The Quarterback Keeper

The Package Deal #1

by Rheland Richmond, Emerson Beckett

Alex

I'm the starting quarterback for the Portland Pirates, and I have a thing for my son's teacher. Except I didn't know the cute blond on the beach with the giant dog was, in fact, my kid's teacher until two months later at Open House.

Christian took my breath away during the second week of my two-week vacation at the beach and introduced me to things I never knew could feel so good and be so right. I think he just might be the one who inspires me to tell the world that this NFL quarterback is bisexual and in love with a man.

That is until I blew the best thing to happen to me since my kids were born. All I know is I have to get him back. I had to find a way to keep him.

Christian

I never imagined I would meet the love of my life while being bowled over on the beach by the overeager Newfoundland I was dog-sitting. But that's exactly how I ended up on my back in the sand, wrapped in his arms and pressed into the sand by the six-foot-five dark-haired Adonis on the beach. Did I mention he had two beautiful children?

Our week together was worthy of a sexy modern-day fairytale full of promises about the future until he sent me the text that broke my heart. And how was I supposed to get over him when his adorable six-year-old son was in my class?

Find out how Alex and Christian ache to overcome some daunting complications to reunite in The Quarterback Keeper, Book One of The Package Deal Series.

Tags: First Time Gay; Single Dad; Bisexual Experience; Sports Romance; Football Player and the Teacher

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary, M M Sports Romance

1 pages, Audio CD

First published June 24, 2022

About the author

Writes Omegaverse as Skye R. Richmond.

Rheland is the ultimate bookworm, TV enthusiast, popcorn and ice cream connoisseur (Sweet and Salt is the best), and lover of all things cute and girly! From a young age, Rheland has been entranced by the magic of storytelling, diving headfirst into worlds of romance (before she was allowed to), and mysteries.

When she's not reading the latest romance novel or binge-watching her favorite TV shows (no horror, please!), you can find her writing stories of found families and forevers for her men.

Rheland is a hopeless romantic through and through with dreams of happily ever afters and swoon-worthy moments.

Rheland invites you to join her on a journey of laughter, love, and happily ever afters for her characters. So cozy up with a mug of cocoa or a glass of wine and prepare to fall head over heels for Rheland's men.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about you. So if you get a chance... please get in touch.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SkyeRRichmond/
Twitter: @RhelandRichmond
Instagram: @rhelandrichmondmm
Newsletter: https://www.rhelandrichmond.com/newsl...
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhela...

Reviews

[Imme [trying to crawl out of hiatus] van Gorp]

DNF @58%

I honestly think I might be cursed. I'm having one bad read after another. What on earth is happening??

Anyway. This was.. cheesy. So god damn cheesy. And not even in a heart-warming or cutesy way, but in a "my god, why is this so bad" kind of way. The writing was not good. There was zero depth. The characters were so flat. The jokes were uncomfortably cringe. The feelings were incredibly over-the-top. And the insta-love drove me up the goddamned wall: they were literally talking about being "the one" for each other after one fucking day together. Come onnn.
Honestly, I was just bored and annoyed. I needed this book to end almost immediately.

The only thing I kind of liked was when Alex fucked up and in came the begging and the grovelling. I loved the chase where he tried to win Christian back. It was honestly the only thing I enjoyed in this entire book, and once all that was over, I knew the best part was behind me, and it was only going to get worse again. So, I decided to throw in the towel and spare myself the misery. BYE.

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***

The Quarterback Keeper is a wonderful low-angst insta-love romance between a NFL quarterback and first grade teacher who meet on vacation when both of their dogs run into each other leading to an adorable meet-cute.

Alex and Christian have immediate chemistry that blossoms over the course of one week as they both fall head over heels for one another. The one hiccup is that Alex is not "out" and his contract is up, which creates many potential problems for the couple.

Overall the Quarterback Keeper is a great low-angst story that features an swoon-worthy love story that I thought was perfectly done. This was a great start to this series and I cannot wait for the next one.

[Dani · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was so frustrating/disappointing and just hard to read. The idea had so much potential but the writing was weird! There was so much over explaining and stating the obvious, plus so much that really didn't need to be there at all and completely threw the pace off. I'm not normally bothered by insta-love but two days and they're all in?! Plus the speed that every 'serious' conflict that came up was resolved was ridiculous - my toddler has longer arguments with his toys, I swear!!

[Evelyn Bella (there WILL be spoilers) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basic.

I mean, I had hope that Christian would have a spine when he met Alex a few months after Alex ghosted him. Thought, oh finally, maybe he will stand on business.

Hated that Christian gave him a chance to explain immediately. I have a very serious problem with ghosters because you forfeited your right to explain so you're not really owed one when you return 🤷🏾‍♀️

"I forgive you, Alex, but I can't be with you." goes CRAZY when literally 5 minutes later Christian was giggling and flirting with the same man merely because he called him 'baby'.

Folded like a wet napkin.

Also, this man wasn't sorry enough to look for you. He met you coincidentally because you're now his son's teacher but he's suddenly unbelievably sorry and you buy it?

And then Alex was immediately over the top jealous and saying he gave him one day to wrap shit up with anyone else.

And Christian was listening to all this like... 😍😍😍😍

The jokes write themselves.

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 3 out of 5]

★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

This was a cute little read. I have a bunch of ARCs to get through, and this was one of them. The Quarterback Keeper follows Christian, a grade one teacher, and Alex, an NFL quarterback, over a year in their lives. A chance meeting on the beach brings the two men together; a badly timed photo and a bad decision tears them apart. But we, of course, get a HEA.

Christian was so caring and adorable and I loved Alex, especially when he got all protective and caveman-y. You want instant points from me? Caveman. Go cavemen and I will EAT. IT. UP.

If you're looking for a light read and some definite insta-love, this is the read for you. This is an ongoing series, but it looks as though each book can be read as a standalone. The next one features Alex's brother and one of Alex's teammates so... #drama

Thank you to Gay Romance Reviews for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

[Tiff]

I finished it but I’m not quite sure why 😂.

[Aricka Decker · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Baby, I want your lips wrapped around my cock more than anything, but you gotta stop teasing me. I’m either going to come in my shorts or get us arrested for public indecency. I’d rather have you to myself when we get back, without an audience.”

3.25⭐

Can we say love at first sight? Or insta-love. Many people do not like that trope or writing choice. I myself and cant take it or leave it. It doesnt bother me either way. What did not flow with me personally, was that it felt like nothing happened in this book. And I mean that in a different way than being "boring" because we all know I love me a boring book where nothing happens in it. This book nothing happens, but everything happens. Now hear me out. This book was basically an outline to me. A 1st draft with none of the detail, is how Im going to explain it. It was the bone structure where all the shit happened but we got none of the detail, the emotions, the anything. It was just so straight forward it kinda was bland. I mean like give me something to work with here. We got the insta-love, and we can work with that, and their relationship struggles but you just saying they had struggles and worked through it, aint it. Or like every type of conflict was resolved within the same chapter. I needed more. It had the potential, but gave me nothing which is sad. Its not a poorly written book and it is a super fast read and I believe it will defiantly be up someone else's alley because it is a super cute like hallmark romance but I just need more. I need emotional connection, emotional something especially when this has things in it that could of lead to more emotional connection and drama to life the book up if the author actually deep dived and gave us stuffing in this book.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader)]

dnf at 25% i can’t do it it’s too cheesy

[Ky · Rating 2 out of 5]

* 2 stars *

Nothing special, just a sweet story with cheesy scenes, drama and cute characters.

I skimmed parts of the story as it was moving too slowly for me and I found that some parts didn't add much to it. Other parts I enjoyed reading, but overall it was a book that, in the future, I'm sure I'll have to check to be sure whether I read it or not.

I don't like the very cute stories so maybe that's why I wasn't thrilled with this read.


~ I read an ARC of this book. ~

[Mami Bear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Likeable MCs.

I felt the book was let down by:

- Misleading blurb. I thought Alex would have to work for Christian's forgiveness / a second chance but he didn't. He said sorry once and he has a big dick so that's the end of that.
- Too much focus on the MCs of next book.
- Weak plot
- Cliched ex-wife

[R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christian, a teacher on a mini vacation to the Oregon coast to pet sit. He sees a gorgeous man with kids and a dog on the beach. He has no idea how this will change his life. Alex is an NFL quarterback. Meeting the man and his giant dog on the beach felt like that was exactly the way life should be. Till he made a drastic decision and one text shattered both hearts.

This was a bit angsty, sweet and steamy read that tugged at my heart a bit. The writing was nice. Backstory was enough to get a good feel for the characters and I liked how their friends encouraged them to get (back) together. The ex wife could of been a disaster but I liked how the authors didn’t turn her into an obstacle.

A new author paired with an established one have created a very nice book. Another “makes my heart feel good” story.

Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.

[Wil Loves Books! · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was super super cute. I found this one on Hoopla where it got recommended based on my reading lol. This is a new to me author and I really liked it. The story was super cute and endearing!!!

[Raven and Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has several moments of heartache and “what the heck were you thinking?!” involved but it all works out in the end, believe me. It doesn’t take Alex much time book-wise to figure out how badly he screwed up and to beg, grovel, and plead his way back into Christian’s good graces. It doesn’t hurt that their week at the beach was pretty much love at first sight. They were simply made for each other and there wasn’t anything that could keep them apart, especially once Alex realizes that he is incomplete without him. And Christian really couldn’t say no when he was so miserable without him. I am sure people will complain that this book isn’t realistic but honestly I don’t read for reality. I read to escape. Both the old adage “ when you know, you know” isn’t any less true in real life than it is in a book and I feel sorry for those that can’t accept that. This book was wonderful and it made me happy. I loved these characters and am now seriously invested in Marcus and Austin’s happiness as well. This will be a comfort reread for me, I can tell.

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite simply cute AF. It was a pretty low angst swooney romance. Yes, if you read the blurb you can see there was an instance of heartbreak, but it was mutual heartbreak and honestly came from a place of caring. I still could have done without Alex pulling that foolishness though. Christian was a total keeper and I'm glad Alex had such a good friend in his life to tell him so.

There was a healthy amount of steam to go along with the romance. On top of that the side characters were very likeable and gave us a little glimpse into the next couple. I have a feeling I am going to like the next book even more because we all know enemies to lovers is one of my top favorite tropes. From the looks of things, Alex's brother is not going to take is easy on the man who broke his heart. I can hardly wait!

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was pretty much instalove. All about Alex, a football player who's never been with a guy but always been interested, and Christian, his kid's teacher. Even though this is all new to Alex, there's not the usual fumbling confusion. It helped that Christian was willing to lead the way lol. I didn't feel super connected to the characters for whatever reason and it could totally just be me at the moment. But mostly this was a sweet read with a very sweet happy ever after in the end.

[D. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ordinary and nothing special but I'm so fucking curious about Marcus' story. He married his ex-wife (since Marcus is bi) as a rebound after he broke things off with Aidan. She got pregnant because Marcus was dead drunk, lonely as fuck and missed Aidan terribly so he having unprotected sex (?) with her? What the actual fvck???!!!

I need to wait until August for reading Marcus' messed up life and his reason why he made Aidan's life miserable for 10 long years and how he got a son of his own and spent 3 years with his ex-wife before filed for divorce.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 stars

I found this really cute and cheesy. I just needed this!

[Xanthe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good first book in a new sports romance series. Alex, quarterback for the Pirates literally knocks Christian over on the beach and so begins their romance. Everything is sweet, swoony and adorable until it's time to get back to real life where Alex would have to come out to his family, his team and the nation, causing him to freak and sends a text ending it all. However, a second chance arises and Alex especially grabs it and runs, hoping to have forever with Christian.
I enjoyed this story. It's not often you have the main bit of drama about 30% into the book but this had both men heartbroken after making such a connection over just one short week. Their connection and attraction felt real, as did their emotions which makes it easy to pick up when Alex does some grovelling and begging for forgiveness when he has the chance. I like how things developed for them, taking things slow to ensure it worked for them this time as well as working to a kind of schedule when it comes to Alex's coming out. I also loved just how much Christian doesn't like any sports, hilarious when his new partner is a starring QB. Alex's children are totally adorable and complete scene stealers though the jury is out on his ex wife. I'm definitely looking forward to book two with the hints that are laid out in this book.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.

[HarriReadsRoMMance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really great OFY story. Alex has known he’s bisexual since he was a teen but between playing football in college, getting drafted and then married to a woman he has had zero opportunity to explore his attraction to men before. He takes a 2 week vacation on the beach and ends up next to Christian who is house sitting for his aunt and their connection is instant and their chemistry is strong. Alex has very strong feelings for him but then he messes up out of fear and pushes Christian away. When they reunite 2 months later Alex is prepared to do anything to win Christian back and never let him go. I really like that the misunderstanding/break up happens early in the book and the rest of it has them together and prepared to do battle over Alex coming out together and not at the end. There’s a little angst with Alex’s ex-wife who’s a piece of work, but it’s a relatively low angst feel good read. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[H.M.S. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I picked up on a whim after seeing it mentioned on an Instagram post. It's a wonderful story about second chances.

I love cowboy and sports romances and this is a story that centers around a quarterback on a fictional NFL team. It follows two men that meet, have a vacation fling but fall for each other without realizing it at first. One makes a mistake then goes back to make things right. After that, it shows support and love for each other as they work through the various challenges of being part of the LGBTQIA+ community as a professional athlete and teacher.

The secondary characters add a level of warmth to the story including the two main characters of the next book in the series, Pass Interference. Marcus and Aiden are introduced in this book, so I can't wait to see where their story takes us - I've already pre-ordered their book!

[Tracy~Bayou Book Junkie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars


Sometimes instalove works and sometimes, like here, it doesn’t, we’ll, at least for me it didn’t. I think the first portion of the story wasn’t drawn out enough for it to be believable that they had such a connection so quickly.

This was a quick and easy read. The story is pretty light with just a bit of angst thrown in for good measure. Christian and Alex were pretty likable for the most part, although Alex did mess up. He definitely could have approached certain situations with more honesty.

As for the writing, frankly, I found the dialogue to be somewhat cheesy and over the top at times, but maybe the story just didn’t resonate with me, so take my opinion with a grain of salt and try it for yourself. *shrugs*

Unfortunately, this one just really didn’t work for me.

[Cynthia Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I fell in love with both characters and even sympathize with each one in giving up on a part of your soul hurts more than losing friends or even your job. Alex and Christian had a whirlwind start and trying to find their path to love is full of obstacles and hurt.

I did receive an Arc for a review.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in The Package Deal series and the first that I have read by this duo. I have to say that I really enjoyed the book. It is a sweet story that will have you feeling good by the end of it. This is the story of Alex and Christian. Christian is a school teacher that is house and dog sitting for his aunt and uncle before he starts his new teaching job. He is kind, friendly and completely clueless about anything related to sports. Alex is a divorced father of two, enjoying his week to have his kids at the beach house that he has rented. He is also the starting Quarterback for the Portland Pirates. When the two of them meet through their dogs, sparks fly. Alex is even more excited to discover that Christian has no idea who he is. He is enthralled to meet someone who likes him for him; not his job nor fame. This is their story. It deals with the stress of sports and the fear of coming out very well. How by trying to do the right thing we sometimes hurt those that we love the most. Alex and Christian must face numerous obstacles in their desire for a happy ever after. I liked the characters and really enjoyed the story. It is a really sweet read. I look forward to the next book by these authors.

I received an ARC and am leaving my honest opinion.

[Yvonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️ 2.5🌶️ 3.5🎧

How was this so easy with him even though we'd just met what felt like a second ago?

This was sweet and very low angst. I enjoyed the first half much more as the second half. Due to lack of real drama or conflict it was a little repetitive and schmaltzy.

The instalove between Alex and Christian started off fine. I was on board with their instant chemistry and Alex’s happiness at being able to explore his bisexuality and feeling truly happy for the first time with a partner. Instead of a third act break this had a first act one which was predictable but made sense for their story. I do wish there was a little more groveling. Not that necessarily needed to be, but I just like that as part of the plot to keep it going. Though I do love a MMC who fights for what he wants, so much better than when they are stubborn. But because they reconciled so quickly, the events after didn’t keep my interest as much especially since this was mostly telling vs showing.

I still enjoyed it and if in the mood for something fluffy and spicy, it’s not a bad option, especially for a sports romance. Aside from Alex’s ex wife(one dimensional), I didn’t dislike any of the characters so that was a big plus.

[Heather Duff · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bit insta-love, a bit angsty, a whole lot of sweet and steamy.

This was a really nice read that involved a sweet first-grade teacher, a super hot football star looking to explore his bi side, two adorable children, and some even cute doggos playing matchmaker.

Sometimes, even when you’re faced with the ‘one’, it can still be hard to ignore the world around you and its pressures. But thankfully, when you have some great friends to give you the push you need, you can get your second chance. And really cute HEA.

Great start to a series by a new collab of authors. Looking forward to book 2.

< ARC provided by GRR and this is my honest review >

[Deeply Love Reading Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Thank you for helping me put the fragmented pieces of me back in place.”
This is my first book by these authors, and I am hooked.
Alex and Christian are just the perfect match, together they are just too sweet. Their banter and vulnerability brought them closer together and created a force beyond belief. The kids and dogs are just another factor that adds to the story. Meeting their friends and teammates are also another source of humour and love to the story.
4 Stars Rating

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

Welp, the blurb was wonderful but dang, the execution was so lacking, oh so lacking. There was so little chemistry between the MC's, I just started skipping the sexy times. And I love me some sexy times but not these. There were spelling errors (there vs. their), plot errors (player vs coach) and which was Yoda or Luke. The whole picture thing was flimsy at best and when did that occur? And he told who first he was bi? And Lord knows, there was not enough groveling. I thought I might be able to recommend this as a fluffy beach read but no.

[Chase Coe · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF’d at 25%

Just… way too corny. I don’t mind instalove but this just felt so unnatural. A lot of times super fluffy books feel unnatural to me. There’s gotta be something a lil dark I guess?

I’m curious as to whether the entire series is like this…

[Dominike]

DNF @ 4%

I normally try to give a book at least 10%, but god dang this was bad. Overly descriptive and choppy, it honestly felt like I was back in 2014 and reading a first time Wattpad author. Considering I had really high hopes for this universe, I’m pretty bummed.

[Crisana]

I made a mistake not reading any reviews before jumping into this and I didn't realise this was insta-love which is something that I really don't like.