The Linebacker by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond Blog Tour

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight years old?

PATRICK GRIFFIN

I hurt him. I didn’t mean to.

Now he’s gone, and I deserve it.

As a linebacker in the NFL, I've never found the right time to come out of the closet. Not even when I promised Cole I would.

But now, with Cole's band, Fallen Angel, in the spotlight along with my team, the pressure is mounting. Everyone thinks we're just best friends, but the weight of my secret is tearing us apart.

And it just might be too late to save us when I can.

COLE BRADLEY

Is it wrong for me to want the world to know I’m in love with Patrick Griffin and have been since we were eight years old?

He is the love of my life, but it’s been years of waiting and excuses.

All our friends, even his teammates, have a public life. So why can’t we?

He promised it would be different in Portland.

But then he tells yet another reporter he’s single. I need a break. It’s perfect timing since our band is heading out on tour.

I don’t know if I can live without him. But I don’t think I can do forever in the closet.

It’s always been Patrick for me, but is it too much to ask for the world to know he’s mine too?

The Linebacker is a secret romance and childhood best friends-to-lovers MM Romance. It is book two in the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series and the eleventh book in the Package Deal World.

To maximize reader enjoyment, it is highly recommended to read the other books in the Package Deal Series, as well as book one, The Rockstar. Series reading order can be found at the beginning of each book.

Content Warning: Referenced off the page homophobic violence toward an off the page character, and an automobile accident.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series!
For book one, The Rockstar, click HERE.

For our reviews of other books set in The Package Deal World, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

The luxury suite in our high-rise hotel was dark as I stood looking out the window. The only light that crept in was from the lights shining over San Francisco. It had a magnificent view of the water during the day that was dark and moody now. It was really kind of prophetic.

I heard the door lock disengage in the silence as Patrick entered the room. The air stirred around him and brought the smell of his cologne and body wash to my nose. My heart throbbed at the thought of leaving him tomorrow, but I knew in my gut that it was what we needed if we had a hope of surviving.

Strong, warm arms wrapped around me and pulled me back into his chest. “Babe, why are you standing here in the dark?”

There were so many things I wanted to say but chose not to. “Just looking at the city. It’s really beautiful from up here.”

I tilted my head to the side as Patrick placed kisses down the side of my neck and onto my shoulder. His familiar hardness pressed against my ass and made me long for him, even though I was standing right here, wrapped in his arms.

“I need you,” he murmured against my skin. There was an unmistakable edge to his voice. His big hand went to my middle and held me in place against him.

“Patrick, we need to talk.” I was fighting to keep my emotions down, but I knew I was going to lose.

He loosened his hold just enough to turn me around to face him. Warm caramel eyes met my blue ones as the smile slipped from his face.

“What’s wrong? You feeling okay?”

I slipped from his arms and went to sit on the sofa. Patrick followed me, his handsome face now missing the smile I loved.

“We need to talk about the tour.”

Patrick unfolded his six-foot-five body from the sofa and got on his knees in front of me. He wedged himself between my thighs and took my face in his hands. Looking into them, he pulled my face to his.

“I know things are strained between us, but can we please have tonight to celebrate and just be you and me? Forget the world and everyone in it. Just me and you, like we’ve always been.”

“Patrick,” I whispered, the emotion thick in my throat before he sealed his mouth over mine. His tongue slipped past my lips, and I sank into his warmth, wrapping my arms around him. I wanted to stay like this forever.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
The Linebacker is the second book in the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series and the 11th book in The Package Deal World. It's best read in the order that the authors intended to get the full impact of these characters’ relationship. If not the ten before, at least read The Rockstar, the first book in this series. Regardless, it cannot be read as a standalone.

Patrick and Cole have been best friends since they were seven years old. They've been in a relationship that only a select few knew about since they were fifteen. Twenty-five years later, not many more people know about them being in a romantic relationship. Publicly, they are just best friends that spend all their time together and live together. Patrick is a linebacker with the Protectors, a very accepting football organization of loving who you want, but something is still holding Patrick deep in the closet. Cole is out as a bisexual man in the band Fallen Angel. So they are both in the spotlight and have millions of people watching them.

Cole is ready, overly ready, to let the world know that Patrick is so much more to him than just a friend but Patrick, thinking coming to Portland would help his coming out, still isn't ready. Cole can't live like this anymore and basically says that to Patrick. Cole is the love of Patrick's life, and he hates to hurt him, but he isn't sure this is something he can do for him, or them.

Their story to get to their happily ever after was such an emotional rollercoaster. They fought so hard to be with each other. I can say there were more than a few tears reading this one. What my favorite part about this world is, is seeing all the characters that I have grown to love so much appear again and again. It makes it like you are catching up with old friends, seeing their lives progress book after book. I can't wait for Daredevil and Mr. Greer! There's a combination I didn't see coming but now that I've read just a touch of them, I am here for it!!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series – and if you have enjoyed Emerson Beckett's earlier books, you will also find some delicious crossovers which have you catching up with old friends.

This is a great mix of sports and rock star romance, between two childhood friends who have never really been apart, but also never formally together – for one it is getting old, and the excuses are getting thinner, for the other, the scars from his past and fear of the attitude of his peers makes it the only way forward... until there could be no forward.

I thought that the issues were dealt with really well, and made clear just how much is inner monologue that makes one believe the worst... often after a life of reinforcement from the world at large, or someone in particular. But when life really is at risk, and one's whole identity, then things get clearer – even if it is terribly painful along the way. I enjoy a good dose of angst, so I really enjoyed it, but really only because I was confident that these two people would find their way back together. Their connection, their banter, their love, and their passion had to be enough!

One of those books it is difficult to put down, because it is impossible not to be invested in the happily ever after that one believes has to be coming... after just one more page turn!

 

 

 

EMERSON BECKETT is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author. It gets even better when she can combine the two. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series and The Portland Protectors: EHM Security Series with Rheland Richmond. The We Could Do This Duet is her first solo project.

Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 34 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance.

Emerson is now mom to an Australian Shepherd, four cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Connect with Emerson Beckett!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

 

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

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

She's just a girl that loved stories so much she wrote hers.

RHELAND RICHMOND would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y'all. So if you get a chance... Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland Richmond!

Facebook  ~  Instagram  ~  Twitter  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Richmond’s Riders

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Linebacker (Portland Protectors – EHM Security #2) by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond to read and review.

We Could Do This Tonight by Emerson Beckett Blog Tour

How do I choose which heart to break? No matter who I choose, I'm going to be the loser.

ALEJANDRO

Three years ago, Ben walked into my Portland bar and stole my heart with one look. It didn’t matter that I’m 21 years older than him. All he wants is me.

Benjamin’s beautiful smile and endless charm attract everyone he meets, including my 20-year-old daughter, Anna.

No one knows about all the things he and I have done together. And I’ve made sure to keep it from her.

My carefully constructed life built upon rules and my duty to my family is about to crumble before my eyes because she and I want the same thing—Ben.

In the end, keeping us a secret may cost me both of them. I’m in an impossible love triangle that, no matter which one I choose, I’m going to lose.

And when someone attacks my bar via social media, it’s all I can take.

So, which do I choose? Anna’s happiness? Or a life with Ben?

BEN

I knew I loved Alejandro Sanchez the moment our eyes met across the bar. There was something about the single dad and bar owner that I couldn’t get enough of.

After three long years, he’s finally okay with us. But when he refuses to tell Anna about us, I take matters into my own hands.

I’ll do whatever needs to be done to keep him in my life, even if it means accepting a date with Anna.

We Could Do This Tonight is an age gap, single dad, boss/employee love triangle romance and the second book in the We Could Do This Duet. It is the tenth book set in the Package Deal World with reoccurring characters from the original series. It is best enjoyed after reading We Could Do This Forever.

Note to the Reader: If you have not read The Package Deal series, you might find it beneficial to start there and refer to the reading order for The Package Deal World within the books. All the books are available through Kindle Unlimited.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the We Could Do This Duet!
For book one, We Could Do This Forever, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

When the countdown to midnight started, I stepped back and leaned against the bar. Telling myself I was checking to make sure everyone had champagne, my eyes drank in Alejandro as he stood protectively over his daughter and ex-wife.

When the shouts of Happy New Year began, I turned my gaze from him. But before I could get away completely, I looked up to see him glance at me before he kissed his daughter. When he leaned down to his ex-wife, I turned my body toward the TV on the opposite wall.

Maybe next year things would be different. I didn’t know if he was interested in me, or just enjoyed the flirting we were doing. Snapping myself out of this silly funk, I put a smile on my face and went back to work.

Around one-thirty, we had almost everything cleaned up for when we closed at two a.m. Nick had just left, even though it was my night to close. He’d stayed to help me put up the chairs before heading out. When the bar was empty, I locked up behind him, then carried the last bus tray of dirty glasses to the kitchen.

I picked up the sanitized ones from the dishwasher and headed back out to restock for the next day. Alejandro had come out of his office and began turning off the lights. Every time he extinguished one, my heartbeat increased. One by one, the lights around the room went out until only the recessed lighting around the bar remained.

The volume on the sound system had been turned down low, but helped to fill the void when everyone had gone home. Adding to the ambiance, the light shining down on the sparkling glassware and the amber colored contents of the glass bottles created the illusion of flickering candles. It was romantic as hell and fed my desire for him.

Lost in my fantasies, I didn’t notice when he walked behind the bar. Alejandro stood beside me, shoulder to shoulder, as I restocked the glasses. I could see him in my peripheral vision and felt the warmth of his body radiating toward mine. His biceps were straining his shirt and his expensive cologne intoxicated me further every time he stirred the air around us.

I breathed in the woodsy scent as he reached over to hand them to me, one at a time, making me smile and slowing me down. “You don’t have to help. I can do this.”

“I know,” he said quietly, “but I wanted to. And I needed to check on you.”

Turning my head to look at him, my brow furrowed. One look at him in this dim lighting made my heart beat a little faster. “Why?”

Alejandro turned to his side to face me, then folded his muscled arms over his chest. “You looked a little sad earlier. Thought you might be missing your family.”

I wanted to laugh and tell him my family was not what I was thinking about.

I wasn’t missing them.

I’d been imagining what it would be like to kiss him.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
We Could Do This Tonight is the second book in the duet, We Could Do This. It shouldn't be read as a standalone but if you do so you should still be able to read it without issue. BUT you shouldn't because you need Nick and Preston's story.

Ben wanted a change; he was tired of the same things in California. When he and his best friend make the trip to Seattle to see if this is where Ben wants to live, he instantly knows he can't leave. Seeing the sexy owner of the bar, he knows he is where is meant to be. But Ben never thought he'd have to work at the bar for three years before Alejandro finally let his guard down enough to let Ben in.

Alejandro knew instantly he wanted the new guy who came into the bar. What he didn't expect was for him to be one of the new bartenders. He had strict rules about dating staff and intended on keeping those rules – and for three years it worked, until he just couldn't fight it any longer. Ben was everything he wanted but he wouldn't let himself have it. Somewhere along the way, Alejandro's daughter develops a crush on Ben, which puts him in an even more awkward position. Does he crush his daughter’s heart or Ben's?

First, I loved getting a little more of the Package Deal world. Finally getting Ben and Alejandro's story! The tension and chemistry for these two has been through many books. At times, I so wanted to kick Alejandro in the butt for the things he was doing and/or not doing. Ben was giving so much of himself to Alejandro, that most people who weren't getting a response or were being treated the way Ben was would have left. I'm so happy they finally got their much deserved happily ever after!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in this series, but if you have read The Rockstar, or any of the Package Deal series, then you will know the bar and protagonists in this story already!

Ben and his BFF walk into a bar in Portland... and he sees Alejandro, the owner,... and falls for him, boom!

As Alejandro is twice Ben's age, he dismisses all possibilities of anything happening, and the guy is a tourist, so even less reason to engage. But Ben is persistent and decides he will apply for a job at the bar, move his life from San Diego to Portland, and wait Alejandro out.

One has to give kudos to Ben that he really does wait and wait and wait – because Alejandro has got all up in his head about the whole possibility of them being together. I enjoyed the banter between Alejandro and his best friend, Preston, and the relationship he maintained with his ex-wife. They softened off his attitude and explained why he was being quite so stubborn!

A very enjoyable read, and fun to read both sides of a story which was inevitable from day one, but took years to reach fruition.

 

 

 

EMERSON BECKETT is an avid sports fan and lover of M/M romance books, Emerson loves her new career as an author. It gets even better when she can combine the two. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series and The Portland Protectors: EHM Security Series with Rheland Richmond. The We Could Do This Duet is her first solo project.

Emerson lives in North Carolina and has been married to the same man for 34 years. She is the mother of three beautiful adults, one of whom is completely responsible for her addiction to MM Romance.

Emerson is now mom to an Australian Shepherd, four cats, and a cute bunny rabbit.

Connect with Emerson Beckett!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of We Could Do This Tonight (We Could Do This Duet #2) by Emerson Beckett to read and review.

The Rockstar by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond Blog Tour

The first book in the sexy new bodyguard series set in The Package Deal World.

Adam Spencer – “The Rockstar”

Here’s what I know -- some people aren’t meant to find love.
And as much as I want to be someone’s everything, that’s not meant for me.
After a painful breakup, I channeled all my hurt into a song that has skyrocketed my band, Fallen Angel, to the top of the charts.

Now I need protection from the one person who was supposed to love me no matter what—my mother.
Whether I want him or not, I now have a sexy, silver-tongued southern charmer as my 24/7 bodyguard.
I’ve tried not to fall for him, because I don’t do relationships. They hurt too much.
But Michael has me thinking I could take one more chance to find love.
Or was I meant to be alone like I'd thought all along?

Michael Coleman – “Phantom”

I’ve always been a protector. During my career as a Navy SEAL, my duty was to find undisclosed information and protect my team.
Now I need to protect the sexy rockstar I love flirting with every time he walks in the door to our EHM office.
Adam Spencer lights me up like no one ever has. And that’s saying something.
I’ll do whatever it takes to protect him, even from himself.
Have I finally found the love I’ve been hoping for with my rockstar?

The Rockstar is a flirty, friends-to-lovers, bodyguard and rockstar M/M Romance that takes place in The Package Deal World. It can be read as a stand-alone book, but enjoyment is maximized after reading the original series.

Trigger Warning: There is off the page reference to physical abuse to a minor and death by drug abuse and domestic violence.

For our reviews of other books set in The Package Deal World, click HERE.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

I pulled up to the window and handed the smiling girl my card. “Here ya go, darlin’.”

Adam went to retrieve his wallet, but I waved him off. “Business expense.”

I watched as she gathered our food and put it in the bag.

“Would you like one of our loyalty cards? You can get a free item if you come back enough,” she asked, smiling at me.

“Why yes, please,” I replied, returning her smile.

I watched as she added napkins to the bag before handing it to me. I then handed it to Adam, who sat there with his head cocked to one side, looking at me.

I smirked and turned my attention back to the girl in the window.

“Here you go,” she said with a wink as she handed me my credit card. “Come back and see us again.”

I smiled at her. “Thank you.”

Pulling away from the window, I put my credit card back in my wallet, then placed the loyalty card with her name and phone number on the back onto the dash. When I closed it, I could see he hadn’t moved and was watching me like a bug under a microscope.

I chuckled. “What?”

“Do you flirt with everyone?”

“What do you mean? She was flirting with me.”

Adam laughed. “You started it!”

“I did no such thing,” I said, pulling out of the drive thru. “She started it, and I didn’t want to embarrass her by not playing along.”

Adam’s high-pitched strangled noise drew my attention. “You called her ‘darlin’’ like you’re a cowboy on the range wrangling cows or something.” He was mimicking me, and it made me smile.

Now it was my turn to laugh. “I did, but I’m telling you—she started it.”

“How?” he asked incredulously. I imagine if he could put his hands on his hips, he would have.

I guess I had to share this with him. “She gave me the smile.”

Adam shifted to look at me. “What smile? I really think you’re imagining things.”

“No, I’m not. She smiled that smile with her eyes, like a girl does when she wants you to ask her out. You know what I mean.”

He barked out a laugh. “No, the fuck I don’t. I’m gay.”

“But you’re a rockstar. Girls have to hit on you.”

He snorted. “Yeah, they do. But I’m usually paying more attention to their boyfriends.”

I laughed at his response and shook my head.

Damn, this was going to be fun.

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
The Rockstar is the first book in the Portland Protectors – EHM Security series set in The Package Deal World. EHM is the security firm that Aiden Hayes, Marcus Monroe, and Jesse Evans started with help from Jesse's Navy SEAL brothers, Daredevil, Phantom, and Dreamboat. This is a spin-off series, BUT I feel you get so much more from the heavily included past characters and relationships in the story knowing the history compared to starting here.

Adam's story essentially started in Ineligible Receiver, Adam was dating Cooper and Cooper was all in his head about Greg Foster. Adam was in love with Cooper, but Cooper wasn't there with him and broke it off. Seeing Adam's point of view in that scene is heartbreaking. The trauma that Adam still has from his mother abandoning him as a child and Cooper picking Foster just lead him to further believe that everyone leaves, and he's not worthy of real, emotional love. After the song he wrote for his band, Fallen Angel, detailing his heartbreak, Fallen Angel is the next up and coming band. Aiden takes the band on as clients, thus having EHM provide security. Adam enjoys flirting with Phantom every chance he gets. Their banter is the highlight of his day. When another note appears on his apartment door demanding money, Jesse and Aiden immediately go into action to find out who is behind the blackmail. As much as Adam doesn't want it, they decide he needs 24/7 security. Phantom is the man for the job.

Michael aka Phantom is a decorated SEAL. He loves the work he's doing for EHM and when his next assignment is Adam, Michael knows he should stop flirting with the man but he enjoys it so much and he can see it helps relax Adam. Michael is demiromantic and quickly realizes Adam is someone special and he wants to see where these feelings with Adam go. Michael can see the fear in Adam, knows that he thinks he's unlovable. He'll do everything in his power to show Adam he's not going anywhere and he's worth so much more than he thinks he is.

I love The Package Deal World. Seeing all these great characters so intermingled in each other’s lives. Michael and Adam have such sweet flirty banter early on. Adam is so scared to be vulnerable with Michael, but Michael so easily holds all the pieces to keep him whole. It's such a sweet romantic story. Michael is the first demiromantic character I've ever read and doing some research so I understood completely, I found his sexuality was written so well.

I can't wait for what's next for Cole and Patrick. My heart just breaks for these two who are so clearly in love with each other but stuck in the closet.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a new series, but written in the same world as the Pirates Football team (The Package Deal). If you have read those, you will remember Adam and his failed relationship with Cooper, as well as the founders of EHM. If you haven't, you can still really enjoy this story, but I am guessing you will be tempted to go and read them too!

Adam's success with Fallen Angel has attracted attention and his safety is considered at risk, so Phantom/Michael is charged with keeping him safe whilst EHM find out who is posing the danger. This is no hardship for either of them in that they have been flirting for a while, but is also a bit of a nightmare, as suddenly they are together all the time and all those jokey flirts are now being tested.

We get to read each of their points of view as the story progresses, and it is fun having all the information as they decide how to overcome their anti-relationship issues and their strong attraction. This is sharply in contrast with the reality of Adam's stalker, and his expectation that it is his addicted, neglectful mother who is responsible. There is a good twist in the detecting of what is going on, which gives Adam something he never expected.

I really enjoyed this story and will be adding this series to my list of books to look out for!

 

 

 

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

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal M/M romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing – Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series. She released her first solo book in 2023.

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

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

Connect with Emerson Beckett!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

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

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

She's just a girl that loved stories so much she wrote hers.

RHELAND RICHMOND would love to hear from her readers and learn more about y'all. So if you get a chance... Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland Richmond!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Richmond’s Riders

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Hosted by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Rockstar (Portland Protectors – EHM Security #1) by Emerson Beckett & Rheland Richmond to read and review.

We Could Do This Forever by Emerson Beckett

Preston James did things to me. Things that had me wanting more of him and his dirty mouth, even though I knew I better. Things that made my heart race. Things that made me come to realize there was more to my boss’s best friend than met the eye.

NICK REED

As one of the bartenders at Alejandro’s Bar, I’ve seen it all. I’ve even watched my friends find the loves of their life. Six years after breaking up with my college boyfriend, I’m convinced that’s not the life I’m supposed to have until forty-five-year-old Preston James makes me the target of his relentless sexy stares and his straight-forward, dirty propositions.

Maybe being the object of his desire wouldn’t be so bad.

PRESTON JAMES

The first time I laid eyes on Nicholas Reed, I knew I had to have him. There was something about my best friend’s bartender that captivated me. The more he ignored me, the more I wanted him. For the first time in my life, this twenty-eight-year-old grad student had me jumping through all kinds of hoops to get his attention. There’s nothing I won’t do to prove to him I’m exactly what he needs. I’m relentless like that and I won’t stop until he’s mine.

We Could Do This Forever is the first book in the We Could Do This Duet and is set in The Package Deal Series World.

For our reviews of other books set in The Package Deal World, click HERE.

 

 

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
We Could Do This Forever is part one in the We Could Do This Duet. It is set in The Package Deal World.

Nick Reed loves his job at Alejandro’s Bar as a bartender. He has been working full-time while he finishes his master’s in architecture. He enjoys flirting with his boss's best friend, Preston, who owns a local restaurant. Knowing his work has to come before anything else, he pulls back from flirting with the confusing man who seems to run hot and cold with him. Then one kiss makes him realize he may not be able to fight the attraction between him and Preston.

Something about Nick makes Preston want things he thought were no longer in the cards for him. Preston is used to getting what he wants, and he wants Nick, but Nick has cooled off talking and flirting with him. Preston is willing to do whatever he needs to show Nick how much he wants him. When he finds the perfect solution for them to spend time together. Nick needs a final work project for school and Preston needs more space for his restaurant. It's the perfect solution for Preston to spend time with Nick and show him that they can be so much more.

I was so invested in these characters from the beginning. I absolutely loved seeing some of my favorite Pirates showing up at the bar or restaurant. That's always a plus in my eyes. But back to Preston and Nick, their chemistry is palpable. Nick knew his job needed to come first; he was just starting in his career and Preston’s career was already so developed, thus showing the age gap and how they overcame it together. Preston was so sweet and head over heels for Nick and at times overbearing, but Nick was able to hold his own.

I can't wait to get Ben and Alejandro's story. They are so gone for each other but so many obstacles stand in their way. I NEED to know what happens!!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This duet is set in the same world as the Pirates football team series (The Package Deal), and although there is no need to have read them, fans will see links with characters, which is always fun.

Nick is working in a bar whilst he completes his architectural studies. His boss's best friend, Chef Preston, has been coming in and flirting with him for a while, and it is becoming more difficult to ignore him – but Nick is determined to put his studies first and has no intention of staying locally after he graduates. As we find out, love is blind to such blockers, even if there are roadblocks along the way.

Preston had a successful restaurant business in New York and sold up and moved across the country to start again. It is going well, and he now has found someone who piques his interest working in his friend's bar. He is entranced by him and decides to take the risk and charm Nick into seeing how they could be together – and I feel that he decides not to worry right now about Nick's honesty about his time in Portland being limited. So we know that there is going to be a reckoning, but we also can see them both bend towards each other, which is delicious.

I really enjoyed how this book dealt with the age gap, the disparities in wealth and stage in life. These are good guys who deserve a happily ever after, and the journey may not be smooth, but it is honest.

 

 

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

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal M/M romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing – Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series. She released her first solo book in 2023.

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

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

Connect with Emerson Beckett!

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

 

ARC provided by

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of We Could Do This Forever (We Could Do This #1) by Emerson Beckett to read and review.

Roughing the Kicker by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett Blog Tour

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

“Can you share a room with Jesse tonight?”

How could I say no?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of The Package Deal series!
For book one, The Quarterback Keeper, click HERE.
For book two, Pass Interference, click HERE.
For book three, Unnecessary Roughness, click HERE.
For book four, Illegal Motion, click HERE.
For book six, Ineligible Receiver, click HERE.

 

 

Book 6
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Paperback (US)
~  Also Available with KindleUnlimited  ~

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fanculo la mia vita. Fuck my life.

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Roughing the Kicker is the sixth installment in The Package Deal series. It is the final book. I don't feel that you would get enough from the book reading it as a standalone. It HAS to be read in the order the authors intended.

Dominick and Jesse met three years ago in Madrid and had the best weekend of their lives. They were in two separate places in life. Dominick headed back to Italy to play soccer and Jesse to America. They never forgot that weekend or each other; what they never expected was finding out Jesse is Cooper's older brother and Dominick is the new kicker for the Pirates. Can one week in Key West together bring back that instant chemistry they had three years ago?

I am so happy Dominick got his own happily ever after. He was such a great character. I loved the big brother relationship Jackson took with him, and how they instantly pulled him into their friend family without question. Roughing the Kicker is basically a low, low-angst read, but the chemistry and steam factor between Jesse and Dominick was everything I needed!

I am so sad this is the end of the series. It was such a spectacular read with fantastic characters. I can't wait for what comes next from this duo!


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the sixth book in the series, but I do think that it is a strong story in its own right – and you can always go back and catch up on the rest of the stories later!

I really enjoyed how Jesse had been trying to find Dom since their encounter – always aware that their 'fling' had been much more important than either of them had acknowledged at the time. That there was a family link, and he was able to use his resources to engineer the perfect second chance was perfect.

As a Brit, I enjoyed the soccer link and how Dom had transferred across as an NFL kicker, it was an interesting twist, and fitted the reason for him feeling he needed to leave Europe. His reluctance to be true to himself made sense in that context, and it gave the story some intriguing plot lines.

They were SO delicious together, so in tune, and yet not subsumed by each other. There is a really satisfying amount of sport and the complexity of the role of kicker, as well as following some of the activities of Jesse's business too. And their relationship is a great mix of passion and friendship, yum!

 

 

 

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

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

She's just a girl that loved stories so much she wrote hers.

RHELAND RICHMOND would love to hear from her readers and learn more about Y'all. So if you get a chance... Get in touch.

Connect with Rheland Richmond

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Richmond’s Riders

 

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

The journey to becoming an author started with an idea while reading on the sofa. That idea became an email that ultimately resulted in Emerson using those teacher skills to edit novels for three phenomenal M/M romance authors. The third referral led to an opportunity to co-write a book series with one of the most genuine and kindest people she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing – Rheland Richmond. Emerson is the co-author of The Package Deal Series. She plans to release her first solo book in 2023.

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

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

Connect with Emerson Beckett

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  TikTok  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Facebook Group: Beckett's Book Brigade

 

 

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Roughing the Kicker (The Package Deal #6) by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett to read and review.