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The Backup

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I swore I was done with football players.

Especially my ex’s teammates.

But then there’s Asher Knox—the star quarterback, the campus heartbreaker, and the guy whose reputation is just as legendary as his arm. He's also my ex's fraternity brother.

I tell myself it’s nothing. Just a fling. A no-strings, no-drama, no-risk distraction before grad school.

Except one late-night study session turns into a stolen kiss. Then another. Then another.

Suddenly, "just one night" turns into mornings tangled in his sheets, whispered confessions in the dark, and secrets I can barely keep.

And Asher? He’s nothing like I expected.

The chemistry? Undeniable.
The way he looks at me? Dangerous.
The things he does to me? Absolutely unforgettable.

Because if anyone finds out I’m hooking up with my ex’s star teammate?

It won’t just be a scandal.

It’ll be game over.

But some plays are worth the risk. And this one? Might just change everything.

The Backup is a standalone, high-heat sports romance with tension, temptation, and a quarterback who knows exactly how to score—on and off the field. HEA guaranteed.

271 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 26, 2024

527 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

Mickey Miller

52 books2,188 followers
Hi, there! My name is Mickey Miller and I write sexy, fun romance with smart characters. My books are great if you're looking for a light-hearted, steamy read with some humor and a happy ending! Happy reading!

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5 stars
335 (39%)
4 stars
241 (28%)
3 stars
164 (19%)
2 stars
69 (8%)
1 star
31 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Jenna Rainey.
11 reviews7 followers
February 2, 2025
the book seemed incredibly rushed, which resulted in so many inconsistencies and plot holes.
Profile Image for Dear Ellie.
120 reviews4 followers
August 23, 2025
”The way he’s watching me, like I’m the only thing that matters, sends heat rushing to my cheeks and a flutter through my chest.”

I just devoured this book, in less than 24 hours.
Hot, interesting, hot again. The best sex scenes I have read in a while – it was just my cup of tea, as is Asher Knox.

However, it was still lacking as I missed having the close friends on both sides - sorry, but her friend and the boyfriend were not it for me - and connecting with other characters besides the main leads. Plus, I missed the angst and the romance a bit, but it was a hot book nonetheless.



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I just re-read this book because I cannot get over Asher’s filthy mouth - I keep comparing him to other leads and they simply can’t catch up to this legend.
Profile Image for Julie's Book Land Reviews.
540 reviews35 followers
December 30, 2024
Date Started: December 26th 2024
Date Finished: December 30th 2024

Characters: Sloane & Asher

Rating: 6 🌟 s

Tropes:
Secret Relationship, Sports Romance, Revenge Fling/Ex's Teammate, Golden Retriever MMC

Review:
OH MYLANTA! What a book!! I loved everything about it especially the chemistry between Solane and Asher and the way that they kept their relationship under wraps all because of Sloane not wanting to cause drama between themselves and her ex. So without giving anything away, I'll just say that this book is definitely one of my favorites of 2024.
Profile Image for Karen Veverka-warren.
69 reviews
December 29, 2024
This was an arc read for me.
I give this 4 1/2 ⭐️! Loved the banter! I adore Asher! Such a golden retriever boyfriend! At times, I wanted to scream at Sloane to open her eyes and see what was right in front of her. Great read!
Profile Image for jessica.
183 reviews3 followers
December 26, 2024
Well written lots of spicy moments little bit of romance, little bit revenge dating, falling in love all in a nice bow. Quick read for me and enjoyed it.
Profile Image for O’rion Risher.
371 reviews6 followers
February 28, 2025
I feel like I’m alone over here getting so sick and tired of reading about huge cocks and the “good girl” comments. I cringe every time. The whole first time they have sex was kind of silly and I honestly kept thinking about how she hasn’t been tested for STIs since her boyfriend was clearly cheating on her for a while. Even when Asher goes down on her on the same night she dumps her boyfriend, it was all I could think about. He knows her boyfriend was cheating, she knows it. But neither give a crap or even think about it before stripping down and getting dirty and flirty. He didn’t know she had never had sex without a condom before he was already inside of her. And she knows he gets around and is a “fun time” just based off how her friend screwed him before, but she doesn’t even think maybe he might have something.

Yeah, maybe I think too much about this stuff. But if I’m reading a book, I’m throwing my mind into the situation as if it were reality and if all I can think about is chlamydia and genital warts, there’s a problem. At the very least the author could’ve thrown in that she went to a clinic or at least have them talk about being tested recently.

Aside from that, she wants to keep this thing a secret. But she is screaming and hollering and moaning loudly, both saying each others names when her ex’s bedroom is next door and they don’t seem to be worried about anyone hearing them. She also goes back to his room (again… next door to her ex) to stay with Asher overnight. This is all literally a big way to get caught before even starting this secret love fest. So yeah. I’m over it and DNF AT 43%.
Profile Image for Bookmom1213.
420 reviews8 followers
December 28, 2024
Sloane has been dating the quarterback of her college football team for over three years. It was at a game that she found out that he had been cheating on her. She swears she is done with football players.
Asher is the back up quarterback to college football team. He had a body built to break every young lady’s heart in a grin to go with it.
When Asher walked into the library and saw Sloan studying, he was drawn to her like like a moth to a light. They started talking and he offered to be a fling, one night only, no strings attacked, no drama. What happens when one night turns into two and then another? Now you can’t stay away from him. Late night rendezvous‘s turn into early morning walk a shame. Now the question Sloane has to ask herself, is she ready for a scandal for hooking up with your ex’s teammate, keeps their fling a secret, or risk it all for a chance of something real?
I really enjoyed this book. I couldn’t put it down. The way Asher put his heart out on the line for Sloane and allowed her to take things at her own pace and didn’t rush her is refreshing. Jacquelyn and Brian were hilarious with their banter. Mickey knows how to write a book. I can’t wait for the next one.
705 reviews16 followers
December 27, 2024
Sloane has been dating Joe the quarterback for three years. They have plans for the future until Sloane finds out that Joe has been cheating on her. Sloane is in the library studying with her best friend and roommate Jacklyn when Jacklyn leaves to get something to eat a really cute guy comes over to the table to talk to Sloane. Asher is the backup quarterback and he thinks Sloane is really hot. At a party at the Sigma Nu Sloane sees Joe with another girl hanging on him and she decides she is going to break up with him. Sloane, Jacklyn and Asher end up in his room playing games. When Jacklyn leaves Asher dares Sloane to finally break up with Joe. Things progress that night in a sexual way. Joe loses his quarterback spot to Asher. Sloane wants to keep her situation with Asher secret. Will Asher keep the quarterback spot or will he lose it when Sloane breaks up with him. Will Sloane realize that she does want to be with Asher? What will happen when they graduate college? Will Asher and Sloane go to the same place? Will Asher and Sloane find love and happiness together?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

Superb Dirty Little Secret romance!
Profile Image for Stephanie S.
66 reviews
January 26, 2025
I flew through this book in two days. I truly loved Asher and Sloans story. Yea there was a little repetitiveness, some mixed words but I could still follow the story and I was hooked right out of the gate.
Asher is a football jock/nerd and the second string quarterback. I love that he’s not your everyday MMC jock whore. You don’t hear about constant one-night stands. He’s a little cocky but very confident in himself and is never trying to portray himself as more than he is. He falls for Sloane who is a book nerd and she’s got quite the tongue for quick come backs. She’s down to earth and very goal focused. She’s coming out of a three year relationship with the first string quarterback who’s cheating on her.
Asher and Sloan have instant chemistry but because she’s coming out of this long term relationship she doesn’t want to like him. The more they see each other the more they can’t fight their attraction and things end up turning into a secret fling until it’s not anymore. He wants more and she doesn’t know how to stop worrying about the outside noise.
Their chemistry is off the charts hot and that mouth on him….GAH!!! 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
They get the HEA they deserve
258 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2024
I was honoured to receive an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.

Someone call the Fire Brigade 🚒 quick! I mean WOW! This book has you hooked right from the very start.

We have a Hot Nerd who slays at her quiz nights, a back up football player who also masquerades as a hot sexy nerd deep at heart.

The only problem is that we are forced to read that this footballer seems to 'somehow' manage to rock every item of clothing!! - from Grey tracksuit bottoms, Tux, Fancy Dress ...... And not to mention his glasses 🤓 ❤️‍🔥🌶️🔥🥵

After Sloane dumps her boyfriend Joe DeRollo because he cheated and how badly he treated her. Sloane wants to recover from this event, then she meets Asher....

Asher & Sloane decide to start a relationship on the down low. Asher maybe a smooth talker but he's also mastered the art of dirty talking 😉

Can Asher land his dream girl and his dream job or does he have to sacrifice one?.....

A five star ⭐ review is not enough for this book as it deserves so much more. I can't recommend this book enough.
Profile Image for Schellie.
862 reviews
December 28, 2024
Mickey Miller has done it again! Asher is the perfect book boyfriend, he's attentive, a good listener, adventurous, creative & he is, as they say, "gifted" & gorgeous! As the back up QB, he sits back & observes situations & creates a great environment for his teammates. He sees Sloane in the library & all bets are off, she is the girl he wants!
Sloane is the good girl, dating the star QB, until she gets unsettling news from her best friend. Now she has a decision to make, continue with Joe, who really doesn't see her as an equal. Or, she can embark on an adventure of a lifetime with Asher, the sexy nerd she finds in the library.
Sloane & Asher are perfect together, the yin to the others yang. He pushes her out of her comfort zone, but always has her best interest at heart. This book was, WHEW, super sexy, steamy & written beautifully, these characters just fit, their banter & dynamic are fire & i really enjoyed this story! I can't wait for the follow up!
Profile Image for Eden Martin.
19 reviews
January 6, 2025
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of The Backup by Mickey Miller, and I couldn’t put it down! This story is an addictive blend of flirty banter, relatable characters, and sizzling romance.

Asher and Sloane are dynamic leads who complement each other perfectly. Asher, with his golden retriever frat-boy energy and just the right dose of cockiness, is utterly charming. Meanwhile, Sloane is the kind of heroine you root for—a nerdy sorority girl with a big heart who brings depth and relatability to the story.

The text banter between these two is pitch-perfect, sparking off the page and pulling you into their growing connection. Their relationship starts as a secret, adding layers of tension and excitement, and let me just say—the spice is definitely spicing!

In Asher’s own words, be a “good girl” and pick up this book. You won’t regret it! The Backup is a fun and steamy read that deserves a spot on your TBR.
Profile Image for Leigh.
Author 5 books108 followers
December 26, 2024
I love everything 👏🏼 about 👏🏼 this 👏🏼 book! The meet cute is amazing and I love how the story unfolds.

Asher is an ultimate book boyfriend and takes such good care of Sloane. He’s there for her when she breaks up with a bad guy. He quickly makes her forget about any other guys. Plus, he wears gray sweatpants. ;)

Mickey’s books are more magical than Disneyland, and I think this one is my fave by him.

If you love college sports romance with a confident hero who knows what he wants, this book is for you. Asher does an amazing job walking with Sloane while she deals with her fears. There’s an awesome cast of side characters too.

The chemistry and steam in The Backup is top notch. You don’t want to miss this fun, flirty, super spicy romance with lots of heart!
Profile Image for Amanda Shaffer.
19 reviews
February 22, 2025
Cute love story

I enjoyed this one. Although, I kept getting confused about little things. In the beginning of the book, Asher was going to start his own business after school and was a marketing major. He really wasn't concerned with anything to do with football as a future. Then by the end of the book, he wanted to be a football coach. Sloane wanted to get her MBA and was an Econ major, but she took the MCAT. The MCAT is for med school. I think the author really got their wires crossed on some things. Also, the frats and sorority names seemed to get mixed up with the parties or at least where they were held. The girls said their sorority was hosting the event, but they were at the frat house. A lot of details were confusing.
930 reviews7 followers
December 26, 2024
This story had all the perfect ingredients for a captivating sports romance. Asher Knox, the backup quarterback, is everything you'd want in a hero, while Sloane is fed up with her cheating ex-boyfriend, the starting QB, who has always taken her loyalty for granted.
When Asher and Sloane start their secret romance, the last thing she wants is for gossip to spread, especially with the two of them living in the same frat house. But you can't deny the undeniable chemistry between them. Their connection is explosive—utterly magnetic and off-the-charts hot. This sports romance definitely brings the heat, with plenty of steam, and it’s an all-around fantastic read.
2,082 reviews31 followers
December 27, 2024
I really enjoyed Sloane and Asher’s story. The nerdy girl and the backup quarterback, what could go wrong? After learning her boyfriend was cheating Sloane decides she deserves better than Joe who has no idea what’s coming. When Sloane meets Asher, he’s a little nerdy himself, sexy, hot and confident in what he wants and he would like to get to know Sloane. Leaving little innuendos for her to think on. Asher is definitely the definition of a book boyfriend, taking care of Sloane in every way. Keeping their relationship a secret isn’t going to be easy and when it all hits the fan will they prevail?
Profile Image for TrishSparklerReads.
379 reviews8 followers
December 27, 2024
@TrishSparklerReads Bookstagram:

“The Backup” by Mickey Miller
Genre: New Adult Sports Romance
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Spice: 4🌶️
Darkness: 1🩶
POV: Dual

Thoughts:
Asher was such an amazing book boyfriend- he’s in Football but didn't get a chance to shine until the Quarterback partied too hard. I love how Mickey wrote Asher, he had depth and more character than you might expect from a football player. This has a high level of spice and was quite a romantic story overall. I’m looking forward to reading Nolan’s story, that gets teased at the end of this book.

🛑 I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Profile Image for Erin Mangum.
305 reviews4 followers
March 24, 2025
I’ve been wanting to read a romance/smut story written by a dude for a while.. and this series came up on my feed so why not now?

A nerdy jock who spends party time in the library? Wears glasses and likes to makeout? Yes, please!

Quick read. Things done well - the banter and about 60% of the spice. However! Needs to take another pass through editing real, real bad. The MCAT is not an Econ grad school entrance exam no matter how many times he tried to make it so.

That being said… we’re just here for the vibes, right?

Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

**I liked the last 3 chapters otherwise this may have been a 3 ⭐️
Profile Image for Melissa.
781 reviews9 followers
December 27, 2024
I LOVED Sloan and Asher’s story. Sloan has just found out her long term boyfriend the quarterback is cheating on her. When Asher sits down at her table in the library. Asher is the backup to her ex. And he’s not the typical jock that likes to party. He’d rather study at the library. Sloan makes it clear she just got out of a relationship and isn’t looking to get into another. But she’s fine with hanging out as long as they keep it quiet. She doesn’t want to be gossiped about. Asher agrees but what he feels for her is more than friends. This was a good read!
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,069 reviews205 followers
December 27, 2024
This crafty storyteller is one of the few male writers who gets romance right. He gives us just the right mix of naughty, sweet, and heart, this time with a marshmallow hero we can’t help but love.

When Sloane Carter breaks up with the school's football star, the backup quarterback is ready for his time on the field. Asher befriends Quinn in the library and a friendship turns into more. With entertaining college drama and smexy times in the stacks, you’ll love every minute of this fun, low-angst, steamy read
Profile Image for Jetscarbie.
632 reviews15 followers
January 7, 2025
Asher was a great H. I loved how his whole life didn't revolve around football, either. AND I loved that he didn't care what anybody thought about his relationship with Sloane. I was a little eeked out with him hooking up with Sloane's BFF freshmen year and the fact that BFF still had a picture of his junk on her phone. The way that the BFF was talking praise about Asher's penis was just awkward.

Sloane was a little annoying. There were strange times when she would bring up her ex during sex moments with Asher.
3,159 reviews
January 31, 2025
A steamy sports romance must read!

HOT from start to finish! Book 1 in the new Kings of Cocky series starts off with a passionate storyline and I can’t wait for more! Asher and Sloane burns the pages as their friends with benefits relationship explodes. I love the characters cuteness as they navigate their off the charts chemistry and fighting what their feelings are telling them. Will they find their forever? One click to find out in this must read steamy, melt your heart romance story that did not disappoint. I can’t wait for what’s next in this sport series.
Profile Image for Tauna Gandy.
46 reviews
December 31, 2024
Asher the back up quarter back and Sloane the nerd. Instant chemistry and banter yet she's with the starting quarterback. After seeing her starting quarterback around other girls, Sloane breaks up with him and the second string comes in. Asher gives Sloane what she's been missing but she has doubts. Being a naughty little secret, things get too intense for Sloane. Does the backup quarterback have what it takes to get on first string or will be always be the backup??
Profile Image for Jodi Bigane.
311 reviews3 followers
January 12, 2025
The Backup is a college sports romance and Mickey did an amazing job writing this book! If anyone is swoon-worthy it is Asher. After Sloane breaks up with her boyfriend, Asher is there to take care of her. He helps take her mind off of those bad memories while making new ones with him. The chemistry and spiciness between these two was explosive!!! If you love reading college sports romances that are fun, flirty, spicy and heartwarming, then The Backup is the one for you!!!!
Profile Image for Jen.
211 reviews7 followers
January 26, 2025
I wanted to like this…

This book was SO HARD to read!! I usually love anything by this author, I’ve read a lot of their books but this one was difficult from the start!! SO MANY continuity errors!! And the main female character, Sloane, I tried very hard to like her but she was just so very unlikable, especially in the way she treated Asher!! And honestly, Asher wasn’t really any better…I really, really, really wanted to like this book but I just couldn’t!!!
1,338 reviews3 followers
February 1, 2025
wow

Wow, just wow! Asher and Sloane make my heart sing! He is kind, loving, and patient with Sloane. He lets her handle things her way, because he knows it makes her happy. If only we could clone him, the world would be a better place. Sloane doesn’t wanna be Gossiped about. She likes her privacy and Asher works with her about that. It takes a while for them to realize that this isn’t just a fling, that it’s more. Can’t wait to see what happens next in the series
Profile Image for Shavonne Belford.
609 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2024
It started as a fling a rebound when her long time boyfriend showed her just how little he truly valued her and cheated. He is her exes teammate the backup quarterback and they can’t seem to stay away from each other and trying to keep it secret but secrets have a way of coming out and that’s not always a bad thing because it could lead to real happiness
Profile Image for Lynne Seaver.
504 reviews4 followers
December 26, 2024
Sloane is the quarterbacks girlfriend until she finds out he’s cheating with everyone. Then she has a run in with the backup quarterback and he’s hot and funny and gives her butterflies. Asher is in lust at first sight but Sloane wants to keep them a secret. This book gave me the biggest book hangover. Read it in a day it was soooo good.
4,201 reviews51 followers
December 27, 2024
Sloane and Asher had some off the charts chemistry. He is the teammate of her cheating ex boyfriend so she tries to keep her "hanging out" with Asher on the downlow. The sneak around hiding it from her best friend and denying it is more than just fun. I did feel she was being a bit too guarded. Overall loved the story.
Profile Image for Andrea Fernandez .
4,750 reviews22 followers
December 27, 2024
A molten-hot passionate page-turner that will have you blushing and swooning from beginning to end. Asher and Sloane are just too cute for words. Their chemistry is off the charts but what was beautiful is the deep bond they developed. I enjoyed everything about this sensual and heartwarming story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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