Match Pointe: Bad Boys and Show Girls

Love and Play #3

by Amélie S. Duncan

It’s a ballerina in a box and a star football player against the world – and you’re going to love it.The moment I see Tyler Wilson again, all the memories come back to me.How he was always kind to me, even after my brothers beat him up for trying to give me a kiss on my eighth birthday.How my mother kept me like a ballerina in a box, her precious little Scarlet who had to spend all her time practicing so she would become one of the greatest ballerinas that the New York City Ballet has ever seen.How Tyler and his sister – my best friend Zoey – used to call me Princess Precious.But I’m not a little girl anymore.Yes, I love ballet, with all my heart. But I also dream of true love. Of touch. Of intimacy.Of a happily ever after. With Tyler.However, he’s a striker for the New York FC now, and even though our teams are working together on a charity performance, we’re strictly forbidden to be together.No matter the sparks that fly between us. No matter the fact that this womanizer is beginning to realize that I’m no longer a ballerina in a box and that we’re perfect for each other.If we get caught, we’re ruined. Our dreams and everything we’ve worked so hard for will be nothing but ashes.Which just mean that we can’t allow them to catch us.We want it all, and we’re going to get it.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2017

About the author

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

www.ameliesduncan.com

Reviews

[PointedlyBlunt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ballet dancer, Scarlet, has crushed on her best friend’s older brother/pro soccer player, Tyler, for years. After a collaboration between the NYC ballet and NY Soccer club, Scarlet grows some balls and asks Tyler to teach her about sex (sexy, I know) so she can finally feel more like a woman than a child. Tyler’s hesitant because not only is she his sister’s best friend, but because if they’re found out, it could cost them both their jobs. What a pickle to be in.

I couldn’t get into this book. Maybe I’m naïve, but is the plot’s scenario, that the two of them being together is against the rules, realistic? It doesn’t make sense to me for it to be such a big deal, especially when so many celebrities are always cavorting together without issue.

The romance is forced and awkward. It felt like Tyler had to convince himself to like Scarlet. Scarlet was too eager and came off as desperate at times. It didn’t help that the author tells us how they feel about each other rather than shows us. And the love scenes were practically clinical in nature and lacked steam.

The book was well-written, from a grammatical point, but the characters and plot just didn’t do it for me.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

***I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.***

We all have different goals in life and there are struggles for some to achieve it. Not only did Scarlet wanted to be a principal ballerina, she wanted to get away from her family's clutches to prove to them that she is an adult and can handle her self. Tyler being a soccer player has his own dreams; being captain if the team and a spokesperson for the company. Although everyone was against them being together and having a relationship, they both proved that no matter what came through their way that they can face it as long as they have the support of one another.

[Angala Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. This was a great romance full of suspense and steamy scenes. I loved the two main characters and their willingness to do anything to be together. Definitely a recommended must read.

[Bellereader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet and Tyler are a sexy steamy take on the My Fair Lady HEA archetype. Scarlet has devoted her whole life to ballet - she loves dance and wants to be a principal with New York Ballet. The only draw back with making her life all about the ballet is that she has missed out on all the other experiences of life. She has been sheltered and kept in a box keeping her from really living. This not only has limited her world view but also impacts her ability to dance with true conviction. Passion is something you have to experience in order to accurately portray. Woefully innocence and naive she wants to experience all there is to know about life, love and sexuality not only for her art but also herself - now she just has to pick the guy… If she is being honest with herself the only man for the job is - Tyler, her crush supreme. Too bad he sees her as basically a kid sister. Tyler is a love’em and leave’em guy. No expectations and no one gets hurt. He's young rich and successful - so he is living the dream. When his sister’s best friend comes to looking to be school in the the kama sutra basically he is floored. This is basically every man’s fantasy - hot innocent ballerina wants no strings attached fling - sounds too good to be true. Tyler soon finds that Scarlet is the fairest lady of all and there is no way he is letting her get away.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this book.

[The Bookworm's Paradise · Rating 4 out of 5]

HEROINE RATING: 3.5 stars
HERO RATING: 3.5 stars
PLOT RATING: 4 stars
SEX SCENES RATING:  4 stars
SEXUAL TENSION: 4 stars
SEX SCENES FREQUENCY: 4 stars
DIALOGUE RATING: 3.5 stars
WRITING: 4 stars
EMOTION: 3 stars
STORY TELLING RATING: 4.5 felt like a movie.
STORY ENDING RATING:  4 stars
Was there an instant connection with the book? yes

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

arc review for honest review . scarlet is with new york ballet tyler is football/soccor player this is about two characters that are friends and becoming love i loved the intreaction of these characters . awsome

[Marcy Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

When one is dedicated to one's profession it comes with ups and downs, sacrifices and hard work, and nominal time to waste "off" hours on anything that has little purpose, reward or benefit in either the short term or long. Relationships can flourish because of similar interests or work ethic. They can also become superficial because that dedication to work, especially work that one is passionate about, takes on the role that a relationship might have filled.

Scarlet is a ballerina with a prestigious NY company. She is just beginning to feel out her place in the world, a world that would never be full without moving upward in ballet.

Tyler is a professional soccer player who is far more life savvy than Scarlet. Soccer is his love and women have been arm candy, bed partners or friends but never more. He isn't looking for a relationship. He isn't interested in love, even though he has seen some of his own teammates and colleagues successfully blend the rigors of sport with a stable partner to love.

We have just enough information about the characters to keep things interesting. With shared insight, the reader can cheer for their successes and cringe when they stumble.

I cannot imagine not finding something to like about this book. You might sigh. You might yearn for your own love, or appreciate yours for what he/she brings to your life.

Well worth your time, whether it takes you 4 hours in one evening to read or you spread it out around your own commitments to work and relationships with friends, loved ones and possibly your own HEA.

[Jin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ballerina Scarlet's goal was to become a principal ballerina at NY ballet company. she was always practicing and rehearsing. when she qshowed up at the studio on her day off, she was called to demo a practice routine. her ballet company is working with NY soccer team to do a fundraiser and part of the dance "Le Parc" was in the works. when she finds out she won't be working on the dance, she was disappointed but was giving her best like any other time. among the soccer players she sees her best friends brother Tyler among the group. She known him since she was young and had a biggest crush on him. when Christophe, artistic director reminds her to gain more experience in her life other than ballet. She comes up with an idea to ask Tyler to give her "lesson" on sex. since she has been closely guarded by her mother and her brothers, she couldn't have. life other than ballet. now she is determined to find her way through Tyler.
Notorious, playboy soccer player Tyler thinks of Scarlet like his sister and when she approaches him with that idea, he didn't want to accept but when he finds she decided to go out with someone else, nothing stops him from giving her lessons.
now they have to find a way to detach feelings from the lessons. but nothing is easy with overbearing mother, mentors and paparazzi following his moves. They have to find a way to keep it going and they might have to risk their own career.

I thought Scarlet was weak but she finds her ground and stand on her own and Tyler was perfect match for Scarlet. It was a great sports romance.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[Jaime Fertal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet has always been treated as a child both growing up and now in her adult life, she has been sheltered so much that now she wants to learn some new adult things and she happens to have had a crush on her best friends brother for years so who better to ask then him, but getting him to agree is another thing altogether. Tyler is a bad boy, playboy who is known for playing the field when it comes to woman and then leave them, so when her family and her Ballet company finds out all hell breaks loose.

What I enjoyed most about Match Pointe is watching Scarlet finally stand up and go for what she wants, yes it starts of with Sex lessons but she has wanted him so long that she starts to have deeper feelings for a man who is going to leave her at some point but for now she will enjoy what he gives her. Tyler starts to change and others around him see it but with the two being secret about what they are doing no one knows why he is changing so much.

This book was a fantastic read. This book has Scarlet a young woman who went from being sheltered at her home with her Ma to moving in with Mentors that have know her her whole life who shelter her as well, but she is now looking for more in life and the man she asks is the one she wants but also the one that if caught can ruin everything for the both of them, Tyler after some thought and jealous over her asking another man agrees to help her but they both get so much more, a love story. If you like stories like this, then Match Pointe is a must!

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

Well done, well done Amélie S. Duncan! I highly enjoyed Match Pointe. This book is the #3 in the Love and Play Series. Although it is the third book it can be read as a standalone. Match Pointe is Tyler’s (who is a soccer player for the New York FC) and Scarlet (a NYC ballerina). Scarlet’s BFF (Zoey) is Tyler’s sister. Zoey is also in the NYC ballet company. Tyler has been Scarlet’s “big crush” for a very long time after-all he has been around while Scarlet & Zoey grew up.

Now Tyler & a couple of his soccer mates Lance, Javier, Ace Erik (I am hoping we will see more of Tyler’s teammates) are collaborating with the NYC Ballet Co. for special project.

That is all you are going to get from me since I don’t want to giveaway part of this book. I really enjoyed learning more of all the characters in Match Pointe especially Tyler and Scarlet. I hope to read another book that has Zoey’s story!

You can tell that Amélie S. Duncan demands perfection from her writing, it is flawless. I did voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book but, I always buy a copy as well. I give Match Pointe 5 stars! I can’t wait to read more books by this author! I know I am always entertained.

[Di · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story about Tyler, a soccer player, and his sister's best friend, Scarlet, who is a ballerina. When the two come together when her company is to perform with the soccer players, it gets very hot between them especially when she asks him to be her first so she can loosen up in her dancing. She wants to experience the passion so she can bring it into her dancing. Tyler wants to teach her and as they become closer he realizes she is all he wants and needs and goes to prove it.
I loved these two, both were strong and stood by each other throughout it all when their taboo relationship is not received well. Not only that the passion, sparks, desires, attraction jumps off the pages between them. They also compliment each other, giving each other strength when needed and not losing focus on their goals in their professions, proving themselves not only to theirselves but to everyone around them. Along with the steamy scenes, Tyler maturing and growing up, watching him take responsibility and Scarlet finally standing up for herself and doing what she wants and not what was expected and forced upon her....it was hard to put down until I was done....GREAT GREAT READ
*I voluntarily reveiwed an ARC of this book*

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Tyler and Scarlet's story. She is his sisters best friend which means she should be hands off. Tyler is a very attractive, sexy soccer player who has a reputation with the ladies but to be quite honest he doesn't come across that way in the book. He doesn't believe in relationships or that forever love but can one person change his mind? Scarlet is under her mother's thumb and has been for years. Between her mom and her brothers, they are all very overprotective of her which makes her crazy. She moves away to grow up on her own but that deosn't stop her mom from still trying to but in her business. Being a ballet dancer is a lot of work and she strives to be the best. Scarlet has always had feelings for Tyler, does he reciprocate those feelings? What will happen if they get together? Will her mother ever stop meddling in her business? There is so much to this story, the characters develop over time, you get a few twists and turns here and there and it's a very enjoyable read. I liked the first book to this series as well. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tyler is a professional soccer player and Scarlet's best friend's brother. Scarlet is a professional ballerina with the NYC Company. They have been fighting their attraction to one another for years. Tyler and some of his soccer team mates are picked to work with the ballerinas on a program. There are rules that there is to be no fraternizing between the soccer players and the ballerinas which would be an easy rule if Tyler and Scarlet weren't thrown together. When Scarlet asks Tyler to teach her about sexual aspects that she never experienced Tyler stops fighting against what he wants and claims his girl. However neither expected the fall out from their relationship to be quite as explosive as it was. This was a great story even though its part of a series it can be read as a stand alone and you won't be lost. The characters are strong and relatable. The chemistry between Tyler and Scarlet is hot. This was the first book I've read by the author and I can definitely say I'll be getting more by her in the future.

I received a copy of this for an honest review.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Love and Play Series and though this is number 3, it is very much stand alone!

This is Scarlet and Tyler's story and it certainly makes for a engrossing read that right from the start you are hooked into the world that these two create. I loved how innocent and fragile Scarlet was originally portrayed but she is anything but and she is finally stretching her wings and trying to be more than everyone thinks she is. Tyler is very much the same as Scarlet, a 'bad-boy' soccer player with a reputation of playing more than the field but who genuinely is kind and protective and wants to be something more than his reputation.

This leads to some interesting twists and turns as these two friends to lovers become something everyone wants to be and sees them with a HEA that Amelia S Duncan does us proud with. I can't wait to see what is next in this series but if it's anything like the previous three, I will know it is well worth adding to my TBR pile!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book

[Penny Mooney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book that brings the world of sports and art together. Scarlet was a ballerina for the New York City Ballet. She had never been allowed to be her own person. Zoey was her best friend and Scarlet had a crush on her brother. Tyler was a player for the New York F.C. soccer team. He was a womanizer. He had secret feelings for Scarlet growing up but she was off limits because she was Zoey’s best friend. This book has lust, frustrations, schedules, jealousy, sexy scenes, interference, press problems, troubles with careers, and love. Can Scarlet and Tyler have a successful relationship or will the outside forces tear the apart? Find a nice comfortable place and grab this book to find out.
Amelie showed the problems of both the careers and still built her characters so well they interacted in the plot with ease. I look forward to her next book. She has me hooked. I recommend this book for a nice sexy read. I received an ARC and I am leaving a voluntary review.

[Laila Viking · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written story that is a very fast paced friends to lovers story. I like the story line and plot. A great mix of the ballet scene and the sports. Both aspects are explained very well in this story and gives it a more real impression. It is one of those stories that start of a bit slow but gets better and better the farther you get into the story. I liked that very much. Scarlet and Tyler are both very strong characters and that caught me and did that I just had to read it in one sitting.
This story has got it all; strong characters, great chemistry, steamy scenes, twists and turns, emotional ups and downs and a great story.
I like the supporting characters very much. They give this story the push to the edge and the 5 star review. The struggle the main characters has to get trough to have their HEA and the help from friends is combined in this fantastic read.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this friends to lovers story. It was sweet and super sexy. Tyler and Scarlet have grown up together. His sister is her best friend and he has looked out for her like another sister, not knowing she has always had a thing for him. Both are professionals trying to succeed in their careers - Scarlet a ballerina and Tyler a professional soccer player with a reputation. But when their career paths cross, Scarlet decides she wants more in her life and has a proposal. Will Tyler accept and what will it do to them personally and professionally? I loved Tyler and how sweet he was as he handled all the twists that came their way. This book is a standalone and my first book by this author. I'm looking forward to reading the others in the Love and Play series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book

[The Mysterious Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are lots of romances involving a young woman who has listed after her best friend's brother. There are lots of sports romances involving a man-whore player who is effectively the classic rake just waiting to be redeemed. There are even some pretty good romances involving ballerinas. Add those all together and you've almost got this novel, as the heroine, Scarlet, is a dancer in the New York City Ballet and the hero, Tyler (brother of Scarlett's fellow dancer best friend), starts off as the classic philandering soccer player. This is a romance, so you know this is gonna change, and that you will get your HEA. What makes this one different is the high quality of the characters and their willingness to stay true to each other and not let others' perceptions damage their connection. Nicely done indeed, and the result speaks for itself. Highly recommended.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you mix soccer starts with ballet - a wonderful love story about two people - Tyler and Scarlett - who must discover who they really want to be.
Amelie gives us a strong female character in Scarlet who needs to understand how strong she really is and how to demonstrate that to those around her so they see she can stand on her own.
Tyler is your typical bad boy athlete who loves them and leaves them. He wants to be more than the team bad boy but his reputation stands out more than his play in the media.
When Scarlet propositions Tyler neither realize the impact it will have on their lives.
This was an enjoyable read and it was wonderful to read how Scarlet decides to take a stand and branch out on her own against her family and mentor's opinions.
I was given this book and am leaving an honest voluntary review.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this story through Hidden Gems and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I really liked this story. I have always had a fascination with dancers so I was really excited to read a story involving a ballerina! That being said, while Scarlett and Tyler make a really cute couple and I love their HEA, I didn't get the bad boy I was expecting! I guess because the two grew up together it wouldn't have made a ton of sense to have Tyler maintain his previous "bad boy" persona with Scarlett but it did leave the story lacking a certain amount of drama. There was still the obstacle of them being "working together" and not supposed to see each other because of that but it just didn't feel like the story was fully realized, it had a lot more potential to go places I think. Overall, I enjoyed reading this story and would read the others in the series!

[Leslie Ooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read for me. The writing flowed well, and the story line was good. I thought that Tyler and Scarlet were good together, but I didn't feel the chemistry at times. Scarlet was very much submissive to every one else's desires, and it took a long time for her to stand up for herself. I felt like every one in her life treated her like a child, and she let them. Every one acted like her having a relationship was a horrible thing, and she's a 21 year old woman. I also felt like she pushed Tyler away at the time that they needed each other the most. I was happy to see them eventually work through their problems, and get their HEA. This was a first for me from this author, but it won't be my last.

[Kerry - Readkerryread · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Tyler, yes he was the bad boy player in the previous books but it seems when he finally figured out who he wanted he was all in. The ballet world was a little intense and Scarlet while she could handle herself was really trying to back away from her controlling mother. Even staying with other Ballet teachers she still can't be independent. It seems that her whole family wants to have a say in how she lives her life.

Scarlet and Tyler have known each other for a long time, but Scarlet always felt like the annoying little sister. When Tyler finally starts to see her under the princess nickname she is taking advantage. Some of the drama was a little ridiculous but I did love them as a couple.

[Shawn Hamdorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully written. The characters just come to life. A ballerina and a soccer player, who knew? Tyler and Scarlett have known each other forever and she’s always held a special place for him in her heart. When she approaches him to “teach” her about sex and take her virginity he’s all but flabbergasted. Wanting her and knowing how his bad boy reputation is, should he go forward with this? The complications of both careers are well defined and the demands on what they go through is remarkable. Can love survive the demands? A definite read for anyone who doesn’t want to put the book down nor want it to end.

[Kim Ginsberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scarlet is a soloist for the New York Ballet. Her company is doing a promo with the New York FC players. One of which is her best friend's older brother, Tyler. Whom Scarlet has had a crush on most of her life. Tyler is recruited to dance with the ballet for a fundraiser. What he doesn't expect is Scarlet making a play for him. He doesn't know how to feel about the girl he grew up with, but doesn't want anyone else to have her either. Will he finally figure it out? Find out in this awesome read!!!

[Shelly Celli · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read! Tyler and scarlet had me enthralled with their story from the very beginning and wrapped me up in every moment. With very different lives, but a history that connected them through his sister/her bestie, Scarlett is ready to grow up and find herself. She enlists the help of her crush and things get interesting. Their love is one in a million and I was so happy that he stood by her through everything she went through. I'm voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.

[The Book Junkie Reads . . . · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just could not get past the views Tyler had of Scarlet. It felt more like he was being forced in to a relationship with her. She hot, sweet, young, and felt very desperate. Did she truly like him or was it that she wanted to get her bid on. I was feeling a bit out of the loop. One minute I felt like she really liked him and then I felt like he thought of her as his sister, then I would feel like find someone else to teach you the deeds. I finished the read but I was not oh, my get to the next one.

[Melinda Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Match Made in Heaven

Tyler is a hunky soccer star and Scarlett our promising ballerina. Two very different people with two very different careers. Tyler plays the field, literally and figuratively. Scarlett is still innocent and crushing on Tyler. When their worlds collectively come together, Scarlett dares to pursue Tyler. Unfortunately, careers, family, friends, and rules want to prevent that.

The couple decide to stand up for their relationship and future but the odds aren't in their favor.

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
Scarlet is a ballerina in New York. having only lived for dance all her life she hasn't lived life fully. Scarlet is innocence and naive. Scarlet wants to learn all there is to know about life, love and sexuality not only for her art but also herself. Only who will she pick to help teach her, theres only one choice and it Tyler but he only sees her as a kid sister, only he wasn't expecting to be asked to teach her all he know about sex. Great book. well written, hot as chemistry. Highly recommend

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book...

I really loved this story! It's sweet and hot all rolled into one. It's amazing what some will do for love! The plot was interesting and had me hooked from the very beginning. It's a fast pace read with lots of anguish both between the main characters and their families. The story-line flowed smoothly throughout the book. The characters were well-developed! I hope to read more from this series!

[Erin McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story with heat. I liked the fact that these two were willing to take risks to spend time together and see where things took them, and they were mostly accepting of the consequences that came from those risks.

Not quite as good as a previous book in the series I read, Match Made, which I would recommend, but still a good read.

I voluntarily read an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.