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Love & Rugby #2
Smolder
Cameron Davidson is a devoted father, a marketing whiz for the company he owns with his siblings, and the captain of the over-thirty team for the inclusive rugby club he founded. His life is full, but he feels like something is missing. Exchanging messages with the anonymous, charming shopper who handles his groceries fills the void, but he longs to take their interactions into the real world. When Aspen Ocean, the attractive and aggravating captain of the under-thirty team, is revealed as the mystery man, Cam is forced to rethink their relationship and admit there’s more to his fascination with Aspen than his ever-changing hair color and kaleidoscope of tattoos.
Aspen Ocean loves being a makeup artist, his tight-knit friend group, and captaining the under-thirty rugby team. His second job as a personal shopper was supposed to give him extra income, not find him a boyfriend. He’s floored when the sexy single dad he’s been flirting with is actually Cameron, who has been a thorn in his side for the last five years. The discovery compels him to concede there’s something to the undercurrent of attraction swirling beneath their encounters on the pitch and acknowledge that he yearns to see what lies beneath the sarcasm and humor that Cam presents to the world.
The decision to get to know one another allows Cam and Aspen to see each other in a new light. Beyond the attraction and chemistry, they find support, caring, and a connection that deepens with each passing day. But Cam is protective about who he allows into his and his daughter’s lives and into their hearts, and Aspen feels ill-equipped to navigate anything traditional, including a relationship that is more than just him and Cam. Can the fire of what they’ve built blaze bright despite the obstacles, or will it fizzle out?
Aspen Ocean loves being a makeup artist, his tight-knit friend group, and captaining the under-thirty rugby team. His second job as a personal shopper was supposed to give him extra income, not find him a boyfriend. He’s floored when the sexy single dad he’s been flirting with is actually Cameron, who has been a thorn in his side for the last five years. The discovery compels him to concede there’s something to the undercurrent of attraction swirling beneath their encounters on the pitch and acknowledge that he yearns to see what lies beneath the sarcasm and humor that Cam presents to the world.
The decision to get to know one another allows Cam and Aspen to see each other in a new light. Beyond the attraction and chemistry, they find support, caring, and a connection that deepens with each passing day. But Cam is protective about who he allows into his and his daughter’s lives and into their hearts, and Aspen feels ill-equipped to navigate anything traditional, including a relationship that is more than just him and Cam. Can the fire of what they’ve built blaze bright despite the obstacles, or will it fizzle out?
385 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 15, 2022
18 people are currently reading
56 people want to read
About the author
Susan Scott Shelley
65 books170 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author Susan Scott Shelley writes romance with heat and heart that celebrates love without limits. A city girl who likes being out in nature as often as possible, she has yet to meet a plant she hasn’t wanted to take home and she really wants a pet crow.
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com
Learn more at https://www.susanscottshelley.com
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
December 23, 2022
This is Cam and Aspen’s romance, but it’s really Cam, Aspen, and Cam’s young daughter Olive’s story. Olive is charming and interesting and a force of nature, and I liked her a lot. I have a better sense of who she is, at times, than Cam. Being a parent is the defining feature of Cam’s life, and while that’s both commendable and charming a lot of the time, the “fatherhood is my whole identity” refrain felt, at times, like something of an injustice to all three of them, especially since it’s the not just the shaping force for their time together but also the sole source of angst between the two guys. In fact, there is no feature of their relationship that is not mediated through that lens, and while that’s probably an accurate reflection of how dating with a kid works, it did make Olive the central plot device, and person, of the story— a lot to put on a six year old, (fictional or not). I loved Aspen and wished him well— his thoughtfulness, style, and care for his chosen family of friends and team is moving and makes him super easy to like, so all in all it’s good to see everything work out for him, Olive, and Cam.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
March 5, 2023
I was thoroughly enjoying this book until the unnecessary breakup near the end. I really hate when authors fall back on the very tired story arc - it's been done a million times at least, move on.
It's one thing to have doubts about a new relationship, especially one involving kids, but it's another thing to ghost the other person for weeks while figuring yourself out. What makes it worse is that there is a kid involved. Aspen says he is concerned about how he treated Cam's daughter because he lost his temper and yelled at her - so he responds by staying away from her for over 3 weeks and ignoring her apology. How is this the right way to treat a little kid? She was more mature than him since she actually wrote him an apology and he just gave her and her dad the silent treatment!
It's one thing to have doubts about a new relationship, especially one involving kids, but it's another thing to ghost the other person for weeks while figuring yourself out. What makes it worse is that there is a kid involved. Aspen says he is concerned about how he treated Cam's daughter because he lost his temper and yelled at her - so he responds by staying away from her for over 3 weeks and ignoring her apology. How is this the right way to treat a little kid? She was more mature than him since she actually wrote him an apology and he just gave her and her dad the silent treatment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2023
**I was given a free copy of this book to read and review for Gay Romance Reviews.**
SMOLDER is the second book in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone but I personally feel you would get a better understanding of the characters if you read it as the authors intended, in order.
Cameron Davidson loves raising his daughter. He knew he wanted to be a father so instead of waiting for the perfect relationship he vowed to be the best single father out there. He runs the marketing department of the condom company he, Fin, and Aileen own together. He also is captain of the over 30 rugby team so to say his life is busy is an understatement. He has been using a grocery app to have someone shop and deliver his groceries. The fact that it saves him a ton of time is one thing but he finds himself flirting with his shopper. He can't wait to place and order just to have that moment where they connect.
Aspen Ocean is a super talented make up artist and the captain of the under 30 rugby team. When the new owner of the salon he works at started cutting his hours the only way to supplement that income was to work when he could. The grocery app fit his schedule perfect. he loved when the hot single dad put an order in so they could flirt. What he wasn't expecting was to find out the hot single dad was none other than the biggest pain in his butt, Cam.
Cam and Aspen loved getting on each others nerves during practices or matches. They never expected the other to be on the end of the app flirting. When they finally decide to take a chance and see where their attraction goes neither is prepared for where that road leads.
I am absolutely loving this series. Watching Aspen and Cam's relationship build then almost break brought me to tears. I was routing so hard for them to get their HEA. Olive played such a big part in the story line and I was here for it.
I can't wait to see what happens with Hercules and Apollo!
SMOLDER is the second book in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone but I personally feel you would get a better understanding of the characters if you read it as the authors intended, in order.
Cameron Davidson loves raising his daughter. He knew he wanted to be a father so instead of waiting for the perfect relationship he vowed to be the best single father out there. He runs the marketing department of the condom company he, Fin, and Aileen own together. He also is captain of the over 30 rugby team so to say his life is busy is an understatement. He has been using a grocery app to have someone shop and deliver his groceries. The fact that it saves him a ton of time is one thing but he finds himself flirting with his shopper. He can't wait to place and order just to have that moment where they connect.
Aspen Ocean is a super talented make up artist and the captain of the under 30 rugby team. When the new owner of the salon he works at started cutting his hours the only way to supplement that income was to work when he could. The grocery app fit his schedule perfect. he loved when the hot single dad put an order in so they could flirt. What he wasn't expecting was to find out the hot single dad was none other than the biggest pain in his butt, Cam.
Cam and Aspen loved getting on each others nerves during practices or matches. They never expected the other to be on the end of the app flirting. When they finally decide to take a chance and see where their attraction goes neither is prepared for where that road leads.
I am absolutely loving this series. Watching Aspen and Cam's relationship build then almost break brought me to tears. I was routing so hard for them to get their HEA. Olive played such a big part in the story line and I was here for it.
I can't wait to see what happens with Hercules and Apollo!
January 24, 2023
This is the second book in the series and I highly recommend reading the first book first. Cam is a single, older dad of a precious girl named Olive. Aspen is a younger carefree guy not really looking for a boyfriend. They discover they have been chatting online, even though in real life they have been antagonizing each other for the past several years. Once the cat is out of the bag, they realize that their connection is real, their attraction is strong, and their chemistry is fire.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well-developed and the premise of getting to know each other virtually before meeting in person really struck a chord with me. It is hard getting past your own misconceptions and impressions so being able to get to know someone at a deeper level is hard, but an online and anonymous venue allows that deeper connection. Cam and Aspen end up being really good for each other and Aspen was really sweet with Olive, which was awesome to see in a younger, childless man. All in all, it was a good book, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well-developed and the premise of getting to know each other virtually before meeting in person really struck a chord with me. It is hard getting past your own misconceptions and impressions so being able to get to know someone at a deeper level is hard, but an online and anonymous venue allows that deeper connection. Cam and Aspen end up being really good for each other and Aspen was really sweet with Olive, which was awesome to see in a younger, childless man. All in all, it was a good book, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series.
I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 29, 2026
Gotta love a sexy, single dad! That's how Aspen feels as Cameron's secret grocery shopper, even though they can't stand each other in real life. I love the mistaken identities in this one. It's such a cute opening to get these two to see each other in a different light.
🔥: These two get steamy together as things escalate quickly between them. They shed their animosity quickly and all that's left is desire in medium-paced scenes with graphic details and lots of pining! Or Aspen-ing? Ha!
😆: Cameron's daughter Olive, a sweet little 6-year-old, created some adorable moments along the way. Not to mention Cameron's spicy banter!
😭: I teared up a little with this one because Aspen and Cameron are just so freaking sweet with Olive. Too cute to handle!
I'm enjoying this series so much! It's especially blowing my mind that I'm about 15 minutes from Philly and yet I haven't visited anywhere these characters make an appearance! It's giving me motivation to do some exploring!
CW: discussion of absentee parenting and avoiding childhood trauma, homophobia
🔥: These two get steamy together as things escalate quickly between them. They shed their animosity quickly and all that's left is desire in medium-paced scenes with graphic details and lots of pining! Or Aspen-ing? Ha!
😆: Cameron's daughter Olive, a sweet little 6-year-old, created some adorable moments along the way. Not to mention Cameron's spicy banter!
😭: I teared up a little with this one because Aspen and Cameron are just so freaking sweet with Olive. Too cute to handle!
I'm enjoying this series so much! It's especially blowing my mind that I'm about 15 minutes from Philly and yet I haven't visited anywhere these characters make an appearance! It's giving me motivation to do some exploring!
CW: discussion of absentee parenting and avoiding childhood trauma, homophobia
December 18, 2022
Wow these two MC's are just fantastic. Cam came through as fun, flirty in book 1 and now he has his own story; he was all of those things and more. Aspen is a fabulous character, rugby captain and hair/make up artist; I loved his changing hair colours. The story features Cam's daughter, Olive, quite heavily, she is a welcome character and adds lots of energy to the story and thankfully no baby voices to be found. I absolutely loved this story, the passion, aggression and sexual tension is so strong. As their relationship moves forward you just feel their connection. They are incredibly sexy togetherand the sex scenes get going quickly. Not an angsty book, but when there is a slight 'blip' to the relationship you become fully miserable with both MC's. It's a HFN ending because the epilogue was only a few months later. However, there are more books to the series and all the friends intertwine so we should hear more from these two. I am loving this series: fun, flirty and sexy.
January 4, 2023
Cam is a devoted father and brother and a hoot as we met him in the first book of this series. He is also one of the siblings that is running a condom company, and then there is Rugby. He is the captain of his over 30 Rugby team. He is busy. He uses a personal shopper to get groceries and he starts up a correspondence with his shopper that leads to him realizing that he knows his shopper. Aspen, the shopper, is a fellow Rugby guy, he is captain of the under 30 Rugby team. They needle each other a lot on the pitch and are surprised to find out that they are flirting with one another via the grocery app. It was good to see Cam find love, even in a place he was not expecting it. Theirs is not an easy road, after all they are not the only ones affected by their getting together. There is Olive, Cam's beloved daughter as well. But it was good to see them find their way.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 5, 2023
Will you open the door to the unlikely? Cameron, is the best dad to Olive, a business owner with his brother and Captain of the over 30 rugby team. He stays busy and his life is occupied, but he feels a void. He spends time chatting with his grocery shopper and wants to meet in person. Then he finds out his mystery crush is Aspen, captain of the under 30 rugby team. Aspen, loves his life which is very full. When he learns Cameron is his shopping crush, he realizes he needs to rethink his life choices. Cameron, is protective of bringing people into Olive's orbit. Aspen is a bit of a relationship phobe and is unsure of including a child, no matter how adorable. Will Olive like Aspen? Can Cameron and Aspen overcome their differences? Will Aspen get along with Olive? Nicely done! Smooth, good characters. Books with kids are always a winner. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2023
I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this second book is maybe even better. I thought the set up was quite clever. Aspen and Cam unknowingly have two very different relationships with each other. One where they look forward to flirting with each other over text as Aspen is Cam’s personal (secret) grocery shopper. In person, their interactions are full of snark and maybe a bit of animosity, as they coach their respective rugby teams. There are lots of good things here, great chemistry between Cam and Aspen, Cam’s daughter Olive and Aspen are so sweet together as they get to know each other, enough personal baggage to keep it interesting, and wonderful found family vibes. Looking forward to the next story.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
January 5, 2023
I loved Cam and Aspen and their snarky relationship on the rugby pitch as well as their sweet, flirtation one online as client and shopper. It was amusing to watch them try to process finding out they were involved with each other in both these relationships. As they decide to see where things go, Cam's daughter becomes a significant person in the story as Cam is a wonderful, dedicated father who is very careful about who/when/how he introduces people into his family. Aspen's conflicted feelings about a relationship with a parent also made perfect sense. It was lovely to see Aspen find his footing with Olive and watch that relationship develop as well. Loved this even more than the first book in the series and can't wait for the other two.
January 5, 2023
Cam and Aspen ❤️
I could not wait for Cam's story and it did not disappoint, it was a sweet as it was sexy and with the addition of the cutest little girl ever!!! Win, Win!!! Cam and Aspen circled around each other for years with insane chemistry disguised as animosity, once these two got their heads out of their a**es it was on. The relationship development was steady and realistic with mature communication at the forefront. It had low drama and some serious heat! These two were great together, I enjoyed their story and the road to their perfect HEA. I cannot wait to see what's next with the other guys in this Rugby club...bring on Herc !! I would recommend this book and this series for sure.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
I could not wait for Cam's story and it did not disappoint, it was a sweet as it was sexy and with the addition of the cutest little girl ever!!! Win, Win!!! Cam and Aspen circled around each other for years with insane chemistry disguised as animosity, once these two got their heads out of their a**es it was on. The relationship development was steady and realistic with mature communication at the forefront. It had low drama and some serious heat! These two were great together, I enjoyed their story and the road to their perfect HEA. I cannot wait to see what's next with the other guys in this Rugby club...bring on Herc !! I would recommend this book and this series for sure.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
December 30, 2022
Loved the 1st book, love the 2nd book just as much!
This one focuses on Cam and Aspen, who we already met in the 1st book. Cam is a single dad so trying to navigate the dating world with a child is a different story! Aspen is so lovely, so caring and compassionate, they are just so great together! They have a few wobbles and a little drama to get through but all ends well eventually! Lovely read, sucks you in and seeing the previous characters again is always a bonus, plus Olive is super cute!
Now off the read the 3rd book 📖
This one focuses on Cam and Aspen, who we already met in the 1st book. Cam is a single dad so trying to navigate the dating world with a child is a different story! Aspen is so lovely, so caring and compassionate, they are just so great together! They have a few wobbles and a little drama to get through but all ends well eventually! Lovely read, sucks you in and seeing the previous characters again is always a bonus, plus Olive is super cute!
Now off the read the 3rd book 📖
January 6, 2023
Second in this series this time focusing on Cam and Aspen, an unlikely pair of a single father and an independent man who try to build a relationship while trying to navigate dealing with a little girl. Olive steals the show in this story (really she steals the show in all the books in this series) and she plays a big role in getting her Daddy to fall in love with Mr. Aspen. Another romance between two guys who have to work for it while gaining support from their friends and family. I am loving this series!
January 4, 2023
SMOLDER is the second book in the Love & Rugby series. It can be read as a stand alone but I would recommend not missing out on the first book!
Cam is a single dad so trying to navigate the dating world with a child.
Aspen is a fabulous character, rugby captain and hair/make up artist.
I loved the chemistry between these two.
They have a few bumps along the road but get a very deserving HEA.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
Cam is a single dad so trying to navigate the dating world with a child.
Aspen is a fabulous character, rugby captain and hair/make up artist.
I loved the chemistry between these two.
They have a few bumps along the road but get a very deserving HEA.
I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 6, 2023
I am loving this series. Ok, this is only book 2 but it has been great so far. We have Olive the best daughter, Cam the absolute best Dad, who captains the over-30 rugby team and is part owner of a condom company and he has zero time for shopping. Aspen, is a makeup artist and he captains the under-30 rugby team and he is flirting with Cam except they don't know it yet.
It is an easy, low angst fun read.
It is an easy, low angst fun read.
January 14, 2023
The second story in this series centers on team captains Cam and Aspen. I wouldn't call it enimies to lovers because even though they annoyed each other there was no hate involved. I loved that Cam was such a devoted father and his daughter Olive was centered in all his choices. The conflict is relatable and didn't feel forced at all. I am so pleased with the way this series is developing and can't wait for more.
December 30, 2022
This is the third book in this delightful series! This is Cam, and Aspen's story! (Olive's ) too! I was so excited for Cam and Olive to get their story! I was not disappointed! Wonderful story with just the right amount of angst thrown in. The authors did a lovely job! I read an advanced copy of this book and this is my unbiased review!
December 31, 2022
3.5 stars. I really like the writing style of this series, packed full of details and excellent character build up, not only of the MCs. Olive is a really lovable child. It's nice to see both men making her a priority. The first part and the last were very enjoyable but I did find the middle (before the time out) a bit slow and somewhat tedious at times.
January 3, 2023
He is a devoted dad and has everything a man could ever want but he feels something is missing. He will interact with a man who handles his groceries and he begins to want it to go into the real world. Will he take that step? Can he find what is missing in his life? Is it this man? Can it ever work? See jus how life will go for him and if he finds love
January 6, 2023
This is the story of Cam and Aspen, it is the 2nd book in the Love & Rugby series. I love this series. The characters are awesome and you will fall in love with Cam and Asen as well as Olive. This is a beautifully written love story. Definitely recommended.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
I received this book as an Arc and I am happily reviewing it voluntarily.
December 18, 2022
Another romance in this series. Fun to watch as the individual friends in the group find their love connection. These two have their struggles but they eventually find their HeA and that’s what it’s all about. Engaging with low drama. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
December 27, 2022
This second book in the series is about Cam and Alder, but really it's all about Olive and how a single man who doesn't think he's good with kids learns that he can love the child as much as the father. So far I am loving the series and I can't wait to read Herc's story next.
December 30, 2022
New Author for me and I really enjoyed this book, I must go back to start at the beginning to get to know the rest of the guys and look forward to reading more from this author.
January 4, 2023
Single dad, Cam falls for his shopper, Aden, after exchanging flirty messages before realizing they know each other in real life.
Cam’s daughter Olive features very heavily in their story.
Cam’s daughter Olive features very heavily in their story.
December 29, 2024
2.75 ⭐️ it was suuuper cheesy and repetitive, but still a cute, fast read
May 22, 2023
Cameron Davison is a single dad and the CEO of a condom company. I was tempted not to take him seriously, but his story drew me in because his job was the least important thing about him. His daughter Olive is by turns innocent and mature for her years, but so important to him that he won't risk bringing anyone into this life who won't commit to her, as well. Thankfully, Aspen Ocean, hairstylist and makeup artist meets every requirement that Cam could have, including a love for rugby, the sport that they share a passion for and which they play together each week during the season. It's a sweet, low-angst story, despite the fractious beginning when they sniped at each other for absolutely no reason. Serendipity brings them together. Aspen is Cam's grocery shopper but neither knows it though each is intrigued by the other and wants more than the flirtatious byplay of their messages. Once they discover who the other is, they choose to explore the chemistry that is undeniable between them, and they have good friends and loving family to help them navigate the waters of a relationship they never thought they'd have.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews