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A receiver walks into a bar…




Pro football star Lincoln Scott is no stranger to pressure, but when a family tragedy leaves him as the sole guardian of his young niece, Sophie, he’s thrown into a whole new game. Determined to provide her stability and shield her from more heartbreak, Linc's life turns into a whirlwind of late-night lullabies, ponytail practice, and grappling with grief. Suddenly, life off the field is more demanding than he ever expected and he's forced to rely on his best friend and teammate, Oz, who's dealing with unexpected news of his own.


Having recently discovered she had a half-brother, Nora Olson traveled to Portland eager to build a relationship with Oz. When Nora steps in as Sophie’s nanny, her bright spirit and undeniable chemistry with Linc transform the household. Just as they’re finding their footing, a threat to Linc’s custody emerges, and Nora soon finds herself in the unexpected role of Linc's fake fiancée.


With sparks flying between them and the stakes higher than ever, Linc and Nora find themselves swept up in a bond that feels all too real. But as outside forces close in, will their pretend engagement be enough to keep Sophie safe, or will they lose the family they’re starting to build before they even have a chance?

ebook

Published November 8, 2024

21 people are currently reading
45 people want to read

About the author

Sarah Curtis

22 books766 followers
Sarah Curtis is a writer of all things romance. She loves nothing more than a sexy alpha male who falls hard for their heroine, almost always in spite of themselves!


A life-long resident of Southern California, Sarah shares her writing den with her childhood sweetheart and very own alpha male. When she’s not writing or dreaming up plotlines you can find her wrangling her plethora of very spoiled felines—she currently has five, yes you read that correctly, furry companions. Sarah is a reader before anything else, and her TBR mountain is higher than Everest. She’s also addicted to watching cooking competitions, especially involving baking! Of her own admission, she rarely cooks, but she’s up for the occasional birthday cake for her children as long as it involves the opening of a box.


If you like romance in all its forms along with some healthy debates with a side of games and puzzles then head over to her Facebook group, Sarah Curtis's Alpha Overload, for fun chats and to discover your next BBF. https://www.facebook.com/groups/20646...


Or visit Sarah's website and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free copy of Alluring Honeymoon — https://sarahcurtisauthor.wixsite.com...

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5 stars
16 (27%)
4 stars
22 (37%)
3 stars
15 (25%)
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
3,042 reviews25.3k followers
November 24, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS

Rush is book three in the Eligible Receivers series by Sarah Curtis. This can be read as a stand alone but I have read the first two books and you won’t want to miss either of them!

Lincoln Scott is a wide receiver for the Portland Phantoms. He is the best friend of Oz from book two. He’s twenty eight years old. Linc and his sister lost their parents years ago. In his years as a pro football player, he has gained a reputation for his one night stands. But his life completely changed the day he got the call that his sister and brother-in-law had died in an accident leaving him the guardian of his four year old niece, Sophie. Sophie who since the day of the accident, hadn’t spoken a word.

Nora Olson is twenty one years old. She recently discovered that she had a brother she never knew existed. So she is going to Portland to meet Oz and spend some time getting to know him and his wife. When Oz’s best friend, Linc, walked into the pub Oz’s wife owns, with his fussy daughter, Nora fell instantly in love with the little girl. And when Linc was desperate for someone he could trust to watch her while he was training, Nora didn’t hesitate to take the job.

As Nora, Linc and little Sophie spend more and more time together, they start to feel more like a family than just a boss and employee. And when Linc’s guardianship is challenged and he is faced with the possibility of losing his niece, Nora becomes his fake fiance to help him with his case. But that just makes things feel even more real.



Nora’s feelings grow rapidly for both Linc and little Sophie. But with neither of them putting words to their feelings, when something terrible happens, everything falls apart. And with both of them blaming themselves, they forget what is most important of all, the person they should have turned to for support, each other.

This was such a wonderful book. I was in love with little Sophie by the end of the prologue. Both Nora and Linc had so many changes in their lives, all at once. They both were devoting all of their efforts to making sure little Sophie was happy and adjusted. The last part of the book was pretty suspenseful. And then the epilogue left me sighing with happiness at how everything turned out. This is a story of finding the one you were always intended to be with, even during a tragedy. And also of a brave little girl who kept all of her words inside while she grieved. I loved it so much and I hope you do too.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Hope .
339 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
Single parents raising their nieces/ nephews is probably my most fav trope but somehow they managed to ruin it FOR ME with the manwhore x virgin in it.

H gets custody of his niece after her parents died and h is his best friend's estranged step sister. she becomes his nanny. she's 21 and never been with anyone since she's waiting for her 'special one' while H has been with many women and is a hoe until he got custody of the kid. i personally hate the power imbalance, why is that he gets to be with all ow but h is supposed to hold out for someone special? and the fact that he'd still be sleeping around if not for raising the kid is just gross to me

i liked that h didn't fall at his feet or onto his bed immediately. and when he pushes her away, she doesn't run behind him or beg. other people ask her out and she even dances with 2 diff om, so she didn't just sit around waiting for him.

but that's as far as what i liked about the book go. the next part contains few spoilers, feel free to skip if you want to

towards the end, the kid gets kidnapped from the house after the assailant knocks h out cold. once she informs him about it, he starts ripping into her and doesn't stop, ignoring that she's been hurt.

Linc’s gaze landed on Nora for the… Hell, he wasn’t even sure how many times his eyes had strayed to her in the past five hours. He’d lost count of the number of times he’d wanted to apologize for his words. But, then he’d remember how he’d ignored her curled on the floor when he’d walked into the house. Of how she’d been hurt not just emotionally but also physically. His woman.

the kid gets rescued obv and if you are thinking he apologised, nope. he thinks well anyways she's mine so who cares. Soon, Sophie would be home. Soon, they’d be alone. Soon, they could put this all behind them and then proceeds to fall asleep without apologising once they get the kid back home.

she leaves, he grovels for a page and she folds faster than a lawn chair. and get this part, she apologises too because she shouldn't have run away 🤡
“I owe you an apology as well.” She placed her fingers over his lips when he was about to object. “No, I do. I was wrong to have left. Next time, we’ll talk first.”
“Next time? Does that mean you forgive me?”
“You love me. That’s all I need.”


that's it. 2.5 stars only cause she has half the backbone (ik the bar's that low) and i loved the kid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Sims.
80 reviews14 followers
November 23, 2024
Well it could have been better if the H was less silly. He starts a relationship with h because he was jealous 😒 can this be any more shallow. And a huge situation happens just 10 pgs before the end and H doesn't hesitate to blame h and doesn't apologize to her on time. She then runs away then a page of grovel and they are back. I mean why does the H require a wake up call in everything to do the right things for the h.
Profile Image for Carvanz.
2,383 reviews897 followers
November 8, 2024
Within a few pages I KNEW this was going to be good.

While this is not a “no touch” zone, this is definitely a slower burn than what I'm currently accustomed to reading and that this author has given us in the past. She sets the stage beautifully creating an organic relationship between the hero and heroine without rushing them and I loved how things evolved for them.


https://i.pinimg.com/564x/cc/d4/85/ccd48543a8bccd9583d7205b5dc17e5e.jpg



I adored Nora and Linc and their story kept me engaged and turning pages. And yet, for me, Sophie was the magic in this story. I loved that Ms. Curtis made sure not to set her on a shelf and forget about her but allowed her to shine.


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/63/b5/5d/63b55d6d973643fd61908fff291961f9.gif



This story was fully fleshed out with well rounded characters and a storyline that was fun, heart felt, and had a level of steam that will have you making sure no one is reading over your shoulder. Along the way there’s just enough drama and conflict to keep you guessing what’s next. I loved seeing the characters from the previous books and yet this book can be read as a standalone.

Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Steam
Profile Image for Cristina.
1,575 reviews275 followers
Read
November 20, 2024
Writing style wasn’t for me. Lust at first sight, although they don’t act on it right away.
Profile Image for Dora.
808 reviews11 followers
November 4, 2024
Book three in the Eligible Receivers series was a great read. In this book, we get Lincoln Scott, one of the receivers of the Portland Phantoms and half sister to Oz (from book 2, Tackle) Nora Olson’s, story. We met Linc in the previous book so we were aware that his sister and brother in law had died in a car accident and left behind their little girl, Sophie. So I knew going in that his story was going to be pretty tough. He definitely had a lot on his plate when he ended up with custody of little Sophie, but he took it on with so much love. He absolutely adored his niece but he was having trouble with keeping someone to look after her when he had obligations with his schedule. Until now.

Nora’s life turned upside down a year ago when her father had died and she had found out about her half-brother that her father had abandoned years ago. After months of communication with the famous pro football player, Oz Osborn, Nora was finally going to meet him face to face. With her life at a standstill, she really did not have any plans so she decided to stay and get to know him. Along the way, she in turn finds herself with a temporary job as a nanny to another famous football player, Lincoln Scott and his adorable niece. They all just instantly clicked. Not only that, there was an instant attraction between Linc and Nora. They both tried to hide it from each other. Nora just couldn’t believe with Linc’s reputation he could be interested in someone like her and Linc knew he had to stay away from his friend and teammate’s little sister. Unfortunately, when there is a threat to Linc’s custody of Sophie looms, their relationship takes a turn and their attraction becomes undeniable.

Overall, a wonderful read and I am definitely looking forward to more in the series.
Profile Image for Djg.
2,047 reviews31 followers
November 15, 2024
I loved Nora, I can honestly say she had zero too-stupid-to-live moments. I liked how she handled herself, she was sweet and kind. I only wish she had made him work after he screws up big time.

Linc is a football player raising his 4 year old neice after the death of his sister and her husband. Sophie was traumatized and has not spoken since.

Nora discovered after her father's death he had another family and abandoned them. She's come to Oregon to get to know her brother Oz (Linc's teammate)
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,616 reviews147 followers
November 21, 2024
4 stars, This was a good book. Rush is book three in the Eligible Receivers series and is Lincoln "Linc" and Nora's book. Linc is an NFL player. His sister and her husband passed away in an accident, leaving him to raise his four year old niece, Sophie. Meanwhile, Nora is new to town. When her father passes away, she finds out that he had a son from a prior relationship. Nora's new found older brother, Oz, is also an NFL player on Linc's team and is his friend. She comes to town to stay with Oz and his wife and get to know him better. While there she meets Linc and volunteers to help him out in a pinch by temporarily nannying for Sophie. They become friends and she comes to care from Linc and Sophie. But when Sophie's estranged paternal grandparents threated to fight Linc for custody, he hires Nora for a more complicated position, that of his "fake fiance", to make him look like he would be a more responsible guardian. Lines begin to blur and feelings start to develop, as their fake family starts to feel very real and they imagine a happy future together.

This was a good story. It was an entertaining, easy read with a dash of angst and emotion. I liked Nora. Sophie was cute. Linc was fine, but not a super special hero to me. They had okay chemistry but I think that got better as the book went along. Still, the story was interesting and had some suspense added in, which I liked. Overall, this was an enjoyable read and I look forward to more from this series and from Ms. Curtis again the future.

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Jenn the Readaholic.
2,179 reviews71 followers
November 3, 2024
Lincoln sure isn’t always the quickest when it comes to Nora. He’s trying to do the right thing. Trying to be good and honorable. But is it really the right thing if it means missing out on the possibility of forever? I will say this for him, though. Once Linc decides to heck with optics and “right” when his heart is screaming that the RIGHT path includes Nora as his life, he’s 100% focused on proving it to her.

Nora is easy to like from jump, too. She may be inexperienced in some things, but she’s smart enough to know love. And to know what is or isn’t meant to be. So she and Linc learn a lot together. They learn to trust and communicate and let their love be known. Even when it all hits the fan, these two manage to make it through to the other side.

This was a fun, slightly angsty read that shows just how much the “experienced” one has left to learn while the seemingly naive one is both learning and teaching all at once. It’s all about how to open up, how to love, and how to forgive when tensions are high. And trust me, it all meshes together wonderfully.
Profile Image for rj.
740 reviews344 followers
November 10, 2024
this was a solid 4 star read but removing 1 star for the dreaded manwhore / virgin combo

other than that annoying bit it was a pretty solid read!

safe read:
- no cheating, no others after meeting, no op scenes
- H was a manwhore prior to taking in his niece and has been celibate since. His past was mentioned maybe 4-5 times in the book and he was thankfully always remorseful and regretted the lifestyle.
- h was a virgin. i really wish she had some experience! if he can fuck around before meeting "the one" why can't she??? why must her first time be oh so special but not his?!
- om drama: h dances with his teammate twice (once at a club and other at a team event where H was watching) nothing happened with om and it was used to propel H into claiming the h so i didn't mind it
- ow drama: at the start H's current nanny is found masturbating on his bed and invites H to join her once she's caught. H promptly fired her and kicked her out.
Profile Image for MichelleG.
314 reviews17 followers
November 11, 2024
The third book in the series, this one revolves around Linc, a pro football player who loses his sister in a tragic accident and assumes guardianship of his young niece, Sophie, who is dealing with her loss and trauma by withdrawing and being selectively mute. The complete shift in his priorities and life really highlighted how large and loving his heart was as he completely leaves behind his former player lifestyle.

But even with the biggest of hearts, and doing his best with the support system he has, he's faced with the difficulties that all single parents face. Enter Nora, his team mate Oz's newly discovered half sister. Nora is trying to find her footing with her newfound family, but has the biggest heart and has an instant connection with Sophie.

There is a minor subplot dealing with Sophie's grandparents who are just....awful, but it is quickly dealt with, which I was grateful for. I really liked that the main focus was the relationships. I really enjoyed this addition to the series.
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,838 reviews12 followers
November 3, 2024
What a great read this was, I devoured it in one sitting. Lincoln and Nora seemed to have this insta chemistry, even though each had been dealing with a lot at the moment. With the death of his sister and brother in law, he was now in care of her young daughter, when he was used to only worrying about himself he now has a dependant to worry about. She just found her brother she never knew she had. When he's in a pinch, Nora seems to be the only one he trusts to help him out with his niece, and the sparks fly for each of them. Was a great read about each starting out fresh, and needing a person to lean on and call their own.
1,814 reviews24 followers
November 9, 2024
Wow, so good! I have read the other novels in this series and loved them. This novel did not disappoint. So good! I was excited to jump back into this series and I was not disappointed for a second. From the first chapter this novel pulled me in and held on tight to my attention until the very last page. I did not want this novel to end. I loved Linc and Nora's story. I loved their chemistry. I loved watching them both lower their defenses and fall in love. Once I started reading I didn't want to put this novel down. I needed to know what was happening next. I didn't want it to end. So so good! I can hardly wait to see what this author has coming next.
Profile Image for Mindy Lou's Book Review.
3,010 reviews798 followers
November 6, 2024
I adore single dad books! Linc may not be Sophie's dad, but his love and protectiveness for his niece will make you swoon just as much. Rush brings you instant attraction but a bit of resistance in the beginning. Linc has Sophie to focus on and Nora is building her relationship with her half brother she just found. What I liked, is that you never doubt their attraction to each other and when they do give in to it, they made for a great family.
Profile Image for Lizzi.
2,082 reviews16 followers
December 16, 2024
Pro football star Lincoln Scott becomes the guardian of his niece, Sophie, after a family tragedy. His life changes when Nora, his teammate’s half-sister, arrives in Portland. Nora’s warmth makes her the perfect nanny, and their bond grows. When a threat to Linc’s custody arises, Nora steps in as his fake fiancée, but their chemistry feels real. A great read!!
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
November 2, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. Nora and Linc have lots of trials and feelings to work through. Sophie will steal your heart. A bit of intrigue, lots of alpha male and lovely family bonding.
2,016 reviews24 followers
November 10, 2024
3.5
I wasn't sure how I was going to like the H. He was a manho and I like my guys with fewer mileage. Then he was paired up with a virgin, ugh. But I liked the story itself.
Profile Image for Tammy.
220 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2024
Really enjoyed this story. Just thought the ending was a little rushed. Would have liked a little more development. Good read and if you like a football hero this would be a one worth reading.
Profile Image for Carole.
380 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2024
What can I say? Single dad’s make me swoon and Sarah Curtis nailed it with Rush. Lincoln & Nora were the perfect couple, then you add in little Sophie and my heart melted. Such a cute story!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews

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