The Toughest Play

by Jacob Chance

My new role as the social media content manager for the Silverbacks is a dream come true—except for my ex being the team’s quarterback.

Then there’s Rogan O’Rourke, the backup QB with the smoldering blue gaze and irresistible smile—who’s proving to be an unexpected complication.

Although he’s battling for the starting spot on the field, it seems he’s also vying for my attention. His flirtatious advances feel like a game I can’t win, and he’s doing his best to turn my life upside down.

But I’m on a mission to keep my career on track and steer clear of any romantic drama… especially with another football player.

And resisting Rogan?

That’s proving to be the toughest, and most tempting, play of all.

Genres: Sports Romance, Football, Romance, Sports, Workplace Romance

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

Jacob Chance grew up in New England and still lives there today. He’s a martial artist, a football fan, a practical joker, and junk food lover.
A USA Today bestselling author of sports romance and romantic suspense, Jacob plans on writing many more stories.

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Reviews

[Meg Talks Romance Novels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great start to a new series that leaves you excited and ready for more! I love Rogan and Autumn’s story! I loved Rogan when we met him the first time in his brother Niall’s book. Rogan is hardworking and will do anything he needs, to be the best quarterback he can for his team. He wasn’t expecting the new team’s social media manager, Autumn to knock him off his game. I love Autumn, she is driven, determined and funny. When she meets Rogan it’s instant attraction for the both of them but Autumn does everything she can to fight it. The banter is so fun in this story and it’s just so swoony. Jacob pulls you into another amazing series to get hooked on.

[♡︎ Kesa Subban ♡︎ · Rating 5 out of 5]

ꍏꋪꏳ ꋪꏂ꒦ꀤꏂꅐ
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - 𝖱𝗈𝗀𝖺𝗇
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - 𝖠𝗎𝗍𝗎𝗆𝗇
4.5 𝘍𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧

𝘛𝘩𝘦 𝘛𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘗𝘭𝘢𝘺 𝘉𝘺 𝘑𝘢𝘤𝘰𝘣 𝘊𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦

Very first book by this author and it was beautifully written.

Autumn, is the new social media manager for the Silverbacks. She is shy, loves the comfort of her own home, and really is happy about her new job and doesn't want or need any distractions.

Rogan, this is his season. Nearly two years into his career and his still the backup quarterback. But he knows without a doubt that this is his season to get that first position and he is going to do everything he can to prove it.

Rogan and Autumn, have an instant connection, instant chemistry and the non-dates/ dates between them were really sweet. Loved how they both fell for each other.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

Loved the friends

𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 💻💻💻💻
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚.5
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read about a couple who finds each other in the cutest way. She told herself she would never date a football player again and he wasn't expecting to find the woman of his dreams. But when her ex takes advantage of her kindness and is also the teammate and fighting to keep his position as starting QB, how desperate will things get and will their new relationship make it past the first quarter?

[Cathy Andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! Rogan and Autumn are so fun together! The fact that she is the grumpy one makes him even more lovable in my eyes. Lots of fun banter, plenty of action on and off the field and great secondary characters made this a great start for a new series. Jacob never disappoints and I highly enjoyed and recommend!

[Tiffany Brocato · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Toughest Play is a feel good romance with a touch of spice and a ton of humor. The banter and persistence will have you grinning from ear to ear! As always, Jacob delivered another amazing read. Can’t wait to see who’s next.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I’m looking for a comfort read, I turn to Jacob’s books.
I know he can do no wrong.
He always manages to make me both swoon and crack up.

[🦉Maggie Whitworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
🥵

Another great sporting series by this author, brilliant!

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time to swoon over Rogan O'Rourke

Oh, Jacob Chance, what a way to start your latest series, Virginia Silverbacks. THE TOUGHEST PLAY was such a fun read with plenty of humour and the perfect amount of spice. If you've read Evading the Enforcer then you would have already met our hero, he's the younger brother of Niall O'Rourke. As with all previous books I've read of Jacob's the storyline was engaging with terrific banter, plenty of flirting, and romance which made me swoon.

Rogan O'Rourke is the backup quarterback for the Silverbacks, but he's been putting in the hard yards and is determined to become the starting QB. Autumn Cartwright has just become the team's new social media manager; she has a terrific sense of humour and is instantly attracted to Rogan. They are amazing together, the banter, the flirting, his slick moves, the connection they have, make them a wonderful couple. Autumn has some trepidation though, due to a previous relationship, and fights her feelings for him, but Rogan's charm may be too irresistible to resist.

From beginning to end THE TOUGHEST PLAY was an entertaining read. It had all Jacob's usual wit and humour that I have grown to enjoy. I loved getting to meet all the new characters, and I just know their stories are going to be just as amazing. This was another great read from Jacob, and if you're a lover of grumpy/sunshine, incredible chemistry, awesome banter, witty humour, and sport romances, then this is an absolute MUST READ.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE CHARMED STARS ✨✨✨✨✨

[Yolanda McGee~Veronica's Reading Vault · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love that Jacob Chance started this new series with charismatic and lovable, Rogan O’Rourke (Niall is his older brother from Evading The Enforcer). The Toughest Play (Silverbacks Football #1) has a fresh and engaging storyline that will keep you entertained for sure.

From the moment I met Rogan in Evading The Enforcer, I was hoping he would get his own book. And it’s just as good as I hoped it would be. Not only does Rogan have all the charm, wit and flirty banter, but he also has the moves on and off the field. No wonder Autumn was instantly attracted to him even though she tried hard to fight it. Autumn is the new social media manager for the team and Rogan is the back up quarterback which made their story very interesting. Since Rogan is a new player on the team, he doesn’t want any distractions but once meets Autumn, it’s on! I just love Autumn’s spunk, sense of humor and drive. And although, she’s a bit of a grump, that just made me love her even more.

Rogan and Autumn are so adorable together. They are definitely meant for each other with their undeniable chemistry and the heat they bring to bedroom is on point! The secondary characters have me intrigued and I can’t wait to read their books.

[Only.ever.books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review:
🏈The Toughest Play🏈
Silverbacks Football #1

By Jacob Chance

⭐4/5 ❤️5/5

🏈 Football Romance
🏈 Ex’s teammate
🏈 Sports Romance

Rogan and Autumn

An entertaining story that doesn’t lack anything a good romance should have. A beautiful love story, flirtatious and charming male character, bantering and humor.
Autumn is determined to stay away from football players. Well, at least romantically. After her latest break up she wants to focus on her career. As a social media manager, for a football team. And not just any team, the team where her ex is the starting quarterback.
But this is where she meets Rogan. Him, we know from a previous book as the main character's brother.
Rogan is in a constant battle with the starting QB because he wants this spot and puts in everything he has. When he meets Autumn he is instantly attracted to her. But not only is she immune to his charm, she also happens to be his rival’s ex.
They have chemistry, they are meant to be. And their way with each other is entertaining and steamy. But sure, there are a few hurdles on their road to a happy end. But definitely worth the while. Wonderful story and wonderful characters makes a damn good read.

[Danielle Monteleone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is incredible!! Jacob Chance completely raised the bar with this couple. What an amazing start to the series. I loved everything about this story, it makes you feel good reading it.

I loved Rogan from when we met him in Evading the Enforcer. His personality and self confidence is amazing. I’m so excited he got his own book. You find out how sweet he can be as well. Autumn is quite awesome herself. Her determination is inspiring.

Together they really make an incredible pair. There banter is hilarious and the chemistry is so very hot. Rogan wants Autumn right from the start. But she’s not interested in any relationship with a football player. Her ex really had done a number on her. He just happens to be the starting quarterback on Rogans team.

You can probably guess the drama that unfolds. But what also happens is the growing feelings Rogan and Autumn are having for each other.

This ends up being an amazing love story and one I will remember for a long time. I can’t wait for all the stories in the series, because the men of the Silverbacks are awesome!!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 of what looks to be another outstanding Jacob Chance series. The book is well written with wonderful characters (both main and secondary - which I sure hope will be getting their stories told as well). Rogan is the backup QB on the Silverbacks Team, who is working hard to gain the starting job during preseason. He is outgoing, confident to the point of looking arrogant at times and he’s got the looks and swag of a professional athlete. Autumn is the new social media manager for the team. She is shy, very self conscious of her weight/body and is still getting over a 2 year ago breakup with her ex - who also happens to play for the Silverbacks and has her very weary of men. Especially athletes. So, when Rogan shows interest in her, she immediately shuts him down. But Rogan doesn’t accept defeat in anything. So he sets out to show her she’s what he wants and he’s worth the risk. But boy has he got his work cut out for him, in more ways than one.

Excellent start to the series. This reader can’t wait for more from the Silverbacks Football Team.
2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Dimple · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jacob Chance gives us a lot to love in this new series starter!

Rogan is beyond excited to have made the football team, even as a backup QB, but when the starter starts to look more like a fumbling high-schooler, Rogan knows it's his time to shine. Making the starting roster should be his singular focus, and it is, until she walks on the field. There's just something about the grumpy gorgeous new social media manager that captures Rogan. He's determined to turn her drown upside down.

Autumn absolutely loves her new role with the team. As a social media manager, she gets to interact with the players and the public, but in her own time and way. When the new backup QB starts to put up stats, it's her job to highlight him. It has nothing to do with hot he is. Really. But who knew he was also charming and funny and nothing like her ex!

Autumn and Rogan were so cute together! Their banter was fun and kept me giggling. I loved the rest of the team as well, and can't wait to see more from this series!

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

Jacob Chance gives us a lot to love in this new series starter!

Rogan is beyond excited to have made the football team, even as a backup QB, but when the starter starts to look more like a fumbling high-schooler, Rogan knows it's his time to shine. Making the starting roster should be his singular focus, and it is, until she walks on the field. There's just something about the grumpy gorgeous new social media manager that captures Rogan. He's determined to turn her frown upside down.

Autumn absolutely loves her new role with the team. As a social media manager, she gets to interact with the players and the public, but in her own time and way. When the new backup QB starts to put up stats, it's her job to highlight him. It has nothing to do with how hot he is. Really. But who knew he was also charming and funny and nothing like her ex!

Autumn and Rogan were so cute together! Their banter was fun and kept me giggling. I loved the rest of the team as well, and can't wait to see more from this series!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Rogan and Autumn! I loved their chemistry and just how easily they get along and found their groove.

Rogan is not who I pictured him becoming because he’s so much more. He is hardworking and has a heart of gold! A true gentleman when he needs to be but not afraid to get down and dirty when he’s needed!!

Autumn at first I was on the fence about because Brett was clearly a not so nice dude (ugh I hate having to use clean language lol) but I also understood why it was hard for her at first to see that. When you are in a relationship with a narcissist you do things to survive and Autumn was still trying to break the cycle and I shouted a huge heck ya when she finally put him in his place!!!

My first ever sports romance was by Jacob and I instantly became obsessed and this book reminded me of why I love sports romance and why I love a sports romance from Jacob Chance!

[Closet Romance Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rogan!! I have been waiting for his story since meeting him in Evading the Enforcer! It was worth the wait!! The Toughest Play was the first book in Jacob’s Silverbacks Football series. It was full of chemistry, witty banter, and swoon!

Autumn had scored her dream job as the social media content manager for the Silverbacks football team. She was ready to put in the work to prove they made the right decision. What she wasn’t ready for was the whirlwind of Rogan O’Rourke. She needed to keep her head on straight but every time she spent time with him, she veered off the path. Would she be able to stay the course or would Rogan wi her over?

I could not stop reading! I loved watching these two. Rogan was sure bringing out all the stops to win Autumn over. They had such a deep connection but also had all the fun! Can’t wait to see who will be up next!

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series, and this is Rogan and Autumn’s story.
Autumn has landed to her dream job as the social media content manger for the Silverback’s. apart from the fact her ex is the team’s quarterback. Rogan is the backup quarterback, and her ex’s rival, but although he is battling for the starting spot, he is also vying for Autumn’s attention.
This is a well written story which is easy to read, fast paced, and with reverse grumpy / sunshine, humor, witty banter, emotions, action, determination, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, fun, and sweet addictive page turner.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn is excited to handle the social media for the Silverbacks and doesn’t want to do anything that could put her job at risk. It is already complicated due to her past with the starting quarterback so getting involved with his back up is a complication she doesn’t need.

Rogan is looking forward to this opportunity with the Silverbacks and knows that he needs to prove himself. He had feelings for Autumn from their first meeting and understands the complications that go along with it but he also realizes that some rewards are worth the risk.

Fun and flirty I loved Autumn and Rogan together. The banter between them was humorous, the chemistry radiates off the pages and they are exactly who the other needs in their life.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story to escape everyday life. I submerged myself into the world of Rogan and Autumn.

Rogan is focused on working his way to be the first choice quarterback in his football team. He loves football, and nothing will get in his way.. He is out to prove he's the best option for the team.

Autumn works on publicising the team via social media and raising their profiles. She doesn't want to get involved personally with any of the players as she's been hurt in the past.

Once the two met anything, they thought they wanted blurs slightly. Rest assured, they're still focused on their careers it's just that the pull and chemistry towards each other have them wanting more..

Highly recommended if you like sports romance.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

We had briefly met Rogan in the Charleston Hockey Series (he is Niall & Maeve's younger brother) and
The Toughest Play~book #1 in the new Silverbacks Football Series tells his story. Rogan works and trains hard, not letting anything deter him from becoming the starting quarterback for his team, until he meets Autumn, the new social media content manager. With the same mindset as Rogan, Autumn is determined to steer clear of any drama that could ruin her dream job. Rogan and Autumn had an instant attraction, even though she denied it to begin with. Their banter was hilarious and their chemistry was hot! Rogan was the perfect gentleman. This was a fun read and the perfect start to this new series. I can't wait to see what's next.

[Sandie Chraponski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story !!

If there is one thing Jacob is good at it’s writing a sports romance. He delves into the world of professional football this time around.

Ronan is the younger brother of Niall from Jacob’s “Evading the Enforcer”, where he was the cocky college football player. Well he’s all grown up and has his sites set on Autumn. But the last thing she wants to do is get involved with a football player.

Don’t miss out on this one, it’s a quick 200+ page story, it’s fast paced and you are going to lose your self in it. This is the beginning of a whole new team, so you know Jacob has more for us in this world and I can’t wait to see what comes next!!

[Jaimie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am really excited that Jacob has gone back to football! I was so happy when he announced this new series. I already knew I would enjoy it.

Rogan and Autumn have a really good story that is sweet. There isn't a lot of drama. I felt like this was a feel-good read or even a palate cleanser.
In this book, you get a reverse grumpy sunshine (I love it), ex-rival, he falls first, opposites attract in a workplace romance. All these tropes are great, and Jacob wrote a low angsty more rom com with a cinnamon roll hero and a curvy heroine.

One of my favorite things about Jacob's book is they aren't long. You can read on pretty quick, but still fulfilled. I love reading his books.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun new series by Jacob Chance. Rogan and Autumn are a fun couple to start this series. Autumn is the social media person for the Silverbacks, and Rogan is the backup quarterback, who wants to be the starter. Standing in his way, Autumn's ex, Brett. However, upon meeting sparks fly and Rogan's new mission is winning Autumn and the starting QB spot. Through getting to know each other, Rogan's outlook and determination make his game better and their budding relationship stronger. Keeping you engaged and wanting to know: will Rogan win the girl and the starting QB position?? A Must read!

[Vivien Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throwing for the win at love!

When Autumn gets the role of social media person at the Silverbacks football team, she knows her ex is a quarterback there but what she doesn't expect is to fall for the back up quarterback, Rogan. The chemistry between them is hot and the banter fierce. The more time they spend together, the more they fall. Can this relationship be the one or is it just a for now experience?
Oh Jacob, this was such a great read and the characters were perfect for each other. Can't wait to read the next one!

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rogan and Autmun

Rogan, the backup quarterback doesn't want to be the backup anymore. He has eyes on being the starter and has worked hard for the opportunity.

Autumn is at a point in her life she finally feels ots going her way. Living with scarlet is great, work is going well and now she is eyeing Rogan.

Not wanting to change anything too fast, she tries to be friends with him but it gets harder the more time they spend together.
He's the sweetest guy ever and show her the person she really is.

So sweet,it'll melt your ❤️.

[Imogen Dior · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed The Toughest Play. I thought the plot was good, characters interesting and enough romance for a short, sweet read. I loved how grumpy Autumn was and learning about her past and how she grew as a person as we read her. I loved Rogan’s loyalty to those he cared about and how passionate he was about his job. I really enjoyed both main characters chemistry and how they interacted with one another. I loved quite a few of the secondary characters. It was a solid read.

[Renee Entress · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 star

This is Autumn and Rogan’s story. Autumn just got her dream job but the one drawback is having to see her ex all the time. Rogan is out to get her as his own. But he is also not trying to get involved in any drama and have the team cut him. She is grumpy to his sweet side. But in the end, they are met for each other. Will they figure that out or will the break each other’s hearts?

I recommend this book.

[Kym · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal book from this author. What a great start to a brand new series. I couldn’t put Rogan and Autumn’s story down. Jacob is the king of sports romance stories. I always fall in love with his characters. Loved the banter, I laughed and there is just the right amount of sexy times. Rogan works hard to become the starting quarterback. Autumn is the new social media content manager. They have an instant attraction. Looking forward to what’s next in this series.

[Letitia Bennion · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down

Once again like always, Jacob delivered another good story. Rogan gets his story told, and we get a whole new team! Autumn is an amazing woman, who takes her time, but doesn't completely miss opportunities thanks to her friend. We also get new characters, we get to see Maeve and Niall again too. I loved the banter between Rogan and Autumn. I also liked that the conflict wasn't super huge either(will have to read to know what it is).

[Nicole Greene · Rating 4 out of 5]

❤️Thoughts❤️

This story is an absolute delight! Packed with witty banter, low angst, and a lovable cast of characters, it’s the perfect feel-good read. Rogan, the determined quarterback, is head over heels and refuses to let Autumn slip through his fingers, making their romance all the more swoon-worthy. Autumn is a strong, relatable heroine who complements Rogan perfectly, and together, they create a couple you can’t help but root for.

The supporting cast truly shines, especially the best friend we all dream of having—loyal, hilarious, and always ready to lend a helping hand or crack a joke at just the right moment. The camaraderie among the characters adds layers of warmth and humor, making this story feel like a touchdown on every page.

Whether you're a fan of sports romances or just love stories that make you smile, this one is sure to win you over. It’s the perfect blend of charm, romance, and laughter.

🏈Football Romance
🏈Friends To Lovers
🏈Slow Burn
🏈Sports Romance
🏈HEA

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐⭐
Steamy:🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual
Type📣: Standalone
Recommend: Yes!