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Miami Piranhas #1
Playing for Keeps
Sebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.
Or at least he was.
Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.
He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong.
Only to realize that the head coach’s son, out-and-proud Beau Dawson, doesn’t believe he can.
Beau is infuriating but brilliant, and when he offers to help him on the field, Sebastian wants to say yes, but there’s one thing stopping him: the unexpected, inconvenient, and all-consuming crush he doesn’t want to have on Beau.
But Beau isn’t interested in playing it safe, with football or with anything else, and soon they’re embroiled in a hot—and secret—affair that would finish Sebastian’s career if Coach Dawson found out.
As Sebastian falls harder for Beau, he begins to realize that actually the worst thing in the world isn’t getting benched, but losing the man he loves.
Or at least he was.
Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only thirty-two, he’s already in the twilight of his career.
He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong.
Only to realize that the head coach’s son, out-and-proud Beau Dawson, doesn’t believe he can.
Beau is infuriating but brilliant, and when he offers to help him on the field, Sebastian wants to say yes, but there’s one thing stopping him: the unexpected, inconvenient, and all-consuming crush he doesn’t want to have on Beau.
But Beau isn’t interested in playing it safe, with football or with anything else, and soon they’re embroiled in a hot—and secret—affair that would finish Sebastian’s career if Coach Dawson found out.
As Sebastian falls harder for Beau, he begins to realize that actually the worst thing in the world isn’t getting benched, but losing the man he loves.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 11, 2022
275 people are currently reading
589 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
77 books667 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
May 11, 2022
It's no secret that I'm a huge fan of sports romances and that I love Beth's books, but with this series opener we get an absolute belter of a story.
With relatively little angsting, a thankful lack of miscommunication or lack of conversation which would solve any issues, Beau and Sebastian fall helplessly in love in spite of all the reasons why they shouldn't.
It's a wonderful narrative which gives us a man heading towards the end of a successful NFL career as a cornerback and being given a second lease of life in a new position, if only he has the guts to take both the role - and the advice from the man on the side lines - his coach's son.
Sebastian Howard is a classic Beth character, he's biracial, strong-willed, stubborn and determined, but he's also kind, he's willing to take risks and he's been not exactly hiding his sexuality so much as not giving any time to relationships because of his career.
Beau Dawson, the man tasked with running Seb through the transition to playing the new safety position, is someone who's always had to fight because he's been an out and proud gay man working alongside his top College Coach father Asa, for years. He fights prejudice, allegations he's only there because of his father and he fights his instant attraction to Sebastian Howard.
And OMG how much UST is there in this book! It bounces off the page in their first encounters as both men struggle with the attraction they don't want to acknowledge.
I loved this book so much. It's within Beth's expanded universe so the Piranhas are the team my absolute favourite Beth character - quarterback Colin O’Connor - used to play for and they're struggling to rebuild after his retirement.
There's layers of different tensions throughout the story, from the fears their relationship could damage the team dynamics and interfere with Beau's professional reputation, there's the switch to a new position and having to accept a cocky and ignorant replacement taking your place which Seb struggles with.
There's the other LGBTQ couple within the team, who are introduced in a short novella available in the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend Prolific Works year long giveaway, and there's potential for other relationships happening in at least another two pairs.
Oh and Asa himself, there's definitely something going on there which I have already told Beth I have to KNOW about please 😂
So, if you like your sports romances to be steaming hot, have great LGBTQ representation but with the realistic struggles you'd expect from such a macho world, actually include plenty of on pitch game narrative too, this series is definitely for you.
As always, I beta read this book for Beth.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
With relatively little angsting, a thankful lack of miscommunication or lack of conversation which would solve any issues, Beau and Sebastian fall helplessly in love in spite of all the reasons why they shouldn't.
It's a wonderful narrative which gives us a man heading towards the end of a successful NFL career as a cornerback and being given a second lease of life in a new position, if only he has the guts to take both the role - and the advice from the man on the side lines - his coach's son.
Sebastian Howard is a classic Beth character, he's biracial, strong-willed, stubborn and determined, but he's also kind, he's willing to take risks and he's been not exactly hiding his sexuality so much as not giving any time to relationships because of his career.
Beau Dawson, the man tasked with running Seb through the transition to playing the new safety position, is someone who's always had to fight because he's been an out and proud gay man working alongside his top College Coach father Asa, for years. He fights prejudice, allegations he's only there because of his father and he fights his instant attraction to Sebastian Howard.
And OMG how much UST is there in this book! It bounces off the page in their first encounters as both men struggle with the attraction they don't want to acknowledge.
I loved this book so much. It's within Beth's expanded universe so the Piranhas are the team my absolute favourite Beth character - quarterback Colin O’Connor - used to play for and they're struggling to rebuild after his retirement.
There's layers of different tensions throughout the story, from the fears their relationship could damage the team dynamics and interfere with Beau's professional reputation, there's the switch to a new position and having to accept a cocky and ignorant replacement taking your place which Seb struggles with.
There's the other LGBTQ couple within the team, who are introduced in a short novella available in the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend Prolific Works year long giveaway, and there's potential for other relationships happening in at least another two pairs.
Oh and Asa himself, there's definitely something going on there which I have already told Beth I have to KNOW about please 😂
So, if you like your sports romances to be steaming hot, have great LGBTQ representation but with the realistic struggles you'd expect from such a macho world, actually include plenty of on pitch game narrative too, this series is definitely for you.
As always, I beta read this book for Beth.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review
not-for-me
June 16, 2022Time of death: 15%. There’s WAY too much football/NFL talk for me in this book. If you know (and love) the game, you might like it, the writing and the premise isn’t bad at all. But that much football isn’t for me, that’s why I’m quitting and I won’t rate it.
July 15, 2022
I need to think a little before reviewing this.
didn-t-finish
July 23, 2022DNF @ 41%
I've enjoyed Beth Bolden books in the past and this was looking like a typical 3 star entry into the football sports romance category but I read a scene where the two main characters are naked in a steam room and the head coach, who is father to one of the main characters, also walks into the steam room naked. And they have a serious conversation! While naked! In a steam room! At work! I can't move past this so I have to DNF.
No star rating because maybe not wanting to read about related people being naked together when it isn't incest is a me thing.
I've enjoyed Beth Bolden books in the past and this was looking like a typical 3 star entry into the football sports romance category but I read a scene where the two main characters are naked in a steam room and the head coach, who is father to one of the main characters, also walks into the steam room naked. And they have a serious conversation! While naked! In a steam room! At work! I can't move past this so I have to DNF.
No star rating because maybe not wanting to read about related people being naked together when it isn't incest is a me thing.
May 16, 2022
RTC but it’s not secret that low angst sport romances are some of my favourite books and I really enjoyed this one. It was so sweet and romantic and very supportive too. I just had such a big grin on my face while I was reading this book because this book just really worked for me, I enjoyed this book so much.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest opinion
August 9, 2022
4 stars
sometimes all you need is a low angst football romance and this one definitely delivered (also loved when the Packers were mentioned cause #GoPackGo)
sometimes all you need is a low angst football romance and this one definitely delivered (also loved when the Packers were mentioned cause #GoPackGo)
June 13, 2023
4.5 stars
Sebastian Howard has always been known as the best corner in the NFL, and that's been a fact for many years. But after a handful of injuries on top of aging, his status as the best in the league has quickly come into question. When he signs with the Miami Piranhas, a team that struggled the year before, he's determined to prove that he's the best corner in the NFL once again.
Beau Dawson, the coach's son, has other plans. Beau will admit that Sebastian is a good corner, but he thinks he can be an even better safety. Sebastian won't hear it, but Beau isn't backing down and even agrees to help coach Sebastian, despite never playing the position himself. But when Sebastian and Beau begin to work together, there is more to their relationship than just a professional one, but they'll have to figure out how to work through it or put it behind them before it affects the team.
This one has been sitting on my Kindle for a long time, and, after getting recommendations for a coach/player relationship from a group, this series was once again brought to my attention. At first, I struggled a bit since it is written in third person POV, but once I got used to it, I loved this one. Beau and Sebastian are an exciting couple, and I think they work well together. I loved the build-up and the tension in their relationship, and it made it even more believable.
Sebastian Howard has always been known as the best corner in the NFL, and that's been a fact for many years. But after a handful of injuries on top of aging, his status as the best in the league has quickly come into question. When he signs with the Miami Piranhas, a team that struggled the year before, he's determined to prove that he's the best corner in the NFL once again.
Beau Dawson, the coach's son, has other plans. Beau will admit that Sebastian is a good corner, but he thinks he can be an even better safety. Sebastian won't hear it, but Beau isn't backing down and even agrees to help coach Sebastian, despite never playing the position himself. But when Sebastian and Beau begin to work together, there is more to their relationship than just a professional one, but they'll have to figure out how to work through it or put it behind them before it affects the team.
This one has been sitting on my Kindle for a long time, and, after getting recommendations for a coach/player relationship from a group, this series was once again brought to my attention. At first, I struggled a bit since it is written in third person POV, but once I got used to it, I loved this one. Beau and Sebastian are an exciting couple, and I think they work well together. I loved the build-up and the tension in their relationship, and it made it even more believable.
January 8, 2024
Updated review. So I liked Bolden's entry in the Christmas Village series, so I thought I'd give some of her regular books a try. I ahd completely forgotten I had tried to read this book a year or so ago and couldn't finish it. I didn't remember anything about it so I gave it another try.
Overall I liked this book a good bit. I loved seeing an interracial couple, and was impressed that Bolden mentioned in the acknowledgments that she did get feedback on how she wrote Sebastian, who is a biracial player on the Miami Piranhas team. His Black mother wasn't done right by his White father, which makes Sebastian unsure that she'll accept his White boyfriend Beau. I though this was very realistic and handled well.
Both MCs are given a good amount of characterization, and although she doesn't write in dual person POV, I saw each character's feelings and motivations clearly. I didn't think we were being shown things but got to experience them along with the MCs. One flaw of dual POV is that too often writers will give the characters an endless monologue and no one wants to read all that.
I think I should have started with Bolden's earlier books, as there are some references to other teams and places I didn't get. Still, it was good enough as a standalone novel.
My primary nitpick was the very detailed play by play of some of the games. I like American football, but it got tedious TBH.
Glad I gave this book and author another chance and I'll continue with this series.
Original review:
DNF @15%
I don't like this author's writing style. At all. Blech.
Overall I liked this book a good bit. I loved seeing an interracial couple, and was impressed that Bolden mentioned in the acknowledgments that she did get feedback on how she wrote Sebastian, who is a biracial player on the Miami Piranhas team. His Black mother wasn't done right by his White father, which makes Sebastian unsure that she'll accept his White boyfriend Beau. I though this was very realistic and handled well.
Both MCs are given a good amount of characterization, and although she doesn't write in dual person POV, I saw each character's feelings and motivations clearly. I didn't think we were being shown things but got to experience them along with the MCs. One flaw of dual POV is that too often writers will give the characters an endless monologue and no one wants to read all that.
I think I should have started with Bolden's earlier books, as there are some references to other teams and places I didn't get. Still, it was good enough as a standalone novel.
My primary nitpick was the very detailed play by play of some of the games. I like American football, but it got tedious TBH.
Glad I gave this book and author another chance and I'll continue with this series.
Original review:
DNF @15%
I don't like this author's writing style. At all. Blech.
October 29, 2023
Cute sports romance between a BIPOC football player (a rarity in the m/m romance world, unfortunately) and a sorta-kinda coach. Some complaints: even though this novel features an exceptionally accepting team/league, homophobia is treated as a plot device to help save the day, which is... kinda out of left field. And problematic. Also, the characters keep going on and on about how "accepting" Miami is. Uhhh yeah, even though I'm well aware that this story is not reality, I can't help but read it with recent political developments in mind. Most of my (highly homosexual and queer) circle don't think too highly of Florida these days; my own distaste for the state kinda ruins the setting of this series (much like how the unbelievability of small-town romances can sometimes cause an instant DNF). Idk, I'll probably read more books in the series because this is the first m/m romance I've read in months that I actually liked, but I won't be happy about it!!!
May 24, 2022
Typical sports romance, but I enjoyed it.
Read
May 16, 2022Paused (maybe DNF) @ 42%. I’m a huge fan of sports romance, but this book is all football and no romance.
June 26, 2022
I'm in love with this series so far and cannot wait for the next book!
May 13, 2022
Playing Dirty is a prequel novella (part of Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend Prolificworks giveaway) about two rookie players on the same team, and while you can easily read Playing for Keeps while skipping it, it's nice to be introduced to both Beau and Sebastian through other people's eyes and see where their "enemies" to lovers journey began.
Sebastian is a 31 year old cornerback who has been in the NFL for almost a decade and was recently traded to the Miami Piranhas team. The coaching staff (note Beau), to his horror, want him to play safety instead. Sebastian is NOT happy and sees this as the greatest insult to his football skills. He is stubborn AF but has totally met his match in Beau who is determined to convince him that this is the right choice. Amidst some bashing of heads in relation to his position on the field, Sebastian and Beau have no problems burning up the sheets but most of all, they both want more. Playing for Keeps is a light steamy read full of great well developed characters. I am not a football fan at all but Beth made me want to be. This is not my first Beth Bolden series but it's definitely my favourite after reading the first two offerings and I am excited for more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Sebastian is a 31 year old cornerback who has been in the NFL for almost a decade and was recently traded to the Miami Piranhas team. The coaching staff (note Beau), to his horror, want him to play safety instead. Sebastian is NOT happy and sees this as the greatest insult to his football skills. He is stubborn AF but has totally met his match in Beau who is determined to convince him that this is the right choice. Amidst some bashing of heads in relation to his position on the field, Sebastian and Beau have no problems burning up the sheets but most of all, they both want more. Playing for Keeps is a light steamy read full of great well developed characters. I am not a football fan at all but Beth made me want to be. This is not my first Beth Bolden series but it's definitely my favourite after reading the first two offerings and I am excited for more in this series. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
May 12, 2022
Such an amazing book!
I loved the connection between Beau and Sebastian and the way they also connect with the team (players and coach)
Although I didn't understand one word about the game this a great love story
I received an arc but the words are from the heart
I loved the connection between Beau and Sebastian and the way they also connect with the team (players and coach)
Although I didn't understand one word about the game this a great love story
I received an arc but the words are from the heart
October 26, 2022
Check out our full post for PLAYING FOR KEEPS on Wicked Reads.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Shannan – ☆☆☆☆
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the first book in the Miami Piranhas series.
Sebastian Howard is the best cornerback in the NFL until, well, he isn't anymore. He knew he lost a step. He knew it was slower than he had been. What he hoped would happen was that he'd work his butt off and no one would notice. But someone did, Beau Dawson, the head coach’s son. Beau is a genius and sees the game better than anyone else. When he recommends that instead of Sebastian trying to kill himself on the field fighting for every inch, to try moving to the safety position. Sebastian is admittedly against it until Beau shows him with his help, he'll be the best safety in the NFL.
The sexual tension between these two is immediate. Beau wants to do what's right by Sebastian if he can get Sebastian to trust him. I loved watching these characters open up to each other and realize what was between them.
This is a new-to-me author and so far, I am loving the football side of the story just as much as the romance. I can't wait to read more!
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
July 26, 2022
**I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.**
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the first book in the Miami Piranhas series.
Sebastian Howard is the best cornerback in the NFL until well he isn't anymore. He knew he lost a step. He knew is was slower than he had been. What he hoped would happen was that he'd work his butt off and no one would notice. But someone did, Beau Dawson, the head coaches son. Beau is a genius and sees the game better than anyone else. When he recommends that instead of Sebastian trying to kill himself on the field fighting for every inch to try moving to the safety position. Sebastian is admittedly against it until Beau shows him with his help he'll be the best safety in the NFL.
The sexual tension between these two is immediate. Beau wants to do what's right by Sebastian if he can get Sebastian to trust him. I loved watching these characters open up to each other and realize what was between them.
This is a new to me author and so far I am loving the football side of the story just as much as the romance. I can't wait to read more!
PLAYING FOR KEEPS is the first book in the Miami Piranhas series.
Sebastian Howard is the best cornerback in the NFL until well he isn't anymore. He knew he lost a step. He knew is was slower than he had been. What he hoped would happen was that he'd work his butt off and no one would notice. But someone did, Beau Dawson, the head coaches son. Beau is a genius and sees the game better than anyone else. When he recommends that instead of Sebastian trying to kill himself on the field fighting for every inch to try moving to the safety position. Sebastian is admittedly against it until Beau shows him with his help he'll be the best safety in the NFL.
The sexual tension between these two is immediate. Beau wants to do what's right by Sebastian if he can get Sebastian to trust him. I loved watching these characters open up to each other and realize what was between them.
This is a new to me author and so far I am loving the football side of the story just as much as the romance. I can't wait to read more!
April 29, 2022
Playing for Keeps is the first full-length novel in her Miami Piranhas m/m football series. It is absolutely fantastic.
Sebastian Howard is an experienced player returning as a cornerback. It’s a position he’s excelled at and when Beau Dawson, the coach’s brilliant son and special assistant, suggests he turn his considerable talent to playing safety instead, his first and second reaction is absolutely not.
Beth Bolden does a terrific job with Sebastian and Beau and the fledgling Piranhas. She captures both their tension and feelings as well as the stuttering steps of a team and organization trying to find its footing. Fans of the sport will find much to love about the nitty gritty behind the glamour of the game and the well-written action will make fans of every reader! Cannot wait for more in this series!
m/m, football romance, almost enemies to friends to lovers; player and coach’s son
Sebastian Howard is an experienced player returning as a cornerback. It’s a position he’s excelled at and when Beau Dawson, the coach’s brilliant son and special assistant, suggests he turn his considerable talent to playing safety instead, his first and second reaction is absolutely not.
Beth Bolden does a terrific job with Sebastian and Beau and the fledgling Piranhas. She captures both their tension and feelings as well as the stuttering steps of a team and organization trying to find its footing. Fans of the sport will find much to love about the nitty gritty behind the glamour of the game and the well-written action will make fans of every reader! Cannot wait for more in this series!
m/m, football romance, almost enemies to friends to lovers; player and coach’s son
May 15, 2022
Once again Beth Bolden delivers a solid sports romance that is relatively low-angst, filled with strong and likable characters, and just plain hot! Beau and Sebastian have that instant attraction (not insta-love, just that “I want you!” vibe) which leads to those spicy hookups, and of course those pesky feelings just HAVE to intrude to complicate things. The football stuff is accurate for those who enjoy that part, and the romance develops at a normal pace through the season without feeling rushed.
Sebastian may be reluctant about the change the team wants to make moving him into a different position, but Beau is just the right person to help him make that transition. The trick is to do that while still remaining professional, because a star player and the coach’s son? Yeah, that’s not complicated at all, right?
I like that there is a strong cast of supporting characters with their teammates, and as you might expect you’ll find several who are prime choices for stories of their own. The good thing about that (other than the expected future books in the series) is Beau and Sebastian have others to support them while they are keeping what’s going on between them quiet. A bit of a stretch in such an über-macho sport? Maybe, but it still comes across well in this setting.
Playing for Keeps was a strong 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend this to any M/M sports romance fan (especially if you love football). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
Sebastian may be reluctant about the change the team wants to make moving him into a different position, but Beau is just the right person to help him make that transition. The trick is to do that while still remaining professional, because a star player and the coach’s son? Yeah, that’s not complicated at all, right?
I like that there is a strong cast of supporting characters with their teammates, and as you might expect you’ll find several who are prime choices for stories of their own. The good thing about that (other than the expected future books in the series) is Beau and Sebastian have others to support them while they are keeping what’s going on between them quiet. A bit of a stretch in such an über-macho sport? Maybe, but it still comes across well in this setting.
Playing for Keeps was a strong 4-star read for me, and I’d recommend this to any M/M sports romance fan (especially if you love football). This book is meant for readers 18+ for adult language and sexual content.
April 30, 2022
I'm way excited for this new series, and this was a great start. I love the cover, super eye catching! Anyways, this is about Beau and Sebastian, team manager and football player, one out and one very private about his personal life. I like how once they hooked up and got past the awkwardness, both wanted more than just the dirty moments. They wanted all the real stuff. And most of the players were very supportive. And Beau's dad is awesome. So here's what these boys are like. Sebastian, he's the kind of guy who can admit when he's wrong, and be honest about what he thinks. Beau is considerate, and smart, and calm. And they're sweet to each other.
Now, there is a whole team full of guys I need to read about, and I'm ready for all of them! Bring on the football love!
Now, there is a whole team full of guys I need to read about, and I'm ready for all of them! Bring on the football love!
November 17, 2024
Wow, this just digs the knife straight in randomly when least expected. First at the (almost) enemies misunderstanding and then the one and done 'go home now' drunk bit.
Though, I love that once the real passion starts, they don't deny it and go with it without pining (much).
I've read this exact book (storyline) from other authors and I just want to say that it is well done in this book, keeping it both light and heavy when the feelings need it. Nicely balanced between the romance and the football. A good sports romance. Low angst, all about the team, all about the love.
Though, I love that once the real passion starts, they don't deny it and go with it without pining (much).
I've read this exact book (storyline) from other authors and I just want to say that it is well done in this book, keeping it both light and heavy when the feelings need it. Nicely balanced between the romance and the football. A good sports romance. Low angst, all about the team, all about the love.
May 19, 2022
Playing for Keeps is the first book in the Miami Piranhas series. Loved, loved, loved Beau and Sebastian sooo freakin much!! They have fantastic chemistry right from the very beginning. This story left me with a smile on my face!! I honestly love a good sports romance and this one hit all my buttons. Overall, a phenomenal story!! It was really well written, the pacing flowed so good, highly recommend.
May 8, 2022
I loved Playing for Keeps, not because of the football, I didn’t even know what a corner or safety was, but because of Sebastian and Beau. Also, I can’t imagine living in Miami, but I like reading about it (it’s way too hot for me). They were a great couple, I liked their dynamic. I loved how their relationship developed and how simple Sebastian kept it. The team was great and I liked most of the players and the coach was definitely interesting. It was fast-paced, hot and sexy. Totally recommend this book!
May 11, 2022
Absolutely amazing story. I loved the chemistry between Sebastian and Beau right off. Also getting to know the other players as well to hopefully lead into the next book. The dance these characters do are so much fun to read.
I did receive an Arc for a review.
I did receive an Arc for a review.
May 18, 2022
2.75 stars. Not a success. Way too much football and too little romance and any kind of tension at all.
May 13, 2022
I enjoyed Sebastian and Beau's story. This was a very well written story. They were sweet together and both wanted the other to be happy. I enjoyed the interaction with the other players and am interested to see how the series goes.
May 12, 2022
Sebastian and Beau!
Not only is Beau out and proud, he is the coach's son. So knowing that Beau also works for the same NFL team that his father does, means that he gets over looked. People assume Beau was handed the job, but he plans to prove his techniques and advice works. So when he recommends that cornerback Sebastian Howard transition into a safety, Sebastian is not having it.
This story was light and fun and filled with chemistry. It has everything I crave in a sports romance. There is even a slight enemies-to-lovers edge with the two main characters. Beth Bolden has this way of always making me swoon and root for the characters. I loved this story and am already dying for book 2! This was a great start to a new series but there are several cameo appearances and mentions worth looking up. If you want more from this world and can't wait, I recommend looking into The Rainbow Clause which features the first Out NFL character in this universe and also looking up The Riptide series which features a different NFL team, also in the same universe.
Not only is Beau out and proud, he is the coach's son. So knowing that Beau also works for the same NFL team that his father does, means that he gets over looked. People assume Beau was handed the job, but he plans to prove his techniques and advice works. So when he recommends that cornerback Sebastian Howard transition into a safety, Sebastian is not having it.
This story was light and fun and filled with chemistry. It has everything I crave in a sports romance. There is even a slight enemies-to-lovers edge with the two main characters. Beth Bolden has this way of always making me swoon and root for the characters. I loved this story and am already dying for book 2! This was a great start to a new series but there are several cameo appearances and mentions worth looking up. If you want more from this world and can't wait, I recommend looking into The Rainbow Clause which features the first Out NFL character in this universe and also looking up The Riptide series which features a different NFL team, also in the same universe.
May 30, 2023
What an explosive start to a new football series
It's no secret that I'm a die-hard Beth Bolden fan, and despite not caring a single bit about football IRL I've always loved her football romances. Sebastian and Beau's story was no exception, and though I don't have the same attachment to the Piranhas as I did to the Riptide, I can already tell I'm going to end up loving this team just as hard. I especially enjoyed this story because it showcased more of the team dynamic in football. It was a ton of fun to watch these guys gel into a formidable unit as their season progressed, and I even found myself engaging in the technical discussions of play types and positions because I was just so excited to learn about this new cast of characters. Beau's perspective on football was particularly unique, and it was fascinating to see how his brain worked to put the puzzle pieces of a balanced team together. Sebastian's struggle to accept his new position on the team initially confused me, because I don't understand the stigmas associated with any particular role, but I was still able to connect with the emotions he was feeling. Don't even get me started on how absolutely THRILLED I was to see Beth cranking the heat up on Beau and Sebastian's romance. These two broke the slow-burn mold I've grown accustomed to, and I loved the change of pace. Their relationship journey had all the usual emotional development I adore so much, but with the added bonus of super steamy hookups whenever these two needed to release some energy. Both the romance and the overall storyline came to a highly satisfying conclusion, and I'm already really looking forward to what's next for this team.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
It's no secret that I'm a die-hard Beth Bolden fan, and despite not caring a single bit about football IRL I've always loved her football romances. Sebastian and Beau's story was no exception, and though I don't have the same attachment to the Piranhas as I did to the Riptide, I can already tell I'm going to end up loving this team just as hard. I especially enjoyed this story because it showcased more of the team dynamic in football. It was a ton of fun to watch these guys gel into a formidable unit as their season progressed, and I even found myself engaging in the technical discussions of play types and positions because I was just so excited to learn about this new cast of characters. Beau's perspective on football was particularly unique, and it was fascinating to see how his brain worked to put the puzzle pieces of a balanced team together. Sebastian's struggle to accept his new position on the team initially confused me, because I don't understand the stigmas associated with any particular role, but I was still able to connect with the emotions he was feeling. Don't even get me started on how absolutely THRILLED I was to see Beth cranking the heat up on Beau and Sebastian's romance. These two broke the slow-burn mold I've grown accustomed to, and I loved the change of pace. Their relationship journey had all the usual emotional development I adore so much, but with the added bonus of super steamy hookups whenever these two needed to release some energy. Both the romance and the overall storyline came to a highly satisfying conclusion, and I'm already really looking forward to what's next for this team.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 20, 2023
Scorching Love Story.
I'm gonna start with saying how great this book is from beginning to end because of the amazing character development. I also love me a double point of view, my total favourite, and it reveals Beau as a smart cookie, but both a lovable and endearing hero. He's definitely a down to earth and relatable character. Sebastian is also swoon worthy. I've already added him to my book boyfriend hareem. I adored the way in which he treated Beau, with such care and respect. The chemistry between them was irresistible, and when Sebastian proposes a kind of teammates with benefits arrangement, Beau finds it impossible to turn him down.
I loved the development in their relationship - the trust they built, their connection, and the support they showed one another. I felt that their relationship evolved naturally into something that they were both heavily invested in. They each struggled with personal things and the pressures put upon them, but I loved how they made each other stronger and their feelings gave them courage to follow their feelings.
This was a heartfelt, sexy read. The writing flowed perfectly. The tension between the two guys was scorching! Thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved the secondary characters and am so looking forward to the next one in the series. The audible is very good, Darcy Stark does a great job bringing Sebastian and Beau to life.
I'm gonna start with saying how great this book is from beginning to end because of the amazing character development. I also love me a double point of view, my total favourite, and it reveals Beau as a smart cookie, but both a lovable and endearing hero. He's definitely a down to earth and relatable character. Sebastian is also swoon worthy. I've already added him to my book boyfriend hareem. I adored the way in which he treated Beau, with such care and respect. The chemistry between them was irresistible, and when Sebastian proposes a kind of teammates with benefits arrangement, Beau finds it impossible to turn him down.
I loved the development in their relationship - the trust they built, their connection, and the support they showed one another. I felt that their relationship evolved naturally into something that they were both heavily invested in. They each struggled with personal things and the pressures put upon them, but I loved how they made each other stronger and their feelings gave them courage to follow their feelings.
This was a heartfelt, sexy read. The writing flowed perfectly. The tension between the two guys was scorching! Thoroughly enjoyed this book, loved the secondary characters and am so looking forward to the next one in the series. The audible is very good, Darcy Stark does a great job bringing Sebastian and Beau to life.
May 31, 2023
Playing for Keeps is a great first book of this new series from Beth Bolden. It's a fairly low angst romance with just a bit of drama in the American football department.
Sebastian is being put to work in a different role than he's been playing in his whole career and he's got Beau to thank for the idea, not that he wants to thank him. However, there's no way to stay mad at the guy you're crazy attracted to when you want him so much and his plan actually works out very well, for both Sebastian and the team.
This couple have great chemistry from the start, initially at odds as Sebastian fights against the plan but they soon ignite on page and keep that level going throughout the story. I love how things develop for them and they're both fairly open and honest about what they want. The football is also well written and easy to follow, even for someone who has no clue about it! There is a great team of players here with lots of potential for strong friendships and possible future MC's.
A great read from Beth Bolden, can see this being another hit series for them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**Audio**
Darcy Stark is a fantastic narrator and really brings out the best of this story and the characters. I found myself invested all over again in the developing relationship between Bo and Sebastian, their emotions about football and each other shining through.
Sebastian is being put to work in a different role than he's been playing in his whole career and he's got Beau to thank for the idea, not that he wants to thank him. However, there's no way to stay mad at the guy you're crazy attracted to when you want him so much and his plan actually works out very well, for both Sebastian and the team.
This couple have great chemistry from the start, initially at odds as Sebastian fights against the plan but they soon ignite on page and keep that level going throughout the story. I love how things develop for them and they're both fairly open and honest about what they want. The football is also well written and easy to follow, even for someone who has no clue about it! There is a great team of players here with lots of potential for strong friendships and possible future MC's.
A great read from Beth Bolden, can see this being another hit series for them.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
**Audio**
Darcy Stark is a fantastic narrator and really brings out the best of this story and the characters. I found myself invested all over again in the developing relationship between Bo and Sebastian, their emotions about football and each other shining through.
July 3, 2022
A good start as Sebastian (32 years) trying to keep up with the younger players of his new team at practice. Beau 26 years was determined to make a success out of Sebastian playing safety position rather than his original spot and make winners out of the team.Oh I loved the 🔥 heat coming of these two, with both putting up a front with not getting along. Secretly there hot for each other but neither knew if they where gay. And that's all before chapter one starts with the prologue. I love these themed storylines with the feels sizzling all the way.Scenes play out and things happen over drinks and after that it gets awkward and there avoiding each other. A lot of football play is included as per the books theme. A good book to read for this 3rd person story with dual povs.
I really liked the emotions and the chemistry between them although I’m not a fan of NFL football and didn’t understand the plays I liked the story. An HEA ending for them.
I really liked the emotions and the chemistry between them although I’m not a fan of NFL football and didn’t understand the plays I liked the story. An HEA ending for them.
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