Wild Card

Boys of Fall #8

by Mari Carr

It’s been a tough year for Lorelie. Following her dad’s heart attack, she put her own life on hold, terrified of losing the most important person in her life. As her father’s health improves, Lorelie struggles to find her way back to life as normal. Her girlfriends insist the answer is simple. Get laid.

Enter Glen Rodgers, Wade’s former band mate. He met Lorelie briefly at a party she’d hosted for her dad and the woman made a lasting impression. When he returns several months later, intent on taking a break from his own screwed up life, it’s obvious Lorelie is just the cure for his blues.

Both determined to kick-start their stalled lives, they rev things up…in bed, the hayloft, the backseat of her car. Unfortunately, reality interferes, leaving them no choice but to show their hands, forcing them to decide if they should fold…

Or go for broke and play the wild card.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Musicians, Family, Contemporary Romance

198 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 8, 2016

About the author

Writing a book was number one on Mari Carr’s bucket list. A New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller, Mari’s computer is now jammed full of stories — novels, novellas, short stories and dead-ends.
Mari writes contemporary sexy romance novels. To learn more about her spicy stories, click here.
Join her newsletter so you don't miss new releases and for exclusive subscriber-only content.
Find Mari on the web at
maricarr.com
Email: mari@maricarr.com

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
5 Stars!!!!!

"Wild Card" Boys Of Fall Series by Mari Carr.....

*There are nine books in this series by authors Erin Nicholas, Mari Carr, and Cari Quinn with three books releasing each time. "Full Coverage" released at the same time as "Wild Card' (Mari Carr) and "Going Hard" (Car Quinn). These three can be read in any order however the previous six books in this series should be read prior. (See below for full list) Please note that these are standalone but in order to relate better to the characters mentioned in the books, (and there are a lot) I recommend reading them all; you won't be disappointed.

In Quinn, Texas things are steaming up and I don't mean the weather although it's pretty hot there. Quinn is home to the nicknamed Boys of Fall and beloved high school coach Nicholas Carr. Coach Carr was always more than football coach; he was a father-figure and mentor as well. He was dedicated to be a good example to help his boys and other students as well, to see the error of their ways. Coach treated them all with respect and admiration and the boys returned that back tenfold. Coach meant the world to them so thats why when Coach had a heart attack and needed help with his ranch, the boys didn't hesitate to return home to Quinn to help. Not all of Coach's "boys" were football players nor were they all boys.

There is one more book after this in the series. I hate to say goodbye to Quinn and all the hotties. This is one of my favorite series, ever!

"Wild Card" is the story of Lorelei Carr, Coach Carr's daughter and the man she wants to call her own, Glen Rogers. Lorelei or Lori as Glen calls her, has had a stressful year worrying about her dad's health and working extra hard on their ranch despite all the volunteers they have helping. But now it's time, well actually past time, for Lori to take time for herself and get her life back to normal, where she was before her dad's heart attack.

Glen Rogers is a friend of Wade Bennett ("Going Long") and his former bandmate. Glen is taking some required time off from his current job; guitarist for a famous country music artist. Things are not in control in that area of his life and he needs to take a few steps back. So he decides a visit to his friend would be a good idea. Glad has visited Quinn, Texas before and liked the small friendly town. But more than that he was hoping to see Lori again who he met on his previous visit.

I loved Glen and Lorelei together. What started out as two people with smoking chemistry flirting, despite some obstacles in the name of Coach's "boys," became more to Glen and Lori. They fell in love despite knowing that Glen wasn't staying permanently in Quinn. But when it came time for Glen to play his hand, he chooses the "Wild Card" and a love everlasting.

I am so in love with this series, with this town.
Boys Of Fall Series:
"Going Long" by Cari Quinn - January 2015
"Free Agent" by Mari Carr - January 2015
"Out of Bounds" by Erin Nicholas - January 2015
"Going Deep" by Cari Quinn - October 2015
"Illegal Motion" by Erin Nicholas - October 2015
"Red Zone" by Mari Carr - October 2015
"Full Coverage" by Erin Nicholas" - July 2016
"Wild Card" by Mari Carr - July 2016
"Going Hard" by Cari Quinn - July 2016

[Simply Love Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Wild Card is one of the last three books in the Boys of Fall series and Mari Carr offers up a completely entertaining and sexy story.

When Lorelie Carr's father and the beloved high school coach had a heart attack; Lorelie not only stepped up to help run their ranch, but she has taken care of her father non-stop and helped with town events to raise money for the high school's athletic department which has left her little time for herself. At a party following the big homecoming game and dedication of the stadium in her Dad's name, she encounters Glen, a musician in town to play with her friend Wade. Three months later Glen returns and Lorelie has decided it's time for her to reclaim her life and Wade is more than happy to oblige.

As a professional musician Glen has spent his life on the road living the band lifestyle, but when he arrives back in Quinn, Texas on hiatus from the band he's working with, he can help but feel a sense of peace and every moment he spends with Lorelie and her father make him begin to question what he wants do to with the rest of his life. I really loved that Glen wanted to do things differently with Lorelie even though she was ready, willing, and able to get down to "business" right away. I enjoyed the banter between them, all the sweet moments, and the sexy ones were impressively hot. While Lorelie's male friends tried their best to fix Glen up with anyone other than her he stood his ground, made it known she was who he wanted and she made sure they knew she was onboard for what he was offering. Some of the most touching moments in this book came from Coach as he took Glen under his wing, showed him how to ranch, showed him kindness and gave him the opportunity to know his daughter. The moments where Coach let Lori know that he approved of her choice in Wade were tear inducing.

I've really loved this series and for me Wild Card was really special because Glen had nothing to do with the town of Quinn; yet once there he couldn't forget the town, the people, and most of all one special woman.

Review copy provided for an honest review.

[Phuong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've loved Boys of Fall series from the beginning and sad to see it come to an end but before it does, we get to read three more stories. I've been waiting for Lorelei's story and Mari Carr wrote a fantastic story that had so much heart. Lorelei had to put her life on hold after her father suffered a heart attack and now that he's recovered, she's trying to live her life again but has a difficult time overcoming her fear. The father/daughter scenes were beautifully written by this author and she had me in tears. I really liked Lorelei and Glen together and chuckled as the "boys of fall" went into protective mode as this couple tried to get together and I loved that Glen stood up to them. I also liked that he didn't want to rush things and the author did a great job building the sexual tension between them. They heated up the pages and I loved every minute of it. Another great story in one of my favorite series that should not be missed.

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting forever and ever for this book! The Boys of Fall struggle is real....
I love how I got to see a whole new side to Coach Carr and his over protective crew. The love they have for Lorelei makes it impossible for her to have any kind of relationship. But the sexy as sin guitar player, Glen, proves that he's up for the task of fighting for what he wants...
LOVE THIS BOOK!

[1-Click Addict Support Group · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since the moment Lorelie Carr and Glen Rodgers met earlier in this AWESOME series, I’ve been wanting this book. Their moment—although brief—was electric, and left me salivating for more.

Which is fitting, since their book did the exact same thing…

Oh, man alive. This series is… WHOA. All caps, italics—shit, I should add in underline and bold font too—absolutely necessary. I love the Boys of Fall, and this book is yet another exceptional entry. Smart, funny, sexy as all get out, adorable, swoony, HOT, romantic, perfect... ← Yeah, that about covers it.

Lorelie and Glen had killer chemistry. The way they bantered, flirted and romanced was so lovely. I was enthralled; there’s really no other word for it. I read from start to finish in one afternoon, and if I had any complaints, it’s that this book had to end.

Oh, how I wish Quinn, Texas was a real place, these characters real people. I love the protectiveness of Coach Carr’s Boys of Fall. I love the friendship between the ladies that love them (and occasionally infuriate them…). I love Coach and his wisdom. I love, I love, I love.

So, yeah, Wild Card left me wanting more, but in the best possible way. And luckily for me, I still have two more books in the series waiting for me. And when I’m done with those? Well, I guess I’ll just start all over again… ~ Beth, 5 stars

~~~

I’ve been anxiously awaiting my return trip to Quinn, Texas. This time I got to spend some time with Lorelie and Glen. You remember Lorelie, right? Coach Carr’s daughter who’s been playing nurse and resident good girl since Coach’s heart attack. The woman who’s been trying to find her way back to normal—even as scared as she is that something’s going to happen to her dad again.

Enter Glen Rodgers. Glen and Lorelie met briefly when she threw a “thank you” party for all the old football players and friends and family who helped out at the ranch while Coach recovered. Now, a few months later, Glen is back in town—in desperate need of a break from his real life. Nothing gets more real than a beautiful woman and some back-breaking labor.

But as reality really starts to infringe on the fantasy, will Glen and Lorelie realize what they have is better than any fantasy, and fight for it?

Oh, I’ve been (im)patiently waiting for Glen and Lorelie’s story. Just that brief introduction—that quick spark—has kept me anticipating what was going to happen between these two characters. I loved their interactions—their ability to let down their guards and just enjoy the time they had together. And lots of their together time was pretty damn sexy.

I adored how the football players still considered Lorelie their little sister and tried to protect her—sometimes quite hilariously. This story certainly runs the reader through all the feels—happiness, sadness, concern, anger, frustration, exhilaration—and I wouldn’t have changed a thing. I’m going to miss spending time with these Quinn, Texas characters, they’ve been a blast to hang out with! ~ Missy, 5 stars

[Redheads Review it Better · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very much looking forward to Lorelie's story in this series with Erin Nicholas and Cari Quinn. I have enjoyed her through the series. I think out of all the girls in this series, she has been the one I'm most drawn to. I was very happy to see where Mari was going to take Lorelie's relationship with Glen. I wasn't disappointed with the outcome in the least.

Lorelie has been in a weird holding pattern since her dad, Coach Carr himself, had his heart attack. It really affected her, so she worries and hovers and isn't the same person she was in the past. The beginning of the story starts with Coach Carr's party. Lorelie goes to her favorite spot on the ranch to have a breather and finds Glen. They share a moment and you can just feel the instant pull of these two characters. I, myself, was immediately vibing these two. Fast foward a few months later and Glen needs to take some time off and finds himself in Quinn, pretty much there because he can't get Lorelie out of his head and wants to see her. Swoon!

I found this story slightly different from a lot of other romantic reads. There's usually some big conflict that leads to a blowout of some proportion that leads to the characters going separate ways or some other thing. This book doesn't really have that. Yes there are obstacles in their journey, but their courtship was pretty smooth. I found myself immensely enjoying just enjoying them coming together.  I found this was the perfect way to to end Mari's contribution to this series. It's like that one saying-hate to see her go, but love to watch her leave. Hate to see this series end but what a way to see it go.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The wait to revisit Quinn, TX and the Boys of Fall was long, but Mari Carr made it worthwhile. It was a hoot catching up with the whole gang and watching their antics as they tried to help the budding relationship between Lorelie and Glen.

I fell in love with these two, separately and as a couple. Lorelie had always been so focused on taking care of her dad, who could have guessed she was so sassy and a little wild? Glen, with his patience and charm, could pass for a true Southern boy, and I immediately fell for this sexy singer. She was all hurried tequila shots to his laid back sipping whiskey, and–Lawd– that made for some fiery smexxy times.

Wild Card started like a slow country waltz and finished strong with a punch. The ending totally clinched it for me. It was a little bit sweet, whole lotta funny, and hella hawt. If this is truly the last round in the series, I’m a little sad. I’ll definitely reread whenever I get the urge to visit.

If you haven’t already, I highly recommend reading the entire Boys of Fall series by Mari and her fellow writers Cari Quinn and Erin Nicholas.

An ARC was provided for an honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might have been The Boys of Fall Book I was most looking forward to. While all the boys of Quinn were upset and came home to help Coach Carr it was Lorelie that truly was the most effected by her fathers heart attack. She was also seen as the little sister of the players so I was excited to see what kind of guy would finally grab Lorelie up. Glen is not a Quinn boy and is used to traveling the world as a backup singer/musician, formally with Wade. He visited Quinn in the past and he and Lorelie had major sparks. However when his own life takes a turn one of the first places he thought of going was Quinn and seeing the girl who's been on his mind for months.

I absolutely loved this book. Mari totally filled in the gaps that made all of us wonder why Lorelie was still single and each and every reason or excuse is explained perfectly. Glen ends up being the perfect guy for Lorelie and their relationship is smoking hot with out always needing to be explicit.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mari Carr brings two people together that have lost their true selves because of life changing events and choices only to find love, romance, and laughter with each other. When Coach Carr had a heart attack, Lorelie solely focused her life on being around for her dad and slowly lost herself during the months of Coach’s recovery. In Wild Card, Lorelie takes the opportunity to get back in touch with her wild, crazy, fun ways with Glen, the sexy, romantic, and talented guitar player. True to Mari Carr’s writing style, there are all kinds of emotional scenes that move the story along. Mari Carr engages the reader with heart-warming father-daughter scenes to humorous moments in between the steamy, sexy scenes with Lorelie and Glen. Mari Carr brilliantly delivers with Wild Card.

[Ellen Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

Not sure why I saved Mari Carr's Wild Card as the last book in the Boys of Fall series, except to say because Lorelie is Coach's daughter. It actually worked out perfect this way. It was almost like Lorelei and Glen's story drew all of the others together to make this the perfect finish for this series. If you like high school football, or memories of those days, then take a trip with Erin Nicholas, Cari Quinn & Mari Carr with this great Boys of Fall Series as the championship team from years ago all return home to help Coach when he has a health crisis. You won't want to miss any of them. They are all standalone books.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between her spunk and Glen's persistence to fight his way through the Boys of Fall, it was a fun read and the sex scenes were HOT. Love Mari's writing style and the way she works in the characters of the other books in both the Boys of Fall series and the mention of the Lost in Oblivion series. I highly recommend it!

[Aimee Suter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ummmmmm Just finished "wild card" and I NEED more!!!! Mari Carr I have been waiting for Lorelie's since the begining and it was better then I hoped for and absolutley amazing!!! I laughed, I cried, and a swooned!!!! Such absolute perfection!!!!

[Suzie Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outsiders welcome.

I have read all 9 books in this series. I admit some of them I felt were more sex than substance. All the men in this series have problems that a good woman will fix. But this book was different.

We met Glen in Illegal Motion. One look at Lorelei and he was a goner. But since he’s a musician in a band he was really the one gone. He heads back to Quinn for some R and R. The only place that has a pull. And then there’s the girl, that pull too.

Lorelie is Coach’s daughter. Since all these books stem around Coach’s boys we have gotten to know Lorelie pretty well. The love for her father is front and center. Her own life has taken a back seat since her dad’s heart attack and these months since.

Glen is offered to play Ranch Hand for a couple of weeks and gets razed and worked to exhaustion but he likes it. He likes, respects and becomes friends will all the players in these stories. He likes Quinn, he likes it all. But best he loves Lorelie and Coach welcomes him with open arms and in return gives him a father he never knew as well as becoming one of his boys of fall.

[Fedora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wild Card by Mari Carr is part of the Boys of Fall series she created with Erin Nicholas and Cari Quinn. Boys of Fall is about a number of the former football stars of the Quinn, Texas, championship team and their friends. Wild Card is Lorelie Carr's story--she's the only daughter of Coach Nicholas Carr, and honestly, it's been a hard year for her. Her dad's heart attack put her life on hold as well, as she's struggled to hold down the fort and help her father recover at the same time. As he's finally doing just that, she's unsure how to get her own life back to normal as well.

At a party she hosts for her dad during his recovery, she meets Glen Rodgers, country star Wade's former band mate. They share a moment of connection, but nothing comes of that conversation that night. But when Glen's life on the road hits a bump, he returns to Quinn for a time-out, and to see whether what he shared with Lorelie might be more than a momentary distraction.

Mari Carr pens another hot, emotional story that will leave you satisfied. Because this Wild Card is definitely a winner.

[Tami czenkus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to get Lorelei's story and Glen was the perfect match for her since he isn't easily intimidated by The Boys of Fall.
Glen left home at 16 knowing exactly what he wanted and went after his dreams, after years on the road he takes a trip back to Quinn to take a break and he embarks on something he never gave thought to before.... settling down.
I loved seeing the other characters from this series and catching up with what they are now doing.

[Lisa Mills · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story

I enjoyed this book. The series is hard to read in order, so I was wondering about Lorelei. Then a comment in the one I was reading let me know I'd missed her story. The stories don't have to be read in order as I figured I've missed Sadie's story, too, but I'm not too confused! I am enjoying the whole thing, stories, characters and setting.

[Sam Mc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Another great story by Mari Carr

Really enjoyed Lori and Glen's story. What a wonderful and sexy time they had.
I loved the relationship between Coach and his "team". Looking forward to more Boys of Fall!

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one a lot more than the first one in the series by this author. I especially appreciated the fact that there was no (unnecessary) break up before a grand gesture and reconciliation. Fun story overall.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a good read. Good story that kept my attention.

[Cecelia Crews · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story

I really enjoyed this book. The author has made the characters so much fun to read about. Butterfly is so fisty that you will fall in love with her.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite Boys of Fall series book by Mari Carr. Loved This story from the beginning.

[Pam _P who cusses A Lot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate to call this boring per se, but it's not exciting by any means. It's fine.

[Gigi Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Radish season 3 of Bad Boys of Fall

[Bonnie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loving !!

I couldn't put this one down, it will keep you wanting more.This one has everything you are looking for . Happy , sad ,love , and two sexy .

[Evita]

I wish I could really visit Quinn, TX because the way it’s described in the Boys of Fall stories makes it sound like a place I want to live and raise a family. The last 3 books are out in this series and boy it’s going to be hard to say goodbye to all of these great characters.

Mari Carr’s story revolved around Lorelie and Glen, if you are familiar with the series you know Lorelie is the daughter of Coach a much loved citizen of Quinn. After he suffered a heart attack, she is struggling with the fact that it could happen again.

At a party for her dad, she meets Glen, who was Wade’s former bandmate and they certainly spark an interest in each other. Months later, he comes back to Quinn after some bad business with his current band and searches her out because he cannot get her out of his mind.

I totally fell a bit in love with Glen, being part of a band and singing, he knows his way around romance. I love how he wanted to go slow even as Lorelie want to punch him for going slow, the sexual tension was very heavy with these two and when they finally give in, it was scorching. Their chemistry is also another reason why I really enjoyed these two characters, they got to know each other.

Do yourself a favor and make sure you read this installment and if you haven’t go check out the other authors that also wrote parts of the Boys of Fall series, Erin Nicholas and Cari Quinn. These three authors wrote an amazing series that will definitely be re-reads for me.

*Received ARC by author in exchange for an honest review.

[Staci · Rating 5 out of 5]

I saved this book for my final Boys of Fall book. I'm so glad I did because Lorelie Carr, as Coach Carr's daughter, has been a big part of the books from the beginning. Her hero had to be a very strong man and I think Glen Rodgers definitely covers that. He has a connection to Quinn, Texas through Wade and his musical side. Lorelie grew up being surrounded by the Boys of Fall who never saw her as anything more than the little sister who needed to be sheltered and protected. She managed to find a few boyfriends over the years, but they were always lackluster in the bedroom. She's been slowly watching her friends pair up and settle down, wondering when it was going to be her time. Enter Glen, the first guy ever to not be afraid of the Boys and what they would do to him. I loved the sparks between these two and really loved their story. I would recommend it to anyone.

[Staphysagria · Rating 4 out of 5]

two lovable main characters, good girl Lorelei who has given up her wild past to look after her dad after his heart attack, and the guitarist who must decide what to do with his life- is it worth hating your job as long as it makes money? And the fundamental truth what partnership is all about: suddenly these life altering decisions need´t be made alone any more. The story builds up very nicely, you follow the MCs while they undergo those subtle changes in their partnership- and then you are gifted with a wonderful visual- the final showdown on the front porch where the lady packs a mean punch- hilarious! A lovely story, nice holiday read, nothing too sinister in the past, a little bit of kinky bedroom play. So, hence four stars well earned- it´s really nice, easy to read, but it lacks the depth or drama to earn the fifth star. But don´t be put off- it is a really nice book.

[Josie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This series has been hit and miss for me, and after reading this one, I am on the fence about Lorelie and Glen's story. Pros: I loved Coach, and seeing previous characters was fun at times, and I quite liked Glen and Lorelie. There were some fun scenes between them. Cons: I didn't really feel any significant chemistry between Glen and Lorelie, and I wanted more trouble from the Boys of Fall. I also wasn't really feeling the drama with Trent. I don't think this is a book I will reread in the future.

[Tabatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Mari, I can't even begin to tell you how much I loved this book. :) I've been eagerly awaiting Lorelei's book, and I'm so glad I saved this one for last because this series went out on such a high note for me with this book. Glen and Lorelei are so well matched, and you could tell right from the start that this was far more than just a roll in the hay for these two people that really are on at a crossroads in both of their lives. It was the perfect balance of sweet and spicy that I've come to love from Mari's writing, and I just couldn't get enough!

[Sandi Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every time one of the Boys of Fall books come out I have to google and see if I can find Quinn, Texas so I can send my one single daughter to visit and find her a good man...LOL This is Lorelie (Coach's daughter's) story and it is one burner of a book. Who doesn't love a good love story and if it includes one hot singing cowboy that knows how to be one fine gentleman, well that makes this lady swoon.

Grab your copy today and find out why I gave 5 stars to Lorelie and Glen's story.