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Defying The Rules: The Atlanta Demon Series

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Success and fame don’t eliminate pre-existing scars, and no amount of money can fix something that’s broken deep within. To the naked eye, Deuce is living the dream as the infamous wide receiver for the Atlanta Demons. He has it all, and nothing is stopping him from gaining more, until he comes across a situation that takes him back to his painful childhood. In a split-second, rage sparks within Deuce, and his actions threaten everything he’s built, but in his mind, there is no other way to address the situation he stumbled upon. He can only hope that his past remains buried and that he doesn’t lose everything he’s worked so hard to gain.
Koya wants to help Deuce, but he’s hesitant to allow her to do so. She knows she’ll have to try hard to convince Deuce that even though she works for the Atlanta Demons, she has his best interest at heart. As Koya works hard to show her loyalty to Deuce, her heart breaks open for him, and she realizes that she wants to be the person who helps heal him. She wants to be the advocate and lifeline Deuce never had but deserved.
Koya and Deuce’s journey can either be the most beautiful love story one could imagine, or it could be a disaster that blows up not only their personal lives but also their professional ones. Falling for one another and intertwining their lives could destroy them, their families, and the organization they both love. They’ll have to decide what’s most important to them along the way and hope they can come out on the other end whole.

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 14, 2024

135 people are currently reading
72 people want to read

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Unique

77 books66 followers
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for _SimplyRead.
106 reviews21 followers
September 20, 2024
This was another Great addition to the Atlanta Demons Series.

BLURP: book 1 of this series ends with Deuce getting arrested, one would assume the cause of that arrest would be an altercation with Trace, but the truth behind his arrest is far more intense than we can imagine. The incident pushed Deuce to face his past head on. Koya the teams PR manager is tasked with putting a lid on this incident and to protect the team at all cost. But for her Deuce coming out on top forces her to go against any and everyone who is not aligned with that goal.

Deuce was such a big teddy bear he loved hard and the ones in his inner circle got the best of him. When he set his eyes on Koya romantically he didn’t beat around the bush, he respected her and her career so much and was willing to ply the friend zone until she was ready. I loved everything about their story and journey to becoming one.

Now that ending sent me straight to Unique DMs bc sister girl I know he didn’t………. (Gotta read it to get the insider)

Add this one to your TBR ASAP!
Profile Image for ReadnliftwithShar.
1,856 reviews
September 17, 2024
💗Deucey!

“Defying The Rules” was a great addition to the Atlanta Demons Series. Deuce is a Wide Receiver on the team, and Koya works in the front office and is the boss's daughter. The book has a theme of loyalty, beating all odds, carving your lane, and standing up for your beliefs. Deuce’s resilience was inspiring, and I couldn’t help but root for him to have love and all his heart’s desires. In the beginning, Deuce is guarded and standoffish. However, he met his match in Koya, who was a natural dealing with Deuce. Their story was forbidden, and it took them a while to gain each other’s trust, but I welcomed the ride. There’s something about a cold-hearted man who realizes he’s in love. It does it for me every time! I think Unique did a great job handling the traumas Deuce experienced as a child. She also shows his protective side and how he handles conflict off the football field. Koya has her battles and insecurities, but she is Deuce’s rib. I loved experiencing their love story. 4.5✨


**Arc review
Profile Image for Mrs..
5,997 reviews108 followers
September 26, 2024
I love a good sports themed romance.
Profile Image for Syretta Hines Adams.
2,353 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2024
Such a good read. I can't wait to start the next one. I see it's gonna be some good drama. For Koya and Deuce, they were awesome. Good read
Profile Image for KC.
106 reviews
October 4, 2025
I loved Deuce & Koya 🥰 I’m glad Koya didn’t back down and pushed through in the beginning, the outcome was more than either of them bargained for.

I must get to Dolla’s book, b/c wth?
Profile Image for Melise.
504 reviews54 followers
September 18, 2024
I love me a sports romance and so far Unique hasn’t let me down. The overall themes of the stories were traumatic, but the author addressed them with a level of compassion and emphasized the severity. This isn’t one of them books where abuse is sprinkled in and treated like a minor occurrence. The author really took time to address the tumultuous feelings associated with abuse in all its forms.

Now what took this from a 5 star read to a 4 was mainly Deuce. Where he was a lovable teddy bear in Jreams story he was angsty, spoiled and inconsiderate. While I understand the impact of abandonment and childhood trauma I felt like he was victimizing himself in a situation where it wasn’t necessary. Like he gets into an altercation and of course that’s going to cause some negative press. He was so uncooperative for multiple chapters that I wanted to scream. Koya definitely had her work cut out for her but she was up for the challenge. While I get why he wanted to protect the young boy, it was annoying how he kept painting the team and owner weirdly. Every time they had a meeting or told him the next steps he was harping on feeling like a product, like all they cared about was their image. While I totally understand why that’s off putting, he had to accept the fact that it’s a job, a corporation and everyone has to answer to someone. It just felt like he was disconnected from the previous story. Like the team just came out of a big scandal why don’t you think they would be worried and want to cover themselves.
I also get why he wasn’t as open and upfront about his trauma I felt like he was making Koya pay for other people’s sins. Miss girl and her so Kate’s is just trying to help yet you treating her like she the abuser, like she the cause for this drama when the whole time it’s your actions regardless of the good intention. He also was super impatient, like I get it you in love but sir y'all not even 2 months into sneaking and freaking and you complaining KNOWING WHATS AT STAKE, knowing how much the job means to Koya. I wish he would’ve let her tell her dad on her own time. I get he wanted to be married but imagine if her daddy was a terrible person and fired her then what?

I really liked seeing Koya blossom into her most confident self cus whewwww if I had to sit through another “my daddy favors his son” session I would be bald. While I know everyone built differently, it’s just kind of corny to me when our FMC who by all accounts is a Fine a** Boss and a beast at her job is choked up by her fathers expectations/ lack of acknowledgment. Like cmon now girl if he been favoring twin why you going so hard to prove a point that he’s not willing to see ESPECIALLY IF YOU AREN’T gonna call him out on it. The “I’m proud of you my princess” ending was anticlimactic too but I’m happy for sis.

I loved the cameo from all our other teammates and they def got me waiting on the next book.
Profile Image for A Reader.
681 reviews1 follower
December 2, 2025
This was a decent read, but I had to rush to the end before I DNF’d it. The story started solid, but once things started dragging and the connection between Koya and Deuce wasn’t really developing on page, it lost steam for me.

Koya was full of it sometimes. She played with Deuce more than once. After turning him down, she kept throwing it in his face that he wanted her, saying little things like “on your mind” while still insisting they couldn’t take things further. Her actions didn’t match her age at all, because she acted like a teenager when she’s well into her thirties. She was purposely difficult with him, especially when she tried to argue that he didn’t know anything about her. He listed things she told him, and she still acted like that didn’t count. Of course he wouldn’t know things she hasn’t shared. The point is he listened and remembered.

I also didn’t like how she kept holding the secrecy agreement over his head. She wanted him too, so using that as an excuse every time he wanted to be real about their relationship felt unfair. She agreed to the same thing he did. She didn’t have to date him either, so she can’t use the secrecy as leverage now just because she doesn’t want to tell her father.

Their relationship had no true buildup. It went from strictly professional to Deuce suddenly in love with nothing shown on the page to support it. One minute he’s having a foursome, the next they’re talking rings and babies when she can’t even admit to her father that she likes him. None of that felt earned. On top of that, the book was filled with too many outings and scenes with other characters that didn’t add much, which took away from developing the actual romance.

The hearing loss plot added nothing. It wasn’t a conflict, didn’t affect anything, and felt unnecessary. It was brought up like it was going to be a big deal, and it wasn’t. It ended up being irrelevant.

Masai also overreacted when it came to Deuce. He’s allowed to feel how he feels without her snatching her child and acting like he did something wrong when the situation didn’t concern her that deeply. A lot of the reactions from people around them were dramatic for no reason.

Overall, it wasn’t a bad read, but the lack of buildup, the forced conflict, and all the unnecessary scenes with side characters made it lose momentum.
Profile Image for Sassha Reads❤️❤️.
2,050 reviews19 followers
July 12, 2025
I really thought that Deuce had gotten arrested for assault against Trace for him putting his hands on Jream and was very surprised that he ran up on Sean trying to SA Prince in broad daylight in an alley. I like the fact that from the very beginning that Koya had Deuce’s back and worked hard to have his actions vindicated. Deuce blacked out on Sean because he had a flashback of his own trauma when as a teen he had to fight off his foster parents brother to keep from being SA’d. It’s sad that Deuce’s mom chose her boyfriend over him and put him out at twelve years old when he was trying to defend his mom. I like how Koya brought out a softer side of Deuce and how he made sure she always had on her hearing aids. I did think that they were going to start learning sign language especially since she will one day end up being completely deaf. I like that Deuce took Prince under his wing and making sure that his mental is good and staying on him about his grades. I thought the neck book was going to be a the Rookie Jordan Rockdale who Deuce, Jrue, and Dolla took in because he was really struggling with survivors remorse after losing both his parents back to back. That cliffhanger in the bathroom with a woman walking up to Masai asking her if she was Dolla’s wife has me really in my feelings because I’m hoping that he’s the faithful husband that he has been portrayed to be in both books. I really don’t want him to be a cheater because they’ve been relationship goals for Jrue & Jream and Deuce and Koya. I would be so disappointed.
Profile Image for Jameelah Deleon.
68 reviews2 followers
September 30, 2025
By far my favorite of the series!

Deuce was so worthy of the love he received. He took his pain and poured it into his passion, and his story will always be my favorite.

This one was heavy. From the moment Koya showed up, she carried him—nurtured him, protected him. I loved them together.

That said, this is another story where I wish we could’ve been part of a therapy session or at least gotten some deeper mental dialogue. We didn’t really get any hints about Deuce’s feelings for Koya at the start. One minute we’re reading, and the next..boom..there’s an invite to dinner because he likes her. As readers, we weren’t privy to those developing feelings before that moment.

With everything Deuce was carrying, I would’ve loved to see him lean into that yearning more. Since it was portrayed as something he wasn’t used to feeling, I think he and Koya deserved more space for that emotional build-up.

However this is still a solid story, and I definitely recommend you tap in with Deucey!
Profile Image for Tenika Glover.
791 reviews3 followers
September 29, 2024
He Found His One!!

Duece couldn't let Prince something so traumatic, knowing that he could prevent it. He wish someone could have came to his rescue. So he to do what he had to do. He ended up in jail for a couple of hours. Duece froze Koya out for moment. He didn't know she had his best interest at heart, but she also knew he had a story to tell. Kota just didn't know he helped them be together. Koya had to prove herself to her father that she could hold her own. Her heart was already emotionally invested. I like how his family welcomed her when she said she had no friends. Duece went to her father man to man and asked for her hand in marriage. Duece should have went to therapy himself. Pray works but therapy goes hand and hand when dealing something so traumatic. It's always someone who is trying to prove something. Masai is going to cut on that woman. What is her end game??
9 reviews
February 22, 2025
Good but obviously doesn’t know football

I loved reading about Deuce. Seeing him heal and find love was amazing. But obviously the author doesn’t know football. I know it’s fiction but don’t write about something you’re unsure of. Sacked is when the quarterback is tackled while still having the ball. Deuce being a wide receiver and having interceptions isn’t real. So he plays on special teams (which is defense) & wide receiver? That would mean he plays the whole game and it’s unreal to be on both. Having 260+ receiving yards? Well sheesh, how many passing yards did Jrue have then? Lol. & Jrue running the ball down the whole field all the time? Is there not a running back on the team?? It’s a good book but certain parts definitely irritate real sports fans.
145 reviews3 followers
September 15, 2024
Koya a Pr rep who stands on big business in her So Kate’s tasked with Deuce’s situation.Koya’s father warns her to tread lightly and doubts her capabilities on rectifying it. Koya see something in him that others don’t. Also, with her being a headstrong FMC her determination doesn’t waver. Deuce if you haven’t read Fair Trade do that first my interest was definitely piqued. I knew there was more to him. One thing about Unique she isn’t scared to discuss heavy topics. My Deuce was misunderstood his traumatic childhood as a foster kid explains it all. I admired how Koya made him sweat a little chivalry isn’t dead. Now the big question is what’s going on with Masai& Dolla?
Profile Image for Simply_YoYo.
457 reviews9 followers
September 24, 2024
I LOVE Deuce 🥰🥰
His childhood was rough, pegged as The Demons bad boy. Deuce was in the wrong place at the right time and gets caught up in a media crisis.
Koya Myron, crisis manager, and the team owners daughter.

No fraternizing with the players it’s in her contract.

Deuce has his mind made up and it’s Koya for him.

The way this man showed up for her just made me smile. Deuce needed Koya and Koya deserved Deuce. Every time he would make eye contact and tug his left ear🥰🥰🥰 I loved that for her🤣!

Author Unique - why would you end this book like THAT. I don’t wanna hear NOTHING bad about Dolla I refuse to accept it 😁🤣🤣
Profile Image for Jaleesa.
403 reviews55 followers
September 26, 2024
I’m an Atlanta Demons fan!!

I was not expecting Deuce to have me emotional. There was a depth to him that I wasn’t expecting and now he’s also my best friend, sorry Jaream. He had so many walls built up and then here comes Koya in her So Kate’s ready to knock them all down. Watching their relationship transition from professional, to genuine friendship to love felt right. I also have to commend Unique for the way she handled the very sensitive topics discussed in this story. Now I don’t know why she ended the book like that but I cannot wait for the next book. Definitely pick this one up!!!
Profile Image for Monique.
434 reviews18 followers
July 13, 2025
I enjoyed Deuce & Koya’s story. You were able to see their friendship grow once he began to let down his walls & realized that she had his best interests at heart. I admired Deuce for how he handled the situation w/Prince. And I loved the way Koya showed up for him even when Deuce fought her on it. I do think the shift to romantic attraction was kind of abrupt though. I didn’t feel like in the first half of the book there was any indication there was attraction. Suddenly it’s “let me take you to dinner. And now I wanna be together” lol. They weren’t a perfect couple, but I liked them together. The setup for Masai & Dolla’s book though. I don’t like it if it’s going where I think it’s going…
876 reviews8 followers
November 26, 2025
Book 2…

Of this series topped book 1 and Deuce quickly became my favorite Demon! Plus it’s football, so you can’t go wrong with a football sports romance. There was also pretty heavy subject matter that had to be dealt with and tackled head on. Deuce and Koya are now my favorite couple, but there’s one more couple to get to. And it’s the one I’ve been anticipating the most! There’s also a wedding and Christmas novella to add to the ATL Demon roster. Count me in for all of em! This would have been a five star read, but the football fan in me who’s as passionate about the game as I am about reading observed a few penalty markers.
Profile Image for Miranda Watkins.
436 reviews4 followers
September 17, 2024
4.5 ⭐️

*** CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS***

This is book 2 in the Atlanta demons series I would RECOMMEND that you read Fair trade first but you don’t have to. This book definitely a slow burn. It’s waaaay slower than the previous book but it also works for the characters. Both deuce & kova had individual things going on that they needed to at least get some type of control on before they even considered the idea of being together. It was like they focused on their personal problems and once the problems was resolved then they started entertaining the idea of being together.
211 reviews2 followers
October 14, 2024
I love Koya and Deuce

Loved loved loved this story. I just loved Koya and Deuce and all the ups and downs that followed them through navigating their friendship and then their relationship. I am happy everything worked out for them both in the end. I was really hoping she got pregnant sooner with how much he was shooting the club up but hopefully it will eventually happen for them. Another great story.
Profile Image for Ms. Williams .
117 reviews1 follower
October 9, 2025
Duece has proved me wrong.

Every misconception that I had about Duece was proven to be wrong. I wanted to not like Duece so bad from book 1 to book 2, but by the time I was halfway through this book, I just loved me some him. This goes to show that the right woman will calm a man down. Koya was that girl for sure. She didn't pull any punches and put him in his place from the very beginning. This is definitely my favorite out of the series.
Profile Image for BookTalesTink .
120 reviews
October 16, 2025
Deuce and Koya

Mannnnn Deuce was so misunderstood. He literally moved through life after everyone failed him, but he didn’t fail himself. Deuce did what any man would do to protect an innocent child. Koya came off timid in a male dominated career, busy she came knocking walls down and falling in love. They were so cute I love that they communicated with each other and Deuce starting his walk with Christ was so humbling.
13 reviews
September 19, 2024
Deuce

I’m so happy that Deuce found love. I love that the author touch on several different subjects like how important to protect the youth from sexual predators. You can’t worry and pray at the same time. You have to give it to God. Great message. Can’t wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Natay 99.
271 reviews3 followers
October 2, 2024
How bout that ending!

I love these characters and how well the author took her time in the character development as well as taking time in developing their intimate relationship journey. Sis got me shook tho cuz ain't no way Dollla done tainted his good name and jeopardized his family for a floozy! Anyway can't wait for what's next! Great job 👏
4 reviews
November 13, 2024
I Just Black Romance 🥰

I Just Love Black Romance And Better When The Women Is Being Loved Up And Down. I Love How Every Time Koya Said “No” Duece Said “Yes”. I Loved How She WA Their For Him Every Step Of The Way And Then He Was There For Her Every Step Of The Way. I Definitely Loved The BDE 😅😇😉 I Just Loveee The Black Football Romance Books Ughh More As Much As You Can 😇😅
Profile Image for Kinya Williams.
250 reviews2 followers
September 17, 2024
Really good read!

Duece & Koya!!! This is a great story! Koya had a job that she took to heart &in that process Duece falls for her. Every page was a turnover. I was completely absorbed cover to cover. Mad at the ending!
Profile Image for Breeana.
600 reviews6 followers
November 2, 2024
Amazing!

Chileeee the ending has me weak! What has Dolla done now?! Who is that woman?! I have so many questions. Deuce and Koya are my babies I love their chemistry, this was a very well written book. Unique never disappoints!
556 reviews
April 13, 2025
Loveddddddd

I knew Deuce would have a story.

Koya was there to fix his issues professionally. But she also helped heal him personally.

So enjoyed this one. And Unique ain’t playing with us and these cliffhangers. Can’t wait for Dolla.
1,209 reviews3 followers
August 18, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed getting Deuce’s story, he was one of my favorite supporting characters. Koya, I did really like her but she tried my patient e some when she pushed but was mad when Duece did the same. So glad that was resolved. Looking forward to diving into their next book.
Profile Image for Angela.
285 reviews
September 5, 2025
I love this book.

Deuce and Koya were made for each other! This story had so many layers and the way it unfolded was so entertaining. I laughed, cried and screamed a bit! I loved every bit of the series and cannot wait until book 3.
Profile Image for BetweentheCoversLiterary .
1,511 reviews32 followers
October 2, 2025
Good

This was a good read who doesn’t love a troubled grumpy man who finds his everything in the right woman… I loved Koya from the beginning she was definitely boss bae and let it be known to Deuce… they fit together so perfectly and I can’t wait to see what’s next for the gang
Profile Image for LaToya Brooks.
2,972 reviews1 follower
September 16, 2024
cute read

This was a cute read! I was definitely rooting for deuce and kova! I’m glad that everything worked out. I’m nervous about dolla and marsai now
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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