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Professional Players #5
Love & Other Vows: For better or worse...
Shelly Williams is loving life. She’s been offered a place on the newest, sexiest, celebrity reality television show, and her husband has just retired from his position as captain of the Irish rugby team, meaning he’s around more to help raise their children, leaving her free to pursue a few of her own ambitions. Ambitions Marcus knows nothing about.
Marcus Williams is struggling to find a purpose following his recent retirement as captain of the Irish rugby team. There’s only so many holidays, horse riding trips and happy hours one man can endure. When his wife is paired up with his old sporting rival in front of the entire country, Marcus begins to realise he stands to lose a lot more than just his career.
With ten weeks of watching Shelly slide, shake and shimmy against the one man that has the potential to destroy everything, Marcus must act if he wants to save their relationship.
They vowed to stay together through sickness and health.
But what about fame and wealth?
Marcus Williams is struggling to find a purpose following his recent retirement as captain of the Irish rugby team. There’s only so many holidays, horse riding trips and happy hours one man can endure. When his wife is paired up with his old sporting rival in front of the entire country, Marcus begins to realise he stands to lose a lot more than just his career.
With ten weeks of watching Shelly slide, shake and shimmy against the one man that has the potential to destroy everything, Marcus must act if he wants to save their relationship.
They vowed to stay together through sickness and health.
But what about fame and wealth?
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2022
24 people are currently reading
816 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 12, 2023
A marriage made in media
These are media stars and have lots of followers. He is an ex pro athlete and they love each other. Something happens to make her doubt his faithfulness and all the drama ensues. There's a dance competition and ex lovers and wanna be lovers and enough soap opera nonsense to satisfy chick lit lovers everywhere. It's just okay and Miss-Understandings is of course the main culprit. I finished it though so it wasn't all bad. Just not for me!
These are media stars and have lots of followers. He is an ex pro athlete and they love each other. Something happens to make her doubt his faithfulness and all the drama ensues. There's a dance competition and ex lovers and wanna be lovers and enough soap opera nonsense to satisfy chick lit lovers everywhere. It's just okay and Miss-Understandings is of course the main culprit. I finished it though so it wasn't all bad. Just not for me!
May 8, 2022
The final book in the Professional Players Series is absolutely perfect!
Lyndsey Gallagher has done it again, she’s made me feel all the feels with characters that you can relate to and root for and a fantastic plot which really showcases the characters growth both individually and United as a couple.
Marcus and Shelly have been prominent characters throughout this series and this book has to be one of my favourites. In fact, Marcus may have knocked Eddie (book 2) off the top spot on my book boyfriend list (at the very least they’re joint)
✨ Marcus has recently retired as captain of the Irish Rugby team and is facing a bit of an identity crisis. Seeing this usually fun loving (getting his arse out at every opportunity) confident man going through a big change and facing his insecurities was really well done. Lyndsey portrayed this perfectly, I could feel every emotion that he went through in his story and I just wanted to hug him and also, at times, shake some sense into him.
✨Shelly has stood by her husband throughout his seventeen year career, never questioning him or what’s been said in the press. But now it’s time to do something for herself. You don’t really see a lot of Shelly in earlier books (at least not as much as Marcus and his arse🤣) but I loved getting to know her, I thought her individual story arc from WAG to a woman who was secure in her life was wonderful.
✨ I loved getting to catch up with all of our favourite characters especially the rugby boys, there’s a really cute moment where Marcus says that although he’s not on their team anymore, he knows that they’ll always be on his and I thought it was such a perfect description of their friendship. Not only that, but the trust they have in Marcus just goes to show what a wonderful character he is.
I’m so sad that this series is finished but this is a series that can be read and re-read over and over again!
Lyndsey Gallagher has done it again, she’s made me feel all the feels with characters that you can relate to and root for and a fantastic plot which really showcases the characters growth both individually and United as a couple.
Marcus and Shelly have been prominent characters throughout this series and this book has to be one of my favourites. In fact, Marcus may have knocked Eddie (book 2) off the top spot on my book boyfriend list (at the very least they’re joint)
✨ Marcus has recently retired as captain of the Irish Rugby team and is facing a bit of an identity crisis. Seeing this usually fun loving (getting his arse out at every opportunity) confident man going through a big change and facing his insecurities was really well done. Lyndsey portrayed this perfectly, I could feel every emotion that he went through in his story and I just wanted to hug him and also, at times, shake some sense into him.
✨Shelly has stood by her husband throughout his seventeen year career, never questioning him or what’s been said in the press. But now it’s time to do something for herself. You don’t really see a lot of Shelly in earlier books (at least not as much as Marcus and his arse🤣) but I loved getting to know her, I thought her individual story arc from WAG to a woman who was secure in her life was wonderful.
✨ I loved getting to catch up with all of our favourite characters especially the rugby boys, there’s a really cute moment where Marcus says that although he’s not on their team anymore, he knows that they’ll always be on his and I thought it was such a perfect description of their friendship. Not only that, but the trust they have in Marcus just goes to show what a wonderful character he is.
I’m so sad that this series is finished but this is a series that can be read and re-read over and over again!
May 8, 2022
Another brilliant romcom from Lyndsey.
Lyndsey's storytelling abilities are simply out of this world. Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down until I knew what was going to happen.
Marcus and Shelly have been married for years but things are about to get shaken up.
This book is full of emotion, glittering description and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I didn't want this book to end but at the same time I wanted to keep reading (perfect combo!)
A very fitting end to a brilliant series 👍😊
Lyndsey's storytelling abilities are simply out of this world. Once I picked up this book I couldn't put it down until I knew what was going to happen.
Marcus and Shelly have been married for years but things are about to get shaken up.
This book is full of emotion, glittering description and lots of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
I didn't want this book to end but at the same time I wanted to keep reading (perfect combo!)
A very fitting end to a brilliant series 👍😊
June 5, 2022
Well step aside and bow down, the queen of romance is back with another absolutely gorgeous gem of a book. Love and Other Vows is the story of Marcus and Shelly. A gorgeous couple who have been together forever- or so it seems. The opening is steamy and shows the passion and chemistry between the couple but we also get a full glimpse into the reality of their married life.
Both characters are just stunning and we get to revisit Callum (my gorgeous Callum who I’ve loved since book one) as well as the other rugby lads. This is a stunning read but also a book guaranteed to swallow your emotions, take you on a rollercoaster and spit you out leaving you craving more.
Shelly gets the opportunity to take part on a big Irish dance show. This is where we see friction between the couple. There have been parts which have made my jaw drop. It’s no secret that Lyndsey had tears streaming down my cheeks at parts of this and threw in parts which have left me utterly speechless.
This is a spectacular read which has made me go from full on belly laughing to ugly crying. Lyndsey has absolutely nailed the story of Shelly and Marcus and it’s both entertaining and guaranteed to steal the heart of the reader.
This is completely swoon worthy, a love story to warm and melt even the coldest of hearts with a huge dollop of fun courtesy of the rugby lads.
An absolute must read!!!
Both characters are just stunning and we get to revisit Callum (my gorgeous Callum who I’ve loved since book one) as well as the other rugby lads. This is a stunning read but also a book guaranteed to swallow your emotions, take you on a rollercoaster and spit you out leaving you craving more.
Shelly gets the opportunity to take part on a big Irish dance show. This is where we see friction between the couple. There have been parts which have made my jaw drop. It’s no secret that Lyndsey had tears streaming down my cheeks at parts of this and threw in parts which have left me utterly speechless.
This is a spectacular read which has made me go from full on belly laughing to ugly crying. Lyndsey has absolutely nailed the story of Shelly and Marcus and it’s both entertaining and guaranteed to steal the heart of the reader.
This is completely swoon worthy, a love story to warm and melt even the coldest of hearts with a huge dollop of fun courtesy of the rugby lads.
An absolute must read!!!
September 4, 2022
The last one of the Professional Players Series tells us the story of Marcus and Shelly just after he retires from Professional rugby. He's struggling to find his place, and she's offered to participate in a dance show.
I felt uneasy with this book, mostly un the first half, dreading sometimes what was going to happen, as in this case the starting point is a married couple, so it's not the path from nothing to a relationship, but the struggles of a solid couple, with other prospects fighing for their attention.
Shelly has been a housewife for a long time, suffering the female attention that her husband got during all his professional years, and now she got an opportunity to enjoy herself doing something she likes, dancing. I liked her a lot, really down to earth and knowing what she wants, although the situation makes her show her insecurities.
Marcus is just lost, which is normal in his situation, he doesn't know exacly what to do with his Life and he needs to figure It out.
Too much lack of communication in this book, which looks like a bit extreme, but thinking about real life, if you don't speak the first time when you have doubts about something ir you're afraid, It is more difficult to speak as time passed, and suddenly, you're roommates instead of a couple.
A good read within a good series.
I felt uneasy with this book, mostly un the first half, dreading sometimes what was going to happen, as in this case the starting point is a married couple, so it's not the path from nothing to a relationship, but the struggles of a solid couple, with other prospects fighing for their attention.
Shelly has been a housewife for a long time, suffering the female attention that her husband got during all his professional years, and now she got an opportunity to enjoy herself doing something she likes, dancing. I liked her a lot, really down to earth and knowing what she wants, although the situation makes her show her insecurities.
Marcus is just lost, which is normal in his situation, he doesn't know exacly what to do with his Life and he needs to figure It out.
Too much lack of communication in this book, which looks like a bit extreme, but thinking about real life, if you don't speak the first time when you have doubts about something ir you're afraid, It is more difficult to speak as time passed, and suddenly, you're roommates instead of a couple.
A good read within a good series.
May 17, 2022
Just when you think her last book was your favorite, Lyndsey writes another book that leaves you breathless! This has been a fabulous series, but she ended it big! Marcus and Shelly have been the strong, dependable couple throughout the series, but the strength of their love and commitment shines in Love and Other Vows.
Marcus has retired and isn’t quite sure who he is or where he fits in anymore. Shelly has always managed the home and the girls while he played professional rugby and traveled the world.
Shelly loves making a home for her husband and girls, but with Marcus now retired, she has a bit of an itch to try something new. She has always loved to dance, but when she is offered a spot on a dance reality show, her interest is peaked and so is Marcus’ uncertainty.
The brilliance of Lyndsey’s writing is how real she makes her characters, and how she weaves stories within stories, effortlessly wrapping it all up in a glorious ending.
This is a story of romance, love, trust, family, commitment, personal growth, and the wonderful feeling that warms you when you know you’re married to your best friend.
Marcus has retired and isn’t quite sure who he is or where he fits in anymore. Shelly has always managed the home and the girls while he played professional rugby and traveled the world.
Shelly loves making a home for her husband and girls, but with Marcus now retired, she has a bit of an itch to try something new. She has always loved to dance, but when she is offered a spot on a dance reality show, her interest is peaked and so is Marcus’ uncertainty.
The brilliance of Lyndsey’s writing is how real she makes her characters, and how she weaves stories within stories, effortlessly wrapping it all up in a glorious ending.
This is a story of romance, love, trust, family, commitment, personal growth, and the wonderful feeling that warms you when you know you’re married to your best friend.
September 13, 2022
Thank you Lyndsey Gallagher and Goodreads for the gifted e-book.
Marcus has just retired from his career of playing for the Irish Rugby Team and is struggling to find his purpose. His wife Shelly has just been offered a spot on a hit reality celebrity television show. When Shelly is paired with one of Marcus' old rivals he is very upset.
As the weeks of the dance competition go on and Marcus watches his wife dance with his rival, he grows more distant from his wife. Soon both Marcus and Shelly begin pulling away from each other. Will Marcus fight to save his marriage?
Love & Other Vows is the fifth book in The Professional Players Series. While I have not read the first four books in the series, this book was perfectly easy to follow as a standalone. From the beginning it's clear that Shelly and Marcus are madly in love with each other and are the perfect couple. Their marriage is put to the test while they each deal with their own issues; one of the biggest being trust. It's not often that you read a romance about an already married couple, but this one was written very well. This was an addictive, fast, steamy read.
Marcus has just retired from his career of playing for the Irish Rugby Team and is struggling to find his purpose. His wife Shelly has just been offered a spot on a hit reality celebrity television show. When Shelly is paired with one of Marcus' old rivals he is very upset.
As the weeks of the dance competition go on and Marcus watches his wife dance with his rival, he grows more distant from his wife. Soon both Marcus and Shelly begin pulling away from each other. Will Marcus fight to save his marriage?
Love & Other Vows is the fifth book in The Professional Players Series. While I have not read the first four books in the series, this book was perfectly easy to follow as a standalone. From the beginning it's clear that Shelly and Marcus are madly in love with each other and are the perfect couple. Their marriage is put to the test while they each deal with their own issues; one of the biggest being trust. It's not often that you read a romance about an already married couple, but this one was written very well. This was an addictive, fast, steamy read.
May 9, 2022
This was DELICIOUS!!!
Lyndsey Gallagher knows how to spin a story that draws you in immediately and keeps you hooked. This was a riot! I loved loved loved the behind-the-scenes peeks at the dancing show, the glamour, the tension and the found family that came with it. I was cheering Shelly on the whole way while she navigated the scary and exhilarating journey of rediscovering herself after years of putting her husband's career and her family first. And while I was Team Shelly all the way, I did feel for Marcus, whose whole identity had been wrapped up in external validation and profile, and who had to undertake an even more painful journey.
I particularly loved the final third of this book, with its fantastic twists and turns that meant I couldn't put it down. And if you love grovelling and grand gestures, you'll LOVE this! The perfect, bubbly read. Well done Lyndsey!
Lyndsey Gallagher knows how to spin a story that draws you in immediately and keeps you hooked. This was a riot! I loved loved loved the behind-the-scenes peeks at the dancing show, the glamour, the tension and the found family that came with it. I was cheering Shelly on the whole way while she navigated the scary and exhilarating journey of rediscovering herself after years of putting her husband's career and her family first. And while I was Team Shelly all the way, I did feel for Marcus, whose whole identity had been wrapped up in external validation and profile, and who had to undertake an even more painful journey.
I particularly loved the final third of this book, with its fantastic twists and turns that meant I couldn't put it down. And if you love grovelling and grand gestures, you'll LOVE this! The perfect, bubbly read. Well done Lyndsey!
June 17, 2022
Epic end to a an incredible series!
Lyndsey Gallagher is a phenomenal writer and storyteller. Every book of hers is an unputdownable steamy page-turner and I fall in love with every character she creates.
In ‘Love and Other Vows’, Shelly Williams is getting the chance to appear on a reality show (think Strictly with even more pizazz) and is having the time of her life. What she doesn’t know is that she’s about to be paired with her husband’s biggest rival.
This book has it all - glitz, glamour, fabulous locations, and enough heat to start a fire. I loved seeing Marcus and Shelly’s relationship prevail and it was fabulous catching up with the rest of the characters from this fabulous series.
If you love steamy contemporary romance then you need this book in your life!
Lyndsey Gallagher is a phenomenal writer and storyteller. Every book of hers is an unputdownable steamy page-turner and I fall in love with every character she creates.
In ‘Love and Other Vows’, Shelly Williams is getting the chance to appear on a reality show (think Strictly with even more pizazz) and is having the time of her life. What she doesn’t know is that she’s about to be paired with her husband’s biggest rival.
This book has it all - glitz, glamour, fabulous locations, and enough heat to start a fire. I loved seeing Marcus and Shelly’s relationship prevail and it was fabulous catching up with the rest of the characters from this fabulous series.
If you love steamy contemporary romance then you need this book in your life!
May 20, 2022
Love and other vows is another brilliant book in the professional players series.
I love that this one focuses on a slightly older couple, already married with children. It starts off very steamy and I adore that, then it follows Shelly and Marcus through a tough time in their marriage.
Full of the moments we love from Lyndsey Gallagher - steam, realism, great characters, laughs and of course, romance!
I love that this one focuses on a slightly older couple, already married with children. It starts off very steamy and I adore that, then it follows Shelly and Marcus through a tough time in their marriage.
Full of the moments we love from Lyndsey Gallagher - steam, realism, great characters, laughs and of course, romance!
January 21, 2024
great book
This is the hardest book of the series for me to read. It is very emotional because you see the struggle that Marcus and Shelly are going through from both sides and it breaks your heart. You just want to tell them what to do and how to fix it! These two characters have been strong, role model characters in the series, and to see them struggle was hard. Lyndsey, awesome job on this book, it’s an exceptional book!
This is the hardest book of the series for me to read. It is very emotional because you see the struggle that Marcus and Shelly are going through from both sides and it breaks your heart. You just want to tell them what to do and how to fix it! These two characters have been strong, role model characters in the series, and to see them struggle was hard. Lyndsey, awesome job on this book, it’s an exceptional book!
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June 4, 2023DNF @ 44% I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway.
I really tried with this book, I wanted to make my way through it, but Marcus (the male MC) was really getting in my nerves and all of the beats felt really repetitive. I just wasn’t having a good time and didn’t want to keep wasting my reading time on a book I wasn’t enjoying.
I really tried with this book, I wanted to make my way through it, but Marcus (the male MC) was really getting in my nerves and all of the beats felt really repetitive. I just wasn’t having a good time and didn’t want to keep wasting my reading time on a book I wasn’t enjoying.
May 21, 2022
Lyndsey does it again and pulls off a masterpiece to neatly wrap up the Professional Players Series. Perfect with some great twists and turns. I recommend reading the others and saving this one for last.
June 12, 2022
I have loved reading the professional players series. Fun and sexy with great characters you can’t help but like. I can’t imagine it’s anywhere near reality, everything is soooo perfect but nevertheless, the stories are addictive and leave you all warm and fuzzy
July 30, 2023
I love stories about marriages in trouble as they help remind the mortals that don't get to live in romance novels that love is bloody hard work at times! This was no exception with great characters and a story that went a totally different direction to that which I was expecting!
September 17, 2025
Absolutely loved it
Absolutely loved & devoured this book! Such a well written & believable storyline! Portrays just how easily things can be misconstrued & taken way out of proportion, hurting people physically & mentally! So good!
Absolutely loved & devoured this book! Such a well written & believable storyline! Portrays just how easily things can be misconstrued & taken way out of proportion, hurting people physically & mentally! So good!
May 13, 2022
Another absolutely brilliant book in the Professional Players series. The story of Shelley and Marcus is bursting with description. I love how Lyndsey captures the monotony of marriage and manages to make you feel like they’re relatable even though he’s a professional sports stud! The characters are great, so warm and friendly. You feel like you’re a part of their friendship group. Such an excellent read and magnificent reveals along the way!
August 7, 2022
4.5/5
July 9, 2023
Ment to be
I really enjoyed this series! I love the bond the teammates have and the family dynamic of each of them. A total must read!
I really enjoyed this series! I love the bond the teammates have and the family dynamic of each of them. A total must read!
January 17, 2026
I enjoyed this one, it was nice to read about the cuddly bear that is Marcus and his lovely wife.
Marcus has his issues and insecurities even as a big burly rugby player.
Shelley was finding mum life mundane, oh how she regretted that!!
The facts that this book presents are that seven the most solid people and relationships have weak points.
Ben sounds a sleaze-ball, but I’m also glad he got his happy ending.
It was obvious to me, that she was going to be his sister. With the whole I’m looking for someone, and then they don’t want to be found.
Nice to finish this series. Onto the next ones….
Marcus has his issues and insecurities even as a big burly rugby player.
Shelley was finding mum life mundane, oh how she regretted that!!
The facts that this book presents are that seven the most solid people and relationships have weak points.
Ben sounds a sleaze-ball, but I’m also glad he got his happy ending.
It was obvious to me, that she was going to be his sister. With the whole I’m looking for someone, and then they don’t want to be found.
Nice to finish this series. Onto the next ones….
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2023
Probably my favourite of the series but they are all 5 star! Loved Marcus and Shelleys story, this book had me hooked from the start.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews