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The Running Back's Reverse: Desperados Book Eight
I was on top of the world. Life hadn't been perfect for me, especially not after losing my dad. But making it to the league and becoming the best at my position had me feeling like things were good. Finally looking up.
And then it all fell down.
A bad play meant we didn't make it back to defend our title. A night I can't remember meant I had a baby on the way with a girl I didn't know. And she was determined to drag my name through the mud because I refused to play her games. And then my father, my guardian angel, sent me a miracle in the middle of my world falling apart.
I just didn't expect my miracle to come in this form with a perfect face and embodying all I needed. But crossing the line means that I'm not the only one effected if it doesn't work out. Do I risk the sure thing in hopes of more? Or do I play it safe and keep it professional no matter how much my mind is screaming for me to act?
I'm Aldrich 'Money' Dinero, number 8 for the Desperados and one thing I'll always do is play to win.
And then it all fell down.
A bad play meant we didn't make it back to defend our title. A night I can't remember meant I had a baby on the way with a girl I didn't know. And she was determined to drag my name through the mud because I refused to play her games. And then my father, my guardian angel, sent me a miracle in the middle of my world falling apart.
I just didn't expect my miracle to come in this form with a perfect face and embodying all I needed. But crossing the line means that I'm not the only one effected if it doesn't work out. Do I risk the sure thing in hopes of more? Or do I play it safe and keep it professional no matter how much my mind is screaming for me to act?
I'm Aldrich 'Money' Dinero, number 8 for the Desperados and one thing I'll always do is play to win.
544 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2025
71 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
January 15, 2026
Money & Ling😍
Dandridge Monroe is so good at writing books with emotional depth because I was so torn up over everything Money was going through in this book. I was so glad when Ling came along into the picture to bring peace and organization into his life. The love they found in each other was hard won because Money was so traumatized, but once he got his mind together, he didn't waste any time with our girl and I loved that!
Dandridge Monroe is so good at writing books with emotional depth because I was so torn up over everything Money was going through in this book. I was so glad when Ling came along into the picture to bring peace and organization into his life. The love they found in each other was hard won because Money was so traumatized, but once he got his mind together, he didn't waste any time with our girl and I loved that!
January 2, 2026
Money!
Can I just say that I haven’t read a book by Ms. Dandridge that I haven’t fully enjoyed. Money and Sterling’s story was a good time. Even through the trauma that occurred love was secured through it. It’s definitely a must read!
Can I just say that I haven’t read a book by Ms. Dandridge that I haven’t fully enjoyed. Money and Sterling’s story was a good time. Even through the trauma that occurred love was secured through it. It’s definitely a must read!
January 31, 2026
DNF at 52%
This whole thing about Tyla was so unnecessary imo, I’m not even a fan of her but honestly this is an ongoing issue about Americans refusing to learn other countries history on colonization and especially the Apartheid. This whole “coloured” segment was unnecessary and simply uneducated. Learn that race is a social construct. Americans, due to their history have associated the word “coloured” with slavery which is offensive. But once you learn that word means something else in another country, you should try to learn and accept that this is a cultural difference. LEARN HISTORY!!!! Please. The South African history is why this word means something else to them.
The way it was written “this lil South African girl” or purposefully not understanding the meaning and history behind the use of the word “coloured” in SA is simply a lack of comprehension, context..etc. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON OTHER COUNTRIES HISTORY BEFORE MAKING YOURS MORE IMPORTANT. This screamed racism but I won’t get into that.
Also putting another girl down to uplift yourself? Crazy but whatever.
This whole thing about Tyla was so unnecessary imo, I’m not even a fan of her but honestly this is an ongoing issue about Americans refusing to learn other countries history on colonization and especially the Apartheid. This whole “coloured” segment was unnecessary and simply uneducated. Learn that race is a social construct. Americans, due to their history have associated the word “coloured” with slavery which is offensive. But once you learn that word means something else in another country, you should try to learn and accept that this is a cultural difference. LEARN HISTORY!!!! Please. The South African history is why this word means something else to them.
The way it was written “this lil South African girl” or purposefully not understanding the meaning and history behind the use of the word “coloured” in SA is simply a lack of comprehension, context..etc. EDUCATE YOURSELF ON OTHER COUNTRIES HISTORY BEFORE MAKING YOURS MORE IMPORTANT. This screamed racism but I won’t get into that.
Also putting another girl down to uplift yourself? Crazy but whatever.
December 30, 2025
The story, wow!
I don't think I have ever read a book by DM that had me in my feelings for most of the story. The assault was unexpected and the reaction by the victim was unbelievable. The running back's story was emotional and upsetting. The rich nanny was the balm he needed to survive having a baby with a lady he'd never met. Stew on that for a few minutes. This one was very deep.
I don't think I have ever read a book by DM that had me in my feelings for most of the story. The assault was unexpected and the reaction by the victim was unbelievable. The running back's story was emotional and upsetting. The rich nanny was the balm he needed to survive having a baby with a lady he'd never met. Stew on that for a few minutes. This one was very deep.
December 28, 2025
This book tackles a deeply sensitive and often unspoken topic with grace and intention. Men are rarely given the space, time, or permission to be vulnerable as they work through trauma. They are expected to stay silent, suppress fear, and push through. Ms. Dandridge challenges that narrative beautifully. The way she guides Money through confronting his fears, relearning trust, and showing up in ways that were completely new and unplanned for him was handled with care, honesty, and authenticity.
Sterling’s role in that journey was just as powerful. Watching her show up for both Money and baby Ami, not only in a space she was professionally trained for but in ways she had never emotionally experienced herself, was incredible. Their mutual healing was necessary, layered, and well done. The emphasis on establishing healthy boundaries and refusing to make exceptions simply because the harm came from kin was a crucial and impactful element. It reinforced the importance of modeling wholeness and safety for their family.
And the Desperados? Always outside. Always ready. Handling what required silence and showing out when silence was no longer an option. Even through the heavy moments, the laughs, love, and signature found-family foolishness were perfectly placed and deeply appreciated.
Thoughtful, emotional, and still able to make you smile.
Five stars without hesitation.
Sterling’s role in that journey was just as powerful. Watching her show up for both Money and baby Ami, not only in a space she was professionally trained for but in ways she had never emotionally experienced herself, was incredible. Their mutual healing was necessary, layered, and well done. The emphasis on establishing healthy boundaries and refusing to make exceptions simply because the harm came from kin was a crucial and impactful element. It reinforced the importance of modeling wholeness and safety for their family.
And the Desperados? Always outside. Always ready. Handling what required silence and showing out when silence was no longer an option. Even through the heavy moments, the laughs, love, and signature found-family foolishness were perfectly placed and deeply appreciated.
Thoughtful, emotional, and still able to make you smile.
Five stars without hesitation.
December 28, 2025
Pain, Purpose, and an Unexpected Family
The Runningback’s Reverse is an emotionally charged sports romance that goes far beyond the field, blending scandal, heartbreak, and unexpected love into a story that grips you from the very first page.
Money’s carefully built world collapses when accusations surface, putting his reputation—and his peace—on the line. What first appears to be a straightforward situation quickly turns into something far more complicated, forcing him to question his own memories, trust, and sense of control. Just as the truth begins to emerge, a devastating twist of fate pushes Money into a role he never expected.
Then there’s Sterling—independent, grounded, and quietly guarding secrets of her own. What starts as a practical arrangement slowly grows into something deeper as walls come down and an unexpected family begins to form. Together, they face grief, interference, and hard truths, proving that love doesn’t always arrive neatly—but when it does, it can change everything.
Raw, heavy, and deeply emotional, The Runningback’s Reverse is a powerful story about resilience, chosen family, and refusing to repeat the mistakes of those who came before you. It’s the kind of romance that hurts a little—then heals. 💔🏈❤️
The Runningback’s Reverse is an emotionally charged sports romance that goes far beyond the field, blending scandal, heartbreak, and unexpected love into a story that grips you from the very first page.
Money’s carefully built world collapses when accusations surface, putting his reputation—and his peace—on the line. What first appears to be a straightforward situation quickly turns into something far more complicated, forcing him to question his own memories, trust, and sense of control. Just as the truth begins to emerge, a devastating twist of fate pushes Money into a role he never expected.
Then there’s Sterling—independent, grounded, and quietly guarding secrets of her own. What starts as a practical arrangement slowly grows into something deeper as walls come down and an unexpected family begins to form. Together, they face grief, interference, and hard truths, proving that love doesn’t always arrive neatly—but when it does, it can change everything.
Raw, heavy, and deeply emotional, The Runningback’s Reverse is a powerful story about resilience, chosen family, and refusing to repeat the mistakes of those who came before you. It’s the kind of romance that hurts a little—then heals. 💔🏈❤️
January 15, 2026
Suprise Baby and Step Mama Season with a Twist!!! Yes Please!!!
First of all I absolutely loved this story. This was such a unique spin and the drama surrounding it was plentiful. I really enjoyed the emotional weight of the story and the unexpected twist. Audacity was at an all time high from the antagonist in the story. The blooming Romance between Money and Sterling was adoring. This story had all the elements of a great romance. I enjoyed the reality of the hardness of displaying vulnerability and trusting someone with your heart. It was beautifully highlighted in this book. I also like the spin on FMC being the one from wealth and having the lofty expectations of a family as opposed to it being the male character. The way these Desperado men care for the women in their lives should be a playbook for real time romance. Monroe never misses. 10/10 great love story. I can’t wait for the next installment.
First of all I absolutely loved this story. This was such a unique spin and the drama surrounding it was plentiful. I really enjoyed the emotional weight of the story and the unexpected twist. Audacity was at an all time high from the antagonist in the story. The blooming Romance between Money and Sterling was adoring. This story had all the elements of a great romance. I enjoyed the reality of the hardness of displaying vulnerability and trusting someone with your heart. It was beautifully highlighted in this book. I also like the spin on FMC being the one from wealth and having the lofty expectations of a family as opposed to it being the male character. The way these Desperado men care for the women in their lives should be a playbook for real time romance. Monroe never misses. 10/10 great love story. I can’t wait for the next installment.
December 28, 2025
Money got his Ling!!!
Every single desperados book has been a work of art with moments of shock, swooning, and OH SNAPS moments. Money’s book was no different!! This was a well told and well thought out story. The character development and details are on brand and it’s definitely another D Monroe banger! The cameos made me smile and cackle and I LOVED the way Money & Ling stood 10 toes for each other! This is a must read book and a damn good series!
Every single desperados book has been a work of art with moments of shock, swooning, and OH SNAPS moments. Money’s book was no different!! This was a well told and well thought out story. The character development and details are on brand and it’s definitely another D Monroe banger! The cameos made me smile and cackle and I LOVED the way Money & Ling stood 10 toes for each other! This is a must read book and a damn good series!
December 31, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
I truly love this book. Money had me in tears. The trauma he suffered, his new reality, decisions he made and acknowledging what happened was so heartbreaking. I was so glad he found Sterling.
Sterling’s parents were disgraceful and disgusting. The audacity of them both and her cousin Denise. You could see their misery. I was so glad it did not make her hard.
Finally having love when you won’t expecting is the best ‼️
I truly love this book. Money had me in tears. The trauma he suffered, his new reality, decisions he made and acknowledging what happened was so heartbreaking. I was so glad he found Sterling.
Sterling’s parents were disgraceful and disgusting. The audacity of them both and her cousin Denise. You could see their misery. I was so glad it did not make her hard.
Finally having love when you won’t expecting is the best ‼️
January 4, 2026
this series just keeps getting better
I absolutely love the hero and the heroine of this journey. Everything about it was right from the pacing to the love developing the chemistry everything this series just keeps getting better and better. This may be my favorite installment. This is a must read if you like sports romance there is a heavy SA component that’s in the background, but for the most part, this is two very unlikely individuals falling in love.
I absolutely love the hero and the heroine of this journey. Everything about it was right from the pacing to the love developing the chemistry everything this series just keeps getting better and better. This may be my favorite installment. This is a must read if you like sports romance there is a heavy SA component that’s in the background, but for the most part, this is two very unlikely individuals falling in love.
January 5, 2026
Great book!
Dandridge Monroe did it again! I came into this thinking of Money in a certain light and I was totally wrong but that’s ok because I fell in love with Money! The theme was great to provide a male look on things that happen to them also, that’s all I am going to say! Go read the book you will not be disappointed! I would say another home run but since we are in football this is a touchdown with a two point conversion! Excellent!
Dandridge Monroe did it again! I came into this thinking of Money in a certain light and I was totally wrong but that’s ok because I fell in love with Money! The theme was great to provide a male look on things that happen to them also, that’s all I am going to say! Go read the book you will not be disappointed! I would say another home run but since we are in football this is a touchdown with a two point conversion! Excellent!
January 23, 2026
This was so unexpected and very good
I found myself cackling from the beginning to the end. Ant and Twan are the craziest brothers in this series, you can even take them seriously. Ling came in on business and remained there until Aldrich let her know who she was really attached too, Money. Those parents were something else and no matter what was being said or shown they just didn’t care. I need a pic of Money and Ami
I found myself cackling from the beginning to the end. Ant and Twan are the craziest brothers in this series, you can even take them seriously. Ling came in on business and remained there until Aldrich let her know who she was really attached too, Money. Those parents were something else and no matter what was being said or shown they just didn’t care. I need a pic of Money and Ami
January 3, 2026
Gonna be the best read of 2026...
This was sooooo good! The way I cried when I put together what happened to Aldrich, was absolutely gutted! Then the way they tried to play Sterling for being thick, rich, and fine! Everyone could have caught these hands they rated "E," for everyone! I didnt like the way it ended though, I feel like I need more of them😔
This was sooooo good! The way I cried when I put together what happened to Aldrich, was absolutely gutted! Then the way they tried to play Sterling for being thick, rich, and fine! Everyone could have caught these hands they rated "E," for everyone! I didnt like the way it ended though, I feel like I need more of them😔
January 17, 2026
Amazing
This book was everything I loved it I cried I laughed I got mad There are some parts in here that made me like I'm about to go to jail I couldn't imagine being a I couldn't imagine being a mom And having some I would not have known how to help him spoiler alert I think I might be telling all I could say is read
This book was everything I loved it I cried I laughed I got mad There are some parts in here that made me like I'm about to go to jail I couldn't imagine being a I couldn't imagine being a mom And having some I would not have known how to help him spoiler alert I think I might be telling all I could say is read
January 3, 2026
Yeeeees
See now Ms Monroe you have done it again. Now if only those trifling parents just had ended up in one of the nice pig pens with the big homies overlooking would have been chef’s kiss
See now Ms Monroe you have done it again. Now if only those trifling parents just had ended up in one of the nice pig pens with the big homies overlooking would have been chef’s kiss
February 9, 2026
Thanks Dandridge!
This book was so unexpected. Thus perspective of assault is overlooked. Men do face challenges and sometimes our expectations of them are set to high. Everyone deserves a chance to regroup, with all the support they need.
This book was so unexpected. Thus perspective of assault is overlooked. Men do face challenges and sometimes our expectations of them are set to high. Everyone deserves a chance to regroup, with all the support they need.
February 24, 2026
The Real Love
This story was a banger. The love that Sterling and Money had for each other is what people want. Ami was the love child that was the main love for both of them.
Great story for anyone who believes in LOVE.
This story was a banger. The love that Sterling and Money had for each other is what people want. Ami was the love child that was the main love for both of them.
Great story for anyone who believes in LOVE.
December 30, 2025
Wait!!!
It’s not suppose to be over yet I gotta see Sterling get her gift and Ant propose to Aphrodite!!! Love the desperados so very much!!! Can’t wait for the next installment 🤎
It’s not suppose to be over yet I gotta see Sterling get her gift and Ant propose to Aphrodite!!! Love the desperados so very much!!! Can’t wait for the next installment 🤎
January 2, 2026
Book 8 and Dandridge not letting up
Whew this one took me through it I wanted to hug money so many times in this book and Sterling not to played with.
Whew this one took me through it I wanted to hug money so many times in this book and Sterling not to played with.
Read
January 24, 2026dnf @ 60%
January 26, 2026
Love it!
This book, plus the others didn't disappoint. I wish it had been longer. Looking forward to any books that will follow!!
This book, plus the others didn't disappoint. I wish it had been longer. Looking forward to any books that will follow!!
January 24, 2026
I was not readyyyyyy. 🤣😂🤣😂 I loved it tho. This one his me with a spin that I didn’t see coming. Great read⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews