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Damage Control: A High-Stakes Sports Romance
One scandal. Two careers. Zero room for mistakes.
Sloane Sterling built her career on control.
Cody Vance built his on winning.
She’s the crisis strategist hired to protect his image.
He’s the star athlete caught in a betting scandal that could destroy the league.
Getting involved with each other was never part of the plan.
As media pressure mounts and institutions scramble to protect themselves, Sloane and Cody are pushed into close proximity—late nights, impossible choices, and a line neither of them should cross. For Sloane, the risk is professional erasure in a system already watching her too closely. For Cody, it’s losing the team, the leadership he’s fought for, and the identity built on silence.
The attraction is undeniable.
The consequences are real.
Because when optics turn ruthless, someone always pays—and it’s never the institution.
Damage Control is a high-stakes sports romance about forbidden desire, power, and choosing visibility over silence—where love doesn’t arrive quietly, and winning means refusing to disappear.
Cody Vance built his on winning.
She’s the crisis strategist hired to protect his image.
He’s the star athlete caught in a betting scandal that could destroy the league.
Getting involved with each other was never part of the plan.
As media pressure mounts and institutions scramble to protect themselves, Sloane and Cody are pushed into close proximity—late nights, impossible choices, and a line neither of them should cross. For Sloane, the risk is professional erasure in a system already watching her too closely. For Cody, it’s losing the team, the leadership he’s fought for, and the identity built on silence.
The attraction is undeniable.
The consequences are real.
Because when optics turn ruthless, someone always pays—and it’s never the institution.
Damage Control is a high-stakes sports romance about forbidden desire, power, and choosing visibility over silence—where love doesn’t arrive quietly, and winning means refusing to disappear.
152 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 11, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 18, 2026
Damage Control in Action . . .
PR agent Sloane Sterling hadn't even gotten to her desk yet before her phone alerts her that the captain of the soccer team, Cody Vance, just got linked to illegal sports betting and is under investigation. Cody is her client. Her phone continues to send her alerts as the bad news spreads. Apparently Cody's best friend, Evan Hale, was the one who actually placed the bets. So she heads for the locker room to get some answers to her questions and make sure Cody knows he is now on lockdown from media, calls, statements, and contact with Evan Hale. The last item upsets him as he swears Evan would not do this. When the league rep arrives to take his phone, he hesitates until Sloane firmly says, "NOW". Alone again, he tells her that if he goes down for this, Evan won't survive. And she points out that if he lies to protect him, he won't survive either. Next she finds him in the training room, with his opinion that behavior is allowable since he is isolated and not making statements. She corrects him... he must be unavailable and invisible. So she agrees to an hour of training to burn off his anxiety so he won't mouth off to the wrong people... and then he must disappear.
But as the pressure continues, Elaine Hart (VP of Operations) wants to reassign Sloane. That will put Sloane in a very bad position because merely implying something makes others think it's true. So Sloane wants everything put in writing. No implications but facts. They had nothing to accuse her of, and wanted to reassign her only on rumors. Their attempt to be "prudent" will imply validation and Sloane won't let that happen. She wants them to document truthfully that her work complied with protocol; reveal a defined review period to guarantee monitoring; and they will not remove her based on rumor, as they are attempting to do. Will they comply? Will she be kept on Cody's case? And will her strategy work to save face for everyone and restore confidence, which it honestly should?
PR agent Sloane Sterling hadn't even gotten to her desk yet before her phone alerts her that the captain of the soccer team, Cody Vance, just got linked to illegal sports betting and is under investigation. Cody is her client. Her phone continues to send her alerts as the bad news spreads. Apparently Cody's best friend, Evan Hale, was the one who actually placed the bets. So she heads for the locker room to get some answers to her questions and make sure Cody knows he is now on lockdown from media, calls, statements, and contact with Evan Hale. The last item upsets him as he swears Evan would not do this. When the league rep arrives to take his phone, he hesitates until Sloane firmly says, "NOW". Alone again, he tells her that if he goes down for this, Evan won't survive. And she points out that if he lies to protect him, he won't survive either. Next she finds him in the training room, with his opinion that behavior is allowable since he is isolated and not making statements. She corrects him... he must be unavailable and invisible. So she agrees to an hour of training to burn off his anxiety so he won't mouth off to the wrong people... and then he must disappear.
But as the pressure continues, Elaine Hart (VP of Operations) wants to reassign Sloane. That will put Sloane in a very bad position because merely implying something makes others think it's true. So Sloane wants everything put in writing. No implications but facts. They had nothing to accuse her of, and wanted to reassign her only on rumors. Their attempt to be "prudent" will imply validation and Sloane won't let that happen. She wants them to document truthfully that her work complied with protocol; reveal a defined review period to guarantee monitoring; and they will not remove her based on rumor, as they are attempting to do. Will they comply? Will she be kept on Cody's case? And will her strategy work to save face for everyone and restore confidence, which it honestly should?
March 20, 2026
Sloan Sterling is the Crisis Stratigest assigned to protect star player and Captain Cody Vance after allegations of illegal betting were thrown. It wasn’t Cody but his best friend who used his phone to make the bets. Not only does Sloan have to fix it but when rumors of her personal involvement with Cody hit she must use everything she knows to not be erased because of perceived optics. She is cool and collected showing no signs of emotions to be used against her, insisting on specific reasoning for reassignment, written proof of everything especially that none of this is because of work performance and keeping Cody from rushing to rescue her when she doesn’t need it she needs him to fight things from his own lane while she fights from her all while admitting nothing and never defending what doesn’t need a defense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2026
I really enjoyed Damage Control. Such a fun, fast read that I ended up finishing way quicker than planned.
I’m deep in my sports romance obsession right now, so the soccer setting instantly pulled me in. Add a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, media drama, scandal, and loads of chemistry, and I was completely sold.
It’s quick, easy to read, and moves at a great pace without dragging. Perfect when you want something entertaining and absorbing that doesn’t feel heavy but still keeps you hooked.
It’s technically part of a series, but you don’t need to read the other first, it works perfectly well on its own.
If you love sporty chaos, reputations on the line, and that classic opposites-attract tension, this is such an enjoyable one to pick up.
I’m deep in my sports romance obsession right now, so the soccer setting instantly pulled me in. Add a bad boy hero, a good girl heroine, media drama, scandal, and loads of chemistry, and I was completely sold.
It’s quick, easy to read, and moves at a great pace without dragging. Perfect when you want something entertaining and absorbing that doesn’t feel heavy but still keeps you hooked.
It’s technically part of a series, but you don’t need to read the other first, it works perfectly well on its own.
If you love sporty chaos, reputations on the line, and that classic opposites-attract tension, this is such an enjoyable one to pick up.
Review of advance copy
I’m giving Damage Control, Book 2 of the Dirty Kicks series by Lark Monroe, 2 stars. Unfortunately, this book didn’t work for me. The writing style felt very fragmented, almost like reading bullet points from a presentation rather than a fully developed story. Because of this, I struggled to understand what was happening for much of the book.
I often found myself confused about the plot, the sport being referenced, and even whether there was a meaningful relationship developing between the two protagonists. The lack of depth and clarity made it difficult to become invested in the characters or the story itself. By the end, I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied rather than engaged.
I often found myself confused about the plot, the sport being referenced, and even whether there was a meaningful relationship developing between the two protagonists. The lack of depth and clarity made it difficult to become invested in the characters or the story itself. By the end, I was left feeling confused and unsatisfied rather than engaged.
February 23, 2026
This is Book 2 in the Dirty Kicks: Scandals, secrets, and soccer stars Series by this author, and can be read as a standalone. It is an off limits romance between soccer star Cody and his PR agent Sloane. These likeable souls and the unique plot make for an enjoyable read. It is a slow burn love story with drama and steam, sexual tension and chemistry, and twists and turns, plus appealing secondary characters. A page turner.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2026
ARC Review
Reading this book feels like reading bullet points. Probably because of most of the sentences are short & like straight to the point.
At 29% I was wondering, did I missed something? Do this book need to be read with another book? Or before another book? I’m wondering actually, what is the relationship between the mmc & fmc because they looks like they know each other outside the professional setting. Quite confusing over here.
Reading this book feels like reading bullet points. Probably because of most of the sentences are short & like straight to the point.
At 29% I was wondering, did I missed something? Do this book need to be read with another book? Or before another book? I’m wondering actually, what is the relationship between the mmc & fmc because they looks like they know each other outside the professional setting. Quite confusing over here.
February 13, 2026
Cody is the captain of his soccer team and Sloane is his PR agent. When scandal hits the captain, his PR agent steps in to help save his image but she gets burned instead. Great romance between these 2 and great strategic writing culminating in a great love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2026
This wasn't bad but definitely not one of Lark Monroe's best. It feels kind of vague and emotionless. It starts out that there is one issue that his PR representative (her) needs to help navigate. Then suddenly it changes to her being the issue. That part is a bit confusing. I suggest reading it for yourself and seeing if it works for you. Not every book is going to be everyone's cup of tea.
February 20, 2026
I loved reading this book! I couldn't put it down. I was hooked from start to finish. This book is definitely a page turner. I couldn't tell what was going to happen next. The relationship between Cody & Sloane is a special one. I could feel their love from the start. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 26, 2026
The slow burn of power, proximity, and what it costs to refuse. A league investigation causes Cody to need a PR strategist to manage things. Sloane and Cody are forced to choose between silence, visibility, ambition, integrity, restraint and desire. What will they choose?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2026
This engaging sports romance has drama, twists, good secondary characters, and defined MCs whose careers are on the line. I liked this entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
I really enjoyed reading this book by Lark. I wasn’t sure if I was going to like it because I am not a soccer fan, however Cody and Sloane were entertaining characters. I found this book to be a well-paced and has a terrific storyline with a HEA ending.
February 17, 2026
I enjoyed this love story about Cody and Sloane. It is well written and you get to watch how everything can unfold between two strong people, who take a chance on love.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
I enjoyed reading this story. He is the captain of his team and is dealing with image problems. She is the PR to help him. Good story, good characters, engaging and entertaining, liked the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2026
A book that's okay. It didn't really captivate me. I found it really long-winded, which made it hard to get into the story. I don't usually experience that with this author, but I can't wait for the next book.
March 13, 2026
He is in a terrible scandal. She is hired to fix it. They shouldn’t get involved, it could cost both of them their careers. They can’t resist.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2026
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I found it entertaining and liked Cody and Sloane as a couple.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews