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Birmingham Rebels #2
Calling the Play
Samantha Kane’s Birmingham Rebels series—perfect for fans of Shayla Black and Lexi Blake—proves that three’s never a crowd . . . at least not for the hard-bodied football all-stars who give teamwork a sexy twist.
Quarterback Tyler Oakes plays hard and parties even harder. That reckless lifestyle nearly derailed his career, and now the Birmingham Rebels are Ty’s last shot at football immortality. But staying out of trouble can take its toll—especially for a man with a taste for girls and guys. Because curvy, gorgeous Randi McInish is just the kind of trouble he’d like to get into.
A tough-as-nails undercover cop, Randi meets her match in Ty. After they get wrapped up together in a drug bust and a high-speed car chase, Randi’s eager to take the notorious bad boy for another wild ride. Turns out Ty already has something in mind. When he introduces her to the Rebels’ sexy new quarterback coach, things start heating up a little too fast for Randi.
Brian Mason coached Ty in college, and boy do they have history together. With Brian taking control on the field and in the bedroom, they were an unstoppable team. But Brian, blindsided by love, ran from his feelings for Ty. He won’t let Randi make the same mistake. Both men agree they need more than each other. They want a woman they can share. And when they make a pleasure play for Randi, all three are sure to score.
Calling the Play is intended for mature audiences. This ebook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
Quarterback Tyler Oakes plays hard and parties even harder. That reckless lifestyle nearly derailed his career, and now the Birmingham Rebels are Ty’s last shot at football immortality. But staying out of trouble can take its toll—especially for a man with a taste for girls and guys. Because curvy, gorgeous Randi McInish is just the kind of trouble he’d like to get into.
A tough-as-nails undercover cop, Randi meets her match in Ty. After they get wrapped up together in a drug bust and a high-speed car chase, Randi’s eager to take the notorious bad boy for another wild ride. Turns out Ty already has something in mind. When he introduces her to the Rebels’ sexy new quarterback coach, things start heating up a little too fast for Randi.
Brian Mason coached Ty in college, and boy do they have history together. With Brian taking control on the field and in the bedroom, they were an unstoppable team. But Brian, blindsided by love, ran from his feelings for Ty. He won’t let Randi make the same mistake. Both men agree they need more than each other. They want a woman they can share. And when they make a pleasure play for Randi, all three are sure to score.
Calling the Play is intended for mature audiences. This ebook includes a special message from the editor, as well as an excerpt from another Loveswept title.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2015
47 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Kane
54 books769 followersSamantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children, two boys and one girl. With a master’s degree in American history, she spent seven years as a high school history teacher before becoming a full-time writer and mom.
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
Series:
THE BIRMINGHAM REBELS
BROTHERS IN ARMS
THE SAINT'S DEVILS
THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS
MERCURY RISING
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June 15, 2016
RATING 4.5 STARS
Calling the Play is book two in the Birmingham Rebels series by Samantha Kane. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley, Random House and by Samantha Kane.
If you are interested in this book, you obviously are expecting to get plenty of sexy times, plenty of just plain hotness! And you won’t be disappointed! But…I found the three main characters in this book, Ty, Randi and Brian, all easy to love, easy to relate to and just plain fun to read about. The characters are flawed, sexy, real and I loved them all.
Tyler Oakes is a football quarterback. He has made some not so great decisions in his life, had some scrapes with the law, and has a reputation for being wild. This is his last chance. He is now playing for the Birmingham Rebels. Ty has tried to turn things around and be a better example for his team. But on the night he met Randi, he was feeling lonely. He just wanted to pick up someone for a one night stand. So he went into a cheap dive bar and walked right into an undercover sting operation.
“Most of the players were here because nobody else wanted them. Sex, drugs, behavior issues, bad attitudes - the Rebels had it all on the roster.”
Randi McInish has never worked undercover before but she was asked to help out with this operation. Things are just about to go down when about the hottest guy she has ever seen comes into the bar and tries to hit on her thinking she was just someone out for a good time. Instead, he found himself right in the middle of everything. One high speed car chase later and she knew he would be hers that night. But Randi doesn’t do relationships. She leaves before someone else can do it first. She is one tough cop and has a potty mouth that will curl your toes. I actually don’t usually like female characters that are like this, all rough and tough. But it was obvious from the start that this was only what Randi showed on the outside. That inside, she was secretly a girly girl, soft and wanting things that any woman would, to be cared for and safe. But she has convinced herself that this will never be an option for her.
Brian Mason first met Ty back in college. Brian was an intern coach and worked with Ty and was responsible for Ty’s success. They began to experiment with sex with the both of them and a woman with various partners. But when Ty expressed his feelings for Brian, he ran, and hurt Ty badly. Now, eight years later, the Birmingham Rebels has recruited him to again work with Ty. Brian has always regretted what he did to Ty. He thought he did what was best for him at the time. What will Ty’s reaction be to having him back in his life again? As soon as Brian saw Randi with Ty, he knew they were perfect for each other. Could there ever be a place for Brian in their lives? Of the three, Brian is the one with the cool head. The rational one of the group. He is a take charge type of guy and when he speaks, others listen.
These are three people, all with abandonment issues, all commitment shy. You can’t help but to care about them and want them all to get their HEA’s. Ty is tired of other people deciding what is best for him. He knows what he wants.
“Ty could fight it all he wanted, but when he stepped up and followed Brian’s lead it was smooth and effortless, as if they’d written the playbook and knew each other’s moves before they made them.”
So if you are looking for a hot, sexy read, this is for you. But you are going to get a lot more than that. These are wonderful, loveable characters that I hope you will fall in love with just as I did. This is the second in the series but I have not read the first book, Broken Play. So I am immediately planning to go back and read it now. This was also my first book by Samantha Kane and I definitely hope to read more of her books, both future books in this series and some of her others.
“Hey, we’re Rebels. Live up to it. Embrace it. Live it.”
Calling the Play is book two in the Birmingham Rebels series by Samantha Kane. This book was generously provided to me in exchange for an honest review by NetGalley, Random House and by Samantha Kane.
If you are interested in this book, you obviously are expecting to get plenty of sexy times, plenty of just plain hotness! And you won’t be disappointed! But…I found the three main characters in this book, Ty, Randi and Brian, all easy to love, easy to relate to and just plain fun to read about. The characters are flawed, sexy, real and I loved them all.
Tyler Oakes is a football quarterback. He has made some not so great decisions in his life, had some scrapes with the law, and has a reputation for being wild. This is his last chance. He is now playing for the Birmingham Rebels. Ty has tried to turn things around and be a better example for his team. But on the night he met Randi, he was feeling lonely. He just wanted to pick up someone for a one night stand. So he went into a cheap dive bar and walked right into an undercover sting operation.
“Most of the players were here because nobody else wanted them. Sex, drugs, behavior issues, bad attitudes - the Rebels had it all on the roster.”
Randi McInish has never worked undercover before but she was asked to help out with this operation. Things are just about to go down when about the hottest guy she has ever seen comes into the bar and tries to hit on her thinking she was just someone out for a good time. Instead, he found himself right in the middle of everything. One high speed car chase later and she knew he would be hers that night. But Randi doesn’t do relationships. She leaves before someone else can do it first. She is one tough cop and has a potty mouth that will curl your toes. I actually don’t usually like female characters that are like this, all rough and tough. But it was obvious from the start that this was only what Randi showed on the outside. That inside, she was secretly a girly girl, soft and wanting things that any woman would, to be cared for and safe. But she has convinced herself that this will never be an option for her.
Brian Mason first met Ty back in college. Brian was an intern coach and worked with Ty and was responsible for Ty’s success. They began to experiment with sex with the both of them and a woman with various partners. But when Ty expressed his feelings for Brian, he ran, and hurt Ty badly. Now, eight years later, the Birmingham Rebels has recruited him to again work with Ty. Brian has always regretted what he did to Ty. He thought he did what was best for him at the time. What will Ty’s reaction be to having him back in his life again? As soon as Brian saw Randi with Ty, he knew they were perfect for each other. Could there ever be a place for Brian in their lives? Of the three, Brian is the one with the cool head. The rational one of the group. He is a take charge type of guy and when he speaks, others listen.
These are three people, all with abandonment issues, all commitment shy. You can’t help but to care about them and want them all to get their HEA’s. Ty is tired of other people deciding what is best for him. He knows what he wants.
“Ty could fight it all he wanted, but when he stepped up and followed Brian’s lead it was smooth and effortless, as if they’d written the playbook and knew each other’s moves before they made them.”
So if you are looking for a hot, sexy read, this is for you. But you are going to get a lot more than that. These are wonderful, loveable characters that I hope you will fall in love with just as I did. This is the second in the series but I have not read the first book, Broken Play. So I am immediately planning to go back and read it now. This was also my first book by Samantha Kane and I definitely hope to read more of her books, both future books in this series and some of her others.
“Hey, we’re Rebels. Live up to it. Embrace it. Live it.”
January 4, 2016
3.25-3.50 This was a decent MMF menage read. I did enjoy it and it was sexy but I was left wanting more from the story and the characters. This doesn't surprise me because I can be picky when it comes to menage stories. I would have liked to have seen the characters more fleshed out, written with more layers. They all seemed a bit one dimensional to me. Also, I struggled with my feelings for the heroine. On one hand, I respected her for being very self assured, in charge and comfortable with her sexuality. On the other hand, she was a bit brash for me. I was left feeling like she was a bit on the trashy side. Then I felt guilty for feeling like that.
Overall, I may read more in the series, but it probably wouldn't be at the top of my TBR list.
Overall, I may read more in the series, but it probably wouldn't be at the top of my TBR list.
January 15, 2017
Holy Hotness!!!
If you are open minded about love and mature situations, plus love a smoking hot read, then this is a book and series that you will want to pick up. My first book by Samantha Kane, this read was a wild ride!
To begin, I fell for the tough female lead, Randi. Many of her attributes remind me of myself. A tough gal living in a mans world with not a lot of female friends, she hates to admit she might need a guy around that knows what she needs more than she knows herself.
Ty is a sweetheart that can deal with Randi in ways she can appreciate. He is a bit of a bad boy that needs a woman like Randi. Now he just has to convince her. Then enter Brian. A long time friend and past colleague of Ty's, he adds a whole new experience and heat factor to this struggling love triangle.
Loaded with emotion and feelings, this book really was a surprise to me on many levels. The author brings in the flame in the romance arena. Holy hotness! But she also left a lot of vulnerability in all of the characters there too. Deep emotion and depth to these characters made this much more than a typical romance read. You get to know them on many levels and actually like them too.
This is a full length book with plenty of characters that will lead into more books in this series for certain. I missed the first in the series, but after reading this book, I know I am going back after the it! This author has the talent and imagination in her writing to leave you wanting more. Calling the Play is not a book you will soon forget! This girl isn't and will definitely be reading this story again soon!
If you are open minded about love and mature situations, plus love a smoking hot read, then this is a book and series that you will want to pick up. My first book by Samantha Kane, this read was a wild ride!
To begin, I fell for the tough female lead, Randi. Many of her attributes remind me of myself. A tough gal living in a mans world with not a lot of female friends, she hates to admit she might need a guy around that knows what she needs more than she knows herself.
Ty is a sweetheart that can deal with Randi in ways she can appreciate. He is a bit of a bad boy that needs a woman like Randi. Now he just has to convince her. Then enter Brian. A long time friend and past colleague of Ty's, he adds a whole new experience and heat factor to this struggling love triangle.
Loaded with emotion and feelings, this book really was a surprise to me on many levels. The author brings in the flame in the romance arena. Holy hotness! But she also left a lot of vulnerability in all of the characters there too. Deep emotion and depth to these characters made this much more than a typical romance read. You get to know them on many levels and actually like them too.
This is a full length book with plenty of characters that will lead into more books in this series for certain. I missed the first in the series, but after reading this book, I know I am going back after the it! This author has the talent and imagination in her writing to leave you wanting more. Calling the Play is not a book you will soon forget! This girl isn't and will definitely be reading this story again soon!
December 17, 2015
3.5 stars
I surprisingly really like book one in this series, so I was looking forward to this one a lot.
I didn't love this one as much as book one, mainly because of the h, she was just a little to much, a little to "in your face", I much prefer that my h be a little less on the aggressive side. Both H's were great though, it isn't seldom you read about a 5´7 hero, so that was a nice change of pace.
Still a decent read, and I can't wait for a book three, I assume there will be one...hopefully!
I surprisingly really like book one in this series, so I was looking forward to this one a lot.
I didn't love this one as much as book one, mainly because of the h, she was just a little to much, a little to "in your face", I much prefer that my h be a little less on the aggressive side. Both H's were great though, it isn't seldom you read about a 5´7 hero, so that was a nice change of pace.
Still a decent read, and I can't wait for a book three, I assume there will be one...hopefully!
January 3, 2016
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 stars. Holy Hotness! This book has two sexy men, a spunky heroine and moments of very steamy encounters! This book kept me engaged and entertained. Good afternoon read.
3.5 stars. Holy Hotness! This book has two sexy men, a spunky heroine and moments of very steamy encounters! This book kept me engaged and entertained. Good afternoon read.
September 10, 2015
5 '93-yard touchdown' stars
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review
FULL REVIEW closer to publication
ARC provided by Random House Publishing Group - Loveswept via NetGalley for an honest review
FULL REVIEW closer to publication
January 3, 2017
Hotness Rating 5 out of 5
Calling the Play is the second book of the Birmingham Rebels series by Samantha Kane. A quick disclaimer for would-be-readers: this book is heavy on the m/m and m/f/m content, so if that subject isn't your thing move on. However, if this doesn't dissuade you then you will not be disappointed. This series is crazy hot! The story is peppered with humor and fun to read. The secondary characters are just fun and likeable as the main characters. This is actually one of my favorite things about sports romance. I love the camaraderie, teasing and interaction that comes from teammates.
Tyler Oakes, sexy quarterback, is one of the few openly bisexual players in the NFL. He's never shied away from her personal desires or treated them as dirty little secrets. But, even he admits that his life is missing something and he's left struggling to figure out exactly what that is.
Brian Mason, throwing guru and the part of Tyler's history that hurts him to think about is back. Brian is not only ready to clean up Tyler's game and help him get his mojo back, but he's ready to make right everything that happened in the past.
Throw in bad*ss, no boundaries cop Randi McInish and you are sure to have a trio that not only lights the sheets on fire, but tugs at your heartstrings like you won't believe.
Tyler and Brian has shared many a woman in their college days, but neither touched on the subject of the attraction they had for each other. That all blew up for them in a big way which resulted in years of not speaking and broken hearts. Now that they've got a second chance of things and they have found the one woman that neither man can live without they are jumping in with both feet and holding nothing back.
I loved these guys! One would think that Tyler is the guy in charge because of his larger than life personality and on field persona, but Brian actually fit that role behind closed doors and I loved every second of it. Randi was a great character in that she showed the world one side of her, but when alone and able to let her guard down she did just that and turned into all woman for her men.
This story not only burned up the pages, but it had a softer side that made my heart melt. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone that enjoys a good menage read with a story to hold your attention.
You can find this review and others at Books, Chocoloate and Lipgloss
Calling the Play is the second book of the Birmingham Rebels series by Samantha Kane. A quick disclaimer for would-be-readers: this book is heavy on the m/m and m/f/m content, so if that subject isn't your thing move on. However, if this doesn't dissuade you then you will not be disappointed. This series is crazy hot! The story is peppered with humor and fun to read. The secondary characters are just fun and likeable as the main characters. This is actually one of my favorite things about sports romance. I love the camaraderie, teasing and interaction that comes from teammates.
Tyler Oakes, sexy quarterback, is one of the few openly bisexual players in the NFL. He's never shied away from her personal desires or treated them as dirty little secrets. But, even he admits that his life is missing something and he's left struggling to figure out exactly what that is.
Brian Mason, throwing guru and the part of Tyler's history that hurts him to think about is back. Brian is not only ready to clean up Tyler's game and help him get his mojo back, but he's ready to make right everything that happened in the past.
Throw in bad*ss, no boundaries cop Randi McInish and you are sure to have a trio that not only lights the sheets on fire, but tugs at your heartstrings like you won't believe.
Tyler and Brian has shared many a woman in their college days, but neither touched on the subject of the attraction they had for each other. That all blew up for them in a big way which resulted in years of not speaking and broken hearts. Now that they've got a second chance of things and they have found the one woman that neither man can live without they are jumping in with both feet and holding nothing back.
I loved these guys! One would think that Tyler is the guy in charge because of his larger than life personality and on field persona, but Brian actually fit that role behind closed doors and I loved every second of it. Randi was a great character in that she showed the world one side of her, but when alone and able to let her guard down she did just that and turned into all woman for her men.
This story not only burned up the pages, but it had a softer side that made my heart melt. I would definitely recommend this story to anyone that enjoys a good menage read with a story to hold your attention.
You can find this review and others at Books, Chocoloate and Lipgloss
November 27, 2015
The Good : I like menage stories and I like football. Win-win for me. There’s good sexual chemistry between the characters and Ms. Kane never disappoints me with the actual sex scenes.
The Bad : Plot, or rather, lack of one. The last book was similar and well, I think it’s ok, but it’s not setting the world on fire.
Everything in Between : The romance wasn’t the strongest bit. If you want a one-handed read, it’s fine. Emotionally, well...If I wished one thing were different, it’s that the characters were as compatible emotionally as they are sexually.
For better or worse, this is exactly what I expected. I think I prefer Ms. Kane’s historical series a bit more than the football series, but she certainly knows her way around MMF erotica. If you like football with your menage, you may enjoy this.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley for review**
July 20, 2017
Originally posted at Booklovers For Life
The Birmingham Rebels series is one hot, kinky series! Football and threesomes apparently makes for a great combo. I really enjoyed the first book, Broken Play, so I was looking forward to Ty’s story ever since he was first introduced. I didn’t quite like Calling the Play as much as Broken Play, but it was still a seriously hot and fun read. If you were a fan of the first book, you should definitely give Calling the Play a try!
Tyler Oakes is the quarterback for the Birmingham Rebels and is openly bisexual. He’s quite the player, both on and off the field, but he’s been trying to change his ways since joining the Rebels. But one night, he’s caught at the wrong place and the wrong time and ends up in a car chase with an undercover cop named Randi… who he can’t get out of his mind. The two of them jump straight into bed, the chemistry on fire between them, but neither of them expect more, until night after night, they keep coming back for each other.
Randi is one awesome, badass cop. She’s fierce, brutally honest, and has zero filter. I loved her character! She’s definitely my favorite in this book. She’s hilarious and dirty, but she’s also got a good heart. So when Brian Mason (‘the one who got away’) comes back into Ty’s life to try to win him back, Randi bows out of the game, despite her growing feelings for Ty. But both Brian and Ty realize how much they both want Randi, and now they have to prove to her that they’re there to stay.
I liked Ty, but Brian I had a hard time connecting with. I believed in the love between them, but the love between Randi and Brian was too rushed and didn’t feel real. The whole book takes place over the course of a week or so, so the romance grew super fast and was pretty unbelievable. But as individual characters, I liked that each of them had flaws and vulnerabilities, despite how they appeared to everyone else on the outside.
If you’re a fan of menages and kinky books, you should definitely check out this series. It is HOT and dirty, and so much fun to read. The romance might be a little unbelievable, but you’ll still have a fantastic time with the smuttiness.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1KLczDz
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
The Birmingham Rebels series is one hot, kinky series! Football and threesomes apparently makes for a great combo. I really enjoyed the first book, Broken Play, so I was looking forward to Ty’s story ever since he was first introduced. I didn’t quite like Calling the Play as much as Broken Play, but it was still a seriously hot and fun read. If you were a fan of the first book, you should definitely give Calling the Play a try!
Tyler Oakes is the quarterback for the Birmingham Rebels and is openly bisexual. He’s quite the player, both on and off the field, but he’s been trying to change his ways since joining the Rebels. But one night, he’s caught at the wrong place and the wrong time and ends up in a car chase with an undercover cop named Randi… who he can’t get out of his mind. The two of them jump straight into bed, the chemistry on fire between them, but neither of them expect more, until night after night, they keep coming back for each other.
Randi is one awesome, badass cop. She’s fierce, brutally honest, and has zero filter. I loved her character! She’s definitely my favorite in this book. She’s hilarious and dirty, but she’s also got a good heart. So when Brian Mason (‘the one who got away’) comes back into Ty’s life to try to win him back, Randi bows out of the game, despite her growing feelings for Ty. But both Brian and Ty realize how much they both want Randi, and now they have to prove to her that they’re there to stay.
I liked Ty, but Brian I had a hard time connecting with. I believed in the love between them, but the love between Randi and Brian was too rushed and didn’t feel real. The whole book takes place over the course of a week or so, so the romance grew super fast and was pretty unbelievable. But as individual characters, I liked that each of them had flaws and vulnerabilities, despite how they appeared to everyone else on the outside.
If you’re a fan of menages and kinky books, you should definitely check out this series. It is HOT and dirty, and so much fun to read. The romance might be a little unbelievable, but you’ll still have a fantastic time with the smuttiness.
Thanks to the publisher for generously providing me an ARC to review.
Amazon Ebook: http://amzn.to/1KLczDz
Liked this review? Subscribe to Booklovers For Life for more!
February 1, 2016
This is one HOT and DIRTY book; I loved it!!
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Warning – this book contains lots of f-bombs and other strong language as well as hot, sexy m/m and m/m/f encounters. If any of this offends you don’t read this book and then leave a negative review.
OK, the above warning was for people who may not have read any of Samantha Kane’s books before and also because I hate it when readers pick up a book and then leave a negative review because it contains things they find objectionable.
Personally, I love ALL of Samantha Kane’s books. I’m most familiar with her Brothers in Arms series set in the Regency period but I’m so glad that she’s started this new contemporary series; I might even learn to like football as a result. lol
Tyler Oakes (Ty) identifies himself as bi-sexual but he hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. He goes looking for some action at the Kitty Licks bar and gets more than he bargained for when he walks into the middle of a drug bust. Captivated by the smart-alecky, dirty talking, undercover cop, Randi McInish, he wants to see more of her.
Randi doesn’t do relationships and when Brian, a man from Ty’s past, shows up she decides she needs to bow out and let those two figure things out. What Randi doesn’t realize is that Brian and Ty don’t feel complete without her.
While this book is the second in the Birmingham Rebels series it can be enjoyed without reading the first book (but it’s great, too, so you should read it). This story probably has the coarsest language, or maybe just a bit more of it, than Ms. Kane’s other books but it totally fits the characters in the story. I love the way she connects the first book to this one and yet also tells a story that completely stands alone; I doubt that this is an easy thing to do. There is a whole football team of interesting characters and I hope a book is written for each one of them!
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
Warning – this book contains lots of f-bombs and other strong language as well as hot, sexy m/m and m/m/f encounters. If any of this offends you don’t read this book and then leave a negative review.
OK, the above warning was for people who may not have read any of Samantha Kane’s books before and also because I hate it when readers pick up a book and then leave a negative review because it contains things they find objectionable.
Personally, I love ALL of Samantha Kane’s books. I’m most familiar with her Brothers in Arms series set in the Regency period but I’m so glad that she’s started this new contemporary series; I might even learn to like football as a result. lol
Tyler Oakes (Ty) identifies himself as bi-sexual but he hasn’t been with anyone in a long time. He goes looking for some action at the Kitty Licks bar and gets more than he bargained for when he walks into the middle of a drug bust. Captivated by the smart-alecky, dirty talking, undercover cop, Randi McInish, he wants to see more of her.
Randi doesn’t do relationships and when Brian, a man from Ty’s past, shows up she decides she needs to bow out and let those two figure things out. What Randi doesn’t realize is that Brian and Ty don’t feel complete without her.
While this book is the second in the Birmingham Rebels series it can be enjoyed without reading the first book (but it’s great, too, so you should read it). This story probably has the coarsest language, or maybe just a bit more of it, than Ms. Kane’s other books but it totally fits the characters in the story. I love the way she connects the first book to this one and yet also tells a story that completely stands alone; I doubt that this is an easy thing to do. There is a whole football team of interesting characters and I hope a book is written for each one of them!
September 22, 2015
Professional quarterback Ty has a bit of a wild past that has landed him on the "last chance" team, the Rebels. He has been in the public eye because he is openly bisexual so lately he's tried to keep a low key lifestyle. He had his heart broken by his coach, Brian, in college so he only opens himself up to casual flings until he meets Randi. Randi and Ty hit it off right away and then Brian comes back to town and he starts to get confused. He has feelings for both Brian and Randi, and Brian suggests that all three of them be in a relationship together. Between Randi's aversion to steady relationships and Ty worrying about facing heartbreak again, they try to make it work.
After reading the first one in this series, I was really looking forward to Ty's story. I thought the emotional connection between him and Brian was great and I really loved them together but unfortunately I just didn't feel like it worked with Randi added too. Randi and Brian were too "inst-love" for me. It seemed like once they added Brian, she didn't really care about Ty anymore. She seemed to get more of an emotional connection with him right off the bat, even though she was supposedly falling for Ty. It just seemed off to me.
And also, this REALLY bothered me...
After reading the first one in this series, I was really looking forward to Ty's story. I thought the emotional connection between him and Brian was great and I really loved them together but unfortunately I just didn't feel like it worked with Randi added too. Randi and Brian were too "inst-love" for me. It seemed like once they added Brian, she didn't really care about Ty anymore. She seemed to get more of an emotional connection with him right off the bat, even though she was supposedly falling for Ty. It just seemed off to me.
And also, this REALLY bothered me...
September 14, 2015
Samantha Kane scores again with her newest hot, sexy story in the Birmingham Rebel series.
Tyler Oakes is a party animal whose reckless past has led him to a quarterback position with the Birmingham Rebels- his last chance in the NFL. His continued lifestyle of random hookups is taking a toll on him on and off the field.
Randi McInish is a tough cop also with a wild past. She's a love em' and leave em' kind of girl and sees Ty as a fun for now hookup.
Brian Mason helped coach Ty in college and the two developed a relationship but Brian broke it off when he realized how strong his feelings were for Ty. Now Brian has been hired by the Rebels to help Ty get his mojo back.
Fate has brought these three together- three people notorious for leaving others behind before they get left and what follows is pure H.O.T.N.E.S.S. You won't be able to put it down.
Ms. Kane did an excellent job with these characters. They had real emotional depth. Anyone can identify with their insecurities and fear of not being good enough. As in Broken Play, the secondary characters play great roles in the story too. I can't wait to see whose story is next. Although Calling the Play is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. But why stop with two hunky football players when you can have the whole team? I was gifted with an ARC of this book by the author through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. You can't go wrong with a Samantha Kane book. The woman is brilliant!
Tyler Oakes is a party animal whose reckless past has led him to a quarterback position with the Birmingham Rebels- his last chance in the NFL. His continued lifestyle of random hookups is taking a toll on him on and off the field.
Randi McInish is a tough cop also with a wild past. She's a love em' and leave em' kind of girl and sees Ty as a fun for now hookup.
Brian Mason helped coach Ty in college and the two developed a relationship but Brian broke it off when he realized how strong his feelings were for Ty. Now Brian has been hired by the Rebels to help Ty get his mojo back.
Fate has brought these three together- three people notorious for leaving others behind before they get left and what follows is pure H.O.T.N.E.S.S. You won't be able to put it down.
Ms. Kane did an excellent job with these characters. They had real emotional depth. Anyone can identify with their insecurities and fear of not being good enough. As in Broken Play, the secondary characters play great roles in the story too. I can't wait to see whose story is next. Although Calling the Play is part of a series, it can be read as a stand alone. But why stop with two hunky football players when you can have the whole team? I was gifted with an ARC of this book by the author through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. You can't go wrong with a Samantha Kane book. The woman is brilliant!
January 9, 2016
This is the second book in this series and I have to say I love the setting (hot football player mixed up in a menage ... who could resist)
but I have some troubles with Mrs. Kane way of going through a story - true, this one was done much better than the first book in my eyes. Nevertheless I got the feeling I missed something.
the first half of the story was kind of a set-up for the relationship. which is ok for me as it was done really well. I liked the characters and honestly I can't decide whom I like more: Ty or Brian - both are interesting and hot.
but the second half, which should have been the part were the relationships develops, disappointed me again. it felt a bit like: oh ... there are only 100 pages left to finish this story ... ok lets do it.
and the ending was rushed. yes, they worked through some of their troubles (but in my eyes this was a bit too easy ... but ok, I can live with that) but the ending was like "puff and now everything is happily ever after".
sorry, but that is not what I am looking for.
although this might sound bad, I liked the book and I am sure to read the next book in this series as well.
so all in all, if you like menage stories, take a chance on this book.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review
but I have some troubles with Mrs. Kane way of going through a story - true, this one was done much better than the first book in my eyes. Nevertheless I got the feeling I missed something.
the first half of the story was kind of a set-up for the relationship. which is ok for me as it was done really well. I liked the characters and honestly I can't decide whom I like more: Ty or Brian - both are interesting and hot.
but the second half, which should have been the part were the relationships develops, disappointed me again. it felt a bit like: oh ... there are only 100 pages left to finish this story ... ok lets do it.
and the ending was rushed. yes, they worked through some of their troubles (but in my eyes this was a bit too easy ... but ok, I can live with that) but the ending was like "puff and now everything is happily ever after".
sorry, but that is not what I am looking for.
although this might sound bad, I liked the book and I am sure to read the next book in this series as well.
so all in all, if you like menage stories, take a chance on this book.
Disclaimer: an ARC was provided to me in exchange for an honest review
June 22, 2017
I received a copy of this title to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 Stars
In the second installment in the Birmingham Rebels series, the reader finally gets to sink their teeth into Tyler, the out and proud bisexual on the team. Two newcomers are added to the cast of characters, both in interesting circumstances- Randi & Brian.
Brian and Ty go way back eight years ago, as the intern was Ty's personal coach, bringing the best out of him while sharing Brian's ex-wife. Their relationship is complex, tension filled, and intriguing. Now Brian is back to coach Tyler for the Rebels, and the past is drawn into the present.
While this is a menage series, I need to state I felt none of these characters really meshed as a threesome. After reading 3 books in this series, this is the first time I felt the girl in the story didn't fit. If Randi had been removed from the story altogether, Calling the Play had the makings of an irresistible MM Football Romance I would have gobbled right up and 5-starred upon completion.
Brian and Ty were good, but not with Randi. Randi was too sexual with Ty and too emotional and connected to Brian, so there was no equality to the story, as if Randi would settle if she only was able to be with Brian, feeding into Ty's insecurities that he's only good to be a party boy, whereas Brian and Ty would be perfectly fine without Randi.
Within three days, they were saying ILYs, and prior to that inner-monologue-ing about how they needed the others to survive life. It was too soon, not knowing anything about the other, while two of them had a strong history filled with actually being in-love with one another.
Even if I felt Randi too immature for this novel and Brian and Ty, I wanted the best for her. The best for Randi would have been a different novel with different partners, all starting from scratch. I would have enjoyed her characterization then, with a different profession.
Randi is a police detective, and to be honest, the characterization didn't work for me. She's a curvy spitfire, with a family backstory that was intriguing and endearing. She was too immature for my tastes, and I didn't enjoy reading her narration whatsoever. Insecure with commitment issues, it fit the characterization of her family background. However, she was too immature to be a a police detective.
At one point, Randi called herself an uneducated cop. This confused me, as she had to have trained for her job. Of course she wouldn't need a med degree, just the same as a doctor wouldn't need to go to the police academy. To become a detective, you earn it. With her age and gender, she would've had to work even harder than her fellow male cops. She would've had to prove herself every day on the job because she's a woman. As a cop and the only sister of a lot of brothers, her brash attitude and foul mouth, the keeping up with 'the boys' made sense, but the immaturity and off-the-rails attitude did not. No one would want a loose cannon at their back, especially with the rampant misogyny on most polices forces- alpha males in the extreme. The facets of Randi's personality contradicted her profession. her over-the-top, no filter, sexuality in a male-dominated field would have had her fired or thought to have earned her way to detective on her knees.
To be able to be in a relationship, you have to be mature, added to the fact it's a polyamorous relationship. No one this immature would last in any relationship, let alone one where you had to deal with two others in your life.
If Randi hadn't been a police detective, but a bartender or something equally sassy and foul-mouthed and sexual, I could have overlooked my issues. But every time Randi was called a detective, it became more difficult to fall into the story. I would be enjoying Brian & Ty's scenes they shared together, then Randi's narration/dialogue would dampen it.
This installment just didn't work with me. Brian and Ty heated up the pages, but the addition of Randi in the scenes made it feel forced and awkward, too instantaneous. There wasn't any romance, no intimacy, just sex, and it felt forced the entire time. Inner monologue and dialogue about loving one another is not the same as showing it unfold for the readers. To be honest, I thought Randi's insecurities were spot-on. With her attitude, her immaturity, she was incapable of anything but being a one-night-stand. She needed to grow up, and be demoted at work, because I feared for the safety of her fellow detectives, the crimes she was solving, and the citizens on the street.
I still recommend Samantha Kane for all your menage reads, and look forward to more in this series. I just couldn't connect with the heroine, or rapid speed of the forced 'emotional' connection- it just didn't work for me.
3 Stars
In the second installment in the Birmingham Rebels series, the reader finally gets to sink their teeth into Tyler, the out and proud bisexual on the team. Two newcomers are added to the cast of characters, both in interesting circumstances- Randi & Brian.
Brian and Ty go way back eight years ago, as the intern was Ty's personal coach, bringing the best out of him while sharing Brian's ex-wife. Their relationship is complex, tension filled, and intriguing. Now Brian is back to coach Tyler for the Rebels, and the past is drawn into the present.
While this is a menage series, I need to state I felt none of these characters really meshed as a threesome. After reading 3 books in this series, this is the first time I felt the girl in the story didn't fit. If Randi had been removed from the story altogether, Calling the Play had the makings of an irresistible MM Football Romance I would have gobbled right up and 5-starred upon completion.
Brian and Ty were good, but not with Randi. Randi was too sexual with Ty and too emotional and connected to Brian, so there was no equality to the story, as if Randi would settle if she only was able to be with Brian, feeding into Ty's insecurities that he's only good to be a party boy, whereas Brian and Ty would be perfectly fine without Randi.
Within three days, they were saying ILYs, and prior to that inner-monologue-ing about how they needed the others to survive life. It was too soon, not knowing anything about the other, while two of them had a strong history filled with actually being in-love with one another.
Even if I felt Randi too immature for this novel and Brian and Ty, I wanted the best for her. The best for Randi would have been a different novel with different partners, all starting from scratch. I would have enjoyed her characterization then, with a different profession.
Randi is a police detective, and to be honest, the characterization didn't work for me. She's a curvy spitfire, with a family backstory that was intriguing and endearing. She was too immature for my tastes, and I didn't enjoy reading her narration whatsoever. Insecure with commitment issues, it fit the characterization of her family background. However, she was too immature to be a a police detective.
At one point, Randi called herself an uneducated cop. This confused me, as she had to have trained for her job. Of course she wouldn't need a med degree, just the same as a doctor wouldn't need to go to the police academy. To become a detective, you earn it. With her age and gender, she would've had to work even harder than her fellow male cops. She would've had to prove herself every day on the job because she's a woman. As a cop and the only sister of a lot of brothers, her brash attitude and foul mouth, the keeping up with 'the boys' made sense, but the immaturity and off-the-rails attitude did not. No one would want a loose cannon at their back, especially with the rampant misogyny on most polices forces- alpha males in the extreme. The facets of Randi's personality contradicted her profession. her over-the-top, no filter, sexuality in a male-dominated field would have had her fired or thought to have earned her way to detective on her knees.
To be able to be in a relationship, you have to be mature, added to the fact it's a polyamorous relationship. No one this immature would last in any relationship, let alone one where you had to deal with two others in your life.
If Randi hadn't been a police detective, but a bartender or something equally sassy and foul-mouthed and sexual, I could have overlooked my issues. But every time Randi was called a detective, it became more difficult to fall into the story. I would be enjoying Brian & Ty's scenes they shared together, then Randi's narration/dialogue would dampen it.
This installment just didn't work with me. Brian and Ty heated up the pages, but the addition of Randi in the scenes made it feel forced and awkward, too instantaneous. There wasn't any romance, no intimacy, just sex, and it felt forced the entire time. Inner monologue and dialogue about loving one another is not the same as showing it unfold for the readers. To be honest, I thought Randi's insecurities were spot-on. With her attitude, her immaturity, she was incapable of anything but being a one-night-stand. She needed to grow up, and be demoted at work, because I feared for the safety of her fellow detectives, the crimes she was solving, and the citizens on the street.
I still recommend Samantha Kane for all your menage reads, and look forward to more in this series. I just couldn't connect with the heroine, or rapid speed of the forced 'emotional' connection- it just didn't work for me.
December 23, 2015
Tyler Oakes knows he’s on his last chance to make it as a pro quarterback, so he’s toned down his partying and is trying to focus on playing the game. But sometimes he needs to scratch an itch, and it doesn’t matter to him if companionship comes from males, females, or both at the same time. But when he meets undercover cop Randi McInish, he knows he wants more than just one night with this foul-mouthed sex pot. And then there is the Rebels’ new quarterback coach, Brian Mason, who shares a history with Tyler. When it’s clear that the two men have unspoken issues to resolve, can Randi step aside and let them discover love?
Despite struggling with some issues while reading the first book in the series, I decided to give Calling the Play a shot. Unfortunately, after only hitting the 10% mark, I had to stop reading for two reasons. First - it was pretty obvious that this story was once again going to include a romance between a player and a coach. I had issues with how this was handled in the first book, and I was already cringing at the replay of this dynamic. Second - I couldn’t stand the heroine. She was simply obnoxious. I admire women who are all about “this is who I am and this is what you get,” but it was over the top. Her vocabulary pretty much only consisted of multiple 4-letter words strung together. I don’t mind a potty-mouth, but there is a time and place, and this felt forced.
However, after taking a break from the book for a few weeks, I decided to pick it up again, and I’m happy to report, ended up enjoy it - more so than the first book. While I still had some issues with the book and the characters, overall, I liked the story and romance of Tyler, Randi, and Brian. While Randi still bugged me from time to time, I liked that she was protective of Ty, and eventually Brian. Additionally, as the story progressed, her level of unpleasantness toned down considerably. Meanwhile, the coach-player issue didn’t play out as it did in the first book, and I found I wasn’t irritated by the Brian-Tyler dynamic because 1) they have a history and 2) it's still preseason and they aren't in a player-coach situation yet.
I liked that Calling the Play focused more on the romance between the three main characters rather than the external factors of the football team, giving the book more heart and creating a stronger connection than I had while reading Broken Play. And while there were still some crazy events, like Brian and Tyler having sex in a windowed office where anyone could see them, which frustrated me, overall, the author provided time for the characters to adjust and talk things out as the relationship developed (although the timing of some of the more meaningful discussions was awkward!). Additionally, I am glad the author had the team address the whole sleeping with a coach thing. It's not realistic, but at least it was done and works in the world where there is an expansion team in Alabama!
After a rough start, I’m glad I read Calling the Play. I was happy to see that this time around the author did address some of the issues I had with the first title. After I got past the forced crassness and issues with a coach-player relationship, I ended up feeling a bit of respect for the three main characters. While the story behind Calling the Play isn't anything deep or meaningful, it works as a fun, erotic romance.
My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had a few issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
Despite struggling with some issues while reading the first book in the series, I decided to give Calling the Play a shot. Unfortunately, after only hitting the 10% mark, I had to stop reading for two reasons. First - it was pretty obvious that this story was once again going to include a romance between a player and a coach. I had issues with how this was handled in the first book, and I was already cringing at the replay of this dynamic. Second - I couldn’t stand the heroine. She was simply obnoxious. I admire women who are all about “this is who I am and this is what you get,” but it was over the top. Her vocabulary pretty much only consisted of multiple 4-letter words strung together. I don’t mind a potty-mouth, but there is a time and place, and this felt forced.
However, after taking a break from the book for a few weeks, I decided to pick it up again, and I’m happy to report, ended up enjoy it - more so than the first book. While I still had some issues with the book and the characters, overall, I liked the story and romance of Tyler, Randi, and Brian. While Randi still bugged me from time to time, I liked that she was protective of Ty, and eventually Brian. Additionally, as the story progressed, her level of unpleasantness toned down considerably. Meanwhile, the coach-player issue didn’t play out as it did in the first book, and I found I wasn’t irritated by the Brian-Tyler dynamic because 1) they have a history and 2) it's still preseason and they aren't in a player-coach situation yet.
I liked that Calling the Play focused more on the romance between the three main characters rather than the external factors of the football team, giving the book more heart and creating a stronger connection than I had while reading Broken Play. And while there were still some crazy events, like Brian and Tyler having sex in a windowed office where anyone could see them, which frustrated me, overall, the author provided time for the characters to adjust and talk things out as the relationship developed (although the timing of some of the more meaningful discussions was awkward!). Additionally, I am glad the author had the team address the whole sleeping with a coach thing. It's not realistic, but at least it was done and works in the world where there is an expansion team in Alabama!
After a rough start, I’m glad I read Calling the Play. I was happy to see that this time around the author did address some of the issues I had with the first title. After I got past the forced crassness and issues with a coach-player relationship, I ended up feeling a bit of respect for the three main characters. While the story behind Calling the Play isn't anything deep or meaningful, it works as a fun, erotic romance.
My Rating: C+ Liked It, but I had a few issues
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by NetGalley
November 26, 2015
Tyler Oakes is bored. He’s used to playing and partying hard—with both men and women. Looking to liven things up, he heads into a bar for a hook-up and gets tangled up in a drug bust and a car chase with one hot and sexy undercover cop, Randi McInish. Boredom resolved…
Randi cannot believe Tyler is threatening her bust! But when she essentially takes him on a wild ride under the guise of a high-speed car chase, Randi decides she needs to let loose—let loose underneath one very sexy quarterback.
But Ty has bigger plans—bigger than just getting busy with Randi. Enter the new team quarterback coach. Brian Mason and Ty have a long history. When Brian was Ty’s college coach, they teamed up in the bedroom, but when Brian couldn’t admit his feelings for Ty, he ran. Now with a second chance, Brian is trying to convince Ty that together they are better when they share—and to share Randi. Now to get everyone on the same page. Time to call the right play...
Oh. My. God. Ty, Randi and Brian are so damn good together. Their magnetism, personalities, lust and love for each other is combustible. Their internal struggles to push for their own needs, wants and desires for each other comes through so clearly. You can’t help but root for them to get their shit together. And, their bedroom antics are so hot that you may need to wear gloves because your kindle will be smoking—just like your panties. Eh, might as well not wear any…. ~ Missy, 5 stars
~~~
I LOVE THE REBELS! Well, really I love hot, hunky, football-playing MEN! I’m almost speechless and don’t know what to say! Sigh.
Tyler Oaks is the QB for the Rebels and he’s swoonworthy! Randi McInish is a local cop who can hold her own. She doesn’t need another man in her life, one who thinks they need to be the boss. But when she meets the Rebels QB, almost gets him killed and decides a one-night stand is just the way to apologize, her world tilts on its axis in ways she never dreamed.
The Rebels are a team of misfits—they’ve been arrested, had troubles in the NFL and are like the land of misfit toys. There is really nowhere to go but up. But through this, they are hiring new coaches, the team is learning to work together and amazing things are happening. And then, someone from Tyler’s past returns and shakes up his world even more…
Here was the best part for me: Love! In this series, someone always falls in love and that is exactly what I’ve come to expect! The sex is WHITE hot, the romance is there, there is just a bit of angst and you can’t stop turning the pages. Just one more page before I go to sleep turns into finishing the book!
I’m chomping at the bit to see who gets the next Birmingham Rebels book and what happens but while I bask in the glow of love, I will return to Calling the Play when I need it! If I could give this book 10+ stars I would, no questions asked! ~ Heather, 5 stars
Randi cannot believe Tyler is threatening her bust! But when she essentially takes him on a wild ride under the guise of a high-speed car chase, Randi decides she needs to let loose—let loose underneath one very sexy quarterback.
But Ty has bigger plans—bigger than just getting busy with Randi. Enter the new team quarterback coach. Brian Mason and Ty have a long history. When Brian was Ty’s college coach, they teamed up in the bedroom, but when Brian couldn’t admit his feelings for Ty, he ran. Now with a second chance, Brian is trying to convince Ty that together they are better when they share—and to share Randi. Now to get everyone on the same page. Time to call the right play...
Oh. My. God. Ty, Randi and Brian are so damn good together. Their magnetism, personalities, lust and love for each other is combustible. Their internal struggles to push for their own needs, wants and desires for each other comes through so clearly. You can’t help but root for them to get their shit together. And, their bedroom antics are so hot that you may need to wear gloves because your kindle will be smoking—just like your panties. Eh, might as well not wear any…. ~ Missy, 5 stars
~~~
I LOVE THE REBELS! Well, really I love hot, hunky, football-playing MEN! I’m almost speechless and don’t know what to say! Sigh.
Tyler Oaks is the QB for the Rebels and he’s swoonworthy! Randi McInish is a local cop who can hold her own. She doesn’t need another man in her life, one who thinks they need to be the boss. But when she meets the Rebels QB, almost gets him killed and decides a one-night stand is just the way to apologize, her world tilts on its axis in ways she never dreamed.
The Rebels are a team of misfits—they’ve been arrested, had troubles in the NFL and are like the land of misfit toys. There is really nowhere to go but up. But through this, they are hiring new coaches, the team is learning to work together and amazing things are happening. And then, someone from Tyler’s past returns and shakes up his world even more…
Here was the best part for me: Love! In this series, someone always falls in love and that is exactly what I’ve come to expect! The sex is WHITE hot, the romance is there, there is just a bit of angst and you can’t stop turning the pages. Just one more page before I go to sleep turns into finishing the book!
I’m chomping at the bit to see who gets the next Birmingham Rebels book and what happens but while I bask in the glow of love, I will return to Calling the Play when I need it! If I could give this book 10+ stars I would, no questions asked! ~ Heather, 5 stars
October 5, 2015
I must confess something up front. I was drawn to this book because of the cover. Throw in the word menage and IM IN, BABY. Tyler (Ty) Oakes is looking for a good time. A naked good time. He ends up in a seedy place called Kitty Licks, because isnt that somewhere you would expect to be able to pick up a "good time"? What he doesnt plan on is running smack into the middle of a drug bust, having his car stolen (while he's riding shotgun) and the sexy lady cop driving his car being shot. All in a days work for a NFL star, right?
Randi McInish is a take-no-prisoners cop who gives as good as she gets from her male counterparts. She talks tough and throws an even tougher punch. But when suddenly faced with the likes of Ty Oakes, her resolve starts to weaken. She is usually a hit-it and quit-it kind of girl but suddenly she finds herself with feelings of wanting more. Enter Brian Mason. He was one of the student coaches when the great Ty Oakes was in college and the NFL team has brought him in to try and restore some of Ty's former football mojo. What they dont realize is that Brian was in love with Ty back in college and those feelings resurface quickly upon the two of them seeing each other again. This is where the book takes off. Ty has Randi and Brian on the brain and he wont stop until the three of them are a couple (?) or in a committed relationship to each other. ALL of them - together. I loved Ty and Brian. Their characters were so deep and true to themselves it was really a pleasure watching them develop as the story progressed. I didnt care for Randi at all. She was vulgar, snide and hateful 90% of the time. She played the tough girl card to the point where it was just ridiculous. I ended up feeling sorry for Ty and Brian having to fall in love with her. The 10% of the time she was nice and actually showed emotion was, you guessed it, during sex. I almost feel like the story would have been a five star read if there had been a different heroine; a tad less vulgar and a touch more feminine. I did enjoy the book a lot, despite Randi getting on my nerves. I loved Ty and Brian so much they more than made up for it (especially Brian). I will definitely read more from this author and I give Calling the Play by Samantha Kane 4****wickedgoodstars. -asw
Randi McInish is a take-no-prisoners cop who gives as good as she gets from her male counterparts. She talks tough and throws an even tougher punch. But when suddenly faced with the likes of Ty Oakes, her resolve starts to weaken. She is usually a hit-it and quit-it kind of girl but suddenly she finds herself with feelings of wanting more. Enter Brian Mason. He was one of the student coaches when the great Ty Oakes was in college and the NFL team has brought him in to try and restore some of Ty's former football mojo. What they dont realize is that Brian was in love with Ty back in college and those feelings resurface quickly upon the two of them seeing each other again. This is where the book takes off. Ty has Randi and Brian on the brain and he wont stop until the three of them are a couple (?) or in a committed relationship to each other. ALL of them - together. I loved Ty and Brian. Their characters were so deep and true to themselves it was really a pleasure watching them develop as the story progressed. I didnt care for Randi at all. She was vulgar, snide and hateful 90% of the time. She played the tough girl card to the point where it was just ridiculous. I ended up feeling sorry for Ty and Brian having to fall in love with her. The 10% of the time she was nice and actually showed emotion was, you guessed it, during sex. I almost feel like the story would have been a five star read if there had been a different heroine; a tad less vulgar and a touch more feminine. I did enjoy the book a lot, despite Randi getting on my nerves. I loved Ty and Brian so much they more than made up for it (especially Brian). I will definitely read more from this author and I give Calling the Play by Samantha Kane 4****wickedgoodstars. -asw
December 1, 2015
My Review:
I read this book immediately after reading the first in the series, Broken Play. The books are very similar in their overall story line...a menage featuring a coach with one of the players. But they differed greatly in a lot of the minor details that made a big impact...mainly in the three main characters.
First, let me say that the opening scene between Randi and Tyler was brilliant. I thought it was funny, and action-packed, and had a lot of heat and details that set up the story line brilliantly. And I'll admit that beginning happy feeling carried me a long way through the story because when the story first began I wasn't sure that I liked Randi or Brian all that much.
Note: those feelings about those characters shifted a lot for me throughout this book...and that isn't normal for me. Randi is tough just in that she's an in-your-face, take-no-bs kind of girl. She's a cop and she's hard as nails and she has no desire to feel ANY emotions... that sometimes makes her hard to like. Brian on the other hand started off as feeling really wishy-washy to me. I will say that I liked him more and more throughout the book. By the end he was my favorite character out of the three.
But by the end of the book I was all-in with all three of the characters and their commitment to one another. I love how their relationship evolved. That scene with Randi in the office after her break-down was just a beautiful show of how they work as a triad and it really melted my heart. By the end I was cheering and loving them all together. For me, it was a great character and story arc.
And I do love this team and how they are the bad-boys of football. That made the story featuring Tyler as the quarterback even more fun since he's the heart and soul of the team. The team dynamic is interesting especially since they have so many outcasts...and wow, a lot of them are really kinky. I kind of like that about them, and am looking at several more stories to come...Tom and Danny??
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I read this book immediately after reading the first in the series, Broken Play. The books are very similar in their overall story line...a menage featuring a coach with one of the players. But they differed greatly in a lot of the minor details that made a big impact...mainly in the three main characters.
First, let me say that the opening scene between Randi and Tyler was brilliant. I thought it was funny, and action-packed, and had a lot of heat and details that set up the story line brilliantly. And I'll admit that beginning happy feeling carried me a long way through the story because when the story first began I wasn't sure that I liked Randi or Brian all that much.
Note: those feelings about those characters shifted a lot for me throughout this book...and that isn't normal for me. Randi is tough just in that she's an in-your-face, take-no-bs kind of girl. She's a cop and she's hard as nails and she has no desire to feel ANY emotions... that sometimes makes her hard to like. Brian on the other hand started off as feeling really wishy-washy to me. I will say that I liked him more and more throughout the book. By the end he was my favorite character out of the three.
But by the end of the book I was all-in with all three of the characters and their commitment to one another. I love how their relationship evolved. That scene with Randi in the office after her break-down was just a beautiful show of how they work as a triad and it really melted my heart. By the end I was cheering and loving them all together. For me, it was a great character and story arc.
And I do love this team and how they are the bad-boys of football. That made the story featuring Tyler as the quarterback even more fun since he's the heart and soul of the team. The team dynamic is interesting especially since they have so many outcasts...and wow, a lot of them are really kinky. I kind of like that about them, and am looking at several more stories to come...Tom and Danny??
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 3, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Calling the Play is the second book in the Birmingham Rebels series from author Samantha Kane and is a menage romance with a hint of a second chance love story. Tyler Oakes's bisexuality is something he's never felt the need to hide from anyone. He's also been known to share when it comes to sexual partners, something he started with his friend Brian Mason back in college. Tyler was already developing feeling for Brian back then, but Brian left and later went on to marry the very same woman both he and Tyler shared. Now, Brian comes back into Tyler's professional life as a coach, but he isn't sure if his friend's ready to welcome him back in his personal life, especially when he sees that Tyler's involved with Randi McInish, who has her fantasies when it comes to threesomes, and both Tyler and Brian appear to be up to the task.
This second in a series has the same menage theme that the first book had, but with the added twist of Tyler and Randi already being somewhat of a couple when Brian re-enters the picture as the man who has a shared past with Tyler. I liked how Brian really made an effort to try and re-gain Tyler's love and trust, and how he wanted to integrate Randi into a possible three-way relationship. Having Brian as yet another coach who becomes involved with a player makes me wonder if everyone else on the coaching staff is going to end up sleeping with one or more of the players throughout the series, since it appears this team has a habit of doing so. The story was fast-paced and the scenes were hot, whether they be between just two of the main characters or all three of them together as a unit. I'm giving Calling the Play 3.5 stars, rounded off to four stars. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Loveswept in exchange for an honest review.
Calling the Play is the second book in the Birmingham Rebels series from author Samantha Kane and is a menage romance with a hint of a second chance love story. Tyler Oakes's bisexuality is something he's never felt the need to hide from anyone. He's also been known to share when it comes to sexual partners, something he started with his friend Brian Mason back in college. Tyler was already developing feeling for Brian back then, but Brian left and later went on to marry the very same woman both he and Tyler shared. Now, Brian comes back into Tyler's professional life as a coach, but he isn't sure if his friend's ready to welcome him back in his personal life, especially when he sees that Tyler's involved with Randi McInish, who has her fantasies when it comes to threesomes, and both Tyler and Brian appear to be up to the task.
This second in a series has the same menage theme that the first book had, but with the added twist of Tyler and Randi already being somewhat of a couple when Brian re-enters the picture as the man who has a shared past with Tyler. I liked how Brian really made an effort to try and re-gain Tyler's love and trust, and how he wanted to integrate Randi into a possible three-way relationship. Having Brian as yet another coach who becomes involved with a player makes me wonder if everyone else on the coaching staff is going to end up sleeping with one or more of the players throughout the series, since it appears this team has a habit of doing so. The story was fast-paced and the scenes were hot, whether they be between just two of the main characters or all three of them together as a unit. I'm giving Calling the Play 3.5 stars, rounded off to four stars. ♥
December 8, 2015
Overall I enjoyed reading Calling the Play, but I won't say that I was blown away by it either. Am I the only one that thinks this one just ended really abruptly? I just felt like it ended with no real rhyme or reason giving this book a less than stellar finish. That kind of irritated me, because I thought there was more to the story than that.
Now the sex scenes, whew did those pack that awesome Samantha Kane punch as always. But on the other hand, we were also teased with a few scenes that were never followed through as well. Not nice to tease, Samantha. *tisk tisk* Anyhoo, that was kind of a let down, but the biggest one was the the weak plot and the lack of emotional connection I felt between the characters. Maybe it's just me. *shrug*
I really want to love this series, trust me I do. It has all the right components that I love, but it just isn't working for me the same way Kane's books have in the past. Her Brother's in Arms series is fantastic! Now I think the potential is there though, so I'm definitely not going to be giving up. Like I said, I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. If you love menage, then you are going to enjoy it too because it is worth reading just for those sex scenes alone. *winks* Now I wonder who is next of the Rebels. Danny and Tim perhaps? Guess I will wait and see!
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
See this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
Now the sex scenes, whew did those pack that awesome Samantha Kane punch as always. But on the other hand, we were also teased with a few scenes that were never followed through as well. Not nice to tease, Samantha. *tisk tisk* Anyhoo, that was kind of a let down, but the biggest one was the the weak plot and the lack of emotional connection I felt between the characters. Maybe it's just me. *shrug*
I really want to love this series, trust me I do. It has all the right components that I love, but it just isn't working for me the same way Kane's books have in the past. Her Brother's in Arms series is fantastic! Now I think the potential is there though, so I'm definitely not going to be giving up. Like I said, I enjoyed this book but I didn't love it. If you love menage, then you are going to enjoy it too because it is worth reading just for those sex scenes alone. *winks* Now I wonder who is next of the Rebels. Danny and Tim perhaps? Guess I will wait and see!
*I received a review copy from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.*
See this and more of my reviews on my blog Blending Perspectives Book Reviews
January 13, 2017
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
I love second chance romance and this one did not disappoint.
Love'em and leave'em Ty Oakes is on a mission to get lucky and finds himself at a dive bar where he runs into the hot and can't be bothered, Randi McInish. Randi is a cop and working an undercover sting when when Mr. Hot to Trot walked into this hole in the wall bar. Too bad, because she'd like to tap that.
Ty's looking for substance, not flash. He's tired of being alone and being with the wrong people and there is something about Randi that calls to him. Unfortunately, Brian is back in town. Eight years ago, he had asked Brian to take their relationship to the next level, to come with him if he was drafted and was shot down, brutally.
Ty lost his heart and focus when Brian dumped him and he's not sure he can trust his heart or Brian again. Randi is just the opposite. She's running far and fast as she can because she doesn't think she's good enough for him or Brian. What she doesn't realize is that Ty believes that he's not worthy of either of them or of love. Brian has his work cut out for him trying to get those he cares about to believe that they are worthy of love.
I really love this series, the romance between all the players involved.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
I love second chance romance and this one did not disappoint.
Love'em and leave'em Ty Oakes is on a mission to get lucky and finds himself at a dive bar where he runs into the hot and can't be bothered, Randi McInish. Randi is a cop and working an undercover sting when when Mr. Hot to Trot walked into this hole in the wall bar. Too bad, because she'd like to tap that.
Ty's looking for substance, not flash. He's tired of being alone and being with the wrong people and there is something about Randi that calls to him. Unfortunately, Brian is back in town. Eight years ago, he had asked Brian to take their relationship to the next level, to come with him if he was drafted and was shot down, brutally.
Ty lost his heart and focus when Brian dumped him and he's not sure he can trust his heart or Brian again. Randi is just the opposite. She's running far and fast as she can because she doesn't think she's good enough for him or Brian. What she doesn't realize is that Ty believes that he's not worthy of either of them or of love. Brian has his work cut out for him trying to get those he cares about to believe that they are worthy of love.
I really love this series, the romance between all the players involved.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
October 21, 2015
ARC for an honest review- I wasn't quite sure what to expect with this book to be honest, having never read the first or any books by Samantha Kane. I was not left disappointed though. Calling the play was a very good story about opposites attracting and insta love, but also about second chances. Hot m/f, m/m/f, and m/m action.
Ty is a openly bi NFL quarter back known for his bad boy ways. Trying to right his wrongs and stick to the straight and narrow, he is still a man and single men still have needs. Going to a bar called Kitty Licks he expected easy pussy, but ends up meeting Randi-not my favorite name for a girl-. Randi is a cop, self proclaimed and proud user of men, and may or may not have some serious abandonment issues(she totally does). After a drug bust gone wrong they end up spending three days together, which comes to an abrupt end when the one that got away ends up showing back up in Ty's life with plans to win him back. As far as heroines go Randi is pretty bad ass, I just never connected with her. Ty was by far my favorite character in this story, he's sweet and broken but big and sexy, and well who doesn't have a quarter back fantasy?
Ty is a openly bi NFL quarter back known for his bad boy ways. Trying to right his wrongs and stick to the straight and narrow, he is still a man and single men still have needs. Going to a bar called Kitty Licks he expected easy pussy, but ends up meeting Randi-not my favorite name for a girl-. Randi is a cop, self proclaimed and proud user of men, and may or may not have some serious abandonment issues(she totally does). After a drug bust gone wrong they end up spending three days together, which comes to an abrupt end when the one that got away ends up showing back up in Ty's life with plans to win him back. As far as heroines go Randi is pretty bad ass, I just never connected with her. Ty was by far my favorite character in this story, he's sweet and broken but big and sexy, and well who doesn't have a quarter back fantasy?
November 28, 2015
Review—short and sweet, since I don’t want to spoiler any laugh out loud moments!
Back to Birmingham! And back to football season. Last season we ended off with a giant bunch of group fun that opened some doors for some and caused a whole lot of questions for others. But one man who never questioned what he wanted was QB Tyler Oakes. He is openly bi-and loves everybody…well almost everybody. The only man who broke his heart would be the exception and now his QB coach. To make matters more interesting, Tyler met Randi in a most awesome and unconventional manner, but these two are perfect for each other!!! Squeee.
As the story unfolds, I enjoyed the interplay between Brian and Tyler overcoming their past issues, but also Tyler and Brian each trying to convince Randi to give them a try. The Rebels are wild and the dregs of the NFL elite…and now with two different threesomes associated with the team…the Rebels give a whole new meaning to the term teamwork! Enjoy!
Back to Birmingham! And back to football season. Last season we ended off with a giant bunch of group fun that opened some doors for some and caused a whole lot of questions for others. But one man who never questioned what he wanted was QB Tyler Oakes. He is openly bi-and loves everybody…well almost everybody. The only man who broke his heart would be the exception and now his QB coach. To make matters more interesting, Tyler met Randi in a most awesome and unconventional manner, but these two are perfect for each other!!! Squeee.
As the story unfolds, I enjoyed the interplay between Brian and Tyler overcoming their past issues, but also Tyler and Brian each trying to convince Randi to give them a try. The Rebels are wild and the dregs of the NFL elite…and now with two different threesomes associated with the team…the Rebels give a whole new meaning to the term teamwork! Enjoy!
January 16, 2016
Love the Birmingham boys! Tyler Oakes, quarback for the Birmingham Rebels, feels like he needs a little down time, may be get lucky. He heads to a bar named Kitty Licks, a seedy gang bar, and he finds himself in the middle of a drug bust.
Randi McInish is acting under-cover and in the middle of the bust, she commandeers
Tyler's Porsche to chase the bad guys, but Tyler insists on going too. There's plenty of gun fire, one destroyed car, some injuries, but Randi and Tyler still manage a steamy, night together. Enter Brian, an old coach of Tyler's, they also have another history together, a history that Brian can't forget, they had fun together, but Brian got scared and ran, he hurt Tyler. Can they have again what they had before, they liked to have sex with women together. Will Randi be up for their fun and games.
A great, sexy book. I'm loving this series.
Randi McInish is acting under-cover and in the middle of the bust, she commandeers
Tyler's Porsche to chase the bad guys, but Tyler insists on going too. There's plenty of gun fire, one destroyed car, some injuries, but Randi and Tyler still manage a steamy, night together. Enter Brian, an old coach of Tyler's, they also have another history together, a history that Brian can't forget, they had fun together, but Brian got scared and ran, he hurt Tyler. Can they have again what they had before, they liked to have sex with women together. Will Randi be up for their fun and games.
A great, sexy book. I'm loving this series.
January 3, 2016
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
Having enjoyed the first in this series, I was delighted to get the chance to read Ms Kane's latest offering.
I am a big fan of sports stories and add in a proper trio romance, and I am in. This story does a good job of revealing the feelings of all three of the protagonists and why things are so complicated.The development in the menage was hot, very sexy, and defied stereo-types effectively. It has some great humour, and some drama, as well as being an interesting portrayal of how opinions have changed over the last few years.
In need of a hot and sexy read, this will do the job.
Having enjoyed the first in this series, I was delighted to get the chance to read Ms Kane's latest offering.
I am a big fan of sports stories and add in a proper trio romance, and I am in. This story does a good job of revealing the feelings of all three of the protagonists and why things are so complicated.The development in the menage was hot, very sexy, and defied stereo-types effectively. It has some great humour, and some drama, as well as being an interesting portrayal of how opinions have changed over the last few years.
In need of a hot and sexy read, this will do the job.
January 1, 2016
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Calling the Play has some really hot scenes, the menage was on point, the sex scenes steamy. That was a big draw for me. Ms. Kane can write a sex scene.
Unfortunately, the rest really fell flat for me. The plot seemed to be all over the place. The romance was not emotional as it was sexual. I do love a good book based on the sexual aspects of the relationship, but this romance just seemed to be non believable.
Calling the Play has some really hot scenes, the menage was on point, the sex scenes steamy. That was a big draw for me. Ms. Kane can write a sex scene.
Unfortunately, the rest really fell flat for me. The plot seemed to be all over the place. The romance was not emotional as it was sexual. I do love a good book based on the sexual aspects of the relationship, but this romance just seemed to be non believable.
February 3, 2016
4.25 Stars
This was such a fun hot read! I couldn’t wait for more after reading book one and meeting the other characters, I fell in love with them and couldn’t wait to get their stories. I love that team mates of the Rebels are not your average guys in the NFL, they have pasts and they are finding their second chances.
This book is about Tyler the QB of the Rebels, a cop who takes him on a wild ride, and a blast from his past. I love the three of them together. They fit well and the sex was HOT. This is a series unlike any other I have read. It pulls you in and you can’t put it down.
I can’t wait to see who we get to read about next!! Bring on more Rebels.
This was such a fun hot read! I couldn’t wait for more after reading book one and meeting the other characters, I fell in love with them and couldn’t wait to get their stories. I love that team mates of the Rebels are not your average guys in the NFL, they have pasts and they are finding their second chances.
This book is about Tyler the QB of the Rebels, a cop who takes him on a wild ride, and a blast from his past. I love the three of them together. They fit well and the sex was HOT. This is a series unlike any other I have read. It pulls you in and you can’t put it down.
I can’t wait to see who we get to read about next!! Bring on more Rebels.
November 29, 2015
**3 Stars**
Too much like book one for me, i didn't hate either book.. I enjoyed book one more, but book two had too many similarities for my liking, I just felt like I needed something more from this one, if you like a lot of naughty sex in a book then it's deffo worth picking up just for the sex scenes, the story line was ok but not great!
“We get you,” Ty said. “You know that stuff you told Brian, about being crazy and a slut and all that? Well,those are the things we like most about you. You know that, right? And your body.”
ARC provided for an honest review
Too much like book one for me, i didn't hate either book.. I enjoyed book one more, but book two had too many similarities for my liking, I just felt like I needed something more from this one, if you like a lot of naughty sex in a book then it's deffo worth picking up just for the sex scenes, the story line was ok but not great!
“We get you,” Ty said. “You know that stuff you told Brian, about being crazy and a slut and all that? Well,those are the things we like most about you. You know that, right? And your body.”
ARC provided for an honest review
May 17, 2025
- FMC: Randi
- MMC's: Tyler, Brian
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Tyler, Randi, Brian)
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-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Randi and Tyler meet in a bar when she is working undercover and end up in a car chase together, which ends with them spending a steamy night together. Things are going good until a blast from Tyler's past blows into town.
Brian was Tyler's coach in college and has been recruited to help him with the Rebels. But their relationship hasn't always been strictly professional. And things are starting to heat up between the three of them. If only they all can get past their personal baggage.
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REVIEW:
This was good for the most part, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book in the series.
The main thing is that the characters didn't feel particularly genuine to me, but rather sort of stereotypical personas. Their dialog together didn't seem natural to me and it made them seem less real and a bit flat.
I did like the history between Ty and Brian. But I can't say I was partially attracted to Brian. The way he's physically described isn't that appealing to me (except the big D lol), but he was an okay guy.
Randi is a tough cop chick and sometimes I really hate that. But I did like that she let her guard down at times too.
Ty was sweet and vulnerable, but I didn't feel like he had much going on beneath the surface either.
The sex was steamy and hot, but other than that I wasn't as into this one as much as the first book. And then the ending felt really abrupt to me. It seemed like there would be a little more to the story, but alas there was not.
Oh well. Overall it was an okay read. Steamy, but the characters were rather flat and I didn't feel much of a connection between them. I'll still read on in the series, though. I can't wait for Tom and Danny's book.
- MMC's: Tyler, Brian
- POVs Included: Multiple POVs (Tyler, Randi, Brian)
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
SUMMARY: (SPOILER WARNING)
Randi and Tyler meet in a bar when she is working undercover and end up in a car chase together, which ends with them spending a steamy night together. Things are going good until a blast from Tyler's past blows into town.
Brian was Tyler's coach in college and has been recruited to help him with the Rebels. But their relationship hasn't always been strictly professional. And things are starting to heat up between the three of them. If only they all can get past their personal baggage.
-----------------------------------
-----------------------------------
REVIEW:
This was good for the most part, but I didn't enjoy it as much as the first book in the series.
The main thing is that the characters didn't feel particularly genuine to me, but rather sort of stereotypical personas. Their dialog together didn't seem natural to me and it made them seem less real and a bit flat.
I did like the history between Ty and Brian. But I can't say I was partially attracted to Brian. The way he's physically described isn't that appealing to me (except the big D lol), but he was an okay guy.
Randi is a tough cop chick and sometimes I really hate that. But I did like that she let her guard down at times too.
Ty was sweet and vulnerable, but I didn't feel like he had much going on beneath the surface either.
The sex was steamy and hot, but other than that I wasn't as into this one as much as the first book. And then the ending felt really abrupt to me. It seemed like there would be a little more to the story, but alas there was not.
Oh well. Overall it was an okay read. Steamy, but the characters were rather flat and I didn't feel much of a connection between them. I'll still read on in the series, though. I can't wait for Tom and Danny's book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2017
This isn't the first time a girl had a guy's name (actually they are mostly nicknames derived from their girl names) but I'm quite sure I haven't run into any girls named Randi. It is so unusual to me that every time I read the name in the beginning of the book it took a second for me to remember that in this case it's a girl.
A minor inconsistency was that she was describing her's and Ty's second kiss as their first. Yes, I pay attention.
Anyway, great book I've a feeling this one was more focused on the story than the sex. It seems like in the previous book Marian, Beau and Cass were spending their every time together either having sex or groping while here we have a background to their life outside of their bubble.
Oh, and I'm always vocal about chapters that refer to the past but in this case it was only one short chapter, thankfully, so I almost forgot about it. I hate those and I just wanted to say how glad I am that it wasn't every other chapter.
A minor inconsistency was that she was describing her's and Ty's second kiss as their first. Yes, I pay attention.
Anyway, great book I've a feeling this one was more focused on the story than the sex. It seems like in the previous book Marian, Beau and Cass were spending their every time together either having sex or groping while here we have a background to their life outside of their bubble.
Oh, and I'm always vocal about chapters that refer to the past but in this case it was only one short chapter, thankfully, so I almost forgot about it. I hate those and I just wanted to say how glad I am that it wasn't every other chapter.
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