She’s NFL royalty. He’s the star quarterback of a tanking team. When she takes ownership, balls will roll . . . and the truth will out.
Rafe Macintyre—the rocket-armed Carolina Crush quarterback—has nothing to lose and everything to prove. All because of one woman . . . Miss Peyton Fox. When the tough-as-nails chick takes over as team owner, Rafe is ready to turn the epic-fail season into a Super Bowl championship. But the winning has to start with Peyton’s love.
No stranger to playas on and off the field, Peyton Fox is born and bred NFL royalty. Been there, done him, and called the plays even before she took up the Carolina Crush crown. She has zero time for a love life and even less time for games unless they happen between the endzones. Unfortunately, Rafe Macintyre has one hell of an arm, and he’s full of hot southern charm. He’s not too bad to drool over either, but it’s been five years since she tangled with him—a mistake she doesn’t plan on repeating.
The consequences of one night of rebellion will last a lifetime. It’s all fun and games until someone gets knocked up.
All of Rie Warren's self-published series are available to read on Kindle Unlimited, including the instant hit Bad Boys of Retribution MC, Carolina Bad Boys, Bad Boy Ballers, and many more!
Badass, sassafras Rie Warren is an OG Amazon All Star author of Bad Boy books and MC romance. She delivers five star sex, suspense, and the best banter around. Her stories are one hundred percent original, do not contain fluffy plots or virgin brides, and wring every last emotion from readers to leave them with a satisfied smile. Rie’s tough alpha males are never brought to heel, but are instead healed by the feisty femme fatale of their perfect match.
She grew up in Maine, went to college in Iowa (Iowa, what?), lived in Scotland, and married in Englishman. In true roundabout fashion, they came back to the States, settled in South Carolina’s lowcountry, putting down southern roots and pursuing their arty endeavors. Tale spinner and character diviner, Rie is a lover of sleep, wine, and rude memes often involving either Disney characters or Winnie the Pooh. She is raising two teen daughters along with an entire brain full of unruly characters.
Rough-talking alpha men? Rie has that on tap. Stubborn sassy heroines? You bet. Smoldering sex scenes that’ll set your Kindle on fire? Check, check, check. Keep a fan handy, you’ll need it.
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This was my first read by Rie Warren and I was drawn to this book by the synopsis. I love a surprise baby trope so was looking forward to angst, betrayal and confrontation...none of which materialised. Everything was just accepted and fell away like water off a ducks back. I felt nothing other than lust between the hero and heroine, that feeling of love, for me was not present and I felt that this was because of the over abundance of sex scenes. Once these two get back together the author bombards you with them. I love a sex scene, I'm no prude, but when a story starts to be just about that I lose interest and I was skimming them altogether. Yes they were hot, but I need plot to go with them. Some sex scenes were so long I thought they were never going to end, like at least ten page jumps on the kindle maybe even twenty, I lost count, but you get what I mean.
Although this didn't work for me, it may work for you.
Rafe Macintyre is used to calling the shots—on and off the field. He’s the Quarterback for the Carolina Crush, a team that’s falling apart at the seams. With new ownership ready to take names and kick some ass, Rafe just needs to make sure he keeps it together and in his pants around her. Peyton Fox is a fox… and a woman he can’t forget…
Peyton’s still reeling over the sudden death of her father and taking over as the owner of the Crush. She’s got no time for love if she’s going to make the Crush into a winning team again… the team that’s her focus, not the hot and sexy quarterback. No definitely not him nor the memory of their one night together… nope, focus on the team. Focus.
Second chance romance? Check. Hot and sexy football player? Check. Secret baby? Check. Smart, snarky female lead? Check. Well now, Million Baller Baby certainly checks off all the boxes for me! In typical Rie Warren form, the male lead is smooth, sexy and fun. Rafe is definitely top book boyfriend material. I love a strong, sassy, sexy female lead too. Peyton is all that and more. The banter between Peyton and Rafe is snarky fun. I loved their interactions with their friends too. Phil—who I want as my BFF—and Bunyan, Marquis and Akoni definitely added so much to the story. Oh and the sexy times between Rafe and Peyton did too… be prepared to have fresh panties available. I’m really looking forward to more in this series… a Phil book would be ideal! ~ Missy, 4 stars
As soon as I saw this cover I said I wanted to read this and then the blurb and I was all in. Who doesn't like a secret baby story and it included football...Yes please!
Rafe went into the NFL draft as the top quarterback and was picked up Carolina Crushers. The night he signed with the team he had a one night stand with Peyton and once he found out she was the owners daughter he acted liked he didn't remember her.
Now its almost 6 years later and Peyton has returned from Nashville after her fathers sudden death to take over the team. They have been struggling but this is her legacy and she wants to do her father and the fans proud even if that means ruffling some feathers. Peyton has never really gotten over Rafe but she knows he is a good player, but when the sparks start flying again between them and they just start getting closer. There is just one secret she needs to tell Rafe that she has been holding onto for 5 years and hope he can forgive her for her betrayal.
Watching these two reconnect was pretty funny. Rafe from the beginning wanted to have sex with her again because he never forgot her. Peyton on the other hand wants nothing to do with him and still is hurt that he didn't remember the wild night they spent together all those years ago. I couldn't help but wonder when and how they would end up together but I never expected them to jump into bed again and so soon, but I think that Peyton just had enough of fighting her feelings for him.
The sex scenes are dirty but hot. I didn't feel that they were a forever couple but they sure did tear up the sheets. These scenes just lacked a little on the love and affection. While I don't mind cursing in a story I did feel like some of it was a little over done but other then those things I read this story in one sitting.
Rafe has a bunch of teammates that we learn a few things about but was it enough to make me interested in reading their books, not really but I will be reading book two to see how this series will take off.
She’s NFL royalty. He’s the star quarterback of a tanking team. When she takes ownership, balls will roll ...
When I read that in the blurb, it sold me on the book. Who wouldn't want to read a story of a female lead in a male dominated sport?! #win And it didn't disappoint. I really enjoyed this one and done, but not really second chance romance. Peyton and Rafe have history. History with consequences. History that Peyton would rather not become public. But as such things go .... (good luck with that lol)
One of the best things about this book is its dual POV. Without that, I'm pretty sure most people would still be wondering what the heck is up with Peyton. She's a hard one to figure out. Honestly, there were times in the story I just had to laugh because she was sooooooooooo wishy-washy about her personal life and it didn't quite add up to her professional persona. Because of that, I'm glad I was in her head during this journey.
The story is not too high on angst, but it has some mega feels to it. Some of them are hidden and some not so much. I'm not gonna go any further on that because I don't want to give away the plot any more than I have. Just know, it's a well crafted sports romance that doesn't get bogged down with the sport itself, but yet paints a great picture of it. It's a journey of two people meant for each other but scared. Scared of giving up control. And it's also a story of forgiveness and redemption .... (you'll have to read to get any more)
While I enjoy my secret baby stories, they don't usually rate very high. This one was very well written and the story was really good. The MC'S had great chemistry, the secondary characters added to the story without being forced, and most importantly (IMO) the kid wasn't annoying! I liked it and am moving right on to book two. *fingers crossed*
Review done for Hooked on Books & CherryOBlossoms Promotions
4 out of 5 stars
Rafe Macintyre was having the night of his life. Signing with the Carolina Crush was his dream come true. Having sex with the owner’s daughter that night was not part of the plan, but the stunning vixen had him under her spell. Rafe has never forgot that night even though he pretended he did.
Imagine his surprise when the beautiful red head is now the team’s owner. The sparks fly the instant that they set eyes on each other. It doesn’t matter to him that she’s the boss; he made a huge mistake that night together and he isn’t going to make it again.
Peyton isn’t nervous about taking over her father’s team now that he is gone. She lived and breathed football growing up. It’s the gorgeous, sexy quarterback that has her all in knots. She definitely still has feelings for him but it is not just herself she has to think about.
This book started off a little slow but soon caught my attention. Rafe is smoking hot in and out of bed. The sex scenes were sizzling. Peyton was a tough, kick ass female. I liked that she could take care of herself and wasn’t some damsel in distress.
I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read the second one in the series.
I love a good second chance love story and add in some fine as he!! Alpha football players, what more could ask for. This book was such a light and easy read that I quickly devoured in just a few hours. Fun, flirty and Hella of lot of sex scenes and just what you will find in this book.
Payton has become the new owner of the Carolina Crush after her dad died of a sudden heart attack. She knows that it's a man world and she knows she has to balls to bring life back to this team. The only thing she has to do is keep her body and mind on the same page when it comes to Rafe the star quarterback. She needs to do this to keep her secret safe. Read what happens when these two let the fireworks sizzle and all of the past becomes a reality.
The characters have a great connection and you can't miss the feel of what they feel for each other. This was the first book I have read from this author and it was a delight.
This is my first book by Rie Warren and I am happy to have picked it up. Single parent books are my downfall so I know that aspect would suck me in right away. And then there is the fact that Rafe is an NFL star quarterback--also a big draw for me. All that was left to decide was the flow of the story. Nailed that too!
I really loved Peyton. She is the balls to the wall, take no prisoners new owner of a failing NFL team. She knows what she wants and gets the job done--the men in her world be damned. The only regret? Her one night with Rafe almost 6 years ago.
Great humor in the story. Great secondary characters. I am hoping we might see one or two in a future book. And then Rafe---panty melting, ovary exploding really good guy. Enjoyable read all around!
*Complimentary copy provided for an honest review.
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~
I am a big fan of sports romances, so was delighted to see that Ms Warren is starting a new series. I think this is a solid start, with plenty of other players who should get their chance in future installments.
Overall I really enjoyed this book - it is a light, easy read told from both points of view and with plenty of humour and romance to entertain. The sport elements are well described, and the issues of being a losing team having to turn things around works. And the new female owner was not beset by cliches but rather showed Peyton to be someone to respect. I couldn't quite get my head around the secret, given how involved Peyton was with people at the club her father owned, and that Rafe had been there the whole time, but I was prepared to suspend belief for the fun of the story.
I am looking forward to seeing who gets to feature in the next book.
A sports themed second chance romance between the star Quarterback and the owner of the Team. Rafe and Peyton had a night of passion seven years ago , but circumstances cause them to reconnect. Can either one resist the chemistry between them? Good story, lots of sex, no cheating and a rather lovely HEA.
I love a good second chance love story and add in some fine as he!! Alpha football players, what more could ask for. This book was such a light and easy read that I quickly devoured in just a few hours. Fun, flirty and Hella of lot of sex scenes and just what you will find in this book.
Payton has become the new owner of the Carolina Crush after her dad died of a sudden heart attack. She knows that it's a man world and she knows she has to balls to bring life back to this team. The only thing she has to do is keep her body and mind on the same page when it comes to Rafe the star quarterback. She needs to do this to keep her secret safe. Read what happens when these two let the fireworks sizzle and all of the past becomes a reality.
The characters have a great connection and you can't miss the feel of what they feel for each other. This was the first book I have read from this author and it was a delight.
My Review: This book is classic Rie Warren...but omg, this new series is set in the NFL...can we say, YAY?!?
This first book is about the quarterback, Rafe, and the new owner of the football team, Peyton. Peyton inherited this failing football team when her father suddenly died. But she and Rafe have a history that began the night he was signed with the Crush, but he had no idea she was the owner's daughter, and he panicked. In other words, he didn't have the best reaction to the fact that it was the hottest night of his life.
They haven't really been around one another since then. Peyton is dealing with a lot. She's trying to figure out how to bring this team together and pull the Crush out of the dumps. She needs Rafe, who is the absolute star of the team, to make that happen. Rafe gets what she's trying to accomplish, but he's dealing with the dynamics of the team while still maintaining his distance from her with their incredible chemistry.
There was so much I loved about this book... **of course, the football...I love books set in the sports world. **I loved the history between Peyton and Rafe. I could totally see that scenario playing out exactly like that. It was very believable. **LOVED Phil, Peyton's best friend...she was awesome, especially her jokes about her hooking up with women (she's a lesbian) and the fact that she's the coach's daughter. **the family days with the football team were awesome, especially that first one that Peyton and Rafe went to together.
Rie Warren's books are foul-mouthed and pretty in your face with her male characters. There's a certain vibe to them that are classic Rie Warren. I'll admit that every time I start one of her books, it takes me a bit to settle into the rhythm of them (at first they feel a little over-the-top to me). But as the romance becomes more the focus of the story that always seems to even out. Either that or I just get used to the vibe and rhythm of it all and settle into the story. So, while it tends to rub me a bit wrong at first, by the end I'm almost always totally in love with the characters and the romance. This book was like that for me. So, if you're feeling that way...my advice is to stick with the story until the romance ramps up...then I think you're going to really like it.
I'm really looking forward to more from this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Let me start off by saying I am a fan of this author and her books and while this one was good, it wasn't as great as some of her previous works that I've read. There were just some things about it that I did not like and the major one was Peyton. Usually, when I don't like a character as much as I didn't like Peyton, I stop reading the book, but since I liked Rafe, I kept on reading. There were a few reasons I didn't like her, the main one being she was such a witch with a capital B in the beginning. I mean, I understand her position, but she just seemed to go out of her way to be nasty sometimes and that's a turn-off in my book. I'm all for strong women, but you can still be nice about it. She wasn't. And she seemed to target Rafe for no reason - until the secret baby was revealed; and then it seemed like she kind of had it in for him. This is another reason I kind of didn't like her: she never told him about the baby - even though she had plenty of time to do so. And this brings up one thing I didn't like about Rafe: he was a little too perfect. Even the way he reacted when he found out about his kid was a little too perfect. He got a little upset - he barely even lost his temper! - but then he settled right into acceptance of the facts and Peyton's wishes surrounding them - all within minutes of each other. And he never really got mad at her for keeping the secret from him for so long. See what I mean? Too perfect. But I still loved him and he's the only reason I kept reading to the end - I wanted to see him get his happily-ever-after - even if it was with someone who didn't necessarily deserve him.
All in all, though, this was a quick, fun read and I'm glad I stuck with it because the pay-off was worth it. So if you're looking for an entertaining, secret baby second chance romance sports story, check it out. This one may be just for you.
Rie Warren is quickly becoming one of my go-to authors, I’ve yet to read something from her that I don’t love – and Million Baller Baby is no exception. Loved it!
Rafe Mcintyre is the quarterback for Carolina Crushers, a team that has definitely seen better seasons. Now, they have a new owner who is coming in ready to kick their butts into gear. Peyton Fox is a hard a** who isn’t going to let her Crushers have a season like they’ve had the last few years. She plans to whip them back into shape come hel* or high water. The only problem? She’s had a taste of the quarterback and knows what she’s missing. Plus. She’s harboring a huge secret she’s not willing to let anyone find out about. Neither Rafe nor Peyton does a very good job of hiding their true feelings for one another and the further you read the more their past starts to collide with their present.
The only part I didn’t love about this story I the secret that Peyton keeps from Rafe – no spoilers but I’m not a fan of that type of secret. Other than that though, this is an excellent read. It’s super steamy, has an excellent plotline that will have you flipping the pages as fast as you can and left me wanting more! I can’t wait to see what Rie Warren releases next!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Done. Panties destroyed. Ovary explosion. Just plain Gah all over the place.
You know, it’s awfully convenient that Rie Warren basically wrote my review for me. Because that quote up there? It perfectly sums up Million Baller Baby (Bad Boy Ballers Book 1), a sexy AF second chance romance and Holy crap, that hot-as-hell QB is amazing with kids, kill me now romance. (<- Totally a sub-genre.)
Not gonna lie, I love Ms. Warren. Her Carolina Bad Boys series perfectly blends humor, alpha male heat and delicious smut, and that’s on display again in this new series. While not perfect—I found Peyton a little too brash at first, and it took me some time to warm to her—and maybe a teensy bit uneven in places, on the whole, this is one hell of a good book.
Why? Well…
Rafe Macintyre. That’s a good start. He is, of course, hella HAWT, completely alpha and slightly OTT (in the best way, of course). He’s also not afraid of a strong, take-charge woman, which is just YASSSSS.
Then, there’s Phil. She may not be a major character, but she’s a scene-stealer and absolutely a blast. Also, freakin’ funny.
Plus, the Carolina Crush boys. This team gels and gels well. They’re a little hodge-podge and a lot of fun, and Akoni? That emotional bastard… I love him. I can’t wait for more of this team.
And finally, Cal. I won’t say more than that. Just Cal. You’ll see, when you get your hands on this adorable, fast-paced, red-hot read. Which you should do, ASAP.
Being with him tonight could be the second biggest mistake of my life, but I was tired of playing by the rules. Besides . . . his bedroom eyes. Should be criminal.
I was given a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
The chemistry between quarterback Rafe MacIntyre and the new owner of his team, Peyton Fox is electric. Problem is, they have a little bit of history they’d both rather forget - and she’s his boss.
As always, Rie Warren’s characters are well developed and incredibly sexy. Rafe and his teammates are entertaining and their comeback fight is inspiring. Peyton’s tenacity as she asserts her authority in a male dominated sport is equally inspiring and I loved the way Rafe managed to find spots of vulnerability behind Peyton’s professional exterior.
This is the first family friendly Rie Warren story that I’ve read. I started with her darker, dirtier X-Ops series which is a little more my speed. I didn’t completely believe in the Callum storyline in this book and Rafe’s reactions to big revelations didn’t feel at all realistic. Ultimately, while I didn’t completely hate the kid parts of this book, I’m glad there was more sex than family time.
Beyond the romance this is a really enjoyable underdog sports story. The team is great and its progress is realistically slow. There is scope for this series to develop around the team with several interesting secondary characters I’d love to see with their own books. Peyton’s best friend Phil is probably my favourite - can we have her story next?
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Peyton is the new the owner of the Carolina Crush after her father's passing. She has, however, grown up in and around football and quickly takes charge of the team. 6 years prior, Peyton had a one night stand with Rafe, the team's quarterback. When they come face to face again, the spark reignites.
When pre-season training commences Peyton pays special attention to Rafe by personally taking an interest in him and training him hard. Its only a matter of time until they give in to their chemistry, but as they get involved Peyton keeps Rafe at arms length because she is keeping a very big secret.
Million Baller Baby is a lot of fun. Strong, sexy characters, banter, laughs, little bits of sweetness and a lot of naked time. Lots and lots of naked time. Maybe even a little too much in the end. If you are a fan of sports romances Million Baller Baby is well worth your time.
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
Million Baller Baby is a second chance romance, which I can be a total sucker for.
Peyton Fox takes over as owner of the Carolina Crush after her father dies. Coming back to this now losing team has her on edge. First she's a female in a man's world (showing up and kicking ass by the way) and second, she's brought right back face to face with Rafe Macintyre. Their first time together lasted in her memory but she knows it didn't last in his. Can she keep her feelings in check while being the boss?
When secrets can no longer be kept and are revealed Rafe's reaction is not what I expect it to be but honestly it works for the story. The heat between Rafe and Peyton is combustible, explosive when they are together. One thing for sure Ms. Warren can definitely write a steamy pantie wetting fornication scene.
Great mix of romance, steam, football and male antics.
Million Baller Baby (Bad Boy Ballers #1) by Rie Warren 4 stars M/F Sports romance I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Peyton is a real ball buster. She has just inherited the football team that she grew up loving. She has worked hard to shift the gender bias that people have towards her. She loved Rafe when she was young and never really got over him. When she has to work with Rafe again in a professional capacity, she has to try to put her old feelings aside. However, her willpower is weak. She is seduced again by Rafe and his charm. But her secret is one that she hides for a reason.
Rafe is charming, cocky, hot and immature. He wants Peyton now just as he did before. He hasn't led the most secluded life, but he has never forgotten Peyton. He has to work hard, probably for the very first time, to woo a woman who is strong and willful. But, he knows what he wants, senses the chemistry that Peyton and he still possess.
Their connection is one that is about sex, but it is also about something deeper. Cal is sweet, funny and just what this couple need in order to really come together.
I love a good sport romance and a secret baby story. This was definitely both of those things and was such a fun read. It wasn’t a long read which and I found that this made better because it didn’t drag on in any parts of the story. I loved Rie Warrens writing style and she has done an amazing job with the flow of the story.
Peyton was definitely one of them characters that you instantly enjoy with the way she doesn’t take shit form anyone. I loved the way that she was really passionate at football and the way that she hopped on the field with the football players during their training.
Rafe was one of the sweetest and caring male characters in a sport romance I have read about. He was a family man and helped his mum to look after his sister from a young age. He is also hot and has the alpha male persona I absolutely love in male characters.
Million dollar baby is about Rafe the start quarterback of the football team that Peyton owns. Years ago the two of them spent a night together which resulted in a secret baby.
Overall, I really enjoyed this story and found myself laughing many times throughout the story. The secondary character I absolutely loved reading about and the story flowed really well. This was a light and sexy read by the author.
A really entertaining story that was soon steam-rolled by the redundant profanity and way too many raw, dark and dirty sex scenes. Any sentence that begins with "a clear string of saliva and pre... between her lips and my....." is utterly stomach churning not romantic. There is an extremely thin line between erotic and disgusting! Peyton Fox is a female NFL team owner and the challenges she faces while trying to conceal her son's existence from Rafe, her star quarterback, makes a great story. The rest of that inappropriate muck does not!
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
3 1/2 stars rounded up to 4 stars
A second chance romance with a twist.
A night stand almost seven years ago left a lasting impression on Peyton and Rafe. Both went their separate ways, one to be an all star quarterback with the Carolina Crush and the other as a PR rep with another NFL team.
When Peyton's father dies and leaves her the Crush she not only has to deal with the fact that the team is coming off a losing season, but seeing Rafe again. No holds barred, she's determined to make this team a success and to do that, she needs to stay far away from Rafe.
Rafe has other ideas. He hadn't been able to forget Peyton and the night they spent together. If it weren't for his demon spawn manager, that night would have ended much differently, or so he tells himself.
As Training Camp gets underway, Rafe begins his slow seduction back into Peyton's good graces. Nothing sexual or overt, just little things to make her smile.
I enjoyed this book and read it one sitting. I can't wait to see who's next to fall.
Who doesn't like a second chance romance? And on a secret baby, sizzling chemistry and football thrown in to the mix and you have this hot read by the amazing Rie Warren! Million Baller Baby is the first in Rie Warren's new Bad Boy Ballers series and I can not wait for more!
This quick read is kind of like a delicious afternoon snack—tasty, delicious and satisfying. A unique take on the secret sports star baby trope. I quite enjoyed it.
I love a book with the two MCs have big secrets. I read quickly waiting for the big reveal and the fall out! Rafe was a jerk after their one night stand and pretended it didn’t happen, but when he sees Peyton again, it all comes rushing back. Then, there is Peyton’s secret and it is a doozy.
I have to say, Rie Warren did a great job with the reveal, fall out and recovery. I thought it was better than a lot of books I’ve read and the fact that it is condensed into a short book…kudos, my friend!
If you’re looking for the perfect sports-related weekend read, this book will satisfy.
I like Rie Warren and her writing. This book is no different. It had little to no angst. The flow was ok, I felt the beginning was a bit slow. I fell in love with the Rafe. The other people were likable. This a good second chance romance.
Peyton Fox inherits the Carolina Crush from her father after he has a sudden heart attack. The Crush had just gotten defeated and it is the last game of the season. She walks in and shakes it up so to speak. The team needed it. I loved her no-nonsense attitude, how strong and confident she is. She is willing to put the team in their place. She wants to make them a winning team and will do what she has to to do it. Even if the coordinator and some of the coaching staff don’t agree. Then there is the secret she is hiding.
Rafe Macintyre is an alpha male, possessive and a big softy with a huge heart, not at all what you would think him to be. He made me melt. He can’t forget the night that he and Peyton had five years ago, right after he signed with the team. He can’t forget her and he still wants her.
Now with all that there were times I wanted to smack Peyton around. She was up and down and seemed so indecisive. She wanted him then didn’t, but she really did. She didn’t want anything standing in her way of a getting a winning team and season, so she was reluctant. There is more to it than just that. When things finally come to fruition, everything then moves a bit faster.
I loved how the author spoke about football. It had me hook line and sinker, pulling me in and I felt like I was sitting there watching the game. Rafe and Peyton have undeniable chemistry and you can feel it through this book. They are hot and sexy as well as loving and passionate. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
*ARC provided by Author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JoAnna from Alpha Book Club
Peyton Fox has always known that someday she would inherit her father’s legacy. He owned the pro football team the Carolina Crush and she practically grew up at the stadium by his side. She knew that someday it would be all hers, she just didn’t expect that day to come so soon.
She immediately takes the reins and warns the team they’d better get their act together or she’ll cut her losses and sell the team. They’ve been on a losing skid for a couple of seasons and she’s not interested in owning a bunch of losers. Peyton is a no-nonsense ball-buster from her first locker room tirade. But she also works as hard as she expects them to. She doesn’t sit back and rest on her laurels. She’s a hands on owner and she’s ready to whip the motley crew into shape. No one is safe. No one’s job is secure. She owes them nothing.
Rafe Macintyre is the starting QB for the Carolina Crush. He’s known for his plays both on and off the field. On his first night as a member of the team, over 5 years ago, he and Peyton ended up in bed together. In the middle of the night he completely ghosted on her and never contacted her again. She moved away to work for another team and has avoided crossing paths with him since. Peyton has no time for a love life anyways. She works long days and then every spare second she has, she shares with her number one little man.
What happens when Rafe discovers that she’s been hiding a huge secret from him since that night so long ago? Can she resist her feelings for him or will she forgive him for how he treated her after their one-night stand? Once Rafe finds out that his team has an extra player he didn’t know about, will he bolt or accept responsibility? He has every right to feel angry and betrayed, but how can he turn away from the only woman he’s ever loved and the adorable mini-me who looks up at him with adoring eyes?
Sweet and steamy, with some angst, some anger and a wonderful happy ending.
Standalone. Told from alternating dual POVs. HEA.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.
This is my first book by this author so I wasn't quite sure what to expect. What I got was a very well-done sports romance, with a lot of laughs, great characters and a plot that didn't go where I expected.
I loved Rafe; he wasn't your typical manwhore, but a highly talented athlete with a sensitive, caring side. I loved that Peyton was kicka** as the strong, confident woman taking over the team after her father's death. They both have secrets, they've both made mistakes, now they're being given a second chance together if they're willing to take the risks.
I'm not a huge football fan, though I know a bit about the game, and I thought the author did a great job with the level of detail; it added a nice touch of authenticity without overwhelming the story. There were a lot of great secondary characters (I particularly liked Akoni); they were clearly developed and I hope to see more of them as the series continues.
While I liked that the story didn't develop along the usual lines, I feel part of that was because Peyton didn't react the way I expected; her character seemed a bit inconsistent to me. A little more time developing her rationale, and an ending that seemed a little less abrupt would have raised this to a 5 star read for me.
Overall, an enjoyable, second chance story and I look forward to more books by this author. 4 stars