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Heartbreakers & Heroes #9

Game On: a book in the Cotton Creek Saga

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Dillon Walker loves football. Always has. When a promising career playing was cut short by an injury, he didn't let it rob him of his love for the game. He just moved to the sidelines. Coaching.

So here he is, back in Cray County, the head coach of the Cotton Creek Mustangs. And so far, life is okay.

Until there's a threat against his family, and suddenly he's being saddled with a body guard.

A blonde body guard.

With curve from hell.

And who might just know as much about the game as Dillon.

Have mercy.

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 25, 2018

73 people are currently reading
44 people want to read

About the author

Ciana Stone

135 books257 followers
Ciana Stone has been reading since the age of three, and wrote her first story at age five. Since then she enjoyed writing as a solitary form of entertainment, before coming out of the closet to share her stories with others. She holds several post graduate degrees and has often been referred to as a professional student. Her latest fields of interest are quantum mechanics and Taoism. When she is not writing (or studying) she enjoys painting (canvas, not walls), sculpting, running, hiking and yoga. She lives with her longtime lover in several locations in the United States.

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5 stars
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9 (6%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
Profile Image for Catlou.
1,407 reviews14 followers
December 1, 2018
Senator Richard Walker’s family has been threatened, and he and his brother, Russell, will do whatever it takes to keep their family safe. Dillon Walker is a HS football coach. He doesn’t feel the threat’s credible enough to warrant a private security detail until Josie Harper’s assigned as his bodyguard. Despite his objections, she’s to pose as the school’s conditioning coach and his girlfriend. As things begin to heat up between them, so does the threat to Dillon’s safety. Josie’s sworn to risk all to protect Dillon, even if it means her life. Dillon can no longer imagine life without Josie in it, but will it take Divine intervention to give him back his heart’s desire?

There’s a lot of impact in this novella. The drama builds steadily, keeping you on the edge of your seat until the end. Dillon and Josie are engaging characters and their storyline is fast paced, enjoyable and extremely appealing. I highly recommend this very entertaining Cotton Creek story. As the book says, “Cotton Creek [is] a place where love [is] always possible, miracles [happen], and angels are real.”
Profile Image for Cheryl Whitty.
903 reviews14 followers
December 20, 2018
Reviewed on http://bookaddict.live,
Game on is a novella that reads like a novel there is so much action involved. We meet Dillon Walker the football Coach at Cotton Creek high school. In Lincoln Shaw Lulu was brought to Cotton Creek to pose as Dillon's Assistant Coach and girlfriend. As you all know Lulu fell in love with Lincoln, so Josie has been brought to be his new bodyguard and fake girlfriend. All because his uncle is a US Senator and receiving threats against his family.
Have you got all that, Josie is colleague and friend of Lulu’s, so she fits in and begins to love her assignment, and her assignment begins to love her back.
Wow this is a hot romance between Dillon and Josie, with plenty of action in and out of bed. We begin to see more of the Walker family in this novel as we get ready to start The Legacy Series still based around Cotton Creek and I can’t wait
660 reviews2 followers
December 26, 2018
After waiting for each new book to come out, I get more and more disappointed. On top of this book being only 87 pages! Thank goodness its a KU! It kinda resumes where the last one ended, but it moves too fast and of course there is more of the "paranormal" aspect in it. Its getting kind of unbelievable at this point and now we have an "angel" walking around town.

Dillon has a new body guard and of course she fits right in with her past of football knowledge and knows Lula.. Josie notices a couple men at the Honky Tonk, and "eye balls" lula to let her know one is watching Dillon and then she walks out the front door with the other. Where of course she does an amazing take down but then arrested by the police when they show up - she talks the police into letting Dillon ride to the police station with them and the police let him? Really???? Without explaining why......

the attacks on Dillon escalate until they are both kidnapped - Now tell me What kidnappers take the packed luggage that is still in josie's BEDROOM when the two are kidnapped from the kitchen? of course Josie has her tracking devices in her luggage so the "hot" crew and find them almost immediately before they are hurt. Oh don't forget the undercover agent (that only Josie knows about) lives across the street and is shot but yet identifies the car and the license plate that the kidnappers drove as he is taken into emergency surgery. In the rescue Josie gets shot and the "paranormal" aspect comes into play.... once she awakens the story skips to they are already married and the whole part of the story about the threats on the Walker family is still hanging.....

If there were a few more chapters alot of what happens would make sense as it is, the story is VERY rushed - and unbelievable. I have enjoyed the books from book 1 but they seem to get shorter and shorter and more and more into the paranormal aspect and more unbelievable and ALOT disappointing. Amazon/publisher and the author need to put a paranormal tag on this series......
1,705 reviews11 followers
November 29, 2018
The book of Lincoln Shaw (Heartbreakers and Heroes) and this book should be read before the Game On to get the whole story. They were very exciting and interesting romance suspense stories, both books are about Dillon Walker and his protection against those who would try to use him and his family against his uncle who was a US senator but Senator Richard Walker and his brother Russell hired Secret Service agents to protect Russell's younger son Dillon even though he didn't believe that anyone would want to kill or hurt him so he really didn't take it seriously until later he and Lula tried to pretend they had a relationship. She was already involved with someone before she took the job so that didn't workout even though he was willing. And then he still didn't take it seriously as they would have liked until this new book but, certainly not at the beginning of his protection by Secret Service agent Josie Harper who happen to took her job seriously and didn't won't to get involved with her charge she would be working very closely with Dillon, he was very impressed with her football knowledge. He is suppose to be involved with Josie but he claims he didn't want to do it but his family insisted once again. Soon he realizes that Josie is different and they both realize that there is something between them. This time it actually turned out to be real but then they were threatened on the way to work one morning before he actually took his situation seriously. If you don't read this story you will be missing out on a really great book even though it is a short story it is so enticing and dramatic with so much suspense and intrigue you won't want to miss it. I was given a copy as a gift from the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
Profile Image for Heidi Lynn’s BookReviews.
1,304 reviews108 followers
November 28, 2018
First, I want to thank Ciana Stone for providing me with this book so I may bring you this review.

Game On is part of the Ciana Stones Heartbreakers and Hero’s Series. These books should be read in order as characters from past books come up in each book. For example, in this one we see my favorite hunk Lincoln aka Thor, Reese, Wiley, etc.

This cover was unlike any cover Ciana has done before. Usually, she picks hunks that are omg drop dead gorges. However, to me this looked like a sweet yet sexy guy next door type.

I will be blunt-I am not that big into sports. Therefore, I don’t really read books that are sports themed. However, I am a huge Ciana Fan and took a chance on it. I am glad I did because the other storylines overpowered the minor part.

Right from the prologue Ciana started off dialogue that got you interested in the prologue of the book. Then it went from there.

For me the favorite part in the book was the football coach and the female lieutenant who was undercover pretended to be his wife. It was funny how they had to put on a show for everyone and it actually looked believable. What cracked me up is she blew the football coach away with all her football knowledge and for her father was in the NFL. With this pairing I loved seeing the unique friendship develop.
2,496 reviews42 followers
November 16, 2018
Another heart racing addition to the Cotton Creek, Heartbreakers and Heroes series! Dillon Walker and his family have been under protection due to threats made against his uncle, Senator Walker. Agent Josephine (Josie) Harper, his new bodyguard, will move in with him to keep him safe. She will also work with him at the school, where he is the football coach, giving him 24-hour protection. Dillon does not understand the need for protection…he is only a high school coach?? He will soon come to realize that evil does exist and he is a pawn in someone’s attempt to force his uncle to meet their demands. Will Josie be able to keep him safe? Will he act on his attraction to Josie? Ms. Stone has us visit with former characters of the series, “catching up” with old friends. The attraction between Josie and Dillon is off the charts as they both try to be on guard and remain professional. This series keeps growing and getting better and better (finished it in one sitting…couldn’t put it down!) A must-read series by a terrific author. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
Profile Image for Stacy Gragg.
154 reviews
November 28, 2018
Game On is part of Ciana Stone's Heartbreakers and Heroes series but it's also opens the door to her new series Heritage. Dillon Walker had a promising career in the NFL until an injury cut it short, now he is Cotton Creek High Schools Football Coach. When there are threats to his Uncle Senator Walker and his family both his Uncle and Father hire a bodyguard to keep him safe and protected. Enter Special Agent Josephine (Josie) Harper. Josie is to blend in and poise as Dillon's girlfriend, reluctant at first Dillon doesn't really get why he needs protection but goes along with the lie to make his family happy not to mention it might be fun trying to get Josie in his bed!

I have always loved Ciana Stone's style of story telling, the characters she writes about and how she weaves just enough paranormal activity in the story to make it different. As always we get to visit with old friends and make new ones, I was so excited to have the local Cotton Creek Angel come for a visit. Looking forward to the next chapter in the Heartbreakers and Heroes series and learning more about the Walker Clan in Hertiage!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
1,698 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2018
I really enjoyed reading Dillon and Josie's story, I only wish it was longer because I didn't want it to end. I would have liked reading about some of the things they did and how their feelings developed instead of they meet, have to work together, and bam they are in love. But, with a novella, things are sped up, so I understand why things moved so fast.
He isn't happy that she is there and resents his dad for thinking that he can't take care of himself. She is trying to keep from him that she does understand football and might like him a little. When their personal relationship reaches new levels, she realizes that professional obligations might be taking a back seat. Can she keep him safe? Is someone out to get him or is his dad overreacting? When things go horribly wrong and they find themselves in danger, will they be able to get out or are they doomed? Wiley and the others play a huge roll in the end of this book, which I loved. Another great read. I can't wait to read her new series. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,124 reviews
November 21, 2018
Wow! Talk about faced paced. If I had any complaint, it would be that I wanted more of Dillon and Josie.

This book is so full of action and suspense that it almost leaves you breathless. I have read fast-paced books that make you feel like you are missing something. I didn't feel like I lost anything. I didn't want the pace to slow down, and I didn't want it to end.

It was a nice twist to show Dillon's vulnerability and Josie's grim determination and strength. One of my favorite scenes was the one with Wiley, Lincoln, and Mathias. And to top off everything, was the visit from Joe.

There was not a lot of buildup to Josie and Dillon's relationship. There was not a lot of angst. There was not a lot of descriptive sex, but the sexual tension was very apparent. On some level this book should not have worked as well as it did. But, I can honestly say I enjoyed it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via the author.
Profile Image for Connie.
1,669 reviews6 followers
January 4, 2019
I received a complimentary copy of this book AND I purchased a copy.

This was a fascinating read that will grab you right from the beginning. All of the stories that take place in Cotton Creek are just so enchanting. The characters will feel like friends that you can't wait to see again. This story is about Dillon and Josie. Dillon is a nephew of a U.S. Senator. The senator has received threats against himself and his family. Josie takes over as his bodyguard from Lula (the female protagonist from Lincoln Shaw). The attraction between Dillon and Josie is a great tale to read. I wish there was more to explanation to Dillon's back story. What we discovered through Josie's research raised some questions and it would have been nice if it was explained in further detail in a discussion between the two.

I highly recommend this story to anyone.
Profile Image for Patricia Baxes.
3,049 reviews31 followers
November 14, 2018
Oh Lordy...Ciana Stone has done it again with “Game On” (Book 9 in the Heartbreakers and Heroes series). How does she do it? I swear, I need to buy stock in a tissues company because I cry a river every time I read her new book.

Each of these books has a masterful storyline, with characters you immediately fall in love with and feel welcome in their story. How love blossoms in the crazy world our book friends navigate literally steals your breath away. Love, faith, and angels dwell in Cotton Creek—and I’m ready to visit any time I get the call! You definitely want to add this one to your library today. (I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and absolutely loved it!) ❤️❤️❤️
Profile Image for Jennie Fortna.
2,521 reviews29 followers
December 27, 2018
ARC for honest review with no compensation. 4.5 stars

Game On is book 9 in the Heartbreakers & Heroes series and part of the Cotton Creek saga and another well written, intriguing, suspenseful and fast paced book by Ciana Stone.

Dillion Walker has a love for football and after a career ending injury he decides the best way to stay in the game is to coach football. Being from a high profile and political family he just wants to stay under the radar and coach but when he is threatened his uncle US Senator Richard Walker sends a bodyguard to protect him...a beautiful curvy blonde names Josie.

Can she keep Dillion safe, not risk her heart, find where the threats are coming from or will all be lost?

214 reviews
November 22, 2018
Dillon Is the new football coach in Cotton Creek. He loves his job and his team is at the top of their game. Life should be great, but evil forces are at work and his life has been threatened. He is assigned a body guard. Suddenly, it’s “Game On”!

Clearly the lady is good at her job and well versed in football, not what he was expecting but she has his full attention.

Once again, Ciana Stone has delivered another fast-paced, engaging story filled swoon worthy characters, danger and things you won’t see coming! Another addition to the Heartbreaks & Hero’s Series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I absolutely loved it! Now point me toward Cotton Creek!
Profile Image for Dawn Herrera.
704 reviews11 followers
November 30, 2018
Ciana Stone has done it again another fantastic story, Game On was a fun and exciting story it is another great addition to the Heartbreakers and Heroes series. This Story has a bit of suspense, some action and definitely some incredible characters with a whole lot of chemistry. This was a quick read that just captures your attention from the very beginning and holds on to you till the end. I absolutely loved Dillon and Josie they were two strong characters with a whole lot of heart. There is a bit of a magical twist to this book that will definitely draw you in. I absolutely recommend this great book. I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2018
One question...

I just have one question... how do all the hot men keep turning up in Cotton Creek?!? Actually I do have another question. Are there any houses for sale in Cotton Creek? I definitely need to move there! Dillion is the newest hunk to arrive in town. When threats require him to have a bodyguard, Dillion gets more than he bargained for. Josie was strong, sassy and just what Dillion needed. Their sexual tension was hot enough to heat a house for months. I can't wait to see what happens in this town next...

*I received an Advance Reader's Copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing*
Profile Image for Sandie.
683 reviews6 followers
December 26, 2018
Another visit to Cotton Creek and another super hot man and superhero lady. I love the Heartbreakers & Heroes series the couples are always so interesting and stories so intriguing. This one is a fast read that I couldn't put down until it was done. Dillion is the high school football coach we met in the last book he's from a high profile political family that has been threatened. Call in the calvary beautiful Josie is his new bodyguard. Lots of heat and sizzle between them as she protects him. This book has great characters and a great continuing storyline. Great action, adventure, and love.
854 reviews2 followers
January 25, 2019
Hot and Sweet

When Dillion Walker’s NFL career as quarterback is cut short because of an injury, he secures a job as a hitch school football coach. When his uncle, Senator Richard Walker’s political career puts his family in danger, they hire Josephine Harper to help protect Dillion which requires her to protect her true identity, she becomes a trainer for his high school’s football team Dillion and Josie strike up an interesting relationship. this book is short and sweet with plenty of lust as these two fight to keep their relationship professional. I adored the storyline and fell in love with the main characters but found enough editing errors to score this book a 4.
Profile Image for Sue.
4,327 reviews5 followers
November 14, 2018
This is by far my favorite book in this series. There is plenty of action, life and death decisions, miracles and then love is the most important thing of all. This is Dillon's story and a new bodyguard to protect him. Josie is Lula's friend and she called in a favor for her to be Dillon's bodyguard. Like in Lula's story with Lincoln, she tries to keep things professional. She's a widow and not ready for love or so she thinks. Things really get serious in this book. Ciana is a great story teller and this book is not different. EXCELLENT READ.
Profile Image for Christine Karmelreads2665 W..
1,824 reviews6 followers
December 2, 2018
Dillion and Josie

For the readers that like “Joe” he will make an appearance in this story.

Even though this is not one of her typical full novels this book was still worth reading. Here we get Dillion’s story with more background regarding the “threat” to the Walker family.

Some time people have to be put to the test of the mental, physical and spiritual/faith endurance. This book just adds to the collection of stories by Ms. Stone.

Enjoyed every minute of reading it.

I have voluntarily read and reviewed the book without obligation to the author.
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
December 14, 2018
No matter if this is your first book in the 'Heartbreakers & Heroes' series, or the you have read them all, Josie and Dillon's story has all the elements we come to expect when reading of the sexy men and women in Cotton Creek. With brief appearances from characters in previous books, Josie and Dillon's story stands on its own, with fast paced suspense and a steamy romance. A novella that will wet your appetite for more Cotton Creek romance stories, I would like to thank Ciana Stone for gifting me "Game On". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 5 Stars!
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews10 followers
December 23, 2018
Another great Cotton Creek story. I think it piggybacks off of Lincoln Shaw's story which is fine by me, having already read that I still think this stands alone but will definitely entice readers to want to read more of this series. The mystery of the saga is moving forward, I am not in a rush for this series to end because I love it. :) Love the characters, they are strong, close-knit and always very supportive not to mention their paranormal skills, all make for a interesting and heartfelt story. I am voluntarily reviewing a free copy provided by Candid Book Reviews.
Profile Image for Christine Woinich.
2,762 reviews25 followers
January 15, 2019
This was a quick read. There was quick attraction, danger, friends, family, love throughout the pages. Dillon wanted to be left alone, but his family would not leave him be. Josie was hired to protect him, but they had to play at being in love. It took no time for the steam to rise and the two of them to want more. The end had me holding my breath, hoping there would be an HEA, as this couple were cute together with the banter. I would have liked a longer, more detailed story, but this was still a good story.

I received an ARC through Candid Book Reviews, and this is my unsolicited review.
Profile Image for Paula.
1,955 reviews6 followers
December 21, 2018
A Fantastic Holiday Novella .
I volunteered to read and review an advanced readers copy of Game On AHeartbreakers & Heroes Holiday Novella .
This story is really enjoyable . It's full of suspense and action . A very well written and exciting story . It has a fabulous storyline with a touch of mystical happenings and faith .
The story has appearances of some well love characters from earlier stories .
I don't want to forget romance . I highly recommend reading and enjoying this story .
Profile Image for Denise.
4,119 reviews12 followers
November 29, 2018
This one was a quick delight to read and fed the addiction of this series. One day I would like to see Joe get his own book. Needless to say Dillon I knew a bit about but now it is on in this one. He gets a new bodyguard with them both playing with fire. Josie is unexpected but he will see more than just a cover with her. As these two have their game and dangerous one is about to be played with us holding our breath until the outcome is revealed. Ate up every page.
Profile Image for Mary.
2,753 reviews24 followers
November 30, 2018
This is entertaining, romantic and exciting. The sparks started before they were even introduced, Josie could work with that, later, but Dillon wanted nothing to do with the sexy new trainer. Josie is tough, bold and bubbly. Dillon is stubborn, determined and strong. The dynamics between them make for a fun, sexy story, one that I enjoyed reading
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
269 reviews
December 3, 2018
Coach Dillon Walker, who we met in the Lincoln Shaw book, has a new bodyguard Agent Josie Harper protecting him from a threat against the entire Walker family. WOW! The story here is great and moves along at a wonderful pace. And the heat between Dillon and Josie is off the charts. Loved it! Ms. Stone delivers another winner!
Profile Image for Hsu Lee.
1,743 reviews9 followers
December 4, 2018
I voluntarily offered to review this book with no obligations and my opinions are honest!
It was a great book!
This book in the series is about Dillon Walker + Josie Harper.
Can Dillon make peace w/ his bodyguard Josie ?
It has all the ingredients that you need for a great book!
I can't wait for the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Isis Ray-sisco.
748 reviews
December 5, 2018
Another great book set in Cotton Creek. I enjoyed reading this one. I liked learning more about Dillon and meeting Josie. Their chemistry was undeniable (even though they tried to), and the were both great characters. I liked that Josie was tough and good at her job. I also enjoyed visiting with past characters. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this series and this genre.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews8 followers
January 1, 2019
Game On

Duncan's getting a new bodyguard. Something he isn't to happy about. Josie knows Duncan isn't thrilled to have a bodyguard much less a women one.
Love the series. The books can be read as standalones but I think you get much more out of them by reading in order. The characters are complex and they fit together like pieces of a puzzle.
607 reviews
July 4, 2019
Short but interesting

This story was a but shorter. Josie and Dillion. Josie is the body guard hired to protect Dillion. While they PRETEND to be a couple the sparks fly as they try yo keep it all business. Some favorite characters from previous stories are visited. All in an all an enjoyable read. I love everything this author writes. Looking forward to the next one.
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