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Playbook, The

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*Contains adult content and language* My life revolved around two things. Football and my cock. And not necessarily in that order. Being the head football coach for a top university in Texas had its ups and its downs. The ups? Endless women to f--k. The downs? The politics that came with the job. From the moment Aubrey Cain walked into my office, she turned my world upside down. Being forced to have her follow me around for a month was going to be a pain in the ass. Especially since I couldn't keep my eyes off of her. The best I'd hoped to come out of this was a few nights with her in my bed. I never imagined she'd be the game changer. Brett Owens was my assignment. Head football coach for a top college, bad boy reputation, short temper, and handsome good looks should have scared me off. But I was tougher than that. From the first words out of his obnoxious, dirty-talking mouth, I knew it was going to be a long month. It wasn't five minutes after meeting him that he hit on me. If only I had known his blue eyes would haunt my dreams and awaken a desire inside of me I never knew existed. This was business. There was no way I would be tempted by him, no matter how good looking he was or how many things he whispered in my ear. He was only supposed to be my assignment. Not the man who threatened to destroy both my heart and my career. I would follow along with his playbook for now. But who would end up winning was anyone's guess.

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First published September 13, 2016

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About the author

Kelly Elliott

109 books6,508 followers


Kelly Elliott is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling contemporary romance author. Since finishing her bestselling Wanted series, Kelly continues to spread her wings while remaining true to her roots and giving readers stories rich with hot protective men, strong women and beautiful surroundings.

Her bestselling works include, Wanted, Broken, Without You, and Unconditional Love, to name just a few.

Kelly has been passionate about writing since she was fifteen. After years of filling journals with stories, she finally followed her dream and published her first novel, Wanted, in November of 2012.

Kelly lives in central Texas with her husband, daughter, and two pups. When she’s not writing, Kelly enjoys reading and spending time with her family. She is down to earth and very in touch with her readers, both on social media and at signings.

To find out more about Kelly and her books, you can find her through her website.

www.kellyelliottauthor.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
Profile Image for Jenny••Steamy Reads Blog••.
987 reviews1,970 followers
July 26, 2017
This was another fun and entertaining, light hearted read by this wonderful author. There are quirky moments, some very steamy moments, and there are some bang my head on the wall moments. I love sports romance novels but this one seem to have a different feel to it, more focused on the love story❤️

First and foremost, I loved Brett Owens!!!
Kelly Elliot knows how to write the perfect mix of alpha, sexy, sweet & mushy. The forbidden romance factor made the story all the more hot!
Brett Owens is a successful college football coach, a retired NFL player, and he's also a playboy, a very big playboy. He's a perfect mix of alpha, sexy, cocky, sweet, and mushy.




Aubrey is the upcoming journalist sent to write about him. She's sweet, goal oriented, family driven, and she doesn't like players. Yet, the very first time she made eye contact with the sexy Brett Owens, she knew she was in trouble.





Its "lust" at first sight for both of them. Since it's forbidden and risky for both their careers, they decide not to give in to their attraction and fight it but in the process fall even harder for each other. For a welcoming change, they acknowledge their lust, instead of tiptoeing and avoiding it. They develop a strong friendship and cross over the line that can't be taken back. Until one wants more than the other. This is when my head banged the wall hard. It drug out way to long for me... Don't get me wrong, I loved this book, i wish a few things would have been different towards the end, but I can't write to give away, so..... loved the ending, loved the characters, and I still love Kelly Elliott❤️






Profile Image for Shannon.
515 reviews165 followers
September 15, 2016
Let me just start by expressing how much fun this book was to read. It's not what I expected from the synopsis, but the entertainment and enjoyment that manifested from this story was equally as exciting (that's a lot of 'e' words in one sentence). There's so much banter, flirtation and wittiness between not only these two but all of the characters. Here's just a small snippet of a classic interaction.

Aubrey held up her hands and laughed. “I’m kidding. My gosh. I already know the history. Teammates in college.”
Troy and I looked at each other. “She has a whole fucking notebook of shit about me. It’s kind of creepy.”
Aubrey placed her hands on her hips and grinned even bigger. “I even know what kind of underwear you buy.”
My eyes widened in shock. “What?”
She nodded and said, “Yep,” popping the p.
“How?” Troy asked for me since I was still in a somewhat state of utter shock. Aubrey did a few stretches and took off jogging backward while she called out, “I have my sources!”
With an evil laugh, she turned and started running.
Troy and I stood there watching her as I tried to figure out ways to send her back to Connecticut.
Troy chuckled as he hit me on the back. “I’d be very afraid of that girl.”
“Oh, trust me, I am.”


He's the top college football coach in the nation. He's known for his playboy ways and his dirty mouth. He's a true Texan and country boy at heart. He's Brett Owens. He's kind of awesome, sweet and swoony and I kind of have a huge crush on him. #shameless

“Is there a place to two-step?”
Brett gazed at me and gave me sweet smile. “Chip’s place. You like to two-step, sweetheart?”


YES! YES I DO!

Bree is one feisty woman who doesn't take crap from anyone and I loved it! She's freaking awesome, standing up for herself with not only Brett but her family, her boss, and everyone who looked down on her. She's such a breath of fresh air and a perfect heroine to work opposite to Brett Owens, Mr. Playboy coach of college football.

“I’m not sure I can give you what you want.”
Her eyes pooled with water. “Love me for now.”
I brushed my mouth over hers. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
She gripped my arms tighter. “I’m yours for tonight, Brett.


I don't know about you guys, but I love a good forbidden romance story. There's just something to be said about stolen glances and temptation. Knowing you shouldn't but oh how you want to. The Playbook embodied all of these elements that a classic forbidden tale should possess, all while burning the pages with innuendo and sexual tension. <--- I'll take an extra order of that to go, please and thank you! Plus the feels! I love when a book has all of the feels.

When he broke the kiss, he leaned his forehead against mine. “Why didn’t we meet sooner, Bree?”
I was so taken aback by his comment, all I could do was close my eyes and whisper the only word my lips would produce. “Brett.”
He quickly dropped his hands and stepped away from me. His stare met mine and I saw nothing but confusion and fear. I’d never imagined in my life I’d see that from Brett Owens.


Yeah, I know I'm not the only one who just swooned.

I really enjoyed the settings and how The Playbook took place in not only Austin, but in small town Texas as well. It shows such a different side of Brett and his real roots. Plus, who can resist a classic southern gentleman with a dirty mouth? I know I can't. My only issue here is that what could've and should've been a glimpse at where Brett came from, took over the story line. It completely changed the direction of the plot and book. While sometimes this is okay, in this sense I was a little confused. It personally felt like it should've been separated into two different stories about two sets of characters - one in Austin about football, and one in the country about ranching.

From the first few pages, I was obsessed with this story. It was fast paced, I could feel the temptation, plus the mystery and twist came out of nowhere and it was exciting. Until around the 60% mark, I was positive that this book would be finding a home in my favourites shelf. But then the stuff I mentioned about settings and plot came into play and it sort of started getting messy. The plot, relationships and even development started to fall apart and go in different directions. The execution wasn't as tight and I felt like the story was taking a completely different turn from everything we were promised at the beginning. Then the closer we got to the ending, cliches became heavier and more obvious. I'm all for one or two spread out, but it was like five of them all at once. There were still a few small moments that I enjoyed but overall this was definitely not my favourite part. I still enjoyed it, and FLOVED the first bit, but this is the reason why my rating is 4 stars as opposed to 5. I'm sure some people won't digest this story in the same sense that I did and will actually love this bit, but for my personal tastes, this portion and the ending left something to be desired.

On this note though, kudos to Kelly for being accurate in not only her farming descriptions but explanations as well. They not only made sense for the industry, but geographical location as well. I've worked in the agriculture sector for over a decade and there's nothing that bothers me more than inconsistencies, especially on something easy. Kelly put a huge smile on my face because she gets it.

Birdy walked up to Brett. “Don’t you fall right back into the role of cowboy so well?”
Brett tipped his cowboy hat and winked at his mother while my eyes slowly moved to see him dressed in tight jeans and cowboy boots.
Stay. Strong. Aubrey. You do not have a thing for cowboys.
Lies. I did have a thing for cowboys. And football coaches, dressed like cowboys.


There is no cheating in this book, but I have spied some reviews that allude to it. For the sake of those interested, I'm including a spoiler tag to explain this issue. If you don't like spoilers, move right past. :)



This has been my first Kelly Elliot book, but if this is how she does it, I can assure you it won't be my last! Aside from a few minor struggles, I really enjoyed this story and like I said, some of those few things I didn't like, others will love. It's all about your preferences, but I'd prefer if you gave this book a try.

*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review,

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Profile Image for NMmomof4.
1,782 reviews5,036 followers
July 31, 2017
2 Stars

Overall Opinion: Hmmm. This is a hard one to rate. I read it pretty fast, and I think it's because I was invested in their story to a certain extent. BUT...in reflecting on the overall story before writing this review I'm really conflicted. There were just too many things that bothered me to justify a higher rating.

I apologize in advance, because I'm sure I get a little ranty here.

I felt like the author threw way too many drama inducing things in to the story, and they were all so easily handled in a way that seemed a little unrealistic. Just to give you some idea of what all was presented...**BIG SPOILERS**...I feel like there was more, but I'm sure that's enough to put out there. AND all of these things were thrown in and resolved in some way in the 324 pages. I think my biggest complaint would have to be **BIG SPOILERS**.

Ok, rant done. Overall, this just didn't work for me -- BUT there are a lot of positive ratings that tell me that I might be in the minority here.

Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Aubrey and Brett's story. Aubrey is trying to get a shot at being a sideline reporter for the NFL, but she is assigned to do a story on Brett who is the coach of a national winning college team instead. He is a young, hot, playboy coach and she has a hard time resisting his charms while having to shadow him for a month. They dance around each other for a little bit, but eventually give in to their attraction and fall in love. There is a good bit of personal drama that both of them have to deal with, but they do get a HEA ending.

POV: This alternated between Aubrey and Brett's POV.

Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. I read it pretty fast because it flowed well. I also never skimmed.

Instalove: No. Instalust? Yes.

H rating: 2.5 stars. Brett. Meh, he was just ok. He was a pretty good dirty talker, but at times it seemed like that's all he was. I also really didn't like his martyr act towards the end.

h rating: 2.5 stars. Aubrey. She was just ok too. I didn't mind her so much up until

Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.

Push/Pull: Yes

Heat level: Moderate. They have some good tension, chemistry, and scenes.

Descriptive sex: Yes

Safe sex: Yes.

OW/OM drama: Yes

Sex scene with OW or OM: No

Cheating: No

Separation: Yes

Possible Triggers: Yes

Closure: This had a jump ahead epilogue with a HEA ending.

How I got it: I got it on loan through booklending.com (thank goodness!)

Safety: This one is probably Safe with exception for most readers.
Profile Image for J. Grayland.
Author 7 books127 followers
April 24, 2017
Aubrey Cain Has always wanted to be a reporter for the NFL even though she knows how much hard work it is for a woman to break into a male orientated world. Now to get her dream job she has to shadow the sexy coach Brett Owens around for one month and write a full article on him, simple right? Notorious playboy Brett Owens with his bad boy reputation and dirty talking mouth only loves two things, Football and Sex, until he meets Aubrey Cain and what starts out as a playful game of Brett trying to get Aubrey into his bed turns into her awakening feelings and emotions that Brett never knew existed in him. And for Aubrey the bad-boy football coach has a whole other side of him that she just needs to explore. Loved the relationship between the two characters and loved the story line, the sex was pretty hot as well this is a great read. Narrated by Many Lane and Rob Howard.
Profile Image for Karen Mc .
1,105 reviews770 followers
September 15, 2016
“Love is not something you go out and look for. Love finds you, and when it does, ready or not, it’ll be the best thing to ever happen to you.”

Love found me in the form of a sensational and swoon-filled sports story: The Playbook. Fast and furiously, The Playbook became my fix and my fascination. I was glued to this story with the intensity of watching my favorite team play football. The Playbook captivated me, caught me, and claimed me. I WAS ALL IN. The romance poured off the pages while the heat set them ablaze, both penetrating straight through me, The Playbook felt like a good old fashioned love story full of sweetness, swoon, and smolder, and oh did I fall in LOVE SO MUCH.

The Prologue wrapped itself around me tightly, sinking me into the story before it really started. That last line is love at first sight where I first swooned, one of so many swoons in this sweet and spellbinding story.

“Little did I know that one simple exchange would rock my entire world.”

Beautiful ESPN Analyst Aubrey ‘Bree’ Cain reports from the sidelines of college games but has dreamed about covering the NFL for years. Little did she know one hot coach, Brett Owens, would stir up her desire with one mere intense look from the sidelines one day.

“It was no ordinary smile. It was one that you read in romance books where your knees get weak and your stomach does that stupid flip thing.”

I fell in insta- lust with Coach 'Clincher of the Thighs' Owens early in the story and it just grew to full on love by the end. Dark messy hair, ice blue eyes, a tall and muscular body, and one dirty mouth makes for one panty-melting player. I LOVED BRETT, AND HIS DIRTY WORDS AND BIG HEART SO MUCH!

The ladies’ man, Brett, can’t fathom why one woman who has ignited him with just a smile has him turned inside out. One woman who now has to accompany him, the best coach in college football, for a month for a big sports article for ESPN.

“We were dealt the same card, now we had to play it.”

Bree may have one tough time not mixing business with pleasure as Brett’s dirty mouth gets her hot and bothered. Who could not succumb to those wanton-inducing words?

“I know another thing that is coming up – my cock. You look sexy as f**k. By the way, I love the ponytail. Gives me something to hold on to when I take you from behind.”

That elevator…gah! My body heated from head to toe from Brett’s words alone.

“…I’m attracted to you, Brett. And the way you make me feel when I’m around you is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before, and it has me shaken to the core.”

Bree tries her hardest to not mix business with pleasure. She must keep her head in the game and goal of the NFL. She can’t lose herself in Coach Panty-Melter no matter how dirty his mouth is and how much she wants it on hers. She can’t get played by the player.

Easier said than done. How could Bree not relent to Brett’s witty and wanton-inducing words?

“Smashing my lips to hers, it didn’t take long for her to open up to me…She tasted sweeter than honey…Instead of pulling back, I deepened the kiss while our tongues danced in perfect harmony.”

Their chemistry is electric like the buzz in the air during a sold-out football game; Bree and Brett’s passion pounded from the pages straight to me.

Bree doesn’t want to like the cocky player who turns her on while they are working together, but she can’t help what her traitorous body feels. Her brain also can’t help but process every dirty word and look that makes her want to pounce on Brett like a cat in heat. Temptation never looked so good.

“I did the one thing I said I wasn’t going to do again. Let Brett Owens in.”

As much as their attraction is off-the-charts hot, neither Brett nor Bree want complications; both want to stay focused on their jobs and protect their hearts so no one gets hurt. Will one woman be enough to change this player’s Playbook for good?

Oh my SWOON! My sexy thigh clenches turned into swoon-filled sighs. I SWOONED HARD, my soul soared high, and my heart was hit like a football over this unexpected story. The Playbook didn’t just smoke the story and me with heat; it hit my heart with a bigger impact than I imagined. One laced in lust where love threatened to seep through, a hijacking of my heart I did not see coming.

The Playbook played me in the best way!!! I did not think this story would soar right into my soul with the speed of a fast football. I did not think this football story about a player would play me in the best way. I did not think my heart would pound all over the pages fast and furiously. I did not think the feels would flow in the form of tears of happiness, swoon, and sorrow. I LOVED EVERY MINUTE of this sensational story and could not get enough.

Kelly Elliott dropped a tender and terrific touchdown of a romance with The Playbook – a spellbinding story that made me swoon and sweat. I swooned so hard that I’m crowning Kelly Elliott the new Queen of Swoon. This Southern gal fell head-over-heels in love with The Playbook in a Gone with the Wind Meets Sweet Alabama way. This is my new favorite story by Kelly Elliott and I need not just a book but a whole series like The Playbook because I’m not done swooning yet!

5 Swoon-filled Stars
Profile Image for Amy .
3,120 reviews
September 12, 2016
5 Fantastic Stars!!

“Please kiss me, Just once.” I would never forget how those words made me feel. Like the first time I saw her and she smiled at me.

“There was something about Brett Owens that felt dangerous. He made me want things I knew I shouldn’t want, yet I didn’t care. I felt daring when I was around him.”

I love, love, loved this book. Talk about a romance that hits all the marks. This book gave me everything I never knew I needed and then some.

The Playbook is a stand-alone novel and is told from dual points of view. From the moment I picked up Brett and Aubrey’s story, I was hooked. Brett was truly something special. A smooth, dirty talking player, that could melt the panties off of anyone. I just knew he was going to be trouble and that he would give Aubrey a run for her money. And boy, did he ever….And Aubrey. I loved her smart attitude and determination. She wasn’t afraid to hang out with the big boys and go after the things that she wanted. Brett definitely met his match with Aubrey. And the two of them together, had me begging for more.

Brett and Aubrey together was simply fantastic. Those two had some seriously intense chemistry. You could feel the tension and need just oozing off of them. Not only was their chemistry insane, but their banter was so entertaining. I honestly couldn’t get enough of Brett and Aubrey together. They had me turning the pages impossibly fast, to see what would happen next.

The Playbook is an amazing read, from beginning to end. It is incredibly well written, with some fantastic and surprising twists and moments that will just make you heart swoon. It honestly has everything you could want in a good romance.The characters are fun and flawed. They are real and easy to connect with. You will be sucked into their story and will find it impossible to put down. The Playbook has just the right balance of angst, drama, romance and sexy good times. This is probably my favorite book by this author to date. In the end, there is just nothing else to say, other than I loved this book.

*I was provided an ARC copy of this book, in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews491 followers
September 15, 2016
Buckle up for this rollercoaster ride, y’all. There is a LOT going on in this book! It’s entertaining, sizzling, with a tiny touch of mystery and a whole ton of emotions.

Honestly? I was a little afraid that Brett Owens was going to be too much of a manwhore for me, but I quite enjoyed him actually. He’s cocky, foul-mouthed, and completely irreverent, but once you get past the surface, he’s completely sweet, adorable, and easy to love. I did love him quite a bit—even when he made bonehead decisions and got lost inside his own head.

I loved Aubrey too…mostly. I loved that she was strong and smart and…fun. I loved how she brought Brett out of his shell and was so open with him. Her bonehead decisions rankled me a little bit more than Brett’s did—I get frustrated when communication is the pivotal conflict in a relationship—but overall, I thought these two made a fun, flirty, scorching hot pair.

There were times when the emotions went a little OTT for me, and some of the dialogue didn’t always ring true (it sometimes read a little stiff or too dramatic for my sensibilities), but in the end, I did enjoy this story very much. Aubrey and Brett had fierce chemistry and Ms. Elliott gave them an incredibly satisfying and adorable ending that made this book well worth the ride. ~ Shelly, 3.5 stars
Profile Image for Krishaines.
122 reviews
September 24, 2016
Yes, sleeping with someone else will 100% help you get over the love of your life.

Your dumb.

Moving on....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for aNneMarLi - Chatterbooks Book Blog.
416 reviews296 followers
September 8, 2016
4.0 "PLAYBOOK" STARS!!!

"I'm scared of you being gone. Of us living two separate lives, but I realized I'd rather have that over a life of living without you."

Oh My Gawd This Book.. I mean like this is my first Kelly Elliot read and man it exceeded my expectations. Sure though, it was somewhat lighthearted with a slight to no angst but I really cannot deny the fact that I enjoyed every moment of it. I devoured it and I feel like I was addicted to it. That and the fact that I've been waiting for this book for what seems like forever. Who wouldn't want it when you read the blurb that almost screams hot and scorching???? Added with that lines,

"My life revolved around two things. Football and my cock. And not necessarily in that order. "

and I wanna scream BRETT. OWENS.YOU.ARE.MINE! And if it helps, I might have licked every pages that has his name on it. ;)

True, because when I met Brett Owens, I wanna lock this man up because I just found his antics hilarious and adorable, I don't care the sexiness but it's just an added bonus you know. He's not just the man whore that was rumored of him and aside from the fact that he's the best football coach. This man is just down right sweet and I'm swooning over him while reading this book. He may be rumored as ladies man but he's a very private person. And that's where Aubrey Cain entered, an ESPN reporter working her ass off to be NFL's sideline reporter. Well, to prove her worth, she was tasked to follow Brett for a month to make an article about the university and of course Brett. Eepppp.. and that's where their journey started.

I needed more time.
I need more time to prepare for that smile. That body. Those lips around my thick hard cock. ~ Brett


There guys, I don't think that I needed to expound my review since the blurb pretty sums up what the book is about. What I just wanna share to you guys is the fact that the book is MORE THAN WHAT IT SEEMS TO BE. It's not just the thought about a coach and a reporter in their sexapades and all that but it delivered something more to the story that really will gravitate you towards the book without wanting it to end. I admit, some parts kinda dragged up a bit or maybe because I just want more from it, but it's just negligible. Everything just blended so well. From the characters that have an undeniable chemistry to the superb writing, and oh, I might have wanted to knock both of the leads head off but even then I am all in. I love their journey together. It feels real no matter how lighthearted the story is. There is just substance to the plot that made you savour it. And please..... I never thought I will shed any tear for this book but I did!!! Add that to the fact that I was riding a public vehicle and people are staring at me!!! I didn't know how it happened but nearing the end, my heart was gripped so damn tight and I just can't stop from crying. Yeah but good thing though, everything went out well and that made my heart burst into happiness.

Just a little warning though as there may be points that may or may not be for you. I might have gasped for a while and even stopped reading because I don't think I can take it. However though, it just made the story more real. That, it's not just more about rainbows, unicorns, fairy tales and HEA. And for you to find out what I'm talking about, you need to read it yourself.

Take a ride with Brett and Bree and fall in love all over again.

To end, the book is really good. Kelly Elliot did not disappoint as I FLAT.OUT. enjoyed reading Playbook. A must read!
Profile Image for Carmen Rae.
1,683 reviews186 followers
October 9, 2016
I kind of feel punked writing this review, the last book I read that was similar I got a little ranty about what I want in a sports romance and it was kind of this. But of course there’s a twist.

This started out perfectly and I thought maybe the book god’s were sick of me ranting and had delivered. DUDE was the man who’re with the heart of gold. He had the dirty mouth and the unrivaled skills. Add in the instant attraction and I thought for sure I was going to be happy.

I even loved her. I do have to say I wasn’t fully committed to either of them but I thought that would get there. Then bam awesome sexual tension, followed by steamy hot sex scenes and I thought any second now I was going to be fully invested. Then I made the mistake of noticing I was 50% in so I started trying to guess what the oh shit moment was going to be.

I mean we had a few twists already but they dealt with them with ease so what does the next half hold? Sadly it wasn’t what I wanted in the slightest and it had one of my pet peeves and I got annoyed with them as a couple and nit picked the entire book.

So now I am pretty sure I would have liked this book but once I cracked it over that one thing I went off in a full tanty and threw the whole book under the bus and I just can’t come back from it. Sorry. I am sure most rational people who like sports romance would enjoy this book I just didn’t happen to be rational this week.

Check out my reviews here
Profile Image for HMS.
1,499 reviews74 followers
October 11, 2016
An ESPN reporter trying to land her dream job as a side line reporter for the NFL, is assigned to write an article for their in house magazine. Problem is, the subject matter isn't in the world of the NFL, her subject is a championship winning college football coach who is known for his plays on and off the field. A notoriously gorgeous ladies man, Brett Owens, loves his job and the perks that come with it but one pesky beautiful reporter by the name of Aubrey Cain will not get in his locker room, bed yes, locker room no. Their story is a beautiful bumpy ride. What happens when the person you love isn't looking for the same outcome from the relationship, one wants a specific end game and the other just isn't there yet? Stay together and hope or cut ties? Kelly Elliott always delivers the angst and her usual, predictable ending, but the problems these two faced were straight out of reality.
Profile Image for Three Chicks.
2,631 reviews419 followers
August 30, 2016
Review by Lisa Kane

Aubrey Cain works for ESPN as a reporting on college football. She's worked her ass off, belongs on the sidelines for the NFL and everyone knows it. But it's still a good old boy business and she just can't seem to shatter that glass ceiling. Yet.

"The big boys don't like it when the girls come play in their sandbox. Especially when we can build the castle bigger and stronger."

But she's about to get a break-she's going to be shadowing Brett Ownes, the coach for the University of Austin. He's college football's bad boy. Extremely successful and a total manwhore. She spotted him at a game a few weeks ago and found herself thinking he was one hot man, but not her type.

Brett Owens had a reputation. A few of them really. He was a ladies' man, he didn't like female reporters in his locker room, and he thought he was the best football coach on the planet.

Brett is more than a little aware of who Aubrey is, and unless it's to screw her, he isn't interested in having to spend time with her. In spite of his public image, he's a very private person and wants to keep it that way. He's also one over the top dirty talker!

These two are like oil and water-but could totally mix it up together for something spicy!

Aubree is determined to resist Brett, her friend Michelle's nickname for him hits this nail right on the head.

"Conservative. It will at least keep the pussy hound from sniffing around you."
My brows pinched together. "What did you call him?"
"A pussy hound."



Brett' equally intrigued-and he's having a tough time forgetting about Aubree long enough to hook up with his unending queue of gorgeous girls dying to be with the famous coach.

As if he Brett doesn't have enough going on in his life-between Aubree shadowing him for the next month for her article and spring training upon him to get his players ready for their season, he's about to have his world blow apart. When it looks like a foolish mistake on his part is going to lose him his career, Aubree comes to the rescue. She sees things in him that no one else bothers to see-she's not looking to spend a night with his image, she gets who he really is and not hasn't happened very often to Brett.

But life is anything but smooth for these two-Aubree has a tendency to act first and then think about her actions and sometimes that makes people feel trapped and forces a reaction from them that they might not have made if not pushed. Both Brett and Aubree are a little more than pig headed and they can be their own worst enemies.

"I can't give you the things I know you want. I think deep down you know that."

Will they get the Hail Mary pass that they need to find their way back together or are they destined to fumble the ball?

"I'm scared of you being gone. Of us living two separate lives, but I realized I'd rather have that over a life of living without you."
Profile Image for Tanya.
200 reviews17 followers
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August 31, 2016
The Playbook was the perfect read for me. Kelly Elliott incorporated all the things I love in a book which are love, laughter, romance, dirty talk, and strong characters. It was a book that had me completely captivated right from the cover all the way to the blank last page telling me that there was no more. By the end I was completely fulfilled. I devoured this book with quickness. The Playbooks will leave you with this overwhelming feeling of LOVE.

Brett Owens owned me from the very first dirty words that came out of his mouth. I was so shocked by him. Then I’m like “I like it!” LOL. I didn’t know someone could be so blunt but it worked so well for him. It was incredibly hot. As I kept flipping the pages my love for him kept growing. He was so AHHH but at the same time he was sweet. The combination of the dirty and sweet did me in. No one can ever compare to Brett Owens.

As much as I loved Brett, I liked Aubrey even more. Her strong personality and her drive and determination, were a definite plus in my book. All these characteristics made her. Aubrey is my favorite leading lady EVER. She is tough and hilarious. She is smart and has purpose. Her career and the way she worked for it was one of my favorite parts to watch unfold. Bree would command and own. I have nothing but amazing things to say about her.

Kelly Elliott you won the game with The Playbook. It was a complete success. From the start, to the plot, to the ending you accomplished your mission. The Playbook is a winner. This is one of my favorite books that you have written so far. I loved so many things about this book that I would have to write my own book explaining everything so I will just stop it here! If you love football, dirty talking coaches, strong powerful leading ladies you will love this book. Go get it now because it will consume you and Brett Owens will own you.
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,798 reviews124 followers
June 16, 2018
4 The Playbook Stars

Brett & Aubrey

You know that feeling you get when you finish and book and it was just what you needed.
This was that book for me. I enjoyed that Aubrey didn’t have a job like you would think. And I loved that Brett was totally a Brett. LOL ..

Once you read the book you will see what I mean. I loved that emotions can sneak up on someone and BAM before you know it your in love. I think that is why I like romance so much.

I do wish Aubrey had told off her boss at least once. He very much deserved it. I will say this that I am glad no punches were thrown, it’s one thing I have noticed in a lot of books. And this didn’t have that kind of drama at all. LOVED that.

Oh and the narration we have to talk about how yummy Rob Howard’s voice is and Mandy Lane’s performance was perfect!

*You don't have to like my review but its 100% my opinion, and I am allowed to have it.*
Profile Image for The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha).
2,115 reviews361 followers
September 12, 2016
Link to full review below!He is such a manwhore it actually kind of turned me off of this book. Overall, it turned out to be good, but it was nearly a DNF for me because of the hero. He is seriously slutty and its not cool. Safety Gang: OW/OM drama, the couple breaks up for a bit and the heroine does sleep with another guy during that time See full review on The Book Disciple
Profile Image for Mary Tatar.
643 reviews62 followers
August 14, 2016
After reading this book I wished I had special powers to make the characters come to life. I needed them to be a part of the real world, and not the one about seven strangers who are picked to live in a house.

I loved this book so much!!!!

Full review to come....
Profile Image for Ally.Always.Reads.
761 reviews135 followers
May 29, 2019
3.75 stars.
It was good. I wasn’t crazy about it but it kept my attention.

I did just finish Play Me (which is the kids of this book and Trust Me by Kristin Mayer) and I found a lot of similarities so it almost felt like the same thing... but I did prefer Play Me better. I found the characters a tad more enjoyable.
Brett was just a little bit annoying to me. Brought up his playboy ways waaaay too often. Not a fan of that.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,587 reviews113 followers
September 14, 2020
DNF at 23%

I just don't like either character and I don't believe in their chemistry.
Profile Image for Lindsey King.
842 reviews34 followers
August 29, 2016
Angst 1

Tears 2

Value 5

Panty scorching 5

Storyline 5

Overall Rating 5


Squeeee! I have been waiting on this book for what seems like months! I freakin LOVED IT!  Kelly has a way of telling stories like no other. I have read every book of hers and there's a reason why...  she can write her ass off. This book is no different. Although I do think Brett is one of her dirtiest men to date. Oh my damn he's hot. And Aubree.... sigh.. I love her just as much.


Brett is the man. No seriously. He's the epitome of everything you could want in a book man. Hell a man in real life too! Hes sweet dirty good looking and everything in between.  He is the ultimate ladies man. Southern drawl.. check! Loves football... check! Tight jeans... check! But one thing about him is that he's never been in love. Only he doesn't think he can give Aubree what she needs. Can he be the man that she can't live without? Can he give up his love of the game to fulfill his other dream? I fell for him instantly! His dirty mouth and constant banter with Aubree made me giggle like a little girl. I freakin love him! 


Aubree is a goal driven person. Her goal is to report on the sidelines in the NFL. Having a vagina puts her at a definite disadvantage. But she works her ass off and she's one of the best for a reason. When she gets assigned to Brett she knew without a doubt that he would give her a run for her money. Professional! She had to keep it professional. But what woman could resist a cowboy?! I know I sure couldnt! She fell hard and fast! But her career and the dreams she's had since she was a little girl keep ker from taking that plunge. Will she be able to make that sacrifice for love? 


This was an amazing story. There were so many emotions I had whIle reading. Anger, sadness, giddiness, and so much happiness. These two characters have worked their way up to the top of my all time favorites! I love them apart but together they are off the charts hot! Kelly makes me want to live in a book every time I get my hands on one of hers. To escape reality and just enjoy the ride! Another great book on the record for her! 
Profile Image for Romance Readers Retreat.
2,346 reviews225 followers
September 13, 2016
This is a new to me author and I absolutely loved this book! When I first started reading it I thought it was going to be an insta love kind of romance which I'm not a huge fan of but it turned out to be so much more than that!

Brett Owens is the head football coach for the University of Austin. He is the ultimate playboy and his life revolves around football and women and sometimes not even in that order. When ESPN college sideline reporter Aubrey Cain is forced to follow him around for the next month, his world gets turned upside down. From the moment he meets her he can't keep his eyes or his dirty talking mouth and hands off her. He never imagined that in all his playboy dirty talking ways that she could be his game changer.

Aubrey Cain has always dreamed about being a sideline reporter in the NFL. She figures this piece on Brett would be the one to change her bosses mind and move her up to the NFL. She never imagined that his dirty talking mouth and sexy blue eyes would awaken a desire in her that she never knew existed and haunt her every waking moment. He was only supposed to be her assignment, not the man who threatened both her heart and career.

Will the playboy change his ways? Can these two make a relationship work even though their careers will ultimately lead them in two different directions? Will they get the happy ending they so definitely deserve? You will have to one-click to find out!

I loved Aubrey and Brett and was rooting for them the entire time to get their happy ending! The author evokes such emotions for these two and makes you fall so hard and fast for them! This book was so much more than your typical love story. Brett and Aubrey have so many obstacles between them and the relationship they desire and it is definitely an emotional roller coaster of a ride for them on their journey to being happy. One click and fall in love with these two like I did! I cannot wait to read more from this author!
Profile Image for Dai.
672 reviews41 followers
September 25, 2017
Voy a darle cuatro estrellas porque hubo momentos en los que sentí que la historia no avanzaba y en otros los personajes se apresuraban. Pero en si, es bastante buena y los personajes son de lo mejor.

Brett es HERMOSO. Dios, como amé a ese hombre, es que nada de lo que hacía me decepcionaba. Aubrey no esta mal, supongo... aunque hubo cierto momento en el que quise matarla.

Me derretí con el epílogo porque fue justo como lo imaginé :P
Profile Image for maggieandteddy.
1,222 reviews143 followers
October 12, 2016

I liked the blurb so I decided I wanted to read this book before others on my tbr pile
The beginning of the book hooked me. "The looks" between the H, Brett and the h, Aubrey--
On the sideline of a football field WHILE Brett, the head coach is leading his college team to a championship.
There were some words and phrases that were a little choppy. Some misused words: ie your/you're (several times).
I did get into the story. I warmed up to Aubrey and Brett. Yes Brett warmed me up. Hmm...
Oh yeah.. where was I ? Yeah Brett is the best looking, youngest college coach ever.
I liked Aubrey, she's funny and smart, but has some naive moments too-especially men trying to pull one over on her.
Brett finds Audrey "like no other", "there's just something about her".
There is a lot of get to know each other time. Audrey is a writer for ESPN Magazine. Her assignment is: Brett & his University of Austin Football team. The story opens up with Audrey & Brett giving each other those looks. Fast forward to Spring training time. Audrey is allowed a long time to write her article. Plenty of time to get close. Like 2- 3 but it seems to get extended or did I lose track of time?
There are some clever scenes, but also some of those awkwardly written parts too.
'When I walked and sat at my desk, there was a letter addressed to me' (huh?)
Overall, Brett is a very nice guy, popular & successful coach, nice to his mom, and to children in need. Then he goes off the rails with his out of character attempts at sexual come-ons. (recognize anybody famous recently doing that??) -!!!
.." You look sexy as fuck. Dinner tonight? By the way, I love the ponytail. Gives me something to hold on to when I take you from behind." (location 550 after they just met for her writing assignment). There's several more scenes like that sprinkled throughout the book.
The blurting of the sex talk could have been deleted & I would have liked Brett a whole lot more. Aubrey seems like she used to it. She does works for ESPN.
I liked the story, even with the uneven writing style. There was a slow middle. Different secondary characters were scheming to keep them apart.
Aubrey is from Connecticut & Brett lives in Austin, TX - and they both travel for their jobs.
Never mind the interlopers- the long distant relationship is what does them in......
Or does it?
I did like: both sets of parents (yay! no dysfunction there). No cheating (technically) They were taking a break..... I liked the ending and the epilogue. I did notice the writing flowed a lot better as I read.
I'm split between 3.5- 3.75 stars. Thanks to Ann for the book loan xoxox.
Profile Image for Joy Novel Thoughts.
573 reviews70 followers
September 16, 2016
Not another Sports romance!

When I first received this book I kept putting off reading it because I was afraid it was going to be another standard sports romance novel like all the others I've been binge reading. Boy was I wrong and I instantly regretted it putting this to the side.

This book was saccharine and comical at times, filled with a dirty talking playboy and an over analyzing woman, who would be irrational at times and I could totally relate to, I mean, really how many of us haven't gone a little crazy on the man we are in love with?

The drama oh the drama in this book rocked my world. I adored both of their families. Gah, is there anything better than sweet wholesome families? And set in Texas... and I'm from Texas.

Y'all... read this book.

https://www.facebook.com/HEANovelThou...
https://heanovelthoughts.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Susan (susayq ~).
2,522 reviews132 followers
September 15, 2016
Kelly Elliott has been on my TBR for a long time. After reading this I'll have to move those up the reading order because I really liked this. Sure, Brett got on my nerves with his dirty talking mouth(not the dirty talking itself, but his timing on it), but in the end he more than made up for it. He gave Aubrey a HUGE grand gesture and I melted into a puddle on the sofa. I only wish Ryan and Emily would have gotten some kind of retribution for their behavior - call me mean or whatever, but they got off too easy LOL

*thanks to InkSlinger PR for sharing a copy of this with me in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Heather andrews.
9,520 reviews163 followers
August 30, 2016
I really liked that Brett had a sweet side, "I kissed the tear away and whispered, “Please don’t cry. I can’t bear the thought of knowing I made you cry.” Brett for some strange reason has an issue with 80's music, "flipping through the guide, I groaned when I saw what she pulled up. Eighties music. “No. I cannot have sex to this music.” Her hand went to her hip. She looked sexy as eff." I loved this book, I loved Brett.
Profile Image for alyssa.
219 reviews23 followers
September 14, 2016
The Playbook is the second book I've read by Kelly Elliott. After reading The Playbook I want to binge read all of her other books! This book was so good! I was hooked from the beginning and once I got into it is didn't want to stop. I love how the characters are so different and once they get to know each other they end up shocked. Brett and that filthy mouth of his will have you finishing this book in one sitting! **ARC PROVIDED IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
Profile Image for HeatherP.
1,054 reviews25 followers
September 12, 2016
Fun light hearted read by Kelly. There was lots of quirky moments and some steamy ones as well. Aubrey and Brett were both like-able and great together. This is a sports romance but it did have a different feel to it. My only reason for rating it a 3 was that at times it felt a bit all over the place. Other then that this was another great book by Kelly.

ARC in exchange for honest review
Profile Image for Ann.
2,102 reviews50 followers
October 8, 2016
A solid 4.0 stars that unfortunately slid into 3.0-3.5 stars for me. The relationship got wonky when the heroine demanded too much too soon WAY too early.
Profile Image for Desi.
2,667 reviews86 followers
June 23, 2020
2.75 ESTRELLAS

Estuvo regular, la primera mitad del libro me gustó, la manera como se iban desarrollando las cosas entre los protagonistas y todo eso, pero luego ya la otra mitad me pareció tan estúpido todo empezando por Aubrey presionando a Brett a que se casara y formara una familia con ella cuando no tenían ni 2 meses saliendo.... wtf??? ahí ella se fumo una lumpia y le doy la razón a él de que no era momento para pensar en eso que debían conocerse más y bueno... creo que todo ese drama se pudo haber resuelto de otra manera y ahí sentí que la historia como que se estancó y me aburrió mares.... y luego la muy idiota empieza una relación con alguien más estando todavía "muy enamorada" de Brett... y ahí si que ella dejo de agradarme por lo estúpida que fue!!

En mi opinión el amor entre ellos creo que surgió muy rápido, casi un instalove, y me hubiese gustado que se fuera desarrollando poco a poco.
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