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WARNING: Contains two dirty-talking, hard-f*cking, no-apology-making alpha males. Read at your own risk.


Wanting him is the riskiest play of all...


Miami star quarterback Jordan Barr is the hottest man that halfback Eric "The Brick" Higgins has ever laid eyes on, and he's wanted him in his bed for years.


When a chance encounter puts the two pro football players in the same town, the same TV studio, and the same locked room, the sparks don't just fly, they burn. The chemistry between them is intense, immediate, and explosive and Eric isn't about to miss his chance to have Jordan off the field. He'll have Jordan naked in his bed--rumors of game fixing haunting both of their teams be damned.


Eric is one extraordinarily stunning man, and Jordan would love nothing more than to show Eric what it's like to be taken by someone who knows exactly what he wants, in the bedroom and out. But Jordan has bills to pay and far too many responsibilities to throw caution to the wind.


He has to resist. But it's getting hard....


Really, really hard.


Play Hard is the first installment in a three-part MM romance trilogy

Praise for Play Hard:


"Dirty-talking deliciousness!" -NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Lauren Blakely


"Play Hard was fast-paced, face-fanning, and ferociously sexy fun! I loved this hot story of two alpha males in love and can't wait for part two." -Bestselling author Lili Valente


"Two scorching hot, dirty talking football players - need I say more? These guys light up the pages." -Melissa Collins

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2016

130 people are currently reading
400 people want to read

About the author

J.T. Fox

3 books50 followers
J.T. Fox loves white-hot, sexy stories about men in love (and in lust), rescue dogs, football, soccer, rugby after work, and long, lazy Sunday afternoons with friends. J.T. lives in the south with one alpha pug, two opinionated cats, and a partner who puts up with more than his fair share of crazy.

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5 stars
99 (18%)
4 stars
187 (35%)
3 stars
184 (34%)
2 stars
44 (8%)
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19 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
Profile Image for Judith.
724 reviews2,946 followers
February 7, 2016
*** 4 Stars what's hotter than sex scenes .....sexual tension,every time.... .. and the thought of these two getting down and dirty definitely does it for me. ***



Well,this looks like being a hot series.
It's only about 75 pages with the second two books already available.

Eric and Jordan play on different football teams .....
They have lusted after each other for years....

Eric has had a privileged life.....

Jordan has not.He's struggling to take care of his ill mother and family and the last thing he wants is the scandal of being Gay.

But,when these two meet there's no denying the chemistry.
No full on sex scenes but a lot of dirty talk and imagination.

Bring on the next one....and there's a delicious twist at the end!!!

Profile Image for Exina.
1,276 reviews417 followers
April 27, 2020
This coming-out-would-ruin-my-carrier-therefore-my-life trope is getting a little old for me. Maybe I was just not in the mood.

The characters are likeable, though a little clichéd. Not bad, but I don’t think I’m up to the following books.

Profile Image for Elsa Bravante.
1,161 reviews196 followers
Read
November 9, 2017
DNF en el 30 % y no le doy rating. El rolling eyes ha sido muy grande, pero la culpa es mía porque yo sabía que esto no iba a ser mi cup of tea, pero estaba gratis y no perdía nada por probar. Evidentemente, no sigo con la serie.
Profile Image for Elsbeth.
1,303 reviews40 followers
February 5, 2016

Jordan and Eric have known each other since the inner-city camp program. It was when their talent was discovered.
Each of them have been playing on different teams but they have always lusted for each other.



Jordan can't get exposed. He needs to stay in the game cause of the obligation he has for taking care of his mother and sisters.
But obviously they can't stay away from another.

"I'm not running away. I'm just removing temptation from our path."
But maybe he was. Just a little bit.Only because he hoped like hell that Jordan would come catch him.

Darn.. this cliffhanger. :(
Profile Image for Marcie.
219 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2016
Eric and Jordan are both football jocks who have known of each other growing up. Both now playing for professional teams get to run into each other years later doing an interview for a cause they both feel strongly about. That short encounter not only reminds them of their secret fantasies of their youth, but it gives them a chance to act on them, briefly forgetting that they both have something to lose.
Profile Image for Andrea AKA Catsos Person.
790 reviews107 followers
April 11, 2017
MMRG Ultimate Team Challenge February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. April Bonus, Twister, Right Foot Green, Sports.

Things seemed to happen too quickly in this 70+ page story.

Despite the author trying to crate a connection by giving the two MCs a a sort of backstory, it still did not work for me as believable connection in the present beyond sexual chemistry --very hawt chemistry I might add.

There is a twist at the end that necessitates reading the next story.
Profile Image for Sybil aka Lala.
478 reviews231 followers
February 1, 2016
Jordan and Eric are both star quarterbacks for their respective major league football teams. Both have been harboring a secret lust for the other for years. It seems perfect right? It could be, but both are still stuck smelling old gym socks in the closet and with both their teams embroiled in a match fixing scandal, it would be a disaster to even be seen together. But when the fates conspire and both end up in locked in the darkened room of a TV studio, the sexual tension of their chemistry causes an explosive reaction. While Eric is more than ready to get Jordan under him, Jordan has way too much to lose to give into his feelings but with each new interaction between the two it’s becoming harder and harder to resist the attraction.

What happens when you throw two stubborn and virile alphas, with a penchant for talking dirty, together in the midst of a scandal that can end both their careers? An unputdownable and hot as sin series filled with action, angst, drama and humor.

Play Hard – The One with All the Tension

Eric is set to do an interview to talk about his charity work. When he arrives at the station he is confronted by Jordan, the man who he grew up watching from afar and has been lusting after ever since that one time he caught a good look at him in the showers. Is it his imagination or is Jordan returning his lustful glances and is it just him, or does he make Jordan nervous?



Jordan can’t believe he’s stuck doing an interview next to the person who has been starring in all his dirty dreams ever since that one time he felt his eyes on him in the showers. Is it just him or is it getting too hot in this studio and is this guy really flirting with him on national television?

When the two get stuck in the Green Room of the TV station during a ten minute blackout, the attraction is way too hard to resist and Eric’s hands feel SO good on Jordan’s body but he has way too much to lose and way too many people depending on him to act on his feelings and throw his entire career away. The sexual tension between them is palpable and when they are thrown together again a few days later, there is no way either can resist. Years of lust culminates in one night that blows both their expectations out of the water.



This was a great start to the entire series and though the build-up of tension was sometimes frustrating, it was also delicious. While Eric did most of the chasing, Jordan surprised him with his force and filthy words and the sexy times, from fantasy to reality, was insanely hot.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for ♡ cal ♡.
764 reviews347 followers
December 8, 2020
This book just flew by. I didn’t really feel much anything.
Profile Image for Stellaria.
311 reviews25 followers
October 3, 2018
3 stars!

Okay, I was in a mood for a short sexy story. When I read the blurb and saw the promise of not one but two alpha male athletes getting down and dirty I was so on.

This story had many issues. First of all, I know it's novella and has to be short, but I wanted a little more. The story itself - well, there wasn't much of a story besides the great chemistry the two MCs had. Chemistry can be addition to a story, not the main plot. I was confused what the book was about and when I read it I think it was about two men finally f*ck each other. Nope, I can't understand that.
And if the book is all about sex, which has nothing wrong with it, there has to be something else too. But probably I couldn't find it, so the mistake is mine.

3 stars for the chemistry!
Profile Image for Ed Davis.
2,901 reviews100 followers
May 15, 2024
This was enjoyable it, unfortunately the second half of the story is no longer on Amazon. I need to get these old stories off my Kindle.
Profile Image for Emily (Mrs B's Books).
1,727 reviews83 followers
January 11, 2016
**My thanks to the author for providing me with a free copy for an honest review**

I haven't read a M/M in a while, but this is a great re-indroduction into this genre, as although it has a hot scenes, it is still fairly mild.

Both characters have known each other since they were teenagers and both play for different teams, however the chemistry between the two of them runs hot.

Both have been hurt in the past, but find themselves drawn to each other, both being alpha male this makes things more fun.

There is a constant push and pull with them both as they struggle with their emotions, the fear of being caught together and of the possibility that's may just be more than passing lust.

We get a cliff hanger ending that gets you ready for the next book, so be warned.
Profile Image for Lisazj1.
2,072 reviews194 followers
February 13, 2016
I'm sorry, maybe this is a "it's not you, it's me" thing, because everybody else loved it. All the 'so hot' from all the reviews I read was just so....not, for me. More meh.

Since this was a short novella, I may give the 2nd book a shot but right now I am not inspired.
Profile Image for Beth.
771 reviews123 followers
January 18, 2016
4 Sports Center Stars



OMH....OH My Hotness. I have watched a lot of football in my day. The hubby is a coach and both my sons played all through high school. I have never. NEVER. Seen anything like this at one of the games. It would have made sitting on those bleacher so much better.

Eric "The Brick" Higgins has a great career. As the star player for the Maurauders, he gets to play the game he loves and give back to his community through camps and charity events. The only problem is that no one really knows him. Because Eric hides who is really is. He doesn't think his fans are ready to know the The Brick is gay.

It's a shame I'm not into the opposite sex. I could clean up with the ladies. I know how to listen, I love kids, I'm quick with a compliment, and I'm damn good in the sack.

Jordan Barr is the newest star in town. He plays for the Heat Wave and while he is from the same town as Eric, they were never friends. Only passing glances at football camp. Jordan knew Eric was gay but also knew Eric was out of his league.

Guys like Eric Higgins were too out of touch with the realities of the world for his tastes. Eric had never had his water shut off. He's never had to accept charity, never eaten government cheese, or known what it was like to have to choose between new shoes for his younger siblings and keeping the air conditioning turned on in the middle of a Florida summer.

Eric and Jordan both know that their careers are at stake if they pursue their connection. Times may have changed but is America really ready for gay professional football players? Eric has a more established career but Jordan has his family to think about. The family that he supports.

"This could get complicated," he said, his voice shaking. "It'll be worth it," Eric responded, his hand playing down the side of Jordan's body to squeeze his hip. "And we'll be careful. Discreet."

Jordan sighed. "Are you sure you know the meaning of the word?"


This is a sexy, fun read. But be warned....it is the first in a serial. I hate serials. Not because I hate serials but because I want all of the story! I want more Eric and Jordan and I want them NOW. But never fear. The second is coming soon and the third right after that. So you don't have wait months. 'Cause you will want more Eric and Jordan.
Profile Image for Jaime.
1,804 reviews310 followers
January 5, 2016
~ 3.5 Stars

The MC in this book are Jordan and Eric, both football players - from different rival teams. These two have a history together, having played football together in the past however they couldn't have been more different. Jordan is in the closet - he cannot come out, for fear of messing everything up in his life and its not only his life he is worrying about as he supports his entire family. Eric, he is one who flies by the seat of his pants, he isn't afraid of having a relationship with a man - he can't however have a relationship with a man from a rival team. There is this strong attraction between the two, chemistry ignites when they are thrown into a situation together.. and from there, there is no holding back!

I have to admit I was disappointed in this story. It felt like there was a lot more story that needed to be told and less sex filling the pages. Don't get me wrong I am all for a good raunchy read but I guess I want my cake AND to eat it as well.. as I like a little substance with my raunch! I am hoping that the next book in this series will bring with it that substance I crave.. as these characters could be very likable. That being said, I will read the next story. I kinda have to now.. which I think might be the authors ulterior motive. I am all for a good serial style story.. but please let us have a bit more detail into the characters, their back story.. and into their minds just a bit more. 3.5 Stars.

ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
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Profile Image for Kara Hildebrand (Two Book Pushers).
1,757 reviews143 followers
January 1, 2016
Play Hard is the debut for JT Fox. The Hot for Him series is off to a good start. I'm a big fan of the serial romance so I loved that it was short, hot and left me hanging. Jordan and Eric have known each other for years. They are brought together in the same town for the first time in years and the sparks fly. Eric has wanted Jordan for years and he's not afraid to admit it. But, Jordan is not out and has people in his life that depend on him so he can't risk the exposure. The interactions between Jordan and Eric are scorching hot! I had to fan myself. I love this story because it's more than just a football romance. I can't wait to see what's next for these two!

"You look good half naked," Jordan said, his voice rough.
"I look better all naked," Eric said.

He couldn't imagine looking into Eric's hungry eyes again and being able to walk away. There was something about him, something that drew him like an addict to a fix.

"Anyone ever told you how hot you are when you're bossy?"
"Yes."
Profile Image for Heather / Obsessed With Myshelf.
483 reviews85 followers
January 15, 2016
Give me cock or give me death. That’s how the saying goes, right? Eric and Jordan live that motto in this lip bruising, climax inducing, dirty talking novella. I loved that they were on fire for each other from the start and that their lust burned brightly with every eye-fucking moment that passed.

Between the conspiracy theories that swirl around their heads claiming that their two teams are conspiring to fix games and Jordan’s need to stay out of a potential scandal (which coming out of the closet MOST certainly would do), everything seems to be going against the two of these insanely hot men when they reunite.

But don’t think it will stop them. Even when all of the outside world telling them ‘no’, they both seem to only hear ‘yes’ when they’re together. JT Fox creates depth with these characters in only a few pages. I can’t wait to see what happens next…

current mood: hot and bothered. 4 stars!

[I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review]
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,525 reviews654 followers
January 7, 2018
Very interesting, hot and fun start to the series. Jordan and Eric had pretty insane chemistry, and the one sex scene we got was hot as fuck.

There is more than just lust between these two, but there's just an inkling of more, of them possibly falling in love, and romance happening, for now in just this 66 page short story. They're already pretty addicted to each other, which I love, but I can't wait to see it turn into more.

The fact that we got their backstories and and hang ups and such meant that this was going to be more than PWP, and I can't wait to see where this goes. Especially with that surprise ending. Oh dear....
Profile Image for ♣️ Lynda ♣️.
452 reviews48 followers
January 7, 2016
A great start to a new series! Jordan and Eric are beyond sexy and their chemistry is amazing.

That's quite a cliffhangerish ending!!

Profile Image for ~lil maso~.
1,932 reviews49 followers
December 31, 2015
This is J.T. Fox's debut novella, and while I enjoyed the story, my exceptions fell very short due to the warning.

"WARNING: Contains two dirty-talking, hard-f*cking, no-apology-making alpha males. Read at your own risk."


Let's just get this out there, There is NO hard fucking. There is No fucking at all.
There are a hot hand job and a steamy head job, and some hot self-pleasuring, but that is where it ends. Which is why my rating is a 3.5 star.

Now, before someone gives me the "there doesn't have to be sex in a book" comment, that is true, but I was under the impression I was in for some hot, hard alpha sex, which turned out to be a let down.

Alright, now with that out of the way, lets get to the story.

NFL superstar, Eric "The Brick" Higgins has it all. The luxurious childhood, the money, talent, the looks, the heart and the sworn of adoring fans. But Eric doesn't have one thing that he has wanted for years. He doesn't have Jordan.

Jordan Barr grew up opposite from Eric. Family is everything. Losing his dad ay a young age and his mother suffering from MS, Jordan had to grow up fast to make sure he could give his family the best he could. Which meant his love life being benched until his sister has finished school, but for him, its a sacrifice worth making.

Eric and Jordan haven't seen each other for years, but when fate throws them together again, the desire Eric once felt for Jordan has been set on fire and he isnt shy about letting him know.

Getting involved with Eric is the last thing Jordan needs. Just coming back from an inury and the recent scandal between their football clubs, Jordan knows its a bad idea. But sometimes you can't fight what feels right.

There is something standing in their way though, Neither of these men are openly gay.
While Eric would probably do fine, this is a secret that could destroy all that Jordan has worked hard for. . . .

This story end of a serious cliffy!

Now, while I was let down a little with this story, I will still be on the look out for part two, Play Harder. This debut author has the potential to make this into a memorable series.



* ARC PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR FOR AN HONEST REVIEW *


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Profile Image for S..
Author 4 books380 followers
January 18, 2016
This will be my last review of 2015! * I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review*

I'm a huge fan of M/M so I was really anxious to get my hands on this one! Play Hard did not disappoint.

Eric and Jordan are both successful NFL players and both plagued by nasty rumors at the moment. Allegations of fixing games are running around. Toss in trying to hide in the closet and family depending on Jordan's ability to stay in the NFL and keep the money coming in, this is one hot mess.

Eric is far more in touch with himself than Jordan. He doesn't mind being discreet but he doesn't particularly seem to be in the closet, especially after having been burned from being someone's dirty secret in his past.

Jordan has finally made it. Sort of. Coming from nothing he's worked really hard to get where he is, depending on scholarships to attend football camps, luckily being spotted by a scout at one such camp. He dropped out of college to be drafted early into the NFL and now, as long as he doesn't get injured and can stay scandal free, he can continue to support his sick mother and siblings as they go through college. There's just one problem to his plan...Eric.

Eric and Jordan's chemistry is instant (or so you think) and off the charts. The sexual tension when they're in a room together is on a planetary scale!

My heart really broke for both of them as they struggle to deny, accept, deny, accept, then maybe taste a little bit of what is going on between them. There is no denying that anything between them would be more than a one nighter, but are they both ready for that?

Throw in a HUGE curveball with a cliffhanger at the end and I am already dying to get my hands on the next book!

This book does contain graphic sexual content and language so if that's not your thing you may want to skip it. J.T. Fox has a great style, the transitions in POV were seamless. There was plenty of humor and sexy times! I did find some of the story was a little repetitive at times but not so much that it took away from my enjoyment while reading. I definitely can't wait to find out what happens next in Eric and Jordan's story.
Profile Image for Sandra Shipman ~ Two Book Pushers.
2,080 reviews52 followers
January 4, 2016
Play Hard is the first novella in a three part series and the first book by J.T Fox and was a debut! I need a hot and quick read and this was exactly that.

Eric and Jordan are NFL players are on rival teams that have come together for a great cause. They grew up in the same small town in Florida but were always on the opposite side during the games and in life. They haven't seen each other since they were coaches at a summer football camp after high school and when they meet again, the pull is still there. They missed their chance that summer to explore it but is it too risky now?

Eric is straightforward with what he wants and that's Jordan in his bed. Jordan would love the same but he has too much to lose if they are caught. He need to resist the spell Eric puts him under for his career and his family. It's not only because he is in the closet but also there has been recent cheating scandals rumored in the league so players are not suppose to be in contact with players on opposites teams. Eric needs to think about the same rule but this, between them is too much to lose his chance again. But, is Eric ready for something more serious right now, is the reward worth the risk?

Ok...Play Hard is fucking hot but I can tell that the series is about so much more. It's going to be emotional and sweet as well. I loved Eric because he is straight-forward, sexy, cocky in a cute way and funny. Then there is Jordan, the more serious of the two but just as sexy. I can see them balancing one another but will it be enough? What if they are caught? It will end before it even truly begins?

This was one Amazing debut and I can't wait for the next book!! I. Want. It. Now.

Quotes:

Eric was like a third shot of whiskey—tempting, but a dumb idea, best avoided.

Eric smirked as Jordan walked away. “Quoting Pink. That’s not gay at all,” he mumbled as he finished off his scotch.

Taken seriously again and again, in every filthy, intense, mind-blowing way imaginable.
Profile Image for Caroline.
101 reviews3 followers
January 4, 2016
I was given an ARC of the book in exchange for my honest review

Play Hard is the first book in a three-part serial from author J T Fox. It follows the story of two successful NFL quarterbacks who are caught up in match fixing allegations surrounding their respective teams, as well as battling super hot chemistry!

As this is a novella, the pace of the story moves pretty quick. The author quickly and efficiently introduces a back story to the main characters and some unresolved friction/sexual tension. I can see how some readers would think that the story might feel rushed, but I knew when I started reading the book that it was going to be a novella serial, so I didn't have expectations of spending a lot of time reading about each character's back story. The more exciting part is in the present day with the two characters deflecting the rumours about match fixing and trying to resist their growing attraction to each other

There is the usual conflict of each character worrying about the effect of "coming out" on their careers, and while this seems to be a mainstay of M/M fiction, it has a ring of truth to it as I don't know of any high profile gay NFL players (though I don't live in the US, so please forgive me if I am wrong!). The author also writes confidently on matters to do with sport and the match fixing allegations

The two characters come from different ends of the spectrum - Eric grew up in a privileged environment, whereas Jordan had a tougher time growing up. But their chemistry is off the charts and their banter is super super hot!

Overall Play Hard was a quick and dirty read that has plenty of angst and intrigue and one hell of a cliff hanger to leave me definitely wanting more! I very much look forward to the next installment of this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn Nicole Costiera.
686 reviews23 followers
January 4, 2016
A Solid 4 Stars!!

Playing Hard by JT Fox is like a scrumptious appetizer, giving us just enough to be satisfied. It's a novella and the first book in a three part series. Some may say it's too short... I agree It could have been longer, but even with it's shorter size, it still packs a powerful punch. It's fast paced and gripping. A definite page turner. It's also witty, sexy and emotional. I was pleasantly surprised with this one!

What do you get when you put two hot rival football players together???? Enough HEAT to warm a house! Not to mention, a deliciously addictive scenario... Eric and Jordan are smokin' to say the least! (Be still my beating heart.) Besides their insane chemistry, we get bits and pieces of their past and present. Showing us different sides to each of them. They are both way more than meets the eye. They have known each other since they were kids. Although, they were running in different circles and living opposite life styles.... Eric grew up with everything, while Jordan had nothing. He had to take care of his family and still does. That's why he must stay away from Eric. Being with Eric is too risky. If it came out, it could ruin his budding career. Sometimes, the risk is worth the reward... or is it?? Eric is the more established of the two in his career. He has nothing to lose. He knows what he wants and he wants Jordan... Both find it difficult to stay away from each other. Is it lust or is it more?? Just as things heated up between them the book ended! Oh no, JT did not just do that!! Yes, She did. Leaving us yearning for the next installment! It's a great first book. I will definitely be reading the next. So, if you are looking for a fun quick read, go for it!!
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