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Tangling with the Player
THEA
I’m not sure what made me do it.
The devil? Too easy.
My boss? Maybe.
My screaming libido? Ding, ding, ding—we have a winner.
Winning a dinner date with the hunky baseball player at the charity auction hadn’t been my intention. My boss dared me.
My family and friends constantly tell me I need to lighten up—I’m too serious, career driven, and they say I scare men away. Whatever. But there’s something about him and a dare’s a dare, right?
He promises to keep his hands to himself, but do I want to hold him to his promise or ask him to show to me what it’s like to be desired by the league’s hottest player?
BROCK
It’s my last year in the league and the PR department talks me into a bachelor auction. It’s for my favorite charity so I dust off my tux and play the role that’s unfairly followed me my entire career—playboy athlete.
She’s the opposite of my usual type. She has brains and beauty. She’s a little grumpy, okay a lot, but nothing I can’t handle. Besides, once I sit across from her, I can’t stop thinking how she’d taste and look after a night spent in my bed.
Thinking fast because I can’t let her walk away, I tell her I could use some help with upcoming social events and ask her to be my fake girlfriend. Incredibly, she agrees.
I suspect she sees right through my lame attempts at impressing her, but I’m determined to put some sunshine into her life, chasing away her grumpy façade on the way to my first and last happily ever-after.
★♥★
Each short story in the Tangling Series features characters in their 30s & 40s who decide to live their lives to the fullest, and that includes experiencing steamy, sexy times. When each heroine is presented the opportunity to tangle with the one they desire—they go all in.
Each story guarantees a HEA and/or HFN. No cheating, no cliffhanger, no triggers.
All are standalone stories - enjoy in any order ♥
I’m not sure what made me do it.
The devil? Too easy.
My boss? Maybe.
My screaming libido? Ding, ding, ding—we have a winner.
Winning a dinner date with the hunky baseball player at the charity auction hadn’t been my intention. My boss dared me.
My family and friends constantly tell me I need to lighten up—I’m too serious, career driven, and they say I scare men away. Whatever. But there’s something about him and a dare’s a dare, right?
He promises to keep his hands to himself, but do I want to hold him to his promise or ask him to show to me what it’s like to be desired by the league’s hottest player?
BROCK
It’s my last year in the league and the PR department talks me into a bachelor auction. It’s for my favorite charity so I dust off my tux and play the role that’s unfairly followed me my entire career—playboy athlete.
She’s the opposite of my usual type. She has brains and beauty. She’s a little grumpy, okay a lot, but nothing I can’t handle. Besides, once I sit across from her, I can’t stop thinking how she’d taste and look after a night spent in my bed.
Thinking fast because I can’t let her walk away, I tell her I could use some help with upcoming social events and ask her to be my fake girlfriend. Incredibly, she agrees.
I suspect she sees right through my lame attempts at impressing her, but I’m determined to put some sunshine into her life, chasing away her grumpy façade on the way to my first and last happily ever-after.
★♥★
Each short story in the Tangling Series features characters in their 30s & 40s who decide to live their lives to the fullest, and that includes experiencing steamy, sexy times. When each heroine is presented the opportunity to tangle with the one they desire—they go all in.
Each story guarantees a HEA and/or HFN. No cheating, no cliffhanger, no triggers.
All are standalone stories - enjoy in any order ♥
75 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 9, 2022
35 people are currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Debra Elise
84 books607 followersDebra Elise, a USA Today Bestselling Author, lives with her husband and their two teenage sons in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Her books are steamy & sweet featuring later in life characters across several genres.
A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com
A self-proclaimed extroverted introvert, when not writing or procrastinating, she enjoys a strong cup of coffee, a good nap and teasing her three 'boys' into displaying their killer smiles. Visit Debra at www.debraelise.com
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 30, 2023
Brock and Thea were a great couple. He was the sunshiny optimistic one and she was the grumpy guarded one. He knew instantly she was the one and started breaking down her walls. She needed reassurance that her heart wouldn’t be broken again. A sweet steamy read. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 27, 2024
Thea Lynch had just bid during the charity bachelor auction and won a date with a baseball player she has had a major crush on and who plays on the Outlaws. Here is the thing, Brock Cameron, third baseman for the Idaho Outlaws, a notorious playboy and Pineville’s favorite hometown boy.
Thea had caved to her boss and her all-star player husband by bidding on him via their dime. Of course, they would be paying the charity no matter the amount of the bid on him. To go on a date with her, rather than a crazy fan or horney woman on the downward slide by choice of his career. The “hard body of hardball”, the man who otherwise would never have looked at her twice.
That's why she refused to act like all the other giddy women falling all over the men they won as if they had nothing better to do. You know nothing better than going on a date with one of the hottest baseball players in the country, now this is when it sucks to not have real friends outside work.
“I didn’t have friends outside of work or whom I hadn’t met through work smacked her in the face.”
She agreed to this, but the reality of it brought all of her younger insecurities bubbling to the surface. Her boss, Kelsey Jansen, with the assurance her husband, Maverick, and star pitcher for the Idaho Outlaws would pay the winning bid. They wanted only the best for Thea she is such a good overall person and friend.
Her pause button comes out way too often. Due to her background, she has programmed herself to not have large reactions or any emotions at times. That way nobody can use her emotions against her.
Surprisingly to her, Brock ends up being nothing like she might think from the jocks of her past. But most of her hurt comes from her own family failing. Very interesting story of how we carry over our past to our present and how it takes the love of a good decent man to treat you with kid gloves. Never an easy ride.
Thea had caved to her boss and her all-star player husband by bidding on him via their dime. Of course, they would be paying the charity no matter the amount of the bid on him. To go on a date with her, rather than a crazy fan or horney woman on the downward slide by choice of his career. The “hard body of hardball”, the man who otherwise would never have looked at her twice.
That's why she refused to act like all the other giddy women falling all over the men they won as if they had nothing better to do. You know nothing better than going on a date with one of the hottest baseball players in the country, now this is when it sucks to not have real friends outside work.
“I didn’t have friends outside of work or whom I hadn’t met through work smacked her in the face.”
She agreed to this, but the reality of it brought all of her younger insecurities bubbling to the surface. Her boss, Kelsey Jansen, with the assurance her husband, Maverick, and star pitcher for the Idaho Outlaws would pay the winning bid. They wanted only the best for Thea she is such a good overall person and friend.
Her pause button comes out way too often. Due to her background, she has programmed herself to not have large reactions or any emotions at times. That way nobody can use her emotions against her.
Surprisingly to her, Brock ends up being nothing like she might think from the jocks of her past. But most of her hurt comes from her own family failing. Very interesting story of how we carry over our past to our present and how it takes the love of a good decent man to treat you with kid gloves. Never an easy ride.
August 23, 2024
WOW!! Fab*u*lous Absolutely love this one!! I couldn't put this one down. This was a nice quick, short read.
Brock and Thea met when she is dared to buy him in an auction and go on a date with him. After Thea wins Brock she goes to pay and he follows her wanting to know when she wants to go on the date. Thea escapes Brock, three weeks later he shows up at her work to take her out. Brock made reservations for them and has a camera crew following him. Thea goes on the date with Brock, then he asks her if she would be his fake date, since he enjoyed himself. Thea agrees to fake date Brock, but he feels a connection between them. When Brock takes Thea home after one of the events she invites him inside, then he kisses her. After they make it inside Brock pleasures her then they make love. A few days later Thea realizes she's fallen for Brock, and he knows he's in love with her he just needs to convince her. When Brock shows up at Thea's house for dinner, she pulls him inside. Brock tries to get her to go to the bedroom, but Thea tells him she needs to talk to him. Thea confesses to Brock that she can no longer fake date him, her feelings are involved to much. Thea tells him that she loves him and Brock tells her he loves her. Thea tells Brock about her childhood and how messes up her parents made her and her siblings. Brock takes Thea to her bedroom and pleasures her then they make love. A week later, Brock planned a birthday party surprise for Thea. As Brock is thanking everyone for coming, he goes down on one knee and asks Thea to be his wife, she tells him yes. Two months later, Brock and Thea get married two weeks before spring training start. Thea hints to Brock that she's pregnant, and when he figures it out they want to wait to tell everyone.
Brock and Thea met when she is dared to buy him in an auction and go on a date with him. After Thea wins Brock she goes to pay and he follows her wanting to know when she wants to go on the date. Thea escapes Brock, three weeks later he shows up at her work to take her out. Brock made reservations for them and has a camera crew following him. Thea goes on the date with Brock, then he asks her if she would be his fake date, since he enjoyed himself. Thea agrees to fake date Brock, but he feels a connection between them. When Brock takes Thea home after one of the events she invites him inside, then he kisses her. After they make it inside Brock pleasures her then they make love. A few days later Thea realizes she's fallen for Brock, and he knows he's in love with her he just needs to convince her. When Brock shows up at Thea's house for dinner, she pulls him inside. Brock tries to get her to go to the bedroom, but Thea tells him she needs to talk to him. Thea confesses to Brock that she can no longer fake date him, her feelings are involved to much. Thea tells him that she loves him and Brock tells her he loves her. Thea tells Brock about her childhood and how messes up her parents made her and her siblings. Brock takes Thea to her bedroom and pleasures her then they make love. A week later, Brock planned a birthday party surprise for Thea. As Brock is thanking everyone for coming, he goes down on one knee and asks Thea to be his wife, she tells him yes. Two months later, Brock and Thea get married two weeks before spring training start. Thea hints to Brock that she's pregnant, and when he figures it out they want to wait to tell everyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2022
I received an ARC of this book. Of course I read it while sick with Covid and couldn’t remember anything let a lone my husbands name half the time. So I reread the story. So glad I did too. It was a quick read that was perfect for me since I was getting over being sick not sure what my attention span was going to be.
I really love this little big town in Idaho. Brock is wanting to find that special someone. He is over his playboy ways and needs his one and only. Thea doesn’t believe she can have the happily ever after. Her childhood wasn’t a fairytale with rainbows and hearts and she didn’t have the role models showing her what love is. Brock is wanting what his parents have. He wants to be in love he wants the person that completes him not just a good time or his wallet. With some finagling he was able to get Thea out on a date and soon they are both falling for each other. It’s a fun quick read and has some previous characters in it as well. I cant wait to read more about this town and all their eligible bachelors.
I really love this little big town in Idaho. Brock is wanting to find that special someone. He is over his playboy ways and needs his one and only. Thea doesn’t believe she can have the happily ever after. Her childhood wasn’t a fairytale with rainbows and hearts and she didn’t have the role models showing her what love is. Brock is wanting what his parents have. He wants to be in love he wants the person that completes him not just a good time or his wallet. With some finagling he was able to get Thea out on a date and soon they are both falling for each other. It’s a fun quick read and has some previous characters in it as well. I cant wait to read more about this town and all their eligible bachelors.
September 25, 2022
This book is a short romance with plenty of sweet and a little steam plus a beautiful ending. It’s for thirty something’s still looking for love and a romance to show it can happen at any time in life. Thea and Brock are good characters with instant chemistry but trust that has to be earned.
Thea and Brock meet when her boss arranges for her to win him as a bachelor auction. He’s a baseball player and his dating life is always of internet and he’d like a break from it all. He’s referred to as a player due to his career in baseball but also because of his perceived personal life. A fake relationship sounded like a good idea until he actually meets her. He’s genuinely interested and hopes to make things real. Thea has thick walls around her heart due to her past and it’s going to take work to break them down. Luckily Brock is just the man for the job.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thea and Brock meet when her boss arranges for her to win him as a bachelor auction. He’s a baseball player and his dating life is always of internet and he’d like a break from it all. He’s referred to as a player due to his career in baseball but also because of his perceived personal life. A fake relationship sounded like a good idea until he actually meets her. He’s genuinely interested and hopes to make things real. Thea has thick walls around her heart due to her past and it’s going to take work to break them down. Luckily Brock is just the man for the job.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 25, 2022
Thea and Brock's Story . . .
Thea somehow was coaxed into winning a date with a handsome baseball player as part of a charity auction. Thea takes everything so seriously and scares most men away. So she decides to try to have a good time.
Brock has played the part of a playboy but now, in his final year in the League, he is thinking about finding someone to settle down with. Thea intrigues him despite seeming a little grumpy, but he hopes to change that. He asks her if she would be his fake girlfriend which would get him through some social event obligations, so she agrees. Can he put a smile on her face? Will the two of them allow themselves to take a chance on love?
Thea somehow was coaxed into winning a date with a handsome baseball player as part of a charity auction. Thea takes everything so seriously and scares most men away. So she decides to try to have a good time.
Brock has played the part of a playboy but now, in his final year in the League, he is thinking about finding someone to settle down with. Thea intrigues him despite seeming a little grumpy, but he hopes to change that. He asks her if she would be his fake girlfriend which would get him through some social event obligations, so she agrees. Can he put a smile on her face? Will the two of them allow themselves to take a chance on love?
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September 9, 2022coming home
I love how the author keeps populating the lovely universe she has built around Pineville.
This addition is yet another sweet romance set in a familiar setting with a few familiar faces for those that have read the other books (no fear, this totally works as a stand-alone also)
Instalove on both sides but with doubts and history clouding the judgement of one of the couple, the story leads to a lovely hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love how the author keeps populating the lovely universe she has built around Pineville.
This addition is yet another sweet romance set in a familiar setting with a few familiar faces for those that have read the other books (no fear, this totally works as a stand-alone also)
Instalove on both sides but with doubts and history clouding the judgement of one of the couple, the story leads to a lovely hea.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 12, 2022
I was a volunteer ARC for this book in exchange for an honest review. This was a great short read that pulled me in and I didn’t want to put it down. Brock is a soon to be retiring baseball player who volunteers for a dinner date charity auction. Thea’s boss donates the money to the charity auction so that Thea and Brock can have the dinner date. Thea puts him off until she just can’t say no to the dinner date. Brock asks her to be his fake date for some of his upcoming appearances. Sparks prevail throughout this book. Awesome read!
September 25, 2022
*How real I wanted our fake relationship be*
This was a 5 star read. If you love sports romance then I recommend reading Tangling With The Player. Is this a fake relationship or the real deal? It's sparks & instalove when Thea & Brock first meet. Can hunky ball player Brock convince curvy girl Thea that she is his forever or will her past doubts dash any chance at a HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a 5 star read. If you love sports romance then I recommend reading Tangling With The Player. Is this a fake relationship or the real deal? It's sparks & instalove when Thea & Brock first meet. Can hunky ball player Brock convince curvy girl Thea that she is his forever or will her past doubts dash any chance at a HEA?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2022
Loved Brock and Thea's love story.
Thea struggled with being loved, cared for and complimented until she met Brock. Brock was the cocky baseball player she bought at a auction. The minute they met and touched he knew he was in love with her and would do whatever it took to make her his forever. They finally figured out what they wanted and had their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Thea struggled with being loved, cared for and complimented until she met Brock. Brock was the cocky baseball player she bought at a auction. The minute they met and touched he knew he was in love with her and would do whatever it took to make her his forever. They finally figured out what they wanted and had their happily ever after.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 26, 2022
An enjoyable romance story.
Just the right amount of sweetness and steam that made for an enjoyable romance read. Thea is out of her comfort zone when she bids on Brock Cameron, third baseman for the Idaho Outlaws and wins as a favor from her boss. It was fun to watch Thea come out of her shell and when their attraction heats up it was fun to watch them connect. Likable characters and a sweet storyline with a HEA made this a must read.
Just the right amount of sweetness and steam that made for an enjoyable romance read. Thea is out of her comfort zone when she bids on Brock Cameron, third baseman for the Idaho Outlaws and wins as a favor from her boss. It was fun to watch Thea come out of her shell and when their attraction heats up it was fun to watch them connect. Likable characters and a sweet storyline with a HEA made this a must read.
October 5, 2022
Wonderful story. Great characters. I liked the fact that Brock and Thea were not your typical grumpy man and sunshine and smiles woman. In fact he was the one with a sunny disposition and she was the one a bit grumpy at times. That was not going to deter Brock from perusing her. Their chemistry was great. A very well written and entertaining read with a great HEA.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
September 10, 2022
Love Brock, he boldly and patiently deals with Thea's layers of protection surrounding her heart and self doubt. Sweet couple with great circle of encouraging friends, emotional, glad he didn't give up on her, her personality made her easy to connect with. Cheers to tangling. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 21, 2022
Brock's insta love
Professional baseball player, Brock falls into insta love with Thea. He manages to convince her to pose as his fake girlfriend to get the media off him. She soon finds out it's real for him. Will she give in to her love and desire for him too?
I enjoyed this read 📚!
Professional baseball player, Brock falls into insta love with Thea. He manages to convince her to pose as his fake girlfriend to get the media off him. She soon finds out it's real for him. Will she give in to her love and desire for him too?
I enjoyed this read 📚!
October 18, 2024
HEA
Standalone, interconnected characters
Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine, Fake Dating
Tangling Series
Pineville Novella
Trigger/ Content warnings
Toxic marriage of parents
Brock was won at auction by Thea. But then, she avoided him. He pressed forward with plans, even going as far as to ask her to pretend to be his girlfriend. Will she give him a chance?
Standalone, interconnected characters
Reverse Grumpy/ Sunshine, Fake Dating
Tangling Series
Pineville Novella
Trigger/ Content warnings
Toxic marriage of parents
Brock was won at auction by Thea. But then, she avoided him. He pressed forward with plans, even going as far as to ask her to pretend to be his girlfriend. Will she give him a chance?
September 7, 2022
Loving the newest book in the Tangling series. Brock and Thea have such an incredible story and I love how they find their perfect ending. Debra always gives us the greatest characters and stories.
September 9, 2022
This was a very quick paced and well written story that had all the good feels of a new romance. I really liked Brock and Thea, hot baseball player meets successful PR gal. Great story if you need something quick to read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC copy of this book.
September 15, 2022
Debra Elsie brings the best banter, heart, and just the right amount of heat to her instalove romcoms!!
I love this series! Debra Elsie brings the best banter, heart, and just the right amount of heat to her instalove romcoms. This book is no exception. Loved it from start to finish. Everyone needs a Debra Elise book in their library. Her books are perfect for lunch breaks or just to curl up with in your favourite reading chair. That’s what I do went she brings out a new book. Definitely looking forward to reading Tangling with the mountain man. The next book in this fantastic series. Grab your copy today. Happy reading everyone
I love this series! Debra Elsie brings the best banter, heart, and just the right amount of heat to her instalove romcoms. This book is no exception. Loved it from start to finish. Everyone needs a Debra Elise book in their library. Her books are perfect for lunch breaks or just to curl up with in your favourite reading chair. That’s what I do went she brings out a new book. Definitely looking forward to reading Tangling with the mountain man. The next book in this fantastic series. Grab your copy today. Happy reading everyone
September 12, 2022
What a sweet, yet steamy, emotional love story that brings Thea out of her shell and Brock the woman of his dreams. Loved it!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2022
The author has given us a wonderful story that pulls us into the lives of Thea and Brock and does not let go. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, denial, determination and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 2, 2022
Overall, I liked this book quite a bit. Thea and Brock were cute togehter, and I liked their chemistry. I was happy with their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2022
For a quick romance book, this was pretty good. It did move WAY to quickly at the end of the book and I feel like the author could’ve added more so that it didn’t feel so rushed but it wasn’t too bad. If you want a quick and easy romance to read then this is it.
June 7, 2025
Tangling Series
Great insta love story. Love this short steamy series. Thea has closed herself off from ever being in love. Winning a date with Brock and facing her fears changed her outlook on love.
Great insta love story. Love this short steamy series. Thea has closed herself off from ever being in love. Winning a date with Brock and facing her fears changed her outlook on love.
October 12, 2025
Walls to Knock Down
She has walls for a reason, he is determined to get past them. This wonderful story made me so happy. I love the people and the meaningful, sometimes funny dialogue. The family relationships are great and I loved this book!
She has walls for a reason, he is determined to get past them. This wonderful story made me so happy. I love the people and the meaningful, sometimes funny dialogue. The family relationships are great and I loved this book!
September 9, 2022
A heartwarming story of a curvy woman who agrees to bid on a pro baseball player for charity. No hardship for Thea Lynch because Brock Cameron is not just hot, but smoking!
She’s not his usual type (at least according to the media) but Brock is immediately smitten! But can he get past her barriers? Does she dare let him in?
This short read by Debra Elise is definitely A MUST READ!
She’s not his usual type (at least according to the media) but Brock is immediately smitten! But can he get past her barriers? Does she dare let him in?
This short read by Debra Elise is definitely A MUST READ!
December 25, 2022
Nice short love story
Nice baseball player love story. Some steamy scenes. Could use some proofreading as some sentences were worded weirdly or didn’t make sense.
Nice baseball player love story. Some steamy scenes. Could use some proofreading as some sentences were worded weirdly or didn’t make sense.
April 24, 2023
Hopeless Romantic
Brock and Thea’s love story is so good. He never gives up. He loves her and does anything to keep her close.
Brock and Thea’s love story is so good. He never gives up. He loves her and does anything to keep her close.
June 16, 2023
Enjoyed reading this book
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews