Flag on the Play

Gridiron Love

by Ember Davis

COOPER
When there’s a lot to celebrate, my teammates make sure it’s done in style. The season has just begun, but this year is special, I can feel it. We have a new quarterback at the helm of the Denver Mustangs, and he has connections which have nothing to do with his NFL fame. That’s why we’re at the hottest club in Denver celebrating the first home game of the season, even if we can’t get wild.

I didn’t expect to be captivated by a gorgeous, curvy woman while out at Aces, but now that I’ve seen her, I know she’s mine. Georgia can run from me all she wants, but it just makes me want to chase her. I can see she doesn’t trust me, but I’m going to change her mind.

This year is going to be the best one yet, on the field and off. I’m going to get the girl, the team is going to have a winning season, and everything will be right in the world. I just need to convince my girl that she’s made for me without a penalty flag being thrown. Easy, right?

GEORGIA
When Iris, one of my salon clients and friends, invited me out to Aces, I almost said no. But who can refuse a free night out on the town? I guess it helps to know the owners. Maybe a night out is exactly what I need to shake things up in my life.

I didn’t know I’d be part of the Denver Mustangs celebrating their first home game with a new quarterback and the championship shining like stars in their eyes. Being surrounded by large, hunky men is a bonus. I’ve learned I can look but touching and getting involved doesn’t work out for me.

There’s a flag on the play, though, when Cooper Graves sets his sights on me. He might play defensive back on the field, but, when it comes to me, he’s all about playing offense. He can’t really want me and all my curves, right? When he doesn’t give up, can I give into him and everything he’s promising me?

**18+ If you like alpha heroes and an insta-love story that is sweet and spicy but isn’t necessarily simple, then this is for you. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. It is a standalone but is related to my Denver Family series (Banks Ink. , Suburban Outcasts and Higgins Security). Cooper plays for the Denver Mustangs, you meet their quarterback, Lucas Caldron, as the MMC in Blast From The Past (Stranger Shoot Book #4) along with another teammate, Ace Riley (offensive lineman). **

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Football, Contemporary, Sports, Novella

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

Ember Davis loves alpha heroes with a range of emotions, but a strong sense of how to take care of their women. She loves her heroines from all walks of life, just like her heroes, and she wants them to be real and relatable. Her heroines tend to be sassy, opinionated and smart.

Ember is a stay at home mom of two who recently refound her love of books and all things romance and is so glad that she did. She’s always been creative, but writing and creating stories that she would love to read satisfies the dreams she had as a little girl. She loves butterflies, the color purple and enjoying time with her family.

Pssst, it’s totally a pen name, but everything above is 100% true.

Find her on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Ember.A.Davis

Find her on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/ember.a.davis/

Reviews

[A-reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

My reviews always contain spoilers, I write them so I can remember the story.

Cooper is an NFL player who has achieved all his dreams, so why does he feel like something is missing? He instantly know what that something is when he sees Georgia at a club for a team party. Georgia has not been lucky in the dating department, she’s a curvy girl who guys either overlook or use. So when Cooper a hot athlete asks her out she turns him down. But Cooper know she’s his one and pursues her. She agrees to a date, which goes well. He is so very sweet to her and she just melts for him. Their sexy times are hot both experienced but I really like that Cooper wasn’t a manwhore. He asks her to move in, I love yous, and a trip to the championship game. Epilogue with the team losing but it’s a win for them because Cooper proposes and Georgia tells him they are pregnant. Bonus downloadable epilogue three years later with the team winning the Super Bowl, them married with a little boy, and Georgia pregnant again.
Really enjoyed seeing characters from Ember’s other books in the story.

[april ♡ probably reading smut - safety reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars ☆☆☆☆

This was a quick, sweet, instalove story. I loved the dedication- "For those of us who like to watch football, but not for the game." That is me.

Cooper is missing something from his life. He's a football player for the Denver Mustangs and achieved so much in his life, but he's still not content. That missing piece from his life? It comes in the form of Georgia.

Georgia is tired of men. She's tired of being used and mistreated. She's attracted to Cooper but will she take the risk?

safety:
no virgins
no OM/OW
no cheating/sharing
safe
HEA with epilogues! ♡

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The player and his peach!

It is probably unfair to call Cooper a player as he is one of the best guys on the team, along with Ace and Lucas but seeing him fall hard, and then have to work for Georgia's heart is beautiful. I love seeing them navigate their way into their relationship, Cooper wants to sprint right in, but Georgia needs time. Let the woo-ing begin as Cooper is determined to win the ultimate prize.....the heart of his Peach!
It was also lovely to catch up with Lucas and Alina, and I look forward to Ace's book too! I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this romance. Cooper is such a sweetheart and knew instantly that Georgia aka Peach was the one for him. He was sweet, swoon-worthy and adorable, and Georgia definitely knows her mind. These two had such great chemistry together, and I really liked the epilogues!.

I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Nikki_Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this one! Wonderful, short, quick and easy read.

Cooper meet Georgia when they are both at Aces, a bar. Cooper is a football player, playing for the Denver Mustangs. Georgia is a hair dresser and loves her job. Cooper is out celebrating a win with some of the other guys. One of Georgia’s clients asks her to come out tonight and celebrate at Aces. Georgia is introduced to several people, she asks who are all the people. Her friend tells her they are football players. When she sees Cooper she notices a woman with him who is practically climbing him and it slices through her. Cooper tells the woman to get her hand off him, then walks away. Georgia notices him headed her way. He says hello to Georgia and her friend leaves her, they introduces themselves to each other. He asks her if he can buy her a drink and she tells him no she has to work in the morning. He asks her if he can get her number and take her out, she tells him thanks for asking but she can’t. She walks out of the VIP lounge and out of Aces without looking back. Cooper finds out where Georgia works and is there pacing in front of the salon early the next day. Georgia sees him walk in and excuses herself from her client. She asks him what he is doing there, he tell her he needed to see her. He tells her he needs to take her out, she questions him. He tells her yeah he doesn’t know how else to say it he couldn’t wait, he's not playing games. He tell her he wants her, she tells him she doesn’t do flings or one night stands. He tells her that’s not what he’s talking about he wants forever. Then he asks her if he can take her out tonight and she says okay. He texts her to dress casual, then shows up on her doorstep wearing dark jeans and a henley. He tells her he likes her shoes and they head to a burger place. They talk about families, experiences growing up, their careers. Next he takes her to the bookstore around the corner and they talk about what kinds of books they like to read. They head home and he asks her to come over to his place. He asks her if she know what will happen if she comes back to his place and they kiss. When they get to his place he takes her inside and they begin to kiss again. They begin to undress each other, he tells her he wants her. He tells her she is beautiful and they go to the bed as they completely undress. He pleasures her and she tells him she needs him. He sinks inside of her slowly allowing her body time to adjust to him. She tells him she wants more and she gives herself over to him. They come together then he holds her close to him. Two weeks later Cooper out traveling with the team and it’s the longest that he hasn’t seen her. He wants her to stay at his home but she doesn’t see the point when he’s not there. At the away game some of the other try to get Cooper to go out they tell him she’ll never know if he hook up with someone. Cooper asks the guys what’s wrong with him, he wouldn’t do some random hookup when he has the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with at home. He gets back to his room and calls Georgia, he tell her he misses her then he asks her what she’s wearing. She tells him she misses him too and she watched his game and his interview after. They get each other off talking on the phone. After a few weeks at home they head out for an away game. She misses him sitting in his house hours after the game, she hears the front door open and close, she freezes. She turns to see Cooper enter the living room he tells her he missed her. She runs towards him and wraps her arms around him. He tells her he wanted to surprise her, he couldn’t spend another night away from her. He tells her he loves her and she the only thing he thinks about when he’s not with her. She tells him she loves him too, he’s her safe place her home. They settle in and watch a movie, she falls asleep and he carries her to bed. The next morning he asks her if she’ll travel with him when he goes to away games and he tells him okay. They get physical and he tells her he wants to get her pregnant. They go take a shower she asks him if he meant what he said. He tells her yes she’s his and he wants her to get pregnant. She pleasures him before they head to Aces they are meeting everyone to celebrate. He has a surprise for her he bought her a new dress with new shoes. She gets dresses and meets him downstairs. He asks her to move in with him, as they drive to Aces he tells her he’ll put in a shoe closet for her. She tells him she’ll move in with him. Three months later, Georgia is at the hotel lobby, all the family of the Mustangs congregate to welcome them home. The season is over they made it to the AFC championship. Everyone starts to clap as soon as the bus pulls up. Cooper steps off after Lucas, he searches for Georgia and when they lock gazes she can see the disappointment in his eyes. She tells him he was awesome out there. He tells her he knows, then he drops to one knee and pulls out a box from his pocket and flips it open. He tells her she keeps him grounded, she is what he goes out onto the field and plays for now, she makes him drive fiercer and heart beat harder, will she marry him. She blurts out that she’s pregnant, he stands up and cups her face and kisses her. She tells him yes, he asks her is the yes to her being pregnant or if she’ll marry him. She tells him both, they hear surges of congratulations around them. Now they’re a team too. Some days will be hard but hey’ll face it all together.

[**Elle**Bee**Double U** · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a NFL player Cooper should be happy with the direction his life is taking. He's got fame, doing what he loves in football, friends surroundding him, and a new quarterback who Cooper feels will take them to get their Superbowl ring. But why does he still feel as if he's missing something?
He soon discovers that what he's missing is the woman who's his future.
While at a celebration at Aces he sees Georgia and knows she's the woman for him. But he's gotta convince her that he doesn't just want one night with her.
Oh no, one night could never be enough for Cooper. He wants her as his lover, wife, and mother of his babies.

Georgia has no intention of letting herself fall for Cooper. She's been hurt, let down, and ultimately given up on the male species right now. Someone like Cooper could completely decimate her if she let him. So why does her body and brain seem to have different ideas of staying away from Cooper? When he finally catches up to her, she agrees to a date that changes her entire perspective idea of who Cooper is.
But is she ready to believe that just after one date he wants forever?

I love these books that interconnect with all of Ember Davis' loved characters...
Well at least her one's that started from the Bank's Ink series. While the original series might be over, we still get to catches glimpses of our beloved characters in these books.
I loved Cooper in this one. He was so set on getting Georgia and he wasn't going to be deterred from his main goal.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Jabour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flag on the Play by Ember Davis was a wonderful story about NFL player Cooper Graves who took one look at a beautiful woman across the room and instantly knew she would be his forever. Georgia turns her head and her eyes lock with those of a gorgeous giant of a man and she feels something ache in her chest, then he is walking towards her and introducing himself, asking her name. Georgia’s first instinct is to run, she doesn’t need any complications in her life right now and without a doubt her experience with men has run the gamut: they disappoint her, leave her, and let her down. Georgia has taken a break from men for the time being and has focused instead on herself and her work trying to build a name for herself. When Cooper asks her out, she says no and then runs away from him as fast as she can. As determined as he is on the football field, Cooper will not let Georgia’s reaction deter him from getting to know her and winning her for himself. So, he begins his pursuit the very next morning after finding out where she works, he arrives at her job with a singular focus of his energy and drive to make Georgia his woman. This story is hot, sizzling, sweet, and exciting!

[Anna M_82 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever wonder what it might be like to have the intensity of a football player directed at winning over your heart? Read this book and experience that pleasure as Cooper works to win over Georgia’s heart. I loved that this book gives the reader all the feels with the added trope of a football romance, even using a football term as its title.

The flag on this play is when Georgia practically runs away from their first meeting. Cooper’s not one to give up on what he wants but he also learns from experience and her running tells him to take it slow. He works to win her trust and her love and it was done beautifully. I liked that there wasn’t a lot of drama or angst. I also really loved how devoted Cooper is from the beginning. He’s a fantastic character and had me constantly swooning at his thoughtfulness, his caring, and his focus on building a future with her. Their story is a wonderful addition to the world that Ember Davis has created and I recommend adding this to your collection.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper is a pro football player and knows he’s lucky in life but lately he’s feeling like he’s missing something. Then he see’s Georgia in a club with mutual friends and instantly knows she’s the one. Georgia is immediately attracted to Cooper but is overwhelmed by the intensity of her feelings. She runs from Cooper never thinking he will find her the next day and convince her that the connection they have is real. This was a short steamy read. Cooper knew what he wanted and was ready to go after it. He also knew that Georgia was scared and needed time to process her emotions and come to the same conclusion as him that they were meant to be. Another engaging stand alone story that is nicely woven in to the ‘family’ of other books. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. This is another winning book in the multi author Gridiron Love series. The instant that he set eyes on Georgia, Cooper knew that he had found his one. Georgia felt the same spark but has avoided men and focused on her career. He finds that to win her, he'll have to give chase. It doesn't take long to win over his peach when his sincerity shines thru. I enjoyed their story and getting to have some of the family make an appearance. Coop was a great character and his devotion shines thru without being ott or controlling. I really enjoyed their short love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper plays for the Denver Mustangs and the team has a lot to celebrate, they have a new quarterback. They are celebrating the first home game at Aces. He had not idea she would walk into his life. He sees her across the room and it is all he can do not to run over to her.

Georgia is at Aces, having been invited by one of her clients, Iris. She had no idea the Denver Mustang's entire team would be there. When she locks eyes with Cooper Graves, she feels things she never has. When he asks her out she says no and ducks out of the club.

Cooper is not about to give up, she will be the mother of his children and his forever. He just needs to convince his Georgia Peach to be his.

I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book with no obligation to write a review.

[Robin Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short on story even for a short story - read on KU

The characters are likeable. What little we know of them anyway. Our guy decides he wants Georgia before he even talks to her. Decides he is going to marry her. And he never gives her the opportunity to say otherwise. While she ends up being OK with that, I've seen this same behavior written as what the creepy guy does in books that the H saves the h from. It's all a matter of perspective.

Even for a short story, there could have been more development between the characters. The steamy scenes could have been more interesting.

I would try a full length novel by this author, but I wouldn't read another short story by her. Unless you need something you can read in half an hour, I don't recommend this.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Flag on the Play: Gridiron Love. I love everything Ember Davis writes. I honestly haven’t read anything that I didn’t love. I love that charge from her previous books always find a way into her stories. This time we have football player Cooper and Georgia. The second he sees her he just knows, she’s it and he has to make her his. Georgia panics and runs away, it’s. Good thing that Cooper is stubborn. Can this hair stylist and the football player have a future? Such a great storyline and lovable characters. I would definitely recommend this book and anything in the Ember Davis library.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Cooper and Georgia. Cooper is a footballer and Georgia is a hairdresser. Georgia's friend Iris talks her into going out with her to the club Ace for an after game party. That is where Cooper sees Georgia and is hit immediately. She's the one for him. This is a fast steamy read, less than an hour and well written. Ember Davis is exceptional when it comes to instalove short stories. If you love the fast steamy genre this is one of the best. Cooper and Georgia have great chemistry and are beautiful together. Loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Nielsen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc from the author and I’m voluntarily leaving my honest review.

This was a fantastic instalove football romance. I love Ember Davis’ style of writing because her stories never fail at capturing my attention and making me fall in love with her characters. And this was no exception. I was excited from the start because I’m the type of girl that loves football both for the game and the players. Cooper was the perfect romance hero and I loved how determined he was. He knew that Georgia was his forever straight away and went for her. Their chemistry was amazing and they were just so great together. I would love to read more stories about the Denver Mustangs.

[Carmela Dimattia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have said many times that I am a huge fan of Ms Davis and every book I read just solidifies my opinion. Loved reading about Cooper and Georgia. They are a cute couple who have an instant attraction and it is love at first sight. Love the romance and the fact that these characters are faithful to each other and once the men meet “their girl” they will stop at nothing to have her in their lives. Although this was quick read it still had all the elements of a steamy romance that I love to read about. These books are the best!

I received an arc copy via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flag on the Play is a fast romance with little drama, some self-doubt and a lot of love and caring not only from the main characters, but also their friends.

Out on night, is the last place Cooper wants to be, but when he sees Georgia across the club, he knows she is the one. Georgia is not a club girl, and was about to leave, when a deep voice stopped her. When he asked for her number, she turned him down and left.

This is just a good romance that warms your heart and makes you smile as Cooper and Georgia navigate their feeling to find their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Davis joins the awesome multi-author Gridiron Love series with Flag on the Play, a steamy instalove romance. Defensive linesman for the Denver Mustangs, Cooper knows the moment he lays eyes on hairstylist Georgia across the VIP section of Aces club that she is the one for him. Georgia may not be as sold at first, but the swoon-worthy football player is prepared to be relentless n his pursuit. A high-heat, low-drama, well-written instalove romance with two very likeable and engaging characters in Coop and his Peach.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper plays for the Denver Mustangs and is out with the team celebrating when he spots Georgia and a spark is ignited. Georgia is a hairdresser who gets invited out by a client and ends up finding love. I loved these two for each other and I loved that Georgia made Cooper work for a piece of her heart. This sweet romance left me with a smile on my face as I was cheering Cooper and Georgia on to get their happily ever after. Flag on the Play is a great addition to the multi-author Gridiron Love series and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Mistie Best · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so sweet. Cooper and his Georgia "Peach" were absolutely perfect for each other. Cooper saw her across the room and knew beyond the shadow of a doubt that she was meant to be his. Georgia was afraid to believe that what she was feeling could be real, so she ran from her feelings - literally! I loved how dedicated Cooper was to proving to Georgia his feelings were real, and I loved how down to earth he was. These two were just wonderful. Loved their story!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper plays football and after a big win, he’s celebrating with friends. When he sees Georgia across the room, he knows he’s finally found the one. She doesn’t trust easily and leaves without giving him her number but he’ll stop at nothing. Will they get their happily ever after? This is a good book. I tend to like it when couples overcome some conflict. No penalty flags in this book, just the challenge flag that she threw by walking away the first night.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper and Georgia . . .

Cooper Graves plays football with the Denver Mustangs. The guys go out together to celebrate the start of the season. Iris has invited Georgia to go out to a hot club, Aces. Cooper sees her and knows immediately that this woman is the one he has been searching for. But she refuses a date and runs away from him. She has always been hurt by guys and is unwilling to open up to him. But Cooper will not give up on her and is determined to show her that they are right for each other. Will he convince her to give him a chance? Will they find their HEA?

[Georgia Herpen · Rating 5 out of 5]

COOP's GEORGIA PEACH. Coop and Georgia were adorable together. I love how he swept her off her feet, and steadily convinced her that they were meant to be together forever. Early on, Coop made it clear to Georgia that she was it for him, and he wanted the whole world to know it. As for Georgia, she's been burned too many times and it's hard for her to believe him. He's so patient at wooing her, and their story just gave me all of the feels! Another great read from Ember Davis! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rowena · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite story of the series.

My favorite story by far in the multi-author Gridiron Love series, Flag on the Play is a swoon worthy instant love romance. Cooper a defensive linesman for the Denver Mustangs doesn’t know what hits him when he first sees Georgia, but he knows she’s is his. Will he be able to convince her that they were meant to be together? One click to find out in this newest release that’s low on drama and high on steamy moments. A bonus is the glimpse of the characters that I love from her previous books that made me a fan of this authors work.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing is not bad, and this is meant to be a short novella. I read a lot of insta-love and this was definitely one. For some reason this one did not quite resonate with me as others do. I think it was not believable at all, and not even as a fantasy. She first says no to even spending time with him and he approaches her again and next thing they are having sex without protection. I felt like I had whiplash. So if you want a quick read with some spice this is for you but realize the h goes from no way to all the way in one day.

[Lisa D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet, slow burn love story. There wasn't any crazy drama or conflict. It was just a great story of two people who meet and fall in love. Georgia and Cooper are wonderful characters and I liked how they were interwoven with characters from previous books. This is a fun, easy and entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Priscilla Oliveira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flag on the Play is the perfect read when you want something fast, and romantic. No cheating with a guaranteed HEA. Cooper had wanted Georgia from the moment their eyes met, but Georgia ran away, startled by the feelings she had instantly upon seeing Cooper. But just like on the field, Cooper wasn't going to lose Georgia without putting up a fight. Perfect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Natasha Tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As soon as he saw Georgia across the room at Aces Cooper knew he’d met his one! She was his forever, now he needed to convince her! Georgia had given up on men and didn’t think Cooper was wanting more than one night so turned him down. Cooper wasn’t giving up, he would give Georgia time and prove they they were each other’s forever. Hot, sweet and steamy with amazing chemistry and a truly wonderful HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whiskers & Waffles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cooper & Georgia

I already love the Denver family so adding to it is always going to be a win for me! Cooper and Georgia are a perfect fit for this family! Instalove bordering on obsession. Alpha, possessive and instantly in love with the woman of his dreams, Cooper is just like all the other men in this family. Georgia is rather unbelieving at first but she falls in line. And it’s so good!

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper is a football star for the Mustangs and is content with it. One night he sees the One, but she is insecure and bolts. Georgia never had luck with men and relationships so why should the hot Football player be interested in her,?! But Cooper just knows she is his future and nothing can stop him from showing her how devoted and sweet he can be. Insta-love, sweet, steamy, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA and absolutely drama free 😍😍😍😍😍