Gage

The Player #6

by Nana Malone

Money, power, prestige…Legacy. Gage Coulter is —The Player.

His whole life, all, basketball player, Gage Coulter, has heard is how he was meant to play basketball. Meant to be elite. So what happens if he can’t even play on the damn team? With his starting position in jeopardy, he needs help from the one girl on campus who can’t stand him. Too bad, she’s also the one girl he can’t get out of his head.

Becker Johnson has a plan for her life. And it doesn’t include doing some jock’s homework so he can toss a ball in the net or whatever. She’s getting the Collins Scholarship and moving to New York. See, all planned out. Until her advisor drops a bombshell. While her grades are excellent, she’ll need some work experience to be eligible for the scholarship. And lucky Becker, he’s got just the right student for her.

Genres: Sports Romance, Audiobook, Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, College, Contemporary

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2017

About the author

Wall Street Journal & USA Today Bestselling author, Nana Malone writes Sexy Feel-Good Romance and loves of all things romance and adventure.

That love started with a tattered romantic suspense she "borrowed" from her cousin. It was a sultry summer afternoon in Ghana, and Nana was a precocious thirteen. She's been in love with kick butt heroines ever since. With her overactive imagination, and channeling her inner Buffy, it was only a matter a time before she started creating her own characters.

Reviews

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

More review thoughts to come.

Video review available in Week 13: Mar 28 – Apr 3, 2021, full weekly book reviews available on Steph's Romance Book Talk Patreon.

For other bookish content, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

[Regan Y. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well... I called it... not a satisfying ending at all.

First, Gage is probably my fav family member - but I want more closure with Becker's father, I don't expect her to forgive him, but damn they just walked away and story over.

Also, Grandpa is a dick - we all knew this - but I needed more from him than just THAT'S NOT MY GRANDSON!

I'm so frustrated with this whole series. I would love for her to write one more story that gives us closure on EVERYTHING. Like 5 year later - where we see how everyone is doing. Maybe Becker's dad is not an ass anymore, and Gage has his pro career in motion, Brent is going better health wise and Ransom is in the family officially, there are babies involved, Echo's clothing line blows up, etc.

I just need more information because it just ends.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read, but Gage was not my favorite of The Player series. I could relate to both Gage and the family's high expectation and Becker and her woes and struggles. I found that they both had some commonalities. Family was important to the both but Beck could find the courage to walk away from a man that treated her like she was nothing more than a possession. I loved how they both could be the strength the other needed to get through things.

[Linda Ketter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where should I begin? Gage is the youngest Coulter and Becker is an only child. This was a good blend of emotions. He was always trying to measure up to his siblings and do what was expected. She was an overachiever with very high goals.

She has secrets. He has secrets. They finally found someone they thought they could trust with their secrets. But then things change. Ones secret is exposed by the one trusted to keep it. Trust is broken.

Trust is key to a relationship and it was nice to see it addressed in a young adult romance. This book dealt with the heavy issue of rape and violation which is more real today than ever.

I felt the book left some open questions that I hope will be answered in a future book. How did the relationship survive the long distance separation during Becker fellowship? What happened with Daniel; was he expelled? Was he prosecuted? Was he convicted?

In addition I still have lingering questions about the series. What happened with Brent's health? What happened with the family dynamics with the long lost sister? Did gramps ever get his comeuppance?

I wonder if these questions will ever be answered.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met Gage in some of the other books, but he was always just the kid of the family. In his own book, he shines. Becker is just so freaking awesome, and together they are exactly what each other needs! This was a great book with some serious issues that were handled extremely well. I really love this series!

[Mags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5☆

This was an extremely enjoyable and sweet story. That drew me in from the start and kept me engaged throughout. I really liked both lead characters Gage and Beckett and thought they were perfect for each other. And that their relationship was paced well. There was also little in the way of angst and it was great to meet other members of the Coulter family. Whose books I've not had a chance to read. And I would definitely recommend Gage to others. Especially if you are a fan of the Player books, or have enjoyed similar college based sports romance, such as Elle Kennedy's Off Campus Series.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC by the Author in exchange for an honest review**

[Ash P Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've not read the first three books in this series and I plan to do that soon because Fox, Ransom, and Gage have been pretty amazing reads.

Becker has been through a tough time in the past and is now attempting to live some semblance of a regular college life. But getting trapped in a bathroom at a frat party one night and being forced to witness a couple get busy was not part of the plan. Being unable to keep her eyes the guy who catches her voyeurism, she bursts out of the room and escapes the party. Maybe it would be better to focus on studying and bagging a fellowship that will help her achieve her dream of being a writer. Breaking free of her overbearing father's domination over her life is the only way to preserve her sanity.

Gage has some pretty big shoes to fill and huge standards to live up to, what with being the youngest Coulter and all. So when his failing grade endangers his place on the basketball team he's forced to seek out a tutor. Only the tutor has a pair of eyes that have haunted him for a while.

Together they somehow figure out a way to fill the empty spaces in their lives and become each other's support, confiding their darkest secrets and deepest desires. But when in a fit of anger Gage spill Becker's secrets to the entire basketball team, he realizes that he's going to end up losing the only thing that he's ever really cared about besides his family.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from the author for voluntary review consideration.

[Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

One sign of a good series is that each book becomes your favorite. The Player series is a good one. Yep, I fell for Gage, too. The youngest sibling, he felt the stress of college grades, getting the starting spot on the Basketball team, and his dad's failing health. He didn't need to add a love life to this salad. He was being responsible, finding a tutor to help him up his grades, he sure didn't expect her to be the woman he'd been caught in a situation with as his savior. Not to mention she was hot even if she tried to hide it.

Yeah, Gage is a player, but female playing is not his focus. Becker didn't date. She had her own focus and it was making a life for herself away from her father. (You'll need to read about that relationship) She avoided certain males with all she had. Since neither wanted it, of course, they couldn't seem to ignore their attraction.

This is a couple meant to be together. Their relationship is cute, filled with sexual tension, and touching. They show their loyalty, caring natures, and work ethic not seen enough today. I fell for them. I felt the ending was the best possible, (yeah we know it is a romance so there has to be an HEA) but there are all kinds of ways this could play out. The author gives us a chance to .... well you just need to read this one. Gage is a sweetie and this big-man-on-campus is adorable when he asks Becks out for a date.

Don't miss this one. A strong recommend from me.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read all the books in this series and have loved them all but I think gage and Becker's story is my favorite.
Both come from families that expect a lot of them and have put pressure on them just in different ways.
Becker is trying to navigate her life after the prom incident without her father's support or belief that what she says happened, happened. She lost her mother and now her father is over protective and also can't necessarily be around her because it hurts too much as she looks like her father. This relationship was definitely one I would have liked to see a conclusion to in the story but didn't get. Yes he was confronted but what happened?
Gage is the adorable when he decides that he likes Becks and wants to ask her out. He has always known how to talk to girls but they weren't girls he cared about, with Becker it is different. He really wants to impress her. She brings out the best in him and he knows it.
This is a sweet story about two people who find each other when they really weren't looking and how they try to start a relationship and all the ups and downs of that relationship. I did think it needed abruptly.
I was happy to see my least favorite character - Gramps - finally getting some push back form the family. I know Echo did it but it was nice to see the others start to rise to the occasion as well.
This book and this series should be on your ant to read list.
I received this book in return for an honest voluntary review.

[Dawn Myers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gage and Echo's stories are my favorite in The Player Series. Loved that Echo stood up to Gramps and told him what she thought of him. Bravo to Echo. Gage is so cute in this book. He tries so hard to do the right thing with Becker, but he always manages to screw things up. When talking to his brothers, they listen to let him come to the conclusion of what he did and figure out what he needs to do. I really liked Becker, she is smart, quiet and independent. She has a secret that she has been living with that is eating her alive. Both Gage and Becker have pressure that they put on themselves for different reasons, yet they both understand each other. In my opinion Nana Malone does a good job of portraying the pressure of both characters, I could feel it. She does a good job of writing a bad character but it is not over the top. Nana Malone made be laugh, cry and cheer when Gramps is put in his place. My biggest complaint with The Player Series is I would like to have had epilogues at the end of each book. I'm hoping Nana Malone will write a wrap up book into the future for the Coulter family. If you are a Nana Malone fan, in my opinion she did not disappoint and I would recommend. In my opinion there are some loose ends that could be tied up. I received and ARC edition for my honest and voluntary review.

[Cristina Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received and read this book as an ARC.

I love all the Coulter Brothers and every book i read becomes my favorite.. Gage is the youngest of all the Coulter brothers. He feels that he has to live up to his father’s and brothers fame, so he’s feeling the pressure. He is struggling to make his father proud, be on the starting basketball team and keep up his grades as well. When his college work starts to suffer he gets a call from the academics department saying he either brings up the grades or he will not be able to play. So he hires a tutor.

Becker has had a really bad experience with a jock taking advantage of her so she tends to be very guarded. Her father has her on a tight leash since her mother died and unfortunately the jock is her father’s associate’s son and exactly who her father wants her to end up with. She feels the only way to live her life is to become independent from her father at all costs. She’s trying to raise enough money to go to New York if she gets her scholarship which her father will refuse to help her with financially.

It’s a really great read. I love that get a little preview of the previous brothers with each new book so i get to keep up them all as well. Well done Nana and I can't wait to read more books of yours.

[SV · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was subpar and boring, but to be honest I didn't expect much when I went into this novel because I was just trying to find something quick to read and keep me occupied. I found it on Hoopla and listened to it and it was really boring, underdeveloped, and flat. The audiobook was only 6-7hrs long so it was a really short novel and was not super great.

Its about Gage, a basketball player, who needs a tutor and Becker, a super smart girl who is suppressed by her father and wants to go to grad school, but has to do tutoring before she can do that. So the two get matched together and they have to tolerate each other, but they are secretly really attracted to each other. At one point they come across the boy who SAed Becker so she quickly grabs Gage to make it seem like she is taken and so that he does not bother her. This guy, Daniel I think also ends up being on Gage's team. So Gage and Becker strike up a deal in which he agrees to be her fake boyfriend, but she has to tutor him. And the rest of the book is a really quick and really stupidly fast progression of their romantic relationship. It all happens so fast and I didn't like the pace or plot development of the novel...won't really recommend.

[Jean Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently found Nana Malone and I love this series.
This book started super hot and I couldn't wait to read more!

Gage Coulter is a freshman at Billings. He's part of a very successful, athletic family and he's trying to become a starter on the school's basketball team. Unfortunately, his grade is slipping in English and unless he brings it up, he won't have a chance at the basketball team. He needs to hire a tutor to help him. Enter Becker Johnson who's got a famous dad and is trying to break free from his controlling ways and get a prestigious scholarship to be in New York. Becker turns to tutoring at her advisor's recommendation.
When they meet, she thinks he's a dumb jock used to getting his ways and finds out that she's very wrong. In addition to tutoring Gage, Becker is trying to avoid unwanted advances by a family friend, Daniel, who happens to be competing with Becker for the same starting position. To help her, Gage volunteers to be her pretend boyfriend. Lines get blurry when they start "pretend" dating and studying.

This was such a sweet, romantic read. I'm looking forward to reading the others in this series!

[Lee Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage came from a long line of extraordinaire athletes and was expected to carry the family's legacy. Becker was a very studious child that lost her mother at a young age and never knew how to bond with her father. Gage accumulated so much stress that his grades were tanking (legacy in danger). Becker was always conforming to her father's demands and dated an ......... Becker encountered Gage receiving ....... from her hiding spot in the restroom. Gage rescued Becker from an insensitive ....... becoming her boyfriend (pretend). Can you say pretend when there are actual sparks erupting? Can you continue to conform to other(s) wishes when it causes you so much anguish? Ok, time to reread the series from the beginning and indulge in the athletes and their feisty heroines. Great Read!

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the read, but Gage was not my favorite of The Player series. I could relate to both Gage and the family's high expectation of him, but I felt that it was more an expectation that he was putting on himself. Becker and her woes and struggles where coming at her on all fronts. Her father, a forced relationship, wanting to be independent, wanting her life to take a different direction. I found that they both had some commonalities. Family was important to the both but Beck could find the courage to walk away from a man that treated her like she was nothing more than a possession. I loved how they both could be the strength the other needed to get through things.

I enjoyed the side story but was disappointed not to have more and to have more of a direction for Gage and Becker.

York and Odom did a good job with bringing this characters to life and setting an expectation.

[Isha Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage has the talent. He has the dream. Yet real life keeps getting in the way. His grades are slipping, his father's sick and one chance at salvaging his spot on the team, lays in the hands of his greatest distraction. Becker is on her way to making her dreams into reality, when her fast pace hits a large speed bump. The big man on campus with the ego to match needs a helping hand. Can she let go of her preconceived notions and finally see the man. What I admire most about Nana Malone is that her stories are complex. Her sensual dance of seduction consists of every emotion under the sun. From the perfect to the not so perfect, she humanizes her characters by making them fight for their happily ever after.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this! Gage is a great character and so is Becks. They both have family pressure to deal with. All the players have their own unique story but I think this is one of the more emotional ones. What make this player different from all the others is how he takes patience and compassion to a whole new level. There's intrigue, family drama and everlasting love in the mix. Beck's fathers behavior is appalling, I wanted to reach into the pages and smack him. Gage grandfather attitude hasn't improved. I felt sorry for the Coulter's as they deal with their father's sickness. Glad author can include previous characters without them overtaking the story. Gage isn't perfect but he is super sexy without being cocky or conceited. Anxiously awaiting to read the next one in the excellent series.

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 6 in The Player Series is yet another standout read by Nana Malone.
This book is about the baby of the Coulter family, Gage. He has led somewhat of a coddled life because he is the youngest, but in his freshman year of college, he struggles to balance his basketball commitments and his academics.
Becker is assigned to him as a tutor. Sparks flew between the pair on their two previous encounters, but now with all the one on one time their chemistry just flies off the pages.
I really enjoyed reading Gage's story, but the standout character for me was Becker. I loved how she continually tried to push herself into what are for her uncomfortable situations.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book

[JigsawGirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage and Becker had really good chemistry. I do have to admit, that at the beginning of the book I had to keep reminding myself that Becker was the female lead. But, I didn't feel too bad when Gage told her Becker was a guy's name. Lol.

Both Gage and Becker had some of the same concerns. Each coming from famous families, and all the trappings that go along. I really liked that Gage and Becker had each other's backs. It might not be something you would expect from some young adults.

A sweet, sexy story where you get to follow two really likeable people to their HEA.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this Advanced Reader Copy.

[Christine Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am voluntarily reviewing this arc of this book. Gage is a basketball ball player Becker is just a student who wants to succeed and not be bothered by her father n his choice of a boyfriend for her. Becker is wanting to earn this internship award she's unlikely to get it due to actual year in college but she wants to try. Their advisor sets them up for her to tutor him due to his grades. This book will surprise you regarding what happened in the past. I loved seeing the siblings from the prior books and how they took care of each other. I can't wait to see more of Becker n Gage

[Tanya Mayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book and the whole series!!! Nana alone us on fire right now. This is Gage and Becker story. It gives a realistic view of what happens in college. I actually felt like I was there because I remember my daughter telling me things like this happening. This book deals with a touchy subject with class. I love Gage and how he treated Becker and the compassion and patience he had for her. His protectiveness was on another level for a young man. Becker was a strong young woman who was dealt a bad and from her father to life in general. But to see them fall in love and to take their relationship to the next level was heartfelt, hot and sexy. I hope this not the end of the series there is still so much story to be told. Hoping and waiting!!!

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gage is the youngest Coulter. And feels that he has to live up to his father’s and brothers fame, so he’s feeling the pressure. Then his college work starts to suffer and he needs a tutor.
Becker has had a really bad experience with a jock. Her father has her on a tight leash since her mother died and unfortunately the jock is her father’s associate’s son. She’s feeling pressured into following a course she really doesn’t want to do. She’s trying to raise enough money to go to New York, after she gets her scholarship of course!
It’s a great read. Well done Nana. I read a Kindle copy.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one brought me back to those good ole college days. On top of all the pressure you have just being a new college student, both Becker (Love this name by the way) and Gage have family issues. Becker is also trying to cope with a serious attack and a stalker that continues to stick around at her father's request. Crazy much.. we do get a little more incite as to when Gramps had his daughter but of course he is still in denial. It seems that this is the last book in the series but I am hoping that it is not. I really enjoyed reading about the infamous Coulters.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was the most emotionally charged book of the series. The first scene draws you in immediately. But I have to admit, I didn’t much care for Becker at first. She was so cold toward Gage, even after he went along with her little scheme. But I did relate to her awkwardness in social situations. The same goes for Gage’s struggle with reading. I’m super slow too. Audiobooks like this one have changed my life! Anyway, this book was sexy, heart wrenching, and fun. Gage and Becker were great together once they learned to trust and communicate. I enjoyed the entire series actually.

[Amanda Gard · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 to 4 Stars

This book was enjoyable, but I'm not a fan of YA romance. I can't stand the immaturity. I adored Gage. He felt much more mature and grounded than you'd expect for a 19-year old. Becker, on the other hand, is whiny, weak, and likes to keep secrets. It felt like she was 16 instead of a smart girl in college. She had many good qualities, but the author focused so much on her immaturity that it was hard to see her as a woman.

[Linda Kam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow

Another brilliant book. Really enjoyed the story of Gage. Loved both him and Becker.
Her Dad and Daniel were a pair of big headed obnoxious shits.
So sorry this is the last book in the series. I would love to have read more about the Coulter Family. Especially Gramps and the rest of the family.
Brilliant series.

[Julia M · Rating 4 out of 5]

👍

I really enjoyed this book and the rest of the series. But with this being the final book in the series, it feels incomplete.
Several unresolved issues were left open, for example Daniel's comeuppance and Ransome and his mom's introduction to the rest of the Coulter family including Rory.

[Tabatha · Rating 5 out of 5]

best one of the series

I’ve enjoyed this book more than any others in this series! It just seemed the writing was more real and on point than any book I’ve read in a long time. I’m looking for the next book of hers to read now and can’t wait! She’s become one of my absolute favorite writers of all. Just love her books!

[Jacklyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice add on to the family story.

I wish I could add half a star to my four stars. It was a great story and a nice to see more of the family. The reason why I get the book 4.5 stars is the ending seem rush. I change my rate if I get more story about this family.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the "Player" series on audio. Loved everyone but this one was my favorite. It had me laughing one minute and crying the next. The Narrators Sebastian York and Traci Odom did a fantastic job with the material they had to work with. Keep up the good work Nana.