Playing for Keeps

Miami Piranhas, Book 1

By: Beth Bolden

Narrated by: Darcy Stark

Sebastian Howard is the best damn cornerback in the NFL.

Or at least he was.

Age and injuries have taken a toll, and while most people have written him off, Sebastian isn’t ready to acknowledge that at only 32, he’s already in the twilight of his career.

He signs with the Miami Piranhas intending to prove everyone wrong, only to realize that the head coach’s son, out-and-proud Beau Dawson, doesn’t believe he can.

Beau is infuriating but brilliant, and when he offers to help him on the field, Sebastian wants to say yes, but there’s one thing stopping him: the unexpected, inconvenient, and all-consuming crush he doesn’t want to have on Beau.

But Beau isn’t interested in playing it safe, with football or with anything else, and soon they’re embroiled in a hot—and secret—affair that would finish Sebastian’s career if Coach Dawson found out.

As Sebastian falls harder for Beau, he begins to realize that actually the worst thing in the world isn’t getting benched, but losing the man he loves.

©2022 Earl Gray Publishing LLC (P)2023 Earl Gray Publishing LLC

Piranhas

I've enjoyed Beth's previous football stories and was looking forward to this one. Not only is a great story that tells the relationship between player and coach, I love all the football references too. (Husband listening commented on how good the details were.) Darcy Stark's southern accent really brought Beau to life for me. I loved the varying voices and although it took me a minute to get used to it, it was worth every minute. I'm looking forward to hearing more about the Piranha players. Loved that Alex got a part in this story too. (Nice intro to next story in the end, has me hooked and anxiously awaiting the next story.)

Loved it!

The narration added to the story and I felt immersed in the story all over again. I really liked the dynamic between Sebastian, who is a veteran in the NFL and signs with another team to prove he still has what it takes. There he meets the coach's son, Beau, who has a brilliant mind and knows football inside and out. When he suggests Sebastian move position, the man is hesitant, but willing to work with Beau. Their chemistry is off the charts but of course the team can't know about them. I enjoyed getting to know both men and watching how their romance developed, despite all the pressures that want to tear them apart.

Excellent Sports Romance

A steamy and fun sports romance! I really enjoyed the performance by the narrator, who was able to bring Beau and Sebastian’s sizzling chemistry to life. The football side of the plot is very well done, and I loved that is was an important part of the story. It’s really good well rounded storytelling, realistic team dynamics, great side characters, and real depth and emotion in the relationship. A wonderful listen.

Love Beth Bolden

Playing for Keeps

If you have not read the Miami Piranhas series by Beth Bolden, add it to your list. This was book one and you are meeting the guys you will come to love throughout the series. If you are an audible book fan, Darcy takes time to create each character as he reads them. I am still new to listening to the audible books but it definitely gives you a different perspective of the characters! I love Beth Bolden stories because she brings them to life so well and you want to keep reading to see what they will do next!

A well done nerd/jock relationship

Playing Dirty is a prequel novella about two rookie players on the same team, and while you can easily read Playing for Keeps while skipping it, it's nice to be introduced to both Beau and Sebastian through other people's eyes and see where their "enemies" to lovers journey began.

Sebastian is a 31 year old cornerback who has been in the NFL for almost a decade and was recently traded to the Miami Piranhas team. The coaching staff (note Beau), to his horror, want him to play safety instead. Sebastian is NOT happy and sees this as the greatest insult to his football skills. He is stubborn AF but has totally met his match in Beau who is determined to convince him that this is the right choice. Amidst some bashing of heads in relation to his position on the field, Sebastian and Beau have no problems burning up the sheets but most of all, they both want more. Playing for Keeps is a light steamy read full of great well developed characters. I am not a football fan at all but Beth made me want to be.

Darcy Stark gives a strong performance and it’s clear who is speaking at all times.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook.

Terrific Audiobook

I think this storyline is so engaging. Sebastian and Beau’s story is fantastic. Their story has angst, found family, and people with their heads in dark places! I am so glad this series has more to come!

Loved every minute of this sports romance!

With every new series she creates, Beth Bolden captivates readers, inviting us in to share in the amazingness of the characters she creates and the stories she has to tell! I was so excited to go back to Miami and see what is happening with the Piranhas now that Colin has retired and they are rebuilding their team. From the first heated encounter between Beau and Sebastian, it was clear these two had serious chemistry. I loved seeing them circle each other in the beginning and fighting so hard that connection they seemed for share instantly. While their chemistry was top notch, it was the emotional side of their relationship that was a struggle but it was so fulfilling to see them work together to build something wonderful. Both men had fought a lot of stereotypes to make it to the top of their prospective fields and it was great they had each other to lean on when they finally realized they didn't have to fight those battles alone any longer. I loved how this book ended and I can't wait to see what is next for Logan and Dylan! Both the prequel novella and the bonus scene are must reads if sports romances are your thing! Wade and Tristian are so cute together and it's a great introduction to this new series. And the bonus scene from Asa POV...this just might be my favorite part of the entire series so far! I am a sucker for a good angsty second chance romance and that scene has all the makings of a truly epic romance! I NEED Asa to get his own book in the future! Wonderful new series with all the heart and humor you expect from a Beth Bolden book! Darcy Stark did any AMAZING job narrating this book and I hope they will continue to narrate the entire series!

Absolute narrative perfection!!

The physical copy of this book was fun and exciting, but the audio rendition was absolute perfection! Darcy Stark amazes me with their vocals, and how they differentiated distinctly between the characters was astonishing! Every emotion was captured, personalities were formed, and bonds were created amongst the players. Ten stars for bringing this romance to life!! (and not too bad with that Tennessee accent, Darcy)

ENJOYABLE

I liked this book... I enjoyed watching the relationship between Sebastian and Beau develop through the story, and the author kept the homophobic angst to a minimum. My only complaint (and it's a minor one) was the narrator's southern accent for both Beau and his father the Head Coach. He sounded more Blanche DuBois rather than two men having spent most of their lives around football and football players.

All in all it was worth the investment.

Football Never Sounded So Good

Once again, this author scores with another sports romance that doesn't skimp on the play-by-play in or out of the bedroom.

Compared to other books in the M/M sports romance genre, the story is heavier on the sports talk and action BUT that's also one of the qualities that makes this author's work unique. This isn't romance with a dash of sports, this is depicting the characters like the pro athletes they are, and it's (always) well done by this author.

Veteran pro football player Sebastian and coach (and the head coach's son) Beau make an interesting and dynamic (secret for a while) couple, and I enjoyed how Beau helps Sebas transition to his new on-field position. And kudos to Beau's dad for being an awesome parent and coach who wants for nothing more than his son's happiness...and to win some football games, of course.

Narrator Darcy Stark delivers an outstanding performance here, one of his best that I've heard so far. He gives every character a distinct voice, and I especially loved the terrific Southern drawls he gave to Beau and his dad.

Listening to the series prequel isn't essential but is helpful as an introduction to the secondary characters here and the team dynamics (plus it's a sweet story, too). I received a free review copy of this audio book and have left this honest review voluntarily.