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Desperados #3
The Quarterback's Keeper
She’s the bad girl.
He’s the golden boy.
It’s a good thing that opposites attract
On the outside looking in Finesse is a bad girl. The kind you don’t let meet the parents. Her music represents the hard life she lived and isn’t ashamed of. In reality, Lyric Maynard is a homebody and exhausted by the constant need to be on in order to keep her demons at bay. One night has her reverting back to the person she thought she'd left behind, forcing her to take a break from the spotlight.
To the world, he’s got everything in the palm of his hands. Perceived an overnight success, Grant Turner rose from relative obscurity and an embarrassing debacle in his personal life, to being at the precipice of his career with a new team.
They shouldn’t have anything in common, and they’re both running from love. When they meet, the attraction is too strong to ignore. They’ve seen the damage that allowing someone in can cause and neither wants to repeat their past mistakes. As their pasts continue to disrupt their present, will they be able to ignore the chemistry between them? When he’s able to conquer everything in his life, will love be the one thing this quarterback can’t keep?
He’s the golden boy.
It’s a good thing that opposites attract
On the outside looking in Finesse is a bad girl. The kind you don’t let meet the parents. Her music represents the hard life she lived and isn’t ashamed of. In reality, Lyric Maynard is a homebody and exhausted by the constant need to be on in order to keep her demons at bay. One night has her reverting back to the person she thought she'd left behind, forcing her to take a break from the spotlight.
To the world, he’s got everything in the palm of his hands. Perceived an overnight success, Grant Turner rose from relative obscurity and an embarrassing debacle in his personal life, to being at the precipice of his career with a new team.
They shouldn’t have anything in common, and they’re both running from love. When they meet, the attraction is too strong to ignore. They’ve seen the damage that allowing someone in can cause and neither wants to repeat their past mistakes. As their pasts continue to disrupt their present, will they be able to ignore the chemistry between them? When he’s able to conquer everything in his life, will love be the one thing this quarterback can’t keep?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2022
106 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
September 8, 2025
4.5 ⭐️’s. Absolutely loved Grant and Lyric!
February 14, 2023
This was my first read by this author and it won't be my last. This book was so good. Admittedly I decided to read it because Grant, our MMC is Black and Samoan(Yes God!!) How could I not read a book with a man with those kind of power genes working in his favor. This story was so well written. Grant, the quarterback for the Desperados and Lyric aka Finesse a rapper were a match made in heaven. The both of them had clown ass exes who didn't appreciate them like they deserved. When they came together they were magic. I loved how Lyric stayed calling him CB(choirboy). Grant had the reputation of being a Saint but trust. He was not. He was a good dude but damn well wasn't a choirboy and she found that out real quick. Both of these characters were so well written. Lyric was strong, smart, courageous, loyal and vulnerable. Grant is the type of man any woman would want. Again, this is my first read from Dandridge but I'm already biased. Grant is bae and my favorite. He's a real man. I loved him so much. Him and Lyric gave me everything. I was nervous at first because everything was going too good for them. Yes, there was the cliche drama from the lame ass exes but I'm glad to say that Lyric and Grant's bond was so strong that nothing came between them. There was no third act breakup. No dumbass miscommunication trope. They stayed reassuring each other and being by the others side. I was happy. I sighed in relief when I saw that the author wasn't going to put some badly written BS in the book for the hell of it. The only cons this book has is the constant grammatical errors and the fact that Lyric was barely described. It's not til page 346 that skin tone wise you know what she looks like. I didn't like that at all. The only reason I didn't dnf the book because of that is because it's really good and well written. I hate how her books aren't popular because this story definitely deserves a lot of reviews. I will be reading more from her in the future. This book is a whole 5 star read.
September 4, 2022
Another amazing story. Readers, this was a sports-themed love story with lots of action, greed, cheaters, liars, and conniving folks, along with riders who were friends in this fantastic tale. Lyric was an artist who also wrote for other artists. Grant was a newly franchised football player for the local pro team. Grant's crew would prove to be the bones Lyric needed in this tale. Grant and Lyrics' love connection was epic. The problem folks will get what's coming to them—a good read for 4.75 stars.
September 30, 2022
This was so good
This was my first time reading a book by Dandrige Monroe and baby I know this won’t be my last. Grant and Lyric/Finesse are an unlikely couple with the odds against the pair being together due to the past relationships. Best believe Grant don’t play about Lyric at all. He staked claim on her from the moment he laid eyes on her and he doesn’t play about the ones he loves. Seems like I’m adding him to my book baes.
This was my first time reading a book by Dandrige Monroe and baby I know this won’t be my last. Grant and Lyric/Finesse are an unlikely couple with the odds against the pair being together due to the past relationships. Best believe Grant don’t play about Lyric at all. He staked claim on her from the moment he laid eyes on her and he doesn’t play about the ones he loves. Seems like I’m adding him to my book baes.
October 15, 2022
Beyond Good
Lyric and Grant (who I called Reign in my head) may have tied or surpassed Jacoby and Billie as my fav couple. She was that chick and he was…Chef’s kiss. This was such a great read! Lyric was about business and loyal to a fault. I almost grabbed by Louisville slugger when she didn’t get it fast enough! And Grant Turner is just clean cut bae thuggery, unapologetically all about his lady (whooosa!) at its finest. Outside of the fantastic, seamlessly written character development, this book talks to being truly seen and accepted, users, insecurity, imposter syndrome, harm from fake people, bad friends and accepting yourself & those around you. Can’t wait to reread this one!
Lyric and Grant (who I called Reign in my head) may have tied or surpassed Jacoby and Billie as my fav couple. She was that chick and he was…Chef’s kiss. This was such a great read! Lyric was about business and loyal to a fault. I almost grabbed by Louisville slugger when she didn’t get it fast enough! And Grant Turner is just clean cut bae thuggery, unapologetically all about his lady (whooosa!) at its finest. Outside of the fantastic, seamlessly written character development, this book talks to being truly seen and accepted, users, insecurity, imposter syndrome, harm from fake people, bad friends and accepting yourself & those around you. Can’t wait to reread this one!
October 3, 2022
wheeeew!
This is my first of Dandridge’s book! And I am a now a fan! I love Grant! He is the true essence of the saying f*ck around and find out! I loved how he handled Lyric and doted and reassured her constantly. Lyric aka Finesse was everything. Her only downfall was giving her energy to those undeserving (Devonte, Trice and the Laws). Speaking of those trifling individuals, in my opinion, Trice got off way too easy! The laws too! (Drugging, tapes) And what about Devonte’s other secrets?! All those that wrong Lyric, seemed nonchalant about it since Corey was away, so I was hoping that it was at least revealed to Lyric or Corey and handled appropriately. Overall, i really enjoyed this book, it had romance, steam, drama and some comedic relief and I love a good long book too! I highly recommend and can’t wait to read more from the author.
This is my first of Dandridge’s book! And I am a now a fan! I love Grant! He is the true essence of the saying f*ck around and find out! I loved how he handled Lyric and doted and reassured her constantly. Lyric aka Finesse was everything. Her only downfall was giving her energy to those undeserving (Devonte, Trice and the Laws). Speaking of those trifling individuals, in my opinion, Trice got off way too easy! The laws too! (Drugging, tapes) And what about Devonte’s other secrets?! All those that wrong Lyric, seemed nonchalant about it since Corey was away, so I was hoping that it was at least revealed to Lyric or Corey and handled appropriately. Overall, i really enjoyed this book, it had romance, steam, drama and some comedic relief and I love a good long book too! I highly recommend and can’t wait to read more from the author.
January 18, 2023
Good Read
Ms. Monroe has done it again!!🔥👏🏽👏🏽A well written addition to the series. So good! So entertaining! Such a beautiful couple. Loved their love story. Hopefully we’ll get more. Can’t wait to see what’s to come.
Ms. Monroe has done it again!!🔥👏🏽👏🏽A well written addition to the series. So good! So entertaining! Such a beautiful couple. Loved their love story. Hopefully we’ll get more. Can’t wait to see what’s to come.
October 6, 2022
So good❤️😍
I loved Grant and Lyric together this was so sweet and had me all in my feelings !! The payback on all the haters was great now we need a story for Phoebe and Corey!! This series can go on a couple more books Ms Monroe keep em coming!!
I loved Grant and Lyric together this was so sweet and had me all in my feelings !! The payback on all the haters was great now we need a story for Phoebe and Corey!! This series can go on a couple more books Ms Monroe keep em coming!!
September 23, 2022
Finesse and Choirboy
I really enjoyed this book, a mash up of two of my fave tropes (music and sports). This author does a great job of writing relatable characters who may not have the the best family dynamics or struggling with many other issues, but are able to still find genuine love. I loved Lyric and how multi faceted and resilient she was despite her circumstances. I also loved that she didn’t give too much pushback with allowing CB to love her. Grant was the epitome of a Book Bae. He didn’t have to show his Alpha male dominance but it DRIPPED off him. Kudos! Looking forward to the next release!
I really enjoyed this book, a mash up of two of my fave tropes (music and sports). This author does a great job of writing relatable characters who may not have the the best family dynamics or struggling with many other issues, but are able to still find genuine love. I loved Lyric and how multi faceted and resilient she was despite her circumstances. I also loved that she didn’t give too much pushback with allowing CB to love her. Grant was the epitome of a Book Bae. He didn’t have to show his Alpha male dominance but it DRIPPED off him. Kudos! Looking forward to the next release!
September 18, 2024
4.5 🥰😁😍🤩😝🤭
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, Sports (football), fame, opposite attracts, no 3rd act breakup
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐
Character development: 4⭐
Emotional: 2⭐
Sweet: 4⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4⭐
Intrigue: 4⭐
Action:
Violence: 2.5 ⭐
Story\plot: 3⭐
World Building: 3⭐
Enjoy!!!
Check Content Warnings
Trope: Black Love, Sports (football), fame, opposite attracts, no 3rd act breakup
Enjoyment: 4.5⭐
Character development: 4⭐
Emotional: 2⭐
Sweet: 4⭐
Romance: 4⭐
Heat\steam: 4⭐
Intrigue: 4⭐
Action:
Violence: 2.5 ⭐
Story\plot: 3⭐
World Building: 3⭐
Enjoy!!!
September 22, 2024
I love Grant and Lyric real bad. They are up there with Billy and Jacoby
I didn’t think I would enjoy their story so much. Grant was a pleasant surprise. I like that they started things off a bit slow. Grant was always so intentional, he always showed Lyric how he felt. Always backed his words with his actions. He showed her he loved her in every way!
Grant was exactly who he thought he was and more. Whew.
Really liked Lyric’s character, she may have come across a bit rough around the edges but she was so sweet.
Loved the songs she wrote😂
These two had me cracking up!
Miss Dandridge has done it again! I will be thinking about these two for a while.
It was an amazing read! Fun! Fluffy and grown
I didn’t think I would enjoy their story so much. Grant was a pleasant surprise. I like that they started things off a bit slow. Grant was always so intentional, he always showed Lyric how he felt. Always backed his words with his actions. He showed her he loved her in every way!
Grant was exactly who he thought he was and more. Whew.
Really liked Lyric’s character, she may have come across a bit rough around the edges but she was so sweet.
Loved the songs she wrote😂
These two had me cracking up!
Miss Dandridge has done it again! I will be thinking about these two for a while.
It was an amazing read! Fun! Fluffy and grown
September 29, 2023
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover
Lyric and Grant hand images that the public thought was the truth but it was only a small piece. I felt bad that Lyric had too many snakes around her but I am glad that she finally saw the light. Grant thought he was not enough but Lyric was quick to let him know he was. This couple is too cute and I love this series how it shows that it’s best to create a strong foundation for your relationship to last and weather any storms.
Lyric and Grant hand images that the public thought was the truth but it was only a small piece. I felt bad that Lyric had too many snakes around her but I am glad that she finally saw the light. Grant thought he was not enough but Lyric was quick to let him know he was. This couple is too cute and I love this series how it shows that it’s best to create a strong foundation for your relationship to last and weather any storms.
February 29, 2024
This was cute, funny, lovable and just all around fun to read. Grant was everything that Lyric needed. He really was a CB for her and calmed all her storms. However when he needed to step out of that choirboy role and put hands on somebody about his girl he wasn’t to be played with. I love that Lyric was about her business not in the studio and out. I just felt really good reading this book and have to swing back around to the others in this series.
July 9, 2024
Each other's keeper
Love Grant and Lyric together. Opposite definitely attracts and it's a good look for them. I love how he didn't let what the public say interfere with his feelings for her. He love everything about her and showed her in every way. Lyric learn that she put loyalty in the wrong people and her eyes were open to how she was supposed to be love and supported. They are each other's keeper.
Love Grant and Lyric together. Opposite definitely attracts and it's a good look for them. I love how he didn't let what the public say interfere with his feelings for her. He love everything about her and showed her in every way. Lyric learn that she put loyalty in the wrong people and her eyes were open to how she was supposed to be love and supported. They are each other's keeper.
September 28, 2025
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Now this here…. The deception of so called friends had me on 🤬. Sometimes it’s the days 1’s that will eff you up. I’m glad Ness got her comeback. I definitely wanted more for Ness and Grant and the author delivered. He didn’t play about her. A woman that made his house a home, filled his stomach and emptied his sack. I’m loving it. I’m definitely using that on my dating profile.
Who knew Dandridge had bars😁🔥🔥🔥
Now this here…. The deception of so called friends had me on 🤬. Sometimes it’s the days 1’s that will eff you up. I’m glad Ness got her comeback. I definitely wanted more for Ness and Grant and the author delivered. He didn’t play about her. A woman that made his house a home, filled his stomach and emptied his sack. I’m loving it. I’m definitely using that on my dating profile.
Who knew Dandridge had bars😁🔥🔥🔥
October 20, 2024
Russell Wilson and Megan Thee Stallion
This book was so cute. I am a sucker for a love story and this definitely was worth it. Also, I love the fact they were able to grow their relationship, communicate and love each other out loud. 10/10 recommend if you looking for characters who have been burned not afraid to love again.
This book was so cute. I am a sucker for a love story and this definitely was worth it. Also, I love the fact they were able to grow their relationship, communicate and love each other out loud. 10/10 recommend if you looking for characters who have been burned not afraid to love again.
February 13, 2024
Finding Love
This was a great love story. Opposite do attract each other.
Grant was a well kept secret. I like the fact that you had attending a HBCU .
Lyric /Finesse were the real deal. She had a lot of trauma in her life ,but a good man made all the hurt better.
This was a great love story. Opposite do attract each other.
Grant was a well kept secret. I like the fact that you had attending a HBCU .
Lyric /Finesse were the real deal. She had a lot of trauma in her life ,but a good man made all the hurt better.
March 14, 2024
love Dandridge Monroe!
I love this series so much. The evolution of the characters of awesome and I like that there aren’t any loose ends. The typos kill me someone’s though. But they don’t take away from the book.
I love this series so much. The evolution of the characters of awesome and I like that there aren’t any loose ends. The typos kill me someone’s though. But they don’t take away from the book.
June 23, 2024
I love them
Well darn I was definitely not ready for their story to end! I loved how Grant loved Lyric I need to see if Grant gets them that Super Bowl ring and gives Lyric her ring!
Well darn I was definitely not ready for their story to end! I loved how Grant loved Lyric I need to see if Grant gets them that Super Bowl ring and gives Lyric her ring!
January 14, 2024
Lyric and Grant🤎🤎🤎🤎
Love them so much, this was so cute however, they really had some snakes in their mist. But the friends and chosen family they made were goals!
Love them so much, this was so cute however, they really had some snakes in their mist. But the friends and chosen family they made were goals!
January 28, 2024
Another great Desperados teammate.
November 3, 2024
i immediately turn back to page 1 after finishing because i was not ready to put this book down
August 25, 2025
Choir Boy Where??
Grant is the one to talk you through it. I love these desperados. So happy for Lyric and Grants story it was an amazing read.
Grant is the one to talk you through it. I love these desperados. So happy for Lyric and Grants story it was an amazing read.
April 26, 2023
This series was hottt. I loved each book. The main characters were great. Lyric and Grant are so good for each other. Sweet but tough as well. Loved the way they care for each other.
The flow of the story line is awesome.
Happy Reading!
The flow of the story line is awesome.
Happy Reading!
August 26, 2025
Grant Had That Lullaby Dick
Grant a whole "Night, night mothafu*ker" but with his dick and I loves it! The whole book was really a breath of fresh air especially after the heavy heaviness with Destiny's Defender. That book was solid, so no knock here but this just had a certain lightness to it.
Even though this book had some heavy topics like toxicity in friends, manipulation, emotional abuse etc, what I loved was that not only were these two locked in from seemingly jump but that they were working on their personal internal issues that weren't relationshipy internal issues so they were able to team up and partner up "Bonnie to his Clyde ready to ride" style over the external issues that popped up from their individual internal strife.
One thing in a Dandridge Monroe book you will feel the passage of time and how a relationship is nurtured. And I love that ish in a romance book. Give me the couple that their communication issues aren't keeping them seperated but more feeling it out. They know the love is there and show it and show out for one another but they are still trying to guage the other.
Linen shorts wearing ah....Grant is such a square but I love that about him. Go on ahead and rock those cartoon Tees, khanki shorts, and sneakers. Keep on speaking on Lyric adds to your life and fills you up!
Finesse aka Lyric is that girl. She's no damsel in distress. She says we can roll up and stomp out together. What I loved about Lyric is that her whole personality was indeed a vibe. I liked her brain and professionalism. I liked how she approached her stage persona. I liked how she handled herself. She had me laughing. Keep on letting people know that judgement on outer exterior is not the vibe. Most of all teach women to get a square ass thug! Grant was really that dude!
City is that dude! Can't wait for his book because I know he has to get one. Porsha won't play "always the bridesmaid" for long I can tell.
Sooooo overall:
"To quote my lady, ‘all I see is her’.”
Cop this if... you feeling like you want a romance that reminds you fo Ciara and Russell, the good boy football champ you can't be that good if he got a bad baddie.
Cop this if...you always had this feeling that Russell knows how to lay down the law in the bedroom. The "if he can tell me what to do, he can tell me what to do" vibes popping off book form
Cop this if...you feel Black women of all modes deserve that good love and good dick down. You don't have to be the Black respectability politics version of us to thrive and get that "Standing O" love by a Black man.
“You gonna sing for me, L?”
Cop this if...you want the cheat codes to a man putting that work in in the bedroom. Bend her knee that way you say? Wait, wait you are now beating it up from the back with no hands you say? Hmmm make the pussay sing you say?
Had me taking notes like a book report to show certain somebody 😉😜
Grant a whole "Night, night mothafu*ker" but with his dick and I loves it! The whole book was really a breath of fresh air especially after the heavy heaviness with Destiny's Defender. That book was solid, so no knock here but this just had a certain lightness to it.
Even though this book had some heavy topics like toxicity in friends, manipulation, emotional abuse etc, what I loved was that not only were these two locked in from seemingly jump but that they were working on their personal internal issues that weren't relationshipy internal issues so they were able to team up and partner up "Bonnie to his Clyde ready to ride" style over the external issues that popped up from their individual internal strife.
One thing in a Dandridge Monroe book you will feel the passage of time and how a relationship is nurtured. And I love that ish in a romance book. Give me the couple that their communication issues aren't keeping them seperated but more feeling it out. They know the love is there and show it and show out for one another but they are still trying to guage the other.
Linen shorts wearing ah....Grant is such a square but I love that about him. Go on ahead and rock those cartoon Tees, khanki shorts, and sneakers. Keep on speaking on Lyric adds to your life and fills you up!
Finesse aka Lyric is that girl. She's no damsel in distress. She says we can roll up and stomp out together. What I loved about Lyric is that her whole personality was indeed a vibe. I liked her brain and professionalism. I liked how she approached her stage persona. I liked how she handled herself. She had me laughing. Keep on letting people know that judgement on outer exterior is not the vibe. Most of all teach women to get a square ass thug! Grant was really that dude!
City is that dude! Can't wait for his book because I know he has to get one. Porsha won't play "always the bridesmaid" for long I can tell.
Sooooo overall:
"To quote my lady, ‘all I see is her’.”
Cop this if... you feeling like you want a romance that reminds you fo Ciara and Russell, the good boy football champ you can't be that good if he got a bad baddie.
Cop this if...you always had this feeling that Russell knows how to lay down the law in the bedroom. The "if he can tell me what to do, he can tell me what to do" vibes popping off book form
Cop this if...you feel Black women of all modes deserve that good love and good dick down. You don't have to be the Black respectability politics version of us to thrive and get that "Standing O" love by a Black man.
“You gonna sing for me, L?”
Cop this if...you want the cheat codes to a man putting that work in in the bedroom. Bend her knee that way you say? Wait, wait you are now beating it up from the back with no hands you say? Hmmm make the pussay sing you say?
Had me taking notes like a book report to show certain somebody 😉😜
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews