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Play Rough: A Curvy Girl and an Ex-Military Age Gap Instalove Romance
Rampage
I survive on violence.
Every night in the underground ring, I destroy anyone stupid enough to face me. It's the only thing that silences the chaos in my head, the only thing that makes me feel alive since the military took everything from me.
Then Chloe Marsh walks through my gym door.
Small, curvy, terrified, asking me to teach her how to defend herself from an ex who won't let go.
One touch and my body betrays eleven years of control.
One lesson, and I can't keep my hands off her.
She thinks I'm dangerous, and she's right. I'm the monster other men cross the street to avoid. The kind she should know to keep her distance from...
But her ex is stalking her, tracking her every move, and he just made the fatal mistake of showing up at my fight.
Now he'll learn the difference between a man who fights for sport and a man who fights for the woman he can't live without.
Chloe calms the violence in me, but for her, I'll unleash every bit of it.
Play Rough is a short, sweet, and steamy small-town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Blackwater Fighters series.
I survive on violence.
Every night in the underground ring, I destroy anyone stupid enough to face me. It's the only thing that silences the chaos in my head, the only thing that makes me feel alive since the military took everything from me.
Then Chloe Marsh walks through my gym door.
Small, curvy, terrified, asking me to teach her how to defend herself from an ex who won't let go.
One touch and my body betrays eleven years of control.
One lesson, and I can't keep my hands off her.
She thinks I'm dangerous, and she's right. I'm the monster other men cross the street to avoid. The kind she should know to keep her distance from...
But her ex is stalking her, tracking her every move, and he just made the fatal mistake of showing up at my fight.
Now he'll learn the difference between a man who fights for sport and a man who fights for the woman he can't live without.
Chloe calms the violence in me, but for her, I'll unleash every bit of it.
Play Rough is a short, sweet, and steamy small-town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Blackwater Fighters series.
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 29, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
April 29, 2026
Play Rough by Zoey Rose is the second title in the author's Blackwater Falls: Fighters series and it was a good read.
As a steamy, small town, age gap, ex-military, instalove romance, the plot and storyline had me hooked quickly with the main characters of Cole/Rampage and Chloe both engaging.
Cole/Rampage after getting out of the military can't live in the city any longer and opens a gym in Blackwater Falls and runs an underground fighting ring to help him deal with his PTSD. He also runs self defence classes and through a booking for private lessons meets Chloe. Chloe, younger, curvy and scared, is inexplicably attracted to the huge, scarred gym owner but is determined to learn and try to protect herself from her ex. Rampage has been indifferent to women for years but the instant attraction he also feels for Chloe is inconvenient and knows that a woman like Chloe wouldn't be interested in a man like him.
Turning up at one of the underground fights Chloe and Cole recognise the desire for one another isn't going away and once Cole is aware of the ex stalking Chloe he knows that he will protect her no matter what.
The sparks of attraction to one another ignite and their sizzling chemistry burns hot along side an understanding and recognition of each others issues that offer mutual healing and safety.
This short, fast paced story with steam and spice, and some warm heart felt moments is perfect for a break time escape.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As a steamy, small town, age gap, ex-military, instalove romance, the plot and storyline had me hooked quickly with the main characters of Cole/Rampage and Chloe both engaging.
Cole/Rampage after getting out of the military can't live in the city any longer and opens a gym in Blackwater Falls and runs an underground fighting ring to help him deal with his PTSD. He also runs self defence classes and through a booking for private lessons meets Chloe. Chloe, younger, curvy and scared, is inexplicably attracted to the huge, scarred gym owner but is determined to learn and try to protect herself from her ex. Rampage has been indifferent to women for years but the instant attraction he also feels for Chloe is inconvenient and knows that a woman like Chloe wouldn't be interested in a man like him.
Turning up at one of the underground fights Chloe and Cole recognise the desire for one another isn't going away and once Cole is aware of the ex stalking Chloe he knows that he will protect her no matter what.
The sparks of attraction to one another ignite and their sizzling chemistry burns hot along side an understanding and recognition of each others issues that offer mutual healing and safety.
This short, fast paced story with steam and spice, and some warm heart felt moments is perfect for a break time escape.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Sparks that Ignite When Opposites Attract -
Rampage’s life was all about his gym and the underground fights, so he didn’t understand why his body reacted intensely to Chloe when he was privately teaching her self defence classes. Chloe was anxious about interaction with a man, but her body seemed to think differently, as she found her body intensely heated every time Rampage touched her or was close to her. Even though Chloe hadn’t been forthcoming about what her ex-boyfriend had been doing to her best friend or family, she found herself telling Rampage everything, which brought out his protective instincts.
Once Rampage put a stop to Chloe’s ex-boyfriend’s antics, he invited her to his home, which led to them crossing the boundaries of their friendship and finally acknowledging the connection between them. Rampage and Chloe ha£ been fighting their growing feelings for a while, but they soon realised they had no other choice, but to accept the inevitable and build the life they wanted together. This is a steamy, angst and drama-filled romance story with a emotional twist, that will have you hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rampage’s life was all about his gym and the underground fights, so he didn’t understand why his body reacted intensely to Chloe when he was privately teaching her self defence classes. Chloe was anxious about interaction with a man, but her body seemed to think differently, as she found her body intensely heated every time Rampage touched her or was close to her. Even though Chloe hadn’t been forthcoming about what her ex-boyfriend had been doing to her best friend or family, she found herself telling Rampage everything, which brought out his protective instincts.
Once Rampage put a stop to Chloe’s ex-boyfriend’s antics, he invited her to his home, which led to them crossing the boundaries of their friendship and finally acknowledging the connection between them. Rampage and Chloe ha£ been fighting their growing feelings for a while, but they soon realised they had no other choice, but to accept the inevitable and build the life they wanted together. This is a steamy, angst and drama-filled romance story with a emotional twist, that will have you hooked from the beginning. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free review copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 14, 2026
Opposites to win the fight for love
Play Rough is the second book in the Blackwater Falls: Fighters series by Zoey Rose. I really enjoyed this fast-paced, opposites attract, and intense romance between Chloe Marsh and Cole 'Rampage' Steele. Chloe is an accountant who lives a quiet life. But when her best friends talks her into trying something more exciting on a Thursday night she finds herself standing on the basement stairs of an underground fight. As it turns out that basement is located in the new gym where she is taking private self-defence classes. Cole is ex military who settled in Blackwater Falls and opened Steele Gym. He has a routine which includes running the gym, teaching self-defence classes and running underground fights in the basement of the gym. He fights himself and has never been defeated. One night while Cole is in the ring he spots Chloe on the stairs to the basement. He may be distracted by her being there but he still wins his fight. Chloe flees after seeing such violence and he tries to go after her. They may be very opposite but there is still a connection which once it is lit will not be put out no matter what happens.
Play Rough is the second book in the Blackwater Falls: Fighters series by Zoey Rose. I really enjoyed this fast-paced, opposites attract, and intense romance between Chloe Marsh and Cole 'Rampage' Steele. Chloe is an accountant who lives a quiet life. But when her best friends talks her into trying something more exciting on a Thursday night she finds herself standing on the basement stairs of an underground fight. As it turns out that basement is located in the new gym where she is taking private self-defence classes. Cole is ex military who settled in Blackwater Falls and opened Steele Gym. He has a routine which includes running the gym, teaching self-defence classes and running underground fights in the basement of the gym. He fights himself and has never been defeated. One night while Cole is in the ring he spots Chloe on the stairs to the basement. He may be distracted by her being there but he still wins his fight. Chloe flees after seeing such violence and he tries to go after her. They may be very opposite but there is still a connection which once it is lit will not be put out no matter what happens.
Review of advance copy
Rampage/Cole is ex military, he now runs a gym and fights underground to release the tension and nightmares he still has, he tried therapy but it wasn't for him. Chloe arrives to learn how to defend herself, her ex keeps turning up and doesn't seem to understand that no means no. She's getting quite frightened by it all.
Rampage sees her enter the gym and realises that she is so much smaller than him, they start practising self-defense, he's an excellent teacher, patient and understanding. he starts having feelings for Chloe, the first time for ages, and she's having feelings for him, can they overcome them to finish the class?!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining short story from Zoey.
Rampage sees her enter the gym and realises that she is so much smaller than him, they start practising self-defense, he's an excellent teacher, patient and understanding. he starts having feelings for Chloe, the first time for ages, and she's having feelings for him, can they overcome them to finish the class?!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining short story from Zoey.
April 30, 2026
This fast paced romance features main characters both hiding parts of themselves from the world. Cole "Rampage" Steele struggles with the memories if his time in the service (PTSD, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, etc). Chloe is trying to stay strong while a past relationship throws her life into emotional chaos. The realism of their situations, emotions, reactions and actions keep you invested in the story through it all. On surface these two have nothing in common, they don't work, it's the deeper inspection that reveals the links.
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cole has been just existing as he runs his gym and his fight nights until Chloe comes into his gym looking for self-defence lessons. There is something about this woman that sticks with him, and he can't get her out of his head. The development of their relationship made for a really good read. The way Cole takes Chloe under his protection making her feel safe enough that she can start getting out and doing things despite her ex stalking her. This is a really good read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Play Rough” by Zoey Rose
-A fast-paced instalove romance with a tough ex-military hero and a vulnerable heroine finding her strength. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Rampage/Cole and Chloe’s connection is intense, blending protection, healing, and undeniable chemistry. Short, steamy, and emotional, with just enough drama to keep things gripping and a satisfying ending.
-A fast-paced instalove romance with a tough ex-military hero and a vulnerable heroine finding her strength. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Rampage/Cole and Chloe’s connection is intense, blending protection, healing, and undeniable chemistry. Short, steamy, and emotional, with just enough drama to keep things gripping and a satisfying ending.
April 28, 2026
Chloe wants self defense lessons so she no longer has to fear her ex Rampage (Cole) is the ex military owner of the gym who fights in the underground to battle his PTSD and nightmares. He has no idea why once he meets Chloe he can't get her off his mind. Soon he is protecting her and never wanting to leave her side Can they build a future You will have to read to see.
This is a fast paced fun read with a emotional quota you wouldn't expect in a short read
This is a fast paced fun read with a emotional quota you wouldn't expect in a short read
April 30, 2026
Cole/Rampage and Chloe’s story is a steamy, small town, age gap, ex-military, instalove romantic one. She comes in seeking help to learn to protect herself against her ex. And he has someone that helps quiet his mind. But when the ex shows up, he will let him see what these two are together and get the hea they both deserve.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Author
The author has given us an older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Rampage/Cole and Chloe. The fast-paced story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, fears, realizations and steam.
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.
May 10, 2026
Nice Read
This was the second book of the Blackwater Falls Fighters. It was a nice read where Rampage is fighting and Chloe needs help with defending herself from an ex. Rampage falls instant for her and never looked back. They helped each other and found their happy ending. Looking forward to the next book
This was the second book of the Blackwater Falls Fighters. It was a nice read where Rampage is fighting and Chloe needs help with defending herself from an ex. Rampage falls instant for her and never looked back. They helped each other and found their happy ending. Looking forward to the next book
May 11, 2026
Chloe wanted to learn self defense…what she got was sooo much more. Cole was more than happy to teach her how to protect herself…especially from her ex that won’t go away. But he finds himself totally smitten with her. This is a quick read that I really enjoyed. Cole had some demons from his past. She was more than happy to fight them with him.
May 1, 2026
For being a short story, this book was well written and gave me everything I needed. I got full characters pretty quickly and a straight forward plot that fit both characters perfectly. I highly recommend.
May 2, 2026
Great read. Reads fast and easy.
No cheating.
No ow drama. Blip of om drama.
No Virgins.
No separations.
Epilogue- 2 years.
HEA-Married with a kid.
No cheating.
No ow drama. Blip of om drama.
No Virgins.
No separations.
Epilogue- 2 years.
HEA-Married with a kid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 10, 2026
krátký příběh
- bojovník v kleci
- kurzy sebeobrany
- insta přitažlivost
- ex hrdinky stalker
- bojovník v kleci
- kurzy sebeobrany
- insta přitažlivost
- ex hrdinky stalker
May 22, 2026
Hopeless Romantic 🥰
Cole aka Rampage and Chloe’s love ❤️ story is so good and different. They fall in love at first sight. Great storyline and characters.
Cole aka Rampage and Chloe’s love ❤️ story is so good and different. They fall in love at first sight. Great storyline and characters.
May 28, 2026
Love it
I enjoy this series. The characters and storyline are easy to relate to. This was a nice fast pace quick read.
I enjoy this series. The characters and storyline are easy to relate to. This was a nice fast pace quick read.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews