Personal Foul

The San Diego Storm #3

by Emerson Beckett

Pushing him to the edge of no return has become my mission in life.

Carson St. James

I detest my new teammate. The cocky, infuriating, obnoxious Australian rugby star, Colin Kearney, gets under my skin in every way imaginable. No wonder he got kicked out of his league. From the moment we met, he's occupied all my attention, so much so that we give in to one night to f*ck it out. When he kisses me on the nose at training camp, after I rake him over the coals, it sets off a chain reaction in me I can't come back from. And I don't know if I want to find my way back.

Colin Kearney

Okay. I might enjoy driving my uptight team captain crazy a little too much. But it's the most fun I've had since being kicked out of the NRL. He thinks I'm drongo, but I'm not stupid. I know exactly what I'm doing, and I'm not gonna stop until I get him under me. Or over me. And I don't mean on the field.

When I convince him to give me one night, neither of will ever be the same. There are things he doesn't know about my life, and I'm afraid when he finds out, he'll leave me like everyone else has.

Personal Foul is a hurt comfort, off-limits, forced proximity MM Sports Romance, and book three in the San Diego Storm Football Series.

Genres: M M Romance, Sports, Enemies To Lovers, Romance, Contemporary, Football, Forced Proximity

368 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2025

About the author

Emerson Beckett is no longer new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond.

Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, The Portland Protectors Series, and the San Diego Storm Series. She has 16 published books.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 35 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd and five cats.

Reviews

[Monikat · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the stars
✨✨✨✨✨🪄✨✨✨✨✨

Best book of the series by far.🥲
A sprinkle of edgy, a pinch of darkness and a whole lot of ocean, mileage, time difference, sun and love.
I loved this story.

Chapter 10 listen to Velvet Desires-Obey on repeat. Chef's kiss.
*Favorites

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

***RtC***

[Mal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️ this is a sweet low angst football romance with a dash of opposites attract and found family. Colin and Carson are thrust together when Colin transfers from rugby in Australia to playing in the NFL in America after some hard circumstances- I wish more about his coach had been explored though. Colin takes great delight in rubbing the strait laced Carson the wrong way and things move very fast where animosity develops into chemistry which then develops into declarations of love and total acceptance. They are also faced with the challenge of Colin’s slimy agent which Carlson’s sweet parents help these two sort out and all of this ends in a lovely albeit very very fast paced HEA.

[read_romance.withgloria Gloria Worlikar · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another fantastic addition to a series that has quickly become one of my all-time favorites by this author. I’ve always loved Emerson’s storytelling—her ability to craft deeply layered characters continues to impress, and she absolutely delivered with this one.

This installment follows Colin and Carson, two characters we briefly encountered in earlier books, with their underlying tension first noticeable in Lennox’s story. From the very beginning, their chemistry is intense and undeniable. Colin, who typically avoids emotional entanglements, finds himself wanting more with Carson. Carson, on the other hand, hesitates—aware that Colin is about to become his teammate. Despite their reservations, they give in to their attraction for one night, hoping it will be enough to quiet their desires.

But of course, it’s not just a one-night thing.

Colin’s vulnerability tugged at my heart, and I desperately wanted to wrap him in love. Thankfully, Carson did exactly that—offering him the kind of affection, support, and loyalty he deserved. Their story is packed with everything I love: sharp banter, fiery chemistry, tender moments, and a beautiful found-family dynamic.

I especially appreciated how Carson embraced his feelings, fully stepping into love with Colin. Their journey to becoming a family was sweet and satisfying. When Colin’s past agent emerged as a threat to their happily-ever-after, it was heartening to see everyone rally around him—especially Carson, who never once wavered.

The final chapters were full of warmth and emotion, and I honestly didn’t want their story to end. Their HEA is one of my absolute favorites in the series—and the little surprise at the end? Utterly heart-melting.

I also adored the side characters, particularly Carson’s parents, who welcomed Colin with open arms. And now, I’m beyond excited for Mason’s story—especially with a certain someone hinted at (read the book, you'll know!). I can’t wait to see what’s next.

* I received an ARC copy from author and this is my honest review *

[Aysha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Foul is the third book in the San Diego Storm series and can be read as a standalone.

We are introduced to Colin Kearney, a vibrant, seemingly reckless Australian with a troubled past who has just been suspended for a year from the NRL. He is contacted by the coach of the Storms and goes to San Diego to play American football for the season.

The other MC, Carson St. James is the team captain who prides himself on control and discipline and has been tasked with helping Colin adjust to American football by being his roommate, both at Carson’s house and on the road.

These two do initially clash due to Carson listening to someone else’s judgments about Colin. However, there was an instant spark attraction and quick to burn chemistry between these two opposites who completed each other. Carson comforting and protecting Colin by showing him what true love looked like was so romantic. Emerson Beckett beautifully portrayed them learning to love each other and the depth of their devotion was striking.

The plot focuses on many aspects - their growth, their relationship, the football season, Colin’s agent (who is the awful and vile antagonist) and all the problems he brings. The book was fast-paced and engaging, though it didn’t manage to surprise me.

At the heart of the book is love, healing and found family. There are many lines worthy of highlighting for their romantic depth. Carson’s parents are absolutely lovely and I love how they so easily and warmly adopt Colin. Carson’s dog, Bella, and Colin’s cat, Allister are also vital characters and upped the cuteness levels. I loved how Colin, who had no one and was so lonely to begin with, at the end had so many family and friends he could rely on.

Very intrigued about the next couple and their story 👀!

🏉 MM Sports Romance
🏈 Teammates
🛏️ Roommates
❤️‍🩹 Hurt/ comfort
🌤️ Opposites attract
🐾 Found family

Plot: 📚📚📚📚
Character rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Writing style: 🖊🖊🖊🖊🖊

[Roxanna Mascarenas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. Emerson knows how to write found family, and this one is absolutely no different
This one does still fall along the timeline of the other two books still slightly towards the end of the first book and the second book. If you have not read those you may be slightly lost, and I do recommend reading the books in order.
This book features, Colin and Carson, Colin is a rugby player from Australia, who is suspended for a year and is recruited by the NHL team in San Diego. Carson is the captain of that NHL team and is going to be Collins landlord, captain and instructor in all things football.
Carson, here’s a few things from another player that sets him on edge for Colin and so they get off to the wrong foot. But Colin, who is openly gay and sees that attraction in Carson has decided to start pushing the buttons in his new teammate..
I absolutely loved the broken boy and caretaker aspect of this story. I love the found family. It is one of my absolute favorite things to read about, and Emerson is one of my favorite authors to read because they always deliver. The best found family and this continuing series has delivered.. Carson‘s parents are an incredible addition and the acceptance and love they not only give their son but the acceptance and love that they extend to Colin just being in Carson‘s house and in his life was incredible.
Oh, and Bella and Alistair are the perfect “kids” for them 🐈‍⬛🐶.

[Amy Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin Kearney eats, sleeps, and breathes rugby… until he doesn’t. Getting suspended? That was NOT part of the plan. And now, with rugby off the table, he’s left wondering. . .without the sport, who even is he? But then life throws him a curveball where he ends up drafted into the NFL. At that point, what’s he really got to lose? From the second Carson St. James lays eyes on Colin, he cannot stand him. The cocky, flirty rugby player who clearly doesn’t have an off switch? Yeah, no thanks. But Colin? Oh, he’s relentless. The banter between these two had me cackling. Colin has zero filter and even less chill when it comes to pushing Carson’s buttons, and I ate it up. But what really got me was when Carson was there for Colin during the times he felt completely lost and not good enough. He made sure Colin knew he was wanted, seen, and loved. Their relationship was fast and fiery, but it worked and it made their story that much better. If you love opposites attract, snarky banter, hurt/comfort, and all the tension that comes with that, this read is for you.

[Amanda Quarles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personal Foul

Colin & Carson

I love Colin and Carson. I very recently read the first two books in preparation for the release of Personal Foul. I am so glad I did. This series has been great. I love the found family aspect. There's so many great characters, all of whom have been so supportive of each other throughout the series. Definitely recommend reading!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colin is an Australian rugby player who gets suspended for a year for roughness. He gets an offer from the San Diego Storm NFL team to play and Carson, a defensive player becomes his partial coach, landlord and the love of his life. These guys tease and torment each other all the time, lusting for each other until they give in. Joining the fun are other characters from previous books and Carson's lovely parents, also a nasty villain and an accepting team. I enjoyed this couple and this series and can't wait for the next one. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.

[WickedRiverReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun time! I laughed so many times while reading this book. The airport scene definitely set the pace for the rest of the book. The banter, the tension and heat between these two was everything! I loved the found family and seeing the Australian side of Colin’s life blend with Carson’s in San Diego. The pets bond and the way they would curl up together was so cute. Colin hard a hard go in life but Carson was not only his support system but showed him what love should look like. This was a good time. I’m excited for book 4!





💚ARC REVIEW🖤

[camms.bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this book! Colin and Carson are now my favorite characters of Emerson’s! Colin has my whole heart. I laughed till I cried. I cried with healing tears for him. Such a fantastic book!

[Siân PJsAndBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Emerson, for my copy of Personal Foul; Book 3 in The San Diego Storm series. Personal Foul can be read as a standalone but will give spoilers for the previous books which share an overlapping timeline.

This book was packed with heat, heart and healing & made me feel a range of emotions. There was even a tear or two! Carson & Colin don't have the best first meeting due to rumors and misconceptions. I was rooting for their HEA and for a second I was worried it wasn't going to happen! I am so relieved that justice was served. Want to know to whom and why... you'll have to read Personal Foul.

🏉 Banter
🏈 Football Player
🏉 Rugby Player
🏈 One Night!
🏉 Hurt/Comfort
🏈 Found Family
🏉 Healing
🏈 Opposites
🏉 Dual POV

[b00ks_in_nature · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet, low angst book. It features sports/teammates (football), hurt/comfort, forced proximity/roommates, humor, friendship, pets and found family. I adored Carson's caring and support for Colin. This story was really well done and so very enjoyable. Looking forward to Mason's story next!!

Second reading via audiobook and wow does Michael Dean do a fantastic job with this. It brought the story even more to life. Also the story stands up to multiple readings - I still love it!

[Jacqueleen the Reading Queen♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝙸'𝚍 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚜𝚊𝚠 𝚙𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚖𝚢 𝚜𝚌𝚊𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚏𝚕𝚊𝚠𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖."

Emerson Beckett sport romances always promise you a sweet read. Personal Foul, though beginning as an enemies-to-lovers tale for a short while, still delivers on that sweetness completely. The start of the book was an emotional place for Colin. I mean the whole scene had me clutching my chest because my heart hurt for him so bad. Thankfully Colin didn't need to stay in that dark place for long. Meeting Carson was the start of something new, even if it was just fun and games getting under Carson's skin at first.

Carson was pretty buttoned up before meeting Colin so I can see how some of his antics could drive Carson mad. I'm not gonna lie, it was kind of fun. The rest of the team thought so too which I enjoyed. But no matter how worked up Carson would get, there was still an undeniable attraction between him and Colin. One that Carson fought against tooth and nail.

"𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚘𝚘."

"𝙸 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚜𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐."

"𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚍𝚒𝚍𝚗'𝚝 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘. 𝙸𝚝'𝚜 𝚊𝚕𝚕 𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚎𝚢𝚎𝚜."

I almost jumped for joy when Carson finally relented and the romance started to move forward. It was obvious these two cared for one another. It wasn't just some hook up to either of them. Though their relationship moved pretty fast once they broke that last barrier, it made sense for them and their situation. I think I would do the same if the person I loved more than anything could be taken from me. And though that was a big reason for how their happily ever after played out, I have no doubt those two would have made it there themselves sooner than later.

[ReadMMRomanceWithMe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson and Colin. I really loved these San Diego Storm series. We’ve met Carson throughout the series and it is time for him to fall in love.

I loved the introduction of Colin. What a broken boy. Someone who just wants to be loved and he got that with Carson. The forced proximity was great and really forced these two to turn up the heat.

I was happy to see some of my other favorites and what they were up to. Some of the timelines crossover so it’s cool getting some of them behind the scenes time.

I’ve listened to this series on audio and it’s been so great. There’s something about Michael Deans voice that I love!

[T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Personal Foul by Emerson Beckett is the third book in The San Diego Storm series. I haven’t read the first two so this is my first book by this author and I really enjoyed it. What drew me to this book is that it’s about a character who is a rugby player that moves to the United States to be a football player after getting suspended from his rugby team.

Colin gets suspended for putting one of his teammates in the hospital and he has to find a solution to keep his career. When he gets an offer from San Diego Storm NFL to be on their football team, he meets Carson who is a defense player and becomes his personal coach.

As soon as they both met they instantly clash with tension and physical attraction. Colin enjoys tormenting Carson and Carson can’t deny his attraction to Colin. When they can’t keep their hands off each other things start to heat up and so does their relationship.

Carson and Colin come from different dynamics but they blend so well together and I loved their chemistry and banter. Their pets Bella and Allister really stole thought show though and they made such a cute and adorable family.

Overall I really enjoyed my first book written by Emerson Beckett. Their writing flowed beautifully and all the characters was lovable. The emotions Emerson brought into these two men really brings out all the feels. Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to read and review.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

ARC Review:

What would you do if…
You were a hot-headed, big-hearted rugby player with a messy past, suspended from your league and shipped off to another country only to fall for the uptight, annoyingly perfect American football captain who’s been assigned to keep an eye on you?

That’s exactly what happens to Colin Kearney in this emotional, fast-paced romance by Emerson Beckett. Sent from Australia to San Diego to play a season of American football, Colin finds himself rooming with Carson St. James team captain, rule follower, and the last guy you’d expect to catch feelings for a reckless import with a reputation. But sparks fly fast. And the more time they spend together, the more their opposites-attract chemistry becomes something deeper.

Carson goes from wary to protective, becoming a safe place for Colin in a world that’s constantly judged him. Their connection is both steamy and sweet, with moments that feel genuinely romantic. I loved how Beckett captured their emotional growth alongside their physical pull.


This wasn’t what I expected going in but wow, I loved it. I got so emotional toward the end. The banter is gold, the pacing is tight, and Carson totally stole my heart. He’s definitely my favorite!!

[Shannon Winning · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just love Colin so much between his ability to throw sarcasm around as his second language to his pure heart that just wants to be loved and chosen over all!

The banter in this was top tier absolutely loved when Colin tried to rile up Carson! And getting Carson all nervous and flustered was so freaking adorable!
Carson showed Colin just how amazing and special he truly is and I loved that for both of them!

Such a feel good read that showed two MC giving into such a great connection and fighting for there happily ever!

Of course I adored all the fun and sarcastic side characters that made the an amazing found family trope as well!

[Rocky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just loved Colin’s and Carson’s story!

[Jennie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading it but I have to say in the other 2 books it seemed like they would „hate“ each other for longer or that Colin would drive Carson crazy for a longer time.
I really liked Colin but I think the ending with him meeting his father was way to rushed. Something like that should take way more time in a book especially considering Colin’s feelings about it and stuff.
And I have to say that from the few pages we got to read about the next book I’m very excited about it!

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Colin and Carson. They fit really well together after a somewhat unexpected first meeting, and Carson was the solid support Colin never realised he deserved or needed. While it felt unlikely that an Australian rugby player would suddenly find himself playing top-level US football, I'm fine with that fiction. What I did struggle with was Carson flying to Australia with the pets - there's a whole quarantine procedure that would have prevented that, and it wasn't necessary for the plot. The rest of the story was good, and there are more books for this found family on the way.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carson & Colin

I enjoyed reading about Carson and Colin quite a bit. They may start out as rivals, but when they do finally get together, they definitely bring the spice and romance. I can't wait for the next book.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Carson and Colin are so fun with their banter. Colin makes it his mission to rile Carson up and Carson just can’t refuse the bait. They have amazing chemistry and I was so happy that it didn’t take a long time for them to be together. Carson’s parents are wonderful and so welcoming to Colin. The team is great and very supportive of them. There is a little bit of angst but it’s outside of the relationship and doesn’t last long. I really just loved everything about this book and didn’t want it to end. I’m looking forward to Mason’s book!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my usual read, but I enjoyed it. Sweet, fun, and sexy! The dynamic between Carson and Colin was great and I enjoyed taking the ride with them!

[anna_79_reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. I love Colin and Carson. It’s a sweet story, with low angst, and all the feelings. Nice to read a book with characters that can communicate.

I love the way Carson heals Colin 🥰

I can’t wait to read Mason’s story!

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved Colin and Carson! The banter and chemistry between the two of them, starting from their very first meeting 😘. I loved seeing the growth of their relationship. The found family is one of my favorite parts of Emerson's books/world and we got to see alot of repeat characters. I can't wait for book 4 after that little teaser.

Thanks for the ARC!

[ੈ♡˳ · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I actually really loved this book at the start and then it just started to drag on for no reason. I also had to try and get used to the writing because a lot of it was telling not showing.

Carson and Colin had so much chemistry from the beginning and their story was definitely cute but it was too long for me. I understand why and how everything with Colin’s old agent had to be sorted after he was taking Colin’s money but I didn’t really like the plot line.

I did like the found family with both Colin and the team as well as Carson’s parents who were so welcoming. The pets were also one my favourite things about this book.

[Mariah]

Dnf @59%

I’m bored. Everything happened kind of quickly and it’s all just too cutesy for me.

[Madison Jane]

DNF at 45%

I haven’t read an insta-love this bad in awhile.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

dnf 25%

This banter is so bad and confusing that it's giving me a headache.

The book started out with this really weird preamble by one of the characters. Like some weird synopsis ending with "This is our story." I know. I understand that the story I picked up about these characters is a story between the two characters. I do not need that told to me. I don't know what that was or what the point was, but it started me off in a bad mood.

And then the characters met, and it was so strange right off the bat. They were immediately being so rude to each other. Complete strangers. I get that one had some misconceptions, but that in no way excuses his awful behavior. And then the other one kissed him without his consent in front of cameras. Are we supposed to like any of the characters at all?

I do not like nonconsent between romantic leads in my romance books. I do not like forced outings between romantic leads. His sexual harrassment isn't cute.

And the banter was so weird and poorly written. This is directly from the book:


“You gotta problem with cats, mate?”

I leaned in closer so he could hear me. “No. Just pussies. Sound familiar?”

It took a moment for my words to register in my head. But Colin hadn’t missed them, and evidently, he misunderstood what I meant. I should have said felines.


What does that mean??? He should have said felines??? Was he not calling the other character a pussy? "No, I don't have a problem with cats. just felines. Sound familiar?" Is that what he thinks he should have said? What does that mean?

That whole scene was just so weird. At one point, one character calls the other his "special friend". Why? What does that mean? That was even before the nonconsentual kiss when they weirdly decided to act all coupley together.

I spent most of the time reading just repeating "what does that mean?" over and over.

Also, "gotta" is not slang for "got a".

Also, Carson and Colin are the same name. It is really unforgivable to give your two main characters such extremely similar names.

I have so, so many more issues with sentence structure, editing, more baffling dialogue choices, sexual harrassment, etc. And if I keep reading, I'm pretty sure this reveiw will end up longer than the book itself, and I might end up with a migraine, so I'm going to stop now.