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Billy Beckett #6
Squeeze Play: A Thriller: Billy Beckett, Book 6
He has it all. And he’s about to lose everything.
Carlito Ramos is a rising star in the coaching ranks of Division I men’s basketball—a husband, a role model, a leader of young men. But behind closed doors, his secret indulgences could ruin not just his marriage, but his entire career. And now, someone is whispering his name. Someone who knows.
In the sixth installment of the best-selling Billy Beckett series, the renowned sports agent is reeling. Billy’s father—his hero, mentor, and business partner—has died, leaving behind a legacy…and a silence that threatens to consume Billy whole. As grief claws at his every decision, he finds himself at a protect his longtime client, Carlito, or do what he knows in his gut is right?
Meanwhile, Billy’s fearless partner, Claire Bosken, is building an empire with Premier’s booming music division. But one chilling night in Nashville, everything changes. A stranger appears. And a nightmare begins. As Claire’s confidence unravels, she’s forced to question whether the threat is real—or if trauma is playing tricks on her mind.
As Billy and Claire fight their way through heartbreak, betrayal, and mounting danger, they uncover a web of secrets far darker than they imagined—one that could destroy not just their clients, but their lives.
In a world where loyalty is currency and silence is survival, how far would you go to protect your livelihood and your life?
Carlito Ramos is a rising star in the coaching ranks of Division I men’s basketball—a husband, a role model, a leader of young men. But behind closed doors, his secret indulgences could ruin not just his marriage, but his entire career. And now, someone is whispering his name. Someone who knows.
In the sixth installment of the best-selling Billy Beckett series, the renowned sports agent is reeling. Billy’s father—his hero, mentor, and business partner—has died, leaving behind a legacy…and a silence that threatens to consume Billy whole. As grief claws at his every decision, he finds himself at a protect his longtime client, Carlito, or do what he knows in his gut is right?
Meanwhile, Billy’s fearless partner, Claire Bosken, is building an empire with Premier’s booming music division. But one chilling night in Nashville, everything changes. A stranger appears. And a nightmare begins. As Claire’s confidence unravels, she’s forced to question whether the threat is real—or if trauma is playing tricks on her mind.
As Billy and Claire fight their way through heartbreak, betrayal, and mounting danger, they uncover a web of secrets far darker than they imagined—one that could destroy not just their clients, but their lives.
In a world where loyalty is currency and silence is survival, how far would you go to protect your livelihood and your life?
Audible Audio
Published September 2, 2025
122 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Hodge
7 books33 followersKelly Hodge spent over three decades in sports journalism in his native Tennessee. He's a graduate of East Tennessee State University and lives in Johnson City, TN with his wife, Jo Ann, and their goldendoodle, Zoe.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
September 9, 2025
Kelly Hodge has never failed to impress with the Billy Beckett series and I am eager to have found the latest novel. Billy has been enjoying much success with being an agent, dabbling in sports representation from his perch in Nashville. When Carlito Ramos falls prey to a blackmailer with proof that he has been having an affair, Billy tries to step in before the popular coach loses everything. However, this individual is persistent and Billy discovers his client may have been playing with more than fire. As tensions build, Billy tries to help his client, though there is another agenda in the mix that could ruin everything. Billy's partner, Claire, has an issue or two of her own, trying to determine which way is up before she's pulled in the wrong direction. Kelly Hodge does well with this piece that keeps the reader engaged.
Billy Beckett has spent years building his legacy as a sports agent whose business is just beginning to blossom into accepting more clients from all walks of life. From his desk in Nashville, Billy has a handle on much of it, until he gets a call about one of his premier clients, basketball coach Carlito Ramos. While Ramos is on the rise when he keeps his team working hard, his dalliances behind closed doors are nothing worthy of pride.
Carlito has a blackmailer and someone who is determined to see the coach face what he has done. Billy tries to handle it, even approaching the suspected blackmailer, but this goes nowhere. Someone is lurking in the shadows, targeting not only Carlito, but the women he's slept with, making for an even more awkward situation. Billy refuses to let his client tarnish the image of the agency or the legacy of the Beckett name. While Billy knows that it would be easier to toss Carlito aside, there is something about being loyal to one's clients that pushes Billy to consider other options.
All the while, Billy's partner, Claire Bosken, has been riding the wave of success with the company's music division. She is approached late one night on the streets of Nashville with a threat and warning. Claire cannot shake it off and things soon spiral out of control. While Billy tries to keep his side of things in order, Claire needs his help. Before long, both are thrust into the underbelly of violence and the web of lies that surround them. It will take something drastic to realign things and Billy is ready to consider all options. Kelly Hodge does well with this sixth instalment to keep the reader guessing.
I have long enjoyed Kelly Hodge's work on this series, as it is both unique and highly entertaining.Hodge is able to build a strong narrative that keeps the reader in the middle of the action, as the story builds from chapter to chapter. Things progress nicely along multiple fronts, converging by the end with some impactful sentiments, while also leaving some things unfinished for another novel. The Nashville flavour to the story is a wonderful touch and made me eager to visit one day! Characters fit well into the piece and keep the reader eager to learn about them. Great backstory moments and some development to keep series fans engaged and eager to know more. Plot points are well placed and keep things from being too predictable, while also ensuring the tension is high for those needed moments. I am happy to see how Kelly Hodge has shaped this series and am eager for what is to come!
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, for a great addition to the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Billy Beckett has spent years building his legacy as a sports agent whose business is just beginning to blossom into accepting more clients from all walks of life. From his desk in Nashville, Billy has a handle on much of it, until he gets a call about one of his premier clients, basketball coach Carlito Ramos. While Ramos is on the rise when he keeps his team working hard, his dalliances behind closed doors are nothing worthy of pride.
Carlito has a blackmailer and someone who is determined to see the coach face what he has done. Billy tries to handle it, even approaching the suspected blackmailer, but this goes nowhere. Someone is lurking in the shadows, targeting not only Carlito, but the women he's slept with, making for an even more awkward situation. Billy refuses to let his client tarnish the image of the agency or the legacy of the Beckett name. While Billy knows that it would be easier to toss Carlito aside, there is something about being loyal to one's clients that pushes Billy to consider other options.
All the while, Billy's partner, Claire Bosken, has been riding the wave of success with the company's music division. She is approached late one night on the streets of Nashville with a threat and warning. Claire cannot shake it off and things soon spiral out of control. While Billy tries to keep his side of things in order, Claire needs his help. Before long, both are thrust into the underbelly of violence and the web of lies that surround them. It will take something drastic to realign things and Billy is ready to consider all options. Kelly Hodge does well with this sixth instalment to keep the reader guessing.
I have long enjoyed Kelly Hodge's work on this series, as it is both unique and highly entertaining.Hodge is able to build a strong narrative that keeps the reader in the middle of the action, as the story builds from chapter to chapter. Things progress nicely along multiple fronts, converging by the end with some impactful sentiments, while also leaving some things unfinished for another novel. The Nashville flavour to the story is a wonderful touch and made me eager to visit one day! Characters fit well into the piece and keep the reader eager to learn about them. Great backstory moments and some development to keep series fans engaged and eager to know more. Plot points are well placed and keep things from being too predictable, while also ensuring the tension is high for those needed moments. I am happy to see how Kelly Hodge has shaped this series and am eager for what is to come!
Kudos, Mr. Hodge, for a great addition to the series.
Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
September 30, 2025
I truly enjoyed reading “Squeeze Play”. There was no grueling murder to solve. There were two stories; one of a star college coach having an affair with the college president’s wife which spiraled into much more, and the second about a man who was stalking Claire towards getting revenge aimed at Billy. Both stories played out nicely, however, there was a story within a story which was heartfelt. If you’ve read previous Kelly Hodge’s Billy Beckett book, this one should not disappoint. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
October 19, 2025
Great read. Lots of action with two separate plots. Characters well defined and easy to follow. Enjoyed the interaction between the Zander, Claire and Billy. Thought this would be the book where Claire and Billy finally got together.
Was disappointed when the book ended. Look forward to the next one. Not sure if Scott Pratt was Kelly Hodge's mentor but if he was he did a good job. I miss Scott Pratt.
Was disappointed when the book ended. Look forward to the next one. Not sure if Scott Pratt was Kelly Hodge's mentor but if he was he did a good job. I miss Scott Pratt.
September 17, 2025
Riveting
I have enjoyed every one of the Billy Beckett books, this one especially I just wish that Billy and Claire will see what is between them and take action on it. I look forward to the next book in the series
I have enjoyed every one of the Billy Beckett books, this one especially I just wish that Billy and Claire will see what is between them and take action on it. I look forward to the next book in the series
September 26, 2025
Great read
"Squeeze Play" was a fantastic read, one that had you turning the pages well into the night anxious to read what was around the next twist in the plot. Can't wait to read the next book by Kelly Hodge !
"Squeeze Play" was a fantastic read, one that had you turning the pages well into the night anxious to read what was around the next twist in the plot. Can't wait to read the next book by Kelly Hodge !
October 6, 2025
Very Fast Read. Page Turner!
Love the Billy Beckett Series. Hope they keep coming. I can host feel the attraction between Billy and Claire. It’s pretty palpable. Other characters develop and are gone, but can’t wait to see what happens to them next.
Love the Billy Beckett Series. Hope they keep coming. I can host feel the attraction between Billy and Claire. It’s pretty palpable. Other characters develop and are gone, but can’t wait to see what happens to them next.
September 15, 2025
The Best Billy Beckett Book so far…..
Another well written book. The best in the series so far and they’re all excellent reads. Hope Kelly writes another one sooner than later.
Another well written book. The best in the series so far and they’re all excellent reads. Hope Kelly writes another one sooner than later.
September 17, 2025
Love this #6 of Billy B series!!
October 20, 2025
Very traumatic and full of fun.
Fun, complex and emotional. Strange how things can work out (or not work out) for all involved. Hate to see a sad ending.
Fun, complex and emotional. Strange how things can work out (or not work out) for all involved. Hate to see a sad ending.
November 22, 2025
The worst ending EVER! I didn't believe it was the end of tahe story! Awful!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews