Match Made

Love and Play #2

by Amélie S. Duncan

In order to win his heart, she'll have to play the game... 
All over Broadway, my name is up in lights. From New York to London, the words 'Gemma Sinclair'
are synonymous with up-and-coming fame, and a super-fast rise to success.
Yeah, well, super isn't how I feel...
Between my deadbeat addict of an ex-boyfriend and the stress of my parents relying on me back
home--sometimes I feel like the ground beneath my feet is slipping away.
Until I crossed paths with Knox Callahan, the hot and sexy as hell veteran player for the
New York Football Club--and a total player when it comes to women. A year after our disastrous
first date, I'm still in no position to have anything to do with a guy like him.
But then right at my lowest, here he comes, riding back into my life and offering me something
I've been desperately longing for--support. And truth.
And, well, the truth is--now I can't for the life of me remember why I didn't want to be a part of his team...

Author's Note: This is a STANDALONE from the Love and Play Series. It's HEA, No cheating friends-to-lovers contemporary romance with sports, a loving alpha dominant male, strong female lead, and a little smut between the steam :D

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Friends To Lovers, Soccer, Football

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 10, 2017

About the author

Amélie S. Duncan writes contemporary, erotic romances. Her inspiration comes from many sources including her life experiences and travels. She lives on the West Coast of the United States with her husband.

www.ameliesduncan.com

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Gemma and Knox’s story! We got to meet both these characters a bit in Match Fit, but neither character is anything like I expected. When hard times hit Gemma, she finds her own white knight in the form of Knox, even if she is not willing to accept his helping hand – just yet. Given the nature of their first encounter a year prior, Gemma isn’t ready to fully trust Knox’s intentions are truly 100% pure.

A friends to lovers romance that had a bit more angst given the nature of Gemma’s most recent failed relationship – but Knox was surprisingly steady. Ready to be the friend she needed, even if wanted more.

I really enjoyed this romance. I am a sucker for the bad boy and Knox checked all my boxes.

[Sladjana Mihajlovic Ex Sladic · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing story! I fell in love with the storyline and the characters almost immediately. It's hot, sexy, and nothing like I've read in a long time.
Knox is a charismatic, cocky, soccer player, but has a heart of gold. Gemma has been knocked down on her luck and luckily runs into Knox, who swoops in to help her. They make a deal to be friends and not let sex get involved, but their feelings get involved and makes things even more difficult. With their growing friendship turning into a relationship, life changes for them both and now they're being torn apart. Neither can admit that they're in love with the other, and they end up parting ways. Knox's compassion and patience is definitely tested, and I hate to say it, but I don't blame him for telling Gemma that he don't want to hear from her again. He's at a loss, he's finally found the one who makes him whole, and she leaves him. Will these two find their HEA?
This is definitely a must read that I'm recommending to everyone! I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read by Amelie S. Duncan. I thought it was written well and I absolutely loved the characters and their storyline. Gemma is an actress dating a gambling addict whose parents happen to own the theatre that she works out of. He disappears for days and weeks at a time but this time what he has done is unforgivable. He stole money from Gemma's bank account and left her destitute and to top that off he has demolished the apartment that they shared. What is she going to do now? Knox is a professional soccer player as well as a ladies man. He runs into Gemma at a bar after she is being hit on by several other men. She's there to unwind from her horrible day and he is there picking up a woman to bring home but doesn't find what he is looking for. They have known each other for a while now due to having friends in the same circles. He offers to help her for the night. No sex. This story is about 2 people that need someone to help them through life even though they feel that they can do it on their own. It's a very heartfelt story about friendship turning into more with a little bit of crazy on the side. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Kerry - Readkerryread · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say I loved Knox and Gemma's story even if it was a little too much drama. Gemma and Knox met in the previous book, but the date was so bad to the point that Gemma left mid-date. Well when they reconnect Gemma has just broken up with her deadbeat boyfriend who has stolen from her to feed his addiction. She has also just lost her apartment as he left water running as punishment.

When Knox happens on her he can't help but make sure she makes it home ok. When he finds she doesn't have somewhere to go he offers her his spare bedroom. Gemma is stubborn as hell, and while at times admirable it was at times a little draining. Knox was always willing to lend a hand, and he was willing to prove to Gemma that he wanted to be her friend. They find that they have a great time together, it's easy to talk and spend time together.

They fight, get jealous, and soon enough find that they really do care for each other, but it isn't without a lot of drama in between.

[Tracie Simister · Rating 5 out of 5]

I gave this Book a rating of 5 ✩’s
Title: Match Made: Bad Boys and Show Girls
by Amélie S. Duncan
Series: Love and Play Series
Genre: Sports romance
Author: Amélie S. Duncan
Format: Kindle Edition
Published on:

I voluntarily reviewed a Free Courtesy Advanced Reader Copy of this book
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Character’s Descriptions:
Gemma Sinclair is a Broadway star
Knox Callahan is a veteran player for the New York Football Club and a player with women
>-< >-< >-< >-< >-<>-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-< >-<
What I liked/Didn’t Like: Loved the cocky Knox and his protectiveness of Gemma. Very good read. Humor, Romance and Lots of Alpha maleness abound.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero(s) rating: 4 stars
Heroine rating: 4 stars
Sexual tension rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes rating: 3 stars
Sex scenes frequency: 3 stars
Plot rating: 4 stars
Dialogue rating: 3.5 stars
Storytelling rating: 4 stars
Story ending rating: 4 stars
Other woman/men drama: Yes
Cheating: No
Cliffhanger: No
HEA: Yes
**********************************************
Overall rating: 4 stars

[Bree202 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I loved this book and this series! It was a great read! I've had this book on my tbr shelf for a while and should've read it a long time ago. I'm so glad I took the time to read it. Now I'm really looking forward to reading Tyler and Scarlet’s story.

[Marisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably my least favorite of the series. Mostly because I didn't really care for Gemma in the first book and it took awhile to warm up to her in this book.

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

[Marti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun read. Being a soccer fan made this one more interesting.

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great!

I loved all of these books. Sometimes I y bored in the middle of books but not with these. I loved the characters and the plots. Bravo.

[Kathy Bolar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great Love and Play book, however there were some grammar/typos which bothers me. However, still another strong story line and hot sex scenes!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this novel!!!!!

This is probably one of my favorite books by Amelie Duncan! Wonderful storyline, with a perfect side of romance and kink.

[Gigi Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read on Radish. Loved this story of Knox and Gemma. Their story is a fun one built on a misunderstanding, but ending on the perfect note.

[Josie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Knox and Gemma’s story. Loved the stubbornness of Gemma, she has come a long way and so did Knox. Loved the ending.

[Chanda Norman · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars This is a sweet, sexy romance between Knox, an soccer player and Gemme a Broadway actress. They meet when they are at the same bar where Gemme drowning her sorrows over losing her bank account to her gambling addicted ex. Knox literally picks her up and takes her home. Thus begins their slow burn love story. Gemme knows he is a player from a past almost blind date with him so decides no matter how attracted she is to him they can only be mates.

This is the second book in the series and the only one I have read but Dylan and Brooke, Knox and Gemme's friends were the couple introduced in the first book. This book can be read as a standalone.

Will Knox's loving care win her over? Will their careers get in the way? I enjoyed reading their adventure to their HEA. Hope you do too.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy provided by the author and Hidden Gems.

[Tanya Rae ~ TaSTy WordGasms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sports Romances are not usually my favorite genre to read and yes, Match Made is a sports romance but, there is a story told with a little sports mixed in. And, as Amélie S. Duncan said in her author’s note “a little smut between the steam.

Knox Callahan & Gemma Sinclair were both in Match Fit and now they have their own story in Match Made. I fell in love with Knox & Gemma. Knox was a little cocky (Okay maybe a LOT cocky) & he is a little protective of Gemma. Although he did keep making comments to try and get Gemma into bed with him. Gemma had always used sex to make her feel good and this time she wants something different. She wants what Brooke and Dylan (from Match fit) have in a relationship.

Have you ever read a book that when nearing the end of it you put it aside so that you could delay reading, THE END. Well I had to do just that.

I really enjoyed reading Match Made and I hope you will too! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. And, even though I received this ARC my copy has been pre-ordered on Amazon because I believe in leaving a verified review.

Reviewed for TaSTy WordGasms & myself.

Merged review:

Sports Romances are not usually my favorite genre to read and yes, Match Made is a sports romance but, there is a story told with a little sports mixed in. And, as Amélie S. Duncan said in her author’s note “a little smut between the steam.

Knox Callahan & Gemma Sinclair were both in Match Fit and now they have their own story in Match Made. I fell in love with Knox & Gemma. Knox was a little cocky (Okay maybe a LOT cocky) & he is a little protective of Gemma. Although he did keep making comments to try and get Gemma into bed with him. Gemma had always used sex to make her feel good and this time she wants something different. She wants what Brooke and Dylan (from Match fit) have in a relationship.

Have you ever read a book that when nearing the end of it you put it aside so that you could delay reading, THE END. Well I had to do just that.

I really enjoyed reading Match Made and I hope you will too! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. And, even though I received this ARC my copy has been pre-ordered on Amazon because I believe in leaving a verified review.

Reviewed for TaSTy WordGasms & myself.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It was sexy and sweet and the emotional turmoil was believable. The career stress was in the realm of possibility as well. Gemma was smart, talented, and I admired her for doing her best to move above and beyond the drama of her personal life. Knox was sweet, determined, sexy, and steady. I liked the resolution both in the plot and the relationship. The writing was interesting and kept me reading from the very beginning. Some of the conversations in the beginning were slightly confusing because the responses didn't always read linear to me, but it wasn't enough to frustrate me. I liked Gemma's parents. They were a good addition, solid for Gemma's character and also for relationship progression. Overall, a great read. I hope to read about Tyler's fall in another story.

I willingly read and reviewed an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Amymargarita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow, this book was witty and charming as it was sexy and hot! Knox Callahan, the hot and sexy as hell veteran player for the New York Football Club, is a womanizer with a reputation of never going further than one night with a woman. As he’s trolling for his next romp, he runs into Gemma Sinclair. She’s the mutual friend of his friend Dylan’s fiancée, and an up and coming Broadway star. She’s the only one who walked away from him after misconceptions and a disastrous first date. Yet despite all that, he still wants a taste of her while protecting her. Gemma cannot believe her life is in shambles and that Knox is witness to it. More than that, she can’t believe he’s willing to let her stay with him while she gets back on her feet. Soon a friendship takes root and their attraction is held on the back burner, while they infiltrate each other’s lives and live together. However, their combustible chemistry can only be contained so long before it blows and when it does….WOW!!! But what happens when Knox’s secret comes to light? What will Gemma be willing to give up…or will she love him enough to let him go?

Amelie Duncan’s writing is on par and will keep you captivated from beginning to end. The story she weaves with her witty dialogue and sexy scenes will have you laughing and swooning. This story is about more than second chances and chasing your dreams; it’s about finding your best friend and love and what you’re willing to do to fight for it all. Stellar writing and fully developed characters will ensnare you in Knox and Gemma’s story. Dual POV’s give the character’s insight and helps endear them to you. No cheating and no cliffhanger make this one refreshing and charming read!

I voluntarily received an ARC for my honest review.

[Cassie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Gemma walked out of a date with playboy Knox, she never expected that he would be the one to save her. Knox can have any woman he wants and he uses it to his advantage, but one look at Gemma again and he's hooked. Both agree on nothing more than friends, but what happens when feelings become involved? Will Knox be able to prove he is changed and that he wants Gemma for life? Will Gemma be able to admit that she can still live her dream while being with him?

This was the perfect slow move book! I thought that the fact that Gemma stood up for herself even with her attraction to him was excellent. Knox really showed that there was more beneath the cocky playboy attitude! Perfect little actress/soccer star romance! Great book!

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Amelie and I am absolutely in love with it.
Sports Romance books are my favourite genre, but I must admit I haven't read a lot based on soccer.
I liked that this was a slow burn romance. That Knox & Gemma became best friends before they became a couple.
But once they decided to cross over into a relationship, let's just say my kindle practically melted!!
This is the second book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
I highly recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book

[SouthernAngel · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and witty read that's a hot and sexy slow burn romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Marzena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hot, steamy sports story. Great storyline. Gemma and Knox start with friendship that turns into more. I recommend it! I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Sinclair is a Broadway headliner with a lot of problems,she meets Knox Callahan who is a top soccer player the night she decides to drink her problems away. What happens between these two? As I do not understand either soccer or Broadway I still found it to be a good book.I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[PointedlyBlunt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Match Made is a standalone spin-off of another Amelie Duncan novel, Match Fit. There are some recurring characters, but their history is explained well enough to prevent confusion.

Knox and Gemma run into one another a year after they went on a horrible date. Apparently, Knox chose to ask the waitress for her number... while at dinner with Gemma... in front of Gemma. Needless to say, I was happy to know that she immediately ditched him.
Gemma has just broken up with her live-in boyfriend who emptied her bank account, so she's temporarily homeless. Knox insists she come home with him until she gets back on her feet. Eventually, they call a truce, and Gemma allows Knox to help her. Gemma moves in, and they keep it flirtatious, yet platonic to avoid messiness.

The story was good, but predictable. Lust-hate turns to friendship, which turns to FWB, turns to serious relationship, hero and heroine fail to communicate out of fear and insecurities, dramatic separation, and finally, a HEA. It's an entertaining romance with little opportunity for boredom.

It doesn't hurt that Knox has a fabulously filthy mouth. If you want an alpha playboy that talks a lot, you will be happy with Match Made.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Match Made: Bad Boys and Show Girls by Amélie S. Duncan is Book 2 of the Love and Play Series and a Sports Romance

Knox is a midfielder for New York F.C. and known for being with a different woman every night. Knox bumps into a drunk Gemma on a night out, and worried that she'd be taken advantage of, takes her home. Gemma is beautiful Broadway actress who went on a date with the incredibly handsome Knox a year ago. The date got cut short when Knox took the waitress' number. When Knox finds out that Gemma's having problems, he offers to let her stay at his place and Gemma reluctantly accepts. Although Knox loves winding Gemma up, he's very protective of her. Knox and Gemma start dating but their relationship comes to an end when Knox's contract is bought by Arsenal F.C. in London. Knox wants Gemma to come with him but Gemma tells him to let her go. Life without Knox makes Gemma realise that the life she had created wasn't one she wanted to live because she didn't have Knox in it. But Gemma had told Knox to move on. Was it too late for Gemma?

Match Made has angst, humour, hot dirty talk, sweet romance and scorching hot action between the sheets. Amélie S. Duncan has paired an interesting story with lovable characters for an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW Amelie has done it again I thought I fell hard for Dylan in Match Fit but Knox just blew me away!!We first meet Gemma and Knox in Match Fit…now in Match Made this is their story.

Knox is a soccer player for New York FC, hes successful,sexy and loves the ladies.He rarely dates the same woman twice he comes off at first as being quite cocky but underneath all that bravardo is a man with a heart of gold.
Gemma is a broadway actress,successful and talented, after she ends her relationship and loses all she owns thanks to her ex she goes out and gets drunk, a little worse for wear she meets Knox again…theyd had a date from hell before.Knox takes care of her,moves her into his home and the pair quickly forge a strong friendship.Knox outrageously flirts with Gemma but she knows his reputation and doesn’t want to go the same way other women in his life go so she resists….until they both can no longer fight what is between them.Once they give into their feelings their relationship turns into so much more than Knox ever thought he was capable of,Gemma sees the real Knox kind caring considerate and protective.When his career takes a different turn and he has to move away Gemma ends the relationship knowing it would never work long distance.Both heartbroken they try to go on with their lives but the heart wants what the heart wants.Gemma finally realises her future lies with Knox can she convince him shes in it for the long haul?
I loved this book,the characters both main and secondary were superb.I fell for Knox almost immediately.We get appearances from Dylan and Brooke too,it was great to catch up with them.The story is a slow burn romance that finally erupts into a red hot fire,these two will certainly make you hot under the collar!!! I love how Amelie incorporated football and Broadway into the story too with family playing a big part to the story too,Knox’s care of her parents will melt your heart.Amelie has written a story I didn’t want to end I loved it that much,it has abit of everything humour,love,desire,heartache and conflict she pulls it all together beautifully.
I hope we get Tylers story soon!!

[Jaime · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good friends to lovers story. Gemma and Knox were so good together that I wanted to reach through my kindle and slap some sense into her sometimes as she tried to fight her feelings. The story dragged a little bit for me in the beginning but definitely picked back up.

I enjoyed the romance, the drama of Gemma's ex and the story made for a good ride of emotions.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and voluntarily provided this honest review

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

This sports romance by Amelie S Duncan seems to be the second in a series but is still very much able to be read alone. It follows the very dominant and sex Knox Callahan and the fragile but strong Gemma Sinclair as they battle their feelings while becoming friends and supporting on another through some tough trials. This friendship, despite best interests quickly turns into a sizzling romance but just as things become settled, a bombshell is dropped that means questions asked and decisions need to be made.

I really enjoyed getting to know these two and was sad when the story ended. It has made me want to go back and read Match Fit so I can relate the characters better but, as I said in the beginning, you certainly don't miss out from not having read the first in this series. I can't wait to see more from this world and see where we are led next!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book