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.

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.