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Money, power, prestige…trouble. Dax Coulter is The Player.
Forget prodigal son, forget black sheep. Most of the Coulter family would just as soon disown Dax for his bad boy, womanizing ways. But, with his career in jeopardy and the Coulter legacy on the line, he needs to turn it all around. Too bad the one person who can help him, has legs for miles, curves for days…and is his best friend’s little sister. For once he can focus on the game and not on her body right?
Asha Wix is used to following all the rules. And with a family like hers that isn’t easy. To succeed, she needs to eat, breathe, and sleep football. But when she’s given the chance to change the reputation of league bad boy, Dax Coulter, she sees a chance to shine. Too bad, the sexy bad boy has her thinking about breaking all the rules.
Forget prodigal son, forget black sheep. Most of the Coulter family would just as soon disown Dax for his bad boy, womanizing ways. But, with his career in jeopardy and the Coulter legacy on the line, he needs to turn it all around. Too bad the one person who can help him, has legs for miles, curves for days…and is his best friend’s little sister. For once he can focus on the game and not on her body right?
Asha Wix is used to following all the rules. And with a family like hers that isn’t easy. To succeed, she needs to eat, breathe, and sleep football. But when she’s given the chance to change the reputation of league bad boy, Dax Coulter, she sees a chance to shine. Too bad, the sexy bad boy has her thinking about breaking all the rules.
6 pages, Audible Audio
First published February 2, 2016
299 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Nana Malone
167 books3,028 followersWall 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
May 10, 2020
Dax is the 2nd book in the player series by Nana Malone. It is the story of Dax and Asha.
My thoughts:
Ok...some advice for romance authors...are you ready...ok...an easy way to make your leading man unlikable is having him hook up with another woman...and to make it worse... picture the heroine while another woman does her thing.... what a dou***!! The rest of the book I spent distracted trying to google how to send smoke signals to Asha..."run and don't look back...you'll thank me later"!
I have nothing more to say about this book...I feel like there should be a mike drop here ya’ll. Lol.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
My thoughts:
Ok...some advice for romance authors...are you ready...ok...an easy way to make your leading man unlikable is having him hook up with another woman...and to make it worse... picture the heroine while another woman does her thing.... what a dou***!! The rest of the book I spent distracted trying to google how to send smoke signals to Asha..."run and don't look back...you'll thank me later"!
I have nothing more to say about this book...I feel like there should be a mike drop here ya’ll. Lol.
For more book fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
March 27, 2021
4 Stars / 3.5 Steam Fans
More review thoughts to come.
Video review available in Week 10: Mar 7 – Mar 13, 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.
More review thoughts to come.
Video review available in Week 10: Mar 7 – Mar 13, 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.
April 2, 2021
http://www.esmeraldaviaggielibri.it/l...
Se vi piacciono gli sport romance e siete alla ricerca di una storia che sappia regalarvi qualche ora di assoluto relax e una buona dose di passione fermatevi perché avete trovato ciò che state cercando. Dopo Bryce ambientato nel mondo del tennis qui andiamo sul sicuro e tocchiamo lo sport a stelle e strisce per antonomasia: il football americano. Nonostante abbia letto quasi tutti i libri pubblicati in Italia devo ammettere che le regole di questo sport non sono per me così chiare, ma chi se ne frega se ci regalano bei ragazzoni very hot come il n ostro Dax. Certo nel libro dedicato a Bryce non nutrivo molta simpatia per lui, ero piuttosto titubante quando ho visto che il secondo volume sarebbe stato Dax centrico, ma mi sono dovuta ricredere perché apparire come la pecora nera della famiglia può essere una scelta, ma non sempre è colpa tua. Dax avrà modo di riscattarsi e mostrerà che, oltre a essere un mago nel combinare guai, nasconde un animo gentile che aspetta solo di essere scoperto dalla persona giusta.
Dax ha una sola certezza: non è all’altezza del cognome che porta. Per quanto lui possa impegnarsi verrà sempre ricordato come l’anello debole della catena, nemmeno lontanamente paragonabile al nonno, al padre, al fratello maggiore, alla gemella e nemmeno ai fratelli più piccoli. Tutti sportivi affermati, tutti ligi alle regole, tutti certi di cosa vogliono essere. Dax ha intrapreso la strada più difficile, che sia stato un gesto avventato o una scelta ponderata lo si scoprirà solo col tempo, ciò che è certo è che nel football nonostante le premesse ottime non sarà mai una prima scelta. Il suo ultimo campionato è stato piuttosto mediocre e il risultato è davanti agli occhi di tutti: scelto dalla peggior squadra della lega.
Asha ama il football, fin da quando era una ragazzina sogna di lavorare per le più importanti squadre della NFL e nessuno si metterà tra lei e il suo obiettivo. Il cognome potrebbe aiutarla, ma lei non vuole favoritismi, deve essere scelta per le sue capacità, non per il padre e il fratello, non fa parte di un pacco formato famiglia.
Cosa unisce Dax e Asha? Il fratello di Asha è il migliore amico di Dax. Una delle poche persone al mondo a vedere cosa c’è di buono in lui, al di là delle cavolate che fa e delle etichette che gli vengono appiccicate addosso da sempre. È così chiede proprio a Dax di tenere d’occhio sua sorella e di aiutarla ad ambientarsi. Ciò che non sanno è che ben presto verranno accoppiati e dovranno lavorare a strettissimo contatto. Dax inzialmente fa lo str***o in fondo a lui viene facile quel ruolo, ma Asha non si fa intimidire, se vuoi lavorare in un posto prettamente maschile devi imparare ad avere a che fare con loro e sapere come tenerli a bada.
Inizia un gioco tra i due fatto di scaramucce, continui tira-e-molla, tutte cose che fanno impazzire Dax e accendono in lui pensieri che non dovrebbe nemmeno permettersi di fare. Asha non ha una bella opinione del migliore amico di suo fratello, avrebbe preferito lavorare con un atleta più serio, ma non può nemmeno far finta che Dax non le provochi brividi che non aveva mai sentito per nessun ragazzo prima.
Dax Coulter toccava ogni singolo nervo scoperto, irritato e aggressivo che Asha potesse avere. Era arrogante. Presuntuoso. Stronzo. Era anche un ferormone ambulante. Lei faceva un casino di fatica a ignorarlo. Con tutti i suoi ammiccamenti e sorrisetti, Dax usava il suo sex-appeal come fosse stato un’accetta. Maledetti quei sorrisi e maledetta quella fossetta sul mento. Gli avrebbe fatto vedere lei, di che pasta era fatta!
Una cosa è certa lei può riabilitare la sua immagine e staccarlo dal cognome che porta, solo così riuscirà a viversi più serenamente la sua professione, senza dover essere paragonato costantemente alle gesta del nonno e chissà che in questo modo riesca a far emergere doti che fino a oggi erano rimaste nascoste.
Asha è off-limits per Dax, Dax è off-limits per Asha, ma resistere è difficile, nonostante cerchino di stare distanti per non concedersi di cedere loro sono come due calamite, si attraggono costantemente e non importa cosa c’è nel mezzo, troveranno il modo per avvicinarsi, sperando di non restare scottati.
Sono stata molto felice di leggere Dax, mi è piaciuto più questo secondo capitolo rispetto a Bryce, mi sono sentita più vicina ai protagonisti, forse perché simpatizzare per chi ha difetti evidenti è più semplice. Sono molto curiosa di scoprire cosa ci riserverà la storia dedicata a Echo. Brava Nana Malone, promossa.
Se vi piacciono gli sport romance e siete alla ricerca di una storia che sappia regalarvi qualche ora di assoluto relax e una buona dose di passione fermatevi perché avete trovato ciò che state cercando. Dopo Bryce ambientato nel mondo del tennis qui andiamo sul sicuro e tocchiamo lo sport a stelle e strisce per antonomasia: il football americano. Nonostante abbia letto quasi tutti i libri pubblicati in Italia devo ammettere che le regole di questo sport non sono per me così chiare, ma chi se ne frega se ci regalano bei ragazzoni very hot come il n ostro Dax. Certo nel libro dedicato a Bryce non nutrivo molta simpatia per lui, ero piuttosto titubante quando ho visto che il secondo volume sarebbe stato Dax centrico, ma mi sono dovuta ricredere perché apparire come la pecora nera della famiglia può essere una scelta, ma non sempre è colpa tua. Dax avrà modo di riscattarsi e mostrerà che, oltre a essere un mago nel combinare guai, nasconde un animo gentile che aspetta solo di essere scoperto dalla persona giusta.
Dax ha una sola certezza: non è all’altezza del cognome che porta. Per quanto lui possa impegnarsi verrà sempre ricordato come l’anello debole della catena, nemmeno lontanamente paragonabile al nonno, al padre, al fratello maggiore, alla gemella e nemmeno ai fratelli più piccoli. Tutti sportivi affermati, tutti ligi alle regole, tutti certi di cosa vogliono essere. Dax ha intrapreso la strada più difficile, che sia stato un gesto avventato o una scelta ponderata lo si scoprirà solo col tempo, ciò che è certo è che nel football nonostante le premesse ottime non sarà mai una prima scelta. Il suo ultimo campionato è stato piuttosto mediocre e il risultato è davanti agli occhi di tutti: scelto dalla peggior squadra della lega.
Asha ama il football, fin da quando era una ragazzina sogna di lavorare per le più importanti squadre della NFL e nessuno si metterà tra lei e il suo obiettivo. Il cognome potrebbe aiutarla, ma lei non vuole favoritismi, deve essere scelta per le sue capacità, non per il padre e il fratello, non fa parte di un pacco formato famiglia.
Cosa unisce Dax e Asha? Il fratello di Asha è il migliore amico di Dax. Una delle poche persone al mondo a vedere cosa c’è di buono in lui, al di là delle cavolate che fa e delle etichette che gli vengono appiccicate addosso da sempre. È così chiede proprio a Dax di tenere d’occhio sua sorella e di aiutarla ad ambientarsi. Ciò che non sanno è che ben presto verranno accoppiati e dovranno lavorare a strettissimo contatto. Dax inzialmente fa lo str***o in fondo a lui viene facile quel ruolo, ma Asha non si fa intimidire, se vuoi lavorare in un posto prettamente maschile devi imparare ad avere a che fare con loro e sapere come tenerli a bada.
Inizia un gioco tra i due fatto di scaramucce, continui tira-e-molla, tutte cose che fanno impazzire Dax e accendono in lui pensieri che non dovrebbe nemmeno permettersi di fare. Asha non ha una bella opinione del migliore amico di suo fratello, avrebbe preferito lavorare con un atleta più serio, ma non può nemmeno far finta che Dax non le provochi brividi che non aveva mai sentito per nessun ragazzo prima.
Dax Coulter toccava ogni singolo nervo scoperto, irritato e aggressivo che Asha potesse avere. Era arrogante. Presuntuoso. Stronzo. Era anche un ferormone ambulante. Lei faceva un casino di fatica a ignorarlo. Con tutti i suoi ammiccamenti e sorrisetti, Dax usava il suo sex-appeal come fosse stato un’accetta. Maledetti quei sorrisi e maledetta quella fossetta sul mento. Gli avrebbe fatto vedere lei, di che pasta era fatta!
Una cosa è certa lei può riabilitare la sua immagine e staccarlo dal cognome che porta, solo così riuscirà a viversi più serenamente la sua professione, senza dover essere paragonato costantemente alle gesta del nonno e chissà che in questo modo riesca a far emergere doti che fino a oggi erano rimaste nascoste.
Asha è off-limits per Dax, Dax è off-limits per Asha, ma resistere è difficile, nonostante cerchino di stare distanti per non concedersi di cedere loro sono come due calamite, si attraggono costantemente e non importa cosa c’è nel mezzo, troveranno il modo per avvicinarsi, sperando di non restare scottati.
Sono stata molto felice di leggere Dax, mi è piaciuto più questo secondo capitolo rispetto a Bryce, mi sono sentita più vicina ai protagonisti, forse perché simpatizzare per chi ha difetti evidenti è più semplice. Sono molto curiosa di scoprire cosa ci riserverà la storia dedicata a Echo. Brava Nana Malone, promossa.
February 9, 2021
recensione a cura del blog "sognare in punta di penna" by Meg
Asha e Dax sono i protagonisti del secondo volume sui fratelli Coulter. Lui è uno dei due gemelli, gioca a football, cosa che in realtà non ha scelto ma a cui la sua famiglia lo ha destinato; Asha si occupa di marketing sportivo in relazione all’immagine ma è anche la sorella del miglior amico di Dax. Si è laureata giovanissima perché è una sorta di genio, avendo anche lei una famiglia molto pressante (è di origine indiana), e lei e Dax non si sono mai incontrati. L’indubbia bellezza di Dax la colpisce fin da subito, anche perché ha passato la sua gioventù a studiare, e stenta a credere che lui sia davvero interessato a lei.
Il loro è un amore che nasce piano e che soprattutto cambia Dax.
«Per il momento avrebbero potuto fare come diceva lei. Poi lei si sarebbe convinta. Perché lui sapeva una cosa che lei non sapeva. Orami erano l’uno sotto la pelle dell’altro. E non c’era via di fuga. Per quanto lei la cercasse.»
È lui che cresce in questa storia, che attraverso l’amore per lei capisce che vuole davvero essere un giocatore di football e farlo bene. Il loro è un trovarsi, sentire appieno quello che sta nascendo tra loro e accettarlo.
«”Dax, cosa mi stai facendo?” “Io? Sei tu quella che mi ha tolto ogni strato protettivo e che mi si è appoggiata sopra l’anima. Non riesco ad andare a letto senza pensare a questo. Non riesco a svegliarmi senza desiderarlo. Un secondo o due, rubati, in cui io riuscirei a essere alla tua altezza.”
……………………
“Sei sempre stato all’altezza. Solo che non credevo che avrei potuto osare desiderare questo.”»
Come la protagonista femminile del primo volume, anche ad Asha toccano le offese e l’ostilità del nonno patriarca, ma Dax si rivela l’uomo che è diventato lungo tutto i libro, regalandoci finalmente l’immagine del cavaliere senza paure e debolezze.
Una bella storia, che rivela anche uno stile diverso, più coinvolgente e sensuale rispetto al primo volume.
Una storia d’amore a tema sportivo che mi ha ricordato molto quelle coinvolgenti della SEP, e che ci lascia soddisfatti anche per traduzione ed editing.
Asha e Dax sono i protagonisti del secondo volume sui fratelli Coulter. Lui è uno dei due gemelli, gioca a football, cosa che in realtà non ha scelto ma a cui la sua famiglia lo ha destinato; Asha si occupa di marketing sportivo in relazione all’immagine ma è anche la sorella del miglior amico di Dax. Si è laureata giovanissima perché è una sorta di genio, avendo anche lei una famiglia molto pressante (è di origine indiana), e lei e Dax non si sono mai incontrati. L’indubbia bellezza di Dax la colpisce fin da subito, anche perché ha passato la sua gioventù a studiare, e stenta a credere che lui sia davvero interessato a lei.
Il loro è un amore che nasce piano e che soprattutto cambia Dax.
«Per il momento avrebbero potuto fare come diceva lei. Poi lei si sarebbe convinta. Perché lui sapeva una cosa che lei non sapeva. Orami erano l’uno sotto la pelle dell’altro. E non c’era via di fuga. Per quanto lei la cercasse.»
È lui che cresce in questa storia, che attraverso l’amore per lei capisce che vuole davvero essere un giocatore di football e farlo bene. Il loro è un trovarsi, sentire appieno quello che sta nascendo tra loro e accettarlo.
«”Dax, cosa mi stai facendo?” “Io? Sei tu quella che mi ha tolto ogni strato protettivo e che mi si è appoggiata sopra l’anima. Non riesco ad andare a letto senza pensare a questo. Non riesco a svegliarmi senza desiderarlo. Un secondo o due, rubati, in cui io riuscirei a essere alla tua altezza.”
……………………
“Sei sempre stato all’altezza. Solo che non credevo che avrei potuto osare desiderare questo.”»
Come la protagonista femminile del primo volume, anche ad Asha toccano le offese e l’ostilità del nonno patriarca, ma Dax si rivela l’uomo che è diventato lungo tutto i libro, regalandoci finalmente l’immagine del cavaliere senza paure e debolezze.
Una bella storia, che rivela anche uno stile diverso, più coinvolgente e sensuale rispetto al primo volume.
Una storia d’amore a tema sportivo che mi ha ricordato molto quelle coinvolgenti della SEP, e che ci lascia soddisfatti anche per traduzione ed editing.
May 21, 2018
Asha was the woman with a plan, determination, strength and use to being in a male dominated world. She had the balls to do the job but there was something else getting in her way this time around. Dax presented a challenge in more ways than just getting him to do his job to the fullest potential.
Dax wanted to do right by his best friend and his request to look out for his sister. But he never expected to be so attracted to her. She was the fire and direction he needed to turn his focus around. The series is growing and showing us more.
Granpa Coulter needed to learn some respect that he constantly demanded from others.
Again York and Odom brought the reader into Legacy Sports, football, Coulter's and more.
Dax wanted to do right by his best friend and his request to look out for his sister. But he never expected to be so attracted to her. She was the fire and direction he needed to turn his focus around. The series is growing and showing us more.
Granpa Coulter needed to learn some respect that he constantly demanded from others.
Again York and Odom brought the reader into Legacy Sports, football, Coulter's and more.
December 31, 2021
Growing up in his family was…challenging, but now Dax is being challenged in another way by Asha. She sees him…and for the first time he wants to be himself! Loved, loved, loved this story!
September 28, 2022
3.5 star
September 1, 2023
3.5🩷🩷🩷💞
Want to read
February 28, 2017Release Blitz with Giveaway have been posted: https://nadineisobsessedwithbooks.blo...
April 4, 2025
Dax Coulter’s heart was no longer in the game of playing pro football. Why, you may ask? Well, Rory Coulter, his manipulative and annoying grandfather, had been magic on the football field and at the Olympics. His grandmother Serina was an Olympic icon. His father was a basketball and baseball star. His mother is a dancer. And, oh boy! Do not think about getting him started on his sibling's achievements. He has felt like the bad apple. He has always carried the burden of hearing his grandfather say, “The Coulter name would only carry him so far.
His family was the stuff of legends—sports mags, even. And it had always been clear that he didn't measure up. To the point that when he started to prove everyone right, or was it mainly his gruff grandfather, they were upset. But, if put on the spot about how much pressure Rory put on Dax, he would deny all of the allegations. It's draft day, and Dax doesn't get picked up until the fifth round and by the worst team in the league. Of course, his grandfather can’t be seen and not heard; oh no, it’s about him and his reputation. When the last good team doesn’t take him, his grandfather lets out an audible response to go with his facial features.
Gramps's disgust was more than apparent with his sneer. "We know what they want from him and what has them worried, and it's the same answer for both questions," he said. "The name. They want the Coulter name and what it can bring the team. But it's also what they're worried about. He's going to get noticed no matter where he goes, and the team that takes him is going to want him to be noticed for the right things. Good luck with that. Dax can put up decent numbers if he wants to, but he's got to show up first.
How many games did he sit out last season? And everyone knows it wasn't because he was injured. Injuries heal. Injuries you can bounce back from, but reputations…" These are the times Dax misses Bryce, his big brother, and even Tami, his fiancée, being there. Being a pro hockey player, he gets it and understands the pressure. The stress is brutal. Especially after a full recovery for both of them from rehab, they are now focusing on their careers and wedding to each other. Bryce managed to become the perfect child/grandchild once again.
Ever since their grandfather had retired from Legacy Sports, their family's sports-equipment retail franchise, he had been overly involved in all their careers, but especially his. But really, what did he expect when he took up the torch of his position? If Dax truly didn't want to play, he should have manned up and said so. But did he even earn a degree in anything useful he could get a decent paycheck with? Soon, after one of the worst games ever on the new team. By the way, they are not jelling; he gets a call from Damon Wix, the friend and teammate that used to protect him on and off the field.
He is calling to ask a favor. Telling him his little sister just got a job with Dax's new team, the Thrashers, and if he could keep an eye out for her. Dax was not keen on the proposition, but then his friend Damon had always been there for him. So, he said, Yes. But when a sexy vixen by the name of Asha Wix comes to work for the team on the day of a big shakeup for upper staff in some of the management and team coaches, he is at DEFCON 1. Throws him for a loop. However, when he does meet her, she does introduce herself as his new PR rep. Especially when he finds out she’s assigned to be his primary sitter both at home and at away games, too. He need not feel singled out because all the players were receiving one.
The immediate attraction they both had for each other at their meet-cute was overwhelming. That is why she ended up taking the hardass approach. Of course, he ignored her as if she wasn't even talking. Being that she is Damon’s little sister is not looking good for him. Their meet-cute is tense, filled with sparks, and hopeful. If he doesn't think about his family.
His family was the stuff of legends—sports mags, even. And it had always been clear that he didn't measure up. To the point that when he started to prove everyone right, or was it mainly his gruff grandfather, they were upset. But, if put on the spot about how much pressure Rory put on Dax, he would deny all of the allegations. It's draft day, and Dax doesn't get picked up until the fifth round and by the worst team in the league. Of course, his grandfather can’t be seen and not heard; oh no, it’s about him and his reputation. When the last good team doesn’t take him, his grandfather lets out an audible response to go with his facial features.
Gramps's disgust was more than apparent with his sneer. "We know what they want from him and what has them worried, and it's the same answer for both questions," he said. "The name. They want the Coulter name and what it can bring the team. But it's also what they're worried about. He's going to get noticed no matter where he goes, and the team that takes him is going to want him to be noticed for the right things. Good luck with that. Dax can put up decent numbers if he wants to, but he's got to show up first.
How many games did he sit out last season? And everyone knows it wasn't because he was injured. Injuries heal. Injuries you can bounce back from, but reputations…" These are the times Dax misses Bryce, his big brother, and even Tami, his fiancée, being there. Being a pro hockey player, he gets it and understands the pressure. The stress is brutal. Especially after a full recovery for both of them from rehab, they are now focusing on their careers and wedding to each other. Bryce managed to become the perfect child/grandchild once again.
Ever since their grandfather had retired from Legacy Sports, their family's sports-equipment retail franchise, he had been overly involved in all their careers, but especially his. But really, what did he expect when he took up the torch of his position? If Dax truly didn't want to play, he should have manned up and said so. But did he even earn a degree in anything useful he could get a decent paycheck with? Soon, after one of the worst games ever on the new team. By the way, they are not jelling; he gets a call from Damon Wix, the friend and teammate that used to protect him on and off the field.
He is calling to ask a favor. Telling him his little sister just got a job with Dax's new team, the Thrashers, and if he could keep an eye out for her. Dax was not keen on the proposition, but then his friend Damon had always been there for him. So, he said, Yes. But when a sexy vixen by the name of Asha Wix comes to work for the team on the day of a big shakeup for upper staff in some of the management and team coaches, he is at DEFCON 1. Throws him for a loop. However, when he does meet her, she does introduce herself as his new PR rep. Especially when he finds out she’s assigned to be his primary sitter both at home and at away games, too. He need not feel singled out because all the players were receiving one.
The immediate attraction they both had for each other at their meet-cute was overwhelming. That is why she ended up taking the hardass approach. Of course, he ignored her as if she wasn't even talking. Being that she is Damon’s little sister is not looking good for him. Their meet-cute is tense, filled with sparks, and hopeful. If he doesn't think about his family.
March 1, 2021
Siamo arrivati al Secondo Volume della Serie Sport Romance “Il Giocatore” che ha come protagonista Dax Coulter.
Come abbiamo visto in precedenza la famiglia Coulter è da sempre nell’ambito sportivo, a partire da Rory Coulter di cui il nipote ha voluto seguire le orme. Dax subisce il peso di portare un cognome così importante; anche la scelta di praticare football viene fatta al fine di compiacere la sua famiglia e soprattutto il nonno, ex giocatore di questo sport. Il ragazzo vive una vita sotto pressione, tutti pretendono che faccia sempre di più e sempre meglio, finendo così per sentirsi inadeguato, mai all’altezza. Ad un certo punto si convince di non farcela. Autoproclamandosi un fallito agli occhi dei Coulter ne combina una dopo l’altra: donne, alcol, eccessi…fino a quando nella sua vita compare Asha. Asha è la sorella del suo migliore amico, che gli è sempre stato vicino nei momenti difficili, soprattutto quando gli veniva a mancare il supporto dei familiari.
La ragazza, una sua collega con pazienza e tenacia, riesce a far capire a Dax che è lui a decidere l’immagine che mostra di sé. Stanco di sentirsi un buono a nulla, il giocatore decide di seguire i consigli della sorellina di Damon di cui presto si accorgerà di non poter più fare a meno. Asha è determinata nel lavoro quanto nella vita e anche se Dax le suscita emozioni che mai aveva provato prima, lo tiene alla larga. La chimica è talmente forte tra i due che sarà uno sforzo immane non avere contatti fuori dal contesto lavorativo.
A tal proposito l’autrice è stata bravissima a descrivere scene intime pur sapendo che i due non potevano entrare in contatto tra loro. Vi cito solo una telefonata erotica davvero bollente, in cui si percepiva chiaramente la voglia di stare insieme pur non potendo. L’ho trovata originale e molto hot senza comunque risultare eccessiva o volgare.
Nana Malone scrive in terza persona e nonostante io preferisca leggere in prima, lei è talmente brava che non me ne sono neanche accorta.
Se non l’avete ancora fatto recuperate il Primo Volume – Bryce visto che il suo matrimonio verrà citato anche in seguito ma, voglio precisare che se non vi va, ogni singolo libro può essere tranquillamente letto da solo e io vi consiglio vivamente di farlo!
Come abbiamo visto in precedenza la famiglia Coulter è da sempre nell’ambito sportivo, a partire da Rory Coulter di cui il nipote ha voluto seguire le orme. Dax subisce il peso di portare un cognome così importante; anche la scelta di praticare football viene fatta al fine di compiacere la sua famiglia e soprattutto il nonno, ex giocatore di questo sport. Il ragazzo vive una vita sotto pressione, tutti pretendono che faccia sempre di più e sempre meglio, finendo così per sentirsi inadeguato, mai all’altezza. Ad un certo punto si convince di non farcela. Autoproclamandosi un fallito agli occhi dei Coulter ne combina una dopo l’altra: donne, alcol, eccessi…fino a quando nella sua vita compare Asha. Asha è la sorella del suo migliore amico, che gli è sempre stato vicino nei momenti difficili, soprattutto quando gli veniva a mancare il supporto dei familiari.
La ragazza, una sua collega con pazienza e tenacia, riesce a far capire a Dax che è lui a decidere l’immagine che mostra di sé. Stanco di sentirsi un buono a nulla, il giocatore decide di seguire i consigli della sorellina di Damon di cui presto si accorgerà di non poter più fare a meno. Asha è determinata nel lavoro quanto nella vita e anche se Dax le suscita emozioni che mai aveva provato prima, lo tiene alla larga. La chimica è talmente forte tra i due che sarà uno sforzo immane non avere contatti fuori dal contesto lavorativo.
A tal proposito l’autrice è stata bravissima a descrivere scene intime pur sapendo che i due non potevano entrare in contatto tra loro. Vi cito solo una telefonata erotica davvero bollente, in cui si percepiva chiaramente la voglia di stare insieme pur non potendo. L’ho trovata originale e molto hot senza comunque risultare eccessiva o volgare.
Nana Malone scrive in terza persona e nonostante io preferisca leggere in prima, lei è talmente brava che non me ne sono neanche accorta.
Se non l’avete ancora fatto recuperate il Primo Volume – Bryce visto che il suo matrimonio verrà citato anche in seguito ma, voglio precisare che se non vi va, ogni singolo libro può essere tranquillamente letto da solo e io vi consiglio vivamente di farlo!
February 24, 2017
Where do I even begin ... I loved the underlying themes in this book. Both Dax and Asha have feelings of inadequacy (whether real or not). In addition, both seem to be loners with different methods of coping. In Asha's case, she tends to become bitchy and alienate others. Dax, on the otherhand, goes out of his way to be the life of the party, even though he's not really digging it. As book 2 in this series, I see a prevailing theme of the main characters not trusting themselves and feeling as if they don't measure up to expectations. I wonder if this theme will carry through to the rest of the series and if the parents and grandparents realize that they have reinforced this negative self doubt.
It was nice to see Bryce and Tami's wedding and the positive reinforcement when Bryce asked Dax to be his best man. Dax had doubts about Bryce's reasoning and it was nice to see them discuss it and see the positive impact the conversation had on Dax. Since Dax hasn't had much positive feedback from anyone besides Asha, it was nice to see someone he loves and respects provide some.
Gramps needs a little work with his tact, but I guess that's true for many in real life. I just can't believe he gets away with saying some of the things he says. I realize he's old school, but come on. And what is really going on with Brent? Only time (and more books) will tell.
It was nice to see Bryce and Tami's wedding and the positive reinforcement when Bryce asked Dax to be his best man. Dax had doubts about Bryce's reasoning and it was nice to see them discuss it and see the positive impact the conversation had on Dax. Since Dax hasn't had much positive feedback from anyone besides Asha, it was nice to see someone he loves and respects provide some.
Gramps needs a little work with his tact, but I guess that's true for many in real life. I just can't believe he gets away with saying some of the things he says. I realize he's old school, but come on. And what is really going on with Brent? Only time (and more books) will tell.
March 21, 2017
Dax is a football player who comes from a legacy that he believes he is not living up to and who always thinks people find his faults. He believes he is constantly letting people down.
Asha comes with a famous last name and her brother is also a football player. She too needs to deal with the famous last name and the added problem of people not taking her seriously because she is a female in a male world.
When Dax and Asha meet she believes he is a playboy who is entitled. He thinks she is the uptight sister of his best friend.
Dax needs Asha to help get him back into what he does well - football. Asha needs Dax to help build that confidence in what she does so well in a man's world.
As they both realize they share some of the same problems they begin to build that relationship. They learn that you can rise above the legacy of a famous last name and the expectations, whether good or bad, of your family, as long as you are good at what you do and have someone in your corner who believes in you, especially when you don't believe in yourself.
I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Asha comes with a famous last name and her brother is also a football player. She too needs to deal with the famous last name and the added problem of people not taking her seriously because she is a female in a male world.
When Dax and Asha meet she believes he is a playboy who is entitled. He thinks she is the uptight sister of his best friend.
Dax needs Asha to help get him back into what he does well - football. Asha needs Dax to help build that confidence in what she does so well in a man's world.
As they both realize they share some of the same problems they begin to build that relationship. They learn that you can rise above the legacy of a famous last name and the expectations, whether good or bad, of your family, as long as you are good at what you do and have someone in your corner who believes in you, especially when you don't believe in yourself.
I received this ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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January 25, 2021🤷🏻♀️ so I'm a bitter hissing crone and all ...
but like - ok I just did a search of the average age of players drafted into the nfl and got annoyed at a bunch of the crap results AND their content - so that's not helping.
But anyway the hero is ... 21? Barely? And :X just super bitter with a chip on his shoulder and mediocre ish? X:
And the heroine is 20 and ...
look.
No.
Compounded with a meh day of sportsball.
No.
This book is just not for me.
OH! And also - the audiobook. The male narrator read more slowly ... so I had to speed it up to 1.5 for it to be tolerable but 1.5 also sucks because it does mess with stuff - and then the female narrator read more quickly but adjusting back and forth would've been too much of a pain - PLUS she was just ... this whole "attitude" thing. Like the narrator was interjecting attitude into the character where it wasn't in a way that made her not very likeable.
At least for me. Bleh.
but like - ok I just did a search of the average age of players drafted into the nfl and got annoyed at a bunch of the crap results AND their content - so that's not helping.
But anyway the hero is ... 21? Barely? And :X just super bitter with a chip on his shoulder and mediocre ish? X:
And the heroine is 20 and ...
look.
No.
Compounded with a meh day of sportsball.
No.
This book is just not for me.
OH! And also - the audiobook. The male narrator read more slowly ... so I had to speed it up to 1.5 for it to be tolerable but 1.5 also sucks because it does mess with stuff - and then the female narrator read more quickly but adjusting back and forth would've been too much of a pain - PLUS she was just ... this whole "attitude" thing. Like the narrator was interjecting attitude into the character where it wasn't in a way that made her not very likeable.
At least for me. Bleh.
November 2, 2022
This was, well... Good thing it was this short.
FYI Dax:
Fucking your girlfriend against the door with your whole family in hearing distance doesn't mean that you don't care what they think. It means you're a douche. And so is your girlfriend. Because that's not hot, it's disrespectful for everyone in the family. Nobody wants to listen to that. it's awkward for everyone (me as a reader included) and furthermore from a plot point of view completely unnecessary. Because why? What point are you making? Especially when it's literally the last scene in the book. Of a story that was all about Dax being the black sheep in the family and him just wanting his grandfather's approval and respect. He just told you he's proud... So you go and fuck your girlfriend for everyone, incl. your teenaged brothers, to hear. I don't get it. What's was that?
Definitely an author I won't be picking up again.
FYI Dax:
Fucking your girlfriend against the door with your whole family in hearing distance doesn't mean that you don't care what they think. It means you're a douche. And so is your girlfriend. Because that's not hot, it's disrespectful for everyone in the family. Nobody wants to listen to that. it's awkward for everyone (me as a reader included) and furthermore from a plot point of view completely unnecessary. Because why? What point are you making? Especially when it's literally the last scene in the book. Of a story that was all about Dax being the black sheep in the family and him just wanting his grandfather's approval and respect. He just told you he's proud... So you go and fuck your girlfriend for everyone, incl. your teenaged brothers, to hear. I don't get it. What's was that?
Definitely an author I won't be picking up again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2017
Another touchdown by Nana Malone, Dax gives a story well worth the listen. Being the screw up of the family is not easy. Following in the football player footsteps of his dad and grandfather is not easy. Dax has had a lot to live up to, so why bother trying? Asha is trying to launch her career and becomes the babysitter for Dax. But will she be able to turn his reputation around? Will her heart survive? This listen is a little angsty, a little flirty and a lot of hot all the way through. These two have a few ups and downs as well as some good life advice and hot chemistry. I love that Nana Malone can can really give a sports romance some substance and make it relate to real life. This one was especially good and with Traci Odom and Sebastian York telling the story, you cannot go wrong.
July 20, 2020
Gotta love a bad boy with a heart of gold. Dax is super hot. And super sweet. He just has a problem with confidence. Enter Asha. She’s staking her claim in the male-dominated world of football and not relying on her family connections to do it. She’s smart and ambitious and a definite role model. The love between them took place over quite a bit of time, but it moved really fast in the story. Their chemistry was off the charts from the very beginning though. Plus, I loved the football backdrop. I’ve read romances about athletes where the author clearly didn’t understand the sport. But this one was super accurate, which only made it that much more enjoyable.
January 13, 2021
Dax is the bad boy, résident black sheep of the Coulter family. When he is drafted to the thrashers, the worst football team in the league, he gets a bit of a wake up call. Asha is hired is hired by the teasers to revamp their image and her job is also to get to know Dax to help the team. Two things are wrong with that 1 - they are very attracted to each other and 2- Asha is Dax's best friend's little sister!
I really liked the pacing of the story, it was light and although their could have been heavy drama, there wasn't and that was refreshing. It is steamy and fun. Love the narrators of the audiobook!
I really liked the pacing of the story, it was light and although their could have been heavy drama, there wasn't and that was refreshing. It is steamy and fun. Love the narrators of the audiobook!
March 1, 2017
Nana Malone did her thing with book 2 in her new Playerseries. Love me some Dax, the bad boy, black sheep, and the football player like his grandfather. It was hard living up to that legacy. But he didn't care anymore until the day that Asha walked in and put him in his place. But she was off limits. She was his best friends baby sister. He owed Damn but the attraction between Dax and Asha was undeniably strong. He couldnt stay away. The sex scen were so hot and steamy. I love them as a couple. I love this story I wasn't ready for it to end. I'll be reading this book again soon.
May 29, 2017
Well written just too boooorinnnng. I couldn't get into the very predictable 24 yr old bad boy football player that is tamed and given self confidence by an over achieving 20 yr old virgin who is a marketing rep with his pro football team. Too unbelievable, too sweet, no suspense so too boring. I read the first book in this 4 book series and only read this one (book #2) because I thought the stories might get more interesting and take on a more mature approach. I was wrong so I'm done with this series.
November 25, 2022
Questo libro lo aspettavo. Dax aveva catturato la mia attenzione già nel primo e ne volevo sapere di più. Devo dire che la Malone non ha deluso le mie aspettative e che la storia scorre più o meno nello stesso modo della precedente. Dax incontra la sorella del suo migliore amico a cui deve fare da baby sitter e via i due sono innamorati senza che effettivamente se ne rendano davvero conto. È una storia scorrevole, che approfondisce i legami dei Coulter e ci offre uno spiraglio nella loro vita. E poi c'è il costante richiamo all'uso del preservativo che sinceramente mi piace molto.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2025
3.5⭐️ this was SO CUTE!!!! (also not me finding & finishing a book inside of a series and not starting with the first 🤦🏼♀️)
classic best friends little sister plus football????? that was all it took to suck me in!!!! Asha????? ASHA!!!!! The baddest ever, she truly took every day by its balls and made a name for herself!!!! Slay!!!!! As she should!!!!
Then Dax???? The screw up WR needing a desperate PR work up??? The new him was the 2nd best thing to happen to him (1st being Asha;) ugh this was so cutesy & fun def gotta read about the rest of the Coulter siblings! 🥰
classic best friends little sister plus football????? that was all it took to suck me in!!!! Asha????? ASHA!!!!! The baddest ever, she truly took every day by its balls and made a name for herself!!!! Slay!!!!! As she should!!!!
Then Dax???? The screw up WR needing a desperate PR work up??? The new him was the 2nd best thing to happen to him (1st being Asha;) ugh this was so cutesy & fun def gotta read about the rest of the Coulter siblings! 🥰
December 11, 2023
Devo dire che mi è piaciuto molto questo libro, si è uno sport romance ma anche una storia di crescita personale e di cambiamenti. I due protagonisti sono perfetti insieme, anche se all'inizio provano a stare lontani a fare quello che loro ritengono giusto, poi comunque capiscono che si devono dare una possibilità. Anche se è scritto in terza persona l'autrice è stata brava a non farlo pesare e sentire. 4.5/5 stelle
September 5, 2018
Don't hate the Player, Hate the game
Dax is a d***. That is the role he decided to play in the Coulter family. Asha is a good girl who wants to be bad for once. You don't think they'll work together but they do.
I was anticipating a little more conflict with the brother and the family, but overall a good read.
Dax is a d***. That is the role he decided to play in the Coulter family. Asha is a good girl who wants to be bad for once. You don't think they'll work together but they do.
I was anticipating a little more conflict with the brother and the family, but overall a good read.
September 3, 2019
Brilliant
Another great book and second in this series.
Absolutely adored Dax. He may have been a player but he was also a perfect gentleman when he needed to be.
Loved that he and Asher became an item. Loved her and the way she handled him.
Loved the connection between all the characters.
Well done again Nana.
Another great book and second in this series.
Absolutely adored Dax. He may have been a player but he was also a perfect gentleman when he needed to be.
Loved that he and Asher became an item. Loved her and the way she handled him.
Loved the connection between all the characters.
Well done again Nana.
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November 1, 2021Nana Malone is becoming a go-to for me, for reliably enjoyable quick romance reads.
Dax is the second in The Player series. I read Blake (#1) and Ransom (#5) last year, so I had a loose understanding of some of the Coulters, but that really wasn't necessary -- this book can be read as a stand-alone.
Dax is the second in The Player series. I read Blake (#1) and Ransom (#5) last year, so I had a loose understanding of some of the Coulters, but that really wasn't necessary -- this book can be read as a stand-alone.
March 31, 2025
This was a quick sports romance that I enjoyed reading. A little cliche but you know what, I'm all for it. There wasn't anything crazy good that really happened but I did enjoy the story and the growth that happens with Dax. Sports families are very tough to grow up in and this showed how having someone outside the family who has faith and confidence in you can change your outlook on yourself.
February 27, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, it mixed romance with football! What can be better?! I love a good forbidden romance. The chemistry between Dax and Asha was undeniable. Asha was a classic Nana Malone female character with lots of attitude and strength. I highly recommend this book!!!
March 23, 2017
I keep waiting!
I keep waiting for Nana to write a bad one. It maybe because I've followed her for so long. I find her books very enjoyable.
I'm waiting for redoing of plot or something but I'm still intrigued. My only eye raise is her female characters keep getting younger. I'm going to feel too old pretty soon.
I keep waiting for Nana to write a bad one. It maybe because I've followed her for so long. I find her books very enjoyable.
I'm waiting for redoing of plot or something but I'm still intrigued. My only eye raise is her female characters keep getting younger. I'm going to feel too old pretty soon.
May 28, 2019
Much better than the first
I enjoyed this story a lot more than the first. The pacing felt better and the story didn't feel as forced. I liked the MCs and their chemistry felt real .
I enjoyed this story a lot more than the first. The pacing felt better and the story didn't feel as forced. I liked the MCs and their chemistry felt real .
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