Inside Game

New York Kings #4

by Collette West

Third baseman Drake Schultz is the undisputed bad boy of the New York Kings. So it's no surprise when Major League Baseball suspends him for taking performance-enhancing drugs. Furious with their superstar, the front office issues an ultimatum: either work with their sober companion or kiss the rest of his quarter-billion-dollar contract goodbye. Cocky and arrogant, Drake resists being saddled with a live-in babysitter—even one he's insanely attracted to.

Drake is Eva Sloane's first celebrity client as a substance abuse counselor, and she knows she's in trouble when he starts tempting her at every turn. The way he looks at her is as hot as sin, but she refuses to become his new drug of choice. Slowly, she helps him realize he has to face the demons from his past and heal his tortured spirit before he can even think about satisfying any craving he has for her.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Romance, Baseball, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary

277 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 3, 2015

About the author

Collette West grew up as somewhat of a jock-nerd hybrid. Entering the world three weeks premature, her dad nearly missed her birth because he had seats behind the dugout for a sold-out, highly-anticipated match-up between two of baseball's biggest rivals. Not to be outdone, her book-loving mom taught her how to read by the time she was three. A love of the game coupled with an appreciation for the written word were instilled in Collette's impressionable brain from a young age. No wonder her characters believe in the philosophy: sports + romance = a little slice of heaven.

Splitting her time between the Pocono Mountains and Manhattan, Collette indulges her inner fangirl by going to as many games as she can from hockey to baseball and downloading every sports romance novel in existence onto her iPad. When she's not clicking away on her laptop, she enjoys walking her dog in Central Park, satisfying her caffeine craving at the Starbucks on Broadway and keeping an eye out for Mr. Right. But above all, she loves dishing with her readers. Email her at collette_west@yahoo.com.

Reviews

[Ambur · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to be asked to beta read Inside Game and I am so thrilled to have gotten the chance to read it! Inside Game was an amazing story, and I'm thrilled that Collette West chose it to be the next New York Kings book! :)

Drake has always been the New York Kings player that I've been unsure of. He's definitely sexy, but he hasn't been the nicest guy in the previous Kings books. I wasn't really sure how I would feel about his story and I didn't know if he would win me over, but boy did he ever!!! I loved finally getting to see behind the front that Drake showed everyone. I knew that his story had to be complicated and dark, and it really was. Collette West has written a wonderful story for him and she's made my feelings for him do a complete 180! I went from greatly disliking him to loving him, and I'm so proud of him now!!! I loved Eva, too! She was such a wonderful character and I loved her strength! I also absolutely loved Eva and Drake together! They really brought out the best in each other, and I loved how they communicated with each other. Their honesty was wonderful to see! :D

I'd be hard pressed to pick a favourite of Collette West's books because I've loved them all, but Inside Game was amazing!!!! I loved Drake, Eva, and I especially loved seeing Drake recover and finally allow himself to be loved and be happy!!!

I am a HUGE fan of Collette West's New York Kings book, and I would absolutely recommend them to any contemporary romance fan, especially if you love sports romances...which I totally do! ;) Her stories are full of amazing characters, and I love how she writes relationships. They have so many dimensions, and I love that she always makes sure that her couples either communicate well, or learn to communicate well together! Her books are definitely some of my favourites and I can't recommend them enough. You don't necessarily have to read them in order, but if you want to read them in order of release, it goes Night Games, Game Changer, Game On, Perfect Game, Inside Game...and next in line will be Game Winner! ;D If you're thinking about reading them, I definitely think you should try them out! :D

This review also appears on my blog, here: http://burningximpossiblyxbright.blogspot.ca/2015/08/review-inside-game-by-collette-west.html

[✿kawehi.reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ Beta Reader for this lovely author.♥ ☆

PRE-ORDER NOW!!





Drake Schultz has hit rock bottom.
Now it’s either shape up or ship out or bye bye baseball career and extravagant lifestyle.
Will he be able to confront lifelong struggles, addiction, and breaking the tumultuous cycle of familial and self destructive bonds?
Or will he strike out?
And with a sexy raven haired latina assigned to be his trusty sober companion, can Eve redeem herself and prove to everyone that Drake is worth saving? Or will he end up becoming just one of those washed out nobodies of broken dreams and potential?



A heart-wrenching and unforgettable love story of two individuals who come from separate lifestyles, but who are not so different as they think as they battle the slightest of odds and find absolution in each other!

[Chu · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Well, I’m the luckiest one of all because you chose me before you knew my name."

Collete West is one tough girl to write this one of her most highly anticipated stories to date. I was excited to read his story, and was crossing my fingers on how Ms. West would deliver it, but the moment I was on it, I was hooked by the story. She had me wrapped around the Drake’s journey, his experiences in reaching for that goal some would thought impossible, his aches, his pains, and his journey towards finding his happy-ever-after.

Because even bad boys deserve it, right?

It was rough, real and raw. I didn’t think Collette West sugarcoat anything. We are all bound to hate Drake at one point, but seeing him vulnerable and unsure of himself, seeing that other side of him will allow you to open your hearts to him.

The road to recovery would always be rough, and I think Ms. West made a point that support coming from someone, even if it’s just one person is vital. Someone who is strong enough not to give up on you and strong enough to stand by your side when you are at your lowest. I was glad that Drake has Eva.

If you think Drake is strong, multiply his strength a hundred times, and you get Eva’s. She’s a wonderful woman and a great substance abuse counselor. She’s not just strong because she stayed through the ordeal, but to resist the man who is as hot as sin during her time as a counselor was a gigantic task. She was professional with her dealings, and the moment she realized she could no longer function as her counselor, she gave up her reins and place him in the hands of another capable counselor.

People can change, even the worse of them all. Perhaps all they need is a motivation: it can be a person, or something else. We just have to give them a chance that they need and the hope that they can truly transform into a better version of themselves.

More than just romance, Inside Game is truly an inspiration for a whole lot of people. It was a rough ride, but it was worth it.

"All I know is the man you are now is worth fighting for."

Review originally posted on my blog

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•Complimentary Copy was given in exchange for an honest review.•

More of my reviews at http://reviewsofabookmaniac.blogspot.com

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside Game by Collette West takes a look at a completely different side of baseball that many try to hide. When I realized this book was about Drake Schultz, I was so excited. He is the hated player on the team, the ultimate bad boy of bas ball, and I had a feeling the animosity wasn't always there. I wondered what triggered his role and what his story was. Well, that man's story is full of heartache and bad decisions, ones that was beginning to destroy his life and career. This book takes a look at the hidden scandals, the choices a man makes, and the woman who fights for him.

Drake Schultz... This man is the one that everyone loves to hate and the only people who liked him at all were the people who wanted something from him. His role to many professional athletes as supplier of sports enhancement drugs is the definition of who he is but it takes someone special to show that he is more than baseball and drugs. Eva is his superior in so many ways. She gives as well as she takes. She is compassionate, considerate, and determined to bring Drake back to where he once was and show him a life of sobriety is one that is worth being clean for. When you put these two together it is high stress, high emotion, and full of ups and downs.

This book touches on some sensitive subjects that I haven't seen much of in sports romance books. So often in life we hear scandals of organizations attempting to cover up drug use and then outing people involved and drama ensues. Inside Game takes a look at the other side: the one where the athlete must make a decision to be sober or leave the game. Collette West does a great job of showing that situation. Drake is addicted and has to make daily choices to fight his addiction in order to come back to what he loves most of all: baseball. When more about his haunted past comes to light, the reader begins to piece together his past hurt and his coping mechanisms that lead him to this low place in the present. This book could be so heavy and depressing when truth comes out about all parties involved, but instead Collette weaves this story with hope. Eva embodies that quality. She is hopeful when it seems like that is the last thing you could possible see in a situation.

The relationship between these two is wonderful. There is an undeniable chemistry between them but there is so much more. Eva is first and foremost his sober companion. Her goal is to bring him to a place of acceptance and change. Drake doesn't make it easy but finds himself wanting to be good for her. His fear of disappointment is a huge factor in his steps to a new life but in the end it is the decision for him to want a new life for himself, a life he never thought possible filled with love of a woman and his children and love of the game, that is the deciding factor. It is a love story but above all it is the story of a man finding who he is and taking the steps to embrace it. I appreciated that the story was a bit different than I expected and such a story of triumph and bittersweet life.

[S.M. Harshell · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**

New York King's third baseman Drake Schultz is known as the bad boy. He's always picking fights within his own clubhouse, calling other players out. Mood swings like no other. I couldn't wait to read his story. He has the best in-depth backstory I have read in awhile.

Drake was involved in the take down of Terry Bloom the former GM who was supplying players with PED's. He gave information he thought that information was destroyed but it wasn't and now is going to be used against him. After a particularly bad on field performance an unexpected blood test was waiting for him. It proves, what he has been trying to hide. He's been taking PED's.

Drake is assigned a sober companion and an eighty game suspension. Neither Drake is too happy about. Eva Sloane is a fan of the Kings and something in her is drawn to Drake. Whether it's her desire to help the underdog kick a habit or if it's the man that Drake has the potential to be but something about him calls to her and always has.

When Drake and Eva are thrown together for three months secrets and both of their pasts are exposed. Can Eva help keep Drake on a drug free path back to the big leagues? Will Drake be able to survive without a little pharmaceutical help?

I loved Inside Game. The way Ms West wrote Drake's character was fantastic. He's hard, edgy, but underneath he's a completely different man. He can become the man he wants without losing that sex appeal he has. Loved the chemistry between Drake and Eva, the build up was worth it.

This definitely has easily become one of my favorite baseball romances! Highly recommended!

[MsChris1161 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another incredible sports romance from Collette West about her fictional baseball team the New York Kings. INSIDE GAME finally tells the mysterious bad boy Drake Schultz’s story. We finally get inside the head of Drake, who is the highest paid player on the Kings team and arguably the best player, to see why he has attitude to spare and doesn’t bother to get along with his teammates. And WOW!! Talk about a back story. No wonder he doesn’t let anyone close, not even his teammates. I’m not spoiling anything for you, but I will say my heart went out to Drake. I spent the whole book rooting for him to pull himself out of the direness of the trap his life had always been and finally be the man, and the ball player, he had the ability to be.

He makes the transition with the dedicated help of Eva, a woman like none Drake has ever known. I really liked how much he respected Eva and that he was willing to do whatever it took to be a better man for her. It was impossible not to admire her for her passion for her chosen field, her courage, and that she stayed true to her belief system and her mission... even when sexy, beautifully built Drake was pulling out all the stops to seduce her and make her his. This was an incredible story of redemption that was enthralling with it’s mystery and suspense, and the romance between these two building right from the first chapter. Another hit by Collette West! 4 stars.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I'm saying this...*sigh* I just can’t get over my feelings for Drake! I never thought I could truly love another New York Kings player, but Collette West makes me fall in love with each and every one of them, book after book, story after story.

Right from chapter one I was hooked. Drake scared the ever-loving crap out of me. But that's what brought Eva into his life, so I guess it was kind of a necessary evil. Eva is the kind of woman that I wish was my best friend in real life. She's strong, and loyal. Although she has a few issues of her own to work through.

And together, Drake and Eva are amazing. Well, once they start working together on getting past their issues anyway. :) Their story is a bumpy road, but it's worth every peak and valley. Some of the most beautiful moments come after the hail storms of their lives.

There were a couple parts where I was like this: "I can’t watch this! (Seriously, I can’t read through the fingers over my eyes!)"

And this: "And now I’m crying again! Like sobbing, can’t continue reading because I can’t see through the tears, crying!"

But I promise there were also times where I laughed out loud, cheered them on, and shed a few happy tears. There isn't as much actual baseball playing/watching going on in this book, but it really dealt with the darker side of professional sports. And it was fantastic.

Just read it already!

[Ruthie Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads~~

This is one of those books that you sort of know you should not approve of, you should not like the lead character and you should not wish him well - yet it is so cleverly written that it would be incredibly difficult to do just that if you read right to the end. I have a feeling that there will be people who don't get it, who maybe have been affected too closely by the issues in the book, that they struggle with it - but I found it to be thoughtful, thought provoking and a really good read.

It is also a beautiful love story, which is rooted firmly in a shared past, and a hope for a shared future. I found it to be all too believable, and really objected to work intervening in what was an excellent read. In rebellion I thought about it pretty much all day, until I could get back to it!

Another great addition to the New York Kings series - but that is what we expect from Ms West after all!

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the New York King's series. This book is Drake's story. I am really surprised that I actually like Drake. Eva, an addiction specialist and King's baseball lover, is the one who sees Drake for the man he really could be. When he hits rock bottom it is Eva that comes to help him as a sober companion. Finding out all the struggles that Drake has gone through made it easier to like the guy and see why he put up the walls and acted the way he did. I was really routing for him to succeed.

Drake and Eva fight the attraction they have for one another for a long time. Eva knows that his recovery is the most important thing. Eventually they cannot fight their feelings anymore and the love of Eva is what helps Drake get through the tough times. He wants to be the man she deserves.

Great story! I highly recommend this book.

Lucky to be a beta reader.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Drake's story is so much more than I expected! He's the bad boy everyone love to hate, and you know he has problems, but I never imagined what was lurking in his past. This was more than just about the romance building between Eva and Drake, this was about the journey from rock bottom and facing the demons that led him there. Drug addiction is such a difficult subject, but the author does a great job of showing us what it takes to want be and stay clean. Just like previous books, there a great sense of family within the Kings organization that comes through. This had a much more serious tone than the previous books, and might just be my favorite.

I received an ARC via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This comes out on my birthday! :) And I'll share my review with you shortly!

[Antonella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sport romance. Can be read as standalone.

The hero of this book is bad boy in previous books and I liked his character. So I was excited to read about him and also to finish this series. I have read book five before.
So the bad boy is redeemable after all. Very surprised. Yes I am. Cue the sarcasm.
But who would have thought I like him better as side character. Not me.
This is still very well written book. And it deals with some serious issues that author portrayed amazingly real. This is a book about an underdog. The most hated player on the team.


Just okay read for me.

[Ma · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series in general reaaaally forces you to reevaluate your limits. It's just not realistic. At some point you must give up to enjoy the story, and that's what I did.
And as far as redeeming stories goes, this is one of the best I've read. I generally don't care for the why-are-you-such-a-dick stories, since they are so often not enough to justify said dickness in the character, but Drake's is really coherent with everything he did.

[Jody · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of sports-themed romances can count Ms. West's New York Kings series as one of the best and most reliable when it comes to quality and consistency in its blend of romance, intense emotions, and the realities of playing in the big leagues. Throughout four books she's crafted a compelling villain in Drake Schultz and I knew she'd have her work cut out for her in redeeming such an unlikable character. I'm happy to report though that Drake's path to HEA is a difficult but richly rewarding one that readers will quickly find themselves caught up in.

Drake is a man trying to hide from his past. With a family heavily into drugs, and a community mired in drug use, it was inevitable that he too would get caught up in things. Baseball should've been his ticket out of all that negativity but family loyalty, an intense addiction, and blackmail by a man in power all led to a continuing downward spiral of drugs, guilt, and anger that defined Drake. A chance encounter with a dark-haired angel was his only bright spot as his role in a sport-wide doping scandal led to his lowest and most demoralizing moment that ultimately drags him through the wringer before building him back up. Drake might've been abrasive at the start but it was a facade hiding a lot of pain and a low self-esteem resulting from feeling unloved and valued only for his money and talent. Being around Eva, the woman sworn to help him get sober, has him seeing himself more positively. With her support he becomes the kind of man to make her proud, an athlete others can look up to, and a father always there when his girls need him. His transformation was raw and gritty, showing the painful realities of detoxing and craving, and his surviving it made me admire him all the more. Seeing him brought so low to build himself back up better than ever is the definition of heroic and he can stand proudly beside the other heroes of previous books in this series.

Eva Sloane was a woman born to a drug addicted mother who was left in the hands of a man who gave her unconditional love and fostered her need to help others and her love of baseball. It's this that has her determined to help Drake by forcing him to open up about long-held secrets and his own painful childhood. Though she's still bruised from the loss of a close friend to drugs she vows to keep her heart separate when dealing with Drake. That's easier said than done as she can't help being drawn to Drake as they form a tenuous bond based on friendship, truths, and a slowly simmering sensuality. Healing Drake isn't easy and results in a rocky and emotionally draining journey full of danger. Through it all Eva remains strong-willed and supportive. She remains professional, not giving into temptation until finding her replacement, as his recovery is more important than her happiness. She too has been through a lot but never let it defeat her and her strength is just what Drake needed to become the hero he was meant to be.

Ms. West put Drake through a lot of emotional and physical pain on his road to recovery which has readers feeling all his highs and lows too. It all makes for a compelling journey that kept me turning the pages furiously. Along with two strong and memorable main characters is the inclusion of his teammates who interact with Drake in unexpected, yet heartwarming, ways that aid him in his redemption. The interactions were intensely emotional and proved how far Drake had come in moving beyond his past and were true to each of the characters. The only part of the story that felt a bit forced was Drake's Momma and her role in the drug running. Her characterization was a bit over the top but I was intrigued by how entrenched Terry, former King's GM, was in Drake's downfall and I long to see him get what he deserves. All in all this was another enjoyable and passionate entry in a series that continues to awe and I look forward to the next installment!

[Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

Inside Game is the newest book in Collette West's New York Kings series. This book like the rest are all standalones, and it isn't necessary to read them in order though I would recommend it. I have really enjoyed this series so far, and each book seems to be better than the previous. I really thought that I might have some issues with Drake here though after reading the previous books since he was such a cocky jerk. I have to say though that I liked him instantly here, and he might even be my favorite of the series!

When the bad boy of the New York Kings baseball team, Drake Schultz, gets suspended for taking performance enhancing drugs, the team lets him know that he has no choice but to clean up his act. In order to not lose his contract with the team, he reluctantly agrees to work with a sober companion to get and stay clean. Eva Sloane has always been a fan of Drake's, but as her first celebrity client she knows she has to tread carefully. After losing her friend to addiction, she is determined to get Drake the help he needs. But as Eva gets to know Drake, she finds herself drawn to him as more than just a client. But in order to get him to face his past, she has to find the balance between getting close to him and remaining professional all while keeping herself from becoming his newest drug of choice.

I really liked Drake and Eva. Drake was so much more than the facade that he showed to everyone, and I knew for him to be the way he was there had to be a lot beneath the surface. I never expected for his story to be what it was though, and it was clear to see why he had become the man he was. I felt so badly for him, and yet I was so glad that he had Eva to help him. She understood where he was coming from having had some experience with coming from a similar background. Eva was able to reach Drake when no one else could, and I loved her approach to getting him to open up. She was supportive and encouraging, but she knew her limits when it came to how hard to push him. She was smart and positive, and was the perfect match for Drake. These two also had really great chemistry, and they felt so natural together.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. There were some parts that were a bit frustrating to get through, and there were times that I definitely didn't like Drake's actions. But I really thought that this story was a great one and Evan and Drake were some of my favorites from this series. I thought that these two had great communication, which is really rare to see. I loved that they could be honest with each other and were able to confide in one another. It was really refreshing to see Drake make such positive changes, and I liked seeing the progress that he made as he faced his past. I would definitely recommend this series, but especially this book. Drake and Eva were really special, and I think that their book is definitely worth the read. I look forward to reading more from Collette West.

**ARC Provided by IndieSage PR**

[FMR Book Grind · Rating 5 out of 5]

HEATHER'S REVIEW
5 STARS

Inside Game tells the story of Drake, a high profile athlete suffering from addiction with a whole bunch of secrets from his past and present. Eva is assigned as a sober companion to help him deal with his demons and get onto the road of recovery. What happens when past and present collide? Can Drake stay on the straight and narrow or will he lose everything this time....including Eva.
This book! I cannot express how deeply this story has touched my soul and rooted itself deep within my heart. As a person who understands addiction, this book was told so beautifully. It doesn't sugar coat the disease in any way. It captures the emotions of both the addict and the people who love the addict in a real and raw way.
My heart hurt for Drake and Eva. Her struggle to do what's right. His struggle to keep her safe and keep himself clean. The path to recovery is not an easy one to walk on and that was portrayed brilliantly in this book.
Collette West has a gift. She writes with conviction and without abandon and really captures the essence of these issues in an head on way. Throw in a touch of humor and one of the BEST first secy times I have ever read and you have a real human story that makes you think, keeps you grateful and offers some hope to those still suffering.

DAWN'S REVIEW
4 STARS

I have to say I have been a big fan of this whole series and this book is probably one of my favorites.
First you have Drake who is a star baseball player for the Kings. He is struggling with things that if they came out would make him one of the most hated players or so he thinks. He keeps everyone at a distance in fear that they could figure out what it is he is hiding.
Next you have Eva Sloane who has struggled with her past for a while. She has seacret’s that she doesn’t want to share. One’s that shape how she handles things in her life now and why she is so guarded when it comes time for her to open up to someone.
The kings hire Eva to help Drake who is facing one of the most difficult times in his life. Can the two of them come to terms with the sparks that fly between them or will they let it all slip away due to being scared to face the past and spill what they are hiding.
This book will take you on a wild ride that has more twist and turns than a back road. When you think that it is coming to the end something else will be thrown at them. I loved that this is a very true to life story that people really could relate to. This is a story that will leave you with a impression that you soon won’t forget.

AMY E.'S REVIEW
4 STARS

Inside Game is an intense story of addiction and the toll it takes on both the person with the addiction and those who love them. Drake was written perfectly, I found myself both loving and hating him through his ups and downs as he battles his addiction.

Eva was inspiring. Her faith, love, and support was immense. Her understanding and eagerness to help left me wishing for someone like that in my own life.

Inside Game was superbly written, grabbed my attention and kept it, and pulled out all the emotions. Looking forward to reading more by Collette West.

[Preet · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

I've read almost all of the books in this series and there was no one I disliked or wanted to know more about than Drake Schultz. He's been the true bad boy on team and has never let an opportunity pass by to cause trouble for his team mates in their personal and professional lives. I had no idea what it was that really ate at him and I loved finding out what it was even if it was sometimes hard.

Drake hasn't had an easy life and I know it sounds weird especially since he's currently one of the highest paid players in the New York King's organization. He admits to Eva he's got so much and not a lot to do with it. I really found myself liking Drake, something I didn't think was possible. He's real and it was hard but satisfying watching him deal with his demons. I really liked Eva too. I saw a lot of myself in her. She tends to get emotionally involved and give her all when it comes to dealing with her patients and clients. I loved how even though her beginnings weren't great, she rose above the odds that were stacked against her. I also really admired her for sticking to her guns when it came to Drake and her feelings towards him. I felt like both Drake and Eva were evenly matched. Eva led with her heart, while Drake led with his head.

Drake and Eva has a long way to go to get Drake back on the right track. The story flows quickly and his recovery was condensed in some parts and not in others. I get that recovering from addiction isn't glamorous and is down right terrifying to both see and experience. I do wish there'd been a little bit more focus on Drake's withdrawal. I did like how Collette mentioned the side effects of both the narcotics and PED's Drake was using. I also liked how the Kings organization took a hard stance against substance abuse not only against Drake but other players as well. I also liked seeing Drake get the support he needed not just from Eva and her father, but his management in various ways as well.

I wish the book had been longer and I'd been able to see what ended up happening with Drake and Eva down the road when Drake had been sober longer. I also would've liked to find out what happened with Drake and his cutting ties with those who had gotten him hooked to drugs in the first place. I felt like Eva and he took the threat that comes with disrupting something like an established organization not seriously enough. Drake was a little more level headed of the two when it came to that but he let Eva override his good sense.

Collette West did a great job at taking the most hated player in the series and making him real and easy to understand. My heart broke for him and the tribulations he faced from childhood to adulthood. Addiction is really a disease and it's devastating to the abuser and those around them. I loved seeing Drake change from this hard man to one who was more confident and in control. I do hope this series continues. I would love to get more Drake, Eva, and the Kings.

[Christina Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

**This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review**

RATING: 4.5 STARS

This was an emotional and FANTASTIC read! This is the first Collette West book I've read and I am definitely going to be reading more!

INSIDE GAME follows Drake Schultz, the third baseman of the New York Kings. He is the bad boy of the team. He's a great player, but he winds up getting himself in some trouble when he is suspended by the League for taking performance-enhancing drugs. Unfortunately, he's angered the wrong people because his management offers him the ultimatum of working with a sober companion or saying goodbye to his HUGE baseball contract.

You can guess which one he agrees to, because in comes Eva Sloane, Drake's new sober companion.

This was such a great read. Fantastic plot, wonderful characters, excellent execution. I couldn't put this book down. Now, INSIDE GAME is part of a collection of baseball stories, where each main character is a member of the New York Kings. You don't need to read these stories in order, because they work as stand alones. But INSIDE GAME has excited me enough that I definitely wish to read all of the other books!

I loved the intricacy of the plot. Which we know that this is a romance, it's really not all romance. Drake and Eva find themselves in a really interesting and nerve wracking situations throughout the book. There is so much emotion, both good and bad. And it's all handed so well. Because of how fantastically paced everything was, it made the romance between the two characters that much more special. It doesn't feel like it's rushed or out of place. You find yourself wishing the best for the two of them, even though there are times that you wish to strangle them.

The supporting cast of characters were so much fun and very intentional as well. The whole NY Kings team is interesting enough. You can definitely see what their purpose is for Drake throughout the book. His character development depends on a lot of external happenings and external relationships. As does Sloan's, even though she doesn't get much development. This book was primarily about Drake. Sloan was there for him.

Drake's family plays a HUGE role throughout the story and seeing how they all tie into his issues within the book and how their presence effects his growth and state of being is so well done!

There wasn't a single time that I found myself bored or uninterested. This book was a page turner.

For this being my first book by her, Collette West had hooked me completely. She definitely knows what she's doing when it comes to telling a great story. With all of the emotions, plot points, and the like. She makes sure you feel everything you need to feel in order to fully appreciate this story.

It was great. I'm so glad I got to read this book. I highly recommend it.

[Nicole Emerald Book Reviews McCurdy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"'Why does every single step of this goddamn recovery have to be so difficult? Her eyes lock on mine. "Do you trust me?" How can she even say that? My fate was decided the moment she walked into that conference room at Kings Stadium. I nod, getting her to smile at me.'

I was so desperate for this story because I wanted to see how truly talented Collette West actually is (a lot, by the way, but I already knew that) when she turned her hand at transforming a self-centred, philandering egotist into a truly remarkable hero.

Any fan of this brilliant series will know from previous encounters that Drake is the antithesis of a romantic hero but in Inside Game we are given the most perfect story of redemption, acceptance, forgiveness, absolution and love. It was a thing of beauty to read the seemingly unredeemable become redeemed as Collette show cases her stunning artistry with character development. She brings Drake to the brink, to his absolute worst and makes sure that we see every dark, chaotic and unseemly moment in his life because without all that we wouldn't be able to appreciate how far his character actually comes with the aid of the beautiful and loyal Eva. Her tenacity, resilience and perseverance see Drake through some tough times, when he's a jerk, when he's scared and when he realises how much he may have lost in friendship and family.

Inside Game has a solid storyline, it moves at a steady pace incorporating some of the most heartfelt and crushing scenes into a plot full of substance abuse, depravity, violence but Collette manages to write each diverse scene with aplomb and precision. It is a love story between Eva and Drake but there are times when the love and camaraderie and loyalty of the New York Kings team steals the show and at the heart of it that's exactly what these boys are to each other, one big squabbling, loving and dysfunctional family.

This is so hard for me to say but Drake is such a complicated and misunderstood person and after those layers are peeled back by Eva's care and love for him he metamorphosis into one of the sweetest most sexy protagonists, that maybe, possibly, leaves him as my number one favourite New York Kings player...okay maybe a shared number one spot with Jilly (ain't no one gonna push my man aside). I am completely addicted to this series but when you take into consideration the believability factor in the scenes, the dialogue, the steam and the brilliant characterisations then it isn't all that surprising.

[books are life · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check out more of my reviews on my blog http://gemmareadstoomuch.co.uk

Inside Game is book #5 in the New York Kings Series, I was lucky enough to be gifted a copy of the book to read for Gemma Reads Too Much.

I love this series and I’ve always said how much I loved Drake even when he is being a massive asshole. So I genuinely worried how he would be portrayed in his book, would he be brought to his knees by a woman? Well honestly I hoped not!!

I’m pleased to report that this book doesn’t deal with Drake in the way that you would expect at all. This isn’t a battle of the wills romance; it’s a story about undoubting support and loyalty.

All of the previous books in this series have been about the game, it’s always been in the background but almost as important as the story that was playing out in the forefront. Inside Game doesn’t do that, this book honestly isn’t about the Baseball it delves much deeper than that and personally I think it’s the best book in the series so far.

Drake is a complex mixture of lies and illusions. He is an enigma at the start and a slightly more understandable enigma at the end of the book.

I adore him issues and all!! I really enjoyed getting a closer look into what created Drake and there were some seriously unexpected revelations that were brilliant!!!

There is a more serious undertone to this story and Drakes drug addiction and Eva’s counselling were amazingly not overshadowed by their budding attraction. This book basically takes Drake through the twelve step program and it was a very interesting although obviously simplified version of it.

Eva definitely plays an important role in Drakes recovery but for me this book was the Drake show and Eva was just a very sweet, well-meaning accessory.

My only criticism of this book was the kumbaya moment with Drake and his team mates; although it was a scene that needed to be done I just hated it!!! I just thought it was a little too cliché for my tastes.

I really enjoyed this book and devoured it, I’ve no idea which King will be next but I’m really looking forward to finding out.

Inside Game gets 4 stars from me.

[Andrea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inside Game by Collette West Review
Synopsis:
This book follows two main characters, Drake Schultz and Eva Sloane. Drake is a professional baseball player for the MLB. Eva is an addiction counselor that has been attending Drake’s games since she was a girl with her father. When Drake gets suspended from playing when he’s caught using PED (performance enhancement drugs) and cocaine, Eva becomes his sober companion.
This book was much different than I expected. I anticipated a certain angst but this book definitely exceeded my expectations. Colette did a fantastic job at building her characters and making them come alive while I was reading. The book is written in both Eva’s and Drake’s points of view, which I enjoyed very much. The reader is able to get inside the heads of both characters. I also really enjoyed the tension and the buildup of the relationship between the characters. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve started a book and the characters are sleeping with each other before they even know each other. This was much more realistic and definitely more fun to witness the interactions without sex being involved. Once the sex does happen, it’s hot! You don’t expect the emotion that you feel while reading it, but because of the character development, it makes it that much better.
While I definitely enjoyed this book, I have to say there are a few things I can do without. Throughout the book you learn more about Drake’s past. There’s an entire chapter dedicated to Drake dealing with his demons and putting his past behind him, West could’ve done without that. There’s also a little bit of crime involved but I just feel like the parts of the book that dealt with that were just fillers and not necessary. I feel that if that stuff was left out and the book focused more on Drake’s recovery and his relationship with Eva that book would’ve much more enjoyable.
I would definitely would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an easy romance read. Overall, I would rate this book with 4 stars.

[Charity Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

My view of Drake will never be the same! Drake is the the bad boy on the team everyone loves to hate, and rightfully so as no one can create turmoil like he can. In the previous books, Drake was known for causing problems with his teammates and being the ultimate bad boy. There was talk of him taking performance drugs as well as some possible illegal ones and that has landed him in the hot seat more than once. When his luck finally runs out and he is forced to get clean, the last thing he expects is a live in "babysitter".

Eva's life mission is to help people regain control of their lives by getting clean. When she is approached to be Drake's sober coach, she knows this is her time to truly make a difference. What everyone doesn't know is that she has had feelings for Drake for as long as she can remember. Will her personal feelings for the bad boy interfere with her job? Will she be able to help him overcome his addiction and face the reasons why he does them? You will need to read this juicy gem to find the answer to that one.

This book truly does have it all. I would have never imagined the things Drake has had to go through in his life and is still trying to overcome. When he finally starts to open up to Eva I can't believe how he survived. While I will always be a Jilly girl, Drake's book may be one of my favorites in this series. The author did a wonderful job of giving the insight into Drake's past and his questionable future. Eva, oh Eva...she was by far the best possible person for Drake. She didn't take any sh** from him and stood by him through it all. She was so tough, even when she wanted to break. I LOVED Eva. She was such a wonderful character and I loved seeing how Drake fell for her.

Great job Ms. West!! I can't wait to see which King you write about next!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside Game was everything I wanted and could have asked for in a sports romance book. Dramatic. Suspenseful. Intoxicating.

I have been waiting for this book since I started reading about the men of the New York Kings baseball team. I was more than a little curious to know what was going on with Drake Schultz. Why was he so bitter and angry? Had he been scorned by a woman? Was he living with a terrible secret or tragedy from his past? What made him so mean? But more than wanting to know all of that, I was desperate to meet the person who would help him heal.

Drake's story was awesome. Not only did my opinion of him change completely, I ended up really liking this character. He earned my respect which surprised me after reading the other books. With each new chapter, I had a better insight to what caused his issues and life complications. It's an incredible plot.

Drake's drama is coupled with his budding romance with Eva, his sober companion. Eva has no clue what she has meant to Drake over the years but she's nervous about what she is becoming to him now because their relationship cannot happen. She's committed to helping him even at the cost of her own feelings. The two fighting their lust is almost as spectacular as when they give into it.

Their story makes for an exceptional read. It's intense and enticing. The connection between Drake and Eva leaps off the page and you feel their attraction to one another. I absolutely loved it and definitely suggest you check it out. Inside Game is a top recommendation from me as are all of the other books in this series.

[books are love · Rating 4 out of 5]

Drake is awesome. He comes off as this standoffish jackass but really he is a nice sweet guy with lots of issues and a past that brings him down. His mom and Terry wow. Seriously you see why he is so messed up. AT first I wasn’t fond of him but Ms. West does an excellent job with the realism of the moments in drawing you into Drake’s world. You see him for what he is a broken little boy who was not loved and thrown into the world of drugs by his mom and his only way out that he love Baseball was tainted and came with strings.

Not until Eva does he see a way out of his prison. She is his last hope and he takes it. From afar for years he has seen her and crushed on her but was always afraid. Afraid he wasn’t good enough. The situation he is in brought her to him and together they battle his demons and fall in love.

In the end Drake finds the strength and himself. He turns his world around but not without a struggle. This is a very real look at this world and very emotional in its portrayal. You will feel for Drake and what he has been through. You will want him to succeed as he battles his demons and comes out better emotionally and physically.

This is the story of Drake and how we can judge a book by what we see. The story of his battle to fight the demons that haunt him and himself as he comes back from his own hell with the help of a very special and amazing woman and friends. This is a beautiful story of one person showing another they are there for them no matter what, helping them find their way and falling in love.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so much more than a baseball story. In fact, it almost had nothing to do with the Kings. When I first started reading it, I seriously wanted to smack Drake. He was such an asshole. As I got to know him, I came to love him. Not only is this not really a baseball story, it's also not really a PED story. Baseball and PEDs took a side role in the story of Drake coming to terms with the awful existence he lived. What hurt my heart so much is knowing that there are really people out there who live lives like Drake-- children whose lives are ruined by the selfish and cruel acts of adults.

The great thing about this book is that the author really made the characters lovable. Sometimes, you get a fiction story where the author creates all these awful things that have happened to the characters and then they float seamlessly to their HEA, and you just have to stop and say, "wow, that sure was some fiction!" This is much more realistic. Drake didn't have it easy. His road is one that MANY never survive because they don't have someone like Eva. We all need an Eva in our lives who believes in is and is willing to do what is best for us.

I filed this book under "made me cry" because it did. I also filed it under intense because it was not fluffy and comical. It tackled serious issues, and I wasn't expecting that.

Thanks for a great read, Colette West!

[Heather Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inside Game tells the story of Drake, a high profile athlete suffering from addiction with a whole bunch of secrets from his past and present. Eva is assigned as a sober companion to help him deal with his demons and get onto the road of recovery. What happens when past and present collide? Can Drake stay on the straight and narrow or will he lose everything this time....including Eva.
This book! I cannot express how deeply this story has touched my soul and rooted itself deep within my heart. As a person who understands addiction, this book was told so beautifully. It doesn't sugar coat the disease in any way. It captures the emotions of both the addict and the people who love the addict in a real and raw way.
My heart hurt for Drake and Eva. Her struggle to do what's right. His struggle to keep her safe and keep himself clean. The path to recovery is not an easy one to walk on and that was portrayed brilliantly in this book.
Collette West has a gift. She writes with conviction and without abandon and really captures the essence of these issues in an head on way. Throw in a touch of humor and one of the BEST first secy times I have ever read and you have a real human story that makes you think, keeps you grateful and offers some hope to those still suffering. 5++++stars
Reviewer for FMR Book Grind

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of Inside Game (New York Kings) by Collette West

Review done for Hooked on Books

4 out of 5 stars

Eva Sloane is a substance abuse counselor who has seen her share of darkness and tragedy. This is her calling and when her New York Kings’ crush becomes her first celebrity client, she has to be careful not to cross any lines.

Her number one concern is to get Drake Schultz off the drugs. This is going to be tougher than she thought.

Drake Schultz was born on the wrong side of the tracks. He grew up all around drugs and can’t seem to escape them. When he hits rock bottom, his team’s owner decides enough is enough and enlists the help of an addictions counselor.

When Drake realizes his counselor is the beautiful woman he has had his eyes on in the stands, he is shocked at the feelings she invokes in him. They definitely have an attraction to each other and he decides that he is going to fight to make himself better. He is going to be someone who deserves to love her.

This was a great story about addiction. The author did a wonderful job giving us insight into the life of someone addicted to drugs. The story definitely could have been about someone in real life.

Eva and Drake were great characters. Although there weren’t many love scenes, it was still a great love story.

I definitely recommend this book to read!

[Christina Montminy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book it's become my 2nd favourite book of the series. I really didn't think that I'd like this book because from the start I didn't like Drake's character at all but after reading his story I've come to see why he was such an ass. His life was hard from the get go & he's never had a chance until he made it to the major league of baseball but his past followed him there as well turning him into a very angry person. When he's finally caught for HGH use his career is sidelined but no one knows the full picture of what he's doing until Drug Rehab counsellor Eva Sloane steps in to help him. She's been a fan for years & she doesn't know that Drake looks for her every home game, he's had his eye on her but when they first met at an autograph session he was still married so he didn't make a move. Now she's helping get his addiction under control & rid himself of his past. I have to say this book had me scared a few times & I truly wondered if Drake would really make the effort to kick his habit. This book shines a light on the rampant use of illegal PED'S in not just baseball but all professional sports, it was an interesting look into the life of an addicted athlete & the pressures put on them not only by themselves but their teammates, front office people, fans & their families as well. I think this book was well done & I look forward to more in this series.

[reading the sheets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Collette for giving reading the sheets the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for an honest review

This is a brilliantly written baseball inspired book about the struggles of addiction, loss, friendship and family.
I was hooked from the first chapter and found that the characters had just the right amount of charisma to keep me wanting to read more.
Drake is a famous baseball player that's started to really suck at the game he once excelled in. It doesn't help that he's a drug addict. His love of body enhancing drugs other nasties has taken away his desire and ability to play. After one cock up to another, he finally gets suspended from the game for 80 games, in this time he has to get himself cleaned up, and back to his old self, but to do this, he'll need help.
Eva is a drug councillor of sorts that has been assigned to be Drakes 'babysitter' for the next few months and she's got a tough road ahead of her.

This is a journey of discovery for both of them, they have trials to overcome, but with each other to lean on, they'll get there, or die trying.