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Sinnliches Spiel in Atlanta (Baccara 2271)

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Will these former friends with benefits rekindle a flame…or settle scores? Find out in Yahrah St. John’s Locketts of Tuxedo Park series finale!

From lovers to friends to lovers again?

It’s complicated!

After losing his football career due to an injury, Xavier Lockett found solace in the arms of singer Porscha Childs…until a misunderstanding tore them apart. Now a sportscaster at a top Atlanta network, the former star quarterback craves another taste of the woman who helped him turn his life around.

But Porscha wants a hit record, not a second broken heart. Yet Xavier’s still irresistible. The sparks between them ignite an inferno that lands her in his bed, but can she trust that this time they’re both playing the same game?

From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

Love triumphs in these uplifting romances, part of the Locketts of Tuxedo Park series:

Book 1: Consequences of Passion
Book 2: Blind Date with the Spare Heir
Book 3: Holiday Playbook
Book 4: A Game Between Friends

165 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 3, 2023

42 people are currently reading
1560 people want to read

About the author

Yahrah St. John

174 books355 followers
Yahrah St. John is the International author of forty two books. When she’s not at home crafting one of her sexy romances with compelling heroes and feisty heroines with a dash of family drama, St. John can be found in the kitchen cooking one of her gourmet meals discovered on the Food Network for her husband. Or this thrill-seeking junky can be found traveling the globe seeking out her next adventure.

A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America, but is an avid reader of all genres. St. John lives in sunny Orlando, the City Beautiful.

For more information, please visit:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YahrahStJohn/.
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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Kim Reads (Read Your Writes Book Reviews).
1,476 reviews143 followers
August 17, 2022
Yahrah St. John’s A Game Between Friends is the fourth and final book in her Locketts of Tuxedo Park series. This is a standalone read and for me, the story I’ve been waiting for since the series started.

A Game Between Friends is the story of Xavier, the youngest of the Lockett siblings, and Porscha Childs the one woman to ever capture his heart. The two met three years ago when they were each at their lowest. Their friendship became a low-key love affair until a misunderstanding drove them apart. Now a chance encounter reveals that the spark that once burned is stronger than ever.

Porscha is a highly successful music artist, who’s working on becoming a bonafide actress as well. In the past, she has had trouble with the press and social media. As a result, she’s very careful about what she says, how she dresses, and who she’s seen with.

Xavier’s life has been all about football, not necessarily by his own choice. The Lockett family are football royalty since they own the Atlanta Cougars, a professional football team. Out of the three Lockett boys, Xavier was the only one to show any football talent. Father Josiah made sure that Xavier excelled in the sport. Xavier was even the star quarterback for the team until an injury on the field ended his career. Now a sportscaster, Xavier views himself as a shell of the man that he once was.

With a simple kiss, Xavier convinces Porscha that even after three years things aren’t over between them. They embark on a clandestine love affair. But even friendship and sizzling passion can’t compete with the media. Yahrah has done a wonderful job of bringing new readers of this series up to date, while at the same time showing established readers what’s happening in the lives of past characters. Porscha and Xavier make a great couple in that they share some of the same insecurities and desires. I loved that these two helped each other to acknowledge their worth and discover what truly made them happy. I’m a sucker for grand gestures and this one was unexpected but so perfect.

I know this series is about the Lockett family, but throughout this series, The Cougars star wide receiver, Curtis Jackson, has been a steady secondary character. I would love for him to get his own story.

~ Favorite Quotes ~

“Sometimes helping others is its own reward.”

“Don’t try to fit yourself into the image others have of you and deny who or what you’ve become.”

“We all have the capacity for growth.”

“You need only be your authentic self.”

“My father says selflessness, humility and truthfulness are the marks of an honorable man.”

“Things happen the way they were meant to.”

**Received a copy of the author and voluntarily reviewed it. Also personally purchased a paperback copy.**
156 reviews
May 9, 2022
A Game Between Friends is a wonderful conclusion to the Locketts of Tuxedo series. Xavier and Porscha met earlier when they both ended up in a therapy facility it was there the two got to know each other and became friends. The friendship they develop grew and turned into more. What I like about these two is that they had to face some insecurities truths and figure out what they really wanted out of a relationship. This was a great series with a wonderful family dynamic I'm sad that this is the last book in the series but what a great ending thanks Yahrah St. John for the ARC.
Profile Image for Selina Durio.
2,523 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2022
Excellent

This was an excellent read! The Locketts are Atlanta royalty. The youngest, Xavier, was dealt a raw deal in his career and has been trying to find his place ever since. Porscha is an R & B star trying to break into movies. Will their pasts prevent them from a future?
Profile Image for Cheryl Jamai.
322 reviews
May 26, 2022
“A Game Between Friends” is a fitting end to the Locketts of Tuxedo Park series. Fans of the series have wondered when we would get Xavier’s backstory. Xavier was dealing with insecurities after his career ending injury, and has finally found his calling in sports casting and mentoring young players. A few years ago, Entertainer Portia Childs needed to focus on her mental health after she experienced a career set back. Portia and Xavier had a passionate affair and were there for each other when they needed it the most, but misunderstandings caused a hurtful break up. Three years later, a searing kiss causes all of those feelings to come rushing back. They have a second chance. Xavier brings Portia “peace during the storm”. The question is, will they keep it casual or realize that they have a future together. Second chance love is one of my favorite themes. I also enjoyed continuing to read about the Lockett family. It’s interesting that both Portia and Xavier are dealing with domineering parents. I really enjoyed “A game Between Friends” and I recommend it.
Profile Image for Shannan Harper.
2,449 reviews28 followers
May 29, 2022
What a way to end the series about the Lockett Family. Xavier Locket, former football player and R and B Songstress Porcia Childs want to keep it just as bed buddies, but their attempts at keeping it at that level might not work.

I enjoyed most of the secondary characters, except for Porcia's mother at the beginning, but I really appreciated her growth in this story. I enjoyed reading this story from start to finish. It kept my interest throughout the story.

I received a copy of the book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opinions
60 reviews1 follower
May 31, 2022
Enjoyed it

I have enjoyed Xavier and Porsche’s story. I enjoyed this series and sad to see it end. Glad we were able to catch up with the rest of the family. I recommend this book and the series.
Profile Image for Tracy.
130 reviews12 followers
May 22, 2022
I had the pleasure of reading this series by Yahrah St. John and I happily give it ☕️☕️☕️☕️cups of tea. The Locketts of Tuxedo Park Series hooks you from the first book.
In this final book Xavier is front and center. I love second chance romance and that’s what Xavier and Porscha are given.
When they met originally at a therapy clinic they became friends that needed each other to heal but things happen and fizzle out.
Three years later Xavier sees Porscha singing in his family’s stadium and he immediately knows he has to see her again because they are not over by a long shot.
All Porscha Child’s wants to do is sing and get the heck out of Atlanta , but she knows that’s easier said than done when Xavier knocks on her backstage door. When they meet again you feel and see the chemistry they was there three years ago.
I loved reading their second chance at love and finding each other again as friends and lovers. It’s amazing how the author spins their love story. Great series Yahrah!
#cillasbookmaniacs #tracy’steaandbooksworld
Profile Image for Nae.
365 reviews23 followers
May 31, 2022
The title fit this book perfectly! I love the character development and thought the author did a great job executing the plot. The lack of communication that was happening between the main characters & between Porscha & her ‘momager’ drove me nuts, which just goes to show you how much of our worries and fears can be solved through clear communication & vulnerability. Now while I was annoyed with Porscha quite a bit, I also saw myself in her a lot because she tried to live so much of her life to please her mom and fit the image of what she wanted. ☹️

This book made me realize how happy I am to not be in the limelight because I felt so bad for Porscha since she was so afraid to just live her life the way she wanted to due to what the public, her mom and record label would say.

What I loved:
🏈 Supportive relationship between Porscha & Xavier - that’s the type of energy that everyone should have in a partner!
🏈 SAFE SEX
🏈 Although it took a while, Porscha putting her foot down with her mom & going against the grain to find her own happiness
🏈 Xavier wanted more than being FWB!! Usually I feel like so many books portray women as wanting more but I love when the author turns it around & portrays the men in a positive light too. 👌🏽
1 review
May 5, 2022
It was an awesome read! I enjoyed how they meet and the push and pull with her mom. It was great when she stuck up for herself against her mom. I was excited to see how their love for each was still strong. I wanted to shout when they were still hard headed but triumphed too see the final come together ❤️.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
252 reviews11 followers
April 23, 2022
A Game Between Friends is the concluding story in Yahrah St. John's Locketts of Tuxedo Park series and it does not disappoint. While all the stories in this series are excellent, I think Xavier's is my favorite. Xavier is man who has to re-evaluate his life after a life-changing incident. It's not an easy task for someone who had a narrow vision of what his future was supposed to be, but he manages it.
I love how Porscha picked herself up after a series of personal betrayals. She's a strong woman who just needed someone to show her that she was worthy as is, without having to wear a mask for the world. I loved how the Locketts were always willing to give back to the community to ensure that others had the opportunity to make their dreams come true. I highly recommend this story and the series.
Profile Image for Joyce M. H..
1,398 reviews19 followers
July 6, 2022
Can you say best seller? This is an awesome finale to the “Locketts Of Tuxedo Park.” Xavier is the youngest of the Locketts, a former NFL quarterback who lost his football career due to an injury. He is now a sportscaster. Porscha and Xavier are former friends with benefits and lovers. Porsha and Xavier met when Xavier suffered a career ending injury. They found romance and lost romance. Porsha is a R & B singer. Xavier and Porsha had their share of issues. All Xavier wants is Porsha back in his life and Porsha wants another hit. Porsha mom is to messy for me and Xavier’s dad is no better. Porsha and Xavier have awesome chemistry.

Can Porsha and Xavier get past their parents, will Porsha get the hit that she wants, can Porsha and Xavier have a second chance at romance and get the HEA they deserve and desire?

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
380 reviews1 follower
July 27, 2022
Xavier Lockett had met Porscha Childs while in a rehab center. A misunderstanding kept them apart. Four years later Xavier saw Porscha made a point to meet and explain what happened and why. They decided to see each other. They kept their romance with each other low key. Porscha was afraid of being hurt and Xavier had never felt the way he felt about Porscha with another woman. They were able to let down their guards with each other and really get to know each other. Both had a parent that was trying to control their lives. I enjoyed the story. It was great catching up on the Lockett family.
Profile Image for Andrea Wenger.
Author 4 books39 followers
May 24, 2022
Four years ago, singer Porscha and former pro football player Xavier had an affair when they were both at the same treatment facility. When they meet again, the passion is still there, but Porsha doesn't trust him. She agrees to a friends-with-benefits arrangement but doesn't want more. Can Xavier win her over?

This is a steamy story with likable and interesting characters. I was a little confused in the beginning, so I recommend reading the series in order.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.
714 reviews
June 6, 2022
A great ending

This is the the final book in the series and it was very good. The h and H met at a rehab facility, she was there dealing with depression, he was there physically recovering from a career ending injury. They had an affair but a misunderstanding broke them up. Years later they reunited but both had major trust issues and insecurities which prevented them from expressing their feelings for each other. The h finally took control of her life and got her man back. Great epilogue.
Profile Image for Shone.
1,337 reviews29 followers
May 27, 2022
Repeat the Play

In life when you miss the mark, you have to do the same as they do in football. Repeatedly the same play over again until you score. That is where ex pro football player Xavier Locket and singer/actresses found themselves repeating the play.

#MamaToni'sbooknook #Cillasbookmaniacs
220 reviews
August 7, 2022
Hmm friends with...

Benefits is definitely how this novel started out but somehow it started to mirror real life to me as many people actually do find themselves in these same shoes this infamous couple trying to pretend that titles don't matter...yeah right👏👍😉😏😊😆😀😃😁😄😅😂😘😍😎💓💗💞💘😈🙋great job mz.Yahrah
Profile Image for Ruby.
626 reviews2 followers
May 29, 2022
True Love!!!

This book was as good as I thought it would be. I was waiting on Xavier's book and I wasn't disappointed. Despite the insecurities and trust issues that both Xavier and Porscha had, in the end they both found what they were seeking, true love.
Profile Image for Antionette.
205 reviews3 followers
May 30, 2022
Friends to Lovers

Xavier and Porscha fiery friendship turns into a flaming affair between the pages of this romance. His football career and her celebrity bring them together and spark trouble. Explosive fireworks with this couple to the very end. A great summer read!
3 reviews
May 31, 2022
The Price to Pay for Love

Love is work! Porsche and Xavier played pay as you go with their love. Truly, this story did a great job warming the heart and stirring up passion in it's reader.
132 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2022
I'm sorry to see this series end.Xavier and Porscha have been through rough times, but they've been there for each other. From lovers to friends and back to lovers again. Yahrah St John put her heart and soul in this book.
Profile Image for Ava Smith-forrest.
867 reviews2 followers
July 1, 2022
A Game Between Friends

Xavier Lockett and Porsche Childs had for to many demand on them to be successful but the explosion of their love helped them to overcome them. They finally learned communication is the key.
942 reviews5 followers
May 30, 2022
Loved it

Beautiful story ❤love the series Beautiful chemistry between characters loved it from beginning to end ❤simply amazing loved this family 👪
72 reviews
June 7, 2022
Typical Harlequin romance book. Very good reading. Keeps the reader absorbed.
Profile Image for Kyra Gates.
Author 14 books70 followers
July 24, 2022
great read

Loved the story sad this series has come to an end. I would have liked to see Porsha have it out with the assistant though but it was a good story none the less
176 reviews2 followers
August 31, 2022
A Game Between Friends is the final installment of the Locketts of Tuxedo Park series.

We have all been waiting for Xavier Lockett’s story. I was on high alert to learn who Xavier truly was. Xavier is the baby of the family, and his pop-in and out episodes with tendencies to be missing in action created high anticipation for knowing the reason for his mysteriousness. I was also ready to understand his feelings about moving forward after his injury that took him away from physically playing the game he loved, football. His injury brought its own set of battles of feeling like damaged goods or not being good enough in his father’s eyes now that he was unable to play football, to constantly reminding himself that football does not define him.

Porsha Childs is a beautiful famous singer with an amazing gift. Her life is in the spotlight and certainly not her own. She has her overbearing mother, who is her manager, and the expectations to live up to industry standards while trying to avoid negative press and keep her career moving forward. However, she has her own life battles, including unfavorable press and a breakdown that she is trying to get passed.

Lovers…to friends…to lovers, it’s complicated, is definitely the way to describe these two. When their paths cross again, after three years, it does not take long for the sparks to be rekindled and turn to flames.

The two have an agreed-upon friends-with-benefits relationship until the feelings and chemistry becomes hard to shield. They find safety and solace in the arms of each other but is it enough? Can they stick to the plan, or will their feelings of both wanting more be more than they both can bargain for?

Two complex lives, two hearts, fighting for love and finding their place in their space.

A Game Between Friends is a good read that starts with a bang. I felt some parts of the book could have given more, but I still enjoyed the read and recommend it. Overall, The Locketts of Tuxedo Park is a remarkable series that I will miss. I have been invested since book one with multiple book hangovers from several books in this series. It is definitely a series that is high on my list of book recommendations.
Profile Image for Marietere T.
1,555 reviews22 followers
May 10, 2022
Thank you Netgalley and HARLEQUIN for giving me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

The story follows Xavier and Porscha reuniting after 4 years and realizing they still had the same chemistry. They quickly rekindle their physical relationship and try to figure out of there is more there than just a physical thing. Both of them have to balance their uncertain careers and how to make it work between them.

Like for me Harlequin books and be a hit or a miss. Like I could be involved with the story and not the romance or the other way around. This one stays in that line and I wasn't 100% sure if I loved it or hate it. Just fair warning this book is heavy miscommunication trope. If you don't like this trope, then you'll probably DNF this book. It got to certain points where it was infuriating how they didn't just communicate their feelings, but I did enjoy the romance aspect and the spice was good. Some scenes where more detailed than other.

Tropes: Strangers to lover to strangers to Friends with Benefits to lovers. (That's a mouthful)

TW: Body Shaming
Profile Image for Courtney.
3,093 reviews7 followers
May 23, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
I loved this spin on a couple who have a history of a physical relationship. While their issues in the past were routed in misunderstandings, I appreciated the way these were handled, and they had a believably evolved from it to trying to be friendly, then acknowledging the spark that still exists between them.
Profile Image for PurpleLadi.
554 reviews7 followers
April 18, 2023
Game Changer

Porscha and Xavier's story was not easy. We forget that fame and money are not a guarantee for a life of love and happiness. These two had to work through numerous external and internal obstacles. Attaining happily ever after can really hurt, but it is worth the effort.
51 reviews
April 21, 2022
This book was just okay for me. I jumped in and read this book, the final book in this series, without reading the prior books in this series, so I was a little lost. I guess this is a series that should probably be read in order. I just couldn’t really get into this book as much as I had hoped.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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