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Winner Takes All #5
Manhandled
A spicy friends-to-lovers standalone sports romance from #1 New York Times Bestselling author Lauren Blakely writing MM romance as L. Blakely...
My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare. The media jumps all over the story – the city’s new quarterback nabs a date with the bigshot star shortstop.
Not so fast – we’re just friends. Until we hit the links for the strictly platonic date I won. Suddenly I'm looking at my silver-tongued, devilishly handsome best bud in a whole new light–and it’s dark and dirty. We cross way over the friendship line at my place that night, but in the morning we agree it can’t happen again. Trouble is, we can’t keep our hands off each other, especially not when we’re stuck in the same hotel room at our friend’s wedding.
But Tanner wants a real relationship, and I’m only serious about football. So when my second season as a starter begins next week, our late-night games (and talks, and sleepovers, and morning coffees) will have to end. Except, as the cutoff looms closer, I’m feeling a whole lot more than friendship and that’s a big problem for my career…
Don't miss this red-hot, friends-to-lovers, only-one-bed-in-the-room MM sports romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
My buddies made me do it. I swear. I didn’t plan to bid big on a date with my baseball player best friend at the auction. But he looked really good in that tailored suit, and I can't resist a dare. The media jumps all over the story – the city’s new quarterback nabs a date with the bigshot star shortstop.
Not so fast – we’re just friends. Until we hit the links for the strictly platonic date I won. Suddenly I'm looking at my silver-tongued, devilishly handsome best bud in a whole new light–and it’s dark and dirty. We cross way over the friendship line at my place that night, but in the morning we agree it can’t happen again. Trouble is, we can’t keep our hands off each other, especially not when we’re stuck in the same hotel room at our friend’s wedding.
But Tanner wants a real relationship, and I’m only serious about football. So when my second season as a starter begins next week, our late-night games (and talks, and sleepovers, and morning coffees) will have to end. Except, as the cutoff looms closer, I’m feeling a whole lot more than friendship and that’s a big problem for my career…
Don't miss this red-hot, friends-to-lovers, only-one-bed-in-the-room MM sports romance from #1 NYT Bestseller Lauren Blakely!
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 3, 2023
350 people are currently reading
1354 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Blakely
255 books24.3k followersYou can find Lauren on TikTok at @laurenblakelybooks! A #1 New York Times Bestselling, #1 Wall Street Journal Bestselling, and #1 Audible Bestselling author, Lauren Blakely is known for her contemporary romance style that’s sexy, feel-good and witty. Lauren likes dogs, cake and show tunes and she is the vegetarian at your dinner party.
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January 25, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Manhandled is book five in the Winner Takes All series by Lauren Blakely. This is Tanner and Luke’s book, two best friends, both athletes but both at different places in their careers. But a dare that Luke can’t refuse changes everything.
Luke Remington is twenty eight years old. He is the starting quarterback for the New York Leopards NFL team. Luke sat on the bench for years and just the previous year was finally named the starting quarterback. Now, with his contract coming up for renewal at the end of the season, Luke knows more than ever that football needs to be his number one priority.
Tanner Sloan is thirty three years old and is a shortstop for the New York Comets. He’s at the top of his game. Tanner would really like someone special, though, to come home to. He wants a relationship. He has the career but wants someone to share his life with. Dating, though, is really difficult for a pro-athlete. You never really know if they are interested in you personally or in you, the famous ball player.
Luke and Tanner are best friends. They even live in the same building. Neither really realized just how much they depended on the other. When Tanner was one of the men being auctioned off for a charity fundraiser, a dare pushes Luke to bid big! A date with his best friend wouldn’t be a bad thing. But it’s what happened after the date that surprised them both!
The bond that Luke and Tanner shared as friends was so strong that I think the deeper connection was there all along. It just took them awhile to recognize it. That ease they felt as friends transitioned easily into more. The chemistry between them was off the charts because of the foundation they already had as friends. But they are in different places in their lives. Tanner is secure in his position with his team, with his career. Luke is not. He feels so much pressure to be successful and doesn’t believe there is room for both a career and a relationship in his life.
These two were so cute together. And steamy. And the grand gesture was just adorable! I love a big grand gesture! I have loved every book in this series. I highly recommend them all. I read books four and five together and it made them mean so much more. Just think if you binged the whole series! I’ve said it before but I adore Lauren’s MM romances. I don’t know what she is dreaming up next but can’t wait to see what it might be.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Manhandled is book five in the Winner Takes All series by Lauren Blakely. This is Tanner and Luke’s book, two best friends, both athletes but both at different places in their careers. But a dare that Luke can’t refuse changes everything.
Luke Remington is twenty eight years old. He is the starting quarterback for the New York Leopards NFL team. Luke sat on the bench for years and just the previous year was finally named the starting quarterback. Now, with his contract coming up for renewal at the end of the season, Luke knows more than ever that football needs to be his number one priority.
Tanner Sloan is thirty three years old and is a shortstop for the New York Comets. He’s at the top of his game. Tanner would really like someone special, though, to come home to. He wants a relationship. He has the career but wants someone to share his life with. Dating, though, is really difficult for a pro-athlete. You never really know if they are interested in you personally or in you, the famous ball player.
Luke and Tanner are best friends. They even live in the same building. Neither really realized just how much they depended on the other. When Tanner was one of the men being auctioned off for a charity fundraiser, a dare pushes Luke to bid big! A date with his best friend wouldn’t be a bad thing. But it’s what happened after the date that surprised them both!
The bond that Luke and Tanner shared as friends was so strong that I think the deeper connection was there all along. It just took them awhile to recognize it. That ease they felt as friends transitioned easily into more. The chemistry between them was off the charts because of the foundation they already had as friends. But they are in different places in their lives. Tanner is secure in his position with his team, with his career. Luke is not. He feels so much pressure to be successful and doesn’t believe there is room for both a career and a relationship in his life.
These two were so cute together. And steamy. And the grand gesture was just adorable! I love a big grand gesture! I have loved every book in this series. I highly recommend them all. I read books four and five together and it made them mean so much more. Just think if you binged the whole series! I’ve said it before but I adore Lauren’s MM romances. I don’t know what she is dreaming up next but can’t wait to see what it might be.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
December 15, 2024
4.5
I really loved Luke and Tanner together. Tanner made me cry 😭
For me, the whole wedding section and the aftermath was so, so good and the chemistry throughout between the characters was the best in this whole series. It just felt too rushed after Tanner's declaration for me to give 5 stars. I wanted more of that emotion and the pining from Luke while they were apart, but it was off page and summarised. I prefer when books tear my heart out and make me cry!
I really loved Luke and Tanner together. Tanner made me cry 😭
For me, the whole wedding section and the aftermath was so, so good and the chemistry throughout between the characters was the best in this whole series. It just felt too rushed after Tanner's declaration for me to give 5 stars. I wanted more of that emotion and the pining from Luke while they were apart, but it was off page and summarised. I prefer when books tear my heart out and make me cry!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 17, 2025
'Friends to lovers', but there wasn't really enough time to show or prove their friendship even existed before they started getting hot for each other/started fucking. So we were just told of this so-called friendship, which ultimately made their romance feel a bit flat for me.
This series is just a nice and easy, hook ups falling in love or similar, where you can never fucking identify who's POV/chapter you're in because half of the characters don't really have strongly identifiable personalities, but the men are smoking hot and like to touch tips.
So I'm not that mad about it.
This series is just a nice and easy, hook ups falling in love or similar, where you can never fucking identify who's POV/chapter you're in because half of the characters don't really have strongly identifiable personalities, but the men are smoking hot and like to touch tips.
So I'm not that mad about it.
May 14, 2023
3 Stars
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The banter and the steam.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of grovel from the H2 when he pushed away and just basically that whole conflict situation was not so great.
The Bad: The ending. How it went from conflict resolution straight to the epilogue. Even the epilogue was lackluster. I also wanted much more depth for these two mcs!
Overall: This was smutty fluff. Not hating! It just didn't have much depth in the feelings and there was a lot of sex. I just found it kind of meh tbh where I tend to really enjoy the friend to more mm storylines. I also started this series here and while I didn't have issues following along, there were a lot of references to other characters that I didn't really get or understand the purpose of.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Tanner and Luke's story. They've been close friends for a while but when a dare makes them see each other differently, lines get crossed. They become secret friends with benefits and develop stronger feelings. There are some funny moments and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Tanner and Luke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Mostly good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part (except the very end).
Instalove: No, they've been close friends for a while though.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Tanner. I liked him more because he was brave to be vulnerable and communicated better.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Luke. I liked him but he also ticked me off when he pushed away.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull:y Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and a lot of it. I would say this is tippy-toeing that line into erotica for me because there were times where I think it was the main focus and did take away from the storyline.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Not really
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I would call it a HFN ending because I needed much more . This is yet another one that ends right after the conflict is resolved.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
Opinion Breakdown
The Good: The banter and the steam.
The Not-So-Good: The lack of grovel from the H2 when he pushed away and just basically that whole conflict situation was not so great.
The Bad: The ending. How it went from conflict resolution straight to the epilogue. Even the epilogue was lackluster. I also wanted much more depth for these two mcs!
Overall: This was smutty fluff. Not hating! It just didn't have much depth in the feelings and there was a lot of sex. I just found it kind of meh tbh where I tend to really enjoy the friend to more mm storylines. I also started this series here and while I didn't have issues following along, there were a lot of references to other characters that I didn't really get or understand the purpose of.
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Tanner and Luke's story. They've been close friends for a while but when a dare makes them see each other differently, lines get crossed. They become secret friends with benefits and develop stronger feelings. There are some funny moments and some sexy times...and they get a HFN ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between Tanner and Luke's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Mostly good. I never skimmed and I thought it flowed well for the most part (except the very end).
Instalove: No, they've been close friends for a while though.
H1 (Hero #1) rating: 4 stars. Tanner. I liked him more because he was brave to be vulnerable and communicated better.
H2 (Hero #2) rating: 3.5 stars. Luke. I liked him but he also ticked me off when he pushed away.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull:y Yes
Heat level: Hot. They have some hot tension, chemistry, and scenes -- and a lot of it. I would say this is tippy-toeing that line into erotica for me because there were times where I think it was the main focus and did take away from the storyline.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: Yes
Possible Triggers: Not really
Closure: This ends in an alright place but I would call it a HFN ending because I needed much more . This is yet another one that ends right after the conflict is resolved.
Safety: This one should be Safe for most safety gang readers
May 19, 2023
duologies/trilogies > standalones.
the former may be unnecessay but for my reading taste they are more fun to read, more dramatic, and definitely hotter. lauren blakely's standalones are okay and maybe the right move, critically, but they were less fun to read. when i was reading this all i could think about is that i need more from tanner and luke. i need more banter, more groveling, more flirtations etc etc.
the former may be unnecessay but for my reading taste they are more fun to read, more dramatic, and definitely hotter. lauren blakely's standalones are okay and maybe the right move, critically, but they were less fun to read. when i was reading this all i could think about is that i need more from tanner and luke. i need more banter, more groveling, more flirtations etc etc.
May 8, 2023
3.5 ⭐️ Tanner and Luke ♥️
May 23, 2024
This was actually pretty good! I love the idea of an MLB player & an NFL player. I want more books now with two pro athletes from different sports.
I really hate all the fake names the author invents for sports teams and bands though lol
I really hate all the fake names the author invents for sports teams and bands though lol
June 8, 2023
Dude-bro’s on steroids.
This is the same as the last 20 books I have read by this author and yes, some might argue that I have read that many and still continue to do so but it’s a little bit of a guilty pleasure at this point.
The characters are identical to many before, the dialogue of “dude, my man, sexy AF etc” is replicated throughout every book and this one is no different.
2 guys with great chemistry but unwilling to come right out and say what they really want because they are either afraid or under the impression the other doesn’t want the same.
Minor misunderstanding at around 80% ..a bit of pining and then the make up, followed by an epilogue where we get another demonstration and dual versions of “this is MY MAN” 🫣
This is the same as the last 20 books I have read by this author and yes, some might argue that I have read that many and still continue to do so but it’s a little bit of a guilty pleasure at this point.
The characters are identical to many before, the dialogue of “dude, my man, sexy AF etc” is replicated throughout every book and this one is no different.
2 guys with great chemistry but unwilling to come right out and say what they really want because they are either afraid or under the impression the other doesn’t want the same.
Minor misunderstanding at around 80% ..a bit of pining and then the make up, followed by an epilogue where we get another demonstration and dual versions of “this is MY MAN” 🫣
June 4, 2023
3/5 stars
February 22, 2025
"Who knew my good friend had such a fantastic cock?"
3.75 ⭐
Well this is a new thought from me when it comes to Lauren Blakely, this one didnt work as well for me. Friends to lovers is my all time favorite trope as everyone should know by now but for me this was just actually far too fast paced. Everything happened so fucking fast, and all the drama was wrapped up with a pretty bow so easily and fast that I kinda got whiplash. I think there needed to be another 100 pages of development or something between Luke and Tanner or even just 20 more pages of them working things out. Because I think the 3rd act break up could of been more emotional, because it was a tad bit and I think them stewing in feelings and a little more drama would of made the whole HEA more satisfying for me personally. I think it was just too short and fast for me but still I enjoyed them as characters and seeing the other dudes from the series and beyond. Anyways it wasnt the strongest ending for the Winner Takes All series but it was far from a terrible book. It was just a lot of sex and good for them but when it comes to friends to lovers sometimes I need a little more, especially when I get a little bite of some emotional shit, I want more.
3.75 ⭐
Well this is a new thought from me when it comes to Lauren Blakely, this one didnt work as well for me. Friends to lovers is my all time favorite trope as everyone should know by now but for me this was just actually far too fast paced. Everything happened so fucking fast, and all the drama was wrapped up with a pretty bow so easily and fast that I kinda got whiplash. I think there needed to be another 100 pages of development or something between Luke and Tanner or even just 20 more pages of them working things out. Because I think the 3rd act break up could of been more emotional, because it was a tad bit and I think them stewing in feelings and a little more drama would of made the whole HEA more satisfying for me personally. I think it was just too short and fast for me but still I enjoyed them as characters and seeing the other dudes from the series and beyond. Anyways it wasnt the strongest ending for the Winner Takes All series but it was far from a terrible book. It was just a lot of sex and good for them but when it comes to friends to lovers sometimes I need a little more, especially when I get a little bite of some emotional shit, I want more.
May 11, 2023
4.5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🎧
Another HIT!
It started out as friends and a Bid and it turned into so much more than either of them could have hoped for.
I just loved the whole story. I liked that they were friends before, I liked that they had their own careers and that they were both so supportive of each other. The chemistry is crazy wild and can’t be tamed once it was unleashed even if they wanted it to be.
The communication and putting your heart on the line never gets old even if it is the hard thing to do.
The narration is fabulous as a huge Teddy fan he never disappoints 💕. Jacob is great as always.
Another HIT!
It started out as friends and a Bid and it turned into so much more than either of them could have hoped for.
I just loved the whole story. I liked that they were friends before, I liked that they had their own careers and that they were both so supportive of each other. The chemistry is crazy wild and can’t be tamed once it was unleashed even if they wanted it to be.
The communication and putting your heart on the line never gets old even if it is the hard thing to do.
The narration is fabulous as a huge Teddy fan he never disappoints 💕. Jacob is great as always.
December 21, 2023
It wasn't my favourite of the series unfortunately
Dunno what happened to my original review but I read this months ago.
It was okay, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing especially different happens than what's outlined in the blurb.
The characters are both fine, they're not fully fleshed-out but their friendship is solid, as is the slide into a relationship.
Sex is hot but perhaps a bit lacking in emotional connection and the ending rushes up without really having time for any deep conversation after the usual Third Act stumbling block.
Dunno what happened to my original review but I read this months ago.
It was okay, nothing out of the ordinary, nothing especially different happens than what's outlined in the blurb.
The characters are both fine, they're not fully fleshed-out but their friendship is solid, as is the slide into a relationship.
Sex is hot but perhaps a bit lacking in emotional connection and the ending rushes up without really having time for any deep conversation after the usual Third Act stumbling block.
March 25, 2024
I enjoyed Tanner and Luke’s story, it was simple and adorable, nothing special but made me smile a lot, this is one of the few friends to lovers books that I’ve actually enjoyed, they have a good friendship and lots of chemistry
November 17, 2024
This is book 5 in the Winner Takes All series and a shorter story.
Luke and Tanner have been good friends and fellow football players. Both are on different levels of their careers. Luke being twenty-eight is only getting started with his professional career. Tanner being thirty-two is ready to settle down. Both are very attracted to the other. After an auction for a charity where Luke decides to bet on Tanner, their dates turn into more then what they bargained for. And now they can't get enough of each other.
Short and sweet is what this story is. But it still packed a punch and I fell in love with these guys. The audio was fantastic as well.
Luke and Tanner have been good friends and fellow football players. Both are on different levels of their careers. Luke being twenty-eight is only getting started with his professional career. Tanner being thirty-two is ready to settle down. Both are very attracted to the other. After an auction for a charity where Luke decides to bet on Tanner, their dates turn into more then what they bargained for. And now they can't get enough of each other.
Short and sweet is what this story is. But it still packed a punch and I fell in love with these guys. The audio was fantastic as well.
May 25, 2023
Oh my god I loved this so much!! But Teddy and Jacob can do no wrong - best audio duo ever!! I will fight you on this.
Ok so the story was wonderful. Lauren did it again. I loved Luke and Tanner so much. They were funny and so sexy. They had such a great friendship before ever hooking up by the moment they kissed, it changed everything. They were able to truly be themselves together.
Luke definitely suffered from insecurities and a bit of imposter syndrome. He felt like his friends, Tanner, included were all so much farther in their careers and he didn’t have near the success. He felt behind and it caused him some embarrassment.
Tanner was amazing! He was very successful but he never let it go to his head. Once he let himself fall for Luke, he was all in with little hesitation. He could see a future with him.
They were so hot together!! They were able to tel each other what they wanted physically but also just comfort each other.
We got a little pining, a little angst, a lot of sexy and tons of fun banter!!
Ok so the story was wonderful. Lauren did it again. I loved Luke and Tanner so much. They were funny and so sexy. They had such a great friendship before ever hooking up by the moment they kissed, it changed everything. They were able to truly be themselves together.
Luke definitely suffered from insecurities and a bit of imposter syndrome. He felt like his friends, Tanner, included were all so much farther in their careers and he didn’t have near the success. He felt behind and it caused him some embarrassment.
Tanner was amazing! He was very successful but he never let it go to his head. Once he let himself fall for Luke, he was all in with little hesitation. He could see a future with him.
They were so hot together!! They were able to tel each other what they wanted physically but also just comfort each other.
We got a little pining, a little angst, a lot of sexy and tons of fun banter!!
June 24, 2023
felt really rushed, no originality, couldn't feel for the characters, worst book in this series, book 2 is my fave by far, Maddow and Zane were amazing 💕
May 18, 2023
I never knew I could be such a sports fan.
Go team🏆
10 stars.
Obsessed. Loved. Swooned.
Friends to lovers is my favorite and this book NAILED IT💘
Go team🏆
10 stars.
Obsessed. Loved. Swooned.
Friends to lovers is my favorite and this book NAILED IT💘
May 21, 2023
alexa play 2nd best taylor swift song aka glitch
January 4, 2025
4 manly stars! ***Mild spoilers!**"
Luke, a star quarterback, wins a date with his baseball playing best friend, Tanner, at charity event to raise funds for homeless children after a dare from Tanner's friends.
They plan on a mini-golf date to please the reporters who attended the auction, as well as make the date official.
What happens inside one of the mini-golf's structures is the beginning of a humorous and slowly simmering "friends with benefits" that takes both men by surprise. And that night , they cross the friendship boarder.
But Tanner wants a relationship and Luke wants a career in football.
What follows is a hilarious adventure for Tanner and Luke. Their friends are a huge help (NOT!) and the pair struggle to maintain their friendship.
But after they have to share a hotel room while attending their best friend's wedding, they find their lust and passion cannot be contained.
Written with wonderful prose and a biting snarky humor, this book was truly amazing. The secondary characters are particularly ridiculous, much to the delight of this reader. The heat was mild to high, depending on the location and time. Overall, an entertaining read.
Luke, a star quarterback, wins a date with his baseball playing best friend, Tanner, at charity event to raise funds for homeless children after a dare from Tanner's friends.
They plan on a mini-golf date to please the reporters who attended the auction, as well as make the date official.
What happens inside one of the mini-golf's structures is the beginning of a humorous and slowly simmering "friends with benefits" that takes both men by surprise. And that night , they cross the friendship boarder.
But Tanner wants a relationship and Luke wants a career in football.
What follows is a hilarious adventure for Tanner and Luke. Their friends are a huge help (NOT!) and the pair struggle to maintain their friendship.
But after they have to share a hotel room while attending their best friend's wedding, they find their lust and passion cannot be contained.
Written with wonderful prose and a biting snarky humor, this book was truly amazing. The secondary characters are particularly ridiculous, much to the delight of this reader. The heat was mild to high, depending on the location and time. Overall, an entertaining read.
June 26, 2023
1/5 i just didn’t like this at all. i feel like the writing style was so bad and their sexy talk was cringy so it made it hard to actually enjoy those scenes.
idk nothing really pulled me to this book, i’ll probably forget about to by tonight that’s how little it did for me
idk nothing really pulled me to this book, i’ll probably forget about to by tonight that’s how little it did for me
May 14, 2023
**Audio Review**
Manhandled by L. Blakely was a MM friends-to-lovers romance that did dirty delicious things to my heart. Luke and Tanner's journey to HEA had the perfect touch of casual, secrecy, and spice! This is book 5 in Blakely's Winner Takes All series. It was HOT and definitely did not disappoint.
Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan narrate this audiobook, and it doesn't get any better when #Jeddy teams up! Teddy conveyed Tanner's wants, passions, and vulnerabilities flawlessly, and had me feeling everything for this man! Jacob brought the heat with his performance of Luke showcasing his determined yet stubborn side. However, when these two finally give in to their true desires, you must have a fan ready!
Overall, I LOVED this book! Tanner and Luke's friends-to-forever romance was hot, heartfelt, and sinfully delicious! I always look forward to more from L. Blakely!
Manhandled by L. Blakely was a MM friends-to-lovers romance that did dirty delicious things to my heart. Luke and Tanner's journey to HEA had the perfect touch of casual, secrecy, and spice! This is book 5 in Blakely's Winner Takes All series. It was HOT and definitely did not disappoint.
Teddy Hamilton and Jacob Morgan narrate this audiobook, and it doesn't get any better when #Jeddy teams up! Teddy conveyed Tanner's wants, passions, and vulnerabilities flawlessly, and had me feeling everything for this man! Jacob brought the heat with his performance of Luke showcasing his determined yet stubborn side. However, when these two finally give in to their true desires, you must have a fan ready!
Overall, I LOVED this book! Tanner and Luke's friends-to-forever romance was hot, heartfelt, and sinfully delicious! I always look forward to more from L. Blakely!
August 20, 2025
Luke and Tanner have been teasing each other for a long time. When Tanner dares Luke to do a certain dance that’s when Tanner starts looking at Luke a little differently. Tanner keeps telling himself not to go down that road but he can’t help it. Will Luke let Tanner in and make him see he can have it all?
The dance was absolutely hysterical. I wasn’t expecting him to do it. Dares are a weakness for some men. I feel so bad that they’re lonely even when surrounded by all those people. It must be hard trying to find true love when you don’t know who wants you for you. The auction was amazing. The fact that it took them both so long to see what was right in front of them was brutal. That golf game was hot. I love a good ending and this ended wonderfully.
The dance was absolutely hysterical. I wasn’t expecting him to do it. Dares are a weakness for some men. I feel so bad that they’re lonely even when surrounded by all those people. It must be hard trying to find true love when you don’t know who wants you for you. The auction was amazing. The fact that it took them both so long to see what was right in front of them was brutal. That golf game was hot. I love a good ending and this ended wonderfully.
March 1, 2025
3/5⭐️ 4/5🌶️ 5/5🎧
——• Mm sports romance audiobook 🏈⚾️
A baseball and football player go from besties to lovers
I liked Tanner and Luke a lot, there was a lot more 🌶️ and a lot less story development compared to the other BUT they had an established relationship as they were best friends so it was still good.
The only thing that pissed me off was the world laziest breakup I’ve ever read because there was fuck all to back it up… it just needed to happen for the storyline to get them their happily ever after and it erked me bad.
🎧: Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan
——• Mm sports romance audiobook 🏈⚾️
A baseball and football player go from besties to lovers
I liked Tanner and Luke a lot, there was a lot more 🌶️ and a lot less story development compared to the other BUT they had an established relationship as they were best friends so it was still good.
The only thing that pissed me off was the world laziest breakup I’ve ever read because there was fuck all to back it up… it just needed to happen for the storyline to get them their happily ever after and it erked me bad.
🎧: Teddy Hamilton & Jacob Morgan
February 19, 2024
Rating: 4/5 🌟
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
This follows Tanner and Luke. I adore the books in this series. Just a feel good, steamy good time!
Luke and Tanner are best friends. They have fantastic banter, live in the same building, and play different sports. Tanner is secure in his job and position in life. He is ready to find someone to share it with and wants a relationship. Luke does not feel stable with his job and is not looking for a relationship. Their friends make a bet with Luke about him winning an auction to go on a date with Tanner. They plan to go on the date as friends but have a hard time denying their attraction to one another. One thing leads to another, and feelings develop.
It's a steamy, sweet, easy to read story showcasing two friends falling for one another. The grovel could have been a little bit better, in my opinion. But otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
Spice: 4/5 🌶️
This follows Tanner and Luke. I adore the books in this series. Just a feel good, steamy good time!
Luke and Tanner are best friends. They have fantastic banter, live in the same building, and play different sports. Tanner is secure in his job and position in life. He is ready to find someone to share it with and wants a relationship. Luke does not feel stable with his job and is not looking for a relationship. Their friends make a bet with Luke about him winning an auction to go on a date with Tanner. They plan to go on the date as friends but have a hard time denying their attraction to one another. One thing leads to another, and feelings develop.
It's a steamy, sweet, easy to read story showcasing two friends falling for one another. The grovel could have been a little bit better, in my opinion. But otherwise, I thoroughly enjoyed this!
July 29, 2025
I love the squad they had together and the friends they surrounded themselves with. I love that being an out athlete is a norm in this series. I also love that these men are elite on their jobs. I just love their friend group. I skipped 2 books in this series just because I don't feel like it. But maybe I'll come back to this soon.
December 28, 2023
Manhandled is a MM contemporary, sports, friends to lovers, romance. The main characters are Tanner, a pro baseball player, and Luke, a pro football player. Find this author to be very hit or miss for me. I either love the book or really just…don’t. This book was a miss for me. I didn’t find the characters to be at all unique. I couldn’t tell the difference between the two except for the fact that their POV chapters were labeled. Also, I fell asleep twice while trying to listen to the ending and didn’t care enough to try for a third so besides the fact that they are together, I don’t know how it ended. I really like both of the narrators and thought they read well, but they weren’t enough to redeem this book for me. 2 stars.
May 10, 2023
4.5⭐️ 3🌶️
May 17, 2023
3.75⭐ I don't know what it was about this book, but I could not keep the MCs straight and had to recheck myself constantly on who was talking and who was who. Also, a lot of cheesy sports references.
February 19, 2025
3.75
Oh cuties 🥺
Oh cuties 🥺
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