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The Playmaker
Professional football player Hunter Davis is learning that saying he’s gay is very different from actively being in a relationship with another man—especially in the eyes of his teammates and fans. So when Hunter needs a personal assistant to keep him organized, he asks for a woman in order to prevent tongues from wagging. Montgomery Willis badly needs to find work before he loses everything. There’s just one position at the agency where he applies, but the problem is, he’s not a woman. And he knows nothing about football. Still, Hunter gives him a chance, but only because Monty’s desperate. Monty soon proves his worth by saving Hunter’s bacon on an important promotional shoot, and Hunter realizes he might have someone special working for him—in more ways than one. Monty’s feelings come to the surface during an outing in the park when Hunter decides to teach Monty a bit about the game, and pictures surface of them in some questionable positions. Hunter is reminded that knowing he’s gay and seeing evidence in the papers are two very different things for the other players, and he might have to choose between two football and Monty.
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2016
26 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 53 reviews
March 12, 2017
John Solo did a good job with the narration. The different voices fit the characters, and the author injected emotion into his narration according to the situation, so it didn’t feel wooden. I did have to speed up the pacing a tad, but overall this is a solid audiobook.
I don’t read many MM books with a sports theme. The ones I do read are usually about hockey. But I didn’t need to worry about not getting the football references. The actual football in the book is minimal, with most of the focus on Monty and Hunter’s relationship.
That being said, I did appreciate the opportunity to fantasize about hot football studs. Betty knows what I’m talking about:
Though Monty is immediately attracted to Hunter (totally understandable), their relationship takes a while to get going. Hunter is very protective of his privacy, and so it takes him a while to get used to Monty. But once Hunter realizes that Monty’s only concern is to look out for him, he slowly begins to see Monty in a different light.
This is one of those books where readers actually see the MCs fall in love. It happens slowly as Hunter and Monty become accustomed to having each other in their lives and get to know one another.
The actual falling-in-love part is a fairly smooth ride. Hunter may not want a relationship out in the open, but he doesn’t deny that Monty makes him happy. And Monty may not know a single thing about football, but he knows that Hunter’s a special guy.
Plus, they’re pretty hot in bed. Hunter puts those muscles to good use.
The bump in the road comes when the media gets wind of their relationship. The double standards and homophobia were blood-boiling, but that’s the sad truth of the world we live in.
What I really didn’t like was the Hunter’s father wasn’t held accountable for his role. The man was an ungrateful leech who saw Hunter as a ticket to fame more so than as his son. I wouldn’t have minded if Hunter had completely cut the man out of his life.
Even so, I liked the ending. Monty and Hunter get the HEA they deserve.
This book was predictable, but it’s enjoyable in an easy-to-read kind of way. If you’re looking for a simple low-angst MM romance with a sports theme, give ‘The Playmaker’ a try.
I don’t read many MM books with a sports theme. The ones I do read are usually about hockey. But I didn’t need to worry about not getting the football references. The actual football in the book is minimal, with most of the focus on Monty and Hunter’s relationship.
That being said, I did appreciate the opportunity to fantasize about hot football studs. Betty knows what I’m talking about:
Though Monty is immediately attracted to Hunter (totally understandable), their relationship takes a while to get going. Hunter is very protective of his privacy, and so it takes him a while to get used to Monty. But once Hunter realizes that Monty’s only concern is to look out for him, he slowly begins to see Monty in a different light.
This is one of those books where readers actually see the MCs fall in love. It happens slowly as Hunter and Monty become accustomed to having each other in their lives and get to know one another.
The actual falling-in-love part is a fairly smooth ride. Hunter may not want a relationship out in the open, but he doesn’t deny that Monty makes him happy. And Monty may not know a single thing about football, but he knows that Hunter’s a special guy.
Plus, they’re pretty hot in bed. Hunter puts those muscles to good use.
The bump in the road comes when the media gets wind of their relationship. The double standards and homophobia were blood-boiling, but that’s the sad truth of the world we live in.
What I really didn’t like was the Hunter’s father wasn’t held accountable for his role. The man was an ungrateful leech who saw Hunter as a ticket to fame more so than as his son. I wouldn’t have minded if Hunter had completely cut the man out of his life.
Even so, I liked the ending. Monty and Hunter get the HEA they deserve.
This book was predictable, but it’s enjoyable in an easy-to-read kind of way. If you’re looking for a simple low-angst MM romance with a sports theme, give ‘The Playmaker’ a try.
November 10, 2016
* 3,5 stars *
This is a cute feel good story I need after some bad news I've heard from the whole world 11/9. You know which one.
I was glad I found Monty and Hunter. Especially Monty, because sometimes I have to hold my urge to slap Hunter. I get that he's 'like that' but didn't mean that I allowed him to act stupid like that. Thank God he has Joe to remind him how precious Monty for him.
I'm kinda hate Hunter's father, what kind of father was he? Duh.
I liked Monty and Hunter's relationship, but I found it was lacking of chemistry between them, not as strong as I wanted at least. Less bonding time and less heat between them probably was the one that caused it. No idea.
But overall, if you need very low angst, feel good and sweet story, go for it. Monty is cute and adorable. I liked him a lot.
* I was given the ARC by Dreamspinner Press for a fair and unbiased review, no high rating required*
February 16, 2019
***3.5 stars***
This was a site quick read. I wish it was a bit more to it overall, but still enjoyable.
This was a site quick read. I wish it was a bit more to it overall, but still enjoyable.
November 19, 2016
I thought this was a cute one. I liked both Hunter and Monty. Even though Hunter had to figure out what was truly important.
November 5, 2016
Hunter Davis is a "Playmaker" and a trusted member of his team. Everyone knows he's gay, and everyone is fine with it, primarily because Hunter doesn't date, doesn't fool around, and doesn't shove being gay into anyone's face.
He's also terrible with time. He's constantly late, hopelessly disorganized, and in desperate need of a assistant (even though he doesn't think so).
Enter Montgomery Willis. Monty has had absolutely terrible luck with jobs, mostly from being sexually harassed in one way or another. He's sleeping on his sister's couch and almost out of money. He needs a job and fast so when the opportunity comes up to work for Hunter he jumps on it, not knowing anything about Hunter or football.
Told from both Hunter and Monty's POV, the story follows how well the two gel together, how much Monty helps Hunter with, not only his organization, but with some hard-held secrets Hunter's been hiding since childhood.
It was cute watching the two fall for one another but both trying to ignore it. Where I found the need for some suspension of disbelief comes from the way the two, first, start a physical, romantic relationship, and second, get found out and the fall out from that. Hunter is forced to choose between what could be the love of his life and football and the trappings that come with it.
I didn't get why there had to be a choice. I didn't understand why it was anyone's business what Hunter did or didn't do romantically with Monty. There aren't any rules about it, and if a straight player had been dating an assistant no one would have batted an eye. I honestly didn't get the hullabaloo and hated seeing Hunter and Monty hurt by the double-standard.
I rooted for the two to work out their problems and for Hunter to realize what he has with Monty.
The Playmaker is a low angst, cute and quick page turner, which requires some suspension of belief. Ultimately though it's sweet, has some sexy times to round it out, and a lovely HEA.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Playmaker provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
He's also terrible with time. He's constantly late, hopelessly disorganized, and in desperate need of a assistant (even though he doesn't think so).
Enter Montgomery Willis. Monty has had absolutely terrible luck with jobs, mostly from being sexually harassed in one way or another. He's sleeping on his sister's couch and almost out of money. He needs a job and fast so when the opportunity comes up to work for Hunter he jumps on it, not knowing anything about Hunter or football.
So he doesn’t know who you are or who any of us are. Do you want a guy as your assistant because you’re famous and he wants to get close to you, or someone who treats you like anyone else and has your best interests at heart?
Told from both Hunter and Monty's POV, the story follows how well the two gel together, how much Monty helps Hunter with, not only his organization, but with some hard-held secrets Hunter's been hiding since childhood.
It was cute watching the two fall for one another but both trying to ignore it. Where I found the need for some suspension of disbelief comes from the way the two, first, start a physical, romantic relationship, and second, get found out and the fall out from that. Hunter is forced to choose between what could be the love of his life and football and the trappings that come with it.
Monty had heard much of the conversation between Hunter and his mother. He’d heard her warning about how Hunter would eventually have to choose, and when the time came, he’d hoped that Hunter would choose him over football, but he was afraid, with every passing hour, that he knew Hunter’s choice.
I didn't get why there had to be a choice. I didn't understand why it was anyone's business what Hunter did or didn't do romantically with Monty. There aren't any rules about it, and if a straight player had been dating an assistant no one would have batted an eye. I honestly didn't get the hullabaloo and hated seeing Hunter and Monty hurt by the double-standard.
I rooted for the two to work out their problems and for Hunter to realize what he has with Monty.
“Yes. Football is a game and you… you’re my life.” Hunter’s sincerity rang like a bell and broke down the last of Monty’s resolve.
Monty’s breath hitched as he heard the words he hadn’t expected he’d ever hear. “Hunter.” The name came out as a whisper.
“Will you have me?”
The Playmaker is a low angst, cute and quick page turner, which requires some suspension of belief. Ultimately though it's sweet, has some sexy times to round it out, and a lovely HEA.
Advanced Review Galley copy of The Playmaker provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
November 18, 2016
Some stories are fantastic from the start, and some sneak up on me. ‘The Playmaker’ is a good example of the latter. Why? I’ll be the first to admit that I am not exactly a sports fan (far from it, if truth be told), but the kinds of issues professional athletes have to deal with are much like anyone else’s. Double standards for gay men (and any other members of the GLBTQ+ community) are, unfortunately, still widespread and that is one of the central themes of this novel. Throw in an interfering publicist who thinks he knows best, a father who only cares about his son’s success as a football star rather than his happiness, and worries about a public image that focuses too much on a player’s personal life, rather than stick with what he contributes to his team’s success. ‘The Playmaker’ has all of the above plus some fantastic characters and, as a result, pulled me in from the start and kept me reading.
Hunter may be out, but it is much “easier” for most of the rest of the world to ignore that he is gay and pretend he has no personal life. Hunter has not wanted a boyfriend ever since a tragic event with the last man he loved, so he had no idea how bad things could get. Once he shows an interest in Monty, his extremely capable personal assistant, and someone I won’t name here to avoid spoilers gets hold of the information, the sh*t truly hits the fan. And Hunter has no idea how to deal with it. Taking into account that he has a few other issues he doesn’t want to discuss in public and the fact that he relies on specialists to manage his career, he ends up listening to everyone and forgetting that it’s HIS life they are discussing.
Monty is an amazing guy. He is in deep financial trouble, so he is desperate for a job. And while he has never been a personal assistant before, he has all the skills from previous employment. He has no clue about football, but he throws himself into the job full-tilt and makes a huge success of it. Part of it is because he is very organized and a skilled problem solver, but mostly I think it’s because he cares. He truly wants to help Hunter take charge of his life on all fronts, and when he finds out some of the underlying issues that cause Hunter’s issues with being on time, Monty becomes Hunter’s champion without blinking.
With as much time as these two men spend together and since they get along really well, it is no surprise that a fast friendship develops, soon followed by deeper feelings. A tabloid gets hold of the wrong pictures, tongues start wagging, and thanks to some people only paying lip service to accepting Hunter’s sexuality, the potential public relations disaster looms large. Hunter is not ready to make a decision, lets others make it for him, and it takes him a while to figure out how wrong that is. I loved the way he recovers and cheered him along all the way to making up for his mistake and getting Monty to understand what his real priorities are.
If you like professional athletes, even fictional ones, if you want to see how concerns about “the public image” can come close to ruining two lives, and if you’re looking for a read that is everything from funny and lighthearted to serious and emotional, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s a great example of how important it is to figure out what you want out of life – because if you don’t, others will decide for you and you might not like the results.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Hunter may be out, but it is much “easier” for most of the rest of the world to ignore that he is gay and pretend he has no personal life. Hunter has not wanted a boyfriend ever since a tragic event with the last man he loved, so he had no idea how bad things could get. Once he shows an interest in Monty, his extremely capable personal assistant, and someone I won’t name here to avoid spoilers gets hold of the information, the sh*t truly hits the fan. And Hunter has no idea how to deal with it. Taking into account that he has a few other issues he doesn’t want to discuss in public and the fact that he relies on specialists to manage his career, he ends up listening to everyone and forgetting that it’s HIS life they are discussing.
Monty is an amazing guy. He is in deep financial trouble, so he is desperate for a job. And while he has never been a personal assistant before, he has all the skills from previous employment. He has no clue about football, but he throws himself into the job full-tilt and makes a huge success of it. Part of it is because he is very organized and a skilled problem solver, but mostly I think it’s because he cares. He truly wants to help Hunter take charge of his life on all fronts, and when he finds out some of the underlying issues that cause Hunter’s issues with being on time, Monty becomes Hunter’s champion without blinking.
With as much time as these two men spend together and since they get along really well, it is no surprise that a fast friendship develops, soon followed by deeper feelings. A tabloid gets hold of the wrong pictures, tongues start wagging, and thanks to some people only paying lip service to accepting Hunter’s sexuality, the potential public relations disaster looms large. Hunter is not ready to make a decision, lets others make it for him, and it takes him a while to figure out how wrong that is. I loved the way he recovers and cheered him along all the way to making up for his mistake and getting Monty to understand what his real priorities are.
If you like professional athletes, even fictional ones, if you want to see how concerns about “the public image” can come close to ruining two lives, and if you’re looking for a read that is everything from funny and lighthearted to serious and emotional, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s a great example of how important it is to figure out what you want out of life – because if you don’t, others will decide for you and you might not like the results.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
February 8, 2017
3.5 stars
Review to come.
Review to come.
March 8, 2017
This is a story for people looking for a nice getaway. It’s light, low on angst, has a few hot smexy times, and is lovely in the way that Andrew Grey books always are.
I loved that Monty is the one in charge of everything and everybody! He has all the answers and everyone underestimates him – but only once! The team is so supportive of him and helps even Hunter to do the right thing in regards to their relationship. He added some nice humor to this story.
Hunter is a bit less likable but he meshes well with Monty. Sometimes their relationship arc is a bit predictable, but that can be comforting at times, too. I didn’t understand fully why Hunter and Monty broke up near the end, but I was glad it was a relatively short break.
Recommended.
4 of 5 stars
Audio
John Solo does a really nice job with this. He attempts to give all the various secondary characters unique voices and I really appreciated how he did the female voices as well. He has an easy voice to listen to and the sound quality was excellent. This was a light hearted book and his tone really represented that.
5 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
I loved that Monty is the one in charge of everything and everybody! He has all the answers and everyone underestimates him – but only once! The team is so supportive of him and helps even Hunter to do the right thing in regards to their relationship. He added some nice humor to this story.
Hunter is a bit less likable but he meshes well with Monty. Sometimes their relationship arc is a bit predictable, but that can be comforting at times, too. I didn’t understand fully why Hunter and Monty broke up near the end, but I was glad it was a relatively short break.
Recommended.
4 of 5 stars
Audio
John Solo does a really nice job with this. He attempts to give all the various secondary characters unique voices and I really appreciated how he did the female voices as well. He has an easy voice to listen to and the sound quality was excellent. This was a light hearted book and his tone really represented that.
5 of 5 stars
Overall 4.5 of 5 stars
March 24, 2017
Not bad, if you like jock/geek pairings, and I do. Both characters had their issues to work through, and other than the manufactured issue at the end, it was relatively angst- free.
February 28, 2017
Light, fluffy, adorable. Just what I needed.
March 29, 2017
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review. **4.5 stars**
This is the best Andrew Grey story I’ve read/listened to in a long time. Don’t get me wrong—I generally like his work, and I don’t think anything can surpass my love for the Farm series featuring Eli and Geoff, but this comes close. It had everything I love—a disorganized, beefy, good-looking football player (Hunter) in need of an organized, sweet, cute, geeky nerd (Monty) to get his life back on track. The football player quickly starts to appreciate the nerd, but the course of building their relationship does not run smoothly.
When Hunter finally accepts that he needs someone to help keep him organized, he asks for a female Personal Assistant so he won’t get sidetracked by a woman who insists on flirting with him. But what he gets is Monty, who happens to be in the right place at the right time to get the job, and turns out to be everything Hunter needed in one geeky package.
And although he doesn’t know football, he knows how to handle other people and gets Hunter out of trouble in both work and in his home life. Of course, he also gets Hunter into more of a problem with his “freeloader” father, but that’s something Hunter has been putting off facing for a long time and eventually turns out to be for the better when Hunter and his dad finally air some long-held grievances.
And as for the romance? It’s not a quick roll in the hay, and it actually takes a while to develop. Both men are great together, and by the time everything works out for them, I was ready to cheer for their HEA.
I enjoyed John Solo’s narration as well. I don’t know if he’s getting so much better, or if I’m getting used to him, but I suspect the former, and I really liked the variety of voices he provided for this story.
The characters were both totally different, and yet both had an inner sweetness wrapped around a core of steel. The situations were realistic and enjoyable, and I found it difficult to put this one down—something that’s always a problem when I’m reading a good story.
To succinctly summarize what I’m saying: This is a fast-paced, highly enjoyable, light-hearted MM romance set in the sports world. The audiobook is terrific and will provide hours of enjoyment whether walking, driving in a car, or simply taking a break from the real world. Highly recommended.
This is the best Andrew Grey story I’ve read/listened to in a long time. Don’t get me wrong—I generally like his work, and I don’t think anything can surpass my love for the Farm series featuring Eli and Geoff, but this comes close. It had everything I love—a disorganized, beefy, good-looking football player (Hunter) in need of an organized, sweet, cute, geeky nerd (Monty) to get his life back on track. The football player quickly starts to appreciate the nerd, but the course of building their relationship does not run smoothly.
When Hunter finally accepts that he needs someone to help keep him organized, he asks for a female Personal Assistant so he won’t get sidetracked by a woman who insists on flirting with him. But what he gets is Monty, who happens to be in the right place at the right time to get the job, and turns out to be everything Hunter needed in one geeky package.
And although he doesn’t know football, he knows how to handle other people and gets Hunter out of trouble in both work and in his home life. Of course, he also gets Hunter into more of a problem with his “freeloader” father, but that’s something Hunter has been putting off facing for a long time and eventually turns out to be for the better when Hunter and his dad finally air some long-held grievances.
And as for the romance? It’s not a quick roll in the hay, and it actually takes a while to develop. Both men are great together, and by the time everything works out for them, I was ready to cheer for their HEA.
I enjoyed John Solo’s narration as well. I don’t know if he’s getting so much better, or if I’m getting used to him, but I suspect the former, and I really liked the variety of voices he provided for this story.
The characters were both totally different, and yet both had an inner sweetness wrapped around a core of steel. The situations were realistic and enjoyable, and I found it difficult to put this one down—something that’s always a problem when I’m reading a good story.
To succinctly summarize what I’m saying: This is a fast-paced, highly enjoyable, light-hearted MM romance set in the sports world. The audiobook is terrific and will provide hours of enjoyment whether walking, driving in a car, or simply taking a break from the real world. Highly recommended.
December 4, 2016
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
This is a sweet sports romance. It is a simple story: Hunter, a professional football player falls for Monty, his personal assistant.
Monty is endearing from the start. He sweeps into Hunter’s life and cares for the athlete like no one has before. Though there are times when his brand of bossy efficiency started to grate, I loved the way Monty was determined to protect Hunter, even from his own family.
Though Hunter is a football player, there is very little actual football in this story. With much of the story taking place in the off-season, we see more of Hunter as a working as a model or negotiating with sponsors than actually playing football. But Hunter really isn’t a dumb jock - he reads as a calculated businessman, fully aware of his worth and the limited window he has to make serious money from sponsors.
Together, Monty and Hunter are very sweet. I’m not sure about the conflict in the story. I struggled to believe that an openly gay athlete dating a man publicly would cause so much damage to the athlete’s career. I also hated the awkward miscommunication and Hunter’s fear. I did appreciate Hunter’s struggle to read and the interesting ideas the author presented about the lack of expectations for student athletes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I grew very fond of both Monty and Hunter. This is my first sports romance from Andrew Grey and I’d like to read more.
This is a sweet sports romance. It is a simple story: Hunter, a professional football player falls for Monty, his personal assistant.
Monty is endearing from the start. He sweeps into Hunter’s life and cares for the athlete like no one has before. Though there are times when his brand of bossy efficiency started to grate, I loved the way Monty was determined to protect Hunter, even from his own family.
Though Hunter is a football player, there is very little actual football in this story. With much of the story taking place in the off-season, we see more of Hunter as a working as a model or negotiating with sponsors than actually playing football. But Hunter really isn’t a dumb jock - he reads as a calculated businessman, fully aware of his worth and the limited window he has to make serious money from sponsors.
Together, Monty and Hunter are very sweet. I’m not sure about the conflict in the story. I struggled to believe that an openly gay athlete dating a man publicly would cause so much damage to the athlete’s career. I also hated the awkward miscommunication and Hunter’s fear. I did appreciate Hunter’s struggle to read and the interesting ideas the author presented about the lack of expectations for student athletes.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and I grew very fond of both Monty and Hunter. This is my first sports romance from Andrew Grey and I’d like to read more.
November 13, 2016
I liked this book, even spilled a few tears. Yet the more I thought on this review the more I questioned many elements of the story.
Stereotypes are a common story tool because they are so often played out in real life. Makes it easier to get to know the characters, and can set up a story that will somehow break past them. That's what I was expecting in this book. Hunter-big,strong,self-absorbed football player. Monty-sweet, cute, diminutive and a bit flashy, obvious if you will. At the end of the book they would be described the same way. Precious little character growth shown. Monty is almost saintlike, with Hunter being the hard headed one.
Hunter talks a good game about respect with his father, yet can't dredge up even a speck of it to talk to Monty.
Biggest risk, greatest angst is the possibility of a scandal for Hunter. This causes everyone to lose their minds, being nasty, secretive and phony. Created a huge sense of double standard and hurt my heart.
Bright spots- the friends. Great voices of reason, added a layer of humor and heart.
It was frustrating that Hunter never had to own his behavior, he says sorry and Monty says okay. Now I didn't need or want self flagellation or a hair shirt, but a bit more of an effort, a moment of "is this really worth it" on Monty's part, a bit of self awareness on Hunter's part. This was missing for me, left me hoping for more.
Stereotypes are a common story tool because they are so often played out in real life. Makes it easier to get to know the characters, and can set up a story that will somehow break past them. That's what I was expecting in this book. Hunter-big,strong,self-absorbed football player. Monty-sweet, cute, diminutive and a bit flashy, obvious if you will. At the end of the book they would be described the same way. Precious little character growth shown. Monty is almost saintlike, with Hunter being the hard headed one.
Hunter talks a good game about respect with his father, yet can't dredge up even a speck of it to talk to Monty.
Biggest risk, greatest angst is the possibility of a scandal for Hunter. This causes everyone to lose their minds, being nasty, secretive and phony. Created a huge sense of double standard and hurt my heart.
Bright spots- the friends. Great voices of reason, added a layer of humor and heart.
It was frustrating that Hunter never had to own his behavior, he says sorry and Monty says okay. Now I didn't need or want self flagellation or a hair shirt, but a bit more of an effort, a moment of "is this really worth it" on Monty's part, a bit of self awareness on Hunter's part. This was missing for me, left me hoping for more.
November 19, 2016
The Playmaker by Andrew Grey is the perfect RomCom. We have a big shot out football player, Hunter, and an organized, big hearted assistant, Monty.
Hunter may live his life as an out and proud football star but that hasn’t made life easier for him. He has secrets that threaten everything he loves.
Monty really is the strongest character in this book. He looks out for Hunter in a way no one ever has and where that may seem annoying Monty is anything but.
I adored Monty’s dialog with everyone he interacted with in this book. Whether it was his mom, sister, Hunter, Hunter’s teammates, or anyone; he was brilliant. In lots of ways Monty teaches Hunter that being strong isn’t just a physical thing.
Though Hunter makes some less than perfect decisions at points in this story he has no malicious intentions and he loves with his whole heart. Both of these characters were fleshed out wonderfully. I laughed and cried and really adored this story right to the end.
Andrew Grey is a versatile and fabulous writer and with The Playmaker we see a lighter side to his writing that’s filled with romance, strength, friendship, and growing up. This should absolutely be a book you read this year!
Hunter may live his life as an out and proud football star but that hasn’t made life easier for him. He has secrets that threaten everything he loves.
Monty really is the strongest character in this book. He looks out for Hunter in a way no one ever has and where that may seem annoying Monty is anything but.
I adored Monty’s dialog with everyone he interacted with in this book. Whether it was his mom, sister, Hunter, Hunter’s teammates, or anyone; he was brilliant. In lots of ways Monty teaches Hunter that being strong isn’t just a physical thing.
Though Hunter makes some less than perfect decisions at points in this story he has no malicious intentions and he loves with his whole heart. Both of these characters were fleshed out wonderfully. I laughed and cried and really adored this story right to the end.
Andrew Grey is a versatile and fabulous writer and with The Playmaker we see a lighter side to his writing that’s filled with romance, strength, friendship, and growing up. This should absolutely be a book you read this year!
July 31, 2019
Fun read
It takes a lot of finesse to create characters were one initially works for the other then they fall in love. Especially where one is a football superstar model. The plot and progression of the characters really worked and carried the story forward well.
It takes a lot of finesse to create characters were one initially works for the other then they fall in love. Especially where one is a football superstar model. The plot and progression of the characters really worked and carried the story forward well.
December 1, 2016
3.5 star read for me. I thought this book was very sweet and enjoyed the interactions between Hunter and Monty.
December 6, 2016
Hunter is a star gay football player, and he needs a personal assistant to keep him on track to where he is supposed to be. Monty is a gay man who needs any job, and he fortuitously gets a one month trial basis as Hunter's personal assistant. Monty ends up being an excellent personal assistant, and Hunter becomes dependent upon him. Ultimately . . . What a surprise in an Andrew Grey novel . . . Hunter and Monty fall for each other.
Along the way the story is fluffed out with bits and pieces of the characters' real lives (I.e. Color blindness, dyslexia, inability to read), but it is all surplus. The story is just as simple as a rich handsome guy who falls in love with the nerd with the heart of gold.
Yada yada yada . . . Love develops, there are predictable rough patches, but love conquers all, and there is a happily ever after ending. A very typical Andrew Grey story line. Pleasant plot, pleasant characters, but nothing earth shattering. 3.5 stars for me.
Along the way the story is fluffed out with bits and pieces of the characters' real lives (I.e. Color blindness, dyslexia, inability to read), but it is all surplus. The story is just as simple as a rich handsome guy who falls in love with the nerd with the heart of gold.
Yada yada yada . . . Love develops, there are predictable rough patches, but love conquers all, and there is a happily ever after ending. A very typical Andrew Grey story line. Pleasant plot, pleasant characters, but nothing earth shattering. 3.5 stars for me.
May 8, 2022
4.5 Stars This reminds me a bit of a Hallmark movie I've seen. Football player and assistant fall for each other. Of course, she didn't know anything about football either. Have to love the: "Whaa, you don't know who I am?" "No, should I?' Hunter gets to be himself for the first time in a long time around Monty. Monty is no pushover and I loved that about him. His heart is huge and he cares so much. I loved him and his big heart. Hunter was the hot athlete but underneath, insecure about anything outside his athletic prowess. Football was his whole world and Monty opened his eyes about thinking outside of football. Monty helped him grow. I loved this story. It was more than the boss/employee falling in love story. There was depth to the story that I enjoyed. I didn't want to stop reading.
March 11, 2017
I really enjoyed the beginning of the book and thought I was going to love it. But, as it happens with most of Andrew Grey's book, I got SO FUCKING BORED, eventually.
Positive parts were Monty having no idea who Hunter was, but came to Hunter's defense over and over not just because he was the man's PA but also b/c he wanted to treat Hunter like a human being.
I think the author went a little too over the top with Hunter's dad taking advantage of his rich son, but all in all, it was realistic. I felt like the story just went on forever, though, and it went from romantic to just tedious.
Still, worth a quick read, but not worth a second one.
Positive parts were Monty having no idea who Hunter was, but came to Hunter's defense over and over not just because he was the man's PA but also b/c he wanted to treat Hunter like a human being.
I think the author went a little too over the top with Hunter's dad taking advantage of his rich son, but all in all, it was realistic. I felt like the story just went on forever, though, and it went from romantic to just tedious.
Still, worth a quick read, but not worth a second one.
December 19, 2019
Play for keeps or throw in the towel? Hunter and Monty seem like an unlikely pair, but they work. Monty's kidsness helps Hunter grow, revealing layers of pain and secrets unexpected in a star football player. I wish we had seen more of Hunter's reaction to the big black moment, and a small hint about the title closer to the beginning would have made that reveal hit a little harder. The Playmaker sweetly demonstrates what it means to have someone's back, and the importance of making the right call.
January 4, 2019
This is the story of a man learning who he really is and who he wants to be. It is also the story of how his personal assistant opens his eyes to what really matters most to him. This story deals with a lot of stereotypes and real-world struggles we face in life.
****TRIGGER: there is talk of self-harm. It is very brief and made as gentle as possible but it is there.****
****TRIGGER: there is talk of self-harm. It is very brief and made as gentle as possible but it is there.****
June 3, 2022
2.5 star audiobook review. I can usually count on Andrew Grey to deliver a solid story without a lot of unnecessary drama. This one was ok but definitely not a favorite. Monty was a bit too much for me and that hampered my enjoyment somewhat. Hunter did not read consistently in my opinion so I never warmed to his character either.
November 29, 2016
The Playmaker is a solid, well written light romance between a professional football player Hunter and personal assistant Monty. The chemistry between MC was present and part of their romance, I liked it. Hunter's father was an ass. In overall, recommended light romance!
November 15, 2016
I love it when I read a description of a book and think "ok that will be alright" and gen I read and and I think"sand the description did not do this book justice at all." That is the case with this book. This book was just so FABULOUS. I found myself laughing, crying, and cheering right along with the characters. I also found myself upset and mad for and at the characters too.so what more could you ask for? Oh, I know, hot football players!!!!
Monty in my opinion, is such an amazing person. He has a heart of gold. When he does something he puts his whole heart in it from the beginning and he will not back down when he knows something is right and something is wrong. He stands up for what he believes in and he will defend those that he cares about to the bitter end. Monty is one of those people that lives by what he speaks and speaks what he believes in and fights to right wrongs that are are caused by others. Pretty much he is one of those people who is honest to a fault and lives with his whole heart even if he knows he will end up hurt in the end for it.
This is he exact type of person that Hunter needs in my opinion. Hunter is no good at standing up for himself. He is kind of a go with the flow type of guy whether he likes something or not. He is a push over when it comes to things or people that he cares about because he would rather not make waves. He is also a person even though he is gay, he keeps to himself in that aspect because he does not want anything negative to be said about it even though he is open about his preferences. I think that is one of the major reasons why he does not have any kind of relationships because he does not want anything negative to come of it. I also think that when trouble does rouse, instead of standing up and fighting for what he wants and what he believes in, I think he just shuts down and puts all that pain and want towards something that he already has.....football.
Once Monty enters Hunter's life, Monty is like a dog with a bone and takes over Hunter's life in the best possible ways. I believe that Monty becomes Hunter's backbone and because of seeing someone who is so much smaller then him stand up for what he believes is the right thing, it gives Hunter the courage to start going after what he wants and standing up to those around him that seem to push him around. Monty is a pittbull and he will go up against the biggest and baddest if he had too and not back down. That is exactly what Hunter has been missing in his life. Someone to stand by his side, encourage him to better himself, support him when he needs it, love him for who he is and not what he can give them.
Hunter definitely starts to come into his own with Monty around or at least he did until the first sign of trouble. Now Hunter has to decide what is most important to him, Monty or Football? And from the looks of it football is in the first place.
Like I said this was a fabulous read. Andrew Grey put enough emotion into his character and just enough trouble to make this read amazing. This book drew me in with laughter and tears. Andrew Grey knows exactly what to do in order to capture the readers attentiin and then Andrew runs with it. That in my opinion is what makes a great author and a fabulous read!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Monty in my opinion, is such an amazing person. He has a heart of gold. When he does something he puts his whole heart in it from the beginning and he will not back down when he knows something is right and something is wrong. He stands up for what he believes in and he will defend those that he cares about to the bitter end. Monty is one of those people that lives by what he speaks and speaks what he believes in and fights to right wrongs that are are caused by others. Pretty much he is one of those people who is honest to a fault and lives with his whole heart even if he knows he will end up hurt in the end for it.
This is he exact type of person that Hunter needs in my opinion. Hunter is no good at standing up for himself. He is kind of a go with the flow type of guy whether he likes something or not. He is a push over when it comes to things or people that he cares about because he would rather not make waves. He is also a person even though he is gay, he keeps to himself in that aspect because he does not want anything negative to be said about it even though he is open about his preferences. I think that is one of the major reasons why he does not have any kind of relationships because he does not want anything negative to come of it. I also think that when trouble does rouse, instead of standing up and fighting for what he wants and what he believes in, I think he just shuts down and puts all that pain and want towards something that he already has.....football.
Once Monty enters Hunter's life, Monty is like a dog with a bone and takes over Hunter's life in the best possible ways. I believe that Monty becomes Hunter's backbone and because of seeing someone who is so much smaller then him stand up for what he believes is the right thing, it gives Hunter the courage to start going after what he wants and standing up to those around him that seem to push him around. Monty is a pittbull and he will go up against the biggest and baddest if he had too and not back down. That is exactly what Hunter has been missing in his life. Someone to stand by his side, encourage him to better himself, support him when he needs it, love him for who he is and not what he can give them.
Hunter definitely starts to come into his own with Monty around or at least he did until the first sign of trouble. Now Hunter has to decide what is most important to him, Monty or Football? And from the looks of it football is in the first place.
Like I said this was a fabulous read. Andrew Grey put enough emotion into his character and just enough trouble to make this read amazing. This book drew me in with laughter and tears. Andrew Grey knows exactly what to do in order to capture the readers attentiin and then Andrew runs with it. That in my opinion is what makes a great author and a fabulous read!!!!
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
November 20, 2016
Blog Post: http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/11/1...
Hunter Davis is an out and proud gay, professional football player who just happen to have not had a relationship since he hit the pro’s. His teammates and fans support him but as he’s never actually been seen in public with another man it’s not sure if they support the theory of him being gay or the reality of him being gay. When Hunter’s agent lays down the law and demands that he hires a personal assistant Hunter decides he needs a woman so there won’t be a hint of scandal.
Montgomery Willis is unemployed again. He’s discovered that it’s quite difficult to hold a job when either your boss or a work mate has decided your fair game because you’re very good-looking and nice! Monty happens to be at the agency when the call comes in for a personal assistant and he decides to put his hand up for it. Against Hunter’s best instincts he decides to give Monty a chance because he can see how desperate he is for the job. Monty soon proves he was worth taking a risk on by organizing Hunter within an inch of his life and making sure he’s on time for all his appointments.
Although Hunter and Monty are soon an inseparable pair, there isn’t anything sexual between them, not because of a lack of interest (there’s a lot of interest) on both sides but because Monty is determined not to do what he left his last job for, (sleep with his boss). The one black cloud, is Hunter’s father. Every Thursday like clockwork he turns up at Hunter’ house with his crony’s and they proceed to watch sport and eat Hunter out of house and home! When it’s time to leave, they leave the house looking like a pig sty. Because he’s Hunters father Hunter feels he must put up with his father’s behavior until Monty puts his foot down and makes Hunter realise that no, he doesn’t have to accept anything of the sort, what has to happen is that his father has to start respecting him instead of taking advantage of him.
There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in The Playmaker. You get to read about how Hunter’s upbringing stunted not only his emotional growth but his learning as well. Monty discovers by accident that Hunter went through years of schooling and came out the other end not being able to read. When Monty organizes for his sister, who is a teacher to give Hunter reading lessons, Hunter’s parents discover his secret and then all hell breaks loose!
Andrew has got another winner on his hands with The Playmaker. I can’t say anymore because I will invariably give away spoilers. I can’t recommend The Playmaker enough.
What are you waiting for? Get your copy!!!
Hunter Davis is an out and proud gay, professional football player who just happen to have not had a relationship since he hit the pro’s. His teammates and fans support him but as he’s never actually been seen in public with another man it’s not sure if they support the theory of him being gay or the reality of him being gay. When Hunter’s agent lays down the law and demands that he hires a personal assistant Hunter decides he needs a woman so there won’t be a hint of scandal.
Montgomery Willis is unemployed again. He’s discovered that it’s quite difficult to hold a job when either your boss or a work mate has decided your fair game because you’re very good-looking and nice! Monty happens to be at the agency when the call comes in for a personal assistant and he decides to put his hand up for it. Against Hunter’s best instincts he decides to give Monty a chance because he can see how desperate he is for the job. Monty soon proves he was worth taking a risk on by organizing Hunter within an inch of his life and making sure he’s on time for all his appointments.
Although Hunter and Monty are soon an inseparable pair, there isn’t anything sexual between them, not because of a lack of interest (there’s a lot of interest) on both sides but because Monty is determined not to do what he left his last job for, (sleep with his boss). The one black cloud, is Hunter’s father. Every Thursday like clockwork he turns up at Hunter’ house with his crony’s and they proceed to watch sport and eat Hunter out of house and home! When it’s time to leave, they leave the house looking like a pig sty. Because he’s Hunters father Hunter feels he must put up with his father’s behavior until Monty puts his foot down and makes Hunter realise that no, he doesn’t have to accept anything of the sort, what has to happen is that his father has to start respecting him instead of taking advantage of him.
There are a lot of emotional ups and downs in The Playmaker. You get to read about how Hunter’s upbringing stunted not only his emotional growth but his learning as well. Monty discovers by accident that Hunter went through years of schooling and came out the other end not being able to read. When Monty organizes for his sister, who is a teacher to give Hunter reading lessons, Hunter’s parents discover his secret and then all hell breaks loose!
Andrew has got another winner on his hands with The Playmaker. I can’t say anymore because I will invariably give away spoilers. I can’t recommend The Playmaker enough.
What are you waiting for? Get your copy!!!
November 18, 2016
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Hunter Davis is a professional football player in need of an assistant. He’s late to everything, forgets his appointments, dresses like a middle-aged man, and has an unorganized office. His agent is fed up and tells Hunter he needs to hire an assistant or he won't be helping him fix these problems. Hunter finally agrees but only wants a female assistant. Though everyone knows he’s gay, he never dates or hooks up so it’s not an issue. But the women he interviews for the position are not able to meet the qualifications and he’s left with Montgomery Willis. Monty, who is cute and doesn’t know anything about football and is obviously gay. Hunter hires him on a temporary basis and soon finds that Monty is everything he’s looking for. He takes care of Hunter and protects him like no one ever has. But, Hunter is held to a different stand than the straight players on the team, and the guy that has always just gone along and done what he was told, will now have to take a stance for himself and Monty.
I really liked both MC’s in this story. Hunter was raised in a two-parent home with a very dominating dad, who allowed no one to have a say in how he raised his son. Hunter was raised to play football and that was it. His education was ignored by his father, and eventually his teachers, which causes his issues as an adult. The only relationship he ever had ended tragically in college and he has not moved on from that loss. Hunter allows himself to be taken an advantage of by everyone, but mostly his agent and father. He gives no thought to standing up for himself. Monty was raised by a single mother and had to learn young to stand up for himself. He has had no luck with jobs, most of them have ended due to sexual harassment. He may be small, but he is strong. If Monty sees a problem, he figures out a way to fix it and continues.
Monty stands up for Hunter and teaches him to stand up for himself. He helps Hunter accept his imperfections and when possible, provides what's needed to fix them. He gives Hunter a voice, when no one ever has before. This is a low-angst, easy to read story. It had a great lesson about life and stopping to look at what’s really important.
Rating: 5 stars
Hunter Davis is a professional football player in need of an assistant. He’s late to everything, forgets his appointments, dresses like a middle-aged man, and has an unorganized office. His agent is fed up and tells Hunter he needs to hire an assistant or he won't be helping him fix these problems. Hunter finally agrees but only wants a female assistant. Though everyone knows he’s gay, he never dates or hooks up so it’s not an issue. But the women he interviews for the position are not able to meet the qualifications and he’s left with Montgomery Willis. Monty, who is cute and doesn’t know anything about football and is obviously gay. Hunter hires him on a temporary basis and soon finds that Monty is everything he’s looking for. He takes care of Hunter and protects him like no one ever has. But, Hunter is held to a different stand than the straight players on the team, and the guy that has always just gone along and done what he was told, will now have to take a stance for himself and Monty.
I really liked both MC’s in this story. Hunter was raised in a two-parent home with a very dominating dad, who allowed no one to have a say in how he raised his son. Hunter was raised to play football and that was it. His education was ignored by his father, and eventually his teachers, which causes his issues as an adult. The only relationship he ever had ended tragically in college and he has not moved on from that loss. Hunter allows himself to be taken an advantage of by everyone, but mostly his agent and father. He gives no thought to standing up for himself. Monty was raised by a single mother and had to learn young to stand up for himself. He has had no luck with jobs, most of them have ended due to sexual harassment. He may be small, but he is strong. If Monty sees a problem, he figures out a way to fix it and continues.
Monty stands up for Hunter and teaches him to stand up for himself. He helps Hunter accept his imperfections and when possible, provides what's needed to fix them. He gives Hunter a voice, when no one ever has before. This is a low-angst, easy to read story. It had a great lesson about life and stopping to look at what’s really important.
Rating: 5 stars
February 26, 2017
*Hoopla
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