Playing Defense by Julia Clarke Pages: 284
Series: The Rebels #2
Genres: Contemporary Romance
Source: ARC
Also in this series: The Reverse Play, Calling the Plays
Also by this author: Phoenix, Draco , Pyxis, Charms of Attraction, Vega, Time of Enchantment, The Reverse Play, Polaris, Calling the Plays
Goodreads
Scoring a coaching job with the Rebels was supposed to be a dream come true, a step toward achieving my goal of being the first female NFL head coach. But when three sexy-as-hell players blitzed their way into my life, I got distracted. I took my eye off the ball. And I’m at risk of losing it all, even the sport I love.
Now, the one thing that’s kept me grounded, kept me focused, is the last thing that could possibly bring me comfort. Because when it comes to Xavier, Colt, and Tristan, the lines are blurred. The rules—questioned.
I may be their coach on the field, but in matters of the heart, I’m playing defense.
Playing Defense picks up where Reverse Play left off: after a fight on field between teammates over a bet. Blake knows that the guys will face consequences and she doesn’t want that. She also knows that her feelings are going to get them in trouble as well. But, whats a girl to do?!?
Tristan and Colt are suspended because of the fight, and Xavier has to temporarily move out. They don’t want Blake to spill about the actual cause of the fight. She is seriously torn up over this-I mean, Tristan and Colt were defending her! Blake continues to struggle with how to be a female roll model and break the glass ceiling of the football world. If she gives in to her feelings, she has to give up her job. Seriously, the back and forth she goes through in her mind will give you whiplash. Just when she thinks she has made a decision, another layer of guilt is heaped on and she is back to confusion! I struggled with Blake at times because she is a smart, confident woman and that didn’t come across sometimes because she was so indecisive.
I loved getting to see more deeply into the guys as people. Colt as a painter?! Xavier when he talks about his family?! Tristan and his cooking?! They are really becoming well developed characters and I love that. I also liked seeing Blake in the sports psychologist role as opposed to coach. This felt more natural for some reason.
If you enjoy the slow burn type romances, start with The Reverse Play and then read Playing Defense! The relationships really build in an organic way that helps readers really believe. Even if you aren’t a fan of RH, this might help you give the genre a shot. Its a slow burn, its contemporary, and the characters are all very likable.
- POV: 1st
- Tears: no
- Trope: football, reverse harem
- Triggers: none
- Series/Standalone: series
- Cliffhanger: View Spoiler »
- HEA: View Spoiler »
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The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan, Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken, Overnight Sensation by Sarnia Bowen…but wished they were #ReverseHarem, then you will probably like Playing Defense!
Playing Defense
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