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Forging #0.5
Forging Passion
A one-night stand prequel to Forging Glory, a second-chance sports romance from USA Today bestselling author Lainey Davis. I can't tear my eyes away from her. She's incredible, the best soccer midfielder I've ever seen. Raw passion on the field. A hundred percent my type, but a thousand percent a distraction I can't afford right now. I've dated other athletes before. We're all too focused on our game for anything meaningful off the field. And usually, I prefer it that way. But she's all muscle and grit, with fierce eyes that let me know she'd wreck my body. And I'd love every second. Our connection feels immediate. The desire is mutual, like nothing I've felt before. Then I make the mistake of a I let her wreck my heart.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 9, 2023
29 people are currently reading
156 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
October 15, 2023
This is the prequel to Lainey Davis's Stag Generations Series. It's a spinoff of the Stag Brothers series (these are the now grown kids' stories) and serves as a great bridge between the two. Though Davis provides enough info for those new to her writing to not be lost/overwhelmed.
Confession: I barely listen to New Adult romance anymore. My kids are now this age and too many times I've encountered MC with their names and it just gets weird...
However, I love Lainey Davis. Love the Stag Brothers books (Hawk & Lucy are my favs). And she always picks the best narrators. So I'm diving in!
For such a short book, Davis packs in a a lot. Wonderful intro to the newest Stag generation as well as Wes & Cara individually. The have a fiery meet-cute, instant attraction, and a steamy one night stand. Since both are soccer players with a focus on immediate professional goals, it's agreed that this night is it. As it is with romance... they're both feeling more.
Davis is clear that this ends on a cliffhanger as this serves as a teaser to Wes & Cara's full book, Forging Glory. It's absolutely perfect.
Narration:
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker were both new to me. Remember when I said Davis picks the best narrators? Yup. She's scored (hah! ⚽︎) with these performers. I loved both of them. Emotions, passion, and how they each voiced all the characters. I can't wait to hear them for a full book!
I received an advance copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and am leaving an honest review.
Confession: I barely listen to New Adult romance anymore. My kids are now this age and too many times I've encountered MC with their names and it just gets weird...
However, I love Lainey Davis. Love the Stag Brothers books (Hawk & Lucy are my favs). And she always picks the best narrators. So I'm diving in!
For such a short book, Davis packs in a a lot. Wonderful intro to the newest Stag generation as well as Wes & Cara individually. The have a fiery meet-cute, instant attraction, and a steamy one night stand. Since both are soccer players with a focus on immediate professional goals, it's agreed that this night is it. As it is with romance... they're both feeling more.
Davis is clear that this ends on a cliffhanger as this serves as a teaser to Wes & Cara's full book, Forging Glory. It's absolutely perfect.
Narration:
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker were both new to me. Remember when I said Davis picks the best narrators? Yup. She's scored (hah! ⚽︎) with these performers. I loved both of them. Emotions, passion, and how they each voiced all the characters. I can't wait to hear them for a full book!
I received an advance copy of the audio from Home Cooked Books and am leaving an honest review.
October 24, 2023
*AUDIO REVIEW*
Forging Passions is a prequel to the new Stag Generations Series by Lainey Davis and the beginning of Wes and Cara's story!
Wes and Cara are two young adults with dreams of making it in the world of professional soccer. They first meet on a plane bound for an open invitation soccer camp that will be swarming with recruiters. The attraction is instant and chemistry undeniable. After showing off their skills on the field, the two have a hot steamy night together. It was meant to be a one night thing but both felt a lot more passion between them, still Cara slips out the next morning leaving Wes wondering if he felt more about their night together then she did….
This prequel is everything it should be! It introduces you to the two main characters of the upcoming first book in the series Forging Glory, Wes and Cara who are two hard working, determined and focused athletes, Wes has an air of confidence about him and wants to achieve his goals on his own merits. Cara is a smart young woman who is confident in the field and trusts her instincts. They have a great connection, and their night together was HOT! The end gives me the feeling that their story will be a bit angsty and emotional, and above all, it has left me so anxious for more!
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker are both new to me narrators, and they really did a wonderful job. I look forward to hearing more of their work !
This is definitely worth a listen! And I Can’t wait for Forging Glory!
Forging Passions is a prequel to the new Stag Generations Series by Lainey Davis and the beginning of Wes and Cara's story!
Wes and Cara are two young adults with dreams of making it in the world of professional soccer. They first meet on a plane bound for an open invitation soccer camp that will be swarming with recruiters. The attraction is instant and chemistry undeniable. After showing off their skills on the field, the two have a hot steamy night together. It was meant to be a one night thing but both felt a lot more passion between them, still Cara slips out the next morning leaving Wes wondering if he felt more about their night together then she did….
This prequel is everything it should be! It introduces you to the two main characters of the upcoming first book in the series Forging Glory, Wes and Cara who are two hard working, determined and focused athletes, Wes has an air of confidence about him and wants to achieve his goals on his own merits. Cara is a smart young woman who is confident in the field and trusts her instincts. They have a great connection, and their night together was HOT! The end gives me the feeling that their story will be a bit angsty and emotional, and above all, it has left me so anxious for more!
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker are both new to me narrators, and they really did a wonderful job. I look forward to hearing more of their work !
This is definitely worth a listen! And I Can’t wait for Forging Glory!
October 18, 2023
A great intro into the new series by Lainey Davis!
Wes and Cara are both football (soccer) athletes who play for their men’s and women’s college teams respectively. They meet at the airport on their way to a training camp for the men and women’s teams where they both hope to get contracts to play for pro teams. Although, there is chemistry there, they both cannot afford to get distracted from their goals and know they can only have a casual fling.
I really enjoyed this! Wes and Cara had so much chemistry and I loved their back and forth banter. They were such loveable characters! This novella made me laugh and smile, but it also touched on some heavier topics in relation to women’s football. Overall, I look forward to continuing Wes and Cara’s story when the first book in the series comes out!
This novella was narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker. I loved them in this. Their voices and characterisation of Wes and Cara fit perfectly. They truly brought the characters and story to life!
Wes and Cara are both football (soccer) athletes who play for their men’s and women’s college teams respectively. They meet at the airport on their way to a training camp for the men and women’s teams where they both hope to get contracts to play for pro teams. Although, there is chemistry there, they both cannot afford to get distracted from their goals and know they can only have a casual fling.
I really enjoyed this! Wes and Cara had so much chemistry and I loved their back and forth banter. They were such loveable characters! This novella made me laugh and smile, but it also touched on some heavier topics in relation to women’s football. Overall, I look forward to continuing Wes and Cara’s story when the first book in the series comes out!
This novella was narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker. I loved them in this. Their voices and characterisation of Wes and Cara fit perfectly. They truly brought the characters and story to life!
October 13, 2023
Fun short listen to the start of a great series! Loved these characters but I’m a sucker for soccer romance! ⚽️ can’t wait to give into this series!
November 9, 2023
This short, emotional, passionate, and fast-paced prequel was so much fun! I really enjoyed this introduction to a new series and the narrators were amazing. This insta lust, second chance, sports romance was captivating and the chemistry was explosive. There was a bit of a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the first book in the series!
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Currently reading
November 20, 2023I am so excited to revisit my favorite family with this next generation novella. Who likes super spicy short reads?? https://geni.us/lBaoSC 
April 16, 2025
Audiobook Review
Nice, smexy & sporty introduction to the next Stag generation. Can’t wait for the next book in Wes and Cara’s story with the great duo of narrators Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
Nice, smexy & sporty introduction to the next Stag generation. Can’t wait for the next book in Wes and Cara’s story with the great duo of narrators Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
April 29, 2025
Forging Passion is the perfect introduction to the Stag Brothers Forging series by author Lainey Davis. If you haven’t already met them, you will be delighted to meet the extended Stag family. A loud, raucous group, full of rowdy, rambunctious current and former athletes, lawyers, doctors, businesspeople. The brothers are cocky, self-confident, love to party and can be crude. But their parents have all instilled a deep sense of family loyalty, drive, hard work, pride, respect, care and consideration towards others – and manners. There are rules, including rules for safe sexy times, and all the brothers and cousins follow them. They are a family you want to be part of.
When Wes and Cara meet they are both on the way to soccer camp in California. Wes has just quit school without telling his parents first. They support his soccer dreams but want him to secure his education first and worry about an old back injury. Cara’s parents aren’t supportive at all; in fact, they think she should stop wasting her time doing something that will make her undesirable to any prospective husband. They’re both firm in their decision, however. When Wes picks up her bag by mistake on the airport security conveyer belt he’s his usual flirty, won’t-shut-up self, but she’s not impressed, although she is a little stunned by his gorgeous face and body and a little confused about the pull she feels toward him. He’s delighted to find the crabby beautiful woman from the security line as his seatmate. They connect instantly – about everything, especially their shared skill and dedication to securing a career in soccer – and spend an amazing night together. They’re in agreement that this should be a one-night thing, although if they both didn’t have so much going on, if they weren’t so focused on getting to the pros . . . who knows what could happen?
When Wes wakes up alone he’s disappointed and is torn between sticking to their agreement and chasing her down to get her number. Until he turns a corner and sees her with an executive from the Soccer USA national team staff. The look Wes gives Cara is confused, pained, and then carefully blank. What did he miss? Is his maybe-forever-girl really just a party girl?
Forging Passion is just the right length for a prequel novella and leaves you hanging with just enough uncertainty to want to immediately dive into the first book in the series, Forging Glory. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
When Wes and Cara meet they are both on the way to soccer camp in California. Wes has just quit school without telling his parents first. They support his soccer dreams but want him to secure his education first and worry about an old back injury. Cara’s parents aren’t supportive at all; in fact, they think she should stop wasting her time doing something that will make her undesirable to any prospective husband. They’re both firm in their decision, however. When Wes picks up her bag by mistake on the airport security conveyer belt he’s his usual flirty, won’t-shut-up self, but she’s not impressed, although she is a little stunned by his gorgeous face and body and a little confused about the pull she feels toward him. He’s delighted to find the crabby beautiful woman from the security line as his seatmate. They connect instantly – about everything, especially their shared skill and dedication to securing a career in soccer – and spend an amazing night together. They’re in agreement that this should be a one-night thing, although if they both didn’t have so much going on, if they weren’t so focused on getting to the pros . . . who knows what could happen?
When Wes wakes up alone he’s disappointed and is torn between sticking to their agreement and chasing her down to get her number. Until he turns a corner and sees her with an executive from the Soccer USA national team staff. The look Wes gives Cara is confused, pained, and then carefully blank. What did he miss? Is his maybe-forever-girl really just a party girl?
Forging Passion is just the right length for a prequel novella and leaves you hanging with just enough uncertainty to want to immediately dive into the first book in the series, Forging Glory. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.
October 23, 2023
Forging Passion
Stag Generations Preqel
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Bryant Walker , Janine Granda
Now this is what I am talking about! This is a great start to the new generation of Stag soccer players! I loved the first series and if this book is an indication of what is to come, I am going to love their offspring! This book is about Cara & Wes. After a brief meeting in the airport, they not only have similar dreams, but are going to the same place to prepare to play professional soccer. But is the attraction going to last longer than one night? This quick listen is packed with just enough emotion and spice. Wes has a confidence about him that is strong, but not overpowering. Cara is talented, knows her worth, but continues working hard to get what she wants. Getting to know these two driven athletes is fun and romantic and just leaves me wanting more. Bring it on Lainey Davis! I am ready!
Bryant Walker and Janine Granda are both amazing talents. Perfect for the new adult genre, their voices lend a younger sound to these two, but do not lack the emotional maturity to make them feel realistic. I enjoyed their performance and hope they continue the series.
Stag Generations Preqel
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Bryant Walker , Janine Granda
Now this is what I am talking about! This is a great start to the new generation of Stag soccer players! I loved the first series and if this book is an indication of what is to come, I am going to love their offspring! This book is about Cara & Wes. After a brief meeting in the airport, they not only have similar dreams, but are going to the same place to prepare to play professional soccer. But is the attraction going to last longer than one night? This quick listen is packed with just enough emotion and spice. Wes has a confidence about him that is strong, but not overpowering. Cara is talented, knows her worth, but continues working hard to get what she wants. Getting to know these two driven athletes is fun and romantic and just leaves me wanting more. Bring it on Lainey Davis! I am ready!
Bryant Walker and Janine Granda are both amazing talents. Perfect for the new adult genre, their voices lend a younger sound to these two, but do not lack the emotional maturity to make them feel realistic. I enjoyed their performance and hope they continue the series.
March 6, 2025
I've been listening to Lainey Davis for the last year and I'm always instantly hooked! This audiobook is a prequel to The New Stag Generation Series. The narrators Janine Granda and Bryant Walker did a great job telling this story. They held my attention for this short novella. You will be able to listen to this one really quick. It's well written and so are the characters.
Wes and Cara are trying to make their dreams come true in the world of professional soccer. They first meet on a plane on their way to summer camp. The chemistry is instant and you just know these two have a spark worth exploring. You will learn these two characters are strong and independent. Their hard working and have goals they want to achieve in life.
After a one night stand, Cara slips out first thing in the morning and now Wes is left wondering if he wants more then just a one night stand.
This book sets you up for the next book in this series Forging Glory.
I highly recommend this novella and this series. The stag brothers are so much fun and you will have a great time getting to know them and the women in their life.
Wes and Cara are trying to make their dreams come true in the world of professional soccer. They first meet on a plane on their way to summer camp. The chemistry is instant and you just know these two have a spark worth exploring. You will learn these two characters are strong and independent. Their hard working and have goals they want to achieve in life.
After a one night stand, Cara slips out first thing in the morning and now Wes is left wondering if he wants more then just a one night stand.
This book sets you up for the next book in this series Forging Glory.
I highly recommend this novella and this series. The stag brothers are so much fun and you will have a great time getting to know them and the women in their life.
October 22, 2023
**Audiobook Review**
I love prequels to new series for a special sneak peek into a new series. “Forging Passion” is a fun, flirty and steamy one night-stand novella that has me excited for the next gen series.
Both Wes and Cara dream of making it in the soccer world and meet at the airport on the way to help make that dream come true. The two have an instant connection through soccer and as they spend time together, there’s also an attraction.
I loved Wes and Cara from the beginning and enjoyed listening to their story begin. Both are driven and determined to make it professionally and they connected instantly with that. Wes oozes confidence but not in a condescending way which I loved. Cara is a hard worker and soccer is her passion. The novella is a quick listen but it doesn’t skip on emotion or steam. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker narrate this story and I loved listening to them. Each brought their character perfectly to life and were the right choice for Wes and Cara.
I love prequels to new series for a special sneak peek into a new series. “Forging Passion” is a fun, flirty and steamy one night-stand novella that has me excited for the next gen series.
Both Wes and Cara dream of making it in the soccer world and meet at the airport on the way to help make that dream come true. The two have an instant connection through soccer and as they spend time together, there’s also an attraction.
I loved Wes and Cara from the beginning and enjoyed listening to their story begin. Both are driven and determined to make it professionally and they connected instantly with that. Wes oozes confidence but not in a condescending way which I loved. Cara is a hard worker and soccer is her passion. The novella is a quick listen but it doesn’t skip on emotion or steam. I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker narrate this story and I loved listening to them. Each brought their character perfectly to life and were the right choice for Wes and Cara.
October 31, 2023
🎧Audiobook ALC Review🎧
🎤Narrated By Janine Granda & Bryant Walker🎤
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This book is a great prequel to the next book Forging Glory. Why? Because it leaves you wanting so much more!! I’m new to both of the narrators of this book and think they did a great job of these characters. You could feel the sexual tension between them as you listened to this book and I soaked it all up. This was also my first Lainey Davis book, but after this it won’t be my last. I’m here for the Stag Series!!
As per most prequels it’s a short listen/read as you’re basically just getting to know the main characters and how their story starts. The worst part about it … I don’t wanna wait for Forging Glory to come out, I want to know what’s going to happen to Wes & Cara.
If you’re into the super meet-cute, sports, attraction at first sight, and one night stand tropes then you’ll definitely enjoy this book. And even though this was a short book I still had my “aww”, “ohh”, “lol” & “yes!”moments and a few “yuck” moments (some men, am I right?).
🎤Narrated By Janine Granda & Bryant Walker🎤
Plot ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
This book is a great prequel to the next book Forging Glory. Why? Because it leaves you wanting so much more!! I’m new to both of the narrators of this book and think they did a great job of these characters. You could feel the sexual tension between them as you listened to this book and I soaked it all up. This was also my first Lainey Davis book, but after this it won’t be my last. I’m here for the Stag Series!!
As per most prequels it’s a short listen/read as you’re basically just getting to know the main characters and how their story starts. The worst part about it … I don’t wanna wait for Forging Glory to come out, I want to know what’s going to happen to Wes & Cara.
If you’re into the super meet-cute, sports, attraction at first sight, and one night stand tropes then you’ll definitely enjoy this book. And even though this was a short book I still had my “aww”, “ohh”, “lol” & “yes!”moments and a few “yuck” moments (some men, am I right?).
November 8, 2023
Second Generation prequel novella, but you don’t need to have ready any of the previous generation to enjoy this one.
Quick little teaser snack of a story. It’s like an extended prologue that sets up the two characters, sets up a couple potential future conflicts and gives us a delicious one night stand before melting away with a lot of loose threads.
The audiobook was performed by Janine Granda & Bryant Walker. Both were new the me narrators and I would happily listen to them again. Even though this is a super short 2 hours of audio, we did get some range from both of them. Janine brought anxious, determined and hopeful to Cara’s soccer dreams and some awesome “ewww I’m creeped out” vibes to the interactions with a specific side character. Bryant gave us mellow and easy going, yet desperate and balls to the wall for Wes. There were even some humbled and chastised moments with his aunt.
I am very interested in seeing where these characters and threads/story seeds go next.
I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.
Quick little teaser snack of a story. It’s like an extended prologue that sets up the two characters, sets up a couple potential future conflicts and gives us a delicious one night stand before melting away with a lot of loose threads.
The audiobook was performed by Janine Granda & Bryant Walker. Both were new the me narrators and I would happily listen to them again. Even though this is a super short 2 hours of audio, we did get some range from both of them. Janine brought anxious, determined and hopeful to Cara’s soccer dreams and some awesome “ewww I’m creeped out” vibes to the interactions with a specific side character. Bryant gave us mellow and easy going, yet desperate and balls to the wall for Wes. There were even some humbled and chastised moments with his aunt.
I am very interested in seeing where these characters and threads/story seeds go next.
I requested and was provided with an advanced copy of the audiobook. These are my honest opinions.
November 9, 2023
🎧Audio Review🎧
Narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
This is a perfect opening teaser novella. It sucked me in, gave me just enough about Wes and Cara to sink my teeth into and not want to let go. Wes and Cara meet at the airport both on their way to a soccer camp so they can be seen by professional scouts. Sparks fly and they hit it off. The attraction was high from the get-go and the cliffhanger left me wanting more right now. Lainey Davis seemed to pack a whole book into a novella and still have me craving more. The next installment can’t come fast enough. Since I haven’t read the first Stag series yet, Wes’s parents’ story is part of that series, I will definitely be doing some catch up.
This is Narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
Janin’s cadence and pace was great for Cara. It took a bit to get used to her inflection. It almost felt like she was speaking through a clenched jaw. I loved the Bryant Walker narration of Wes, the perfect slightly cocky but endearing character that is Wes. So good and can’t wait to listen to more. I’m excited for the next book.
Narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
This is a perfect opening teaser novella. It sucked me in, gave me just enough about Wes and Cara to sink my teeth into and not want to let go. Wes and Cara meet at the airport both on their way to a soccer camp so they can be seen by professional scouts. Sparks fly and they hit it off. The attraction was high from the get-go and the cliffhanger left me wanting more right now. Lainey Davis seemed to pack a whole book into a novella and still have me craving more. The next installment can’t come fast enough. Since I haven’t read the first Stag series yet, Wes’s parents’ story is part of that series, I will definitely be doing some catch up.
This is Narrated by Janine Granda and Bryant Walker
Janin’s cadence and pace was great for Cara. It took a bit to get used to her inflection. It almost felt like she was speaking through a clenched jaw. I loved the Bryant Walker narration of Wes, the perfect slightly cocky but endearing character that is Wes. So good and can’t wait to listen to more. I’m excited for the next book.
November 8, 2023
Forging Passion is the prequel to Lainey Davis’s Stag Generation Series. Despite Ms Davis giving us such a short novella, it is not only the perfect intro to the next generation Stag’s, but it also packs one hell of a punch.
Wes and Cara are both football (soccer) players who play for their men’s and women’s college teams. They have a fiery meet cute at the airport on the way to a training camp where they hope to secure contract to play for pro teams.
The chemistry between Wes and Cara is steaming hot, the attraction is instant and despite them burning up the sheets during a night of passion, they both agree their focus must be on their professional goals.
The fabulous Janine Granda and new to me narrator Bryant Walker give us this teaser of Wes and Cara and my oh my, they left me begging for more! A dynamic duo who delivered exceptional performances.
Overall, I loved this teaser of how Wes and Cara’s story begins.
If you love a good meet cute, instant attraction, super-hot chemistry, one night stand, sports romance then you need this cheeky little novella in your library.
Wes and Cara are both football (soccer) players who play for their men’s and women’s college teams. They have a fiery meet cute at the airport on the way to a training camp where they hope to secure contract to play for pro teams.
The chemistry between Wes and Cara is steaming hot, the attraction is instant and despite them burning up the sheets during a night of passion, they both agree their focus must be on their professional goals.
The fabulous Janine Granda and new to me narrator Bryant Walker give us this teaser of Wes and Cara and my oh my, they left me begging for more! A dynamic duo who delivered exceptional performances.
Overall, I loved this teaser of how Wes and Cara’s story begins.
If you love a good meet cute, instant attraction, super-hot chemistry, one night stand, sports romance then you need this cheeky little novella in your library.
November 9, 2023
Forging Passion is a prequel novella to a new series by Lainey Davis, and this gives us a little taste of what's to come. Not only is this a new series, but it's the next generation of her Stag Brothers series, so we get to revisit some old friends.
Wes and Cara are the first couple that we're going to experience, and her we get to experience their ill-timed meeting as they are both embarking on their quest for professional sports careers. They meet in the airport, they have immediate chemistry, but they need to focus on their goals, so the can't form a long-lasting relationship right now. But they do take the time to get to know each other, so this is a small taste of what they had for a minute until we get their long-term happily-ever-after later on.
The audio was really enjoyable. Chemistry, banter, emotion. Narration that brough the characters to life. I was not family with Janine Granda and Bryant Walker before, and I enjoy this listen. Looking forward to getting their whole love story soon.
Wes and Cara are the first couple that we're going to experience, and her we get to experience their ill-timed meeting as they are both embarking on their quest for professional sports careers. They meet in the airport, they have immediate chemistry, but they need to focus on their goals, so the can't form a long-lasting relationship right now. But they do take the time to get to know each other, so this is a small taste of what they had for a minute until we get their long-term happily-ever-after later on.
The audio was really enjoyable. Chemistry, banter, emotion. Narration that brough the characters to life. I was not family with Janine Granda and Bryant Walker before, and I enjoy this listen. Looking forward to getting their whole love story soon.
October 21, 2023
It’s a cute little novella (about 75 pages), nothing special but definitely worth a quick read but only if you intend to read the book series.
Wes is a recent college drop out trying to make it into professional soccer. He is hiding is current plans from his family full of professional athletes because he thinks they wouldn’t understand.
Cara is also trying to make it as a female soccer player and the two meet on a plane while flying to the same soccer recruitment camp.
It’s kind of a insta-interest/ insta-lust scenario, though they wait until the end of the book to actually do something about it.
There isn’t really much to the plot other than that you meet the two characters, see how they meet and get to know their passion for soccer.
So I would only recommend reading this novella if you intend to read the rest of the series.. because of you don’t then it is slightly boring and missing the certain wow-factor.
Wes is a recent college drop out trying to make it into professional soccer. He is hiding is current plans from his family full of professional athletes because he thinks they wouldn’t understand.
Cara is also trying to make it as a female soccer player and the two meet on a plane while flying to the same soccer recruitment camp.
It’s kind of a insta-interest/ insta-lust scenario, though they wait until the end of the book to actually do something about it.
There isn’t really much to the plot other than that you meet the two characters, see how they meet and get to know their passion for soccer.
So I would only recommend reading this novella if you intend to read the rest of the series.. because of you don’t then it is slightly boring and missing the certain wow-factor.
October 31, 2023
Thanks to Home Cooked Books for the ALC of this steamy romance audiobook fun!
Forging Passion: A Stag Generations Prequel
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Janine Granda & Bryant Walker
Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4.5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Airport/airplane meet-cute!
🤩 Wes and Cara are both athletes—soccer players.
🤩 Both narrators have gorgeous voices that flirt so perfectly.
🤩 When Wes hears Cara say, “Oh my god this feels amazing.” Ha! Laugh-out-loud funny!
🤩 The physical attraction and steamy goodness are fantastic.
🤩 One night stand.
🤩 It leaves you wanting more for multiple reasons and hoping for a re-meet-cute (one of my favorite tropes)!
🤩 I’m in for the Stag series.
🤩 This is my first Lainey Davis—I’ve been adding her books to my TBR for a while now. TBR and so many books so little time problems.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 More Stag time!
Forging Passion: A Stag Generations Prequel
By Lainey Davis
Narrated by Janine Granda & Bryant Walker
Story Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (0-5)
Narration: 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧 (0-5)
Overall: 4.5/5
Steam: 🔥🔥🔥 (0-5)
What I’m Starry-Eyed Over:
🤩 Airport/airplane meet-cute!
🤩 Wes and Cara are both athletes—soccer players.
🤩 Both narrators have gorgeous voices that flirt so perfectly.
🤩 When Wes hears Cara say, “Oh my god this feels amazing.” Ha! Laugh-out-loud funny!
🤩 The physical attraction and steamy goodness are fantastic.
🤩 One night stand.
🤩 It leaves you wanting more for multiple reasons and hoping for a re-meet-cute (one of my favorite tropes)!
🤩 I’m in for the Stag series.
🤩 This is my first Lainey Davis—I’ve been adding her books to my TBR for a while now. TBR and so many books so little time problems.
What I’m Wishing/Dizzy About:
💫 More Stag time!
November 6, 2023
This is a short prequel To Forging Glory which is part of the Stag Generations Series. The story follows the first meeting between Cara and Wes. There is instant attraction between the two when they first meet. They are both on their way to an important soccer try-out so they know that their heads need to be in the game and not on the attraction they’re feeling for each other. To them, soccer comes first. They both know that if anything happens between them it would only be a one-night stand. The book ends on a bit of a cliffhanger but it leaves a great opening for the next book.
I listened to the audiobook for this and the narrators were Janine Granda and Bryant Walker. I’ve listened to Janine before and she was perfect for this book with a young sounding Cara. Bryant Walker was new to me but was extremely pleasant to listen to while voicing Wes. They were both great choices for this book.
I received an ALC for this book and am posting my honest review.
I listened to the audiobook for this and the narrators were Janine Granda and Bryant Walker. I’ve listened to Janine before and she was perfect for this book with a young sounding Cara. Bryant Walker was new to me but was extremely pleasant to listen to while voicing Wes. They were both great choices for this book.
I received an ALC for this book and am posting my honest review.
October 29, 2023
Forging Passion is a prequel to the Stag Generations series.
Wes and Cara are both athletes, with dreams of making it into the world of professional soccer. They meet at the airport as they’re both on the way to a soccer camp where they hope to impress recruiters. There’s instant attraction between them, and they have a fun one-night stand.
These two have great banter, and they have similar goals. They both strive to be the best on the field, but making it into the pros is harder for Cara, and it’s not due to lack of skill.
This was a cute and fast-paced story. It’s set up for a full-length novel, and I’m interested to see where Wes and Cara go from here.
Audio
Narrators: Janine Granada and Bryant Walker
Style: Dual
The narrators were new-to-me, but they did a great job narrating this story! They really brought Wes and Cara to life.
Wes and Cara are both athletes, with dreams of making it into the world of professional soccer. They meet at the airport as they’re both on the way to a soccer camp where they hope to impress recruiters. There’s instant attraction between them, and they have a fun one-night stand.
These two have great banter, and they have similar goals. They both strive to be the best on the field, but making it into the pros is harder for Cara, and it’s not due to lack of skill.
This was a cute and fast-paced story. It’s set up for a full-length novel, and I’m interested to see where Wes and Cara go from here.
Audio
Narrators: Janine Granada and Bryant Walker
Style: Dual
The narrators were new-to-me, but they did a great job narrating this story! They really brought Wes and Cara to life.
November 1, 2023
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW:
Forging Passion is a prequel novella for the Stag Generations series. If you haven't read the Stag Brothers series, don't worry. This little gem packs enough info and back story to keep you from being dazed and confused (but READ THE SERIES. IT IS GOOD!!). Wes and Cara come from completely different backgrounds, but have soccer in common. They are both headed to a possible signing exhibition. Their chemistry is strong, but both are trying to stay focused...until they don't. Two loveable characters, sports romance, semi-enemies to lovers...yes please! Can't wait to get the rest of this series!
The narration was just wonderful. Both narrators were new to me, but I'm watching out for them now. Janine Granda and Bryant Walker were spectacular. Such a win for these two.
I received an ALC from Home Cooked Books and volunteered to leave an honest review.
Forging Passion is a prequel novella for the Stag Generations series. If you haven't read the Stag Brothers series, don't worry. This little gem packs enough info and back story to keep you from being dazed and confused (but READ THE SERIES. IT IS GOOD!!). Wes and Cara come from completely different backgrounds, but have soccer in common. They are both headed to a possible signing exhibition. Their chemistry is strong, but both are trying to stay focused...until they don't. Two loveable characters, sports romance, semi-enemies to lovers...yes please! Can't wait to get the rest of this series!
The narration was just wonderful. Both narrators were new to me, but I'm watching out for them now. Janine Granda and Bryant Walker were spectacular. Such a win for these two.
I received an ALC from Home Cooked Books and volunteered to leave an honest review.
February 9, 2025
It was a cute lil read. The only reason I didn’t finish it in one day was because I have other obligations. But, the chemistry was really bad. I’m actually kind of confused why this book was a thing. And I’m not even sure I want to continue their story. I have decided that for 2025 I’m only going to read 4.0 or higher books, but what I really should start to do is look at the number of comments because not that many people read this book hence such the high rating. This may have been a quick read, but I feel like the scenes were underdeveloped. If I truly cared I’d check out the next book. But, most likely the style of writing will be the same. I technically didn’t even want to read this book I was looking for the football romance I had found on my Instagram feed. But, I suppose it’d be a cute wattpad story I don’t really know if it was worth publishing it seems like a waste of paper.
October 21, 2023
Lainey Davis is one of my favorite authors, having built an entire series and interrelated additional books revolving around Pittsburgh, somehow making it feel like a super quaint small town with all the accoutrements of a larger city. With this prequel, the Stag Family series has expanded to the next generation of characters as the now-grown Stag progeny navigate life and love.
This novella sets up the series to come, and hints at what will most likely be a bumpy, angsty ride to a HEA. For now, it’s a steamy meet cute between a couple of sexy and talented soccer hopefuls.
I received this as an Advance Reader Copy directly from the author’s readers group. I am pleased to leave this honest review.
This novella sets up the series to come, and hints at what will most likely be a bumpy, angsty ride to a HEA. For now, it’s a steamy meet cute between a couple of sexy and talented soccer hopefuls.
I received this as an Advance Reader Copy directly from the author’s readers group. I am pleased to leave this honest review.
November 8, 2023
The opportunity to show off her soccer skills and hopefully get a tryout with a professional team is not something she is about to pass up. While there she meets Wes and as much as she is attracted to him, she can’t afford to be distracted so she will spend one night with him when the camp ends.
Wes comes from a soccer family, but he wants to play professionally based on his skills and not his lineage. The night they spend together was unforgettable but where do they go from here.
This is the beginning of Wes and Cara’s story, and the narrators were a great choice for the story. They had you feeling what the characters were feeling whether it was their insecurities, their emotions or the chemistry between them.
Wes comes from a soccer family, but he wants to play professionally based on his skills and not his lineage. The night they spend together was unforgettable but where do they go from here.
This is the beginning of Wes and Cara’s story, and the narrators were a great choice for the story. They had you feeling what the characters were feeling whether it was their insecurities, their emotions or the chemistry between them.
November 11, 2023
This prequel shows us the son of Thatcher Stag all grown up and off to soccer recruitment camp to make his dreams of going pro come true. He meets the beautiful and confident Cara at the airport and their desire for one another is apparent from the start.
I felt a little bogged down by all the information about getting recruited and things about the soccer leagues but it wasn't unimportant information.
We got to see Wes' Aunt Lucy (from Beautiful Game) which was fun!
This book has:
-1st person/dual POV
- college aged soccer athletes
- these YA are a bit k!nky (he does the thing between her 8008s and licks her toes)
- a "to be continued" ending
I look forward to seeing how their story ends!
I felt a little bogged down by all the information about getting recruited and things about the soccer leagues but it wasn't unimportant information.
We got to see Wes' Aunt Lucy (from Beautiful Game) which was fun!
This book has:
-1st person/dual POV
- college aged soccer athletes
- these YA are a bit k!nky (he does the thing between her 8008s and licks her toes)
- a "to be continued" ending
I look forward to seeing how their story ends!
November 9, 2023
Forging Passion by Lainey Davis is the story of Wes and Cara. This is a short novella, a prequel to A Stag Generations series! They meet on a plane. Both, coincidentally headed to the same destination. They want to be selected for a pro soccer team. This is a crucial try out for nationals…but, also for recruiting to the pros.
They have an instant attraction, but they can’t pursue anything since both intend to be gone once the weekend is over…hopefully, signed with a pro soccer team!!! Fierce, strong competitors who admire those skills and abilities in each other. Ends in a slight cliffhanger…leading to the first book in the series!!
They have an instant attraction, but they can’t pursue anything since both intend to be gone once the weekend is over…hopefully, signed with a pro soccer team!!! Fierce, strong competitors who admire those skills and abilities in each other. Ends in a slight cliffhanger…leading to the first book in the series!!
December 8, 2023
Forging Passion is the prequel to what promises to be a new series of amazing books covering the wider Stag family.
In her typical style, the book immediately hooks you in and if you've read any of Davis' previous books about the older Stag brothers, you will feel at home right from the start!
I am guessing this prequel got created /fast tracked after the debacle at the Women's World Cup in soccer (football for us over the pond!). Very apt dedication too!
I am looking forward to reading Forging Glory, the first book in the series, which hopefully will be out some time next year (tbc).
In her typical style, the book immediately hooks you in and if you've read any of Davis' previous books about the older Stag brothers, you will feel at home right from the start!
I am guessing this prequel got created /fast tracked after the debacle at the Women's World Cup in soccer (football for us over the pond!). Very apt dedication too!
I am looking forward to reading Forging Glory, the first book in the series, which hopefully will be out some time next year (tbc).
April 1, 2025
Ms. Davis packed a lot into this prequel to the Stag Brothers spinoff series. This is the beginning of the next generation of Stags, and I am anxious to read this series. Wes and Cara meet at the airport, both heading to the same destination, and have chemistry. The banter is good, the devotion each has to their sport is palpable throughout the book. This prequel concentrates on the meet-cute, the grueling 48-hour camp, and the agreed upon one-night stand between Wes and Cara and leaves us wanting Wes and Cara to figure out they belong together. I can't wait to see their story unfold in Forging Glory!
October 30, 2023
This is a quick listen/novella that introduces us to the characters in the new A Stag Generations series.
Wes and Cara are both soccer players and are making decisions that will impact their futures. They have an instant attraction but are trying to keep soccer as their priority. The banter and dialogue between the two is fantastic.
Looking forward to reading their entire story.
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker are new to me narrators. I enjoyed their performance - they gave great voice, emotion and personality to each of the characters.
Wes and Cara are both soccer players and are making decisions that will impact their futures. They have an instant attraction but are trying to keep soccer as their priority. The banter and dialogue between the two is fantastic.
Looking forward to reading their entire story.
Janine Granda and Bryant Walker are new to me narrators. I enjoyed their performance - they gave great voice, emotion and personality to each of the characters.
November 8, 2023
What perfect intro to the series by Lainey Davis’ Stag Generation series! Wes and Cara happen to meet on the way to a soccer talent scope and score more than just some great teams to play for.
This was a short story that will leave you wanting more to find out what happens next for Wes and Cara. Bryant Walker and Janine Granda did a great job telling this story. This was the first story I have read from this author but my hopes are to hear these same narrators continue to tell their story. Would definitely recommend this.
This was a short story that will leave you wanting more to find out what happens next for Wes and Cara. Bryant Walker and Janine Granda did a great job telling this story. This was the first story I have read from this author but my hopes are to hear these same narrators continue to tell their story. Would definitely recommend this.
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