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The Penalty
There are heroes. And then there are Villains. Las Vegas's tainted football empire is Jeremiah Tarantino's kingdom. Born into its billion-dollar power, cursed to wear its scars, he's built to defeat anyone who threatens his legacy. Even if that threat is the team's new athletic trainer, Waverly Greer. Flawed. Wild. Irresistibly vulnerable. One night of heat can't erase reality. Shattered secrets won't alter the fatal truth. She's stolen what belongs to him. And taking it back means taking her, too. The Penalty is the first standalone book in the sexy, addictive End Game collection. The game continues in The Rush.
187 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 15, 2018
44 people are currently reading
389 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
June 10, 2018
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! The Penalty (stand-alone). Co-workers & secret fuck-buddies are caught in a fight over power & a fortune!
Books in End Game series are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: The Penalty
Book 2: The Rush
Book 3: The Brawler
Book 4: The Hook
Book 5: The Forgiven
The Penalty (stand-alone) is the opening to secrets, intrigue, greed and danger centered around a Sin city football empire and the two families caught in a feud over it.
When athletic trainer and heir Jeremiah Tarantino and athletic trainer and heiress Waverly Greer meet they have no idea who they are to each other. The air sizzles with sexual chemistry and they steal away to Jeremiah’s suite for a fuck-fest that was quickly derailed. All that pent-up energy left them wanting more…
But when they come face to face at a party and realize they are rivals for the same job, Jeremiah feels robbed of his inheritance while Waverly feels pressure to prove herself to her family, the team and the media. While they get caught up in a secret affair, fucking each other to oblivion, behind-the scenes drama threatens everything…
Seven words to describe Jeremiah Tarantino: Charming, easy-going, dirty-talker, reflective, commanding, protective and noble.
Seven words to describe Waverly Greer: Reflective, independent, non-confrontational, strong, focused, ambitious and stubborn.
The Penalty, told from dual POVs, is a forbidden romance with off-limits co-workers, but also an and impossible love between foes. An excellent set-up of intrigue, greed, lust, sex, power, secrets, scandal and vengeance. It ends perfectly. Up next book 2, The Rush about Waverly’s sister and a star quarterback.
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2! The Penalty (stand-alone). Co-workers & secret fuck-buddies are caught in a fight over power & a fortune!
“A fantasy with me has some requirements.”
“Requirements?”
“You out of that dress, and my mouth on your pussy. If you’re good with that…”
Books in End Game series are stand-alones, but most enjoyed if read in order:
Book 1: The Penalty
Book 2: The Rush
Book 3: The Brawler
Book 4: The Hook
Book 5: The Forgiven
The Penalty (stand-alone) is the opening to secrets, intrigue, greed and danger centered around a Sin city football empire and the two families caught in a feud over it.
When athletic trainer and heir Jeremiah Tarantino and athletic trainer and heiress Waverly Greer meet they have no idea who they are to each other. The air sizzles with sexual chemistry and they steal away to Jeremiah’s suite for a fuck-fest that was quickly derailed. All that pent-up energy left them wanting more…
But when they come face to face at a party and realize they are rivals for the same job, Jeremiah feels robbed of his inheritance while Waverly feels pressure to prove herself to her family, the team and the media. While they get caught up in a secret affair, fucking each other to oblivion, behind-the scenes drama threatens everything…
“If you weren’t a Greer and I wasn’t a Tarantino, this—” he pointed at her, then himself “—wouldn’t be a problem. I could see you in a hallway and fuck you against a wall. I could eat you every day.”
Seven words to describe Jeremiah Tarantino: Charming, easy-going, dirty-talker, reflective, commanding, protective and noble.
Seven words to describe Waverly Greer: Reflective, independent, non-confrontational, strong, focused, ambitious and stubborn.
The Penalty, told from dual POVs, is a forbidden romance with off-limits co-workers, but also an and impossible love between foes. An excellent set-up of intrigue, greed, lust, sex, power, secrets, scandal and vengeance. It ends perfectly. Up next book 2, The Rush about Waverly’s sister and a star quarterback.
“Correction—it wasn’t really sex.”
“Could you identify his dick in a lineup?”
“Yes.”
“Could he identify your vaginal secretions in a taste test?”
“Oh, my God, I’m done talking to you.”
“Answer the question.”
“Probably.”
“Waverly, that was sex. Penetration doesn’t matter jack shit and you know it.”
~Waverly & Meg
***
Hero: ★★★★★
Heroine: ★★★★★
Plot: ★★★★★
Storytelling: ★★★★★
Sexual tension: ★★★★★
Sex scenes: ★★★★★
Story ending: ★★★★★
******************************************
OVERALL RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2
Angst: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Darkness: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Humor: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Kink: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Romance: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Sex frequency: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
Suspense: | MEDIUM FOCUS |
FREE! (limited time) | AMZ US | AMZ UK |
May 4, 2018
When Waverly Greer decided to be bold and have a one night stand to a gorgeous man. She didn't know that a few hours of a sexy rendezvous with a stranger can complicate things that may result in her losing her job. Jeremiah Tarantino, the man who excites her more than she likes to admit is a co-trainer; an employee of their family's newly acquired football team! A decision must be made and Waverly doesn't want anything that may compromise her position to the company and disappoints her parents.
Jeremiah Tarantino knew getting involved to Waverly is nothing but trouble. But she’s everything she want’s in a woman. Waverly is sexy, intelligent, and her dedication to the team is unquestionable. He just felt that there’s more behind that beautiful face.
She was his worst temptation. Being around her every day at camp was glorious torture.The Penalty is everything I want in a forbidden romance. Intrigue, secret liaisons, and those stolen moments make you anxious whether they will get caught or not.
It was an enjoyable read through and through. Peper Westbrook's debut novel is pretty awesome and I have a wonderful time reading this book. I'm proud to recommend it to anyone who likes this kind of story.
April 7, 2018
Piper Westbrook is a force to be reckoned with. I am thrilled to received a review copy from author/s that are new to me and when this one landed on my kindle, I just had to set aside my to-do chores for a while because the author got me really intrigued with her blurb. Add to the fact that it was read, reviewed and had received a high rating that I know I should give a chance on this.
And the author did not disappoint. It is quite possible that I found a new book and a series to be obsessed about.
From the first couple of pages and my kindle (as well as my body) is on fire!
Piper Westbrook delivered the steam in the book with flying colors. She got me entranced by her way of executing the story that she instantly got me so hooked.
The cover itself makes me want to lick my kindle screen. The simple hotness of it is appealing.
The book has a depth in it and it's quite amazing to learn that this is actually her debut novel.
I love the secret meetings and power play and lies and deception that spirals in the story.
Waverly Greer is the new assistant athletic trainer of the Villains team and also one of the heiress of the team. Her family just newly acquired the Villains and being new to the position, she's set to prove herself not only to her parents but to the world as well that she can handle the job perfectly.
Jeremiah Tarantino happens to be the son of the former owner of Villains. He remained as athletic trainer of the team even after the forced acquisition. He's keeping his ears to the ground and testing where others' loyalties lies. He's being careful as the Greers can still boot him out of the team with just one mistake.
But destiny is playful lot.
When these two met for the first time, sparks fly between them. But destiny is playing a dangerous game for both of them when they learned about the real identities of each other.
An enemies in a world where dogs eat dogs, that didn't hinder them from following through their secret affair. But with all lies and deceptions, nothing will be kept hidden forever.
The chemistry between the characters is undeniably explosive they're combustible together.
A story filled with greed, secrets, lust, sex, money, power, lies and deception, welcome to Sin City's drama. One you will absolutely devour as it is addictive as the city itself.
Will these two eventually surpass the dispute between their families? Or will they end up like the Montagues and Catapulets' tragedy?
This book is highly recommended! And the next book is something to watch out for!
March 31, 2018
I am not sure how I feel about this book.
On the one hand, you get strong independent characters. On the other, once you think you understand them, they act or react, in a way that it doesn't make sense. For me, this meant disliking the characters, and losing in a way the connection a had created with them.
I'm still on the fence about it...
On the one hand, you get strong independent characters. On the other, once you think you understand them, they act or react, in a way that it doesn't make sense. For me, this meant disliking the characters, and losing in a way the connection a had created with them.
I'm still on the fence about it...
March 30, 2018
I recently promote Piper Westbrook on my book blog, was shocked see Piper doesn't have a FB page ...that is so not the norm for most authors ... was curious what books were written by Piper and I jumped on Amazon and noticed they were only .99 cents each and if you have Kindle Unlimited (which I do not. but maybe you do? any who??!) I thought that was not too pricey to see what they have to offer ... descriptive characters, lot of steam and lustful-ness, you know how Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are star crossed lovers ... their families hate each other ... sort of similar to this read ... totally updated by recent times, but yet you kind of get the feeling of a bit more racy like the Tony Soprano family, imagine if you will??! ... I am just trying to describe a similar book, but none are coming to my mind at the moment??! ... one that there is such family hate ... the Hatfields and McCoys, far as I know they have come to an understanding ...never sure why families hate ... can't we all get along???! If you are a reader who has no problem jumping back and forth between topics or situations you are good to go ... at times I had to jump back and make sure I was on the same wave length as the author. It always shocks me how folks are so go go all the time about sports, they live, breath and sleep SPORTS! ... they are life and death ... end all be all ... too me sports should be interesting and fun. Waverly Greer hates being told what to do thanks to her family, why folks will not allow women to be strong and determined ... instead of always stepping on their toes. not cool. Waverly has her thoughts and is determined to do what she wants. I am totally not a fan of Waverly's mom, she treats her like trash. Jeremiah Tarantino ... holy hotness, don't wanna ruin any situations in the book, want you to read them 1st hand, but let me tell you, wow wee! be ready, you will need a fan, LOL!! ... Meg Reyes (Waverly's best friend) You will love this read ... I am just starting book 2 ... I'll be in touch about that review. I can't believe others are not reading this book ... if you are a lover of sports related books ... lust, love, VERY VERY very hot moments ... check it out! ( ;
April 8, 2018
This book was given to me free in exchange for an honest review
The plot:
Two families. Rivals. One wants what the other one has; namely a football team. One fights to get it back. The Greers are the proud new owners of The Villains. Daughter Waverly is given a job as a trainer. Previous owner’s son Jeremiah thinks the Greers coerced his father into the sale and now worries his job as trainer is at risk.
Waverly and Jeremiah should be enemies but they meet without knowing who each other is and almost hook up. Once they realise each others identity both suspect the other of having ulterior motives for their actions.
This story is about forbidden love amongst deceit, feuds, and wealth. Set against an opulent backdrop of parties, casinos, dressing up, fast cars and expensive jewellery. This isn’t really my normal kind of read. It’s a bit too Dynasty for me but it was gripping.
I usually expect more of a sporting backdrop but here the sports side of things is pretty recessive. No football talk. No game scenes and apart from a reference to yoga, no real scenes of training. (Although we do get a sexy basketball scene).
The characters:
Waverly is strong and focused. She’s quite confident and stands up to her controlling parents. I liked her early morning running and her confidence but I am not sure if I liked her as a person. She was trying to assert her independence from her parents, yet she was dependent on them financially. Although she addresses this somewhat by the end of the book, I felt that a smart person would have worked this out from the get go. It just made me feel she was immature and hard to connect to.
Jeremiah was pretty hot. I got that. He was also supposed to be a brainy nerd. Although this was mentioned several times, his words, thoughts and actions never seemed to support this fact. I didn’t really get much dialogue between the two which helped me get to know him or gain any sense of them becoming friends. I liked how he defended Waverly though and I felt the sexual tension between them. It was a good slow burn.
What happens:
Waverly worries that Jeremiah could blackmail her. If it leaked out that she was dating someone at work it would undermine her job and probably get her fired. I am not quite sure why though. I get that she is fighting to be a woman in a male orientated organisation. The last thing she needs is to emphasise her sexuality. Saying that, she umms and ahhs about doing a bikini photoshoot for Sports Illustrated which just should have been an instant ‘no way’. I didn’t really get her thinking.
Finally the two give up fighting their attraction and get it on in the woods. This happens at the 64% mark. I do love a build up so this is cool. I could have done with this first hookup lasting a bit longer. A bit more drawn out perhaps, but maybe that’s just me. You know one minute they are banging away and in the next sentence ‘they both let go’ then it’s: Shirt. On. Off to continue my 8 mile run. Bye!
I felt a bit like that about all the intimate scenes really. You got a few sentences then it was back to work. There was just something missing.
Anyhow, a few secret trysts, bitter feuds and some spilled secrets later and it’s all a HEA over a hot basketball game. Er... in high heels. Really? It was fun though.
I’m giving this a solid three stars. Not higher from me simply because it’s not my kind of story, but it was engaging, exciting and pretty hot. And the cover is great.
The plot:
Two families. Rivals. One wants what the other one has; namely a football team. One fights to get it back. The Greers are the proud new owners of The Villains. Daughter Waverly is given a job as a trainer. Previous owner’s son Jeremiah thinks the Greers coerced his father into the sale and now worries his job as trainer is at risk.
Waverly and Jeremiah should be enemies but they meet without knowing who each other is and almost hook up. Once they realise each others identity both suspect the other of having ulterior motives for their actions.
This story is about forbidden love amongst deceit, feuds, and wealth. Set against an opulent backdrop of parties, casinos, dressing up, fast cars and expensive jewellery. This isn’t really my normal kind of read. It’s a bit too Dynasty for me but it was gripping.
I usually expect more of a sporting backdrop but here the sports side of things is pretty recessive. No football talk. No game scenes and apart from a reference to yoga, no real scenes of training. (Although we do get a sexy basketball scene).
The characters:
Waverly is strong and focused. She’s quite confident and stands up to her controlling parents. I liked her early morning running and her confidence but I am not sure if I liked her as a person. She was trying to assert her independence from her parents, yet she was dependent on them financially. Although she addresses this somewhat by the end of the book, I felt that a smart person would have worked this out from the get go. It just made me feel she was immature and hard to connect to.
Jeremiah was pretty hot. I got that. He was also supposed to be a brainy nerd. Although this was mentioned several times, his words, thoughts and actions never seemed to support this fact. I didn’t really get much dialogue between the two which helped me get to know him or gain any sense of them becoming friends. I liked how he defended Waverly though and I felt the sexual tension between them. It was a good slow burn.
What happens:
Waverly worries that Jeremiah could blackmail her. If it leaked out that she was dating someone at work it would undermine her job and probably get her fired. I am not quite sure why though. I get that she is fighting to be a woman in a male orientated organisation. The last thing she needs is to emphasise her sexuality. Saying that, she umms and ahhs about doing a bikini photoshoot for Sports Illustrated which just should have been an instant ‘no way’. I didn’t really get her thinking.
Finally the two give up fighting their attraction and get it on in the woods. This happens at the 64% mark. I do love a build up so this is cool. I could have done with this first hookup lasting a bit longer. A bit more drawn out perhaps, but maybe that’s just me. You know one minute they are banging away and in the next sentence ‘they both let go’ then it’s: Shirt. On. Off to continue my 8 mile run. Bye!
I felt a bit like that about all the intimate scenes really. You got a few sentences then it was back to work. There was just something missing.
Anyhow, a few secret trysts, bitter feuds and some spilled secrets later and it’s all a HEA over a hot basketball game. Er... in high heels. Really? It was fun though.
I’m giving this a solid three stars. Not higher from me simply because it’s not my kind of story, but it was engaging, exciting and pretty hot. And the cover is great.
Want to read
June 10, 2018💝FREE on Amazon today (6/10/2018)!💝
Blurb:
Blood. Sweat. Tears. Sex.
There are heroes. And then there are Villains. Sin City's tainted football empire is Jeremiah Tarantino's kingdom. Born into its billion-dollar power, cursed to wear its scars, he's built to defeat anyone who threatens his legacy.
Even if that threat is the team's new athletic trainer, Waverly Greer. Flawed. Wild. Irresistibly vulnerable. One night of heat can't erase reality. Shattered secrets won't alter the fatal truth. She's stolen what belongs to him.
And taking it back means taking her, too.
Blurb:
Blood. Sweat. Tears. Sex.
There are heroes. And then there are Villains. Sin City's tainted football empire is Jeremiah Tarantino's kingdom. Born into its billion-dollar power, cursed to wear its scars, he's built to defeat anyone who threatens his legacy.
Even if that threat is the team's new athletic trainer, Waverly Greer. Flawed. Wild. Irresistibly vulnerable. One night of heat can't erase reality. Shattered secrets won't alter the fatal truth. She's stolen what belongs to him.
And taking it back means taking her, too.
Read
March 8, 2023Purch Amazon June 11, 2018
March 16, 2018
Interesting story, I liked it :)
October 5, 2018
Not a big fan of either character. I didn’t think they had any chemistry and authors writing style was problematic for me. I don’t think I will give book 2 a try.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews