Tackle

Eligible Receivers #2

by Sarah Curtis

A linebacker walks into a bar…

Big, brawny, and when not on the football field, lacking finesse, Oz Olson had been in enough embarrassing situations to have become gun-shy around women.

That didn’t mean he wasn’t enthralled by the black-haired beauty behind the bar.

But tucked away in his corner booth, he was safe from conversation. He could enjoy being in her company and never need to interact.

Until one day…


Sitting in his usual booth, it was hard for Emerson Kelly not to notice the big guy watching her. He tried to pretend he wasn’t, but every so often she’d catch him in the act, and their eyes would lock.

And when that happened, she’d feel a sharp tug on her heart.

But he never made a move.

Until one day…

He did.

Tackle is a full-length sports romance—with a touch of suspense—novel. It can be read as a standalone but—warning—it follows the same timeline as Sack, book one of the Eligible Receivers series, so does contain some spoilers to Colt and Ivy’s story.
Due to sex and language, it is recommended for persons over 18. HEA

Genres: Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Football, Romance, Suspense

Unknown Binding

Published September 2, 2022

About the author

Sarah Curtis is a writer of all things romance. She loves nothing more than a sexy alpha male who falls hard for their heroine, almost always in spite of themselves!


A life-long resident of Southern California, Sarah shares her writing den with her childhood sweetheart and very own alpha male. When she’s not writing or dreaming up plotlines you can find her wrangling her plethora of very spoiled felines—she currently has five, yes you read that correctly, furry companions. Sarah is a reader before anything else, and her TBR mountain is higher than Everest. She’s also addicted to watching cooking competitions, especially involving baking! Of her own admission, she rarely cooks, but she’s up for the occasional birthday cake for her children as long as it involves the opening of a box.


If you like romance in all its forms along with some healthy debates with a side of games and puzzles then head over to her Facebook group, Sarah Curtis's Alpha Overload, for fun chats and to discover your next BBF. https://www.facebook.com/groups/20646...


Or visit Sarah's website and sign up for her newsletter to receive a free copy of Alluring Honeymoon — https://sarahcurtisauthor.wixsite.com...

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tackle is book two in the Eligible Receivers series by Sarah Curtis. This is a slow burn sports romance that is sure to squeeze your heart. This can be read as a stand alone but at the end of the blurb, the author lets us know that the events in this book run simultaneously with the first book, Sack. So it might spoil Colt and Ivy’s story somewhat if you were planning to read it. I have read Sack and loved it.

Emerson Kelly has finally achieved her dream of owning her own pub, The Parting Glass. She’s been open for a few months now and business is going great. She can’t afford a full time manager yet so Emerson is working non-stop but she doesn’t mind. She’s had one particular customer she’s been noticing sitting back in the corner booth. He never says anything but she always sees him back there by himself, almost every single day. Until one of her waitresses was out sick and Emerson herself had to wait on him.

Oz Olson is linebacker for the Portland Phantoms. Oz is completely confident when he’s on the football field. But it’s when he’s not on the field that he gets nervous. Especially when thinking about trying to talk to the beautiful owner of The Parting Glass. He’s practically frozen with fear. But on the day when she was the one to wait on him, he could see that she was clearly exhausted. So caring for her became more important than his fear.

“You. I’m here because of you.”

Watching these two fall was so sweet. Watching Oz gain his confidence was even sweeter. And let me tell you that once they finally crossed that last line into the sexy times, there was no more shyness! That’s not to say that these two didn’t have plenty of hurdles to get over. Oz is a celebrity and Emerson had some adjustments to make in getting used to that. Some fans may be a little more exuberant that others! A football player’s life is not their own. And Emerson is trying to make sure her dream business is a success. So there isn’t much time for romance but they still find a way to make things work.

At the same time, Emerson is faced with some ongoing challenges that have her puzzled at the restaurant but through it all, Oz is there for support. Oz in sweet smitten man mode was adorable but Oz in protective boyfriend mode was just plain HOT! These two really were so good together. I really did enjoy this. The pace was a little slow in the beginning as Oz and Emerson found their way but things really picked up later on. This is a sweet romance and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

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...

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how this story gave me a chance to just sit back, relax and enjoy the fun, sexy times of a couple falling in love.





Oz was AMAZING! He’s the type of hero that so many readers are looking for. A little shy and awkward, when he finally gets the opportunity to engage with Emerson, he goes for it and he makes his mark. There was so much about him that I loved yet I don’t want to spoil it for other readers. Getting to know him was part of the fun and adventure of the story.






Emerson was perfect for Oz in every way. She brought out the side of him that others did not see and I found myself falling in love with him right along with her. With an iron will to make her business succeed, she was a strong heroine that I admired.





This was a bit of a slow burn but fit the story perfectly as Oz was following his own plan which revolved around making Emerson his forever. Another reason I loved him so much. Once they came together they were pure dynamite as their chemistry ignited each page.





While this was pretty laid back and had a rhythm that I love when I want to chill with a romance, it also had enough drama and mystery to keep me completely engaged. I enjoyed every moment of this story.

Dual POV
Safe some ow drama due to a fan that was persistent - doesn’t cause a separation although the h is not happy about it and confronts the H about the situation as soon as it happens ( fan has him sign her chest above breast; later tricks him and kisses him close to his mouth); h not a virgin; H not a manwhore; both celibate for years
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 5 / 5; explicit; condom used

[Mindy Lou's Book Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet hero Oz is. You don't normally come across a pro footballer who is shy, doesn't want the limelight, and isn't going from woman to woman. It was a refreshing change for this trope.

I adored how Oz was crushing on Emerson. This is a slow burn that really let the relationship develop before bringing in the heat. I really enjoyed getting to read about these two date.

There was a small amount of OW drama that I think was handled perfectly, and I did enjoy the mystery behind some mishaps. This was a great low angst read with a sweet couple.

[Lynn Poydras · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from Portland it was really fun reading about this sweet couple and it makes me what to go find an Irish pub and get a pint. Emerson and Oz really took their time getting to know each other and building a strong foundation so when there was some drama they made it thorough strong. A sweet and sexy read with a alpha that is also vulnerable and a strong and funny leading lady makes for a great Saturday.

[Carole · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE football fan, so combining my love of football with my love of a good romance, peaked my interest. But, Tackle, by Sarah Curtis, did much more than that. It paired my two loves with a beautiful love story that had all the feels.

I especially loved that Oz was shy and reserved, but when things got scary, his alpha protectiveness came blaring to the surface and Ms Curtis did an amazing job describing both sides.

Excellent read!!

[Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is Oz and Emerson’s slow burn story.
They were so sweet together! Oz is such a good guy. Not a manwhore at all. In fact, it had been a few years since he had been with a woman.
And Emerson was such a great h. She was sweet but didn’t let anyone walk all over her.
There was a bit of OW drama and some suspense in this book, plus some good sexy times.
I look forward to the next book in this series. Linc maybe? ;)

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review*

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oz and Emerson. We get a little bit of everything in their story. I really liked that we got to see such a vulnerable side from a man. A little drama and intrigue along the way. Oz was all in from the beginning. Loved their journey.

[ReadingInThe6ix · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was one of the most boring books I’ve read in a very, very long time. Both characters were dull, for the most part NOTHING happens, and the weird “whodunnit” side-story was so obvious from the start that when it all came to a head at the end of the book I was just grateful it meant it was all ending. This was way too long, there were story threads that never really panned out (what about his sister? What about his architecture ambitions?). Even the weird way the author just casually mentioned that his team was one win away from the Super Bowl, and then two pages later they’re winning the Super Bowl…it was all just thrown in and weird.

But again, most of this can be forgiven if not for the fact that the characters are boring and have absolutely no chemistry. Even the first time they have sex felt like a letdown - after their first fight about another woman? Ughh…poorly timed in my opinion.

[Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. This was a sweet book. Tackle is book two in the Eligible Receivers series and is Oz and Emerson's story. Oz is an NFL player and Emerson owns and runs an Irish pub. Oz went into the pub once, saw Emerson working, and was instantly smitten. He soon became a regular, often hiding out in the corner booth, and after awhile, he worked up the courage to ask her out. Oz is a quiet guy and not a player who loves the limelight. Emerson did not follow football so she wasn't blinded by fame. Their relationship was real and honest from the beginning.

I really liked this story. Emerson and Oz were sweet together. Their relationship was a bit slow burn and I enjoyed that they really got to know each other first. I liked that there was plenty of time with them in a relationship, low angst and no pushing away. I enjoyed the suspense/mystery element going on as well.

Overall, this was an easy, entertaining read. I liked this book even more than book one, Sacked. I enjoyed Emerson and Oz's story and I look forward to more from this series in the future!

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awww i loved Oz's read! Such a different read then the rest of the boys, he's awkward, shy and totally adorable. Emerson has captured his attention, it takes him awhile to open up or to even talk to her, but holy once he does these two are amazing together. She is definitely the pero match for him, what a great read, and different than all the other football reads I've read.

[Karma Queen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oz Olson is a big guy and a pro-linebacker for the Portland NFL team. He is not a player off the field. He has his eyes set on the beautiful owner of the Irish pub he frequents, The Parting Glass. He admires her from afar for a long time until he finally gets up the nerve to talk to her. Emerson Kelly has always wanted to open her own bar and offer food with a twist on the traditional recipes from her grandmother. She sees the handsome man watching her as he has become a regular and established his spot in her pub. He finally makes conversation and what he lacks in finesse, he makes up for with heart. He is in it for the long haul and falls hard for Emerson. She cannot resist his awkward charm and they soon become an item. This was a sweet story of how Oz and Emerson grow in their relationship and work together to deal with a crazy fan and business sabotage.
**ARC provided in exchange for Review**

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may want to clear your afternoon before starting this one. Because Oz and Emerson will grab you, hold onto you, and not let you go until the very last words are read. And I mean that. He’s not your typical athlete. He’s socially anxious. And a little awkward. And absolutely lovable. Emerson is hardworking, oblivious to who Oz is, and just as engaging. So when they try to carve out time for a relationship, they definitely put in the work. But when the unfortunate events add up, it’s almost like someone wants at least one thing to fail. But is it a career, a relationship, or something even more personal?

I adored how Oz and Emerson didn’t give up on each other, even when schedules were full and time at a premium. Heck, even when it looked like they might be done, the flame between them threatened to consume everything just to get them to remain together. And it worked. Oh, did it work. These two delivered a story with all the emotion, the happiness and anxiety, the love and fears, and the forever they both deserved. I loved every moment of my time with them and can’t wait to spend some time with another couple next. Maybe Linc will find someone? He sure needs to!

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oz and Emerson’s story was such a sweet read! Linebacker for the Portland Phantoms, Oz Olson has been smitten with pub owner Emerson Kelly for the past two months and still has not had the confidence to speak to her. He’s had some embarrassing moments in the past that have made him nervous to strike up a conversation. It was not until what seemed like a busy day at the pub, that Oz was compelled to speak to her. It was from then on that a wonderful relationship emerged. And all the while Oz was watching Emerson, Emerson was just as fascinated with him.

Although their story was more on the slow burn side, it was really sweet watching them get to know each other. Oz already knew who Emerson was to him but he didn’t want to come across too strong so he tried to take things slow, but when he realized he didn’t have to, it was full steam ahead.

The characters (including the secondary characters), the developing relationship, and the little bit of mystery made Tackle a really enjoyable read.

[MichelleG · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a great, super low angst read, which I absolutely needed after a slew of dark reads. Oz is a NFL linebacker who has become a fixture at a local pub as he very quietly and sweetly stalks the pub owner, Emerson. It takes him forever to work up the courage to speak to her, and once he does, he does everything to woo her.

Emerson herself is a great heroine who is working hard to make her dream of a successful pub with a menu based on her grandmother's recipes. She is so authentic and down to earth. Oz and Emerson begin a relationship that moves slowly but surely. There are some minor subplots that deal with a slightly psycho fan as well as a series of "bad luck" that hit Emerson, but the majority of the book is about the relationship. It can be read as a stand alone, but there are characters mentioned from the first book in the series.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novel, it was so very good! This novel reached out and grabbed me from the very first chapter and would not let go until the very last. Even then I just didn't want this novel to end. I loved Oz. Oh my gosh so sweet. I loved the slow burn between Emerson and Oz. I loved the dialogue and the banter. This novel had me hooked and kept me on the edge of my seat waiting to discover what was coming next. I loved it and did not want it to end. I love this author's novels and can't wait to see what is coming next.

[French Press Bookworm Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz just might be my new favorite 💜

This book was pretty much perfect! I was sucked in by Oz and Emerson and their easy romance. From the start of their first conversation I knew Oz was gonna be a heart stealer. He was shy and a bit awkward and just plan adorable. He was vulnerable in a way that made it impossible not to live why also being the alpha hero’s we all love. And Emerson was just so likeable. She wasn’t annoying or the kind or FMC who pushes away just to push away. The story was solid and just overall enjoyable. Basically stop reading now and pick it up 💜

[Mrs Jayne Rushton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author, and this book doesn't disappoint.

While it started out a bit slow than usual, when it picked up pace, I couldn't put it down.

You really believed in this couple and really wanted them to work out. They were made for each other, and Oz was so sweet, without being sickly. I also lived the fact Emerson was self-reliant, being an equal in their relationship.

All Sarah's books are like a warm hug, and this one is no different.

[Sarah]

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this book. Oz was so sweet and shy but still fiercely protective and possessive. Emerson was strong and independent, following her dream of opening her own restaurant. I loved seeing these two come together. Definitely a slow burn, they still had sizzling chemistry and great overall story kept you invested too. It was great to see Colt and Ivy again and I am really looking forward to reading about Linc and Nora. Another great read from Sarah Curtis!

[Butterfly914 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. But it kind of bored me. The FMC and MMC get together pretty quickly. Much of the book is about someone purposely trying to destroy the FMC‘s bar I’m trying to figure out who that is. There’s also a little bit about a crazy fan. The MMC is shy, not a man whore, and this crazy fan was hitting on the MMC, which irritated the FMC. The FMC being irritated annoyed me because the MMC did nothing wrong.

[Alexa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the characters in this book! I loved Oz and his quiet alpha-ness - it was a nice change of pace. I thought he was super sweet and loved his shyness and hesitancy to go after Emerson. I also enjoyed her character and how she was a tougher lady but still knew when to take help. Very enjoyable story and looking forward to more in the series.

[Liz [reads books] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely read! It was a bit of a slow burn but that's okay because I didn't even miss the steamy stuff. There was a bit of a mystery that I figured out early on and then spent the rest of the book waiting for the MCs to figure it out too 🤣 4 stars

[Reyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tackle is a very heart warming story between the hero and heroine. Although the anticipation nearly killed me 😜. Its sweet with enough spice on the side (makes me want to eat burgers).

[Lizzi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz and Emerson’s story is a good one. With Some drama and lots of fun times and laughter. I loved these characters. A nice change from the norm. Loved it!!!

[Arna · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF. Got Bored.

[Virginia Inevitably Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't love this one as much as the first. I found this book a bit boring, but I like drama so that's on me.

I loved Oz. Something about a giant of a man being a massive teddy bear just gets me.

[Shawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emerson and Oz were a great couple. This was a wonderful fast placed story. Great for a quick read before bed. Looking forward to reading more of this series.

[ClaireAnn · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF @ 59%

[Treena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oz. My 5-Star rating of this book is all because of Oz. Sigh. Swoon. Totals yummy book boyfriend.

[Sarah Nguyen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bar owner meets football player. Nothing wow. Just meh