Rush

Nighthawks #5

by Lisa Lang Blakeney

I unexpectedly lost my job
And am in debt up to my eyeballs
Until my best friend a.k.a. my lucky charm- Rush
Gets me my dream job working for the NFL

We're best friends so this will be fun and easy
At least that's what I thought until I actually started the job
And one of his teammates asks me out on a date
Then Rush starts acting strange

Now our friendship feels like it's totally changing
And I think we're both in over our heads
Drowning in feelings and desire that can no longer be ignored
But clearly frightens us both

Um, you see where this is going, right?

Genres: Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports, Audiobook, Contemporary, Romance, Football

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2021

About the author

Enter my world of possessive alpha billionaires when you read the first book in my forbidden romance series, MASTERSON. Or join me for some hot, bad boy, pro ball players when you read the first book in my sports romance series, SAINT.

About me: Hi, my name is Lisa and I am the USA Today Bestselling author of contemporary romance and romantic suspense novels. I grew up an only child gorging myself on daytime soaps, night time dramas, and romance novels. I'm a wife, mom of 4 daughters, mom of 2 labradoodles and a houseplant hoe!

Be sure to join my VIP list to be notified about all my new releases and sales: https://LisaLangBlakeney.com/VIP or shop all books at: https://LisaLangBlakeneyBooks.com

Reviews

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book five in The Nighthawk series and it is Rush and Mia's story and omg it is amazing. Mia is a spunky, carefree and beautiful woman and was a great volleyball player and hoping to go to the Olympics but while playing another team all her dreams are taken away from her when her ACL torn and ended her career so now she is a physical therapist at Phoenixville university and now with budget cuts she has lost her job. Rush plays for The New York Nighthawk Team he is quiet, keeps to himself and a very caring person so when his best friend Mia phones him and says that she has lost her job he knows that he will do anything and everything that he can to help her. Mia and Rush have been best friends for years and even though they are the total opposite of each other there friendship between them works and they are always there for each other regardless but what happens when that changes between them and feelings get in the way of that friendship. Mia and Rush have such a strong connection between them and I love how they are always there for each other and when the chemistry between them kicks in they are on fire and you can feel it sizzling of the pages of this book and I couldn't put it down as I had to see what would happen next and it was so addictive. Omg I absolutely love this book so much and even though I have read every single book in this series I have to say that this is my all time favourite book. Lisa lang Blakeney is an amazing author and writer and I definitely recommend you read this book, series and other books by her and you will definitely not be disappointed as she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book.

[Steph's Romance Book Talk · Rating 4 out of 5]

RTC

[Sharon Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series just keeps getting better and better. And to add to that - I honestly hope there are still more books to come.
Rush & Mia have been best friends since college freshman year. They have always been super protective of each other since day one and at times they didn’t realize they were doing it. I loved the build up to them finally crossing the line from friends to lovers. I could feel their jealousy when the opposite sex made it known they were interested practically leap off the pages. It made for some entertaining reading that’s for sure.
Lisa has an incredible way with her words and particularly her storytelling. I get sucked in straight away and it only seems like moments later I have finished the book. Loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.

[Cath Glancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rush and Mia is a friend's to lovers story. This couple are totally different in many ways but they just seem to work as best friends. Mia has her world shattered with an injury which ends a promising volleyball career, Rush goes on to greater things in football. When Mia gets paid off from her job Rush get s her a new one as a physio
at the Nighthawks. Mia settles in at her new job problem being other players notice , one especially the most unpopular player in the team,because he is a "player". Brush discovers Mia is in a bad financial place and offers her a room in his home and realising he sees her as more than a friend he knows he has to up his romantic game to capture her heart. Mia also feels more than friendship for him and they begin a full blown romance. Rush has an ex-girlfriend who also works for the Nighthawks, between her and the "player" the misunderstandings begin and it puts an end to their budding relationship. I won't give away any spoilers but I will say Lisa has done it again. If you are a fan of this book you really should read the whole series well with it. I read this book in one sitting and was sorry when it ended. K T

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the story!! Rush and Mia have a special connection that I really love. I loved the devotion that Rush and Mia had for one another. No matter what they doing or where they are they are always there for each other.
Samuels and Miranda are both conniving, especially Samuels. There were to characters that I could have done without.

There was just something about this book that was just off for me. It felt like some parts of the story were rushed and didn’t feel natural. Like how smart Mia was supposed to be but she never once took a second look at Samuels and considered why everyone had a problem with him.

Overall, the book was amazing and well written. I loved the main characters. I loved the flow of the book, just wished for a bit more in places. The sex scenes were steamy!!!

[Eva Calmus · Rating 4 out of 5]

J’ai bien aimé mais je trouve que c’est le même schéma que dans les autres tomes. J’ai eu du mal à m’accroche au personnage.

Rush est un homme rationnel, réfléchis, intelligent, pas très bavard. Il veut toujours prendre soin de Mia. Il veut l’aider. Il est très jaloux.

Mia est une femme qui n’a pas du tout confiance en elle. Elle ne voit pas quand on la drague. Elle est naïve. Elle aime Rush depuis des années mais n’a jamais osé lui dire.

[Regan Y. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really hate the best friend trope.

[Lisa Blakeney]

I'm so excited for you to meet the sexy NFL tight end, Rush Bacchetti and his best friend Mia! Eeeek!

A one-click, ooh they’re cute, best friends-to-lovers romance and delicious love story with the yummiest tight end in the NFL.

From bestselling author Lisa Lang Blakeney comes a new contemporary football romance between a strong and silent tight end and the carefree woman who has always had his heart.

I unexpectedly lost my job
And am in debt up to my eyeballs
Until my best friend a.k.a. my lucky charm– Rush
Gets me my dream job working for the NFL

We’re best friends so this will be fun and easy
At least that’s what I thought until I actually started the job
And one of his teammates asks me out on a date
Then Rush starts acting strange

Now our friendship feels like it’s totally changing
And I think we’re both in over our heads
Drowning in feelings and desire that can no longer be ignored
But clearly frightens us both

Um, you see where this is going, right?

AMAZON US
AMAZON UK
UNIVERSAL LINK

[LWM · Rating 2 out of 5]

Was this book RUSHED, by any chance (pun intended)? It lacked depth.

The story felt incomplete, as though the writing was hurriedly done. So many ridiculous mistakes where the wrong character began speaking in the first person during the other's POV. Case in point, the following is Mia's POV:

“You can’t just walk up in here and demand some dick like everything’s okay ‘cause it ain’t.” He grabs his cock and strokes himself.

“I wouldn’t dare to presume.”

“Lift my jersey and spread your legs open for me.” I do as I’m told.

“Touch yourself,” I tell her. “Touch your pussy for me.”

Wrong - if anyone is going to tell someone to touch their pussy, it should read "he orders," or " he tells me, " not "I," as it isn't Rush's POV, but Mia's. Too many goofs, not enough proofing and corrections.

Besides, there was no building of those types of feelings between the two mc's. There was absolutely no drooling or "my god, he's so sexy and gorgeous - I wanna jump him, but he doesn't see me that way, so kill it, Mia" self-talking that took place. Rush and Mia went from zero to a thousand rpm's in their relationship that had always been platonic with nary a sexy vibe from either character. It wasn't very believable, so half the book felt off. Two stars.

[Tea and sweets · Rating 2 out of 5]

Best friends since college this book explores topics such as broken dreams, fame and reputation, fated connections. Like the other books in this series up to this point I just felt like the story had a lot of potential but the way in which the author decided to explore it left a lot to be desired. To me one of the more interesting points was Mia's inability to pursue her dream as a professional athlete due to a very serious injury that left her cripled to this day and the effects of this injury and situation in her relationship with herself and the people surrounding her including Rush. Its definitely one of the better aspects of this book that I think wasn’t explored nearly enough. Also going back to the points already explained in the previous books in the series, the football universe itself isn’t very deep. We don’t delve into the teams dynamics enough, that part of the world isn’t really constructed, and because of that the team and by consequence the sport just feels like an accessory to the MMC life or personality. That being said, the romance was light and fluffy and it was a quick read which was what I was ultimately looking for. Overall just left me wishing for more, it could have been a really strong and heavy but also beautiful story had it been more developed. I don't think I will continue on with the series but it was ok just a little flat and underdeveloped.

[Kelly Brock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mia and Rush

Swoon! I LOVED this so much more than I thought I would! Friends to lovers is not my favorite trope. It’s really hard to find a story that has such great writing you truly believe the couple that have only been friends forever all of sudden feel more. But this author masters it beautifully with dual POVs.

Mia was fun, loud, quirky, and feisty. Rush was strong, quiet, calm, and the best dirty talker in the bedroom. These two weren’t supposed to work but their chemistry is fire. I wasn’t completely feeling them in the beginning because they were such amazing friends. Their banter was hilarious and I loved that they were always there for each other. It was so platonic I honestly couldn’t see how things could get physical in a believable way. I was so wrong. When Rush claims Mia its full force. His quiet interior becomes a larger than life possessive alpha. I loved the intensity and aggressiveness he had to make Mia his and help her see all they could be together, everything he had seen for a long time but waited for her to catch up.

This was such a strong installment in this series and I really hope there is more to come.

[Terri Zumbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

RUSH is about professional football player Rush and his best friend Mia, a physical therapist. They are opposites in personality - Rush is quiet and reserved and Mia outgoing and vivacious.

Without summarizing the plot, what made this a great sports romance was that Mia was a Physical Therapist and Rush a player on the team so there were many opportunities for interactions related to the sport and athletes.

What made this story as a romance was Mia and Rush dealing with the confusion of realizing they had deeper feelings for one another made more complicated by their workplace and home relationships. There was jealousy, fisticuffs, misunderstandings, insecurities, and conniving co-workers.

If you enjoy a slow burn that Rush demonstrates it is “the quiet ones you have to look out for”, you will love this book. When he lets himself show his feelings, the pages sizzle. This was my first book in this series and now I have to go back and read the others because it was that good.

I received an advance copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.

[Cate · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Rush (The Nighthawk series #5) is sweet best friend to lover’s football romance with a touch of drama. Mia and Rush couldn’t be more opposite. She’s a free spirit. He’s broody, serious and quiet. Yet, since freshman year in college they’ve been best friends. Now, Rush is living his dream as a Nighthawk tight end. He’s handsome, popular, and still has his platonic best friend by his side. Mia hasn’t been quite as fortunate. She still has Rush, but not much else is working out quite like she planned. Over the years, Mia and Rush have shared just about everything together, except admitting to that spark between them. In addition to plenty of steam there are many playful, light hearted moments between Mia and Rush where their underlying feelings become apparent. Who doesn’t love a well written book about a gorgeous seductive alpha football player finally going after the girl he finally realizes has been in front of him all along?

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

How Deep is Your Love 4 ½ stars - Mia is one lucky gal to have Rush in her life. Rush, except for his short answers and untalkativeness, is the perfect best friend, boyfriend and lover (I wasn’t expecting his bossiness that I’m pretty sure only tatted Viking gods can get away with). Mia would be nuts to not fight for him and let her hang ups ruin their future. But then, anyone who has initial issues with the Bee Gees gotta be nuts. Good thing Mia realized what she’s missing and what is right in front of her. Whew! This is an entertaining story with a few steamy scenes (wish there were more). Oh, there’s no need to have a book for Samuels - I don’t like him. I received an advanced copy and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Dolores 💜 · Rating 5 out of 5]

*'WAITING FOR HIM TO WANT ME'*....

Oh my why's it taken me so much longer to getting to read Rush Bacchetti & Mia Taylor's love story ❤️
They first met in University of Miami, he was on a football scholarship & she was on a Volleyball one, they became the best of friends & she's always seen him as her 'Lucky Charm' & that's why her life fast forwarded to her after her professional career but he's ALWAYS been there for her.
But it's when she's been laid off at her College physio job & Rush helps her get an interview as the new Therapist for the Nighthawks & everything changes for them even nearly breaking point of their Friendship....
Come in & Find out the ins & Outs of Their Relationship🥰😍🥰

[Stephanies.books_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy Rush and Mia's story.

3.5 ⭐
2 🌶️

Both go to college for sports. Mia is a Volleyball player and Rush plays Football. Their friendship is strong and you can see how as you read their story. Rush is Mia's good luck charm. Rush is always there for her, even when she refuses to let him pay for things. Like a true friend. When things get hard, she accepts his help.

You see their friendship turn into more for Rush quicker. He is seeing her in a whole new light. His protective instincts kick in more when a teammate, who is known to bed family members of other teammates, takes in interest in Mia. This also makes him see what is right in front of him.

There are some spelling and missing words throughout the book.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book that I have read in this series and wow it doesn't disappoint.
Rush and Mia have been best friends for years and they have always had each other's backs.
Mia is in desperate need of a job so Rush helps her get a at the Nighthawks and she never looks back. The only problem is that most of the other players start to notice her.
Will his jealousy tear them apart as friends or will their true feelings for each other shine through.
I loved how they were together and their chemistry is off the charts but will they get their HEA.
Plenty of drama and full of emotion but also so much love and friendship.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rush
By Lisa Lang Blakeney
Main Characters: Rush and Mia
I voluntarily and honestly reviewed this book without bias or persuasion from the author.
5 out of 5 stars
Book 5 in the Nighthawk series and I loved every single one of them. Mia was a volleyball player and was hoping to compete in the Olympics. Rush was on the Nighthawk's team. These two have been best friends since the beginning of college. I loved both of their characters. While Mia is such an outgoing person, Rush is like her polar opposite. Great story watching these best friends get to lover's book.

[Love Red · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends To Lovers Story

I’m a sucker for a good friends to lovers story. This one does not disappoint! I love alpha football players who also have a sweet “would-do-anything-for-you” side, and that’s how I would describe Rush. He’s ALWAYS there when Mia needs him, but it’s obvious they both want more! Mia holds her own and is a very strong, happy person. Life throws some curves her way, but she continues to find ways to rise above. Can’t wait to read the bonus epilogue! Hope there is more football romances in the future.

[maddy puff · Rating 1 out of 5]

i typically don’t give books one star but i just didn’t like this book at all. why it took the two main characters 3/4 of the book to get together is unbelievable to me. i kept waiting and waiting and when they finally got “together” it was just to have sex. and then when they had the most childish, immature fight about who was lying and “being mean”, they made up by having sex and no communication whatsoever. the end was extremely rushed and it ended in them becoming engaged?? i didn’t enjoy reading this book at all and that’s why i gave it one star.

[Danielle Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rush was a great story, the plot was written well, Rush and Mia were strong characters. Lisa Lang Blakeney did a great job on the book.
Mia and Rush's journey had a few bumps but they were meant for each other, the connection between them was strong, they were drawn to one another. The chemistry between them was steamy, they were great together.
I enjoyed this story, it was great. Thank you, Lisa Lang Blakeney. Great work :)

[Sheri Berne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rush is another great read in this series

Great story, endearing characters. Romantically Sweet and steamy. I have to point out that this book needs proofreading as there doesn’t appear to have been any. It’s a big pet peeve of mine. While normally there may be a few errors in a book there were too many to count and took away from my reading enjoyment. Having said this, I loved the plot and characters so much it’s still worth the read

[Lorraine Kaplan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rush & Mia

Still loving this series!!!

Rush and Mia have been best friends since college. Rush is on the football team and Mia has Olympic dreams - she is on the Soccer team. Her dream comes crashing down on her when she blows out her ACL during a game.

Really great story about two best friends who are always there for each other but never expecting anything more until they finally give in to their held back feelings.

[BreakingtheEpigraph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rush and Mia

I love this series! Nighthawk Series: Book Five is a captivating romance that follows the journey of Rush and Mia, from best friends to passionate lovers. Their connection is forged through years of friendship, and their resilience is inspiring. Mia's career-ending injury and job loss are a testament to her resilience, while Rush's steadfastness and dedication to Mia's happiness make this a must-read for romance fans.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, with a side of steam, best friends-to-lovers story. Rush and Mia have been best friends since freshman year in college. Rush has always been protective of her. He’s the practical, steady one. Mia is a free spirit with big responsibilities. It takes them a long while to cross the line from friends to lovers, and it isn’t smooth once they do. The ending felt rushed. Rush is an entertaining story that is a stand-alone.

[RoseyLovesBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

NFL Nighthawks tight end Rush Bacchetti is the strong silent type who has a protective streak for the bubbly and beautiful Mia Taylor. When Rush realizes he never wants Mia to ever leave, he decides to make her fall in love with him. This sweet, drama-filled and steamy story is a must read and I can't wait to read the Nighthawk holiday novella!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, entertaining read. Rush and Mia are interesting, relatable, intriguing, entertaining, complex characters. I enjoyed their dynamic and banter. The path to their HEA is entertaining to read. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story and my enjoyment. The story is easy to read and get into.

I enjoyed the audio version of this book and the narrators.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate this cliche but this truly was so rushed. I wanted so much more depth with the characters and their storylines, I feel like sooo much of the background should’ve been shared and if it were then this would absolutely be a 5 star read. I also really couldn’t stand Rush tbh, I think he’s my least favorite player so far 🫣

[Raïsah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ouais.... alors j'ai trouvé plusieurs moment dans ce livre à me donner des frissons de gêne est-ce que c'était comme ça dans les tomes précédents ? J'ai pas eu cette impression après le trope amis à amoureux je suis toujours moins fan mais là c'était quand même très rapide et assez prévisible mais bon. C'était rapide et j'ai passer plutôt un bon moment.

[K.L. Savage · Rating 5 out of 5]

An opposite’s attract story that leads to a touchdown romance read!

Lisa Lang Blakeney has done it again with this chemistry-driven, best-friend-to-lovers novel.
Mia and Rush go all the way leaving the reader entangled in their story. Five stars for the win!