Beauty and the Running Back

by Colleen Masters

Dean Carter No girl is off-limits to Rayburn University’s star running back. Not even the coach’s daughter. Hell, I’m about to bring this school an NCAA Championship, the least I’m owed is a piece of that sweet little home-grown ass of hers. For the first time in my life, something about this girl has me reeling. I can’t shake the thought of her innocent smile, the smell of her perfume, or the way her hips sway mockingly back and forth as she walks away from me. I know she wants me, I know she can barely help herself, I know because of the way her body betrays her every time we touch…but the wrath of her father—my coach—stops her dead in her tracks. Every. Time. I’ve lived my entire life one yard at a time, taking what I want, when I want it, and accepting nothing less. There are no consequences when you’re a campus god. There’s nothing that can stop me, on or off the field, from getting this girl. Jessa Cahill Sure, on the surface Dean Carter seems like the stereotypical asshole jock, the sorority-wet-t-shirt-contest-loving frat boy, the womanizing man-slut. But I know that deep down, underneath the football pads and layers of tattooed-muscle, there’s a man worth losing everything for. My father would kill us both if he found out that I let Dean “know me” that way. He’d murder us if he found out my tutoring sessions with Dean involved learning more than just English literature… A guy like Dean can be addictive, dangerous, sexually exquisite…but all actions have consequences. Beauty and the Running Back is a full-length contemporary sports romance novel. This book involves a lot of hot steamy sex, and a little football. 18+, HEA, no cliff. Includes a FREE Copy of “Stepbrother Billionaire” at the end!!!

Genres: Sports, College, Sports Romance, Romance, Football, Family, Contemporary

686 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2016

About the author

Hey there,

I'm Colleen Masters, author of the Faster Series. Thank you so much for swinging by and checking out my stories! As an indie romance author, your support means everything to me. Let me tell you a little bit about myself...

I grew up in Central Jersey, and studied Theatre Arts and English at Monmouth University. (Going to college right next to the beach? Hell yes :D) My dream has always been to make a profession out of writing, so I moved to NYC five years ago and have been working my butt off to make that dream come true ever since. Right now, I'm living on the Upper East Side with my darling fiancé and our corgi, Frodo. (Bit of a lit nerd, what can I say?) All of my friends get such a kick out of my "survival job," but I don't really see my writing as a day job at all--it's way too fun for that!

These books are truly a labor of love, and I'm so happy to share them with you. I hope you enjoy reading them as much as I enjoyed writing them!

xo
CM

Reviews

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just what you’d imagine it would be…jock falls for creative type who happens to be the coach’s daughter…typical…right? In a way, yes. It has what you would typically find…drama with her dad, sneaking around…etc; but at the same time, I found this to be pleasantly surprising!

Yes, it’s firmly stated that Dean doesn’t do relationships and can have any girl he wants. But what I loved was that while you do see him flirt early on, once he met Jessa, she was the only girl he could think of, and he had no problems focusing on just her. And before he knew it, they were in a relationship…and he was ok with that.

Some spoilers may follow, so you’ve been warned…while I had the thought that she might end up pregnant, I totally didn’t expect what actually happened. But I loved the way Dean stepped up and how no matter what, he wanted Jessa. And when he found out some things that Jessa had been keeping from her, yes, he was hurt and angry, but he didn’t hold a grudge and treat her like crap. And that was nice. Because while those types of books do work, it was just nice to see a guy NOT like that in a book.

Overall, this was a very enjoyable book by Colleen Masters.

[Tracy Lundy-Munn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beauty and the Running Back is a standalone book by Colleen Masters. This book had a solid storyline that had me hooked from beginning to end. The twists and turns were well executed and made this book a great read. The characters had smokin hot chemistry in and out of the bedroom. All in all a pretty solid book that I would recommend.

[Shawnee is A Bookaholic · Rating 2 out of 5]

What the?!

Ok first off, I was interested the first like couple chapters, the writing was good the pace a little fast but not too bad then BAM she's pregnant (I totally saw it coming but what happened after is where this book lost me). She completely keeps it a secret then when he finds out she LIES about it being someone else's he gets pissed (rightfully so) and they break up. All of a sudden she feels so bad that she wants to confess ends up talking to him goes into labor and he finds out in the hospital and is just so happy and in love?! I call bs. I do think that it would've been more believeable for them to come parent but to just forgive her for lying for like 6 months about something good as serious as a baby. No. No way. This couldve been so much better.

[Lexee Toste · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story! Jessa and Dean were great characters. Jessa's dad is the new football coach at Reyburn University and Dean is the star runningback. Dean only has plans for football and making it pro, at least until he runs into Jessa. They have a chance meeting and are immediately drawn to each other and no one else will do from the first meeting. I really liked how that was done. Jessa and her dad do not get along. Dean isn't too keen on the new coach, especially as he learns more from Jessa but he lets it go on the field. We get to see Jessa and Dean grow their relationship, in secret, and get ready to take the next step until a major surprise gets thrown their way.
I really liked the way that the story was done and it was believable to me because they were great together. Yes, there was a big secret kept between them but I thought that it was handled in a way that made me believe their reconcilliation. The sex is explicit and well done. The story was well written and flowed really well. Once I started reading, I really wanted to find out what was going to happen next and how everything was going to work out.

[Kerry Richardson · Rating 2 out of 5]

2☆ This book ended at 45%, the remaining balance was another story. This story was decent enough. I liked the characters, Dean was a really good guy and Jessa, although she did a not very nice thing, was still a good character and I liked them together. However, there were so many grammatical errors and mistakes which I find unforgivable. For me it made the book a hard read as I constantly had to re-read sentences and try to make sense of it all. This author clearly doesn't bother to check her own work nor does she use a proof reader/editor. If she wants people to continue reading her books then she needs to rectify this problem as soon as possible.

[Sharon Hatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dean (Crash) has his life all figured out; booze, sex and football (first college then the NFL) then he meets Jessa by chance (or perhaps fate). An odd couple that seems perfect except they have to keep their relationship secret (Jessa is the coach’s daughter), so when further pressure unexpectedly shows up it seems too much and their relationship starts to fall apart. Anger and hurt from both sides separate the two but time gives them clarity, understanding, and hope. Outstanding story! I cried and smiled and cried again but don’t worry it is an HEA ;-) Very well written with memorable characters that are definitely going on the read again pile.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean and Jessa, what a pair

Dean, the college football star and all around player. Jessa, the coach's daughter. This was a good story and kept you sucked in. Jessa is a relatable character and very easy going. Dean seems like the typical jock and all around jerk, until he runs into Jessa. Their story is one of hidden moments and stolen kisses. I honestly wasn't expecting Dean to be how he was with the relationship, he kinda surprised me. Jessa left me heartbroken when she left.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've liked pretty much everything I've read by Colleen Masters. The story lines are always interesting, there's plenty of romance, and chemistry, and I can count on a HEA - Dean and Jessa's story is no exception. It would probably get 4 stars if not for the writing errors including incorrect words at times and lack of consistency in timing. For example, Dean asked Jessa's mom for her address to send him a Christmas card...in March? If those types of error don't bother you, this book is definitely one you can enjoy!

[Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rate: 4,3/ 5 stars

Typial player player story, I loved it. The plot was funny and it was definitely entertaining.
I love reading about bad boys falling in love. Dean was just another one but he was good.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story


Crash is the epic playbook football player. Jesse is the good bad girl who just so happens to be the new coach's daughter. Hidden relationships and surprises til the end. This is a great quick read. Love the family dynamic and of course the happy ending.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great quick read!

I've read other books my Colleen Masters and this was much tamer than her other books if you're not into the racier novels. I really enjoyed the book; Dean and Jessa make a great couple.

[Morilyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colleen Masters is a "must read" author for me; she always delivers and Beauty and the Running Back is no exception. It was a satisfying read, with a good guy star football player who really did fall in love and worked hard to keep the relationship going. Simply loved it!

[Heather Emery · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book, but I just didn't. It seems unrealistic, I know it is a book, but still I need to be able to visualize it and just was not able to. The book was way too 'young' for me too. Bummed.

[Dana Wendt · Rating 4 out of 5]

So don't get me wrong, I loved this story, it was so sweet and romantic. I would have given it a 5 star rating except for all the spelling mistakes, left out words or wrong words in the book. I think Ms. Masters needs to get a new proof reader and editor and she would get many more 5 star ratings.

[L Morales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!! If you enjoy reading sports romance book then I recommend you read this book. I love the main characters and the storyline.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a great book to read

[Antje Carstens · Rating 4 out of 5]

really nice read

[Kimberly Hutchins · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent

[Rogelyn Nay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Young Love .....

Young love, sweet love .... I fell in love with this book ! HEA, sexy scenes, no cliffhanger. Dean and Jessa are such a perfect couple. I love it !!!

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Colleen Masters. This book was light and refreshing with a good ending. I was rooting for them from the beginning. I enjoyed the book

[L. Denise Dupre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyable!!!!

[Julie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have always liked Colleen's book and found them so enjoying but this one didn't keep my interest as much as I hoped it would. I am still a big fan and look forward to future books.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freakin loved this book. I devoured this in one day. Colleen Masters really knows how to keep me entertained. I hope she writes more in the genre.

Love me some football players!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! What a great story!!! Love it from start to finish. Couldn't put it down !

[Debdes1221 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Definitely would recommend if you like college sports romances. I wish there was more of their life and love together but it was still great!

[Tarn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love reading about a man about time fall hard!!