Midnight Renegade: The Draft Prequel Novella

The Draft #0.5

by Hayden Locke

One night. No attachments. All their forbidden fantasies. They say New Year's Eve is for lovers. Except when your boyfriend accidentally video calls you while sleeping with his secretary, then it’s all aboard the hot mess express. Which is how I end up stranded on a balcony outside my own charity gala having a panic attack in the arms of Bishop Lawson, golden boy catcher of the team my father owns—the NYC Renegades. Only Bishop is nothing like I expected. Cool, calm and collected, with a filthy mouth for good measure, this man pushes me to be more than what society and my ex have demanded—he challenges me to be myself. Then he dares me to be his for one night. *Midnight Renegade is a spicy one night stand prequel novella to Renegade Ruin, the first book in The Draft Series, out Spring 2024. Not suitable for anyone under 18 years of age.*

Genres: Novella, Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Baseball, Contemporary

139 pages, Paperback

Published November 9, 2023

Reviews

[cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartbreak, a balcony trapped in the cold, and a kiss that made her forget it all.

Willow, a curvy, powerhouse CEO, starts New Year’s Eve by calling her boyfriend—only to discover he’s cheating. My heart immediately went out to her. Enter Bishop, a baseball player going through a messy divorce, and suddenly things get interesting. Their first meeting is charged with tension. He finds her on a balcony right before she has to give a big speech, and they accidentally get locked outside together. It’s freezing, she’s panicking, and for the first time, she lets someone see the real her behind the polished, always-put-together exterior.

That scene set the tone for everything I loved about this book. Bishop didn’t just listen, he saw her. He told her flat out that her ex was a fool for letting her go, then kissed her in a way that made me feel the heat through the pages. After her speech, they decide on one night together, no strings attached, and it was honestly the perfect setup for a woman who has always put others first to finally take something for herself.

And oh my gosh, that night… Let’s just say Bishop has a deliciously filthy mouth, a few surprises (piercings included), and a five-fingered necklace that he saved just for her. But what made the spice so good wasn’t just how hot it was—it was how he constantly checked in with her, asking what she truly wanted, making sure she felt cared for and prioritized in every way. That balance of filth and tenderness had me hooked.

The ending left me on a mild cliffhanger, and now I HAVE to go and read the next book in the series because I need more. This was sexy, heartfelt, and empowering all at once, and I loved every second of it.

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

"If you think I'm going to let you wash away the pleasure that is rightfully mine, you're dead wrong."

"I'm going to savor every last drop like it's my last meal."
"And I'm starving."

-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-♡-

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read That One Night by Emily Rath then you will love this!! This gave me all the feels from that book and more. Bishop *swoons* the communication in this book was 🤌🏻 the spice 10/10. Can I get the next book asap please??

Thank you for the arc! All thoughts are my own

[Marian. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel where the author introduces us to the main couple of the first book of the series The Draft "Renegade Ruin" which will be released in the spring of 2024.

This story starts at Willow's New Year's Eve party to raise money for her charity, they have a somewhat bumpy encounter and they feels the attraction from the first moment and oh boy, these two were pure dynamite, I liked Bishop cheering Willow up and defending her plus the spicy scenes in this little book are the icing on the cake and that man's mouth? honestly men written by women are the only ones worth it.

I already want it to be 2024 just to get to know these characters better, plus that ending? I NEED ANSWERS!!! It was a short story but I loved every moment of it as the author said: spicy with plot and she was right.

Thanks to the author for the e-arc in exchange for my honest review!!

---

Esta es una precuela donde la autora nos presenta a la pareja principal del primer libro de la serie The Draft "Renegade Ruin" que saldrá en la primavera del 2024.

Esta historia parte en la fiesta de fin de año que hace Willow para recaudar fondos para la caridad, tienen un encuentro un tanto accidentado y siente la atracción desde el primer momento y oh chico estos dos fueron dinamita pura, me gusto que Bishop animara a Willow y la defendiera además de que las escenas spicy en este pequeño libro son la guinda del pastel ¿la boca de ese hombre? sinceramente los hombres escritos por mujeres son los únicos que valen la pena.

Ya quiero que sea 2024 solo para conocer mas a estos personajes, además ¿ese final? NECESITO RESPUESTAS!!! Fue una historia corta pero ame cada momento de ella, como la autora dijo: spicy with plot y tuvo razón.

[Linds (honeyy.fae) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Knock knock! Who’s there? It’s Britney betch and have I got a 🔥 rec for you and your weary smut-loving heart. 😌

This novella? Right here? A grand slam amongst other sports romances. Don’t @ me. Hayden delivers on the drama, the angst, the steam and yes - the friggen cliffy.

⚾️ TROPES & THEMES ⚾️
✔️ one night stand
✔️ New Year’s Eve party
✔️ prequel novella
✔️ owner’s daughter x baseball player
✔️ smut with plot
✔️ fancy peen 🤌🏽🤣
✔️ toys for teammates 👀

This story can for SURE be binged in one sitting, and even if you can’t, you’ll wish you could dive back in to read it. I had an absolute blast reading this story. It sets up the scene wonderfully for what to expect for her next book in this series and leaves you wanting more.

Bishop had me out here sweatin’ more than a catcher in all his gear in the last inning of the playoffs. 💀 the words that came outta his mouth were hype horn worthy.

The drama was real, the tension was cranked up, and the smut was top shelf. If I could compare it to concession stand snack, I’d say these are the cheese fries: my favorite snack that I get every game - delicious and so dang good. 🤌🏽 I cannot wait for the next book in this series!

This romantacy only girlie said 🏃🏻‍♀️ 💨 and I’m happy to have finally officially dived into the pool of Hayden sports romance. 🔥

[Jillian Dexter · Rating 5 out of 5]

“She tastes the way a grand slam feels. Infinite.”

Holy crap. 🥵

This may have been a prequel novella but this story will be living rent free in my mind until the next book comes out! I loved it SO freakin much!!!

It starts out with the most perfect meet cute- seriously one of the best I’ve read in a long time. Bishop is so damn endearing. He’s a total heartthrob.

That first kiss. THEN THE WINK. Be still my heart.

And then we get to the sexy time. Ooooo boy is it hot in here?! Because I’m sweating. 🥵

I didn’t think a novella could pack so much heat, depth, and affect me this much. And in true baseball fashion, we’re thrown a curve ball at the end that had me gasping. I need the next book. Now.

[Jamie Engel · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had some really high hopes for this one after seeing so many of my mutuals talking and raving about this one.

Sadly, I did not enjoy this. I almost DNFd and the reason I didn't was bc this is a novella and figured I could push through.
There was way more telling in the author's writing than I would of liked to see. Also....there should be a limit of microtropes allowed. Bc if you think of a microtrope right now...I bet it's in this novella. Also the weight mentioning of the FMC was too much.

The spice was decent..a lot of telling again. Probably will continue to the full length but not rushing into it.

Overall: 2
Spice: 4

Tropes:
Baseball Romance
One Night Stand
Instalove
Novella

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Hayden for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first book by Hayden that I got to read but my GOD it won't be the last. This novella was AMAZING and I'm honestly mad that it was only like 116 pages. I need more Willow and Bishop, more Renegades, more EVERYTHING about this world and I need it now. March is way too far away.

Midnight Renegade is a prequel novella for Hayden's upcoming Draft series that follows Willow York - daughter of the Renegade's owner - and Bishop Lawson, star catcher for the Renegades baseball team. He's attending a fundraiser that Willow is organizing and the two of them get locked out on a cold balcony together. With Bishop going through a divorce and Willow finding out her boyfriend was cheating on her, the two decide to have one steamy night together.

And. What. A. Night.

Bishop is a MAN and knows how to treat a woman right. He is also not afraid to have toys as teammates and we love that in a man. But THE LIL CLIFFY AT THE END UGH. It's going to make the wait over the next four months so hard because I just want to dive into the next book. I need to know what's going to happen and how Willow and Bishop are going to come back together.

Also, here's my official petition to get books on the rest of the teammates BECAUSE I HAVE A MIGHTY NEEEEEEED!

[Koryne · Rating 4 out of 5]

that cliffy has me STRESSED OUT and i need the next book immediately.

i could read a 500+ page book on Willow, Bishop, and that bag of toys 🥵🥵🥵🥵

prequels are such a tease so idk why i did this to myself 😂😂😂

thank you Hayden for the arc!!! i’m foaming at the mouth for more

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE AUDACITY of Hayden to leave us hanging like this?! EXCUSE ME 😂

I fell in love with these characters from the first page, I swear! What a sweet little treat this novella was. It did what it came out to do and that was give you all the spice, all the little details and info (about Bishops tattoos for his siblings 🥹) and leaving you on that cliffhanger like that?! Shheeesh ! 🥵

I’m seriously swooning over Bishop and Willow, and we LOVE a consent daddy with a pierced 🍆😌

I can’t wait to get my hands on Renegade Ruin in March 🩵⚾️

Thank you so much Hayden for the chance to read this ARC ! What a dream 🤤

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
____________________
A couple of my favourite highlights:

“She’s elegance and grace with a hint of independence and hot mess”

“She tastes the way a grand slam feels. Infinite.”

“On the field and in the bedroom, never let it be said that Bishop Lawson gives anything less than one hundred percent.”

“Not to mention, he’s able to locate the clitoris, which honestly makes him a god among men.”

Enjoy, ladies ! ( you will 😂😉)

[Amanda Mercedes · Rating 5 out of 5]

So this one is a prequel novella, and therefore rather short, but it acts as one long, hot teaser to the first book of the series that we will be getting soon. In this novella, we get an introduction to our two main characters, both of whom are sadly the victims of recent cheating (one more recent than the other), and the novella is basically a fleshed out account of what happened New Year’s night. And it is SPICY. I’m glad this was separated into a novella because I want all 100 something pages of details of one night, and not just a condensed version. I can’t wait until the first book! I won’t be mad about the cliffhanger since it is a prequel novella…but I’m definitely on the edge of my seat!

Also as a New Orleanian, I loved the tidbit about our beignets 😋

Thank you to the author for the early copy!!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spice: 4

Tropes:
one night stand
baseball player MMC
Dual POV

Midnight Renegade is a prequel novella to the first book of the Draft Series. It's NYE in NYC and Willow York is throwing a charity gala for her organization Renegade Hearts. After finding out her sleazy boyfriend has been cheating on her, Willow gets locked out on the balcony.

Bishop is a MLB catcher and at the gala with a few teammates. Going through a divorce, he's not ready to be Mr. Single and Ready to Mingle. However, when he stumbles upon Willow on the balcony.... they both throw caution to the wind and promise 1 night together.

If this is just a spicy prequel to what comes next, sign me up. I already love both Willow and Bishop and I need more! That ending... I didn't see coming and I'm jumping into Book 1 now!

[nerdy.bibliomaniac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this novella during a recent SYKD, what a pleasing little romp that was!

A good start to what I am sure is a good series, which is already added to my TBR.

Both MC’s are just getting out of serious relationships when their worlds collide and the chemistry is unmissable.

For one night, just one night…they let themselves fall.

Will it be enough?

This ends on a cliffhanger as it is the build up for the first book in the series, and trust me, we all want in on the first book after this novella. Like, there is a Jacob’s ladder involved…

[Catbytheseareads ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rich socialite daughter meets sexy southern famous MLB player on New Year's Eve at a Gala in New York City.

The night starts when Willow’s boyfriend butt-dials/face-chats her while having sex with his secretary, which is the real reason he couldn’t accompany her to the New Year’s Eve event. She dumps him once he realizes he’s caught and she flees to the balcony of the building only to get locked out.

Bishop is requested to go retrieve her from the balcony by her father, only to lock them both out in the cold. Their amazing night continues, so dreamy, swoon-worthy and the best way to bring in the new year that they both want to get past their ex’s. It’s truly magical..And it ends in a cliff-hanger boo!! Ok I need book2 please, cause I’m hooked!

[Kristin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The banter, angst, build up, tension and this one night of passion. I had to read this before diving into the first book Renegade Ruin.

We meet Willow and Lawson Bishop in this short spicy novella. It’s just one night but man it felt like so much was packed into this story.
So much drama, tension and spice. It’s just what you need to get hooked to these characters and want more of their story.

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 4 out of 5]

A spicy, one night stand, prequel for Renegade Ruin!

After finding her boyfriend in bed with another woman, having to do a speech in front of a giant crowd, and being locked outside on a terrace with her father’s star catcher. Willow has had a wild night, but not as wild as the one night stand she has with Bishop that night.

“One night. No attachments. All their forbidden fantasies.”

I really enjoyed this read and I cannot wait to dive into more of this couples story!

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Willow and Bishop, all the New Year's Eve fireworks in an epic fashion! One night, that's all it's supposed to be but you can feel the connection between the two vibrate through the pages. ;)

I could not love these two characters more - the emotions they convey in the first moments of meeting, the idea that think they really will be satisfied with the one night (and be ruined for anyone else thereafter), such a perfect mix. The way Bishop instantly feels protective of Willow had me swooning. Willow's tenderness with him in return during their conversations had me rooting for them.

This New Year's Eve novella had me captivated from the beginning and I cannot wait to know more of Willow and Bishop's story.

This is my first Hayden Locke read and it will not be my last. Thank you to Hayden for an eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

🌶🌶🌶🌶

Wow. I enjoyed this novella very much. It had smut and plot. It was a quick read. Spicy scenes were spicing. I've never read from this author, and I'm glad I gave it a try. I enjoyed her writing. I can't wait to continue reading Bishop's and Willow's story on Renegade Ruin. This novella does end on a cliffhanger.

[Tiffany ♡ · Rating 3 out of 5]

✨”I’ve experienced many kisses in my past, some great, some tragic, but none of them compare to kissing Willow York. She tastes the way a grand slam feels. Infinite.”✨

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy moly...what a book!! Steamy AF and Bishop is just delicious!! Can't wait to read the next instalment in the Bishop/Willow story.

[readwithmichele · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review forthcoming!

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novella has spice, plot, and a great cliffhanger for the next book in the series!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the way this didn't even feel like a novella. There was plot, loveable characters, spice and left me with the desire to pick up the first book in the series. I am so here for Bishop and Willow's story!

[Jennie's Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hint of instalove with a splattering of just one night. This prequel sets the scene guys!! Sweet and spicy, I dare you to give it a try IYKYK 🤭

[Jordan Fischer | julietfoxreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need a hot and spicy sports romance novella that you can read in less than a day? Midnight Renegade was a great short read that got me all kinds of excited for the full length sports romance to be released in the spring! For as short as it is, it was well-written, had great character-building, and did a great job setting up the plot while also throwing in some HOT spice.

When pro catcher Bishop attends a fundraising gala at a New York hotel on New Years Eve, he is looking to make an appearance and leave as fast as possible. He doesn't anticipate getting locked out on a balcony with his team's owner's daughter Willow. Though he initially assumes she's a typical snobby heiress, he quickly learns that she's a genuinely good person - and she's reeling after discovering her boyfriend cheating on her right AND freaking out over having to give a speech at the gala. Bishop easily commiserates as he's going through a messy divorce, and eventually they agree to one night of no strings attached fun. Despite the amazing s3x, by the end of the night, they both don't really want things to end - until Bishop awakens to some horrible news... and Willow is gone.

Ooh y'all, I'm all about Bishop. Hot older MMC who just wants someone who loves and appreciates him, yet he keeps getting burned. Cinnamon roll who's into dirty talking AND has piercings?! Yes, please. And I loved Willow too. She's also really been through it, but she absolutely deserves someone like Bishop. Note that this book is a prequel novella, so it ends on a BIG cliffhanger! Pretty sure I can see where the story is going, and there's a HEA to be found in the future, but things are left pretty unsettled so keep that in mind.

Thank you so much to Hayden Locke for the ARC! Midnight Renegade is out TOMORROW on November 9. Be sure to pick it up so you are ready for Renegade Ruin when it releases in (hopefully) the spring - just in time for baseball season!

[CsBookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I devoured this novella! Bishop and Willow brought me so many feels. I love Bishops golden boy personality and how he made Willow feel.
The spice was sooooo good and the New York new year setting perfection! I cannot wait for the full length to come out so I can see where this pair end up!! Solidly rooting for them!

I am definitely in my Baseball era.

[Satchel Paige (Southernbellbookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Home Run!

Where are more stars??!! Hayden hit this one out of the park for real and I can’t wait for more of Willow and Bishop! This novella was so freaking good!! I am hooked on Bishop and easily added him to my book boyfriend list (🪜pierced, tattooed, and a dirty mouth…🥵🫠). I love how Willow is coming into her confidence, putting herself first after her ex tried to take all of that from her, and Bishop who loves with all he has and has no problem putting her needs above his own. They have chemistry that is off the charts and the spice is so melty! I don’t have many sports romance books under my belt but give me all of this series! I am fully invested and I can’t wait to read what happens next, especially after that mini cliffy she left us on. It has checked all my boxes and I want to instantly read it again!

[Alyssa GSell · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚾️ 𝙼𝚒𝚍𝚗𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚁𝚎𝚗𝚎𝚐𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠⚾️

Drops November 9th

5/5⭐️

This is a super good prequel novella but he prepared for the cliffhanger👀

Bishop and Willow are super stinking cute!

Willows ex is a real piece of work. She gets some horrible information right before she is supposed to give a speech on stage.

She goes outside to get some fresh air and the door locks behind her.

Bishop comes out and before she can tell him to get the door it closes. They are out in the cold on a balcony together and things get interesting.

After he gives her a kiss that rocks both of their worlds he makes it his goal for her to be his for one night…

They are HOT together…🥵😮‍💨

I love how sweet he is.
I love how hard he falls for her.
I love that he puts her first.

His nickname for her is cute.

“𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘨𝘰 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘯𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐’𝘭𝘭 𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶.”

I need more! I can’t wait for their full book to drop next year!

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

But how…How did @haydenlocke manage to make me so addicted and fall in love so hard with Bishop and Willow. I can't comprehend, it's insta lust done PERFECTLY, I was so consumed by their story. This is a prequel novella to their full story, I want and need more!

They were both such beautiful characters, I really adore them as a whole and separately. Bishop is so swoon worthy and the way he calls her Kitten had me melting 🫠. The spice between both was off the charts, the chemistry ugh I'm in love with these two.

This is such a promising prequel to this upcoming series and world. I can't wait to read more, her writing was phenomenal, I really adored everything about this book which is super surprising as I'm not huge on insta anything, but this was 🤌🤌🤌.

If you're looking for a sweet and spicy baseball romance novella, don't miss out !

[Chrissy HappilyEverAfterBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

I guess I’m living in my novella era, cause I’ve read some good ones in the past few weeks, with this one being my favorite!! It is sweet and it is SPICY. It’s got heart and heat. Bishop is my new favorite baseball player…the swoon was at an an all time high with this guy. And have I mentioned this spice? 🔥🔥🔥

It’s a quick read, but a true prequel. It gave just enough to know there was a full story to come, which is not easy to do, especially in a one night stand story! It ended on a cliffhanger and when I tell you I want the next book NOW, I am not exaggerating! I’m anticipating this to be one of my new favorite sports series!

Thanks so much to @hayden_locke_author for the advance copy!!

[Nancyreadsalotofbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection!!