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WAGS #2
Scoring off the Field
Tennyson Clark is getting a life. First quitting her job as assistant to Dominic Anderson, star quarterback for the Washington Warriors, her best friend…and the man she’s been secretly in love with for years. But since the gorgeous, if overprotective playboy has only ever seen her as his BFF, she’s finally ready to relinquish her tattered fantasy and move on. Enter steps two and new job and new man.
Football is Dominic's life, and with his contract soon up for renewal, all his focus needs to be on the game. But Tennyson—dependable, logical Tennyson—is making that next to impossible with her mysterious new job and her sudden interest in online dating. He doesn’t do relationships. But the thought of another man touching her sexier-than-hell curves has him suddenly wanting more from his best friend.
Indulging in hot, dirty, what’s-my-name sex with no strings and lots of benefits is simple, uncomplicated…until it’s not.
Each book in the WAGS series is
* Scoring with the Wrong Twin
* Scoring Off the Field
* Scoring the Player's Baby
Football is Dominic's life, and with his contract soon up for renewal, all his focus needs to be on the game. But Tennyson—dependable, logical Tennyson—is making that next to impossible with her mysterious new job and her sudden interest in online dating. He doesn’t do relationships. But the thought of another man touching her sexier-than-hell curves has him suddenly wanting more from his best friend.
Indulging in hot, dirty, what’s-my-name sex with no strings and lots of benefits is simple, uncomplicated…until it’s not.
Each book in the WAGS series is
* Scoring with the Wrong Twin
* Scoring Off the Field
* Scoring the Player's Baby
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2018
226 people are currently reading
1914 people want to read
About the author
Naima Simone
168 books2,129 followersPublished since 2009, USA Today Bestselling author Naima Simone loves writing sizzling romances with heart, a touch of humor and snark. Her books have been featured in The Washington Post and Entertainment Weekly, and described as balancing “crackling, electric love scenes with exquisitely rendered characters caught in emotional turmoil.”
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
She is wife to Superman, or his non-Kryptonian, less bullet proof equivalent, and mother to the most awesome kids ever. They all live in perfect, sometimes domestically-challenged bliss in the southern United States.
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March 17, 2018
RATING 4.5 STARS
Scoring off the Field is book two in the WAGS series by Naima Simone. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book in this series but believe me, now I want to.
Dominic Anderson is the star quarterback for the Washington Warriors, one of the best teams in the NFL. Football is all Dom has ever known. His love for the game started when he was little with a shared love of all things football with his Dad. But when he lost his parents in a car crash, football became his salvation in the following years. He lost his focus to a woman once in college and it almost cost him everything. Never again. His career, football, has to be his focus. Football and his best friend, Tennyson.
Tennyson Clark had a less than stellar mother. After she was removed from her home when she was just ten years old, she became part of the system. It’s where she stayed until she finished high school. The only good thing that came from those years in foster homes was meeting Dom, her best friend. After getting her degree in social work, Dom convinced her to work for him as his PA. He wanted her close, to look out for her. So, she agreed. Now five years later, she knows it’s time. She has to strike out on her own.
Tenny has loved Dom… been “in” love with him, for well over ten years now. But he made it clear that he is not interested in relationships. He has a constant string of women but they are only for a night. It’s the hardest thing Tenny does, watching him with women, knowing how much she loved him but could never tell him. She couldn’t jeopardize what they had, their friendship. She knew he didn’t want what she needed, commitment, to be the most important thing in her man’s life. So it’s time. She has been sending out resumes and one prospect looks promising. Only it’s thousands of miles away. She has even signed up for some online dating sites. She has to move on. Dom can never love her more than as a sister. She deserves more.
When Dom finds out Tenny is quitting and looking for work elsewhere, that’s one thing, but online dating…just NO. Doesn’t she know how dangerous that is? There is no way he is letting her do that. It’s not that he doesn’t want her dating, doesn’t want any man touching her. No, it just isn’t safe, right?! When things get heated between them and anger has flared up, he suddenly finds his lips on hers, and everything as they knew it changed.
This is such a fantastic friends to lovers story. These two both had unhappiness in their childhoods. But fate had brought them together and together is how they faced life, faced everything. They both depended on each other, took care of each other. Tenny, though, is the only one who recognized her feelings for Dom, and it broke my heart. Even though she didn’t think so, she was really so strong. Especially after keeping her feelings to herself for all these years.
Even as their friendship changes, it’s still not enough. Tenny deserves to be loved in the same way she can give love, with her whole heart. And Dom can never give her that. I fell in love with these two. Together they were adorable. But Dom was clueless. Will he ever get his priorities straight? Or will he lose the best thing he has in his life, his Tenny?
Scoring off the Field is book two in the WAGS series by Naima Simone. This book can definitely be read as a stand alone. I have not read the first book in this series but believe me, now I want to.
Dominic Anderson is the star quarterback for the Washington Warriors, one of the best teams in the NFL. Football is all Dom has ever known. His love for the game started when he was little with a shared love of all things football with his Dad. But when he lost his parents in a car crash, football became his salvation in the following years. He lost his focus to a woman once in college and it almost cost him everything. Never again. His career, football, has to be his focus. Football and his best friend, Tennyson.
Tennyson Clark had a less than stellar mother. After she was removed from her home when she was just ten years old, she became part of the system. It’s where she stayed until she finished high school. The only good thing that came from those years in foster homes was meeting Dom, her best friend. After getting her degree in social work, Dom convinced her to work for him as his PA. He wanted her close, to look out for her. So, she agreed. Now five years later, she knows it’s time. She has to strike out on her own.
Tenny has loved Dom… been “in” love with him, for well over ten years now. But he made it clear that he is not interested in relationships. He has a constant string of women but they are only for a night. It’s the hardest thing Tenny does, watching him with women, knowing how much she loved him but could never tell him. She couldn’t jeopardize what they had, their friendship. She knew he didn’t want what she needed, commitment, to be the most important thing in her man’s life. So it’s time. She has been sending out resumes and one prospect looks promising. Only it’s thousands of miles away. She has even signed up for some online dating sites. She has to move on. Dom can never love her more than as a sister. She deserves more.
When Dom finds out Tenny is quitting and looking for work elsewhere, that’s one thing, but online dating…just NO. Doesn’t she know how dangerous that is? There is no way he is letting her do that. It’s not that he doesn’t want her dating, doesn’t want any man touching her. No, it just isn’t safe, right?! When things get heated between them and anger has flared up, he suddenly finds his lips on hers, and everything as they knew it changed.
This is such a fantastic friends to lovers story. These two both had unhappiness in their childhoods. But fate had brought them together and together is how they faced life, faced everything. They both depended on each other, took care of each other. Tenny, though, is the only one who recognized her feelings for Dom, and it broke my heart. Even though she didn’t think so, she was really so strong. Especially after keeping her feelings to herself for all these years.
Even as their friendship changes, it’s still not enough. Tenny deserves to be loved in the same way she can give love, with her whole heart. And Dom can never give her that. I fell in love with these two. Together they were adorable. But Dom was clueless. Will he ever get his priorities straight? Or will he lose the best thing he has in his life, his Tenny?
March 14, 2018
4.5 Stars
First things first, I love a good friends to lovers romance. If I were hard pressed to make a choice, it’s probably my favorite overused romance trope. We met Tennyson and Dominic in the previous WAGS book and I just knew their story was going to be good.
Tennyson Clark has loved Dominic Anderson in one form or another almost from the moment they met in foster care. While Dominic’s entry into the foster care system resulted from a tragic accident, Tennyson has never had anyone looking out for her. At 12, Dominic becomes her protector. By the time she’s 16, her feelings have turned into something so much more, and still Dominic views her like the sister he needs to keep safe. After a disastrous attempt in college to tell Dominic how she felt about him, Tennyson knows her best bet is to keep her love for her bestie on the DL and remain in his life anyway she knows how.
Easier said than done. What’s a woman to do when she’s got no hope of moving on from unrequited love? Rip the band aid off and put some space between herself and the oblivious man.
Football has always been Dom's true love. Romantic relationships come and go but football is for life. Luckily, he has Tennyson by his side as both his personal assistant and best friend. While he’s always found her attractive, Dominic knows nothing physical can ever happen if they want to maintain their friendship.
When Tennyson gives her notice and tells Dom to start looking for another PA, Dominic starts to freak out.
When Tennyson takes up online dating? Dominic loses his ever-loving mind. Suddenly, the fact that his BFF is also a sexy as hell woman is all Dom can think about. Maybe a physical relationship between the two could work, as long as they both keep the word “love” out of the equation.
“I want it again,” he growled against her mouth. “Are you going to give it to me?”
A moan escaped her seconds before she lifted those lashes. “Yes.”
“For however long I want it?” he demanded.
The haze that had started to cloud her eyes slowly sharpened. “For however long I want it.”
Dayum, these two are smoking hot together! If you’re looking for heat, Tennyson and Dom have it to spare. To say these two go for the gusto when they finally get naked together would be an understatement.
Though the naked times are pretty great, the story itself is what sucked me in. I’ve read a lot of Entangled Brazen books but few of the authors actually leave a lasting mark. Tessa Bailey comes to mind off the top of my head. After reading Scoring off the Field I’m adding Naima Simone to that list with enthusiasm. I’ve read two of her books and loved them both, which is saying something considering these tropes can get a little tired if left in less capable hands.
As much as I wanted Tennyson to knee Dom in the balls on more than one occasion, he really was so freaking clueless as to what she was feeling. When Tennyson finally pulled up her big girl panties and did what she needed to do for her, it knocked him on his ass. Tennyson’s gradual transformation from “I’ll do anything for you” to “I need to take care of me” was fabulous and completely believable.
I love adding authors to my list of go to storytellers I can depend on for an awesome read and Naima Simone definitely falls into that category. The next WAGs book can’t get here soon enough.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
First things first, I love a good friends to lovers romance. If I were hard pressed to make a choice, it’s probably my favorite overused romance trope. We met Tennyson and Dominic in the previous WAGS book and I just knew their story was going to be good.
Tennyson Clark has loved Dominic Anderson in one form or another almost from the moment they met in foster care. While Dominic’s entry into the foster care system resulted from a tragic accident, Tennyson has never had anyone looking out for her. At 12, Dominic becomes her protector. By the time she’s 16, her feelings have turned into something so much more, and still Dominic views her like the sister he needs to keep safe. After a disastrous attempt in college to tell Dominic how she felt about him, Tennyson knows her best bet is to keep her love for her bestie on the DL and remain in his life anyway she knows how.
Easier said than done. What’s a woman to do when she’s got no hope of moving on from unrequited love? Rip the band aid off and put some space between herself and the oblivious man.
Football has always been Dom's true love. Romantic relationships come and go but football is for life. Luckily, he has Tennyson by his side as both his personal assistant and best friend. While he’s always found her attractive, Dominic knows nothing physical can ever happen if they want to maintain their friendship.
When Tennyson gives her notice and tells Dom to start looking for another PA, Dominic starts to freak out.
When Tennyson takes up online dating? Dominic loses his ever-loving mind. Suddenly, the fact that his BFF is also a sexy as hell woman is all Dom can think about. Maybe a physical relationship between the two could work, as long as they both keep the word “love” out of the equation.
“I want it again,” he growled against her mouth. “Are you going to give it to me?”
A moan escaped her seconds before she lifted those lashes. “Yes.”
“For however long I want it?” he demanded.
The haze that had started to cloud her eyes slowly sharpened. “For however long I want it.”
Dayum, these two are smoking hot together! If you’re looking for heat, Tennyson and Dom have it to spare. To say these two go for the gusto when they finally get naked together would be an understatement.
Though the naked times are pretty great, the story itself is what sucked me in. I’ve read a lot of Entangled Brazen books but few of the authors actually leave a lasting mark. Tessa Bailey comes to mind off the top of my head. After reading Scoring off the Field I’m adding Naima Simone to that list with enthusiasm. I’ve read two of her books and loved them both, which is saying something considering these tropes can get a little tired if left in less capable hands.
As much as I wanted Tennyson to knee Dom in the balls on more than one occasion, he really was so freaking clueless as to what she was feeling. When Tennyson finally pulled up her big girl panties and did what she needed to do for her, it knocked him on his ass. Tennyson’s gradual transformation from “I’ll do anything for you” to “I need to take care of me” was fabulous and completely believable.
I love adding authors to my list of go to storytellers I can depend on for an awesome read and Naima Simone definitely falls into that category. The next WAGs book can’t get here soon enough.
ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
March 12, 2018
Wowza! This book checked all my boxes!
Sexy.
Steamy.
With the right amount of angst thrown in!!
It's no secret that I love the two tropes equally: unrequited love and friends-to-lovers. Scoring Off Field has both. So yeah, I requested this baby so fast and [insert squee here] I was not disappointed.
Tennyson Clark has been in love with her best friend, Washington Warrior's quarterback, Dominic Anderson. Football was Dom's whole life. His other whole life is his best friend and personal assistant, Tenny. Unfortunately, Tenny just dropped a bomb. She's moving on and getting a life away from Dom. This decision turned Dom's world upside down and became the catalyst for their relationship changing.
I loved Tennyson. She had a hard life but she never lost her optimism. She had some emotional scars that came from a difficult childhood so I totally felt for her and understood her decision to walk away from Dom. I applauded her decision despite also wanting them to get together.
While I do think that Dom cared about her even prior to their romance, he took her for granted. Football was his last connection to the family he loved and lost so his decision to make football his lover and mistress was understandable. He was clueless about his best friend's feelings but he wasn't intentionally cruel. He did everything he could for Tenny but it wasn't exactly what Tenny wanted from him. It took a while for Dom to realize it but once he did, he was all in. I also understood Dom.
The transition from friends to lovers can be tricky but it felt seamless here. I was already invested in both Tenny and Dom, so their coming together was something I was already invested in. I loved that despite their physical chemistry, there was still some emotional issues and character journeys that they have to embark on, and it was those issues and character journeys that kept me glued to the book. It was emotionally satisfying to read how these two characters grow and develop.
Naima Simone did an exceptional job with Tenny and Dom. I loved them as individuals and loved them together. I sound like a broken record saying this but the romance in this book was so satisfying. It's one of those books that puts a smile in your face throughout the day after you finished it. Definitely one of my top reads of the year.
An ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing
Sexy.
Steamy.
With the right amount of angst thrown in!!
It's no secret that I love the two tropes equally: unrequited love and friends-to-lovers. Scoring Off Field has both. So yeah, I requested this baby so fast and [insert squee here] I was not disappointed.
Tennyson Clark has been in love with her best friend, Washington Warrior's quarterback, Dominic Anderson. Football was Dom's whole life. His other whole life is his best friend and personal assistant, Tenny. Unfortunately, Tenny just dropped a bomb. She's moving on and getting a life away from Dom. This decision turned Dom's world upside down and became the catalyst for their relationship changing.
I loved Tennyson. She had a hard life but she never lost her optimism. She had some emotional scars that came from a difficult childhood so I totally felt for her and understood her decision to walk away from Dom. I applauded her decision despite also wanting them to get together.
While I do think that Dom cared about her even prior to their romance, he took her for granted. Football was his last connection to the family he loved and lost so his decision to make football his lover and mistress was understandable. He was clueless about his best friend's feelings but he wasn't intentionally cruel. He did everything he could for Tenny but it wasn't exactly what Tenny wanted from him. It took a while for Dom to realize it but once he did, he was all in. I also understood Dom.
The transition from friends to lovers can be tricky but it felt seamless here. I was already invested in both Tenny and Dom, so their coming together was something I was already invested in. I loved that despite their physical chemistry, there was still some emotional issues and character journeys that they have to embark on, and it was those issues and character journeys that kept me glued to the book. It was emotionally satisfying to read how these two characters grow and develop.
Naima Simone did an exceptional job with Tenny and Dom. I loved them as individuals and loved them together. I sound like a broken record saying this but the romance in this book was so satisfying. It's one of those books that puts a smile in your face throughout the day after you finished it. Definitely one of my top reads of the year.
An ARC was provided by Entangled Publishing
March 5, 2018
5 - "You're my world..." Stars!
I love me some Naima Simone, and the second book in her WAGs series delivered everything I expect from this authors contemporary erotic romance writing. Scoring off the Field was a winner from start to finish for me.
"I need to get a life outside of organizing yours… Find my own way. Stand on my own."
It was made pretty obvious in the previous book that Tennyson Clark, had more than just best-friendly feelings for Dom Anderson, so her deciding to step away from her unrequited crush and try to get on with her life doesn’t come as much of a surprise to me in regards to their storyline, what did though was the depth of background the author gave them as characters.
No commitment.
No relationship.
No changes.
Just sex.
It highlighted just how much their connection meant to Dom, and why once he realized he could potentially lose Tenny entirely he was reluctant to do anything but upgrade friendship, to friends-with-benefits, instead of a relationship. Because this is a woman that although he doesn’t even realize it himself at the start, owns him heart and soul.
Other women had preceded her… With her wild passion and innate sensuality, she rendered them forgettable…
Loved this couple together, the steam even when they weren’t getting it on was sauna levels. The author took sass and snark, from them both and layered it with insecurity, past demons and a depth of emotional connection that you fall in love with the idea of them falling love before they do, and even though you know they will eventually get to the finish line in realizing just how good they can be together the author takes you on an un-putdownable ride in the interim.
"Why does getting your own life mean leaving mine..?!
I’m loving this series, I’m dying to know who the author is lining up to give a story to next. Whoever it is, I will be at the front of the queue when it comes to reading it!
Nothing would ever be the same between them… Nothing.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
I love me some Naima Simone, and the second book in her WAGs series delivered everything I expect from this authors contemporary erotic romance writing. Scoring off the Field was a winner from start to finish for me.
"I need to get a life outside of organizing yours… Find my own way. Stand on my own."
It was made pretty obvious in the previous book that Tennyson Clark, had more than just best-friendly feelings for Dom Anderson, so her deciding to step away from her unrequited crush and try to get on with her life doesn’t come as much of a surprise to me in regards to their storyline, what did though was the depth of background the author gave them as characters.
No commitment.
No relationship.
No changes.
Just sex.
It highlighted just how much their connection meant to Dom, and why once he realized he could potentially lose Tenny entirely he was reluctant to do anything but upgrade friendship, to friends-with-benefits, instead of a relationship. Because this is a woman that although he doesn’t even realize it himself at the start, owns him heart and soul.
Other women had preceded her… With her wild passion and innate sensuality, she rendered them forgettable…
Loved this couple together, the steam even when they weren’t getting it on was sauna levels. The author took sass and snark, from them both and layered it with insecurity, past demons and a depth of emotional connection that you fall in love with the idea of them falling love before they do, and even though you know they will eventually get to the finish line in realizing just how good they can be together the author takes you on an un-putdownable ride in the interim.
"Why does getting your own life mean leaving mine..?!
I’m loving this series, I’m dying to know who the author is lining up to give a story to next. Whoever it is, I will be at the front of the queue when it comes to reading it!
Nothing would ever be the same between them… Nothing.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
March 8, 2018
Tennyson Clark and Dominic Anderson are close. In fact, they are so close Tenny personally sees to Dominic's every need. He hires her as his Personal Assistant.
Tennyson has two degrees, is smart and beautiful but she needs a life. She has been living in the shadow of her BFF for too long. It's time to break the cord.
Dominic is an all American boy. He's a star quarterback, loves the easy loving ladies and doesn't do relationships. He's alpha strong with determination. The day Tennyson quits is the first time in years he hasn't been able to control everything. He doesn't want her to leave his side.
Tennyson is in love with her best friend but he doesn't feel the same way. She was friend zoned years ago and now her heart can't take anymore. She has so much potential for a better job and she is definitely girlfriend material. She gives Dominic one months notice.
Now the clock is ticking and Dominic needs to get over his relationship issues and get his head out of his ass before he loses the best thing he ever had. To him, football comes first but maybe it's time to think of the bigger picture.
This is a fiery best friend to lovers romance. It's heated, sexy and adorable. It's comical, heartwarming and addictive. The basic storyline has been told many times before and you are getting exactly what you would expect.
4.5 stars out of 5. Fun read.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tennyson has two degrees, is smart and beautiful but she needs a life. She has been living in the shadow of her BFF for too long. It's time to break the cord.
Dominic is an all American boy. He's a star quarterback, loves the easy loving ladies and doesn't do relationships. He's alpha strong with determination. The day Tennyson quits is the first time in years he hasn't been able to control everything. He doesn't want her to leave his side.
Tennyson is in love with her best friend but he doesn't feel the same way. She was friend zoned years ago and now her heart can't take anymore. She has so much potential for a better job and she is definitely girlfriend material. She gives Dominic one months notice.
Now the clock is ticking and Dominic needs to get over his relationship issues and get his head out of his ass before he loses the best thing he ever had. To him, football comes first but maybe it's time to think of the bigger picture.
This is a fiery best friend to lovers romance. It's heated, sexy and adorable. It's comical, heartwarming and addictive. The basic storyline has been told many times before and you are getting exactly what you would expect.
4.5 stars out of 5. Fun read.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 18, 2018
Title: Scoring Off The Field (WAGs #2)
Author: Naima Simone
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Sports
Publication Date: March 12 ,2018
Holy Sports Balls! (ok, bad expression hahaha but damnnnn)
This is my first Naima Simone book and I absolutely loved it!
To tell you the truth, I am always on guard when it comes to friends to lovers kind of contemporary romance. I always feel like the storyline usually have this 'been there, done that' kind of vibe but I actually really enjoyed Scoring Off The Field a lot.
This book was written really well... I think it says a lot about an author if and when they bring a refreshing aura and cleanse to a storyline that's been done before.
Tennyson is a hoot! I loved her wit and imagination the most... Dominic is a force to be reckoned with.... because people! You could feel the macho sportsman vibe through the pages of the book...well...in this case...through my kindle hahahaha
You know what I loved the most? The mutual loyalty between Tennyson and Dominic.
What else did I love? The chemistry between these two was fantastically beautiful! They had this 'I really want you but I really don't want to ruin what we have' kind of vibe which makes us, as readers, literally sit on the edge of our seat.
It's safe to say that this book is steamy and Tennyson and Dominic's friendship/ relationship is filled with humour and a lot of sexual tension which ultimately leads to a lot of sexy scenes...
I hope you give Scoring Off The Field a try because I swear you won't be disappointed.
For more ...
www.jemimajamir.com
May 31, 2018
***3 Stars***
Well damn...I find myself in a bit of a pickle here. There are so many things that I liked, but one glaring disappointment.
First off, I really liked the writing. This was my first Naima Simone book, but it certainly won't be my last. The writing is easy and sharp, the pacing is perfect, and the character development was spot on for a book under 200 pages.
I really liked Tennyson. She was so easy to relate to. From her insecurities to her fears to her crushing unrequited love for Dom, you are rooting for her HEA from the very first page.
And Dom the protector, the worrier...the man who is still shielding the scared little boy who's afraid of losing those close to him. I understood him so much. He was so focused on keeping his world orderly, on clinging to the one constant in his life (football), that he was incapable of seeing beyond his narrowed scope.
I loved the extended friend circle. I love books that focus on supportive and loving friendships and this book really captures that. Oh and shout out to Ronin the scene stealer! I'm thinking his book has got to be coming up next...or at least soon.
I'd be remiss if I read a book from the Entangled line and didn't mention the scorching hot sex. Good stuff here folks. Good stuff indeed.
And now for my BIG disappointed. As you may have noticed, I didn't mention anything about Tennyson and Dom as friends or as a couple. Unfortunately, for me, this was a big letdown.
One of the biggest draws for me when it came to this book was the fact that it was a friends to lovers. It's my favorite trope and I will not hesitate to read every and any book featuring it. So you can imagine...BIG BUMMER FOR ME...I didn't get that here.
For me, Tennyson and Dom felt more like two people who've been in each other's lives for a long time rather than best friends. I never got that connection to a deep friendship. And because of that, I just didn't feel much of a chemistry between them. I didn't get the level of emotion I was expecting.
However, even with my friends to lovers let down....one thing I wasn't let down by was the fact that Naima Simone can WRITE. I'll definitely be checking out her backlist!!
March 12, 2018
4.5 stars
Wow! I absolutely LOVED this book!
Tennyson and Dominic met while they were both in foster care. Dom immediately recognized the devastation that lived in Tenny’s eyes and he vowed then and there to always protect her and prevent anything from wreaking havoc on her emotions in such a way again. Fourteen years later and she has spent years working as his PA but the time has come for her to walk away.
Being in love with Dom and knowing she will never have his romantic love in return is more than Tennyson can endure. To watch his one night stands leave is slowly breaking her heart because she is not the type of woman that Dom would ever desire. Giving him a one month notice, she prepares to step away from her best friend and the love of her life.
Dom lives for football. And it’s not just love of the game that keeps him striving to be the best. When Tenny declares she’s leaving he scrambles to find a way to stop her. And suddenly he’s looking at her with new eyes. Eyes that are hungry and desperate. However, despite any physical relationship they share, he must remain free from emotional entanglements so he can continue to concentrate on his whole purpose in life, the game.
I really loved these characters! Tennyson had an unusual and horrible background but found strength in Dom. She slowly finds her own strength and courage and it was a beautiful tale. Dom was just so clueless and yet what could have been simply not seeing what was in front of him and leaving it at that, this story took it a step further and shows us the true character growth within him.
This is a fast paced read with incredible secondary characters and plenty of steam. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I will definitely be digging into her backlist.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safety – H does sleep with other women after meeting h (they were 11 and 13 yrs old); No ow/om drama after they are together
Possible Triggers - child abuse
Wow! I absolutely LOVED this book!
Tennyson and Dominic met while they were both in foster care. Dom immediately recognized the devastation that lived in Tenny’s eyes and he vowed then and there to always protect her and prevent anything from wreaking havoc on her emotions in such a way again. Fourteen years later and she has spent years working as his PA but the time has come for her to walk away.
Being in love with Dom and knowing she will never have his romantic love in return is more than Tennyson can endure. To watch his one night stands leave is slowly breaking her heart because she is not the type of woman that Dom would ever desire. Giving him a one month notice, she prepares to step away from her best friend and the love of her life.
Dom lives for football. And it’s not just love of the game that keeps him striving to be the best. When Tenny declares she’s leaving he scrambles to find a way to stop her. And suddenly he’s looking at her with new eyes. Eyes that are hungry and desperate. However, despite any physical relationship they share, he must remain free from emotional entanglements so he can continue to concentrate on his whole purpose in life, the game.
I really loved these characters! Tennyson had an unusual and horrible background but found strength in Dom. She slowly finds her own strength and courage and it was a beautiful tale. Dom was just so clueless and yet what could have been simply not seeing what was in front of him and leaving it at that, this story took it a step further and shows us the true character growth within him.
This is a fast paced read with incredible secondary characters and plenty of steam. I haven’t read anything by this author before and I will definitely be digging into her backlist.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Entangled. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safety – H does sleep with other women after meeting h (they were 11 and 13 yrs old); No ow/om drama after they are together
Possible Triggers - child abuse
June 25, 2018
This is ridiculously, scorchingly, HOT.
Naima Simone takes the tried and true “in love with my best friend” trope and sets it on FIRE. The sexual chemistry is never in doubt and I really enjoyed that.
Now, was I particularly enamored of Tenny having to see Dom act like a gigantic manwhore for years, while she essentially hadn’t hooked up with anyone (there’s a point made where she hasn’t had sex in years, while he hadn’t had sex in weeks)?
Did I enjoy the fact that Dom was an idiot and made the major screw up that lead to the climactic scenes?
Did the ultimate grovel make up for it, give me closure and amp me up for the next book in the series?
So yes, I enjoyed my time with Tenny and Dom, and I say bring it on, I’m ready for more, Ms. Simone.
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March 13, 2018
1.5 stars
🤦
I think I'm becoming too jaded for contemporary romance, haha. Warning, this gets ranty. Here we get two major romance tropes: friends-to-lovers AND unrequited love mixed with a famous footballer hero and a meek, fragile heroine.
Do I dislike these things in a romance story? No, I do not. In fact, I love it (well not the pushover heroine part, but I digress). I just need something a little extra. I'm on that never ending quest for magic in a love story. The stuff that makes you laugh, makes you giddy, gets you heated, has that extra kick, something that puts a smile on your face and leaves you in a good mood for the rest of the day. I didn't find it here. (And I can't DNF if I paid for something).
It's a tale as old as time:
They're best friends and she's his personal assistant. She loves him. He loves her as a friend. He parades a harem of women in front of her for years. She still loves him. He will only ever make football his number one priority. She still loves him. He chases away any guy who turns his head her way. She still loves him.
After years [of not even using her masters degree!] she at last puts in her final notice AND starts dating. He finally notices her. He wants to sleep with her but only remain friends because he can't do more. She agrees. He goes all caveman possessive BUT insists it can never be more than sexual. She loves him even more NOW! He messes everything up in an epic fashion because football is life. She moves away. He has his lightbulb moment and realized he can love football AND her. She still loves him, takes him back, and moves home. The end.
There is no epilogue. And just when you should at the very least be reading your HEA you're stuck with the bump-set maneuver of who's on deck for the next love story. Sigh. 2 out of 2 for my least favorite ways to end a story.
🤦
I think I'm becoming too jaded for contemporary romance, haha. Warning, this gets ranty. Here we get two major romance tropes: friends-to-lovers AND unrequited love mixed with a famous footballer hero and a meek, fragile heroine.
Do I dislike these things in a romance story? No, I do not. In fact, I love it (well not the pushover heroine part, but I digress). I just need something a little extra. I'm on that never ending quest for magic in a love story. The stuff that makes you laugh, makes you giddy, gets you heated, has that extra kick, something that puts a smile on your face and leaves you in a good mood for the rest of the day. I didn't find it here. (And I can't DNF if I paid for something).
It's a tale as old as time:
They're best friends and she's his personal assistant. She loves him. He loves her as a friend. He parades a harem of women in front of her for years. She still loves him. He will only ever make football his number one priority. She still loves him. He chases away any guy who turns his head her way. She still loves him.
After years [of not even using her masters degree!] she at last puts in her final notice AND starts dating. He finally notices her. He wants to sleep with her but only remain friends because he can't do more. She agrees. He goes all caveman possessive BUT insists it can never be more than sexual. She loves him even more NOW! He messes everything up in an epic fashion because football is life. She moves away. He has his lightbulb moment and realized he can love football AND her. She still loves him, takes him back, and moves home. The end.
There is no epilogue. And just when you should at the very least be reading your HEA you're stuck with the bump-set maneuver of who's on deck for the next love story. Sigh. 2 out of 2 for my least favorite ways to end a story.
March 21, 2020
2.5 stars.
I think I may have taken my coronavirus reading too far. I’ve craved easy, steamy reads this last week. But this...too much.
When the hero is super obsessed with football I like to imagine the same personality traits and selfish behavior in an investment banker. “Investment banking is my life. It’s my security. It’s my true love. I can’t let a woman come between me and how I feel when I’ve created the perfect portfolio. I can’t see you anymore. You take my head out of the money game.” It doesn’t sound any less douchey when a football player says it.
I think I may have taken my coronavirus reading too far. I’ve craved easy, steamy reads this last week. But this...too much.
When the hero is super obsessed with football I like to imagine the same personality traits and selfish behavior in an investment banker. “Investment banking is my life. It’s my security. It’s my true love. I can’t let a woman come between me and how I feel when I’ve created the perfect portfolio. I can’t see you anymore. You take my head out of the money game.” It doesn’t sound any less douchey when a football player says it.
March 20, 2021
Contemporary Sports Romance : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
WAGS Series
#1 Scoring With the Wrong Twin : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Scoring off the Field : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
# 3 Scoring the Player's Baby : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A well written though pretty standard friends-to-lovers story.
WAGS Series
#1 Scoring With the Wrong Twin : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Scoring off the Field : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
# 3 Scoring the Player's Baby : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A well written though pretty standard friends-to-lovers story.
lost-interest-but-maybe-come-back
June 11, 2018I stopped this @ 46% when we went on our trip. I'm finding I'm not all that eager to continue right now. I didn't feel their connection that much (except sexually), but it very well be my current mood. I might come back to it at another time -- but I'm moving on for now 🤷🏻♀️
July 3, 2018
so. much. slut. shaming. and. girl hate.
July 10, 2018
I said I'd come back to this review, but to be honest, I've pretty much forgotten most of what happened in the book. It wasn't that memorable. I think it's a good, fluffy friends to lovers romance and I enjoyed the dynamic (what I can remember of it) between Dom and Tenny, but something about them irked me for some reason. It's a bit slow-going, but when it heats up, it's super hot. Dom was a great hero, despite being a bit thick-headed regarding Tenny's feelings toward him. You can't NOT know your best friend is in love with you for 10 years when she literally stares at you with hearts in her eyes the whole time. Especially when you claim you know her better than she knows herself.
March 12, 2018
Well, Scoring Off the Field was an interesting read. I was enjoying the story until I wasn't anymore. Tenny and Dom could have been a power couple if they only tried a little harder to accept things for what they were.
Dom was a little overbearing, overprotective and arrogant. It took loosing the one steadfast person in his life to finally open his eyes to what was right in front of him. But, up until that time, it was all about him … his career, his life, his wants and his needs. He did play the woe-is-me card elegantly. Don't get me wrong, he was hot but, his demeanor just turned me off.
As for Tenny … I am glad that she finally grew a set, took what she wanted and started living her life. Unfortunately, up until the time she did, she was a little whiny and annoying. She kept wanting something that she refused to reach for, kept listening to inner voices that steered her wrong. She, too, played the woe-is-me card right to the hilt and I kept rolling my eyes.
The saving grace was Dom finally coming to his senses, the way he proclaimed his love … Tennyson claiming her independence from him and accepting her life. This is what I looked forward to throughout the story.
I did have some other problems with the story. Mainly, the timelines were off and the story didn't seem to flow seamlessly. I love strong, independent women so Tenny really didn't draw me in. But, those are my feelings and yours could be different.
I’m a sucker for friends to lovers romances so I was excited when I read the synopsis for Scoring Off The Field and while I liked this story, something was missing for me. The characters were well developed, their friendship undeniable, but where the story kind of fell apart for me was that for two people who knew each other so well, I had a hard time believing they couldn’t read each other better or communicate better with one another. I get that the attraction was one sided at first, that their friendship was important to them, and that for the hero he loudly professed to anyone and everyone that football is the only love in his life, but even that felt off because it was easy to see that even as “just friends” the heroine who is his best friend, was someone he loved with his whole heart even if he only loved her as a friend. I’m not saying that this book wasn’t a good book because it was, but for me parts of it just didn’t ring true.
They day Tennyson (Tenny) Clark appeared in the foster home where Dominic (Dom) Anderson also lived, he knew that he would protect her with everything he had and he always has because she’s been there for him through so many changes and ups and downs in his life, but for Tenny that isn’t enough anymore. For years she’s watched women come and go out of Dom’s life and she can’t do it anymore, she loves him, wants to be his, but she knows she isn’t his type and no woman will ever replace football as his number one love. I really loved the friendship between these two and it was evident they had a somewhat co-dependent relationship and I admired Tenny for deciding she deserved to find her happy, to get a job that used her degrees Dom had paid for, and to find a man who would put her first and give her the love she deserved. I even understood it was hard for her to not give in to Dom when he refused to help her find a replacement PA because she was so in love with him. It would have even been easy to kind of hate Dom because he was a bit clueless in what was really behind Tenny’s reason for looking for employment elsewhere, but honestly he was a good guy. He’s looked after Tenny since he was 14 years old and had a hard time seeing her as anything other than his best friend and his family and I believe he really did have her best interests at heart; he just didn’t always do things in the right way.
What bothered me was that Dom prided himself on knowing when Tenny was lying, but he couldn’t see that she was head over heels in love with him, that his parade of women bothered her, and that she was unhappy. But he wasn’t the only one to blame, Tenny for years had been hiding her true feelings from Dom and that wasn’t fair to him. She often copped an attitude about something she didn’t like him doing, but never shared why it bothered her. I hated that despite how close they were with one another they didn’t communicate every effectively often resulting in them hurting one another. Even after they crossed the line to lovers, they still weren’t completely honest with each other and that was just so disappointing.
While there were moments of this book I really enjoyed, there were other moments I wanted more leaving me a bit unsatisfied as a reader.
March 15, 2018
Tennyson Clark and Dominic Anderson met in foster care. His parents died in an accident when he was 12. She was put in the system at age 11 due to her mom’s mental illness. They immediately connect and Dom becomes her protector and best friend.
It’s 14 years later. Dom is a famous NFL quarterback and Tenny is his personal assistant. He’s kept her with him and they are very close. Tenny has been in love with Dom for over 10 years but has kept her feelings hidden. She has two degrees that she's not using. She finally decides she needs to get her own life since Dom is never going to see her as more than a close friend and her heart can't take any more. She gives him a months notice.
Dom can't believe Tenny is leaving him. He has one month to figure out how to keep her in his life. He could never cross the line with her because she's the most important person in his life. And he doesn't do relationships. Except, he and Tenny have been together for 14 years. One night the line gets crossed with the understanding it will have an expiration date. It surpasses both their expectations. Dom has to figure out how to get over his relationship issues and convince Tenny he wants the whole package with her.
While I wanted to smack Dom a few times for being so obtuse, this is a short, sweet, best friends to lovers story. I loved Dom's on air interview.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
It’s 14 years later. Dom is a famous NFL quarterback and Tenny is his personal assistant. He’s kept her with him and they are very close. Tenny has been in love with Dom for over 10 years but has kept her feelings hidden. She has two degrees that she's not using. She finally decides she needs to get her own life since Dom is never going to see her as more than a close friend and her heart can't take any more. She gives him a months notice.
Dom can't believe Tenny is leaving him. He has one month to figure out how to keep her in his life. He could never cross the line with her because she's the most important person in his life. And he doesn't do relationships. Except, he and Tenny have been together for 14 years. One night the line gets crossed with the understanding it will have an expiration date. It surpasses both their expectations. Dom has to figure out how to get over his relationship issues and convince Tenny he wants the whole package with her.
While I wanted to smack Dom a few times for being so obtuse, this is a short, sweet, best friends to lovers story. I loved Dom's on air interview.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley and the publisher.
January 13, 2020
5 stars
2-26
What do you get when you combine one of my favorite romance tropes (friends-to-lovers) with one of my favorite authors (Naima Simone)? Scoring off the Field!!! A hot, steamy friends-to-lovers romance that will have you glued to the pages and falling head over heels in love with its characters. Oh, and since this love story is by Naima, you are guaranteed to laugh a few times and possibly shed a tear or two.
I’m going to honest here and admit I set down to write my review and the words refused to come. I mean they came, but more in the I loved this book and I’m just going to tell you everything that happened kind of way. That was definitely NOT the way I wanted to go. The other alternative was to simply write, “Scoring off the Field was an amazing story. I laughed. I squealed. I loved every second of this book. You have to read it!” But then I thought that wasn’t adequate enough.
Here’s the deal...Scoring off the Field is a touching story, fifteen/sixteen years in the making. Tennyson “Tenny” Clark and Dominic “Dom” Anderson have been brought together by tragedy and together are kindred spirits. They found a reason for their existence and someone to rely on. They found the other half of themselves. They know each other better than anyone else. What their relationship ultimately boils down to is that Tenny and Dom are their own little family.
Yeah. So it appears I still don’t have the eloquent words to truly capture what Scoring off the Field is about. But I will say this is a must read story for fans of friends-to-lovers stories. Tenny and Dom are two characters who will capture your heart and make you believe in the power of friendship and undying love.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed.**
2-26
What do you get when you combine one of my favorite romance tropes (friends-to-lovers) with one of my favorite authors (Naima Simone)? Scoring off the Field!!! A hot, steamy friends-to-lovers romance that will have you glued to the pages and falling head over heels in love with its characters. Oh, and since this love story is by Naima, you are guaranteed to laugh a few times and possibly shed a tear or two.
I’m going to honest here and admit I set down to write my review and the words refused to come. I mean they came, but more in the I loved this book and I’m just going to tell you everything that happened kind of way. That was definitely NOT the way I wanted to go. The other alternative was to simply write, “Scoring off the Field was an amazing story. I laughed. I squealed. I loved every second of this book. You have to read it!” But then I thought that wasn’t adequate enough.
Here’s the deal...Scoring off the Field is a touching story, fifteen/sixteen years in the making. Tennyson “Tenny” Clark and Dominic “Dom” Anderson have been brought together by tragedy and together are kindred spirits. They found a reason for their existence and someone to rely on. They found the other half of themselves. They know each other better than anyone else. What their relationship ultimately boils down to is that Tenny and Dom are their own little family.
Yeah. So it appears I still don’t have the eloquent words to truly capture what Scoring off the Field is about. But I will say this is a must read story for fans of friends-to-lovers stories. Tenny and Dom are two characters who will capture your heart and make you believe in the power of friendship and undying love.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed.**
April 25, 2019
Scoring Off the Field by Naima Simone is the second steamy story in her football romance series WAGS (which stands for Wives and Girlfriends). This one stars a pair of longtime friends who become lovers, then have to decide where things really stand between them.
Tennyson Clark has been under Dominic Anderson’s care for years. Meeting in the foster child system, the older Dom had made it his mission to be there for Tennyson in all things. Eventually becoming a professional football player, he’d helped put her through school, then hired her to be his personal assistant. They have a friendship that’s passed the test of time. There was that one incident, years earlier, when an inebriated Tenny had blurted out her love for Dominic, only to be gently rebuffed by a young man not on the same page. Tenny knows she needs to start thinking of spreading her wings, and finding her own way without Dom’s help, so she makes the decision to quit as his P.A and look for a job using her social work degree.
Dom can’t understand why Tenny wants to distance herself from him. She’s his rock, his confidante, his best friend. And then there’s this new heated attraction that seems to be simmering between them. When he gives into those feelings and Tenny clearly seems to be on the same page, their passion is intense and explosive. But with Tenny planning to leave in a few weeks, is their new friends with benefits relationship going to fizzle out before they can see where it could lead?
I really enjoyed this story! Naima Simone writes fun and likable characters, and Tenny isn’t afraid to express her opinions and challenge Dom when necessary. What she doesn’t want is for him to realize that she’s in love with him, though their circle of friends seems to have clued into her feelings even if Dom himself hasn’t. There are some emotional parts to their histories, with Tenny having had a mentally unstable mother who instilled in Tenny a fear of doctors and hospitals, to the point where they give her panic attacks. And Dom was orphaned when his parents died in a car accident, his father’s love of football being the impetus for Dom to honor their memory by putting all his energy and time into football. Things have not been easy for these two, making their friendship important to them both.
Even with these more serious themes, there are some lighthearted scenes, fun banter and of course the sizzle of the sex scenes between Dom and Tenny. There’s some good on field football scenes in this one and I really enjoy Dom’s teammates who are good friends to them both. This is a sexy and enjoyable romance, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-sco...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Tennyson Clark has been under Dominic Anderson’s care for years. Meeting in the foster child system, the older Dom had made it his mission to be there for Tennyson in all things. Eventually becoming a professional football player, he’d helped put her through school, then hired her to be his personal assistant. They have a friendship that’s passed the test of time. There was that one incident, years earlier, when an inebriated Tenny had blurted out her love for Dominic, only to be gently rebuffed by a young man not on the same page. Tenny knows she needs to start thinking of spreading her wings, and finding her own way without Dom’s help, so she makes the decision to quit as his P.A and look for a job using her social work degree.
Dom can’t understand why Tenny wants to distance herself from him. She’s his rock, his confidante, his best friend. And then there’s this new heated attraction that seems to be simmering between them. When he gives into those feelings and Tenny clearly seems to be on the same page, their passion is intense and explosive. But with Tenny planning to leave in a few weeks, is their new friends with benefits relationship going to fizzle out before they can see where it could lead?
I really enjoyed this story! Naima Simone writes fun and likable characters, and Tenny isn’t afraid to express her opinions and challenge Dom when necessary. What she doesn’t want is for him to realize that she’s in love with him, though their circle of friends seems to have clued into her feelings even if Dom himself hasn’t. There are some emotional parts to their histories, with Tenny having had a mentally unstable mother who instilled in Tenny a fear of doctors and hospitals, to the point where they give her panic attacks. And Dom was orphaned when his parents died in a car accident, his father’s love of football being the impetus for Dom to honor their memory by putting all his energy and time into football. Things have not been easy for these two, making their friendship important to them both.
Even with these more serious themes, there are some lighthearted scenes, fun banter and of course the sizzle of the sex scenes between Dom and Tenny. There’s some good on field football scenes in this one and I really enjoy Dom’s teammates who are good friends to them both. This is a sexy and enjoyable romance, and I’m looking forward to reading more of the series!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-sco...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
July 12, 2020
Exactly what I was in the mood for!
March 15, 2018
For some reason, I just wasn’t that into this book.
April 20, 2019
Coming off the super fun Scoring with the Wrong Twin, I had a bit of expectation for the second book in the series. Not particularly high or anything, I wasn’t looking for a jaw-dropping masterpiece, just a fun ride. And then.... the book doesn’t just not deliver, it also manages to anger the living shit out of me.
This book had the audacity to come into my house from the library after a long, long wait just to make me want to never want to read words again, for a very, very long time. Tennyson, girl; I cannot stress this enough, this is the 21st century, we women do not stay with men who try to control our lives and act like complete fucking jerks towards the closest woman they supposedly know. This “love interest” did not care for his lover in sense of the word; he sabotaged her dates, he refuses to forge any emotional connections with her, he refuses to respect her choices whether in conjecture to her career, personal choices or otherwise. Tennyson relied on Dom in every aspect of her life. Literally every single aspect: financials, education, career, friendships, y’all name it. This is codependency and we should not advocate such toxic behaviour in our romance narratives, it reinforces regressive gender roles. My point being, I am sick and tired of positive portrayals of toxic and abusive men like Dom and it’s about damn time we call them out, in real life and fiction, for their unacceptable behaviour.
If I could give this book zero stars as a legitimate rating, I unequivocally would without hesitation.
This book had the audacity to come into my house from the library after a long, long wait just to make me want to never want to read words again, for a very, very long time. Tennyson, girl; I cannot stress this enough, this is the 21st century, we women do not stay with men who try to control our lives and act like complete fucking jerks towards the closest woman they supposedly know. This “love interest” did not care for his lover in sense of the word; he sabotaged her dates, he refuses to forge any emotional connections with her, he refuses to respect her choices whether in conjecture to her career, personal choices or otherwise. Tennyson relied on Dom in every aspect of her life. Literally every single aspect: financials, education, career, friendships, y’all name it. This is codependency and we should not advocate such toxic behaviour in our romance narratives, it reinforces regressive gender roles. My point being, I am sick and tired of positive portrayals of toxic and abusive men like Dom and it’s about damn time we call them out, in real life and fiction, for their unacceptable behaviour.
If I could give this book zero stars as a legitimate rating, I unequivocally would without hesitation.
nope-nope-nope
June 19, 2021DNF
Surprised to see very few reviews mentioned that the heroine was a pathetic doormat, who never dated or had sex bc she is in love with her best friend who lived a very full life, had been in love before, had a different women every night that she had to buy
presents for etc she also had never given a blowjob before bc no other man could ever make her desire him in that way. The hero had done every position and sexual act possible. 🙄
So I am leaving this information bc none of the reviews touch on any of this, and some of you might want to skip this trash sexist story. The entire premise of the book is formed around the heroine finally going to start living her life fully like the hero has, which is an empty declaration bc we all know she is going to cave to the hero from the first page. He got to live his life, she never did. I dont know why authors continually do this to their heorines and arent self aware enough to see the sexism in this plot point
Surprised to see very few reviews mentioned that the heroine was a pathetic doormat, who never dated or had sex bc she is in love with her best friend who lived a very full life, had been in love before, had a different women every night that she had to buy
presents for etc she also had never given a blowjob before bc no other man could ever make her desire him in that way. The hero had done every position and sexual act possible. 🙄
So I am leaving this information bc none of the reviews touch on any of this, and some of you might want to skip this trash sexist story. The entire premise of the book is formed around the heroine finally going to start living her life fully like the hero has, which is an empty declaration bc we all know she is going to cave to the hero from the first page. He got to live his life, she never did. I dont know why authors continually do this to their heorines and arent self aware enough to see the sexism in this plot point
March 12, 2018
For my first Naima Simone book, I have to say I loved it! Friends to lovers are one of my favorite types of books.
This one is wonderfully written and the characters are great. I love when I can laugh out loud with a book.
Dom is a great guy. He is a football player and does everything so that he can stay the best. But he also makes sure that his life is better for his best friend Tenny so that he can pay it forward as it is.
Tenny follows Dom to Seattle when he is drafted there and becomes his PA. While doing that she gets two degrees and is still in love with Dom (secretly) but keeps having her life circle around him. But now is time for her to make a life away from him. So when she announces that she is quitting and starts really dating, Dom freaks out. What will he do without his best friend?
Great story! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
This one is wonderfully written and the characters are great. I love when I can laugh out loud with a book.
Dom is a great guy. He is a football player and does everything so that he can stay the best. But he also makes sure that his life is better for his best friend Tenny so that he can pay it forward as it is.
Tenny follows Dom to Seattle when he is drafted there and becomes his PA. While doing that she gets two degrees and is still in love with Dom (secretly) but keeps having her life circle around him. But now is time for her to make a life away from him. So when she announces that she is quitting and starts really dating, Dom freaks out. What will he do without his best friend?
Great story! I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy for my honest review.
March 1, 2018
Where there's smoke..... there's Naima! Could this be any hotter? Naima does it again. I loved this book in the best freaking way! Welcome to the off kilter world of Dominic and Tennyson. (just the names slayed me). Gah! The Washington Warriors men! Hold onto your undies girls.
Dom and Tenny go way back to childhood. Foster care together and Dom has made it his life's work to pretty much look out for Tenny. When Dom gets adopted by a family, the father a football coach, Dom's future is written. It's the best ride, reading their backstory throughout the book which we get when Tenny tells Dom she's quitting her job as his PA/personal manager/ cook when she's upset and all around cleaner upper. Oh how I loved this woman. Tennyson is all woman, she's got the curves and backside to prove it. She does everything for Dom and she needs to start putting her college degree to use. She's been his right arm for years and wants a change. She's a smart girl, a smart girl who also knows that Dom will never see her as anything other than a sister/ friend/ appendage. Joined at the hip these two. I loved them. When Tenny gets stressed she cooks. I loved this girl! These days she's spending a lot of time in the kitchen. But I loved how Dom would try to get her to talk to him, but what can she. You can see her wheels turning, hear her thoughts. So well written.
When Dom realizes she's serious he panics, then goes into a pout, downshifts right into I'm angry and back into pouting some more and then sabotage. Hey why not right? He's got the ear of his best friends. Zeph who we met in book one now happily in a relationship with Sophia, Ronin and Coach Declan too. Their relationship takes a wickedly smoking curve and Dom thinks they're good. Tenny thinks their good too. Until ... read the book! Tenny meanwhile has decided to apply for jobs back in Dayton, where they're from. Knowing it will be too hard to stay in Seattle. That sends Dom into a tailspin, his game suffers and damn the boy is dumb. He even misses Josephine's hints about he and Tenny.
This book has the most delicious dips and curves and breath holding moments and damn if Dom doesn't win the award of the year for the densest man alive! Holy Pete, the man is slow out of the gate. But when the bulb comes on, he steps it up and takes action! I loved this book, I can't say it enough. I have a favorite Naima book, but this one may nudge the other over just a bit. Can't wait for the next book!
There just aren't enough stars for this one. Naima girl, you have truly outdone yourself!
**advanced copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.**
Dom and Tenny go way back to childhood. Foster care together and Dom has made it his life's work to pretty much look out for Tenny. When Dom gets adopted by a family, the father a football coach, Dom's future is written. It's the best ride, reading their backstory throughout the book which we get when Tenny tells Dom she's quitting her job as his PA/personal manager/ cook when she's upset and all around cleaner upper. Oh how I loved this woman. Tennyson is all woman, she's got the curves and backside to prove it. She does everything for Dom and she needs to start putting her college degree to use. She's been his right arm for years and wants a change. She's a smart girl, a smart girl who also knows that Dom will never see her as anything other than a sister/ friend/ appendage. Joined at the hip these two. I loved them. When Tenny gets stressed she cooks. I loved this girl! These days she's spending a lot of time in the kitchen. But I loved how Dom would try to get her to talk to him, but what can she. You can see her wheels turning, hear her thoughts. So well written.
When Dom realizes she's serious he panics, then goes into a pout, downshifts right into I'm angry and back into pouting some more and then sabotage. Hey why not right? He's got the ear of his best friends. Zeph who we met in book one now happily in a relationship with Sophia, Ronin and Coach Declan too. Their relationship takes a wickedly smoking curve and Dom thinks they're good. Tenny thinks their good too. Until ... read the book! Tenny meanwhile has decided to apply for jobs back in Dayton, where they're from. Knowing it will be too hard to stay in Seattle. That sends Dom into a tailspin, his game suffers and damn the boy is dumb. He even misses Josephine's hints about he and Tenny.
This book has the most delicious dips and curves and breath holding moments and damn if Dom doesn't win the award of the year for the densest man alive! Holy Pete, the man is slow out of the gate. But when the bulb comes on, he steps it up and takes action! I loved this book, I can't say it enough. I have a favorite Naima book, but this one may nudge the other over just a bit. Can't wait for the next book!
There just aren't enough stars for this one. Naima girl, you have truly outdone yourself!
**advanced copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. The thoughts and opinions are my own.**
March 2, 2018
***5 Stars***
There were a few factors that came into play when it came to this book.
1) The Cover. It’s hot. Plain and simple.
2) I’m kind of a sucker for the friends to lovers trope.
3) An author I stal..*cough* follow was giving out much praise for the first book in the series (which I have not read...yet).
So with all of that thrown into the mix I decided I NEEDED to get my hands on this one and I DEVOURED it.
I did.
I did the whole “I’ll just take a tinsy peek at it” *clears throat* got totally invested and had to do the #phoneappthing because that #workthing needed to get done, so...I finished it in a couple hours total because I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen next between Tennyson (love the name btw) and Dom and didn’t want anything to happen without me (I know. I know, but no one said logic played into things) and lemme just say these two took my on a ride, but I enjoyed every sweet, smexy, heartbreaking and frustrating moment right up until there were no more words to read.
Dom is focused. Like OMG tunnel vision focused and while it was Gibbs smack inducing frustrating, I understood why he was so adamant about sticking to his plan and couldn’t really fault him because his heart was in the right place. Tenny was sweet, sassy and would be someone I’d love to have in my squad, though there were would be a few things she’d be restricted from. Her past broke my heart, but I loved how she not only wanted to be more than her past, but also wanted to make a difference because of it.
It was hard NOT to get caught up in all that was going on between Tenny and Dom because it was so easy to see how good they were together. Their shared past gave them that special bond that not many find, but it was also made it difficult for Dom to see Tenny as anything but a friend. While the angst was relatively low, it was there and always simmering between them as things between them heated up, and when they finally hit the boiling point, it was all kinds of smexy, but brought about more bumps in the road for them to traverse. As much as I loved Dom, I was definitely Team Tennyson ~ even when I knew her some of her choice wouldn’t end well, I still backed her. And when they hit the huge sinkhole in their journey, it wasn’t a surprise, but it was harsh. Thankfully the grovelling was done quite well and the epilogue was all it should be.
I’m very happy I took a chance because this book was a lot of fun to read. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I enjoyed the dual 3rd person POV a lot. Even though this is the second book in the series and you meet the couple from the first one, it can be read as a standalone, though I am hoping to make a hole in my TBR list to get to that one sooner rather than later. I really liked all of the secondary characters, but Ronin is my favorite of the bunch and cannot wait for his book. But no matter whose book is next, I’ll definitely be looking to get my hands on it!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
There were a few factors that came into play when it came to this book.
1) The Cover. It’s hot. Plain and simple.
2) I’m kind of a sucker for the friends to lovers trope.
3) An author I stal..*cough* follow was giving out much praise for the first book in the series (which I have not read...yet).
So with all of that thrown into the mix I decided I NEEDED to get my hands on this one and I DEVOURED it.
I did.
I did the whole “I’ll just take a tinsy peek at it” *clears throat* got totally invested and had to do the #phoneappthing because that #workthing needed to get done, so...I finished it in a couple hours total because I couldn’t put it down. I needed to know what would happen next between Tennyson (love the name btw) and Dom and didn’t want anything to happen without me (I know. I know, but no one said logic played into things) and lemme just say these two took my on a ride, but I enjoyed every sweet, smexy, heartbreaking and frustrating moment right up until there were no more words to read.
Dom is focused. Like OMG tunnel vision focused and while it was Gibbs smack inducing frustrating, I understood why he was so adamant about sticking to his plan and couldn’t really fault him because his heart was in the right place. Tenny was sweet, sassy and would be someone I’d love to have in my squad, though there were would be a few things she’d be restricted from. Her past broke my heart, but I loved how she not only wanted to be more than her past, but also wanted to make a difference because of it.
It was hard NOT to get caught up in all that was going on between Tenny and Dom because it was so easy to see how good they were together. Their shared past gave them that special bond that not many find, but it was also made it difficult for Dom to see Tenny as anything but a friend. While the angst was relatively low, it was there and always simmering between them as things between them heated up, and when they finally hit the boiling point, it was all kinds of smexy, but brought about more bumps in the road for them to traverse. As much as I loved Dom, I was definitely Team Tennyson ~ even when I knew her some of her choice wouldn’t end well, I still backed her. And when they hit the huge sinkhole in their journey, it wasn’t a surprise, but it was harsh. Thankfully the grovelling was done quite well and the epilogue was all it should be.
I’m very happy I took a chance because this book was a lot of fun to read. The writing was engaging, the pacing was good and I enjoyed the dual 3rd person POV a lot. Even though this is the second book in the series and you meet the couple from the first one, it can be read as a standalone, though I am hoping to make a hole in my TBR list to get to that one sooner rather than later. I really liked all of the secondary characters, but Ronin is my favorite of the bunch and cannot wait for his book. But no matter whose book is next, I’ll definitely be looking to get my hands on it!
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
January 28, 2023
Give me all the friends to lovers you have. This story was amazing, I know he is dumb, but it's still amazing because she kicks ass and goes after what she wants. So basically, these two grew up in the foster system together, and for some reason, he took it upon himself to protect her and take care of her. But now they are two adults and he still wants to keep her safe in a pedestal made of ivory. The main issue is that she doesn't want to be on that pedestal anymore… she wants to move away and get on with her life.
But the moment he sees her with another guy, warning bells go off in his head and he realizes that with one wrong decision, he will lose his family, his best friend, and the partner he has always wanted in his life. Good thing Tenny doesn't care what he wants, she is over waiting for him to realize what he is missing… go Tenny!!! Make the big know-it-all jock grovel and work for it!
But the moment he sees her with another guy, warning bells go off in his head and he realizes that with one wrong decision, he will lose his family, his best friend, and the partner he has always wanted in his life. Good thing Tenny doesn't care what he wants, she is over waiting for him to realize what he is missing… go Tenny!!! Make the big know-it-all jock grovel and work for it!
March 2, 2018
5 Star Review Scoring Off The Field (WAGS #2) by Naima Simone
Naima Simone is a relatively new author to me and I have to ask myself why that is. This was a relatively quick read but one that ticked all the boxes for me. This is a friends to lovers story which reeled me in from the first chapter.
Although this is a stand alone, I feel you may get more enjoyment if you were to read the first book in the series prior to reading this one as it will give you an insight into Dom and Tenny’s back story and friendship.
I was intrigued by Tennyson Clark and Dominic Anderson when they were first introduced in the previous book and was looking forward to their story. I was in no way disappointed with Naima Simone writing a story that suited these two perfectly.
Tenny has been in love with Dom for years and working for him has become extremely difficult, therefore she is determined to quit and find another job. Not only is he her boss but he is her best friend; Dom having taken care of her for years.
Dom doesn't really know how he feels about Tenny. All he knows is that the thought of her dating another man is unacceptable.
It is clear to those around them that Dom and Tenny are meant for each other but Dom doesn't do relationships and Tenny is tired of waiting for him to see what he is missing out on.
When they do finally come together it is explosive and powerful and yet Dom still cannot see the wood for the trees.When Tenny continues to apply for jobs back in their home town, Dom decides a little sabotage is in order.
I really loved Tenny, what a strong and determined woman she is. It is at times an emotional roller coaster filled with angst that had me heart pounding at times. Dom had his head buried on the sand way to much but overall I did like him. I felt for both Dom and Tenny as they struggled to reach their happily ever after.
I look forward to more in the series.
Naima Simone is a relatively new author to me and I have to ask myself why that is. This was a relatively quick read but one that ticked all the boxes for me. This is a friends to lovers story which reeled me in from the first chapter.
Although this is a stand alone, I feel you may get more enjoyment if you were to read the first book in the series prior to reading this one as it will give you an insight into Dom and Tenny’s back story and friendship.
I was intrigued by Tennyson Clark and Dominic Anderson when they were first introduced in the previous book and was looking forward to their story. I was in no way disappointed with Naima Simone writing a story that suited these two perfectly.
Tenny has been in love with Dom for years and working for him has become extremely difficult, therefore she is determined to quit and find another job. Not only is he her boss but he is her best friend; Dom having taken care of her for years.
Dom doesn't really know how he feels about Tenny. All he knows is that the thought of her dating another man is unacceptable.
It is clear to those around them that Dom and Tenny are meant for each other but Dom doesn't do relationships and Tenny is tired of waiting for him to see what he is missing out on.
When they do finally come together it is explosive and powerful and yet Dom still cannot see the wood for the trees.When Tenny continues to apply for jobs back in their home town, Dom decides a little sabotage is in order.
I really loved Tenny, what a strong and determined woman she is. It is at times an emotional roller coaster filled with angst that had me heart pounding at times. Dom had his head buried on the sand way to much but overall I did like him. I felt for both Dom and Tenny as they struggled to reach their happily ever after.
I look forward to more in the series.
April 30, 2019
Okay first, because this is a very specific throwing me out of the book note: there are three hours between Ohio and Seattle. I know this because I live in Ohio and my sister lives in the PNW. Maybe a slight edit that can be worked in? It makes no difference to the book itself, it's just wrong.
Anyway, I picked this up because of a podcast rec and I see why they liked it so much. I liked it too, particularly the intensity of the emotion. I really liked the heroine's desire to get her shit together and move on with her life. She was the best thing about the book.
Anyway, I picked this up because of a podcast rec and I see why they liked it so much. I liked it too, particularly the intensity of the emotion. I really liked the heroine's desire to get her shit together and move on with her life. She was the best thing about the book.
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