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Charleston Condors #4
The Play
Last year, defensive end Deacon Harris witnessed the very worst of the Charleston Condors. After everything he and the team went through, he promised himself he’d walk away from football. But before he can retire, the team is sold to the last person he ever expected to see again.
Deacon stays because the Condors are going into major rebuilding mode. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.
But one rule hasn’t changed: don’t fall in love with the owner of your football team.
Grant might be brilliant and a billionaire, but Deacon only remembers Grant as his tutor in college—and as the one who got away.
In all his dreams about reconnecting, he never imagined that Grant would end up as his boss. Both his downfall, and also his salvation.
Or that they’d be forced into confronting the Condors’ most difficult challenge yet—but that they’d face it together, hand in hand, tackling their critics and proving once and for all that love doesn’t take sides.
Deacon stays because the Condors are going into major rebuilding mode. New owner. New coach. New players. New rules.
But one rule hasn’t changed: don’t fall in love with the owner of your football team.
Grant might be brilliant and a billionaire, but Deacon only remembers Grant as his tutor in college—and as the one who got away.
In all his dreams about reconnecting, he never imagined that Grant would end up as his boss. Both his downfall, and also his salvation.
Or that they’d be forced into confronting the Condors’ most difficult challenge yet—but that they’d face it together, hand in hand, tackling their critics and proving once and for all that love doesn’t take sides.
445 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 6, 2024
198 people are currently reading
364 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books689 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
March 6, 2024
The piney-est book to ever pine!
I loved this one, there's not much I like more than two men who had crushes on each other when they were younger but circumstances meant nothing ever happened and whose paths cross again years later.
Here, it's also got the added bonus of Beth's brilliant American Football universe for the setting, and we're still with the Charleston Condors, on their recovery journey after the traumas of the previous owners.
Deacon Harris went through the ringer but he's a Condors lifer and doesn't want his last season to be the one where it all turned to shit. When he finds out there's a new owner and discovers it's his old college tutor Grant Green, he's thrown for a spin.
We get a little snippet of the first time they met and the growing friendship/crush each had on the other that didn't get the chance to go anywhere before Grant quit college and started off on his tech genius career which made him a billionaire.
This really is Beth at her finest as both men are painfully aware that there's a spotlight on the team that cannot be allowed to fall on something as potentially damaging as the owner having a relationship with a player.
So we get some truly beautiful pining, when Grant and Deacon's paths cross on team business there's long looks, halted conversations and the UST is off the charts, all helped along by the rest of the gang's prodding and poking!
There's been a long build up to this book, we've had glimpses of them in the background in the previous three and it's so worth the wait.
It's a complicated and complex journey to their happy ending, which is made even more doubtful at one point thanks to the machinations of someone in the Commissioner's Officer who has an overblown sense of their own importance.
But the pull is too strong to resist, and when they finally do give in, it's as explosive and emotional as you'd expect. These men know each other bone deep and they've waited so long, fighting their attraction, that it becomes something really special.
I've loved every one of these interconnected American Football series' of Beth's, right back to my OG and all time number one Quarterback Colin O'Connor (The Rainbow Clause), but I have to say, Defensive End Deacon has tipped Piranhas Head Coach (Asa Dawson Winning the Season) into third place on my best player boyfriend list now!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this one, there's not much I like more than two men who had crushes on each other when they were younger but circumstances meant nothing ever happened and whose paths cross again years later.
Here, it's also got the added bonus of Beth's brilliant American Football universe for the setting, and we're still with the Charleston Condors, on their recovery journey after the traumas of the previous owners.
Deacon Harris went through the ringer but he's a Condors lifer and doesn't want his last season to be the one where it all turned to shit. When he finds out there's a new owner and discovers it's his old college tutor Grant Green, he's thrown for a spin.
We get a little snippet of the first time they met and the growing friendship/crush each had on the other that didn't get the chance to go anywhere before Grant quit college and started off on his tech genius career which made him a billionaire.
This really is Beth at her finest as both men are painfully aware that there's a spotlight on the team that cannot be allowed to fall on something as potentially damaging as the owner having a relationship with a player.
So we get some truly beautiful pining, when Grant and Deacon's paths cross on team business there's long looks, halted conversations and the UST is off the charts, all helped along by the rest of the gang's prodding and poking!
There's been a long build up to this book, we've had glimpses of them in the background in the previous three and it's so worth the wait.
It's a complicated and complex journey to their happy ending, which is made even more doubtful at one point thanks to the machinations of someone in the Commissioner's Officer who has an overblown sense of their own importance.
But the pull is too strong to resist, and when they finally do give in, it's as explosive and emotional as you'd expect. These men know each other bone deep and they've waited so long, fighting their attraction, that it becomes something really special.
I've loved every one of these interconnected American Football series' of Beth's, right back to my OG and all time number one Quarterback Colin O'Connor (The Rainbow Clause), but I have to say, Defensive End Deacon has tipped Piranhas Head Coach (Asa Dawson Winning the Season) into third place on my best player boyfriend list now!
#ARC kindly received from the author via Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 27, 2024
This was good. Very hard to put down. Forbidden relationships is one of my faves and I really enjoyed reading this one. Such a good end to this series and I'm looking forward to starting another series by this author!
March 7, 2024
So perfect!
I stayed awake til 3am to finish this because I have been waiting for Grant and Deacon for so long and I refused to let sleep get in the way! This was everything I hoped for and I love Beth Bolden's story universe - I feel like I truly KNOW every single character.
The pining was amazing, the longing and the build up - all perfect! This relationship has been coming for the last three books (plus the Christmas Falls novella) and I have to say I totally fell in love with Deacon Harris. That retirement ceremony 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. Genuinely sad to see the end of this series, but I'm so excited to see what comes next from Beth Bolden.
I stayed awake til 3am to finish this because I have been waiting for Grant and Deacon for so long and I refused to let sleep get in the way! This was everything I hoped for and I love Beth Bolden's story universe - I feel like I truly KNOW every single character.
The pining was amazing, the longing and the build up - all perfect! This relationship has been coming for the last three books (plus the Christmas Falls novella) and I have to say I totally fell in love with Deacon Harris. That retirement ceremony 🥹🥹🥹🥹
I laughed, I cried and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this book. Genuinely sad to see the end of this series, but I'm so excited to see what comes next from Beth Bolden.
March 10, 2024
A MM (American) Football romance where Owner & Player fall in love, with lots of pining, chaos, & a well-fought HEA!
OMG, I'd been so excited for Deacon & Grant's book!! I love these 2 🥺❤️ & my heart wants moreee.
Deacon is the defensive captain of Condors, he's loyal with a calm strength that makes him dependable. D's playing his last season before retirement.
Grant is a tech billionaire, who bought Condors to rebuilt it better (& he had, with D's help!), he's smart, confident, cautious & a fixer. His assistant/bestie Darcy is amazing!
As blurb says, Grant was Deacon's college Statistics tutor before circumstances separated them. That Unexpected connection. Cute crushes. Years of longing 🥺. Obsession (*cough* G 🙈). I'm so happy we see their 1st meets & reunion!
While they may not have known their feelings were mutual then, it's freaking obvious now! AND NOW, they can't be together 😭!! Forbidden? Fears? Being considerate & responsible? Even D's teammates been trying to push 'em together for the whole series. ✨SLOWBURN✨.
Then there's the surprise R-as$hole cameo & whole of C-b¡tch 😤! The hits kept on coming 😭. Ugh Public Scrutiny—it's the worst 😵. Will all the chaos break G & D or be a catalyst?
Omg, the kick of angst & feels! Push/pull, hope, hurt but... they're inevitable. It'd been ages since I've read a story where the MCs are in love before intimacy! They're so sweet & caring 🥰. I also loved Ch 11 so much 😭. D+G are HOT🥵! Dirty talker D 😏. (Ahem, vers too *wink* in BONUS 😉)
It's complex 👀, messy 😅, so anxious... but I liked that G+D are partners! Together, they can weather the storms. The games & practices are fun, & climax is great! G wants to save, D wants to help...at last, they'd saved eachother ❤️. Such a sweet epilogue.
Gosh, this series started me on Beth's books. I'm gonna miss these guys & their friendship 🥺. I'm happy there's more for a certain bartender 😉 (Read the bonus!). We saw Newbie Nate here, so I hope we'll get more of him.
Story ratings: Enjoyed—> 5💞/5
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
1) The Characters & relationship: 5❤️/5
2) The feels: 😆😳😞😉😅😵🥶😍🥵☺️😘😁😜🤫🤭💞🥰
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
4) Levels: High-ish Angst/Pining (mostly 1st half), So Cute, Low Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.7/5
OMG, I'd been so excited for Deacon & Grant's book!! I love these 2 🥺❤️ & my heart wants moreee.
Deacon is the defensive captain of Condors, he's loyal with a calm strength that makes him dependable. D's playing his last season before retirement.
Grant is a tech billionaire, who bought Condors to rebuilt it better (& he had, with D's help!), he's smart, confident, cautious & a fixer. His assistant/bestie Darcy is amazing!
As blurb says, Grant was Deacon's college Statistics tutor before circumstances separated them. That Unexpected connection. Cute crushes. Years of longing 🥺. Obsession (*cough* G 🙈). I'm so happy we see their 1st meets & reunion!
While they may not have known their feelings were mutual then, it's freaking obvious now! AND NOW, they can't be together 😭!! Forbidden? Fears? Being considerate & responsible? Even D's teammates been trying to push 'em together for the whole series. ✨SLOWBURN✨.
Then there's the surprise R-as$hole cameo & whole of C-b¡tch 😤! The hits kept on coming 😭. Ugh Public Scrutiny—it's the worst 😵. Will all the chaos break G & D or be a catalyst?
Omg, the kick of angst & feels! Push/pull, hope, hurt but... they're inevitable. It'd been ages since I've read a story where the MCs are in love before intimacy! They're so sweet & caring 🥰. I also loved Ch 11 so much 😭. D+G are HOT🥵! Dirty talker D 😏. (Ahem, vers too *wink* in BONUS 😉)
It's complex 👀, messy 😅, so anxious... but I liked that G+D are partners! Together, they can weather the storms. The games & practices are fun, & climax is great! G wants to save, D wants to help...at last, they'd saved eachother ❤️. Such a sweet epilogue.
Gosh, this series started me on Beth's books. I'm gonna miss these guys & their friendship 🥺. I'm happy there's more for a certain bartender 😉 (Read the bonus!). We saw Newbie Nate here, so I hope we'll get more of him.
Story ratings: Enjoyed—> 5💞/5
POV: 3rd Person, Dual POV
1) The Characters & relationship: 5❤️/5
2) The feels: 😆😳😞😉😅😵🥶😍🥵☺️😘😁😜🤫🤭💞🥰
3) Sexy/Steamy scenes: 3.5/5
4) Levels: High-ish Angst/Pining (mostly 1st half), So Cute, Low Dark
5) Build up & Style: 4.7/5
March 8, 2024
Tropes: workplace romance, sports romance
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bit of pining
This book starts off with Grant tutoring Deacon the football player in college because he's failing statistics. Grant is 2 years younger but ahead of him in college because he skipped grades because he's a genius. They were both attracted to each other back then, but neither of them made a move. The chance for them to become something more after the tutoring was done, it was cut short when Grant left university early because an investor wanted him to launch the tech software he was working on sooner, not willing to wait for him to graduate. The offer was too good money-wise an opportunity wise for Grant to say no. It was the right decision for him, he became a billionaire with his technology software. Deacon became a successful NFL player too.
12 years later, Deacon's NFL team is mired in scandal. It became a real toxic environment because of bad people in power. Those people have been ousted but the team is in chaos and needs to be rebuilt. Deacon is 35 and ready to retire, burned out from the negative experience. Grant hears in the news about what's going on, he's followed Deacon's career all this time, and he doesn't want Deacon to retire in scandal and have a spoiled Legacy. He swoops in and buys the Condors, his team. He says it's an investment, but really it's about Deacon. He convinces Deacon to stay and work with him to rebuild the team. He wants Deacon to give it a year and then retire on better terms. They spend time together, they work together, they become work partners and trust and respect and like each other. That sexual tension that they didn't acknowledge before is under the surface simmering. They don't talk about it at first but they both know that it's mutual be attraction but that they shouldn't do anything about it because there's too much scandal already with this team. They spend a good portion of the book platonic.
But then some circumstances press the right way and the next thing they know they're not platonic anymore and they're deeply in love and committed to each other. They have to keep the change in their relationship a secret but they fail and then they have to deal with a lot of NFL drama.
I do really enjoy this author's books. She creates characters with a lot of depth and she creates an intense emotional connection between the characters. They usually have very mature communication and a healthy partnering relationship between them. Low angst. Good sexual tension built up a nice steam. There's a lot of things that I appreciate! I loved how deeply Grant and Deacon cared about each other. And they always trusted and had faith in the other. There was no misunderstanding trope between them which was refreshing. I also enjoyed the friendly dynamic between the team. It was funny and cute how everybody saw that there was something between Grant and Deacon before anything had even happened. They had heart eyes for each other and everyone could see it and teased Deacon about it.
On the negative side though, I do think she makes too many references to couples from past books that appear. The odd reference would be endearing and a fond revisit, but there's just so many couples that she references in one book that you can't keep track of all the characters, or even if you can it's a bit distracting and it takes up pages unnecessarily and doesn't add a ton of value to the story. It also is long past the point of being believable, how many lgbtqia+ couples are in the NFL. It's not even that I want "believable", I'm happy for representation in sports and a lack of homophobia and toxicity! But it's gotten to the point where you can't ignore the elephant in the room.
I also think the pace of this book was off a little bit. It took too long for plot things to happen, the story was conveyed in more pages than it needed to to progress the plot. Probably could have shaved 100 pages off of the book and it would have seemed a bit more natural of a pace. Felt a bit like things were plodding along at times.
Some notable moments:
"“He told me he loved me,” Grant said shyly, turning around and seeing Darcy’s face light with joy. “Oh, honey,” she said and in a second she was across the kitchen, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m so happy for you.” “Yeah?” Grant’s voice cracked. He was so happy for him. “Yeah.” “We’re gonna make sure you can keep this, keep him,” Darcy said in a no-nonsense voice as she pulled back. “Promise me you’re not going to give him up, not when he makes you this happy. No matter what happens. How hard it gets.”"
"“If you want me to leave, at any point in the future, you’re gonna have to say so. Because I won’t. I don’t ever want to.” “Even if—” “No,” Deacon said. “Just no?” Grant turned in his arms and pinned him with a look. “I love you,” Deacon said."
"“You bet on us getting together,” Deacon stated bluntly, standing up and striding over to where Carter was very absorbed in whatever was on his phone’s screen. Deacon plucked it out of his hands before Carter could react. And yep, sure enough, there it was. A list—practically of the entire fucking team, quite a few staff members, and even Darcy—Grant was going to shit a brick when he saw this—of everyone who’d bet on them."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
Feels: 4/5
Steam*: 3/5
Kinks: n/a
Angst: low
HEA: yes
Pairing: MM
Triggers/potential icks/content warnings: bit of pining
This book starts off with Grant tutoring Deacon the football player in college because he's failing statistics. Grant is 2 years younger but ahead of him in college because he skipped grades because he's a genius. They were both attracted to each other back then, but neither of them made a move. The chance for them to become something more after the tutoring was done, it was cut short when Grant left university early because an investor wanted him to launch the tech software he was working on sooner, not willing to wait for him to graduate. The offer was too good money-wise an opportunity wise for Grant to say no. It was the right decision for him, he became a billionaire with his technology software. Deacon became a successful NFL player too.
12 years later, Deacon's NFL team is mired in scandal. It became a real toxic environment because of bad people in power. Those people have been ousted but the team is in chaos and needs to be rebuilt. Deacon is 35 and ready to retire, burned out from the negative experience. Grant hears in the news about what's going on, he's followed Deacon's career all this time, and he doesn't want Deacon to retire in scandal and have a spoiled Legacy. He swoops in and buys the Condors, his team. He says it's an investment, but really it's about Deacon. He convinces Deacon to stay and work with him to rebuild the team. He wants Deacon to give it a year and then retire on better terms. They spend time together, they work together, they become work partners and trust and respect and like each other. That sexual tension that they didn't acknowledge before is under the surface simmering. They don't talk about it at first but they both know that it's mutual be attraction but that they shouldn't do anything about it because there's too much scandal already with this team. They spend a good portion of the book platonic.
But then some circumstances press the right way and the next thing they know they're not platonic anymore and they're deeply in love and committed to each other. They have to keep the change in their relationship a secret but they fail and then they have to deal with a lot of NFL drama.
I do really enjoy this author's books. She creates characters with a lot of depth and she creates an intense emotional connection between the characters. They usually have very mature communication and a healthy partnering relationship between them. Low angst. Good sexual tension built up a nice steam. There's a lot of things that I appreciate! I loved how deeply Grant and Deacon cared about each other. And they always trusted and had faith in the other. There was no misunderstanding trope between them which was refreshing. I also enjoyed the friendly dynamic between the team. It was funny and cute how everybody saw that there was something between Grant and Deacon before anything had even happened. They had heart eyes for each other and everyone could see it and teased Deacon about it.
On the negative side though, I do think she makes too many references to couples from past books that appear. The odd reference would be endearing and a fond revisit, but there's just so many couples that she references in one book that you can't keep track of all the characters, or even if you can it's a bit distracting and it takes up pages unnecessarily and doesn't add a ton of value to the story. It also is long past the point of being believable, how many lgbtqia+ couples are in the NFL. It's not even that I want "believable", I'm happy for representation in sports and a lack of homophobia and toxicity! But it's gotten to the point where you can't ignore the elephant in the room.
I also think the pace of this book was off a little bit. It took too long for plot things to happen, the story was conveyed in more pages than it needed to to progress the plot. Probably could have shaved 100 pages off of the book and it would have seemed a bit more natural of a pace. Felt a bit like things were plodding along at times.
Some notable moments:
"“He told me he loved me,” Grant said shyly, turning around and seeing Darcy’s face light with joy. “Oh, honey,” she said and in a second she was across the kitchen, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m so happy for you.” “Yeah?” Grant’s voice cracked. He was so happy for him. “Yeah.” “We’re gonna make sure you can keep this, keep him,” Darcy said in a no-nonsense voice as she pulled back. “Promise me you’re not going to give him up, not when he makes you this happy. No matter what happens. How hard it gets.”"
"“If you want me to leave, at any point in the future, you’re gonna have to say so. Because I won’t. I don’t ever want to.” “Even if—” “No,” Deacon said. “Just no?” Grant turned in his arms and pinned him with a look. “I love you,” Deacon said."
"“You bet on us getting together,” Deacon stated bluntly, standing up and striding over to where Carter was very absorbed in whatever was on his phone’s screen. Deacon plucked it out of his hands before Carter could react. And yep, sure enough, there it was. A list—practically of the entire fucking team, quite a few staff members, and even Darcy—Grant was going to shit a brick when he saw this—of everyone who’d bet on them."
*FYI about steam: I rate steam based on a combination of quality & quantity. I note kink separate from steam because I don't want to underrate steamy reads that don't have much kink.
**Note about spoilers: I like to comment on the plot of a book in reviews, so I almost always mark my reviews as containing spoilers. But I try to avoid spoiling the big dramatic moments! As a reader, I personally like to know what I'm getting into before I read a book so I know more about the content and if it's to my taste/mood, so I try to give that information in my reviews for myself when I'm considering rereading and also for other readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2025
As someone who loves some good pining, it is delicious in this book. Deacon and Grant have a delightful forbidden romance going on but how they manage to get together is so sweet! I really liked it
March 10, 2024
I wanted less pining and arguing about going public, and more actual relationship development
March 8, 2024
OMG, is this so ridiculous on purpose?! This is not pining, this is needless blue-balling. Totally nonsensical. The previous book by Beth Bolden I abandoned was a "slow burn" that took what, two weeks? Less? I think it was less. This one takes 15 years. Both ridiculous and, ultimately, bad.
February 26, 2024
Copy received via Neon Rainbow Reviews for an honest review
Yaaaas queens, this whole series has been leading up to The Play for me.
I have been impatiently awaiting Deacon and Mr G's story so for long, and it did not disappoint
This pair (we find out) have been crushing on each other for so long, and in the other books, we have seen them circling around each other, all two steps forward, one step back. The UST between them *fans self*
The slow burn, the heated looks, the sparks that could be seen from outer space? Yeah, that's what this book is full of and what lifted it to a 5 star for me.
Because even though it took them a while to get there, they got there at last.
I am sad that this is the last of the Condors series, but I know that this will not be the last we see of these characters in our lives.
Yaaaas queens, this whole series has been leading up to The Play for me.
I have been impatiently awaiting Deacon and Mr G's story so for long, and it did not disappoint
This pair (we find out) have been crushing on each other for so long, and in the other books, we have seen them circling around each other, all two steps forward, one step back. The UST between them *fans self*
The slow burn, the heated looks, the sparks that could be seen from outer space? Yeah, that's what this book is full of and what lifted it to a 5 star for me.
Because even though it took them a while to get there, they got there at last.
I am sad that this is the last of the Condors series, but I know that this will not be the last we see of these characters in our lives.
ARC received from author for an honest review.
February 26, 2024
Have you ever read a series that just speaks to you differently than the rest? I enjoy the vast majority of books I read, but every once in a while, there’s one that just hits differently. It grabs your attention, pulls you in, and doesn’t let go. For me, that’s how it’s been with the Charleston Condors. As soon as I picked up The Star, I knew it was special; the characters, the team, their challenges - all of these elements fit together in a way that undeniably works for me. I couldn’t get enough, and I quickly found myself invested in these men and their lives.
Fast forward to now — the end - and picking up The Play feels like hitting the jackpot. Every moment between Deacon and Grant in the previous books has been building to now, and the payoff is GLORIOUS. Beth Bolden's so in-tune with these characters on every level that I expected it to be nothing less than amazing, and from beginning to end, it’s absolutely everything I hoped for and more.
Forbidden romance is something Beth writes very, very well, and it’s showcased throughout the series, but never more spectacularly than with Deacon and Grant. Their emotions are so real, intense, and just everywhere. You feel their depth and intensity in just a single glance, and despite knowing what’s at risk, it’s hard not to root for them to say to hell with it and just burn it all down.
It’s only amplified by how well Beth crafts their amazing connection - their shared history, obvious attraction, and how after years apart, that magnetic pull never wanes. If that’s not enough, there’s the slow burn. The tension. THE PINING. It’s almost too much, and paired with their chemistry, I expected them to combust. (They very nearly do.)
I have nothing but praise for this book, this series, and Beth Bolden as a writer. She closes out the Condors series with a bang - excellent storytelling, incredible character growth, depth and complexity of emotion, insurmountable tension…just everything. It’s been a great ride, and I’m sad to say goodbye. But I’m also ready for what’s next, and I’ll follow Beth to whichever team, stadium, or city she leads.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
Fast forward to now — the end - and picking up The Play feels like hitting the jackpot. Every moment between Deacon and Grant in the previous books has been building to now, and the payoff is GLORIOUS. Beth Bolden's so in-tune with these characters on every level that I expected it to be nothing less than amazing, and from beginning to end, it’s absolutely everything I hoped for and more.
Forbidden romance is something Beth writes very, very well, and it’s showcased throughout the series, but never more spectacularly than with Deacon and Grant. Their emotions are so real, intense, and just everywhere. You feel their depth and intensity in just a single glance, and despite knowing what’s at risk, it’s hard not to root for them to say to hell with it and just burn it all down.
It’s only amplified by how well Beth crafts their amazing connection - their shared history, obvious attraction, and how after years apart, that magnetic pull never wanes. If that’s not enough, there’s the slow burn. The tension. THE PINING. It’s almost too much, and paired with their chemistry, I expected them to combust. (They very nearly do.)
I have nothing but praise for this book, this series, and Beth Bolden as a writer. She closes out the Condors series with a bang - excellent storytelling, incredible character growth, depth and complexity of emotion, insurmountable tension…just everything. It’s been a great ride, and I’m sad to say goodbye. But I’m also ready for what’s next, and I’ll follow Beth to whichever team, stadium, or city she leads.
*I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book*
February 27, 2024
A relationship 13 years in the making!
Grant and Deacon met in college when Grant was Deacon’s tutor. They were both attracted to each other and wanted more but both felt the other was out of their league. 2 months into their tutor/tutee relationship, Grant left college early to start the business which ultimately made him a billionaire and Deacon eventually graduated and joined the NFL.
I absolutely love this kind of story where you meet the right person at the wrong time. These 2 were always going to be end game, but they had lives to live before they could come together. After all the fallout of the Condors, Grant stepped in and purchased the team. He tried to tell himself it wasn’t for Deacon but deep down he knows that’s the real reason. He wanted an excuse to put himself back in his orbit, as following his career from a distance just wasn’t enough anymore.
That said, there are plenty of obstacles in the path of their HEA but Deacon fights hard for his man, and refuses to let the opportunity to be with Grant pass this time around. The UST is palpable and when they finally give in things are explosive between them!
Bolden really knows how to write an epic sports romance and I am glad to know she has more planned for the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Grant and Deacon met in college when Grant was Deacon’s tutor. They were both attracted to each other and wanted more but both felt the other was out of their league. 2 months into their tutor/tutee relationship, Grant left college early to start the business which ultimately made him a billionaire and Deacon eventually graduated and joined the NFL.
I absolutely love this kind of story where you meet the right person at the wrong time. These 2 were always going to be end game, but they had lives to live before they could come together. After all the fallout of the Condors, Grant stepped in and purchased the team. He tried to tell himself it wasn’t for Deacon but deep down he knows that’s the real reason. He wanted an excuse to put himself back in his orbit, as following his career from a distance just wasn’t enough anymore.
That said, there are plenty of obstacles in the path of their HEA but Deacon fights hard for his man, and refuses to let the opportunity to be with Grant pass this time around. The UST is palpable and when they finally give in things are explosive between them!
Bolden really knows how to write an epic sports romance and I am glad to know she has more planned for the future.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 11, 2024
4.5* but I am rounding it to 5* as it hit just the right spot and kept me awake, something that rarely happens.
It was great to finally meet Mr G properly and I must say he was perfect for Deacon. Sad to see these guys go but hopefully we'll have some cameos in a future NFL series.
It was great to finally meet Mr G properly and I must say he was perfect for Deacon. Sad to see these guys go but hopefully we'll have some cameos in a future NFL series.
February 23, 2024
We finally get Deacon and Grant’s book, and it has been a long time coming! We’ve watched these two tiptoe around one another and how every teammate of Deacon’s kept poking him asking him why him and Mr. G aren’t together. Sure, he is the owner of the Condors, but does that truly matter when it is just so obvious how much they care for one another? Well it did. For a while. But times are changing. Deacon is heading close to retirement and holding himself back from being with the one he has always had feelings for is getting harder and harder. Deacon and Grant met many years ago in college. Grant became Deacon’s tutor and for a short while these two developed a huge crush on the other. Though neither knew it at the time. And then life put them on different paths, but neither of them forgot about the other and the chance they missed to try and be something more. And then that time came when Grant bought the Condors. To fix the team that had been treated poorly and so broken, all for the man he once knew and still thought about. Together, they did what they could to make the Condors great again. And they got to spend time with one another after so many years. Falling for each other for real even if they couldn’t cross that line. And it is so satisfying when they finally do! These two are clearly crazy about one another and deserve to be happy. I really loved their story and getting to know these two characters a lot better. A great end to the Condors series!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 5, 2024
Save the best for last!
An excellent end to this series
From the beginning of the series, I had Deacon as the MC to follow and finally came up with his story.
His relationship with Mr. G., the owner of the Condors always made me wonder why are the so close? Deacon calls his boss by his name Grant and never like his teammates call him, Mr. G.
Now I know. They met before and…I can’t tell you anymore, you must read it.
That last chapter is so tear-jerker, especially if you watched Jason Kelce press conference…
Highly recommended!
An excellent end to this series
From the beginning of the series, I had Deacon as the MC to follow and finally came up with his story.
His relationship with Mr. G., the owner of the Condors always made me wonder why are the so close? Deacon calls his boss by his name Grant and never like his teammates call him, Mr. G.
Now I know. They met before and…I can’t tell you anymore, you must read it.
That last chapter is so tear-jerker, especially if you watched Jason Kelce press conference…
Highly recommended!
December 28, 2024
3.5-4 stars. This was my favorite in the series.
March 28, 2024
This was the entire reason I started the series, and while it was a great idea and mostly well written, the last 30% really drags and took me several days to want to actually finish.
I loved their chemistry, but it's definitely too long and has too much filler.
I loved their chemistry, but it's definitely too long and has too much filler.
March 23, 2024
I don't know why I keep coming back to this author. Her works are a bit too long for me, too much internal dialog, and too much struggle for MCs to get together
April 28, 2024
The book I was most looking forward to was a total disappointment.
March 3, 2024
The Play by Beth Bolden Is the 4th book in her Charleston Condors series. You should read the others first to get to know other characters who play a big part in this one as well as to understand the situation the Condors have been in before this story starts. Deacon Harris and Grant Green went to the same college where Deacon was a football star and Grant was a nerdy genius. He was asked to tutor Deacon in statistics and that is where it all started. As they got to know one another they saw each other for who they really were and what they saw they liked. But Grant got an unbelievable deal for some of his programming and left school leaving Deacon to wonder where things could have gone if he hadn’t left. Fast forward 13 years and Deacon is now the captain of the defense for the Charleston Condors, but after a horrible year with the way the front office handled everything and made the players feel, he had decided to retire. Meanwhile Grant had become a billionaire and CEO of his company, InTech, and decided to buy the Condors and become it’s owner, mainly because he wanted to root out all of the “rot” and because Deacon was there and he had never forgotten him. He talked Deacon into staying for one more year and help him with the team while still playing. The story continues as their infatuation for each other turns into more and then into love. Unfortunately they couldn’t do anything about it because they were being watched closely by the NFL Commissioner and his assistant, Cheryl, who didn’t like Grant and wanted to cause him as much trouble as she could. So they tried to not do anything that would show they knew each other before or show affection but this failed miserably. They then met in secret but that got out and they had to decide if it was worth it to both them and the team to let it out that they were together. Once they professed their love for each other it became harder and harder and Grant had to decide what was best with Deacon telling him that he would do whatever he wanted, and if it was to wait to let it be known, he would wait forever for him. Once that decision was finally made everything fell into place so they could be together and when Deacon did retire, he found a job that would keep them by each other’s side. I really enjoyed this book, as I have the others in the series. Ms. Bolden writes wonderful stories with characters that have to go through a lot to be together. Deacon and Grant were pretty opposite but they saw something in each other, even back in college, that they wanted to see grow. Deacon was so steadfast and a caregiver to both Grant and the team and always did his best. Grant was somewhat humble but could play the CEO with cunning and brilliance. When they finally decided to be together they had many hot love scenes that only emphasized the feelings they had for each other. Their love story was interspersed with descriptions of their football games as the Condors tried to make the play offs. Their friends on the team as well as Darcy, Grant’s assistant, really added to the story as they tried to help both of them as well as to succeed in getting the approval of their relationship from the NFL, especially as some lies and other things came out in the press. They also added some fun and hilarity to many of the scenes. And it was great to see Cheryl get what she had coming! I highly recommend this book, especially if you like stories about a jock and a nerd, a football team out to win, and the many problems that have to be overcome before they can find their HEA. I hated to see this book end as I enjoyed it so much.
March 10, 2024
What a wonderful story and fantastic way to send off the series and this team.
Rating: 5🌈
What a wonderful story and fantastic way to send off the series and this team.
The interactions between holdover player, defensive end Deacon Harris and the new owner of the Charleston Condors, security industry billionaire Grant Green, has been a subtle but significant part of the series and team’s dynamic. It was always clear that the two men had a strong connection and attraction to each other. But, throughout each book it was clear that they never actually had acted on it due to their roles in the organization. And we wanted them to have their romance.
The Play returns us to the beginning of their history together, back in college as student tutor and college football player needing help. The chemistry that’s never acknowledged but present is cut short by choices made for career reasons that will quickly separate them until years later. Because of the realness of these scenes we feel every bit of the pain and frustration of this unexpected change in this new relationship. And the startling moment when they meet once more.
Bolden’s writing has never been better. Her characters go from uncertain college youth with the future ahead of them to seasoned men who have been living full lives. One, Grant, now at the pinnacle of his career and the other , Deacon, ready to retire after a shattering year of betrayal and disappointment. Each has made big impacts in their professional careers but their emotional relationships haven’t been as successful. The reason is because they have been only interested in one person.
How Bolden works the past and present together, weaving the emotions that never left either man back together into a tight layered narrative of sports, team dynamics, partnership, and a deep bond between them is a read that can’t be missed.
We get the present day run for a playoff spot, as intense as can be and fantastically realistic. Bolden gives us boardroom NFL drama such as what might be likely to be played out across CNN and sports coverage alike, and then while all that is happening, layers into the story, all the human drama we love.
Grant and Deacon trying to find a way to each other in an organization where Grant is the owner and Deacon a player, albeit a retiring player who wants to continue to work with the club. This is a complicated situation that’s believable and loving. They are great, they communicate, and we love them.
And finally, as if I hadn’t just bawled my eyes out over Jason Kelce’s retirement speech, here comes another. Deacon’s speech was a fabulous second. And all the players from the other series who meant so much to the readers are there as well as the important individuals from this series. It’s a testament to Bolden’s ability to create great characters and deeply moving moments that everything about the scene is beautiful and real. And I was bawling again.
Tissues had a workout this week.
Read this book. But not without reading the stories that come before. It’s a great series. And Bolden’s an auto read for me. The Play is simply another example why.
Charleston Condors:
- [x] The Star #1
- [x] The Game #2
- [x] The Score #3
- [x] The Play #4 - finale
Bolden’s connected Football series in order they are written:
- [x] The Riptide
- [x] Miami Piranhas
- [x] Charleston Condors
Rating: 5🌈
What a wonderful story and fantastic way to send off the series and this team.
The interactions between holdover player, defensive end Deacon Harris and the new owner of the Charleston Condors, security industry billionaire Grant Green, has been a subtle but significant part of the series and team’s dynamic. It was always clear that the two men had a strong connection and attraction to each other. But, throughout each book it was clear that they never actually had acted on it due to their roles in the organization. And we wanted them to have their romance.
The Play returns us to the beginning of their history together, back in college as student tutor and college football player needing help. The chemistry that’s never acknowledged but present is cut short by choices made for career reasons that will quickly separate them until years later. Because of the realness of these scenes we feel every bit of the pain and frustration of this unexpected change in this new relationship. And the startling moment when they meet once more.
Bolden’s writing has never been better. Her characters go from uncertain college youth with the future ahead of them to seasoned men who have been living full lives. One, Grant, now at the pinnacle of his career and the other , Deacon, ready to retire after a shattering year of betrayal and disappointment. Each has made big impacts in their professional careers but their emotional relationships haven’t been as successful. The reason is because they have been only interested in one person.
How Bolden works the past and present together, weaving the emotions that never left either man back together into a tight layered narrative of sports, team dynamics, partnership, and a deep bond between them is a read that can’t be missed.
We get the present day run for a playoff spot, as intense as can be and fantastically realistic. Bolden gives us boardroom NFL drama such as what might be likely to be played out across CNN and sports coverage alike, and then while all that is happening, layers into the story, all the human drama we love.
Grant and Deacon trying to find a way to each other in an organization where Grant is the owner and Deacon a player, albeit a retiring player who wants to continue to work with the club. This is a complicated situation that’s believable and loving. They are great, they communicate, and we love them.
And finally, as if I hadn’t just bawled my eyes out over Jason Kelce’s retirement speech, here comes another. Deacon’s speech was a fabulous second. And all the players from the other series who meant so much to the readers are there as well as the important individuals from this series. It’s a testament to Bolden’s ability to create great characters and deeply moving moments that everything about the scene is beautiful and real. And I was bawling again.
Tissues had a workout this week.
Read this book. But not without reading the stories that come before. It’s a great series. And Bolden’s an auto read for me. The Play is simply another example why.
Charleston Condors:
- [x] The Star #1
- [x] The Game #2
- [x] The Score #3
- [x] The Play #4 - finale
Bolden’s connected Football series in order they are written:
- [x] The Riptide
- [x] Miami Piranhas
- [x] Charleston Condors
March 5, 2024
Oh well I didn't want this to end, just as I didn't want Riptide: the Complete Series or the Miami Pirahnas series to end. I mean, I never get tired of reading these guys!
But we finally got to Deacon and Grant's story, after so many glimpses and hints in the previous books and unfortunately, I was so eager to finally read their book that I literally devoured it in one sitting. My bad. But looking at it from a more positive perspective, it just means I'll have to reread it so I can enjoy them a little more!
Deacon and Grant's story began several years ago, when they were in their early 20s during their college years, with Deacon needing a tutor to get through a topic and Grant being said tutor. From the moment they met, a spark was lit between them, but the time and place weren't right, and they ended up going different paths before anything happened between them. But neither could forget the other, and even though during those years they did not see each other again (at least in person, because both followed the other through their lives and careers) that spark remained lit, waiting for the moment when they would meet again it could transform into something larger and more powerful.
That moment came when Deacon's team, after going through some really tough times, needed to emerge from the bottom where it had sunk. Grant took the reins buying the team, determined to make it great again and give Deacon the legacy he deserved, and in the meantime, realizing that not only Deac deserved it, but the group of players they were able to assemble between both.
They both worked hard together to achieve that success, determined to sacrifice what they felt for each other for the good of the team, because, even though that spark was increasingly powerful, the moment seemed to continue to be inappropriate, until finally, neither of them could hold back any longer and decided that what they felt could no longer be ignored.
It was a great ending, with a lot of emotion, because although we had already read many of the things that happened in this story in the previous books, from the perspective of the two of them it takes on another dimension, much deeper and more touching, because of how hard it was for them to win their HEA.
We have a lot of fun moments due to the presence of Carter and Ian, Beck and Micah, Riley and Landry and other teammates and side characters (along with the cameos of some of the guys from the other series) who with their banter and their nosiness helped Deac and Grant to be together. We also have the moments of anguish, anger and frustration when everything seemed impossible, and the hot and/or romantic moments when they finally gave in. And well, as I said before, I would like to continue reading about this group of teammates who, together with those from the previous series, formed an huge and unique family.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
But we finally got to Deacon and Grant's story, after so many glimpses and hints in the previous books and unfortunately, I was so eager to finally read their book that I literally devoured it in one sitting. My bad. But looking at it from a more positive perspective, it just means I'll have to reread it so I can enjoy them a little more!
Deacon and Grant's story began several years ago, when they were in their early 20s during their college years, with Deacon needing a tutor to get through a topic and Grant being said tutor. From the moment they met, a spark was lit between them, but the time and place weren't right, and they ended up going different paths before anything happened between them. But neither could forget the other, and even though during those years they did not see each other again (at least in person, because both followed the other through their lives and careers) that spark remained lit, waiting for the moment when they would meet again it could transform into something larger and more powerful.
That moment came when Deacon's team, after going through some really tough times, needed to emerge from the bottom where it had sunk. Grant took the reins buying the team, determined to make it great again and give Deacon the legacy he deserved, and in the meantime, realizing that not only Deac deserved it, but the group of players they were able to assemble between both.
They both worked hard together to achieve that success, determined to sacrifice what they felt for each other for the good of the team, because, even though that spark was increasingly powerful, the moment seemed to continue to be inappropriate, until finally, neither of them could hold back any longer and decided that what they felt could no longer be ignored.
It was a great ending, with a lot of emotion, because although we had already read many of the things that happened in this story in the previous books, from the perspective of the two of them it takes on another dimension, much deeper and more touching, because of how hard it was for them to win their HEA.
We have a lot of fun moments due to the presence of Carter and Ian, Beck and Micah, Riley and Landry and other teammates and side characters (along with the cameos of some of the guys from the other series) who with their banter and their nosiness helped Deac and Grant to be together. We also have the moments of anguish, anger and frustration when everything seemed impossible, and the hot and/or romantic moments when they finally gave in. And well, as I said before, I would like to continue reading about this group of teammates who, together with those from the previous series, formed an huge and unique family.
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
March 4, 2024
The story I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for since starting the Charleston Condors series!! Deacon and Mr. G’s story and all of the Condors books leading up to this one are full of so much pining between these two, but it’s all SO worth it in the end!
Deacon Harris is a professional football player nearing the end of his career. In his final season with the Condors, he’s determined to help them get set up for success in the future and rebuild after scandal tore them apart the past couple years. He’s a leader on the field and off, amassing a group of players who he considers his family. In addition to playing his final season, he’s working with the team’s new owner, Grant, to help him figure out all the ways to make the team and organization better, while trying to keep his less than professional feelings about him to himself.
Grant Green is a tech billionaire and the new owner of the Charleston Condors, intent on turning things around for all of the organization’s players and staff but especially for Deacon. He’s incredibly intelligent and uses that intelligence to play knight in shining armor for those he loves. While owning a football team wasn’t in his long-term life plans, he finds himself loving it - the day to day management, problem solving, team building and so much more keeps him on his toes. But he thinks he can’t have what he really wants more than anything…a relationship with Deacon.
Their story started way back in college when Deacon hired Grant to tutor him in statistics - their chemistry was undeniable but neither of them made a move. Now, years, an uber successful tech company and an amazing NFL career later, they’re thrown back together to save the team as partners. They work so well together but neither of them want to jeopardize anything for the other by acting on their feelings - there’s so much pining it hurts sometimes…but in the best way. Deacon and Grant have the slowest of slow burns, taking all three of the previous books and some of this one to make a move, something that can be annoying but was so worth it in the end for these two. They both want to save each other and end up making it work in an amazingly seamless way, even in a situation that made it seem impossible. I loved these two together!
Seeing all the previous Condors players happy was wonderful and getting small glimpses of some of my favorite couples from other series made me so happy. I’m so sad to see the Charleston Condors series come to an end, but can’t wait to see what Beth Bolden has for us next!
Deacon Harris is a professional football player nearing the end of his career. In his final season with the Condors, he’s determined to help them get set up for success in the future and rebuild after scandal tore them apart the past couple years. He’s a leader on the field and off, amassing a group of players who he considers his family. In addition to playing his final season, he’s working with the team’s new owner, Grant, to help him figure out all the ways to make the team and organization better, while trying to keep his less than professional feelings about him to himself.
Grant Green is a tech billionaire and the new owner of the Charleston Condors, intent on turning things around for all of the organization’s players and staff but especially for Deacon. He’s incredibly intelligent and uses that intelligence to play knight in shining armor for those he loves. While owning a football team wasn’t in his long-term life plans, he finds himself loving it - the day to day management, problem solving, team building and so much more keeps him on his toes. But he thinks he can’t have what he really wants more than anything…a relationship with Deacon.
Their story started way back in college when Deacon hired Grant to tutor him in statistics - their chemistry was undeniable but neither of them made a move. Now, years, an uber successful tech company and an amazing NFL career later, they’re thrown back together to save the team as partners. They work so well together but neither of them want to jeopardize anything for the other by acting on their feelings - there’s so much pining it hurts sometimes…but in the best way. Deacon and Grant have the slowest of slow burns, taking all three of the previous books and some of this one to make a move, something that can be annoying but was so worth it in the end for these two. They both want to save each other and end up making it work in an amazingly seamless way, even in a situation that made it seem impossible. I loved these two together!
Seeing all the previous Condors players happy was wonderful and getting small glimpses of some of my favorite couples from other series made me so happy. I’m so sad to see the Charleston Condors series come to an end, but can’t wait to see what Beth Bolden has for us next!
March 2, 2024
I love a series that hints at a couple in the background the entire time, and then delivers in a BIG way when the time comes. Beth here has really nailed the landing for the conclusion of the Charleston Condors series with Deacon, our defensive captain and spiritual glue of the team, and Grant, none other than the new owner of the team.
If you've been reading this series all along (which, if you haven't, go do that), you've seen hints of interactions between Deacon and Grant. Now, we can finally get their story. We go all the way back to when they first met in college, and how that impacted both of them--and we find out why a young tech genius wanted to buy a football team whose reputation was on the rocks in the first place.
While we get snippets of the pining we've obviously seen throughout the series, happily Beth speeds us through the beginning parts of the season we've already seen through other players' eyes and we get to see...well, more pining, but it's different pining, and it's still somehow pretty hot to see two men whose careers are all about iron control have that control start to crack.
All our favorite guys are back to try to push Deacon towards his happily ever after and to go get their owner. They are happily still the equal parts ridiculous, sweet, and helpful/unhelpful (depending on how you look at it) as they were in the rest of the series. And of course, we have some external pressures closing in to try to keep our long-suffering guys from each other, and from keeping the team from really showing how they've changed.
Deacon and Grant were absolutely perfect together, and the chemistry when they finally give in was red hot! While there is a slow burn because, duh, pining, they waste absolutely no time when they decide to go for it, like the confident and decisive men they are.
The only thing I didn't love about this book were the external conflicts. They were fairly central to the plot and were important, but I also feel like the conclusion of both of them (one in particular) was kind of rushed and the solution was orchestrated almost entirely off-page. I would have liked a little more of Deacon and Grant together working on these as a team, I guess. Or maybe I built this book up so much in my head I'm nitpicking, I don't know.
An extremely well-earned 4.5 stars. I now have the urge to go reread all of Beth's books to start this long journey again, and can't wait for what she does next!
If you've been reading this series all along (which, if you haven't, go do that), you've seen hints of interactions between Deacon and Grant. Now, we can finally get their story. We go all the way back to when they first met in college, and how that impacted both of them--and we find out why a young tech genius wanted to buy a football team whose reputation was on the rocks in the first place.
While we get snippets of the pining we've obviously seen throughout the series, happily Beth speeds us through the beginning parts of the season we've already seen through other players' eyes and we get to see...well, more pining, but it's different pining, and it's still somehow pretty hot to see two men whose careers are all about iron control have that control start to crack.
All our favorite guys are back to try to push Deacon towards his happily ever after and to go get their owner. They are happily still the equal parts ridiculous, sweet, and helpful/unhelpful (depending on how you look at it) as they were in the rest of the series. And of course, we have some external pressures closing in to try to keep our long-suffering guys from each other, and from keeping the team from really showing how they've changed.
Deacon and Grant were absolutely perfect together, and the chemistry when they finally give in was red hot! While there is a slow burn because, duh, pining, they waste absolutely no time when they decide to go for it, like the confident and decisive men they are.
The only thing I didn't love about this book were the external conflicts. They were fairly central to the plot and were important, but I also feel like the conclusion of both of them (one in particular) was kind of rushed and the solution was orchestrated almost entirely off-page. I would have liked a little more of Deacon and Grant together working on these as a team, I guess. Or maybe I built this book up so much in my head I'm nitpicking, I don't know.
An extremely well-earned 4.5 stars. I now have the urge to go reread all of Beth's books to start this long journey again, and can't wait for what she does next!
February 27, 2024
I guess this is the book most of us have been waiting for. From the start of the series we've met Deacon and Mr. G. I've been pining for this story almost as much as Deacon and Grant have been pining for each other. And then, finally it's here and you're taken on a ride that so emotional and so wonderful that you're sad to know that this is actually the last book in the series.
Beth has a way with bringing the characters to live, you feel what they feel, you want to get inside the book and help them find their happy end. And my, did Deacon and Grant have to fight for it. Having met years ago when Grant became Deacon's statistics teacher, whilst Deacon was a beginning football player, you are shown pieces of how their feelings already started there. You get to see them during that time becoming friends, secretly pining for each other, but also being crushed because Grant had to leave, having the chance to build up the career he's always dreamed off.
Fast forward a few years and Deacon's become a well known football player. He's been having a hard time, the team he's given his heart and soul to is in a mess. His body is telling him it's time to retire but he also doesn't want to leave the men he's come to see as brothers behind in this mess. Then he finds out Grant, who's because a succesful billionaire has bought the team and will be his new boss. Both men know they can't give in to the feelings that have never gone away, there's too much at stake. They're being watched too closely.
We are taken on a journey full of secret pining, of two men who are working together to get the team back to where it belongs. All of this being made extra hard by someone who is out to destroy it. Luckily there's also the team mates who want nothing more than to see both Deacon and Grant get their happy ending, and their antics and mingling made me laugh out loud at times.
This is the last book in the series, and though I'm sad that it's finished, I'm also already looking forward to what Beth is gonna come up with next.
*ARC kindly received by Neon Rainbow Review. This is my honest opinion.*
Beth has a way with bringing the characters to live, you feel what they feel, you want to get inside the book and help them find their happy end. And my, did Deacon and Grant have to fight for it. Having met years ago when Grant became Deacon's statistics teacher, whilst Deacon was a beginning football player, you are shown pieces of how their feelings already started there. You get to see them during that time becoming friends, secretly pining for each other, but also being crushed because Grant had to leave, having the chance to build up the career he's always dreamed off.
Fast forward a few years and Deacon's become a well known football player. He's been having a hard time, the team he's given his heart and soul to is in a mess. His body is telling him it's time to retire but he also doesn't want to leave the men he's come to see as brothers behind in this mess. Then he finds out Grant, who's because a succesful billionaire has bought the team and will be his new boss. Both men know they can't give in to the feelings that have never gone away, there's too much at stake. They're being watched too closely.
We are taken on a journey full of secret pining, of two men who are working together to get the team back to where it belongs. All of this being made extra hard by someone who is out to destroy it. Luckily there's also the team mates who want nothing more than to see both Deacon and Grant get their happy ending, and their antics and mingling made me laugh out loud at times.
This is the last book in the series, and though I'm sad that it's finished, I'm also already looking forward to what Beth is gonna come up with next.
*ARC kindly received by Neon Rainbow Review. This is my honest opinion.*
March 10, 2024
THE PLAY is the fourth installment of the Charleston Condors series. I don't feel that this one can be read as a standalone. There is so much in each of prior books regarding Grant and Deacon that show how much angst and longing throughout the series that you NEED to experience to fully get the satisfaction of The Play.
The Charleston Condors had a terrible year. The team from the owners, coaches and even some of the players were playing dirty and nothing the NFL wanted. At the end of that year Deacon Harris is just ready to be done. He tried to hold the team together but it just wasn't enough. Finding out that his college crush is going to be buying the team and needs him to stay one more year to help him get the team back to what is was and should be, how can he say no?
The hardest thing Deacon can do is be around Grant Green when they can't be together. Deacon understands why with the commissioners office paying so much attention to the team after what happened with the last owners but it still hurts. Grant bought the team for Deacon. To give Deacon happiness in his final year. He had the ability to make him happy so why not try. What Grant didn't expect was for Deacon to have the same feelings Grant did but knowing nothing could come of it. Until one email was leaked to the media. An email between friends jokingly saying Grant bought the team because of a crush he had on Deacon. Now everyone wants to know the truth about what is going on with them. Their is so much speculation about their relationship why should they keep resisting and do what every one thinks they are already doing.
I have waited for this story for so long. I wish I could have read slower to savor Grant and Deacon just a bit more but I had to know what was going to happen! Their chemistry is so apparent. The love that they have harbored for years for each other had so much depth. I was brought to tears more than once. It was such a fantastic ride I am so glad I could experience this world Beth Bolden has created.
AND if you haven't read the bonus scene...find it and read it immediately! It is so worth it!!
I was given a copy of this book.
The Charleston Condors had a terrible year. The team from the owners, coaches and even some of the players were playing dirty and nothing the NFL wanted. At the end of that year Deacon Harris is just ready to be done. He tried to hold the team together but it just wasn't enough. Finding out that his college crush is going to be buying the team and needs him to stay one more year to help him get the team back to what is was and should be, how can he say no?
The hardest thing Deacon can do is be around Grant Green when they can't be together. Deacon understands why with the commissioners office paying so much attention to the team after what happened with the last owners but it still hurts. Grant bought the team for Deacon. To give Deacon happiness in his final year. He had the ability to make him happy so why not try. What Grant didn't expect was for Deacon to have the same feelings Grant did but knowing nothing could come of it. Until one email was leaked to the media. An email between friends jokingly saying Grant bought the team because of a crush he had on Deacon. Now everyone wants to know the truth about what is going on with them. Their is so much speculation about their relationship why should they keep resisting and do what every one thinks they are already doing.
I have waited for this story for so long. I wish I could have read slower to savor Grant and Deacon just a bit more but I had to know what was going to happen! Their chemistry is so apparent. The love that they have harbored for years for each other had so much depth. I was brought to tears more than once. It was such a fantastic ride I am so glad I could experience this world Beth Bolden has created.
AND if you haven't read the bonus scene...find it and read it immediately! It is so worth it!!
I was given a copy of this book.
March 6, 2024
Deacon and Grant's book was such a delight to read. I knew I was going to love their journey--how could I not when I'd already grown to love each of them over the rest of the series--but seeing it all play out was somehow even better than I'd imagined. All my questions about how these guys originally met were answered here, the foundation of their connection laid out in a way that made me believe it was something worth holding on to even after a decade of separation. In college, Deacon and Grant would have called it a crush, but after ten years of not being able to stop thinking about each other there was no way to describe it as anything except love. Grant bought a freaking football team because he was so invested in keeping Deacon's legacy shiny and bright, so even if he wasn't willing to say it out loud it was pretty dang clear how deep his feelings ran. I knew the two of them had their challenges in store before they could be together, but boy did the two of them play the long game when it came to exploring their potential. Logically I understood the reasons each of them had for holding back from each other--their clear power differential, their concern about causing a scandal, their desire to keep their private lives private--but a part of me was also screaming for them to just kiss already and sweep each other off their feet. Both of them had a lot more restraint than I do, but that only made it even more satisfying to see them reach a point where they couldn't hold back any longer. I don't know if I was more excited about their love confessions or the deliciously steamy way they took each other apart over and over again once the truth came out. Deacon and Grant were insatiable once they got their hands on each other, and I could not get enough of it.
Don't tell Beth, but I actually ended up enjoying the slower burn of Grant and Deacon's romance because it gave me more time to hang out with the Condors team and watch them play some excellent football. It's always bittersweet to reach the end of a series, but seeing how far this team has come really put everything into perspective. I was rooting hard for the Condors to surpass everyone's expectations of them and make it to the playoffs, and while they did have some obstacles along the way, I was impressed by the way they banded together instead of letting distractions get in their way. I don't think I'm ever ready to say goodbye at the end of these books, but it really feels like this chapter of the Condors legacy is closed and it's time for someone else's story to be told. Deacon and Grant have their future laid out for them, there's no question that they'll be together for the rest of their long, happy lives, and the Condors team is ready to tackle their next season.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
Don't tell Beth, but I actually ended up enjoying the slower burn of Grant and Deacon's romance because it gave me more time to hang out with the Condors team and watch them play some excellent football. It's always bittersweet to reach the end of a series, but seeing how far this team has come really put everything into perspective. I was rooting hard for the Condors to surpass everyone's expectations of them and make it to the playoffs, and while they did have some obstacles along the way, I was impressed by the way they banded together instead of letting distractions get in their way. I don't think I'm ever ready to say goodbye at the end of these books, but it really feels like this chapter of the Condors legacy is closed and it's time for someone else's story to be told. Deacon and Grant have their future laid out for them, there's no question that they'll be together for the rest of their long, happy lives, and the Condors team is ready to tackle their next season.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 4, 2024
I've been looking forward to Deacon's book for ages, and when I read Jem's story it made me even more eager to get Deacon's story. Beth made the wait SO worth it!! The way Beth started us off with a college age Deacon and Grant was such a fantastic way to start this story! After all, that is where their story first started.
Beth knows how to write books with incredible characters, she knows what she's doing, and I've enjoyed every book she's written, and this book was so good! Well written, it had the banter and playfulness with the teammates that we're used to, their was pining and angst, and most of all their was love. Different types of it too. Yes, there is live between Grant and Deacon, but there's also love between each of the guys on the Condors, they are a family and care about each other so fiercely. I love the found family that Beth evokes with these characters, and she did a wonderful job doing that again with this beautiful story!
I'm elated to finally know what's been going on between Grant and Deacon! I loved the way their relationship was handled, it developed and occurred so naturally and flowed so beautifully! The pacing was extraordinary, everything just happened so smoothly. I'm really happy that all of the guys were such big components in this book, it wouldn't have been the same series if they hadn't been involved. I was so happy to see Jem's character pop up, it was nice to see how close Jem and Deacon are.
I also loved seeing the Bills mentioned! I live near Buffalo, so seeing them mentioned in this book was such a lovely surprise!!
The ending made me cry, it was so profound and so immensely beautiful! The way Beth wrapped up his story was so impeccable and was such an incredible way to tie up Deacon's story. I'm sad to know that Beth's taking a break from writing football, but I'm so excited to see what she releases next!!
I'm also still hoping that one day Kieran will get his own story!
Beth knows how to write books with incredible characters, she knows what she's doing, and I've enjoyed every book she's written, and this book was so good! Well written, it had the banter and playfulness with the teammates that we're used to, their was pining and angst, and most of all their was love. Different types of it too. Yes, there is live between Grant and Deacon, but there's also love between each of the guys on the Condors, they are a family and care about each other so fiercely. I love the found family that Beth evokes with these characters, and she did a wonderful job doing that again with this beautiful story!
I'm elated to finally know what's been going on between Grant and Deacon! I loved the way their relationship was handled, it developed and occurred so naturally and flowed so beautifully! The pacing was extraordinary, everything just happened so smoothly. I'm really happy that all of the guys were such big components in this book, it wouldn't have been the same series if they hadn't been involved. I was so happy to see Jem's character pop up, it was nice to see how close Jem and Deacon are.
I also loved seeing the Bills mentioned! I live near Buffalo, so seeing them mentioned in this book was such a lovely surprise!!
The ending made me cry, it was so profound and so immensely beautiful! The way Beth wrapped up his story was so impeccable and was such an incredible way to tie up Deacon's story. I'm sad to know that Beth's taking a break from writing football, but I'm so excited to see what she releases next!!
I'm also still hoping that one day Kieran will get his own story!
March 10, 2024
**4.5**
What a wonderful way to end yet another fantastic NFL series from Beth Bolden. Throughout the Charleston Condors series, there has been this undercurrent of tension between football player, Deacon, and the team's new owner, Grant. Now we get to read their story from the very beginning, and it's very well paced, enough so that we know their origin, float over a lot of what has gone on through the series so far, and then land in what is now affecting them and anything that is going on between them.
The two men clearly made a connection at college but Grant's chance to start his new tech business early separates them before anything is possible, or they are aware of each other's attraction. Now Grant is the owner of the team Deacon plays for and it would bring about another slight scandal if anything was acted upon. Both are upstanding members of the team/business world and so don't put themselves first at all. It's completely endearing but also frustrating on their behalf. They have so many people on their side but there is always one or two who feel it necessary to rock the boat.
It felt to me like a slow burn romance in regards to the time frame of the story, start to finish, but also with how long the two men take to decide to put themselves first for a change. It's also a good NFL story as the Condors fight to make it to the playoffs whilst dealing with the stresses of having the constant media attention for the wrong reasons. It's great to have so many of the team involved in this story, and in a good place themselves, but I would have liked a bit more from Jem, Deacon's best friend and defensive partner who got injured and moved to Christmas Falls. Darcy is also an entertaining character to get to know better. Grant's right hand woman is not afraid to say what she sees and what she means.
A great story that has an emotional ending as the series wraps up.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
What a wonderful way to end yet another fantastic NFL series from Beth Bolden. Throughout the Charleston Condors series, there has been this undercurrent of tension between football player, Deacon, and the team's new owner, Grant. Now we get to read their story from the very beginning, and it's very well paced, enough so that we know their origin, float over a lot of what has gone on through the series so far, and then land in what is now affecting them and anything that is going on between them.
The two men clearly made a connection at college but Grant's chance to start his new tech business early separates them before anything is possible, or they are aware of each other's attraction. Now Grant is the owner of the team Deacon plays for and it would bring about another slight scandal if anything was acted upon. Both are upstanding members of the team/business world and so don't put themselves first at all. It's completely endearing but also frustrating on their behalf. They have so many people on their side but there is always one or two who feel it necessary to rock the boat.
It felt to me like a slow burn romance in regards to the time frame of the story, start to finish, but also with how long the two men take to decide to put themselves first for a change. It's also a good NFL story as the Condors fight to make it to the playoffs whilst dealing with the stresses of having the constant media attention for the wrong reasons. It's great to have so many of the team involved in this story, and in a good place themselves, but I would have liked a bit more from Jem, Deacon's best friend and defensive partner who got injured and moved to Christmas Falls. Darcy is also an entertaining character to get to know better. Grant's right hand woman is not afraid to say what she sees and what she means.
A great story that has an emotional ending as the series wraps up.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
March 11, 2024
After watching these two pine for each other for the entire series, they finally get their HEA! Watching these two together, I figured they had some sort of past, but the reality isn't what I expected. It goes way deeper than what I was thinking, and it made me root for them even more than I already was. Grant and Deacon are this alluring combination of sweet, possessive, and sexy with some fun banter thrown in. They try so hard to do what's "right" but end up choosing themselves and each other
As with every other book in the series, we get plenty of football. I loved to see how many people showed up for Deacon at the end, which really tells you what a great player, and person, he really was. I liked that we got to see a little of the tech side for Grant as well. It helped give the book a bit of balance since football isn't Grant's entire life. Rex plus Cheryl and the commissioner's office added a nice bit of drama. I think Grant went easy on both of them, but I guess that's just the kind of guy he is
While this was still a really great book, it didn't totally live up to my expectations. I found myself skimming quite a bit, which isn't something I usually do when reading. There wasn't anything particular that stands out that I actively disliked, just the overall feel wasn't quite what I was hoping.
I am sad to see this series end. I may have to go back and read the Miami Piranhas series just to jump back into this world. I loved getting to see all the other guys on the team, and how much they care for and support each other. I'm interested to see what Bolden does with a baseball romance, which is supposed to be her next release
As with every other book in the series, we get plenty of football. I loved to see how many people showed up for Deacon at the end, which really tells you what a great player, and person, he really was. I liked that we got to see a little of the tech side for Grant as well. It helped give the book a bit of balance since football isn't Grant's entire life. Rex plus Cheryl and the commissioner's office added a nice bit of drama. I think Grant went easy on both of them, but I guess that's just the kind of guy he is
While this was still a really great book, it didn't totally live up to my expectations. I found myself skimming quite a bit, which isn't something I usually do when reading. There wasn't anything particular that stands out that I actively disliked, just the overall feel wasn't quite what I was hoping.
I am sad to see this series end. I may have to go back and read the Miami Piranhas series just to jump back into this world. I loved getting to see all the other guys on the team, and how much they care for and support each other. I'm interested to see what Bolden does with a baseball romance, which is supposed to be her next release
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