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No booze. No women. No bad press. Seems easy enough until I wake up to my naked ass plastered all over the internet...

These are the rules I need to live by if I want to win back my position of starting quarterback. With my dream on the line, I’m keeping my pants zipped up… That is, until I meet Emma, who has a dream of her own to start an artist’s retreat. She lights me up in places I didn’t even know had gone dark and so who could blame me for breaking one rule? She’s forbidden, and yet the more I have her, the more I need her. I’m willing to give her everything. I even pose naked for her art. So when pictures of my private parts end up all over the internet, my dream is once again jeopardized. There’s only one person who has access to these private photos sold to an online celebrity gossip site.

Now I’m left wondering if the woman I fell head over heels for sold my dream to pay for hers.

FORBIDDEN PLAYER IS A HOT 60K STANDALONE, SMALL TOWN, FORBIDDEN, ENEMIES TO LOVERS, SPORTS ROMANCE WITH A GUARANTEED HAPPILY EVER AFTER. NO CLIFF-HANGERS, NO CHEATING, JUST HEAT.

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 13, 2020

60 people are currently reading
50 people want to read

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Holly Jaymes

35 books125 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Kathy VanHouten.
51 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2020
I read this ARC copy and am giving my review for Forbidden Player. Tucker Mclean is a quarterback who injured his right shoulder and had to sit out the season , with little to do but rehabilitation he goes out with his team mates and of course doesn't give any thought to his image but only what he wants.. women.. booze leading to pictures on the internet his team owner and coach are not happy with . His agent tells him he needs to live by three rules until training camp if he wants to keep his job . 1 No booze. 2 No women. 3 No bad press. so he head back to his home town to have his brother help him train and get ready for training camp. First day home he goes to get a smoothie and sees Emma who he met and tried to pick up at his brothers Mason's wedding . Emma had already made up her mind her is a player and just out for a good time. Mason meets up with Tucker the next day at the smoothie place along with a female yoga instructor who is more of a confirmation of tuckers character to Emma. Training goes well till tucker runs into Emma as she is painting on a trail. to break their fall Tucker land on his right shoulder and frears his career is over. Emma is yelling at him about coping a feel then realises he isn't moving and tries to help and Tucker snaps to don't touch him Emma get him to come back to her place to get his shoulder treated.,while he takes a shower she washes his clothes and Emma tries to clean his shoulder he tells her again not to touch him Tucker calls his brother to come get him and bring clothes. Mason get on him about no women if he wants to get his placement back on the team. After getting his shoulder check out is is only a contusion and after a few days of rest pain pills tucker can resume training. Emma Bring his clothes back and cooks him dinner and the get to know each other. going against the rules he was giving he starts seeing and sleeping with Emma and falls in love with her as she with tucker. Emma wants to put on a artist retreat at the lodge where she lives so on the last night of some of her grandmothers friends she is showing them pictures of the lake and they comment on pictures of Tucker she had taken and the next day Tucker ass is on the internet and he know Emma is the only person who had the pictures and think she sold them to get money to start a gallery she had wanted to do after telling her off about her not trusting him before he tell her he doesn't believe her about the pictures and leaves to go back to LA. Emma has to leave town because of all the hate shown to her because of the scandle. There he meets with the owner , coach, agent and they put out a press statement as her selling the pictures and him the victim . with the help of Willa Masons wife she get Tucker to rethink about Emma's part in the scandle Tucker them ,makes his own press statement tell of his love for Emma and that he is going to find out who stole the pictures and sold them. Emma Emma goes to pack up her cabin to restart her. she see Tucker who has gones to make up with her and it is a happy ending
Profile Image for Clara Atkinson.
1,186 reviews56 followers
June 13, 2020
Forbidden Player By Holly Jaymes

Tucker McLean, star quarterback of the Pacific Coast Sea Lions. After a shoulder injury that required surgery he lost his position while out for rehab and now needs to prove he deserves not only his position but his job. Unfortunately he is known to love to have a good time with booze and women which lead to too many tabloid pictures of him in compromising positions. Now the owner, manager and his agent are fed up with his irresponsible playboy behavior and told him to clean up his act so they demanded No booze. No women. No bad press. So he heads to his hometown of Eden Lake, California so his brother Mason can help him train and get back in shape.
Emma is a struggling artist who works as a barista at Paradise Java in Eden Lake to help supplement her income. He boss also lets her displays some of her paintings for sale there. She loves her adoptive town and hopes to open a gallery one day. Tucker walks in during her shift and immediately her happy attitude changes ever since she met him at Mason's wedding. He wasn't to happy that she had no clue who he was then. She thought he was the most handsome man unfortunately he knew it and acted like he was God's gift to women which was a total turn off along with how he uses them. Then she is face to face with him once again where she works and she witnesses another side of him. They continue to run into each other which only strengthens the pull between them. Then he has an accident which changes everything between them and his promise. Their story has drama,misunderstandings, betrayals, sacrifices, heartache, forgiveness, hope,passion and love.🏈 📰🥃☕👩‍🎨🎨❤

Five 🔥⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
4,915 reviews18 followers
June 13, 2020
No booze, no women, no press. What's a playa to do? Tucker QB, had shoulder surgery and needs to build up. He lost his QB position due to injury and needs to requalify. Team is disturbed he lacks discipline in his personal life and brings unwanted publicity. His agent strongly suggests he returns home and have his brother, Mason help him get back in shape. Emma, met him at Mason's wedding, didn't know he was famous and wasn't impressed by his charm. Ouch! She is an artist and works at Paradise Java as a barista to supplement her income. When Tucker walks in, she knows who he is now and is still not impressed. She has baggage! Then she sees how he interacts with fans and is a little impressed. She just doesn't like his attitude toward women. Tucker sees Emma as beautiful and a little bit more than his usual temporary distractions. He is home under the strict rules from his bosses, his agent supported by Mason of no booze, no women and no bad press. A little intrigue, betrayal and conflict is afoot! It takes a good author that can inspire strong feelings about a character. Emma challenges my optimism. Can he stick to that to regain his career? Can he keep his word to Mason? Will Emma succumb to his charm? Nice job! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hollyanne.
905 reviews
June 13, 2020
Forbidden Player is another book by Holly Jaymes that I was hooked from the beginning. This book is told from duel points of view which is my favorite writing style. I like to know the feelings and thoughts of both characters.

Forbidden player is the story between Tucker and Emma. Tucker returns home after to much social media. His football team had enough and wanted to put the backup as starter, so he needed to get back in shape to get his starting spot back after a shoulder injury. He returned home so his brother Mason could help him train. He was told "no booze, no women, no bad press." He had to keep his nose clean and get back in shape.

Emma didn't like Tucker from the get go. He was just a playboy jock like her ex boyfriend. However throughout the book she notices he is different that she thought. She realizes he's a good guy. Tucker realizes that Emma isn't just a one night stand. She's more. They start having feelings for each other.

Something happens and puts both of their jobs on the line, and they have a falling out. Can they forgive each other? Can they work together to fix everything that fell apart?

I really liked this book!

** I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
June 13, 2020
ONE OUTSTANDING JOURNEY!!!
Delightful! Holly pours it on sweet, thick and a little spicy with this incredibly heartfelt and pulse racing gem, sending this jewel soaring, exhibiting every sentiment, nuance and essence, spinning those churning emotions running rampant, catapulting this beauty to life flawlessly. Shenanigans, escapades and mayhem rule the roost, rolling with the drama, turmoil, intrigue, misunderstanding and intense situations, you have one intoxicating masterpiece. Crushing the boundaries and pushing the limits, displaying the strong suits and short straws, slamming this baby into overdrive, launching it into a frenzy with a life-changing culmination. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back exposing a deep affection, binding them to one another perfectly. The characters are complex and genuine with traits and qualities that add depth and realism, blend and flow transforming into relatable personalities. The scenes are strikingly sharp with abundant details and descriptions that feel as though you were transported to ground zero with them. Remarkable job Holly, thanks for sharing this lil' fella with us.
Profile Image for Donna Gomez-Rivera.
1,116 reviews
June 15, 2020
I just have to follow the rules layout for me No Booze, No Women and No bad press easier said then done. I never met a woman who can captive my interest for more then one night but Emma is the one who does it to me. I'm back on my home town to train to get back my dream job Quarterback after my injury to my shoulder I've been boozing it up bad press.....team not happy and neither is my agent. Emma thinks I'm a player doesn't think to highly of me but I'm going to change her mind one way or another. Slowly she sees me in a different light....but we need to keep our relationship a secret until after my team meeting then I'll let the world know she's the one and only for me. That was the plan until intimate photos of me were sold to the celebrity rag magazine only one person had access to those photos. I guess one dream sold for another dream. Explosive chemistry with an intense, undeniable connection. If you love smoking HOT, Raw, Uncontrollable Insta-Love, you will love this book!! A must read. Grab your copy today and start reading. Enjoy happy reading
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
715 reviews5 followers
June 13, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. Tucker was a football quarterback recovering from a shoulder injury who returned to his hometown to train with his brother. In the past he had gotten into trouble with the media so he had a new policy of no booze, no women and no bad press. Emma was an artist and a barista at a local coffee shop. When she met Tucker he flirted with her but she disliked him because he was a player with women. As she got to know him she felt a strange pull to him and he became infatuated with her. Tucker has an accident and they become closer but then Emma is betrayed by someone she knows and they part ways. Will they learn to trust their feelings? Will their love survive all of the problems thrown their way?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I loved the way that the author developed the characters. I loved the banter between Tucker and Emma. It was a well written book and I can’t wait to read more from Holly Jaymes.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
460 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2020
Another brilliant addition to the Forbidden series from Holly Jaymes. Taking us back to Eden Lake out American Football play male lead goes home to recover from injury only to find something he didn't know he'd lost. Who knew buying coffee in your home town could change so many lives!!

This book is well written with good pace, plenty of detail, lots of heat and emotion. For me there is a slight stutter between chapters three and four due to the first person point of view writing but read through it and it makes sense.

The main characters are relatable in their personality traits and behaviours. Their chemistry is evident to the reader even if it isn't to them from the start! They have a great supporting cast, some of whom we've already met in previous books.

I really enjoyed this book and couldn't put it down but you should read it and enjoy it yourself xx

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
545 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2020
This book is absolutely sensational! Holly Jaymes nailed it with this one! Tucker McLean and Emma Lansing were wonderful characters. This book tells the story of Tucker and Emma. Tucker is quarterback for the Pacific Coast Sea Lions until he gets a serious shoulder injury. The plan is for him to train for several months with his brother's help in his hometown. The only downside is he has to be on the downlow for the team and his agent until he secures his spot back on the team. His new mantra...No Booze, No Women, No Bad Press. Hey, no problem. And its not like its forever. Except Tucker is a major playboy and he is gravitated to women and he is often the topic of the media. So when he arrives in his hometown everything is under control until he sees Emma. Emma is an artist and sees Tucker for who he is...an infamous playboy. But she well may be the death of him and his mantra. This is a book you won't be able to get enough of. I highly recommend!
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews76 followers
June 29, 2020
Holly Jaymes' work keeps getting better and better. Each of her stories pull you in and wraps you in a layers of love, passion, misunderstanding, twist and turns.

Forbidden Player is an amazing written story of Tucker, who is told No drinking, No Woman, and No bad press while recovering, and Emma, an artist who followed her heart and living in a small town. Unfortunately Emma has had a experience with jocks that leaves her no trusting of men and a thought they are the same.

Tucker and Emma work to change each other views of the others, while letting emotions to run high. Their story is the beginning foundation of their love, trust and confidants that allow both character strive to the best they can be.

This story is a wonderful delight that warms you heart and leaves you wanting more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Nathathida Atirekasâra.
1,234 reviews7 followers
June 13, 2020
I enjoy reading Tucker and Emma's story. The story is well written with enemies to lovers romance trace and a little bit of drama. I like that they are not perfect. Emma has an issue with playboy and Tucker's behavior when he think Emma betrayed him is selfish but they both finally overcome their problem together. I have to confess that I cried while I was reading their misunderstanding part because Emma loves Tucker so much and she would sacrifice her own happiness for Tucker's career so even if I am annoyed that when they finally caugh a culprit but Emma didn't want to do anything except let her culprit made a donating and volunteering, I still give it 5 stars reading anyway.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,320 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2020
Absolutely fantastic book, loved the turmoil of this storyline with Tucker and Emma. These characters are both so full of life, yet neither know how to completely trust one another. The witty banter leads to some rather fun steamy scenarios, which knocks this up further on my list of books that you cannot put down. Wonderful ending and epilogue in how all their heartache, misgivings about each other were for naught, since they both achieve their goals career wise and in matters of the heart.

I am voluntarily leaving a review for this book that I received free.
281 reviews1 follower
June 14, 2020
Tucker and Emma are my new obsession! I absolutely adored this book, I love the witty and charming way that Holly writes her characters and stories. Tucker is the typical jock, full of themselves and reckless because they think they are invisible and Emma is the control freak who is supposed to fix him. Sparks fly and I couldn't stop smiling! I love the HEA and every book in this series! A definite must read author!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.7k reviews49 followers
June 15, 2020
No booze, no woman and no press........no problem???

Forbidden Player is the third book in the Forbidden Small Town Bad Boys series by Holly Jaymes. This is a wonderfully well written book with a story-line had me immersed immediately. It is the story of Emma and Tucker. They have a complicated relationship each dealing with their own situations and preconceived opinions. But as they get to know each other more those opinions start to change. Well that is until something happens and then there is a large bump in the road for them. Can they get their HEA?
Profile Image for Maycee.
673 reviews9 followers
July 17, 2020
Enjoy more of Eden Lake

Wow! I thought I loved Mason and Willa as a couple, but I think Tucker and Emma May have them beat! Great chemistry for sure... H-O-T!! Interesting storyline, very realistic and relatable with enough drama to keep it interesting. We get to enjoy some of the characters we’ve already met and see how they are doing. I love Tucker and Emma on their own, but even more so together. Holly did a great job developing backstory and personalities for everyone that makes you want to know them in real life. Loved the book!
Profile Image for Jennifer Johnson.
436 reviews9 followers
August 5, 2020
Artist & A Football Hero Fall in Love

Forbidden Player was an excellent book, of course I love a good HEA especially when there is sizzling hot chemistry, both of which this book provides. The two main characters, Emma & Tucker have such amazing chemistry and their struggles provided for a good storyline that kept me up reading all night. This is a read you don't want to miss, the series is a must read and although each book can be read as a stand alone reading the books in order allows you to get to know the characters that show up in all the books.
4,571 reviews19 followers
June 13, 2020
This is a story about Emma and Tucker. Tucker used to be a starting quarterback. Now he has to follow the rules if he wants to keep this title. And the rules seem simple until he meets Emma. Just as all the other books I loved this story from Holly Jaymes. You can never miss with her storyline, characters, the humor they share...5 stars. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,771 reviews12 followers
June 15, 2020
Tucker is a quarterback who’s on leave to recoup from his shoulder injury. He’s also been given a set of rules not to break! No booze, no no women, no bad press! Lol that’s what he’s supposed to follow until he meets Emma, the artist. What seems to be a good thing comes to an unfortunate incident that shakes Tucker future goals! Now doubt sets in. Is Emma the one to leak it to the press. Can the relationship and Tucker future be saved?
436 reviews6 followers
June 22, 2020
I really, really hate it when people have a blatant disregard on how their actions can literally destroy another person's (or persons) life. The romance and chemistry burned really hot and I liked it how their relationship showed how a true relationship gets tested (the famous part was a bonus for me since it did create more drama). Morals and strength of character were truly tested in this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
59 reviews
June 13, 2020
I love a well written sports romance. And this one didn’t disappoint. There is some distrust on Emma’s side because of her past and she and Tucker face a few hurdles before finding their HEA. I highly recommend this book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
195 reviews
June 13, 2020
Love this book, him being able to to work to get his spot back on the team, meeting her and she hating him. Getting to know each other and falling in love, the friend stealing his picture and getting her in trouble. Them finding there way back to each other. Her being a very kind and caring person. His dream coming through.
Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
June 14, 2020
Forbidden Player by Holly Jaymes is a sweet,emotional and steamy sport romance/enemies to lovers romance story of Tunner and Emma. a Plaboy jock and a sweet artist. a misunderstanding and betrayal of trust. a great story that is worth the read and ive enjoy every pages of it! well done!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gloria Garcia.
509 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2020
FORBIDDEN PLAYER IS A SMALL TOWN, FORBIDDEN, ENEMIES TO LOVERS, SPORTS ROMANCE WITH LOTS OF HEAT AND DELICIOUS MELODRAMATIC SHENANIGANS. EMMA AND TUCKER ARE GOING TO HOOK YOU FROM PAGE ONE!! I JUST LOVE ME A SEXY BAD BOY AND THE LADY WHO BRINGS HIM DOWN. WOULD I RECOMMEND IT: YES

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Grace O'Neal.
210 reviews1 follower
September 2, 2020
Forbidden player was sooo good!! This was the first book I’ve ever read by this author, but I will definitely be reading more by them! This book contained so many different feelings but most of all, it was super romantic and funny!! I was hoping for a better epilogue and possibly a different ending to the epilogue. Overall, great book!
195 reviews2 followers
November 13, 2020
Loved this sweet story of Tucker (football star and known playboy) and Emma (aspiring artist in town). When he returns to his hometown to heal from an injury, she is not so easily seduced to his fame but, after getting to know each other, they can’t resist their attraction.

I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Susa.
559 reviews1 follower
June 13, 2020
Emma, an artist who tries to live her dream, meets Tucker, the hot football jock who has to recover after a shoulder injury.
Instant attraction and seemingly unsurmountable difficulties - will they find their happily ever after? I very much enjoyed reading this book.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,109 reviews31 followers
June 15, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

I absolutely loved this story, it's pulled me in from the beginning until the end. This storyline is well thought out and written well. The characters are incredibly likable yet flawed, completely relatable.
2,900 reviews3 followers
June 15, 2020
What a player got played or did could it have possibly been an overtire on her part by not keeping everything to just herself

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,338 reviews3 followers
June 22, 2020
Great Story

Overall quality of writing was really good. Well rounded characters and storyline. Trust is earned and forgiveness is devine. Tucker and Emma walk that path and come out with a happy ever after. No cheating or cliffhanger. Enjoy 🤓
267 reviews
June 13, 2020
This book was such an amazing read that I absolutely struggled to put the book down. The storyline and the characters were absolutely fantastic.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews

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