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Rules are meant to be broken. But can a secret romance between this pro football player and a single mother lead to love?

Emmitt Booker wears his playboy badge with pride. And thanks to his boys, he returns to Houston as head coach for a summer youth football camp. The moment his cleats touch the field, his attention isn’t held by the awestruck boys but a very distracting curvy woman with amber eyes and cherry-red lips.

Amber Evans ignores the whispering mothers dolled up, praying for a second of Emmitt’s time. Men like him—smoky dark eyes, chiseled body, and filthy rich—make women forsake their god and their common sense for a taste.

She went down that road and knows where it ends: heartbreak.

Men like Emmitt don’t settle for one woman when they can have two. Billionaires like him want nothing to do with real women, with real-world ish in their lives. She figures it’s best to focus on one thing, the happiness of her son.

And when Kemen begs Amber to get him on Coach Emmitt’s team, she’ll do anything to make it happen. However, she doesn’t expect Emmitt’s illicit offer.

Fun and games turn to passion and lust as their desire builds into a blinding white heat, intense, all-consuming fire that sets their summer ablaze. On the field, he teaches her son to run, catch, and score. And in the bed, he teaches her to rush, tackle, and soar.

Emmitt aches for her. Amber longs for him, never forgetting that time isn’t on their side. Her satisfaction is his goal. For the first time, he considers the possibility of his life being about more than his boys and football.

But could their little secret be more than a fling? Could this be love?

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 20, 2021

226 people are currently reading
82 people want to read

About the author

Ja'Nese Dixon

71 books629 followers
Ja’Nese Dixon pens tales of romance in various subgenres. But her favorites are the ones that manage to keep readers sitting on the edge of their seats lying to themselves about reading “just one more chapter”.

She is an avid reader and coffee drinker, who also loves to run, cook, and craft. Her ultimate goal as a writer is to give you a little “staycation” with every story.

Ja’Nese calls Houston home with her husband, three kiddos, and a four-legged diva dog. Visit her website at http://www.janesedixon.com if you enjoy romance, suspense, and good stories.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,021 reviews154 followers
September 22, 2022
bbw and a football star

Emmitt Booker has finally got his dream off the ground with two of his best friends and business partners. The camp for inner city youth was the way he wanted to give back to the city that raised him. He had no intention of mixing business with pleasure. He also had no idea that one would be aggressive and the other slightly standoffish. One woman make it clear to the other Emmitt is off limits. But like I say the proof with eyes cannot be denied.

Amber Evans had one really good hung in her world. He son. He was everything to her. She would do anything for him. That includes getting him into a $3000 summer football camp. She would do what was needed to make sure her son had all the advantages she could provide for him. None of which included Emmitt as anything more than coach.

I got me another five star read from the Southern Soul world by Ja’Nese Dixon.
Profile Image for Darcy.
14.4k reviews543 followers
May 29, 2023
Well the last of the 3 business partners fell in this one and fell hard. I loved that Emmitt was a bit gob smacked by Amber. The ultimate player, I let women know up front it's only for a night, was thrown by a woman how had her own rules and warmed him not to fall for her. It was interesting to see both of them make the other see why they felt they way they did with relationships. While they were spending time together things were great and if they could have just stayed in that bubble there would have never been issues. Sadly they both lived in the real world and if things were to work, they had to come up with real solutions. Glad to see that they did and things worked out.
Profile Image for Alvina.
747 reviews23 followers
June 27, 2021
It's A Wrap

Boy oh boy, I wasn't ready. I loved Emmitt from the previous books in this series and his humor was always on point. He didn't disappoint in this one either. I loved seeing more of the business side of him and getting to really know more about him.

I love Amber. Spicy and Real. A true friend. A hard worker and a Boss of a mom. The relationship with her son, Kemen, is admirable. I liked that the author gave us a glimpse of Ambers background and upbringing, yet as always with me, I wish there was a bit more. I like that Amber took care of business no matter if her son's father, Nate, was going to do his part or not. I'm glad she came to her senses when it came to him too.

Amber said she'd change Emmitts life with her cookie and boy did she😏. I love that Emmitt was able to just be himself with her and she didn't try to use him like everyone else seemed to do. She was a safe space for him.

That Scarlette was something else. Some women just don't accept what a man is telling them and she was just pitiful. Yikes. I wish Amber could've gotten in her a** like she deserved bc you don't play with someone's child. That's just dirty.

As with the previous books, I loved the family bond in this book. Even though Dean, Kamal and Emmitt are not brothers by blood, that doesn't stop them from acting as such. I love their unity in business and life. Supporting one another. Kamals blood brothers are the truth too. I love Q, aka Quentin, and can't wait for his story. I'm eager to read about Demetrius too.

That ending though was womp, womp😕. I needed so much more. Knowing that this book isn't the end of this series makes the ending a little bit better. Seeing that, I'm sure they'll be small updates as the other books come out, yet I just didn't want this to end.

This was a fun read and well worth the wait. Can't wait to see what or who the next book will be about. Highly recommend this series.
Profile Image for Q. Moore.
969 reviews39 followers
September 16, 2021
This series is getting better with each new installment. I am still fully invested and anticipating the next book. First, I want to say I love how Emmitt was joking with Dean and Kamal being in the "old men's club," and he joined by the end of the book. Mrs. Dixon the way you developed these characters were magnificent the men are really southern gentlemen. Emmitt did exactly like Kamal, he claimed Amber's child as his own. That's one characteristic alone just speaks volumes.

Amber needed a real provider in her and Kemen's life, Emmitt was all that plus more. He needed to settle down and Amber was his ticket. I am looking forward to whomever story is told next so maybe there is an engagement and possible wedding for these two.

This has been a great series thus far, if you haven't read any of it you need to. I most definitely recommend it. The first book is "Play to Win" so you can start with Kamal and Jayda. My vote for the next story is Demetrius, I want to know who his love interest is. I always want to see how he navigates it since he is an author. At the end of the series, I think a family tree showing each couple with their kids would be fascinating.
1,701 reviews15 followers
July 1, 2021
This is the story of Emmitt Booker, playboy and wealthy football player. Emmitt was given away by his mother when he was young and because no one wanted a teenage black boy he ended up in a group home not even a foster home. Emmitt became friends with Kamal Montgomery and his other best friend Dean Wellington when they became football players. Kamal has four brothers and a sister. Kamal is now married to Jayda and has two children and Dean is married to Kamal's little sister Miya. Kamal has two children a little girl Reese and King Kamal his little boy. Dean and Miya are expecting and so the pact to never get married is definitely dissolved. The brothers have formed a company called DEK Ventures. Kamal's Pet project is his family restaurant Southern Soul and Dean is invested in restaurants across the country and other investments and because Emmitt is still playing football for Dallas he has the Football clinic he has started in Houston so when he gets out he can help young men to live up to their potential whether they can afford to go to the football clinic or not. Then we have Amber Evans who has a son, Kemen, who has a 4.0 GPA. and wants to go the Booker's football clinic. Amber works for a boutique. Amber is a single mother of one, Kemen, 13 years old and has been accepted into a Preparatory School one of the finest in Houston but Amber needs $17,000 dollars tuition fee, Kemen Russell Amber's son is good academically and he is good athletically and he has a plan to help take care of his money after he gets out of school. So this is the story of how a young single mother and a carefree, smokey dark eyes, chiseled body and filthy rich football player manage to forge a relationship. Amber is a what you would call a plus size girl and she carries it well. This story was funny and dramatic and contained oh so many good laughing parts as well as oh so much drama. I would highly recommend this story and while reading I remember that I have read a couple of Ja"Nese Dixon books before.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jerrica (Mrsmar10Reads) Martin .
1,659 reviews10 followers
June 30, 2021
Amber Evans, single mother of a highly intelligent young man who is also a great football player. She will move mountains to make sure that her son Kemen has everything he needs. What he really wants is to attend Emmitt Booker's football camp. Emmitt Booker, professional footballer, native Houston, Texan is holding his inaugural camp in his hometown with his brothers who have already retired from the game. These fellas, Dean and Kamal broke the rules...they went and got married and started having babies. Emmitt loves the f-boy lifestyle. The rules are the rules. We have a good time, maybe a couple of good times, we don't talk about our business, and no attachments. Something happens to Emmitt when he meets Amber. She's not impressed with the fact that he's NFL, he's rich, he's freaking gorgeous, and he can melt her panties with that megawatt smile and full-bodied laughter. All Amber cares about is Kemen. Making sure he's provided for, he has what he needs, and he's not beholden to the endless stream of bills and shuffling she has to do in order to survive. However, when she lets Emmitt know that messing with her would "change his life," he sees this as a challenge, a dare if you will. Emmitt tries to stay away but is mesmerized by Amber, she's the star in his fantasies at this point. When she agrees to a night of debauchery with terms he's always been down for, she inadvertently changes his life, but he changes hers too. What is going to happen when the camp is over in 6 weeks and he goes back to Dallas? The plan was to never catch feelings, but somewhere along the way both Amber and Emmitt forgot that.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Vanda O'Neill.
412 reviews4 followers
July 12, 2021
Family is not always about blood. That's what Emmit feels about Dean, kamal and the rest of their family who were his safe haven since his childhood. Having been abandoned by his mother, he could never forgive her, even now that she came back trying to get back into his life.
He wants nothing to do with her because he feels she only came back because he is rich and successful.
All Emmit ever wanted since he was twelve was to make it big so that he could show everyone they were wrong about him never amounting to anything.
He, along with Dean and Kamal, set up a football camp in partnership with Scarlette, but she is more interested in profit and in Emmit himself than the good the camp might do.
Amber is the mom of an extremely intelligent and athletic little boy called Kemen.
Both mom and son get the full attention of Emmit, who sees his life changed when he decides he wants Amber.
If you didn't believe in Unicorns, meet Amber!
I love the dynamics between all the characters, both the DEK and Emmit with Amber and Kemen.
Reading this book you feel like one of the family and you laugh, cry, get angry and swoon along with this family you wish you were a part of.
I highly recommend this book, as well as all the other books in the series.
They are AWESOME.
I received a free ARC copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Beverly.
768 reviews7 followers
August 7, 2021
Life changing😊

I was two chapters into this wonderful story before I realize this was not book 1 of this series. I was to invested to stop. When I tell you that Emmett and Amber had me howling with laughter. I was so glad I was home alone. This love story was truly wonderful. These two both had their issues and both were determined to get what they wanted/ needed. Amber a single mother working over time to make ends meets ,needed her son to be able to realize his dream of attending a football camp not to mention the very expensive private school she wanted him to attend. She wasn’t sure how but she knew she would accomplish it. Getting caught up in a heated relationship was the last Hong on her mind


Emmett a famous football player and sworn life time bachelor, with Mama issues on the other hand had a huge dream of helping “Young Kings” prepare to realize their dreams of becoming football players by Running an 8 week football camp in his home town. He being accustomed to women falling allover him didn’t know what to make of Amber who seem to be able to take him or leave him.. He had no idea that a little flirting would lead to something life changing for both of them.


Great book so now I’m going to start with the beginnings this series and see what I missed😂😂
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
931 reviews9 followers
October 1, 2022
Emmitt and Amber were fiya!! 🔥🔥🔥

OMG this book gave me life!! Emmitt and Amber's story was full of all the elements that captures the reader's attention from beginning to the end.

Emmitt swore he would never get involved with a single woman with a child. But that was BEFORE he sets sight on Amber. Amber is not your typical single mother. Nope. Like she describes herself, she's a unicorn. Now the chemistry between these two was so strong, palpable and electric you might get electrocuted if you got too close to them. I loved that Amber always put her son Kemen before everything. He was the light of her life. But the fact that Emmitt gravitated towards Kemen like he was his own son stole my heart right away. Oh it was a wrap for me. I was like Amber you need to marry this man. And you know there's always some heffa that's gonna try a sista's patience. Yep. But no spoilers. You'll have to read the book. But I'll tell you it's soooo goooood!!! I cannot recommend this book harder than I am. Ja'Nese Dixon brought ALL of the receipts with book 4. The love, drama, sexual tension, sexscapades, laughter, and their HEA was so deserving of 5⭐'s. If I could've given 10 I sure would have. Trust and believe I would not steer you wrong. 😉
Profile Image for *Ebony I*.
1,413 reviews155 followers
June 29, 2021
Let me love you

I'm always a fan of a good series and book 4 did not disappoint. Emmitt was the last bachelor standing in DEK, both of his partners were married with families. He vowed to keep the party going. Until.....He met Amber. He had an immediate connection to her, even though she was hesitant. Something about her, spoke to him.
Emmitt had a complicated past that left him avoiding relationships. Amber was a mother first and her previous relationships left her cool on relationships, especially while her son was in school. All that went by the way side as their physical connection turned into a need for each other. I love that Emmitt didn't hold back once he was sure of what he felt. Although, I completely understood Amber's stance.
I enjoyed this book, but I wish we would have gotten to see Emmitt develop a relationship with Keman, knowing how important he is to Amber . He seemed like such a good kid, and I wanted a little more of him.
There were also several typos that detracted from the story, but definitely worth the read.
Profile Image for Turningcover.
303 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2021
I liked Amber from the beginning. She was a single mom who was dedicated to her son and his future. Amber maintained a strength that could not be broken. Her son was not only good on the football field but held a 4.0 GPA.

Emmitt played for the NFL and lived a true bachelor lifestyle. He arrived back in his hometown to help with a youth football camp with his best friends.

He had dealings with Scarlette in the past which is also the center's director. She wanted to pick up where they left off, but Emmitt had his sights on Amber from the moment he saw her.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will go back and read the previous ones in this series. The connection not only between Emmitt and Amber but with her son as well was commendable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,300 reviews70 followers
July 3, 2021
Amber is a single mother working hard to provide for her son. He gets in to a prestigious school but she'll need to figure out how to pay for it. Then he asks about a football camp and she doesn't want to let him down so she agrees. Emmitt is a professional football player and decides to do a camp in order to help out young kids that love football too. When Emmitt and Amber meet sparks fly between them and its not long before Emmitt let's her know that he wants her. As they start seeing each other Amber suffers from Emmitt's ex that works at the football camp. Will Emmitt show her that what they have is real? Will his ex cause them to end things between them?

This is an amazing story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
4,892 reviews19 followers
July 3, 2021
The best is yet to come! Emmitt was carrying a heavy load in his carry on and was a relationship phobe. He created high walls of protection. Amber, single Mom to a great kid, Kemen had her work cut out for her. Blessedly, she was not a shrinking violet and knew who and what she was. Emmitt was smothered in happy couples, so was he primed? When he met Amber, he was intrigued! Maybe, Amber and Kemen were exactly what Emmitt needed at that time in his life! Can they resolve their geographic and professional concerns? Do Kemen and Emmitt gel? Is Amber ready to share her life with an adult male? Good story. Nice support. More editing required at this state, but Ms Dixon still remains the story Queen! Well done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for melody rainbow.
190 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2021
Wow such a amazing story. It is emmitts turn to find his one.

Amber is a mother of a teenage boy and trying to get him into football clinic at Knights Youth Sports Clinic.
Emmitt booker is the head coach.

I love the way Emmitt and Amber flirt with each other and they way they talk to each other.
The attraction to each other is hard to ignore and they start to rock each other's world.
Emmitt and Amber are great together and Emmitt gets on so well with Amber's son Kemen.


I love it how close Emmitt is with his friends and how welcoming they are with Amber.
Can Emmitt and Amber make a relationship work between them with how far away they live from each other?
.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Zsa Zsa.
1,165 reviews1 follower
October 10, 2021
Amber Evans is a fighter in the best way. A loving single mother she is willing to scrimp, save and sacrifice to make a better way for her son Kemen. I loved that she had his academic future front and center in her plan, knowing that in an instant athletic dreams can come to an end. She is also there for him endeavouring to fulfill his need to attend a highly sought after football camp.
Emmitt Booker is living the good life a successful career, wealth, and women. He isn't looking for a lasting relationship, but never is a long time. His attraction to Amber is immediate, the chemistry electric, and their desires mutual. Despite their issues destiny has plans for this pair, that can only end in forever.
332 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
Single mom finds Love!

I was already a fan of this series, and the stories keep getting more exciting. I genuinely love the closeness of the Montgomery family and that both Emmett and Dean are part of this family dynamic, and it doesn't matter that they aren't blood-related. Amber gets two thumbs up as a single mom, but I must say Kemen would be getting slapped for the foul language. But he is a son to be proud of and respected. Emmett and Amber are hilarious, and their chemistry rocks. Though they both have personal issues, they can still see the goodness in each other. I am glad she helped Emmett know that he needed to try having a relationship with his mom. Hats off to Ms. Jackie. I grew up with that mantra "it takes a village," and believe me, it works. Excellent series, so I'm on to enjoying the next wonderful couple in this family.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,701 reviews22 followers
October 28, 2023
Fantastic

This book easily stole my heart. It's a powerful combination of love fun and romance that did my heart good. I really enjoyed the characters they were so fantastic. I must say the story is awesome and a excellent addition to a great series. There is only minor drama but tons of emotions and with a little intrigue which makes this a delightful tale truly. The character development is lovable which makes the characters passionate, sizzling hot and sexy, yes this is a feel good romance and thanks so much for that. Also the story is sweet, heartwarming, entertaining and sometimes sad to read but I enjoyed their journey. I totally recommend you read this magnificent story and series!!!
Profile Image for Ka-Bee Brown.
346 reviews4 followers
June 26, 2021
In It For The Long Haul!

Amber was totally right when she told Emmitt she would end up changing his life and she did just that. Kemen steal Emmitt heart as well as his Mother. Emmitt get a serious talk with Demetrius which changes his mind about relationship for the better, because in the end he wants to make it work with Amber. I was glad that Amber got Emmitt to at lease talk to his Mother (Sharon). I’m glad that Emmitt got to see how a normal woman lives her every day life, and not that of a socialite. Emmitt has the family that was meant for him and it’s the Montgomery!
I think Demetrius should be next!
853 reviews4 followers
June 30, 2021
Loved it

Another great installment in the Southern Gentlemen series
I loved the story of Emmitt and Amber
Seeing their love unfold was wonderful
This was a great story with relateable characters some u loved and some u didn't
You got to see the guys from the previous books which was great
Ms . Dixon knows how to give you a story with real life issues that families deal with but she does it in such a way that you keep turning g the pages until the book is finished and you wish it wasn't because you don't want to leave them yet
Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and hope to get to read one soon about
Demetrius and Quan, the other two Montgomery brothers
Great job
Profile Image for Buttercup1201.
560 reviews3 followers
July 1, 2021
Reading any of Ja’Nese Dixon’s series, I feel I am among friends. The characters, past and present, have everyday issues that anyone can relate to. You name it, love, trust, career, family, etc, and Ja’Nese perfectly describes it. A perfect summer read.

Amber is a single mother. Emmitt is a football star. Their paths cross when Amber’s son attends a summer football camp. Their attraction is instant but they are worlds apart. Emmitt isn’t looking for anything serious and Amber has no time for romance. Their story shows us the struggle of letting love in and accepting who we are.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,922 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2021
Emmitt and Amber have chemistry from first sight.
I love how these stories revolve around family and putting them first. And family doesn't always mean blood. It could be the family you choose.
Emmitt is back with Kamal and Dean running a football camp. Amber is a single mom who wants to do everything for her son, no matter what she needs to do to get him the best.
I love the relationship between Amber and her son, Kamen.
I also enjoyed that these two can be themselves with each other. She wants nothing from Emmitt, except honesty and him. And he sees a woman who cares about herson and truly cares for him.
I enjoyed this book.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,613 reviews8 followers
July 2, 2021
Touchdown

This is an excellent addition to this series. I’m especially in awe of Amber’s and Emmitt’s story. Even more than that, I love the storyline itself.
This book is definitely hot, informative (you’ll want to take some notes...lol) and the honesty of life is a SUPERBOWL TOUCHDOWN.
I’m definitely looking forward to seeing Dom and Q’s story. Even Chanel and Trents behind the scenes...

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Profile Image for Merry Jelks-Emmanuel.
13.3k reviews155 followers
November 14, 2022
Emmitt and Amber will keep you glued to this exciting story. Amber is a single mother that long ago lost the notion of having a happily ever after until her son is grown but she will do any and everything for him. When he wants to go to a football camp, Amber does everything in her power to make it happen. It also put her on the radar of Emmitt Booker a man who doesn't believe in relationships or marriage. Everything changes for these two when their eyes connect and sparks ignites. Has fate thrown these two together for a reason and will it lead them to a happily ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,376 reviews140 followers
July 1, 2021
Book four in the series brings Emmitt and Amber's story. He's the last bachelor in the group but that all ends the minute he meets her. Both are shy of relationships but the sexual tension is too strong to resist. The author brings strong characters with a with a hot and steamy chemistry,moves the story quickly and smoothly with her vividly painted scenes and delivers a fantastic addition to the series. Loved and recommend this book.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Geri.
1,200 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2022
Series getting better and better

Definitely one of my most favorite couples this year! Loved reading Amber and Emmitt’s story. Amber was a real one and I am so, so glad Ms. Dixon kept it all the way real when writing about a young, single mother growing up with her child and making sacrifices along the way all for the sake of her baby Kemen. Loved it! Amber was fierce, she didn’t shy away from her faults and was a match for anyone stepping to her with any foolishness. Real recognize real!
106 reviews
March 17, 2022
great

This story was really good. I was hoping he taught the other woman a better lesson. But hey he did warn her. I love the fact that this entire series showed us thickem thickem sistas some love. I really enjoyed the twist on the single mother struggling. This hits home to more women. I’m read for the next installment. I can believe I’ve read all 4 books in a week. Since I used my unlimited to read for free.. I will go back purchase all the others. Thank you and please let us know when the next ones come out….
Profile Image for Micaiah.
Author 4 books19 followers
June 30, 2021
Good story

I thoroughly enjoyed Amber and Emmitt. Amber was a single mom trying to make ends meet and made dreams happen for her son. A football camp opportunity opened the door for more than just her son. What started off as fun morphed into more and ideals of what was needed changed. Of course there has to be a little frame and mix ups in the story but in the end it all played out well.
Profile Image for Tanya.
364 reviews2 followers
July 2, 2021
I usually read books in order, however this storyline is still enjoyable while reading about the background characters. The chemistry sizzles between the main characters. The characters are definitely believable, with just the right amount of spice and humor. Great weekend read, and I will definitely go back and read the other books in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Annette.
3,167 reviews9 followers
July 4, 2021
It's pretty good and entertaining enough to read in one sitting. I like Amber, she's very relatable and a great single mother, love the relationship she has built with her son. Emmitt seemed very in love with his permanent non-commitment status, with all the energy he obviously puts in chasing the football I think a little more foundation and out of the bedroom action is needed to be convinced that they are both really ready for something more.
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