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Played by Daddy's Best Friend
He's the quarterback for my father's team, and I'm carrying his baby.
Greg enters my bar and orders a drink.
When one of my patrons starts hassling me, Greg comes to my rescue.
I'm not looking for a romantic relationship, but he's a hot, highly-paid football star.
He's perfect on paper gorgeous, older, and protective but I know he's hiding something.
Yes, much older, I love older.
When he shows up at my bar again, I'll admit that I am excited.
He's captivating and our electrifying connection is making me forget my pain.
As our relationship becomes more intense, it takes a turn when I can't tell him about my father.
I've been on my own, and my past has left me cautious about trusting anyone.
When I find out what he's hiding it may destroy my chances of love.
What a mess.
Greg's connection to my father haunts me, but his alluring presence tempts me to take a chance.
I may have to start talking, maybe I can put it off for 9 months.
Greg enters my bar and orders a drink.
When one of my patrons starts hassling me, Greg comes to my rescue.
I'm not looking for a romantic relationship, but he's a hot, highly-paid football star.
He's perfect on paper gorgeous, older, and protective but I know he's hiding something.
Yes, much older, I love older.
When he shows up at my bar again, I'll admit that I am excited.
He's captivating and our electrifying connection is making me forget my pain.
As our relationship becomes more intense, it takes a turn when I can't tell him about my father.
I've been on my own, and my past has left me cautious about trusting anyone.
When I find out what he's hiding it may destroy my chances of love.
What a mess.
Greg's connection to my father haunts me, but his alluring presence tempts me to take a chance.
I may have to start talking, maybe I can put it off for 9 months.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
120 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Charly Hana
8 books13 followersCharly Hana is a contemporary romance author who weaves tales of love, passion, and heartbreak. She draws on a wealth of life experience to infuse her writing with emotional depth and authenticity.
By night, she is a writer. By day, Charly Hana works as a nanny for her adorable nephews. She holds a degree in graphic design and studied abroad in Rome, where she fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and history. Charly Hana has also traveled extensively, visiting France, Spain, Amsterdam, Germany, Aruba, St Martin, Bermuda, Bahamas, Colorado, California, Canada, Hawaii, and more.
Charly Hana is a woman of many talents and passions. She is a recreational snowboarder, hockey player, swimmer, hiker, and tennis player, and enjoys staying active and pushing herself to new heights. Through her writing, Charly Hana hopes to inspire readers to chase their dreams and believe in the power of love to conquer all.
By night, she is a writer. By day, Charly Hana works as a nanny for her adorable nephews. She holds a degree in graphic design and studied abroad in Rome, where she fell in love with the city's vibrant culture and history. Charly Hana has also traveled extensively, visiting France, Spain, Amsterdam, Germany, Aruba, St Martin, Bermuda, Bahamas, Colorado, California, Canada, Hawaii, and more.
Charly Hana is a woman of many talents and passions. She is a recreational snowboarder, hockey player, swimmer, hiker, and tennis player, and enjoys staying active and pushing herself to new heights. Through her writing, Charly Hana hopes to inspire readers to chase their dreams and believe in the power of love to conquer all.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 13, 2023
Playing the Game of Love for a Win
Growing up in Tampa, Cassandra knew that the Tampa Buccaneers were an important part of the community, providing national and local attention with their gridiron performance. And, the team was also a part of the Tampa community outreach, even during the off-season developing goodwill with the locals. But at 22, Cassie, a Tampa native, had mixed feelings about the team—or at least, the team’s on-field leadership.
Just before her mom’s death 4 years ealier, Cassie, obviously her mom’s daughter—a green -eyed beauty, with red copper hair and a tall and slim build—had developed bitter feelings about the team—or at least the team’s coach, James Farrington. Mom had shared that Cassie was James Farrington’s daughter. Mom had known that the young James had been career-focused. So, still at the beginning his football career, once he received the next offer of advancement, he left the area and never looked back. And although mom told him of his impending fatherhood, the news made no difference, he had moved on. Mom had thought that she and James were close—close enough to conceive a daughter—but obviously not close enough for the news of impending fatherhood to impact his plans to leave.
And so, he left for the next job offer and never contacted her again—not even to check on her health or that of his child. So, mom made a decision that she and her unborn child would be fine on their own—that she didn’t need James to establish a successful family. And, mom and Cassie were successful, until Cassie approached her 18th birthday and it became obvious that mom was sick.
Mom’s declining health and eventual death left her loving daughter struggling to pay her mom’s medical bills and to have the time to mourn her mom’s death. With her focus on finances, daughter Cassie postponed her college dreams and redirected the money that mom, and once she was old enough to work, Cassie had contributed, to her college fund. But the funds weren’t enough to meet the medical expenses. So, when she should have been heading to college, Cassandra, a strong resilient daughter, emotionally supported by her childhood friend, Jane, was left to carry forward her loving memories of her mom while working at a local bar to clear mom’s debts.
Now Cassie and Jane, best friends for years, are roommates and workmates—bartending and waitressing at a local Tampa bar. And while the money that mom and daughter saved for college went to cover medical expenses, Cassie and Jane still have future dreams to fund. So, the two friends are each saving for their futures. And while Cassie would still love to attend college, friend Jane has visions of being a world traveler.
Now, unexpectedly, Cassie is thrown into the world of her absent father, James Farrington, returns to Tampa to coach and with Gregory Chance the 46-year-old NFL starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leading the league in wins. And the coach and quarterback are close. Gregory considers James not just his coach, but also his friend.
So, fate brings the friend and daughter together by chance at the bar where Cassie tends the bar. And, as he gets to know the smart, bartending beauty, he opens up himself to her as he rarely does with others—especially with a woman.
As a young player, Greg had learned the hard way that football was a challenging life to manage, and trying to sustain a healthy relationship with a woman in the midst of the demands of his profession was not a winning experience for him as his early failed attempt at marriage had revealed. So, like his friend and coach, James, Greg has resigned himself to living alone—until he encounters a woman—Cassandra— unlike any he has ever known. She is strong and independent, smart and confident and able to handle herself—a beautiful green-eyed redhead who compels him to take a chance on love as no other woman ever has.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed the entertaining, up-beat romance and purchased my own read-again copy through Kindle.
Growing up in Tampa, Cassandra knew that the Tampa Buccaneers were an important part of the community, providing national and local attention with their gridiron performance. And, the team was also a part of the Tampa community outreach, even during the off-season developing goodwill with the locals. But at 22, Cassie, a Tampa native, had mixed feelings about the team—or at least, the team’s on-field leadership.
Just before her mom’s death 4 years ealier, Cassie, obviously her mom’s daughter—a green -eyed beauty, with red copper hair and a tall and slim build—had developed bitter feelings about the team—or at least the team’s coach, James Farrington. Mom had shared that Cassie was James Farrington’s daughter. Mom had known that the young James had been career-focused. So, still at the beginning his football career, once he received the next offer of advancement, he left the area and never looked back. And although mom told him of his impending fatherhood, the news made no difference, he had moved on. Mom had thought that she and James were close—close enough to conceive a daughter—but obviously not close enough for the news of impending fatherhood to impact his plans to leave.
And so, he left for the next job offer and never contacted her again—not even to check on her health or that of his child. So, mom made a decision that she and her unborn child would be fine on their own—that she didn’t need James to establish a successful family. And, mom and Cassie were successful, until Cassie approached her 18th birthday and it became obvious that mom was sick.
Mom’s declining health and eventual death left her loving daughter struggling to pay her mom’s medical bills and to have the time to mourn her mom’s death. With her focus on finances, daughter Cassie postponed her college dreams and redirected the money that mom, and once she was old enough to work, Cassie had contributed, to her college fund. But the funds weren’t enough to meet the medical expenses. So, when she should have been heading to college, Cassandra, a strong resilient daughter, emotionally supported by her childhood friend, Jane, was left to carry forward her loving memories of her mom while working at a local bar to clear mom’s debts.
Now Cassie and Jane, best friends for years, are roommates and workmates—bartending and waitressing at a local Tampa bar. And while the money that mom and daughter saved for college went to cover medical expenses, Cassie and Jane still have future dreams to fund. So, the two friends are each saving for their futures. And while Cassie would still love to attend college, friend Jane has visions of being a world traveler.
Now, unexpectedly, Cassie is thrown into the world of her absent father, James Farrington, returns to Tampa to coach and with Gregory Chance the 46-year-old NFL starting quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are leading the league in wins. And the coach and quarterback are close. Gregory considers James not just his coach, but also his friend.
So, fate brings the friend and daughter together by chance at the bar where Cassie tends the bar. And, as he gets to know the smart, bartending beauty, he opens up himself to her as he rarely does with others—especially with a woman.
As a young player, Greg had learned the hard way that football was a challenging life to manage, and trying to sustain a healthy relationship with a woman in the midst of the demands of his profession was not a winning experience for him as his early failed attempt at marriage had revealed. So, like his friend and coach, James, Greg has resigned himself to living alone—until he encounters a woman—Cassandra— unlike any he has ever known. She is strong and independent, smart and confident and able to handle herself—a beautiful green-eyed redhead who compels him to take a chance on love as no other woman ever has.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I enjoyed the entertaining, up-beat romance and purchased my own read-again copy through Kindle.
August 27, 2023
Played by Daddy’s Best Friend is my first book by author Charly Hana, and I could not be happier that I discovered her! She is an easy-to-read author that draws you into her story immediately! No slow burn or boring introductions setting the stage. It is set and she is ready to deliver and deliver she does! The story is fast-paced, emotional, extremely hot and sizzling with wild, untamed chemistry between the protagonists. Cassandra is a feisty young woman who has had to depend on herself and her own resources for the entirety of her life which has left her tough from necessity yet touchingly vulnerable about her father’s abandonment; she is secure in who she is as a person, determined to do what must be done in order to take care of herself because she has learned the most important life lesson: that she can rely on no one but herself. And Gregory, the self-confident, unassuming, charismatic NFL Quarterback who is still able to outrun and out maneuver the younger players in the league, and of late, some of his teammates seem to reject the practices ingrained in him about treating the fans and sponsors with respect and genuine friendliness when off the field, which has made and kept him as the teams’ number 1 fan favorite player over his twenty-year career. Gregory has everything he wanted from his career but no wife or family to share it with, until he meets Cassandra who opens his heart to the possibilities of a truly happy life after football. There is only one problem, and it’s a major one! You have to read this book to find out what that is. Played has everything I love in a romance, BUY IT!
September 1, 2023
This is my first book by Charly Hana but it will certainly not be my last. I really enjoyed this book. She catches your attention from the moment you start reading. It doesn't play out slow to the point that you're ready to give up on the book before you've even really began. The characters are well written and so is the world building. The two main characters are absolutely amazing. You have Cassandra who's a feisty woman. She's had to pretty much had to rely on herself her whole life. She's had to learn to deal with the abandonment of her dad. She is not one of those weak characters with daddy issues per se. She is very self-confident and she knows that she can do whatever it takes to get where she wants in life. And then you've got the leading mail character Gregory who is the NFL quarterback. He's getting older but he still loved by his fans because of the way that he interacts with everyone around him. He's had a long career but he doesn't have anyone to share it with. Then he meets Cassandra and then he realizes there's a whole world of possibilities out there. I think the story was fantastic. I won't spoil the book for you but you definitely have to read it.
March 5, 2024
Age/sport romance
I enjoyed this book but didn't love it, it had a few errors that should have been picked up in editing. E.g. Greg lost his dad at 20 years old but later it says he told his folks, so that's both parents.
A few topics were brushed over that left it unanswered which is my pet hate, why leave topics unfinished, it only frustrated the reader.
The sport aspect needed a bit more research to be realistic and thought more of that aspect would have been great. Who was following Cass? Was it a P.I. her dad hired or something to do with her whistleblowing on the father and son? These aspects were left open unfortunately.
On a positive I loved Greg's character and found him charming and caring. The age gap aspect fitted the characters as Cass seemed very grown up for her age of 22.
I enjoyed this book but didn't love it, it had a few errors that should have been picked up in editing. E.g. Greg lost his dad at 20 years old but later it says he told his folks, so that's both parents.
A few topics were brushed over that left it unanswered which is my pet hate, why leave topics unfinished, it only frustrated the reader.
The sport aspect needed a bit more research to be realistic and thought more of that aspect would have been great. Who was following Cass? Was it a P.I. her dad hired or something to do with her whistleblowing on the father and son? These aspects were left open unfortunately.
On a positive I loved Greg's character and found him charming and caring. The age gap aspect fitted the characters as Cass seemed very grown up for her age of 22.
September 13, 2023
Cassandra has had to make her own way in life without help from anyone. She has basically been left to her own devices but she's also vulnerable when someone tries to help her or get close to her because of being abandoned by her father. Gregory has made himself the darling of the NFL in spite of being one of the older players in the league because he treats everyone with respect, from the other players and coaches to the attendants in the clubhouse: he treats them as people. The only thing that's missing is someone to share his success with. That is, until he meets Cassandra. Them being together is wonderful but for one complication -- they are both hiding secrets that when they come out have the potential to ruin everything that they are building.
September 1, 2023
Cassandra meets Gregory as she’s tending bar. He steps in when a couple of jerks get out of hand He is an NFL player and coached by her father. She is unaware of this at first and they have instant chemistry and they soon react to it in the most delicious ways…. She’s never met the man who is her father so it’s hard for her to understand the attraction. But what does it mean when she finds out who Greg is and what secrets lie behind them…. A great read I’m not spoiling here . Well written and compelling.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
Sweet Romance
This book was an amazing, quick read about a girl and her dad best friend. The storyline and the characters were everything and really held the story together. We have the fmc Cassandra, who is a bar maid where she meets the mmc Greg one night. Those two have instant chemistry that you see and feel through the book. But what happens when both are hiding a secret, and when those secrets get exposed, can they both work past them to stay together for their HEA? This book has everything from danger, heartbreak, family estrangement, secrets, and all the drama you can love with the angst to keep them together.
This book was an amazing, quick read about a girl and her dad best friend. The storyline and the characters were everything and really held the story together. We have the fmc Cassandra, who is a bar maid where she meets the mmc Greg one night. Those two have instant chemistry that you see and feel through the book. But what happens when both are hiding a secret, and when those secrets get exposed, can they both work past them to stay together for their HEA? This book has everything from danger, heartbreak, family estrangement, secrets, and all the drama you can love with the angst to keep them together.
August 26, 2023
Cassandra meets Gregory at the bar she is working at. He is an NFL star player who steps in when some young guys start acting up at the bar. They has an instant attraction to each other. Things get complicated when Cassandra learns who he is and that her father, who she has never met is his coach. Can they overcome these challenges? I liked the book. I found the story credible and was rooting for them to figure things out. I enjoyed the book and would recommend. I received and ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 5, 2023
This was a very good romance. Cassandra meets Gregory at the bar where she works in Tampa. They are attracted to each other, and he comes to her rescue outside the bar when a man that she had an earlier run in with accosts her. They end up becoming a couple. However, Cassandra has a secret that she is keeping from Gregory, and this secret could affect their relationship. Will she divulge the secret to Gregory? Find out by reading this intriguing book. I highly recommend it to other romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
September 13, 2023
What an awesome story of growth, strength, triumph, family, friendship, support and love
Cassandra had no idea whom she had met nor the things he was bringing to her life.
Gregory knew he'd met someone different ut had no idea what those differences were. Nor did either of them have an idea of what fate had in store for them.
But trust this author gave them and us EXACTLY what was needed from this story. Sir back, relax and enjoy. I surely did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cassandra had no idea whom she had met nor the things he was bringing to her life.
Gregory knew he'd met someone different ut had no idea what those differences were. Nor did either of them have an idea of what fate had in store for them.
But trust this author gave them and us EXACTLY what was needed from this story. Sir back, relax and enjoy. I surely did.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2023
This is my first read by this author, and I must say that I quite enjoyed the storyline and characters. It is an age gap romance between Cassandra and her dad's best friend, Greg. These likeable souls and the unique plot make for an interesting read. It is an emotional journey with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and engaging secondary characters. Seriously entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 30, 2023
Love the epilogue and HEA.
I hope to read about her friend Jane finding the love of her life, maybe she can take the arrogant a-hole Tony from the team.
It's nice to see the bad guys lose big time and the good guys win the love of a lifetime.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I hope to read about her friend Jane finding the love of her life, maybe she can take the arrogant a-hole Tony from the team.
It's nice to see the bad guys lose big time and the good guys win the love of a lifetime.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2023
I enjoyed the story of Cassandra and Gregory. She is a barmaid and basically a stranger to her father, and has been since her mother was pregnant. Gregory is a helping hand helping her at work and they grow closer and eventually start a relationship. A wonderful story well worth reading.
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review,
I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review,
September 2, 2023
Cassandra has lived a hard life and when she meets Gregory their lives become more intertwined than expected. This was an exciting and emotional story with so many connections and issues to stir up the plot. Even the characters were complex with compelling backgrounds. Well written and well done!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2023
Played by Daddy's Best Friend is a wonderful read,emotional,intriguing,steamy Dad bestfriend,age gap romance story of Gregory and Cassandra..A NFL quarter back and a sassy,feisty and smart young woman and work as bartenderand having a strange father..great chemistry with lots of drama..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 2, 2023
Good storyline with the characters having the entertaining and intrigue to keep the drama and suspense till the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2023
Where there is smoke, there is fire! This book is so smoking hot and you will be pulled right in. This is the best older man/younger woman book I have read this year! Definitely a must read if you love romance! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 26, 2023
The context and potential of the story kept me engaged. I was rooting for them the whole way through.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2023
This is an age gap book with a wonderful story. This book will contain happiness, heartbreak, love, hate, drama, reconciled relationships.
September 8, 2023
I enjoyed Greg and Cassandra's book. It was an intriguing read. Great chemistry. And am voluntarily leaving my review.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews