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The Boston Tomcats #2
Dash: Rushing the Play
#99 Dash Taylor. Rookie defensive end for the Boston Tomcats. 285 pounds of fast-twitch muscle. Nickname: Big D.
I’ve been sacking quarterbacks since junior high and causing trouble since I was born.
My college coach thinks I have a bad attitude, so he makes me take ballet lessons as punishment. If I don’t turn things around on the field next season, he’ll bench me. I have no idea what ballet has to do with football, but it turns out the real punishment is that the beautiful dance teacher refuses to get involved with me.
Two years later, we cross paths again, and it’s not the other team’s offensive line who brings me to my knees—it’s a hundred-pound ballerina.
She doesn’t think I’m boyfriend material, and I used to think that too.
I’ve been a beast on the field and in the bedroom, but now I’m going to prove that I can be a man for her…and for our surprise baby.
I thought I was all about the smash and dash.
But getting Charlie Bardot pregnant changed everything.
I’ve been sacking quarterbacks since junior high and causing trouble since I was born.
My college coach thinks I have a bad attitude, so he makes me take ballet lessons as punishment. If I don’t turn things around on the field next season, he’ll bench me. I have no idea what ballet has to do with football, but it turns out the real punishment is that the beautiful dance teacher refuses to get involved with me.
Two years later, we cross paths again, and it’s not the other team’s offensive line who brings me to my knees—it’s a hundred-pound ballerina.
She doesn’t think I’m boyfriend material, and I used to think that too.
I’ve been a beast on the field and in the bedroom, but now I’m going to prove that I can be a man for her…and for our surprise baby.
I thought I was all about the smash and dash.
But getting Charlie Bardot pregnant changed everything.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2022
692 people are currently reading
950 people want to read
About the author
Kayley Loring
50 books1,640 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 228 reviews
October 17, 2022
"It took a while to get here. But it was worth the wait."
The first thing you should know is that I don't like the surprise pregnancy/baby trope.
But... in Kayley (and Connor) I trust.
And... damn.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you write a surprise pregnancy romance. It has the sexiness of Decker, but it's wrapped up in so much love that it's hard not to have all the feels when it's over.
Dash was the three Ss for me: sexy, sweet, and special. Like all books should be.
"Even without her being here, she was still here."
I'll start with Charlie. I don't think Kayley is able to write weak heroines. They always have a backbone, they always fight for what they want. I love that. I loved Charlie, and her sass. She never let Dash walk over her, she always stood her ground - and that may not be that easy when said person is 6'5 and you're a tiny ballerina. She's her own person, and she makes sure everyone else knows that too.
"My little corner of the game wasn't fun. It was hell. And I was the devil."
Dash is everything you expect a young professional footballer to be. Cocky. Self-assured. Self-centered. All-knowing. He thinks he's the best, and that he has everything going for him. There's a side to him that remains hidden, though, because he's afraid of failing just like us, humans.
And it takes a tiny dancer to bring that out of him.
”I did want to waste her time. A lot of it. In bed, out of bed. But most of it naked.”
The first time Dash and Charlie meet, she needs to teach him ballet to improve his game. His football game. But he’s trying his other game and his moves on her, and she’s not having any of it. I almost felt sorry for the guy because she shuts him down hard. Well, on the outside anyway.
”He pointed to his crotch. I raised an eyebrow. “Blue balls. You. Two years ago.”
Two years later, they meet in a different town. He’s still a football player, now in the NFL. She’s still a ballerina, now in a corps de ballet. A couple of words is enough to ignite everything that was simmering beneath the surface. And trust me, the heat between these two… Kayley and Connor are GOOD!
I personally recommend chapters 14, 18, and 19. Careful when listening to the audiobook! Don’t Dash and drive or work!
”Let me go, baby. Let me have you.”
Charlie is a planner. And, against all the plans she had in place about what her life was supposed to go, she gets pregnant. Against everything she thought about Dash, he really is supportive, and he definitely is boyfriend material. Turns out he may be everything she’s ever wanted, only in a different package. But what will it take until they both see it?
”We were still figuring that part out–which shows we liked, what music we wanted to play and when.”
The thing I love about this book is that everything doesn’t magically fit into place when they find out she’s pregnant. A lot of puzzle pieces are still missing. Kayley and Connor don’t shy away from what’s real: from hormones, to insecurities, to them living together and things not always working out. They have to learn how to be parents, how to care for a tiny thing that is theirs, and Dash worries about the birth. There are choices to be made. Both of them mess up, and that was perfect, because it felt real.
"She taught me that being open made things easier when life caught you offside."
The moments with the baby were special. There’s this thing at Chapter 35... I won’t spoil it for you, but it squeezed my heart and tears filled my eyes.
His dad and his brothers were amazing, I loved them. In a totally different way, I also loved her mom and sister. I just feel closer to the guys because they look like the kind of family I wish I’d belonged to. There may not have been a lot of money, but there was love.
"It was a story about how a tiny, graceful little creature turned a giant brute into a better football player. And how he couldn't seem to forget her, no matter how hard he tried."
Bob Dylan wrote that ‘when you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose’. Neither Charlie nor Dash had anything to lose, and once they did, because they had each other, it changed them. Made them realize who they were, and want to be the person the other needed.
In the meantime, they changed me too. In a very usual Kayley way, I wanted to live in this book, and I'm not even good with kids. That's how good it was.
Dash and Charlie didn’t have a normal journey, but the destination? I wouldn't dream of having it any other way.
The first thing you should know is that I don't like the surprise pregnancy/baby trope.
But... in Kayley (and Connor) I trust.
And... damn.
This, ladies and gentlemen, is how you write a surprise pregnancy romance. It has the sexiness of Decker, but it's wrapped up in so much love that it's hard not to have all the feels when it's over.
Dash was the three Ss for me: sexy, sweet, and special. Like all books should be.
"Even without her being here, she was still here."
I'll start with Charlie. I don't think Kayley is able to write weak heroines. They always have a backbone, they always fight for what they want. I love that. I loved Charlie, and her sass. She never let Dash walk over her, she always stood her ground - and that may not be that easy when said person is 6'5 and you're a tiny ballerina. She's her own person, and she makes sure everyone else knows that too.
"My little corner of the game wasn't fun. It was hell. And I was the devil."
Dash is everything you expect a young professional footballer to be. Cocky. Self-assured. Self-centered. All-knowing. He thinks he's the best, and that he has everything going for him. There's a side to him that remains hidden, though, because he's afraid of failing just like us, humans.
And it takes a tiny dancer to bring that out of him.
”I did want to waste her time. A lot of it. In bed, out of bed. But most of it naked.”
The first time Dash and Charlie meet, she needs to teach him ballet to improve his game. His football game. But he’s trying his other game and his moves on her, and she’s not having any of it. I almost felt sorry for the guy because she shuts him down hard. Well, on the outside anyway.
”He pointed to his crotch. I raised an eyebrow. “Blue balls. You. Two years ago.”
Two years later, they meet in a different town. He’s still a football player, now in the NFL. She’s still a ballerina, now in a corps de ballet. A couple of words is enough to ignite everything that was simmering beneath the surface. And trust me, the heat between these two… Kayley and Connor are GOOD!
I personally recommend chapters 14, 18, and 19. Careful when listening to the audiobook! Don’t Dash and drive or work!
”Let me go, baby. Let me have you.”
Charlie is a planner. And, against all the plans she had in place about what her life was supposed to go, she gets pregnant. Against everything she thought about Dash, he really is supportive, and he definitely is boyfriend material. Turns out he may be everything she’s ever wanted, only in a different package. But what will it take until they both see it?
”We were still figuring that part out–which shows we liked, what music we wanted to play and when.”
The thing I love about this book is that everything doesn’t magically fit into place when they find out she’s pregnant. A lot of puzzle pieces are still missing. Kayley and Connor don’t shy away from what’s real: from hormones, to insecurities, to them living together and things not always working out. They have to learn how to be parents, how to care for a tiny thing that is theirs, and Dash worries about the birth. There are choices to be made. Both of them mess up, and that was perfect, because it felt real.
"She taught me that being open made things easier when life caught you offside."
The moments with the baby were special. There’s this thing at Chapter 35... I won’t spoil it for you, but it squeezed my heart and tears filled my eyes.
His dad and his brothers were amazing, I loved them. In a totally different way, I also loved her mom and sister. I just feel closer to the guys because they look like the kind of family I wish I’d belonged to. There may not have been a lot of money, but there was love.
"It was a story about how a tiny, graceful little creature turned a giant brute into a better football player. And how he couldn't seem to forget her, no matter how hard he tried."
Bob Dylan wrote that ‘when you ain’t got nothing, you got nothing to lose’. Neither Charlie nor Dash had anything to lose, and once they did, because they had each other, it changed them. Made them realize who they were, and want to be the person the other needed.
In the meantime, they changed me too. In a very usual Kayley way, I wanted to live in this book, and I'm not even good with kids. That's how good it was.
Dash and Charlie didn’t have a normal journey, but the destination? I wouldn't dream of having it any other way.
September 15, 2022
AVAILABLE NOW!!!
Oh my dashing days!
This has got to be Kayley's best book yet!! I fell for Charlie and Dash and didn't stop falling. Their banter, their tentative friendship, their whirlwind relationship, the "boyfriending", the humour, the love, how they did everything back-to-front, I loved it all. I was here for it all. And more.
The writing from both Kayley and Connor was seamless, you can't tell these are two different authors, and the storyline is so easily followed.
Honestly, you won't regret picking this book up. It can be read as a standalone but do read Decker too, so worth it!
This is a perfect, perfect story for fans of Meghan Quinn's sports romcoms.
Oh my dashing days!
This has got to be Kayley's best book yet!! I fell for Charlie and Dash and didn't stop falling. Their banter, their tentative friendship, their whirlwind relationship, the "boyfriending", the humour, the love, how they did everything back-to-front, I loved it all. I was here for it all. And more.
The writing from both Kayley and Connor was seamless, you can't tell these are two different authors, and the storyline is so easily followed.
Honestly, you won't regret picking this book up. It can be read as a standalone but do read Decker too, so worth it!
This is a perfect, perfect story for fans of Meghan Quinn's sports romcoms.
September 10, 2022
Holy hormones and jazz pecs for the win! Dash: Rushing the Play by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais was a sweet and saucy accidental pregnancy football romance that had my heart cheering and dancing from start to finish! This is book two in the Boston Tomcats series, and Kayley and Connor did not disappoint! Dash and Charlie’s journey to HEA was full of laughs, muscles, surprises, spice, and oh so swoon-worthy moments. Charlie, an aspiring ballerina, and Dash, a NFL defensive end, are both ambitiously driven and have their own hopes and dreams for successful careers. However, sometimes things don’t always go as planned.
I loved Charlie’s strength, sass, and determination to strive for her goals and find confidence and comfort in Big D’s loving muscled arms. Dash and all his big bulging glory was so easy to fall in love with! I adored his charismatic and witty personality as he discovered he could truly have his two favorite things in life, football and family. Plus, the opposites attract blazing hot chemistry between these two absolutely burned up the pages!
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an accidental pregnancy romance with a huge hunky defensive end, a petite but fierce ballerina, ballet lessons, football, Dirty Dancing references, nicknames, humorous text exchanges with friends and family, rowboat mishaps, massage guns, super hot steamy times, pole dancing, hormones, food cravings, pec dancing, Kid Rock songs, a sweet adorable bundle of joy, and a HEA that proves sometimes unexpected surprises in life are the best surprises, then you will love Dash and Charlie’s story! I can’t wait to listen to this audio! Plus, I’m looking forward to Duke’s romance next!
I loved Charlie’s strength, sass, and determination to strive for her goals and find confidence and comfort in Big D’s loving muscled arms. Dash and all his big bulging glory was so easy to fall in love with! I adored his charismatic and witty personality as he discovered he could truly have his two favorite things in life, football and family. Plus, the opposites attract blazing hot chemistry between these two absolutely burned up the pages!
Overall, I LOVED this book. If you are a fan of an accidental pregnancy romance with a huge hunky defensive end, a petite but fierce ballerina, ballet lessons, football, Dirty Dancing references, nicknames, humorous text exchanges with friends and family, rowboat mishaps, massage guns, super hot steamy times, pole dancing, hormones, food cravings, pec dancing, Kid Rock songs, a sweet adorable bundle of joy, and a HEA that proves sometimes unexpected surprises in life are the best surprises, then you will love Dash and Charlie’s story! I can’t wait to listen to this audio! Plus, I’m looking forward to Duke’s romance next!
September 2, 2022
Another 5 STAR read brought to you by Kayley Loring and Connor Crais.
Dash, a top collegiate defensive end, meets Charlie, a professional ballerina, after his coach forces him to take ballet lessons to help him learn strength and flexibility. Reluctantly Dash goes to all the classes and him and Charlie are finally able to see eye to eye. Even though Dash is a huge flirt, his number one priority needs to be football since he is entering the draft after the season ends.
Flash forward two years later, Dash sees Charlie at a bar and the connection that they had two years ago proves to still be there. Since Dash is now on a professional football team, The Boston Tomcats, and Charlie is a professional dancer for the Ballet Boston Company, they realistically know that they can’t be more than the occasional hook up. That all changes when Charlie finds out she’s pregnant. Will they be able to form a partnership that is strong enough to be there for their new baby? Or will they crumble before they even really begin?
I loved Dash in this book – his character development was STRONG. When we first meet him, he is a cocky, egomaniac who flirts with any attractive woman in his eyeline, but he grows into a loving father and a supporting partner to Charlie.
Charlie also had to overcome a lot. Her sole focus in life was ballet, but once she got pregnant, her priorities needed to adjust.
As always, I love when previous books characters appear in books, and this was no exception. The one scene with Decker and Dash (IYKYK) was hilarious – I was honestly cracking up envisioning this playing out in my mind. Also, I loved Hannah’s smalls parts, and it reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place!
Dash and Charlie prove that no matter the journey and circumstances, love will always win.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot wait for Duke’s book next! I love living in The Boston Tomcats world.
Dash, a top collegiate defensive end, meets Charlie, a professional ballerina, after his coach forces him to take ballet lessons to help him learn strength and flexibility. Reluctantly Dash goes to all the classes and him and Charlie are finally able to see eye to eye. Even though Dash is a huge flirt, his number one priority needs to be football since he is entering the draft after the season ends.
Flash forward two years later, Dash sees Charlie at a bar and the connection that they had two years ago proves to still be there. Since Dash is now on a professional football team, The Boston Tomcats, and Charlie is a professional dancer for the Ballet Boston Company, they realistically know that they can’t be more than the occasional hook up. That all changes when Charlie finds out she’s pregnant. Will they be able to form a partnership that is strong enough to be there for their new baby? Or will they crumble before they even really begin?
I loved Dash in this book – his character development was STRONG. When we first meet him, he is a cocky, egomaniac who flirts with any attractive woman in his eyeline, but he grows into a loving father and a supporting partner to Charlie.
Charlie also had to overcome a lot. Her sole focus in life was ballet, but once she got pregnant, her priorities needed to adjust.
As always, I love when previous books characters appear in books, and this was no exception. The one scene with Decker and Dash (IYKYK) was hilarious – I was honestly cracking up envisioning this playing out in my mind. Also, I loved Hannah’s smalls parts, and it reminded me why I fell in love with this series in the first place!
Dash and Charlie prove that no matter the journey and circumstances, love will always win.
Thank you to the authors for an advanced copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
I cannot wait for Duke’s book next! I love living in The Boston Tomcats world.
September 15, 2022
💙💙 Available Now 💙💙
The beauty and the beast is out - The ballerina and the beast is in! 😍
You know the time you're reading and you finding yourself leaning towards the book because you're so engrossed in it? 📖
You know the time you're reading and you suddenly find yourself with your hand over your heart and you're going awww OUT LOUD!! 😳
🫣 That's what I had with this book.
But not ONLY that. ‼️
This book literally gave me all the feels!
I was reading one chapter and my heart was beating faster and I was hot... THE CHAPTER WAS HOT, 🥵🌶️than the next chapter my heart exploded with warmth and happiness and I felt calm. 🥰
Dash FREAKING Taylor is the book boyfriend I need. He is the only book boyfriend I need from now on! Dash Taylor is perfection wrapped up in a falafel!!
After you'll meet Dash (but be aware he's totally mine) Taylor you'll won't need any other book boyfriend in your life. Oh, and he had some qualities my husband has so... 😉
Charlie Bardot stole my heart and my brain in the first 3 sentences she spoke. Charlie is the most toughest, strongest, industrious woman and I admire the hell out of her!
I also loved every single thing of knowing her before she got pregnant, while she was pregnant and after that because she really was a magnificent thing throughout this book.
Dash and Charlie together was my happy place!
No matter what they did together (No, not just... Although the level of steaminess in this book went up a notch 🥵🌶️) I wanted more!
I wanted more Dash and more Charlie and I absolutely wanted more Darlie! 💙
🖤 You all know how much I loved Decker (the first book in the series) but Dash TOTALLY took that place without even blinking! 💙 (P.S Darlie is my word and I'm NOT proud of it)
✨ The collaboration between Kayley and Connor is something I didn't know I needed and now I just can't live without ✨
I can't wait for the third D in the series... 🖤
The beauty and the beast is out - The ballerina and the beast is in! 😍
You know the time you're reading and you finding yourself leaning towards the book because you're so engrossed in it? 📖
You know the time you're reading and you suddenly find yourself with your hand over your heart and you're going awww OUT LOUD!! 😳
🫣 That's what I had with this book.
But not ONLY that. ‼️
This book literally gave me all the feels!
I was reading one chapter and my heart was beating faster and I was hot... THE CHAPTER WAS HOT, 🥵🌶️than the next chapter my heart exploded with warmth and happiness and I felt calm. 🥰
Dash FREAKING Taylor is the book boyfriend I need. He is the only book boyfriend I need from now on! Dash Taylor is perfection wrapped up in a falafel!!
After you'll meet Dash (but be aware he's totally mine) Taylor you'll won't need any other book boyfriend in your life. Oh, and he had some qualities my husband has so... 😉
Charlie Bardot stole my heart and my brain in the first 3 sentences she spoke. Charlie is the most toughest, strongest, industrious woman and I admire the hell out of her!
I also loved every single thing of knowing her before she got pregnant, while she was pregnant and after that because she really was a magnificent thing throughout this book.
Dash and Charlie together was my happy place!
No matter what they did together (No, not just... Although the level of steaminess in this book went up a notch 🥵🌶️) I wanted more!
I wanted more Dash and more Charlie and I absolutely wanted more Darlie! 💙
🖤 You all know how much I loved Decker (the first book in the series) but Dash TOTALLY took that place without even blinking! 💙 (P.S Darlie is my word and I'm NOT proud of it)
✨ The collaboration between Kayley and Connor is something I didn't know I needed and now I just can't live without ✨
I can't wait for the third D in the series... 🖤
September 7, 2022
“She didn’t change who I was. She just made me better at being me.”
Dash: Rushing the Play was a sweet, unexpectedly emotional sports romance by one of my new favorite writer duos, Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. Dash and Charlie are complete opposites but somehow fit together perfectly and I loved watching them explore their differences.
When Dash is sent to ballet by his football coach, he’s confronted with a tough as nails ballerina who refuses to back down and he’s mesmerized by her. They start to explore an attraction but just when it begins to bloom, they are separated. Now they meet again two years later and that same spark is still simmering.
“Charlie taught me how to pick my battles and how to fight for the right things.”
I will admit that at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like Dash. He was arrogant, selfish and self-centered and didn’t ever consider the consequences of his actions. He’s full of anger and only knows how to channel that into football. That quickly changes though after he begins to fall for Charlie.
“I realized that somehow I was at my best when I was with Dash. Or when he was with me.”
Charlie was a spitfire. I loved how she went after what she wanted and didn’t let anything get in her way. She stood up for herself yet she was also soft and gentle. She was the perfect complement to Dash.
“We were going to get better at this dance. Knowing when to spin out and give each other space, when to twirl in and hold each other close.”
These two were so different but yet they had a lot in common. They settled one another and helped each other grow as a person. Charlie made Dash think about his actions and he become a more caring person who learned what teamwork actually meant. I loved how Dash was so supportive of Charlie and her goals and refused to let her give up on them. Both were full of ambition but they had to realize that sometimes your dreams change as you get older.
The explosive chemistry between Dash and Charlie was off the charts. Their banter was electric and so much fun. They made me feel the gamut of emotions from joy to heartbreak and I couldn’t get enough of their tumultuous relationship. Full of heat, heart and humor, Dash: Rushing the Play shows that sometimes the unexpected is so much better than what you had planned.
Dash: Rushing the Play was a sweet, unexpectedly emotional sports romance by one of my new favorite writer duos, Kayley Loring and Connor Crais. Dash and Charlie are complete opposites but somehow fit together perfectly and I loved watching them explore their differences.
When Dash is sent to ballet by his football coach, he’s confronted with a tough as nails ballerina who refuses to back down and he’s mesmerized by her. They start to explore an attraction but just when it begins to bloom, they are separated. Now they meet again two years later and that same spark is still simmering.
“Charlie taught me how to pick my battles and how to fight for the right things.”
I will admit that at first I wasn’t sure I was going to like Dash. He was arrogant, selfish and self-centered and didn’t ever consider the consequences of his actions. He’s full of anger and only knows how to channel that into football. That quickly changes though after he begins to fall for Charlie.
“I realized that somehow I was at my best when I was with Dash. Or when he was with me.”
Charlie was a spitfire. I loved how she went after what she wanted and didn’t let anything get in her way. She stood up for herself yet she was also soft and gentle. She was the perfect complement to Dash.
“We were going to get better at this dance. Knowing when to spin out and give each other space, when to twirl in and hold each other close.”
These two were so different but yet they had a lot in common. They settled one another and helped each other grow as a person. Charlie made Dash think about his actions and he become a more caring person who learned what teamwork actually meant. I loved how Dash was so supportive of Charlie and her goals and refused to let her give up on them. Both were full of ambition but they had to realize that sometimes your dreams change as you get older.
The explosive chemistry between Dash and Charlie was off the charts. Their banter was electric and so much fun. They made me feel the gamut of emotions from joy to heartbreak and I couldn’t get enough of their tumultuous relationship. Full of heat, heart and humor, Dash: Rushing the Play shows that sometimes the unexpected is so much better than what you had planned.
September 3, 2022
“Dash: Rushing the Play” is a sweet, funny, heartfelt and steamy rom-com football romance that left me with all the feels and the biggest smile on my face after I finished. Kayley Loring and Connor Crais brought their top play to blitz the literary gridiron with an amazing story that bullrushes its way into the end zone to win the game.
Dash Taylor, AKA Big D, is a football force to be reckoned with. A larger than life player on the field and a big personality off the field. When his college coach tells him he needs to work on some things, he sends him to ballet. There he meets fellow student, Charlotte Bardot (aka Charlie) and she is his instructor. Smaller in stature compared to Dash, he has a lot to learn from her. Circumstances keep them apart in college but fast forward 2 years later when they are both living in Boston, the connection they had there is still buzzing.
The timeline of the story was so perfect and one of my favorite ways to experience a new couple. We get to meet them as college kids and then as adults. The character development of Dash and Charlie exceeded my expectations and they have moved up to one of my favorite book couples. I love a big, carefree guy with a protective side and Dash was all of that and more. He truly went from a young man to a full on man who is husband material and a great father. Charlie is independent, smart and not afraid to go after her dreams. I loved these two together, their chemistry was off the charts hot. And there were so many laugh out loud moments that had me cracking up and smiling. The antics of the Taylor brothers and the Tomcats teammates are the cherry on top to this book.
Dash Taylor, AKA Big D, is a football force to be reckoned with. A larger than life player on the field and a big personality off the field. When his college coach tells him he needs to work on some things, he sends him to ballet. There he meets fellow student, Charlotte Bardot (aka Charlie) and she is his instructor. Smaller in stature compared to Dash, he has a lot to learn from her. Circumstances keep them apart in college but fast forward 2 years later when they are both living in Boston, the connection they had there is still buzzing.
The timeline of the story was so perfect and one of my favorite ways to experience a new couple. We get to meet them as college kids and then as adults. The character development of Dash and Charlie exceeded my expectations and they have moved up to one of my favorite book couples. I love a big, carefree guy with a protective side and Dash was all of that and more. He truly went from a young man to a full on man who is husband material and a great father. Charlie is independent, smart and not afraid to go after her dreams. I loved these two together, their chemistry was off the charts hot. And there were so many laugh out loud moments that had me cracking up and smiling. The antics of the Taylor brothers and the Tomcats teammates are the cherry on top to this book.
September 12, 2022
Dash is my newest book boyfriend. Yes, he's a little arrogant and completely full of himself. He is also funny and gorgeous and, in the end, perfect boyfriend material. He did so much growing up during the course of this story.
Charlie is a ballerina who is forced to work with Dash in an attempt to use ballet to help him with his game. Things don't go so well but their chemistry is evident early on.
I feel like the tone of this book is a little different than Kayley and Conner's other books but it was still fabulous. One of my favorite things in this book are the text exchanges. They do a great job in writing these exchanges which are always hilarious and move the story forward just the right amount.
This is a perfect follow up to Decker. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
Charlie is a ballerina who is forced to work with Dash in an attempt to use ballet to help him with his game. Things don't go so well but their chemistry is evident early on.
I feel like the tone of this book is a little different than Kayley and Conner's other books but it was still fabulous. One of my favorite things in this book are the text exchanges. They do a great job in writing these exchanges which are always hilarious and move the story forward just the right amount.
This is a perfect follow up to Decker. Looking forward to the next installment of this series.
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September 12, 2022
I LOVED Dash and Charlie so much!
When Dash’s football coach sends him to take some ballet lessons, he does not expect someone like Charlie. And Charlie, doesn’t expect someone like Dash. The moment they first meet there are sparks between them. However, they also clash. Until they meet again…..
I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I love Charlie. She has worked so hard all her life to be a ballerina and she is living her life. Dash…the man is a big ol’ brute of a human, but you can’t help but completely fall in love with him. I love his determination, especially when it comes to proving to Charlie that he is boyfriend material….and daddy material.
The two of them have insane chemistry that is heating up the pages and only continues to get hotter. There are a lot of ups and downs to their relationship, but in the end it all works itself and leads to an adorable little scene that just melted my heart.
If you’re looking for a surprise pregnancy, sports romance this is one to check out.
When Dash’s football coach sends him to take some ballet lessons, he does not expect someone like Charlie. And Charlie, doesn’t expect someone like Dash. The moment they first meet there are sparks between them. However, they also clash. Until they meet again…..
I just couldn’t get enough of these two. I love Charlie. She has worked so hard all her life to be a ballerina and she is living her life. Dash…the man is a big ol’ brute of a human, but you can’t help but completely fall in love with him. I love his determination, especially when it comes to proving to Charlie that he is boyfriend material….and daddy material.
The two of them have insane chemistry that is heating up the pages and only continues to get hotter. There are a lot of ups and downs to their relationship, but in the end it all works itself and leads to an adorable little scene that just melted my heart.
If you’re looking for a surprise pregnancy, sports romance this is one to check out.
September 12, 2022
Dash Taylor has a lot of talent. Playing college football, he shows everyone that he's got what it takes to get to the NFL. But he's a big brute and his coach sends him to ballet classes for flexibility and strength. Reluctantly, he goes to this class - he's not wearing tights, though, no way. Teaching this class is Charlie Bardot, a tiny little thing that Dash could bench press with one arm. Soon he finds out that she's no pushover and is as athletic as he is. They're unexpectedly attracted to each other but their goals don't match: NFL and NYC ballet. They part ways.
Two years later, they are both in Boston. He's playing for the Tomcats and she's at Ballet Boston. They're still very drawn to each other but realistically know that things won't work out with their grueling schedules... until two lines show up in the pregnancy test. Now Dash will have to prove to Charlie that he's not only boyfriend material, but also father material. His nickname is Big D, he just needs to switch the D to Dad.
OMG! I'm gaga over Dash! We had a glimpse of him in book 1 but we have a full view of the "beast" and how wonderfully developed he is a character! You'll see him go from arrogant, burly buffoon to swoony dad and partner and will melt into a puddle of goo.
I loved the timeline of the book. We meet them before he joined the Tomcats and Kayley and Connor were brilliant in writing a complete standalone that is also very organically tied to the series. I loved seeing the gift-wrapping scene from Dash's POV now!
Y'all know I am not a surprise baby fan, but these two had me aaawwwing and laughing so much that it was the best surprise! I was deeply moved by how Dash turns into a true partner and a loving Dad. DILF (Devoted. Involved. Loving. Father) AF.
His relationship with his family is a hoot! I also liked how close Charlie is with "sorta non-stage" mom and her sister. It was also a joy to catch up with Decker, Hannah and the Tomcats. If you are wondering, the hilarious trademark text convos are there! I LOLed a few times.
Hmmm, maybe I'll name a kid Peloton.... ;)
Now I can't wait for Duke!
Two years later, they are both in Boston. He's playing for the Tomcats and she's at Ballet Boston. They're still very drawn to each other but realistically know that things won't work out with their grueling schedules... until two lines show up in the pregnancy test. Now Dash will have to prove to Charlie that he's not only boyfriend material, but also father material. His nickname is Big D, he just needs to switch the D to Dad.
OMG! I'm gaga over Dash! We had a glimpse of him in book 1 but we have a full view of the "beast" and how wonderfully developed he is a character! You'll see him go from arrogant, burly buffoon to swoony dad and partner and will melt into a puddle of goo.
I loved the timeline of the book. We meet them before he joined the Tomcats and Kayley and Connor were brilliant in writing a complete standalone that is also very organically tied to the series. I loved seeing the gift-wrapping scene from Dash's POV now!
Y'all know I am not a surprise baby fan, but these two had me aaawwwing and laughing so much that it was the best surprise! I was deeply moved by how Dash turns into a true partner and a loving Dad. DILF (Devoted. Involved. Loving. Father) AF.
His relationship with his family is a hoot! I also liked how close Charlie is with "sorta non-stage" mom and her sister. It was also a joy to catch up with Decker, Hannah and the Tomcats. If you are wondering, the hilarious trademark text convos are there! I LOLed a few times.
Hmmm, maybe I'll name a kid Peloton.... ;)
Now I can't wait for Duke!
September 11, 2022
5 star Review Dash: Rushing The Play by Kayley Loring & Connor Crais
From the first chapter I was hooked on Dash (aka Big D) Taylor and Charlie Bardot’s story. Dash is a rookie defensive end and as such is cocky, arrogant and a player, both on and off the field. I was quickly drawn into this second chance at love story that these authors wove.
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais write well together, I have no idea who writes which characters or where one author stopped and the other took over. I really liked both these characters, particularly Charlie who wasn’t afraid to stand up to Dash and call him out when needed.
Dash is warned by his coach that if he doesn't stop his antics he will be benched and is made to take ballet to improve his game; (that idea seems so ridiculous to the football player). There is something about Charlie that calls to Dash and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic play out.
Meeting again two years later, Dash is now an NFL player and when they meet again their chemistry is off the charts. Now all Dash has to do is convince Charlie that he is boyfriend material. Complications arise when a surprise pregnancy catches them both off guard and I love dhow Dash stepped up and was so supportive.
The growth of both characters throughout this book was heart warming to witness. There was a good balance between steam and humour and the story flowed well. This is one book I cannot wait to listen to in audio.
From the first chapter I was hooked on Dash (aka Big D) Taylor and Charlie Bardot’s story. Dash is a rookie defensive end and as such is cocky, arrogant and a player, both on and off the field. I was quickly drawn into this second chance at love story that these authors wove.
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais write well together, I have no idea who writes which characters or where one author stopped and the other took over. I really liked both these characters, particularly Charlie who wasn’t afraid to stand up to Dash and call him out when needed.
Dash is warned by his coach that if he doesn't stop his antics he will be benched and is made to take ballet to improve his game; (that idea seems so ridiculous to the football player). There is something about Charlie that calls to Dash and it was entertaining to watch the push and pull dynamic play out.
Meeting again two years later, Dash is now an NFL player and when they meet again their chemistry is off the charts. Now all Dash has to do is convince Charlie that he is boyfriend material. Complications arise when a surprise pregnancy catches them both off guard and I love dhow Dash stepped up and was so supportive.
The growth of both characters throughout this book was heart warming to witness. There was a good balance between steam and humour and the story flowed well. This is one book I cannot wait to listen to in audio.
September 12, 2022
Sweet & spicy in all the best ways
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais scored major points with DASH: Rushing the Play. It’s sweet (but not ‘that’ kind of sweet), and spicy, and seriously wonderful in so many amazing ways. Woven in with the beauty and the beast trope, there are elements of second chances, unexpected pregnancy, and above all a story of growth and understanding for each of the characters separately, and both of them together.
I think I fell in love with Charlie & Dash before they fell in love with each other. And for all the best reasons. Yes, they both aspire to, and ultimately succeed in, careers most “normal” people will never experience, but they are far from caricatures of real life people or situations typical in a sports rom-com. They feel like people you know, or want to know. And when they struggled, I just wanted to put my arms around them and hug them back together.
The comedy is seriously en pointe (iykyk), but not in a spit-take hilarity way. Think: giggle behind the book cover rather than bathe the Kindle in tea. And it 100% fits the characters and their stories. Loring and Crais build Charlie and Dash’s relationship around a solid plot with excellent pacing. And yes, there will be tears and laughter, and tears of laughter, and laughter within the tears. Let’s just say, emotionally, it’s kinda all in there. But readers will smile more than frown, laugh more than cry, and absolutely rejoice in their ultimate HEA.
Loring and Crais use a fantastic balance of authentic dialogue and narrative to build their characters within the readers’ minds. Amusing and interesting side characters add to the plot without becoming overwhelming, and truly give the story and main characters more depth. And even though some of the characters are from book 1 in the Boston Tomcats football romance series, Dash & Charlie’s story truly does stand alone.
Kayley Loring and Connor Crais scored major points with DASH: Rushing the Play. It’s sweet (but not ‘that’ kind of sweet), and spicy, and seriously wonderful in so many amazing ways. Woven in with the beauty and the beast trope, there are elements of second chances, unexpected pregnancy, and above all a story of growth and understanding for each of the characters separately, and both of them together.
I think I fell in love with Charlie & Dash before they fell in love with each other. And for all the best reasons. Yes, they both aspire to, and ultimately succeed in, careers most “normal” people will never experience, but they are far from caricatures of real life people or situations typical in a sports rom-com. They feel like people you know, or want to know. And when they struggled, I just wanted to put my arms around them and hug them back together.
The comedy is seriously en pointe (iykyk), but not in a spit-take hilarity way. Think: giggle behind the book cover rather than bathe the Kindle in tea. And it 100% fits the characters and their stories. Loring and Crais build Charlie and Dash’s relationship around a solid plot with excellent pacing. And yes, there will be tears and laughter, and tears of laughter, and laughter within the tears. Let’s just say, emotionally, it’s kinda all in there. But readers will smile more than frown, laugh more than cry, and absolutely rejoice in their ultimate HEA.
Loring and Crais use a fantastic balance of authentic dialogue and narrative to build their characters within the readers’ minds. Amusing and interesting side characters add to the plot without becoming overwhelming, and truly give the story and main characters more depth. And even though some of the characters are from book 1 in the Boston Tomcats football romance series, Dash & Charlie’s story truly does stand alone.
September 7, 2022
Did I have the time of my life reading this book? Yes, I did and not just because of all the Dirty Dancing references. Dash Taylor has too much pent up aggression and too little humility. He’s good-natured about it – at least he thinks so – until his coach gives him an ultimatum: ballet class or the bench.
Charlotte Bardot is used to teaching eager kids excited to learn and dancing with lean-muscled professional male ballet dancers, certainly not the mountain of muscles upon muscles that is Dash Taylor.
The spark of attraction is lit in their classes but stays (mostly) banked until they meet again two years later in Boston where Dash is playing professional football for the Tomcats and Charlotte is a soloist for Ballet Boston. Even though both are focused on their careers and goals and won’t let even an accidental pregnancy derail them, how long can it last? Especially when opportunity takes them in different directions.
I adored the relationship between Dash and Charlotte, the journey they took to realizing what’s most important in life and how goals can change, perhaps become less glamorous but ultimately more fulfilling.
Also, the comedy between Dash and Charlotte including his nicknames for her, her pregnancy freakouts and his surprisingly level-headed handling of them, and their awkward opposite ends of the spectrum families was brilliant.
Kayley and Connor are building a strong franchise with the Tomcats and I can’t wait for the audio and the next book in this series!
Charlotte Bardot is used to teaching eager kids excited to learn and dancing with lean-muscled professional male ballet dancers, certainly not the mountain of muscles upon muscles that is Dash Taylor.
The spark of attraction is lit in their classes but stays (mostly) banked until they meet again two years later in Boston where Dash is playing professional football for the Tomcats and Charlotte is a soloist for Ballet Boston. Even though both are focused on their careers and goals and won’t let even an accidental pregnancy derail them, how long can it last? Especially when opportunity takes them in different directions.
I adored the relationship between Dash and Charlotte, the journey they took to realizing what’s most important in life and how goals can change, perhaps become less glamorous but ultimately more fulfilling.
Also, the comedy between Dash and Charlotte including his nicknames for her, her pregnancy freakouts and his surprisingly level-headed handling of them, and their awkward opposite ends of the spectrum families was brilliant.
Kayley and Connor are building a strong franchise with the Tomcats and I can’t wait for the audio and the next book in this series!
September 15, 2022
Now Available! This book hit me right in the feels. Because Dash was rather obnoxious in the first book (Decker), I walked into this book with some ideas about his character and the plot. I was about 95 percent wrong. I am thrilled to have been wrong because, while I knew that Kayley and Connor would make him likable, I was pretty much in love with him by Chapter 6. There was just so much more going on in his head than I had expected. I adored the way he respected Charlie and his interactions with his family.
Naturally, I was pretty wrong about what kind of heroine he would need, too. I knew she would need to be tough, but Charlie was even tougher than I had imagined. She is very impressive. She is also intelligent and kind and hilarious. I loved her from her first chapter.
I got all the the laughs I was expecting and definitely the heat and chemistry I was expecting. But I cried way more than I expected to -- in a good way. I have several kids, so I certainly identified with Charlie's feelings and fears during pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood. But Dash's views of the same things just melted my heart. It was all so moving and reminded me of the early years of our family. I think I highlighted half of the book because it was all so true. I can't wait for the audiobook to release so I can cry and laugh all through it in a whole new way!
Naturally, I was pretty wrong about what kind of heroine he would need, too. I knew she would need to be tough, but Charlie was even tougher than I had imagined. She is very impressive. She is also intelligent and kind and hilarious. I loved her from her first chapter.
I got all the the laughs I was expecting and definitely the heat and chemistry I was expecting. But I cried way more than I expected to -- in a good way. I have several kids, so I certainly identified with Charlie's feelings and fears during pregnancy and the early stages of motherhood. But Dash's views of the same things just melted my heart. It was all so moving and reminded me of the early years of our family. I think I highlighted half of the book because it was all so true. I can't wait for the audiobook to release so I can cry and laugh all through it in a whole new way!
September 12, 2022
This writing duo has scored another touchdown! I loved it so much! The witty banter, sexy times and just the right amount of football make it a must read.
Duo writing can be a little iffy at times, but that isn’t the case here. The writing is seamless from start to finish. And the character development? It’s strong! Dash is your typical college football player at the beginning, but by the epilogue he has become this guy who will do anything and everything for his family.
I love sports romances and this one has made its way to the top of the standings!
Duo writing can be a little iffy at times, but that isn’t the case here. The writing is seamless from start to finish. And the character development? It’s strong! Dash is your typical college football player at the beginning, but by the epilogue he has become this guy who will do anything and everything for his family.
I love sports romances and this one has made its way to the top of the standings!
September 13, 2022
After reading Decker I was ready for Dash. Sports Romance is one of my favorite tropes. I like how the characters all come alive as I read the story. Dash and Charlie are a cute couple. There were surprises around every corner so that was a Bonus. I like to go into a story blind. This was a nice way to spend a few hours of my day while at work.
September 13, 2022
I loved Dash. This book had some of the best rom com tropes around- opposites attract, friends with benefits, accidental pregnancy and a taste of 2nd chance. I really liked that when they first meet and kind of get together it doesn't work out because both Dash and Charlie have a lot to learn about themselves before they would actually be a good fit. Charlie is so driven to start her professional ballet career she is unwilling to allow any dalliance to get in her way, Dash is so hot headed he doesn't seem to understand he is possibly throwing away his career by his bad behavior.
The two of them have the most steamy of chemistry and Dash is so very swoon worthy. Ultimately Charlie and Dash level each other out in a way that makes them stop and really think about their goals and dreams.
The two of them have the most steamy of chemistry and Dash is so very swoon worthy. Ultimately Charlie and Dash level each other out in a way that makes them stop and really think about their goals and dreams.
September 12, 2022
What a read! The story takes me on some highs and lows but the overall vibe makes my heart pound. I completely loved these characters! Usually the male leads take the spotlight for me. Don’t get me wrong I loved Dash and all his attitude and bigness but he is sharing this spotlight with Charlie. I really saw and felt the connection between them. I could easily see her making him a better man and player then in return he did that for her. Just lovely! The texting, the nicknames and the whole process is just delightful! I also just want to say I would have LoVED to be seated at the dinner table for the pec dancing scene. I can only imagine!
Secondary characters are plentiful! I enjoyed meeting and greeting the families and the other players. This has some sobering moments as well as some fun ones with these characters.
Overall it is a wonderful second book in the series which I wish I could read again for the first time. When the audio comes out I will again be enjoying the story of the beast and his tiny dancer!
Secondary characters are plentiful! I enjoyed meeting and greeting the families and the other players. This has some sobering moments as well as some fun ones with these characters.
Overall it is a wonderful second book in the series which I wish I could read again for the first time. When the audio comes out I will again be enjoying the story of the beast and his tiny dancer!
September 5, 2022
"So I had to walk away. From the girl. From her. Even though every single part of me didn’t want to…"
So, this duo knows how to write a very sweet and funny sports romance, to be honest when they release a book its an insta buy for me, its my comfort read; one I can totally trust to be funny, hot, romantic and with a happily ever after to swoon for.
Dash is the hot headed athlete no one really trusted to be reliable, he was explosive and very intense, without a care in the world; but all that changes when his coach demands him to have some ballet lessons to have better qualities in the team, so that how he meets the beautiful Charlie, a sweet and amazing woman who knows what she wants from the world, after an intense encounter, they part ways only to be reunited two years later and oh boy how they reunite!!
-What to expect:
Standalone in an interconnected series
Sports Rom-com
Surprise pregnancy
Hot headed heroine
Hot and sweet hero
Funny banter between the characters
Hot scenes
Happily ever after
So, this duo knows how to write a very sweet and funny sports romance, to be honest when they release a book its an insta buy for me, its my comfort read; one I can totally trust to be funny, hot, romantic and with a happily ever after to swoon for.
Dash is the hot headed athlete no one really trusted to be reliable, he was explosive and very intense, without a care in the world; but all that changes when his coach demands him to have some ballet lessons to have better qualities in the team, so that how he meets the beautiful Charlie, a sweet and amazing woman who knows what she wants from the world, after an intense encounter, they part ways only to be reunited two years later and oh boy how they reunite!!
-What to expect:
Standalone in an interconnected series
Sports Rom-com
Surprise pregnancy
Hot headed heroine
Hot and sweet hero
Funny banter between the characters
Hot scenes
Happily ever after
September 15, 2022
Dare I say I may even like Dash as much as my Keaton f*cking Bridges and my Nico…I know that is a sh*t ton. So…I guess I will call him my Dash…because I am super original and going with the theme. Oh, how I do love adding to my book boyfriend collection.
Dash’s college coach sends him to ballet classes, and that is where he meets Charlie, who happens to be his teacher. Yeah, not sure you can put two driven athletes that have so much raw, sexy and powerful attraction together, Dash’s words, not mine, and not expect some major flirty sparks. These two do a great job of fighting their chemistry throughout their classes together. Then they go their separate ways to focus on their athletic careers. For the record, if I was a 105 lb petite ballet dancer, I would definitely want a 285 lb defensive end having my back…just sayin.
Fast forward two years, and these two land in the same town for their careers, where they run into each other. And with nothing standing in their way, they literally do not waste any time. Whew *fans self*. Dash went from being cocky and over-the-top to being the perfect boyfriend material. Not sure how he did it, but I am Team Dash all the way. I am sure it was the pec dance that really locked him in *winks*. Even though Dash starts out as quite the cocky handful, honestly half way through the book, Charlie became the handful, and handle her he did *wags eyebrows*. Gotta love pregnancy hormones *shakes head*.
Safe read, with a football beast and his filthy angel ballerina. I think Kayley’s books are always known for her hilarious group text chats, and this one did not disappoint…laughed so hard.
• Dash’s hilarious family group text.
• Her roommates aka fellow dancers had just as funny text chats.
• And their text chats about baby names - I have to say that the baby names text between these two were so funny…really wasn’t sure what kind of name they would pick, but it was hilarious reading all the names. OMG…his brothers, more specifically the twins, they were so funny, and such handfuls. I have no idea how his dad did it, 3 out of 4 of the boys were absolute handfuls. I am sure he was grateful everyday for the baby of the family, to be the calm to the storm of all that testosterone. Shenanigans: swan, headboard, pole, broken chair, pec dancing (yeah you read that right), and so many more. Sweet epilogues, as in plural and a hea.
Dash’s college coach sends him to ballet classes, and that is where he meets Charlie, who happens to be his teacher. Yeah, not sure you can put two driven athletes that have so much raw, sexy and powerful attraction together, Dash’s words, not mine, and not expect some major flirty sparks. These two do a great job of fighting their chemistry throughout their classes together. Then they go their separate ways to focus on their athletic careers. For the record, if I was a 105 lb petite ballet dancer, I would definitely want a 285 lb defensive end having my back…just sayin.
Fast forward two years, and these two land in the same town for their careers, where they run into each other. And with nothing standing in their way, they literally do not waste any time. Whew *fans self*. Dash went from being cocky and over-the-top to being the perfect boyfriend material. Not sure how he did it, but I am Team Dash all the way. I am sure it was the pec dance that really locked him in *winks*. Even though Dash starts out as quite the cocky handful, honestly half way through the book, Charlie became the handful, and handle her he did *wags eyebrows*. Gotta love pregnancy hormones *shakes head*.
Safe read, with a football beast and his filthy angel ballerina. I think Kayley’s books are always known for her hilarious group text chats, and this one did not disappoint…laughed so hard.
• Dash’s hilarious family group text.
• Her roommates aka fellow dancers had just as funny text chats.
• And their text chats about baby names - I have to say that the baby names text between these two were so funny…really wasn’t sure what kind of name they would pick, but it was hilarious reading all the names. OMG…his brothers, more specifically the twins, they were so funny, and such handfuls. I have no idea how his dad did it, 3 out of 4 of the boys were absolute handfuls. I am sure he was grateful everyday for the baby of the family, to be the calm to the storm of all that testosterone. Shenanigans: swan, headboard, pole, broken chair, pec dancing (yeah you read that right), and so many more. Sweet epilogues, as in plural and a hea.
September 15, 2022
I’m a huge fan of Kayley and Connor individually, but there’s something magical that happens when they collectively create something and this series is one of those things.
I’m generally not a fan of the accidental pregnancy/surprise baby trope because it can be triggering to me when unexpected. I appreciate when authors let us know ahead of time and it was in the description, so I was prepared.
There’s a good amount of time (2+ years) for the MC’s relationship to grow prior to the surprise baby happening and I really like how it all progressed. In fact the pregnancy doesn’t happen until we’ll into the book. It’s really well done.
I loved these characters. Dash is a big ole cinnamon roll. And I do mean big. At 6’5, 285 pounds, he’s the Defensive End for the Boston Tomcats football team. He has a big ego, but he also has a big heart, and a big…personality. 😉
Charlie is focused on getting where she needs to be and she doesn’t take Dash’s crap. Over time she gives him a better understanding of humility and he becomes a better teammate. She doesn’t try to change him. She just makes him better at being him.
There are so many moments in this book where I just felt so much chemistry between them. Yes, this book is funny and super steamy, but it also has A LOT of heart too. They’re supportive of each other. It’s really very sweet, at times.
We get a glimpse of characters from the previous book, Decker: Changing the Play, and there’s a scene or two of crossover, which was fun. I also enjoyed all the references to Dirty Dancing.
I just love this series. I can’t wait for the audio, out later this month, and I look forward to Duke’s story in 2023.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
I’m generally not a fan of the accidental pregnancy/surprise baby trope because it can be triggering to me when unexpected. I appreciate when authors let us know ahead of time and it was in the description, so I was prepared.
There’s a good amount of time (2+ years) for the MC’s relationship to grow prior to the surprise baby happening and I really like how it all progressed. In fact the pregnancy doesn’t happen until we’ll into the book. It’s really well done.
I loved these characters. Dash is a big ole cinnamon roll. And I do mean big. At 6’5, 285 pounds, he’s the Defensive End for the Boston Tomcats football team. He has a big ego, but he also has a big heart, and a big…personality. 😉
Charlie is focused on getting where she needs to be and she doesn’t take Dash’s crap. Over time she gives him a better understanding of humility and he becomes a better teammate. She doesn’t try to change him. She just makes him better at being him.
There are so many moments in this book where I just felt so much chemistry between them. Yes, this book is funny and super steamy, but it also has A LOT of heart too. They’re supportive of each other. It’s really very sweet, at times.
We get a glimpse of characters from the previous book, Decker: Changing the Play, and there’s a scene or two of crossover, which was fun. I also enjoyed all the references to Dirty Dancing.
I just love this series. I can’t wait for the audio, out later this month, and I look forward to Duke’s story in 2023.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
September 17, 2022
🌟AVAILABLE NOW!!
First of all, I loved this book so much! It was sweet, steamy, and had the perfect amount of humor. It was such a great take on the "accidental pregnancy" troupe. I feel like most books with a pregnancy end as soon as the baby is born. In this case, it added so much to the story to see Dash and Charlie grow together. They first meet in college, where Charlie is hired to help train Dash in Ballet, to improve on his Football career. There is instant attraction between them, but things don't progress until years later when we see them as adults. The attraction is still there and the timing is a bit better, but things don't go exactly as planned!
Dash and Charlie seem like complete opposites when they meet, he's the huge football star and she's a hundred pound ballerina. They soon find that they have more in common than they thought. I absolutely loved the scene in the bar, where they start comparing their scars (not just the visible ones). They are both so passionate about their goals, and can relate to each other when it comes to the emotional and physical toll that their sports can take on them.
I love how much Dash grows throughout the book. Charlies influence on him helps not only with his game, but how he interacts with his teammates. He recognizes her positive impact on him and appreciates her as a person, and as a dancer. I love that he encourages her and wants her dreams to come true. I feel like they have mutual respect for each other and their careers.
I really enjoyed the scenes during Charlies pregnancy where she is dealing with hormones and crying at the drop of a hat, SO accurate! There were a lot of funny scenes in this book as well, like the text conversations with the baby name ideas and Dash and his dancing pecs!! (I'm not the only one who put on some Kid Rock and tried to do this, right?)
Later once baby is born, they have to learn to make their relationship work as parents, which becomes hard to balance with a newborn and no time to clearly define what they want with each other, and their careers. They were such a sweet little family and I enjoyed rooting for characters who so clearly loved and supported each other. Such a great read! I highly recommend, and can't wait for the next one!
First of all, I loved this book so much! It was sweet, steamy, and had the perfect amount of humor. It was such a great take on the "accidental pregnancy" troupe. I feel like most books with a pregnancy end as soon as the baby is born. In this case, it added so much to the story to see Dash and Charlie grow together. They first meet in college, where Charlie is hired to help train Dash in Ballet, to improve on his Football career. There is instant attraction between them, but things don't progress until years later when we see them as adults. The attraction is still there and the timing is a bit better, but things don't go exactly as planned!
Dash and Charlie seem like complete opposites when they meet, he's the huge football star and she's a hundred pound ballerina. They soon find that they have more in common than they thought. I absolutely loved the scene in the bar, where they start comparing their scars (not just the visible ones). They are both so passionate about their goals, and can relate to each other when it comes to the emotional and physical toll that their sports can take on them.
I love how much Dash grows throughout the book. Charlies influence on him helps not only with his game, but how he interacts with his teammates. He recognizes her positive impact on him and appreciates her as a person, and as a dancer. I love that he encourages her and wants her dreams to come true. I feel like they have mutual respect for each other and their careers.
I really enjoyed the scenes during Charlies pregnancy where she is dealing with hormones and crying at the drop of a hat, SO accurate! There were a lot of funny scenes in this book as well, like the text conversations with the baby name ideas and Dash and his dancing pecs!! (I'm not the only one who put on some Kid Rock and tried to do this, right?)
Later once baby is born, they have to learn to make their relationship work as parents, which becomes hard to balance with a newborn and no time to clearly define what they want with each other, and their careers. They were such a sweet little family and I enjoyed rooting for characters who so clearly loved and supported each other. Such a great read! I highly recommend, and can't wait for the next one!
September 15, 2022
Kayley is an amazing author - Connor is an amazing Narrator. Put the two together and what do you get? One of the very best co-writing duos around! We know this already, because this is not the first joint book, and I've read their others (St. Patrick's Day and Decker), but this is definitely their best!
I LOVED everything about Dash - the characters were brilliant, the chemistry was off the charts! And the storyline was just beautiful! I know there are a lot of people out there that don't love the accidental pregnancy trope, but it's one that I don't mind at all. The way that it was worked into these character's lives worked out very well, and it didn't even become a part of the plot for quite a while. We had so much background about them and their own stories and their relationship before it enters, that we really got comfortable with it happening when it did, and everything that came after.
I loved how much of a cinnamon roll Dash was - the big, NFL defenseman (was he a linebacker? I dunno - he's huge and he sacks the other team's players!), who ends up needing to take ballet lessons to "learn a lesson" (it's a punishments), and it actually really improves his performance on the field in making him more nimble and move better. He also falls for the teacher, but when an incident ends up going viral, nothing happens between them until they cross paths again a couple of years later... and then the "accident" happens. He's such a softie about it and such a protector, and she is super independent and of course - drama drama, conflict conflict - fantastic story and just wish it was a longer book to stay with the characters for longer! Everything played out perfectly.
Love that we had time with Hannah and Decker from book 1 - that was special as well!
Can't wait for the audio - Connor narrating his own works is really something else!!
I received an ARC copy from Kayley and Connor, and Give Me Books Promotions, and this is my honest feedback!
I LOVED everything about Dash - the characters were brilliant, the chemistry was off the charts! And the storyline was just beautiful! I know there are a lot of people out there that don't love the accidental pregnancy trope, but it's one that I don't mind at all. The way that it was worked into these character's lives worked out very well, and it didn't even become a part of the plot for quite a while. We had so much background about them and their own stories and their relationship before it enters, that we really got comfortable with it happening when it did, and everything that came after.
I loved how much of a cinnamon roll Dash was - the big, NFL defenseman (was he a linebacker? I dunno - he's huge and he sacks the other team's players!), who ends up needing to take ballet lessons to "learn a lesson" (it's a punishments), and it actually really improves his performance on the field in making him more nimble and move better. He also falls for the teacher, but when an incident ends up going viral, nothing happens between them until they cross paths again a couple of years later... and then the "accident" happens. He's such a softie about it and such a protector, and she is super independent and of course - drama drama, conflict conflict - fantastic story and just wish it was a longer book to stay with the characters for longer! Everything played out perfectly.
Love that we had time with Hannah and Decker from book 1 - that was special as well!
Can't wait for the audio - Connor narrating his own works is really something else!!
I received an ARC copy from Kayley and Connor, and Give Me Books Promotions, and this is my honest feedback!
September 13, 2022
I love Kayley Loring’s work but when she teams up with Connor Crais you get another insight into the talents this pair share. As a writing duo they gel and I have no idea who wrote what in this wonderful read so I urge you all to one click Dash because this book has it all. I was captivated by Dash
(aka Big D) and Charlie Bardot’s entertaining and at times emotional second chance at love and there was no putting down until the final word had been read.
Dash is a player on the field as well as off the field , he is cocky and arrogant but he is also loveable and when his coach ordered him to take ballet lessons or be benched it’s Charlie the ballet teacher that catches his eye. Fast forward a couple of years and Dash is playing now in the NFL when a chance meeting with Charlie has him once again dreaming about the hot ballet teacher but can he convince her that he has changed and that he is now definitely boyfriend material. Everything looks rosy for this couple until a surprise pregnancy catches them out and that’s when Dash really steps up and show Charlie the man he has become.
This book has it all, it’s full of love, passion and humour, it has adorable characters and their journey is captivating. If you love romances that leave you smiling like a Cheshire Cat look no further than this great read.
(aka Big D) and Charlie Bardot’s entertaining and at times emotional second chance at love and there was no putting down until the final word had been read.
Dash is a player on the field as well as off the field , he is cocky and arrogant but he is also loveable and when his coach ordered him to take ballet lessons or be benched it’s Charlie the ballet teacher that catches his eye. Fast forward a couple of years and Dash is playing now in the NFL when a chance meeting with Charlie has him once again dreaming about the hot ballet teacher but can he convince her that he has changed and that he is now definitely boyfriend material. Everything looks rosy for this couple until a surprise pregnancy catches them out and that’s when Dash really steps up and show Charlie the man he has become.
This book has it all, it’s full of love, passion and humour, it has adorable characters and their journey is captivating. If you love romances that leave you smiling like a Cheshire Cat look no further than this great read.
September 12, 2022
Charlie meets Dash Taylor AKA Big D when he is sent to her by his coach for ballet lessons. They antagonized each other at first glance. Mostly because Dash is so cocky and confident in himself. He comes off as a big jerk. I have to admit that at the beginning of this story I was wondering if I was going to like Dash.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Charlie and Dash are very alike in that they both are career driven. He wants to be a professional football player and she has dreams of being in a NYC ballet company. Because of this, they put a stop to whatever might have been in their budding relationship.
Flash forward two years: Dash is a pro football player for the Boston Tomcats and she is at a Boston ballet company. Their chemistry and attraction is still there and they make the most of it!
I enjoyed their relationship. They were cute together. They both challenged each other and Dash was a real softie with Charlie. They did their journey to HEA out of order, but it worked for them!
Favorite parts: Dash’s conversations with his brothers and pec dancing!
Thank you to the authors for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I can’t wait to listen to Connor Crais and Emma Wilder narrate the audiobook.
I shouldn’t have worried.
Charlie and Dash are very alike in that they both are career driven. He wants to be a professional football player and she has dreams of being in a NYC ballet company. Because of this, they put a stop to whatever might have been in their budding relationship.
Flash forward two years: Dash is a pro football player for the Boston Tomcats and she is at a Boston ballet company. Their chemistry and attraction is still there and they make the most of it!
I enjoyed their relationship. They were cute together. They both challenged each other and Dash was a real softie with Charlie. They did their journey to HEA out of order, but it worked for them!
Favorite parts: Dash’s conversations with his brothers and pec dancing!
Thank you to the authors for my advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I can’t wait to listen to Connor Crais and Emma Wilder narrate the audiobook.
September 11, 2022
Dash is one of those stories that keeps you riveted to the pages. I loved this hilarious, emotional, beautiful story. The writing is just excellent and you can’t help but love all the characters. Dash and Charlie have goals that they both have worked long and hard to achieve. However, as they say, life has a way of changing things. This is a great book and I can’t recommend it highly enough!
September 11, 2022
5 stars!
OMG, this book! This book took me by completely surprise – I dove in and thought it was going one way, and it went somewhere completely unexpected. It’s fun, laugh-out-loud funny, sweet, sexy, emotional and so, so romantic, it’s such an entertaining read, and I absolutely loved it!
Dash Taylor is a rookie with the Boston Tomcats NFL team – big, arrogant, and obnoxious, I was pretty much immediately turned off by his attitude. We meet Dash in college, where his coach is trying to deal with Dash’s hot-headedness, so he sends him to ballet classes to increase his flexibility and learn humility, grace and control. Dash is unimpressed. He does start to take a bit of an interest when he meets his young teacher, Charlie, who tempts him in every way possible, but she wants nothing to do with him. But there’s definitely something there between them, and they have an ’almost’ moment before going their separate ways.
It’s two years later when Dash and Charlie run into each other again. She’s moved to Boston as a professional dancer, and it’s clear from the first glance that all of the chemistry that existed between them in college is still very much there. Their night together rocks both of their worlds, and Dash knows that there’s more between them than just one night, but Charlie doesn’t believe that he’s cut out to be anybody’s boyfriend. And so, Dash goes on a mission to ‘woo’ Charlie, proving that he’s not just a beefed-up, cocky and aggressive a-hole. And he has his work cut out for him.
“Dash. Come on. You’re not that kind of guy.”
He shook his head. “Oh, Charlie, Charlie, Charlie. What are you doing? Is that a challenge? Big mistake. I’m going to boyfriend material the fuck out of you.”
Okay, that was cute. “That doesn’t even make sense.”
He smirked. “Oh, yes it does.”
It’s a fun set-up, and up until this point, I was fully supportive of Charlie and her decision. Dash is a cocky d-bag, I wouldn’t want him as a boyfriend either. But he very quickly proves Charlie - and me - wrong, bringing the charm and humour, and calming his cocky ways. And when Charlie discovers that she’s pregnant, Dash declares himself all in, and then things get really awesome.
We were going to get better at this dance. Knowing when to spin out and give each other space, when to twirl in and hold each other close.
This book is so much fun. I loved watching Dash and Charlie find their way forward together. Dash goes through such a huge shift in this book – calming down, finding his gentler, friendlier side, he genuinely tries to be a better person for Charlie and their baby, and it’s a wonderful journey watching the change in him. Charlie is fantastic through it all. She’s smart and sensible, and she handles their situation so well, but she’s also patient and accepting of Dash and all that he is trying to be, and she’s right there by his side, encouraging and supporting him all the way.
She didn’t change who I was. She just made me better at being me.
Their relationship shifts and changes with them as they grow closer and start to build a life together. It’s so natural between them, and I loved how honest they are with each other as they embrace everything that’s happening in their lives, and figure it out together.
There is a bit of drama, but it’s minimal, and works to bring the feels to their story. But mostly, this is a really fun read that made me laugh so much. Dash is freaking hilarious, and the banter, text messages, conversations with Charlie, with his brothers and with teammates, and all of the little things you do to prepare for your baby are all so entertaining.
DASH: Hey, baby. Is it too early to start talking about baby names? Because I think Wolverine would be a really cool name for a boy.
DASH: Or Wayne. After Bruce Wayne. But not Bruce because I knew a guy in high school named Bruce and he was a dick.
CHARLIE: Are you texting me about names for our child while reading a comic book on the toilet?
DASH: Uhhh…no?
The love story is gorgeous. It’s sexy as all hell, and I loved their passion for each other, how hard they fall, and how easily they embrace all of the massive changes coming at them. I loved the honesty between them, and the fun dynamic they share, and though they go through a lot, they do it sensibly and functionally, and I loved watching them find their HEA.
"It took a while to get here. But it was worth the wait."
Characters from the previous books appear, and there’s a very small intro to the hero of the next book. I’m love this series, and the writing combination of Loring and Crais, and I can’t wait to see what they bring us next.
I loved this one! 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2022
I was looking forward to the second book in the Boston Tomcats series and it didn't disappoint.
I think Kayley Loring and Connor Crais work really well co-authoring, their books just get better and better. I took my time reading this one as I was enjoying the story so much and didn't want it to end.
I cant wait for the audiobook to be released, its going to be a great listen!
I think Kayley Loring and Connor Crais work really well co-authoring, their books just get better and better. I took my time reading this one as I was enjoying the story so much and didn't want it to end.
I cant wait for the audiobook to be released, its going to be a great listen!
September 11, 2022
Not gonna lie, I was worried I wouldn’t like Dash, but he ended up being so sweet and ridiculously sexy. And then you have Charlie who is so strong and real and likable.
I really loved the banter between Dash and Charlie. As always, the text messages between the characters is the best.
~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
I really loved the banter between Dash and Charlie. As always, the text messages between the characters is the best.
~I was given this book and made no commitments to leave my opinions, favorable or otherwise~
August 27, 2022
I truly can’t wait to listen 🎧 to this story. So excited 😆😘
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