Wanting the Player

by Heather Young-Nichols

Vowing to never sleep with a baseball player might’ve been a curse upon myself.

Given that I suck at relationships, I’m perfectly happy to never be in one again. Men can’t be trusted. Or maybe it’s my heart that can’t be trusted. I don’t know. Either way, especially after the epic fail of a hook up last year with a baseball player that won’t leave me alone, baseball players are no longer an option.

Then Urban Briggs tells me, a stranger, that he’s going to make sure his teammate leaves me alone. Great. I could use the help. Except that player doesn’t leave me alone, and Urban ends up volunteering at the summer camp I’m working at. Of course, he does. His family’s charity runs the camp. Now, I can’t avoid him, and he’s too hard to ignore.

At first, Urban is fine with our arrangement. After all, he’s leaving as soon as the season ends if he has his way. He doesn’t want to leave behind any attachments, either. Sounds perfect, right? Wrong. Can I risk my heart one last time, or am I going to let the best thing in my life walk away?

Wanting the Player is book two in the Rules of the Game series and features a broody baseball player and a woman who isn’t supposed to fall in love who happens to work at his family’s summer camp, where he’s volunteering a little of his time, a standoffish heroine, lots of steam, and it wasn’t supposed to be you vibes.

Genres: Sports Romance

380 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 25, 2024

About the author

Heather Young-Nichols is a USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary and paranormal romances. She writes swoony heroes and snarly heroines with a heap of romance.

When she's not writing, she's binging a show with her kids, watching baseball, or snuggling with her cuddly animals.

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Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making Choices . . .

Baseball player Urban Briggs was called up to talk to Bob, the general manager of the team. He got right to the point – Urban had just been traded. His agent Harden had not had a chance to even call and warn him yet! His father had pushed him to sign with one of his friends, but Urban changed agents as soon as he could because he wanted to cut all ties to his father. And his 3 brothers were all professional ball players. He finally asked Bob where he was going, but knew he would not like the answer. He was firmly reminded his contract doesn’t allow him the right to refuse; the trade giving them 4 players was too generous to pass it up. Yet he most definitely didn’t want to negotiate his next contract with his mother! His plane would be leaving in 4 hours.

Everly is a working at a kids’ summer baseball camp sponsored by the Knights MLB team. She is unlucky with relationships and doesn’t care if she never has another. A failed hookup with one of the baseball player volunteers (Madden) the year before didn’t go well when he became way to “clingy”, and she renewed her vow of “never again”. So when Urban saw Bryson Madden giving Everly a hard time at a store over the weekend, he stepped in to “rescue” her and told Madden to leave her alone. Urban and Everly arranged to go out for dinner. So when his brother Brooks hears about it, he makes sure to tell him she is a good person and not to hurt her. Will Urban and Everly become serious about each other? Will Urban decide to stay with the Knights so he can be with Everly rather than look for another team? Or are they both hesitant to move forward together into something more permanent? Each one will have to seriously consider their choices before they risk letting someone very special go.

[Teresa Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting the Player (Rules of the Game Book 2) by Heather Young-Nichols is an MLB sports work romance. Everly is a high school English Literature teacher who works with 9 and 10-year-olds for a baseball camp that the local MLB team Knights sponsors. Urban has been traded since he neglected to add in the clause to be able to refuse a trade in his contract to the Knights MLB team that his grandfather owns and his mother runs. Urban doesn’t want to see his dad, who he resents, because when growing up, he was pushed hard and beyond the norms that his father, a former MLB player, pushed him and all his brothers to train to become a professional athlete. Urban is one of the pro baseball players who helps with the baseball camp, where he meets Everly again. He met her briefly the day before at the mall when defending her from a fellow ball player. Urban asks Everly out to dinner, and she offers him a night of fun and passion. As time passes, Urban wants more with Everly, but due to her past experiences, she is afraid to invest in another relationship. Baseball games and family drama reign as Urban and Everly must decide their relationship status. Will they stay together in a FWB relationship? Then again, can Everly learn to trust and let Urban into her heart, or will she run away in misery? Will Urban seek to be traded to another team, or will he stay? Heather Young-Nichols writes wonderful romance stories and fantasy books that readers love!

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting the Player is book #2 in the Rules of the Game series. It can be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading it from the beginning and meeting Urban’s older brother Silas first. Everly is kind of a jaded character, she’s been hurt in the past so she has walls built around her heart. Sometimes that annoyed me about her, because she always seemed to be looking for a reason to put space between her and Urban, or lump him in with assholes. But when he would finally give her the space she asked for, then she would be upset with him. As for Urban, I loved him. He was really a sweetheart. It’s implied that like all of the Briggs brothers, he’s a player but he’s been all in with Everly since day one. He always made sure that she knew how he felt about her, and that he would be waiting for her when she was ready. There is some OWD, and a 3rd act break up, which aren’t my favorite especially because I wanted Urban to get the girl. There was no worse. He was sweet, and he volunteered with summer camp kids (as did she,.) Swoon! They were good together, when they connected and spent time with one another, when Everly wasn’t being jaded. It wasn’t super spicy, but I think with Heather’s writing style it just works better. I feel like to spicy and raunchy wouldn’t have worked here. They do get their HEA, and I can’t wait to meet more of the Briggs family. I feel like Cobb may be coming next, but I’m really crossing my fingers for Camden and Jenner.

[Kari Tidwell (karisbookstodevour) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crazy charming and cute he falls first sports romance! Urban is an absolute dream, Everly a jaded sweetheart, and the push and pull, complete understanding, and absolutely right for each other vibe, the perfect blend for an utterly adorable HEA.
Vowing to never get into another relationship was easy. Heartbroken and used one too many times Everly doesn’t have it in her to risk it all again. So, she’s become really good at simple one-night stands, walking away in the morning and just moving on. Then Urban Briggs saunters in, helping her out with a guy that won’t take no for an answer, and he starts to burrow under her skin. New plan, they can spend a few mutually beneficial nights together during his season and then he’ll be gone, and she can keep her vow of no relationships. It’s working great, until it’s not. Can she risk her heart again on a guy she’s not sure is staying or does she let the best thing in her life walk away?
Totally in love with Urban Briggs and it is beyond cute seeing him accept that he wants more long before Everly even lets a chink in her armor show. I love how he chases but not really, always respectful of her need to hold back and what she feels she can give, he pushes but it’s never too hard. Just a great romance read that comes together naturally as Everly works through her own fears.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everly & Urban: Book 2 of Rules of the Game. Can be read as a standalone, but book 1 follows Silas Briggs & Amity. They do appear in book 2, so read 1 if you want to know how their story started. Everly & Urban First meet when he comes to her rescue from one of his teammates & a former fling of hers that won’t take the hint that she isn’t interested. Neither Everly nor Urban are looking for a relationship, but they both seem to want more than they usually do in these situations. I like how Urban knows when to not push her too hard on certain topics, but he remains patient and interested. This book was really intriguing. The different family dynamics and how they have affected them in their lives now, and their past relationships as well. Will they make enough growth with each other? Will they both realize that it’s worth taking the chance in each other?
I didn’t read book 1 first, but I will be now. I really liked the Briggs boys, and I am excited to read all of their stories.

“You just called her perfect, which means you’re definitely getting married.”.

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

[Wanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban Briggs has been traded to Kallamazoo to play for the team his family owned. He has no desire to be there besides being able to play with 2 of his 3 brothers and their best friend who is an unofficial brother. It’s not because he doesn’t live his mother who runs the team but because he doesn’t get along with his father who was a baseball player in his day and rode his sons extra hard making their lives harder than necessary. Urban’s plan is to play the season out until his contract expires then leave for another team. That all changes when he meets Everly. Even though she is emphatic that she doesn’t do relationships she agrees to dinner and tells him she would love to spend a night with him. That one night carries on to become friends with benefits. Everly has been burned 3 times before and won’t set herself up for heartbreak again but the feelings she’s fighting say otherwise. Letting go of the past is something both Everly Urban need to figure out before they can give each other what they need.

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

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heather Young-Nichols has written a compelling story about love, growth, and complex family dynamics in "Wanting the Player," the second book of her captivating series. The story revolves around Urban, the protagonist, who experiences ups and downs in his romantic life while dealing with the intricacies of his family relationships.
The book stands out for its exploration of complicated family dynamics. Young-Nichols shows a nuanced and profound understanding of family life. These dynamics add depth to Urban's character, making his journey more relatable to readers. The writing style is engaging and evocative, immersing readers in Urban's world and making them root for his happiness and growth. The perfect blend of romance, humor, and heartfelt moments creates a captivating and emotionally resonant story.
Whether you're a fan of the first book or new to the series, "Wanting the Player" promises a satisfying read. Get ready to be swept away by Urban and Everly's journey in this delightful sequel.
Happy reading!

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I loved Silas, but I am OBSESSED with Urban Briggs. His story was SWOON WORTHY 😍😍

Urban is a Pro Baseball player that never wanted to play near his father until he met Everly and boy did he fall HARD & fast! Who wouldn’t want a pro baseball player that’s slightly possessive and will get in a fight for you 🥵🥵🥵

I am so sad I have to wait till this summer for book 3. AND I AM CROSSING MY FINGERS FOR A BOOK ABOUT CAMDEN!! I’m just hoping her and Jenner get together 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

𝐅𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬:
"I know. I thought I could be casual with you because I'm easy that way. Makes it easier to leave when I get traded. But it's been impossible not to fall for you."

"Lots of women wear your name and number on their back." His hand fisted in my hair. "I don't care about lots of women." He moved closer and whispered in
my ear, "I love you. Not them."

𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐨𝐲:
• Baseball Romance
• Friends With Benefits
• He Falls First
🌶️🌶️

[Marni Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanting The Player ( Rules Of The Game #2 ) Tropes 💙Baseball Romance 🧡Sworn Off Relationships 💜One Night Stand🩷Cocky Hero 🖤Protective Hero 🩵Cocky Heroine
Love and growth , complex families and relationships , heartbreaking , heartfelt and second chances, steamy moments, angst , humor , witty banter , love , passion, drama , and so muck more . Urban is a professional Baseball player and Everly a High School teacher after suffering though heartbreak every has put up a huge wall around her heart and sworn off relationships. Well In swoops Urban and changes everything; but he definitely has his work cut out for him . Can he prove to Everly that he’s the guy for her and that she can trust him ? Omg what a emotional rollercoaster that just plays on all your emotions, I smiled , I laughed, I cried , I even yelled outta pure frustration and I rooted so freaking hard from start to finish

[Dee Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everly has been hurt in the past, and so decides she no longer does relationships, or ball players, yet volunteering at a kids baseball camp kind of puts that sort of guy in your path 🙃.
Urban is from a baseball family and is being traded, and he’s working at the camp before finding his new team.
It’s supposed to be a fling, but Urban is a sweetheart and is quickly all in, Everly is not so sure.
This is book two of the series and can be read as a stand-alone but I recommend reading about Urban’s older brother, Silas, first to get the full feel of their family.
Family dynamics/dysfunction, wonderful characters who steal your heart, push-pull romance, humour and emotion, sweetness, spice and a perfect HEA.
I look forward to reading about the next Briggs brother soon.

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

[Juliana Ignácio · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last thing Urban Briggs wanted was to play for his family's team, but that's exactly what happens when he has been traded to Kallamazoo to play for the team his family owned.
Everly is a teacher who goes to work at the summer camp run by Urban's family's charity.
They meet by chance when she's running away from another player with whom she had a brief encounter and he won't leave her alone, so Urban makes sure he doesn't bother her anymore.
Although Everly has a clear rule not to have relationships due to her unlucky past, Urban does everything he can to convince her to change her mind.
And when the decisions that seemed so right begin to make less sense, will they be able to work through their differences and stay together?
I loved the story and the characters. I highly recommend reading it.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so glad to be back with these brothers again. The whole lot of them are arrogant and full of themselves, but they kind of have reason to be. I loved Urban. He fell fast and hard and never really tried to fight it. He recognized the treasure he’d found in Everly, he just needed to convince her of the truth. On the other hand, Everly was as well-armored as an armadillo. (One rolled up in full protection mode.) It’s easy to understand why she fights the pull toward Urban so hard, but it still hurt my heart to watch. I adored seeing these two find their way together. And now, I can’t wait to see the next Briggs sibling fall.
I received a complimentary advance copy of this book through Booksprout.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this series, and this is Urban and Everly’s story.
Urban is a professional baseball player, and Everly is a high school literature English teacher. Everly has sworn off relationships, and when she meets Urban, he wants more. Can Urban break through the walls around Everly’s heart?
This is a well written story which has complex family, dynamics, friendships, drama, emotions, trust, romance, engaging and realistic characters, and love, which leads to an entertaining, sweet, fun, and captivating page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[I Dont Get Sundays · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well this is a brand new author to me and I have to say I am happy to have found her. I am happy for another sports romance and I am happy for a wonderful family to get to know again. Urban gets traded to the family's team and he lets everyone know he isnt thrilled of the change. He meets Everly at the summer camp his family helps with and he is drawn to her immediate. These two have wonderful chemistry and enjoy each other. Even through all the battles, this family and this couple were great and I am excited for the next brother's story.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heather Young-Nichols has quickly become a favorite author Wanting the Player was definitely no exception. I absolutely loved Everly and Urban's story. They are immediately attracted to each other and the chemistry is off the charts hot. Urban gets traded to the last team he ever wanted to play for, his dad's team. Urban and his dad have been estranged for years so joining the Kalamazoo Knights was not in his plans. Urban is livid and then he meets Everly at summer camp. Professional baseball player meets cute school teacher equals awesome read!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second story in the "Rules of the Game" series. It is a stand alone read about Urban and Everly. He is a professional baseball player who just learned he has been traded and has no choice but to move to Knights, a family owned team. She is a teacher who works with kids at baseball camp run by the Knights. Urban and Everly meet when he tells another player to leave her alone. They end up working at the camp together and eventually he asks her out. There is no denying the chemistry between them. I like how their story develops. It is emotional and entertaining.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Book 2 in the Rules of the Game Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is a heartfelt workplace romance between Everly and Urban. These two flawed but likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. It is a love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. An engaging page turner.

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

[Jessica Hanson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a feel good story!!! Everly has been burned a few times in relationships so when she meets Urban, it’s the perfect no strings attached situation. Of course neither of them were ready for the feelings part of that! Urban makes it his mission to break through to Everly and succeeds at the end. But not without misunderstandings along the way! Who knew baseball players weren’t just get em and leave em types!!!

[Nancie Blume · Rating 5 out of 5]

Urban and Everly 🔥

I'm head over heels for Urban and Everly! They're both allergic to relationships, but their sizzling chemistry makes it impossible for them to avoid each other, despite their stubborn conviction that it's a recipe for disaster. This is the second book in the Rules Of The Game series by Heather Young Nichols, and I'm having a blast with the sexy Briggs boys, especially their feisty baby sister Camden!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED reading this book! Urban was just the perfect combination of sexy, sweet, and protective. Everly was really relatable too, and I loved how she grew throughout the novel. All in all, this was a sweet, fun read that I devoured in a matter of days!

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

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want an Urban!

I didn't really love the FMC for most of the book but Urban... Oh man, I loved him from the first moment. Urban Briggs was growly and cranky and possessive and I'm here for it.
I loved that Everly (the FMC) was the one who wanted to keep it light and Urban was the one wanting more. Definitely a light, cute and fun read.

[JM G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Once I started reading about Everly and Urban, I had a hard time putting the book down. They are a great couple and I was cheering them on toward their potential HEA. The storyline grabbed my attention from the start. I would recommend reading this book. It is so good!.

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

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everly is determined to keep men at a distance and protect her heart at all costs. Urban is determined to change her mind. Plenty of drama and sexy times as he deals with his frustration being traded to the one team he absolutely didn’t want to play for, and she faces past hurts and betrayals. Now the question is whose story is next?

[TELA666 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Urban & Everly
This was a really good book, cute, funny & steamy. I preferred Urban over Everly, I didn't not like her but he had a better arc. He was sure he would leave at the end of the season, mainly to avoid his Dad, but comes to realise being 'home' has more benefits with other family members.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Heather Young-Nichols; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the second book in the Rules of the Game Series; it is a stand-alone book. The story is about Everly & Urban.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book from this author is amazing and this one was no different. I loved Urban and Everly, they were wonderful together.

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

[Petra Moss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it, great sports romance with sympathetic characters and an engaging storyline. Hours of great reading entertainment.

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

[Coffee Chat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story that is well written. It will capture your attention and have you turning pages until the very end. The characters are captivating and complex.

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

[Melissa Ledet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Love Everly and Urban's story. Love how it went from being a fake dating to something serious without them realizing it. Love their ending

[Candance Lewandowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series

Are you a fan of sports romance? Then this is the series for you. You get all the feels with these. I highly recommend you to read them. I can't wait for book 3.