The Penalty

Royals and Legends #2

by Lynn Montagano

He's willing to risk everything for her...

Xavier Maddox
I’m adored worldwide. England’s number one. The best goalkeeper to ever play the game.
Arrogant. Talented. Unattainable.
Nothing mattered to me more than football.

Until her…

Victoria Chase lit a fire in me I refuse to extinguish. Now I’m forced to face a truth and a past I no longer wish to deny.

Losing control means I could lose everything.
It almost happened once before.
The difference this time? I’m not fighting it.

Victoria Chase
Falling in love was never in the cards for me.
Trapped by the guilt of a family tragedy, I couldn’t imagine letting anyone in.

Until him…

Xavier Maddox ignited a reality I never thought I deserved.
Love. Passion. Dark desires.
We met by chance, and now fate won’t let us go.

Our past is irrevocably entwined. He’s hell bent on burning down the world for me.
But to right this wrong could shatter everything.

The Penalty is a contemporary sports romance with a twist and a hint of mystery. It's book two in the Royals and Legends series, concluding Xavier and Victoria's duet. It's recommended to read The Keeper first.

Genres: Sports Romance, Romance, Sports, Erotica

440 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2024

About the author

Lynn Montagano writes contemporary romance with darker themes and emotionally complex characters.

She's a cat mom, unapologetic football fan, and has a thing for Tony Stark. When Lynn isn't writing, you can most likely find her cheering loudly for her beloved New England Patriots, trying to herd cats, or traveling somewhere (probably London).

www.lynnmontagano.com/links

Instagram: @XOLynnMontagano
Facebook: @XOLynnMontagano
TikTok: @XOLynnMontagano

Reviews

[Marrissa Horton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got completely lost in these characters and their story while listening to this duet. It’s such a fun world, being immersed in both American football and English Premier League. There is an electric charge between Xavier and Victoria from the beginning - I loved their tension and chemistry. They go through it in book one and for a lot of this one too, but that HEA is totally worth it! The side characters, suspense, and captivating settings also had me hooked from beginning to end. I went in blind and I’m so glad that I did.

🎙️𝗔𝗨𝗗𝗜𝗢𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 ⇣
Branden Davis-Butler and Elliot Matthews were so much fun to listen to. These audios are performed in duet, and I loved how they brought it all to life. Their accents and voices for different characters were fantastic! I can’t wait to listen to more of them.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 ⇣
•Sports romance
•Romantic suspense
•Found family
•Touch her and ☠️
•Blackmail/revenge
•Past trauma healing
•Dual POV
•Lots of spice

[Rachael McIntosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second of two books related to Xavier and Victoria. As a fan of English football, I really enjoyed a different type of sports romance. It was nice to see the characters grow and process their traumas. It was annoying at times how impulsive and childish Xavier could be, especially for his age, but he learned how to deal with those feelings by the end. Their relationship was very stressful to watch play out and all I wanted to do was keep reading to find out what happened! I’m excited to see more from Lynn and what she does with the rest of the group! And I want a novella of Killian and Max!!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the conclusion of Xavier’s and Victoria’s story, they finally come face to face with the danger that surrounds them and lost families for them both.

This book had more heartfelt moments than I would’ve thought, considering Xavier and Victoria were in the midst of being blackmailed and threatened. The camaraderie of a sports team’s players never fails to give me the feels, especially when someone is out to get one of their own. Also, Killian and Max were everything, and New Year’s Eve was spectacular (IYKYK)! The spice level was consistent with book #1 - 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Sienasummerrreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s dive straight into this review, as you’ll need to read book one before picking this one up. First off, I have to compliment Lynn’s writing style the way she captures emotions, intimate moments, and character stories is beautiful. We get both character depth and a strong plotline. I am obsessed with the jealous, fiery tension between Victoria and Xavier, but I loved how they always spoke up and reassured each other of their feelings. The intimate scenes and spicy moments are absolutely brilliant. I also highly recommend the audiobook the narrators are fantastic, and I can’t wait to hear more from them in the future.

I will say, while I loved the plot, it was fairly obvious who was behind everything that was happening. At the end of the day, though, I loved Victoria and Xavier together. I’m looking forward to the next book, which I think will follow Bennett and Hannah’s story.

Genre/Type: Adult Romance 18+
APK: Audiobook ALC
Audiobook Length: 11hrs 56mins
Narrators: Branden Davis-Butler and Elliot Matthew’s - Duet
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️.5
Series or Standalone: Book Two In The
Tropes or Themes: Strangers To Lovers, Sports (Football), One Night Stand, He Falls First, Found Family, Age Gap (6yrs), Long Distance, Chemistry, Jealousy, Tension, Banter, Possessive MMC, Mine, Intimate Tattoo, Sexual Content, Dirty Talk, Begging, Rough Play, Oral Play, Breath Play, Public Play, Impact Play, Some FTB, Oral Scenes, Phone Scene, Crawl Scene, Outside Scene and Heels Scene
Check Triggers ⚠️ 💫

All Round Romance Reader 
Sienasummerrreads 💕📚
TikTok | Instagram | Goodreads | StoryGraph | Fable | Everand | Amazon | Audible Reviews 💫

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not stopped smiling since I finished this one. I went straight from finishing book 1 into this and thank goodness because I needed to know how it ended.
The ending was exactly what I needed to read so am thrilled about that.
Characters I loved in book 1 continued to be lovable in all their broken ways.
I loved watching Tori and Xavier's relationship play out and get their HEA.
The side characters again made this an even better read. Cade in particular never stopped making me smile and I hope to read more about him in the future.
Overall I devoured this book in 24hrs and enjoyed it so much.

[MKat1214 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
-sports romance
-romantic suspense
-dominant mmc
-submissive/brat fmc
-exhibitionism
-dual pov
-revenge plot

I enjoyed this duo. The plot was addictive and delicious. I loved the combination of sports romance and mystery. This was my first soccer (football) romance too. I enjoyed Xavier and Victoria’s love story as well. The dom/sub dynamic was fun to read about. Victoria is more of a brat than anything, which makes things interesting, but she occasionally follows orders.

Both Xavier and Victoria have traumatic pasts they are working through. After running into each other by chance, what was supposed to be a one-night stand turned into more. When they discover their pasts intertwined they work together to unlock the mysteries of their past. I loved watching them grow and heal. The side characters and friends of the main characters are very well written, and I want to know more!! Overall, this was a good read, and you should check it out. You do need to read both to get the full story. They are both available on KU right now!

Quotes:
“Forget death by a thousand paper cuts. This was death by filthy words, inflections, and tone. All delivered in an elegant British accent and packaged in the most stunning man alive.”

“I want there to be a reason for you to come back here. To come back to me.”

The other thing with scars is not all of them are as clear as the jagged line above my eye. Some can’t be seen. Some are so deep, so ugly, so painful, that they hide in the depths of a person.

“You could no sooner blend into a crowd than a star could hide from the darkest night.”

[Haney Hayes Promotions · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penalty by Lynn Montagano is a gripping sports romance with real emotional meat beneath the glittering veneer of celebrity. Xavier Maddox is England’s star goalkeeper—talented, charismatic, and haunted by past mistakes. Victoria Chase is a woman running from grief, guilt, and a family tragedy she’s never fully confronted.

When their lives collide, the chemistry ignites fast, but the emotional stakes run much deeper than lust or fame. Montagano does a solid job of weaving in the sports-celebrity setting without letting it overshadow the emotional core: the tension between Xavier’s yearning to protect and Victoria’s stubborn drive to stay distant shapes much of the conflict.

Victoria’s guilt and secret history give the story weight, while Xavier’s attempts to break down her walls feel earnest and sometimes desperate, which adds credibility to his gruff-but-caring persona. Their romance isn’t a fairy tale—it’s messy, marked by hesitation, misunderstandings, and the struggle to balance public pressure with private pain.

If there’s a critique, it’s that at times the pacing swings between frenetic (“must resolve secrets now!”) and reflective (“wait, let’s unpack this trauma slowly”), which can tug at the emotional flow. Still, the dialogue feels real, the character motivations hold up, and the romance lands as satisfying. It’s not a soft or easy ride—but if you’re in the mood for a sports romance that leans into heartache, healing, and hard-won happiness, The Penalty delivers.

[🧸🎀Tiff (honeydukesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay just… WOW. To say that when I requested this pretty lil audiobook with such a cute cover, I wasn’t expecting all of THAT, is an understatement! For those who may not realize, this is the second book in a duo, and you absolutely must read the first! But you will LOVE every minute of it! Victoria and Xavier… just WOW. It’s not often I’m rendered speechless, but this duo was so fire that I still can’t wrap my head around it! I love love LOVE romantic suspense, & this one BROUGHT IT ALL. You’ll be on pins & needles reading/listening to these! And the NARRATORS! Branden Davis-Butler & Elliot Matthews brought this to life so perfectly! I was on the edge of my seat! These are SPICY spicy, but the plot will have you glued to the edge of your seat. Just to clarify again — you HAVE to read the first, then go into this one because this is part II of a duet!

💞 sports romance
💞 romantic suspense
💞 dom/sub relationship
💞 dark romance
💞 touch her & d!e
💞 morally grey
💞 spicy af🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
💞 conclusion to book one
💞 check triggers
💞 duet narration

4.25⭐️

🫶🏼 thank you to @mustloveaudio, @lyricaudiobooks, + @xolynnmontagano for this #gifted audiobook

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

As much as Xavier has been wanting to reveal everything to Victoria, it seems he can never get the courage to do so, afraid she’ll leave if he does, and losing her would mean losing everything. When it turns out their pasts are more entertwined than they ever could have imagined, with one fateful summer completely changing the course of both these strangers’ lives, they are forced to face challenges they never saw coming.

While book 1 revealed many of the secrets of both Victoria and Xavier’s pasts, including what led to her twin’s death, it still left a lot of questions unanswered. One thing for sure is that they share a common enemy, who seems insistent on making himself known.

This book gave absolutely everything, and left nothing on the table. While Xavier and Victoria ignited in a hot flame in the first book, seemingly ready to burn everything in their wake, this one felt more like a real relationship, with all the trials and tribulations that come along with it. In this one we saw true growth for both characters, uncovering their own individual strengths in order to be stronger together.

[Twins Reading Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lynn Montagano acrivates every cell of your brain and heart from the very first chapter! The Penalty is an addictive sports romance novel that is enchantingly sensuous and heartbreakingly delicate! It's stunning, passionate, and just hot enough to heat up the book, if not set it on fire. With her newest flawlessly crafted sports romance, Author Lynn Montagano continues to delicately impart humor, whimsy, and wisdom in every chapter!
.
Lynn Montagano's The Penalty is a powerful, poignant and riveting book, with a deep awareness of character variety and layers of emotion that sets it apart from other novels in sports romance genre! As an experienced reviewer with extensive experience in this particular genre, I believe Lynn Montagano's latest book is an outstanding follow-up to The Keeper which it is strengthening the story via its delicate representation of love, power, and personal progression!
.
The novel ina brilliand structure continues the story of Xavier and Victoria, flawlessly taking up from the first volume delivering new details into their evolving dynamics! Lynn Montagano's story style is detailed and creative allowing us a thorough understanding of Xavier's mental health challenges and Victoria's path to treatment! The richness of designation is particularly remarkable, Lynn has done a fascinating job with evolving Xavier and Victoria!
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Lynn Montagano's style is magnificent and sharp, capturing the purity of her characters' inner nature with utmost precision! The novel has tremendous sexual suspense with high-stakes drama that will keep your brain swimming in the magnificent and mind-blowing details that the Author has written! The Penalty not only delivers on its predecessor's promise, but it also dilates the story in unexpected and immensely fulfilling ways! THE KEEPER was a masterpiece but THE PENALTY is chef-d'oeuvre!!!

[Lizs.book.nook ||Elizabeth|| · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Penalty was absolutely brilliant! The twists and turns, the raw, unfiltered emotions, and the all-consuming chemistry was just the tip of the iceberg with this book. Lynn Montagano completely blew me away with this continuation of Victoria and Xavier’s story. It was wild and untamed in its suspense and drama, it was nuclear level hot in the intimate scenes, and it was full of feels - an emotional rollercoaster I would take all day every day. Victoria and Xavier are challenged both individually and together in this story, and as hard as it all is, they come out stronger for it. Their passion and love is so beautiful to witness. The lengths they would go to for one another and their complete and utter acceptance of each other, flaws and all, is just so stunning to watch unfold. I love this book so so SO much!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not your typical sports romance

I haven't read many sports romances but the premise of this book intrigued me. Let me just say, it blew me away.

The banter, the spice (the soccer goal scene is *chef's kiss*), the story, the vulnerabilty, the soft moments, the humor, the whole cast of characters.

I loved Xavier and Victoria. I loved them in The Keeper but I love them even more in The Penalty. Both have traumatic pasts they are trying to work through. The mental health rep in both these books is wonderful. The way they heal together. UGH.

"We’ll be broken and beautiful together.”
XAVIER FUCKING MADDOX HAS MY HEART FOR ALL ETERNITY.

If you're looking for a layered sports romance set against the backdrop of the English Premier League, check out this book. Definitely read The Keeper first to get the full experience. You will not regret it.

[Janice Barrieau · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC (a surprised ARC) so a massive thank you to Lynn Montagano!!!
I want to give it a 10/5, but I can't so all the 5's I can give it.
If you loved The Keeper, you are going to LOVE THIS ONE!
You definitely need to read The Keeper first as it follows Xaxier and Victoria's story.
The attitude, brattiness, bossy, hotness, smuttiness, loving, admiration, strength, and growth of the two characters are absolutely amazing. You feel it all in the words of the author. You feel like you are there, experiencing it for yourself.
The journey that Xavier and Victoria go through, is one of person growth, learning to overcoming your past, mending broken relationships, learning not to cave into demands and BLACKMAIL, and learning to trust into your partner, but also trusting yourself.
The writing was beautifully done!
I can't wait to get my hands on this physical book and place it right beside The Keeper.
10/10 recommend!!!

[Ashley Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.💫
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶🌶

Linking directly with the first in the series, we pick up with Xavier and see the end of the previous book from his POV, and I felt that it gave a great insight to what was happening from his side.

I didn't think the book would be able to reach the same heights as the first, and boy was I wrong. It surpassed it!

We have more angst, more drama, and lots of spice. Victoria and Xavier are against the odds, they have things pulling them from all sides including someone that links back to the death of Victoria's sister, Charlotte.

This book torn me apart and completed me all within one book. Do they get their happy ever after? Go check out the series to find out - you will not regret it!

[Imperfect.reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Royals and Legends duet. This book follows
Xavier a world famous goalkeeper. Victoria is a woman haunted by her guilt over a family tragedy. We immediately pick up from Xavier POV into a heart pounding intro. There is angst, English football drama and lots of spice. Xavier and Victoria are battling their own painful pasts. This is something they must overcome or face in order to move forward with their relationship. This story is gut wrenching and exhilarating. It will have you on a roller coaster of emotions all the way to the end.

Tropes:
🩵Sports romance
🩵Romantic suspense
🩵Dominant Vibes MMC
🩵Submissive/brat FMC
🩵Dual POV
🩵Revenge plot
🩵Healing from Trauma

[Cassandra M · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The Penalty is a captivating blend of angst, passion, and suspense that had me hooked from start to finish. The chemistry between Victoria and Xavier is electric, showcasing a love beautifully discovered. I loved the sports action surrounding English football, which added an exciting backdrop to their emotional journey.

Montagano skillfully weaves in Victoria's traumatic childhood, giving depth to her character and heightening the stakes throughout the story. The quest for justice adds a thrilling edge that kept me on the edge of my seat.

This book is a perfect mix of romance and intrigue, and I couldn’t put it down! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good second-chance romance with some serious emotional punch. 🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Kali Dempsey]

4 ⭐ 4 🌶️ 5 🎧

Once again, the blend of sports, spice and darkness in this book was so well done. I enjoyed Victoria and Xavier so much and really enjoyed this second part of their story which was so much angstier and more thrilling too.

The spice was (again) fantastic. Xavier and Victoria were a wonderful pair and I really enjoyed watching them explore each other more and more during this installment. The exhibitionism was so much fun.

Seeing how these two grew together during their time apart was amazing.
The ending was perfect and I loved how our villain got his due too.

The audio was amazing. I loved Branden Davis-Butler and Elliot Matthews and the way they brought these characters to life. I loved this listen. Thank you so much to Must Love Audio for the promo copy!

[Lesa Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I got this as an ARC and before reading it I read the 1st book “The Keeper” which I absolutely loved! Followed immediately with reading “The Penalty” because the characters and story were that good.
I loved the banter - Victoria has some snark and Xavier is a snack. Xavier actually does say some really sweet things and shows a real vulnerability.
I enjoyed the spice - well written. But, the thing the takes this to a 5 star is the story. Two people coming together and the story that entails, but both are also dealing with a traumatic past that they work through together.
Very enjoyable read and if you like heat then you will not be disappointed.

[Danielle Beckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨
When I received this ARC I had no idea it was part two of this duet, and by that it means the first part of the story is a must read to really get the entire story. I was so into the story that I am so glad I didn’t have to wait to go right into the second book!!!! This story is REALLY good!!! I really loved Xavier’s character and how hard he fell for Victoria. Although I did like Victoria her stubbornness when it came to the things happening to her frustrated me. But in the end, I couldn’t put this book down! I stayed up way too late finishing it, and I’m not mad about it! Definitely recommend reading both books!

[bookish_jonni · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book of a duet that started with The Keeper. I loved the first book and this one didn’t disappoint. It’s a different take on the sports romance genre and they’re both so good! The characters are great and I loved their growth. Victoria and Xavier and great together and I’m excited to see what happens with the rest of the characters in the upcoming books. Lynn’s writing is wonderful and the story is both heart wrenching and heartwarming! I wish I could read it for the first time again.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect ending

What a perfect ending to this duet! I will say I was stunned at the plot twist at the end and totally didn’t see that coming. I fell in love with Victoria and Xavier in book one and I’m still in love with them. It was intriguing seeing Xavier dealing with his demons more this time around since the first book we saw Victoria struggling with hers. I will say though that I at least need a novella of Killian and Max because those two crack me up! I cannot wait for more books in this series and ekkkk I definitely Bennett’s sooner than later.

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I absolutely adore Xavier and Victoria! Xavier is such a possessive loyal and loving protector. He would do anything for Victoria and she would not hesitate to do the exact same for him. They had some struggles throughout their journey, especially with someone being so hellbent on trying to ruin their lives. They got through it together and I love how much they made each other’s lives so much better. They both were able to heal and grow and I was so happy for their HEA! I’m so looking forward to the next book!

[elocin_reads37 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished this one a while ago but life got in the way and got so behind in reviews. Grief is hard sometimes.

Anyway I received an arc for this and I had to catch up because I didn’t realize it was a second part. So go and read the keeper if you haven’t so yet.

Submissive brat FMC
Dominant MMC
Revenge
Great spice 4🌶️

I feel like we get more of Xavier in this book. Book one focused more on Victorias issues. So it was nice to get more on what happened to Xavier and his trauma. I feel like it was the perfect ending for them. Great read.

[Diane McConnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rollercoaster of a story!

You really need to read The Keeper (Royals and Legends #2) fist to understand the characters and the reasoning behind what is happening between Victoria Chase and Xavier Maddox. Xavier is the best keeper for England and plays for Royal City Athletic and Victoria is the media relations director for the New York Legends football team.

Their meeting was an accident but someone out there is trying to prevent them from finding why Victoria’s twin killed herself and keeping them apart but prepared for a rollercoaster of a story.

[Gils · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Stars
Victoria and Xavier’s story continues when they are being threatened by the same person.
I wanted to like this more than I did. I found it to be a little drawn out. Lots of questions left unanswered, which I understand as the series goes on with the secondary characters in the forefront. But I think this could have been one book rather than two. The writing improved a good deal from the first book. I didn’t dislike it, just didn’t love it. But I will probably read the rest of the series eventually.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The layers of story in a story make this book so much more than just a romantic story. The healing journey that both MCs take brings something authentic to the story. The spice just levels up the story and while it's Spicy it also has depth. I love soccer and football so having this series cross over was super exciting.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Arc reviewer

4/5 ⭐️

Not your typical sports romance but did not disappoint. 2nd book in the series. This author BRINGS the spice!! 🌶️ Lynn does a tremendous job portraying the emotional journey both characters deal with in this book. I really enjoyed the writing style, Lynn keeps you entertained and hooked from the first page! Put this on your TBR!

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
I love how badass victoria is and how much this showed the romance between them . The third act breakup didn't really feel like third act with how mature they went about it. It was really nice seeing other characters from other books. I showed the bond in friendships. xavier is such a loud lover. The spice was a 3

[Kimberly Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sports romance. I wish I had read The Keeper first but you can still follow the story fairly well if you start it as a standalone. It’s emotional, there’s drama, and there’s spice! This follows Xavier and Victorias story.

[Donna Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am addicted to sports romances. I’d say it’s a problem, but after reading about Xavier, it’s not. Attractive, arrogant, and down right dreamy. Mix in tragedy for the FMC and it brings out the best qualities of a down right good book!