Offensive Formations

Connecticut Kings #8

by Christina C. Jones

Pedestals are lonely places.

Teagan Tolliver is learning the hard way that for every new trophy, every tournament win, comes more scrutiny, more pressure - far beyond what she can do on a court. As an elite, Black female athlete in a sport dominated by people she has little in common with beyond a match, she’s got the eyes of the world on her - for better or worse.

Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept as well.

Coming out of BSU, he was a star cornerback, fulfilling a long term dream - and challenge - of having his name on the Connecticut Kings roster.

Living the dream.

Until what could’ve been a career-ending injury leaves him on the sidelines - forgotten about.

But no more.

With a hard-won full recovery on his side, and a new head coach at the helm of the Kings, Ambrose is poised to rebuild his reputation, and retake his place in the lights.

Only… now that the dream is back within his grasp.. . he’s realizing the wisdom of old cliches, and wondering if the turf under his feet is going to actually be any greener.

Maybe not, according to Teagan.

She’s witnessed firsthand what the pressures of competition - and the addiction to public adoration can do.

But she can’t let it go.

Not while she still has a legacy to continue, a birthright to honor, and most importantly - points to prove.

All motivations she and Ambrose have in common.

From accidental enemies, to something softer, to friends, to something deeper than either imagined or was even looking for, they’re both navigating more than they can handle alone.

So maybe together...

Genres: Romance, African American Romance, Sports Romance, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Sports

348 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2021

Reviews

[Kameel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the development of Teagan and Ambrose's relationship. Teagan was full of wit...I really enjoyed her and her mother Cheyenne's quick wit sense of humor....speaking of humor Ms. Vonda was a bit witty herself....This was really a good story, and the author successfully touch on a few subjects that athletes have to unfortunately deal with...This couple also had a great village around them to include their Sports Agents (Cole & Jordan Johnson). I really enjoyed this entire series and I really wished that it was available on audio with some of my favorite narrators so that could replay the series whenever I wanted. CCJ never disappoints me!!

2nd read was the newly released audiobook narrated by Alyx Monroe & Winston James

[Jahda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll give a full review later but I loved it

[Ayanna First of BourbonStreetBookers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so complete! After reading Love's Encroachment, this perfectly answered questions that a reader wouldn't have known to ask! This season of CK4 was perfectly written and presented. I absolutely love Teagan and her mom! The motivation, inspiration, and words of wisdom within these pages surrounding life traumas, were true gems. The various personalities of the men in this book within their specific roles gave so much life to this HEA! CCJ did an outstanding job in bringing this story the proper ending it needed while being perfectly intertwined with the previously published books of CK! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 Well done! 🎊🎉💐💐💐

[Love Belvin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, Christina ATE! Teagan is strong. And Brose... #Swoon

[Keesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Offensive Formation. I didn’t think I would enjoy this storyline since the FMC had no connection to the Kings. However, it gave us more info on RSM and it’s always great to check in with Cole and Jordan. I loved this couple! They dealt with so much drama and so many hard issues with such maturity. The side characters in this book were so entertaining. CCJ and a sports romance can’t go wrong apparently.

[Malaika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

Ambrose and Teagan were everything! Their individual stories were not fairytales and neither was their journey together but it was all like flawed perfection. I didn’t think I could love another couple after JJ and Cole and Ramsey and Wil, but I can’t not love these two! They were everything!

[Ashley B · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I looooved it! It was so good! If you enjoy a good romance with dynamic characters, sports, passion and drama? This is it! This is it!! I loved it! Every moment gave me JOY JOY JOY!!! 💗💗💗💗💗

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved me some Ambrose. He was just EVERYTHING. This gets bumped to a 4 star read just because Taj got his just desserts

[Wind · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this story. Teagan and Ambrose both went through trials and trauma but found their way to each other. Both their moms were A+ and Teagan’s ex deserved everything that he got. So far this is my best read in the series.

[Elisha Southern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan is not to be played with & Brose is such a man that knows what he wants. I loved these two together!!

[Caitie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5!

[*Ebony I* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talented Love

When I tell you Mrs. Jones and Ms. Belvin did not come to play with us, I mean it!
Teagan was my type of girl. She was just...my people. Although she was an ELITE athlete, we got to experience her as a young black woman living her life and excelling in her sport. I love that she was unapologetically herself, but didn't shy away from her insecurities. She allowed herself to feel and I was here for it all. I was rooting for her as she competed with so much turmoil around her. An unexpected meeting with Ambrose left her with new thoughts, something she wasn't sure she was ready for.
Ambrose felt their connection too, but tried to shake it off. Brose was focused...out to prove that he deserved to be a King. I like him...he was calm, reserved, observant, yet fun, and protective. He too faced some insecurities and continued to work to move past them. The WAY he supported Teagan even when she wasn't present was honorable. He did so much to make sure she was good.
Their chemistry was dope!
The sub characters, I enjoyed them so much. Cole with her hot tempered yet supportive self, was great to see both her and Jordan live out new aspirations. The mother's were everything and I loved how they showed up for their children.
It was such a good story, binge reading was completely worth it!

[Adriane Griggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Teagan is the bad girl of tennis. Determined to remain true to herself while navigating her way to the top. Ambrose is recovering from what should have been a career ending injury. A misunderstanding pits them against each other in a war or words. A simple solution by their representatives puts them in close enough proximity to really see the other person. The attraction is obvious yet but are cautious. When they finally get together, it's CCJ magic. Ms. Jones brings these two together with smoldering heat that leaves you anticipating the next time. Mistrust, domestic violence and perspective play major roles in how communication is so important. Another favorite.

[DC · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very disappointed

Man it was so hard for me to give CCJ a 3 stars because she’s one of my top 5 best authors and she’s not number 5. But I felt nothing for this book, both her and LB disappointed me on this season of CK books. This book did not seems like it’s something CCJ enjoyed writing, it was dragged out and just not interesting. I missed the wit and laughter from a typical CCJ book. Hopefully next season you guys get it right!

[Erin Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was cute. Teagan a women’s tennis star 🎾 & Ambrose a cornerback for the CK 🏈

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

You did it again!!!

I was impatiently waiting for this book to drop & you delivered! I love how Ambrose & Teagan moved from enemies, friendship, to lovers. Their mothers are gonna be a handful to handle. I hate that the Connecticut Kings series ended but hope the characters appears in future stories. Great writing from both you & Love!

[Cre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aww I loved this book! Loved this couple! And these characters as individuals. Teagan is unapologetically herself, full of depth, and so realistically written. Ambrose is such a kindhearted guy, but with edge. I really enjoyed the natural connection between these two. It moved fast, but never felt inorganic. The storylines were interesting and thought provoking.

The side characters were all amazing too! Especially characters from past books in this series. So happy to get more of Cole and Jordan, and the little moments with others.

The ONE thing I did not like is the ending. Like the actual last couple of scenes... Those things did not have to happen 😒 They could have just continued to grow as is without all that. Let these people be young and in love and date, and be free… geez louise. Happens too often in this serious. Every body relax… BUT! Honestly, this was my favorite book in the Connecticut Kings series so far! I still a few more to read. Awesome job, Miss Jones!

[KarynReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely loved Ambrose off the top. Teagan had to grow on me a bit. It was a bit redundant at times that her love of “twerkin” needed to feel overshadowed by her being this outstanding tennis pro athlete. Was it that serious Teagan.. I mean really Ma’am?!

I didnt get the chemistry from them at first. One minute they were sizing each other up. She wasnt feeling him, literally believed he thought negatively about her. Next, boom they were together.

Im a CCJ FAN I rounded up to a 4 star, but this wasnt a fav of mines and I hate that!! 🫤

[martha fountain · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my top favorite reads of 2021. This author put her all in this book. I absolutely love both Ambrose (certifiable book bae) and Teagen (that diva!!!). The storyline was engaging from the start. I did not want to put this book down until I was done. It was that good. A lot of life lessons in this read and the story felt authentic, purely genuine. The other thing I loved about this work was the fact this author did her research causing the story to be realistic. I truly enjoyed this read!

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Teagan and Ambrose. Their story was a whole vibe. From the circumstances that lead to their meeting, to the actual meeting, to the way that their story develops and plays out...everything was on point. Teagan is that girl, and Ambrose is my new favorite book boo.

Another good read from CCJ that is not be missed!

[Natasha P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal

I am in no way, shape, or form a sportsnista but BOY, do I love how Christina C. Jones writes about athletes. I fell in love with Teagan and Ambrose separately and then together. I think you will, too.

[Linda Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm starting to see that sports & romance go together real bad.

Jones did amazing on this series!

[Terra Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It started with a podcast...

Teagan and Ambrose went from enemies, to friends, to lovers all because of one bad decision...but a decision that would ultimately lead to everything each of them didn't know that they needed in their life...each other! This story was a well balance of angst, drama, humor, and heat. And all the ingredients added up to a very entertaining and satisfying read! As always, I loved revisiting former CK leads. But more importantly, I nominate myself for the role of the 911 operator in the movie 😂

[Tonya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was expecting

I'm sorry to say that this book was not what I was expecting. The chapter development was on point as always however this book started off very slow. The action didn't pick up until chapter 11. I was feeling Teagan at all. I loved Ambrose's optimism. I found myself putting this book down and picking up after a few days. CCJ is always on point but this one just wasn't it. There were also grammatical errors.

[T K · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one was okay for me. Probably my least favorite of CCJ in the series. I liked both main characters but something was missing for me. It was more like a 3.5, but gave it a 4 on the strength that I like CCJ as an author.

[Ada Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christina weaves the smoothest reads. I'm always pleasantly engaged with the character's journey. 5/5! It's another great addition to one of my favorite series!!

[Dana Smithers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story of Brose and Teagan. I absolutely loved Teagan’s character she reminded me of Jaclyn Love a little bit. The narrator that played Tea was perfect! I enjoyed how kind, laid back, and wholesome Ambrose was I felt like we got a lot of backstory about his upbringing but not his dating history because there were a few points he said something like “first time” that made me want to know if he was ever in a relationship before his situationship with Ava. CCJ typically does a great job with her series to give us updates on previous characters so I was so shocked when there was no mention of coach Brooks(Sloan) in this book especially since there was mention of a scandal and a new coach, coach Pierce and Nate was briefly mentioned in the story tho JJ and Cole were mentioned most. This story was the first time we got so close to Vanity and I think CCJ dropped the ball there too “Wrong Bitch” was such a popular song and mentioned in multiple books so I was surprised that it wasn’t referenced here when Tea and Van are cousins I think this story would have been the perfect opportunity for more Vanity inclusion I also was surprised that when the media was talking ish about Tea they didn’t drag Vanity lyrics into it to use as a catalyst to get their point across. I think we got a lot of context with this story but at the same time the pacing was quick and left a lot to be desired. They met in the summer right before pre season started, and so much happened from August to January leaving spaces for holes in the story. In the epilogue its January which is less than 1 month from Christmas dinner, we know that its the same season because there was a reference to Brose helping the team get the the championship but Wil asked Brose about how he felt about the Super Bowl win but the Super Bowl is always February… Teagan’s period was very late but they just started having sex in November she took plan B, then they used condoms the next time it was mentioned but how can her period be very late if it’s only December? And when did the engagement take place? I feel like the end of this story was rushed to provide closure and my girl CCJ missed a few details. Either way, I enjoyed this story and besides the rush ending the characters were well written.

[MidnightAce Book Bar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whoa! Mrs. Jones invites us to a final season with the Connecticut Kings but gives us more than just touchdowns, tennis matches, and scoring. Teagan Tolliver and Ambrose McNeil are two characters who teach us more than just the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of being an athlete.

With her skills, Teagan is more than qualified to compete on any court and at any level. Not only is she judged upon her ability to make it to these levels, but she also has to contend with where she grew up or even her ethnicity. When her ex-boyfriend turns stalker begins to escalate, even that needs to be handled delicately due to social media. Ambrose is there to support her and gives her a safe place to be vulnerable.

With Ambrose, the initial reason for being with the Connecticut Kings was an act of vengeance against his father. That fact did not affect his love for the game, he gave his all whenever he was on the field. When an injury took him out for a season, it was the determination that brought him back to his position on the field. It was yet another tragedy that put him on the course of his true destiny. In the end, and all the odds against them, finally recognizing their truths, they take the win.

Offensive Formations was a multilayered story of realism, including romance, dysfunctions in families, coping with mental illness, domestic violence, surviving social media, bias treatment of female athletes of color. The secondary characters were a bonus, and you will fall in love with them.

If you are looking for an engaging read, I recommend this one for your reading pleasure. I hope we get to see more of these characters.

Full Books & Booze Review: https://www.midnightacebookbar.com/po...

[tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Hated When It Ended

I enjoyed this story A Lot! I love how mentally strong the characters were and how morally strong they were. I also liked how real they were. I didn’t feel like anything was far fetched. I loved the fact That I could get to know them without their riches and creature comforts getting in the way of me seeing myself and people I know in the characters and situations. And, the advice about how to look at women who are going through or have survived domestic violence was “everything”. I’m going to think once, twice, three times before I consign someone saying “ Why doesn’t she just leave.?” with all the disdain and head shaking that could ever be mustered. Teagan reminded me to remember that it’s definitely not that simple and the victim can use compassion wayyyy more than judgement. One caution to readers though….Don’t read this until you have finished whatever you have to do because once you start reading it you DEFINITELY wil have a hard time putting it down!

[October Readsss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tegan x Ambrose

Tegan was unapologetically herself. I loved that she was unafraid to clapback on people who thought they could just come for her. Not to mention, she truly stayed in her bag & minded her business. I love how she basically clowned Ambrose the first time they met in person letting it be known she knows a fan when she sees one. Their chemistry was everything. Ambrose has a special talent of providing Tegan with a safe space & I loved it because she deserved it. Ambrose really gives off gentle giant vibes. Like he not looking for trouble, but he also not running from it. Even tho it was displayed alot, I loved the big brother energy Atlas provided Ambrose. & Finalllllyyyy an introduction to Vanity aka Vanessa. She is royalty in CCJ universe. I absolutely adored Ms. Cheyenne & Ms. Vonda together, you better watch out for them ladies 😂 & too damn happy about Taj bitch ass. Would have loved if JR got cut with his wanna be gangsta ass.

This was the perfect couple to end this series 🥰🥰