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The Legends #2
The Player and the Bookworm
Oleksander
I’ve got a hot pro football career, a grumpy attitude, and a big old problem. I’m determined to stay away from women after yet another failed relationship, until an adorable law student asks me for some no-strings-attached lessons on how she can make the grade in bed. Turn down that straightforward and very sexy offer? No way.
Only now, what in the we-complicated-everything hell have we done? Oh, boy. Or more like, oh, baby...
Sydney
I’m an amazing student. I can learn anything, so that should include how to drive men wild, right? Who better to ask for instruction than a big, brooding football player who isn’t afraid to teach me how to get down and dirty. He’s got the experience, I’ve got the enthusiasm.
But oops. Accidentally getting pregnant isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
And now I have a certain alpha male all up in my business demanding we get married. The idea is crazy. Insane. Yet I find Olek impossible to resist. It must be the hormones…
I’ve got a hot pro football career, a grumpy attitude, and a big old problem. I’m determined to stay away from women after yet another failed relationship, until an adorable law student asks me for some no-strings-attached lessons on how she can make the grade in bed. Turn down that straightforward and very sexy offer? No way.
Only now, what in the we-complicated-everything hell have we done? Oh, boy. Or more like, oh, baby...
Sydney
I’m an amazing student. I can learn anything, so that should include how to drive men wild, right? Who better to ask for instruction than a big, brooding football player who isn’t afraid to teach me how to get down and dirty. He’s got the experience, I’ve got the enthusiasm.
But oops. Accidentally getting pregnant isn’t the smartest thing I’ve ever done.
And now I have a certain alpha male all up in my business demanding we get married. The idea is crazy. Insane. Yet I find Olek impossible to resist. It must be the hormones…
188 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2021
97 people are currently reading
376 people want to read
About the author
Erin McCarthy
216 books4,827 followersUSA Today and New York Times Bestselling author Erin McCarthy sold her first book in 2002 and has since written over a hundred novels and novellas in teen fiction, new adult, and adult romance. Erin has a special weakness for high-heeled boots, beaches and martinis. She lives in Ohio with her family, two grumpy cats and a socially awkward dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
November 1, 2021
Super cute read!
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Trope: accidental baby
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Super cute quick read with likable characters ❤. Loved how both of the characters grew because of their relationship.
Story: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4.5)
Trope: accidental baby
Angst: 😱😱
Smexy: 🔥🔥🔥
Super cute quick read with likable characters ❤. Loved how both of the characters grew because of their relationship.
August 2, 2021
I loved this addition to The Legends series. I love Olek, he is a riot.
Olek is a famous football player who is super grumpy from his recent breakup and is staying away from women all together. He is living the single life and keeping it that way, or so he thought until Sydney storms into his world.
Sydney is hurting after her last relationship. Her ex-boyfriend cheated on her and told her she stinks at sex, hence why he cheated. Well Sydney is over him, well over him, but needs to know if there is any truth to what he actually said to her. She is out to get someone to teach her the ways of good sex and has her eye set on Olek, but he completely turns her down. She accepts it and moves on to another football player, or 3, until one does accept, but however, Olek intervenes and steps up to the plate and decides to break his 9 month celibacy streak.
Little did either of them know that their one night together will change their lives forever.
Sydney ends up pregnant even with birth control and Olek sweeps in and does the right thing. Along the way they both fall for each other and Olek makes all the decisions of where they will live, where Sydney will live, and that they should get married. But Sydney doesn't want to marry Olek just because of the baby, but because she loves him, but does he love her back? Olek is not one for words and just does what he feels is correct. His love language is action 100%.
Reading about these two falling in love and finding their way to each other was a great read. I didn't put this book down until I finished it. I can't wait for the next one!
Olek is a famous football player who is super grumpy from his recent breakup and is staying away from women all together. He is living the single life and keeping it that way, or so he thought until Sydney storms into his world.
Sydney is hurting after her last relationship. Her ex-boyfriend cheated on her and told her she stinks at sex, hence why he cheated. Well Sydney is over him, well over him, but needs to know if there is any truth to what he actually said to her. She is out to get someone to teach her the ways of good sex and has her eye set on Olek, but he completely turns her down. She accepts it and moves on to another football player, or 3, until one does accept, but however, Olek intervenes and steps up to the plate and decides to break his 9 month celibacy streak.
Little did either of them know that their one night together will change their lives forever.
Sydney ends up pregnant even with birth control and Olek sweeps in and does the right thing. Along the way they both fall for each other and Olek makes all the decisions of where they will live, where Sydney will live, and that they should get married. But Sydney doesn't want to marry Olek just because of the baby, but because she loves him, but does he love her back? Olek is not one for words and just does what he feels is correct. His love language is action 100%.
Reading about these two falling in love and finding their way to each other was a great read. I didn't put this book down until I finished it. I can't wait for the next one!
September 17, 2021
Eh I’m undecided if I like this one or not. The H was sweet until the little bit of drama hit. The h was good.
The hero was not a player as in man whore but a football player.
Safe
Dual POV
Celibate h/H
Not with others during separation
No ow/om drama
Epilogue ok
The hero was not a player as in man whore but a football player.
Safe
Dual POV
Celibate h/H
Not with others during separation
No ow/om drama
Epilogue ok
August 2, 2021
This was another easy romance in the series without any real angst. It was fun and I liked the characters even if I think they were both a bit uneven and stepped out of character a little too often.
August 4, 2021
I love pregnancy tropes within sport romance. This was super cute, fun, sexy, sweet. I loved it!
June 21, 2022
Had some issues - read on KU
This book had some great things about it. The main characters are quite likeable. We spend time with the 5 guys and now two girl friend group, which I love in a series. That is the only improvement over book 1. The biggest problem with this book is their isn't much to build a relationship on between the MCs. They have sex together more than once in the beginning when she gets pregnant. And those were decent scenes. But she had propositioned every one of Dak's friends. That isn't cool. I don't think it makes her a slut but it does make her desperate and not very respectable.
They would probably not have gotten together again if she had not gotten pregnant. And at no time did I feel love between them. There was some chemistry and definitely friendship and respect but there just wasn't love. Olek immediately did the right thing by standing by her for every doctor's appointment and through every small issue she had to face. If anything, he was almost too perfect. And he was excited to be having a baby.
The book was just boring, as is most of the series. They all have more action in the first halves and then just kind of peter out. The last 10% did improve, at least.
I finished the series hoping it would get better. I really can't recommend this author or this series. I have added her to my list of authors I won't read again. I read almost a book a day, so I have a lot of material to compare it to, and this series is average at best and this book and book 4 aren't even what I would consider average. If you did like this book, you will probably like the rest of the series except book 4. The dialogue there is irritating. It is as if they say things just to be contrary the entire book. I couldn't read all of it.
This book had some great things about it. The main characters are quite likeable. We spend time with the 5 guys and now two girl friend group, which I love in a series. That is the only improvement over book 1. The biggest problem with this book is their isn't much to build a relationship on between the MCs. They have sex together more than once in the beginning when she gets pregnant. And those were decent scenes. But she had propositioned every one of Dak's friends. That isn't cool. I don't think it makes her a slut but it does make her desperate and not very respectable.
They would probably not have gotten together again if she had not gotten pregnant. And at no time did I feel love between them. There was some chemistry and definitely friendship and respect but there just wasn't love. Olek immediately did the right thing by standing by her for every doctor's appointment and through every small issue she had to face. If anything, he was almost too perfect. And he was excited to be having a baby.
The book was just boring, as is most of the series. They all have more action in the first halves and then just kind of peter out. The last 10% did improve, at least.
I finished the series hoping it would get better. I really can't recommend this author or this series. I have added her to my list of authors I won't read again. I read almost a book a day, so I have a lot of material to compare it to, and this series is average at best and this book and book 4 aren't even what I would consider average. If you did like this book, you will probably like the rest of the series except book 4. The dialogue there is irritating. It is as if they say things just to be contrary the entire book. I couldn't read all of it.
July 28, 2021
When I say this book had me laughing… I literally giggled through the first few chapters. Here we meet Oleksander who is a grumpy professional football player and Sydney the law student that’s super talkative.
Sydney who is annoyed with her ex boyfriend saying that she was bad in bed set out on a mission for someone to give her lessons. With her straightforward personality she plans to ask every sexy football at her cousin’s New Year’s Eve party. When she propositions Oleksander he shoots her down at first, but reconsiders when he sees her about to leave with one of his manwhore teammates.
After their hot passionate night together where Oleksander teaches and rocks Sydney’s world they part ways. Even after that night they can’t stop thinking about each other. But fate had other plans when two pink lines pop up. The two are about to take a whole new journey together which is parenthood.
The sexual chemistry was so hot that Sydney and Oleksander couldn’t deny the attraction. Both were scared and excited about becoming parents, but feelings also developed. Oleksander decided to ask Sydney to marry him but will love be in the equation? The chemistry is already there but can both admit they are undeniably in love with each other? Their journey was so fun and filled with wittiness, passion and all the feels.
Sydney who is annoyed with her ex boyfriend saying that she was bad in bed set out on a mission for someone to give her lessons. With her straightforward personality she plans to ask every sexy football at her cousin’s New Year’s Eve party. When she propositions Oleksander he shoots her down at first, but reconsiders when he sees her about to leave with one of his manwhore teammates.
After their hot passionate night together where Oleksander teaches and rocks Sydney’s world they part ways. Even after that night they can’t stop thinking about each other. But fate had other plans when two pink lines pop up. The two are about to take a whole new journey together which is parenthood.
The sexual chemistry was so hot that Sydney and Oleksander couldn’t deny the attraction. Both were scared and excited about becoming parents, but feelings also developed. Oleksander decided to ask Sydney to marry him but will love be in the equation? The chemistry is already there but can both admit they are undeniably in love with each other? Their journey was so fun and filled with wittiness, passion and all the feels.
July 29, 2021
4.5 STARS
Olek and Sydney meet on New Year's Eve and end up sharing a night that changes their lives forever. Their story is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. In addition, the reader is treated to a couple of sections written from Dak's POV, which are highly entertaining.
Olek and Sydney have chemistry for days. They have hot and passionate moments together and then go their separate ways. That is, until Sydney is late and a baby is imminent. I loved how Sydney handled the surprise. In some ways, her analytical and studious character communicates very effectively. In others, both characters have to learn new communication skills because of their parental baggage with their mothers. I love how possessive Olek is of Sydney, even at the beginning. I appreciated how his bossiness could be exciting for Sydney while at the same time be less than ideal. I love that they both have fears and doubts about becoming parents, like most people do. I loved the scenes at the doctors' office and I especially enjoyed their conversations trying to come up with the names for the baby. They both learn a lot about each other and themselves over the course of the pregnancy and I loved their super sweet HEA.
#SportsRomance #OneNightStand #SupriseBaby #RomanticComedy
Olek and Sydney meet on New Year's Eve and end up sharing a night that changes their lives forever. Their story is written in first person from an alternating dual POV. In addition, the reader is treated to a couple of sections written from Dak's POV, which are highly entertaining.
Olek and Sydney have chemistry for days. They have hot and passionate moments together and then go their separate ways. That is, until Sydney is late and a baby is imminent. I loved how Sydney handled the surprise. In some ways, her analytical and studious character communicates very effectively. In others, both characters have to learn new communication skills because of their parental baggage with their mothers. I love how possessive Olek is of Sydney, even at the beginning. I appreciated how his bossiness could be exciting for Sydney while at the same time be less than ideal. I love that they both have fears and doubts about becoming parents, like most people do. I loved the scenes at the doctors' office and I especially enjoyed their conversations trying to come up with the names for the baby. They both learn a lot about each other and themselves over the course of the pregnancy and I loved their super sweet HEA.
#SportsRomance #OneNightStand #SupriseBaby #RomanticComedy
June 16, 2022
Rating: 3 Stars
This started off strong for me—I really liked how direct and guileless the FMC was in the first six chapters, and how she effortlessly managed to break down the MMC’s walls. Unfortunately, I didn’t enjoy their story nearly as much following their ONS, as the FMC seemed to turn into a different person. I still liked her, but she had lost the spark she had in the beginning. She went from outgoing and focused to overwhelmed and unsure—am I supposed to believe that the pregnancy hormones changed her behavior that thoroughly?
Title: The Player and the Bookworm
(The Legends #2)
by Erin McCarthy
POV(s): Multiple—First Person (Primarily MMC and FMC)
Interconnected Series: Yes
Standalone: Yes
Cliffhanger: No
HEA:
Relationship: M/F
Genre(s): Contemporary Romance
Triggers: N/A
Tags/Tropes:
❖ Accidental-Pregnancy
❖ Famous-Athlete-MMC (football)
❖ One-Night-Stand
❖ Possessive-MMC
❖ Sports-Romance
August 20, 2021
A sweet, swoony tale
This book is fun, of course, but expect to cry, swoon, and cheer along with your laughter. Sydney has recently been dumped by her long term boyfriend and told he cheated on her because she sucked in bed. Her solution is to get a sex tutor. And since her cousin is engaged to the quarterback of a professional football team, she decides that is where her tutor will come from. Olek plays tight end on the football team and going on 9 months of self-imposed celibacy when Sydney asks him to be his sex tutor. They have a great night that results in an accidental pregnancy. While Olek and Sydney follow the inevitable path to being together, it is painfully hilarious but also beautiful to watch their growth, and missteps. Olek has more growing to do then Sydney in order to be ready to embrace that he can have a relationship and share feelings. The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, friend support, with a small bit of angst. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
This book is fun, of course, but expect to cry, swoon, and cheer along with your laughter. Sydney has recently been dumped by her long term boyfriend and told he cheated on her because she sucked in bed. Her solution is to get a sex tutor. And since her cousin is engaged to the quarterback of a professional football team, she decides that is where her tutor will come from. Olek plays tight end on the football team and going on 9 months of self-imposed celibacy when Sydney asks him to be his sex tutor. They have a great night that results in an accidental pregnancy. While Olek and Sydney follow the inevitable path to being together, it is painfully hilarious but also beautiful to watch their growth, and missteps. Olek has more growing to do then Sydney in order to be ready to embrace that he can have a relationship and share feelings. The story has plenty of hilarity, steamy scenes, sweet moments, friend support, with a small bit of angst. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
August 5, 2021
This book had an amazing hero. Originally they both planned on a one night stand. They both enjoyed themselves so much they wanted more than that, but both were afraid to ask.
She ends up pregnant even though they used condoms and she has an IUD. He immediately plans to come to every doctor's appointment, get her an apartment, starts planning for the baby. He is the perfect "I will be there for you every step of the way" example of a dad-to-be.
They are both afraid to talk about their feelings so he keeps being practical. "Let's move in together so I can help you and bond with our baby." and "Let's get married."
I took off 1 star because both of their mothers are so mean. His mom meets her for the first time and just keeps insulting her so hero makes his mom leave. He did warn heroine his mother was not a good person and would be mean.
She ends up pregnant even though they used condoms and she has an IUD. He immediately plans to come to every doctor's appointment, get her an apartment, starts planning for the baby. He is the perfect "I will be there for you every step of the way" example of a dad-to-be.
They are both afraid to talk about their feelings so he keeps being practical. "Let's move in together so I can help you and bond with our baby." and "Let's get married."
I took off 1 star because both of their mothers are so mean. His mom meets her for the first time and just keeps insulting her so hero makes his mom leave. He did warn heroine his mother was not a good person and would be mean.
August 1, 2021
Four and a half stars
The Player and the Bookworm is one delicious read. When Sydney’s ex explains he cheated because she was terrible in bed, she determines to get herself some experience—some coaching, if you will—to make sure that she never faces that again. Oleksander is taken aback when his teammate’s fiancée’s cousin hits him up for some intimate tutoring, but finds he can’t bring himself to say no and mean it.
Erin McCarthy’s story is warm and funny as well as hot and heartwarming. Olek and Sydney charm and delight, even as they made me laugh and laugh. Can’t wait for more in this series!
Oleksander Volkova and Sydney Stephenson
August 3, 2023
This was a super cute and quick read. I read some of the others in the series and they're all good. Erin McCarthy always does such a great job developing the characters and building the world to the point you feel like you're part of it. The editing is always 10/10, the flow is always perf. This wasn't super angsty, but emotional nonetheless. I love how Erin always writes her characters in an honest way. She doesn't create relationships that are picture perfect. There's a real life quality to the interactions that always make it an enjoyable and relatable experience. Read this one and then read literally any other book she's written! You'll love them all. ❤️
November 22, 2023
Loved!!
This was cute, sweet, SMOKIN’ hot and fun to read!
This is the third book I’ve read by Erin in her football series books and I’ve enjoyed each of them so much!
So far I’m thinking Cash has been my favorite but it’s also fun for a grumpy alpha male with a heart of gold to fall in lust easily, in like easy and in love a little harder but still easy in the scheme of things ❤️❤️❤️
I think the only thing that would have made this book any better would have been the mention of them getting professional counseling as I love that it’s becoming the norm (but I also realize this book is a shade on the older side lol)
This was cute, sweet, SMOKIN’ hot and fun to read!
This is the third book I’ve read by Erin in her football series books and I’ve enjoyed each of them so much!
So far I’m thinking Cash has been my favorite but it’s also fun for a grumpy alpha male with a heart of gold to fall in lust easily, in like easy and in love a little harder but still easy in the scheme of things ❤️❤️❤️
I think the only thing that would have made this book any better would have been the mention of them getting professional counseling as I love that it’s becoming the norm (but I also realize this book is a shade on the older side lol)
September 8, 2021
Quickie review: 3.25 stars. I didn't enjoy this book as much as I did the first in the series. I didn't feel any chemistry between the couple. Olek didn't act like he was attracted or interested in Sydney at first either. Sydney was also annoying at first. I didn't totally love either of their characters. The surprise pregnancy details did not feel realistic either. The story was interesting but it had poor depth and some plot threads left hanging at the end. I never felt the love between the couple either.
July 30, 2022
4.5 stars for the Sweet and Adorable Leads
This was such a wonderful surprise that gave me all the feels. Olek was so incredibly sweet and sexy. Sydney was such a funny heroine and I absolutely loved her directness - especially at the beginning. While their fears and insecurities were grounded, I knocked half a star cause I felt that it went on a bit too long. Also I hated O's mom. I felt like she was unnecessarily mean for this story. Other than those minor things, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend!
This was such a wonderful surprise that gave me all the feels. Olek was so incredibly sweet and sexy. Sydney was such a funny heroine and I absolutely loved her directness - especially at the beginning. While their fears and insecurities were grounded, I knocked half a star cause I felt that it went on a bit too long. Also I hated O's mom. I felt like she was unnecessarily mean for this story. Other than those minor things, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and highly recommend!
July 29, 2021
Lucu si Sydney, meski jenius tp insecure banget die.. ya kr emaknya kek gitu jg sih, bagaimanapun ya lingkungan dari kecil mempengaruhi lah XD
Olex nya jg punya issue sendiri karena emaknya (aduuhh ampun deh), tp akhirnya semua masalah bisa diselesaikan dgn ngobrol, maunya apa satu sama lain
gw gak sempet bikin review, bacanya jg gak sekali duduk kr bener2 cuma baca abis subuh - jam 7 pagi kali, malem gw masih harus kerja trs teler (malah curhat) ahahahahahha
Olex nya jg punya issue sendiri karena emaknya (aduuhh ampun deh), tp akhirnya semua masalah bisa diselesaikan dgn ngobrol, maunya apa satu sama lain
gw gak sempet bikin review, bacanya jg gak sekali duduk kr bener2 cuma baca abis subuh - jam 7 pagi kali, malem gw masih harus kerja trs teler (malah curhat) ahahahahahha
September 3, 2021
Olek and Sydney
This was a fun story of a young woman wanting some tutoring in sex, picking a pro football player as her instructor. They both got more than they bargained for when she ended up pregnant. Neither had a good example growing up as to what a healthy emotional relationship should look like so they learned as they went. Very sweet story with lovable characters and humor. Highly recommended.
This was a fun story of a young woman wanting some tutoring in sex, picking a pro football player as her instructor. They both got more than they bargained for when she ended up pregnant. Neither had a good example growing up as to what a healthy emotional relationship should look like so they learned as they went. Very sweet story with lovable characters and humor. Highly recommended.
July 27, 2021
Law student and a football player!
Cute romance between a law student who accidently gets pregnant and a football player who wants to be involved with the baby especially when Sydney knows nothing about football and likes him for himself even when he is grumpy!
Oleksander and Sydney start to realize that they have a lot more to their relationship when feelings start to be involved!
July 31, 2021
I am enjoying this series
Read this in a day. Quirky story line, but vibrant characters. I always enjoy getting into the middle of a group of friends and getting to know them all. Not sure why there had to be two characters named Dakota…that seems far fetched and was initially confusing, but overall, I was happy to see Olek and Sydney get to their happily ever after.
Read this in a day. Quirky story line, but vibrant characters. I always enjoy getting into the middle of a group of friends and getting to know them all. Not sure why there had to be two characters named Dakota…that seems far fetched and was initially confusing, but overall, I was happy to see Olek and Sydney get to their happily ever after.
July 28, 2021
New Years will never be the same
Cute story about love, fate , hookups and make ups. Sydney is looking for lessons and Olek is tying to stay away. Together they make some great plays.
Cute story about love, fate , hookups and make ups. Sydney is looking for lessons and Olek is tying to stay away. Together they make some great plays.
August 12, 2021
4 and a half stars. I don't know why I love the accidental pregnancy trope, but I do. I really enjoyed getting to know these characters as well. It was fun, and sexy, and sometimes I just need a book without so much angst.
August 18, 2021
Olek a tight end football player meets Sydney at the quarter back ‘s New Years party . She had been told by a recent breakup that she was no good at sex so she propositions Olec and sexy times happen .
October 22, 2021
Great story
I enjoyed this story and the characters. Everyone was fleshed out and funny. The sex was hottt! I also liked the premise. I recommend it to all romance lovers! I’ll be reading it again.
I enjoyed this story and the characters. Everyone was fleshed out and funny. The sex was hottt! I also liked the premise. I recommend it to all romance lovers! I’ll be reading it again.
June 22, 2022
Finally a good read!
I enjoyed this one. It had some of my favorite tropes.
- surprise pregnancy
- alpha hero
- hero thats NOT a manwhore
- heroine that’s NOT a doormat
I’ll be skipping the next book since the “hero” comes off disgusting and definitely not a safe read as far as I can tell.
I enjoyed this one. It had some of my favorite tropes.
- surprise pregnancy
- alpha hero
- hero thats NOT a manwhore
- heroine that’s NOT a doormat
I’ll be skipping the next book since the “hero” comes off disgusting and definitely not a safe read as far as I can tell.
October 26, 2022
I Really Loved it!
I thought this book was adorable and a bit different..I just loved the two main characters together and the whole storyline..just what I was looking for ..a few hours of escape! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I thought this book was adorable and a bit different..I just loved the two main characters together and the whole storyline..just what I was looking for ..a few hours of escape! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 19, 2025
An enjoyable read, but the characterisation didn't hold throughout the book. I was disappointed that Sydney didn't keep her quirky, hyper-focused personality past the initial hook-up. It was as if, once it served its purpose, it was forgotten.
July 28, 2021
4.5
Such a sweet, sexy read. I love this series.
Such a sweet, sexy read. I love this series.
July 30, 2021
This story was amazing.
Erin did it again! I laughed, I cried and got a little hot and bothered. I need me a football player now. Yummy!!
Erin did it again! I laughed, I cried and got a little hot and bothered. I need me a football player now. Yummy!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews