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WAGS #3
Scoring the Player's Baby
After a divorce from her cheating football player ex, PR whiz Kim Matlock would rather drive a pine tree through her walled-off heart than work at the Seattle Wedding Expo. And the last thing she expects is to be grabbed and kissed breathless by a hot giant of a man looking to fend off a stalker. She doesn’t want emotional entanglements, but she can’t say no to one scorching night with the sexy stranger.
To her shock, she finds out afterward that a) he’s a pro football player, aka her kryptonite, and b) she’s pregnant.
But nothing could have prepared her for his response...
To her shock, she finds out afterward that a) he’s a pro football player, aka her kryptonite, and b) she’s pregnant.
But nothing could have prepared her for his response...
294 pages, ebook
First published July 9, 2018
259 people are currently reading
1190 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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June 28, 2018
Scoring the Player’s Baby is book three in the WAGS series by Naima Simone. Don’t you love it when you find an author that you know going in that you are going to love the book?! That’s how I’ve come to feel about Naima’s books. She just has a way with words that pulls me right in. And wow can she write steam. This book was smokin’! I loved the second book in the series, Scoring Off the Field and couldn’t wait for this book. Not to mention that cover!
Ronin Palamo is a star wide receiver for the Washington Warriors NFL football team. He’s a huge man with a huge heart. He and his four sisters were raised by their single mother. Ronin has nothing against love and is happy to see his two best friends on the team find love for themselves. But he had his one shot at love and now it’s part of his past. He will never allow himself to feel that way for a woman again, to endure that kind of pain because that’s what love does, it leaves you torn apart and bleeding in the end. Ronin does enjoy women though but only for one night. And he is always upfront with the women he spends time with what their time together will be.
Kim Matlock is Vice President of Public Relations with Bishop Enterprises, her half brother’s financial and holding company. Kim is in Seattle helping to rebrand a hotel. But her time in Seattle might have other advantages as well. It’s been a year since Kim’s divorce from her cheating football player of an ex husband. A year since her heart was shredded. She hasn’t been able to bring herself to date since the divorce. She has no interest in it at the moment. But one thing you can bet on is that if she ever does start dating again, she will stay as far away from football players as possible.
Kim is trying to gain business for her hotel from brides looking for places to hold their weddings. So, she is working at the Seattle Wedding Expo. It wouldn’t be her favorite place to hang out for a day but it’s good for the hotel. Little did she expect to be grabbed in the lobby and get the breath kissed right out of her by the best looking man and biggest man she has ever seen.
Ronin has been having trouble with one particular woman that just can’t seem to accept that their one night together is all they are going to have. He is at the wedding expo with one of his sisters when the would be stalker shows up in the lobby. He had noticed the beautiful woman working the hotel booth inside earlier and now spots her in the lobby. He doesn’t think, just acts, and grabs her and ends up with the best kiss of his life.
That kiss eventually leads to a night beyond Ronin and Kim’s wildest dreams. A night that both of them consider perhaps repeating. But the morning after Kim realizes that this man that rocked her world right off it’s axis was in deed a football player. About three months later, Kim found out something else. That she was pregnant with Ronin’s baby.
And so begins Ronin and Kim’s journey. Ronin is all in. Kim doesn’t trust him and he understands why. He will prove to her that she can trust him to be the best kind of man and do whatever is needed. Even though each of these two are determined not to let feelings in, their hearts have other plans. And don’t even get me started on their chemistry. It was off the charts. Ronin is every woman’s dream. He is all alpha and just seems to know exactly what Kim needs. These two have a lot of hurdles to overcome, though, before they can admit their feelings for one another.
I couldn’t put this down. Ronin was perfect. That man had me swooning from the first page to the last page. I loved watching him get inside Kim’s heart little by little, melting her icy layers. I am a huge fan of epilogues and this book had the sweetest one. I’m not sure if there will be any additional books to this series but rest assured that I will be watching to see what this author does next!
July 5, 2018
4 STARS
Well, hello there, Naima Simone, and welcome to my auto-buy list.
Firstly, I am seriously kicking myself for waiting this long to try this author because I have been missing out! Her writing is sexy, fun, lighthearted, and I couldn't get enough of it! If you're a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, this will be your catnip. It was full of humor, delicious dirty talk, a little bit of angst thanks to two stubborn main characters, and some swoon mixed in.
Kim was not a character I'd usually enjoy. While this is one strong alpha female, she has quite a bit of baggage that gives her judgmental tendencies. Burned by her pro-football player, cheating ex-husband, Kim has sworn off professional athletes. So when she finds out that her sizzling one-night stand is actually the wide receiver for the Washington Warriors, she doesn't hesitate before lumping him in with the rest. But Ronin is nothing like her ex. While he has some commitment issues for reasons of his own, he's caring, sweet, and doesn't hesitate to take responsibility when he learns that their one night together has resulted in a pregnancy neither of them expected.
Can I just tell you how much I adored Ronin. Let's set aside the fact that the man is sinfully sexy and has a mouth on him that will set any ovary aflame. But he also has a hidden sweet side to him that I loved seeing come out more and more with the bristly Kim. I loved the way he soothed her rough edges. And though Kim did frustrate me at times with the way she pushed Ronin away, I understood why she did.
Admittedly, what really brought it together for me was the ridiculously sweet ending and I particularly loved the twist to the typical romance grovel. I can't believe I just discovered this series and this author, but I'm also thrilled because now I have her entire backlist to binge one; starting with the first two books in the WAGs series.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
Jesus. The man should come with a warning label: Causes Severe Case of Anal Agoraphobia. Or in layman’s terms, causes severe case of not being able to get your head out of your ass.
Well, hello there, Naima Simone, and welcome to my auto-buy list.
Firstly, I am seriously kicking myself for waiting this long to try this author because I have been missing out! Her writing is sexy, fun, lighthearted, and I couldn't get enough of it! If you're a fan of the surprise pregnancy trope, this will be your catnip. It was full of humor, delicious dirty talk, a little bit of angst thanks to two stubborn main characters, and some swoon mixed in.
Kim was not a character I'd usually enjoy. While this is one strong alpha female, she has quite a bit of baggage that gives her judgmental tendencies. Burned by her pro-football player, cheating ex-husband, Kim has sworn off professional athletes. So when she finds out that her sizzling one-night stand is actually the wide receiver for the Washington Warriors, she doesn't hesitate before lumping him in with the rest. But Ronin is nothing like her ex. While he has some commitment issues for reasons of his own, he's caring, sweet, and doesn't hesitate to take responsibility when he learns that their one night together has resulted in a pregnancy neither of them expected.
Can I just tell you how much I adored Ronin. Let's set aside the fact that the man is sinfully sexy and has a mouth on him that will set any ovary aflame. But he also has a hidden sweet side to him that I loved seeing come out more and more with the bristly Kim. I loved the way he soothed her rough edges. And though Kim did frustrate me at times with the way she pushed Ronin away, I understood why she did.
Admittedly, what really brought it together for me was the ridiculously sweet ending and I particularly loved the twist to the typical romance grovel. I can't believe I just discovered this series and this author, but I'm also thrilled because now I have her entire backlist to binge one; starting with the first two books in the WAGs series.
ARC courtesy of publisher in exchange for an honest review
Find me on:
July 11, 2018
1.5 ~ Second Best ~ Stars
I'm a sucker for the unplanned pregnancy trope that brings two people together so I loved the fact that this unexpected baby was the catalyst to both Ronin and Kim's broken hearts healing and leading them to a second chance at love. If this was just a story of love, forgiveness and learning
to trust again, this would have blown me away. Instead Ronin spends too much time putting up emotional road blocks at every turn and his back and forth, hot and cold routine with Kim was brutal. Both have emotional baggage that stands in their way until the bittersweet end and that drama and drawn out angst ended up bogging the whole romance for me. I wish I could rate it higher because I liked Kim and I liked Ronin but this had one of my biggest pet peeves constantly brought up and rubbed in my face
What I liked: The story was fast paced, the writing smooth and the smexy times were off the charts hawt. The MCs were good together when it was just Ronin and Kim, they had amazing chemistry, flirty banter and definitely had an instant connection. Ronin was a man after my own nerdy heart! He knows Harry Potter and loves LOTR, people! I loved the teasing and tender moments between them, as they become friends and get to know each other. My main problem was that it was rarely just Ronin and Kim.
Ronin constantly pushes away and denies his feelings for Kim because of his past and it got old fast. When the hero of a book mentions his constant rejection of even the possibility of real feelings or a lasting relationship with the heroine because of OW, and his mindset doesn’t change, it sort of kills the romance. I can't really root for a couple if the H does such an amazing job of proving again and again that his love, his devotion, his whole emotional arsenal is already fully committed to another person. Kim seemed like she scored second best in Ronin's life, which isn't something I enjoy in romance. When the H mentions his love for OW more times than he does for the heroine we're supposed to root for, it's not romantic. When he constantly compares his feelings for Kim with those of OW, it's skeevy. But the worst part
It was really hard to come back from that punch to the gut confession. Granted he does feel wonder and awe over the baby but his initial reaction tainted that moment and it still felt like a huge betrayal to Kim - even if she never knew that those thoughts were running around in his head.
The fact that he finally has an epiphany at the very end (with two measly mentions of love @ 90%) and somehow turns the blame around on Kim - making her out to be the coward running scared from her feelings – was so wrong! And a low blow coming from him. Yes she was wary of trusting him (she had good reason to with a cheating ex) but Ronin did plenty more rejecting of her and his own feelings for the majority of the book to now start singing a different tune! To me she had a more valid reason for staying wary and protecting her heart than he did and in her shoes, I wouldn't believe (after everything that has happened between them) Ronin's sudden and out of the blue declaration either.
A little less of his hang ups on repeat would have gone a long way to a higher rating. At the very least give him more page time to prove his love wasn't some spontaneous knee jerk reaction. Bottom line, I needed inside Ronin's head space more after he realizes he is in love with Kim because it was too rushed to win me over. I was left unconvinced that he was ready to move on and not even the cute epilogue complete with the soft glow of new born baby could save this one.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
I'm a sucker for the unplanned pregnancy trope that brings two people together so I loved the fact that this unexpected baby was the catalyst to both Ronin and Kim's broken hearts healing and leading them to a second chance at love. If this was just a story of love, forgiveness and learning
to trust again, this would have blown me away. Instead Ronin spends too much time putting up emotional road blocks at every turn and his back and forth, hot and cold routine with Kim was brutal. Both have emotional baggage that stands in their way until the bittersweet end and that drama and drawn out angst ended up bogging the whole romance for me. I wish I could rate it higher because I liked Kim and I liked Ronin but this had one of my biggest pet peeves constantly brought up and rubbed in my face
What I liked: The story was fast paced, the writing smooth and the smexy times were off the charts hawt. The MCs were good together when it was just Ronin and Kim, they had amazing chemistry, flirty banter and definitely had an instant connection. Ronin was a man after my own nerdy heart! He knows Harry Potter and loves LOTR, people! I loved the teasing and tender moments between them, as they become friends and get to know each other. My main problem was that it was rarely just Ronin and Kim.
Ronin constantly pushes away and denies his feelings for Kim because of his past and it got old fast. When the hero of a book mentions his constant rejection of even the possibility of real feelings or a lasting relationship with the heroine because of OW, and his mindset doesn’t change, it sort of kills the romance. I can't really root for a couple if the H does such an amazing job of proving again and again that his love, his devotion, his whole emotional arsenal is already fully committed to another person. Kim seemed like she scored second best in Ronin's life, which isn't something I enjoy in romance. When the H mentions his love for OW more times than he does for the heroine we're supposed to root for, it's not romantic. When he constantly compares his feelings for Kim with those of OW, it's skeevy. But the worst part
It was really hard to come back from that punch to the gut confession. Granted he does feel wonder and awe over the baby but his initial reaction tainted that moment and it still felt like a huge betrayal to Kim - even if she never knew that those thoughts were running around in his head.
The fact that he finally has an epiphany at the very end (with two measly mentions of love @ 90%) and somehow turns the blame around on Kim - making her out to be the coward running scared from her feelings – was so wrong! And a low blow coming from him. Yes she was wary of trusting him (she had good reason to with a cheating ex) but Ronin did plenty more rejecting of her and his own feelings for the majority of the book to now start singing a different tune! To me she had a more valid reason for staying wary and protecting her heart than he did and in her shoes, I wouldn't believe (after everything that has happened between them) Ronin's sudden and out of the blue declaration either.
A little less of his hang ups on repeat would have gone a long way to a higher rating. At the very least give him more page time to prove his love wasn't some spontaneous knee jerk reaction. Bottom line, I needed inside Ronin's head space more after he realizes he is in love with Kim because it was too rushed to win me over. I was left unconvinced that he was ready to move on and not even the cute epilogue complete with the soft glow of new born baby could save this one.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
August 10, 2018
4.5 Stars
For now, I'm keeping this short and sweet as I've already written this review twice without being able to successfully post it. Thank you much, goodreads.
If you're on the fence about reading this or haven't had a chance to experience Naima Simone's writing for yourself, GET ON THAT PRONTO! This is my third book by Ms. Simone and believe me when I tell you, the woman can write! She has a way of turning an Entangled Brazen novella into something truly special. Not only are her men scorching hot, but I want to be each and every one of her heroines when I grow up.
Kim and Ronin are no exception to that rule. Kim's been burned badly in the recent past and isn't up for more than a one night fling. Ronin's also not looking for anything long term and from the beginning, the honesty and lack of b.s. between these two was refreshing as hell. It leaves room for an actual story rather than a bunch of convoluted misunderstandings.
Go forth and read this bit of goodness, People!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary review
For now, I'm keeping this short and sweet as I've already written this review twice without being able to successfully post it. Thank you much, goodreads.
If you're on the fence about reading this or haven't had a chance to experience Naima Simone's writing for yourself, GET ON THAT PRONTO! This is my third book by Ms. Simone and believe me when I tell you, the woman can write! She has a way of turning an Entangled Brazen novella into something truly special. Not only are her men scorching hot, but I want to be each and every one of her heroines when I grow up.
Kim and Ronin are no exception to that rule. Kim's been burned badly in the recent past and isn't up for more than a one night fling. Ronin's also not looking for anything long term and from the beginning, the honesty and lack of b.s. between these two was refreshing as hell. It leaves room for an actual story rather than a bunch of convoluted misunderstandings.
Go forth and read this bit of goodness, People!
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary review
June 29, 2018
Ronin was an absolute treat to read about. For being a football player that isn't into relationships, he came off very charming, loyal and honest. He has a healthy respect for women because of his mother and sisters and he treated Kim very well despite the restrictions to their relationship.
Kim has been burned by not only her father but her ex-husband who also happens to be in the NFL. When she meets Ronin, she doesn't know who he is or she would have never given him the time of day. She already decided to give in to her attraction to him before she found out who he was.
Both characters have some heavy baggage that did take some of the fun, loving vibe out of the story but not all of it. I laughed quite a bit because of Ronin and really enjoyed his easy manner when his past didn't pop up. That was a great read that is a bit on the shorter side and it has me intrigued to get the other players story.
Kim has been burned by not only her father but her ex-husband who also happens to be in the NFL. When she meets Ronin, she doesn't know who he is or she would have never given him the time of day. She already decided to give in to her attraction to him before she found out who he was.
Both characters have some heavy baggage that did take some of the fun, loving vibe out of the story but not all of it. I laughed quite a bit because of Ronin and really enjoyed his easy manner when his past didn't pop up. That was a great read that is a bit on the shorter side and it has me intrigued to get the other players story.
July 8, 2018
3.5 stars
One of the things that I really like about Naima Simone’s books are her characters. She writes hot-as-sin heroes and gorgeous, accomplished heroines. Scoring the Player’s Baby is no different. It’s a fun, sexy read with a lot of heart.
Ronin Palamo is living a life most men could only dream of. He’s playing for a championship caliber team and he doesn’t lack female companionship. He has it all. But it doesn’t take long for readers to notice that Ronin is hiding a deep wound. One that makes him wary of love and relationship. He doesn’t want it or need it. Or so he thought.
His resolve was tested when he meets Kim Matloc. Like Ronin, Kim is hiding wounds of her own. She was cheated on by her ex-husband who also happens to be a football player. She also issues with her birth father who basically abandoned her and her mother as a child. This makes Kim not trust men in general. She armored herself so no one could ever hurt her again.
I liked Ronin a lot, but I LOVED Kim even more. She’s a successful woman who is constantly underestimated by people. Except for her half-brother, Kim has been hurt by the men in her life and I did not blame her a bit for disbelieving Ronin.
It took me awhile to warm up to Ronin. This is mostly due to personal preference. While I enjoy sexy, gregarious heroes, I don’t really gravitate to them all that much. I prefer a grumpier type hero and Ronin is the exact opposite of that. He’s full of personality which can be overwhelming at times. It was when he shows his vulnerable side that he shines as a character. I also didn’t really like the constant reference to ‘being a pussy’ or the ‘man card’ in his POV. It was very distracting.
Despite those things, I enjoyed the banter between Kim and Ronin. I liked how they resolved their issues, and the grand gesture towards the end was really cute. Although, I must say that Ronin’s come-to-Jesus moment felt a bit rushed considering he seemed hung up on his dead ex-girlfriend. The epilogue, however, leaves little doubt in your mind as to Ronin’s devotion to Kim.
Overall, Scoring the Player’s Baby scored a 100 on the hotness scale. If you’ve enjoyed Naima Simone’s books before, you will find plenty of things to enjoy here.
One of the things that I really like about Naima Simone’s books are her characters. She writes hot-as-sin heroes and gorgeous, accomplished heroines. Scoring the Player’s Baby is no different. It’s a fun, sexy read with a lot of heart.
"I’ll give you whatever you ask for. Use me in any way you need to erase those shadows in your eyes.”
Ronin Palamo is living a life most men could only dream of. He’s playing for a championship caliber team and he doesn’t lack female companionship. He has it all. But it doesn’t take long for readers to notice that Ronin is hiding a deep wound. One that makes him wary of love and relationship. He doesn’t want it or need it. Or so he thought.
His resolve was tested when he meets Kim Matloc. Like Ronin, Kim is hiding wounds of her own. She was cheated on by her ex-husband who also happens to be a football player. She also issues with her birth father who basically abandoned her and her mother as a child. This makes Kim not trust men in general. She armored herself so no one could ever hurt her again.
I liked Ronin a lot, but I LOVED Kim even more. She’s a successful woman who is constantly underestimated by people. Except for her half-brother, Kim has been hurt by the men in her life and I did not blame her a bit for disbelieving Ronin.
It took me awhile to warm up to Ronin. This is mostly due to personal preference. While I enjoy sexy, gregarious heroes, I don’t really gravitate to them all that much. I prefer a grumpier type hero and Ronin is the exact opposite of that. He’s full of personality which can be overwhelming at times. It was when he shows his vulnerable side that he shines as a character. I also didn’t really like the constant reference to ‘being a pussy’ or the ‘man card’ in his POV. It was very distracting.
Despite those things, I enjoyed the banter between Kim and Ronin. I liked how they resolved their issues, and the grand gesture towards the end was really cute. Although, I must say that Ronin’s come-to-Jesus moment felt a bit rushed considering he seemed hung up on his dead ex-girlfriend. The epilogue, however, leaves little doubt in your mind as to Ronin’s devotion to Kim.
Overall, Scoring the Player’s Baby scored a 100 on the hotness scale. If you’ve enjoyed Naima Simone’s books before, you will find plenty of things to enjoy here.
June 19, 2018
Sexy, funny and sweet.
Kim Matlock isn't looking for love, in fact, she's still trying to get rid of the last mistake. Her divorce is still going through from her cheating ex. One thing she has learned, ballplayers cannot be trusted and she intends to avoid them. She is focused on helping to save her family's company and getting her life back on track.
Ronin, as you've guessed, is a sportsman. He's built like a footballer, he's confident like a ballplayer and he's an all alpha male. He's attending a wedding event with his sister when Kim catches his eye. The problem is she's not the only one with wandering eyes. Ronin has always been honest with women. He doesn't want a relationship. He's a one night kind of deal. Unfortunately, his latest conquest is struggling to get the message. He needs help to get rid of her and recruits Kim.
Kim doesn't know who this sexy hunk of a man is but he's only offering something she didn't realise she had missed. After some sexy time... the title of the book is a big giveaway... things get complicated. Can two people not looking for love find a family to share?
The WAGS series are all standalone stories.
4 stars out of 5. Naima Simone has good banter. The characters are loveable, funny and sweet in all the right places. I enjoyed this book. It's predictable but written well.
Kim Matlock isn't looking for love, in fact, she's still trying to get rid of the last mistake. Her divorce is still going through from her cheating ex. One thing she has learned, ballplayers cannot be trusted and she intends to avoid them. She is focused on helping to save her family's company and getting her life back on track.
Ronin, as you've guessed, is a sportsman. He's built like a footballer, he's confident like a ballplayer and he's an all alpha male. He's attending a wedding event with his sister when Kim catches his eye. The problem is she's not the only one with wandering eyes. Ronin has always been honest with women. He doesn't want a relationship. He's a one night kind of deal. Unfortunately, his latest conquest is struggling to get the message. He needs help to get rid of her and recruits Kim.
Kim doesn't know who this sexy hunk of a man is but he's only offering something she didn't realise she had missed. After some sexy time... the title of the book is a big giveaway... things get complicated. Can two people not looking for love find a family to share?
The WAGS series are all standalone stories.
4 stars out of 5. Naima Simone has good banter. The characters are loveable, funny and sweet in all the right places. I enjoyed this book. It's predictable but written well.
July 4, 2018
All the men in Kim’s life have let her down, shown her to be less and not worth acknowledging. A move across the country with her job is her attempt to get her life together and prove that she is more than her brother’s sister. What she didn’t plan on was a one night stand with the sexy Ronin after he pulls her into a make belive scenario at a wedding expo. And she certainly never expected to find herself pregnant. But more than anything, she never expected to find herself involved with another professional football player.
Ronin is attracted to Kim the minute he lays eyes on her. In an attempt to politely repel a casual hookup that has turned clinger, he gets the benefit of putting his arms around her. He should be happy she hasn’t called him after their one night together. There’s a reason he doesn’t do relationships and Kim has the potential to blow those reasons to smithereens. But his guilt can’t allow that to happen.
I loved both of these characters. Kim was strong and independent but when she let her guard down she was approachable, sweet and fun. I enjoyed watching her morph from a woman who had preconceived opinions to one that was willing to lay everything she was on the line for love. Ronin had such a great sense of humor and he used it often to ease the distance Kim put between them. His response and future actions concerning the baby was heartwarming and totally swoon worthy. It also didn’t hurt his case any that he was a total dirty talker.
This is a fast paced read that doesn’t carry a lot of angst. There was a good bit of push and pull from Kim and just a tad from Ronin as they worked through their past issues. Kim’s ex has a bit of a sideline but I’m not really sure what the purpose of that was. I was more concerned over Ronin’s past and his ability to get beyond it. Overall, this was a very nice read with awesome secondary characters that liven up the pages and plenty of steamy goodness between Kim and Ronin.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
Ronin is attracted to Kim the minute he lays eyes on her. In an attempt to politely repel a casual hookup that has turned clinger, he gets the benefit of putting his arms around her. He should be happy she hasn’t called him after their one night together. There’s a reason he doesn’t do relationships and Kim has the potential to blow those reasons to smithereens. But his guilt can’t allow that to happen.
I loved both of these characters. Kim was strong and independent but when she let her guard down she was approachable, sweet and fun. I enjoyed watching her morph from a woman who had preconceived opinions to one that was willing to lay everything she was on the line for love. Ronin had such a great sense of humor and he used it often to ease the distance Kim put between them. His response and future actions concerning the baby was heartwarming and totally swoon worthy. It also didn’t hurt his case any that he was a total dirty talker.
This is a fast paced read that doesn’t carry a lot of angst. There was a good bit of push and pull from Kim and just a tad from Ronin as they worked through their past issues. Kim’s ex has a bit of a sideline but I’m not really sure what the purpose of that was. I was more concerned over Ronin’s past and his ability to get beyond it. Overall, this was a very nice read with awesome secondary characters that liven up the pages and plenty of steamy goodness between Kim and Ronin.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book provided by NetGalley and Entangled Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
July 13, 2018
<3 4 hot stars <3
Wow what a nice surprise, it's my first book from this author and I devour it.It was a quick read,super hot,funny at some points and light.I enjoyed both characters from the beginning, especially Ronin!
Ronin and Kim’s romance has it all!They have a great connection.They were flirty, hot and passionate.Kim is strong,sassy and stubborn.Ronin is funny,sweet and super hot!They were perfect!
If you are looking for a refreshing and super hot story this is amazing!I'm definitively going to check the rest books in the series!!
Wow what a nice surprise, it's my first book from this author and I devour it.It was a quick read,super hot,funny at some points and light.I enjoyed both characters from the beginning, especially Ronin!
Ronin and Kim’s romance has it all!They have a great connection.They were flirty, hot and passionate.Kim is strong,sassy and stubborn.Ronin is funny,sweet and super hot!They were perfect!
If you are looking for a refreshing and super hot story this is amazing!I'm definitively going to check the rest books in the series!!
July 10, 2018
3 - "We'll work it out." Stars.
The third book in Naima Simone’s WAGs series; Scoring the Players Baby gives us Ronin Palamo’s story. The author paired him with Kim Matlock, a character I have previously had experience with in that shes the sister of the H in A Millionaire at Midnight, book four in the Bachelor Auction series, newly divorced from a footballer herself, getting involved with another one screams 'Hell's NOOOOOO' on every level to her.
"I swear to god you have no filter between your brain and your mouth…"
You can tell from my rating that this one wasn’t as much of a winner for me as its predecessors. The previous two books, have been sharp in writing style, snappy in dialect, sexy in all the right places, with likeable characters and story-lines that weren’t too taxing on the brain or overly filled with drama.
"I’ve been waiting to be balls deep in you since I first put eyes on you… Put me out of my misery."
Scoring the Players Baby started in the same vein and had instances where the snappy and sexy were front and center, but it was just too long for me. The rambling inner monologues from both of them were overdone, repetitive and filled up pages, and a lot of the time I only needed the information to be relayed the once. There were so many unnecessary secondary tropes thrown in so much so that one of Ronin’s had already been used in a previous book, and it left me with a severe case of de-ja-vu whenever it was bought up, until I realized the reason why.
Men like him only spelled trouble. And she’d had her fill of trouble and men in the last year…
I knew Kim would be coming to the story with baggage because of her part in her brother Alex’s story in The Bachelor Auction series, and to be honest it was enough to have carried this story through, especially with the circumstances of her divorce thrown in. Which then brings me to the constant references to exes from both sides that were superfluous at times as well, and we are left with a commitment shy man, and a man shy woman both fumbling around trying to get their heads around unplanned parenthood, an attraction that won’t quit, and numerous shit storms in the background, it was just too much for me.
He couldn’t force her to open up… To take a leap of faith.
This was probably my least favorite of all the books I have read from this author, but I do have high expectations of her, and on this occasion it was okay, rather than the expected outstanding. Still plenty more players in the team though, and I look forwards to seeing who the author turns her mind to next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
The third book in Naima Simone’s WAGs series; Scoring the Players Baby gives us Ronin Palamo’s story. The author paired him with Kim Matlock, a character I have previously had experience with in that shes the sister of the H in A Millionaire at Midnight, book four in the Bachelor Auction series, newly divorced from a footballer herself, getting involved with another one screams 'Hell's NOOOOOO' on every level to her.
"I swear to god you have no filter between your brain and your mouth…"
You can tell from my rating that this one wasn’t as much of a winner for me as its predecessors. The previous two books, have been sharp in writing style, snappy in dialect, sexy in all the right places, with likeable characters and story-lines that weren’t too taxing on the brain or overly filled with drama.
"I’ve been waiting to be balls deep in you since I first put eyes on you… Put me out of my misery."
Scoring the Players Baby started in the same vein and had instances where the snappy and sexy were front and center, but it was just too long for me. The rambling inner monologues from both of them were overdone, repetitive and filled up pages, and a lot of the time I only needed the information to be relayed the once. There were so many unnecessary secondary tropes thrown in so much so that one of Ronin’s had already been used in a previous book, and it left me with a severe case of de-ja-vu whenever it was bought up, until I realized the reason why.
Men like him only spelled trouble. And she’d had her fill of trouble and men in the last year…
I knew Kim would be coming to the story with baggage because of her part in her brother Alex’s story in The Bachelor Auction series, and to be honest it was enough to have carried this story through, especially with the circumstances of her divorce thrown in. Which then brings me to the constant references to exes from both sides that were superfluous at times as well, and we are left with a commitment shy man, and a man shy woman both fumbling around trying to get their heads around unplanned parenthood, an attraction that won’t quit, and numerous shit storms in the background, it was just too much for me.
He couldn’t force her to open up… To take a leap of faith.
This was probably my least favorite of all the books I have read from this author, but I do have high expectations of her, and on this occasion it was okay, rather than the expected outstanding. Still plenty more players in the team though, and I look forwards to seeing who the author turns her mind to next.
ARC generously provided via Netgalley, in exchange for the above honest review.
May 7, 2021
3 “not for me” Stars
I picked this up for a dollar a couple years ago, and am finally getting around to reading it. I'm rating it 3⭐’s, because I do think it’s pretty solid for the genre, but it wasn’t really for me. I also did not read the other books. (I didn’t feel lost though) Scoring the Player's Baby is Kim and Ronin’s story. The blurb pretty much lays it out. Kim has a cheating pro-football ex-hubby, and ends up preggers after a ONS.
This one was just a little too vanilla for me. (at least where my head is currently) The book has a lighter/fluffier feel to it. I did enjoy their witty banter, but at times it felt silly/immature. This is something I struggle with… the light quirky romance. My sense of humor is dry, and things like “Jesus on a taco shell” is a miss for me. BUT, if you like sweet, slightly fluffy, romances without anything OW/OM, and lots of steam...then check this out. The H is pretty swoony, and the h is feisty.
I debated to disclose this, but since it can be a deal breaker for some readers... I decided to add it.
Bottom Line- One of the biggest ➕’s is that Ronin is described very similar to Jason Momoa, which…YUM. Again, solid read if you’re looking for an easier romance with likeable characters that have adulting down. Ronin is #boyfriendgoals with his “mama taught him right” sensitive, understanding attitude. Kim is definitely prickly, but IMO it comes off more as strong than bitchy. There is some cheese, especially the ending which was Cheesy McCheesefest level. My only real complaint (other than being bland) was that the conflict dragged on for too long. IMO
I picked this up for a dollar a couple years ago, and am finally getting around to reading it. I'm rating it 3⭐’s, because I do think it’s pretty solid for the genre, but it wasn’t really for me. I also did not read the other books. (I didn’t feel lost though) Scoring the Player's Baby is Kim and Ronin’s story. The blurb pretty much lays it out. Kim has a cheating pro-football ex-hubby, and ends up preggers after a ONS.
This one was just a little too vanilla for me. (at least where my head is currently) The book has a lighter/fluffier feel to it. I did enjoy their witty banter, but at times it felt silly/immature. This is something I struggle with… the light quirky romance. My sense of humor is dry, and things like “Jesus on a taco shell” is a miss for me. BUT, if you like sweet, slightly fluffy, romances without anything OW/OM, and lots of steam...then check this out. The H is pretty swoony, and the h is feisty.
I debated to disclose this, but since it can be a deal breaker for some readers... I decided to add it.
Bottom Line- One of the biggest ➕’s is that Ronin is described very similar to Jason Momoa, which…YUM. Again, solid read if you’re looking for an easier romance with likeable characters that have adulting down. Ronin is #boyfriendgoals with his “mama taught him right” sensitive, understanding attitude. Kim is definitely prickly, but IMO it comes off more as strong than bitchy. There is some cheese, especially the ending which was Cheesy McCheesefest level. My only real complaint (other than being bland) was that the conflict dragged on for too long. IMO
June 16, 2018
This entire series has been a huge hit for me. I'm really loving this author's voice, and her style, and her fun, sexy, and exciting characters.
Kim Matlock is a boss. She's the VP of PR for a huge corporation. The CEO is her half brother, but there was no nepotism involved here. She earned her job, and she's great at it, regardless what her jerk of a sperm donor, or anyone else, thinks about it. She's moved from Boston, and is living in Seattle for about a year, working on her current work project. She had a horrible, painful divorce from her ex, about a year before. He is a pro football player, and he cheated on her. When she's working a booth at a wedding expo, and meets the sexiest man she's ever seen, she thinks taking one night for herself is exactly what she needs to get back on track, with everything in her life.
Ronin Palamo is a god among men. He's the only boy in a family of 5 kids, raised by his amazing single mother. He's a starting wide receiver for a professional football team, and from the outside, has anything and everything a man could want. But, he's still struggling with things from his past that he hasn't recovered from. He's been using sex as an outlet for a long time, and when he's with his sister at the wedding expo, and catches sight of Kim, that's exactly what he wants from her too. But, he has no idea the ride that's in store for them.
Ronin and Kim's chemistry was palpable, and HOT right from the first moment. Their witty banter was top notch, and I loved watching them circle each other. They are both very emotionally damaged people, trying to figure out how to work through their stuff. Neither of them are doing a very good job separately, but together, they start to find a way to really deal with their baggage, for good. Their coping mechanisms were both highly faulty. For her, withdrawing from the world, for the most part, except for her work. For him, indiscriminate sex, never with the same woman twice. For both of them, AVOIDANCE. Neither of their actions actually worked to make them feel better, at least not for long. They both had to realize what they were doing to themselves, with their actions, and they had to figure out a way to stop skirting their issues and actually deal with them for good. I really appreciated the soul searching each of them had to go through to come out the other side.
The side characters here were great. I loved seeing the couples from the prior books, and I was very intrigued by Kim's brother and his wife. Apparently they have their own book, in a different series (A Millionaire at Midnight), and I'm adding that book to my tbr pile right now! I love when friends and family come through with honesty and help the hero and heroine to realize the mistake they've made. In this case, the heroine was the one who needed to grovel, and the way she did it was fabulous, and made me quite teary!
I highly recommend this to anyone! If you love sports romance, damaged characters learning to heal, fun side characters, a great grovel, steamy sexy times, surprise babies, and gorgeous multi-cultural characters, this book is for you!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Kim Matlock is a boss. She's the VP of PR for a huge corporation. The CEO is her half brother, but there was no nepotism involved here. She earned her job, and she's great at it, regardless what her jerk of a sperm donor, or anyone else, thinks about it. She's moved from Boston, and is living in Seattle for about a year, working on her current work project. She had a horrible, painful divorce from her ex, about a year before. He is a pro football player, and he cheated on her. When she's working a booth at a wedding expo, and meets the sexiest man she's ever seen, she thinks taking one night for herself is exactly what she needs to get back on track, with everything in her life.
Ronin Palamo is a god among men. He's the only boy in a family of 5 kids, raised by his amazing single mother. He's a starting wide receiver for a professional football team, and from the outside, has anything and everything a man could want. But, he's still struggling with things from his past that he hasn't recovered from. He's been using sex as an outlet for a long time, and when he's with his sister at the wedding expo, and catches sight of Kim, that's exactly what he wants from her too. But, he has no idea the ride that's in store for them.
Ronin and Kim's chemistry was palpable, and HOT right from the first moment. Their witty banter was top notch, and I loved watching them circle each other. They are both very emotionally damaged people, trying to figure out how to work through their stuff. Neither of them are doing a very good job separately, but together, they start to find a way to really deal with their baggage, for good. Their coping mechanisms were both highly faulty. For her, withdrawing from the world, for the most part, except for her work. For him, indiscriminate sex, never with the same woman twice. For both of them, AVOIDANCE. Neither of their actions actually worked to make them feel better, at least not for long. They both had to realize what they were doing to themselves, with their actions, and they had to figure out a way to stop skirting their issues and actually deal with them for good. I really appreciated the soul searching each of them had to go through to come out the other side.
The side characters here were great. I loved seeing the couples from the prior books, and I was very intrigued by Kim's brother and his wife. Apparently they have their own book, in a different series (A Millionaire at Midnight), and I'm adding that book to my tbr pile right now! I love when friends and family come through with honesty and help the hero and heroine to realize the mistake they've made. In this case, the heroine was the one who needed to grovel, and the way she did it was fabulous, and made me quite teary!
I highly recommend this to anyone! If you love sports romance, damaged characters learning to heal, fun side characters, a great grovel, steamy sexy times, surprise babies, and gorgeous multi-cultural characters, this book is for you!
ARC provided by Publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Megan from Alpha Book Club
Read
September 15, 2020CW: parent with cancer, mention of past cheating, talk of parental abandonment, depiction of parental rejection, talk of death of a loved one from Cystic Fibrosis, grief, pregnancy, miscarriage scare, talk to past miscarriage.
I enjoyed this book waaay more than I thought I would so let's do a quick list of things I liked and things I didn't.
Things I liked:
- This is the first book to actually make me like the surprise pregnancy trope. and that's because it wasn't used as a device to push the couple together, and wasn't the reason they gave each other a chance. Their romantic entanglement was separate from their co-parenting commitment.
- Ronin and how he has his heart on his sleeve. His character is super well rounded and we get to see him interact with his loved ones so we get a good sense of who he is.
- How fiercely independent Kim is while still wanting someone to care for and about her and being terrified to rely on someone like that.
- The sex scenes and the build up to them. The tension, the foreplay as well as the act itself were so well done. Damn.
- The domestic scenes where they took care of each other and opened up to each other made my soft heart melt. So cute and tender.
Things i didn't like:
- The weird emphasis on masculinity. Ronin's maleness is brought up so much. For instance, his being a p*ssy because his favorite movie is love actually, and loving his man card for it. There were a few more instances but I'd rather not spoil.
- Kim felt flat compared to Ronin. Although there were mentions of her loved ones, there were barely any interactions and the few interactions we got stayed pretty surface level and that was a bummer, especially since there were a few golden occasions to showcase strong female friendship.
- The ending was a mixed bag for me, because although I do understand why it was done like that, i am just personally not a fan of those types of "declarations".
I enjoyed this book waaay more than I thought I would so let's do a quick list of things I liked and things I didn't.
Things I liked:
- This is the first book to actually make me like the surprise pregnancy trope. and that's because it wasn't used as a device to push the couple together, and wasn't the reason they gave each other a chance. Their romantic entanglement was separate from their co-parenting commitment.
- Ronin and how he has his heart on his sleeve. His character is super well rounded and we get to see him interact with his loved ones so we get a good sense of who he is.
- How fiercely independent Kim is while still wanting someone to care for and about her and being terrified to rely on someone like that.
- The sex scenes and the build up to them. The tension, the foreplay as well as the act itself were so well done. Damn.
- The domestic scenes where they took care of each other and opened up to each other made my soft heart melt. So cute and tender.
Things i didn't like:
- The weird emphasis on masculinity. Ronin's maleness is brought up so much. For instance, his being a p*ssy because his favorite movie is love actually, and loving his man card for it. There were a few more instances but I'd rather not spoil.
- Kim felt flat compared to Ronin. Although there were mentions of her loved ones, there were barely any interactions and the few interactions we got stayed pretty surface level and that was a bummer, especially since there were a few golden occasions to showcase strong female friendship.
- The ending was a mixed bag for me, because although I do understand why it was done like that, i am just personally not a fan of those types of "declarations".
March 20, 2021
Contemporary Sports Romance : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
WAGS Series
#1 Scoring With the Wrong Twin : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Scoring off the Field : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
# 3 Scoring the Player's Baby : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast and sweet read that's arguably the best of the series.
WAGS Series
#1 Scoring With the Wrong Twin : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
#2 Scoring off the Field : ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
# 3 Scoring the Player's Baby : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A fast and sweet read that's arguably the best of the series.
November 18, 2018
The first romance I read by Naima Simone was Beauty and the Bachelor, the start of her Bachelor Auction series in August of 2015. I loved it, and I immediately put the author on my ‘watch’ list, to make sure I wouldn’t miss any of her future releases. Since then she’s written a bodyguard romantic suspense series, a scorchingly hot sex club series, and her most recent endeavor, the WAGS (which stands for Wives and Girlfriends) football romance series. Scoring the Player’s Baby is the third in that latter series and the title gives away the trope (Whoops! Surprise pregnancy!). Normally I stay away from that particular plotline but with this author, I trusted that she would overcome my hesitation with something worth reading – and she does, in a sexy, fun and emotionally pleasing romance.
Ronin Palamo takes his brotherly duties to his four sisters seriously, though he’s already regretting escorting Hana to the Seattle wedding show. As the wide receiver for the Washington Warriors football team, he’s used to being recognized in public though he’s managing to keep a low profile so far with his ‘man bun’ tucked under a thrift store Fedora. In fact, it gives him the chance to scope out the hall, and the sophisticated woman manning the Grand Hotel booth. When a stalkerish ex tries to catch his attention he does the only thing he can think of – fling himself at the mercy of the booth beauty in hopes she’ll play along and pretend to be his new girlfriend.
Kim Matlock prides herself on the reputation she’s built as the Vice President of public relations for Bishop Enterprises, her half-brother’s financial and holding company. With the company sponsoring the wedding show, and the Grand as their hotel to promote for the day, she’s taken a hands-on approach by appearing at the wedding show herself. Her own feelings about weddings are… not quite as upbeat as the throngs around her; she’s recently gone through a trying divorce from an NFL player for whom infidelity was a hobby. The Polynesian God look-a-like catches her off guard when he pulls her into an embrace and explains his dilemma, but she’s willing to help – and then indulge in a steamy night together, on a first name only basis.
Too late, Kim discovers the next morning that Ronin is a football player, the type of man she’s vowed never to get involved with again. But their one night stand has a consequence, in the form of a baby on the way. When she tells Ronin, he’s prepared to go all in as a co-parent. Both of them have had past relationships that have left their mark and made them wary of commitment. Will they be willing to take a second chance leap together?
I’m not always that fast at catching connections but it dawned on me partway through reading this that Kim is the sister of Alex Bishop of A Millionaire at Midnight (Bachelor Auction #4) which was a delightful surprise for me as I loved that story (and enjoyed Morgan and Alex’s cameos here). Kim – who is half black – is Alex’s half-sister, but is shunned by her father who paid money to her mother on learning of Kim’s birth but wanted no part in her life. Alex wants to right this wrong, and has connected with Kim and given her a valued place in his life and the family business. Their father resents this and is constantly a thorn in Kim’s side, doubting her business skills and decisions.
As a result of her poor relationship with her father and her failed marriage, Kim has always relied on herself for her strength and has kept her emotions tightly checked. When Ronin offers to be her safe place, someone she can confide in and trust, she has a hard time accepting it. Indulging in some steamy sex – sure! But long term commitment scares her. Kim is also worried about her pregnancy, having suffered a previous miscarriage. Plus she’s experienced the lows of paparazzi gossip as a result of her divorce. The last thing she wants is to be seen as a gold digger looking for another NFL player with whom to hook up.
Ronin is not without his own baggage. His high school sweetheart died young of cystic fibrosis, and she had wanted a baby; he struggles with guilt about being excited to have a baby with Kim. The grief over the loss of his first love led to his player reputation, easy sex with willing women wanting to sleep with a famous football player but none with whom he wanted a commitment. He and Kim must deal with the past in order to contemplate having a future together that’s more than just about being co-parents. I really enjoyed the way in which the author has the characters open up to each other slowly but surely as they start to get more emotionally involved and consider something for themselves and not just for the baby.
Though this is a football romance, the time on the field is limited to practices and the occasional game mention. More important is the bonding between teammates, particularly Ronin’s friends Zeph and Dom who feature in the first two books in the series. Family is important too, with Ronin’s relationship with his sisters and Mom a steadfast and supportive one. For Kim, learning to let go of her need for her father’s approval goes a long way to helping heal the hurt he’s caused her. Scoring the Player’s Baby puts a fresh, sexy spin on a familiar trope.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
Ronin Palamo takes his brotherly duties to his four sisters seriously, though he’s already regretting escorting Hana to the Seattle wedding show. As the wide receiver for the Washington Warriors football team, he’s used to being recognized in public though he’s managing to keep a low profile so far with his ‘man bun’ tucked under a thrift store Fedora. In fact, it gives him the chance to scope out the hall, and the sophisticated woman manning the Grand Hotel booth. When a stalkerish ex tries to catch his attention he does the only thing he can think of – fling himself at the mercy of the booth beauty in hopes she’ll play along and pretend to be his new girlfriend.
Kim Matlock prides herself on the reputation she’s built as the Vice President of public relations for Bishop Enterprises, her half-brother’s financial and holding company. With the company sponsoring the wedding show, and the Grand as their hotel to promote for the day, she’s taken a hands-on approach by appearing at the wedding show herself. Her own feelings about weddings are… not quite as upbeat as the throngs around her; she’s recently gone through a trying divorce from an NFL player for whom infidelity was a hobby. The Polynesian God look-a-like catches her off guard when he pulls her into an embrace and explains his dilemma, but she’s willing to help – and then indulge in a steamy night together, on a first name only basis.
Too late, Kim discovers the next morning that Ronin is a football player, the type of man she’s vowed never to get involved with again. But their one night stand has a consequence, in the form of a baby on the way. When she tells Ronin, he’s prepared to go all in as a co-parent. Both of them have had past relationships that have left their mark and made them wary of commitment. Will they be willing to take a second chance leap together?
I’m not always that fast at catching connections but it dawned on me partway through reading this that Kim is the sister of Alex Bishop of A Millionaire at Midnight (Bachelor Auction #4) which was a delightful surprise for me as I loved that story (and enjoyed Morgan and Alex’s cameos here). Kim – who is half black – is Alex’s half-sister, but is shunned by her father who paid money to her mother on learning of Kim’s birth but wanted no part in her life. Alex wants to right this wrong, and has connected with Kim and given her a valued place in his life and the family business. Their father resents this and is constantly a thorn in Kim’s side, doubting her business skills and decisions.
As a result of her poor relationship with her father and her failed marriage, Kim has always relied on herself for her strength and has kept her emotions tightly checked. When Ronin offers to be her safe place, someone she can confide in and trust, she has a hard time accepting it. Indulging in some steamy sex – sure! But long term commitment scares her. Kim is also worried about her pregnancy, having suffered a previous miscarriage. Plus she’s experienced the lows of paparazzi gossip as a result of her divorce. The last thing she wants is to be seen as a gold digger looking for another NFL player with whom to hook up.
Ronin is not without his own baggage. His high school sweetheart died young of cystic fibrosis, and she had wanted a baby; he struggles with guilt about being excited to have a baby with Kim. The grief over the loss of his first love led to his player reputation, easy sex with willing women wanting to sleep with a famous football player but none with whom he wanted a commitment. He and Kim must deal with the past in order to contemplate having a future together that’s more than just about being co-parents. I really enjoyed the way in which the author has the characters open up to each other slowly but surely as they start to get more emotionally involved and consider something for themselves and not just for the baby.
Though this is a football romance, the time on the field is limited to practices and the occasional game mention. More important is the bonding between teammates, particularly Ronin’s friends Zeph and Dom who feature in the first two books in the series. Family is important too, with Ronin’s relationship with his sisters and Mom a steadfast and supportive one. For Kim, learning to let go of her need for her father’s approval goes a long way to helping heal the hurt he’s caused her. Scoring the Player’s Baby puts a fresh, sexy spin on a familiar trope.
This review also appears at All About Romance: https://allaboutromance.com/book-revi...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher via NetGalley for review.
July 16, 2018
The Good
You had me at Polynesian Paul Bunyan, Ms. Simone.
My love for this book begins with Ronin, the laid back wide receiver in this diverse group of friends. The guy that I thought would be chill and supportive. I was not wrong. He was a HUGE part of my enjoyment of this story. He’s the type of hero that's my kryptonite and I’d like to make a sandwich of him and Jackson Lau from Hard Pressed by Kate Canterbary. Please and thank you. I would need at least a week of personal time. Lawd.
But I digress. Ronin and Kim have a ONS that results in the titular baby, so I knew their sexual connection was going to be a big factor. And granted, yes they have great chemistry from the start, yet it’s how their emotional relationship builds slowly and realistically that hooked me.
Ok, that, and the image of Jason Momoa in my brain while reading.
*stares for a while* What? Don’t judge me.
Anyway, I think there’s a good balance of heartfelt conversations regarding their concerns about being in a relationship and I respected the fact that Ms. Simone addressed some real concerns about how Kim would be perceived as Ronin’s baby momma. Kim is a solid heroine who’s gone through it in her life, I understood her issues and even when she pulled back, man her final grand gesture made it all worthwhile.
Plus, can I (again) applaud a football series where there are actual POC who are having the romance, as opposed to being just the sidekicks? Love that. Ronin is of Polynesian descent and Kim is biracial, with a supermodel black mother (second heroine with the same background this month, which is funny). Yay for diversity!
The Bad
I think the story follows the same beats as the earlier books, so this may or may not be an issue for you. The romances are strong enough that it’s more of a quibble than a real complaint. While the romance is center stage, I would have loved some relationships that exist outside the romance and aren’t solely there to facilitate the “aha” moment at the end.
Everything in Between
I liked the way the story tied in loosely with Ms. Simone’s Bachelor Auction series, but isn’t dependent on having read it. Just a nice treat for longtime fans. The ending ties up this story and gives a little treat for those who have read the series, so I was pleased and smiling when I closed my kindle.
I really enjoyed Kim and Ronin's romance and would recommend for contemporary rom fans who love this trope in particular or football romances in general. I’m ready for the next book in the series.
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August 19, 2021
So I thought I would clear my ARC schedule for a bit and try and catch up on some of the books on my kindle and as soon as I didn't have a book I had to read I couldn't for the life of me figure out what I wanted to read.
So this one popped up as one that a few GR friends were enjoying so I one clicked it and jumped in. To be honest it wasn't really what I was expecting but that seems to be the theme of the moment. However it was a quick and easy read with minimal drama and it's one less on my TBR (for now)
So this one popped up as one that a few GR friends were enjoying so I one clicked it and jumped in. To be honest it wasn't really what I was expecting but that seems to be the theme of the moment. However it was a quick and easy read with minimal drama and it's one less on my TBR (for now)
January 13, 2020
4.5 Stars
Kim Matlock finally has her own story!!! Happy dance. Wait...She divorces her cheating football player husband, she gets accosted by the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen, kissed within an inch of her life, has a one-night stand with said hottie, discovers he’s a freaking football player and oops, also discovers she’s pregnant with his child…..Not really what I pictured for her story. But man oh man...This. Is. The. Story. Kim. Needed.
Remind me to never doubt Naima Simone ever again! I love reading Naima because I know two things are going to happen; 1) I’m going to laugh and 2) I’m going to fall in love with the hero and heroine of the story. Honestly, before I picked up Scoring the Player’s Baby I was critical of it for surface reasons. The title screams gold-digger to me. Excuse me, but Kim isn’t one. She has a job she loves, makes her own money, and doesn’t need a man. Thank you very much. The hero has a beard. Not just a sexy five o’clock shadow, but a full mountain man beard. Eww. No thank you. By the end of the first chapter, I could care less about those issues.
Ronin Palamo is a man who seems to not have a care in the world. As star wide receiver for the Washington Warriors, he has money, adoring fans, NFL records, and his choice of any woman he wants. But behind his smiling face and electric personality is a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Since his father abandoned the family when he was ten, Ronin has felt as if he had to be the “man of the house”, a protector and caregiver to his mother and four sisters. He also feels like a failure for not saving and protecting the love of his life two years ago.
Kim first made an appearance as the half sister of Alex Bishop, the hero of A Millionaire at Midnight. She was funny, gracious, and seemed to love life. As VP of Public Relations for Bishop Enterprises, Kim was at the top of her game. That is until her life came crashing down around her with the realization that her husband of three years had been cheating on her. Now, a year and a half later, Kim finds herself in Seattle being less than half the woman she use to be.
I haven’t read all of Naima’s books and I don’t profess to be an expert on her writings, but Scoring the Player’s Baby seems different from her other books. Ronin and Kim really had to fight the demons of their past to be together. Ronin had to prove to Kim, a woman who no one ever put first, that she was worth loving, fighting for, and worthy of being number one. I loved Ronin’s reaction to discovering he was going to be a father. He has such a tenderness about him that my heart sighs and leaps with joy. I loved that he isn’t a typical guy. He and Kim prove that opposites really do attract. For me, the best part of this story was the declaration of love moment.
The WAGS series features three football players who happen to be best friends. The books are all standalones, however Scoring the Player’s Baby has a big moment for Sophia and Zeph from Scoring with the Wrong Twin. There are two friends who have been around the whole series, neither are players, but Jason and Renee have been dancing around each other. I really really hope they get their own friends to enemies to lovers story.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed. I will definitely be purchasing a paperback copy to add to my bookshelf.**
Kim Matlock finally has her own story!!! Happy dance. Wait...She divorces her cheating football player husband, she gets accosted by the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen, kissed within an inch of her life, has a one-night stand with said hottie, discovers he’s a freaking football player and oops, also discovers she’s pregnant with his child…..Not really what I pictured for her story. But man oh man...This. Is. The. Story. Kim. Needed.
Remind me to never doubt Naima Simone ever again! I love reading Naima because I know two things are going to happen; 1) I’m going to laugh and 2) I’m going to fall in love with the hero and heroine of the story. Honestly, before I picked up Scoring the Player’s Baby I was critical of it for surface reasons. The title screams gold-digger to me. Excuse me, but Kim isn’t one. She has a job she loves, makes her own money, and doesn’t need a man. Thank you very much. The hero has a beard. Not just a sexy five o’clock shadow, but a full mountain man beard. Eww. No thank you. By the end of the first chapter, I could care less about those issues.
Ronin Palamo is a man who seems to not have a care in the world. As star wide receiver for the Washington Warriors, he has money, adoring fans, NFL records, and his choice of any woman he wants. But behind his smiling face and electric personality is a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Since his father abandoned the family when he was ten, Ronin has felt as if he had to be the “man of the house”, a protector and caregiver to his mother and four sisters. He also feels like a failure for not saving and protecting the love of his life two years ago.
Kim first made an appearance as the half sister of Alex Bishop, the hero of A Millionaire at Midnight. She was funny, gracious, and seemed to love life. As VP of Public Relations for Bishop Enterprises, Kim was at the top of her game. That is until her life came crashing down around her with the realization that her husband of three years had been cheating on her. Now, a year and a half later, Kim finds herself in Seattle being less than half the woman she use to be.
I haven’t read all of Naima’s books and I don’t profess to be an expert on her writings, but Scoring the Player’s Baby seems different from her other books. Ronin and Kim really had to fight the demons of their past to be together. Ronin had to prove to Kim, a woman who no one ever put first, that she was worth loving, fighting for, and worthy of being number one. I loved Ronin’s reaction to discovering he was going to be a father. He has such a tenderness about him that my heart sighs and leaps with joy. I loved that he isn’t a typical guy. He and Kim prove that opposites really do attract. For me, the best part of this story was the declaration of love moment.
The WAGS series features three football players who happen to be best friends. The books are all standalones, however Scoring the Player’s Baby has a big moment for Sophia and Zeph from Scoring with the Wrong Twin. There are two friends who have been around the whole series, neither are players, but Jason and Renee have been dancing around each other. I really really hope they get their own friends to enemies to lovers story.
**Received a copy from Entangled Publishing and voluntarily reviewed. I will definitely be purchasing a paperback copy to add to my bookshelf.**
July 9, 2018
Naima Simone’s WAGS series has been a bit hit and miss for me, but Scoring the Player’s Baby was a huge hit. It quite possibly be that the hero, Ronin Palamo, is a character who has intrigued me from the first book in this series, it could also be that it was impossible not to feel the attraction between this couple from the start, or it could be that despite both the hero and heroine having some heavy duty baggage when it came down to it, their child and their growing feelings trumped all. I loved the emotions both characters had throughout this book, the lust that made it difficult for them to stay away, the parental baggage that made them both know they wanted better for their child, and they way they both fell despite believing they would never do so again.
I always appreciate a smart, strong, sophisticated heroine and Kim Matlock is all of that and so much more. The product of an affair between her model mother and business mogul father left Kim with a great female role model and a dad who refused to acknowledge her existence with the exception of his monthly check. While she now works with and has a great relationship with her half brother, her father still has an attitude against her even though she is working hard to save the hotels he bought that have been losing market share. On top of her father’s abandonment, Kim’s recent divorce from her pro football playing husband who repeatedly cheated on her and made a fool of her has left her less than trusting of men and swearing off anything resembling a relationship. Daring to embark on a one night stand with a man who has made her body sit up and take notice after a very long drought, Kim has no idea that the man she chose is none other than Ronin Palamo, a wide receiver for the Washington Warriors.
The minute Ronin spots Kim from across the room at a wedding expo he is attending with his sister he can’t explain the draw she has on him and meeting her only intensifies that feeling. When she helps him out of a sticky situation he finds he admires her quick wit and smart mouth leading to a night they both will never forget in more ways than one.
You’ll I can’t even begin to describe the beauty of Ronin and I don’t just mean his looks; this man is sweet, funny, kind, caring, and takes care of his sisters and his mom. Ronin is the whole package; tough when he needs to be, patient, sweet, and dominate and despite his feelings on relationships he is all in when he finds out he is going to be a dad.
I loved how multi layered both these characters were and that throughout this book we got to see all of them. I will say this book was highly sexual because sex was easy for these two and emotions were not, but somehow through it all they shared their lives, opened their hearts, and fell in love despite all their reservations and the events in their past that had made them wary.
Scoring the Player’s Baby was completely satisfying from start to finish with characters that were easy to fall in love with making it a perfect romance.
July 19, 2018
Tons of sexual chemistry between the H/h in this one!
The heroine (business woman Kim Bishop) was initially a little stand-off-ish due to her past with her football playing ex (who really did her wrong, so she wanted nothing to do with the Jason Momoa-look alike hero ( Ronin Paloma) when she found out he was a football player also! Aren't all football players party animals with no morals and are not to be trusted?
Yes, they did have one scorching night together (but that was before Kim knew who he was! This was just a one night stand!), but who knew she would turn up pregnant? And that Ronin would turn out to be this sweet, protective guy that refused to bail on her.
Kim had some additional baggage besides her divorce from a cheating ex; she was the 'bastard" daughter of a rather unfeeling corporate tycoon, who only saw her as a nuisance in his life. God, this guy was a real prince. His only son ran his business enterprise, and he hired Kim on (she had a good relationship with her half brother) to work for the company. For some reason, Kim was determined to prove to her 'father' that she was an asset to the company and his family. (I wouldn't have bothered with this loser).
So, will Kim give Ronin a chance to prove that not all football players/men are alike? That they can be loving, monogamous family men and not just good for one thing (scorching hot times between the sheets)?
I think I liked this hot number...I know I definitely liked Ronin.
4 1/2 stars
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
The heroine (business woman Kim Bishop) was initially a little stand-off-ish due to her past with her football playing ex (who really did her wrong, so she wanted nothing to do with the Jason Momoa-look alike hero ( Ronin Paloma) when she found out he was a football player also! Aren't all football players party animals with no morals and are not to be trusted?
Yes, they did have one scorching night together (but that was before Kim knew who he was! This was just a one night stand!), but who knew she would turn up pregnant? And that Ronin would turn out to be this sweet, protective guy that refused to bail on her.
Kim had some additional baggage besides her divorce from a cheating ex; she was the 'bastard" daughter of a rather unfeeling corporate tycoon, who only saw her as a nuisance in his life. God, this guy was a real prince. His only son ran his business enterprise, and he hired Kim on (she had a good relationship with her half brother) to work for the company. For some reason, Kim was determined to prove to her 'father' that she was an asset to the company and his family. (I wouldn't have bothered with this loser).
So, will Kim give Ronin a chance to prove that not all football players/men are alike? That they can be loving, monogamous family men and not just good for one thing (scorching hot times between the sheets)?
I think I liked this hot number...I know I definitely liked Ronin.
4 1/2 stars
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.
July 16, 2018
4 stars
Scoring the Player's Baby by Naima Simone is a hot, steamy and very enjoyable read.
I found the storyline entertaining, the characters likable and a little frustrating, but overall I liked them together and was happy watching them get their happily ever after.
*Available now*
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2t7NS5w
B&N: https://bit.ly/2JNSok7
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2MDsnSc
Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/2MEhGyH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tithKV
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2licOD5
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2u3ft8c
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
Scoring the Player's Baby by Naima Simone is a hot, steamy and very enjoyable read.
I found the storyline entertaining, the characters likable and a little frustrating, but overall I liked them together and was happy watching them get their happily ever after.
*Available now*
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2t7NS5w
B&N: https://bit.ly/2JNSok7
Kobo: https://bit.ly/2MDsnSc
Apple iBooks: https://apple.co/2MEhGyH
Amazon CA: https://amzn.to/2tithKV
Amazon UK: https://amzn.to/2licOD5
Amazon AU: https://amzn.to/2u3ft8c
*Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for the advance copy.*
June 21, 2018
Rated 4.5 Stars
Scoring The Player's Baby was funny, sexy, so damn hot and amazing. I found myself laughing loud many times while reading this book.
The sexy times damn near burned me to cinders. I loved every minute of it.
I loved watching Kim and Ronin not only fall for each other but grow as well. I loved that they found strength in each other, strength to overcome the things that had cast shadows over their lives.
I also loved the fact that the book highlighted the ways in which women, especially women of colour are treated/viewed in the workplace and relationships juxtaposing it with men.
I simply adored this story and highly recommend it.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
Scoring The Player's Baby was funny, sexy, so damn hot and amazing. I found myself laughing loud many times while reading this book.
The sexy times damn near burned me to cinders. I loved every minute of it.
I loved watching Kim and Ronin not only fall for each other but grow as well. I loved that they found strength in each other, strength to overcome the things that had cast shadows over their lives.
I also loved the fact that the book highlighted the ways in which women, especially women of colour are treated/viewed in the workplace and relationships juxtaposing it with men.
I simply adored this story and highly recommend it.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
June 20, 2018
***5 ‘Oh My Giddy Aunt’ Stars***
After finishing Scoring Off the Field I had secretly prayed that Ronin would be getting his book next, because he was my fav of the bunch, so imagine my giddy joy when the cover dropped (which is all KINDS of nummyness) and it just so happened to be Ronin’s??
Yup, you got it, squealing and internal happy dancing commenced and his, and Kim’s, story was everything I’d hoped it be. Sweet, smexy, frustrating (okay, maybe not this one, but expected) funny and filled with all kinds of heartmelting swoony goodness that made turning those pages so easy and has me wishing it didn’t end.
Ronin is so much more than the sum off all his parts and had my heart all kinds of twitterpated and my lady bits cheering. His past and his family have all molded him into the man that he is and while he has constructed a few walls around himself, he has a huge heart, charm and charisma which combined with his looks makes him absolutely lethal.
I adored Kim. She’s sassy, snarky and intelligent and despite what happened with her ex, she has picked herself up and taken charge of her life. This isn’t to say she isn’t a little bruised and nursing some wounds, but she is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
The whole one night stand with a stranger that ended up with me being pregnant thing was already going to be all kinds of interesting, but add in both Ronin and Kim’s pasts and all bets were off. I actually really enjoyed the push/pull between these two because it was so obvious that they fit well together in so many ways and the smexy was HAWT! OMG HAWT! The major roadblock wasn’t all that much of a surprise, but I loved what was done to get them back together and couldn’t have been happier with where they were at when the book was done.
This was another fun, smexy read and I really liked how the whole “Surprise! You’re a daddy!” situation was done. As for the crazy, wonderful supporting caste of characters, it was a lot of fun hanging out with all of them and meeting a couple I hadn’t met before, but now need to add their book to the never ending TBR list. But now the question is...will Jason and Renee’s book be next???
P.S. The muse for Ronin is spot on and I never saw the movie but I know the scene :D
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
After finishing Scoring Off the Field I had secretly prayed that Ronin would be getting his book next, because he was my fav of the bunch, so imagine my giddy joy when the cover dropped (which is all KINDS of nummyness) and it just so happened to be Ronin’s??
Yup, you got it, squealing and internal happy dancing commenced and his, and Kim’s, story was everything I’d hoped it be. Sweet, smexy, frustrating (okay, maybe not this one, but expected) funny and filled with all kinds of heartmelting swoony goodness that made turning those pages so easy and has me wishing it didn’t end.
Ronin is so much more than the sum off all his parts and had my heart all kinds of twitterpated and my lady bits cheering. His past and his family have all molded him into the man that he is and while he has constructed a few walls around himself, he has a huge heart, charm and charisma which combined with his looks makes him absolutely lethal.
I adored Kim. She’s sassy, snarky and intelligent and despite what happened with her ex, she has picked herself up and taken charge of her life. This isn’t to say she isn’t a little bruised and nursing some wounds, but she is definitely a force to be reckoned with.
The whole one night stand with a stranger that ended up with me being pregnant thing was already going to be all kinds of interesting, but add in both Ronin and Kim’s pasts and all bets were off. I actually really enjoyed the push/pull between these two because it was so obvious that they fit well together in so many ways and the smexy was HAWT! OMG HAWT! The major roadblock wasn’t all that much of a surprise, but I loved what was done to get them back together and couldn’t have been happier with where they were at when the book was done.
This was another fun, smexy read and I really liked how the whole “Surprise! You’re a daddy!” situation was done. As for the crazy, wonderful supporting caste of characters, it was a lot of fun hanging out with all of them and meeting a couple I hadn’t met before, but now need to add their book to the never ending TBR list. But now the question is...will Jason and Renee’s book be next???
P.S. The muse for Ronin is spot on and I never saw the movie but I know the scene :D
~ Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley & voluntarily reviewed ~
September 25, 2018
3 stars.
Quickie review:
This was an okay book for me. This is the story of Kim, an executive businesswoman, and Ronin, a pro football player, who fall pregnant after a one night stand. I had a hard time liking Kim. She was tough and hard. I liked Ronin okay, but I didn't love that he was dealing with a dead girlfriend. To me, that was added unnecessary drama when there was enough drama already. I didn't buy into Ronin and Kim being in love. They never relaxed fully or let their guards down with each other. There was so much pushing away on both sides. I felt like the pacing was off too. I realized at 63% that not very much had happened between them yet and there were not a lot of feelings. It never fully progressed into a loving relationship to me. Overall, though, this was an interesting story even if I didn't love it.
Quickie review:
This was an okay book for me. This is the story of Kim, an executive businesswoman, and Ronin, a pro football player, who fall pregnant after a one night stand. I had a hard time liking Kim. She was tough and hard. I liked Ronin okay, but I didn't love that he was dealing with a dead girlfriend. To me, that was added unnecessary drama when there was enough drama already. I didn't buy into Ronin and Kim being in love. They never relaxed fully or let their guards down with each other. There was so much pushing away on both sides. I felt like the pacing was off too. I realized at 63% that not very much had happened between them yet and there were not a lot of feelings. It never fully progressed into a loving relationship to me. Overall, though, this was an interesting story even if I didn't love it.
Want to read
August 25, 2019Scoring the Player’s Baby is on sale for $0.99 (regular price $2.99) on Amazon today (8/25/2019)💞
June 17, 2018
Straight forward, intelligent, funny, and oh so sexy, Ronin was a great book boyfriend! I don’t normally picture my characters as celebrities, but with Jason Mamoa as a muse, it was super easy channeling him as Ronin! Now Ronin had a phobia about relationships, hence his very blunt one night stand stance, but after his heartbreaking reveal, his huge heart didn’t want to be put through the wringer again and I couldn’t blame the guy. And then he meets Kim. It was insta-lusty lust from the get-go that morphed into something tangible. Something bigger than either one expected.
For all her quirks, I really liked Kim. She was dealt some hard knocks from life early on, but prevailed in a screw-you-world fashion. She was feisty, stubborn, and determined to do things her way to avoid heartache, and who could blame her after her the way she was treated by her “father” and ex-manwhore hubby?!
Ronin and Kim’s romance was a five alarm fire with lots of heat and sizzle! Their sexy chemistry burned the pages, but the emotional battle was the big test. The banter, movie references (of course, Love Actually is the best romcom movie ever!) humor, gah! I gobbled that stuff up! Back to the serious.... Getting Kim to crack open her shields took everything Ronin had. His subtle persistence, surprises and reliability took her by storm, making me hold my breathe wondering if she’d relent and really let him in.
As the title implies, yes pregnancy and baby are involved. Imagining their baby coming out looking like a superstar with Kim and Ronin’s diverse backgrounds had me grinning at the weirdest moments! Overall, this was a great read. I couldn’t stop at just one chapter and read the book in one evening, enjoying every minute of this battle of hearts!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
For all her quirks, I really liked Kim. She was dealt some hard knocks from life early on, but prevailed in a screw-you-world fashion. She was feisty, stubborn, and determined to do things her way to avoid heartache, and who could blame her after her the way she was treated by her “father” and ex-manwhore hubby?!
Ronin and Kim’s romance was a five alarm fire with lots of heat and sizzle! Their sexy chemistry burned the pages, but the emotional battle was the big test. The banter, movie references (of course, Love Actually is the best romcom movie ever!) humor, gah! I gobbled that stuff up! Back to the serious.... Getting Kim to crack open her shields took everything Ronin had. His subtle persistence, surprises and reliability took her by storm, making me hold my breathe wondering if she’d relent and really let him in.
As the title implies, yes pregnancy and baby are involved. Imagining their baby coming out looking like a superstar with Kim and Ronin’s diverse backgrounds had me grinning at the weirdest moments! Overall, this was a great read. I couldn’t stop at just one chapter and read the book in one evening, enjoying every minute of this battle of hearts!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 13, 2018
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 7/13/18.
Scoring the Player's Baby was a fun read. Unplanned pregnancy isn't my favorite troupe--especially when one of the characters has had a lot of partners, birth control had better be a priority--but it worked well here. With all of their hang-ups and past relationship issues, I'm not sure if anything else would have gotten these two together. And there is no question that Kim and Ronin need to be together :)
I especially appreciated that Ronin, though he wasn't technically a widower, had had a positive past relationship that ended in death and he was able to move on to another positive one without vilifying or reducing the importance of the first. His guilt over moving on felt spot on, even as his worry about Grace's family being upset felt a teensy bit over the top (especially since given her situation she and her entire family had to know that the long term dream of marriage and a family were truly a long shot. Of course Ronin deserves a chance to move on and be happy, and they'll agree with that. Grace would have agreed with that.)
I haven't read a lot of books from Ms. Simone, but she's quickly moving toward my list of must-read authors :)
And OMG, that grand gesture...loved!!! Abso-freaking-lutely perfect :)
The third book in the WAGs series, Scoring the Player's Baby works fine as a standalone. The other couples from the series make an appearance (and a future couple--Renee and Jason, yes? ;)) but you don't have to have read their books to enjoy this one. (But if you have read the others, that epilogue... :D)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Scoring the Player's Baby was a fun read. Unplanned pregnancy isn't my favorite troupe--especially when one of the characters has had a lot of partners, birth control had better be a priority--but it worked well here. With all of their hang-ups and past relationship issues, I'm not sure if anything else would have gotten these two together. And there is no question that Kim and Ronin need to be together :)
I especially appreciated that Ronin, though he wasn't technically a widower, had had a positive past relationship that ended in death and he was able to move on to another positive one without vilifying or reducing the importance of the first. His guilt over moving on felt spot on, even as his worry about Grace's family being upset felt a teensy bit over the top (especially since given her situation she and her entire family had to know that the long term dream of marriage and a family were truly a long shot. Of course Ronin deserves a chance to move on and be happy, and they'll agree with that. Grace would have agreed with that.)
I haven't read a lot of books from Ms. Simone, but she's quickly moving toward my list of must-read authors :)
And OMG, that grand gesture...loved!!! Abso-freaking-lutely perfect :)
The third book in the WAGs series, Scoring the Player's Baby works fine as a standalone. The other couples from the series make an appearance (and a future couple--Renee and Jason, yes? ;)) but you don't have to have read their books to enjoy this one. (But if you have read the others, that epilogue... :D)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
July 20, 2018
#ScoringThePlayer'sBaby #NetGalley
So I have read Scoring off the Field and loved it, and I could wait for this book. But for whatever reason, I kept getting distracted and missing this one. But I finally found the time and was able to get to it. Man, I wish I had found time earlier. I loved this story. It made me laugh, cry, and laugh some more.
Kim is a woman that is a year out of her divorce from a dick of a football player. He cheated on her and made her feel less of everything. She has a history of men walking away from her and she is just so tired of it. But she doesn't have the spirit or fight in her to make a change.
When Ronan sees Kim at a wedding expo he knows he wants her. So when a stalker shows up he uses Kim as a block and gets to kiss her. They trade numbers and he lets Kim set the pace. When she decides to get a hold of him that night. They both use each other to forget their past. Little does he know what that one night might bring.
Ronan is a wonderful character. He has a lot going on in his life, but he makes time and effort with Kim even when she tries to push him away. He might not want love any more than she does but sometimes you don't always get what you want.
I loved this story and am happy to have read it. I can't wait to see where Naima brings us next.
July 9, 2018
I love reading Naima Simone's books! Ronin has a reputation for enjoying his one night stands with no entanglements. Kim was badly burned by her ex-husband's cheating and an indifferent father. Working for her father's company doesn't make things any easier. Their initial meeting is hilarious - Ronin, trying to excape a desperate past hook-up, convinces Kim to pretend she's his fiance to try to get rid of the clinger - all in the matter of a few minutes - and she does so extremely well! Needless to say the sexual tension runs high and Kim gives in for one night. Only to discover that Ronin is a professional football player - same as her ex - and the breed of which she has sworn to stay away from. Unfortunately for her (or should we say - fortunately) Ronin decides that he can't get enough with just one night. As the relationship progresses both realize how similar their backgrounds are and that maybe they just need to give each other a chance to know each other better - especially since there's a baby linking them together.
There were some laughs and some tears shed while reading - making this a five star read in my book!!!
There were some laughs and some tears shed while reading - making this a five star read in my book!!!
July 4, 2018
Loved this book! What was suppose to be one night turned into a lifetime connection when an unexpected pregnancy results from Ronin and and Kim's one night of passion. Ronin a rough and tough football player with a heart of gold. Kim appears to be tough as nails and that may be true in business but when it comes to her personal life she's scared and insecure. Can these two wounded souls open their hearts and let love in?
This book is wonderfully written, scorchingly hot, with a romance at the center that will steal your heart. I highly recommend it to everyone.
This book is wonderfully written, scorchingly hot, with a romance at the center that will steal your heart. I highly recommend it to everyone.
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