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The Rebels #2
Playing Defense
Scoring a coaching job with the Rebels was supposed to be a dream come true, a step toward achieving my goal of being the first female NFL head coach. But when three sexy-as-hell players blitzed their way into my life, I got distracted. I took my eye off the ball. And I’m at risk of losing it all, even the sport I love.
Now, the one thing that’s kept me grounded, kept me focused, is the last thing that could possibly bring me comfort. Because when it comes to Xavier, Colt, and Tristan, the lines are blurred. The rules—questioned.
I may be their coach on the field, but in matters of the heart, I’m playing defense.
**Playing Defense is the second book in a slow-burn reverse harem series.**
Now, the one thing that’s kept me grounded, kept me focused, is the last thing that could possibly bring me comfort. Because when it comes to Xavier, Colt, and Tristan, the lines are blurred. The rules—questioned.
I may be their coach on the field, but in matters of the heart, I’m playing defense.
**Playing Defense is the second book in a slow-burn reverse harem series.**
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 23, 2019
117 people are currently reading
182 people want to read
About the author
Julia Clarke
17 books208 followersAn adventurer at heart, Julia dabbles in everything from tap dance to calligraphy. When she's not traveling, Julia is learning new recipes, hiking, sailing, or inhaling copious amounts of fine chocolate.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
April 23, 2019
Okay, I really enjoyed book one. But you know that usually book one introduces characters and its the get to know you stage. Book two, gets that all out of the way and now we are in the beginning of the really meaty part of the story. Can they get past their issues? Will Blake hold off longer? I have to say I give mad props for Blake for holding out with the guys. I would have probably gave in and indulged in some sexy time right off the bat. Those guys are hot!!
Playing Defense picks up where book one leaves off. Blake is dealing with everything from the fight. She is trying to do so much, she is such a strong willed character. She knows her stuff and it is nice to see her get her due. She works hard. This is a slow burn Rh so don't expect a lot of things. I will say this though, the sexual tension is off the charts. And that ending leaves off on a cliffhanger, but not a big one. It will just leave you with wanting to see what happens next.
Playing Defense picks up where book one leaves off. Blake is dealing with everything from the fight. She is trying to do so much, she is such a strong willed character. She knows her stuff and it is nice to see her get her due. She works hard. This is a slow burn Rh so don't expect a lot of things. I will say this though, the sexual tension is off the charts. And that ending leaves off on a cliffhanger, but not a big one. It will just leave you with wanting to see what happens next.
April 25, 2019
Sweet lanta mother of pearl so many feelings. With this book we get to see a more vulnerable side of Blake. She’s unsure of not only the men she has grown so close to, but how her team feels about her and how she feels about herself. Blake worked so hard to be where she’s at and the thought of potentially losing it due to a couple of jerks is eating at her. Not only mkay is she dealing with the fight fallout, but shes no longer sure she can keep her feelings for the guys at bay. With each passing day it’s getting harder and harder for her to push her feelings aside. For the first time in her career she’s questioning whether achieving her dream job is worth losing her chance at happiness with the three men who have stolen her heart. Her feelings are changing. She loves football, but she finally finds herself wanting more.
Blake’s relationships with each of the guys have blossomed in this book. The more she gets to know them, the harder she falls. It comes to a point where she realizes she needs them, and realizes that that doesn’t make her weak like she once thought it would. They make her stronger. Better. More passionate. The encourage her. Challenge her. Care for her. Each one of them do all of this for her and so much more. Xavier makes her feel it’s okay to be delicate and vulnerable, that it’s not a sign of weakness. Tristan shows her that it’s okay tell let give someone else control sometimes, that it’s okay to give into the passion. Colt knows when to challenge her and give her exactly what she needs, even if she can’t see it yet. They are the missing pieces she never knew she needed. Blake is not an object to be possessed, instead she is a queen that deserves to be worshipped. These men worship her.
The last few chapters had my heart on edge and left me begging for more. I am officially hooked and ready for football season year round. I cannot wait to see how things play out for Blake and our three MVPs.
Blake’s relationships with each of the guys have blossomed in this book. The more she gets to know them, the harder she falls. It comes to a point where she realizes she needs them, and realizes that that doesn’t make her weak like she once thought it would. They make her stronger. Better. More passionate. The encourage her. Challenge her. Care for her. Each one of them do all of this for her and so much more. Xavier makes her feel it’s okay to be delicate and vulnerable, that it’s not a sign of weakness. Tristan shows her that it’s okay tell let give someone else control sometimes, that it’s okay to give into the passion. Colt knows when to challenge her and give her exactly what she needs, even if she can’t see it yet. They are the missing pieces she never knew she needed. Blake is not an object to be possessed, instead she is a queen that deserves to be worshipped. These men worship her.
The last few chapters had my heart on edge and left me begging for more. I am officially hooked and ready for football season year round. I cannot wait to see how things play out for Blake and our three MVPs.
April 16, 2019
Book one drew me in, but book two sealed the deal. I absolutely loved it. The consequences of book one's ending are dealt with in Playing Defense, and boy were they big for the characters. I felt so bad for the guys, but especially Blake, who was put under so much pressure and weighed down by her guilt. It takes a while for her to finally realize that none of it was her fault, but she gets there.
Not everything that happens to her and the guys is bad though, there are some bright spots for them, and I was so happy that all Blake's hard work is paying off and she is finally getting what she deserves. I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop throughout the book, and while there were a few oh shit moments, the big shoe drop never came. There was a bit of a cliffhanger ending, but nothing that made me want to throw my Kindle. Rather, it just made me that much more excited for the next book. There was also an awesome little surprise mention of some people that I wasn't expecting, but was seriously happy about. Can't wait to read more about Blake and her Rebels.
*I received an ARC copy of this book.
Not everything that happens to her and the guys is bad though, there are some bright spots for them, and I was so happy that all Blake's hard work is paying off and she is finally getting what she deserves. I was constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop throughout the book, and while there were a few oh shit moments, the big shoe drop never came. There was a bit of a cliffhanger ending, but nothing that made me want to throw my Kindle. Rather, it just made me that much more excited for the next book. There was also an awesome little surprise mention of some people that I wasn't expecting, but was seriously happy about. Can't wait to read more about Blake and her Rebels.
*I received an ARC copy of this book.
February 8, 2020
Slow burn is slooooow
This second installment reminded me of the reasons I hardly read slow burn RH and try to stick to medium. The first half of the book dealt with the fallout of the fight and at times the decisions Blake made were annoying. Thankfully, after a point she started to act like a Coach and the tension and sexual situations picked up a tiny bit. Hopefully the last book has a more fast paced style.
This second installment reminded me of the reasons I hardly read slow burn RH and try to stick to medium. The first half of the book dealt with the fallout of the fight and at times the decisions Blake made were annoying. Thankfully, after a point she started to act like a Coach and the tension and sexual situations picked up a tiny bit. Hopefully the last book has a more fast paced style.
April 23, 2019
Playing Defense picks up where Reverse Play left off: after a fight on field between teammates over a bet. Blake knows that the guys will face consequences and she doesn't want that. She also knows that her feelings are going to get them in trouble as well. But, whats a girl to do?!?
Tristan and Colt are suspended because of the fight, and Xavier has to temporarily move out. They don't want Blake to spill about the actual cause of the fight. She is seriously torn up over this-I mean, Tristan and Colt were defending her! Blake continues to struggle with how to be a female roll model and break the glass ceiling of the football world. If she gives in to her feelings, she has to give up her job. Seriously, the back and forth she goes through in her mind will give you whiplash. Just when she thinks she has made a decision, another layer of guilt is heaped on and she is back to confusion! I struggled with Blake at times because she is a smart, confident woman and that didn't come across sometimes because she was so indecisive.
I loved getting to see more deeply into the guys as people. Colt as a painter?! Xavier when he talks about his family?! Tristan and his cooking?! They are really becoming well developed characters and I love that. I also liked seeing Blake in the sports psychologist role as opposed to coach. This felt more natural for some reason.
If you enjoy the slow burn type romances, start with The Reverse Play and then read Playing Defense! The relationships really build in an organic way that helps readers really believe. Even if you aren't a fan of RH, this might help you give the genre a shot. Its a slow burn, its contemporary, and the characters are all very likable.
POV: 1st
Tears: no
Trope: football, reverse harem
Triggers: none
Series/Standalone: series
Cliffhanger:
HEA:
The Friend Zone by Kristen Callihan, Risky Play by Rachel Van Dyken, Overnight Sensation by Sarnia Bowen...but wished they were #ReverseHarem, then you will probably like Playing Defense!
Playing Defense
See full review on The Book Disciple
February 11, 2024
Again, no smut and cringe fmc. All 3 of the guys FINALLY agreed to date the fmc tho so ready for a steamy book 3 I hope
July 15, 2019
I really like the series.
Note: Blake feeling guilty over a white lie was dramatic. But I guess it keeps the story interesting.
Note: Blake feeling guilty over a white lie was dramatic. But I guess it keeps the story interesting.
April 25, 2019
The second book in The Rebels series continues only immediately where The Reverse Play left off. In Playing Defense, Blake’s career is on the line, and relationships with Colt, Tristan and Xavier continues to develop. This story is well written, addictive and emotionally heart gripping.
I highly recommend Playing Defense, can’t wait to read the third book Calling The Plays.
Side note: If you’d like something to listen to whilst reading this book, check our the Playing Defense playlist at the end of the book.
I highly recommend Playing Defense, can’t wait to read the third book Calling The Plays.
Side note: If you’d like something to listen to whilst reading this book, check our the Playing Defense playlist at the end of the book.
April 23, 2019
I think Julia Clarke did an amazing job on this follow-up to Book 1, The Reverse Play. I really enjoy the progression in this series, even if I wanted more football in this book haha. I know it cant all be about football! I really enjoyed seeing Blake's role change and how much the team was benefiting from that. I think it would have been cool to get a scene with her in the group sessions, just because of my love for football and I want to see her interpretation on how the team members interact and bring up their other concerns, but books can't be 100K long every time. Have to be realistic and bring in the romance part bit by bit 😂
I loved that we really start to see the relationships strengthen between Blake and her guys in this book, especially her and Xavier. Holy moly people, I wanted to combust when reading their scenes. I desperately want someone like that in my life. I mean Colt and Tristan are just as amazing, but the protectiveness, shyness, and lovable teddy bear vibe I get from Xavier is so adorable, I crave it. I loved his subtle ways of needing to be around her/spend time with her, and then he tries to go all out and it doesn't work as planned. I would be his queen in an instant haha.
The Thanksgiving scene and the Pro Bowl scenes made be swoon for Blake and her guys. The small details, like how she and X grounded each other and were adorably touchy feeling but they took the longest to really flirt and be physical. The talking about real life issues with all 3 guys and to see their talents outside football (loved Colt's 1-1 with Blake!). To grappling retirement and building a family around your teammates. Little nuances and details I thought elevated this story and really made it hit home for me like book 1 did.
I hated how Blake had to deal with the bet and how others have to suffer/handle it because of all the baggage and falls from grace it will cause. We still aren't there as a society when it comes to equality and bullying/harassment and I think this story does a good job bringing it to light without pushing it down the readers throat. I am happy the guys maybe have a chance at redemption (Q and T) but its open for anything to happen. I can't wait for karma to win out.
I really hope this series isn't a trilogy. I am crossing my fingers for at least 4-5 books. I couldn't imagine falling for this story only to have it end in the next book! Looooooved it! 5/5 stars easily ❤️
I loved that we really start to see the relationships strengthen between Blake and her guys in this book, especially her and Xavier. Holy moly people, I wanted to combust when reading their scenes. I desperately want someone like that in my life. I mean Colt and Tristan are just as amazing, but the protectiveness, shyness, and lovable teddy bear vibe I get from Xavier is so adorable, I crave it. I loved his subtle ways of needing to be around her/spend time with her, and then he tries to go all out and it doesn't work as planned. I would be his queen in an instant haha.
The Thanksgiving scene and the Pro Bowl scenes made be swoon for Blake and her guys. The small details, like how she and X grounded each other and were adorably touchy feeling but they took the longest to really flirt and be physical. The talking about real life issues with all 3 guys and to see their talents outside football (loved Colt's 1-1 with Blake!). To grappling retirement and building a family around your teammates. Little nuances and details I thought elevated this story and really made it hit home for me like book 1 did.
I hated how Blake had to deal with the bet and how others have to suffer/handle it because of all the baggage and falls from grace it will cause. We still aren't there as a society when it comes to equality and bullying/harassment and I think this story does a good job bringing it to light without pushing it down the readers throat. I am happy the guys maybe have a chance at redemption (Q and T) but its open for anything to happen. I can't wait for karma to win out.
I really hope this series isn't a trilogy. I am crossing my fingers for at least 4-5 books. I couldn't imagine falling for this story only to have it end in the next book! Looooooved it! 5/5 stars easily ❤️
April 19, 2019
Review was copied from my romance novel review blog: romanticallyinclinedreviews.com
I truly enjoyed the first book in the series, but I have to say that this one really blew me out of the water. I assume it's because the "get to know each other" part is over and now we're well into the "will they or won't they get it on" part which--come on--is the best part of any book. The sexual tension in Playing Defense is off the charts. And, y'all know I'm spoiler-free, but there's a little bit of kink going on here (won't tell you who though) and I'm foaming at the damn mouth for more details on that.
Blake is just as frustratingly focused on her job as she was in book one, but she's slowly beginning to realize that no one can resist the attentions of three gorgeous men for long. Mad props to her for outlasting most of us readers at this point. I probably would have said "see ya job, I'm getting laid" on page four of the first book and then lived off the three rich football stars for the rest of my days.
Getting to know the boys more was absolutely spectacular. I wasn't sure who I'd grow to like most during the first book, but now I'm solidly team Cole. Of course, this is a reverse harem book (for those who don't know it means 1 girl, many men... but usually they don't have sex all together. THEY CAN THOUGH) so I don't really have to choose which one I like more. But damn, there's something about that man that has me all in a tizzy.
These books are light on the sex (some hot kisses, some--re:LOTS--of sexual tension, and a lot of talking about what they want to do). They're not erotica by any means which many reverse harems tend to lean towards, so if you like sex but don't want it shoved in your face constantly (uh, why not? problem to solve on a different day there) then these novels are perfect for you.
And if you don't like sports, it doesn't matter whatsoever. The books make some references, but everything is laid out easy to understand. As long as you like hot men, you'll be totally fine.
I truly enjoyed the first book in the series, but I have to say that this one really blew me out of the water. I assume it's because the "get to know each other" part is over and now we're well into the "will they or won't they get it on" part which--come on--is the best part of any book. The sexual tension in Playing Defense is off the charts. And, y'all know I'm spoiler-free, but there's a little bit of kink going on here (won't tell you who though) and I'm foaming at the damn mouth for more details on that.
Blake is just as frustratingly focused on her job as she was in book one, but she's slowly beginning to realize that no one can resist the attentions of three gorgeous men for long. Mad props to her for outlasting most of us readers at this point. I probably would have said "see ya job, I'm getting laid" on page four of the first book and then lived off the three rich football stars for the rest of my days.
Getting to know the boys more was absolutely spectacular. I wasn't sure who I'd grow to like most during the first book, but now I'm solidly team Cole. Of course, this is a reverse harem book (for those who don't know it means 1 girl, many men... but usually they don't have sex all together. THEY CAN THOUGH) so I don't really have to choose which one I like more. But damn, there's something about that man that has me all in a tizzy.
These books are light on the sex (some hot kisses, some--re:LOTS--of sexual tension, and a lot of talking about what they want to do). They're not erotica by any means which many reverse harems tend to lean towards, so if you like sex but don't want it shoved in your face constantly (uh, why not? problem to solve on a different day there) then these novels are perfect for you.
And if you don't like sports, it doesn't matter whatsoever. The books make some references, but everything is laid out easy to understand. As long as you like hot men, you'll be totally fine.
June 1, 2024
4.8
Ohmygod. HOW CAN I KEEP FALLIN MORE N MORE IN LOVE WITH THEM????? *ugly crying*
The sexual tension is. so. good. *ugly crying again* where’s the gang bang they talked bout??? Need it ASAP!
Every time each of the men hugged my queen… I felt my heart warming up, my body turning into jelly, and my soul at peace. “That’s it”, I thought, but before preparing myself to embrace death, I remembered they didn’t fuck yet, so… not today, Satan, my bad.
My Xie wearing glasses, guys, my law man in glasses, my momma teddy bear!!! C my arty boy, my tease boy, my polyamory supporter!! T my future Rodrigo Hilbert and most hungry man in the entire nation lol! Can’t wait to see their future careers, seriously.
The wet T-shirt contest scene was????? Please send help SOS imliterallyhyperventilating.
The hotel deck’s scene was so sexy????? Wtf dude!!! You can’t just leave me like this!? Stop the teasing for gods fucking sake!!! I’m loving it way too much, and my masochist side is showing… ><
The thanksgiving chapters were so precious I literally almost cried. The tub Twister scene… was just SO fucking adorable I don’t think I can live without it, I feel like my life is now complete with it. They’re so cute! A family, period. And you guys have NO ideia what I could do to have the photo Bestie took of them in that tub, literally no idea, I’m fucking serious.
B jealousy moments were really the thing for me lol, she’s adorable :,)
Bestie is just THE BEST friend you could ever dream about and die wishing he existed… *ugly crying again & again*
Btw, I got really curious bout Melissa’s disappearance and Haley’s 5 detective boyfriends lol.
Liar, liar, pants on fire. Oh, did you already yelled today that you’re a unicorn? Better soon than later, sis ;) All for one, and one for all, after all. Gonna find my piano picture ASAP.
Ohmygod. HOW CAN I KEEP FALLIN MORE N MORE IN LOVE WITH THEM????? *ugly crying*
The sexual tension is. so. good. *ugly crying again* where’s the gang bang they talked bout??? Need it ASAP!
Every time each of the men hugged my queen… I felt my heart warming up, my body turning into jelly, and my soul at peace. “That’s it”, I thought, but before preparing myself to embrace death, I remembered they didn’t fuck yet, so… not today, Satan, my bad.
My Xie wearing glasses, guys, my law man in glasses, my momma teddy bear!!! C my arty boy, my tease boy, my polyamory supporter!! T my future Rodrigo Hilbert and most hungry man in the entire nation lol! Can’t wait to see their future careers, seriously.
The wet T-shirt contest scene was????? Please send help SOS imliterallyhyperventilating.
The hotel deck’s scene was so sexy????? Wtf dude!!! You can’t just leave me like this!? Stop the teasing for gods fucking sake!!! I’m loving it way too much, and my masochist side is showing… ><
The thanksgiving chapters were so precious I literally almost cried. The tub Twister scene… was just SO fucking adorable I don’t think I can live without it, I feel like my life is now complete with it. They’re so cute! A family, period. And you guys have NO ideia what I could do to have the photo Bestie took of them in that tub, literally no idea, I’m fucking serious.
B jealousy moments were really the thing for me lol, she’s adorable :,)
Bestie is just THE BEST friend you could ever dream about and die wishing he existed… *ugly crying again & again*
Btw, I got really curious bout Melissa’s disappearance and Haley’s 5 detective boyfriends lol.
Liar, liar, pants on fire. Oh, did you already yelled today that you’re a unicorn? Better soon than later, sis ;) All for one, and one for all, after all. Gonna find my piano picture ASAP.
April 27, 2019
I read my first Julia Clarke book when I read book 1, The Reverse Play of the Rebel Series and I am now a fan for life!! I loved the 1st book and this one didn't disappoint!! Blake is one bad ass chic who knows what she wants and goes for it, except when it comes to relationships. It's like every time she puts up a road block to her happiness I just want to be that little angel on her shoulder telling her to just go for it!! Every time I think Blake and her guys will finally get together, Julia gives you just enough then keeps you in suspense until the next book! This book will keep you on your toes from the very beginning. Lets not forget the guys, mouth drool worthy!! I still have to say Colt is my favorite! You have the sensitive lovable Xavier which I'm glad came out more in this book. Then you have the fun loving always joking Colt who will befriend anyone. Last, but certainly not least, Tristan, the brooding sexy man who just wants to love on Blake. The monk has really caught feelings that he wants to act on. And I think everyone needs a best friend like Bastian!! I can't wait for book 3!! This is a MUST READ!
April 21, 2019
I never thought I would read a reverse harem book, and I never thought I would truly enjoy one! Julia Clarke has to be the best writer of this trope that I have seen so far.
At the beginning of Playing Defense Blake and the boys are dealing with the fallout of the fight. Blake is trying to be strong but at first she doesn't know what to believe. Blake is also dealing with a transition within the rebels in this book with regards to her job and I really loved this part!! It made me so happy to see her getting her due and doing well professionally!
I really enjoyed seeing more of the guys in this one and the slow burn between Blake and Tristan, Cole and Xavier. Tho I do have a favourite.. I also loved seeing the little kickback to another of Julia's series (Ive read two in her other series). And getting Xavier's POV at the very end was awesome!!
Also how the book ended!!! I think that was one of my fave parts as well. I also love how Blake is determined not to wreck the guys friendship because friendship is a super important thing to me!!
I can't wait for the next one Julia!! I love all the slow burn but I am ready for some more kissing hehe
*Received an arc from author for review*
At the beginning of Playing Defense Blake and the boys are dealing with the fallout of the fight. Blake is trying to be strong but at first she doesn't know what to believe. Blake is also dealing with a transition within the rebels in this book with regards to her job and I really loved this part!! It made me so happy to see her getting her due and doing well professionally!
I really enjoyed seeing more of the guys in this one and the slow burn between Blake and Tristan, Cole and Xavier. Tho I do have a favourite.. I also loved seeing the little kickback to another of Julia's series (Ive read two in her other series). And getting Xavier's POV at the very end was awesome!!
Also how the book ended!!! I think that was one of my fave parts as well. I also love how Blake is determined not to wreck the guys friendship because friendship is a super important thing to me!!
I can't wait for the next one Julia!! I love all the slow burn but I am ready for some more kissing hehe
*Received an arc from author for review*
April 25, 2019
Playing defense
If I wasn't already hooked by the Reverse Play, than Playing Defense really did it for me.
In Playing Defense our MC's deal with the aftermath of the fight. Blake gets an other job opportunity with the Boston Rebels that she gladly accepts. Meanwhile Tristan, Colt and Xavier keep showering Blake with their attention. Blake is fighting a losing battle to try and keep things professional.
I could have been bummed out by the lack of more intimate scenes in a second book, but I'm not. The pace of the book is perfectly in line with how I expect it would go in reality and Julia Clarke manages to keep the storyline interesting with the necessary drama and fun.
I love how Bastian plays an even bigger part in this sequel, I swear, if I could, I'd add him to the love interests.
Now I'm just anxiously awaiting the next book, because I'm dying to find out how everything will unfold.
What a great series (and I know nothing about football)
If I wasn't already hooked by the Reverse Play, than Playing Defense really did it for me.
In Playing Defense our MC's deal with the aftermath of the fight. Blake gets an other job opportunity with the Boston Rebels that she gladly accepts. Meanwhile Tristan, Colt and Xavier keep showering Blake with their attention. Blake is fighting a losing battle to try and keep things professional.
I could have been bummed out by the lack of more intimate scenes in a second book, but I'm not. The pace of the book is perfectly in line with how I expect it would go in reality and Julia Clarke manages to keep the storyline interesting with the necessary drama and fun.
I love how Bastian plays an even bigger part in this sequel, I swear, if I could, I'd add him to the love interests.
Now I'm just anxiously awaiting the next book, because I'm dying to find out how everything will unfold.
What a great series (and I know nothing about football)
February 11, 2024
This was another series I decided to read due to a Influencer who gave it huge raves as a sports romance. Firstly, these books are very well written with a very strong female lead - she is tough, determined, goal orientated, sexually assured but also has her priorities wrong (IMO). The author is also very knowledgeable regarding American football and it shines through in these books - particularly book 1 - which I loved. What let it down for me was the lack of spice. These books are RH and at first I thought it was a slow burn series but when the spice finally hit it was very lackluster and there wasn't much of it. Considering this is a football RH with strong male leads in their prime and a sexually confident FMC it was really disappointing. Unfortunately this ruined the story for me.
April 11, 2019
Julia Clarke nails it with Playing Defense, The Rebels Series #2. This thoroughly appropriate title finds Blake doing her best to guard her heart against the sexy Tristan, Colt, and Xavier. And they do not make it easy on her!! 3 different personalities, everyone delicious, how will she ever choose? Thanks God we know she won't have to! This story is so easy to read and so hard to put down. It's funny, full of heart, and so emotionally tangled. You really feel like you are Blake and her successes and failures bleed off the page making you feel just as confused and fall just as hard. I loved everything about this story except for the end. I needed more!! Julia even gave us a little treat in the epilogue that I won't spoil, but it really made my heart smile. Happy reading!!
April 23, 2019
For someone who doesn't like sports, I have to admit, that this is an enjoyable read. The Rebels series is for sure a slow burn of will they, won't they (until they will because it's a RH). In Playing Defense, Blake has a decision to make or let guilt eat her up. If you want to know her final decision but not limited to Colt, Tristan & Xavier, read the book. I'll tell you what though, book 3 is something to look forward to.
There are some insightful inside information, although there's probably little to no truth about the facts for readers who know squat about football, it is still good to know (that we could Google later) to use for future references if it randomly comes up in a conversation.
There are some insightful inside information, although there's probably little to no truth about the facts for readers who know squat about football, it is still good to know (that we could Google later) to use for future references if it randomly comes up in a conversation.
April 25, 2019
Omgomgomg!!! I was enamored with TRP and felt like this book would be just as good, but I was wrong! IT WAS BETTER!!!! Watching Blake continue to grow in her role with the Rebels and the progression of her relationships with the boys was amazing. There were a few scenes that left me feeling like I needed a cold shower lol I'm all for rh and #whychoose and I love all the boys but I am still swooning over Tristan 😍 and don't think I didn't notice that reference to the delicious stardust series, oh Julia you little minx! Can't wait for the next one!!!!
April 24, 2019
Fun reads ahead
I’m really liking this series. I feel like it stands out in that it’s so very unique. A woman trying to make her way in an absolutely male dominated sport?? Nearly unheard of. The dynamic between the main characters is tense at times but completely understandable. They shouldn’t but wouldn’t it be oh so fun? Blake is a tough cookie but she’s trying to do right by everyone. Does that mean she’ll fight for what her heart wants or deny herself for the sake of the team? Just go read it. You can thank me later.
I’m really liking this series. I feel like it stands out in that it’s so very unique. A woman trying to make her way in an absolutely male dominated sport?? Nearly unheard of. The dynamic between the main characters is tense at times but completely understandable. They shouldn’t but wouldn’t it be oh so fun? Blake is a tough cookie but she’s trying to do right by everyone. Does that mean she’ll fight for what her heart wants or deny herself for the sake of the team? Just go read it. You can thank me later.
September 3, 2019
Ugh, I seriously am dying over here! I love this series and these characters so much, but the slow-burn is killing me…and I LOVE it! Clarke has an unnatural ability to make you part of the story and bring her characters to life so much you’ll wish they were yours. Blake’s fiery passion and inner drive was infectious and I fell hard after getting to know Xavier, Colt, and Tristan more. I can’t get enough and flew through this book in one sitting. If you love sports romance or RH, this is a must read!
May 12, 2020
Aaaand the slow burn continues! At least in this one they kiss! I was going stir crazy at the lack of action here! Oh and can I just say how delicious the bits where it's the men's points of view is? In this book we get Tristan. And Damn! I needed that!
Also the cliffhanger here... Wow! I'm happy book 3 is out and I don't have to wait for this story to move along.
I love Colt's kink, Xavier's wholesomeness and Tristan's intensity. Can't wait for this harem to finally form! Yummy!
Also the cliffhanger here... Wow! I'm happy book 3 is out and I don't have to wait for this story to move along.
I love Colt's kink, Xavier's wholesomeness and Tristan's intensity. Can't wait for this harem to finally form! Yummy!
November 2, 2022
In this installment we move past the “not like the other girl” trope, straight to the very cringy 2016 #girlboss feminism… Yet, Blake manages to have a grand total of 0 female friends (despite Amy’s best efforts) and occasionally refers to herself as “one of the boys”...
The secondary characters, namely her best friend Bastian and her father, still have no real defining characteristics. They are just in the background to offer advice to Blake when the plot needs to be pushed forward.
The secondary characters, namely her best friend Bastian and her father, still have no real defining characteristics. They are just in the background to offer advice to Blake when the plot needs to be pushed forward.
April 25, 2019
Defense is perfect!
My favorite aspect of this series is the relationships. Normally, I'm a character person, but this series has a captivating complexity to the relationships between the main characters themselves but also the secondary characters. I never know which way the characters will decide to go and that's why I keep reading.
My favorite aspect of this series is the relationships. Normally, I'm a character person, but this series has a captivating complexity to the relationships between the main characters themselves but also the secondary characters. I never know which way the characters will decide to go and that's why I keep reading.
April 26, 2019
Defense? Against all that??
Wow, Julia is bringing her A game with this series. I just can't get enough! Blake doesn't stand a chance against her three players. This book was so much fun! There is never a dull moment with a bestie like Bastion. Tub Twister had me spewing my coffee and the auction was fantastic! I can't wait to see what happens next!
Wow, Julia is bringing her A game with this series. I just can't get enough! Blake doesn't stand a chance against her three players. This book was so much fun! There is never a dull moment with a bestie like Bastion. Tub Twister had me spewing my coffee and the auction was fantastic! I can't wait to see what happens next!
May 1, 2019
Touchdown
I have to say I am not a football fan at all. Don't understand the game or anything but I read book one and loved it and when the second book loved it as well. The main focus is not football but the relationship between blake and her ballers. Julia hands down and just book.
I have to say I am not a football fan at all. Don't understand the game or anything but I read book one and loved it and when the second book loved it as well. The main focus is not football but the relationship between blake and her ballers. Julia hands down and just book.
July 14, 2019
Couldn’t put it down
Another “knockout” for JC! I’m not even into Football but she makes it so darn interesting as part of the story. It’s not the main focus (that’s Blake and her men) but it provides such a good plot about a strong woman making her way in a typically “man’s world”. I’m away to start book 3 and I won’t be stopping til I finish it!
Another “knockout” for JC! I’m not even into Football but she makes it so darn interesting as part of the story. It’s not the main focus (that’s Blake and her men) but it provides such a good plot about a strong woman making her way in a typically “man’s world”. I’m away to start book 3 and I won’t be stopping til I finish it!
November 22, 2021
Great book!
Playing Defense by Julia Clarke is book two in The Rebels Series. This is a slow burn football reverse harem romance where the girl doesn't have to pick between her guys. I really need the four of them to finally get together. It's happening, just taking time that is making me want to pull my hair out.
Playing Defense by Julia Clarke is book two in The Rebels Series. This is a slow burn football reverse harem romance where the girl doesn't have to pick between her guys. I really need the four of them to finally get together. It's happening, just taking time that is making me want to pull my hair out.
April 23, 2019
Holy crap, Holy crap it's over wait I need more oh man I have to wait again.......I loved book 2 even more than book 1 and I can't wait to see what Tristan, Xavier and Colt have up there sleeves.p, it's gonna be good!!!! Definitely a must read for me!!!
April 23, 2019
3.5 stars!
Blake was starting to annoy me up until halfway through where she became the Blake I loved in the 1st book again. Apart from that, it was quick, entertaining and I'm excited for the sequel to come out.
Blake was starting to annoy me up until halfway through where she became the Blake I loved in the 1st book again. Apart from that, it was quick, entertaining and I'm excited for the sequel to come out.
April 23, 2019
I absolutely loved this story! I think I loved it more than book. Julia writing always makes it seem like I forget I'm reading And everything just plays out in my head. I will read anything Julia writes!!
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