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Playing Until the End
from USA Today bestselling author Stephanie Queen
PLAYING UNTIL THE END
When going for broke means risking everything, not just your career, but your life, or the life of those you love--of everything in your world.
Those are the worlds that Trent and Charline live in and that's where we meet them--at that exact moment when their worlds collide and they hurtle forward on a path that will either make them immortal in their fields--or destroy everything in their lives including and especially each other.
Football shouldn't be so important. That's what Charline thinks of Trent. He's crazy to risk so much for so little--for a game.
A woman shouldn't be thinking about life and death every minute of every day like Charline does. Trent thinks she's way too serious. Her work in medical research has sapped all the life out of her.
But Charline needs Trent. And Trent desperately needs Charline.
She needs his money. His ridiculous fortune from frivolous football.
He needs her drugs. Her controversial experimental magic healing potion.
They know their partnership is risky. It's crazy. It's sick.
They know their attraction is risky. It's crazy. It's sick.
They go for broke anyway, risking it all and more than they'd planned, playing their hand until the end.
PLAYING UNTIL THE END
When going for broke means risking everything, not just your career, but your life, or the life of those you love--of everything in your world.
Those are the worlds that Trent and Charline live in and that's where we meet them--at that exact moment when their worlds collide and they hurtle forward on a path that will either make them immortal in their fields--or destroy everything in their lives including and especially each other.
Football shouldn't be so important. That's what Charline thinks of Trent. He's crazy to risk so much for so little--for a game.
A woman shouldn't be thinking about life and death every minute of every day like Charline does. Trent thinks she's way too serious. Her work in medical research has sapped all the life out of her.
But Charline needs Trent. And Trent desperately needs Charline.
She needs his money. His ridiculous fortune from frivolous football.
He needs her drugs. Her controversial experimental magic healing potion.
They know their partnership is risky. It's crazy. It's sick.
They know their attraction is risky. It's crazy. It's sick.
They go for broke anyway, risking it all and more than they'd planned, playing their hand until the end.
111 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2015
42 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 25, 2019
Trent Lockheed is an NFL superstar QB who has had a long and prolific career, but he feels he needs to have at least one more Super Bowl win to ensure his legacy and his spot in the Hall of Fame. Lately, though, he has been plagued by a severe shoulder injury to his throwing arm that has significantly limited his abilities, and he is desperate to find a way to patch it together long enough to lead his team to the ultimate victory. When his trusted and long-time team trainer tells him about an experimental serum that may be capable of accelerating his healing and extending his career even beyond the current season, he is more than willing to give it a try, regardless of any possible consequences should his participation in the trial be discovered. And the fact that the serum is HGH-based and utilizes his own biological components so it does not contain anything synthetic, he is able to talk himself into believing that he is not breaking any rules as it is not a drug. But in order to keep his secret and be able to participate in the trial, he must come up with a cover story for why the medical research doctor is always with him at practices and games... Given that they have instant chemistry, he announces to all that they are in a relationship.
Dr. Charline ("Charli") Morneau is also desperate... to save her mother and sister from a debilitating disease that she has mercifully escaped. She sees them worsening every day, especially her mother, and she decides that she must do all that she can to get her serum through the trials and to market as soon as she can to hopefully save them. The serum has shown great promise, so Charli is hopeful it will be the answer for her family and millions more; however, due to the significant increase in the cost of one of the major components, her expenses have skyrocketed, and in order to keep moving forward, she must secure $10 million in funding. When her friend from college mentions that he trains an athlete who would be interested in the serum also happens to be a ridiculously wealthy NFL player, she decides she has no choice but to take the risk and allow Trent Lockheed to participate in the trial as John Doe after he provides an anonymous donation of $10 million. But, as always, there is a catch: in order to pull off the testing and administration of the serum on Trent, she has to be with him every day. And when he announces they are an item, she is stunned but has to go along with it.
The fine line they are walking is compromised by their undeniable chemistry, and with as much time as they spend together, it is inevitable that they end up in bed. Often. What happens when that explosive attraction begins to morph into something else? Neither of the ambitious pair are ready for something more long-term. It's all temporary - get Trent to the Super Bowl, and further Charli's research to get a cure for her mother and sister. No place for anything more, especially since their relationship is made of secrets and lies.... right? And will it all be for naught if their secret is ever exposed?
What I liked:
--- Charli was an easily likeable character because she was so dedicated to her family and to producing something of value to help others; she was a very talented doctor who could have gotten a job making a lot more money, but she was bent on fulfilling her promise to her deceased father and her family
--- I don't normally like sports stories bc the H is usually the "young, dumb, and full of cum" type, but this one got my attention because the H had been in the league for 15 years, so he was much older than the typical athlete H; he was also very intelligent as he had considered going to med school before he was pushed towards football
--- The story was realistic - the author didn't sugar coat things and make every scenario "pie in the sky" which I appreciated
--- Sizzling chemistry from the very start between these two, so lots of steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- Trent was inconsistent at times - he was very selfish in the sense that he wanted to extend his career for his reasons (Hall of Fame, another Super Bowl ring, etc.), and he chose football over Charli for most of the book even though he admitted to conflicting feelings about her
--- Trent was also a little cold with Charli for things that she had nothing to do with (he was more fighting his own feelings and took it out on her at times) - he also didn't seem to respect her wishes at times when she was pulling away to spare her own feelings, he pushed her to be with him and then reminded both of them that it was temporary, but then he'd say or do something that contradicted - sent a lot of mixed messages
Overall, a good sports story with a unique premise and some yummy steamy goodness.
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5 (Trent = 2/5; Charli = 4/5)
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Language --- some, but the author kind of censored it by writing "F-ck" every time that word was used, which was a little weird - just drop the bomb or don't - lol
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Dr. Charline ("Charli") Morneau is also desperate... to save her mother and sister from a debilitating disease that she has mercifully escaped. She sees them worsening every day, especially her mother, and she decides that she must do all that she can to get her serum through the trials and to market as soon as she can to hopefully save them. The serum has shown great promise, so Charli is hopeful it will be the answer for her family and millions more; however, due to the significant increase in the cost of one of the major components, her expenses have skyrocketed, and in order to keep moving forward, she must secure $10 million in funding. When her friend from college mentions that he trains an athlete who would be interested in the serum also happens to be a ridiculously wealthy NFL player, she decides she has no choice but to take the risk and allow Trent Lockheed to participate in the trial as John Doe after he provides an anonymous donation of $10 million. But, as always, there is a catch: in order to pull off the testing and administration of the serum on Trent, she has to be with him every day. And when he announces they are an item, she is stunned but has to go along with it.
The fine line they are walking is compromised by their undeniable chemistry, and with as much time as they spend together, it is inevitable that they end up in bed. Often. What happens when that explosive attraction begins to morph into something else? Neither of the ambitious pair are ready for something more long-term. It's all temporary - get Trent to the Super Bowl, and further Charli's research to get a cure for her mother and sister. No place for anything more, especially since their relationship is made of secrets and lies.... right? And will it all be for naught if their secret is ever exposed?
What I liked:
--- Charli was an easily likeable character because she was so dedicated to her family and to producing something of value to help others; she was a very talented doctor who could have gotten a job making a lot more money, but she was bent on fulfilling her promise to her deceased father and her family
--- I don't normally like sports stories bc the H is usually the "young, dumb, and full of cum" type, but this one got my attention because the H had been in the league for 15 years, so he was much older than the typical athlete H; he was also very intelligent as he had considered going to med school before he was pushed towards football
--- The story was realistic - the author didn't sugar coat things and make every scenario "pie in the sky" which I appreciated
--- Sizzling chemistry from the very start between these two, so lots of steamy goodness
What I didn't like as much:
--- Trent was inconsistent at times - he was very selfish in the sense that he wanted to extend his career for his reasons (Hall of Fame, another Super Bowl ring, etc.), and he chose football over Charli for most of the book even though he admitted to conflicting feelings about her
--- Trent was also a little cold with Charli for things that she had nothing to do with (he was more fighting his own feelings and took it out on her at times) - he also didn't seem to respect her wishes at times when she was pulling away to spare her own feelings, he pushed her to be with him and then reminded both of them that it was temporary, but then he'd say or do something that contradicted - sent a lot of mixed messages
Overall, a good sports story with a unique premise and some yummy steamy goodness.
Plot --- 3/5
Main Characters --- 3/5 (Trent = 2/5; Charli = 4/5)
Supporting Cast --- 3/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- none
Language --- some, but the author kind of censored it by writing "F-ck" every time that word was used, which was a little weird - just drop the bomb or don't - lol
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
October 6, 2019
I honestly didn't finish this book, because I couldn't get invested into the story, characters, nor the writing. Not to say that most people will enjoy this book, but honestly, it wasn't for me. I like reading Stephanie Queen, but I have been in a reading funk lately, so I might try to re-read this book at a later date.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Please note that I did receive an ARC of this book, and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
September 16, 2019
I received this book as an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving a review. OMG! This book is absolutely fantastic! It touches on so many areas. First, it explores professional football and other professional sports and the lengths that players will go to to be the best of the best for as long as they can even if it involves things not exactly above board. Secondly, it’s a story of fake relationships developing into the real thing. Trent and Charline’s relationship is a whirlwind crackling with all kinds of sizzling tension. Thirdly, there is the matter of medical and drug development and all of the associated politics (not all of which is ethical) involved in clinical trials. And, finally, woven all through, is the love of family which weaves around all of the people in the book. No, this isn’t a stuffy, boring book. It is masterfully written and draws you in from the very beginning and doesn’t let you put it down until you reach the end! You will not regret it!
September 22, 2019
Sizzling plot and football too!
As a star quarterback for the Boston Minuteman, Trent Lockheed lived for football but age and injuries may end his career before he reaches the Hall of Fame. An experimental treatment by medical researcher Dr. Charline Morneau may be the answer. Her research study needs an infusion of cash from a wealthy donor like Trent and he needs to be accepted into the study to get the treatment that might prolong his career.
The solution to both of their problems is obvious but if anyone finds out it could mean the end to both of their careers. Trent is willing to donate the needed funds in return for becoming an anonymous study subject - a John Doe in the study files. Charline will pose as his fiancée as a way to disguise the amount of time they must spend together. Maintaining a professional attitude is impossible when the sexual flames ignite between them. I received a free copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary. This book has all the right elements; football and a scorching-hot romance.
As a star quarterback for the Boston Minuteman, Trent Lockheed lived for football but age and injuries may end his career before he reaches the Hall of Fame. An experimental treatment by medical researcher Dr. Charline Morneau may be the answer. Her research study needs an infusion of cash from a wealthy donor like Trent and he needs to be accepted into the study to get the treatment that might prolong his career.
The solution to both of their problems is obvious but if anyone finds out it could mean the end to both of their careers. Trent is willing to donate the needed funds in return for becoming an anonymous study subject - a John Doe in the study files. Charline will pose as his fiancée as a way to disguise the amount of time they must spend together. Maintaining a professional attitude is impossible when the sexual flames ignite between them. I received a free copy of the book but my review is honest and voluntary. This book has all the right elements; football and a scorching-hot romance.
October 14, 2019
Stephanie is one of my favorite authors‼️ She has a way of weaving words that captivates me from the first page!! Trent and Charlie are two people that life would not have ordinarily ever crossed paths. But thanks to circumstances and their mutual friend Ralph, they were thrown into a situation that could cost them everything. Along the way their relationship began to grow. Charlie deals with issues with her family and a boss who is threatening her, Trent s concerned about his career. I hope you read the story to see how it works out. There is some graphic sexuality which I usually avoid but the author is such a good writer in my opinion that I can read beyond that. It is not there just to add titillating content and is not excessive. I received a complimentary copy of this book and chose to write a review. Again I LOVE, LOVE Stephanie’s stories‼️❤️
November 20, 2019
Living the dream
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are very dedicated to what is important to them. They sacrifice so much for there causes, that it is almost their downfall. This story does have an happy ending, but the characters endure some real trials getting there.
I really enjoyed this story. The characters are very dedicated to what is important to them. They sacrifice so much for there causes, that it is almost their downfall. This story does have an happy ending, but the characters endure some real trials getting there.
September 20, 2019
This is my first read from this author and I enjoyed it very much.
September 23, 2019
Pretty good read. Great chemistry between Charlie & Trent. It was good seeing believable outcomes to the choices they both made.
October 16, 2019
He just wants to keep playing and will willing to pay for her special care
Playing Until the End is the story of Trent Lockheed and Charline Morneau, aka Charlie. They are opposites but are brought together because they each want the same thing.............more time!!! He wants to extend his football career, as it is how he identifies himself but due to his age and injuries it does not look like he will play for much longer. She wants to find a cure that will help both her mother and sister who are suffering from a genetic disease that is terminal. They come together to help each other as Charlie needs funding for her research into a new serum she is developing and Trent has the means if he can be a test subject. But he cannot let anyone know what he is doing so he becomes an anonymous test subject in the drug study and they pretend to be dating so that people don't question the amount of time they are spending together. This arrangement ends up leading further than expected and then they become fake engaged.
Well maybe the fake engaged is not quite so fake as they both have feeling for each other. Plus right from their first meeting the characters appear to be perfect together and they have heat radiating from them.
I did like the story and enjoyed a number of different things about it. There were some things that I just shook my head over including a lot of the medical things. Plus there were several inconsistencies in details that had me going back to reread sections to see if I had not remembered correctly. Overall though it was a nice and sweet story.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Playing Until the End is the story of Trent Lockheed and Charline Morneau, aka Charlie. They are opposites but are brought together because they each want the same thing.............more time!!! He wants to extend his football career, as it is how he identifies himself but due to his age and injuries it does not look like he will play for much longer. She wants to find a cure that will help both her mother and sister who are suffering from a genetic disease that is terminal. They come together to help each other as Charlie needs funding for her research into a new serum she is developing and Trent has the means if he can be a test subject. But he cannot let anyone know what he is doing so he becomes an anonymous test subject in the drug study and they pretend to be dating so that people don't question the amount of time they are spending together. This arrangement ends up leading further than expected and then they become fake engaged.
Well maybe the fake engaged is not quite so fake as they both have feeling for each other. Plus right from their first meeting the characters appear to be perfect together and they have heat radiating from them.
I did like the story and enjoyed a number of different things about it. There were some things that I just shook my head over including a lot of the medical things. Plus there were several inconsistencies in details that had me going back to reread sections to see if I had not remembered correctly. Overall though it was a nice and sweet story.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
September 17, 2019
Trent and Charline meet because a mutual friend thinks that each has something that the other needs. What the friend didn't expect was their instant and undeniable sexual attraction to one another. In the first few pages of the book, a very sexy encounter takes place. Charline needs money to continue her research and Trent might benefit from the early clinical trial. Charline has stolen some of the serum from the trial to clandestinely provide treatment to her mother who is on a downward slide with a deadly and currently untreatable genetic disease. Her sister is also afflicted but to a lessor extent.
As Charline includes Trent in the trial as a John Doe, she is treating him in secret. Trent is a star quarterback who probably shouldn't be taking the serum but he wants just one more super bowl win. Their daily encounters cause joy, tension, and difficulties. To complicate matters, Charline's boss is suspicious of her and envious of her success. He tries to take credit for her accomplishments, while also trying to block her success. This also contributes an element of suspense to the book.
Very good story and writing style. I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it for people who don't mind explicit sexual encounters in their books.
As Charline includes Trent in the trial as a John Doe, she is treating him in secret. Trent is a star quarterback who probably shouldn't be taking the serum but he wants just one more super bowl win. Their daily encounters cause joy, tension, and difficulties. To complicate matters, Charline's boss is suspicious of her and envious of her success. He tries to take credit for her accomplishments, while also trying to block her success. This also contributes an element of suspense to the book.
Very good story and writing style. I enjoyed the book and I would recommend it for people who don't mind explicit sexual encounters in their books.
September 20, 2019
I received this book from Hidden Gem for my honest review.
I could not get into this book at all. I felt like there was way to much going on through the book that I couldn't figure out the story-line. I felt like the characters were lacking and boring. I could not finish this book.
I could not get into this book at all. I felt like there was way to much going on through the book that I couldn't figure out the story-line. I felt like the characters were lacking and boring. I could not finish this book.
March 4, 2022
I totally enjoyed reading Trent and Charline’s story. It was just a bit too long of a story. It took me longer than usual. I usually like to read a book in a day but this one took longer. It had a HEA. And I love reading books by Stephanie.
October 18, 2019
The ending was so rushed that I had to go back and reread the last 100 pages to figure out what I had missed. Turns out, I didn’t miss anything- it was just poorly written.
books-boxed-sets
January 8, 2026In boxed set - "Playing Series Complete 7 Book Set: sizzling sports romance"
September 19, 2019
Trent Lockheed, a star football player is getting to old for the game and he does not know what he is going to do. He meets Charline “Charlie” Morneau is an ambitious physician and researcher who is looking for a cure for a degenerative family disease. I enjoyed reading their story and seeing what they go through to get a happy ending. I received a copy through Hidden Gems and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 19, 2019
This was a good read. Trent is a football player and he is need of some help. Charline (Charlie) is in need of money and help. A friend introduces them to each other. While helping each other out they fall in love. Things get real towards the end but thankfully it all works out in the end.
November 9, 2019
Playing Until The End
This story kept me reading wondering how it was all going to pan out. It was pretty easy to like Charlie and Trent's characters and one could not help but feel the attraction. This is a story that I could easily read again.
This story kept me reading wondering how it was all going to pan out. It was pretty easy to like Charlie and Trent's characters and one could not help but feel the attraction. This is a story that I could easily read again.
October 19, 2019
As I said in progress notes, lots of ethical questions but good to wrestle with and read about the thoughts going through Charline’s serious Dr mind and Trent’s flirtatious football mind .
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews