Though this is book 3 in the ‘Out of Bounds’ series, it is my first read in the series. I don’t read a lot of football romances, but I had fun with this one. Previous books in the series were referenced, but I had no problem reading this one as a standalone. Nevertheless, the characters are simply wonderful, begging me to play catch up and read their stories. This is Brody and Shay’s story. He is a bit of a spoiled entitled football star and Shay has had to work for every little thing in her life. When she happens on to a secret about his health, he blackmails her into helping him keep it a secret. He doesn’t trust her but finds himself grudgingly admiring her. Of course, she fits perfectly into his life and while that would be nice for her, she has obligations.

At first, I really didn’t like either of them; he was a manchild and she was seriously uptight. Their progression warmed me to them and it wasn’t long before I was rooting for them to succeed. The evil blogger is such a great plot device. I eagerly soaked up her vile gossip, while simultaneously wanting to sit on her and pull her hair until she cries (if it is even a she). I will admit I did eventually hit on the identity of the mole, but the several red-herrings throughout led me astray each time. So frustrating and fun. Great Story. Yeah, I will be reading the rest of the series.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.
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This NFL-based story has a solid plot and, while hints of prior books are made, can easily be read as a stand-alone. Because I read this book in audio format, I can admit there is a possibility the book format might have warranted another 1/2 star, but the narrator "got in the way." I rate this book at: 3-1/2 stars.

Narrator: Mr. Constant has an annoying voice for women characters, and is not consistent with characters' voice pitch/tone/accent throughout the book. Sometimes I heard english accents, sometimes northeast USA accents, but rarely southern accents, which was an oversight as the heroine grew up in Dallas, Texas. He is marginally better at infusing emotion into his reading. If I could rate the narrators performance, he would receive: 1 star. ( )

A book that wraps up in the last two pages drives me crazy. I felt Shay was stronger than portrayed as she accepted Brody's apology and just took him back. That all being said, I really liked both characters. Their flaws were believable and 'issues' understandable. I didn't love book one in this series but after reading this one, I'm going to go back and read book two. I would recommend this to those that love those sports romances.


**I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads. ( )

I really enjoyed RISKY GAME. I liked that the characters were so well drawn that I felt like I could meet them around any corner. It also helped my enjoyment that this was a sports romances. I love romances between professional athletes and the women who are just right for them.

It doesn't seem the NFL star Brody Janik and PHD candidate Shay Everett would have much in common. He's a golden boy from a privileged background leading what seems to be a charmed life. Shay is from a much more difficult background filled with financial worries, a father with a traumatic brain injury, and a grandmother who didn't waste one chance to put her down.

But Shay is very bright. At age twenty-four, she is going for her doctorate in nutrition and interning with Brody's football team. She overhears a conversation between Brody and his trainer that tells her that Brody is having blood sugar problems and that he is keeping them from the team. An accidental comment from Shay lets Brody know that she overheard the conversation prompting Brody to blackmail her to make her keep his secret.

Since there is a blogger exposing all sorts of secrets of NFL players, Brody is certain that Shay will pass the information on despite Shay's assurances that she will not. The lack of trust between them doesn't bode well for a romance. However, they get to know each other better as Brody has Shay preparing his meals to help keep his blood sugar in balance. Shay is okay with this because she can use the data for her PHD thesis. They are mutually using each other and pretending to have a relationship.

Watching the relationship go from pretend to love made for a very engaging story. Fans of sports romances won't want to miss this one. ( )