I started reading their story on Vella and fell in love with this couple. They are each other's peace. I had to have this book in my library! Check it out. Darie McCoy is a fantastic Storyteller. 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[Kolby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good long read. I had to take breaks at sometimes braise it became monotonous. Carver was freaking intense!!!! Wooowee, he was a bit much for me sometimes. Bit was annoying and tended to have no back bone. Her development was great though, she really blossomed and I ended up liking her. All the side characters were fantastic and I definitely want to read about them in the future.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the male character too alpha bordering on being a psycho. He was a turn off and the female lead only seemed to have grown a spine towards the dnd of the book. I needed them both to have a balance in their personalities. He was just too much and she was just too complacent for my liking.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book deserves more then 5 Stars

It is over the top in reading and zingers in plot! Going forth it is an easy read but keeps you on top toes of anticipation! Well written and no Ed along.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

over the top alpha

My first book by Ms McCoy and I don’t know why. Loved the story the drama and even the expected third act break up. Carver was a lot, but you wouldn’t want him any other way.

[MonieLove · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED THIS!

I absolutely loved Carver and Alyssa’s love story. It felt authentic and kept laughing out loud at some parts and cursing at others ! And the Spice was SPICY! I can’t wait for the next one.

[Cherryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally after fifteen years

Took them long enough, but both of them were respectful people. Alyssa knew she had a crush on Carved, but he was her so-called best friend's man. Carver had enough respect for Mary Beth by not coming on to her best friend. Years after Mary Beth and Carver called it quits, both Carver and Alyssa had an encounter that let them know what feelings were there, but Alyssa ran. Fifteen years later, they are now living in the same town and Carver has the chance to make his Bit his. Alyssa wants to take things slow, but Carver is not having it. Alyssa is not used to the paps and Carver, wanting to protect her by any means necessary until she is forced to accept the life she now lives in the public eye with Carver.

I enjoyed reading about the socially awkward but super smart girl ending up with the jock, now NFL coach. Mary Beth got what she deserved thinking she could try to slip in back with Carver after all the trash she dished. Alyssa told her about herself. I loved it.

[Eve Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Good....

I had so much fun reading this book that I hated for it to end. Looking forward to the next installment in the series and truly appreciating book one.

[Anika Nathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I enjoyed this book, I did feel like the author could have ended the book much before she did.

[shadiedaze · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read on Kindle Vella. Good story. Carver was intense.

[Lanae · Rating 1 out of 5]

carver sucks and i couldn’t stand his behavior. dnf at 38%

[Avid Reader · Rating 2 out of 5]

Boooooring and monotonous. A book about absolutely NOTHING!!!!

[FreyaJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. This is the reason that I joined Kindle Vella, when I swore that I never would. McCoy takes us to the football stadiums, locker rooms and players homes and then confronts our negative beliefs about, dumb jocks and minorities. But her books are basically about love, in all of its forms. Great book where ou get another family members’ story. Currently readin Draft Pick, season 2