Illegal Contact

Denver Mountain Lions #4

by Emily Silver

Cocky football star Knox Fisher has been driving me crazy for years.

I’m one of the few female coaches in the league. I shouldn’t want someone who has the power to jeopardize my entire career, especially someone seven years my junior.

But I can’t stay away.

We keep the sizzling chemistry between the two of us.

A glance here. A touch there. I live for the stolen moments with him.

I know he wants more, but more is dangerous. If anyone saw us together, I could lose my job and be blackballed from the league.

There’s no way this relationship can end with anything but a broken heart, yet I can’t resist him.

I might be his coach, but this player is about to teach me a thing or two about love.

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Football, Romance, Contemporary, Audiobook, Workplace

266 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 2022

About the author

After winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.

A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.

When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!

Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!

Reviews

[Jodi - JodiReadsnListens]

Illegal Contact by Emily Silver was a sweet and spicy reverse age-gap football romance that enraptured my heart from start to finish. I was simply not ready for Knox Fisher. Knox and Frankie’s journey to HEA has just the right amount of forbidden, a whole lot of spice, and a swoon-worthy ending that will make you happy sigh. I love that we get to see Knox at the beginning of his NFL career, and then fast forward to see his growth and rise to the top as a dominant linebacker. His dedication to football and his love, admiration, and respect for Frankie was endearing. Plus, I loved that he fell first! Frankie is a strong powerful heroine, as an aspiring NFL coach in a male-dominated world. I loved her passion for the game and her commitment to her team. I admire her honesty when it came to her happiness and love for Knox! (Swoon!) Knox and Frankie have the kind of relationship that started out as a hot hidden fling but eventually grew into a forever kind of love.

Overall, I love this book! If you are a fan of a reverse age-gap football romance with a hot hunky linebacker, a smart determined female coach, catching up with the Denver Moutain Lions, intense football practices, forbidden nights, secret steamy times, a beloved grandmother, a private ride in the London Eye, a cabin getaway, speaking your truth, and a HEA that proves true love is worth the risk, then you will adore Knox and Frankie’s story. I always look forward to more from Emily Silver. Bring on The Big Game!

**Audio Review**
Knox Fisher = Swoon! Getting to listen to Illegal Contact by Emily Silver in audio was an even sweeter and spicier experience that I couldn’t get enough of. Knox and Frankie’s journey to HEA has just the right amount of forbidden, a whole lot of spice, and a swoon-worthy ending that will make you happy sigh. Rose Dioro and Teddy Hamilton's performances of Frankie and Knox had me captivated from start to finish. Rose presented Frankie’s dedication to her job and her desire for Knox in a mesmerizing and passionate performance. (Yes, lady!) Teddy’s charismatic tone made Knox utterly irresistible, yet he also added a vulnerability in his voice for emotional moments. Both narrators brought the heat and the tension with Frankie and Knox’s secret, meant-to-be chemistry.

[XxnightxowlxX74]

Coach/Player…

Knox and Frankie have been keeping a secret. They’ve been in a secret sexual relationship for a few years. Knox catches feelings for Frankie and wants more from her. Frankie is scared of losing her job as a coach if her relationship with Knox comes out.

This story flowed pretty straightforward and has moments of heartbreak that you won’t see coming.
On to the last book.. The Big Game!

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads]

Oh, how I have been waiting for this one! Seriously, just ask Emily. I was bugging her about it every chance I got. “Illegal Contact” is a fun, heartfelt and steamy reverse age gap/forbidden romance that pulled me in with their secret hookups and rooting on for them to finally admit their feelings.

Knox is the veteran defensive player on the Mountain Lions and has been working hard with the rest of the team to make it to the Super Bowl. But while on the team, he has been hooking up with his coach, Frankie. Frankie is the defense coach and one of the few women coaches in the league. After spending years of hooking up, both Frankie and Knox are starting to feel more for each other.

I just loved, loved Knox and Emily together. Their chemistry was coming off the pages and I could feel it as I read their story. Not only with their chemistry, they had a true connection and friendship that was such a solid point in them building more. Things could easily go wrong but sometimes taking that risk pays off and these two were meant to me. Knox is the fun loving guy who loves his family, friends and his job. Frankie is job focused and wanting to be the best possible coach that she can be. I love that Frankie is older than Knox, reverse age gaps are my favorite. One of the best things about these books is how detailed the football is. Emily Silver knows her football and makes sure to add it to the storyline since it’s a football romance. Other books have fallen short of this but not anything written by Emily. The epilogue has me counting down the days until the final book in the series, I can’t wait to see how things are wrapped up with the Mountain Lions.

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions]

This is a series I wish I had started from the beginning, there we’re so many interesting characters and connections, I definitely would start from the beginning if I could do it over.
Frankie and Knox’s story has the tropes that are my catnip. Forbidden/secret romance, age gap(reverse age gap) and sports romance.
Frankie is the lone female coach on an NFL team and it would hurt her career and reputation so much if people knew she was engaged in a relationship of any kind with a player.
She is AND he’s a bit younger, he’s a star and their chemistry and interactions are so very HOT!
I love the sneaking around, the excitement and fear that causes butterflies. I love the emotional aspect of this forbidden relationship. The questioning, the risks and all that angst.
I love the feeling of family from the the secondary characters (as this is an interconnected series)
It was a fun sports romance with a bit of a twist. I really love a bit of unexpected!
Great characters, chemistry and story. I’m so glad I read this new to me author!

[Reading In the Red Room]

I have been patiently waiting for Knox’s story! We have gotten to know him a little through previous books. Of course we know his grandmother…she is kinda the team mascot! What we didn’t know was that Knox was a taken man…that he was pretty much head over heels. Frankie has worked her tail off to be one of the only female assistant coaches in the NFL and she knows her secret can ruin her career. For the past few years Knox and Frankie have been spending time together when possible trying to be extremely careful and not get caught. WOW!! Was I not Expecting this story but loved everything about it! This two shared some crazy chemistry and fun banter. They were in a stressful situation but made the best out of it. The teammates were funny, entertaining and of course supportive. I really Love this series and the authors fast paced writing style. I’m always excited when I see One of her book have hit my kindle.

[booklover1816]

I read this book in a day and a half and I am shook!! I couldn't put it down. This story flowed so well, it was so damn hot; I had to keep reading. To top it all off, Frankie and Knox were perfection 😮‍💨🙌🏼

“𝙄 𝙙𝙤𝙣’𝙩 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙞𝙛 𝙄’𝙡𝙡 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙗𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙮 𝙤𝙛 𝙝𝙚𝙧, 𝙗𝙪𝙩 𝙄’𝙢 𝙜𝙤𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙙𝙖𝙢𝙣 𝙙𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙞𝙩 𝙬𝙖𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙫𝙖𝙞𝙣.”

It’s no secret that reverse age gap is my favorite trope and when I heard that Mrs.Silver was looking for arc readers- I immediately signed up!

The chemistry between these two bleeds off the pages and sucks you into it’s grasp. But there is a big problem on the horizon. Frankie is Knox’s coach and a relationship between the two is completely forbidden. What happens when a football player and his coach fall in love, but can’t be together? Well, you’ll have to read to find out!
________

𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬:
• Reverse age gap
• Forbidden
• Sports romance
• Secret relationship

[Kari Hansen]

Frankie doesn’t want to jeopardize her position as a coach with the Denver Mountain Lions however Knox was a temptation she wasn’t expecting. She has been involved in a forbidden secret relationship with him for the last few years but that no longer is enough and now she must decide if the reward of being with him is worth the risk.

Knox is skilled professional football player who is close to his family. He knows that with her being his coach she is off limits however he is unable to deny the feelings he has for her. He is no longer content with their secret relationship and is ready to fight for the woman and life he wants.

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship between Frankie and Knox as despite all the reasons they shouldn’t be together it isn’t enough to overcome the one reason they should which is their love for each other.

[JennyGReads]

Frankie Rose, assistant linebacker coach to the Denver Lions, is one of the best in the leagues and doesn't take crap from anyone, including captain and star linebacker Knox Fisher.

From the moment they met, Knox has been putting his foot into his mouth and pushing all of Frankie's buttons.

The two have a push and pull relationship that usually ends with Knox running sprints, but what nobody knows is that the push is just foreplay for what goes on behind closed doors.

Due to the strict no fraternization policy of the NFL, nobody can know about their relationship. In order to protect herself, Frankie sets up rules, but somehow their relationship shifted this season.

After one of the only 3 female coaches is fired after being caught having a sexual relationship with her player is fired, Frankie needs to decide if her fling with Knox is still worth the risk.

Will Frankie risk her dream of one day of becoming a head coach to pursue her relationship with Knox and put him first, or will football always be number one?

[Laura]

Knox and Frankie. A Forbidden relationship trope and I was so ready for their story. What I wasn't ready for was their story and therefore the whole series to end! This book has stolen my heart. The author has stolen my heart with all the books in this series and she did it once again with this book. I loved it from start to finish, it got me out of my slump and I was just so happy to be with the guys again. I loved Knox, I loved Frankie and together they were even better. Then somewhere in the book there was a huge plottwist I did NOT see coming and then for the rest of the book I was bawling my eyes out. This book had it all, it was fun and cute, but also really emotional, inspirational, serious and heavy. I loved it and would definitely recommend it!

4/5 stars.

[The Romance Book Disciple (Samantha)]

3.5 stars
This was a good forbidden romance trope. I liked that there was a female football coach, because that doesn't really exist. If you like the whole secret romance, you will enjoy this. For me, I just found it to be a little slow moving. I think I spend most of my time reading romantic suspense that sometimes a straight up contemporary romance just feels slow to me. That's on me, not the book.

[Tara]

The perfect blend of intoxicating chemistry, swoon, sass, witty banter, laughs, feels, and steam. This was a sweet, forbidden romance that will appeal to those who love football, a sexy hero and a sweet heroine! Scoot on over to the 1-Click and start reading this fantastic story today!

[anitawalker0513]

Another great read from Emily Silvers. This series is one of the best football series I’ve read. The games made me feel like I was right there on the field. I loved Knox and Frankie and the love they had, but had to hide. Emily set it up perfectly for the next book.

[Reading4_Ash]

Omg I didn’t want their story to end. I loved Knox and Franki. Their chemistry was so good. I enjoyed the push/pull of their relationship especially trying to keep things secret due to her position. But I knew from the beginning Knox had it bad (she does too). I will say though Emily did an amazing job with these characters. I highly recommend this book (and series ❤️) oh I almost forgot the spice was good too. 😉 check triggers 18+

[JenniferMarie]

I loved Frankie and Knox’s romance front start to finish. Illegal Contact is a coach/player sports romance full of heart and steam that I couldn’t put down. What was suppose to be a fling for both of them turns into more. I loved watching these to navigate their forbidden romance while trying to convince everyone they didn’t like each other. This story was fun, steamy, low on angst.

Rose Dioro and Teddy Hamilton do an amazing job bringing this sweet story to life. They do amazing at portraying Frankie and Knox’s chemistry and emotions throughout the story. This was my favorite performance from them in this series.

[alex (existential crisis™️)]

3.75⭐️
it took me being 50% into this book to realize the reason why i was having a hard time connecting with all the characters the way i wanted to was because i didn’t read their books.

on that note this was a very fun read. the found family, he falls first was sitting in this one. i just hate that there wasn’t the back story of how frankie and knox got to the point of ‘love’. i really wanted to know about that faithful night. i wanted to see how their dynamic was BEFORE they fell into that situationship.

i loved frankie. i loved that she worked hard to get where she was. i loved that she never once complained (even though she could’ve) she just did the work. she never took it easy on knox or acted biased. she really wanted the best for the team and was willing to do whatever it took.

knox was a sweetheart and a great teammates and you could the love he had for his job, his ACTUAL family but also his work family (found family). i hats that we found out things about him late in the book, it felt like random info just dropped about him to kinda connect the dots. idk. but still lovely.

other than that even though i didn’t get a feel of eve gone i still loved them, i loved knox’s family, i loved the team dynamic. i loved the football. it was a cute, fun, fast read.

[Katy]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Knox Fisher meets Frankie Rose his first day on the team. Which makes sense, since she’s his assistant linebacker coach. This instantly had my interest! But that was the prologue. Chapter one jumps seven years. Now, we’re years into their secret. Secret meetings, stolen glances across the field. No one knows. They’ve managed to go this entire time with no one finding out. But after all this time, it takes just one night of cuddling instead of sex for them to both suddenly need more? Frankie is so convinced that she can’t have Knox, that it’s always been a relationship or her career. So for all this time, he’s kept the secret to protect her, knowing how much is at stake for her. And then, she’s all in, without a care in the world. But when Knox is reminded that she’ll always put football and her career above all else, he calls it. I tried, and tried, to love this. I just never felt connected to the main characters. It felt simple, even with their non-simple problems. I anticipated and expected most everything that happened. No one moment stood out. I did love the team camaraderie right away, even without reading the other 3 books.

7/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Reverse Age Gap
8/10 Forced Proximity
10/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Workplace Romance

[Jody]

As an older woman myself, I'm drawn to the theme of reverse age-gaps in romances and the relationship seen between Knox and Frankie is a definite winner. Readers get to see Knox's year's long journey to become a star player, see his dedication to the sport, and how much it means to him. With Frankie, readers get to see the very rare instance of a female coach in a typically-helmed man's world. Readers get to see her trying to balance being tough while still embracing her feminine side, a side Knox calls to with much sizzle. Frankie constantly has to worry about their secret coming out as she weighs which means more to her...Knox or her coaching job and her future in the League. This was a story that was a long time coming as secret encounters slowly evolved into real feelings, feelings that could no longer be ignored. With me rooting for them every step of the way they slowly but steadily brought their connection out into the light in a richly rewarding conclusion.

Knox Fisher was a drool-worthy hero from the very first moment I saw him. He was dedicated to his family and friends, his sport, but even more dedicated to Frankie. He was drawn to her the very first time he saw her and it resulted in a crackling connection full of combustible banter and a push/pull dynamic that's foreplay for what goes on behind the scenes between these two. His words and deeds regarding her warmed my heart and made him the quintessential book boyfriend as he was always supportive of her and would do everything she asked of him. Frankie Rose is completely dedicated to football, in many ways it defines her, so she's terrified of what will happen if the truth about her relationship with Knox is revealed. She's a strong and capable force on the field, behind the scenes readers see sweet and sexy interludes balanced with heartfelt talks about their future. I felt sad for the weight resting on Frankie as her relationship with Knox was an utter delight and I longed for them to have a real HEA despite the repercussions for her future. The forbidden nature of their connection, the hefty penalty for discovery, made their romance even stronger and kept me on the edge of my seat as Ms. Silver wove together the pieces of a fulfilling journey to HEA.

Along with a compelling main couple was an equally appealing cast of secondary characters. From Knox's grandma (who was simply entertaining), to Knox's teammates (a brotherly group with playful banter and a strong support when needed), to Ms. Silver's vast football knowledge, readers will be quickly captivated by this tale. Action on and off the field was beautifully balanced to make you care about Knox and Frankie. I was fully invested in their relationship and was cheering for them from start to finish. By the turn of the final page their story was wrapped-up nicely while leaving readers wanting more courtesy of an enticing epilogue that's bringing this series to an end with the next installment.

[christine.s.library]

Illegal Contact is the last full-length novel in Emily Silver’s Denver Mountain Lions series is Knox Fisher’s story. He’s the cocky, fun-loving perpetual bachelor of this group. Or is he? Turns out he’s been secretly hooking up with his assistant coach for several years, but only during the regular season. What’s different about this season? He’s tired of having to let go of her at after the last game. There’s no other woman who challenges or understands him, while pushing him to be better. Not to mention, their chemistry is off the charts. And he’s going to make her see they’re past being just a seasonal casual hook up.

Frankie Rose loves the game of football every bit as much as the players she coaches, maybe even more. She’s worked hard to prove that she’s as good or better than her male peers and has her sights set on being a head coach. As one of only three female coaches in the NFL, she has to deal with the double standard that she can’t step out of line or risk scandal in order to keep her career on track. Her only deviation from the straight and narrow is her secret affair with Knox. It isn’t just that he’s one of her players, but he’s younger than her by seven years. Surely, once this attraction burns out he’ll move on to someone more his age and she’ll keep working her way up the ranks in her career. Right?

I had a feeling something was going on with Knox and Frankie during the previous books and was not disappointed. We don’t get to see their relationship evolve or even have much of a backstory of it, but Emily wrote them so well that it was natural to accept them as couple. They had that ease about them that you expect of long-term lovers. Knox’s acceptance of Frankie’s experience and knowledge as a coach and his support of her goals makes him even more endearing. I liked that Frankie maintained her integrity when it came down to whether or not to accept a promotion even when things seemed bleak between her and Knox.

This was a perfect wrap on the “regular season” of books for the Mountain Lions and sets readers up for The Big Game to see if they have what it takes to bring home the Lombardi trophy

[Kate Deeds]

Low Angst, reverse age gap, forbidden

Story: 8/10
Spice: 4/5
Spice Hierarchy: Open Door
Narration: 4/5

ALC Review-Out Now

Frankie is one of the only female coaches in the NFL and she is up for a promotion as long as she keeps working as hard as she does and remains professional. But she and one of the linebackers have had an anything but professional relationship for years. On field Knox goes out of his way to make comments to Frankie to draw her ire. And for years it has allowed them to keep their only-during-the-season-arrangement working.

Low angst. It's not a matter of if they will get together but if they will get caught. I loved this story. Both characters were fine with their relationship as it was for quite a long time. But that time has caught up with them and they find themselves both wanting more but not being sure how to make that change. Add in the forbidden dynamic adds to Fankie’s concern with her job. I love reverse age-gap and this one was so good. I appreciated that it wasn’t a creepy age gap and both characters were adults since it was coach/athlete. The family that Emily has created with the Denver Mountain Lions is so great that I love getting to go back and see them with each story. And as a bonus, getting to read the second generation in the Colorado Black Diamonds series is like being in on a big secret that the main characters don’t know about yet.

I was NOT prepared for the heartbreak. How dare Emily do that to us? Yes, I talked with her about it (I was nice and she knew it was coming.

Teddy and Rose did a great job of bringing Knox and Frankie to life. They hit the nuances of each character with their dual narration. Honestly, listening to them with this series is like getting a hug from friends. It is just warm and comforting. I love that the audio included the bonus epilogue of Frankie and Knox’s first night together.

[Meredith (SweetReadsandTreats)]

I have LOVED binge listening to this series in audio and Illegal Contact was a perfect end to this series in audio. I plan to wrap up the series with the novella The Big Game. Knox was the last captain to find his HEA, but not really. I loved how he and Frankie managed to keep their relationship a secret from all the guys. That scene was priceless. She’s one of his coaches and he’s the captain, but they made their friends with benefits relationship work. I loved how they were committed to each other without even knowing it. In audio, I’m so glad that Teddy Hamilton and Rose Dioro narrated most of this series. They were an amazing duo and perfect for Emily’s characters and stories, spicy romance with a mix of humorous banter and plot with light angst.

Knox and his line coach Frankie have butted heads since the moment they first met. But behind closed doors, the chemistry they share is fire despite their positions and age gap. She’s one of the only female coaches in the league, but she has earned that position and is great at her job. After years together during the season, he wants more. The decision she has to make: is he worth risking her job and good standing in the league?

I adored how Frankie was the one that had to make the big gesture when their situation changed. Usually it’s the MMC, but when things get real, Frankie is the one who has to decide if Knox is worth risking it all. I really enjoyed the forbidden, clandestine nature of their relationship and the flip they made from her scolding him to heated kisses in one moment to the next. This story was so hard to put down because you know the whole time that things will have to change for them to get their HEA and the ending was just what I wanted for the story. This series has been an amazing binge and one that I enjoyed immensely.

[Booklover Judy Lynn]

This is book 4 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
I have been waiting for Knox’s story. I had a feeling he liked Frankie from previous books and I was so happy to learn that he has been more than just liking her. Real feelings have managed to sneak up on both Knox and Frankie as they start the new season. Knox is a big guy with a bit of a cocky attitude and a soft heart. He has been a good friend to his teammates. He loves his mom and his grandma. I love his sense of humor and his work ethic to always be the best. He has a little baggage from his childhood, but it rarely pops up. Frankie is the perfect heroine for Knox. She is unafraid to dish his sass right back at him. I love that she is a success in a male dominated profession. I adore the fact that she loves the game as much as the players she coaches. She is strong and tough and unafraid to go after what she wants, even if it means recalibrating.
This is a steamy read that quickly ventures into love before the characters realize they are there. Knox and Frankie are hot in the bedroom, the kitchen, and everywhere else. I love the way they just understand each other and support each other even when it is hard. Friendship and found family are important aspects of this series. Knox has been there for his teammates and his team shows up for him when he needs them. I don’t know what else to say. I loved this one. It might be my favorite of the series.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Rachel (Rrbookreviews)]

🏈 ARC REVIEW 🏈
Review: 5/5 ⭐️
Steam: 4/5 🔥

#illegalcontact is book four in the #denvermountainlionsseries by @authoremilysilver.

Knox is cocky and has a big ego. But that man is loyal to his friends and loves his mama and grandma. He’s now a seasoned player taking rookies under his wing. He’s also seasoned in pushing coach Frankie’s buttons. He has the entire team believing they hate each other when they couldn’t be more wrong. They have a deal, only hookup during the season. Now, it’s not enough for Knox. He wants more with Frankie but knows they can’t be together unless they want to face the consequences. Will Knox give into the woman he craves punishment be damned or will the possibility of a PR nightmare deter him from having her?

Frankie is a bad ass female coach in a man’s world. She has to work ten times harder to get anywhere. Being an assistant is great for now, but she wants more. She also is stuck with wanting more with Knox; her secret hookup no one knows about, and can’t know about. She has her reservations about Knox, but also needs to think of herself. Is her player worth risking her reputation and job over or will she always choose football over him?

Ugh these two! I just loved them. Knox is my absolute favorite. Frankie is a bad ass. She doesn’t let the players off easy and fights for what she believes is right. She’s just like Grandma Darlene, showing the boys who’s boss. Knox; swooooon. This man was perfect. He knew what to say to get Frankie going in all the right ways. He knew what he felt for her was real and I loved it. Perfect pair to end the series with!

[Emily Johnston (Booked.Up.With.Emily)]

I absolutely LOVED Knox and Frankie’s story! I finished this book in less than 3 hours because I couldn’t put it down.

🏈Sports romance
🏈Reverse age gap
🏈Coach/player
🏈Forbidden
🏈Friends with benefits to lovers

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️
Angst level: 💔.5

Knox and Frankie when Knox started playing for his current team and met one of the assistant coaches aka Frankie. Years after playing together, they had one amazing night together that turned into a seasonal situationship.

They would only hook up in secret, and only during the season. No communication outside of that.

Now here we are four years into this situationship and both of them, more so one of them, wants more. But the stakes are high and it’s nearly impossible for them to ever have a real relationship.

So do they just cut their losses now and break off what they had, or will they risk it all for what they really want?

I am obsessed with these characters, and dare I say that these two are my favorite Emily Silver couple! Their story was absolutely beautiful and so relatable. The push and pull that these two had going on had me on the edge of my metaphorical seat the entire book.

I loved the bromance type friendship that Knox had with his teammates. I thought that was so, so special.

The narrators were also fantastic - Rose Dioro and Teddy Hamilton couldn’t have been casted better for Frankie and Knox! They both took us on a ride that I was never expecting to be on, but it came out so beautiful in the end.

I am hoping that we see Knox and Frankie’s kids, if they have any, in the second generation series that Emily is writing!

[Bookish Rose]

“Believe me when I say this, Francesca.” God, just the sound of my name sends tingles shooting through me. “I have never used my status to get any woman. Not when the only woman I’ve wanted is right here in front of me… Don’t ever doubt me, Frankie. I’ll prove you wrong every time.”
🏈
Although we still have the novella conclusion of this series, I wanna say how much I loved this book as a romantic conclusion to this world. Building on the world she created, Emily gave us so many scenes with witty banter from these characters (chapters 7 and 20 are my absolute faves), I practically giggled my way through this book. But there were a couple of surprises, several intimate scenes (I mean, you don’t have a book focusing on a forbidden affair without bringing the spicey spice), and tons of heart. Plus, the team travelled to London for a game, so we got some change of scenery goodness, too!

This book had a little bit of everything and I really liked it. Knox has been a character that I’ve maintained interest in throughout this series because his sarcastic, seemingly rough exterior alluded to much more laying underneath the surface. This book felt different from the rest because of Knox: raised by strong women, in love with a strong woman, tender underneath an intimidating exterior, and a wicked sense of humor. And Frankie, a woman excelling in a male-dominated field, is lovable in her own right. For a strong man like him to find his perfect match in a strong woman, felt cosmic in some manner and made the book even better.

[Denise]

ARC Review

I loved Knox and Frankie! When our story begins, these two have already been in an established, but secret, relationship for four years. Knox is starting his seventh season as a linebacker for the Denver Mountain Lions football team. Frankie is an assistant coach for the team. Fraternization between coaches and players is not allowed. Frankie, being only one of two female coaches in the entire football league, knows her job is on the line if anyone finds out about her and Knox. So their relationship must remain a secret.

Some of my favorite tropes are shown in this book: age gap (Frankie is seven years older than Knox), secret relationship, forced proximity, and he falls first. There are so many sweet and spicy stolen moments between these two. When the team travels to London for a game, Knox and Frankie are able to tour the city together, away from prying eyes. They take a ride on the London Eye but not much sightseeing is done. ;)

I loved how even though Frankie is such a strong woman, she does let herself be vulnerable when she’s with Knox. We see this after she gets injured on the sidelines during a game. Some players go out of bounds and crash right into Frankie. The way Knox takes care of Frankie afterwards is relationship goals.

Some of our favorite characters from previous books return in this story: our boys, Jackson, Colin, and Alex, and Knox’s grandma, who I strive to be like when I grow up. She’s amazing.

I love Emily’s stories because they are low-angst, sweet, feel-good reads. Illegal Contact is no exception. Another 5/5 for me!

[Kelchickbooklover]

Illegal Contact is book four of the Denver Mountain Lions and it is fantastic. Ms. Silver delivers a reverse age-gap, coach/player sports romance that will grab your attention right front the start. She always gives us a storyline that is beautifully written and such a joy to read that putting it down is impossible. In this one, she tells us the story of a strong and confident NFL coach, Frankie, and one of her players, Knox, who is definitely swoon-worthy but also a fantastic football player. We are introduced to Knox at the beginning of his career and fast forward seven years later where he is at the top of his game but he and Frankie are also having a forbidden relationship. They keep sneaking away and praying they don't get caught. Will their fun time end up having one of them catching feelings and wanting more? What will Frankie do when her job has the potential to change?

Frankie and Knox, although were supposedly having a fling, the chemistry that they shared was so hot that they set the pages on fire. The fact that Knox falls first and wants to tell the world tells me that he would be great book-boyfriend material. When the people they love see the attraction that they have for one another they both think that just maybe they could be together or is it too risky?

I highly recommend picking up Illegal Contact and enjoy a storyline that is one for the playbooks.

[Kristina Maysonet]

Emily really wrote this series to go out on a high note! This book was nothing like I expected but yet everything it needed to be. It was a mix of sweet and spicy. The reverse age gap was well written into the characters’ personalities. My favorite part is the football aspect. As a huge football lover myself, I really enjoy a well written football romance. You can absolutely tell that Emily herself is a football fan and is writing what she knows, but it is also written where if you aren’t a football fan that it won’t be too much information.

Knox and Frankie had a very forbidden romance so when they start this fling they say it is just during the season and very casual. I do wish we got to see how it started between them but their story played out so beautifully. I totally love a hero who falls first and I was majorly swooning over Knox. Knox and Frankie had to play out that they didn’t get along while in front of the other players, but behind the scenes, they were closer than ever. They both have a shared passion for their love of football and a passion for each other. When together they barely could keep their hands off each other. It is quite possible Emily might break your heart for a bit before letting Knox and Frankie have their HEA but it is totally worth it. Now bring on The Big Game!

[Jennifer Pierson]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE this series so much as Emily Silver definitely knows her way around the gridiron, not to mention, the team is based in Denver to boot. Illegal Contact definitely is a story after my own heart, featuring women coaches in football since I'm a firm believer that we need them as we women who love football, know football as well but of course it's a male dominated world. Knox Fisher is the sexy football player who has morphed into a fantastic veteran of the game, and I LOVED him. Frankie is one of the few women assistant coaches in the game, however, she has a secret thing with Knox, which is very much against the rules, and we all know that she'll be punished worse than he would if they get caught. It started out as just super sexy time in secret, but feelings have gotten caught, and Knox wants her to be his completely so they don't have to sneak around anymore. Of course Frankie is the holdout (understandably so) because of her career, not to mention the glass ceilings she's breaking so will there be a flag on the play leading to an injection?! You'll have to hit those one click buttons to find out, especially if you're a huge football fan & love reverse age gap & super sexiness! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[Canadian Girl Reads]

𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙬𝙤𝙢𝙖𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙨 𝙢𝙚 𝙘𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙨𝙤 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙮 𝙬𝙖𝙮𝙨. 𝙊𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛𝙛 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙚𝙡𝙙.

Illegal Contact is the fourth book in the Denver Mountain Lions series by Emily Silver.

Knox and Frankie have been indulging in a secret relationship since just after Knox joined the Mountain Lions. Four years have passed an now they have to decide if they are going to go their separate ways or finally find a way to be together in the open.

Knox and Frankie are adorable together and you can tell from the very beginning how in love Knox is even before he knows it. I love how Knox and Frankie move from a seasonal fling to forever. The banter between the teammates is hilarious and on point.

I am excited for The Big Game but also sad that we have one book left prior to saying goodbye to the Denver Mountain Lions.

Get ready for... sports (football), forbidden, reverse age gap, workplace, he falls first, secret relationship, fling to forever, dual first-person pov.

4.5 Maple Leafs ... 4 Flames

*A copy was kindly provided for reviewing to Canadian Girl Book Blog*



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[Haley Cook]

My Review 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

Knox has been the mountain lion I have been waiting on. An boy am I glad he was saved for the final.

Knox is the linebacker with the big heart and always makes sure everyone around him is happy, he may have to hide the “relationship” he has with his coach but that doesn’t stop his heart from falling.

Frankie may be assistant coach to the Mountain Lions she’s also the one who’s given her heart to her player. Even if she may not want to admit it yet.

These two are definitely a match made for one another and it’s so great to see how they act with one another compared to how they have to be around the team so that Frankie’s job isn’t threatened.

This story made me laugh - swoon and shed a tear toward the end but it’s the love and friendship of the guys that so great. Showing that it’s the family you make that will always be there for you.

I have loved this series an I hate to see it coming to an end but all things have to with maybe a chance to revisit another time haha.