Review – Roughing the Kicker

03 Monday Jul 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond, Roughing the Kicker

Roughing the Kicker

The Package Deal Book 6

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Do you believe in fate? Yeah, me neither until the sexy Navy SEAL I hooked up with three years ago suddenly reappears back in my life in the form of one of my best friends’ older brother. And now, they want me to share a room with him in the Keys.

“Can you share a room with Jesse tonight?”

How could I say no?

What Greg and Cooper didn’t know was Jesse and I met three years ago in Madrid. And when I finally hooked up with the handsome Navy SEAL, our night turned into a weekend of the best sex of my life. Jesse made me see stars twenty-four hours a day. We had a connection, but our timing wasn’t right. He was going back to America, and I was headed back to Italy to play soccer.

It was all for the best because I didn’t do relationships. Especially with a man nine years older and the total opposite of me. But I never forgot him, even though I tried.

Fast forward three years later, and we find ourselves thrown back together again in Portland. I’m the new kicker for the Portland Pirates and Jesse Evans has reappeared in my life. And just as fate would have it, my dream hookup is Cooper’s older brother, and he’s moving his security firm to Portland.

Would he remember me? Did that weekend three years ago affect him as much as it did me?

I guess time would tell when we shared that room in the Florida Keys.

Roughing the Kicker is a bisexual age gap and opposites attract MM Sports Romance and Book 6 in The Package Deal Series.

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*****

Excerpt:

“Do you mind sharing a room with Jesse? It would only be for the night. They’ll have the other one ready tomorrow.”

I bit the inside of my cheek. Think Dom, think. But nothing useful came to mind except images of Jesse Evans naked. What was I supposed to say? No?

I inclined my head and somehow managed to form words. “Sure. Uh… no problem.”

“Are you sure?” Greg held my gaze, searching my reaction for any indication that I wasn’t okay spending the night with that hot fucker. And honestly, I wasn’t sure I was.

Still, I swallowed and just let the first thing I could think of fall out of my mouth.

“Yeah, it’s fine. I was just worried. I have sleep apnea and I might snore. That’s all,” I laughed maniacally. “Don’t wanna keep him up or anything.”

Don’t think about him being up. Don’t think about him being up.

Greg blew out a breath. The look of relief on his face would have been comical if I wasn’t a massive ball of nerves, but there was no way I’d burst his bubble. He and Cooper didn’t have to invite me, but they did. And I needed to be gracious and not bust a nut right here in the airport. Or get on the next available flight back to Portland.

“Oh, yeah, okay. I’m sure it’ll be fine. Jesse was in the military, so I’m sure he’s used to all kinds of noises at night.”

I tried to control the squirming, but I couldn’t stop myself from fidgeting. I tried tamping down my raging, overwhelming lust for the former Navy SEAL . “Yeah. Yeah, okay.”

Greg clapped me on the shoulder. “Thanks, man. We really appreciate it.” With that settled, he walked away and went over to talk to Marcus.

Jesse Evans was the hottest man I’d ever seen. He had muscles for days. Muscles I wanted to lick, and—no. Couldn’t go there or I’d be sporting a huge boner. It seriously wasn’t fair for one man to be so damn tempting. He was tall and dressed like a runway model, with his perfect blond hair and his perfect smile. And then there was his commanding tone that just did it for me. I felt like I might have a heart attack right here at the airport and he was nowhere around to resuscitate me with vigorous mouth-to-mouth. I’d die right here on the floor of the airport before I could get my hands on him.

Dropping my head back, I stared at the ceiling and prayed to Saint Rocco to protect me from myself tonight. All I wanted to do was to climb him like a tree and rub myself all over him.

I bet he could make me cum just by looking at me with that piercing and smoldering look that said hold your ass still while I rim you till you lose your damn mind.

And I would, too. I’d hold still and let him have his wicked way with me in any goddamn position he wanted. God, now I was hard.

Fanculo la mia vita. Fuck my life.

*****

Review:

This is a good chance for returning readers to catch up with the rest of the guys, see Dom get his chance at love, and be introduced to what comes next. It’s low angst, insta-love, and STAH-EEMY (!)

There were a few things I had problems with – mainly around what happens in the second half of the story. Things that I felt weren’t realistic (or maybe that weren’t handled correctly, because I could see it happening in real life) but as a conclusion to the series I’m glad that we got the chance to see Jesse & Dom’s HEA.

*****

Author Info:

Rheland Richmond

For as long as she can remember, Rheland’s had her nose stuck in a book, getting lost in the world of someone else’s creation (She still does). Her love for writing came from her love for reading. She could never have one without the other.

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland:
www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett

Emerson Beckett is new to the publishing world. As an avid sports fan and lover of well-written M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author of gay romance. It’s even more fulfilling for her when she can combine the two.

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal MM romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing- Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, Illegal Motion, Ineligible Receiver, and one more upcoming book in the series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.

Besides being a retired teacher and author, Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 32 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is proudly part of the LGBTQ Community and completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance. Even though the kids no longer live at home, they filled the empty nest with an Australian Shepherd, three cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Connect with Emerson:
www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the cover reveal of Roughing the Kicker, Rheland & Emerson are giving away 2 e-books of your choice from the series!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – Ineligible Receiver

10 Wednesday May 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Book Review, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Ineligible Receiver, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Ineligible Receiver

The Package Deal series, Book 5

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

A sexy and emotional story about how two best friends secretly fall in love but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.

When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task. My roommate and best friend, Christian, was involved with the Pirates QB, so a new friend to hang out with was good.

I pushed down my attraction to him and became the best friend he ever had. We bar-hopped all over Portland and played video games in our apartments. We even loved the same indy band from Seattle.

Then we fucked up when we fell in love. And by fucked up, I mean we got married even though we knew our marriage had to remain a secret.

No one knew about us. Not even our closest friends. And every time they asked, we gave them the same line… we’re just friends.

And ultimately, the reason for that secret would tear us apart. Now, here I was three years after meeting him, and wasn’t sure how to survive without him. He was the love of my life, and I was his.

Ineligible Receiver is a friends-to-lovers and bi-awakening story and Book 5 in The Package Deal Series.

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*****

Excerpt:

“So, Texas Tech, huh? Did you finish your degree, or leave early for the pros?”

Greg took a sip of his beer, then nodded. “Yeah, I got my degree.”

“What is it?” He was going to make me pull it out of him.

“English Literature,” he said, running his big hand over his head.

“You like to read?” I was intrigued.

He nodded again. “Yeah, I love it. Kinda fits my personality.”

“The quiet one?”

He smiled, but not so shyly this time. “Yeah, that one. I’ve never been a partier or anything like that. I’m weird and like to stay home.” He rolled the bottle between his long fingers.

Interesting. “That’s not weird. What else do you do to relax?”

Greg chuckled. “This feels like an interview.”

All I could do was smile. He was so fucking adorable.

“Well,” I said, turning toward him, “just so happens I have a spot open for a new friend, and you seem like the perfect person to fill the position.”

Our eyes met, and my pulse sped up a little. The small smile that crossed his face forced me to smile. He was breathtaking, with green eyes, tanned skin, and that thick light blonde hair. I was really going to have to work to tamp down my lust for him.

“Well, I guess I better finish the interview then.”

I waited. And waited some more.

“Well?”

“That’s a deep subject.” He tried his damndest not to smile.

My eyes widened. “You’ve got dad jokes!” I pushed his shoulder. “What else you hiding in there, rookie?”

Greg laughed and visibly relaxed in front of me. This was good.

“Nothing, I swear.” He took another drink of his beer. “Go back to your interview.”

I had to smile at him. “What do you like to do other than read? That’s not something we could do together. Although, I guess we could. Maybe get a couple of velvet dinner jackets, some armchairs, and pipes to smoke. Would you like that?”

I watched his throat as he laughed at my suggestion. That beautiful smile and a tiny bit of his warmth was beginning to show.

“Uh, that’s not necessary. But it would make a cool picture to send to my brother.”

Okay, he has a brother.

“Brock is almost fourteen. He’s my best friend.”

I smiled. “Well, until now.”

*****

Review:

I was so looking forward to this story and while I loved finally getting Cooper & Greg’s side of things there were a few parts that bothered me enough that I’m regrettably going to have to give this one 3.5 or maybe 3.75 *s. I personally don’t like stories told as flashbacks. It’s disconcerting and stops me from being able to fall completely into the story but I kinda understand why it was done here since we are getting their side of stories that were already told during the previous books (and as such you probably need to have read the rest of them to really enjoy this one). It’s awkward, though, and I think it really doesn’t give them the time their story needs so the idea of them hiding things for so long doesn’t resonate as much. And because of the staccato pacing I didn’t feel for Cooper’s situation as much as I did for Greg’s and so when trouble came I wasn’t on his side like I probably should have been. I think if I had really felt the time passing maybe it would have been different.

Now saying that, while it is a ding it’s not an unforgiveable one and I loved seeing these two fall in love – there are all sorts of feels and heartbreak going on as they make their way to a HEA. Like all of the books up to this point, it takes a little help from their friends for them to get there and it’s a beautiful thing to witness. The support and encouragement that these guys show each other is amazing and exemplifies their closeness as a family. You wish that Greg truly understood that earlier but once his past comes out you can understand why he feels the way he does. It’s unfortunate that he couldn’t trust Cooper and the guys more but on the other hand Cooper does enable that a bit as they go along. And they do show Greg that they are there for him when it truly matters.

A rollercoaster ride of emotions, Ineligible Receiver gives readers, especially those that have been there from the start, a satisfying resolution for two of our favorite people. There may be tears and frustration and even a little anger, but there is also humor and silliness and a whole lotta love. The authors know how to give their readers characters to get behind and keep them coming back for more. (Speaking of, I’m definitely going to be there for Roughing the Kicker! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for Jesse and Dominick 🙂 )

*****

Author Info:

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Ineligible Receiver, Rheland & Emerson are giving away the e-copy of their choice from The Package Deal Series.

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****

Review – The Quarterback Keeper

05 Wednesday Apr 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Book Review

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Book Review, Emerson Beckett, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond, The Quarterback Keeper

The Quarterback Keeper

The Package Deal series

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Alex

I’m the starting quarterback for the Portland Pirates, and I have a thing for my son’s teacher. Except I didn’t know the cute blond on the beach with the giant dog was, in fact, my kid’s teacher until two months later at Open House.

Christian took my breath away during the second week of my two-week vacation at the beach and introduced me to things I never knew could feel so good and be so right. I think he just might be the one who inspires me to tell the world that this NFL quarterback is bisexual and in love with a man.

That is until I blew the best thing to happen to me since my kids were born. All I know is I have to get him back. I had to find a way to keep him.

Christian

I never imagined I would meet the love of my life while being bowled over on the beach by the overeager Newfoundland I was dog-sitting. But that’s exactly how I ended up on my back in the sand, wrapped in his arms and pressed into the sand by the six-foot-five dark-haired Adonis on the beach. Did I mention he had two beautiful children?

Our week together was worthy of a sexy modern-day fairytale full of promises about the future until he sent me the text that broke my heart. And how was I supposed to get over him when his adorable six-year-old son was in my class?

Find out how Alex and Christian ache to overcome some daunting complications to reunite in The Quarterback Keeper, Book One of The Package Deal Series.

*****

Review:

(Some potential minor spoilers ahead.)

The Quarterback Keeper isn’t going to be for everyone, but I adored it. It has all sorts of feels, a little bit of angst, a TON of spice, and a lovely HEA.

Alex and Christian meet on vacation and spend a wonderful week getting to know each other & falling in love. Unfortunately, Alex feels like he isn’t in a place where he can share his new relationship with the world and when things get complicated, he makes a decision that breaks both of their hearts. When they meet each other again, at Meet the Teacher Night of all places, can he convince Christian to forgive him and give them another chance?

This is a new to me series and I have to say I read everything I could get my hands on in a weekend. They are a little formulaic and kinda light reading but that didn’t make them any less enjoyable. There’s a bit of angst, but not a ton, and a good dose of insta-love with this one. Oh, and definitely a lot of heat. I have to say, as a straight female, there were a few times (more so in later books than this one) where I went “is this sexy?” because it just seemed a little over the top to be real. But that only happened here and there and the rest of the time … *whew, hawtness* I did have some issues with the portrayal of Alex’s ex as some of the things that happen around her didn’t seem to have the buildup it needed to make it make sense. I’m also not sure that Alex’s celebrity is handled realistically but it is somewhat addressed and is the cause of some of their issues. Overall, though, this series is a keeper and after binging all the others, I am so very anxiously waiting for the next book releasing at the end of April 🙂

Spotlight – Illegal Motion

03 Friday Mar 2023

Posted by romanticreadsandsuch in Blog Tour, Contest, Sneak Peek

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Emerson Beckett, Illegal Motion, Package Deal series, Rheland Richmond

Illegal Motion

The Package Deal Series, Book 4

by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett

Blurb:

Callum Kennedy

I should have known behind that deep sexy southern drawl, and beautiful face lived the world’s biggest asshole.

I’ve tried my damnedest to put him behind me. But it was hard to do when I saw his face every night in my dreams and couldn’t forget how he worked my body over.

It was okay. I had my work as a vet, my equine rescue to manage, and my friends. I’d forget him or work myself to death trying.

Except there’s one problem.

Turns out he’s the new free-agent running back who just signed a one-year deal with the Portland Pirates. The infamous Declan Miller has turned my world upside down and reinserted his unforgettable self back into my life for the next year.

Declan’s the last person I want help from, but it looks like I don’t have a choice.

Declan Miller

When I walked into Alejandro’s Bar that night in late July, I never expected to meet someone my first night in town.

But the sexy guy with wavy dark blond hair and hazel-green eyes sitting alone at the bar caught my attention immediately. Or maybe it was the way he was sniffing his own shirt.

After a night of the best sex of my life, I knew I had to push him away. I wasn’t doing relationships anymore, and this gorgeous, funny man had the power to break me.

But when I find out my unforgettable hookup is part of my new friend group, Dr. Callum Kennedy wants nothing to do with me until he has no choice but to let me help.

Illegal Motion is an MM sports romance and the fourth book in The Package Deal Series about the hot single dads of the Portland Pirates football team.

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*****

Excerpt:

Before fully processing Jackson’s words, I heard that voice that sent shivers down my spine. Was I hallucinating? I looked at the beer in my hand and read the label. Nope, no hard liquor.

“Who’s from Kentucky?” The southern drawl drew me in like flies to honey and caused my spine to stiffen. There was no fucking way he could be here.

Jackson glanced at him. “I was talking about you, asshole. Come and meet my friend. He’s the vet I told you about with the horses.”

The scent of apples and vanilla hit me before I looked up into those deep brown eyes. My pulse sped up as I tried to calm my frazzled nerves. I just might fucking pass out.

Or punch the smug fucker.

Jackson was oblivious to my near stroke. I only had a split second to figure out how to play this moment, and I was sure it was probably the wrong way.

But the look on his face was priceless. His eyes widened as he took me in. I’d never been happier that I’d started working out at the gym. Maybe he was going to be the one to pass out.

“Declan, this is Dr. Callum Kennedy. Callum, this is our new running back, Declan Miller.”

I know Jackson was expecting the standard greeting among strangers. And I wasn’t going to give this asshole the satisfaction of knowing he’d affected me so deeply with his brush-off.

So I steeled my spine, stood straight up, and met his eyes. I held out my hand to shake his. I tried to be my regular cordial self, but I failed quickly.

I sighed. “So, you’re the new running back.”

Declan looked at my hand and brought his to mine to shake. I would have sworn there was an electrical storm from the electricity arcing through my body.

“And you’re the vet I’ve heard so much about.”

Our eyes stayed locked on each other as I withdrew my hand from his. I watched his face as he sifted through the memories of that night. His eyes dilated, and the sexy bastard gave me the same grin he had that night at Alejandro’s. I would have been fine to play it as if we’d never met before. I could ignore him.

But I frowned as the fucker let his eyes roam all over my body before he sucked in his bottom lip as he smiled at me. I would bet my truck that if I looked down, his cock would be hard as steel.

*****

Author Info:

Rheland Richmond

Writing has always been a hobby and a cathartic experience for her. There are many stories lost to the never to be completed or published pile but needed to be written at the time.

She’s just a girl that loved stories so much she decided to write hers.

Rheland would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y’all. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.rhelandrichmond.com
https://www.tiktok.com/@rhelandrichmondmmauthor
https://www.instagram.com/rhelandrichmond/
https://www.facebook.com/rhelandrichmond.author.58
https://www.facebook.com/groups/RichmondsRiders/

Emerson Beckett

Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series, which includes The Quarterback Keeper, Pass Interference, Unnecessary Roughness, Two-Point Conversion, and three more upcoming books in the series. She will release her first solo novel in late spring 2023.

Emerson would love to hear from her readers. So if you get a chance… Get in touch.

www.emersonbeckett.com
https://www.instagram.com/mm.author.emerson.beckett/
https://www.tiktok.com/@mmauthoremersonbeckett
https://www.facebook.com/author.emerson.beckett
https://www.facebook.com/groups/beckettsbookbrigade

*****

Giveaway:

To celebrate the release of Illegal Motion, Rheland & Emerson are giving away an e-book of the winner’s choice from the series!

Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for your chance to win!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

*****