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Playing To Win: An Elite Athlete Sport Romance Anthology

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The Summer Games may be postponed, but finding love is not…

The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel
When the Olympics are cancelled, professional volleyball player Samantha Piper finds herself going home to Montana, but what she doesn’t expect is to fall—fast—for the former fiancé of her high school enemy. As they play alongside one another in the summer couple’s volleyball league, the stakes are high—each win has a fun, and eventually sexy, incentive. Can the final winning bracket include love?

Making the Leap by Aubree Valentine
From the outside she looks like a high-society princess. He's no more than the family's ranch hand. But that's not the reason they're bad for each other, nor is it the reason they've held back. Can they get past all the reasons why they couldn't work out, and accept the real reason why they can?

Long Shot by Jennifer Bonds
Wes Kaplan is rich, entitled, and a total pain in my ass. Worse? He’s hot AF, persistent as hell, and totally off-limits. Because in a town where gossip spreads faster than pollen on the wind, the only thing worse than hooking up with your uptight boss’s son is falling for him.

Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien
What will happen when the smooth-talking and irresistible basketball recruit sets his sights on the head coach's daughter? The risks are high with the heat of their sexual tension mounting. Giving in to their desires is one personal foul neither of them can back down from.

Throw Like a Girl by Tina Gallagher
After knowing each other for years, Penny Montgomery and Kenny Hanover enjoyed a mild flirtation but didn’t move things beyond that. Besides the fact he’d been warned away by her overprotective big brother, she was only in town for a short visit before heading out to join the Olympic Softball Team, and Kenny wanted more than a fling. When the Olympics are canceled months later, Penny takes a well-deserved vacation at the beach and finds Kenny in town for a friend’s wedding. Still drawn to him, Penny wants to explore their attraction, she just needs to figure out how to convince him to do the same.

Double Contact by Christy Pastore
As a professional baseball player, women have never been a challenge. Until I met her. Brunette. Beautiful. Vivacious. Just as I’m ready to take my shot, my teammate jock blocks me. Turns out he saw her first. That was two years ago. As luck would have it, our paths crossed again, and this time, I don’t waste a second. I want my chance.

Fierce Fighter by Victoria Pinder
Stone Steel only has one shot to success. Wrestling. He’ll prove it in the Olympics that he’s the best. But he takes time off his training to go to his cousin’s wedding. He hadn’t expected Vanessa, his ex, to be a bridesmaid. Vanessa hopes to avoid Stone at the wedding. She never told him when he left town, she was pregnant. However weddings are intimate and Vanessa and Stone’s chemistry is off the charts. But if she tells him her secret, she’s worried he’ll never forgive her. Can she take a chance on him, this time?

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First published July 24, 2020

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About the author

Mignon Mykel

77 books672 followers
Mignon Mykel is the author of the Prescott Family series, as well as the short-novella erotic romance series, O'Gallagher Nights. When not sitting at Starbucks writing whatever her characters tell her to, you can find her hiking in the mountains of her new home in Arizona.

Mignon's latest release, Winski and Leeds, is available now!

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,665 reviews3,272 followers
Want to read
August 15, 2020
Cancelation, Postponed, Delayed...
All Those Words are The Last Thing,
These Olympic Athletes Never Want To Hear...

But They Did...

So Instead Of Being Inactive...
And Hanging Their Heads...
Seven Authors Decided To...
Hold Their Own Summer Games...

Jonesing For The Competition...
Read All These Stories...
And Pick Your Gold Medal Winner...


The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel
Making the Leap by Aubree Valentine
Long Shot by Jennifer Bonds
Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien
Throw Like a Girl by Tina Gallagher
Double Contact by Christy Pastore
Fierce Fighter by Victoria Pinder


After You Have Read Them All...
It Will Be You Judging...
Which Of These Amazing Authors Were...


Playing To Win: An Elite Athlete Sport Romance Anthology

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Profile Image for Shirley.
899 reviews227 followers
July 20, 2020
Original review

This book was provided by one of the authors in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Brooke O’Brien!

Playing To Win
was such a fun anthology and I really enjoyed all the short stories. I think that Playing To Win is a great anthology if you’re a lover of Sports Romance and it’s a nice way of reading short stories by authors you’ve never read before. I was only familiar with one author, namely Brooke O’Brien, but I liked reading the short stories by the other authors too.

The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel: 4/5
The Winning Bracket was a cute short story, and I really liked the pacing. I really liked our main characters because I loved Samantha’s personality and Sam was just so adorable. I think that this was a great short story and the main reason that I didn’t give it 5 stars was because a lot happened in this short story. That’s usually not a bad thing but I thought it was a bit too much. Besides that, the story was great!

Making the Leap by Aubree Valentine 3.5/5
I’m a sucker for the brother’s best friend trope so I couldn’t not enjoy this story! I liked the characters and the short story was cute, but it felt a bit rushed sometimes. It’s not always easy writing a short story because you want to create this big story but you have a limited number of pages. I think that Aubree Valentine did a good job with writing Making the Leap!

Long Shot by Jennifer Bonds 5/5
From the moment I read in both the characters’ POV, I knew that I was going to love this short story. Long Shot was such a good story, and it’s my favourite one in the anthology. I really loved reading about the characters and their story. I loved Skylar and Wes’ personalities and I love a good opposites attract story!

Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien 4/5
I loved the concept of Personal Foul and I couldn’t get enough of the characters. Sydney and Rush are just so fun to read about. I love how understanding Rush was, and he’s also such a cutie! This story wasn’t just your average insta love story, but it was so much more. I really liked it and I didn’t expect anything else from Brooke O’Brien!

Throw Like a Girl by Tina Gallagher 4/5
This short story was a bit on the shorter side, but I enjoyed it nonetheless. I liked the story and the characters, they’re definitely made for each other. I liked this story but I think it would’ve been better if there were an epilogue. It would’ve been nice to know what Penny and Kenny were going to do in the future together.

Double Contact by Christy Pastore 4.5/5
Double Contact was such a good story because the characters were amazing. I loved that Brenner was a feminist, he supports strong women and we need more guys like Brenner! Lark and Brenner are so cute together and I loved reading their story. The epilogue was also so cute!

Fierce Fighter by Victoria Pinder 3/5
So I’m not the biggest fan of the secret baby trope, it’s not really my thing. On top of that, it felt like Stone easily accepted the fact that he was dad and he wasn’t angry at Vanessa at all. It’s not really realistic, in my opinion. Fierce Fighter also felt a bit rushed, and I get that short stories cannot be too long but I wish we had a few more chapters, so the story didn’t feel too rushed. But besides these points, the story about Stone and Vanessa was nice.
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,594 reviews
July 25, 2020
This is an anthology of 7 sport romances that will make any sports fan happy. My review is for Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien and I really enjoyed the story. Quick read that will leave you with a smile when you are done. Loved Colson and Sydney. They meet when he rescued her from being attacked by a mugger and the attraction and chemistry between them was instant and intense. Loved them together and it was so much fun watching them fall in love. Love stories that make you care about the characters and their happiness and this story does just that. Brooke O’Brien makes you fall in love with the characters in each story she writes.

I read an early review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
June 7, 2022
(Update: 7 Jun 22) Adding extra tags/shelves. I'm finally organizing more lol.

(Review: July 20)

Anthology Received as an ARC, given by Brooke O'Brien, for a honest review.

PERSONAL FOUL by Brooke O'Brien :

A Quick Fast-Paced exhilarating read!
For a short Read, this book had all the elements you can want in a book. Just shows all the reason I love Brooke's writings❤

Colsen, a basketball player, is Hot, Sweet, witty, Kind..A catch!
Sydney is feisty, strong, independent.. Lovable!
Both had hard childhoods, giving them a deepness.

Both are also new in Miami, work reasons. They meet when he saves her from a assault (omg!), Soon finding they're neighbors too. Bonding over Talks and their Chemistry...! Skyrocketing😍

Then the next day he finds out that she's not only The coach's daughter but also works there! What will this mean for them?

Gladly the romance doesn't stop, but it does slow down, becomes a secret.
She has walls Miles high. But through Bar, kisses, Care community, Make-out sessions, office hot looks.. He breaks them all. They Finally give into desire after his 1st game here! Their family dinner was sweet❤ (I loved her mom & dad!)

But as things start deepening, she pulls back (Won't he leave her too..Like everyone?)
He won't leave her, even as she pushes. He will fight for her, she's worth it. Always.

But..Will she give him the chance? OR Will 'they' always be a secret?

I loved this sweet sports romance! A MUST READ😍 It was quite fun to see how everyone already suspected their relation! I was soo happy when they finally had the 'talk'❤. The ending was soo sweet! Loved that cameo by A Rebels Havoc. The epilogue was Gorgeous! So excited to see future stories for Colsen's teammates! *Wink*
P.s. Be ready for That bonus epilogue! Sign up for it ASAP. You need it, Trust me. Omg!⭐ *Isaac is soo sweet!*

(Alert: When I read'em, I'll write reviews for the other stories too here!)
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.6k reviews163 followers
July 24, 2020
The year 2020 has been a hell of a year, and on top of all the chaos my sports have been missing so reading Playing To Win was definitely a hit for me because I need sports like I need to breathe.  

The Winning Bracket/Mignon Mykel:
I haven't read this author in a while for whatever reason, so this story reminded me how much I love her writing style.  Professional volleyball player Samantha has to go home to Montana after the Olympics are cancelled.  She ends up playing in a couples volleyball league with the ex-fiance of her high school enemy.  Girl Sam was an adorable heroine who I fell hard for quickly while boy Sam was also easy to love.  While the story is on the short(ish) side, the heat is shooting sparks everywhere.  

Making the Leap/Aubree Valentine:
Ms. Valentine did a fantastic job with a short(ish) story that packed a big punch. Our heroine looks like a high society princess but not everything is as it seems. The hero is a ranch hand who believes she shouldn't be with him.  However, the heart wants what the hearts want no matter what their minds are telling them.  

Long Shot/Jennifer Bonds:
Wes comes off as an entitled rich pain in the behind, and he's also Skylar's boss' son.  You already know it will make things complicated.  However the sparks they had won't be denied for long though they're complete opposites.  Long Shot was an amazing addition to this anthology.  

Personal Foul/Brooke O'Brien:
Colson meets Sydney by chance, and had a connection from the jump.  However, he's a new player on the Miami Blaze, while she's the daughter of the new head coach, so let the complicated journey begin.  They have sparks so while they know that they should stay away from each other, especially when she's starting her new job with the team, the chemistry won't be denied and the secrecy begins.  And we all know that secrets don't make friends.  

Throw Like a Girl/Tina Gallagher:
Kenny & Penny have known each other for a cool minute, and while they have chemistry, they haven't done anything about it especially since her older brother warned him to stay away.  She's in town for a short time before heading off to the Olympics on the softball team, but the games are cancelled so she heads to the beach for a vacation when fate intervenes and she runs into Kenny again.

Double Contact/Christy Pastore:
Lark & Brenner should be together though they meet at first at the wrong time.  However, they never stopped thinking about the other anyway.  Fate finally has other plans some years later as they meet again at the right time so the new journey begins, and I was here for it all!  

Fierce Fighter/Victoria Pinder:
I really LOVED Fierce Fighter as I've always had a thing for the secret baby trope.  Stone is training as a wrestler for the Olympics, but takes time off to go to attend the wedding for his cousin.  He didn't plan on seeing Vanessa there but the sparks are flying anyway.  However, she hid that she had his son, so she's not sure he'll ever forgive her when he finds out.  

This Anthology was a great collection of short stories that gave me the chance to meet new to me authors, so hit those one click buttons!   HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND TO ALL!  
Profile Image for Steph's Romance Book Talk.
2,790 reviews1,361 followers
September 28, 2020
Double Contact by Christy Pastore / 4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Video review available in Week 38: Sep 13 – Sep 19 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel / 4.25 Stars / 3 Steam Fans

Video review available in Week 39: Sep 20 – Sep 26 weekly book reviews.

For other video book reviews, check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Romance Book Talk.

Profile Image for Alice.
520 reviews3 followers
July 28, 2020
So I've never read an anthology before! It was really exciting to read a few short stories! My reviews are in the order I read the stories and I really loved and enjoyed them! ❤

1. Double Contact by Christy Pastore:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwww! I loved this hot, short story!
WOW! Christy Pastore just knows how to make you fall in love with characters!
Lark and Brenner were a great couple! I love a good sports romance and add some second chance. Bam! You got me!
Although it was a short story it was totally enough and really really really good!
OMG and I love the names Lark and Brenner soooo much! Gah! I'm in love with them!

2. The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Winning Bracket was my first story by Mignon Mykel and I'm happy that I read it!
This short story of boy Sam and girl Sam was so good! And now I'm curious to see what other stories Mignon Mykel has got that I could fall in love with!

3. Making The Leap by Aubree Valentine:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwwwww!!! OMG Lindsey and Garrett just made me swoon so much! The "to be continued..." made me really curious! I loved the fact that Garrett works for Lindsey's family and that he's older than her. It was kinda like a forbidden love story although it wasn't that forbidden... LOL Okay it maybe doesn't make that sense but it will when you'll read it. ;)
So I loved this story! That's it.

4. Long Shot by Jennifer Bonds:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwww! Okay Wes is HOT AS HELL! A professional climber! Damn I never knew I found it so hot. LOL
Well Wes and Sky are from different worlds and it seems like everyone thinks they shouldn't be together... but you know what?!
It's ONLY important what both think of each other and that they like to spend time together!
This short story by Jennifer Bonds was my first story of her and I really enjoyed it. :)

5. Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
YES! I also loved this short story! What a surprise! LOL
Well Colson is new in town and plays for the Miami Blaze. Sydney works for her father which is also Colson's coach. When Colson saves Sydney the sparks fly and both can't deny this special chemistry.
Awwww!!! I loved their story! GOD I need more! Loved it a lot!

6. Throw Like A Girl by Tina Gallagher:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
So this short story was really really short. I read and read and suddenly it was over. I know it sounds weird but... yes this was a really quick read. ;)
It's the story of Penny and Kenny and how they deal with the Olympics postponed. They were attracted to each other since the last season and now they take the chance to see what's going on between them. It was a hot short story. :)

7. Fierce Fighter by Victoria Pinder:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awwwww the story of Vanessa and Stone was really really good! I loved it! It was hot and kinda exciting! Awesome!
Stone is a professional wrestler and doesn't know that the love of his life, Vanessa, would be at the same wedding with a secret. Sadly she's his ex and when they meet again both know that it was wrong to be apart.
Profile Image for Alicia.
343 reviews17 followers
July 21, 2020
Review just for Double Contact by Christy Pastore

I love everything Christy writes and I love this “quick and dirty” story of Brenner and Lark.

This is a great take on a second-chance romance. Meeting your person at the wrong time. Lark and Brenner first met when they were both in other relationships but never forgot each other.

Years after a quick breakfast together, fate places them in the same location and sparks fly again. I was quickly invested in making sure these two made it and I hated having to put the book down to adult.

Nine chapters was all it took for Christy Pastore to knock this story out of the park.
Profile Image for Amy [Book Addict Reviews].
2,299 reviews163 followers
July 19, 2020
This is a review of Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien.

Colson and Sydney meet by chance and from that moment there is a connection between them. Colson is a professional basketball player and the newest player on the Miami Blaze. Sydney just happens to be his new coach’s daughter.

Sydney has some trust issues and her new career so she kind of pushes Colson away, despite the insane amounts of chemistry these two have. Colson wants to break down Sydney’s walls. He is sweet and wants to win over Sydney’s heart.

I loved their story from the start. Colson is book boyfriend material and Sydney is a strong, independent woman you can’t help but love.

Personal Foul is a quick MUST READ sports romance.
Profile Image for Julie.
135 reviews7 followers
July 17, 2020
My Review for Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien

Colson and Sydney stole my heart. They met by chance and instantly connected. They share so much spark and fire and the pull is overwhelming between them but Colson has just traded to the Miami Blaze and Sydney is the coaches daughter and she has a new career with the team. With that and some trust issues from Sydney things get bumpy but Colson is a determined man and sweet to his core and will do what he needs to do to win over this strong and independent yet guarded woman. I'm madly in love with these two. A beautiful story and a must read!!!
Profile Image for Atlanta Whitlock.
907 reviews12 followers
July 24, 2020
An amazing group of authors have come together to bring you such an amazing collection of stories. I knew I had to give this a read because one of my all time favourite authors (Brooke O'Brien) has contributed to the collection with one of her stories....
Brooke is such a talented writer and every book of hers that I read I just fall in love with her writing all over again… it’s like discovering a new love each and every time with her books, however at least books can’t give you heartache unlike guys do. But anyways, I love how talented she is and that she always know what the readers want, but whilst she is writing for the readers, you can see just from her writing that she is writing from the heart. This book she did such a great job on and I loved the plot, the characters, everything just flowed right. Brooke is growing as an author with each book she writes and she is always improving with how she can make her books shine more, if anything she should be really proud of the journey she’s taken and where she is now because if she keeps doing what she does she will go really far in bookworld. I’m excited to see if she’ll add onto this by writing another book or possibly turning it into a series because I was hooked from the very first page and just couldn’t help but want more. I know this is a little different to her other books as this is a sports romance, but she’s put her own twist on it and I loved every minute of it.
I would recommend giving this a read as it’s well worth it, plus you may end up falling in love with a new author.

Sydney has had a rough life, but as she got older things changed for her and now she’s got a loving family and she’s about to start a new job and hoping to follow in her father’s footsteps one day. But the weekend before her life takes an unexpected turn, with nearly breaking her ankle because someone tries robbing her, she ends up meeting Rush (her saviour and new player for The Miami Blaze Organization) but the heat between them is undeniable… With him now living in the same building as her things are bound to get interesting, but after one night of passion how will things be when Rush finds out that she’s his Coaches’ daughter???? Will things continue as normal is their romance set to be over before it begins???
Profile Image for Sally Mieske.
297 reviews11 followers
July 24, 2020
Review for Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien

Love sports romances? This short story is bound to quench for them! O’Brien had me invested in Colson and Sydney’s relationship and needing to know how ends.

Colson and Sydney are both new to Miami. One is a new player for the team, the other is the coach’s daughter and starting her new job working the team. Their chance meeting had sparks flying, it’s not until after that realize who each other is. Colson is the ultimate book boyfriend in his pursuit of Sydney *swoon*. Sydney is determined not to make things messy at the work place.

This short story packs an emotional punch, while also being sweet and sexy. I highly recommend this one!
Profile Image for Michelle Rodriguez.
889 reviews28 followers
July 23, 2020
You know how they say "small things come in big packages"? Double Contact by Christy Pastore, may be bite size in words, but packed full of wit, smoking sexy times and a second chance at love.

I had the honor to BETA read this short story for the Playing to Win Anthology and told Mrs. Pastore she really should think about writing Lark and Brennan's full story.

Get ready to one-click this anthology.
Profile Image for Hopelessly Addicted To Books .
3,459 reviews140 followers
July 24, 2020
Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien

I really enjoyed this story Colson and Sydney were such fun to read. The story was fun and romantic sweet and sexy. I loved the instant connection they had you could feel the sparks between them and the flirty banter was their own kind of foreplay. Both characters are adjusting to new work roles and the stress that brings. Colson was the one doing most of the pursuing because of Sydney's trust issues he has alot to overcome to win her over.

Profile Image for N. Biggs.
345 reviews8 followers
July 29, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this blended band of amazing authors. There are 7 books total. Each one is entertaining and has introduced me to (new) authors I plan to check out immediately. If you’re a sports romance fan, this books for you.

You’ll love them all, as I did. However, my personal favorites were Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brian, and Double Contact by Christie Pastore. You can’t go wrong with either of them. All-in-all, this was a fantastic read I highly recommend.
July 24, 2020
This is a fab collection of sports romances, I enjoyed them all and have found some great authors who I hadn't read before.
Colson and Sydney from Brooke O'Briens Personal Foul were my favourite couple, I loved the chemistry between the two and read their story in one sitting. This anthology has something for everyone!
Profile Image for it.sgottabethebooks.
1,498 reviews86 followers
July 25, 2020
I am leaving a review for Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien. This was a fast paced, quick read. I absolutely adored Colson and Sydney. The pair had great chemistry and I loved how sweet this story was.
Profile Image for Cynthia Carpenter.
1,510 reviews12 followers
July 31, 2020
Each story will pull at your heart and bring all your emotions out. Each is a different sport all center around the Olympic sports and the pandemic amazing reads all of them and can't wait to read more from these amazing authors


THE WINNING BRACKET BY MIGNON MYKEL

Sam and Samantha read is sweet, emotional and will pull you in and have you wanting so much more. There are a few twist and turns that will bring you to tears but by the end you won't want it to end. Can't wait to read more from her.

MAKING THE LEAP BY AUBREE VALENTINE

Barrett and Lindsey will have you pulled in right from the start. It's emotional, funny, sweet, and has a big twist you won't expect. Life is never easy but can love help heal all? An amazing read that will leave with a laugh and have you wanting more. Can't wait for more of their story.

LONG SHOT BY JENNIFER BONDS

Wes and Sky's story is a small town romance with emotional twist and turns that will make you laugh and want to cry. Can small town gossip ruin what they have or can they overcome it with love.definitely had me wanting more and more.

PERSONAL FOUL BY BROOK O'BRIEN

Colson and Sydney pull you along with their emotional, steamy, funny, sweet read that will have your head and heart all over the place. By the end it will leave you breathless and wanting more


THROW LIKE A GIRL BY TINA GALLAGHER

Kenny and Penny is a sweet, emotional , sort of a second chance read that will make you laugh and fall these two and wanting to know more of their story.


DOUBLE CONTACT BY CHRISTY PASTORS

Lark and Brenner's story is full of so much emotions, feels and steamy that will pull at your heart and don't let go.it made laugh and smile and falling for these two and will leave you wanting more and more.

FIERCE FIGHTER BY VICTORIA PINDER

Stone and Vanessa is beautiful, emotional, sweet second chance with a little twist. I laughed and cried and don't want teir story to end. This read had me rooting for both characters. Can love survive when one had secret ? Amazing read and can't wait for more.
July 22, 2020
Playing to Win is a sports romance anthology featuring original stories by the following authors: Mignon Mykel, Aubree Valentine, Jennifer Bonds, Brooke O'Brien, Tina Gallagher, Christy Pastore, and Victoria Pinder.

This review is for Double Contact by Christy Pastore. I haven't had a chance to read any of the other stories, but I've got a thing for sports romance so I'll get to them eventually. As I read them, I'll add to my review and adjust my rating accordingly.

Double Contact by Christy Pastore is a second chance, sports romance told in first person dual POV. The main characters are Lark, a professional beach volleyball player, and Brennan, a retired major league baseball player and sports commentator. These two have an instant attraction when they meet but the timing is off. They're not single at the same time, so nothing happens between them.

They can't help thinking about each other from time to time, but years pass before they cross paths again. When they finally meet again, the only thing standing in their way is distance. Can they bridge the gap?

I enjoyed this story. If you're looking for a quick, dirty little read, I recommend it.

*** I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC. ***
Profile Image for Nikki  Cudnik.
814 reviews9 followers
July 24, 2020
Are you missing sports as much as I am right now? Are you filling it with sports romances, yep me too. Well Playing to Win is a sports romance anthology that will definitely be a hit with all sports and romance lovers alike. 7 short stories by some amazing authors!

I was lucky enough to be provided with a copy in exchange for my Review of Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien. Personal foul was an emotional insta love romance story with the incredible Colson and Sydney. Colson is a basketball player just settling in after being traded to a new team and Sydney is the daughter of the head coach just starting her dream job with the team. They connect instantly when Colson saves Sydney from an attack. Things heat up very quickly from there but Sydney has a lot of baggage to work through and ends up pushing Colson away, although he refuses to give up and the two get their HEA!

I’m going to continue to read all the stories in this anthology, I’m sure they are all as fantastic as Personal Foul.

Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
1,928 reviews12 followers
July 22, 2020
I have only read the following book:

Cocky MD
by Victoria Pinder
This story made me mad at Johnny at times, and broke my heart other times for his son Bradley. Johnny’s parents never believed in love, only money. I can’t believe that they taught their children not to believe in love. Johnny may have gotten away from being in the family business by becoming a doctor, but he didn’t get away from how his parents raised him. His son Bradley was a treat and loved his teacher Olivia. Once Olivia was let go from her teaching job Johnny decided to hire her as Bradley’s nanny. He was also attracted to her. Johnny has other ideas about Olivia that don’t go as well as planned. I liked Olivia and how she only wanted love. Her sisters are great and are always there for each other. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it. I was given a copy of the book and voluntarily wrote a review.
Profile Image for Nicole ReadingBetweenTheSheets.
878 reviews38 followers
July 24, 2020
What an amazingly fun anthology!!! All of the stories are based on the delay of the Summer Games due to world events.

These are all fantastic romances from second chances to secret baby to secret romances…

The Winning Bracket by Mignon Mykel
Making the Leap by Aubree Valentine
Long Shot by Jennifer Bonds
Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien
Throw Like a Girl by Tina Gallagher
Double Contact by Christy Pastore
Fierce Fighter by Victoria Pinder


Double Contact by Christy Pastore is a wonderful second chance romance between a professional baseball player and a beach volleyball player. Lark and Brenner’s romance is a perfect blend of friends, second-chances, bad choices, standing your ground, and life changing decisions. Author Christy Pastore has always been a favorite for me and I was thrilled to see she was part of this sports anthology! Super fun read! Game-Set-Spike!!! 5 Olympic rings ... I mean stars!!!
Profile Image for The Lusty Literarians.
799 reviews43 followers
July 20, 2020



Review for Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien

I really enjoyed this story! I'm not a huge fan of short stories/anthologies but when I saw this sports romance set come out I had to read it. Colson and Sydney have great chemistry. O'Brien manages to fit an emotionally charged chemistry filled story in a tiny package! I was pleasantly surprised when I read this. They meet under unusual circumstances and grow to appreciate one another slowly, which you wouldn't think possible in an anthology. I'm glad I took a chance on this book and I'm excited to read more of the stories in the anthology.







Profile Image for Cat.
1,635 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2020
This is an Anthology packed with Amazing stories that will satisfy sports romance fans everywhere.
I am reviewing Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien.
Colson and Sydney are wonderful characters and I really enjoyed reading their romance Brooke did a fantastic job at giving us a great short story that didn't lack in anything. And was just as fulfilling as a whole novel.
Colson is a basketball player and Colson is the coaches daughter but they don't know this when they first meet and they have electrifying chemistry..
But their HEA is not an easy ride and despite Sydney pushing Colson away to concentrate on her career,Colson's determination to win her heart will have you swooning and falling in love with him.
This is a beautiful, emotional and sexy little read and an absolute winner.
5 glorious sporting Stars.
Profile Image for Fabiola Francisco.
Author 45 books939 followers
July 24, 2020
Double Contact was the perfect read for this summer. Sexy, witty, and sweet, I was wrapped in the story, unable to put it down until I was done. Lark and Brenner were such a fun pair. I was smiling throughout.

I love sports romance, and watching the woman come on top was such a breath of fresh air. Not that I’m complaining about the sexy AF baseball player and how he’s determined to win the girl he’s wanted for years.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the stories in this anthology.
Profile Image for Summerlynn83_reads.
758 reviews4 followers
July 23, 2020
Review for: Personal Foul by Brooke O’Brien
There is just something about sports romance that always grabs my attention. I love how the stories put the spotlight on sports heroes as real people with obstacles that they’ve overcome to make it where they are.
The heat between Sydney and Colson was instantaneous and steamy! However, I wasn’t ready for the speed bumps ahead. Reading as they navigated their new positions on the team and also dealt with their insecurities from their past kept me rooting for them every step of the way.
Profile Image for Deedy Hays.
71 reviews1 follower
July 23, 2020
Lark & Brenner are acquaintances that meet up years later after her hook-up with his teammate was long over. Brenner was always interested but an unspoken bro-code kept him from perusing Lark. But now, years later & no teammate or bro-code is in effect.

Instant, familiar, & unknown, to either of them, the chemistry is undeniable. This installment of The Playing to Win Anthology, is a sweet love that is given a chance, in Double Contact by Christy Pastore.
Profile Image for Lisa.
73 reviews
July 23, 2020
My review of Personal Foul by Brooke O'Brien

5 stars for Personal Foul.
I'm not one who usually picks up sports romance, but Brooke captured my attention and had me turning page after page. Colson Rush is on fire! He is determined to have Syndey and I absolutely love his character.
Sydney has walls built up and with good reason, so there's a bit standing between the two of them.
The ending is my absolute favorite part, like I already love the book, but that ending!
Will the ball be thrown in Colson's court?
You'll have to read for yourself, which I highly recommend you do.
1,467 reviews14 followers
July 25, 2020
Double Contact - Christy Pastore

I really enjoyed this story between Lark and Brenner. I know sometimes when you meet someone and have a connection, the timing could be all off. I like the possibilities of getting that second chance. I like that the roles that were given to Lark and Brenner were pretty much reversed in their later meeting. I also thought it was sweet that Brenner gave Lark a reason to reach deeper and that he believed that she had it in her to be more. I loved their multiple dates and their crazy hot chemistry. I'll admit it: I swooned.
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