Timing the Play

by Emery Quinn

BROCK
I've perfected two catching impossible passes and making women lose their minds with just a smile. But Julia Buckingham? She's been ice-cold to me for months, and it's driving me absolutely insane.

I should walk away—I've got plenty of other options. But there's something about her sass, her fire, the way she looks at me like I'm nothing special that makes me want her even more. I've never had to work this hard for a woman's attention, and damn if it isn't the biggest turn-on of my life.

When I finally crack her armor, she throws me a curveball I never saw one night, no strings, burn each other out and move on.

Game on.

But one scorching night becomes two. Then three. And suddenly we're both playing with fire in ways that terrify us. Because I've got demons that keep me from being the man she deserves—and unless I can face them, this explosive thing between us might be the only casualty when everything falls apart.

308 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 13, 2025

About the author

Emery Quinn turns all of your romantic dreams and fantasies into hot and spicy page-turners. Follow her on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emeryquinnauthor

Reviews

[Kerri Wells Goetzman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was NOT expecting this book! It absolutely wrecked me. It didn't wreck me as far as crying into my Kindle, but this book is the perfect mix of heat, heart, and healing. Julia and Brock’s story isn’t just about chemistry; it’s about two people learning how to love through their scars.

Julia’s walls are...WOW. They're skyhigh after everything she’s been through, and you feel every ounce of her fear when it comes to letting someone in. Brock, though, he’s a walking green flag. He’s patient, gentle, and refuses to push her faster than she’s ready. He’s exactly the kind of man every broken heart hopes to find. He's steady, kind, and strong enough to stay even when it’s hard.

What starts as a one night deal turns into something raw and real. A sports romance with a MMC who gets it and an FMC who learns to trust again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

If witty banter were a sport, Timing the Play would be the championship game—and I’d be in the front row with popcorn. Emery Quinn delivers a romance that’s equal parts snark, steam, and emotional whiplash (the good kind). The push and pull between the characters had me giving the side eye and saying to myself “Just kiss already!” more times than I care to admit.

Brock and Julia are both walking bundles of unresolved trauma wrapped in sarcasm and sexual tension. Watching them try to navigate their feelings while dragging around emotional baggage the size of a U-Haul was equal parts heartbreaking and hilarious. Their dynamic is like watching two porcupines try to hug: prickly, awkward, and somehow adorable. Beneath all the heat and sass is a story with real heart—two people learning to trust again, open up, and maybe even heal a little.

If you love romance with bite, depth, and a whole lot of steam, this one’s a must-read. Just maybe keep a glass of water nearby.

[Joanne Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Timing the Play is the fourth book in the “Boston Revolutions Football Series.” This is fourth book of Emery’s that I have read and I am totally hooked on this series - cannot wait for the next book! Brock “Sinatra” Cannon is a Receiver for the Boston Revolution NFL team, number 74, and all he can think of is Julia Buckingham, his teammates, Mile’s sister. “….he looked at me with those ice-blue, can’t-look-away eyes that make too much sense of the nickname. Blue like the clear salt water we were in this morning. Fathomless.”

The air between Julia and Brock has crackled since they danced at that fundraiser event last winter. “We’re a match waiting to be struck. And honestly, I’m done pretending it isn’t driving me crazy.” Julia’s been fighting it. Brock has been flaunting it. She finally admits that she is done pretending that she is not tempted. “So here’s the deal. You and me. One night. No strings. Just enough to get this out of our systems.” Brock already knows that one night will never be enough….“I’ll let you know when I’m ready to make a very bad decision.”

One week. One bruising road game, two turbulent flights, and exactly zero texts from Julia. Not even a tease, not a half-flirty emoji. Just silence, until….”You still interested in making that bad decision?” After one night, neither can get enough of each other. The more time they spend together, the more barriers come down and enjoy each other’s company. Is casual what they both want or do they want more from each other…

“Turns out casual isn’t so casual anymore.” “How not casual are we talking?”
“I’m falling for him, Row. Hard. And it’s terrifying because this isn’t supposed to happen. I don’t do feelings. I don’t do relationships. I sure as hell don’t fall for professional athletes who could have any woman they want.”

This book is everything you expect from a alpha male and sport’s romance! I’m very happily hooked - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story.

Once again Emery does not disappoint! This is a lovely book that will keep you hooked! It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful love story, with all the ups, the downs, the friendship, the heartaches and most of all, what love can overcome 💗 From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story! This book will not disappoint! Highly recommended 😊

[rochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved watching Brock and Julia’s journey from wanting just one night—no strings attached—to building a deep, committed relationship filled with heat and plenty of sass.
Brock starts out as the cocky playboy athlete, but beneath the bravado is a man with heart and depth that makes him impossible not to love. Julia, on the other hand, comes off as standoffish and unwilling to show any weakness—she treats her relationships much like Brock treated his, keeping things casual and guarded. But once she lets him in, it becomes harder and harder to resist.
Amid the playful banter with friends and Brock’s relentless persistence, Quinn peels back the layers of their characters, revealing the struggles they have and haunted pasts with honesty and compassion. Their secrets and vulnerabilities are treated with realism, making their growth feel authentic and compelling.
To me, this was so much more than a spicy football romance—it’s a story of resilience, vulnerability, and emotional depth. I was completely enthralled from start to finish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock is on the same team as Julia's brother, and he meets her before the book starts at a charity gala. Brock has been trying to get Julia to see him for months. When they spend time together at her brother's wedding celebrations, he continues to push her buttons. Julia has trauma and is extremely standoffish and snarky. I love how they banter and how the witty one liners fly between them. Brock has his own trauma but never lets anyone know that he isn't the happy go lucky good time guy. I really love how they fall and how they are so good for each other. I love how Brock sees Julia for who she is and for what she needs and how he does everything he can to provide what even she doesn't know she needs. I love that we get to see his teammates and their significant others. Their group is fun and I love how they take care of those they love. 4.25 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just a pleasure through and through!

This love story is fueled by banter, passion, a bit of sports, healing, and lots of moments that will make you smile and swoon,

This is the story of two damaged souls, one that sees her as a gem and it game, and one that sees him as a red flag.

She has been hurt so much in the past, she has walls that are almost impenetrable, but she is attracted to Brock, Now he is what we all want in our book boyfriends, and he will work to fix her heart and show her that real love doesn't possess or hurt, it protects and cherish.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timing the Play by Emery Quinn is the 4th book in the Boston revolutions football series that has a dirty talking MMC, hilarious banter, so much tension, & a strong FMC.

I was blown away by this book and the story!! This was an emotional, yet swoony book, full of heat, heart, and healing. Two people with a jaded past, fighting their connection, yet finding a way to help each other through their struggles. This one definitely took me from laughing to feeling so deeply for these characters!! Truly such an amazing story!

A perfect book for the contemporary romance lovers who love banter, heat & emotion!

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

TIMING THE PLAY is Book 4 of the Boston Revolutions Football Series. It's a steamy, instalove, one-night stand to more, girl gets her football player sports romance. Brock is a hunky football player. Julia is the sister of one of his teammates. The two dance together and sparks fly, but Julia has walls built like Fort Knox. She proposes one night but Brock knows he wants more. I loved Brock, he was a sexy golden retriever. This was a bit of an emotional roller-coaster with hot chemistry and a great HEA. I loved it.

[Brenda M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the struggle between these two while they faced trying to find a balance between lust and love.
They both think they're too broken to make a life with anyone. But what they both learn is that being broken isn't a bad thing.
Just because you feel broken, doesn't mean the pieces aren't beautiful when they're put back together.
There's a whole art form in Japanese culture that revolves around making something beautiful out of something broken, Kintsugi.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was blown away by such an amazing story. It's fun, hilarious and spicy as can be but it's also got an emotional feel to it that I loved. I was hooked from the first page and couldn't put it down until I finished it. It’s got everything that I love in a sports romance. Definitely a must read all day long. So what’s not to love with this series, and this is another book you wont be able to put down. Grab your copy today. Happy reading

[Didi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow a wonderful story of vulnerability and learning to trust. Julia’s walls are structured and built high until Brock begins to chisel away for her heart. It was easy as a reader to fall into the emotions of the characters and root for their HEA. Their journey was one of growth, resilience, undeniable chemistry, doubts and healing in love. I have enjoyed this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Both Brock and Julia had bad childhoods and still held trauma from it. I liked the ways they coped with it and how their relationship progressed. Neither expected to fall in love but together they are stronger.

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timing the Play is book 4 of Boston Revolutions Football Series series. I really enjoyed reading this romance. The story was entertaining and the characters interesting and likable. I can't wait to read more of the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Stacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock and Julia both have enough baggage to fill a trunk. Their childhood trauma has followed them into adulthood and they both cover it with their comedy or wit. I enjoyed how Brock was so in tune with Julia’s needs and they both knew when to push each other (or back off). They weren’t magically better…they had to work at it and seek therapy. They have a great group of friends that act as a found family and accept them for who they are. Another great addition to the series!

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timing the play which was Brock and Julia’s story. Was an engaging read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like all these books and this one was no different. Loved the characters really loved Julia and Brock was a great love interest. They both had their flaws but found a way to overcome.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this couple. Their chemistry is electric. Their drama is captivating. The heartache irresistible. Brock and Julia are hot mess that jumps off the page and into your heart.

[Petra Moss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot and steamy story about a burning attraction that will not burn out. An enjoyable and entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Char ღ Denae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brock is a professional football player who uses sarcasm and jokes to cover his deep, emotional trauma. His teammates think he’s a happy-go-lucky player, without a care in the world but he’s secretly envious of his newly married teammate. This same teammate’s sister makes him feel there’s hope for the future. Unfortunately, she’s got trauma of her own and her protective walls may be even higher than Brock’s.
A heartbreaking journey where two lonely people have to learn to trust their feelings, and each other.
Friends-with-benefits, secret relationship, teammate camaraderie, best friend’s sister, found family, childhood trauma, and sizzling chemistry, Timing the Play by Emery Quinn, is an emotional, sexy sweet addition to the Boston Revolutions Football Serie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.