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The Boston Tomcats #1
Decker: Changing the Play
#12 Johnny Decker. Star quarterback for the Boston Tomcats. Two-time Super Bowl MVP...a decade ago. Nickname: Decker the Panty Wrecker.
I get tackled for a living by men who are built like rhinos. I could take the wings off a fly with a football from 30 yards away. (I wouldn’t, but I could.) Being a veteran quarterback means I’m a mentally alert, fine-tuned athletic machine who can make split-second decisions.
It’s my job to anticipate what’s going to happen next and adapt. But I couldn’t have anticipated the death of our beloved team owner.
His estranged daughter Hannah Strong is a finance nerd from New York. She knows less than nothing about football. Know what she didn’t anticipate? Inheriting the Boston Tomcats.
She’s stubborn, uptight, infuriating, and wrong about absolutely everything—from pizza to how to run my team. And I don’t want to talk about how good she looks in a skirt. Or daydream about how good she’d look out of it.
Really, I don’t.
I’m not Decker the Panty Wrecker anymore—I’ve changed.
I can’t stop arguing with her.
Or thinking about her.
I thought I had a winning play.
But Hannah Strong changed everything.
I get tackled for a living by men who are built like rhinos. I could take the wings off a fly with a football from 30 yards away. (I wouldn’t, but I could.) Being a veteran quarterback means I’m a mentally alert, fine-tuned athletic machine who can make split-second decisions.
It’s my job to anticipate what’s going to happen next and adapt. But I couldn’t have anticipated the death of our beloved team owner.
His estranged daughter Hannah Strong is a finance nerd from New York. She knows less than nothing about football. Know what she didn’t anticipate? Inheriting the Boston Tomcats.
She’s stubborn, uptight, infuriating, and wrong about absolutely everything—from pizza to how to run my team. And I don’t want to talk about how good she looks in a skirt. Or daydream about how good she’d look out of it.
Really, I don’t.
I’m not Decker the Panty Wrecker anymore—I’ve changed.
I can’t stop arguing with her.
Or thinking about her.
I thought I had a winning play.
But Hannah Strong changed everything.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2022
1046 people are currently reading
2042 people want to read
About the author
Kayley Loring
41 books1,666 followersAmazon Top 25 and USA Today bestselling author Kayley Loring spent many years as a screenwriter (under a different name) in Los Angeles before moving to the Pacific Northwest to live out her childhood dream of being a Disney heroine who talks and sings to woodland creatures. When not trying to keep animals alive, she’s writing steamy romantic comedy novels, obviously. She’s breathing cleaner air, writing dirtier words, and staring at her computer screen until her eyeballs dry out instead of prancing around Southern California in miniskirts and going to the hair salon. Still waiting for the woodland creatures to clean her house, though.
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
Read or listen to Kayley’s books when you want humor, heat, and heart. You’ll enjoy top-notch banter, strong heroines, lovable characters you’d want to know in real life and you’ll swoon over perfectly imperfect book boyfriends. All Kayley Loring books are steamy open door romance. Be sure to check out her next-level audiobooks!
Learn more at www.kayleyloring.com
Come join Kayley in her Facebook reader group! https://www.facebook.com/groups/kayle...
Follow Kayley on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayleyloring/
Listen to Kayley talk to the wildly talented narrators who narrate her audiobooks on the Multiple Eargasms with Kayley Loring podcast!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 407 reviews
February 15, 2022
"We both proved that you can hit a target if you know what you're aiming for."
It's really hard for me to write about books I loved. I feel downright incompetent, and I'm not fishing for compliments. Summing it up: Decker, the book, and Decker, the quarterback, are both perfect. This is a book hangover I'll gladly endure. Any. Day.
Connor Crais may be new to this writing business, but he's the perfect counterpart to Kayley. There were no doubts in my mind they would be great together. They proved me wrong, the assholes, by being even better than that. And that makes me happy.
"With Decker, next steps felt possible. All the steps seemed possible."
Decker, the panty-wrecker. The twice-MVP quarterback. The guy everyone in Boston knows and loves. The dirty talker, sexy AF, with serious skills in and out of the field, and the bedroom (and the locker room, because that... oops, no. No spoilers!). The guy you'd love to meet (I would!). Fiercely loyal, protective, and willing to go all-out. Cocky and arrogant, and oh-so-swoony.
"But Hannah was all of it. Every single color all at once."
It's hard to own a team, especially one in a sport you know nothing about. Hannah, like myself, knows nothing about football. She even has a copy of Football for Dummies. Her father leaves her his beloved team when he dies, and she's totally unprepared for it. But she rises to the occasion, like any heroine of Kayley's, with an awesome attitude, a great personality, and sassy as hell. I love her.
"You somehow duped me into making me crash my face into your face."
When Hannah rolls in, she's totally clueless. Not only does she not know anything about football, she doesn't even recognize her star quarterback. Words are exchanged, cities are insulted, chemistry is established – the really hot kind.
"I think you like that I drive you crazy."(...)
"Don't push it unless you can handle the consequences, Strong."
The tension that comes from two people who are attracted to each other but not willing to give in is insane. Until they do give in to it. And then it's about the locker room (wait, did I mention it again?) and the way they 'discuss' things. And so much feeling! Despite everything around them, it's seamless. They fit together perfectly.
"The odds were pretty much always against us, but who cared about numbers when one plus one equaled us?"
In fact, the two of them together may be couple goals. They open their lives to each other, and it's heartwarming. There's steamy and funny banter, innuendo, double entendres, eye rolling. You know, all my favorite things.
"Football and the people in and around it made me the man I am today. But you make me so much more,"
The ending made me emotional. Hannah was scared that she'd never come first and she wasn't willing to come second for anyone. And Decker needed to know she'd always be in his corner. They both got what they came for.
"I won this for you. I won it to win you. I don't care about the trophies. You're my prize."
So did I, because both of them, and this book, won my heart. To say I recommend it is an understatement. Can someone please take me to a Superbowl game now?
Five stars just isn't enough.
It's really hard for me to write about books I loved. I feel downright incompetent, and I'm not fishing for compliments. Summing it up: Decker, the book, and Decker, the quarterback, are both perfect. This is a book hangover I'll gladly endure. Any. Day.
Connor Crais may be new to this writing business, but he's the perfect counterpart to Kayley. There were no doubts in my mind they would be great together. They proved me wrong, the assholes, by being even better than that. And that makes me happy.
"With Decker, next steps felt possible. All the steps seemed possible."
Decker, the panty-wrecker. The twice-MVP quarterback. The guy everyone in Boston knows and loves. The dirty talker, sexy AF, with serious skills in and out of the field, and the bedroom (and the locker room, because that... oops, no. No spoilers!). The guy you'd love to meet (I would!). Fiercely loyal, protective, and willing to go all-out. Cocky and arrogant, and oh-so-swoony.
"But Hannah was all of it. Every single color all at once."
It's hard to own a team, especially one in a sport you know nothing about. Hannah, like myself, knows nothing about football. She even has a copy of Football for Dummies. Her father leaves her his beloved team when he dies, and she's totally unprepared for it. But she rises to the occasion, like any heroine of Kayley's, with an awesome attitude, a great personality, and sassy as hell. I love her.
"You somehow duped me into making me crash my face into your face."
When Hannah rolls in, she's totally clueless. Not only does she not know anything about football, she doesn't even recognize her star quarterback. Words are exchanged, cities are insulted, chemistry is established – the really hot kind.
"I think you like that I drive you crazy."(...)
"Don't push it unless you can handle the consequences, Strong."
The tension that comes from two people who are attracted to each other but not willing to give in is insane. Until they do give in to it. And then it's about the locker room (wait, did I mention it again?) and the way they 'discuss' things. And so much feeling! Despite everything around them, it's seamless. They fit together perfectly.
"The odds were pretty much always against us, but who cared about numbers when one plus one equaled us?"
In fact, the two of them together may be couple goals. They open their lives to each other, and it's heartwarming. There's steamy and funny banter, innuendo, double entendres, eye rolling. You know, all my favorite things.
"Football and the people in and around it made me the man I am today. But you make me so much more,"
The ending made me emotional. Hannah was scared that she'd never come first and she wasn't willing to come second for anyone. And Decker needed to know she'd always be in his corner. They both got what they came for.
"I won this for you. I won it to win you. I don't care about the trophies. You're my prize."
So did I, because both of them, and this book, won my heart. To say I recommend it is an understatement. Can someone please take me to a Superbowl game now?
Five stars just isn't enough.
February 13, 2022
First of all, reading this book has just confirmed that Kayley Loring is the queen of rom-com in my eyes. I can't even begin to describe what her writing does with me. I love her humor, I often feel like 'I totally know what you mean, girl', her stories are heartfelt, uplifting, entertaining, and easy to read... And this cooperation with Connor Crais (this book is his debut as an author) was such a brilliant idea! He brought a man's perspective to a romance story and it was truly amazing to see how different the brains of Decker and Hannah worked. I could tell which POV I was reading just from the word choice and the writing itself and it was so refreshing.
With that said, the story kept me engaged the whole time and I loved both main characters - because, I truly can't remember when was the last time I read about an alpha man who is not an a**hole, and a strong heroine who is sensitive at the same time, but without being pushover or drama queen or self-absorbed.
Hannah is 29, inherits an NFL team from her estranged father and has zero knowledge of anything football related, Decker is 36, a star athlete playing his last season in said team as quarterback. I loved Hannah with all her quirks (like scoring social touchdowns talking Microsoft Excel in the ladies' room:), and Decker was just so laid back, loyal and hardworking, you couldn't otherwise than root for him. They start off meeting with a case of mistaken identity...
...and continue with an amazing chemistry and banter. I loved watching their relationship develop from slightly enemies to lovers. I was a little bit confused in the beginning with their constant "we shouldn't" and "I'm glad we did"... but in the end it was like watching them dancing tango, two steps forward, one step back, and it was perfection.
Me, as a person who has no idea of what happens on the football field, I totally felt with Hannah. At the same time, I am especially surprised that I wasn't bored with all the football talk. I also loved all the movie references. Overall it was a delight to read and the epilogue was the best I've read in a long time :)
With that said, the story kept me engaged the whole time and I loved both main characters - because, I truly can't remember when was the last time I read about an alpha man who is not an a**hole, and a strong heroine who is sensitive at the same time, but without being pushover or drama queen or self-absorbed.
Hannah is 29, inherits an NFL team from her estranged father and has zero knowledge of anything football related, Decker is 36, a star athlete playing his last season in said team as quarterback. I loved Hannah with all her quirks (like scoring social touchdowns talking Microsoft Excel in the ladies' room:), and Decker was just so laid back, loyal and hardworking, you couldn't otherwise than root for him. They start off meeting with a case of mistaken identity...
“So…” He crossed his arms in front of his chest. “You’re not Walt’s secretary.”
“No, I’m not. Always a good sign when a man assumes any woman who works in a building is a secretary.”
“Always a good sign when the new owner of an NFL team doesn’t even recognize the quarterback.”
...and continue with an amazing chemistry and banter. I loved watching their relationship develop from slightly enemies to lovers. I was a little bit confused in the beginning with their constant "we shouldn't" and "I'm glad we did"... but in the end it was like watching them dancing tango, two steps forward, one step back, and it was perfection.
Me, as a person who has no idea of what happens on the football field, I totally felt with Hannah. At the same time, I am especially surprised that I wasn't bored with all the football talk. I also loved all the movie references. Overall it was a delight to read and the epilogue was the best I've read in a long time :)
He kissed the way he played. With a fierce kind of grace and a controlled kind of power. But there was some dark, animalistic energy beneath the surface that he had trained himself to discipline. Like the wolf he had tattooed on his arm. And the most honest thing I could admit to myself right then was that I had that energy too. I had disciplined it with spreadsheets and denial, and he was the first person I’d met who could bring it out of me.
Read
April 1, 2022I had the best intentions for this story!
The writing was good and I liked the premise.
I couldn’t get into it though, it didn’t absorb me and I had a hard time trying to connect with the heroine who was immature and had plenty of insecurities. Dnf @ 32%
The writing was good and I liked the premise.
I couldn’t get into it though, it didn’t absorb me and I had a hard time trying to connect with the heroine who was immature and had plenty of insecurities. Dnf @ 32%
January 25, 2022
2.25 Stars
Not a fan. I only read this because I loved this author's bossy christmas book, and I needed something lighter for a break from my current reads, but if anything I was just annoyed. And bored.
Heroine was just okay. She had some cute quirky moments, but I thought she was gonna be a smart, mature, and professional woman, and she really wasn't. She was immature, naive, and I never really understood her decisions. She was also two dimensional. The only thing we really get about her past is her father not being there for her, and even that felt too glossed over. Which brings me to an annoyance I have of the constant reminders of the hero's manh*e past (which he is VERY proud of, if instances such as him essentially bragging about having sex with his last assistant, or bragging about getting anyone woman he wants, are anything to go by, and this is after him and heroine are already together). The constant reminders of him being a "panty-wrecker" took away from their romance. He claims he isn't about that life anymore, and yet still makes jokes and acts like he is, and then he said he hasn't been with anyone but the heroine since he's known her. The heroine makes it seem romantic and shiz, but legit, it's only been a few weeks, so that's no really romantic to me when he's 36 and still acts like he's 18. And them not wearing a condom is a little gross to me considering his past.
We get literally no details of the heroine's past with men except that she's dated, but it feels like it all just ceased to exist so it can be filled up with references to the hero being a manho. It just seemed like the heroine was there for the hero, and convenient? I didn't get the chemistry and the heroine seemed to like the hero way more considering she was the one who was constantly throwing herself at him and he's the one who rejected her at first and then later to be the one to break up with her. When he thinks of her, he pretty much always just thinks about her looks, and I never really got "I'm in love with you" vibes from him. More of a "I can get anyone I want so of course she wants me" vibes. This would be fine if it was just towards the beginning of their relationship, but it all felt superficial pretty much the whole relationship, like any girl would work for the hero as long as she's hot and rich.
Besides my annoyances of the 2 mcs, I think I was expecting it to be funny or something, but I was pretty bored and super close to dnfing. It might be because of the co-author in this book, but too much was focused on football and how it's played and the hero's manho past, and not enough on the actual development of the romance or the character development seeing as the heroine felt like an idiot the whole book, and the hero's personality never changed. So unlike the other book I read by this author. I probably could have gotten over most of it, if I was actually entertained by at least the humor or something, but the jokes were all pretty lame guy jokes that are only funny or entertaining if you are a guy. Overall, I will read more of this authors other books, but will probably stat away from the cowritten ones.
Safety:
No ow/om drama- but there are tons of references to him sleeping around
No virgins
Manh*e hero- yes, and many references and details of it
Hero hasn't been with anyone but the heroine since he met her. No details of the heroine or her past but it's telling that she hasn't slept with anyone else since the hero either.
No cheating
Not a fan. I only read this because I loved this author's bossy christmas book, and I needed something lighter for a break from my current reads, but if anything I was just annoyed. And bored.
Heroine was just okay. She had some cute quirky moments, but I thought she was gonna be a smart, mature, and professional woman, and she really wasn't. She was immature, naive, and I never really understood her decisions. She was also two dimensional. The only thing we really get about her past is her father not being there for her, and even that felt too glossed over. Which brings me to an annoyance I have of the constant reminders of the hero's manh*e past (which he is VERY proud of, if instances such as him essentially bragging about having sex with his last assistant, or bragging about getting anyone woman he wants, are anything to go by, and this is after him and heroine are already together). The constant reminders of him being a "panty-wrecker" took away from their romance. He claims he isn't about that life anymore, and yet still makes jokes and acts like he is, and then he said he hasn't been with anyone but the heroine since he's known her. The heroine makes it seem romantic and shiz, but legit, it's only been a few weeks, so that's no really romantic to me when he's 36 and still acts like he's 18. And them not wearing a condom is a little gross to me considering his past.
We get literally no details of the heroine's past with men except that she's dated, but it feels like it all just ceased to exist so it can be filled up with references to the hero being a manho. It just seemed like the heroine was there for the hero, and convenient? I didn't get the chemistry and the heroine seemed to like the hero way more considering she was the one who was constantly throwing herself at him and he's the one who rejected her at first and then later to be the one to break up with her. When he thinks of her, he pretty much always just thinks about her looks, and I never really got "I'm in love with you" vibes from him. More of a "I can get anyone I want so of course she wants me" vibes. This would be fine if it was just towards the beginning of their relationship, but it all felt superficial pretty much the whole relationship, like any girl would work for the hero as long as she's hot and rich.
Besides my annoyances of the 2 mcs, I think I was expecting it to be funny or something, but I was pretty bored and super close to dnfing. It might be because of the co-author in this book, but too much was focused on football and how it's played and the hero's manho past, and not enough on the actual development of the romance or the character development seeing as the heroine felt like an idiot the whole book, and the hero's personality never changed. So unlike the other book I read by this author. I probably could have gotten over most of it, if I was actually entertained by at least the humor or something, but the jokes were all pretty lame guy jokes that are only funny or entertaining if you are a guy. Overall, I will read more of this authors other books, but will probably stat away from the cowritten ones.
Safety:
No ow/om drama- but there are tons of references to him sleeping around
No virgins
Manh*e hero- yes, and many references and details of it
Hero hasn't been with anyone but the heroine since he met her. No details of the heroine or her past but it's telling that she hasn't slept with anyone else since the hero either.
No cheating
January 14, 2022
‘He kissed the way he played. With a fierce kind of grace and a controlled kind of power. But there was some dark, animalistic energy beneath the surface…’
Decker: Changing the Play is a Sports Rom-com, with a workplace romance theme (she’s the new owner of the team – he’s the star quarterback) and features the delectable John Patrick Decker. Known as Decker, he’s the tattooed thirty-six-year-old Quarterback in his last year of an eight-year stint with the Boston Tomcats, and he’s rather delicious!
“You have a lot of layers, Johnny Decker.”
We adore Kayley Loring’s rom-coms. They’re such fun feel-good, and she never fails to leave us in fits of laughter one minute and swooning the next whilst falling in love with her characters. This time Kayley Loring has joined forces with author Connor Crais, and it’s a partnership that worked very well, and we look forward to more from this writing duo.
“Clearly we brought something out in each other. Something different. Something special.”
If you love your football (NFL) and you’re in the mood for a sexy flirty banter, swoon, and giggles, this book will certainly leave you smiling from ear to ear. We were just as clueless as Hannah and did struggle a bit with some of the lingo and stats. But it’s all good, we were here for the romance.
Playing out his last year of an eight-year contract, Decker’s world is rocked when owner Jerry Strong passes away, even more so when he finds out the new owner is Jerry’s football clueless daughter Hannah. What she knows about football could be written on her little finger, much to the dismay of Decker.
Initially, there is a love/hate vibe between Decker and Hannah which provides some witty, snarky banter, together with an abundance of sexual tension. Hannah always came second to football in her Dad’s life, and she’s determined to never be second again. She certainly wouldn’t accept that from a relationship.
“..this can’t happen again, and now I really know it can’t. Because I’m never going to come in second place again.”
There was sweetness, swoon, heat, and some funny bone tickling in this fun read. You’ll love spending time with Decker and Hannah as they manoeuvre their relationship amongst the hallowed turf of the Minuteman Stadium, Boston.
“Whoa. Nobody’s calling you an asshole. This is New England. We only insult close friends and family to their faces here – and we mostly call them cawksuckahs.”
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February 13, 2022
An entertaining read...
Decker has taken me a bloody long time to finish...I started it last month. (The shock...the horror)
It never takes me this long to read books normally but there has been a LOT going on in my world. Back to work after holidays, my son leaving for the army and my complete distraction with audiobooks. I have more time (travel and exercise time) to listen than read at the moment. Honestly, If I had listened to Decker instead of reading, I would have finished it in two days. The only reason why I'm mentioning all this is that the time it took to read, truly wasn't a reflection of my enjoyment.
This story was entertaining and definitely left me satisfied. The characters were engaging the storyline was entertaining, and the love that developed between the characters was one I could believe in. I was a little concerned at times because their priorities seemed to be a little off, but in the end, you could tell that their love for each other became more important than football.
I know NOTHING about football and the story was enhanced because the heroine was in the same boat when she inherited the team. Unfortunately, learning through her 'eyes' didn't seem to help me and I think I'm doomed to think of the sport as too complicated, and full of big blokes wearing tight pants.
I'm still in love with Kayley Loring's storytelling abilities and I'm moving on to another of her stories to brighten my day.
Decker has taken me a bloody long time to finish...I started it last month. (The shock...the horror)
It never takes me this long to read books normally but there has been a LOT going on in my world. Back to work after holidays, my son leaving for the army and my complete distraction with audiobooks. I have more time (travel and exercise time) to listen than read at the moment. Honestly, If I had listened to Decker instead of reading, I would have finished it in two days. The only reason why I'm mentioning all this is that the time it took to read, truly wasn't a reflection of my enjoyment.
This story was entertaining and definitely left me satisfied. The characters were engaging the storyline was entertaining, and the love that developed between the characters was one I could believe in. I was a little concerned at times because their priorities seemed to be a little off, but in the end, you could tell that their love for each other became more important than football.
I know NOTHING about football and the story was enhanced because the heroine was in the same boat when she inherited the team. Unfortunately, learning through her 'eyes' didn't seem to help me and I think I'm doomed to think of the sport as too complicated, and full of big blokes wearing tight pants.
I'm still in love with Kayley Loring's storytelling abilities and I'm moving on to another of her stories to brighten my day.
January 11, 2022
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais have huddled up and written a highly entertaining sports Rom-Com and whoever came up with the idea they should write a series together, should also bet on this year’s super bowl because they obviously knew it would be a great collaboration. Over this past year, Kayley has become my queen of Rom-Com. I enjoy her stories because they make me happy, I laugh nonstop, and her characters are swoony, sexy and fully of charm. Connor is an established, popular narrator who caught my ears narrating one of Kayley’s books. With his deep, luscious voice he’s quickly become one of my favorites as he narrates some of my most beloved characters. Now, in addition to bringing others characters to life in his recording booth, he’s out there creating some of his own. This is Connor’s first release as an author and I couldn’t be prouder for him for taking this on and sharing his talents with us. And Girls, the boy has talents. Just you wait!
In the story, Hannah Strong has recently inherited a pro football team from her estranged and now deceased father. She has an MBA and can quote financial spreadsheets in her sleep. She’s smart and determined and proudly wears her nerd badge. However, since she’s always played 2nd string to her dad’s team, players and his growing empire, she’s never wanted to have anything to do with football, which includes never having the desire to know ANYTHING about or related to the sport she HATES. Yet, she’s now the OWNER of the team. At first, Hannah plans to fake it until she makes it but after a few faux pas that cause her players, staff, the media and even the good city of Boston to want her OUT, she gives in and asks the sexy, charming, reformed panty-wrecker quarterback she can’t stop thinking about or fighting with, for help. The humor, snark, quick wit, and sexy innuendoes are in abundance, and the sexual tension is building until someone is ready to break. You’ll have to read it to find out who kisses whom first and all the other romping that takes place and where. It’s a lot of fun until it’s not. I definitely consider this a rom-com but I was really surprised and awed with the level of emotions I felt from the characters and story line. At one point, my heart sank and I knew what was coming and I did not like that feeling at all. No worries though, this has a happy ever after ending. Not only did the authors make me laugh, a lot, they made me feeeeeel. Things us romance readers live for.
Johnny Decker is the perfect book boyfriend. He’s dreamy, he’s a fan of wearing gray sweatpants, he’s supportive, a total team player and instead of criticizing Hannah at every turn, he goes out of his way to help her. The perfect blend of cockiness and easy going. And Girls, some of the stuff that comes out of his mouth will curl your toes. I cannot wait to hear Connor read some of those words because he is narrating the audio with the super talented Mackenzie Cartwright and it cannot release soon enough.
Hopefully, I’ve given you just enough information to make you want to go out and get this gem today! Even if you don’t normally read sport romances or football romances you need to read this one. Not just for the romance-y stuff but because it’s well written, It’s full of heart, and I promise it’ll put a smile on your face.
This is book 1 in Connor and Kayley’s sports romance series and others are in the works. I’m totally convinced this writing duo will continue to wow us. Their voices and style mesh together like beer and pizza, or beer and lobster rolls, or beer…and beer.
Decker: Changing the Play is a 5-star read and a great place to start if Kayley Loring and Connor Crais are new to you authors.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review
In the story, Hannah Strong has recently inherited a pro football team from her estranged and now deceased father. She has an MBA and can quote financial spreadsheets in her sleep. She’s smart and determined and proudly wears her nerd badge. However, since she’s always played 2nd string to her dad’s team, players and his growing empire, she’s never wanted to have anything to do with football, which includes never having the desire to know ANYTHING about or related to the sport she HATES. Yet, she’s now the OWNER of the team. At first, Hannah plans to fake it until she makes it but after a few faux pas that cause her players, staff, the media and even the good city of Boston to want her OUT, she gives in and asks the sexy, charming, reformed panty-wrecker quarterback she can’t stop thinking about or fighting with, for help. The humor, snark, quick wit, and sexy innuendoes are in abundance, and the sexual tension is building until someone is ready to break. You’ll have to read it to find out who kisses whom first and all the other romping that takes place and where. It’s a lot of fun until it’s not. I definitely consider this a rom-com but I was really surprised and awed with the level of emotions I felt from the characters and story line. At one point, my heart sank and I knew what was coming and I did not like that feeling at all. No worries though, this has a happy ever after ending. Not only did the authors make me laugh, a lot, they made me feeeeeel. Things us romance readers live for.
Johnny Decker is the perfect book boyfriend. He’s dreamy, he’s a fan of wearing gray sweatpants, he’s supportive, a total team player and instead of criticizing Hannah at every turn, he goes out of his way to help her. The perfect blend of cockiness and easy going. And Girls, some of the stuff that comes out of his mouth will curl your toes. I cannot wait to hear Connor read some of those words because he is narrating the audio with the super talented Mackenzie Cartwright and it cannot release soon enough.
Hopefully, I’ve given you just enough information to make you want to go out and get this gem today! Even if you don’t normally read sport romances or football romances you need to read this one. Not just for the romance-y stuff but because it’s well written, It’s full of heart, and I promise it’ll put a smile on your face.
This is book 1 in Connor and Kayley’s sports romance series and others are in the works. I’m totally convinced this writing duo will continue to wow us. Their voices and style mesh together like beer and pizza, or beer and lobster rolls, or beer…and beer.
Decker: Changing the Play is a 5-star read and a great place to start if Kayley Loring and Connor Crais are new to you authors.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review
January 22, 2022
I'm confused with all the glowing reviews for this one. Seriously. A story about a young female NFL owner and her involvement with one of her star players sounded SO good! I wanted Hannah to be smart. A TRUE a$$kicker with the drive and grit to take over her estranged father's team. To blow the expectations out of the water in this male driven world. She did kind of start that way (Although, all that her "best friend" could do was sexualize the players and her friend in that situation, was a bit telling). I expected Decker to be attracted to her, sure, but to also know she's in a tough spot. That he would be willing to help her make the team successful, even as his own career is at its end. Instead, I read about a dumb, silly, immature girl with lingering daddy issues (which were barely glossed over) who I couldn't imagine working for an NFL team, much less owning one. And the risks she takes, that Decker is willing to put her in, seemed insane. And, of course, she sacrifices herself for him to get what he wants. Never mind how selfish he is. Ugh... so disappointing. If all you want is silly banter and ill-concealed sexual harassment, with a few sex scenes written in, then this is for you. Definitely not what I expected, though, for sure.
January 13, 2022
‘He kissed the way he played. With a fierce kind of grace and a controlled kind of power. But there was some dark, animalistic energy beneath the surface…’
Decker: Changing the Play is a Sports Rom-com, with a workplace romance theme (she’s the new owner of the team – he’s the star quarterback) and features the delectable John Patrick Decker. Known as Decker, he’s the tattooed thirty-six-year-old Quarterback in his last year of an eight-year stint with the Boston Tomcats, and he’s rather delicious!
“You have a lot of layers, Johnny Decker.”
We adore Kayley Loring’s rom-coms. They’re such fun feel-good, and she never fails to leave us in fits of laughter one minute and swooning the next whilst falling in love with her characters. This time Kayley Loring has joined forces with author Connor Crais, and it’s a partnership that worked very well, and we look forward to more from this writing duo.
“Clearly we brought something out in each other. Something different. Something special.”
If you love your football (NFL) and you’re in the mood for a sexy flirty banter, swoon, and giggles, this book will certainly leave you smiling from ear to ear. We were just as clueless as Hannah and did struggle a bit with some of the lingo and stats. But it’s all good, we were here for the romance.
Playing out his last year of an eight-year contract, Decker’s world is rocked when owner Jerry Strong passes away, even more so when he finds out the new owner is Jerry’s football clueless daughter Hannah. What she knows about football could be written on her little finger, much to the dismay of Decker.
Initially, there is a love/hate vibe between Decker and Hannah which provides some witty, snarky banter, together with an abundance of sexual tension. Hannah always came second to football in her Dad’s life, and she’s determined to never be second again. She certainly wouldn’t accept that from a relationship.
“..this can’t happen again, and now I really know it can’t. Because I’m never going to come in second place again.”
There was sweetness, swoon, heat, and some funny bone tickling in this fun read. You’ll love spending time with Decker and Hannah as they manoeuvre their relationship amongst the hallowed turf of the Minuteman Stadium, Boston.
“Whoa. Nobody’s calling you an asshole. This is New England. We only insult close friends and family to their faces here – and we mostly call them cawksuckahs.”
Ebook
Paperback
February 7, 2022
When I read the synopsis I expected to find a mature 29-year-old woman who might not have known much about football, but was going to study the heck out of it and bring in the right people to help her. Instead she makes really embarrassing PR mistakes and jokes around with her girlfriends about banging the quarterback.
And then we have the quarterback. Who constantly talks about his past conquests. He's the quintessential aging man.
The h is made to sound cute with all the football terms she doesn't get correct. (this made her look so stupid) For these two characters being 29 and 36, they are incredibly immature.
There’s a silly breakup The writing is decent, but the characters needed much more development. At the 97% point they finally make up and get their hea.
And then we have the quarterback. Who constantly talks about his past conquests. He's the quintessential aging man.
Known far and wide as “Decker the Panty Wrecker” since his college days.I was so sick of hearing about all the women he's had. Here's a small example around the 70% mark.
"I had a personal assistant who used to do this type of stuff for me.”Now that he’s older, he's a reformed manwhore apparently! *I will note that he doesn’t sleep with ow once he’s met the h.
“What happened to her?”
I hesitated. “She, we, uh—”
“You banged her, didn’t you?” Dash gave me a cocky grin...
I grinned too. “Yeah.” We laughed and took pulls off our beers.
The h is made to sound cute with all the football terms she doesn't get correct. (this made her look so stupid) For these two characters being 29 and 36, they are incredibly immature.
There’s a silly breakup The writing is decent, but the characters needed much more development. At the 97% point they finally make up and get their hea.
March 4, 2022
Decker's got it all figured out: a veteran quarterback, respected by his teammates and the management, he can tackle anything that comes his way. Well, not exactly. His team's owner , a father figure and beloved friend to Decker, has passed away unexpectedly. Enter Hannah Strong, estranged daughter of the owner: she is some finance wizard from NYC, who has zero knowledge of anything football related and definitely not the slightest idea of how to manage an NFL team. Well, she may be uptight, infuriatingly clueless about everything, but she looks oh-so-damn good in a skirt and she now owns the team, and consequently, him... Decker, formerly known as The Panty Wrecker, doesn't stand a chance.
As a Brazilian, I feel it's my patriotic duty to say that FOOTBALL is that thing Americans call soccer (snort of derision). That being said, as an American I also unfortunately have, like Hannah, zero interest in or knowledge of any of the two. But my favorite author decided to venture into writing sportsball books, so something good will definitely come out of it. Genius that she is, she teamed up with the super duper talented Connor Crais, who narrated several of her books and it is a match made in romance writing heaven!
Decker is sooooo good! He's perfect book boyfriend material! I already know Kayley's voice really well and it blends seamlessly with Connor's. I am particularly impressed that I wasn't bored with the football talk! Seriously! I was engrossed in the story and was even rooting for the Tomcats! Well, kinda, because I have zero idea of what happens in a football field (court?)! So, if you don't care for sports like me, but love a good story, by all means dive into this one. I completely identified with poor Hannah! I really don't care what that man is doing on that field because he is amazing off the field too! Just sayin'
(If you are a fan of 80s movies, a shoutout to Duckie, who should've gotten the girl. Read it, you'll know what I am talking about and you will swoon!)
A touchdown for Kayley and Connor! And Connor, welcome to the fandom world as a writer too now! How cool will it be to narrate your own words!
Highly recommend and already waiting for the new books from the new dynamic duo!
Fart jokes: ZERO Fancified version of the word "fart": 1 count.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
ADDED REVIEW TO AUDIOBOOK:
Narrators: Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright (featuring Ron Butler and Ava Lucas)
I had already experienced the story, as I read the book when it came out, but man, these guys know how to tell you a story! Narrated by one of the authors himself (and what an author he's proving to be!!) and "Mack Attack", this audiobook is (there I go making a sports ball analogy and this one even fits, go me!) a touchdown! I loved the book, and I simply adored this version of it. It gave me all the feels (and yeah, I haze ZERO interest in sportsball of any kind) and got me even more invested in Hannah and Decker's romance. Swoony...
Alongside Connor and Mackenzie, we get the super talented Ron and Ava (they are soooo good!!!!) adding more color to this already amazing audiobook. I know it's a sound effect (believe me, I asked... lol) but I want to congratulate whoever is responsible for the most monumental burp in the history of burps. Wow... lol Go Hannah!
And thank you, Kayley, for making Connor sing. *swoon* "Deckie" finally got the girl!
I can't wait to hear Dash Taylor's story!
Touchdown indeed!
As a Brazilian, I feel it's my patriotic duty to say that FOOTBALL is that thing Americans call soccer (snort of derision). That being said, as an American I also unfortunately have, like Hannah, zero interest in or knowledge of any of the two. But my favorite author decided to venture into writing sportsball books, so something good will definitely come out of it. Genius that she is, she teamed up with the super duper talented Connor Crais, who narrated several of her books and it is a match made in romance writing heaven!
Decker is sooooo good! He's perfect book boyfriend material! I already know Kayley's voice really well and it blends seamlessly with Connor's. I am particularly impressed that I wasn't bored with the football talk! Seriously! I was engrossed in the story and was even rooting for the Tomcats! Well, kinda, because I have zero idea of what happens in a football field (court?)! So, if you don't care for sports like me, but love a good story, by all means dive into this one. I completely identified with poor Hannah! I really don't care what that man is doing on that field because he is amazing off the field too! Just sayin'
(If you are a fan of 80s movies, a shoutout to Duckie, who should've gotten the girl. Read it, you'll know what I am talking about and you will swoon!)
A touchdown for Kayley and Connor! And Connor, welcome to the fandom world as a writer too now! How cool will it be to narrate your own words!
Highly recommend and already waiting for the new books from the new dynamic duo!
Fart jokes: ZERO Fancified version of the word "fart": 1 count.
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.)
ADDED REVIEW TO AUDIOBOOK:
Narrators: Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright (featuring Ron Butler and Ava Lucas)
I had already experienced the story, as I read the book when it came out, but man, these guys know how to tell you a story! Narrated by one of the authors himself (and what an author he's proving to be!!) and "Mack Attack", this audiobook is (there I go making a sports ball analogy and this one even fits, go me!) a touchdown! I loved the book, and I simply adored this version of it. It gave me all the feels (and yeah, I haze ZERO interest in sportsball of any kind) and got me even more invested in Hannah and Decker's romance. Swoony...
Alongside Connor and Mackenzie, we get the super talented Ron and Ava (they are soooo good!!!!) adding more color to this already amazing audiobook. I know it's a sound effect (believe me, I asked... lol) but I want to congratulate whoever is responsible for the most monumental burp in the history of burps. Wow... lol Go Hannah!
And thank you, Kayley, for making Connor sing. *swoon* "Deckie" finally got the girl!
I can't wait to hear Dash Taylor's story!
Touchdown indeed!
Read
July 14, 20234.5🌟s! This was a really great collaboration between Kayley and Connor. This is a romcom with a lot of heart!
Hannah and Decker are opposites who attract harder than magnets. Their banter is the stuff of legends. There are so many reasons why they shouldn’t be together and only one why they should - they just can’t help themselves!
I loved how Hannah wanted to learn football and her attempts at meaningful discussion about it totally cracked me up. There was so much to admire about her as she gets thrust into a world she knows nothing about, a world that meant more to her dad than she did. *tear*
But as Decker opens her eyes to all things Boston, football, and good sex; he also gives her important insights to her dad.
I struggled with the impulsiveness of the grand gesture at the end, but I am a little jaded. lol
Overall this is a great story! Great sports fun and great romance.
i received an advance copy from Wildfire Marketing and these are my honest opinions.
Hannah and Decker are opposites who attract harder than magnets. Their banter is the stuff of legends. There are so many reasons why they shouldn’t be together and only one why they should - they just can’t help themselves!
I loved how Hannah wanted to learn football and her attempts at meaningful discussion about it totally cracked me up. There was so much to admire about her as she gets thrust into a world she knows nothing about, a world that meant more to her dad than she did. *tear*
But as Decker opens her eyes to all things Boston, football, and good sex; he also gives her important insights to her dad.
I struggled with the impulsiveness of the grand gesture at the end, but I am a little jaded. lol
Overall this is a great story! Great sports fun and great romance.
i received an advance copy from Wildfire Marketing and these are my honest opinions.
February 12, 2022
I never thought I’d be interested in football, until I read this book. It isn’t just a useful background for the romance, it’s really at the core of the story. It wouldn’t be the same book if it was another sport, or even another setting entirely.
First of all, the co-writing here was a great idea, and the authors’ writing styles work well together. The characters have a distinctive voice, but the authors have a common sense of humor, which helped with creating a continuity in the book. All in all the co-writing was evident, yet with smooth transitions. Well done.
The characters were quite compelling. Maybe Hannah was a little too quirky, and Decker’s past as the ‘panty-wrecker’ didn’t have as much weight in the story as it was suggested, but they made a great duo together. When they were enemies, the confrontations felt real; when they became lovers, the playful banter was great. And the chemistry, wow–sexual tension dripped from the pages.
Everything about football was meaningful and interesting. The fans’ involvement, the press’s coverage, the inner politics, the team’s dynamics, the game’s rules… It all influenced the story and the characters’ reactions. Even the conflict that threatens Hannah and Decker’s relationship comes from football. And, of course, the forbidden element of their romance is really the consequence of their respective place in the team.
As the first book in a new series, a lot of characters were introduced, and they didn’t have a lot of time to develop. But we still get enough information about them–and enought interactions–to get a feel of who they are. The rest of the series promises to be interesting.
A good romance, and a good first collaboration. Highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: The Boston Tomcats #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #football #enemies to lovers #forbidden romance #workplace romance
- Triggers: death and grief
- Main couple: Hannah Strong & Johnny Decker
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + how to make me interested in football
- – sometimes the humor was a bit too much
First of all, the co-writing here was a great idea, and the authors’ writing styles work well together. The characters have a distinctive voice, but the authors have a common sense of humor, which helped with creating a continuity in the book. All in all the co-writing was evident, yet with smooth transitions. Well done.
The characters were quite compelling. Maybe Hannah was a little too quirky, and Decker’s past as the ‘panty-wrecker’ didn’t have as much weight in the story as it was suggested, but they made a great duo together. When they were enemies, the confrontations felt real; when they became lovers, the playful banter was great. And the chemistry, wow–sexual tension dripped from the pages.
Everything about football was meaningful and interesting. The fans’ involvement, the press’s coverage, the inner politics, the team’s dynamics, the game’s rules… It all influenced the story and the characters’ reactions. Even the conflict that threatens Hannah and Decker’s relationship comes from football. And, of course, the forbidden element of their romance is really the consequence of their respective place in the team.
As the first book in a new series, a lot of characters were introduced, and they didn’t have a lot of time to develop. But we still get enough information about them–and enought interactions–to get a feel of who they are. The rest of the series promises to be interesting.
A good romance, and a good first collaboration. Highly recommended.
Quickie
- Series: The Boston Tomcats #1 (can be read as a standalone)
- Hashtags: #sports romance #football #enemies to lovers #forbidden romance #workplace romance
- Triggers: death and grief
- Main couple: Hannah Strong & Johnny Decker
- Hotness: 4/5
- Romance: 5/5
- + how to make me interested in football
- – sometimes the humor was a bit too much
January 11, 2022
Well if there was ever a dynamic duo it’s definitely Kayley & Connor!! What a wild, exhilarating ride!! This story had all the things. Tension, hilarious banter, sizzling scenes, angst and happiness!! I loved feeling the different flavor that K & C brought to the pages, and yet it flowed perfectly.
“My brain still hated that he was giving me orders, but my feet were obeying him. I walked around to the passenger side door of the Range Rover, frowning.”— MY CATNIP!!
He growled, and I felt the hot sting of his hand on my ass again. “Don’t push it unless you can handle the consequences, Strong.” ALSO CATNIP!
I feel this is the start of a beautiful co authorship!! KayCo for life!!
Fun•Sexy•Football•Alpha male•Stubborn heroine•Excellent story!!
“My brain still hated that he was giving me orders, but my feet were obeying him. I walked around to the passenger side door of the Range Rover, frowning.”— MY CATNIP!!
He growled, and I felt the hot sting of his hand on my ass again. “Don’t push it unless you can handle the consequences, Strong.” ALSO CATNIP!
I feel this is the start of a beautiful co authorship!! KayCo for life!!
Fun•Sexy•Football•Alpha male•Stubborn heroine•Excellent story!!
February 23, 2023
This book is problematic in the same ways any workplace with a subordinate, superior is. That a quarterback of a team has power is the only thing that had me keep reading this owner-athlete book. And I have liked this duo.
But this was not it. In fact, the major conflict that plays out (multiple times) just goes to show why this set up does not hit for me, perfectly illustrated.
But this was not it. In fact, the major conflict that plays out (multiple times) just goes to show why this set up does not hit for me, perfectly illustrated.
August 14, 2022
5 star Review Decker: Changing The Play by Kayley Loring & Connor Crais
There is something about Kayley Loring’s style of written that draws you in and refuses to let you go so I was excited to read her collaboration with Connor Crais.
From the first chapter I was hooked on Johnny Decker and Hannah Strong’s story. I fell hard and fast for Johnny, he is a tad arrogant, swoon worthy and I loved how sassy Hannah was. In fact, I loved these characters, separately and especially together.
Johnny is the star quarterback for the Boston Tomcats, whilst Hannah suddenly finds herself the owner of his team when her father dies. I found their fiery enemies to lovers relationship entertaining and it was fun to watch it develop.
I found myself laughing on numerous occasions and smiling throughout. The chemistry and heat that burns between Johnny and Hannah was intense and their banter witty. These two were well suited to one another and I liked how Hannah help Johnny realize the depth of his feelings whilst he became supportive and gave guidance to her.
The growth of both characters was heart warming to witness. The balance between steam and humour is good and the story flowed well.
This writing duo is off to a great start and I am excited to read more in the future.
There is something about Kayley Loring’s style of written that draws you in and refuses to let you go so I was excited to read her collaboration with Connor Crais.
From the first chapter I was hooked on Johnny Decker and Hannah Strong’s story. I fell hard and fast for Johnny, he is a tad arrogant, swoon worthy and I loved how sassy Hannah was. In fact, I loved these characters, separately and especially together.
Johnny is the star quarterback for the Boston Tomcats, whilst Hannah suddenly finds herself the owner of his team when her father dies. I found their fiery enemies to lovers relationship entertaining and it was fun to watch it develop.
I found myself laughing on numerous occasions and smiling throughout. The chemistry and heat that burns between Johnny and Hannah was intense and their banter witty. These two were well suited to one another and I liked how Hannah help Johnny realize the depth of his feelings whilst he became supportive and gave guidance to her.
The growth of both characters was heart warming to witness. The balance between steam and humour is good and the story flowed well.
This writing duo is off to a great start and I am excited to read more in the future.
January 15, 2022
Amazon Universal
When Johnny assumes his team's new owner is the new secretary, yeah, not exactly a great first impression left on his new boss. But then, she doesn't recognize he's her new team's quarterback either...so their ignorance washes each other's out. Right? Wrong. And their continuing banter even while starting a decidedly non-professional relationship is just everything. But when Hannah pulls a move that could signal the end of that relationship, it will be up to this quarterback to make it to the endzone with Hannah without an interception.
I don't know if this is the first time this duo has written together, but I can safely say, I hope it's not the last, because Decker is fun, sexy, and witty af. Hannah and Decker are so cute as they navigate their new situation. She's learning the game that took her father from her, with her analytical brain and all her musings trying to fit football into a "spreadsheet" kind of format for her understanding, and Decker's there to rile her up and lay his sweet charm on her. I'm always excited to read a sports romance, especially if it's a football one. If the hero is a quarterback, I'm even happier because it gives me all the hottie Jimmy G feels. Considering he's about to take to the field in a couple days for my 49ers Wild Card game, I'd say Decker came at just the right time!
ARC provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions for an honest review.
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January 12, 2022
**4.5 stars**
Kayley Loring is my go-to for laugh-out loud, swoony romances, and I was so excited to see what my favorite sweet and funny author would do in a duo with Connor Crais. And, all in all, I really enjoyed their first outing together. Decker is heartfelt and sexy, a fun start to this series and this duo’s collaboration.
Our hero is the titular Decker, a seasoned professional footballer looking at the back end of his lustrous career playing quarterback. But his placid football bubble is rocked when the beloved team owner passed away unexpectedly, leaving ownership of the team to his somewhat estranged daughter, Hannah. Decker and Hannah have an immediate spark and quite a adorable meet cute, and all the flirty occurs, especially as Hannah struggles to manage a football organization when she knows very little about football.
This writing duo melds together so well- each character has a distinct and compelling voice, but the writing style is consistent and engaging across POVs. Both characters are really likable and compelling, and the chemistry sparkles. Crias’ influence is clear- there’s a crisp and magnetic male influence not just to the tone but to the content- this definitely is a sports story. This story is quite as raucous and laugh out loud funny as I’m used to with Kayley (and truth be told, I did miss that), but it’s got a whole lot of sweet charm, and we do have the usual lower-drama Kayley Loring story tone. And I appreciated this pairing finding their own collective voice and giving this series its own approach- not quite as novel as I’m used to from Kayley, but lovable and enjoyable nonetheless. I’m curious to see how this duo’s vibe evolves over time, and I’d be interested in reading some of the secondary characters' stories.
Overall, a strong outing for this first-time writing pair, and I’m excited for what is to come. Together they create a light, heartfelt, sincere, and playfully cute romance that has plenty of sizzle, and a couple I was invested in finding their HEA. Feel-good and fun and a solid start to what will most certainly be a one-click partnership between these two authors.
Kayley Loring is my go-to for laugh-out loud, swoony romances, and I was so excited to see what my favorite sweet and funny author would do in a duo with Connor Crais. And, all in all, I really enjoyed their first outing together. Decker is heartfelt and sexy, a fun start to this series and this duo’s collaboration.
Our hero is the titular Decker, a seasoned professional footballer looking at the back end of his lustrous career playing quarterback. But his placid football bubble is rocked when the beloved team owner passed away unexpectedly, leaving ownership of the team to his somewhat estranged daughter, Hannah. Decker and Hannah have an immediate spark and quite a adorable meet cute, and all the flirty occurs, especially as Hannah struggles to manage a football organization when she knows very little about football.
This writing duo melds together so well- each character has a distinct and compelling voice, but the writing style is consistent and engaging across POVs. Both characters are really likable and compelling, and the chemistry sparkles. Crias’ influence is clear- there’s a crisp and magnetic male influence not just to the tone but to the content- this definitely is a sports story. This story is quite as raucous and laugh out loud funny as I’m used to with Kayley (and truth be told, I did miss that), but it’s got a whole lot of sweet charm, and we do have the usual lower-drama Kayley Loring story tone. And I appreciated this pairing finding their own collective voice and giving this series its own approach- not quite as novel as I’m used to from Kayley, but lovable and enjoyable nonetheless. I’m curious to see how this duo’s vibe evolves over time, and I’d be interested in reading some of the secondary characters' stories.
Overall, a strong outing for this first-time writing pair, and I’m excited for what is to come. Together they create a light, heartfelt, sincere, and playfully cute romance that has plenty of sizzle, and a couple I was invested in finding their HEA. Feel-good and fun and a solid start to what will most certainly be a one-click partnership between these two authors.
January 22, 2022
3.0 stars. Love a sports romance but this was just ok. Not as much humor as usual from this author. A lot of focus on Hannah's pursuit of Decker and their sex life and not much story. Odd twist near end (no spoiler), and an ending that was a stretch to believe, but it gets them to their HEA.
The rave reviews here puts me in the minority, but that's my 2 cents.
The rave reviews here puts me in the minority, but that's my 2 cents.
January 20, 2022
Kayley Loring & Connor Crais perfectly balance the enemies-to-lovers, sports & workplace romance tropes into this delightful story about Super Bown MVP star quarterback and the surprise new owner of his team.
These two authors know how to craft charming characters I really liked. Hannah Strong, the new & unexpected owner of the Boston, Tomcats knows nothing about football but is determined to succeed. She’s smart, strong-minded and fun, while John Decker is sexy, sweet and loyal.
The two together are explosive both between the sheets and out of them. Their banter is so much fun, witty and snarky, and the sexy times are sizzling. And they complement each other perfectly and it’s heartwarming how the open up to each other.
Their enemies to lovers romance developed in what felt to be a very organic way without much drama or angst. I even enjoyed the sports lingo & happenings which was a bit heavier than the football romances I’ve read previously.
Decker: Changing the Play is a standalone contemporary romance by Kayley Loring & Connor . It is a sexy and fun sports romance. Told from both points of view, with a deliciously swoony happy ending. Tropes: sports | workplace | big city | billionaire
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3tLlXbt
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
These two authors know how to craft charming characters I really liked. Hannah Strong, the new & unexpected owner of the Boston, Tomcats knows nothing about football but is determined to succeed. She’s smart, strong-minded and fun, while John Decker is sexy, sweet and loyal.
The two together are explosive both between the sheets and out of them. Their banter is so much fun, witty and snarky, and the sexy times are sizzling. And they complement each other perfectly and it’s heartwarming how the open up to each other.
Their enemies to lovers romance developed in what felt to be a very organic way without much drama or angst. I even enjoyed the sports lingo & happenings which was a bit heavier than the football romances I’ve read previously.
Decker: Changing the Play is a standalone contemporary romance by Kayley Loring & Connor . It is a sexy and fun sports romance. Told from both points of view, with a deliciously swoony happy ending. Tropes: sports | workplace | big city | billionaire
Amazon -> https://amzn.to/3tLlXbt
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram
January 13, 2022
I'm pretty much a Kayley Loring fan-girl at this point. Is it getting creepy? It feels a little bit weird at this point. *shrugs* Loring is co-writing this series with Conner Crais (a.k.a. hella-sexy voice who narrates steamy books). Whatever magic these two are weaving together I am here. for. it.
The REASON I am such a creeper fan-girl is because I know Kayley's books will have snort-laugh moments, super steamy sex scenes, smart and feisty heroines and men who skirt the edge of cocky a**hole, but are sweet once you peel back the layers.
DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY is all of those things. Hannah is smart, strong, determined, and freaking hilarious. I loved her so much. And Johnny Decker (the Panty Wrecker) is so insanely hot, but also secretly sweet, passionate about his team, and I was half in love with him by the last page.
The hate-banter (and hate-sex) between these two is epic. SO much chemistry! Gaaaahhhh. The steamy scenes in this book are just melt-yo-kindle hot! Locker Room showers have never been so damn steamy.
DECKER also explores strained family relationships, grief, and other complex topics all while never feeling too heavy.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series. Loring and Crais make a great writing team!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
TRIGGERS: parent estrangement, recent death of parent
FEELS-O-METER:2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/31KbqBU (affiliate)
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
The REASON I am such a creeper fan-girl is because I know Kayley's books will have snort-laugh moments, super steamy sex scenes, smart and feisty heroines and men who skirt the edge of cocky a**hole, but are sweet once you peel back the layers.
DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY is all of those things. Hannah is smart, strong, determined, and freaking hilarious. I loved her so much. And Johnny Decker (the Panty Wrecker) is so insanely hot, but also secretly sweet, passionate about his team, and I was half in love with him by the last page.
The hate-banter (and hate-sex) between these two is epic. SO much chemistry! Gaaaahhhh. The steamy scenes in this book are just melt-yo-kindle hot! Locker Room showers have never been so damn steamy.
DECKER also explores strained family relationships, grief, and other complex topics all while never feeling too heavy.
I can't wait to read the next books in this series. Loring and Crais make a great writing team!
RATING:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
STEAM LEVEL: Rated R / 1-4 descriptive sex scenes, may have harsh language.
TRIGGERS: parent estrangement, recent death of parent
FEELS-O-METER:2/5 - A bit of drama, but still a pretty light read.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
BUY IT HERE: https://amzn.to/31KbqBU (affiliate)
👇🏻HANG OUT WITH ME HERE!👇🏻
INSTAGRAM | YEAR OF SMUT CHALLENGE
January 5, 2022
Sign me up for more from this writing duo - this was a great series starter. I’ve been a longtime fan of Loring’s writing and Crais’ voice, so I couldn’t wait to see what their first book together was like. And it was good! This definitely felt like it had a little more male influence, with a LOT of focus on football (perhaps too much), and a hero who felt complex and well developed. The vibe is similar to Loring’s other work (low angst and sexy), though with less humor and more heart. I really liked all of the characters that were introduced, and I’m excited for more from the series. It has that classic sports romance feel, and I’m already envisioning some of the other players’ love stories. I didn’t necessarily enjoy this *as much* as Loring’s other books, but I have the feeling this duo will settle into something really good soon.
The story follows Decker, the aging quarterback (36) of a pro football team. He’s a former playboy who has settled down over the years, but no woman has ever been a match to his love of football. So when the team’s owner passes away and his daughter takes over, it’s a huge shock to Decker’s system. Not only does he have a new boss, but Hannah (29) is also incredibly sexy and tempting enough to distract him from the game. Hannah also knows nothing about football, so the veteran player finds himself spending a lot of time with her… both on and off the field.
I can always count on Loring for low angst romances with big feels, and that vibe remains with this. It’s light and easy to devour in one sitting, with plenty of steam and compelling characters. For me, there was too much football talk. It made the banter feel a little less playful than usual, and I didn’t fully feel the spark between these two - even though they do heat up the sheets. That could also be because Decker kept bringing up his playboy past, but I liked him overall. This felt very much like other sports romances I’ve read over the years (let’s be honest, hot girl inheriting a sports team is basically its own trope), but there was just enough playfulness and heat to separate this from the pack. It was a strong 4/low 5-star read for me, and I’m absolutely looking forward to checking out more from the series. Don’t judge this book by its (terrible) cover - this was a very solid read. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy sports romance.
The story follows Decker, the aging quarterback (36) of a pro football team. He’s a former playboy who has settled down over the years, but no woman has ever been a match to his love of football. So when the team’s owner passes away and his daughter takes over, it’s a huge shock to Decker’s system. Not only does he have a new boss, but Hannah (29) is also incredibly sexy and tempting enough to distract him from the game. Hannah also knows nothing about football, so the veteran player finds himself spending a lot of time with her… both on and off the field.
I can always count on Loring for low angst romances with big feels, and that vibe remains with this. It’s light and easy to devour in one sitting, with plenty of steam and compelling characters. For me, there was too much football talk. It made the banter feel a little less playful than usual, and I didn’t fully feel the spark between these two - even though they do heat up the sheets. That could also be because Decker kept bringing up his playboy past, but I liked him overall. This felt very much like other sports romances I’ve read over the years (let’s be honest, hot girl inheriting a sports team is basically its own trope), but there was just enough playfulness and heat to separate this from the pack. It was a strong 4/low 5-star read for me, and I’m absolutely looking forward to checking out more from the series. Don’t judge this book by its (terrible) cover - this was a very solid read. I received an early copy and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy sports romance.
January 17, 2022
I haven’t read a lot of stories by Kayley Loring but I have listened to a few of Connor Crais audiobooks so this book was a surprise…
Hannah never got along with her dad but now he has died and left her a NFL football team.. WHAT…lol
She knows nothing about football, she is more of a numbers person. But she is smart so this cant be that hard right. So fake it till you make it right. But clearly that is not working at all. So she gets some help from Panty-Wrecker Johnny Decker 😊 Who she didn’t even know was the team’s quarterback lol
Johnny Decker is in his last year of playing football. He use to be a notorious playboy but lately he has calmed his ways. But he still lives for the game. So when the team owner dies and his daughter takes over, things seems like its changing. Now he has a new boss who knows nothing about football but damn is she distracting him from his job… 😊
For a first time duet writers this was such a good story. It had lots of humor and lots of steam and amazing characters, that I read the book and was disappointed when it ended, lol. I loved Hannah’s character, nerdy but also sassy. And Decker was charming and flirty and definitely a character you will fall in love with 😊 I cant wait to see what these two comes up with next. Definitely want more 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
Hannah never got along with her dad but now he has died and left her a NFL football team.. WHAT…lol
She knows nothing about football, she is more of a numbers person. But she is smart so this cant be that hard right. So fake it till you make it right. But clearly that is not working at all. So she gets some help from Panty-Wrecker Johnny Decker 😊 Who she didn’t even know was the team’s quarterback lol
Johnny Decker is in his last year of playing football. He use to be a notorious playboy but lately he has calmed his ways. But he still lives for the game. So when the team owner dies and his daughter takes over, things seems like its changing. Now he has a new boss who knows nothing about football but damn is she distracting him from his job… 😊
For a first time duet writers this was such a good story. It had lots of humor and lots of steam and amazing characters, that I read the book and was disappointed when it ended, lol. I loved Hannah’s character, nerdy but also sassy. And Decker was charming and flirty and definitely a character you will fall in love with 😊 I cant wait to see what these two comes up with next. Definitely want more 😊
Read on behalf of
Fay’s Corner
January 10, 2022
DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY is the first instalment the contemporary, adult THE BOSTON TOMCATS erotic, football romance series co-authored by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. This is twenty-nine year old, team owner Hannah Strong, and thirty-six year old Boston Tomcats quarterback Johnny Decker’s story line.
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hannah and Johnny) DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-nine year old, team owner Hannah Strong, and thirty-six year old Boston Tomcats quarterback Johnny Decker. Hannah Strong is the new owner of the Boston Tomcats professional football team in the wake of her father’s sudden death but Hannah knows nothing about football having been estranged from her father for as long as she can remember. Taking over the team wasn’t easy especially when she knew nothing about the game, the team, or the players, including quarterback Johnny Decker, whose reputation both on and off the field preceded his introduction to our story line heroine. Desperate to learn everything about the game and more, Hannah strong arms Johnny into teaching her the game, a game that is about to become more personal in more ways than one. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hannah and Johnny, and the potential fall-out as Hannah finds herself alone when she makes a deal to that focuses on the long term success of the team, and the short term benefit of a difficult trade.
The relationship between Johnny and Hannah is one of immediate attraction but neither one is aware of each other’s place on the team. Johnny believes Hannah is the new front office secretary, and Hannah thinks Johnny is the team’s equipment manager. A disastrous welcome by Boston finds Hannah rethinking the ownership and her place on the team but our hero has more faith in Hannah than our heroine, herself. As the Boston Tomcats struggle to gain momentum on the field, Hannah and Johnny have no problems gaining momentum in their personal relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of spirited secondary and supporting characters including Hannah’s mother Rue, her best friend Jen; Johnny’s brother Garrett, and their parents Vikki and Tom Decker; several members of the Boston Tomcats including coach Bud, secretary Nancy, and team members: receiver Maurice ‘Mo’ Woods, defensive end Dash Taylor, running back Dee Jones.
DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY is a story of friendships, relationships, and family; of teammates and winning, misunderstanding and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are animated, flirty, and inspiring.
www.thereadingcafe.com
Told from dual first person perspectives (Hannah and Johnny) DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY follows the building romance and relationship between twenty-nine year old, team owner Hannah Strong, and thirty-six year old Boston Tomcats quarterback Johnny Decker. Hannah Strong is the new owner of the Boston Tomcats professional football team in the wake of her father’s sudden death but Hannah knows nothing about football having been estranged from her father for as long as she can remember. Taking over the team wasn’t easy especially when she knew nothing about the game, the team, or the players, including quarterback Johnny Decker, whose reputation both on and off the field preceded his introduction to our story line heroine. Desperate to learn everything about the game and more, Hannah strong arms Johnny into teaching her the game, a game that is about to become more personal in more ways than one. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Hannah and Johnny, and the potential fall-out as Hannah finds herself alone when she makes a deal to that focuses on the long term success of the team, and the short term benefit of a difficult trade.
The relationship between Johnny and Hannah is one of immediate attraction but neither one is aware of each other’s place on the team. Johnny believes Hannah is the new front office secretary, and Hannah thinks Johnny is the team’s equipment manager. A disastrous welcome by Boston finds Hannah rethinking the ownership and her place on the team but our hero has more faith in Hannah than our heroine, herself. As the Boston Tomcats struggle to gain momentum on the field, Hannah and Johnny have no problems gaining momentum in their personal relationship. The $ex scenes are intimate, erotic and intense, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to a large ensemble cast of spirited secondary and supporting characters including Hannah’s mother Rue, her best friend Jen; Johnny’s brother Garrett, and their parents Vikki and Tom Decker; several members of the Boston Tomcats including coach Bud, secretary Nancy, and team members: receiver Maurice ‘Mo’ Woods, defensive end Dash Taylor, running back Dee Jones.
DECKER: CHANGING THE PLAY is a story of friendships, relationships, and family; of teammates and winning, misunderstanding and love. The fast paced, character driven premise is captivating and entertaining; the romance is seductive and passionate; the characters are animated, flirty, and inspiring.
www.thereadingcafe.com
January 20, 2022
I love a good sports romance and romcom and this one was swoony, the banter witty, the emotions heartfelt... I loved every word of this collaboration. I love when a reformed player knows what he wants and boy was Decker SO sweet and sexy. I love even more a strong heroine who knows what she wants and can banter with the best of them while doing what’s best for the team. I really enjoyed this writing duo and look forward to more from them and from this world.
January 6, 2022
Kayley Loring has written some of my favorite romcom romances and is a sure thing in my book loving heart. Imagine my absolute delight when she announced she’d be collaborating with Connor Crais and writing a football romance - I died and went to sports romance, loving heaven!
Decker: Changing The Play is an unputdownable, sweet and sexy, read. It touches upon some of my favorite tropes:
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🖤Workplace
🤍Sports
The chemistry between Decker (The Panty Wrecker) and Hannah (Could Use A Banana) was hot and every single one of their interactions was incredibly sexy and seriously funny. I found myself giggling and sighing in equal parts and could not wait to see them get their happily ever after!
Kayley - Connor, well done! I’m giving Decker: Changing The Play the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
Decker: Changing The Play is an unputdownable, sweet and sexy, read. It touches upon some of my favorite tropes:
🤍Enemies to Lovers
🖤Workplace
🤍Sports
The chemistry between Decker (The Panty Wrecker) and Hannah (Could Use A Banana) was hot and every single one of their interactions was incredibly sexy and seriously funny. I found myself giggling and sighing in equal parts and could not wait to see them get their happily ever after!
Kayley - Connor, well done! I’m giving Decker: Changing The Play the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!
April 29, 2023
Audio Review
I was excited by the blurb because let’s be honest who doesn’t love a hot professional quarterback but Johnny Decker and Hannah Strong’s story was so much more than I expected and I read their journey in one sitting so that should tell you something.
The narration team of Connor Crais, MacKenzie Cartwright, Ava Lucas and Ron Butler did a fantastic job bringing the characters and their story to life. They were spot on with banter and very easy to listen too.
Hannah finds herself inheriting the Boston Tomcats after her father dies, she knows nothing about football and it’s quarterback Johnny who steps up to give her some quick lessons into the game of NFL. What follows is an entertaining, fun, passionate read as Johnny and Hannah’s friendships moves on to so much more….
This romance had me laughing out loud one moment and swooning and sighing the next, I adored Johnny and Hannah and I found myself cheering them on as they got to know each other. I loved watching Johnny go from a quarterback playboy to a man in love and what can I say about the witty text messages they shared apart from they were perfect.
I have read many books by Kayley Loring and I love her works but it seems she now has another string to her bow as part of a successful writing duo with Connor Crais and I’m excited for what the future holds for them.
I was excited by the blurb because let’s be honest who doesn’t love a hot professional quarterback but Johnny Decker and Hannah Strong’s story was so much more than I expected and I read their journey in one sitting so that should tell you something.
The narration team of Connor Crais, MacKenzie Cartwright, Ava Lucas and Ron Butler did a fantastic job bringing the characters and their story to life. They were spot on with banter and very easy to listen too.
Hannah finds herself inheriting the Boston Tomcats after her father dies, she knows nothing about football and it’s quarterback Johnny who steps up to give her some quick lessons into the game of NFL. What follows is an entertaining, fun, passionate read as Johnny and Hannah’s friendships moves on to so much more….
This romance had me laughing out loud one moment and swooning and sighing the next, I adored Johnny and Hannah and I found myself cheering them on as they got to know each other. I loved watching Johnny go from a quarterback playboy to a man in love and what can I say about the witty text messages they shared apart from they were perfect.
I have read many books by Kayley Loring and I love her works but it seems she now has another string to her bow as part of a successful writing duo with Connor Crais and I’m excited for what the future holds for them.
March 4, 2022
Duet narrations are my favorite and, once again, Connor Crais and Mackenzie Cartwright are wonderful in this!
Twenty-nine year old Hannah Strong inherits the Boston Tomcats football team when her father passes away. She didn't really know her father and is surprised that he left the team to her. And...she knows nothing about football. Enter star quarterback, Johnny Decker, to her rescue. He is now thirty-six and would love another shot at the super bowl. (But--is it too late?) She asks him to help her learn about football so she doesn't seem like an idiot when talking to the press. Those scenes were pretty funny!
While he teaches her about football, they also have a major attraction to each other. Though it is risky, a sexual relationship happens, and it is hot. He also teaches her about the good man her father was.
This is a great joint effort from Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. I enjoyed it very much! It had me laughing out loud many times. I loved the 80's movie references and lines thrown in the book, too. So fun! Some of my favorite movies!
Thank you to the authors for an advance listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Twenty-nine year old Hannah Strong inherits the Boston Tomcats football team when her father passes away. She didn't really know her father and is surprised that he left the team to her. And...she knows nothing about football. Enter star quarterback, Johnny Decker, to her rescue. He is now thirty-six and would love another shot at the super bowl. (But--is it too late?) She asks him to help her learn about football so she doesn't seem like an idiot when talking to the press. Those scenes were pretty funny!
While he teaches her about football, they also have a major attraction to each other. Though it is risky, a sexual relationship happens, and it is hot. He also teaches her about the good man her father was.
This is a great joint effort from Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. I enjoyed it very much! It had me laughing out loud many times. I loved the 80's movie references and lines thrown in the book, too. So fun! Some of my favorite movies!
Thank you to the authors for an advance listener copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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January 10, 2022
Decker is a former player, a veteran quarterback. Hannah is a young, new owner of a professional football team. The moment they meet there is attraction, however, neither of them know who the other is for the team…needless to say, that Decker is pretty shocked when he learns that Hannah is the new team owner and his new boss.
I loved the back and forth between these two from the start. They had me laughing so many times, plus swooning and fanning myself. I loved their chemistry. I loved that they pushed each other’s buttons, but also made each other think and what they truly want.
I loved how much of the sport aspect this story had. Considering Hannah is clueless about the sport that is now her life, it is fun to learn along with her (if you don’t know anything about football). It makes this story stand out even more amongst all the other football romances, plus through in plenty of humor and it is a complete touchdown.
If you’re looking for a sports romance, rom com this is one to check out.
I loved the back and forth between these two from the start. They had me laughing so many times, plus swooning and fanning myself. I loved their chemistry. I loved that they pushed each other’s buttons, but also made each other think and what they truly want.
I loved how much of the sport aspect this story had. Considering Hannah is clueless about the sport that is now her life, it is fun to learn along with her (if you don’t know anything about football). It makes this story stand out even more amongst all the other football romances, plus through in plenty of humor and it is a complete touchdown.
If you’re looking for a sports romance, rom com this is one to check out.
January 16, 2022
4.5 stars!
I loved this book! A fantastically fun and funny sports romance that is full of chemistry and heat, with a gorgeous love story, and I loved it!
I’m a big fan of Kayley Loring, and this book is co-written with audiobook narrator, and first-time author, Connor Crais, and they do a wonderful job with it! The writing is seamless, witty and funny, with great banter, and so enjoyable to read.
Hannah Strong is a financial whiz with a good life in New York City, but her whole world changes when her estranged father dies and she learns that she has inherited his beloved Boston NFL team, and is now its new owner. She knows nothing about football, in fact she has a deep hatred of it, seeing as it was her father’s whole world, and the reason he practically ignored her for her whole life. But she is stubborn and determined, so she packs up and heads to Boston to see what she’s in for.
Johnny Decker is the champion quarterback for the Boston Tomcats. He lost a mentor and friend when the team owner passed away, and he is highly unimpressed when his daughter comes to town to take over the team. She knows nothing about the sport he is so passionate about, and he doesn’t want her coming into his team and messing everything up.
It's not the greatest of beginnings for them, and Johnny can instantly see that Hannah is way out of her depth. She’s aware of it too, but she sets to work learning as much as she can about football, and about the team, and Johnny respects that. He starts to help her out, and their bickering turns to flirty banter, and the chemistry between them begins to sizzle.
Not a spoiler, just a long quote, and a fantastic example of the epic banter that goes on between these two!
Things escalate from there, very quickly taking a turn for the sexy, and oh my holy God, these two are on fire together! For the sake of their careers, they agreed to keep things quiet, but their bantering and bickering continues to be epic, and I loved the fun dynamic between these two so much!
Their feelings for each other develop beautifully and naturally, and I loved watching the shift between them. It’s very real to their characters, and they maintain the playfulness, fun and openness that is such a huge part of their connection
It’s a gorgeous romance, full of steam, fun and teasing, but it’s also incredibly heartfelt, and I loved watching these two fall so hard for each other.
But the romance between the team owner and her superstar quarterback is tested by their professional relationship. They’ll be challenged in ways they never could have expected, and though there is some angst and drama, I loved watching them work through it all to find their HEA.
I freaking love this book! It’s fun, laugh-out-loud funny, and gorgeously romantic, with characters that you can’t help but adore – all of the things I love about Kayley Loring’s books. I will admit that some of the football stuff went way over my head. I’m Australian, and my knowledge of the NFL comes exclusively from reading sports romance books, so I’m pretty freaking clueless. There were parts of this book where I had no clue what things meant, but I understood enough that it didn’t impinge on my enjoyment of the story at all.
This is a really strong start to the Boston Tomcats series, and I can’t wait to read more.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book! A fantastically fun and funny sports romance that is full of chemistry and heat, with a gorgeous love story, and I loved it!
I’m a big fan of Kayley Loring, and this book is co-written with audiobook narrator, and first-time author, Connor Crais, and they do a wonderful job with it! The writing is seamless, witty and funny, with great banter, and so enjoyable to read.
Hannah Strong is a financial whiz with a good life in New York City, but her whole world changes when her estranged father dies and she learns that she has inherited his beloved Boston NFL team, and is now its new owner. She knows nothing about football, in fact she has a deep hatred of it, seeing as it was her father’s whole world, and the reason he practically ignored her for her whole life. But she is stubborn and determined, so she packs up and heads to Boston to see what she’s in for.
Johnny Decker is the champion quarterback for the Boston Tomcats. He lost a mentor and friend when the team owner passed away, and he is highly unimpressed when his daughter comes to town to take over the team. She knows nothing about the sport he is so passionate about, and he doesn’t want her coming into his team and messing everything up.
It's not the greatest of beginnings for them, and Johnny can instantly see that Hannah is way out of her depth. She’s aware of it too, but she sets to work learning as much as she can about football, and about the team, and Johnny respects that. He starts to help her out, and their bickering turns to flirty banter, and the chemistry between them begins to sizzle.
Not a spoiler, just a long quote, and a fantastic example of the epic banter that goes on between these two!
Things escalate from there, very quickly taking a turn for the sexy, and oh my holy God, these two are on fire together! For the sake of their careers, they agreed to keep things quiet, but their bantering and bickering continues to be epic, and I loved the fun dynamic between these two so much!
“We need to remember to keep up appearances. By which I mean I will act like I still find you arrogant and condescending, and you need to pretend to still be annoyed and aggravated by everything I say and do.”
“Trust me, I won’t be pretending.”
“Trust me, neither will I.”
Their feelings for each other develop beautifully and naturally, and I loved watching the shift between them. It’s very real to their characters, and they maintain the playfulness, fun and openness that is such a huge part of their connection
“It’s been a while since I was anyone’s boyfriend, but I’m pretty sure I’m good at it.” He kissed my forehead. “I want to be. For you.” His body stiffened. “Fuck, that was cheesy. Forget I said it.”
I laughed and then remembered we were trying to be discreet and lowered my voice. “Nope. I’ll never forget it.” I got on my tiptoes and kissed his cheek.
“Whatever.”
It’s a gorgeous romance, full of steam, fun and teasing, but it’s also incredibly heartfelt, and I loved watching these two fall so hard for each other.
“I love you.” It was surprisingly easy to say.
I thought it would be a big, difficult moment. But she gave me a small, dreamy smile and, on a pleasant sigh, said, “I love you too.”
It wasn’t hard for either of us because every part of us already knew the truth about how we felt about each other. We weren’t speaking something new into existence. We were just naming something that was already there.
But the romance between the team owner and her superstar quarterback is tested by their professional relationship. They’ll be challenged in ways they never could have expected, and though there is some angst and drama, I loved watching them work through it all to find their HEA.
I freaking love this book! It’s fun, laugh-out-loud funny, and gorgeously romantic, with characters that you can’t help but adore – all of the things I love about Kayley Loring’s books. I will admit that some of the football stuff went way over my head. I’m Australian, and my knowledge of the NFL comes exclusively from reading sports romance books, so I’m pretty freaking clueless. There were parts of this book where I had no clue what things meant, but I understood enough that it didn’t impinge on my enjoyment of the story at all.
This is a really strong start to the Boston Tomcats series, and I can’t wait to read more.
4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
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