They call me ‘The Damage’ because I crush it on the field and off. I’m all about the offensive penetration. No one knows the game as well as I do. It doesn’t hurt I’ve got a goal post in my pants. But the moment I see Indiana’s smoky eyes and tight end, I know I’m in trouble. No one has a college record that clean, which means she’s either hiding something or running from something, and I intend to get the bottom of all her dirty little secrets. Even if I have to tease it out of those sweet curves. Even if she’s playing hard to get. Because I can go the distance. Because I always score. Because I’m in this for the long game.
Small on sports, big on steam, Long Game is a full-length bad boy romance with a happily ever after and no cheating. Includes bonus books and exclusive bonus scene for a limited time.
Teagan Kade thinks talking about yourself in the third person is silly, just like her collection of snow globes and rare manga. When she's not being silly, she's hanging out with her own Storm and two children in the south of Australia, dreaming of new characters and torturous ways they can get themselves into trouble. Teagan loves hearing from her readers, all of whom are as dear to her heart as salted caramel cookies. Shoot her an email at: teagan@teagankade.com. She doesn't bite.
Okay, I give up! I can't seem to find a solid sports-related romance this year. And this one had the potential with the taste of a suspense attached. Two very interesting main characters including the star bad boy quarterback. But that's it. No depth, no follow-through and in a flash -- The End. So many unanswered questions and details that need to be fleshed out. Lots of hot steamy sex that was recycled from page to page. Nope, this one just didn't cut it. And from the reviews, it looks like I'm in the minority, but that's my story and I'm stickin' to it!
The H is a major manwhore and he sets his sights on the h. We expect the h to resist a bit since she knows his reputation but she gives in pretty quickly. The H and his brothers are gross, immature, and obnoxious jocks. I wished the H had to try harder to get the h. He goes from meeting her, sleeping with her, to "I luv you." I was also surprised at how sexually aggressive the h was. Anyway, I stopped reading when the H and h hide in the closet so they hear another couple having sex. As soon as it said they were becoming aroused by the noises, I was done with the story.
I knew going into this book it was going to be light on Football but I can’t help but crave more game time. The reason I seek out Hockey and Football romances is for the sport. I love when a Sports Romance is chalked full of practice and game time. Buuuuut like I said the Author did warn her readers going into this book that there was going to be very minimal football.
I enjoyed this book for what it was: a quick, easy, light hearted read. Sure some of it was OTT. Like a star college athlete having access to a private plane and being able to fly it and do so at a moments notice And do a bunch of tricks in the air? You just smile and keep reading.
I think the thing that ended up separating this book from every other sports cheesy romance was the Author gave the Leading Lady an ‘Edge.’ She was a mystery even to us till almost the end. Sure it was frustrating at times but that was the point!
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Cayden is the gorgeous college jock, and so are his two other brothers on campus - all fun loving sexy guys -the three are very close-knit . Indy is a transfer into the college and has some mystery about her. There is a good chemistry between Cayden and Indy. Both feel it from the start. There is some intrigue and danger due to Indy's past which only helps to solidify Cayden's growth toward maturity. This is a story of friendship, family, support, trust, and love. The plot flows well and keeps you turning pages. I also like how the author ended this book. Very nice read.
Wowza! This book was exceptional. I loved every single thing about it. This might be a new staple in the sports romance section of my bookshelf. I hope there are more treasures where this book came from because I am so ready to dive deeper into the Beckett Brothers. Gimme gimme!
This is the story of Cayden and Indy. Cayden is the resident playboy football star at his college and Indy is a transfer. She catches his eye and it’s all over. She’s his end game before he even realizes it. There’s something about her that he can’t move past; she isn’t someone he wants to pump and dump and that’s new for him. I think Cayden’s character arc was my favorite. He went from feeding Indy lines that would work on any other girl, to listening and being there for her in a big way. She opened up to him and he accepted her for everything she was. Her past, her present, and her future. There are still some moments where his ego comes out to play, but otherwise Indy tames him a bit and it makes him much more likable. As far and Indy goes, she grows to trust Cayden as her feelings deepen. She falls in love with the way her carries himself and the gentle way he holds her. He makes her feel safe which is very important to her in this story. It’s beautiful.
There’s a pretty big twist that has you on edge for short while during the novel, but I was HERE FOR IT. Talk about some insanely amazing writing! Teagan Kade blew me away with the way she took what seemed to be a normal relationship and turned it on it’s head. There are so many secrets and truths to be uncovered in this novel. It’s dark at times and you fear for the characters, but it’s worth every second. I loved this book so much. Seriously. You should read this if you get the chance. I’m headed back to Kindle Unlimited to (hopefully) download the second book in this series! I need more Beckett Brothers!
Long Game by Tegan Kade a long and full five star read. I have read another of Tegan Kades books, and I enjoyed it, but I loved this book. I read it in one sitting, I was just looking for a quick easy read, nothing to heavy just a bit of fun. This book delivered in spades!!! Indiana Lewis Indy to friends, is a transfer student into Abbotsleigh, she has come from New York but isn’t telling anyone any of the details of why she transferred or exactly where she is coming from. She keeps to herself and that’s the way she wants it, quiet and alone. Until one day when she is handing a resume in at a bar and someone grabs her arm and she gets saved by Mr Blue Eyes, Tall, Sexy and Dangerous. It gets worse when she goes to her first lecture and Mr Blue Eyes, Tall, Sexy and Dangerous sits next to her, and tries to charm her, but Charm doesn’t work in Indy. Mr Blue Eyes, Tall, Sexy and Dangerous turns out to be one of the four Beckett brothers, Hunter, Mason, Colten and Cayden. They come with a reputation and Cayden even comes with the nickname ‘The Damage’ but just because he comes with a reputation, but it seems there may be more to him that his rep. This is a great book, Tegan Kade brings the story to life, it is a fun and flirty book, but there is also a darker heavy side of the book as well, but it sits so well together that it works seamlessly.
RECEIVED COPY FOR HONEST REVIEW The story of Cayden and Indiana was full of sexy fun. It starts off with an introduction to the Beckett brothers. After this meeting, you know you are in for a wild ride. they are the big men on Campus. Cayden is the QB of the football team with his eye on the NFL. Indiana is a new transfer that is trying to keep a low profile. The chemistry between the two is explosive. When secrets come to light, they must fight to keep themselves safe. I enjoyed this story and loved the fun characters.
This book really sucked me in from the beginning. Cayden and Indiana were just to lost souls looking for each other. OMG! I can't rave enough about this book. I mean seriously it had my emotions all over the place with this couple. I wanted to smack Indy around, but then to find out the "big reveal", I was just floored. Ms. Kade knows how to keep me on the edge of my seat through the whole book. She also knows how to throw you for a loop, because all of sudden you cruising along reading, and then BAM! She hits with Indy's mess. Wow! Just Wow!!!
Book ends at 37%. Some pretty egregious book stuffing going on here. Maybe I should have taken the hint of “small on sports, big on steam” because this book was a letdown in that regard. A lot going on with the storyline (especially considering it is in a college setting) but it doesn’t seem a lot of either the plot or the characters were really fleshed out. Not for me, but that doesn’t mean it won’t be enjoyable to others.
**I received this ARC in exchange for an honest voluntary review** I was pleasantly surprised by this sports romance. I've been let down so many times by them that I usually don't even give it a second look but not this one. I like how the story starts off with the intro of the infamous Beckett brothers. Then comes in the mystery transfer student Indy that captivates the middle Beckett brother & star college QB Cayden, who he actually ends up rescuing when he first spots her. Loved their first actual encounter the next day in class, even if it was an a**hole move on Cayden's part (lol). Great character builds, laugh out loud moments, good pacing & subplots, interesting twists, mystery & explosive danger. Overall an awesome story & would recommend! :)
“We don’t live on the East Side where Cayden grew up, but we’ve got a nice two-bedroom on Manhattan Ave on a tree-lined, airy street”.
In the city, the term ‘Ave’ is not used by native New Yorkers (NYC) however it is commonly used and accepted amongst New Jersey natives...not certain about other states.
However, bona fide New Yorkers do not refer to Avenue as ‘Ave’.
It's OK. I've definitely read worse, but this isn't one I'll go back to either.
Cayden (H) is the quarterback on a championship-winning college team. He's got it all - brothers and teammates to cause trouble with, deep family pockets, any girl in his bed, the campus at his feet, and the Dean on his back for causing trouble. And he's bored. Until he sees Indy (h), a new transfer working at the college bar and sitting next to him in class. He knows she's different, but he's going to have to work hard to get past the walls she's built up protecting her from the secrets in her past.
Overall, rather formulaic college sports romance with a bit too much sex and crude humor, too little/too vague sports action, some frankly absurd details, and a weak romantic connection between the leads. Some unique elements in Indy's past and surprising lack of OW drama helped keep it from being 1 star. And I liked that his proposal was private, rather than the stereotypical Grand Gesture. The introvert in me was pleased.
In detail...
The H was pretty immature. Standard OTT BMOC manwhore until he sees Indy, then it's her or nothing. Pretty stereotypical, but not bad. Just the way he talks with her, tries to flirt, tries to make everything a sexual innuendo... it got old. I'm not a prude in my reading, by any means, but a little can go a long way. You set the stage and then allow them to grow into decent (or at least better) human beings. Just too much stage-setting here, and not enough of the actual decent human being part. And if I had to hear one more time about how big his dick was (either from him, her, or any of the side characters), I think I might have thrown the book. Which is on my Kindle, and would have been bad.
The relationship between the brothers was weird. Aside from being highly sexualized for siblings, how did Hunter and Colt know the Big Secret and not Cayden? Why would their father have told them anyways? And how was it never addressed that they're in the same grade, don't look alike? Do they have the same birthday, so they're "fraternal twins," or were they 11 months apart? And yet we never hear one talking about being older? And no one has every questioned anything? And another oddity - they mention a fourth brother (Mason), like twice. Everything else is about the three of them. Makes it feel like a forgotten fourth child, yet Mason's is the next story in the series.
I got tired of the sex, started skimming. Lots of it, rather repetitive - and at the same time, there were things that I was wondering how it was happening. A "does his hand really bend that way?" sort of moment. And the closet scene was just totally overlong. I don't mind the sex - as I said, it's not the sex in and of itself. I just don't like to see those scenes as a substitute for actual non-hormonal interaction between the characters, and (gasp!) actual relationship growth.
The sports action was frankly pathetic. I don't need whole games in my sports romances, but at least sound like you know a little teeny tiny bit of the sport you're depicting. I'm not a football fan, but I know how much of what was described sounded off. It sounded like Cayden was a QB because the author though that was the position he, as the lead, "should" be. When she actually described him on the field, it wasn't a QB sort of action - snatching passes out of the air and so on. QBs throw the ball, remember - basics of the sport you're writing about. And yet, the only time we see Cayden throwing things are tossing beers across the room or in the firefight at the end. And what position did Hunter even play? Is it truly never mentioned, or did I miss it? And for Coach to 'not own them on the weekends'? Not during game season, buddy!
Speaking of not knowing sports. Yes, I get that Indy wasn't a sports person. But how do you now know the major teams of the city that you actually live in, especially in a city as big and with such sports-centric populations as NY??
The timeline was absurd, in many ways. The leads go from insta-love on his part/avoidance and distaste and lust on hers... to dating... to "she's my anchor, my home" in what - a week and a half? They literally only had a couple weeks before she's whisked away again. And the whole 7 month thing was impossible. Basic math.
Also basic math - the Cessna flight. Aside from the ridiculousness of it all, it defies time and physics. You can't get from anywhere in the South to Newark in 2 1/2 hours via a single engine prop plane like a Cessna Skylark. I looked it up, because I was curious and have done taken lots of commercial flights from the Southeast, and wanted to make the distance make sense. Well, it doesn't. Max speed for a plane that size is about 150 mph, so a flight that long would not get them from Charleston SC to Newark NJ. It wouldn't get them from Charleston WV to Newark! I know that's just me being picky, but on top of everything else, it was one more thing that pulled me from the story.
Writing was clunky at times, with lots of odd or incorrect word choices. One that bothered me a lot: the roof of the room was referred to a couple times. In a building, the roof is the outside, the ceiling is the inside. I did laugh at the clothes that "scamper[ed] across the floor." Had rather a Sorcerer's Apprentice mental image of shirts and socks dancing across the room. And the usual period and comma and apostrophe errors. Not at bad as some books, but still noticeable.
Alternating 1st person POV. No cheating, no OW drama, no love triangle nonsense. Minor OM issues with a teammate of Cayden's. Stereotypical college football romance set-up, with some unique elements based on Indy's past. A bit of a rushed ending, but still HEA and epilogue. No cliffhangers, but two of the brothers have their stories set up (interestingly, they aren't the next story - the phantom fourth brother Mason is).
Would I read more in this series/by this author? Surprisingly, sure. She's not one I seek out, but I'd accumulated the whole Beckett Brothers series for free on Kindle. Why not give them a try? Two of the others aren't sports romances, and looking at what I've already read of Kade's, those (sports stories) are the weaker ones. I actually enjoyed one of her more action/suspense romances, so maybe Hunter's story (as a cop) will be better.
There was some intrigue since Cayden couldn't understand why Indy wanted nothing to do with him. Indy did have secrets that were life or death. Unfortunately Indy caved too quickly, even though she continued to challenge the 'player'. I got confused a couple of times as Cayden was mentioned as the QB but then several times there was reference to how fast he was and catching the ball for scoring. There were some OTT steamy scenes with Indy and Cayden but he didn't his man-whoring ways very quickly which no one seemed to bat their eyes at nor did Indy really get challenged by any of the other girls he had slept with. The family issues for Cayden came as a surprise and weren't really delved into other than there was unread information in a sealed envelope in the epilogue. Colton just went to Canada and Hunter was still in the hospital. Mason gets his own book but even his reference was a stretch in Book 1.
I went back and forth between 3 and 4 for this story so this is a 3.5, 4 stars rounded up. I listened to the audiobook and Connor Crais’ drawl is beautiful to listen to. Lucy laurel was ok but her male voice is awful.
The story itself was ok. It felt long for such a generally short listen. Cayden and Indy are opposites and they both have stuff happening in their lives that cause issues in their lives. I liked that after they got together, they were really pretty good , with a few immature arguments (college romance, so to be expected). Indy’s story brought some suspense and action, especially towards the end so overall a well rounded story that just felt slow sometimes. I think that I may like the ebook better because I have to admit that Lucy laurel’s male voice definitely took a little away from the story.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book Wow, once again Teagan Kade never fails. Indiana (Indy) and Cayden, wow. Cayden Beckett love the game, on and off the field. But now, he wants something more. Then he sees her....Indy . Looks like an angel, disappears like one too when there is trouble in the bar. Indy has secrets, big secrets and she can't let anyone into her life. As if that will stop Cayden. I loved the three brothers, Cayden, Colton and Hunter. All charmers in their own right. Lots of passion between Cayden and Indy, lots of secrets, team troubles and a big secret for Cayden too. A fast paced story revealing secrets that can tear Cayden and Indy apart but will he let Indy go. A brilliant story and the Epilogue is just the icing on the cake.
Ok here we go. This book was ok. I felt like there were missing pages. You never knew how long it's taking place. No dates were mentioned, yet you had to have known some time had passed. I think there were one or two mentions of the time that had passed but I'm not sure. Then there was the unanswered questions, what happened with his dad? What happened with Dwayne? All in all it seemed kinda messy. Like only writing the trailer of a movie. Wouldn't recommend but would warn you that if you don't like not knowing when time is passing or not knowing what happened with characters that were brought into the fold, maybe you should pass this one. If you, however, don't mind reading only the highlights, then jump on in. On to the next I go!
This was a cute, lightweight story. Entertaining as long as you do not look to deeply into things. Things like: how do you get burned in a fire badly enough to require skin grafts but are healed in a month. And how do you get to your sophomore year of college with nobody asking why you and your brother are in the same grade, but not twins. So long as you don’t think too deeply about things like that, it’s a cute story that can be read in a few hours.
* I would suggest that it you get the extended epilogue, don’t read it until you’ve finished the series. The epilogue has definite spoilers for the other books.
Cayden "The Damage" Beckett- quaterback, rich, entitled, player. Along with his brothers Colton and Mason they are a major pain the rear for the college's Dean. Indy- transfer, quite, wants to be drama free. These two should have nothing in common. Yet the chemistry is over the top. When secrets are revealed these two will have to decide what's truly important and worth fighting for. I have read several of Ms. Kade's stories but I think this one is my favorite so far. I loved Cayden and Indy. Colton and Mason weren't too bad either.
*I received an Advance Readers Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
I love this book!! For some reason I kept putting off reading Teagan Kades books! Not sure why, I knew they all have HEA!! This one is a nice change of pace from what I’m use to reading.
These two are meant for each other! It was an instant connection. I was so glad when Indy told Cay what had happened to her and what was going on. I just was so shocked when Cayden followed Indy and the SUV. That showed how much they love each other and it also let them have another “goodbye” which I wanted! At least then he was more aware of his surroundings. The ending is perfect it give a glimpse of the brothers, which I will be continuing to read!!!!
Three brothers can't seem to stay out of trouble. One of them, Cayden, can't get Indy out of his mind after he's rescues her from his d-bag teammate. She has no interest in being seen with him even though she can't get him out of her head. He is far too visible as the school quarterback who is going to the NFL. There is a little mystery, secrets revealed, some physical fighting, and a bit of a shootout in their romance. There is an eventual HEA, but they have to wait for their story to play out.
Enjoyed Mat and Selena's struggle to rise above against adversity and continue battling despite everything not working in their favour. Their love strengthened, their eyes opened and clarity is evident. Their sexual chemistry is sizzling hot and their musical talents together is sweetness personified. This read encourages us reader to never surrender our principals and neither should we lose faith in love despite the contrary. The truth will out is a cliché but appropriate here I reckon. Awesome writing Teagan Kade. Highly recommended.
I hate not finishing books, it’s literally painful for me. But I could not get past chapter one on this book. It’s basically one giant crude double entendres. Literally everything that is said is somehow about sex. I mean paragraph two is about how the dean isn’t worthy of sex acts. The guy, Cayden, his POV is so gross to read I just couldn’t even continue. It’s like an adolescent male who never got over seeing porn for the first time. I’m sorry but I need characters that don’t repulse me if I’m going to finish a book.
Cayden and Indy, what a pair. Indy is an college girl that wants nothing to do with men. trust me, she has her reasons. Cayden, the school QB and all around playboy. That is until he lays eyes on Indy. The banter back and forth between the pair is good. Indy gives as good as she gets. There are some twists that you don't expect to happen. As the title suggests, this is a Long game, not a fast paced race.
I voluntarily received a copy for my honest review.
Also loved the plot but the execution seemed rushed and incomplete. The hero was nice but I didn't feel he was all the special in regards to him being this all time sports celebrity. It was anticlimactic really. The heroine was nice also but I didn't feel all that connected. To either characters really. Not enough character development. Still, it was nice to pass the time but won't make it to my "read again" collection.
Brilliant story from start to finish. It engaging with just the right amount of suspense and action. The characters are likeable and the story flowed well. I love the chemistry between cayden and Indy, even though Cayden had doubts Indy's pass he wouldn't help how he felt about her and when she was in danger he wasn't afraid to put himself on the line to help.
First book to be read by the author Teagan Kade. I really enjoyed Cayden and Indy. I enoyed the banter between them. Cayden the jock and Indy the quiet girl who doesn't want to be noticed and was not interested in Cayden at all. I loved the chase, their intimate moments, to their fearful moments. It was definitely refreshing from my usual reads. Plus we get an extra set of books to read. That's definitely a plus.
I wanted to like this... I really did. I’m usually a sucker for sports centered NA novels but this one was so scattered. It felt like every possible bad scenario was thrown at Indy and Cayden but they didn’t really talk or process anything. It almost felt like a draft that needed to be fleshed out more.