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Southern Scrimmage #5
Last Man Standing
There’s no dating in football.
After living his entire football career in Levi Brody’s shadow, Damien Sullivan is set to take the NFL by storm. Angry at the world he lands in New Orleans with a chip on his shoulder and a need for some action. He wants nothing more than to experience life to the hilt, but a controlling parent and a set of rigid fraternization rules work seek to slow his roll. A chance hook-up before camp leads to a showdown with the very young, very attractive starting quarterback.
Starting quarterback for the disgraced New Orleans team, Raphael Acosta has his work cut out for him. His team doesn’t respect him, his coaches barely know his name and now there’s this hot-shot kid lauded as the second coming of the great Levi Brody. The last thing Raf needs is an insufferable rival for his position. The problem is he can’t seem to keep his hands off the man in private.
When new rules and old prejudices converge, only one could be the Last Man Standing.
58,000 words
After living his entire football career in Levi Brody’s shadow, Damien Sullivan is set to take the NFL by storm. Angry at the world he lands in New Orleans with a chip on his shoulder and a need for some action. He wants nothing more than to experience life to the hilt, but a controlling parent and a set of rigid fraternization rules work seek to slow his roll. A chance hook-up before camp leads to a showdown with the very young, very attractive starting quarterback.
Starting quarterback for the disgraced New Orleans team, Raphael Acosta has his work cut out for him. His team doesn’t respect him, his coaches barely know his name and now there’s this hot-shot kid lauded as the second coming of the great Levi Brody. The last thing Raf needs is an insufferable rival for his position. The problem is he can’t seem to keep his hands off the man in private.
When new rules and old prejudices converge, only one could be the Last Man Standing.
58,000 words
258 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 22, 2016
36 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 17, 2017
*2.5 stars*
I'm sorry, I didn't like this at all. I liked the beginning but the rest was not good. In true Mercy Celeste fashion there is family drama, and fucked up/twisted family relationships that resemble a soap opera, but I knew that going in. This is NOT why I didn't like the book.
The writing....I just couldn't. The dialogue is weird, the editing bad, and the word fucking was repeated 500 times throughout the book. I'm not exaggerating, I counted.
As for the characters, I don't know what to tell you. I got tired with Angel's back and forth about his sexuality ("I'm bisexual" or "I'm gay" or "I'm more gay than bisexual" or "I don't know if I have always been bisexual, I think I have always been gay"). I don't believe for one second the "I love yous".
The sex is super hot but beware !
I still recommend the previous books in the series. I really loved them. This one, not so much.
I'm sorry, I didn't like this at all. I liked the beginning but the rest was not good. In true Mercy Celeste fashion there is family drama, and fucked up/twisted family relationships that resemble a soap opera, but I knew that going in. This is NOT why I didn't like the book.
The writing....I just couldn't. The dialogue is weird, the editing bad, and the word fucking was repeated 500 times throughout the book. I'm not exaggerating, I counted.
As for the characters, I don't know what to tell you. I got tired with Angel's back and forth about his sexuality ("I'm bisexual" or "I'm gay" or "I'm more gay than bisexual" or "I don't know if I have always been bisexual, I think I have always been gay"). I don't believe for one second the "I love yous".
The sex is super hot but beware !
I still recommend the previous books in the series. I really loved them. This one, not so much.
August 24, 2016
Review originally posted at Sinfully.
Last Man Standing focuses on Raphael “Angel” Acosta, the backup QB who stepped in after Levi was injured and incoming hot-shot rookie Damien “Demon” Sullivan, who’s been compared to Levi Brody since he stepped onto the field at the same college. Angel is the only man standing in Sully’s way to the quarterback job. When Angel unexpectedly shows up at rookie camp, Sully is even more determined to take the QB job away from him when he turns out to be the hot blond Sully hooked up with a few days before. What started as a quick and dirty hook up at the mall turns into a complication neither man wanted nor expected and one that can tank both their careers.
The timeline of the story picks up after the last chapter of Bootleg Diva: Confessions of a Quarterback Princess by Levi Brody and leads up to what will be the next and final book of the series, Blindsided. With only a brief mention of Angel in Offside Chance, both MCs are new to the series and are outsiders to the group of teammates readers have come to know. Both are coming up in the shadow of Levi Brody there’s a lot of pressure both on the field and in the locker room.
The sexual attraction between Angel and Sully is intense. Their first anonymous hookup left them both reeling. Now that they are thrown together, they can’t keep their minds and hands off each other and that’s a huge problem. After the reveal of Bo and Levi’s relationship there is a new no-fraternization policy in the league and there is still some clear and open hostility in the locker room towards the team’s gay players. Angel and Sully are in for a rough time. If that’s not complicated enough, Angel’s personal life is a big mess that needs to be resolved before he can move forward with Sully and Sully is ready to get away from his overprotective mother and the agent she’s hired to keep tabs on him. When Angel offers him a week away at his island house he jumps at the chance for this “quarterback retreat” and is hoping for a repeat performance of their prior hook ups. Things there get even more complicated when both teammates and feelings also show up.
There’s not a lot of plot I can get into other than those basics, but there is plenty more going on including daddy issues like so many of the characters in the other books seem to have as well. I predict you will dislike Angel’s father from the start. I will say Mercy Celeste managed to have my jaw drop more than once in this story, one of those was also followed by me cursing loudly and smacking myself in the forehead (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get to it).
Although Sully came off as quite prickly to begin with, he soon wormed his way into my heart along with Angel. Angel, on the other hand is one of the more big-hearted and straightforward characters in the series. The two clicked so well together, even early on when it seemed they would be at each other’s throats they were still protective of each other and formed a quick bond. As the lust and “just sex” quickly morph into love, along comes a little bit of jealousy and hurt feelings, but neither outweigh the desire to protect each other, even if it’s at the cost of their position. Outside of the raunchy, hot sex, they can be very sweet.
Speaking of the sex, there is a lot of sex and a little kink, as you will see from the author’s warning. The kink is one that might not appeal to all. It's not one I'm generally a fan of but I didn't mind it here. It was spontaneous and brief and shouldn’t deter anyone from reading the story. It’s easy enough to just skip that scene and keep reading.
While the story is all about Sully and Angel, there are appearances from other series characters as the two men start working their way through pre-season activities, including Dylan Sunday, Slayer, Jude, Tracy and Coach Shannon. I absolutely loved Dylan here. He is stealth and surprising in his support of Angel and Sully and it felt like he's getting back to being comfortable with himself. Coach Shannon tries to use his once proven method of keeping players in line, but Dylan has some different words of wisdom for Angel and is not afraid to step in when things reach their breaking point.
The relationship progresses very quickly and has its ups and downs, but both very young men do seem to handle their situations and grow stronger by the end of the story. It was hot and emotional and not without a few laughs. I enjoyed getting the point of view of a rookie coming into the middle of what Levi left behind in the prior books. I wouldn’t read this story out of order as it definitely links to events in the past and what will be coming in the series finale. Angel and Sully make a great addition to the team and the series and I can’t wait to see what Mercy Celeste has in store for the final book.
Last Man Standing focuses on Raphael “Angel” Acosta, the backup QB who stepped in after Levi was injured and incoming hot-shot rookie Damien “Demon” Sullivan, who’s been compared to Levi Brody since he stepped onto the field at the same college. Angel is the only man standing in Sully’s way to the quarterback job. When Angel unexpectedly shows up at rookie camp, Sully is even more determined to take the QB job away from him when he turns out to be the hot blond Sully hooked up with a few days before. What started as a quick and dirty hook up at the mall turns into a complication neither man wanted nor expected and one that can tank both their careers.
The timeline of the story picks up after the last chapter of Bootleg Diva: Confessions of a Quarterback Princess by Levi Brody and leads up to what will be the next and final book of the series, Blindsided. With only a brief mention of Angel in Offside Chance, both MCs are new to the series and are outsiders to the group of teammates readers have come to know. Both are coming up in the shadow of Levi Brody there’s a lot of pressure both on the field and in the locker room.
The sexual attraction between Angel and Sully is intense. Their first anonymous hookup left them both reeling. Now that they are thrown together, they can’t keep their minds and hands off each other and that’s a huge problem. After the reveal of Bo and Levi’s relationship there is a new no-fraternization policy in the league and there is still some clear and open hostility in the locker room towards the team’s gay players. Angel and Sully are in for a rough time. If that’s not complicated enough, Angel’s personal life is a big mess that needs to be resolved before he can move forward with Sully and Sully is ready to get away from his overprotective mother and the agent she’s hired to keep tabs on him. When Angel offers him a week away at his island house he jumps at the chance for this “quarterback retreat” and is hoping for a repeat performance of their prior hook ups. Things there get even more complicated when both teammates and feelings also show up.
There’s not a lot of plot I can get into other than those basics, but there is plenty more going on including daddy issues like so many of the characters in the other books seem to have as well. I predict you will dislike Angel’s father from the start. I will say Mercy Celeste managed to have my jaw drop more than once in this story, one of those was also followed by me cursing loudly and smacking myself in the forehead (you’ll know what I’m talking about when you get to it).
Although Sully came off as quite prickly to begin with, he soon wormed his way into my heart along with Angel. Angel, on the other hand is one of the more big-hearted and straightforward characters in the series. The two clicked so well together, even early on when it seemed they would be at each other’s throats they were still protective of each other and formed a quick bond. As the lust and “just sex” quickly morph into love, along comes a little bit of jealousy and hurt feelings, but neither outweigh the desire to protect each other, even if it’s at the cost of their position. Outside of the raunchy, hot sex, they can be very sweet.
Speaking of the sex, there is a lot of sex and a little kink, as you will see from the author’s warning. The kink is one that might not appeal to all. It's not one I'm generally a fan of but I didn't mind it here. It was spontaneous and brief and shouldn’t deter anyone from reading the story. It’s easy enough to just skip that scene and keep reading.
While the story is all about Sully and Angel, there are appearances from other series characters as the two men start working their way through pre-season activities, including Dylan Sunday, Slayer, Jude, Tracy and Coach Shannon. I absolutely loved Dylan here. He is stealth and surprising in his support of Angel and Sully and it felt like he's getting back to being comfortable with himself. Coach Shannon tries to use his once proven method of keeping players in line, but Dylan has some different words of wisdom for Angel and is not afraid to step in when things reach their breaking point.
The relationship progresses very quickly and has its ups and downs, but both very young men do seem to handle their situations and grow stronger by the end of the story. It was hot and emotional and not without a few laughs. I enjoyed getting the point of view of a rookie coming into the middle of what Levi left behind in the prior books. I wouldn’t read this story out of order as it definitely links to events in the past and what will be coming in the series finale. Angel and Sully make a great addition to the team and the series and I can’t wait to see what Mercy Celeste has in store for the final book.
August 23, 2016
4.5 stars from me. Really liked this one, and the two protagonists, Damien 'Sully' Sullivan or Demon as he was nicknamed, and Rafael Acosta, also known as Angel. The 'Aha' moment for me came at 2% in, when I had a Eureka moment and knew without any shadow of a doubt who Sully's father was, and if you've paid attention in the other stories, you'll recognise the signs too.
Have to say Raf's dad, well-known ex baseball star LA Acosta, was a complete arse and deserves to be banished from his son's life, but the same cannot be said for one of Sully's mums, Sheila to be precise, who although she kept interfering in Sully's life, did everything out of love and not malice. The two young quarterbacks were definitely in love and having to put up with some nasty stuff from their teammates because of it, but we've been there before folks, haven't we??
Did the amazing Levi make an appearance?? No, is the straight answer to that question but practically everyone else did...Dylan, Bo, Jude, Slayer and even Tracy, and the little cameo at the end with the house for sale and a certain ARC to be read was quite touching.
Sooo looking forward to Blindsided, the last in the series.
October 4, 2016
4.5 Stars
Really enjoyed this, but I wish there had been less sex, and more relationship building.
Really enjoyed this, but I wish there had been less sex, and more relationship building.
October 3, 2016
In the beginning the sex between Angel/Raphael and Sully/Demon was hot because it was stranger sex first and angry sex second. There's a lot of sex in this book including watersports aka golden showers and not much plot. When the "I love yous" came I never believed them for one second. I was thinking this might be a three star read until we get almost to the end and now we have history being rewritten. I just read Bootleg Diva: Confessions of a Quarterback Princess by Levi Brody and nowhere in that book did they mention . . .
What are the odds that we have two brothers and a son all being gay?? Now I'm not big into football but I sure which the author had explained what the acronym OTA stands for. It's very irritating reading a book when you don't know what the fucking acronym stands for and I didn't want to bother to look it up.
What are the odds that we have two brothers and a son all being gay?? Now I'm not big into football but I sure which the author had explained what the acronym OTA stands for. It's very irritating reading a book when you don't know what the fucking acronym stands for and I didn't want to bother to look it up.
August 30, 2016
*sigh* I'm not really sure what to think. First and foremost, the errors were irritating. To, too and two are different words, folks. As for the story itself... Eh. Since we were told that Bootleg Diva was a memoir and doesn't affect the timeline and since I didn't have the money I did not read it. It's the only book in this series that I haven't read. *sigh* I was confused in this book. Though I think that the author intended us to be confused. And that non-ending?! WTF?! SMH... All those things aside I just don't buy that these two "fell in love". I didn't feel it. Didn't see it. SMH. Very disappointed.
September 5, 2016
Holy moly! This one is smoking hot! I borrowed my copy but may have to buy it because it's definitely on my "must reread" list already. (And I think my Kindle exploded during that shower scene. Best kinky scene ever!)
The Angel meets the Devil on the playing field in New Orleans when Raphael Acosta, the quarterback who got Levi Brody's spot on the team meets newly drafted quarterback, Damien Sullivan. And surprise, surprise! Demon is the guy Angel just had anonymous sex with earlier that week.
Instead of being protagonists, however, the author gives us a love story, one with plenty of angst and opposition, including what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. Both characters are endearing and memorable and I found myself rooting for the unlikely duo to overcome their odds for their HEA.
There were visits from Tracy and Jude and quite interesting revelations about "Sully's" background, mothers, and family of origin. Nothing definite from Levi, though. I guess I have to wait for the next book. Speaking of which, it appears that it will be named Blindsided but it's not in the list of books in the series on the Goodreads page. Very confusing.
But whatever it is, I'll be first in line. Thank you to my friend Alison who loaned this one to me. I have sticky fingers and don't want to give it back. Good thing Amazon is going to make me do it. LOL. Seriously, if you follow the series, get this immediately. If you don't, why not. Get started with Six Ways from Sunday right now!
The Angel meets the Devil on the playing field in New Orleans when Raphael Acosta, the quarterback who got Levi Brody's spot on the team meets newly drafted quarterback, Damien Sullivan. And surprise, surprise! Demon is the guy Angel just had anonymous sex with earlier that week.
Instead of being protagonists, however, the author gives us a love story, one with plenty of angst and opposition, including what appear to be insurmountable obstacles. Both characters are endearing and memorable and I found myself rooting for the unlikely duo to overcome their odds for their HEA.
There were visits from Tracy and Jude and quite interesting revelations about "Sully's" background, mothers, and family of origin. Nothing definite from Levi, though. I guess I have to wait for the next book. Speaking of which, it appears that it will be named Blindsided but it's not in the list of books in the series on the Goodreads page. Very confusing.
But whatever it is, I'll be first in line. Thank you to my friend Alison who loaned this one to me. I have sticky fingers and don't want to give it back. Good thing Amazon is going to make me do it. LOL. Seriously, if you follow the series, get this immediately. If you don't, why not. Get started with Six Ways from Sunday right now!
August 28, 2016
I am being really generous with 3 stars
This book was so poorly written. It was not thought out at all. It was just thrown together with no heart whatsoever.
This is a series that revolved around football and was the only one that no games were in play. This story is about Angel, Levi's replacement Quarter back and Damien. The usual cast is just cameos with no involvement to our MCs. While I did like Damien and Angel together, half of what transpired between the two was very confusing. It wasn't clear in what was happening. They would say one thing and in every scene did the opposite, which made it more confusing. Golden showers are horrible and a total turn off. Please don't do that ever again. Now why was Tracy getting mad at Damien when Damien questioned him about Levi?? He thought his father died without ever meeting him. Everyone one that knows Levi know or can tell Damien Sullivan ( Sully) is his son. We don't even get to see him meet his father. There should have been a deep bonding with our original group who ban together and stand by Damien's side. The only interaction that was worth anything was with Dylan Sunday. There was so much of a story here with the Brody family and I just hope that Blindsided covers what Wes are missing here
This book was so poorly written. It was not thought out at all. It was just thrown together with no heart whatsoever.
This is a series that revolved around football and was the only one that no games were in play. This story is about Angel, Levi's replacement Quarter back and Damien. The usual cast is just cameos with no involvement to our MCs. While I did like Damien and Angel together, half of what transpired between the two was very confusing. It wasn't clear in what was happening. They would say one thing and in every scene did the opposite, which made it more confusing. Golden showers are horrible and a total turn off. Please don't do that ever again. Now why was Tracy getting mad at Damien when Damien questioned him about Levi?? He thought his father died without ever meeting him. Everyone one that knows Levi know or can tell Damien Sullivan ( Sully) is his son. We don't even get to see him meet his father. There should have been a deep bonding with our original group who ban together and stand by Damien's side. The only interaction that was worth anything was with Dylan Sunday. There was so much of a story here with the Brody family and I just hope that Blindsided covers what Wes are missing here
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2017
Jesus Christ why did I read this?
I mean this is the author the royally fucked over Bo and Dylan and her acknowledgments read like an author who knows she fucked up. She can't now go and re-write the whole damn series so she is trying to "fix" everything. I mean there is nothing she can do she ruined this series. I mean she put so much effort in Levi that she screwed everyone else. It's like...what were you drinking?
This book was a pile of pants. I mean of course somehow Levi managed to get involved and that whole "plot" was just a mess.
The two main characters had about ten different names. I honestly didn't know what I was reading. The writing was awkward, also grammar was messed up, pacing was weird and the whole book was a shit storm of bad editing.
I don't know why I even gave this another chance. Everything about this book just made me rage.
I mean this is the author the royally fucked over Bo and Dylan and her acknowledgments read like an author who knows she fucked up. She can't now go and re-write the whole damn series so she is trying to "fix" everything. I mean there is nothing she can do she ruined this series. I mean she put so much effort in Levi that she screwed everyone else. It's like...what were you drinking?
This book was a pile of pants. I mean of course somehow Levi managed to get involved and that whole "plot" was just a mess.
The two main characters had about ten different names. I honestly didn't know what I was reading. The writing was awkward, also grammar was messed up, pacing was weird and the whole book was a shit storm of bad editing.
I don't know why I even gave this another chance. Everything about this book just made me rage.
September 14, 2016
Not my personal favorite of the series so far. I really found that I couldn't warm to either of the MC's. I am not sure of the timeline of the book but they seem to go from quickie in a Sears store to talking marriage in a matter of weeks.
Again both are quarterbacks for the New Orleans Saints but there really is no rivalry on the field I guess as most of the story takes place during the training camps.
We do see one resolution from the previous book but I am looking forward to the final book in the series to see how it all wraps up.
I think my unhappiness wasn't helped that I disliked both the cover models.
3.5 stars rounded up.
Again both are quarterbacks for the New Orleans Saints but there really is no rivalry on the field I guess as most of the story takes place during the training camps.
We do see one resolution from the previous book but I am looking forward to the final book in the series to see how it all wraps up.
I think my unhappiness wasn't helped that I disliked both the cover models.
3.5 stars rounded up.
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August 22, 2016I wish there had been something to like about Raf and Sully before the last few chapters! Their unpleasant personalities made for a long read that I came close to giving up on once or twice.
August 29, 2016
4.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
I was a tiny bit hesitant about this story, knowing it was about different characters that we really hadn’t gotten to know yet. However, following the amazing story that preceded it, Bootleg Diva, I think this was the smartest and most clever way to go about it.
This is the story about two quarterbacks who are the backups now fighting for the position of the now injured Levi. These guys hook up one night before either knows who the other is. So, when they come face to face on the field, the sparks really fly. Both of these guys had some rather unique upbringings, with Raf’s dad being a famous pro-baseball player with whom he has had little contact ever since Raf switched from playing baseball to football. He also has Melanie, who seemed ok at first, but then turned into a whole other person. There is quite a bit more to his story, but I don’t want to give too much away.
Sully grew up with lesbian mothers. He is struggling with getting out from under their thumbs, as they just can’t seem to cut the ties. He also has his suspicions about who his father is, and is determined to find out for sure. Sully and Raf have some major chemistry, both on the field and off. They have a lot going on, but it never felt like an overload.
Again, I will say how difficult I believe it would be to follow up a story like Diva, and kept thinking about that in the back of my mind for about 75% of this story. That part was really good, but just wait, because the ending of this story wrapped the whole thing up in a giant bow. We find out the truth about Sully’s father, and though we don’t see him make an appearance, we do see the others close to him. Let me just say that it brought back all of the feels from Bootleg Diva and had me wanting to run back and reread it again just to relive it again. Bravo, Ms. Celeste! Though I am hesitant to see this story end, I can’t wait for the final installment.
February 11, 2017
Ties up a few loose ends
This one isn't directly connected to either pair of lovers who came before but it does still fill in a few loose ends.
Damien is Levi's son, the one he didn't know he had from the time his father sent him to conversion camp. Raf is the quarterback at the New Orleans Saints who got thrown into the spotlight when Levi had his career ended on the field.
They should be rivals but instead they connect in a way neither expected and before they knew who the other was. Together they're all kinds of mixed up and yet they somehow work.
It really needs Blindsided to be released to draw a final conclusion to the Southern Scrimmage series but this one goes a way towards doing that.
Hopefully it will be out sooner than later otherwise it would be real shame that this series didn't get a proper send off.
This one isn't directly connected to either pair of lovers who came before but it does still fill in a few loose ends.
Damien is Levi's son, the one he didn't know he had from the time his father sent him to conversion camp. Raf is the quarterback at the New Orleans Saints who got thrown into the spotlight when Levi had his career ended on the field.
They should be rivals but instead they connect in a way neither expected and before they knew who the other was. Together they're all kinds of mixed up and yet they somehow work.
It really needs Blindsided to be released to draw a final conclusion to the Southern Scrimmage series but this one goes a way towards doing that.
Hopefully it will be out sooner than later otherwise it would be real shame that this series didn't get a proper send off.
October 27, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
4.75 Stars
There is always a worry when a favourite series drops in two new characters but in this case the worry was for nothing as Mercy slammed out another brilliant story in the Southern Scrimmage series.
This story starts with a hot little twist. Two men randomly hooking up in a bathroom for a quick orgasm or two who find out a day or so later that they are both fighting for the same spot on a football team. Raphael and Damien both want to replace Levi Brody and from the minute they both step on the field and face each other sparks fly.
Mercy writes a hot sex scene and there are a lot of them in Last Man Standing. There is also a ton of baggage dragged along by both these men that brings them down but every time they return fighting and a little bit stronger. This is the book that has a few ‘aha’ moments and in a way brings everything back around full circle. It is NOT a book that you should read as a standalone – this author has really put us through it a time or two with this series and you need to start at the beginning to both understand and appreciate it.
This pair are good together – eventually – but my heart will always belong to Levi where this series is concerned. The book that precedes this one, Bootleg Diva, was just brilliant and was often in my mind as I read Last Man Standing. I cannot recommend this series enough and I can’t wait for Blindsided to be released, the last book in the series, even though it will mean the end I need some resolution for one of my favourite ever book boyfriends.
4.75 Stars
There is always a worry when a favourite series drops in two new characters but in this case the worry was for nothing as Mercy slammed out another brilliant story in the Southern Scrimmage series.
This story starts with a hot little twist. Two men randomly hooking up in a bathroom for a quick orgasm or two who find out a day or so later that they are both fighting for the same spot on a football team. Raphael and Damien both want to replace Levi Brody and from the minute they both step on the field and face each other sparks fly.
Mercy writes a hot sex scene and there are a lot of them in Last Man Standing. There is also a ton of baggage dragged along by both these men that brings them down but every time they return fighting and a little bit stronger. This is the book that has a few ‘aha’ moments and in a way brings everything back around full circle. It is NOT a book that you should read as a standalone – this author has really put us through it a time or two with this series and you need to start at the beginning to both understand and appreciate it.
This pair are good together – eventually – but my heart will always belong to Levi where this series is concerned. The book that precedes this one, Bootleg Diva, was just brilliant and was often in my mind as I read Last Man Standing. I cannot recommend this series enough and I can’t wait for Blindsided to be released, the last book in the series, even though it will mean the end I need some resolution for one of my favourite ever book boyfriends.
June 12, 2017
Edit 8/21/16 for actual release. Two more complex characters, in competition for Levi Brody's legacy on the football field. They're also going for another legacy; they're attracted to, and can't stay away from, each other. All kinds of antagonism and kinky, kinky sex! Sully and Raf also have oodles of baggage of their own to deal with. I found it very hard to like Sully much of the time. But I devoured this story, as it answers at least one of the questions we were left with from Levi's story.
This was a tough one to rate and will be hard to review without spoilers, so I won't spoil. It was very much a Mercy Celeste story! It's new characters but there's huge connections for the series, including Bootleg Diva. There were parts I loved and liked, parts I disliked and a couple of parts I really, really disliked. We do get some Dylan Sunday page time! That's all I'm saying right now!
And I know it's not released yet, but this wasn't an ARC. I purchased directly from Mercy's new website http://www.mjcpress.com/.
This was a tough one to rate and will be hard to review without spoilers, so I won't spoil. It was very much a Mercy Celeste story! It's new characters but there's huge connections for the series, including Bootleg Diva. There were parts I loved and liked, parts I disliked and a couple of parts I really, really disliked. We do get some Dylan Sunday page time! That's all I'm saying right now!
And I know it's not released yet, but this wasn't an ARC. I purchased directly from Mercy's new website http://www.mjcpress.com/.
August 28, 2016
Oh wow... This book was full of surprises & a few shock full jaw dropping moments. I laughed, got angry, shocked & cried, so emotional. You'll love some characters & you'll dislike one(Angels' dad). I grew to love the MC's after a little while, Sully & Angel are great together & have good chemistry & hot sex, there's a lot in the book with a bit of kink two times( not my cup of tea) but it didn't stop me from reading the book. I was happy we got some characters from the other books in here, especially Dylan Sunday( I love him) ;). This was a great book & I can't wait to read last book to see how the series ends!
August 25, 2016
A 4.5 star Blogger Girls review
I was very eager and a bit nervous about this book. Excited because the book prior, Levi’s heartbreaking journal, was so good and it ended with my heart firmly lodged in my throat and I needed to see where this book was leading. Nervous because these are new characters and I was unsure how they were going to fit into this fabulously dysfunctional series. From the rating you can see that my nervousness was unfounded and this book was just as incredible as the previous books and I, more than ever, need to get my greedy paws on the last book. I am beyond excited to see it all come together, but am also sort of sad that it’s coming to an end.
Raf, not Rafe as he will resolutely let you know, and Sully turn it up from the moment they meet until the final page. These two are both a little dysfunctional in their private lives before they even get together as teammates or as a couple. Raf with his family history and personal life is like something out of a Hollywood memoir where only those living it can understand it. I was not a fan of Melanie, at all, but she definitely fit her stereotype.
Sully surprised the heck out of me. I knew his past would be revealed but I was blindsided by who he actually was…probably as much as he was. Just knowing how that part ended makes me more eager for the last book. So much was revealed but so much is still left to be told. His having two moms was very unique for a MM book, but I loved his interaction with his one mother, Sheila. The poor woman just could not cut the apron strings on her “little boy”. Annoying for him, but amusing for me.
Together, Raf and Sully were scorching; super competitive on the field and off. They were alike in so many ways, but different enough that I knew that once they got past all of their on-field and off-field issues that they would be a tight couple. They didn’t have it easy, at all, and at times they were the catalyst to the drama that surrounded them. But, they had reasons, and so many hoops to jump through before they could even commit as a couple, but it was so wonderfully told that my only disappointment was that the story came to an end.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
I was very eager and a bit nervous about this book. Excited because the book prior, Levi’s heartbreaking journal, was so good and it ended with my heart firmly lodged in my throat and I needed to see where this book was leading. Nervous because these are new characters and I was unsure how they were going to fit into this fabulously dysfunctional series. From the rating you can see that my nervousness was unfounded and this book was just as incredible as the previous books and I, more than ever, need to get my greedy paws on the last book. I am beyond excited to see it all come together, but am also sort of sad that it’s coming to an end.
Raf, not Rafe as he will resolutely let you know, and Sully turn it up from the moment they meet until the final page. These two are both a little dysfunctional in their private lives before they even get together as teammates or as a couple. Raf with his family history and personal life is like something out of a Hollywood memoir where only those living it can understand it. I was not a fan of Melanie, at all, but she definitely fit her stereotype.
Sully surprised the heck out of me. I knew his past would be revealed but I was blindsided by who he actually was…probably as much as he was. Just knowing how that part ended makes me more eager for the last book. So much was revealed but so much is still left to be told. His having two moms was very unique for a MM book, but I loved his interaction with his one mother, Sheila. The poor woman just could not cut the apron strings on her “little boy”. Annoying for him, but amusing for me.
Together, Raf and Sully were scorching; super competitive on the field and off. They were alike in so many ways, but different enough that I knew that once they got past all of their on-field and off-field issues that they would be a tight couple. They didn’t have it easy, at all, and at times they were the catalyst to the drama that surrounded them. But, they had reasons, and so many hoops to jump through before they could even commit as a couple, but it was so wonderfully told that my only disappointment was that the story came to an end.
Overall Impression: I loved it!
August 25, 2016
Based on my usual likes and dislikes I really should hate this book.
It's too...too...everything I wouldn't normally tolerate enough to finish.
Too many reasons why this shouldn't be a 5 star read for me:
The previous books' MCs (whose relationships I'm already invested in) are having so many ups and downs here - not what I want for them after 4 books of HFN and HEA endings. There's all sortsa shite crawling out of the woodwork and its ruining my idea of the Utopia I feel they deserve. This book undoes SO much of the good in their relationships.
The insta love scenario to me, means a burnt out bond within no time. And I want forever.
He's too young. Too volatile. Too angry.
Too much STUFF happening.
So much DRAAAMA.
So many unanswered questions....
And it needs another proofread.
For all these reasons above, I'm dreading the next book.
And he's married.
He's STILL married at the end of the book.
YET....
For all these reasons above, I can’t wait for the next book.
I love the unrestrained force of their emotions and the raw intensity of the newness of their love.
I reckon it’s too OTT not to be real. And lasting.
And I know they’ll practically annihilate each other before it’s all 100% hunky dory. In fact, I find I don’t want the usual pusual of ordinary love for them. Theirs is a lewd and crude and weird and wonderful connection and it’s how it should be.
So I love all their drama and all that STUFF that’s happening.
I enjoy all the little things the author adds in to make them so unique. Nothing feels empty or missing in her style of writing. I appreciate how she shows more than she tells and how nothing is vanilla and discreet and normal pormal.
I wish they were real.
And that I knew them.
I don’t wanna start another book cos I’d leave the world of Angel and Demon and I so don’t wanna
It's too...too...everything I wouldn't normally tolerate enough to finish.
Too many reasons why this shouldn't be a 5 star read for me:
The previous books' MCs (whose relationships I'm already invested in) are having so many ups and downs here - not what I want for them after 4 books of HFN and HEA endings. There's all sortsa shite crawling out of the woodwork and its ruining my idea of the Utopia I feel they deserve. This book undoes SO much of the good in their relationships.
The insta love scenario to me, means a burnt out bond within no time. And I want forever.
He's too young. Too volatile. Too angry.
Too much STUFF happening.
So much DRAAAMA.
So many unanswered questions....
And it needs another proofread.
For all these reasons above, I'm dreading the next book.
And he's married.
He's STILL married at the end of the book.
YET....
For all these reasons above, I can’t wait for the next book.
I love the unrestrained force of their emotions and the raw intensity of the newness of their love.
I reckon it’s too OTT not to be real. And lasting.
And I know they’ll practically annihilate each other before it’s all 100% hunky dory. In fact, I find I don’t want the usual pusual of ordinary love for them. Theirs is a lewd and crude and weird and wonderful connection and it’s how it should be.
So I love all their drama and all that STUFF that’s happening.
I enjoy all the little things the author adds in to make them so unique. Nothing feels empty or missing in her style of writing. I appreciate how she shows more than she tells and how nothing is vanilla and discreet and normal pormal.
I wish they were real.
And that I knew them.
I don’t wanna start another book cos I’d leave the world of Angel and Demon and I so don’t wanna
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2016
This was my least favorite book of the series so far and I was so very disappointed. I didn't like Sully at all and Raf was only a little better. I detested Melanie completely!! The "love" came far too quickly and I just couldn't buy into it. I was enjoying the sex though, until she introduced a kink that I just cannot get on board with.
I also thought there would be more focus on the team and the drama going on there. It seemed like we just got a tiny bit of what must have been going on. And that ending was just awful...very, very abrupt.
There also seemed to be a lot more grammar issues and misused words here than in other books of hers. Despite not enjoying this like I had hoped to, I am really looking forward to Blindsided and the wrapping up of all the various story threads that are still flying around loose.
I also thought there would be more focus on the team and the drama going on there. It seemed like we just got a tiny bit of what must have been going on. And that ending was just awful...very, very abrupt.
There also seemed to be a lot more grammar issues and misused words here than in other books of hers. Despite not enjoying this like I had hoped to, I am really looking forward to Blindsided and the wrapping up of all the various story threads that are still flying around loose.
September 9, 2016
DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU HAVE READ ALL OF THE PREVIOUS BOOKS IN SERIES! NO EXCEPTIONS!
These two QBs will not leave my mind. All of the characters in this series keep popping back up in m mind. I don't want to say good-by to them.
I was so happy to find that these two MCs did not deny their initial attraction and lust. It was refreshing. They were hot, smart and talented. How can one not like a story that has these lines:
He pushed his legs back and grabbing the butter he jacked his lover until they were both smelling like they were Mrs. Butterworth’s bitches.
These two QBs will not leave my mind. All of the characters in this series keep popping back up in m mind. I don't want to say good-by to them.
I was so happy to find that these two MCs did not deny their initial attraction and lust. It was refreshing. They were hot, smart and talented. How can one not like a story that has these lines:
He pushed his legs back and grabbing the butter he jacked his lover until they were both smelling like they were Mrs. Butterworth’s bitches.
January 12, 2017
The Saga Continues....
This series never fails to rip a tear or two from me, especially when you're talking about Levi Brody and all the drama that surrounds him. This book centered on Raphael Acosta and Damian Sullivan, the dueling QBs, and what happens when Angel and Demon meet. Questions are answered, even more are brought up. I can't wait for Blindsided and the finale of this incredible series.
This series never fails to rip a tear or two from me, especially when you're talking about Levi Brody and all the drama that surrounds him. This book centered on Raphael Acosta and Damian Sullivan, the dueling QBs, and what happens when Angel and Demon meet. Questions are answered, even more are brought up. I can't wait for Blindsided and the finale of this incredible series.
August 30, 2016
Two main characters that are jerks to each other and everyone else, one main character that is married and fails to tell the other before starting a relationship(though the guy's wife screws around too it doesn't redeem the situation) and water sports during sex. So much wrong with this book that kept it from being enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2016
This was great addition to this series. I loved the little peaks I got of the characters from the other books.
Want to read
August 16, 2016This comes out the day before the B-Day. You know what I'll be doing!
November 7, 2016
I am so hooked on Levi, Jude and this series!
Amazing storytelling, Ms. Celeste! You nailed it in your little bio at the end of each book you've written when you call yourself a storyteller. Her gift is one where she brings each character to vivid life with her graphic descriptions and witticisms of events, surroundings and interactions/dialogue, both verbal and internal. She's very good at the internal monologue that gives us insight into both beautiful QB's - it left us open to empathize with either Raf or Damien (better known as Sully), so I ended loving both of them for different reasons, even though they both were motivated by a burning attraction for one another. !!!!! SPOILED ALERT !!!! It seems Sully had an easier life than Raphael, which we discover at the end is thanks to his absent father Levi. Of course, then I just HAD to read Levi's story in #4 of rho series ('very clever marketing ploy)!
The scenes and writing hooked me into racing through the books -I finished the whole series in just a few hours (there are benefits to being a speed reader), and I still managed to appreciate Celeste's sharp wit and writing style. The sex is hot and inventive, never boring. A great read all around!
Amazing storytelling, Ms. Celeste! You nailed it in your little bio at the end of each book you've written when you call yourself a storyteller. Her gift is one where she brings each character to vivid life with her graphic descriptions and witticisms of events, surroundings and interactions/dialogue, both verbal and internal. She's very good at the internal monologue that gives us insight into both beautiful QB's - it left us open to empathize with either Raf or Damien (better known as Sully), so I ended loving both of them for different reasons, even though they both were motivated by a burning attraction for one another. !!!!! SPOILED ALERT !!!! It seems Sully had an easier life than Raphael, which we discover at the end is thanks to his absent father Levi. Of course, then I just HAD to read Levi's story in #4 of rho series ('very clever marketing ploy)!
The scenes and writing hooked me into racing through the books -I finished the whole series in just a few hours (there are benefits to being a speed reader), and I still managed to appreciate Celeste's sharp wit and writing style. The sex is hot and inventive, never boring. A great read all around!
May 24, 2017
This was the oddball of the series so far & IMO kinda out of place within the series. I would have given this book maybe 1 1/2 stars if it was not for the appearance, connections & a little tying up from old characters within the series. First I HATE insta-love, but that's a personal pet-peeve of mine, there was no relationship build, get to know or character build, so I felt nothing for either MC. Which was really different from the last books. Next as I read and was warned prior the sex scenes - a BIG NO for me - wow NO NO NO!! I hope never to stumble upon that ever again. All in all this one was just all over the place, feel like it should have been a novella without the love interest let us get to know the new faces crucial to the upcoming story lines. OK i am off to the last book, but a bit scared.
July 21, 2017
Nope, nope, nope! I shouldn't have read this book, I just shouldn't have. I wasn't even interested in it to start with but hoped to get a bit more of the other characters I had grown to love, most especially Will and Jude. Not so. I realized early on that Sully was Levi's son so I was sort of intrigued by where the story would go but nothing happened. Instead we get characters I could care less about, WATER SPORTS which I could have done without, and two ppl who are in love within a week of knowing each other-one of whom is married thank you very much, and just a lot of homophobic football players and slurs, which has been done to death at this point in the series. Could care less about them, and didn't care for the way my favorite characters from previous books were treated/ignored. I'm done with the series!
September 11, 2022
3.5 Stars
Steamy MM (Vers) sports romance, (American Football) both our hero's are Quarterbacks in there early 20s. Sully is newly drafted to Rafe's team. Initially there is some animosity, as Rafe feels Sully is a threat to his position on the team, however that doesn't last because they are so drawn to each other. They are a hot n horny pair. Lots of steam!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
One of the hero's is married to a woman, (on paper only) both lead separate lives/apart, oncs he is with the hero they are 100% committed to each other (no MF sex scenes)
Contains
Homophobia
Watersports
(if you don't like this kink, it can be skipped, occurs once in Chapter 9)
Public Sex
No condom
Vers
Steamy MM (Vers) sports romance, (American Football) both our hero's are Quarterbacks in there early 20s. Sully is newly drafted to Rafe's team. Initially there is some animosity, as Rafe feels Sully is a threat to his position on the team, however that doesn't last because they are so drawn to each other. They are a hot n horny pair. Lots of steam!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
One of the hero's is married to a woman, (on paper only) both lead separate lives/apart, oncs he is with the hero they are 100% committed to each other (no MF sex scenes)
Contains
Homophobia
Watersports
(if you don't like this kink, it can be skipped, occurs once in Chapter 9)
Public Sex
No condom
Vers
August 8, 2018
This was, in my opinion, the best in the series if only because it had no bullshit additions to either Jude/Will, Bo/Dylan or Levi/Tracy. It was farther removed from those stories and Mercy Celeste couldn't really fuck with them.
I wasn't sure at first how much I liked Sully, but he grew on me. I liked the Angel/Demon dichotomy. I liked the plot and the rivals/lovers thing. It was a good plot, and the characters were well written.
I wasn't sure at first how much I liked Sully, but he grew on me. I liked the Angel/Demon dichotomy. I liked the plot and the rivals/lovers thing. It was a good plot, and the characters were well written.
December 23, 2017
So good!
I would have to say that this series is in my top 10...and i read a lot....so that is saying a lot! It is very well written and the characterization is fantastic...i adore the two main characters from this one...Sully and Raf...and while i wont give away spoilers....i didnt see this one....it was woven very deftly throughout the book....masterful storytelling!
I would have to say that this series is in my top 10...and i read a lot....so that is saying a lot! It is very well written and the characterization is fantastic...i adore the two main characters from this one...Sully and Raf...and while i wont give away spoilers....i didnt see this one....it was woven very deftly throughout the book....masterful storytelling!
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