#BookReview ~ The Rulebreaker by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #ContemporaryRomance

About the Book:

I’m the coach’s daughter. Falling for one of my father's players was never the plan.

Especially not Decker Davis.

Chicago Colts third baseman.

Dependable. Steady. The guy everyone trusts.

And the man who’s spent years keeping his distance—especially from me.

We have history. The kind that ten years and a thousand miles can’t touch.

So, this time, I promised myself I'd be smarter.

No getting attached. No blurred lines. And definitely, no falling.

He broke every last one within the first week.

Because Decker doesn’t just show up for me. He shows up for my daughter.

Because he fits into our lives like he was always meant to be there.

Because he looks at me like I was never something he wanted to lose.

And suddenly, the walls I've spent years building don't feel nearly as solid as they used to.

But if I let him in, I’m not just risking my heart—I’m risking hers too… and I already know what losing him costs.

I won’t let my daughter pay that price.

My review can be found on Goodreads, Amazon, and Instagram. 

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Duet Narration by: Teddy Hamilton & Willa Jaymes

Also featuring: JF Harding, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, CJ Bloom, Erin Mallon, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

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#BookReview & #AudiobookReview ~ The Wild Card by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Baseball #Romance

Getting pregnant after a one-night stand with my brother's best friend was never part of the plan.

We're talking about Foster Davis here.

Chicago Colts closing pitcher.

The broody king of one-word answers.

And the man everyone knows keeps one foot out the door.

Surprisingly, when two pink lines turn my world upside down, Foster doesn't run. He steps in, he shows up, and he insists we do this together.

Pretending we're fine is easy. Pretending this is just about the baby? Not so much.

Because Foster is gentle when no one's watching.

Because he looks at me like I'm something worth protecting.

Because the walls he's built start to crack—and I'm the one he's letting inside.

Our arrangement was supposed to be simple. Boundaries were set. Co-parents and no catching feelings.

Okay, maybe a few sex lessons were added in too. Bad idea, I know.

Because the more time I spend with Foster Davis, the harder it is to remember why I ever thought he was the risky choice.

Amazon

Goodreads

Audiobook

Duet Narration by: Sean Masters & Erin Mallon

Also Featuring: CJ Bloom, JF Harding, Teddy Hamilton, Connor Crais, Meg Sylvan, Austin Stone & Willa Jaymes

ASIN: ‎ B0FV3NRZ2Q

Publisher: ‎ Piper Rayne Inc.

Publication date: ‎ April 2, 2026

Print length: ‎ 440 pages

ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8887144122

My Review of the Book:

The Wild Card is the amazing second book in The Dugout series by Piper Rayne. I absolutely loved Callie and Foster's story. They both are magnificent characters. They are complex, emotional, and believable. The chemistry they share is off the charts, even though they try to deny their feelings.

One of my favorite tropes is the sibling's best friend romance. This story knocks that trope out of the park! The Wild Card is sweet and spicy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and filled to the brim with romance and emotion. 

I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. The authors created a realistic and romantic world. The story flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story are amazing.

My Review of the Audiobook:

The narrators for this series are spot-on. I love how each voice perfectly portrayed their assigned character. I don't typically read in a specific "voice" in my head, but if I did, Sean Masters and Erin Mallon would be those "voices." I'm excited that I was able to read the book and listen to the audiobook (I don't typically have both formats but for this book I said "Why not?!"). I alternated between formats depending on where I was and what I was doing. 

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book and the audiobook. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ The Hotshot by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Baseball #TheDugout

The Hotshot by Piper Rayne is now live!

About the Book:

Raising my cousin’s three kids wasn’t in my five-year plan.

Actually, it wasn’t in any plan.

One minute I’m a single labor and delivery nurse living a quiet life and the next, I’m navigating guardianship hearings, meltdowns, and homework I’m pretty sure requires a math degree.

Enter Hayes Carlisle.

My best friend’s older brother.

Chicago Colts newest catcher.

And the man I once kissed and immediately pretended I didn’t.

So, when the custody battle I’ve been dreading becomes a reality, I shouldn’t be surprised that Hayes swoops in with a wild idea—a fake relationship. According to him, pretending we’re together will polish his image and prove to the court I’m not taking on an instant family alone.

But pretending to be Hayes’ girlfriend is a terrible idea.

Because he remembers how to make me laugh.

Because he looks at me like our kiss wasn’t a one-time mistake.

Because the kids start asking him to read bedtime stories.

Because my heart starts wanting things my life doesn’t have room for.

I can manage the chaos. I can fight for these kids.

But pretending not to fall for Hayes Carlisle?

That might be the one thing I can’t do.

My Review:

The Hotshot is the first book in a new baseball romance series and I loved it! Leighton and Hayes are magnificent characters. They are complex, emotional, and completely believable. Their chemistry is off the charts. Leighton and Hayes have known each other forever and that's what they hoped to have at one point but circumstances led them down different paths. 

One of my favorite tropes is the brother's or sister's best friend romance. This story knocks that trope out of the park! The Hotshot is sweet and spicy, heartwarming and heartbreaking, and filled to the brim with romance and emotion. There is a lot of sadness, secrets that are revealed, and tense scenes as Leighton works on proving that she's the best fit as the guardian of her cousin's three children. 

I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. The authors created a realistic and romantic world. The story flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story are amazing.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books

My Rating:

Download today or read for FREE with Kindle Unlimited

Amazon

Duet Narration by: JF Harding & CJ Bloom

Also Featuring: Teddy Hamilton, Sean Masters, Connor Crais, Erin Mallon, Willa Jaymes, Meg Sylvan & Austin Stone

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Thank you for supporting Reviews by Saph.

#BookReview ~ A Quarterback for Christmas by Linda West ~ #SportsRomance #Romance #Football #Christmas

When pro quarterback Nash Jordan tears his ACL, he gets drafted to his hometown team the Buffalo Bills. Humiliated, broken and in need of healing, he finds the perfect solution to his problem is the girl that broke his heart...

Title: A QUARTERBACK FOR CHRISTMAS

Author: Linda West

Publisher: Independent

Publish Date: October 14, 2025

Pages: 177

Genre: Holiday Romance

Format: Kindle / FREE on Kindle Unlimited

About the Book:

He’s Buffalo’s hometown hero. She’s the one who got away. When fate and a little Christmas magic bring them back together, love might just score the biggest comeback of all.

When Buffalo’s hometown quarterback Nash Jordan gets traded back just before Christmas, his career—and his heart—are both on thin ice. A lingering injury threatens his future, until help arrives in the most unexpected form: Eden Landers, the woman he never stopped loving.

Eden’s a talented chef with a hint of magic in her kitchen, and healing others is what she does best. But moving into Nash’s guest house to help him recover stirs up more than old memories. Between snowstorms, laughter, and late-night meals, love begins to simmer again.

Can they trust each other enough for a second chance? Or will fear and fame keep them apart once more?

Heartwarming, wholesome, and full of Christmas cheer, A Quarterback for Christmas is a cozy holiday romance about love, forgiveness, and finding your way home.

My Review:

A Quarterback for Christmas is a delightful sports romance filled with magic. The story is filled with misunderstandings, longing, and hopefulness. I love the second chance romance trope and this story delivers. I really loved Sir Wolfgang. He has his own sections at the end of some of the chapters and love his POV. As a Michigander, it was exciting to "watch" the Superbowl in this story. I may not be a sports fan but I still love it when my state is represented.

This is a heartwarming tale that kept me entertained from the very beginning.

Previously reviewed on Sapphyria's Books.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. 

The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

A Quarterback for Christmas is available at Amazon.

Visit the Author:

 http://www.morningmayan.com

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#BookReview ~ Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn (The Downside of Dating, Book 2) ~ @AveryFlynn @entangledpub #SportsRomance #Hockey

Walk of Shame by Avery Flynn

One night. No strings. And a really good puck.

About the Book:

Five years ago, Astrid O’Malley experienced the ultimate in public humiliation. Being dumped at the altar by her childhood sweetheart was horrifying enough. That fact that he was a professional hockey goalie and her dad was his coach? It was all anyone in sports could talk about.

Eff hockey. Eff goalies.

These days, Astrid lives a life (mostly) free of hockey and free to pursue whoever she wants with exactly zero shame in her game. Like tonight’s hook-up. This guy’s nailed the lumberjack aesthetic perfectly. Especially when he has the stamina and creativity to back it up.

Because the rule is: it’s one night only. Which is gonna be a problem because she’s just discovered he lives in the apartment upstairs.

And he’s joined her dad’s team. As the goalie coach. To train her ex.

Now Astrid is in some kind of hockey hell–filled with her ex, her family, and the best sex of her life. And somehow she’s been roped back onto the team.

Puck my life.

My Review:

Walk of Shame is the second book in The Downside of Dating series.

Walk of Shame is a fun romantic comedy. I fell in love with both Astrid and Cal. They are fantastic characters individually but put them together and they are extraordinary. The chemistry and steam is off the charts. The snark, competitiveness, and genuine affection between the two mains was enjoyable to read. I loved watching Astrid and Cal's love story unfold.

Walk of Shame is a cute romance between two unsuspecting characters. One was burned by a hockey player and hardened her heart. The other was consumed by hockey. They thought their lives were great until he walked into her bar, then they realized was great really meant.

The book is perfectly paced, well-written, and the setting and world-building expertly crafted. I devoured Walk of Shame because once I started reading the book, I was hooked and couldn't put it down.

Avery Flynn is a one-click author for me. Every book is phenomenal. The themes, settings, and multitude of characters are unique, likable, and imperfectly perfect.

I was provided a copy of this book.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Mr. Broody by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Hockey

About the Book:

I’ve loved Henry Hensley since I was seven years old. We’ve gone from best friends to lovers to nothing.

To most people, he’s the Chicago Falcons starting right winger and hot single dad, but to me, he’s my first boyfriend, my first kiss, my first love.

Eight years ago, that all changed when our lives took us in two different directions. Our break-up almost broke me, so I kept my distance until our hometown called me back to where our story began.

I promised myself a quick visit to help my family out, and then I’d leave town before he even knew I was back, which should have been easy. He’s way too busy being a professional hockey player and raising his son to ever find out.

Of course, I’m only in town for a week before I run into him, and one thing is clear from our brief encounter—Henry wants to hash out our past, whereas I’d rather forget it.

But my plan really goes up in flames when I take a temporary substitute teaching job, and on day one, his son walks into my classroom. Boom.

My Review:

Mr. Broody is the second book in The Nest series by Piper Rayne. This story features Jade and Henry. They were connected at the hip from the age of seven until after college and Henry was drafted to Minnesota. Jade went her own way, leaving Chicago and only coming back home recently to help her mom and step-dad. The reconnection between Jade and Henry cause a tidal wave of repressed feelings to bubble over for both, but they have different lives now.

Jade and Henry are amazing! And don't get me started on Bodhi! He stole my heart from the very first time he's on the page. This book is so sweet, heartwarming, and emotional. There's steam, but also love. This book is emotionally rich not just between Jade and Henry, but anytime Bodhi graces the pages. Everyone loves him so much and his POV chapters are so cute! 

I loved everything about the story, the characters, the new setting, and the romance. I love how the authors created a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story took my breath away.

I was provided a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

Download today on Amazon 

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

Visit the Author:

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

#BookReview ~ Something Like Lust by Piper Rayne #SportsRomance #Romance #Football

About the Book:

Do it.

Don’t do it.

Never in my life did I think I’d wager in my head whether to sleep with Chicago Grizzlies wide receiver, Damon Siska.

He’s the perfect package—hot body, killer smile, and flirts like he earned a doctorate in it. But anyone who reads gossip blogs knows he is looking for one amazing night and nothing more.

I’m not the usual type of woman he beds. I’m a middle school teacher who cherishes her quiet nights in, drinking wine, and watching romantic comedies, dreaming I’m the heroine. I’m not embarrassed to admit—I want the fairy tale.

But Damon caught me at a weak moment. Fresh off a break-up and feeling lousy about myself, I gave into temptation and left the next morning like every other woman he’d slept with.

Except I walked away with more than just the memories when three weeks later the little white stick glowed with two pink lines.

My Review:

Something Like Lust is the second book in the new Chicago Grizzlies series by Piper Rayne. I enjoyed Adeline and Damon's story. I'm glad to get to see Damon and Adeline's relationship evolve from one-night-stand to co-parents to friends to much, much more. The authors did an excellent job penning this book with emotion and realism.

I loved the interactions between Adeline and Damon. This book is emotionally rich with well-written characters. I loved everything about the story, the characters, the new setting, and the romance. I love how the authors created a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story took my breath away.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Add to Goodreads

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Visit Piper Rayne:

Website: www.PiperRayne.com

#Review ~ Something like Love (Chicago Grizzlies, #3) by Piper Rayne ~ Now Available!! #valentineprlm @valentine_pr_ #chicagogrizzlies #somethinglikelove #piperrayne #sportsromance #footballromance

I want to.

I can’t.

I’ve been friends with Cooper Rice from the moment we met. He was just as famous a decade ago on our college campus as he is now being the star quarterback for the Chicago Grizzlies.

But he’s not only talented on the field, he’s also the gorgeous football star women fawn over, posing in underwear and razor ads.

Here’s a secret those women don’t know—Cooper Rice isn’t a playboy. He’s the kind of man who wants to settle down with a family. He’s content ordering pizza and massaging my feet after my long shift as an emergency room doctor. He listens to me as if he’s as invested as I am in my patients. He has never let me down.

This is exactly why I refuse to live without Cooper in my life. Eight years ago, I made him promise me that we’d never cross that line. And just like I knew Cooper would, he’s held to that promise.

Despite our best efforts, our relationship is evolving, shifting into new territory and I find myself unsure if I want Cooper to keep that promise. Ignoring the obvious could tear us apart, but so could giving in, meaning there’s a chance I’ll lose Cooper forever no matter what decision I make.

My Review:

Something Like Love is the third, and final, book in the Chicago Grizzlies series by Piper Rayne. I enjoyed Ellery and Cooper’s story. Best friends for a decade, Elle and Cooper find themselves at a crossroads. The authors did an excellent job penning this book with emotion and realism.

I loved the interactions between Elle and Cooper. This book is emotionally rich with well-written characters. I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. I love how the authors created a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged. The writing style and story took my breath away.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Download today on Amazon, Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Google Play, and Kobo!

https://books2read.com/sllove

Audio narrated by Aaron Shedlock & Emma Wilder

Add to Goodreads: http://bit.ly/3y6pEtx

Something like Love is a football, friends to lovers story and is the third and final book in Piper Rayne’s Chicago Grizzlies series.

Start the Chicago Grizzlies series with Something like Hate!

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#Review ~ Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne ~ #SportsRomance #Romance @PiperRayneRocks

Over My Brother's Dead Body, Chase Andrews by Piper Rayne

About the Book:

Chase Andrews.

The Kingsmen's top tight end.
My brother's friend and teammate.
My new neighbor.
The grumpy to my sunshine.

But underneath that grumpy exterior, there's so much more.

Chase likes to pretend nothing affects him, but I've seen glimpses of his other side in the time we've spent together.

And the more we get to know each other, the more I'm falling for him.

Under normal circumstances, this would be great. Except my hyper-protective big brother thinks no man is good enough for me, and my ex-fiancé is trying to win me back.

One charming, seemingly good man already broke my heart. Am I stupid to give a self-confessed relationship-adverse football player a chance to break it a second time?

My Review:

Chase Andrews is a private person, a grumpy football player, and also Twyla's new neighbor. After a heartbreaking broken engagement, Twyla seeks solace in leaving Connecticut and spending some time in California, where her brother Miles plays football for the Kingsmen. Little did she know that her escape would land her across the hall from Chase.

I love the grumpy sunshine and the brother's friend/teammate forbidden romance trope. The chemistry between Twyla and Chase is there but neither wants to act on it, drawing out their dance. Their proximity to one another aids in their coming together, and Zeus just clinches it with his cuteness.

I loved the interactions between Twyla and Chase. This book is emotionally rich with well-written characters. I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. I love how the authors are able to create a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged until the very end. The writing style and story took my breath away. I couldn't put the book down.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

Add to Goodreads: 

https://bit.ly/3OQlixz

 Grab Your Copy:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/40Ds3Z7

#Book #Review ~ You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne ~ @PiperRayneRocks #SportsRomance #Romance #ContemporaryRomance

You Can't Kiss the Nanny, Brady Banks by Piper Rayne 

About the Book:

Brady Banks.

The Kingsmen’s best wide receiver.

Rich AF.

Hot as hell.

A stallion in the sack.

How do I know that last fact? I may have shared a one-night stand with him six months ago when I was rebounding from a broken heart.

I didn’t forget him, but I was done with him, until I discovered he’s the single dad of the boy I’ve been hired to nanny.

It’s near impossible to ignore my attraction to him now that we’re living under the same roof—but I have no choice.

First, this job pays well, and I need the money to move out of my parents’ spare room.

Second, he’s a public figure and there’s no room for me to get caught up in a scandal with him—I can’t disappoint my parents again.

Third, men like Brady were built to break hearts. I barely managed to piece mine back together after my failed engagement and Brady would do irreparable damage if I gave him the chance.

Let the longest three months of my life begin…

My Review:

Brady Banks is a notorious playboy but he just met his match in a one-night-stand. She has Brady feeling things he's never felt before. When she up and leaves without an exchange of names or numbers Brady is shocked - 1) how can she resist his charm? 2) who is she? 3) what are these feelings this woman stirred up? Six months later, Brady is still reeling and trying to figure out how he's going to find her. What he doesn't expect is for her to show up on his doorstep, introducing herself as the new nanny.

Violet, fresh off a breakup, finds herself in the bed of a one-night-stand. She does one of the hardest things at the end. She walks away - no name, no phone number, nothing. Sure, she still thinks about him and how he rocked her world, but he's a distant memory. Until she discovers he's her new high profile client, and she'll be taking care of his son. 

An awkward reunion is an understatement.

I loved the interactions between Brady and Violet. This book is emotionally rich with well-written characters. I loved everything about the story, the characters, the setting, and the romance. I love how the authors are able to create a story that flows well, pulls you in, and keeps you engaged until the very end. The writing style and story took my breath away. I couldn't put the book down.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating:

Purchase from Amazon: 

https://amzn.to/3Xx5nax

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Book Review ~ Hard Knox by Amber Malloy ~ Perfect Stats, Book 2 ~ #SportsRomance

Hard Knox by Amber Malloy

Genre: Sports Romance

About the Book:

A simple favor to save the girl turns into the quarterback losing his heart.

As beautiful as she is fun, Remy Bell has only one problem—a psychotic killer with political power wants her dead. Always a ‘two steps ahead’ type of gal, she plans to outrun the maniac. Marriage and a sweet life in the football star’s hometown in Canada would give her the cover she needs, but Remy doesn’t stick around long enough to find out. She travels all over the world, photographing the most beautiful and devastating events, but her now-husband’s tabloid activities lead her to the one place she should avoid…back home.

Superstar Gavin Knox wins at everything. However, once he scores the girl of his dreams, he’s suddenly in danger of losing the one thing he has always needed. Before she can slip through his fingers, he offers her a deal she can’t refuse—marry him for Canadian citizenship, which will protect her, and after five years, they can divorce. Knox is positive that she will fall head over heels in love with him, but it doesn’t happen. After six years of marriage, two playoff titles and a third on the way, Knox is forced to contend with a successful wife almost more famous than he is.

Determined to get exactly what he wants, which includes having Remy and a family, he devises a stupid scheme that puts everything he’s worked so hard for in jeopardy.

Book Details:

Print Length: 169 pages
Publisher: Totally Bound Publishing
Publication Date: June 16, 2020
ASIN: B087D62GH4

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2CsWoDH

My Review:

I enjoyed Hard Knox, book 2 in the Perfect Stats series by Amber Malloy. I was pulled in by the synopsis and couldn't put the book down. The story is engaging, fast paced, and includes intriguing characters. Remy and Gavin have a marriage of convenience but it's mostly to keep Remy safe. Both of them are like magnets to one another and when they get withing range, the sexual tension and steamy scenes are inevitable.

The suspense in the novel is subtle but I couldn't help sitting on the edge of my seat. Remy is running from someone and he/she may have just followed her right back home. I can't imagine having to look over my shoulder at every turn. The scene in Barbados was anxiety-inducing and I wondered who/what Remy was facing. The romance is hot. The chemistry between Remy and Gavin is undeniable and completely realistic. There are definite feelings between the two, despite their marriage to keep Remy safe.

The only thing I found off-putting about the story are random thought shifts and mentions or phrases  that didn't go with what was happening in the scene. This didn't happen often but I had to re-read some passages and try to figure out what I missed because something would happen or someone would say or do something that didn't make sense. I still enjoyed the story and was able to move past those parts.

If you like a good romance with a touch of suspense and scorching-hot passion, I recommend Hard Knox. The author's writing style is smooth and conversational, the story is interesting, and I enjoyed the entire book. I look forward to reading more by this author.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: