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.

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

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

 

 

Hosted by

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.

Ineligible Receiver by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett Blog Tour

A sexy and emotional story about how two best friends secretly fall in love but struggle to keep a heartbreaking secret from tearing them apart.

When I met Greg Foster, the straight tight end for the Portland Pirates, the rookie needed a friend to bring him out of his shell. There was more to the shy twenty-two-year-old bookworm than met the eye, and I was the perfect person for the task. My roommate and best friend, Christian, was involved with the Pirates QB, so a new friend to hang out with was good.

I pushed down my attraction to him and became the best friend he ever had. We bar-hopped all over Portland and played video games in our apartments. We even loved the same indy band from Seattle.

Then we fucked up when we fell in love. And by fucked up, I mean we got married even though we knew our marriage had to remain a secret.

No one knew about us. Not even our closest friends. And every time they asked, we gave them the same line... we're just friends.

And ultimately, the reason for that secret would tear us apart. Now, here I was three years after meeting him, and wasn’t sure how to survive without him. He was the love of my life, and I was his.

Ineligible Receiver is a friends-to-lovers and bi-awakening story and Book 5 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.

 

 

Book 5
Buy Links

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

 

 

“So, Texas Tech, huh? Did you finish your degree, or leave early for the pros?”

Greg took a sip of his beer, then nodded. “Yeah, I got my degree.”

“What is it?” He was going to make me pull it out of him.

“English Literature,” he said, running his big hand over his head.

“You like to read?” I was intrigued.

He nodded again. “Yeah, I love it. Kinda fits my personality.”

“The quiet one?”

He smiled, but not so shyly this time. “Yeah, that one. I’ve never been a partier or anything like that. I’m weird and like to stay home.” He rolled the bottle between his long fingers.

Interesting. “That’s not weird. What else do you do to relax?”

Greg chuckled. “This feels like an interview.”

All I could do was smile. He was so fucking adorable.

“Well,” I said, turning toward him, “just so happens I have a spot open for a new friend, and you seem like the perfect person to fill the position.”

Our eyes met, and my pulse sped up a little. The small smile that crossed his face forced me to smile. He was breathtaking, with green eyes, tanned skin, and that thick light blonde hair. I was really going to have to work to tamp down my lust for him.

“Well, I guess I better finish the interview then.”

I waited. And waited some more.

“Well?”

“That’s a deep subject.” He tried his damndest not to smile.

My eyes widened. “You’ve got dad jokes!” I pushed his shoulder. “What else you hiding in there, rookie?”

Greg laughed and visibly relaxed in front of me. This was good.

“Nothing, I swear.” He took another drink of his beer. “Go back to your interview.”

I had to smile at him. “What do you like to do other than read? That’s not something we could do together. Although, I guess we could. Maybe get a couple of velvet dinner jackets, some armchairs, and pipes to smoke. Would you like that?”

I watched his throat as he laughed at my suggestion. That beautiful smile and a tiny bit of his warmth was beginning to show.

“Uh, that’s not necessary. But it would make a cool picture to send to my brother.”

Okay, he has a brother.

“Brock is almost fourteen. He’s my best friend.”

I smiled. “Well, until now.”

 

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Shannan – ☆☆☆☆☆
Ineligible Receiver is the fifth installment in The Package Deal series. It technically can be read as a standalone because the authors take you back to the beginning of this friendship to the current day, BUT I wouldn't be a good reviewer just saying that. I personally feel you MUST start at the beginning of this series and read in the order that is intended. The stories before just build the intensity of this one.

Cooper Evans has spent time around the Pirates with some of his best friends involved (mostly married now) to players. He considers some of these players his best friends. When he sees number 88, Greg Foster, he knows that even though Greg is straight, they will be best friends. So, when he slightly bullies himself into Greg's life and brings him out of his shell, he just has to deal with the soul crushing attraction to Greg. He'd rather have him has a best friend than nothing at all.

Greg never expected to love having Cooper in his life as much as he does. When Cooper starts dating someone, Greg misses him more than he thought possible. At some point Greg realizes the feelings he has for Cooper are no longer just friendly. But Greg has to worry about his younger brother, who just came out to him and lives with his very political, homophobic father. So Greg coming to terms with his sexuality, and kissing the one man who makes him weak in the knees, needs to be kept a secret, which Cooper knowingly goes along with until he can't.

I loved finally getting this story. I loved everything about Greg and Cooper and pulled for them from the beginning. It really was an emotional read. Greg living his life for his parents and hiding what he loved most about him was so heartbreaking. Greg and Cooper went through hell to be together, but it was such a beautiful journey.

And can we just discuss Dom and Jessie? I am so here for this story because it looks AMAZING! And it breaks my heart that this will be the final installment in this series.


Angie – ☆☆☆☆
Ohhhh boy! This one did a number on me! I was crying like a baby at times. This book drew me in and kept my attention. It gave me all the feels, I felt every emotion reading this book. I felt like I was right there living the story with Cooper and Greg. These two went through a lot and worked so very hard for that happy ending. Highly recommend.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the fifth book in the series... and it is a winner. It does a fabulous job of giving us a reminder of the last few years and the relationships that formed whilst Greg and Cooper were keeping their growing closeness secret.

It is fascinating thinking back on how they seemed at the time to the rest of the guys, and also heart breaking when we get to understand why Greg was so determined to keep them secret. It was beautifully written, from how Cooper does not push his desires in any way, nor when he accepts how important it is for Greg to be private about his newly found sexual preferences.

If you enjoy football romances with plenty of camaraderie in the team, and plenty of success in the sport, this should be on your to reading list for sure. It is a good mix of sport, passion, and friendship. And there is a great set up for the next installment!

 

 

 

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

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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 Ineligible Receiver (The Package Deal #5) by Rheland Richmond & Emerson Beckett to read and review.