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Ballers #2

His Final Play

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Nico has lost everything he once held dear to save his nieces’ life. It was the right decision for him and he would do it again, no question. Especially now, the brown eyed, chocolate, physical therapist that swipes into his life makes everything worth it. She just may be the one that can do what no other has been able to do.
Reese Roman is young and her budding career is successful. There are just a few things that are just not right. Meeting Nico Donati comes with way more than she bargains for. The passionate soccer player shows her that she has been missing something.
What is a man to do when he knows at first sight that she should be his, but she already belongs to someone else? When you are Nico Donati, you wait…because Reese is worth waiting for. Or is she?

279 pages, ebook

First published September 15, 2016

290 people are currently reading
175 people want to read

About the author

Blue Saffire

84 books998 followers
NEW YORK CITY – In just over a year since romance author Blue Saffire began writing and releasing books, she has trailblazed a path to success that many indie writers can only dream of. A multi-Swirl Award winner and a perennial Amazon bestseller, Saffire is the woman behind the popular interracial romance series “Legally Bound,” “Hush,” “Ballers,”“Brothers Black,” “Perfect For Me” and “Yours.”

Always the overachiever, Saffire typically releases a new book every four to six weeks, quenching the thirst of her dedicated fans with spicy storylines and dynamic writing. Saffire has seven releases slated between October 2016 and January 2017 including three new “Brothers Black” books and four new “Legally Bound” books.

One of Saffire’s keys to success is her talent for connecting with readers on a personal level. In 2017, she’s throwing Blue’s March Madness from March 23 to March 25 at Wild Dunes Resort in Isle of Palms, SC. Not only does each reader get a chance to meet and hang out with Saffire, she’s inviting her bestselling author friends to join in on the fun. Included in the price of tickets are the events, new books exclusive to March Madness attendees and an extra-special secret surprise. For more information, visit http://bluesaffire.com/leads/march-ma....

BLUE SAFFIRE is a woman on a mission to share her words and thoughts with the world. She has found her passion in her pen and steams up the pages with her humor, honesty, love and voice. Saffire represents the secret author inside that some of us are too scared to let out.

She also writes under the pen name Royal Blue.

Saffire and her family all enjoy life in the suburbs. However, life throws her challenges daily and since her diary is no longer enough, she has decided it is time for new outlets for the words she would never say face to face to her friends, family and definitely not her husband. For more about Blue Saffire and her books, visit http://bluesaffire.com/.

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5 stars
683 (69%)
4 stars
209 (21%)
3 stars
61 (6%)
2 stars
19 (1%)
1 star
8 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
Profile Image for Rosie.
1,654 reviews32 followers
September 20, 2016
10 Stars

I was excited to find out that Ballers 2 was released and I quickly scanned the nearly all 5-Star reviews. I didn't remember Nico or Reese so a quick trip down memory lane with Brad and Tamara was in order. A search of their names in Book 1 still didn't reveal very much to me about this couple.

I loved Book 1 so I quickly jumped into Book 2 and I began reading and reading and saying to myself ... "Nico can't hold a candle to Brad!" I thought there is no way that Nico is a better man than Brad. At about 50 percent in, I went back to glance at the 5-Star reviews to find out what I was missing. I just couldn't see the reasons for all the 5-Star love. So I had made up my mind that I was rating this book 4 Stars.

Then, I hit the 60 percent mark in this book and that is when my world shifted and I realized that all the 5-Star reviews were spot on. All I can say is -- I am now a believer! When I think of Nico, Salt & Pepa said it best ... "What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man." I am pleased to say that I was wrong about Nico, he can definitely hold a candle to Brad.

This book has a deeper, more poignant story line (and epilogue) than Book 1 and I admit this book made me (ugly) cry like a baby--you'll know what I'm talking about when you get to this part in the story. I'm not going to give the story away, not even a hint and I encourage you not to peek at the other posted reviews.

This is an outstanding follow-up. Though, you are strongly encouraged to read the interconnecting books before reading Ballers, they are: Legally Bound, Hush and Brothers Black. However, I think you can still read The Ballers Series as stand-alone stories.

Do yourself a favor and also read the author's acknowledgements, too.
Profile Image for Gina.
134 reviews12 followers
September 20, 2016
5 starz

I was really having problems with Ballers 2 since reading Ballers 1 when it was released nothing for me would connect until the turning pointe then the connections were made. In B1 Brad was the man but when you read or as you read B2 Nico
IS the man all I can do is SWOON.



Profile Image for Mspraise50.
1,597 reviews65 followers
September 18, 2016
There is no denying it, this was a very romantic read. This is Reese and Nico's story. Nico loves and cares for Reese in such a loving and caring way. This is how a man should love his woman. I did also have a few laugh out loud moments.

I loved it though when Reese proved that she could hang with the mafia family by giving a certain person the beat-down of her life. That was over due for real!

I would definitely recommend this book a a great read.
Profile Image for Genevieve Woods.
Author 12 books54 followers
September 17, 2016
Exceptionally written.

I shared Reese's pain. Blue you allowed your gifts and anointing through suffering to create a wonderful testimony. I know this is erotica but the testimony of faith rings loud and will help someone beyond entertainment. Be blessed Blue I don't know you personally but this story is clearly from your heart. I recommend to anyone who has a promise unfulfilled.
Profile Image for M.J..
373 reviews23 followers
July 5, 2017
Almost Perfect

I have waited a long time for Ballers 2 and I finally got it! Nick and Reese we great, the unconventional romance was interesting and had my attention from page 1. My only complaint is the same complaint I have about all the books with this author, this story just dragged unnecessarily. There were just too many fillers that were not needed. The story of how they met fell in love and the obstacles they had to overcome was perfect and really made the book for me. That is what I loved however, it was kinda all over the place at times,too many people,too many explanations of these people, and way too much dialogue with them that was not intricate to the story. This book could have been cut by 100 pages and it would have been a five star book for me, but I can only give it four Nevertheless, because of how well written and interesting the core story was, I would still recommend this book.
Profile Image for Kelly .
406 reviews10 followers
September 17, 2016
Awesome addition!

They were a few grammatical errors but nothing to take away e the story.

It shows where the author pours her heart and soul into this book; it spoke of a very personal issue the author herself has struggled with.

I laughed, I cried, I fanned myself repeatedly while reading this very touching, sensual love story. This book focused on true commitment and unwavering support...not just from Nico and Reese but also from the supporting cast.

Awesome....awesome...awesome!!!
Profile Image for G.
69 reviews
September 21, 2016
Good addition to the series

Now, I know that I didn't read every book in series because frankly, certain characters just didn't interest me but it was somewhat confusing trying to figure out some of the friends that showed up. I hated the pacing of the story. Every other chapter jumped several months, if not a couple of years. I did however, love the epilogue and reading about the next generation. I'm very curious about that bunch.

Also, if you are going to tell a story in the past, like 5 years ago from present day, they can't be dancing to current music (that dance hall scene in particular). There were a couple of typos in the story but the dialogue and the characters I've grown to love made me overlook that. As someone who is trilingual, I love having multingual and militcultural aspect incorporated into my romance. However, it can take the reader out of the story if one character speaks in Italian and there are no real context clues as to what he is saying. Having to Google translate a book, (there wasn't even a glossary in the back like some authors tend to do) can take the reader out of the story and can take away from the tale.

I commend the author for taking the time to write about infertility issues and women who have experienced miscarriages. It is a sensitive subject and one I felt that the author did tastefully. Thank you for sharing Reese and Nico's story and the acknowledgement page was just soul stirring. All in all, can't wait to read another book by Ms. Saffire in the future.
Profile Image for  Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf.
5,973 reviews134 followers
September 27, 2019
5 Star Kindle Unlimited Read

What an amazing journey for Nico. I would love to read the journal that Reece kept during her pregnancy for Nico.

Also, will we get more from Sam and Ellen??? Something was hinted at but not fully revealed and it wasn't in Sam's story. Hmmm lots stl going on.

**Please toggle or advance to 100% at the end of every Kindle Unlimited book so that authors are paid for their work properly. Thank you. **

UPDATE
Yes, I love this world so much that when I finally made it through my massive amounts of email and noticed new releases... I had to start from the beginning. As a woman, I love these alpha in control men that will do anything to protect their families and the women they love. But I also love these strong woman who stand beside their men, not behind!
8 reviews3 followers
September 28, 2016
This book was AWESOME!!!!! it made you laugh,cry, and scream oooh nooo not again. it's a must read, hats off to you BLUE you truly are an amazing writer.
Profile Image for Vondetta Carter.
833 reviews8 followers
July 9, 2017
This a love story of Nico and Reese. Reese is a smart girl who fell in love with and married the wrong man. He was a professional football player who was maintaining a secret life. Reese was his devoted wife who was also a Physical Therapist.
Nico Donatti is a soccer player extraordinaire. He was injured in a robbery/Kidnapping gone bad. His career may be over until his sister-in-law Valentina gets her friend Reese to work with him. Nico and Reese are smitten with each other.However, Reese will not break her marital vows and Nico won't push her. Reese is home from work and her husband is attempting to get her in the mood. A knock comes on the door, Reese answers to find a woman and two young boys. The oldest boy says is my Daddy here? Ty pushes past her and becomes irate but the truth has been revealed. Reese is devastated and runs to her handsome friend Nico. Nico has a mutual friend in Page Locatelli to draw up divorce papers that nite. He comforts Reese and makes plans to make his. The heat between Reese and Nico is an inferno but Reese will not cross the lines until her divorce is final.
Ncio and his brother Uri & Michael help TY see why he needs to give Reese what she wants and more.

This story burns up the pages with the Push Nico puts on Reese. Reese has problem she doesn't want to burden Nico with but Nico wants her anyway he can have her. Go with them as heartache and love grow between these two. Many characters from the Legally Bound series appear in this story. Fabulous Read with a few typos, I love this writer who as interjected some of her personal pain in these pages...Great Job...a wonderful read...
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,704 reviews21 followers
December 4, 2022
Fabulous

This is another book in the series that is hot, sexy, and so tantalizing. But I must say it can make you grin and sad in reading this one. I have also said "oooh" on more than one occasion with the incredibly descriptive scenes of passion. While I really enjoyed the characters and storyline and found it to be one of my favourites, and if you are like myself you will also enjoy all of the couples. The author did a fantastic job of building up the sexual tension and teasing readers with it as much as she did with the characters. The encounters have all the sensuality that you have come to expect from these guys. Again I must say This isn't just your typical romance, since there is a element of suspense to them all. Throughout the entire series there’s always something that’s just simmering beneath the surface, and that along with the depth of the main couples emotions makes each story such a page turner. They All Are Must Read!!
252 reviews4 followers
November 19, 2017
In God's time!

Wow this novel was written with passion from the soul. I had to read with tissues in my hand. Nico and Reese are definitely a couple that had gone through a journey to get their happy ever after. I felt every emotion that Reese and Nico was going through it was like looking through a mirror. Little Vita was right there with Reese thanking God for his goodness and when Reese had her breakthrough with God that was a powerful moment.
Nico family was every thing the love that they have for each is awesome
Great novel and page turner and I loved the ending everything was with God's love and timing💝
861 reviews4 followers
August 28, 2024
Excellent

This was an excellent book that covers an issue that many women deal with
Reese dealt with a lot of heartache in this story but Nico and his family comes to the rescue
It is through his love and support that she survives
The song “I Will Survive” should be the theme song for this story
Blue took a sensitive topic and made it into a book about resilience, survival and faith
It is a testament to other women who are civilians who need the encouragement that they can make it through and be victorious
Great job as always Blue
Keep letting your pen tell the beautiful stories you have in your mind
May all your dreams come true like Reese
57 reviews
August 1, 2018
Reese and Nico’s story almost had me in tears. What a jerk ex-husband. Spoiler Alert. It’s one thing to cheat but to actually go start a family with another woman while still married. I knew he was doing more than cheat. Nico falling in love with her while she is still married to the jerk, so he had to watch and could not do nothing while she was dealing with the husband. What really got me was the fact she kept loosing her babies. I was glad when everything worked in her an Nico’s favor. There is definitely a happy ending. Wonderful story.
Profile Image for Angelia.
489 reviews64 followers
February 15, 2019
Nico and Reese are a beautiful but damaged couple.... but with the turn of each page their love story continued to have you in tears at times and laughing a something Nico said or did. Ms. Saffire took us on an emotional ride that I felt as if I could feel their pain as they tried to protect each other from heartache. The things we sometimes do for love. I did LOVE the epilogue and reading about the next generation. I would LOVE to see how Bobby, Uri and NIco handle their boys and girls turning into young men and women.
800 reviews2 followers
May 9, 2020
Awesome Read!

This was a awesome book! From start to finish I was hooked. The chemistry between Nico and Reese was smoking. Reese's ex Ty was a jerk. I really enjoyed that beat down Reese gave Aurora, it was a much needed but kicking. The story was very entertaining. You got a real story with a storyline that was believable. The only thing I did not like was when the chick brought the kids to Reese's house and you did not get what happened between Sam and his wife. But overall this was a very good book. You will not be disappointed.
Profile Image for Cassandra L.
56 reviews1 follower
November 30, 2016
Excellent read! The characters are great the primaries and supporting cast. Blue Saffire always delivers a well developed story line and characters. She has become one of my favorite go to authors. I know I will always leave her world wanting to visit again and again.

Ballers 2 His Final Play by Blue Saffire
85 reviews1 follower
March 28, 2019
Thank You I really enjoyed this book will be reading it over again that's how much I enjoyed it.

This book showed true love on the mist of time, most couples would have given up on having more.and their relationship would've been over. I glad you showed that holding on even to God's word, a change and happiness will soon follow, never give up on GOD because he want give up pn you.
Profile Image for Lillian D.
24 reviews
April 15, 2019
Healing, redemption, eternal love

I have read this book several times, but it had been a while so when I flipped through to refresh the story in my mind...I could not put it down. I felt sad, happy and hopeful this book did all of that, I could feel Nico and his devotion and Reese's fear and delighted in her healing...what a ride Blue...thanks for sharing such a personal topic you are one of my favorite authors!
787 reviews3 followers
May 15, 2022
football(soccer)player and his PT

Reese and Nico, she healed him from a family business injury and he helped her through a difficult time in her life. The love and passion they have for each other could not be denied. Reese had to heal herself to let go and get back to God. When she let go truly of past hurts and tuned into heart, her blessings flowed abundantly. She sacrificed her relationship for the ultimate prize! A definite must read!
Profile Image for TACORA MCCLUNEY.
2,526 reviews12 followers
August 27, 2023
Nico and Reese

This was a great story. My heart broke for Reese and all the loses that she endured. What I loved most about Nico is the love he had for Reese. He loved her through all their loses and never blame her. He wanted to make her his wife with or without the babies. Reese was determined to give her love what he wanted most, even if she had to break his heart to do it. I'm glad he understood why she did what she did to make him the father he yearned to be.💘💘
161 reviews2 followers
February 18, 2025
Emotional

This book had me on a roller-coaster ride of emotions. My heart broke for Reese. The emotions that a person go through when they lose a baby that they desperately want. I felt that pain through these pages. And Nico, his love for Reese, was unwavering.
Blue poured her heart and soul in this book, and I felt it all. It's such a great love story.
If I could, I would give it 10 stars and more.
162 reviews
April 5, 2025
This couple and this family

This is my second time reading this story after rereading the Brothers Black and the Legally Bound series and Yours.

This was an emotion filled journey with Bico and Reese. The pieces fit better now that I read in the proper order.

Thanks Blue for sharing the heart wrenching story including miscarriages and loss in efforts to create a family. Thanks for being vulnerable and showing faith in action with imperfect children of God.
854 reviews3 followers
January 10, 2018
Ballets II

Nico, Nico, Nico can I at least swoon? Nico is devastated that he failed the one shot he had at protecting .......... Will he retreat within himself?
Reese has a man that she is wasting her time with but he is her safe zone. What happens when the safe zone is disturbed by ........ Will Reese continue to be safe or will she throw caution to the wind?
Profile Image for doubleperfect.
5 reviews2 followers
December 24, 2018
Loved it!!

I’m almost caught up on reading all of Blue Saffire novels. This is by far my favorite. The characters fought hard and won. I cried at end. Thank you for giving us this beautiful story. I appreciate that Nico was on the fringes of his family business and had his own life and career. His patience is both sexy and endearing. On to the next book!
16 reviews
August 2, 2020
Can I have one of these men

What an amazing series this is, I have read all the books in order and it has made the experience much better, and shows how much of a talented writer Ms. Blue is. I cried, I laughed, cried some more, this book takes your there. Highly recommended this series
287 reviews
April 16, 2021
Reese and Nico were perfect for each other

Love the final chapter of Ballers. Nico ended up being just as crazy as his brother Uri (well maybe not as crazy as Uri but he has a lot of Uri's craziness) I thought Reese leaving was a bit over the top but you've got to do something to keep the interest going. Great read!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews

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