Rating: 4.5đ
Playing By the Rules brings to focus a relationship thatâs been referred to in the previous books, that of the obviously close connection between the highly stressed young Miami Quarterback and their new Quarterback Coach .
This is their story, from beginning to a realistic HFN at the end.
With a slight wobble for me at the start of the novel, where it seems to want to launch a instant love romance, Playing For Keeps then settles nicely into a grounded sports romance, one that takes time to explore the history and current all around status of both characters involved.
One is ex NFL quarterback Davis Abernathy, whoâs NFL career was abruptly cut short, when his team traded for a quarterback with a dubious reputation and investigation in progress. However no team picked up his contract amidst health rumors. Until a phone call asking him to come to Miami.
Davis is a recognizable figure, even for those who donât follow sports closely. We can understand his feelings and predicament. And bitterness.
The man heâs to coach ? A young , new to the NFL quarterback. One whoâs already screwed up his first year in the big leagues and is under enormous scrutiny and pressure to produce. Or end up much like Abernathy.
Paxton Kelly is a wonderful character. Although he initially doesnât seem to have all the dimensions (and canât) that Davis has, he balances the older man beautifully in a way that makes their romance make sense.
Now the team is rebuilding. New head Coach, new players, new management. And new hope for a ex quarterback and a struggling starter if they can work together as Coach and player.
Boldenâs familiarity with the sport and team dynamics helps to create a professional, realistic team and ,through great writing, a vivid group of personalities trying to mesh in a trying season.
You can hear the bluntness of the advice Davis hands out. The realness of the stubbornness and denial in quarterback Paxton Kellyâs voice as he responds to the first authentic NFL coaching heâs been given. Itâs pitch perfect.
As it the revolving relationship between them as Coach and player, Vs the attraction they keep fighting.
The attraction and growing feelings between Davis and Pax has a more realistic feel as the story progresses then that of the âinstantâ ones layered on at the beginning. I believe in that aspect of them as a couple rather then the hot flames of the start.
Other terrific elements? The dancing and seeing another established couple from a favorite series towards the end. Thatâs always a plus.
I ended up absolutely enjoying Davis and Paxâ romance. It a grand story and it leads up to one Iâve been anticipating the most.
Happy reading! Iâm highly recommending this!
Miami Piranhas series:
đčPlaying For Keeps #1
đčPlaying The Player #2
đčPlaying By The Rules #3
đčWinning The Season #4 – Dec 1, 2022
Description:
Ex-quarterback Davis Abernathy knows heâs on his last chance.
If he strikes out as Paxton Kellyâs coach, nobody else is going to call him. Not to get back on the field, and not to stand on the sidelines.
Heâs got a lot to teach Pax, and as a second-year quarterback, Pax has a lot to learn. But Davis doesnât anticipate the irresistible way theyâll be drawn together from their first meeting. He never could have predicted such a fierce and uncontrollable yearningâor that Pax would feel the same.
It should be easy to remember rules arenât meant to be broken, and certain lines arenât meant to be crossed, but the only thing thatâs easy is falling totally, completely in love with Pax.
As Davis falls harder, Pax succeeding becomes just as importantâand maybe more soâthan resurrecting his own career. If he messes this up, his last chance isnât all heâll be sacrificing.
What he should be is focused on being the perfect mentor. But what he wants is Pax in his bed, Pax in his life, and more impossibly, to win Paxâs heart forever.
Davis Abernathy ex quarterback called to help fix Paxton Kelly quarterback of the Piranhas
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Unless itâs noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 