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Playing Dirty #1
Ballbuster
~ Kohen Hendricks ~
Out of all the football stadiums in the world, why did Roxanne “The Ballbuster” Benson have to plow through mine?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for women playing professional football. But what I’m not for is The Ballbuster waltzing onto my field, trying to take over my position as the Wildcats’ starting kicker. The woman dislocated my knee with her freaking Jeep, for chrissake, and yet all of my teammates love her!
So what if Roxy’s…gorgeous and sweet and loves football more than anyone in the world? This is my team; and once I recover, she’s gonna have to get used to sitting her fine ass on the bench. It’s nothing personal. Football is a dirty sport where only the best survive.
Now I just have to figure out how to survive a season without ending up with a busted heart; because despite how hard I try to avoid falling for Roxy, she keeps pulling me back into her bed.
Forget her Jeep. With one look, the woman can bring me to my knees. And the worst part is, I keep going back for more.
Out of all the football stadiums in the world, why did Roxanne “The Ballbuster” Benson have to plow through mine?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for women playing professional football. But what I’m not for is The Ballbuster waltzing onto my field, trying to take over my position as the Wildcats’ starting kicker. The woman dislocated my knee with her freaking Jeep, for chrissake, and yet all of my teammates love her!
So what if Roxy’s…gorgeous and sweet and loves football more than anyone in the world? This is my team; and once I recover, she’s gonna have to get used to sitting her fine ass on the bench. It’s nothing personal. Football is a dirty sport where only the best survive.
Now I just have to figure out how to survive a season without ending up with a busted heart; because despite how hard I try to avoid falling for Roxy, she keeps pulling me back into her bed.
Forget her Jeep. With one look, the woman can bring me to my knees. And the worst part is, I keep going back for more.
258 pages, Paperback
First published November 19, 2016
1050 people are currently reading
1426 people want to read
About the author
Lane Hart
188 books1,771 followersLane Hart is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, D.B. West, and their two children. She loves all things beach related, especially sea turtles, and is a huge fan of the Carolina Panthers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
November 28, 2016
2.5 stars
It would have been a nice book for me if:
- there were less swearing
- H had more faith in h
- h had more backbone
or/and
- H groveled more
- There were less plot gaps
Safety note:
(Apparently) when a woman plays football…
It would have been a nice book for me if:
- there were less swearing
- H had more faith in h
- h had more backbone
or/and
- H groveled more
- There were less plot gaps
Safety note:
(Apparently) when a woman plays football…
March 17, 2019
Amazing!
I can't believe I waited so long to read this! One of the best sports romances I have ever read for sure! This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to read another. The book surpassed my expectations by a long shot! I can't wait to read on and see what happens with the rest of these men! This was great and if you haven't read it yet your missing out for sure!
I can't believe I waited so long to read this! One of the best sports romances I have ever read for sure! This is the first book I've read from this author and I can't wait to read another. The book surpassed my expectations by a long shot! I can't wait to read on and see what happens with the rest of these men! This was great and if you haven't read it yet your missing out for sure!
April 10, 2018
Roxy is the first woman to play in the NFL. She’s had a rough road to get where she is and a lot of distrust of men, understandably, along the way. This is her life’s dream and nothing can ruin it. Except perhaps crashing her car into the current kicker for her new team.
Kohen is a jumble of mixed thoughts and feelings. He’s attracted to Roxy but the woman ran him over and is now attempting to take his place on the team. As their relationship lengthens and grows, Kohen bounces back and forth between trusting her and trying to figure out her true purpose.
This hero is certainly an unstable emotional wreck. Everything Roxy seems to do either increases his desire or arouses his suspicions. When distrusting her, Kohen doesn’t hesitate to let his thoughts have free reign to her which causes all sorts of drama and separation between them.
I loved that Roxy was so strong and independent even while she was sweet despite her job in an all-male field. She was human enough to want to quit at times, but determined enough to keep pushing through. Kohen was quite an a hole and I certainly wanted to whack him on the head for his actions a time or two. Ultimately however, he was a man who had no reason to trust any woman and it was an adjustment to do so.
This was a fast paced read with lots of steam and great secondary characters. Can’t wait to read Quinton’s story! I would’ve loved a bit longer epilogue that showed Kohen and Roxy further down the road into their relationship, but there’s no denying the ending was perfect for this couple.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Kohen is a jumble of mixed thoughts and feelings. He’s attracted to Roxy but the woman ran him over and is now attempting to take his place on the team. As their relationship lengthens and grows, Kohen bounces back and forth between trusting her and trying to figure out her true purpose.
This hero is certainly an unstable emotional wreck. Everything Roxy seems to do either increases his desire or arouses his suspicions. When distrusting her, Kohen doesn’t hesitate to let his thoughts have free reign to her which causes all sorts of drama and separation between them.
I loved that Roxy was so strong and independent even while she was sweet despite her job in an all-male field. She was human enough to want to quit at times, but determined enough to keep pushing through. Kohen was quite an a hole and I certainly wanted to whack him on the head for his actions a time or two. Ultimately however, he was a man who had no reason to trust any woman and it was an adjustment to do so.
This was a fast paced read with lots of steam and great secondary characters. Can’t wait to read Quinton’s story! I would’ve loved a bit longer epilogue that showed Kohen and Roxy further down the road into their relationship, but there’s no denying the ending was perfect for this couple.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
December 25, 2025
DNF @20% In the matter of pages, fmc runs mmc over with car, mmc is kissing her and getting jealous of other players greeting her. Whiplash with the insta of it all, concept of first female in NFL had potential. I like my burn to slow down before the couple exits at least.
Want to read
May 30, 2018If you are interested, you can currently get it for free on Amazon.
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US: https://www.amazon.com/Ballbuster-Pla...
UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ballbuster-P...
DE: https://www.amazon.de/Ballbuster-Play...
November 14, 2016
I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review.
Going into this book I really didn't expect to actually enjoy it so much!I not a huge football fan but this book about so much more even though football plays a huge part of it. But how could I not be pulled completely into the story when it's written by one of my favorite authors and in my opinion, one of the best that's out there! You have made me fall completely in love with almost every one of your H's in every book I have read! Well a little in love with them all except for Linc! But you certainly got me lusting after Kohen! Heck even Lathan and Quinton are hot as hell! I love how you write about the h and she is not some whinny, sniveling b!tch that cries until things are her way. Roxanne is bad ass in this book and underneath it all has a heart of gold and it just takes a little bit of time and Kohen sees the true Roxy! He just needs a little time to heal for his heart to open and let her in! I love that I can connect to all the characters in this book and didn't want the story to end. So I definitely look forward to reading Perfect Spiral to not only find out more about Roxy and Kohen, but to also see what the heck is going to play out with Quinton and his little surprise!
Going into this book I really didn't expect to actually enjoy it so much!I not a huge football fan but this book about so much more even though football plays a huge part of it. But how could I not be pulled completely into the story when it's written by one of my favorite authors and in my opinion, one of the best that's out there! You have made me fall completely in love with almost every one of your H's in every book I have read! Well a little in love with them all except for Linc! But you certainly got me lusting after Kohen! Heck even Lathan and Quinton are hot as hell! I love how you write about the h and she is not some whinny, sniveling b!tch that cries until things are her way. Roxanne is bad ass in this book and underneath it all has a heart of gold and it just takes a little bit of time and Kohen sees the true Roxy! He just needs a little time to heal for his heart to open and let her in! I love that I can connect to all the characters in this book and didn't want the story to end. So I definitely look forward to reading Perfect Spiral to not only find out more about Roxy and Kohen, but to also see what the heck is going to play out with Quinton and his little surprise!
November 9, 2016
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book!
OH MY GODDESS! This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down, the chemistry between Kohen and Roxy is out of this world. I can't wait for the next book in 2017.
Kohen is a kicker for the Wildcats and Roxy is the first pro player who accidentally hits Kohen with her Jeep. At first he thinks she did it on purpose to get his spot on the team.
When things heat up I tell ya the pages feel like they are on fire.
IIt's a must read if you love football cus there is some football talk in here which I like...some sport romance authors don't add a lot of the sport in their books but I think Lane did a nice balance.
OH MY GODDESS! This book was amazing! I couldn't put it down, the chemistry between Kohen and Roxy is out of this world. I can't wait for the next book in 2017.
Kohen is a kicker for the Wildcats and Roxy is the first pro player who accidentally hits Kohen with her Jeep. At first he thinks she did it on purpose to get his spot on the team.
When things heat up I tell ya the pages feel like they are on fire.
IIt's a must read if you love football cus there is some football talk in here which I like...some sport romance authors don't add a lot of the sport in their books but I think Lane did a nice balance.
November 9, 2016
A portion of plot of this book was not what I was expecting but I enjoyed it and it worked. The characters were funny and believable with some amazing chemistry. The characters were not the cliché type of characters and they had some real issues that were relatable to the average person. I had a hard time putting this book down and I would recommend this book to others. I also can see that there can be other books from this one with the supporting characters and I look forward to seeing where things go with them.
November 8, 2016
Love it when I get a chance to read one of Lane hart books early always makes me smile. She never lets us down with her books and this one proves that's is a great book that's has you wanting more from the very beginning. You will fall in love with kohen and Roxy and the rest of the team I can't wait to read more in the series it's going to be awesome.
November 9, 2016
Ms. Hart did it again!
I loved this story. Kohen and Roxy's story is one of enemies to friends to lovers. The story line was engaging and the dialogue was very entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
I loved this story. Kohen and Roxy's story is one of enemies to friends to lovers. The story line was engaging and the dialogue was very entertaining.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review.
November 24, 2016
DNF @ 13%
Just could not get into it....at all. It took me two days to even force myself to make it to 13%...
I'm sure the story is great...unique in the fact that we have a female football player and all...but I just didn't like the H or h enough to even move forward.
Sorry!
Just could not get into it....at all. It took me two days to even force myself to make it to 13%...
I'm sure the story is great...unique in the fact that we have a female football player and all...but I just didn't like the H or h enough to even move forward.
Sorry!
April 2, 2019
I had really high expectations for this book, after all it has a really high rating and plenty of glowing reviews. But, I don't know, I didn't like it all that much. Maybe it just isn't the book for me.
Right out of the gate Kohen and Roxy were slobbering all over each other.
But, I was like, fine, whatever. Let's keep reading and see where this goes. Then he was a complete asshole to her time and time again, and she just kept forgiving him, no questions asked. He was a complete dick to you, said some really hurtful stuff, and then you welcome him back with open arms?
And, fine. He had gone through some stuff, which made him untrusting and weary of women's motives. But, still. That's no excuse to be such a jerk. She had motives to be a raging bitch to every guy who got a little too flirty with her, but was perfectly pleasant and civilized.
So, yeah, like I said, maybe this just wasn't the book for me. Too much lust, too little plot, and hella repetitive at that. "Blah, blah, blah, she's a
January 18, 2020
Multiple good stories
This was actually 2 1/2 stories. The McAllister was cute story about a female and male kicker that were fighting for the same position, but ultimately ended up falling for each other. I would give that story 4 stars. The Jax story was really good. Although Jax and Page did not hit it off when they first met, they soon could not deny their chemistry. Since Page was his lawyer they had to keep their budding relationship under wraps. As they fought for Jax's freedom and her love there were some serious ups and downs. Can't wait to read Jude's story.
This was actually 2 1/2 stories. The McAllister was cute story about a female and male kicker that were fighting for the same position, but ultimately ended up falling for each other. I would give that story 4 stars. The Jax story was really good. Although Jax and Page did not hit it off when they first met, they soon could not deny their chemistry. Since Page was his lawyer they had to keep their budding relationship under wraps. As they fought for Jax's freedom and her love there were some serious ups and downs. Can't wait to read Jude's story.
July 2, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. So we meet Roxy who is the first woman to play in the NFL, you go girl. We know this is not easy for her being in a male dominent field and it was tough for her. So unfortunately for her she also crashes her car into the kicker for the team she was just hired in, no luck girl. Kohen is all over the place he is hot for her but doesn't trust her and he just cant figure out what he wants from her.
July 28, 2017
Another great read by Author Lane Hart!!
I seriously don't know how she does it!!
This books was so good!!
The writing is flawless.
The story constantly progressing from one page to the next. The characters funny and charming.
I highly enjoyed this book and I'm so excited to jump into the rest of this series.
Definitely off to a great start!!
I seriously don't know how she does it!!
This books was so good!!
The writing is flawless.
The story constantly progressing from one page to the next. The characters funny and charming.
I highly enjoyed this book and I'm so excited to jump into the rest of this series.
Definitely off to a great start!!
July 9, 2024
Vrouwelijke ruby speler was een leuke draai! Daar had ik nog niet over gelezen en vooral niet in een mannen team. Ik vond het begin heel leuk maar daarna wat saaier. De schrijfstijl leest lekker weg en ik had het boek zo uit. Hoewel sommige dingen wel erg snel en makkelijk waren.
September 6, 2017
Great read with a bonus 2nd book
I read ball buster but have NOT read the bonus book Jax that was also included. I really enjoyed this story and excited for Quintons story
I read ball buster but have NOT read the bonus book Jax that was also included. I really enjoyed this story and excited for Quintons story
December 12, 2020
Review to come
Want to read
December 11, 2025💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/24/2017)! 💝
November 29, 2016
I am a huge fan of Lane Hart and her Cock Cage Fighter series, especially, but she scores big with this story! I love that this story is focused on the female as the lead and not making her the HEA necessarily. I love that Roxy is so strong, confident, and determined, yet feminine with real emotion. Lane wrote this book with the compassion that Roxy could be a super role model for girls every (but only if they old enough to read these types of books). I love it!!! Girl Power!!!
This story is about Roxy, a spunky and talented kicker making history as the first female NFL player for the Wildcats and Kohen, the super hunky starting placekicker for the Wildcats, who as fate has it, lives will be intertwined forever. Roxy is just happy to be a player in the league, not really looking for starting position on the team, but an unfortunate turn of events places her directly in the limelight as well as branding her as the "manipulative little $!&@#" by Kohen. Kohen wants to hate Roxy so much but he is unexplainably drawn to her. She is beautiful, funny, witty, and intimidating to his career as she can kick as well as he can. Now due to an unfortunate accident, Kohen is benched and forced to mentor the person he despises or pretends to despise the most. Kohen is caught up in all kinds of emotions as he hates Roxy, lusts for Roxy and wants to really try to establish more with her...there is a small problem though, since Roxy is the first female on the team, every male player on the team has to sign an addendum that they wouldn't touch her, and what he wants to do to her will more than violate that contract and possibly cost him his career. Suddenly he finds himself wondering if she if worth it.
Roxy is feels horrible that Kohen isn't able to play as the kicker for the Wildcats, more so because she knows that he blames her for him being out. She was initially excited to learn from the 3rd best kicker in the league but gets more than she bargains for when she is forced to be mentored by him, and ordered to move in with him by the coach to help care for him. Little did the coach know that sparks of attraction were already flying between the two. After a bad experience years ago, Roxy adopted a strict rule of no messing around with teammates. This rule has helped her survive the rest of high school, college and will be her saving grace in the pros or will it be her downfall? Roxy is so attracted to Kohen but realizes that he loathes her, or he pretends too. As the firewalls crumble can Roxy save face for herself and pursue Kohen, or will they both crash and burn, ruining their lives forever?
This story is about Roxy, a spunky and talented kicker making history as the first female NFL player for the Wildcats and Kohen, the super hunky starting placekicker for the Wildcats, who as fate has it, lives will be intertwined forever. Roxy is just happy to be a player in the league, not really looking for starting position on the team, but an unfortunate turn of events places her directly in the limelight as well as branding her as the "manipulative little $!&@#" by Kohen. Kohen wants to hate Roxy so much but he is unexplainably drawn to her. She is beautiful, funny, witty, and intimidating to his career as she can kick as well as he can. Now due to an unfortunate accident, Kohen is benched and forced to mentor the person he despises or pretends to despise the most. Kohen is caught up in all kinds of emotions as he hates Roxy, lusts for Roxy and wants to really try to establish more with her...there is a small problem though, since Roxy is the first female on the team, every male player on the team has to sign an addendum that they wouldn't touch her, and what he wants to do to her will more than violate that contract and possibly cost him his career. Suddenly he finds himself wondering if she if worth it.
Roxy is feels horrible that Kohen isn't able to play as the kicker for the Wildcats, more so because she knows that he blames her for him being out. She was initially excited to learn from the 3rd best kicker in the league but gets more than she bargains for when she is forced to be mentored by him, and ordered to move in with him by the coach to help care for him. Little did the coach know that sparks of attraction were already flying between the two. After a bad experience years ago, Roxy adopted a strict rule of no messing around with teammates. This rule has helped her survive the rest of high school, college and will be her saving grace in the pros or will it be her downfall? Roxy is so attracted to Kohen but realizes that he loathes her, or he pretends too. As the firewalls crumble can Roxy save face for herself and pursue Kohen, or will they both crash and burn, ruining their lives forever?
June 28, 2018
Ballbuster (A Playing Dirty Sports Romance Book 1) By: Lane HartFemales Playing Pro Ball... H€LL Ya!
Come on... What can I say... The Blurb's Awesome!
I feel like a greedy little gnome just waiting to devour ALL Lane Hart's books... That's RIGHT! I actively stalk upcoming releases just looking for the next opportunity to read more, More, MORE of this Absolutely Amazing author's work...
Whatever I don't own, I've ARC'ed, because I've suddenly grown Sooo impatient I cannot wait anymore for her Stellar writing to be released, & like a good greedy little gnome, I tracked her work down to its source so I could get it sooner (Muhahahaha!).
Let me tell you a Secret, it's AWESOME being on the insiders team, especially for my Ms. Impatient Greedy Gnome, but most importantly because...
I LOVE Lane Hart's books; she's my go to girl when I'm looking for a Se*y story! Whenever I see Lane's name on a cover, I know it's gonna be an excellent read :) It's gonna be a Feel-GOOD, let myself go piece of self-indulgence, & let me tell you... Holy HOTness...Has she ever hit it outta the ballpark again giving us another truly Spectacular performance! Okay, okay... When doesn't she! LOL :)
I already owned Lane Hart's "Ballbuster (A Playing Dirty Sports Romance Book 1)," but I'm reviewing it for her via Booksprout, & of course I'm ecstatic to recommend it to others because it's an excellent read...Trust me, this is a One-Click selection for your inner greedy gnome library too. LOL! You know you have one... Am I right, or am I RIGHT! Don't miss out, because NO Matter the settings & or character type she's writing with, Lane Hart always brings it home for the readers. All opinions expressed within this review are uniquely my own & freely given.
Until next time... Happy Reading!
January 18, 2021
Roxy is the first women who gets to play in the NFL who falls on love with a teammate and ends up with her HEA. The idea sounds good but the book sadly wasn't.
Roxy is a women who, according to herself, doesn't cry often. So the times that she cries on the book can't be counted on one hand.
Kohen never, ever, gives her the benefit of the doubt. He always thinks the worst of her without getting her perspective. Then he treats het like sh*t, doesn't apologize when he finds out that he's been wrong and she just accepts that. Why?
Her raven hair is now a pixie cut, but she’s pretty enough to pull off the short hair. Really???? Apparently only pretty women should be allowed to have short hair because everyone else should have long locks, just for that male gaze 🙄
“Only a few teammates know about my houseboat, so she’s safe there,” Oh really? So that wasn't your houseboat where you had an all team party, including the cheerleaders, just two short weeks ago?
Kohen has been in the NHL for over 4 years and owns a million dollar houseboat. You what he's worried about? If you guessed paying the bills, then you guessed correct! I just don't get why. The dude makes millions of dollars, doesn't have a debt or a gambling/drinking/drugs problem and nobody in his family has expensive medical issues. Why are you worried about you bills?
Don't get me started on the sex. No condom in sight, her freaking out about him not wearing one, he blaming her because she crawled on his c*ck before he could get one on. And the next time it's the same. So they never learn 🙄
Oh, that hot steamy sex? If my friend told me they had sex the same way and under the same pretense Roxy and Kohen do, I would tell her to run because of sexual manipulation. On multiple occasions I yelled at the book 'that's sexual assault!'. And there is nothing sexy or steamy about assault!
Roxy is a women who, according to herself, doesn't cry often. So the times that she cries on the book can't be counted on one hand.
Kohen never, ever, gives her the benefit of the doubt. He always thinks the worst of her without getting her perspective. Then he treats het like sh*t, doesn't apologize when he finds out that he's been wrong and she just accepts that. Why?
Her raven hair is now a pixie cut, but she’s pretty enough to pull off the short hair. Really???? Apparently only pretty women should be allowed to have short hair because everyone else should have long locks, just for that male gaze 🙄
“Only a few teammates know about my houseboat, so she’s safe there,” Oh really? So that wasn't your houseboat where you had an all team party, including the cheerleaders, just two short weeks ago?
Kohen has been in the NHL for over 4 years and owns a million dollar houseboat. You what he's worried about? If you guessed paying the bills, then you guessed correct! I just don't get why. The dude makes millions of dollars, doesn't have a debt or a gambling/drinking/drugs problem and nobody in his family has expensive medical issues. Why are you worried about you bills?
Don't get me started on the sex. No condom in sight, her freaking out about him not wearing one, he blaming her because she crawled on his c*ck before he could get one on. And the next time it's the same. So they never learn 🙄
Oh, that hot steamy sex? If my friend told me they had sex the same way and under the same pretense Roxy and Kohen do, I would tell her to run because of sexual manipulation. On multiple occasions I yelled at the book 'that's sexual assault!'. And there is nothing sexy or steamy about assault!
August 12, 2017
Roxy Benson is the new kicker for the Wildcats pro football team, but she’s not off to a great start. As she’s driving through the parking lot goggling the huge stadium, her SUV hits something. Make that someone. And not just any someone, but Kohen Hendricks, the Wildcat’s kicker whose ranked third in the league – the man she hoped to have as a mentor but some may consider her competition. Now it looks like he’ll be out for the first part of the season due to his knee injury, compliments of Roxy. (Of course, it’s partially his fault since he was Googling Roxy and watching his phone rather than where he was walking.) As much as he’s annoyed by his injury, he can’t help his attraction to the Wildcat’s newest team member. But there’s bound to be a lot of plays run both on and off the field when the coach appoints Kohen as both guard and roommate to the league’s first female player. Sounds like an opportunity for a bit of scoring (sorry), but Kohen has major trust issues where women are concerned. It’s a good thing Roxy is a guileless, big hearted, forgiving kind of gal.
Lane Hart won my heart with her Cocky Cage Fighters series, and she’s one of my go-to authors for sports romance. This first book in the Playing Dirty series certainly doesn’t disappoint. Told in a lighthearted, sassy style, this one is loads of fun that had me laughing out loud at football euphemisms, while drawing me in with the vivid, complex characters and keeping my attention with a fast paced, interesting story. Definitely a terrific read you’re sure to love, and you’ll want to read on in this series to see what happens with other team members.
Lane Hart won my heart with her Cocky Cage Fighters series, and she’s one of my go-to authors for sports romance. This first book in the Playing Dirty series certainly doesn’t disappoint. Told in a lighthearted, sassy style, this one is loads of fun that had me laughing out loud at football euphemisms, while drawing me in with the vivid, complex characters and keeping my attention with a fast paced, interesting story. Definitely a terrific read you’re sure to love, and you’ll want to read on in this series to see what happens with other team members.
October 9, 2022
3.5/5
Content wise, I loved it! Ballbuster is a fun, witty, steamy sports romance with a side of history being made. And don't forget some very corny sports euphemisms!
My problem lies in character development. I love Roxy, but she missed that last step that she needed to be fully realized as a character. Her entire character is built on being the first woman to play pro football, remaining friendly but distant with her teammates so they don't screw her over like her former teammates, and guarding her heart against being involved with a teammate. Those are all great characteristics, but it seemed like every chance she could she was in bed with Kohen.
I'm all for their relationship, I think it's a tad contrived but it's cute, but she threw away her entire foundation too quickly. Any time Kohen did something to hurt her (though he had his reasons too) and she was justifiably angry or upset, as soon as she laid eyes on him again, they had sex and all was fine. In this respect, Roxy's character fell flat for me. I needed her to take that last step and see her working through her issues instead of just having sex with Kohen and forgetting all about it.
Character issues aside, I also wish the book would've focused a little more on the football. While it's marketed as a Playing Dirty Sports Romance, I got a Playing Dirty Romance with a dash of Sports.
Otherwise, the book was cute. I'm really pulling for Quinton, Lathan and Paxton, and I hope that they get their perfect match in the coming books. They were easily my favourite characters in the book and I really hope they find someone who deserves them!
Content wise, I loved it! Ballbuster is a fun, witty, steamy sports romance with a side of history being made. And don't forget some very corny sports euphemisms!
My problem lies in character development. I love Roxy, but she missed that last step that she needed to be fully realized as a character. Her entire character is built on being the first woman to play pro football, remaining friendly but distant with her teammates so they don't screw her over like her former teammates, and guarding her heart against being involved with a teammate. Those are all great characteristics, but it seemed like every chance she could she was in bed with Kohen.
I'm all for their relationship, I think it's a tad contrived but it's cute, but she threw away her entire foundation too quickly. Any time Kohen did something to hurt her (though he had his reasons too) and she was justifiably angry or upset, as soon as she laid eyes on him again, they had sex and all was fine. In this respect, Roxy's character fell flat for me. I needed her to take that last step and see her working through her issues instead of just having sex with Kohen and forgetting all about it.
Character issues aside, I also wish the book would've focused a little more on the football. While it's marketed as a Playing Dirty Sports Romance, I got a Playing Dirty Romance with a dash of Sports.
Otherwise, the book was cute. I'm really pulling for Quinton, Lathan and Paxton, and I hope that they get their perfect match in the coming books. They were easily my favourite characters in the book and I really hope they find someone who deserves them!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 14, 2017
Ballbuster by Lane Hart a baller of a five-star read. This is the first book in a playing dirty sports romance series, what a start. I have to be honest Lane Hart wrote my favourite series with the Cocky Cage fighter series, and this may just be catching up with it.
I surprised myself how much I identified with Roxanne ‘Ballbuster’ Benson as she is a hard-core Jock and my idea of a good game is sitting on the side-lines. But you can’t help but root for her, I wanted to be on the side lines cheering her on, as the first female in professional football playing for the Wildcats. Her leg is like the football equivalent to Beyoncé’s behind. The problem is will her legacy be ruined on her first day with the team?
Kohen Hendricks has it all, star kicker for the wildcats, woman throwing themselves at him. But that could all be over after he is looking at his phone and gets hit by a ‘ballbuster’. Was it her plan all along? Or was it just an accident that may lead to a better outcome?
Roxanne is a great female lead, she has a passion to her that won’t be put down, she is a woman you could get behind and kick the trash to the kerb with. Kohen is man who you could imagine going to the long game with, all the way. They were both proper characters that had a real depth and the background characters were so funny. I for one can’t wait to read more about one background in particular Quinton, I can’t wait to read his story in Perfect Spiral.
I surprised myself how much I identified with Roxanne ‘Ballbuster’ Benson as she is a hard-core Jock and my idea of a good game is sitting on the side-lines. But you can’t help but root for her, I wanted to be on the side lines cheering her on, as the first female in professional football playing for the Wildcats. Her leg is like the football equivalent to Beyoncé’s behind. The problem is will her legacy be ruined on her first day with the team?
Kohen Hendricks has it all, star kicker for the wildcats, woman throwing themselves at him. But that could all be over after he is looking at his phone and gets hit by a ‘ballbuster’. Was it her plan all along? Or was it just an accident that may lead to a better outcome?
Roxanne is a great female lead, she has a passion to her that won’t be put down, she is a woman you could get behind and kick the trash to the kerb with. Kohen is man who you could imagine going to the long game with, all the way. They were both proper characters that had a real depth and the background characters were so funny. I for one can’t wait to read more about one background in particular Quinton, I can’t wait to read his story in Perfect Spiral.
May 29, 2024
This book was reading so well up until about 75% of the way through. At that point, the writing devolves into high-school level story-telling with the main character acting like a pouty child. It was so strange that I almost felt like I wasn't reading the same book. It's almost like the author took her time to write a great novel, then looked up to realize she had only a day left to finish and so wrote a bunch of crap. THEN, we get a silly baby drop trying to rope us into the next book in the series. If this one hadn't ended with such poor writing, I would have picked up the next. As it stands, nope; I won't be doing that.
Other than this main complaint, I had issues with some missed details (e.g they drove to training camp in Kohen's Audi, but that Audi never gets driven home; the house boat is supposed to be only known by a few people, and yet he throws parties with all the cheerleaders present; trying to follow some of the steamy scenes' choreography was impossible--do NOT try that at home; and tons of other little errors or incorrect idioms as pointed out in my notes).
Serious readers, I'd stay away from this one. It may do more to annoy than to enjoy!
Other than this main complaint, I had issues with some missed details (e.g they drove to training camp in Kohen's Audi, but that Audi never gets driven home; the house boat is supposed to be only known by a few people, and yet he throws parties with all the cheerleaders present; trying to follow some of the steamy scenes' choreography was impossible--do NOT try that at home; and tons of other little errors or incorrect idioms as pointed out in my notes).
Serious readers, I'd stay away from this one. It may do more to annoy than to enjoy!
June 28, 2018
I received this book for Free to Give My True & Honest Review.
This is my 2nd book by Lane Hart that I've read & I enjoyed it as much as I did Jax.
Here we're meeting the very first female professional football player Roxanne Benson who's going to be the number 2 under Kohen Hendricks the Starting Kicker. But heck their first meeting isn't just not the finest, Kohen see's it as sabotaged blaming all on Roxy.
Here we see that these 2 doesn't JUST have to work together the coaches see that it'd be great for them to live together on his house boat.
So here we see that friction of when you can't keep your eyes of each other & that wanting but then both of them have trust issues.
So we have that heated want but then there's some real humorous areas but also there's areas where you want for them to open up & trust each other.
Great all rounder & beautiful ending. Can't wait until I read Perfect Spiral in Quinton's story where we'll see what's happening with him & his unsuspected 'gift' where we'll see more of Roxy & Kohen
This is my 2nd book by Lane Hart that I've read & I enjoyed it as much as I did Jax.
Here we're meeting the very first female professional football player Roxanne Benson who's going to be the number 2 under Kohen Hendricks the Starting Kicker. But heck their first meeting isn't just not the finest, Kohen see's it as sabotaged blaming all on Roxy.
Here we see that these 2 doesn't JUST have to work together the coaches see that it'd be great for them to live together on his house boat.
So here we see that friction of when you can't keep your eyes of each other & that wanting but then both of them have trust issues.
So we have that heated want but then there's some real humorous areas but also there's areas where you want for them to open up & trust each other.
Great all rounder & beautiful ending. Can't wait until I read Perfect Spiral in Quinton's story where we'll see what's happening with him & his unsuspected 'gift' where we'll see more of Roxy & Kohen
June 29, 2018
Roxanne “The Ballbuster” Benson has become the first women to ever play professional football. She has worked really hard to get this position and has to deal with sexist men that don't believe that she will ever make it as a starting kicker, including Kohen. Kohen, who is the Wildcats’ starting kicker, believes that Roxanne is out to take away his position and does not have any faith in her. Plus, he accuses her of trying to get him kicked out of the team and of manipulating him, numerous times. Kohen and Roxy start a sexual relationship and eventually end up falling in love.
This was a good story that I enjoyed, though at times Kohen really got on nerves for the way he treated Roxy.
I do have to say that Quinton was actually my favorite guy from the story and I cannot wait to read his story (Sorry, Kohen!....Actually I'm not sorry!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a good story that I enjoyed, though at times Kohen really got on nerves for the way he treated Roxy.
I do have to say that Quinton was actually my favorite guy from the story and I cannot wait to read his story (Sorry, Kohen!....Actually I'm not sorry!)
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2019
A cool 5 stars
Kohan and Roxy's story is a mess from the start. Neither of them want a relationship specially with a team mate, but when lack of concentration on both parts makes for a unfortunate traffic accident they are both thrust together and be under each other's noses 24\7.
Can they keep it to team mates only?
Will the accident leave lasting damage?I
Will hearts be mended or will they forever be broken?
I loved this story Roxy is a strong independent woman that wants to live her dreams but as dream is to play football in a male dominant field she has a lot to contend with and she take it all her stride and doesn't back down. Kohan is a typical man that don't engage brain cells before he speaks . But knows what he wants and both in stands in his way.
Very well written the plot flows at great spend it's not rushed at all detail is in point and all extra characters are great you learn enough about them they don't just arrive and hover.
Kohan and Roxy's story is a mess from the start. Neither of them want a relationship specially with a team mate, but when lack of concentration on both parts makes for a unfortunate traffic accident they are both thrust together and be under each other's noses 24\7.
Can they keep it to team mates only?
Will the accident leave lasting damage?I
Will hearts be mended or will they forever be broken?
I loved this story Roxy is a strong independent woman that wants to live her dreams but as dream is to play football in a male dominant field she has a lot to contend with and she take it all her stride and doesn't back down. Kohan is a typical man that don't engage brain cells before he speaks . But knows what he wants and both in stands in his way.
Very well written the plot flows at great spend it's not rushed at all detail is in point and all extra characters are great you learn enough about them they don't just arrive and hover.
September 11, 2017
I just finished reading Ballbuster and it is another good Lane Hart book! It's the story of the first woman to play professional football and the place kicker that she runs into, literally! Roxy has just been drafted into the NFL as a backup kicker and while she's driving into the teams parking lot she accidentally runs into their current kicker, Kohen. He didn't see her because he was looking at a picture of her on his phone but that doesn't stop him from blaming her for his injury. This is a good enemies to lovers told from dual POV and I would recommend it to any sports romance reader or any rom com fan because there's more to these two than just football. Ballbuster is complete at 50% of the book and then you get the complete story of Jax, A Cocky Cage Fighter. Jax's story is another one of my favorites and has been previously reviewed.
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