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: kind of-Blake and the guys had a BIG discussion and then she had to go back to Boston
- HEA: not yet!
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!
See full review on The Book Disciple