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The Rebels #3
Calling the Plays
Football taught me to always keep my eye on the ball. But three players have captured my focus—and now, my heart.
Before them, the idea that I could care about anything more than football was inconceivable. And I never would’ve allowed one man to threaten my dreams, let alone three. Then again, I’d never met anyone like Xavier, Colt, and Tristan.
They want me to call the plays both on and off the field. Now I’m forced to decide whether to chase the glass slipper or keep charging through the glass sideline.
*Calling the Plays is the third book in a slow-burn contemporary reverse harem series.*
Before them, the idea that I could care about anything more than football was inconceivable. And I never would’ve allowed one man to threaten my dreams, let alone three. Then again, I’d never met anyone like Xavier, Colt, and Tristan.
They want me to call the plays both on and off the field. Now I’m forced to decide whether to chase the glass slipper or keep charging through the glass sideline.
*Calling the Plays is the third book in a slow-burn contemporary reverse harem series.*
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 25, 2019
84 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Julia Clarke
17 books208 followersAn adventurer at heart, Julia dabbles in everything from tap dance to calligraphy. When she's not traveling, Julia is learning new recipes, hiking, sailing, or inhaling copious amounts of fine chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 25, 2019
Calling the Plays is the final book in the Rebels series and its a doozy!! Up to this point, Blake and her guys, Xavier, Tristan, and Colt (dubbed XTC by Bastian!) have been dancing around each other. No one admitted feelings until the bombshell at the end of book 2. Now, Blake has to make a decision: date them or walk away.
The guys give Blake some time initially-I mean, her dad just had a medical emergency and all-but they manage to be supportive boyfriends without physically being there. Blake realizes the guys are amazing and if they are all willing to try this unconventional dating scenario, she is too. But, her rule is they MUST keep it a secret. This rule is what will cause all the problems.
Blake knows that dating players is totally against the rules. Technically, she isn't their coach. Technically, she is in a support role. Blake worries about her job, she worries about what everyone's families will think, she worries about giving up on her dream. Seriously, this girl is worried about everything. Thankfully, her BFF Bastian and her dad are able to make her see a few things. Blake looks at her life and determines what she wants...and that maybe what she really wants is not what she used to want.
I enjoyed the personal growth Blake makes in Calling the Plays. I think Clarke makes a powerful statement for women-never give up on your dreams, but recognize that sometimes dreams change. Its a powerful reminder to look closely at the things you THINK you want and evaluate those goals as you grow.
Aren't sure about reverse harem? Check out my post where I explain what it is and isn't HERE!
POV: 1st
Tears: no
Trope: football, reverse harem
Triggers:
Series/Standalone: series (must be read in order)
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
other RH authors like Autumn Reed, CM Stunich, Tate James, Jane Washington...then you will probably like Calling the Plays!
Calling the Plays
COYER: Title with reader's initials in it (4 points)See full review on The Book Disciple
September 6, 2021
Meh. Not bad. Would definitely had been better if all of the dithering and angst about their relationships had been cut out after the first mention. The heat level isn’t high, the romance satisfactory if a little one dimensional. The slow burn meant I was bored by the time they started sleeping with her. The grand gesture seemed out of character. Just… meh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2024
I finished this a couple days ago and it was fine. Lacked plot and depth tbh but at least there was smut this time 😂😂😂😂😂😂
May 15, 2023
So... Blake was so annoying in this book. I thought this series was okay. I mean when you're reading an RH you expect some steam right? The first two books had her only kissing all guys at least one time. And in this book the steamy scenes were like 2/5 spice levels, very unimaginative and boring, and you'd think there would be some group play right? It's an RH... But nope the only group scene fades to black. If this series had been about only her and Tristan it would have been much better, but we barely got to know the other two. Also "my queen" is such an ick.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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July 18, 2019Since I skimmed through the book there will be no rating.
Some parts I love about the series and other parts I didn't
-The guys pushed the MC to reveal their relationship to family and friends
Revealing to the public their unconventional love will make her lose her job which bothered me.
-Then come to find out love is more important than her dreams. What? That was exactly why I read the series. MC working in a world dominated by men was inspiring.
Some parts I love about the series and other parts I didn't
-The guys pushed the MC to reveal their relationship to family and friends
Revealing to the public their unconventional love will make her lose her job which bothered me.
-Then come to find out love is more important than her dreams. What? That was exactly why I read the series. MC working in a world dominated by men was inspiring.
June 1, 2024
4.7
Halle-fucking-lujah! That’s the “Ecstasy” I was talking about lmao, or should I say “X, T, C”? :p
Nice. Just. So. So NICE! *ugly crying*
May I ask where can I buy a Xavier Lee for me? Or should I call your manager? I’m serious, though.
Btw, the resolution felt a little… rushed? So easily settled that all the angst during the entire book was… wasted? Kinda of. Felt like a fanfic, to tell the truth. Even dealing with real issues, and like… real life problems, everything turned out so well that… there’s just no. fucking. way. this could end up like this in reality. And that’s fine, actually, perfect even. It felt good. It entertained me, a lot, and that’s enough. Everything ended well, too perfectly well, but okay lol. If my queen and her men are happy, I’m too. But it wasn’t easy, after all, nothing worth having in life is, huh ;) they’re living a little till the fullest of their lives, and I think I should follow the same path.
Wanted so bad to know about Bestie’s date though… まぁ、いいか。。。
Huff… I just wanted easy resolutions to my problems like the last chapters of this book… and of course, some horizontal tango *cough cough*. Next time my momma asks about my polyamory fantasies, I’ll just tell her that I have a big heart, big enough that needs extraordinary mEn to hold it heheh.
Halle-fucking-lujah! That’s the “Ecstasy” I was talking about lmao, or should I say “X, T, C”? :p
Nice. Just. So. So NICE! *ugly crying*
May I ask where can I buy a Xavier Lee for me? Or should I call your manager? I’m serious, though.
Btw, the resolution felt a little… rushed? So easily settled that all the angst during the entire book was… wasted? Kinda of. Felt like a fanfic, to tell the truth. Even dealing with real issues, and like… real life problems, everything turned out so well that… there’s just no. fucking. way. this could end up like this in reality. And that’s fine, actually, perfect even. It felt good. It entertained me, a lot, and that’s enough. Everything ended well, too perfectly well, but okay lol. If my queen and her men are happy, I’m too. But it wasn’t easy, after all, nothing worth having in life is, huh ;) they’re living a little till the fullest of their lives, and I think I should follow the same path.
Wanted so bad to know about Bestie’s date though… まぁ、いいか。。。
Huff… I just wanted easy resolutions to my problems like the last chapters of this book… and of course, some horizontal tango *cough cough*. Next time my momma asks about my polyamory fantasies, I’ll just tell her that I have a big heart, big enough that needs extraordinary mEn to hold it heheh.
November 4, 2022
72% into the THIRD book of the series and Blake is still unsure of her relationship with the guys… That was a disappointing ending to the story. It felt rushed and unsatisfying. The only reason I carried on with the series was to see how everything would play out in the end with their careers and their lives, and we didn’t really get to see it. They had to work on the dynamics of their relationship which was a big concern for Blake and maybe it got resolved, maybe it didn’t because we simply don’t know.
Also, the internalized misogyny is still going strong :
Xavier: “You know, not many women would do what you did today. They’d be too concerned with wrinkling their designer dress or messing up their expensive blowout”
(Blake) : I laughed, knowing it was true, even if I could never imagine it for myself.
Cool….
Also, the internalized misogyny is still going strong :
Xavier: “You know, not many women would do what you did today. They’d be too concerned with wrinkling their designer dress or messing up their expensive blowout”
(Blake) : I laughed, knowing it was true, even if I could never imagine it for myself.
Cool….
February 11, 2024
This was another series I decided to read due to a Influencer who gave it huge raves as a sports romance. Firstly, these books are very well written with a very strong female lead - she is tough, determined, goal orientated, sexually assured but also has her priorities wrong (IMO). The author is also very knowledgeable regarding American football and it shines through in these books - particularly book 1 - which I loved. What let it down for me was the lack of spice. These books are RH and at first I thought it was a slow burn series but when the spice finally hit it was very lackluster and there wasn't much of it. Considering this is a football RH with strong male leads in their prime and a sexually confident FMC it was really disappointing. Unfortunately this ruined the story for me.
June 26, 2019
Calling the Plays
The journey of Blake, Colt, Tristan and Xavier has come to an end in this final book of the Rebels series. And what an ending it was. It was realistic, emotional, sweet and sexy with a pinch of drama.
Blake finally decides to give in to her feelings and date X, T and C, but the pressure of keeping everything a secret and the fear of repercussions if people find out puts a strain on their happiness.
Looking back on the entire series, I can only confirm that the author did a splendid job portraying Blake's struggle on her way to happiness. Plus... I want a Bastian in my life. Now!
The journey of Blake, Colt, Tristan and Xavier has come to an end in this final book of the Rebels series. And what an ending it was. It was realistic, emotional, sweet and sexy with a pinch of drama.
Blake finally decides to give in to her feelings and date X, T and C, but the pressure of keeping everything a secret and the fear of repercussions if people find out puts a strain on their happiness.
Looking back on the entire series, I can only confirm that the author did a splendid job portraying Blake's struggle on her way to happiness. Plus... I want a Bastian in my life. Now!
June 28, 2019
Following her heart!
Blake struggles throughout this book with keeping their relationship a secret and what the impact would be on all of them if the world found out. She really had to take a look inside herself and reevaluate what was most important to her in order to make the right decisions. I loved the pace of the story and it had just the right of steamy scenes. Fantastic end to the series!
Blake struggles throughout this book with keeping their relationship a secret and what the impact would be on all of them if the world found out. She really had to take a look inside herself and reevaluate what was most important to her in order to make the right decisions. I loved the pace of the story and it had just the right of steamy scenes. Fantastic end to the series!
June 25, 2019
Stunning finale
I’ve loved this series since I stumbled across the first book. This book was a stunning finale to a fantastic series.
All the characters have developed themselves into strong, well-rounded individuals and you are able to see their growth throughout the books.
I highly recommend this series!
I’ve loved this series since I stumbled across the first book. This book was a stunning finale to a fantastic series.
All the characters have developed themselves into strong, well-rounded individuals and you are able to see their growth throughout the books.
I highly recommend this series!
July 4, 2019
Brilliant
Such good feels from this book. Super glad it had a HEA.I was torn between a 4 and a 5 purely because I think something more could have been done with the tyrese situation. Definitely recommend this completed series. Also relieved that there was a lot less football jargon in it which made for much easier reading
Such good feels from this book. Super glad it had a HEA.I was torn between a 4 and a 5 purely because I think something more could have been done with the tyrese situation. Definitely recommend this completed series. Also relieved that there was a lot less football jargon in it which made for much easier reading
November 19, 2019
Great story
I loved this series! Even though I consider this a 5-star read, I craved a more exploration of the romance between each of the guys with Blake. We finally get to see the romance in Book 3, and we have some really great scenes of them together - I just wanted more because I love these characters.
I loved this series! Even though I consider this a 5-star read, I craved a more exploration of the romance between each of the guys with Blake. We finally get to see the romance in Book 3, and we have some really great scenes of them together - I just wanted more because I love these characters.
November 23, 2021
Great ending!
Calling the Playe by Julia Clarke is the third and final book I'm The Rebel Series. This has easily become one of my favorite football reverse harem series. The character development between these four characters is amazing. They grow more in each book. I couldn't have asked for a better ending honestly.
Calling the Playe by Julia Clarke is the third and final book I'm The Rebel Series. This has easily become one of my favorite football reverse harem series. The character development between these four characters is amazing. They grow more in each book. I couldn't have asked for a better ending honestly.
June 25, 2019
3.5 STARS! This last book was rushed. Too much happened and not enough details. I also want to know where their story goes from here. The book was well written and I loved the characters but I was very disappointed with the book. The story just doesn’t feel complete to me.
June 26, 2019
Outstanding
This was a great finish to a fantastic series. I loved finding out what happened with the supporting roles. The way things played out for her and the guys gave me some heart squeezing moments. Another good one from a wonderful author!
This was a great finish to a fantastic series. I loved finding out what happened with the supporting roles. The way things played out for her and the guys gave me some heart squeezing moments. Another good one from a wonderful author!
July 4, 2019
Heart warming and beautiful
This series has been amazing. Every book you see the relationship and bonds formed between Blake, Tristan, Colt and Xavier grow into an incredible and intense love. I loved reading these books and I know you all will too. Absolutely freaking AMAZEBALLS
This series has been amazing. Every book you see the relationship and bonds formed between Blake, Tristan, Colt and Xavier grow into an incredible and intense love. I loved reading these books and I know you all will too. Absolutely freaking AMAZEBALLS
May 16, 2020
Finally! We get all the naughty and sexy times theses 4 deserve. All the loose ends are tied and what an amazing conclusion to this trilogy! Blake is one lucky lady and in this book all our dreams for her a filled! <3
June 18, 2021
Hmmmm...okay.
The series as a whole is a bit strange. American Football is not an Olympic sport and yet the main character won a gold medal in Women's American Football which just seemed more unfathomable than the whole reverse harem story.
The series as a whole is a bit strange. American Football is not an Olympic sport and yet the main character won a gold medal in Women's American Football which just seemed more unfathomable than the whole reverse harem story.
February 19, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this series.
A story of a trend setting woman fighting traditional female roles. Strong role model and power house. Falls in love with 3 men. Each guy becoming a different butterfly feels love story.
Low on the smut scale especially for a RH but still a great read.
A story of a trend setting woman fighting traditional female roles. Strong role model and power house. Falls in love with 3 men. Each guy becoming a different butterfly feels love story.
Low on the smut scale especially for a RH but still a great read.
July 15, 2022
I DNF’d this one. It’s the THIRD book in the series & still not a single romantic connection, except for a kiss or two…I’m done. The push & pull between characters should not last that long. I had super high hopes bc the first book started out pretty good, but the story just got boring from there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 13, 2023
I waited to write my review until the last book. These were short and easy reads. Felt like it could of only been a duet or even one longer book. Was good, but probably wouldn’t pick this series up again to read.
June 30, 2019
What an ending!
I was hesitant to read this, knowing that it was the final book. But damn! I loved this series! I can’t believe it’s over!
I was hesitant to read this, knowing that it was the final book. But damn! I loved this series! I can’t believe it’s over!
June 30, 2019
Excellent romance
Great series with fabulous characters and an awesome love story between 3 hot men and 1 smart, strong MC. Read it!
Great series with fabulous characters and an awesome love story between 3 hot men and 1 smart, strong MC. Read it!
July 2, 2019
Wow
What a great ending to one of the most unique storylines I have ever read! The guys are sexy and interesting. Blake kicks take!! Loved it!
What a great ending to one of the most unique storylines I have ever read! The guys are sexy and interesting. Blake kicks take!! Loved it!
July 13, 2019
The end
The perfect ending. The had many ups and downs in their journey together. I really enjoyed it and they all finally got the ending they deserved.
The perfect ending. The had many ups and downs in their journey together. I really enjoyed it and they all finally got the ending they deserved.
November 27, 2019
Amazing!
This series was awesome! I loved Blake and her relationships with Colt, Tristan, and Xavier. This is a series I’ll definitely reread over and over again. :)
This series was awesome! I loved Blake and her relationships with Colt, Tristan, and Xavier. This is a series I’ll definitely reread over and over again. :)
June 14, 2020
I love this series. It’s nice to find a new author I wish there were more book by her.
September 28, 2020
That ending is so disappointing and so cringe.
September 19, 2021
are you kidding me 😐
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews