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Rock City Renegades #2
Bad Call
EMMETT
From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she’d be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn’t long before it all fell apart. It’s been over seven years, and just when I think I’ve finally found my place with Cleveland’s brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down.
STELLA
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t imagine my life without Emmett Hayes. I had everything planned—get married, go to nursing school while he made his football dreams a reality, and live happily ever after. But I was young and dumb, letting a small seed of doubt grow until it led me to make the biggest mistake of my life. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about what could’ve been. But when fate puts his injured teammate in my care, I’m forced to face the reality of what I lost. Has the time apart closed the door on our happy ending—or is there still a chance to make it right?
From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she’d be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn’t long before it all fell apart. It’s been over seven years, and just when I think I’ve finally found my place with Cleveland’s brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down.
STELLA
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t imagine my life without Emmett Hayes. I had everything planned—get married, go to nursing school while he made his football dreams a reality, and live happily ever after. But I was young and dumb, letting a small seed of doubt grow until it led me to make the biggest mistake of my life. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about what could’ve been. But when fate puts his injured teammate in my care, I’m forced to face the reality of what I lost. Has the time apart closed the door on our happy ending—or is there still a chance to make it right?
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 30, 2025
154 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews
November 5, 2025
I first need to start off this review with the fact that I love CL Rose. Her Boston blizzard series is one of my favorites. Hell, Dalton Davis has lived rent free in my head for well over a year. Candice has yet to top that man for me. But with that being that being said, this one fell flat for me and here is why...
I am a hoe for a second chance romance. It's my bread and butter. What I love most is the tension, the angst and the yearning. Unfortunately, I felt like this one lacked those things. Which totally sucks because the plot of this one was set up for that. Two high school sweethearts, married young and divorced who found their way back to one another. But to be quite frank with you... the reason for divorce was juvenile (which I know they were YOUNG but ugh). And by the time they reconnect, they had like three interactions with very minimal conversation before they got into a free use agreement. I'm still hung up in the fact that they literally NEVER talked about the reason for their divorce in the first place and I felt like the "conflict" was wrapped up far too quickly. Which is going to lead me into the free use agreement...
If there is one thing that Candice excels at, it's spice. I mean her tag line in kinks unlocked and she stays true to that, and I LOVE her for that. Truly. Her spice is always top tier. But I felt like the spice in this book was overpowering to the story/plot/characters. The spice hits at about 50% and happens in every single chapter til the end. This is by far Candice's spiciest book yet. So if you are looking for a second chance romance with more smut then plot then this one is for you, I just prefer a second chance romance that's a slow burn with tension and angst. And I felt like this would have been the PERFECT opportunity to give use a deliciously angsty tension filled slow burn that turned into fireworks once they finally overcame their issues. Like I would have been on the floor gagged. I also feel like the free use didn't suit the characters or the plot. I mean don't get me wrong, it was hot but I just felt like the books main focus was the smut.
I would also like to mention that I feel like there was a missed opportunity to see a female grovel. Candice does a great job with writing strong females and in this book, our female was the one who fucked up. She asked for the divorce and this was the perfect opportunity for use to see something that we don't often see in books and I think Candice would have done a wonderful job at writing a female overcome her past, accept that she was wrong and work to regain the trust of the MMC. But with that being said, our MMC also didn't do enough to fight for her either. I also want to say I felt like Stella had more chemistry with his teammate Austin, who she is taking care of after an injury. The last thing I want to mention is, as a nurse, the injury that was sustained didn't make sense for how it was handled. It's just an inconsistency that as an active bedside nurse bothers me.
At the end of the day, the second chance that I was desperately hoping for was not what I read. I still love Candice and will always and forever recommend her books. This one just wasn't my favorite. Bu that's ok because there is a book for everybody but not every book is for everybody. WITH THAT BEING SAID: I am excited to read Theo's book. He is giving me Dalton Davis vibes and I feel like he has the real opportunity to take Dalton's number spot on the CL Rose MMC roster!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Football Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Nurse FMC
- Free Use
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to CL Rose for allowing me the pleasure to read Bad Call as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
I am a hoe for a second chance romance. It's my bread and butter. What I love most is the tension, the angst and the yearning. Unfortunately, I felt like this one lacked those things. Which totally sucks because the plot of this one was set up for that. Two high school sweethearts, married young and divorced who found their way back to one another. But to be quite frank with you... the reason for divorce was juvenile (which I know they were YOUNG but ugh). And by the time they reconnect, they had like three interactions with very minimal conversation before they got into a free use agreement. I'm still hung up in the fact that they literally NEVER talked about the reason for their divorce in the first place and I felt like the "conflict" was wrapped up far too quickly. Which is going to lead me into the free use agreement...
If there is one thing that Candice excels at, it's spice. I mean her tag line in kinks unlocked and she stays true to that, and I LOVE her for that. Truly. Her spice is always top tier. But I felt like the spice in this book was overpowering to the story/plot/characters. The spice hits at about 50% and happens in every single chapter til the end. This is by far Candice's spiciest book yet. So if you are looking for a second chance romance with more smut then plot then this one is for you, I just prefer a second chance romance that's a slow burn with tension and angst. And I felt like this would have been the PERFECT opportunity to give use a deliciously angsty tension filled slow burn that turned into fireworks once they finally overcame their issues. Like I would have been on the floor gagged. I also feel like the free use didn't suit the characters or the plot. I mean don't get me wrong, it was hot but I just felt like the books main focus was the smut.
I would also like to mention that I feel like there was a missed opportunity to see a female grovel. Candice does a great job with writing strong females and in this book, our female was the one who fucked up. She asked for the divorce and this was the perfect opportunity for use to see something that we don't often see in books and I think Candice would have done a wonderful job at writing a female overcome her past, accept that she was wrong and work to regain the trust of the MMC. But with that being said, our MMC also didn't do enough to fight for her either. I also want to say I felt like Stella had more chemistry with his teammate Austin, who she is taking care of after an injury. The last thing I want to mention is, as a nurse, the injury that was sustained didn't make sense for how it was handled. It's just an inconsistency that as an active bedside nurse bothers me.
At the end of the day, the second chance that I was desperately hoping for was not what I read. I still love Candice and will always and forever recommend her books. This one just wasn't my favorite. Bu that's ok because there is a book for everybody but not every book is for everybody. WITH THAT BEING SAID: I am excited to read Theo's book. He is giving me Dalton Davis vibes and I feel like he has the real opportunity to take Dalton's number spot on the CL Rose MMC roster!
You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Football Romance
- Second Chance Romance
- Highschool Sweethearts
- Nurse FMC
- Free Use
* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to CL Rose for allowing me the pleasure to read Bad Call as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.
November 10, 2025
RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know I will always be so down with every single thing CL ROSE writes. Ans I loved this one. Emmett and Stella getting their second chance just made my heart happy.
I always love a redemption arc and CL nailed this one! And the spice, there is just something about two people that already have a connection that really makes the spice turned up a notch.
✨ Football Romance
✨ Second Chance
✨ Divorced Couple
✨ Free Use
✨ it’s Always been You
✨ Found Family
Look I will always be a sucker for second chances, and I loved that even though these two made stupid choices in he past, they were able to find their way back to each other in the end. The amount of times these to made me cry… like I felt everything with them!
And again, that’s spice was so good and as always had me sweating and squirming. These two might be Candice's spiciest yet which is absolutely saying something because she's pretty spicy. But a few of these scenes later my damn brain chemistry.
Also we can’t talk about a renegades book without talking about the found family, because this little team of misfits. I love them so so much! I love how the guys are forming their little team family, and the way they show up for each other. love everything about them.
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You know I will always be so down with every single thing CL ROSE writes. Ans I loved this one. Emmett and Stella getting their second chance just made my heart happy.
I always love a redemption arc and CL nailed this one! And the spice, there is just something about two people that already have a connection that really makes the spice turned up a notch.
✨ Football Romance
✨ Second Chance
✨ Divorced Couple
✨ Free Use
✨ it’s Always been You
✨ Found Family
Look I will always be a sucker for second chances, and I loved that even though these two made stupid choices in he past, they were able to find their way back to each other in the end. The amount of times these to made me cry… like I felt everything with them!
And again, that’s spice was so good and as always had me sweating and squirming. These two might be Candice's spiciest yet which is absolutely saying something because she's pretty spicy. But a few of these scenes later my damn brain chemistry.
Also we can’t talk about a renegades book without talking about the found family, because this little team of misfits. I love them so so much! I love how the guys are forming their little team family, and the way they show up for each other. love everything about them.
October 20, 2025
3.5⭐️
I was so excited to receive this ARC bc I’m a huge CL Rose fan, but this one just felt kind of flat to me.
So they dated as kids, got married at 18, went off to separate colleges & were divorced less than a year later. (I won’t even get into the “reason.” Let’s just say it was dumb and why children shouldn’t get married) Then they see each other 8/9 years later and they go from him “hating” her to starting a full on physical relationship (including some mild kink- free use), to being in love again in a matter of weeks...
I think I was wanting more tension- more something. It felt too insta-love for me which I don’t love. I didn’t feel invested in their relationship. The scene with her mom happened and then… nothing. I wanted some kind of resolution to that situation.
All in all I’m kind of bummed. The spice was still great, but the overall plot left me wanting more.
I was so excited to receive this ARC bc I’m a huge CL Rose fan, but this one just felt kind of flat to me.
So they dated as kids, got married at 18, went off to separate colleges & were divorced less than a year later. (I won’t even get into the “reason.” Let’s just say it was dumb and why children shouldn’t get married) Then they see each other 8/9 years later and they go from him “hating” her to starting a full on physical relationship (including some mild kink- free use), to being in love again in a matter of weeks...
I think I was wanting more tension- more something. It felt too insta-love for me which I don’t love. I didn’t feel invested in their relationship. The scene with her mom happened and then… nothing. I wanted some kind of resolution to that situation.
All in all I’m kind of bummed. The spice was still great, but the overall plot left me wanting more.
October 24, 2025
♾️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tell me how C.L. Rose can literally write anything, including her freakin groceries list and have it end up being a 5⭐️+ read for me every single time? What does she put in here? Crack. Definitely drugs. Addictive drugs.
Now, this one had me intrigued. A second chance marriage? A marriage that ended because of the FMC? Are we all just screaming for our baby Emmett right now? Of course we are. But can I be honest? Stella absolutely redeemed herself for me with this one. And I might love her the very most for it. No bad blood when it comes to my girl. She grovelled.. but in a cute way 😅
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts, they married young, and lasted only a short while before heartbreak came calling. They haven’t seen or talked to each other since.
When Stella takes a job for one of Emmett’s teammates, she thinks it’ll be absolutely no problem to avoid her ex. No problem right? Just stay in the guesthouse and get through the 8 weeks.. until one day, a certain (ex)husband comes knocking. GASP.
These two were sooooo absolutely heartbreaking. I’m not gonna lie and tell you this is a light, fluffy, fun read like we’re used too. It’s not. All aboard the struggle bus for a while 🚌 until it gets equal parts spicy, fun, and warm and fuzzy again. Because these two know they’re soulmates, they just lost themselves along the way and let fear and self doubt get the best of them.
I loved everything about this book, the hurt, the pain, the beauty in the healing, the spice, (free use? Say less) the honesty, and the HEA. I just knew these two could find their way.. and boy did they ever. Bury me with them. Emmett Hayes, new book boyfriend.
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tell me how C.L. Rose can literally write anything, including her freakin groceries list and have it end up being a 5⭐️+ read for me every single time? What does she put in here? Crack. Definitely drugs. Addictive drugs.
Now, this one had me intrigued. A second chance marriage? A marriage that ended because of the FMC? Are we all just screaming for our baby Emmett right now? Of course we are. But can I be honest? Stella absolutely redeemed herself for me with this one. And I might love her the very most for it. No bad blood when it comes to my girl. She grovelled.. but in a cute way 😅
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts, they married young, and lasted only a short while before heartbreak came calling. They haven’t seen or talked to each other since.
When Stella takes a job for one of Emmett’s teammates, she thinks it’ll be absolutely no problem to avoid her ex. No problem right? Just stay in the guesthouse and get through the 8 weeks.. until one day, a certain (ex)husband comes knocking. GASP.
These two were sooooo absolutely heartbreaking. I’m not gonna lie and tell you this is a light, fluffy, fun read like we’re used too. It’s not. All aboard the struggle bus for a while 🚌 until it gets equal parts spicy, fun, and warm and fuzzy again. Because these two know they’re soulmates, they just lost themselves along the way and let fear and self doubt get the best of them.
I loved everything about this book, the hurt, the pain, the beauty in the healing, the spice, (free use? Say less) the honesty, and the HEA. I just knew these two could find their way.. and boy did they ever. Bury me with them. Emmett Hayes, new book boyfriend.
October 24, 2025
eARC Review
🏈 Pro Football Player/Nurse
🩺 Second Chance Marriage
🏈 Found Family
🩺 “It's always been you”
🏈 “My wife”
🩺 Fr*e Use
🏈 He takes care of her
🩺 Peach play 🍑
Stella takes a travel nursing job to take care of one of her ex-husband’s teammates post-surgery. The first day on the job, guess who shows up at Austin Baker’s front door to check up on him? Her ex-husband Emmett Hayes! What a wild coincidence. He acts like a prick to her at first, but who can blame him? She left him almost 8 years ago based on made-up fears and let them eat her alive. Stella and Emmett shared deep conversations and long nights spent awake making up for lost time.
This book is second chance perfection. It had me giggle, shed a tear, say ‘Oh sh*t’ out loud, and fist pump the air!
If Candice writes it, I will read it and devour it! The spice never misses!
The ‘if walls could talk’ scene? Hot.
The power exchanges? Hot.
The rough play/Fr*e use scenes? Hot.
Huge thank you to Candice for allowing me to read Emmett & Stella’s story before it goes out into the wild on October 31!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏈 Pro Football Player/Nurse
🩺 Second Chance Marriage
🏈 Found Family
🩺 “It's always been you”
🏈 “My wife”
🩺 Fr*e Use
🏈 He takes care of her
🩺 Peach play 🍑
Stella takes a travel nursing job to take care of one of her ex-husband’s teammates post-surgery. The first day on the job, guess who shows up at Austin Baker’s front door to check up on him? Her ex-husband Emmett Hayes! What a wild coincidence. He acts like a prick to her at first, but who can blame him? She left him almost 8 years ago based on made-up fears and let them eat her alive. Stella and Emmett shared deep conversations and long nights spent awake making up for lost time.
This book is second chance perfection. It had me giggle, shed a tear, say ‘Oh sh*t’ out loud, and fist pump the air!
If Candice writes it, I will read it and devour it! The spice never misses!
The ‘if walls could talk’ scene? Hot.
The power exchanges? Hot.
The rough play/Fr*e use scenes? Hot.
Huge thank you to Candice for allowing me to read Emmett & Stella’s story before it goes out into the wild on October 31!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
October 30, 2025
What would you do if you found out that you were working for your ex-husband's teammate as an in house nurse? An ex-husband that you still love 8 years later.
When Stella takes the in home nursing job, she has no idea who she will be working for until she signs the contract. Since her failed marriage is a closely guarded secret for the past 8 years, no one knows why it would be a problem for her to live in the same city as her ex husband because no one realized she had an ex husband to begin with.
This book is about reconnecting, finding the one you want to spend the rest of your life with and fighting for them, and finding your happily ever after. The groveling, the pinning, and the process of repairing their relationship were perfect.
When Stella takes the in home nursing job, she has no idea who she will be working for until she signs the contract. Since her failed marriage is a closely guarded secret for the past 8 years, no one knows why it would be a problem for her to live in the same city as her ex husband because no one realized she had an ex husband to begin with.
This book is about reconnecting, finding the one you want to spend the rest of your life with and fighting for them, and finding your happily ever after. The groveling, the pinning, and the process of repairing their relationship were perfect.
October 29, 2025
4🌟, 4 🌶️
If you’re a sucker for emotional, spicy, second chance romances—this one’s a knockout.
Stella and Emmett’s journey from young love to heartbreak and back again was emotional, messy, and beautifully real. Married at eighteen and divorced soon after, their reunion years later reignites everything they once had—love, passion, regret, and that unshakable bond that never truly faded.
The emotions felt raw and grounded, showing how time and maturity change the way people love. The spice was fiery yet meaningful, blending perfectly with the vulnerability between them. I loved seeing familiar faces from the Rock City Renegades world and watching Stella find her footing with a new, supportive girl group that added warmth and humor to the story.
What truly stood out, though, was the friendship between Stella and Austin. Their bond was unexpected but so genuine—equal parts banter, loyalty, and quiet understanding. It gave the story a softer, more heartfelt layer, reminding us that friendship can be just as powerful and healing as love itself.
This book was the perfect mix of pain, passion, and hope—and an unforgettable second chance worth every page.
~~~~
Grateful to C.L. Rose & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
If you’re a sucker for emotional, spicy, second chance romances—this one’s a knockout.
Stella and Emmett’s journey from young love to heartbreak and back again was emotional, messy, and beautifully real. Married at eighteen and divorced soon after, their reunion years later reignites everything they once had—love, passion, regret, and that unshakable bond that never truly faded.
The emotions felt raw and grounded, showing how time and maturity change the way people love. The spice was fiery yet meaningful, blending perfectly with the vulnerability between them. I loved seeing familiar faces from the Rock City Renegades world and watching Stella find her footing with a new, supportive girl group that added warmth and humor to the story.
What truly stood out, though, was the friendship between Stella and Austin. Their bond was unexpected but so genuine—equal parts banter, loyalty, and quiet understanding. It gave the story a softer, more heartfelt layer, reminding us that friendship can be just as powerful and healing as love itself.
This book was the perfect mix of pain, passion, and hope—and an unforgettable second chance worth every page.
~~~~
Grateful to C.L. Rose & The Smuthood for the Advanced Reader Copy. All views expressed are solely my own. ✨
October 28, 2025
5 ⭐️ | 4🌶️
Emmett and Stella 🥹😭. They’re just perfect! If Tanner Lake was your favorite book boyfriend from the Boston Blizzard series, I think you’ll fall just as hard for Emmett!!
By now you probably know I do not accept CL Rose criticism and I would read a washing machine manual if she wrote it, but Bad Call is truly special.
🏈 Second chance romance
🩺 Nurse X Football player
💜 Free Use k!nk
🏈 Found family
🩺 Jealous & Possessive (in a good way) MMC
💜 “it’s always been you”
📖 Stella takes a temporary job helping a pro football player rehab from an injury and she runs into her ex husband, who happens to be his teammate.
I am a *gardening tool* for a second chance romance, and while I know some people won’t love the reason this couple broke up, I ATE IT UP! The groveling was top tier and the HEA was a hard fought one. This book will put you through all the emotions and feels!
🌶️ The spice!!! I really loved CL Rose’s take on the free use kink. She always manages to write different kinks so that they fit and make sense to the couple and their backstory or relationship evolution, and this was no exception! If you want kink that’s done well in books, with exceptional aftercare, I can’t recommend this author enough.
And the football plays that happen in this book! CL Rose knows her football and it’s so much fun to read plays that actually make sense and get some sports in our sports romance!
Thank you so much to CL Rose and PA Maggie for the opportunity to arc read Bad Call! 💜
Emmett and Stella 🥹😭. They’re just perfect! If Tanner Lake was your favorite book boyfriend from the Boston Blizzard series, I think you’ll fall just as hard for Emmett!!
By now you probably know I do not accept CL Rose criticism and I would read a washing machine manual if she wrote it, but Bad Call is truly special.
🏈 Second chance romance
🩺 Nurse X Football player
💜 Free Use k!nk
🏈 Found family
🩺 Jealous & Possessive (in a good way) MMC
💜 “it’s always been you”
📖 Stella takes a temporary job helping a pro football player rehab from an injury and she runs into her ex husband, who happens to be his teammate.
I am a *gardening tool* for a second chance romance, and while I know some people won’t love the reason this couple broke up, I ATE IT UP! The groveling was top tier and the HEA was a hard fought one. This book will put you through all the emotions and feels!
🌶️ The spice!!! I really loved CL Rose’s take on the free use kink. She always manages to write different kinks so that they fit and make sense to the couple and their backstory or relationship evolution, and this was no exception! If you want kink that’s done well in books, with exceptional aftercare, I can’t recommend this author enough.
And the football plays that happen in this book! CL Rose knows her football and it’s so much fun to read plays that actually make sense and get some sports in our sports romance!
Thank you so much to CL Rose and PA Maggie for the opportunity to arc read Bad Call! 💜
October 25, 2025
ARC REVIEW
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶
This is exactly why I love second chance romance books. The angst, the emotion, the reunion, the healing and of course the happy ending. This book had it ALL. This was so unique because the FMC did the groveling and I was HERE 👏FOR👏IT.
Per usual, the spice was IMMACULATE. I'd expect nothing less from Candace though. The mouth on both Emmett & Stella... excuse me 🥵🥵
Getting to Emmett & Stella's happy ending wasn't an easy one but it was worth the ride.
Tropes:
✨️ Second Chance Marriage
✨️ High School Sweethearts
✨️ Professional Football/Nurse
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Free Use
✨️ "It’s always been you"
4.5⭐️
3.5🌶
This is exactly why I love second chance romance books. The angst, the emotion, the reunion, the healing and of course the happy ending. This book had it ALL. This was so unique because the FMC did the groveling and I was HERE 👏FOR👏IT.
Per usual, the spice was IMMACULATE. I'd expect nothing less from Candace though. The mouth on both Emmett & Stella... excuse me 🥵🥵
Getting to Emmett & Stella's happy ending wasn't an easy one but it was worth the ride.
Tropes:
✨️ Second Chance Marriage
✨️ High School Sweethearts
✨️ Professional Football/Nurse
✨️ Found Family
✨️ Free Use
✨️ "It’s always been you"
October 27, 2025
“He tastes exactly like I remember. He tastes like home.“
This was such a fun and spicy second chance romance! I knew with the glimpses we got of Stella and Emmett in book 1, that their story was going to be so good, and it was!
Their love story felt very real and flawed, but was also so beautiful the way fate brought them back together. And the spice between these two was off charts, specifically their “free use” arrangement 🥵🥵 I also loved seeing Emmett let his guard down and become closer with his teammates, and the way Stella was welcomed right in by all the girls. C.L. Rose always does such a beautiful job creating a found family group of friends! I also really enjoyed all the cameos we got from past couples. I swear I screamed everytime we got to see Arden living her best life with end boys!!
Tropes:
🏈Football Romance
🤍Second chance Marriage
💜It’s always been you
🏈Found Family
🤍Super spicy
Fave quotes:
“You’re my happily ever after, Stella Hayes, and it’s an honor and a privilege to marry you twice in the same lifetime.”
“You were my sunshine through the rain and my strength when I felt weak, making the world right when everything seemed so incredibly wrong.”
“But I don’t care if we’re early, late, or never get there at all. As long as we’re together, we’re right where we need to be.“
“Everything about the way we come together is perfection, from the gentle touches to the deep, long strokes that hit spots inside of me that only he’s ever seen. I’m so glad that I trusted my instinct to never give my body to another man, because it belongs to Emmett. It could never be this good with anyone else.”
“My body was made for Emmett Hayes, and Emmett Hayes only.“
This was such a fun and spicy second chance romance! I knew with the glimpses we got of Stella and Emmett in book 1, that their story was going to be so good, and it was!
Their love story felt very real and flawed, but was also so beautiful the way fate brought them back together. And the spice between these two was off charts, specifically their “free use” arrangement 🥵🥵 I also loved seeing Emmett let his guard down and become closer with his teammates, and the way Stella was welcomed right in by all the girls. C.L. Rose always does such a beautiful job creating a found family group of friends! I also really enjoyed all the cameos we got from past couples. I swear I screamed everytime we got to see Arden living her best life with end boys!!
Tropes:
🏈Football Romance
🤍Second chance Marriage
💜It’s always been you
🏈Found Family
🤍Super spicy
Fave quotes:
“You’re my happily ever after, Stella Hayes, and it’s an honor and a privilege to marry you twice in the same lifetime.”
“You were my sunshine through the rain and my strength when I felt weak, making the world right when everything seemed so incredibly wrong.”
“But I don’t care if we’re early, late, or never get there at all. As long as we’re together, we’re right where we need to be.“
“Everything about the way we come together is perfection, from the gentle touches to the deep, long strokes that hit spots inside of me that only he’s ever seen. I’m so glad that I trusted my instinct to never give my body to another man, because it belongs to Emmett. It could never be this good with anyone else.”
“My body was made for Emmett Hayes, and Emmett Hayes only.“
October 30, 2025
“You’re my happily ever after, Stella Hayes, and it’s an honor and a privilege to marry you twice in same lifetime.”
C.L. Rose, the queen of kinks unlocked, has done it again! Reading a C.L. Rose book isn’t just fun… It’s educational. 😂
The moment Emmett met Stella in kindergarten, he knew she was the one. They fell hard for each other as the years passed. The summer before he was leaving for college, they got married. Emmett went off to college the happiest man alive on the opposite side of the country, while Stella stood back to attend nursing school. Shortly after, it all came to an end due to being young and dumb. Seven years later, fate stepped in and brought them back together. Once Emmett saw Stella, it was game over.
I’m a huge sucker for second-chance romances. So I was sold immediately on this one. Emmett and Stella’s story was raw and flawed, but the way they just came together again like magnets was beautiful. I also loved the way Emmett let his guard down with his teammates. Found family is always my jam, and Candice does it so well. The spice is always spicing when it’s a C.L. Rose book. It’s a definite one handed type of read. Candice left some breadcrumbs for the next book, and I’m super intrigued.
Tropes: football, second chance marriage, found family, free use, it’s always been you.
Thank you so much, Candice, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
C.L. Rose, the queen of kinks unlocked, has done it again! Reading a C.L. Rose book isn’t just fun… It’s educational. 😂
The moment Emmett met Stella in kindergarten, he knew she was the one. They fell hard for each other as the years passed. The summer before he was leaving for college, they got married. Emmett went off to college the happiest man alive on the opposite side of the country, while Stella stood back to attend nursing school. Shortly after, it all came to an end due to being young and dumb. Seven years later, fate stepped in and brought them back together. Once Emmett saw Stella, it was game over.
I’m a huge sucker for second-chance romances. So I was sold immediately on this one. Emmett and Stella’s story was raw and flawed, but the way they just came together again like magnets was beautiful. I also loved the way Emmett let his guard down with his teammates. Found family is always my jam, and Candice does it so well. The spice is always spicing when it’s a C.L. Rose book. It’s a definite one handed type of read. Candice left some breadcrumbs for the next book, and I’m super intrigued.
Tropes: football, second chance marriage, found family, free use, it’s always been you.
Thank you so much, Candice, for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 25, 2025
5 ⭐️
3 🌶️
🌟 ARC Review 🌟
Oh, Emmett Hayes. 🫠 This man had me from the start. And Stella? I absolutely adored her. You can feel the weight of her regret for walking away from their marriage, and the way she beat herself up over that decision was so raw and real.
When they finally see each other again, Emmett is understandably guarded, but it doesn’t take long before the pull between them is undeniable. I loved how effortlessly they fell back into their rhythm—it wasn’t forced, it was natural, and it felt like home.
Speaking of home, the quote that absolutely gutted me was:
“Home isn’t a place. It’s not a luxury apartment with expensive furnishings and artwork. It’s not a white picket fence or a big yard for parties. Those things are nice, but to me, home is the first phone call you make when something exciting happens. It’s the person you see next to you through all the milestones in life, and who you want holding your hand at the end. That’s you, Stell. You’re my home.”
That line perfectly sums up the heart of this story.
Also… the spice in this book? 🔥🔥 The free use and the toy play with friends added a delicious layer of heat and trust between them that made everything even more intimate.
Spicy chapters 🔥
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28
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35
36
39
3 🌶️
🌟 ARC Review 🌟
Oh, Emmett Hayes. 🫠 This man had me from the start. And Stella? I absolutely adored her. You can feel the weight of her regret for walking away from their marriage, and the way she beat herself up over that decision was so raw and real.
When they finally see each other again, Emmett is understandably guarded, but it doesn’t take long before the pull between them is undeniable. I loved how effortlessly they fell back into their rhythm—it wasn’t forced, it was natural, and it felt like home.
Speaking of home, the quote that absolutely gutted me was:
“Home isn’t a place. It’s not a luxury apartment with expensive furnishings and artwork. It’s not a white picket fence or a big yard for parties. Those things are nice, but to me, home is the first phone call you make when something exciting happens. It’s the person you see next to you through all the milestones in life, and who you want holding your hand at the end. That’s you, Stell. You’re my home.”
That line perfectly sums up the heart of this story.
Also… the spice in this book? 🔥🔥 The free use and the toy play with friends added a delicious layer of heat and trust between them that made everything even more intimate.
Spicy chapters 🔥
19
21
22
25
26
28
32
35
36
39
Read
November 19, 2025I was excited to read this book after meeting both of them in Book 1. I love a second chance romance but only if done right and according to some reviews this wasn't.
Book 1 was my first time reading this author and apparently the kink and smut was not a one time thing, this author tends to use the smut as shock factor and take over the romance.
I mean sex of course is important in a relationship but it is not the only thing and certainly not the most important.
That said, this book apparently focuses on that and to top it off the h is celibate while the H isn't.
So I am just going to skip this author altogether for now.
Book 1 was my first time reading this author and apparently the kink and smut was not a one time thing, this author tends to use the smut as shock factor and take over the romance.
I mean sex of course is important in a relationship but it is not the only thing and certainly not the most important.
That said, this book apparently focuses on that and to top it off the h is celibate while the H isn't.
So I am just going to skip this author altogether for now.
December 7, 2025
Idk man this book was just boring
October 31, 2025
The fmc was too much of a martyr in each chapter and it got annoying. The mmc never really accepted his role in things either but they were 18! Of course she took responsibility over and over and he let her which was annoying.
Celibate h but of course not H is such a tired trope already it always drops my rating unless justified.
Book 1 was a 5 star read for me so I had high hopes for this.
Celibate h but of course not H is such a tired trope already it always drops my rating unless justified.
Book 1 was a 5 star read for me so I had high hopes for this.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 25, 2025
Oh man, I wanted to enjoy this book so much more than I did because I loved book 1. The plot was pretty non existent. I mean, the got married at 18 and divorced six months later because of something stupid. They meet again seven years later and after one or two awkward encounters to kinda got back straight away. Little to no tension or fights or I don’t know, something that made me feel something more.
More than half of the book is based on their spicy encounters, which are not bad but you can’t base that much of the book on it.
More than half of the book is based on their spicy encounters, which are not bad but you can’t base that much of the book on it.
November 2, 2025
Bad Call by CL Rose eARC Review 🏈
4.5 ⭐️
I definitely had other arcs that needed to be read before this one, but I absolutely pushed this to the front of the line because I am feral for anything Candice writes. 🤭
This was such a great second chance marriage story and it definitely had me in all my feels. Emmett and Stella are true soul mates that married young, but didn’t give their marriage enough of a chance before calling it quits. Years later, Stella is working as a home care nurse for Emmett’s teammate and they come face to face with one another and all of their long lost feelings they have been harboring for each other. Their chemistry is explosive and I was rooting for them the entire book.
This story is all about forgiveness, true love and following your heart. I loved every second of it. The found family is fantastic and we all know that Candice is the queen of spice and my god, did she deliver in this book! 😮💨
What to expect:
🏈 Pro Football Player/Nurse
🩺 Second Chance Marriage
🏈 Found Family
🩺 “It’s always been you”
🏈 “My wife”
🩺 Fr*e Use
Thank you so much Candice for the opportunity to read and review this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
4.5 ⭐️
I definitely had other arcs that needed to be read before this one, but I absolutely pushed this to the front of the line because I am feral for anything Candice writes. 🤭
This was such a great second chance marriage story and it definitely had me in all my feels. Emmett and Stella are true soul mates that married young, but didn’t give their marriage enough of a chance before calling it quits. Years later, Stella is working as a home care nurse for Emmett’s teammate and they come face to face with one another and all of their long lost feelings they have been harboring for each other. Their chemistry is explosive and I was rooting for them the entire book.
This story is all about forgiveness, true love and following your heart. I loved every second of it. The found family is fantastic and we all know that Candice is the queen of spice and my god, did she deliver in this book! 😮💨
What to expect:
🏈 Pro Football Player/Nurse
🩺 Second Chance Marriage
🏈 Found Family
🩺 “It’s always been you”
🏈 “My wife”
🩺 Fr*e Use
Thank you so much Candice for the opportunity to read and review this as an ARC for my honest opinion and review!
November 22, 2025
IM NOT SURE CANDICE IS EVER GOING TO MISS IN MY EYES- i will scream it from the roof tops!!
Bad Call is book 2 in the Renegades series & like always- I ate it up and can not wait for book 3 to suck me back in. This author has a way of giving you everything you need in a story. The perfect amount of plot to spice ratio.
Emmett and Stella Hayes have been through it. They are highschool sweet hearts who rushed into marriage when he was drafted and Stella let the insecurities into her head and ended up asking Emmett for a divorce. They both go on to do the things they talked about doing Stella a baddie nurse and Emmett in the NFL.
The moment Emmett sees Stella in his players house- it’s like u can feel the steam coming off of him. How mad and angry at her he is. Candice did such a great job on keeping the second chance of the book realistic. He doesn’t just forgive Stella- because he shouldn’t. She broke his heart.
BUT THAT BAD ASS WOMAN SURE EARNS HER WAY BACK!!!! She fights for Emmett the way she always should have an I loved every second of it.
I hope you all fall for the CLROSE rabbit hole just like I did and become so obsessed. thank me later.
Bad Call is book 2 in the Renegades series & like always- I ate it up and can not wait for book 3 to suck me back in. This author has a way of giving you everything you need in a story. The perfect amount of plot to spice ratio.
Emmett and Stella Hayes have been through it. They are highschool sweet hearts who rushed into marriage when he was drafted and Stella let the insecurities into her head and ended up asking Emmett for a divorce. They both go on to do the things they talked about doing Stella a baddie nurse and Emmett in the NFL.
The moment Emmett sees Stella in his players house- it’s like u can feel the steam coming off of him. How mad and angry at her he is. Candice did such a great job on keeping the second chance of the book realistic. He doesn’t just forgive Stella- because he shouldn’t. She broke his heart.
BUT THAT BAD ASS WOMAN SURE EARNS HER WAY BACK!!!! She fights for Emmett the way she always should have an I loved every second of it.
I hope you all fall for the CLROSE rabbit hole just like I did and become so obsessed. thank me later.
October 15, 2025
Candice can do no wrong in any of her books. Always addicted from page 1, never wanting her stories to end, AND GIVING US AMAZING JUICY SPICE!!! Gah!! I have fallen in love with all of these characters and their stories from the Rock City Renegades series. We even had some appearances by my favorite 3-person couple-Arden, Jackson, and Hawk! 😍
What to expect in Bad Call:
🏈 Football Romance
💍 Second chance marriage
🏈 Football player/nurse
💍 “My Wife”
🏈 Free use
💍 “It’s always been you”
🏈 Found family
Stella Wilder & Emmett Hayes get a second chance of love in book 2 of this series. They got married at the age of 18 and divorced not even a year later. Stella had some insecurities that was then heightened when visiting Emmett in college. Not wanting to hold him back from getting into the NFL and trying to prevent the inevitable of getting a broken heart, she ended things….. but would Emmett ever have broken the heart of the love of his life in the first place?!
This story made me tear up throughout the whole book for both Emmett and Stella. I could feel the regret coming off of Stella, but understanding the pressure from her parents and her just wanting to protect her heart. Also feeling so terrible for Emmett, knowing he would do anything for Stella and would never look twice at another girl.
I need to give some recognition to Austin Baker, the injured QB briefly mentioned in book one. I ADORED him and his friendship with Stella more than I thought I would. He’s such a sweetheart and shows how big his heart is in this. I hope Candice has big plans for him in the future! 🥹😉
The girl group is also impeccable and makes me so freaking happy. Such a good group of characters.
You won’t want to miss this read and to see if Emmett and Stella’s love is stronger than it was at 18 years old!
What to expect in Bad Call:
🏈 Football Romance
💍 Second chance marriage
🏈 Football player/nurse
💍 “My Wife”
🏈 Free use
💍 “It’s always been you”
🏈 Found family
Stella Wilder & Emmett Hayes get a second chance of love in book 2 of this series. They got married at the age of 18 and divorced not even a year later. Stella had some insecurities that was then heightened when visiting Emmett in college. Not wanting to hold him back from getting into the NFL and trying to prevent the inevitable of getting a broken heart, she ended things….. but would Emmett ever have broken the heart of the love of his life in the first place?!
This story made me tear up throughout the whole book for both Emmett and Stella. I could feel the regret coming off of Stella, but understanding the pressure from her parents and her just wanting to protect her heart. Also feeling so terrible for Emmett, knowing he would do anything for Stella and would never look twice at another girl.
I need to give some recognition to Austin Baker, the injured QB briefly mentioned in book one. I ADORED him and his friendship with Stella more than I thought I would. He’s such a sweetheart and shows how big his heart is in this. I hope Candice has big plans for him in the future! 🥹😉
The girl group is also impeccable and makes me so freaking happy. Such a good group of characters.
You won’t want to miss this read and to see if Emmett and Stella’s love is stronger than it was at 18 years old!
November 9, 2025
4.25/5
Book 2 in the Rockcity Renegades series
Emmett and Stella married young and while very in love, insecurities get the best of their relationship and they divorced within a year.
Fast forward almost 8 years later. Emmett now plays for the NFL, and Stella pursued her career and is now a traveling nurse.
Stella accepts a job caring for one of Emmett's injured teammates and thinks she can avoid any run-ins with her ex-husband, but boy, is she wrong. Can they overcome the past and get the future they both dreamed of?
I'm a sucker for second chance romances and the opportunity at redemption. In this case, it's Stella and she is willing to do whatever it takes to make up for her mistakes and have another shot at the happiness she's always wanted with Enmett. Poor Emmett is understandably still very hurt by Stella's decision, and the moment he sees her, the feelings of hurt and anger come right back. Even though Stella is the one who broke it off, she has carried guilt and regret over it for years. I enjoyed their journey back to each other, and the connection they share. I would have liked a little more of their backstory of falling in love, although what we did get I felt for both of them. I thought it would lead to more tension and build up, and hard conversations about the past but it all started pretty easily.
The "my wife" moment hell yes 🙌
The down right filthy spice is absolute perfection... of course 🥵 I'm talking rent free moments in the best ways!
I could feel the emotions throughout the story of these characters and the vulnerabilities they showed each other. I love them and that they got the HEA they deserved together!
I loved getting a glimpse of Arden and her guys! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. We have Theo coming up next, and I'm intrigued.
As always, thank you so much, C.L Rose for the arc opportunity 🫶
Book 2 in the Rockcity Renegades series
Emmett and Stella married young and while very in love, insecurities get the best of their relationship and they divorced within a year.
Fast forward almost 8 years later. Emmett now plays for the NFL, and Stella pursued her career and is now a traveling nurse.
Stella accepts a job caring for one of Emmett's injured teammates and thinks she can avoid any run-ins with her ex-husband, but boy, is she wrong. Can they overcome the past and get the future they both dreamed of?
I'm a sucker for second chance romances and the opportunity at redemption. In this case, it's Stella and she is willing to do whatever it takes to make up for her mistakes and have another shot at the happiness she's always wanted with Enmett. Poor Emmett is understandably still very hurt by Stella's decision, and the moment he sees her, the feelings of hurt and anger come right back. Even though Stella is the one who broke it off, she has carried guilt and regret over it for years. I enjoyed their journey back to each other, and the connection they share. I would have liked a little more of their backstory of falling in love, although what we did get I felt for both of them. I thought it would lead to more tension and build up, and hard conversations about the past but it all started pretty easily.
The "my wife" moment hell yes 🙌
The down right filthy spice is absolute perfection... of course 🥵 I'm talking rent free moments in the best ways!
I could feel the emotions throughout the story of these characters and the vulnerabilities they showed each other. I love them and that they got the HEA they deserved together!
I loved getting a glimpse of Arden and her guys! I'm looking forward to the rest of this series. We have Theo coming up next, and I'm intrigued.
As always, thank you so much, C.L Rose for the arc opportunity 🫶
October 28, 2025
This is the second book in CL Rose's Rock City Renegades series, following Emmett and Stella who were married (and divorced) at 18 but years later they are back in each other's orbit and it's obvious they never got over each other.
I'll be honest, I am not a big fan of second chance romance. Stella and Emmett were very quick to get over their past and I (personal preference here) would have liked a bit more angst? Maybe? Anyway - Stella was a very determined gal to win back her man and let's be honest, Emmett was ready with his arms open.
As with all Candice's books, the spice is out of this world and her characters just get dirtier and dirtier. I loved that Stella gave as good as she got in this one! And finally - the found family must get a mention. Sports romance just does it the best. The team dynamics are everything. I loved the relationship that Stella formed with Austin. The players and their ladies made it really easy for Stella to place roots, and I love that she and Emmett were able to have a more permanent home base, together.
I'm hoping that I'm right leading into Theo's story next.. because YES PLEASE.
Thank you to Candice and her team for the arc!
I'll be honest, I am not a big fan of second chance romance. Stella and Emmett were very quick to get over their past and I (personal preference here) would have liked a bit more angst? Maybe? Anyway - Stella was a very determined gal to win back her man and let's be honest, Emmett was ready with his arms open.
As with all Candice's books, the spice is out of this world and her characters just get dirtier and dirtier. I loved that Stella gave as good as she got in this one! And finally - the found family must get a mention. Sports romance just does it the best. The team dynamics are everything. I loved the relationship that Stella formed with Austin. The players and their ladies made it really easy for Stella to place roots, and I love that she and Emmett were able to have a more permanent home base, together.
I'm hoping that I'm right leading into Theo's story next.. because YES PLEASE.
Thank you to Candice and her team for the arc!
November 1, 2025
5 ⭐️ C.L. Rose has quickly become a one click author for me and I was so excited for Bad Call.
Emmet & Stella were the second chance marriage I didn’t know I needed, but absolutely devoured. I loved that she was the one groveling, wanting her man back. An absolutely outstanding redemption arc for her. Their story was equal parts heartbreaking and healing and I was here for all of the messiness in between. Bad Call is a MUST READ!
Emmet & Stella were the second chance marriage I didn’t know I needed, but absolutely devoured. I loved that she was the one groveling, wanting her man back. An absolutely outstanding redemption arc for her. Their story was equal parts heartbreaking and healing and I was here for all of the messiness in between. Bad Call is a MUST READ!
October 29, 2025
Bad Call, @authorclrose , Rock City Renegades book 2, comes out THURSDAY 10/30!!!!
🏈
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🏈
Feelings turning the last page: I am so in love with these two. So much heart omg. Also I NEED ’s book‼️‼️‼️
🏈
10-second synopsis: Emmett and Stella got married at 18 and divorced shortly after. They’ve never been able to get over the other 😭❤️ Stella is a nurse and Emmett is a pro football player and they’re thrown back into each other’s orbit when Stella becomes a live-in nurse for one of Emmett’s teammates.
🏈
Review: I loved this book so much!!! If you know me, you know second chance is my favorite trope and this one was SO GOOD AND SO PAINFUL, MY FAVORITE. These little bbs getting married at 18 thinking the world was their oyster and then quickly realizing how hard things are just really tugged at my little heartstrings. This one made my stomach hurt in the best way and simultaneously SWOOOOOON over the yearning. I absolutely ate this book up. The mouth on Emmett?? ‼️‼️‼️‼️
The found family aspect of CL Rose’s books is always amazing. Emmett’s relationships with his guys is so fun and Stella’s new friendship with Austin is everything. Their ability to open up to each other was so special 🥹🥹 I love every single one of these characters so much and love reading about their dynamics - can we plz talk about a specific scene with a specific other couple OH MY GOODNESS 🔥🔥🔥 you guys aren’t ready. YES YOU WILL GET “MY WIFE” moments; Emmett can’t let this girl go 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨. It’s just so good!!!
TLDR 10/10 I love them and will read anything CLR writes!!!
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#bookstagrammer #romance #readmorebooks #tbr #bookworm #booklover
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Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
🏈
Feelings turning the last page: I am so in love with these two. So much heart omg. Also I NEED ’s book‼️‼️‼️
🏈
10-second synopsis: Emmett and Stella got married at 18 and divorced shortly after. They’ve never been able to get over the other 😭❤️ Stella is a nurse and Emmett is a pro football player and they’re thrown back into each other’s orbit when Stella becomes a live-in nurse for one of Emmett’s teammates.
🏈
Review: I loved this book so much!!! If you know me, you know second chance is my favorite trope and this one was SO GOOD AND SO PAINFUL, MY FAVORITE. These little bbs getting married at 18 thinking the world was their oyster and then quickly realizing how hard things are just really tugged at my little heartstrings. This one made my stomach hurt in the best way and simultaneously SWOOOOOON over the yearning. I absolutely ate this book up. The mouth on Emmett?? ‼️‼️‼️‼️
The found family aspect of CL Rose’s books is always amazing. Emmett’s relationships with his guys is so fun and Stella’s new friendship with Austin is everything. Their ability to open up to each other was so special 🥹🥹 I love every single one of these characters so much and love reading about their dynamics - can we plz talk about a specific scene with a specific other couple OH MY GOODNESS 🔥🔥🔥 you guys aren’t ready. YES YOU WILL GET “MY WIFE” moments; Emmett can’t let this girl go 😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨😮💨. It’s just so good!!!
TLDR 10/10 I love them and will read anything CLR writes!!!
🏈
#bookstagrammer #romance #readmorebooks #tbr #bookworm #booklover
November 3, 2025
Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Characters: Emmett and Stella
I'm pretty sure that CL Rose can write anything at this point and it will be a top read for me. Every single book just hits so perfectly for me.
Second chance is a trope that I tend to struggle with. I've found that it either tends to be just okay or it's something I'm beyond obsessed with. This is the latter.
Emmett and Stella were everything. And what I loved so much about this was that their marriage ended because of Stella. I'm so used to reading second chance where the hero has to grovel and redeem himself...but this time it was the heroine. Seriously, I LOVED that. And she did redeem herself. It's high school sweethearts, married young, and then they split up. It's been years since they even talked to each other. Now Stella is working with one of his teammates.
These two are true soulmates. They know it. We know it. But it's heartbreaking watching them work through things to get to the point of acknowledging that and fixing things. It's emotional and hard to watch them struggle for a while. Once things shift though it's deliciously steamy, extremely sweet, and gives you all the swoony happy feelings.
I was completely obsessed with these two as well as this entire series. I cannot wait for more.
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
Characters: Emmett and Stella
I'm pretty sure that CL Rose can write anything at this point and it will be a top read for me. Every single book just hits so perfectly for me.
Second chance is a trope that I tend to struggle with. I've found that it either tends to be just okay or it's something I'm beyond obsessed with. This is the latter.
Emmett and Stella were everything. And what I loved so much about this was that their marriage ended because of Stella. I'm so used to reading second chance where the hero has to grovel and redeem himself...but this time it was the heroine. Seriously, I LOVED that. And she did redeem herself. It's high school sweethearts, married young, and then they split up. It's been years since they even talked to each other. Now Stella is working with one of his teammates.
These two are true soulmates. They know it. We know it. But it's heartbreaking watching them work through things to get to the point of acknowledging that and fixing things. It's emotional and hard to watch them struggle for a while. Once things shift though it's deliciously steamy, extremely sweet, and gives you all the swoony happy feelings.
I was completely obsessed with these two as well as this entire series. I cannot wait for more.
October 30, 2025
5⭐️
2.5🌶️
I’m obsessed with the Rock City Renegade Series. I couldn’t get enough of Stella and Emmett’s story. I live for a second chance romance and C.L. did a phenomenal job leaving me wanting more with each page.
Stella and Hayes jumped head first into marriage at 18 right out of highschool thinking they had it all figured out. But like every young immature couple doubts creep in. Instead of trusting the love Emmett had for her, Stella freaked out and made one of the biggest mistakes. 8 years later what happens when fate throws them back together?!
Tropes
Football Player/Nurse
Second Chance Marriage
Found Family
It's Always Been You
2.5🌶️
I’m obsessed with the Rock City Renegade Series. I couldn’t get enough of Stella and Emmett’s story. I live for a second chance romance and C.L. did a phenomenal job leaving me wanting more with each page.
Stella and Hayes jumped head first into marriage at 18 right out of highschool thinking they had it all figured out. But like every young immature couple doubts creep in. Instead of trusting the love Emmett had for her, Stella freaked out and made one of the biggest mistakes. 8 years later what happens when fate throws them back together?!
Tropes
Football Player/Nurse
Second Chance Marriage
Found Family
It's Always Been You
November 14, 2025
ARC Review! Bad Call by @authorclrose !
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This entire book is just one big highlight from start to finish. The plot, the story line, the characters, the emotion, the banter, and the spice is SPICING. 10/10. NO NOTES. GO BUY IT!
.
EMMETT
From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she’d be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn’t long before it all fell apart. It’s been over seven years, and just when I think I’ve finally found my place with Cleveland’s brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down.
.
STELLA
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t imagine my life without Emmett Hayes. I had everything planned—get married, go to nursing school while he made his football dreams a reality, and live happily ever after. But I was young and dumb, letting a small seed of doubt grow until it led me to make the biggest mistake of my life. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about what could’ve been. But when fate puts his injured teammate in my care, I’m forced to face the reality of what I lost. Has the time apart closed the door on our happy ending—or is there still a chance to make it right?
.
#bookstagram #romancebooks #romancereader #spicybooks #footballromance #Kindle #clrose #whatimreading
.
This entire book is just one big highlight from start to finish. The plot, the story line, the characters, the emotion, the banter, and the spice is SPICING. 10/10. NO NOTES. GO BUY IT!
.
EMMETT
From the moment I met Stella Wilder on the first day of kindergarten, I knew she’d be a part of me forever. We were inseparable, slowly falling for one another more with each passing year. The summer before we went to college on opposite sides of the country, she made me the happiest man alive by agreeing to be my wife. But it wasn’t long before it all fell apart. It’s been over seven years, and just when I think I’ve finally found my place with Cleveland’s brand-new football team, she crashes back into my life and turns everything upside down.
.
STELLA
When I was a teenager, I couldn’t imagine my life without Emmett Hayes. I had everything planned—get married, go to nursing school while he made his football dreams a reality, and live happily ever after. But I was young and dumb, letting a small seed of doubt grow until it led me to make the biggest mistake of my life. Not a day has gone by that I haven’t thought about what could’ve been. But when fate puts his injured teammate in my care, I’m forced to face the reality of what I lost. Has the time apart closed the door on our happy ending—or is there still a chance to make it right?
.
#bookstagram #romancebooks #romancereader #spicybooks #footballromance #Kindle #clrose #whatimreading
October 25, 2025
eARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off thank you to C.L. Rose & the smuthood for the opportunity to receive an arc. 💜
C.L. Rose can do no wrong ever. She perfected my favorite trope of second chance romances. This book was pure perfection and I could not be happier with the story.
Stella and Emmett both deserve all the love this world has to offer after the pain they both had to go through. I completely understand Stella and letting the opinions of others implicate her decisions. Emmett my sweet boy you overcame all the pain and accomplished all your dreams and I could not be more proud. Emmett and Stella are the definition of true soul mates that even with year spent apart they came back together stronger than ever. I love this book so much, seeing the hurt, the love, but most importantly the happiness they have together. Just PERFECTION.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
First off thank you to C.L. Rose & the smuthood for the opportunity to receive an arc. 💜
C.L. Rose can do no wrong ever. She perfected my favorite trope of second chance romances. This book was pure perfection and I could not be happier with the story.
Stella and Emmett both deserve all the love this world has to offer after the pain they both had to go through. I completely understand Stella and letting the opinions of others implicate her decisions. Emmett my sweet boy you overcame all the pain and accomplished all your dreams and I could not be more proud. Emmett and Stella are the definition of true soul mates that even with year spent apart they came back together stronger than ever. I love this book so much, seeing the hurt, the love, but most importantly the happiness they have together. Just PERFECTION.
October 29, 2025
I knew going into this book that it was going to be an emotional read. Everyone knows Candice’s found families are always the best, and her spice is on a whole other level. But another thing Candice does very well is pull on the heartstrings. She is guilty of making me sob on multiple occasions and she did it again in this book. Not-so-coincidentally the last time I cried like this while reading one of her books it was also a second chance story. Those books just always hit harder.
Emmett and Stella’s story was so beautiful, heartbreaking, but beautiful. Stella lets insecurities and the words of others create doubt and it ultimately tears them apart. Seeing the way it broke them both, broke me. And when they find their way back together, seeing the guilt and anguish Stella felt made my heart ache for her. But all of that only made their path back to each other all more beautiful. Their love really did conquer all.
Candice writes the swooniest, filthiest men, and Emmett Hayes was no exception. Even when he was still filled with anger he couldn’t help but take care of Stella. His love for her was stronger than anything else. He gave her everything she needed, both in the bedroom and out of it. And holy hotness, when the spice hits, prepare yourself! I'm surprised my Kindle didn't go up in flames! But the way this man yearned for her, even when he didn’t think he’d ever get her back, melted me into mush. They were always only meant for each other.
Stella, Stella, Stella my girl……I wanted to shake her out of pure frustration. But I also completely understood her doubts and insecurities. Stella is so strong, resilient, and such an amazing person. The way she cares for Austin was so beautiful. I loved the friendship they built. I also respected the way that Stella “took her licks” pun intended. IYKYK! She knew she had to take whatever Emmett gave her in order to show him that she wasn’t going to run again. And I was so proud of the way she finally stood up to her mom, and then claimed her man when she was confronted with her biggest insecurity.
Candice always gives us characters that are beautifully flawed and put in the work to overcome them. And in every story, she shows us the importance and beauty of found family, and that love really is the strongest force!
I could go on and on and on about the things I loved about this book and about Candice’s writing in general, but you really just need to go read this book and experience it yourself! Oh, one more thing….she has me absolutely salivating over Theo and Finley’s book! I cannot wait to watch this man get the woman that has him tongue tied and utterly smitten!
Emmett and Stella’s story was so beautiful, heartbreaking, but beautiful. Stella lets insecurities and the words of others create doubt and it ultimately tears them apart. Seeing the way it broke them both, broke me. And when they find their way back together, seeing the guilt and anguish Stella felt made my heart ache for her. But all of that only made their path back to each other all more beautiful. Their love really did conquer all.
Candice writes the swooniest, filthiest men, and Emmett Hayes was no exception. Even when he was still filled with anger he couldn’t help but take care of Stella. His love for her was stronger than anything else. He gave her everything she needed, both in the bedroom and out of it. And holy hotness, when the spice hits, prepare yourself! I'm surprised my Kindle didn't go up in flames! But the way this man yearned for her, even when he didn’t think he’d ever get her back, melted me into mush. They were always only meant for each other.
Stella, Stella, Stella my girl……I wanted to shake her out of pure frustration. But I also completely understood her doubts and insecurities. Stella is so strong, resilient, and such an amazing person. The way she cares for Austin was so beautiful. I loved the friendship they built. I also respected the way that Stella “took her licks” pun intended. IYKYK! She knew she had to take whatever Emmett gave her in order to show him that she wasn’t going to run again. And I was so proud of the way she finally stood up to her mom, and then claimed her man when she was confronted with her biggest insecurity.
Candice always gives us characters that are beautifully flawed and put in the work to overcome them. And in every story, she shows us the importance and beauty of found family, and that love really is the strongest force!
I could go on and on and on about the things I loved about this book and about Candice’s writing in general, but you really just need to go read this book and experience it yourself! Oh, one more thing….she has me absolutely salivating over Theo and Finley’s book! I cannot wait to watch this man get the woman that has him tongue tied and utterly smitten!
October 30, 2025
Pro Football Player/Nurse
Second Chance Marriage
Found Family
"It's always been you"
"My wife"
Fr*e Use
He takes care of her
🍑 play
Favorite quotes
"You're my happily ever after, Stella Hayes, and it's an honor and a privilege to marry you twice in the same lifetime."
"You were my sunshine through the rain and my strength when I felt weak, making the world right when everything seemed so incredibly wrong."
"But I don't care if we're early, late, or never get there at all. As long as we're together, we're right where we need to be."
"Everything about the way we come together is perfection, from the gentle touches to the deep, long strokes that hit spots inside of me that only he's ever seen. I'm so glad that I trusted my instinct to never give my body to another man, because it belongs to Emmett. It could never be this good with anyone else.”
"He tastes exactly like I remember. He tastes like home."
The dedication
"To those who are lost... May you find a hand to hold in the darkness as you make your way back home."
The yearning on both sides was so good. I love when both MC's are just wrecked for one another. The spice was perfection ❤️🔥 their chemistry magnetic 😍
Stella had me cracking up just spitting out what comes to mind like word vomit lol
Emmett, what a man he was just trying to take care of Stella and knew how to read her and what she needed. He got it bad for her 🔥
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts, they married young, and lasted only a short while before heartbreak came calling. They haven't seen or talked to each other since.
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts.
When Stella takes a job for one of Emmett's teammates, she thinks it'll be absolutely no problem to avoid her ex. Just stay in the guesthouse and get through the 8 weeks.. until one day, a certain (ex)husband comes knocking.
Stella absolutely redeemed herself for me with this. She grovelled..but not in a displeasing way. She eventually knew she messed up. And went after her man!
These two were sooooo heartbreaking. There’s spice, light hearted funny moments and pleanty of emotional moments.
Because these two know they're soulmates, they just lost themselves along the way and let fear and self doubt get the best of them. 💔
I loved everything about this book, the sport, the hurt/pain, the beauty in the healing, the spice, the honesty, and the HEA. I just knew these two could find their way. The satisfaction when they did!!
💯 recommend this book!
Second Chance Marriage
Found Family
"It's always been you"
"My wife"
Fr*e Use
He takes care of her
🍑 play
Favorite quotes
"You're my happily ever after, Stella Hayes, and it's an honor and a privilege to marry you twice in the same lifetime."
"You were my sunshine through the rain and my strength when I felt weak, making the world right when everything seemed so incredibly wrong."
"But I don't care if we're early, late, or never get there at all. As long as we're together, we're right where we need to be."
"Everything about the way we come together is perfection, from the gentle touches to the deep, long strokes that hit spots inside of me that only he's ever seen. I'm so glad that I trusted my instinct to never give my body to another man, because it belongs to Emmett. It could never be this good with anyone else.”
"He tastes exactly like I remember. He tastes like home."
The dedication
"To those who are lost... May you find a hand to hold in the darkness as you make your way back home."
The yearning on both sides was so good. I love when both MC's are just wrecked for one another. The spice was perfection ❤️🔥 their chemistry magnetic 😍
Stella had me cracking up just spitting out what comes to mind like word vomit lol
Emmett, what a man he was just trying to take care of Stella and knew how to read her and what she needed. He got it bad for her 🔥
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts, they married young, and lasted only a short while before heartbreak came calling. They haven't seen or talked to each other since.
Emmett and Stella were high-school sweethearts.
When Stella takes a job for one of Emmett's teammates, she thinks it'll be absolutely no problem to avoid her ex. Just stay in the guesthouse and get through the 8 weeks.. until one day, a certain (ex)husband comes knocking.
Stella absolutely redeemed herself for me with this. She grovelled..but not in a displeasing way. She eventually knew she messed up. And went after her man!
These two were sooooo heartbreaking. There’s spice, light hearted funny moments and pleanty of emotional moments.
Because these two know they're soulmates, they just lost themselves along the way and let fear and self doubt get the best of them. 💔
I loved everything about this book, the sport, the hurt/pain, the beauty in the healing, the spice, the honesty, and the HEA. I just knew these two could find their way. The satisfaction when they did!!
💯 recommend this book!
October 28, 2025
A sports romance that puts the S in Sweaty
Spitting, free use AND somno all in one book...?
...Sign me - THE F* - up! 🥵
My favorite quotes:
What it is about:
Then:
High school sweethearts Stella and Emmett got married right after graduation. 💒 Fueled by fear and pushed by her parents' opinions, she files for divorce 6 months later. 💔
Now:
8 years later, Stella's latest patient is Austin, Emmet's team mate. 🩺 Despite her efforts to hide from him, they run into each other. Emmett still thinks about her every day, but he has sooo not forgiven her, he still holds a grudge. 🤬
What I loved:
📝the author's note: sexual scenes that are rough in nature And ooooooh boy, did she D.E.L.I.V.E.R. #smirk
👰proper prologue (8 years earlier, them getting married)
⌛flashbacks giving insights into past events, bit-by-bit
🤕how he has been suffering since the divorce; living on autopilot, barely surviving
🤮how he got violently ill, when he first let someone else touch him again after years of abstinence
🆓the free use agreement was her way to repent, giving him all her blind trust
✍️
What I can appreciate:
🎶the Spotify playlist with scannable code
🏈the football glossary; but it was soooooo long I skimmed over it. I am a firm believer that the lingo/context should make me understand what it’s happening.
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalones
🫂dual POV
2️⃣second chance
🏈football player x travelling nurse
🐎he calls her Wild Girl (her maiden name is Wilder)
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🔥plenty of spice
🦺no condom
Spitting, free use AND somno all in one book...?
...Sign me - THE F* - up! 🥵
My favorite quotes:
"Godmotherfuckingdamnit."
(to a mirror) "Come on, you gorgeous bitch," I grunt, giving it another hearty tug. "Get in my house and let me love you."
(him to a team mate, when they were still separated) "Get your fucking hands off my wife!"
"You're right," I reply. "Fuck the patriarchy. Do your own laundry."
What it is about:
Then:
High school sweethearts Stella and Emmett got married right after graduation. 💒 Fueled by fear and pushed by her parents' opinions, she files for divorce 6 months later. 💔
Now:
8 years later, Stella's latest patient is Austin, Emmet's team mate. 🩺 Despite her efforts to hide from him, they run into each other. Emmett still thinks about her every day, but he has sooo not forgiven her, he still holds a grudge. 🤬
What I loved:
📝the author's note: sexual scenes that are rough in nature And ooooooh boy, did she D.E.L.I.V.E.R. #smirk
👰proper prologue (8 years earlier, them getting married)
⌛flashbacks giving insights into past events, bit-by-bit
🤕how he has been suffering since the divorce; living on autopilot, barely surviving
🤮how he got violently ill, when he first let someone else touch him again after years of abstinence
🆓the free use agreement was her way to repent, giving him all her blind trust
✍️
What I can appreciate:
🎶the Spotify playlist with scannable code
🏈the football glossary; but it was soooooo long I skimmed over it. I am a firm believer that the lingo/context should make me understand what it’s happening.
What you need to know:
📚interconnected standalones
🫂dual POV
2️⃣second chance
🏈football player x travelling nurse
🐎he calls her Wild Girl (her maiden name is Wilder)
❤️HEA
For the safety squad:
🔥plenty of spice
🦺no condom
Displaying 1 - 30 of 475 reviews