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Rake Forge University #1
Wild Card
The game has rules for a reason...
This was it…I could see it in my editor’s eyes. This was the last straw. One more misstep and I was going to lose my coveted internship.
I decided right there in my room, lime-flavored tortilla chips in hand, that I would do whatever it took to write the story of the century.
And I had my target in sight—the undefeated Devil’s baseball team. They were RFU royalty, and completely untouchable.
Their parties were impossible to get into unless you were handpicked, and I was not.
Even still, I had a solid plan.
I would not get caught, definitely not seduced, and absolutely wouldn’t die.
That is until I was stopped and rendered totally speechless by a pair of mossy eyes.
He lured me in, close enough to feel the press of his mouth against my skin and the heat of his hands on my body. Undoubtedly, I was a sheep headed straight for the slaughter, which only proved true when he called my bluff.
With him holding all the cards for my future success, and in order to salvage what remained of my dream, I did the only thing I could.
I made a deal with a devil.
This was it…I could see it in my editor’s eyes. This was the last straw. One more misstep and I was going to lose my coveted internship.
I decided right there in my room, lime-flavored tortilla chips in hand, that I would do whatever it took to write the story of the century.
And I had my target in sight—the undefeated Devil’s baseball team. They were RFU royalty, and completely untouchable.
Their parties were impossible to get into unless you were handpicked, and I was not.
Even still, I had a solid plan.
I would not get caught, definitely not seduced, and absolutely wouldn’t die.
That is until I was stopped and rendered totally speechless by a pair of mossy eyes.
He lured me in, close enough to feel the press of his mouth against my skin and the heat of his hands on my body. Undoubtedly, I was a sheep headed straight for the slaughter, which only proved true when he called my bluff.
With him holding all the cards for my future success, and in order to salvage what remained of my dream, I did the only thing I could.
I made a deal with a devil.
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2021
About the author
Ashley Munoz
24 books1,940 followersAshley resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and four children. She enjoys hiking, sneaking off to read, and of course, drinking copious amounts of coffee when she finally sits down to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 274 reviews
August 7, 2021
"Happiness is free vodka served in a pretty glass. Ask anyone."
I'd beg to differ, saying that happiness is a glass of fine wine, and Ashley Munoz's books have aged in comparison to that statement. They just keep getting better with time, and I love that each story she writes is nothing like the one before it. Sure she has trademark angst and characters with heart across all of her books (along with gorgeous covers), but this one went beyond the typical sports romance to include so many other aspects. The steam, the angst, the suspense; they all add up to a riot of a novel, and I am here for it. This is a stand-alone romance, but it is also the first in an interconnected series, and I cannot wait for Queen of Hearts to release in November!
*Many thanks to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for my review copy.
I'd beg to differ, saying that happiness is a glass of fine wine, and Ashley Munoz's books have aged in comparison to that statement. They just keep getting better with time, and I love that each story she writes is nothing like the one before it. Sure she has trademark angst and characters with heart across all of her books (along with gorgeous covers), but this one went beyond the typical sports romance to include so many other aspects. The steam, the angst, the suspense; they all add up to a riot of a novel, and I am here for it. This is a stand-alone romance, but it is also the first in an interconnected series, and I cannot wait for Queen of Hearts to release in November!
*Many thanks to Wildfire Marketing Solutions for my review copy.
August 11, 2021
Wow!! You guys this was a wild ride!! My head and heart have whiplash in the best of ways. This book was nothing like I thought it would be. My expectations were blown out the water and a storm of goodness rolled in full of steam, angst (OHHHH the angst), suspense and chemistry that was so hot!
Mallory Shaw is an investigative reporter at her college. She needs "the big one" of a story if she has any chance of getting the internship she wants and has worked so hard for. She hears about a secret game that the college baseball players partake in. She needs to get an "in" to snoop around. Nothing can get in her way.. especially a hot, green eyed player. One shot is all she has and she refuses to bend. She was persistent and strong. I really liked her.
Decker "Duggar" James is a pitcher on the Devils baseball team. He is hardworking and responsible... for himself and his family back home. He feels like he can't let them down, even if that means he will slowly lose part of himself in the long run. It took me a long time to root for him. I just couldn't get my head around some stuff... but once I did, swoon city! That boy could talk dirty one minute and whisper sweet nothings the next.
I am sucker for sports romances and baseball is my jam. This one hit the spot. Home run!!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Mallory Shaw is an investigative reporter at her college. She needs "the big one" of a story if she has any chance of getting the internship she wants and has worked so hard for. She hears about a secret game that the college baseball players partake in. She needs to get an "in" to snoop around. Nothing can get in her way.. especially a hot, green eyed player. One shot is all she has and she refuses to bend. She was persistent and strong. I really liked her.
Decker "Duggar" James is a pitcher on the Devils baseball team. He is hardworking and responsible... for himself and his family back home. He feels like he can't let them down, even if that means he will slowly lose part of himself in the long run. It took me a long time to root for him. I just couldn't get my head around some stuff... but once I did, swoon city! That boy could talk dirty one minute and whisper sweet nothings the next.
I am sucker for sports romances and baseball is my jam. This one hit the spot. Home run!!
*ARC generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review*
January 27, 2024
4 STARS
Clearly I have been sleeping on Ashley Munoz, because after reading this book, I'm an insta fan. I'm a sucker for a steamy college sports romance, and this one hit all of the spots I had and some I didn't even know of.
What I liked about it most was that it wasn't exactly your typical sports romance. There was a bit of suspense and mystery, a dash of angst, and a romance so good that I was immediately hooked.
Mallory is the sort of heroine that sneaks up on you. She's a bit reserved and unassuming, focused on her dream internship and the article she needs to write that will either make it or break it for her chances. Refusing to rely on her rich and successful father, she's determined to make it on her own. But when the article idea she had is torn to shreds by her editor, she's desperate for a story and her stepsister just may hand it to her on a silver platter. A secret game that's held by the college baseball team that involves cards, pre-arranged hookups, and willing females is just the thing she needs. And when her step sister is invited for the ultimate place on the totem pole, gets sick, and allows her to go in her place? Well, how's a girl to pass that up.
I have to say, I loved Mallory. She knows who she is but she's still vulnerable in her own hang ups. She's tough and not afraid to go after what she wants. I also seriously loved her friendship with her two besties and how they're there for each other.
As for Decker? My god. I died for this man and his poor, tortured soul. Decker is desperate for revenge and will go after it at the expense of everything in order to make the person that stole his dream from him pay. As we get his story, piece by piece, you can't help but fall further for him. The chemistry between him and Mallory was immediate and incendiary. I loved the slow burn and I especially loved their frustrating push and pull. He fights his attraction to her with everything he's got because he can't afford a distraction and Mallory holds the key to his revenge.
My one quibble with the book is the twist at the end seemed a bit...far fetched. I struggled to fully wrap my mind around it and all of the messiness of it. But then once I did, I was all in, even if I didn't fully buy it. Which is strange but true.
Wild Card was everything I love in a sports romance; angsty, steamy, and a hero with a heart of gold and a dirty mouth. I devoured this book in one sitting and desperately waiting for more in this series. I loved the step sister's redemption and can't wait to see how her story plays out. Talk about your HOOK LINE AND SINKER at the end there. Dang.
Find me on:
...he was mine and I was going to be his. Even if it broke me to let him in, even if it ruined me. There wasn’t much left of my heart, but whatever there was I’d shove into his massive palm. Then I’d just let him decide what to do with it. Maybe he’d realize that our tattered pieces matched.
Clearly I have been sleeping on Ashley Munoz, because after reading this book, I'm an insta fan. I'm a sucker for a steamy college sports romance, and this one hit all of the spots I had and some I didn't even know of.
What I liked about it most was that it wasn't exactly your typical sports romance. There was a bit of suspense and mystery, a dash of angst, and a romance so good that I was immediately hooked.
Mallory is the sort of heroine that sneaks up on you. She's a bit reserved and unassuming, focused on her dream internship and the article she needs to write that will either make it or break it for her chances. Refusing to rely on her rich and successful father, she's determined to make it on her own. But when the article idea she had is torn to shreds by her editor, she's desperate for a story and her stepsister just may hand it to her on a silver platter. A secret game that's held by the college baseball team that involves cards, pre-arranged hookups, and willing females is just the thing she needs. And when her step sister is invited for the ultimate place on the totem pole, gets sick, and allows her to go in her place? Well, how's a girl to pass that up.
I have to say, I loved Mallory. She knows who she is but she's still vulnerable in her own hang ups. She's tough and not afraid to go after what she wants. I also seriously loved her friendship with her two besties and how they're there for each other.
As for Decker? My god. I died for this man and his poor, tortured soul. Decker is desperate for revenge and will go after it at the expense of everything in order to make the person that stole his dream from him pay. As we get his story, piece by piece, you can't help but fall further for him. The chemistry between him and Mallory was immediate and incendiary. I loved the slow burn and I especially loved their frustrating push and pull. He fights his attraction to her with everything he's got because he can't afford a distraction and Mallory holds the key to his revenge.
My one quibble with the book is the twist at the end seemed a bit...far fetched. I struggled to fully wrap my mind around it and all of the messiness of it. But then once I did, I was all in, even if I didn't fully buy it. Which is strange but true.
Wild Card was everything I love in a sports romance; angsty, steamy, and a hero with a heart of gold and a dirty mouth. I devoured this book in one sitting and desperately waiting for more in this series. I loved the step sister's redemption and can't wait to see how her story plays out. Talk about your HOOK LINE AND SINKER at the end there. Dang.
Find me on:
August 4, 2021
Wildcard was an absolute EPIC Read!
The angst, and freaking suspense left me hooked. I did not put it down until the very last page.
I SERIOUSLY LOVED DECKER!
Helps he was smoking hot🔥🔥
Mallory and Decker had such a strong connection, I loved them together.
I really enjoyed the story and it was REALLY well written.
Also this was my very first Ashley Munoz Book and it's so being added to my Fave list.
The angst, and freaking suspense left me hooked. I did not put it down until the very last page.
I SERIOUSLY LOVED DECKER!
Helps he was smoking hot🔥🔥
Mallory and Decker had such a strong connection, I loved them together.
I really enjoyed the story and it was REALLY well written.
Also this was my very first Ashley Munoz Book and it's so being added to my Fave list.
July 31, 2021
OMG, the perfection of this story was unbelievable!
Not only was this book well written, but you could feel the chemistry between the characters drip off the pages. I had so many moments while reading where I felt that twinge in my stomach from butterflies swarming. I could feel every emotion from these incredible characters through every high and low they encountered.
The only thing wrong with this book was that I had to put it down every now and then to go to work when I wanted to keep reading. Haha! This was one of those books that you start and it quickly consumes you because you have to know how it's going to end.
Well done Ms. Munoz. Well. Friggin'. Done.
Not only was this book well written, but you could feel the chemistry between the characters drip off the pages. I had so many moments while reading where I felt that twinge in my stomach from butterflies swarming. I could feel every emotion from these incredible characters through every high and low they encountered.
The only thing wrong with this book was that I had to put it down every now and then to go to work when I wanted to keep reading. Haha! This was one of those books that you start and it quickly consumes you because you have to know how it's going to end.
Well done Ms. Munoz. Well. Friggin'. Done.
August 16, 2021
Wild Card definitely had potential, but the execution was not it. Some parts reminded me of Meghan Quinn's beginning books from the Brentwood Boy's series, so if you liked those books then maybe read Wild Card? I've gotten tired of Quinn's books, but I find myself reading every single one of them. RIP.
Things to know:
🃏The college life representation isn't accurate at all and super cringe. Quinn does it slightly better. At least she did in the beginning books.
🃏The revenge plot was kinda confusing so beware.
🃏 Once again, the whole "the guy I'm attracted to is the Devil" dialogue occurs.
🃏 The playing card plot is honestly disgusting, which goes back to the unrealistic college representation, and it's played off as consensual but I don't buy it.
Will I read the second book? Probably. Only because I hope there's improvement with the feedback Munoz receives. We'll see.
Things to know:
🃏The college life representation isn't accurate at all and super cringe. Quinn does it slightly better. At least she did in the beginning books.
🃏The revenge plot was kinda confusing so beware.
🃏 Once again, the whole "the guy I'm attracted to is the Devil" dialogue occurs.
🃏 The playing card plot is honestly disgusting, which goes back to the unrealistic college representation, and it's played off as consensual but I don't buy it.
Will I read the second book? Probably. Only because I hope there's improvement with the feedback Munoz receives. We'll see.
August 14, 2021
This is one of those stories that is going to have me thinking about them for quite a while! Decker and Mallory were EVERYTHING! I am still just in total awe! Decker surprised me with how swoony he was! OMG I was NOT expecting that level of heart flutters from this guy! But there I was with my hand over my heart and my husband asking me if everything was ok! I was not ready for that! The fact that the meet by total accident is cute all on its own. And I get that they are in college, but the way that their paths keep on crossing after that, when they didn't seem to before was just funny to me. The angst was REAL in this one... it had me feeling the stomach churning and everything! And my heart totally broke a time or 2!
Not only were they a phenomenal couple to watch... the people that they surround themselves with were all quite intriguing in their own ways. It seems like Ashley plans to write more from this world and I AM HERE FOR IT!!! Give me all the angst and spice! I am ready!!! Definitely a top read of 2021!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔
Not only were they a phenomenal couple to watch... the people that they surround themselves with were all quite intriguing in their own ways. It seems like Ashley plans to write more from this world and I AM HERE FOR IT!!! Give me all the angst and spice! I am ready!!! Definitely a top read of 2021!
Story 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Spice 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Swoon 😍😍😍😍😍
Angst 💔💔💔💔
August 2, 2021
Ashley has done it again!
Mallory and Decker bring a different game to these pages.. a wild card! This book will be unlike any other book you’ve read.
Their chemistry will eat your heart out until the very last page. One click this bad boy!
Mallory and Decker bring a different game to these pages.. a wild card! This book will be unlike any other book you’ve read.
Their chemistry will eat your heart out until the very last page. One click this bad boy!
August 8, 2021
Love it
July 18, 2021
Wild card was a wild ride full of twists, turns, secrets, revenge and a connection between two people that just oozed off the pages.
I wanted to slap each of them at times but it just added to the intense and deep connection between these two people.
I was trying to figure out how it was all going to play out and I had no clue which way it was gonna go…I love stories like this. The ending was perfect and I cannot wait for more from this amazingly talented author.
I wanted to slap each of them at times but it just added to the intense and deep connection between these two people.
I was trying to figure out how it was all going to play out and I had no clue which way it was gonna go…I love stories like this. The ending was perfect and I cannot wait for more from this amazingly talented author.
August 6, 2021
Angsty love, twists and turns, a big gesture, AND a deep soul connection...sigh...Wild Card brought it all and it was perfect. Ashley Munoz wrote fantastic characters that pulled me in and made me fall in love. Wild Card is a winner!!
Mallory needs a fantastic story for her journalism class to get a chance at an internship and when an idea lands in her lap she finds it hard to refuse the opportunity of a lifetime, but how far is she willing to go to get her story?
Decker wants revenge on the man who has ruined his future, but to do so he has to take something Elias covets. How low is Decker willing to lower his moral table in order to get his revenge?
She needs a big story, he needs a revenge move, they both lie to get what they want, but will it end in disaster?
Wild Card is soooo incredibly good, the entire story is angsty and twisty and plotted to perfection. Both Mallory and Decker have their reasons for achieving their goals and while they are both remain steadfast in obtaining their goals even when their emotions get involved neither give up. I love that Ashley didn't allow either character to drop their personality traits or change completely just because they began to catch the feels, it kept the story cohesive especially with the unexpected ending, but it made my heart race up until the very end.
This is the first book in the Rake Forge University world and I can hardly wait to return to read more about the other players and friends.
Mallory needs a fantastic story for her journalism class to get a chance at an internship and when an idea lands in her lap she finds it hard to refuse the opportunity of a lifetime, but how far is she willing to go to get her story?
Decker wants revenge on the man who has ruined his future, but to do so he has to take something Elias covets. How low is Decker willing to lower his moral table in order to get his revenge?
She needs a big story, he needs a revenge move, they both lie to get what they want, but will it end in disaster?
Wild Card is soooo incredibly good, the entire story is angsty and twisty and plotted to perfection. Both Mallory and Decker have their reasons for achieving their goals and while they are both remain steadfast in obtaining their goals even when their emotions get involved neither give up. I love that Ashley didn't allow either character to drop their personality traits or change completely just because they began to catch the feels, it kept the story cohesive especially with the unexpected ending, but it made my heart race up until the very end.
This is the first book in the Rake Forge University world and I can hardly wait to return to read more about the other players and friends.
August 5, 2021
At the beginning of the book, I wasn’t sure where the story was going. Once I got to the grit of the story, I was hooked. I could not put it down as I was unraveling the mystery behind the Devils Baseball Team. The story is sizzling hot with chemistry and mystery.
Mallory is an aspiring journalist who is working toward securing the internship of her dreams. When he pulls her story, she scrambles to find a replacement, one that will get her noticed. Through her sister, she finds out about the card game the Devils play. An aged old, secret tradition that would shock anyone that finds out about it. Mallory is determined to find out about it when she meets Decker who agrees to help her. But Decker has his own revenge he wants to take out on a former best friend and he needs Mallory’s help.
I loved the mystery of this story as we read and got to see what it was all about. It kept me so entertained and I could not put this book down. Mallory is amazing and I loved her growth as a person. She starts off as a shy bookworm and just blossoms into a force to be reckoned with. Decker is a protective, swoony, down to earth guy. Protective of his family, friends and his future. I loved all the secondary characters and I cannot wait for Taylor’s book next. There’s so much more to her than just Mallory’s little sister.
Mallory is an aspiring journalist who is working toward securing the internship of her dreams. When he pulls her story, she scrambles to find a replacement, one that will get her noticed. Through her sister, she finds out about the card game the Devils play. An aged old, secret tradition that would shock anyone that finds out about it. Mallory is determined to find out about it when she meets Decker who agrees to help her. But Decker has his own revenge he wants to take out on a former best friend and he needs Mallory’s help.
I loved the mystery of this story as we read and got to see what it was all about. It kept me so entertained and I could not put this book down. Mallory is amazing and I loved her growth as a person. She starts off as a shy bookworm and just blossoms into a force to be reckoned with. Decker is a protective, swoony, down to earth guy. Protective of his family, friends and his future. I loved all the secondary characters and I cannot wait for Taylor’s book next. There’s so much more to her than just Mallory’s little sister.
August 11, 2021
Wild Card is more than a sports romance, it is a story filled with heart, suspense, angst and so much emotion. The steam factor is off the charts and even more satisfying than a home run. The angst at times will have you holding your breath and your heart pounding. Decker and Mallory have vengeance in their sights but feelings, chemistry and a connection might just be a recipe for confusion and disaster. A story that has you gripped to the pages for one Wild ride.
October 28, 2021
3 1/2 Stars!
August 12, 2021
I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.
This was it...I could see it in my editor's eyes. This was the last straw. One more misstep and I was going to lose my coveted internship. I decided right there in my room, lime-flavored tortilla chips in hand, that I would do whatever it took to write the story of the century. And I had my target in sight-the undefeated Devil's baseball team. they were RFU royalty, and completely untouchable. Their parties were impossible to get into unless you were handpicked, and I was not. Even still, I had a solid plan. I would not get caught, definitely not seduced, and absolutely wouldn't die. That is until I stopped and rendered totally speechless by a pair of mossy eyes. He lured me in, close enough to feel the press of his mouth against my skin, and the heat of his hands on my body. Undoubtedly, I was a sheep headed straight for the slaughter, which only proved true when he called my bluff. With him holding all the cards for my future success, and in order to salvage what remained of my dream, I did the only thing I could. I made a deal with the devil.
This is the story of Mallory Shaw who is an investigative reporter at RFU and is on thin ice with her editor and needs a huge story before she loses the internship she has worked so hard for. But she has the perfect story in mind because she has heard that the baseball teams have exclusive card games that no one can get into unless they are handpicked and specially invited to go. She has a fool proof plan. That is until Decker, with his green eyes and smoking hotness and one heck of a dirty mouth one minute and then whispers a sweet nothing in your ear and your melting into a puddle of goo. But she can't get distracted and has to know what is going on with the baseball team and why all the secrets. It is also odd that they didn't ever run into each other on campus at all and now suddenly they are passing each other left and right. But Decker has agreed to help her and she does not know that he has his own hidden agenda to get revenge on a former best friend and he needs her help just as much as she needs his if this is going to work. So many secrets. So many angst filled heart flutters. A smoking hot guy with the mouth that makes your kindle melt is sure to lead to some steamy moments. And don't forget the what the heck is actually going on in this book thing that it has going on. I was hooked from the first pages and didn't want to put this bad boy down for anything. What isn't to love. Plus you have a cast of character that I am sure we are going to get more books about and I can't wait because I am sure those books will be equally amazing to Wild Card. Don't even hesitate to hit that one click button and enjoy the ride. You are going to love it.
This was it...I could see it in my editor's eyes. This was the last straw. One more misstep and I was going to lose my coveted internship. I decided right there in my room, lime-flavored tortilla chips in hand, that I would do whatever it took to write the story of the century. And I had my target in sight-the undefeated Devil's baseball team. they were RFU royalty, and completely untouchable. Their parties were impossible to get into unless you were handpicked, and I was not. Even still, I had a solid plan. I would not get caught, definitely not seduced, and absolutely wouldn't die. That is until I stopped and rendered totally speechless by a pair of mossy eyes. He lured me in, close enough to feel the press of his mouth against my skin, and the heat of his hands on my body. Undoubtedly, I was a sheep headed straight for the slaughter, which only proved true when he called my bluff. With him holding all the cards for my future success, and in order to salvage what remained of my dream, I did the only thing I could. I made a deal with the devil.
This is the story of Mallory Shaw who is an investigative reporter at RFU and is on thin ice with her editor and needs a huge story before she loses the internship she has worked so hard for. But she has the perfect story in mind because she has heard that the baseball teams have exclusive card games that no one can get into unless they are handpicked and specially invited to go. She has a fool proof plan. That is until Decker, with his green eyes and smoking hotness and one heck of a dirty mouth one minute and then whispers a sweet nothing in your ear and your melting into a puddle of goo. But she can't get distracted and has to know what is going on with the baseball team and why all the secrets. It is also odd that they didn't ever run into each other on campus at all and now suddenly they are passing each other left and right. But Decker has agreed to help her and she does not know that he has his own hidden agenda to get revenge on a former best friend and he needs her help just as much as she needs his if this is going to work. So many secrets. So many angst filled heart flutters. A smoking hot guy with the mouth that makes your kindle melt is sure to lead to some steamy moments. And don't forget the what the heck is actually going on in this book thing that it has going on. I was hooked from the first pages and didn't want to put this bad boy down for anything. What isn't to love. Plus you have a cast of character that I am sure we are going to get more books about and I can't wait because I am sure those books will be equally amazing to Wild Card. Don't even hesitate to hit that one click button and enjoy the ride. You are going to love it.
August 8, 2021
MY BOOK REVIEW - ♣️ WILD CARD by Ashley Munoz ♣️
I read it, I smashed it and I loved it. Ashley Munoz has done it again. She’s the queen of slow burn with so much emotion. I knew when I first dived into it I was going to love it but that’s an understatement. This is a college sports romance with a twist. Mallory the nerdy journalism student trying to achieve her goal to have an internship. Decker the baseball player seeking revenge.. what could this mean? I guess you’ll have to read it then, right? 😉 The instant connection between Mallory and decker had me swooning even though they were never meant to be. Decker has so many layers to him but underneath it all was this beautiful broken boy that only Mallory sees and understands.
The continuous push and pull had me screaming because I just wanted them together. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions with a lot of twists and turns you don’t see coming some that made me smile and some that broke me. When you find such a raw book like this you don’t want to put it down and I didn’t. Both have this connection that no one else understands but both feel. There are some brilliant side characters that kept me laughing and wanting their own books. This book had me re reading because once everything aligned it was an explosion of feelings. You’ll want to hate decker but you will forgive him like I did. My favourite scene was when decker called mallory his little compass. I just couldn’t handle it, i swooned. ♣️
I received an arc to give an honest opinion.
I read it, I smashed it and I loved it. Ashley Munoz has done it again. She’s the queen of slow burn with so much emotion. I knew when I first dived into it I was going to love it but that’s an understatement. This is a college sports romance with a twist. Mallory the nerdy journalism student trying to achieve her goal to have an internship. Decker the baseball player seeking revenge.. what could this mean? I guess you’ll have to read it then, right? 😉 The instant connection between Mallory and decker had me swooning even though they were never meant to be. Decker has so many layers to him but underneath it all was this beautiful broken boy that only Mallory sees and understands.
The continuous push and pull had me screaming because I just wanted them together. This book is a rollercoaster of emotions with a lot of twists and turns you don’t see coming some that made me smile and some that broke me. When you find such a raw book like this you don’t want to put it down and I didn’t. Both have this connection that no one else understands but both feel. There are some brilliant side characters that kept me laughing and wanting their own books. This book had me re reading because once everything aligned it was an explosion of feelings. You’ll want to hate decker but you will forgive him like I did. My favourite scene was when decker called mallory his little compass. I just couldn’t handle it, i swooned. ♣️
I received an arc to give an honest opinion.
August 9, 2021
Oh my poor heart..... this book has all the feels going on....from that anxious pain in your chest, butterflies in your stomach to the heat under your ahem-collar😉
Decker and Mallory nearly broke me.
I loved Mallory from the very start, with her quirkiness and strength. I admired her self confidence, especially given her occasional insecurities. I appreciated the fact that she was her own person, oblivious to any of the college gossip and living life on her own terms.
Then we have beautifully broken Decker....struggling with so many demons of his own, desperately trying to repair his life and seek revenge for the wrongs inflicted on him.
He can’t loose sight of his plan but then the curve ball called Mallory catches him completely off base and suddenly has him re-evaluating everything.....
But is the web of lies and deceit too much for this young couple to get past and will family loyalty change everything?
A must read....I can’t wait for more from this amazing author, her writing never fails to touch my heart....I need more of this exciting new series.
Decker and Mallory nearly broke me.
I loved Mallory from the very start, with her quirkiness and strength. I admired her self confidence, especially given her occasional insecurities. I appreciated the fact that she was her own person, oblivious to any of the college gossip and living life on her own terms.
Then we have beautifully broken Decker....struggling with so many demons of his own, desperately trying to repair his life and seek revenge for the wrongs inflicted on him.
He can’t loose sight of his plan but then the curve ball called Mallory catches him completely off base and suddenly has him re-evaluating everything.....
But is the web of lies and deceit too much for this young couple to get past and will family loyalty change everything?
A must read....I can’t wait for more from this amazing author, her writing never fails to touch my heart....I need more of this exciting new series.
August 8, 2021
I received this ARC by Ashley Munoz and was thrilled. I have ready some of her other books and loved them as well.
Mallory is focused on a goal of getting an internship at her dream job, but when her original story gets pulled she focuses on the Devils baseball team “card game”.
Decker had everything set for his future, only for it to be ripped out when his teammate, childhood friend and now rival took it away. Now he is focused on his revenge but Mallory shows up with “the card” in her sisters place all things change.
These characters back story leaves you wanting to know more about their inner turmoil. You want them to be able to be truthful and lay all the cards out. One thing for sure the sexual tension and angst is 🔥🔥🔥. Even though these characters do not seal the deal at first for the foreplay is steamy ❤️🔥… one word (HEADBOARD) I will leave it at that. Loved this book. Definitely recommend.
Mallory is focused on a goal of getting an internship at her dream job, but when her original story gets pulled she focuses on the Devils baseball team “card game”.
Decker had everything set for his future, only for it to be ripped out when his teammate, childhood friend and now rival took it away. Now he is focused on his revenge but Mallory shows up with “the card” in her sisters place all things change.
These characters back story leaves you wanting to know more about their inner turmoil. You want them to be able to be truthful and lay all the cards out. One thing for sure the sexual tension and angst is 🔥🔥🔥. Even though these characters do not seal the deal at first for the foreplay is steamy ❤️🔥… one word (HEADBOARD) I will leave it at that. Loved this book. Definitely recommend.
August 8, 2021
Wild Card is book 1 in the Rake Forge University series. Sports romance love story that began one night when both were not who they were pretending to be. Mallory and Decker were a great couple that had instant chemistry when they first met. They connected on a deeper, emotional level. So much pain and heartache. I could relate to losing a loved one and struggling to keep the memories of who they once were. The angst was real in this one and left you guessing what would happen next. I enjoyed the supporting characters and I’m excited to see where Ashley takes the next book!
August 9, 2021
Wild Card is not what I was expecting. This story is full of games, secrets and alot of angst!!. Lana~White Hot Reads
Mallory and Decker are on fire. The instant combustible connection is awesome. These two are meant for each other but oh boy do the secrets play a big part as everyone is keeping them. You feel for Mallory and Decker as the game explodes on them and they realize they what has happened. In the end, the game was played well and Decker and Mallory realize they need each other. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
Mallory and Decker are on fire. The instant combustible connection is awesome. These two are meant for each other but oh boy do the secrets play a big part as everyone is keeping them. You feel for Mallory and Decker as the game explodes on them and they realize they what has happened. In the end, the game was played well and Decker and Mallory realize they need each other. Can't wait for the next book in this series.
August 17, 2021
This was such a good read and the plot was SO intriguing, like how the author came up with ‘the game’ and each of the rules was amazing!!
I thought Decker was going to be more of an asshole from the first moments we get with him and Mallory. Unexpectedly he ended up being the broken hero we all know and love. Him and Mallory worked so well together, especially when he would have fantasies about his future with someone Mallory was the perfect fit. She was a smart, sweet, and brave heroine. I loved how easily they comforted one another and would just know what the other needed.
I wished the epilogue was more about them and not an intro to the next book, but I am still excited we see Taylor’s and hopefully with the guy that is teased a bit!!! There were times where the dialogue seemed a bit too high school rather than college to me, but overall a great and fast read!
I thought Decker was going to be more of an asshole from the first moments we get with him and Mallory. Unexpectedly he ended up being the broken hero we all know and love. Him and Mallory worked so well together, especially when he would have fantasies about his future with someone Mallory was the perfect fit. She was a smart, sweet, and brave heroine. I loved how easily they comforted one another and would just know what the other needed.
I wished the epilogue was more about them and not an intro to the next book, but I am still excited we see Taylor’s and hopefully with the guy that is teased a bit!!! There were times where the dialogue seemed a bit too high school rather than college to me, but overall a great and fast read!
August 12, 2021
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙢𝙖𝙠𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙚𝙚𝙡 𝙡𝙚𝙨𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙨𝙩. 𝙄 𝙨𝙖𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙝𝙤𝙨𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨, 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙧𝙖𝙜𝙜𝙚𝙙𝙮 𝙧𝙚𝙙 𝙝𝙤𝙤𝙙𝙞𝙚, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙪𝙙𝙙𝙚𝙣𝙡𝙮 𝙞𝙩 𝙛𝙚𝙡𝙩 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 𝙄’𝙙 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙨𝙨…𝙖 𝙬𝙖𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙜𝙚𝙩 𝙗𝙖𝙘𝙠 𝙝𝙤𝙢𝙚.”
Whew. Munoz did not come to play with this one.
Betrayals, lies, secrets, it’s all in these pages.
Decker & Mallory are a flame burning bright, from first interaction. That flame almost gets snuffed a few times, due in part to their own actions, as well as those from those around them.
I was gripped from the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on.
The spice is real. Munoz usually gives us lots of slow burn goodness, and in comparison to some of her others, this shoots off like a bottle rocket.
Fans of baseball romances, and secret societies will absolutely want to dive into this one.
Whew. Munoz did not come to play with this one.
Betrayals, lies, secrets, it’s all in these pages.
Decker & Mallory are a flame burning bright, from first interaction. That flame almost gets snuffed a few times, due in part to their own actions, as well as those from those around them.
I was gripped from the beginning, trying to figure out what was going on.
The spice is real. Munoz usually gives us lots of slow burn goodness, and in comparison to some of her others, this shoots off like a bottle rocket.
Fans of baseball romances, and secret societies will absolutely want to dive into this one.
August 6, 2021
Wild Card by Ashley Munoz was truly a wild story, with the title fitting the book to a Tee!
4/4.25 ⭐️
Mallory ‘Mal’ Nicole Shaw a college student has dreamed of being a journalist. But when her initial story leads to her chances at her dream internship with Kline Global (KG) being almost taken away, she knows she has to come up with replacement but what? Cue the Devils Play, which leads her to Decker ‘Duggar’ James and making a deal to get the information she needs to make this story possible. But with Decker having his own agenda, is their deal worth it? Especially if it leads to people getting hurt in the process?
Wild Card was one crazy, chaotic, fanatical journey that took you on a wild adventure filled with major mystery, high suspense, a load of drama, emotionally intense angst and fiery steam. Plus with all the twists and turns that occurred throughout, it left you immensely confused at points with trying to gather the pieces from the mystery to build the puzzle already to get the answers. Only to lead to falling down the abyss that was Decker and Mallory, in trying to figure out the equation that was the mystery that surrounded them, their lives and their overall story.
On top of that, given the amount of angst that poured off of nearly every single page, Wild Card had you enchanted into holding on tighter and never letting go. While also brimming with frustration and exasperation in wanting the secret mysteries to be outed to reach the HEA already.
Safe to say, Ashley definitely put a spell on me with this book, because I couldn’t get enough with devouring every single page.
The tension between Mallory and Decker is palpable yet electric with currents sizzling in anticipation of doling out lightning strikes. It was absolute HOT yet torturous, waiting in eagerness of biting your nails while on the edge of your seats. Ready for the explosion to occur between Mallory and Decker, having at their lustful desires being released to do what they have been holding in, with wanting to do. Getting down and dirty and giving in to their impulses of Sexy, Steamy, Pleasurable goodness since their first hook up.
I swear Ashley enjoyed torturing us with their innocent moments, by keeping us on standby and screaming out in frustration with waiting for their fireworks display moment of their sexual passion.
When it came to Mallory and Decker, we were shown through their expressions of emotions, feelings, actions and words, a rawness in the beauty that was their ever blossoming relationship. The fact that they willing stripped themselves bare displaying their heart and soul in front of each other, despite knowing the risk of not having the HEA they wanted with each other. Considering all else that was going on in their lives, that had them pulling back at times.
I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect with Wild Card being my second read from the author Ashley Munoz. Which is why to say I was surprised and blown away is an understatement.
Ashley did an awesome job with bringing Decker and Mallory’s story to life. And I can honestly say Wild Card is definitely my favourite story that she has written. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to the rest of the stories from the Rake Forge University series.
*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 17, 2021
4.5 stars - a fab read!
"There was a rawness about him, a piece of stone that was probably perfect and wonderful on the inside, but his outside was rough and unwelcoming."
Mallory Shaw needs a good story to get noticed for a much coveted internship. When an opportunity arises for her to follow up on a new lead, she takes it. She will be completely out of her comfort zone, but she really wants that internship. What she finds is a hot guy, some eye-opening clues, and the beginnings of something far more complicated than she anticipated.
"I hadn't ever been in love, not that I knew of, but the punch to my chest when I saw her wasn't something I'd ever forget."
Decker James will do anything to get his revenge. When Mallory ends up in the right place at the wrong time, she derails his plans in more ways than one. However, she needs a story and he still needs his revenge. The deal they strike seems clear cut, but things start to blur when their feelings become involved.
"I can't be away from you tonight. I need to feel your skin, hear your heart...feel the heat from your f*cking breath."
This was an absorbing read. I felt terrible for Decker when I read the prologue. As the story unfolded, it was evident that he had a lot to contend with. There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as well as his need to take down his nemesis. His desire for Mallory was compelling. Their chemistry was hot and immediate. He was a such a dirty talker! He knew what he needed to do, but his growing feelings for Mallory was a major obstacle in his plans. Mallory, herself, was a very likeable character. I felt sympathy for her struggles with her family members. I admired that she tried to do the right thing even though sometimes it felt like she never got anything in return. I loved Decker's sweet, heart-melting words to her, and his grand gesture towards the end of the story. A fab read with lots of push and pull between the characters, and a twisty plot to keep the reader on their toes.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3PIRQB...
"There was a rawness about him, a piece of stone that was probably perfect and wonderful on the inside, but his outside was rough and unwelcoming."
Mallory Shaw needs a good story to get noticed for a much coveted internship. When an opportunity arises for her to follow up on a new lead, she takes it. She will be completely out of her comfort zone, but she really wants that internship. What she finds is a hot guy, some eye-opening clues, and the beginnings of something far more complicated than she anticipated.
"I hadn't ever been in love, not that I knew of, but the punch to my chest when I saw her wasn't something I'd ever forget."
Decker James will do anything to get his revenge. When Mallory ends up in the right place at the wrong time, she derails his plans in more ways than one. However, she needs a story and he still needs his revenge. The deal they strike seems clear cut, but things start to blur when their feelings become involved.
"I can't be away from you tonight. I need to feel your skin, hear your heart...feel the heat from your f*cking breath."
This was an absorbing read. I felt terrible for Decker when I read the prologue. As the story unfolded, it was evident that he had a lot to contend with. There was a lot of pressure on his shoulders, as well as his need to take down his nemesis. His desire for Mallory was compelling. Their chemistry was hot and immediate. He was a such a dirty talker! He knew what he needed to do, but his growing feelings for Mallory was a major obstacle in his plans. Mallory, herself, was a very likeable character. I felt sympathy for her struggles with her family members. I admired that she tried to do the right thing even though sometimes it felt like she never got anything in return. I loved Decker's sweet, heart-melting words to her, and his grand gesture towards the end of the story. A fab read with lots of push and pull between the characters, and a twisty plot to keep the reader on their toes.
Blog: https://readingwillingable.blogspot.c...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/review/R3PIRQB...
August 9, 2021
Oh My Ashley Munoz Has Done It Again!
When you make a deal with the Devil you need to prepare your heart and possibly your cold shower because things will get a whole lot angsty and a little steamy.
From the beginning until the very end Decker and Mallory's story had me utterly hooked while wreaking havoc on my heart and emotions. Riddled with emotion, secrets, revenge, and twists and turns their journey was not all sunshine and rainbows. It was heartbreaking, steamy, angsty, suspenseful, and oh so swoon-worthy.
Decker our Hero will obliterate your heart! Clouded by demons he is a broken man with a plan for revenge against those who ruined his dreams and life.
What his plan doesn't include is Mallory...
I adored our heroine Mallory. She's beautiful, determined, strong, humorously quirky, and yet also she shows a layer of insecurities that makes her even more endearing and relatable.
These two together ached my heart in all the ways! And I refused to put down their story until I reached what I prayed would be a HEA.
Because when lies are uncovered, secrets are revealed, and betrayal is brought to the forefront will love be enough to hold them together?
Absolutely loved! I laughed, my heart ached, I swooned, I got damn frustrated, I felt angry, I gasped when the twists and turns hit, and I smiled like a Cheshire Cat when I hit the end.
A Highly Recommended Read!
I can't wait for more from this series!
When you make a deal with the Devil you need to prepare your heart and possibly your cold shower because things will get a whole lot angsty and a little steamy.
From the beginning until the very end Decker and Mallory's story had me utterly hooked while wreaking havoc on my heart and emotions. Riddled with emotion, secrets, revenge, and twists and turns their journey was not all sunshine and rainbows. It was heartbreaking, steamy, angsty, suspenseful, and oh so swoon-worthy.
Decker our Hero will obliterate your heart! Clouded by demons he is a broken man with a plan for revenge against those who ruined his dreams and life.
What his plan doesn't include is Mallory...
I adored our heroine Mallory. She's beautiful, determined, strong, humorously quirky, and yet also she shows a layer of insecurities that makes her even more endearing and relatable.
These two together ached my heart in all the ways! And I refused to put down their story until I reached what I prayed would be a HEA.
Because when lies are uncovered, secrets are revealed, and betrayal is brought to the forefront will love be enough to hold them together?
Absolutely loved! I laughed, my heart ached, I swooned, I got damn frustrated, I felt angry, I gasped when the twists and turns hit, and I smiled like a Cheshire Cat when I hit the end.
A Highly Recommended Read!
I can't wait for more from this series!
August 6, 2021
Mallory is an investigative student reporter in this new adult romance that takes place on a college campus. Her stepsister Taylor is given a card by the baseball team to essentially hook up with a designated member of the baseball team. Looking for a breaking story to land her an internship, Mallory goes in her place. There she meets Declan a pitcher that devised a plan to take the place of the original baseball player who sent the card. These two have instant chemistry and both have different motives for being in that room. Before they can take things too far they realize neither is who they are supposed to be and later make a plan to help each other. A story for her stepsister. It can never be that simple though when feelings get involved. I loved that this book had some angst mixed with a good plot and two grieving main characters. Both felt different kinds of pain that made them lost and endearing. Only together were either able to find peace. Declan made many mistakes but made up for it in a big way and Mallory could be stubborn, but she eventually found her path. I'm definitely invested in this new series and looking forward to what happens next.
August 14, 2021
Mallory is on the fast track to losing her internship if she doesn’t do something fast. Word around campus is the baseball team holds secretive card games and only a select few get in. Mallory has a plan to crash and write about it securing her internship. Her plan goes awry when she meets Decker.
Decker is on the war path. Vengeance is his plan. His plan goes awry when he bumps into Mallory. They decide to help each other out but when lines begin to blur, they’ll have to decide what’s more important.
I loved Mallory and Decker!! Their chemistry is instant but their relationship went much deeper. This book gives us all the feels. Wild Card is so much more than a sports romance. It’s full of angst, secrets, twists, and love. Ashley Munoz is a new to me author and Wild Card is a home run!
Decker is on the war path. Vengeance is his plan. His plan goes awry when he bumps into Mallory. They decide to help each other out but when lines begin to blur, they’ll have to decide what’s more important.
I loved Mallory and Decker!! Their chemistry is instant but their relationship went much deeper. This book gives us all the feels. Wild Card is so much more than a sports romance. It’s full of angst, secrets, twists, and love. Ashley Munoz is a new to me author and Wild Card is a home run!
August 14, 2021
4.5 ⭐'s
Wild Card is a book I know I won't forget anytime soon. This is my first book by Ashley Munoz and after reading this, I will be devouring her backlist asap.
This is a new adult college romance. Mallory Shaw is a reporter there who is desperately trying to earn a coveted internship. She finds the perfect story to report on which leads her to meeting Decker "Duggar" James. He is a pitcher on the Devil’s baseball team. His team has a little game they play involving some very interesting rules.
This book had the perfect amount of angst, suspense, steam and quite a bit of chemistry. I loved all the feelings this story evoked in me. The push and pull between the main characters was addictive to the point I never wanted to put the book down. I loved the side characters just as much. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
Wild Card is a book I know I won't forget anytime soon. This is my first book by Ashley Munoz and after reading this, I will be devouring her backlist asap.
This is a new adult college romance. Mallory Shaw is a reporter there who is desperately trying to earn a coveted internship. She finds the perfect story to report on which leads her to meeting Decker "Duggar" James. He is a pitcher on the Devil’s baseball team. His team has a little game they play involving some very interesting rules.
This book had the perfect amount of angst, suspense, steam and quite a bit of chemistry. I loved all the feelings this story evoked in me. The push and pull between the main characters was addictive to the point I never wanted to put the book down. I loved the side characters just as much. I can’t wait for the rest of this series!
August 12, 2021
Ashley Munoz really knows how to pull at my heart strings! I liked Mallory right away. I liked how Ashley wrote the relationships Mallory had in her life with her friends and family. The family relationships were complex and tenuous which I really felt in my heart. Decker pulled me in. Ok, fine.. I am totally crushing on him. I loved their connection. They have CHEMISTRY! Decker’s family situation broke my heart. How he was trying to rally and keep going really showed me his heart and soul. The plot was interesting and when I thought I knew how things were going to go there would be a turn. It had my stomach in knots in the best way. Overall I loved this book!
August 7, 2021
I won an ARC of this and this is my first book by this author. I haven't read a MF in so long but I couldn't put this one down. The steaaaaammmm. And the sisters. I can't wait for Taylor's book. Happy to have won this and gotten to read it. Loved it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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