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Miami Piranhas #0.5
Playing Dirty
All Wade Lewis wants during rookie preseason camp is to play great football and to make it to the final fifty three man roster.
He absolutely does not want Tristan Nicholson.
His complete and total opposite.
His teammate.
His competition.
And his roommate.
During the day, Tristan unexpectedly proves to be helpful on and off the field, but at night, when the lights go out, Tristan also becomes the only man he can’t resist.
First he’s a friend, then astonishingly, he becomes a lover.
And then he becomes the last thing Wade ever expected: everything.
Previously published in the Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend giveaway, this version has only been lightly edited and the continuity errors fixed.
He absolutely does not want Tristan Nicholson.
His complete and total opposite.
His teammate.
His competition.
And his roommate.
During the day, Tristan unexpectedly proves to be helpful on and off the field, but at night, when the lights go out, Tristan also becomes the only man he can’t resist.
First he’s a friend, then astonishingly, he becomes a lover.
And then he becomes the last thing Wade ever expected: everything.
Previously published in the Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend giveaway, this version has only been lightly edited and the continuity errors fixed.
157 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 13, 2022
123 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Beth Bolden
78 books696 followersA lifelong Oregonian, Beth Bolden has just recently moved to North Carolina with her supportive husband and their sweet kitten, Earl Grey. Beth still believes in Keeping Portland Weird, and intends to be just as weird in Raleigh.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Beth has been writing practically since she learned the alphabet. Unfortunately, her first foray into novel writing, titled Big Bear with Sparkly Earrings, wasn’t a bestseller, but hope springs eternal. She’s published fourteen novels and five short stories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
January 12, 2023
Read when it was originally part of the Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend giveaway and it's an utter delight.
Nothing more fun than reading about two wonderfully sweet young men finding their perfect partner and knowing that they'll be solid for life. They're basically golden Labrador pups in human form and made me laugh loads.
Nothing more fun than reading about two wonderfully sweet young men finding their perfect partner and knowing that they'll be solid for life. They're basically golden Labrador pups in human form and made me laugh loads.
August 3, 2025
Sweeeeeeet✨✨✨✨✨
Just pure short and sweet, I can't stop smiling. A beautiful story that gives the tone for the books to come in this series.🏈🌈🫶
Just pure short and sweet, I can't stop smiling. A beautiful story that gives the tone for the books to come in this series.🏈🌈🫶
January 5, 2023
Tristan and Wade make falling in love look easy. And they fall pretty fast. These two are both sweet and genuine and care about others. And they care about the team. And they're both so adorable really. Like putting two mattresses together so they can sleep beside each other. So cute. I loved their love story.
February 8, 2023
Tropes: roommates
Feels: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
This was a nice read. It was short so I'm judging it based on novella standards, which means I don't expect as much depth and development. The guys were kind to each other, driven career-wise, and hot for each other. They were honest. Things were a little conveniently easy for them, but it made for a nice low angst read.
Feels: 4/5
Steam: 3/5
Kinks: none
Angst: low
Triggers/potential icks: none
This was a nice read. It was short so I'm judging it based on novella standards, which means I don't expect as much depth and development. The guys were kind to each other, driven career-wise, and hot for each other. They were honest. Things were a little conveniently easy for them, but it made for a nice low angst read.
January 13, 2023
This is just the begining!!!
So good
So good
May 2, 2023
This is book .5 in a new series from Beth Bolden. I enjoy her writing and particularly like that her sports romances actually have sports! There’s lots of football action in this one and lots of technical narrative. As a football fan I love it and it makes the storytelling that much more realistic. I have read some other reviews where people complained about too much football. No such thing (nor baseball or hockey or basketball or whatever in a sports romance) and for someone to say, in reviewing a sports romance, that they don’t want to read about sports action makes me question anything else they would write. It’s like saying you don’t want to read about shifters shifting and behaving like wolves or about vampires, Fae, witches, or whatever doing their thing in paranormal fantasy books.
Ugh, had to get that off my chest because I was soooo annoyed to read it earlier!
At any rate, this is a sweet, low angst, insta attraction, bi coming out, football romance with newly drafted rookies arriving at training camp and ending up as roommates. They are immediately attracted to each other and start as friends, encouraging each other, supporting each other, and ultimately falling for each other. I enjoyed the writing and the way the football action helps inform their characters and their growth. I really liked the idea of there being multiple out players in the NFL with completely supportive coaches, and how I hope that day comes soon. Only critique would be that there was no mention of the owners or front office which would definitely be a concern since football is a business.
I enjoyed the book and it served as a nice introduction to the series which I am looking forward to reading.
Ugh, had to get that off my chest because I was soooo annoyed to read it earlier!
At any rate, this is a sweet, low angst, insta attraction, bi coming out, football romance with newly drafted rookies arriving at training camp and ending up as roommates. They are immediately attracted to each other and start as friends, encouraging each other, supporting each other, and ultimately falling for each other. I enjoyed the writing and the way the football action helps inform their characters and their growth. I really liked the idea of there being multiple out players in the NFL with completely supportive coaches, and how I hope that day comes soon. Only critique would be that there was no mention of the owners or front office which would definitely be a concern since football is a business.
I enjoyed the book and it served as a nice introduction to the series which I am looking forward to reading.
May 7, 2023
Audio arc review
Story = 3.5 stars
Narration = 4 stars
This was a quick one. It is listed as 0.5 in the series so I expected it would be. It was a grood introduction to the series and was sweet. What I got out of it mostly was the world building. All the guys seem really nice and there were a few that stood out and intrigued me so I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I liked the 2 main characters, I just didn't feel like they were developed enough for me to really feel for them. The romance was instalove and I would have preferred more development and longer time spent there too. They were a good couple but I just didn't feel that meant to be feeling. It seemed as though they were like hey we share a bedroom, were both gay and both hot so why not. Maybe it's just me. I am looking forward to the other books though and I did like that there was no angst or drama and that this team and coach are all supportive. I dont read alot of sports books due to the stereotypical discrimination, so this book was a pleasant surprise.
The narrator had a pleasant reading voice and sounded age appropriate which I really appreciate in narrator selection. He expressed all the emotions really well. He did use the same tone of voice for both the main characters and the other narrative voice but did give Wade an accent so it was very easy to follow the story. I own about 7 or 8 other books narrated by him and really enioyed all his performances. I wouldn't list him as a favorite though.
Story = 3.5 stars
Narration = 4 stars
This was a quick one. It is listed as 0.5 in the series so I expected it would be. It was a grood introduction to the series and was sweet. What I got out of it mostly was the world building. All the guys seem really nice and there were a few that stood out and intrigued me so I'm looking forward to the rest of the series. I liked the 2 main characters, I just didn't feel like they were developed enough for me to really feel for them. The romance was instalove and I would have preferred more development and longer time spent there too. They were a good couple but I just didn't feel that meant to be feeling. It seemed as though they were like hey we share a bedroom, were both gay and both hot so why not. Maybe it's just me. I am looking forward to the other books though and I did like that there was no angst or drama and that this team and coach are all supportive. I dont read alot of sports books due to the stereotypical discrimination, so this book was a pleasant surprise.
The narrator had a pleasant reading voice and sounded age appropriate which I really appreciate in narrator selection. He expressed all the emotions really well. He did use the same tone of voice for both the main characters and the other narrative voice but did give Wade an accent so it was very easy to follow the story. I own about 7 or 8 other books narrated by him and really enioyed all his performances. I wouldn't list him as a favorite though.
May 3, 2023
Tristan and Wade's story was such a fun read, with a great balance of football and romance to keep me engaged from start to finish. I've loved all of Beth Bolden's football romances, and it was so exciting to see a brand new team and series take shape around these rookie players at training camp. The chemistry between Wade and Tristan was nice and sizzly, even though they were super awkward around each other in the beginning, and I loved watching their connection snap into place. The hours they put in at practice were no joke, but somehow these two still found time to get to know each other and spend long hours exploring each other's bodies after dark. Apart from the romance, I also really enjoyed getting to meet the rest of the Piranhas and coaching staff and see the team dynamic they were building for the season. Tristan and Wade both had satisfying storylines regarding their skills progression and nerves about making the team, and it was exciting to see how much they grew over the course of the novella. I'm really excited to see which direction Beth will take this team next, and if the rest of these men get the same level of swoony happily ever after as Tristan and Wade, I know I'll love them all!
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily listened to a free copy of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 5, 2023
This is a great introduction to the Miami Piranhas world. Having read all of the series, I really enjoyed coming back to read how Wade and Tristan come together.
It's a very low angst romance with a good story on the two young men working hard whilst at training camp before the NFL season starts to try and ensure their place on the team. We are also introduced to the coach, his son, Bo, and other regular team members who we get to know really well across the series.
Tristan and Wade are adorable together, learn much about themselves and each other as they get roomed together at camp. Tristan is already out and proud, having quite a following on Instagram as well, whilst Wade has never come out to anyone as bi before. There's no hiding how they come to feel about each other or the attraction that burns hotter the longer they spend together. It's also great to see how Coach, especially, thinks of and treats everyone on his team but especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
An enjoyable prequel to Beth's series with a lot of football as they and the team work hard in the preseason.
**Audio review**
Darcy Stark provides a good range of voices for everyone on the team. I'm looking forward hear the whole series.
It's a very low angst romance with a good story on the two young men working hard whilst at training camp before the NFL season starts to try and ensure their place on the team. We are also introduced to the coach, his son, Bo, and other regular team members who we get to know really well across the series.
Tristan and Wade are adorable together, learn much about themselves and each other as they get roomed together at camp. Tristan is already out and proud, having quite a following on Instagram as well, whilst Wade has never come out to anyone as bi before. There's no hiding how they come to feel about each other or the attraction that burns hotter the longer they spend together. It's also great to see how Coach, especially, thinks of and treats everyone on his team but especially those who identify as LGBTQIA+.
An enjoyable prequel to Beth's series with a lot of football as they and the team work hard in the preseason.
**Audio review**
Darcy Stark provides a good range of voices for everyone on the team. I'm looking forward hear the whole series.
May 16, 2023
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
It'd been a while since I'd listened to an audiobook narrated by Darcy Stark, and listening to "Playing Dirty" reminded me how much I enjoy his voice. He delivers an engaging performance of this sweet teammates/friends-to-lovers novella.
Tristan and Wade, both rookies trying to make it on the Piranhas roster, are paired up as roommates during training camp. Theirs isn't an "only one bed" scenario, but sharing close quarters certainly helps fuel the would-be teammates' budding romance. That they formed a genuine and supportive friendship along the way added to the sweetness of their story.
One thing I always enjoy about this author's sports romances is the amount of actual on-page sports time they contain, be it in practice, training, or actual competition. This isn't an in-name-only football story, and including some on-the-field time helps flesh out the characters and add some realism to them being elite athletes.
So, while there is a fair bit of Playing at play here, there's not nearly enough Dirty. But, like I said, it's a largely sweet story, and it effectively sets up the rest of the series. I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
Story: 4 Stars
It'd been a while since I'd listened to an audiobook narrated by Darcy Stark, and listening to "Playing Dirty" reminded me how much I enjoy his voice. He delivers an engaging performance of this sweet teammates/friends-to-lovers novella.
Tristan and Wade, both rookies trying to make it on the Piranhas roster, are paired up as roommates during training camp. Theirs isn't an "only one bed" scenario, but sharing close quarters certainly helps fuel the would-be teammates' budding romance. That they formed a genuine and supportive friendship along the way added to the sweetness of their story.
One thing I always enjoy about this author's sports romances is the amount of actual on-page sports time they contain, be it in practice, training, or actual competition. This isn't an in-name-only football story, and including some on-the-field time helps flesh out the characters and add some realism to them being elite athletes.
So, while there is a fair bit of Playing at play here, there's not nearly enough Dirty. But, like I said, it's a largely sweet story, and it effectively sets up the rest of the series. I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.
May 7, 2023
Beth Bolden’s Playing Dirty is the prequel novella that kicks off her highly entertaining Miami Piranhas series. Wade and Tristan are both rookie NFL players who room together at training camp. Tristan is out and proud, but Wade is bisexual and closeted. The story doesn’t dig deep or give any twists and turns to their romance, but they are a really cute couple with great chemistry. One of the things I like about Bolden’s football stories is that she puts a lot of on-field football action and off-field strategy into the plot. If you aren’t a football fan, you may not enjoy that level of detail. Personally, I think it lends the story authenticity, and I enjoy seeing how the men interact both on and off the field.
Darcy Stark narrates the audiobook and does a nice job. He’s clearly skilled and embodies the characters well. I found his style to be a bit stilted, though. The reactions and emotions didn’t flow as naturally as I would have liked. His slow methodical pacing compounded that. Once I sped up the playback, the audio flowed better, and I enjoyed listening to this absorbing story.
Darcy Stark narrates the audiobook and does a nice job. He’s clearly skilled and embodies the characters well. I found his style to be a bit stilted, though. The reactions and emotions didn’t flow as naturally as I would have liked. His slow methodical pacing compounded that. Once I sped up the playback, the audio flowed better, and I enjoyed listening to this absorbing story.
September 16, 2023
4.3
Summary: Wade and Tristan are both new recruits for the Piranhas football team, bunking together during the preseason camp, hoping to make the final cut. As they start to fall for each other, they have to figure out if they can work not only as lovers but as teammates.
“The moment he’d seen Wade’s face in the end zone, he’d known it was the only one he ever wanted to see, and the truth had flashed through his heart like a goddamned spotlight, illuminating everything.”
“Tristan couldn’t hold back his nervous chuckle. Tried to remember when he used to wrap hot guys around his little finger, effortlessly. This hot guy had wrapped him around his finger, pretty damn effortlessly from where Tristan was standing.”
“And, oh, he liked Wade plenty. Liked him too much, if he was going to admit to the whole truth. Could probably, terrifyingly, love him, if they kept doing this.”
Review: I was really impressed with this. I often don’t like novellas as they usually feel rushed, but this one didn’t at all. We really get to know Tristan and Wade. It’s funny because their romance feels a little rushed (to me, falling in love in only two weeks seems fast), but the story about their romance doesn’t. I loved how supportive of each other they were—even though they were sort of competing against each other. They’re just really sweet guys who fall in love. They’re in a particularly accepting place with the team they’re a part of, so it doesn’t take long for them to just embrace what they have and be open about it. I really liked the side characters too—Bolden does a good job setting up the next books in the series. Plus, there is a lot of football action.
Summary: Wade and Tristan are both new recruits for the Piranhas football team, bunking together during the preseason camp, hoping to make the final cut. As they start to fall for each other, they have to figure out if they can work not only as lovers but as teammates.
“The moment he’d seen Wade’s face in the end zone, he’d known it was the only one he ever wanted to see, and the truth had flashed through his heart like a goddamned spotlight, illuminating everything.”
“Tristan couldn’t hold back his nervous chuckle. Tried to remember when he used to wrap hot guys around his little finger, effortlessly. This hot guy had wrapped him around his finger, pretty damn effortlessly from where Tristan was standing.”
“And, oh, he liked Wade plenty. Liked him too much, if he was going to admit to the whole truth. Could probably, terrifyingly, love him, if they kept doing this.”
Review: I was really impressed with this. I often don’t like novellas as they usually feel rushed, but this one didn’t at all. We really get to know Tristan and Wade. It’s funny because their romance feels a little rushed (to me, falling in love in only two weeks seems fast), but the story about their romance doesn’t. I loved how supportive of each other they were—even though they were sort of competing against each other. They’re just really sweet guys who fall in love. They’re in a particularly accepting place with the team they’re a part of, so it doesn’t take long for them to just embrace what they have and be open about it. I really liked the side characters too—Bolden does a good job setting up the next books in the series. Plus, there is a lot of football action.
April 26, 2023
‘Playing Dirty’ is a prequel novella which I originally read as part of ‘Your Book Boyfriend's Boyfriend’ Prolificworks giveaway and it was wonderful to experience it all over again and through the smooth tones of Darcy Stark. It’s a shame Darcy Stark isn't as prominent an MM romance narrator as some because he has a lovely voice and it is always enjoyable listening to him.
Tristan is an out and proud football player well known for his instagram following and LGBTQ+ advocacy work; and Wade is a closeted bisexual guy who has yet to experience anything with a man despite wanting to. They are both rookie players who end up rooming together during training camp and support each other and build up each other’s confidence wonderfully on the field, and off the field their mutual attraction cannot be denied. They are super adorable together and two MCs I really like and would happily read more about.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
Tristan is an out and proud football player well known for his instagram following and LGBTQ+ advocacy work; and Wade is a closeted bisexual guy who has yet to experience anything with a man despite wanting to. They are both rookie players who end up rooming together during training camp and support each other and build up each other’s confidence wonderfully on the field, and off the field their mutual attraction cannot be denied. They are super adorable together and two MCs I really like and would happily read more about.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.
April 28, 2023
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I enjoyed this a lot.
I can hardly believe that Playing Dirty is the first book I’ve read by Beth Bolden. While it was part of the free Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend giveaway in 2022, I never got around to reading it. I also have a lot of her other books in my digital library and now I want to read more of them.
I’ve listened to several books performed by Darcy Stark and I really enjoy listening to his voice. He does an excellent job giving each character a distinctive voice.
This is a good introduction to the Miami Piranhas series. Two players assigned as roommates; one is out and the other isn’t. They are also competitors for permanent positions on the football team. I liked how the coach and team are portrayed as very accepting of LQBTQ relationships.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I enjoyed this a lot.
I can hardly believe that Playing Dirty is the first book I’ve read by Beth Bolden. While it was part of the free Your Book Boyfriend’s Boyfriend giveaway in 2022, I never got around to reading it. I also have a lot of her other books in my digital library and now I want to read more of them.
I’ve listened to several books performed by Darcy Stark and I really enjoy listening to his voice. He does an excellent job giving each character a distinctive voice.
This is a good introduction to the Miami Piranhas series. Two players assigned as roommates; one is out and the other isn’t. They are also competitors for permanent positions on the football team. I liked how the coach and team are portrayed as very accepting of LQBTQ relationships.
A complimentary copy of this audiobook was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author and/or narrator.
January 4, 2024
In this prequel novella of this series, Tristan heads to rookie preseason football camp in the hopes that by the end not only would he prove he belongs on the field but that he deserves his spot on the NFL team the Miami Piranhas. What he never expects is to fall for his roommate, Wade. Or for Wade to fall for him back. Wade hasn’t really told anyone that he is bisexual. There hasn’t been anyone who has crossed his path that made him want to explore that side of him. That is until he meets Tristan. Tristan who is seems like this confident out and proud man who is a bit of an influencer on social media and yet in reality is down to earth and so sweet. Their connection is undeniable from day one. And as they get to know one another, there is no question that these two have something and maybe a future together. But first, to get through camp and make it to the team. Really loved these two! Such a sweet match and they brought out the best in one another. They also were one another’s best supporters as they worked harder each day to achieve their dreams. Definitely looking forward to the rest of this series and seeing these two pop up more.
May 1, 2023
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Oh my, these two are the definition of cute. Not animosity or rivalry. Just nice guys who want to see someone else do well. In the process of them lifting each other up and supporting one another, they find not just a friendship but a strong love.
If you’re looking for something low-angst with two really adorable guys being young men, living their dreams, and finding love, then you can’t go wrong with Playing Dirty.
It was also a fantastic audiobook. Narrated by Darcy Stark, he made it highly enjoyable, capturing them both so well. It really made my work day pass a lot faster.
Oh my, these two are the definition of cute. Not animosity or rivalry. Just nice guys who want to see someone else do well. In the process of them lifting each other up and supporting one another, they find not just a friendship but a strong love.
If you’re looking for something low-angst with two really adorable guys being young men, living their dreams, and finding love, then you can’t go wrong with Playing Dirty.
It was also a fantastic audiobook. Narrated by Darcy Stark, he made it highly enjoyable, capturing them both so well. It really made my work day pass a lot faster.
May 7, 2023
Playing Dirty is prequel novel in the Miami Piranhas series, a contemporary romance series about football players. The main characters are rookie NFL players who are at training camp. They seem to be as different as they can be: Tristan is proudly out of the closet while Wade still hides in one. Yet, despite the obstacles Wade’s closested secret creates, Tristan and Wade become a super cute couple. I love their relationship and how it progressed. There’s a lot of football action which is a nice counterbalance to the romance. I’m not a big football fan but I love learning about football through the actions of likable characters. It felt like it gave the story more depth.
The audiobook was narrated by the fabulous Darcy Stark who does a wonderful job. Darcy has a versatile voice that fit each of the characters and made it an enjoyable listening experience.
The audiobook was narrated by the fabulous Darcy Stark who does a wonderful job. Darcy has a versatile voice that fit each of the characters and made it an enjoyable listening experience.
May 7, 2023
I loved this book! The only negative I have is that I wish it was longer! Tristan and Wade had such great chemistry, right from the very beginning. While on the surface these two don't have much in common, it is quickly clear that what they do share is what really matters. I loved seeing Wade discover an entire new side to himself with Tristan and get even more comfortable with who he fundamentally is. Tristan was so outgoing and confident from the very first page but it was wonderful for him to see just how much he has to offer to the world besides his looks and social media presence. This was a fantastic introduction to the Miami Piranhas world and there are already to many characters I want to see find their HEA in future books! I loved the end of this novella and hope we will get to see even more of these two in future books!
January 20, 2023
Anticipation, is the best. Wade, is bi, attracted to men although he's never acted on it and keeps that to himself. Tristan is out and proud. Wade was drafted in a higher round which may give the appearance of being favored, while Tristan went in the 5th because of an injury. They are room mates during training camp and get to know each other on a personal level as well as teammates. They compliment each other well as men and team mates. Can they make the team? Will they be able to maintain a relationship if they make the team? How will the team feel about them? How will the coaching staff feel about them? Beth creates the best couple combinations that are hot, funny and complimentary. Good story. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2023
🎧Audiobook Review🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️) 4,5
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the prequel to the Miami Piranhas series. Beth Bolden's writing style is easy-going and lively.
Not only did she describe the insta-love between Wade and Tristan well, but also the scenes at practice and on the field. I liked that a lot.
Tristan is openly gay. Wade isn't. Both meet at training camp. I found them both very sympathetic and I also liked the coach's reactions and support.
I found this novella very entertaining. Tristan and Wade are very cute together.
Darcy Stark is a new to me narrator and he did a great job. He has a pleasant voice, he read with emphasis and gave the protagonists different voices. I look forward to hearing more from him and the Miami Piranhas!
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️) 4,5
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I enjoyed the prequel to the Miami Piranhas series. Beth Bolden's writing style is easy-going and lively.
Not only did she describe the insta-love between Wade and Tristan well, but also the scenes at practice and on the field. I liked that a lot.
Tristan is openly gay. Wade isn't. Both meet at training camp. I found them both very sympathetic and I also liked the coach's reactions and support.
I found this novella very entertaining. Tristan and Wade are very cute together.
Darcy Stark is a new to me narrator and he did a great job. He has a pleasant voice, he read with emphasis and gave the protagonists different voices. I look forward to hearing more from him and the Miami Piranhas!
May 9, 2023
Listened to audio.
Darcy Stark does a great job with this (American) football romance. There's a large cast and unless they're related they all have distinctly different accents, and even coach and his son, Beau, are easily distinguished.
The story itself is a sweet sports romance with little to no angst. Tristan is out and proud, an advocate for LGBTQ players on social media and advertising. Wade already knows he's bisexual so it's more a question of 'should we be doing this' than 'why am I attracted to you'.
There's a bevy of players who are/may be gay and I know plenty of sequels exist, although I haven't read any yet. I'll wait for the audio and hope they're as enjoyable as this one.
Darcy Stark does a great job with this (American) football romance. There's a large cast and unless they're related they all have distinctly different accents, and even coach and his son, Beau, are easily distinguished.
The story itself is a sweet sports romance with little to no angst. Tristan is out and proud, an advocate for LGBTQ players on social media and advertising. Wade already knows he's bisexual so it's more a question of 'should we be doing this' than 'why am I attracted to you'.
There's a bevy of players who are/may be gay and I know plenty of sequels exist, although I haven't read any yet. I'll wait for the audio and hope they're as enjoyable as this one.
April 29, 2023
Wade and Tristan are both such genuinely nice guys! As Football players they are actually very different with Wade being what you picture as the big man. Tristan holds his own in the game with all his speed! I enjoyed that this story spent some time on the actual games and descriptions of the plays. This is a prequel so it is a bit insta attraction and love but that works well for these two and their dynamic. They are tentative and sweet! We get great introductions to the other guys and I am already in need of Beau Junior's story! Darcy has the perfect voice for Tristan's personality!
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April 30, 2023
3,5 Audiobook
A sweet, positive story about pursuing a career in football and finding love between your teammates.
Quite sexual from the very beginning which is not my favourite, but they have a nice dynamic between the two of them and most of the team. It made curios now about future couples, specially Beau and Sebastian, I liked this two.
The narrator is pretty good.
«Everyone always talked about how expressing your feelings was tough, but Wade was beginning to figure out that they were full of shit. He hadn’t been able to do it before, because he hadn’t felt anything worth expressing before. But now, when he did?
He wanted to tell Tristan everything».
A sweet, positive story about pursuing a career in football and finding love between your teammates.
Quite sexual from the very beginning which is not my favourite, but they have a nice dynamic between the two of them and most of the team. It made curios now about future couples, specially Beau and Sebastian, I liked this two.
The narrator is pretty good.
«Everyone always talked about how expressing your feelings was tough, but Wade was beginning to figure out that they were full of shit. He hadn’t been able to do it before, because he hadn’t felt anything worth expressing before. But now, when he did?
He wanted to tell Tristan everything».
December 9, 2025
The short story of Wade and Tristan, two rookies on the Piranhas, trying to secure spots on their first pro team.
They share a room, share some escapades, and fall in love.
This is a little bit spicy. I am giving it 🌶🌶2/5 chilies on the spicy scale.
It's definitely more of a romance with a bi- confirming.
They get a super cute HEA and a great epilogue.
Not dual narration, but the single narrator, Darcy Stark, does such a great job, I thought it was dual narration until I checked for this review! He's absolutely fantastic!
1 narrator, 2 POVs, 3rd person but done so well I hardly noticed.
I highly recommend the audio 🫶
They share a room, share some escapades, and fall in love.
This is a little bit spicy. I am giving it 🌶🌶2/5 chilies on the spicy scale.
It's definitely more of a romance with a bi- confirming.
They get a super cute HEA and a great epilogue.
Not dual narration, but the single narrator, Darcy Stark, does such a great job, I thought it was dual narration until I checked for this review! He's absolutely fantastic!
1 narrator, 2 POVs, 3rd person but done so well I hardly noticed.
I highly recommend the audio 🫶
January 2, 2023
Playing Dirty is the first in the Piranhas m/m football series by Beth Bolden.
Tristan Nicholson and Wade Lewis arrive at rookie training camp anxious to make a good impression on the coaches and eager to make the team. What they don’t realize initially is that their friendship will quickly become not just a lifeline, but more.
Beth Bolden immediately hooked me with this story, and Wade and Tristan’s bi-awakening, strangers to friends/teammates to lovers is a page-turning, heartwarming, heated read that sets the stage for the series to follow.
Absolutely excellent.
Tristan Nicholson and Wade Lewis arrive at rookie training camp anxious to make a good impression on the coaches and eager to make the team. What they don’t realize initially is that their friendship will quickly become not just a lifeline, but more.
Beth Bolden immediately hooked me with this story, and Wade and Tristan’s bi-awakening, strangers to friends/teammates to lovers is a page-turning, heartwarming, heated read that sets the stage for the series to follow.
Absolutely excellent.
June 9, 2025
This was a short quick read that I liked. Wade and Tristan are both new recruits for the Piranhas football team and they are roommates during the preseason camp they both are hoping to make the final cut. As they start to fall for each other they need to figure out if they can work not only as lovers but as teammates. This was a pretty good read and a good start to this series. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
January 8, 2023
This book was a great follow up in the Piranhas series by Beth. Tristan is so much fun, he is confident and determined in his life but not so much in his love life until his eyes lock with Wade on the first day of camp. Wade also likes what he sees and this book covers them falling in love whilst trying to achieve their dream of being on the final roster of their NFL team. You will need to read to find out whether they were successful or not.
February 22, 2023
i know this isn't officially a book or whatever but these two are SO CUTE. i loved their communication and the way their story played out. they were so understanding of one another and this book was realistic. i always enjoy reading books with two emotionally aware and mature characters, and tris and wade were just too good. such a sweet couple. also this was the perf book to launch a series w. 5/5.
April 10, 2023
I've said this before, I am not a big novella person nor am I a big insta-love person. Do I need it to be a slow burn always, no, but usually when people are in love after a week in I roll my eyes. In the case of Wade & Tristan, I actually loved it. I thought this story was cute and a great lead to the rest of the series. It got me excited to read about the other players on the team and their love journeys.
May 1, 2023
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this pretty sweet novella that sets the scene for this series. Tristan and Wade were sweet together and fell for each other pretty quickly. it was nice to see the support they got from the teach and the coaches.
I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the characters we met and also seeing how Tristan and Wade are getting on.
I'm not sure whether I enjoyed the narrator enough to listen to the rest of the books or if I will read them instead.
I enjoyed this pretty sweet novella that sets the scene for this series. Tristan and Wade were sweet together and fell for each other pretty quickly. it was nice to see the support they got from the teach and the coaches.
I'm looking forward to reading about the rest of the characters we met and also seeing how Tristan and Wade are getting on.
I'm not sure whether I enjoyed the narrator enough to listen to the rest of the books or if I will read them instead.
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