Play Makers Series by Kate Donovan

Former college football star Jake Dublin’s wildly popular sports blog also details his personal life. And lately it’s all about Sophie, the pretty young woman who just moved into his apartment building. His readers know her only as “Elevator Girl,” and they’re all rooting for Jake to score. The blog posts and banter with his followers are all in good fun, and he fully intends to come clean with the woman he’s wooing and wowing... moreFormer college football star Jake Dublin’s wildly popular sports blog also details his personal life. And lately it’s all about Sophie, the pretty young woman who just moved into his apartment building. His readers know her only as “Elevator Girl,” and they’re all rooting for Jake to score. The blog posts and banter with his followers are all in good fun, and he fully intends to come clean with the woman he’s wooing and wowing. That is, until she confides that she grew up in a house full of jocks and even dated a few. Her verdict? Never again! Jake knows he needs to confess. But somewhere along the line he fell in love with Sophie and can’t stand the thought of losing her. So he procrastinates, and blogs, and digs himself deeper into a hole, until it all leads to a showdown that’s so nail-biting, not even the best play-by-play guy could ever have seen it coming. less

When Erica McCall finally gets her big break in advertising, she knows just which spokesperson to pitch: gorgeous football superstar Johnny Spurling. She has followed his career since college and knows he’s perfect for the spot, even though it’s common knowledge his famous family doesn’t do product endorsements, ever. But Erica knows Johnny’s weak spot, and she’s confident she can use it to gain his trust and seal the deal. Quarterback Johnny Spurling is running out of time... moreWhen Erica McCall finally gets her big break in advertising, she knows just which spokesperson to pitch: gorgeous football superstar Johnny Spurling. She has followed his career since college and knows he’s perfect for the spot, even though it’s common knowledge his famous family doesn’t do product endorsements, ever. But Erica knows Johnny’s weak spot, and she’s confident she can use it to gain his trust and seal the deal. Quarterback Johnny Spurling is running out of time. His father’s health is failing, and there’s one last thing he’s asked Johnny to do—settle down and produce a son, before it’s too late. Which means Johnny needs a new kind of girlfriend. No more casual hookups or high-maintenance divas. When his sister-in-law claims to have the perfect candidate, he urges her to set up a postseason blind date. Then Johnny meets long-haired, long-legged Erica and can’t resist her outrageous proposal—or her. So he decides he’ll do the commercial and have one final, hot-as-hell fling before settling down. They set the ground rules, then proceed to break every one of them as fun turns to the kind of true romance that just doesn’t end with the final touchdown—and with luck, never ends at all. Words: 101,470 less

BAM… When quarterback Johnny Spurling cancels his blind date with Rachel Gillette on account of matrimony, she cheerfully agrees to a substitution – Sean Decker, another hunk in the NFL’s feared Triple Threat. But love doesn’t spark between the adorable kicker and the kindergarten teacher, and she wonders if she’s destined to sit on the bench forever. No one is crazy enough to match Rachel with the third member of the Triple Threat... moreBAM… When quarterback Johnny Spurling cancels his blind date with Rachel Gillette on account of matrimony, she cheerfully agrees to a substitution – Sean Decker, another hunk in the NFL’s feared Triple Threat. But love doesn’t spark between the adorable kicker and the kindergarten teacher, and she wonders if she’s destined to sit on the bench forever. No one is crazy enough to match Rachel with the third member of the Triple Threat. Bam Bannerman is Thor-like of body, potty of mouth, and hot as hell. And when he spots the classy blonde at Johnny’s wedding, he’s determined to have some fun. Sure, she’s prim and proper, but he’s Bam, isn’t he? So no problem. To Rachel, who’s tired of being ignored and rejected, the rowdy halfback is a hilarious change of pace. They sneak away, he rocks her world, then she fondly bids him farewell. But Bam isn’t done scoring, and before Rachel knows what’s hit her she’s enjoying weekly hookups with the irrepressible stud. When a heartsick Sean signals he might want to get back into the, she suddenly finds herself with her hands full—and discovers her arms, and maybe even her heart, are full too. less

Brand-new sports agent Darcie Kildare knows her way around a contract. But football? She’s still got a lot to learn. And she definitely isn’t ready for a chance encounter with quarterback Wyatt Bourne, known as “the Surgeon” for his precision passing, cutting humor, and rampant god complex. After completely embarrassing herself, and being mocked for her efforts, she only hopes she never sees the gorgeous hunk again. Except of course in her most private fantasies . . moreBrand-new sports agent Darcie Kildare knows her way around a contract. But football? She’s still got a lot to learn. And she definitely isn’t ready for a chance encounter with quarterback Wyatt Bourne, known as “the Surgeon” for his precision passing, cutting humor, and rampant god complex. After completely embarrassing herself, and being mocked for her efforts, she only hopes she never sees the gorgeous hunk again. Except of course in her most private fantasies . . . Wyatt doesn’t need an agent. In fact, he doesn’t need anyone, much less an ambitious babe with a hot body and a smart mouth. Even worse, her agency represents the Triple Threat—Wyatt’s bitterest rivals—a fact she gleefully rubs in his face every chance she gets. Darcie doesn’t actually mean to taunt him, but she owes him a zinger or two, doesn’t she? Plus, it’s so darned much fun. And he’s having fun too. She can see that in the steely eyes that turn cobalt at a moment’s notice. Something is happening between them. Something neither of them ever felt before. Something Darcie has dreamed of her entire life. But the Surgeon has spent a lifetime making sure it never happens to him. And as Darcie discovers too late, he really is the best at what he does. About the Author: Kate Donovan is a Niners fan, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, and an author. She has more than twenty books and novels to her credit, publishing in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction. Power Play is the fourth book in her Play Makers series, following Play by Play, Playing for Keeps, and Play Date. You can visit Kate’s website at www.katedonovan.com. less

Sean Decker takes pride in his reputation as the best kicker in the league. His other reputation—for falling in love with every girl he meets—is more of an urban legend. Sure, he likes women, but he just wants to meet a nice one and settle down, especially since his latest hookup has gone all kinds of wrong. If he can just extricate himself from that suffocating mess, he swears to learn from it... moreSean Decker takes pride in his reputation as the best kicker in the league. His other reputation—for falling in love with every girl he meets—is more of an urban legend. Sure, he likes women, but he just wants to meet a nice one and settle down, especially since his latest hookup has gone all kinds of wrong. If he can just extricate himself from that suffocating mess, he swears to learn from it. And when he meets the blend of fresh air and independence that is Tess Colby, he knows she’s the one to help him. Tess has no interest in being Sean’s latest conquest. Not only has she heard the rumors, but she’s focused on making the jump from bartender to sportswriter. In exchange for an interview, she’s willing to give him the same in-depth advice she always gives brokenhearted guys across the bar. But date him? No way. Sean claims he doesn’t want to date. Just hang out. Although for some reason, his definition of hanging out includes kissing. It’s fun, but Tess knows she needs to stay strong. Not just for her own sake, but maybe for the kicker’s, too. About the Author: Kate Donovan is a Niners fan, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, and an author. She has more than thirty books and novels to her credit, publishing in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction. Playing for Kicks is the fifth book in her Play Makers series, following Play by Play, Playing for Keeps, Play Date , and Power Play . You can visit Kate’s website at www.katedonovan.com . less

Fans of football romance will love this new book in the Play Makers series by Kate Donovan! Daniel Riga, the controversial head coach of the Portland Lancers, has the same rule for press conferences as for anything else during football season: football only. The man doesn’t even date except in the off-season... moreFans of football romance will love this new book in the Play Makers series by Kate Donovan! Daniel Riga, the controversial head coach of the Portland Lancers, has the same rule for press conferences as for anything else during football season: football only. The man doesn’t even date except in the off-season. So why are these reporters asking about some sociologist who inexplicably called him a zombie in her latest newspaper column? On the Lifestyles page, no less! Noelle Sharpe is mortified that her words have been taken out of context, since her tongue-in-cheek point was that zombies focus on a single obsession—eating brains—but a brilliant, vibrant man like Daniel Riga should broaden his horizons past football-only. Her attempt at apologizing in print only leads to another round of jokes at the handsome coach’s expense, so she tracks him down for an in-person apology. As frustrated as he is with this zombie nonsense, Daniel goes wild for Noelle and they end up in bed. Unfortunately, it’s football season, so he asks her to wait for him until the off-season. By now, she’s so crazy about him, and so worried she’ll cost the Lancers their season by distracting him, she readily agrees. Zombies consume brains. That’s all they do. And Daniel Riga consumes football. That’s all he does. Or at least until Noelle Sharpe writes her way into his life and gives football some serious competition. Praise for Play Date : “Sean and Tess’s story pulled me in right from the start and had me flying through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a very steamy happily ever after . . . and I am happy to report I found that . . . and so much more!!” — Reds Romance Reviews About the Author: Kate Donovan is a Niners fan, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, and an author. She has more than thirty books and novels to her credit, publishing in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction. Play Calling is the fifth book in her Play Makers series, following Playing for Keeps, Play Date, Power Play , and Playing for Kicks . You can visit Kate’s website at www.katedonovan.com . less

In the final full-length entry for the Play Makers series, the QB’s younger brother moves front and center for a sexy romance that no one, not even the vaunted Triple Threat, saw coming. Jill Colby has crashed and burned. Her marriage? Over. Her confidence? Shot. Even her little sister pities her! So much for being perfect. Then she meets newly divorced football hunk Jayce Spurling and discovers that being imperfect is a lot more fun... moreIn the final full-length entry for the Play Makers series, the QB’s younger brother moves front and center for a sexy romance that no one, not even the vaunted Triple Threat, saw coming. Jill Colby has crashed and burned. Her marriage? Over. Her confidence? Shot. Even her little sister pities her! So much for being perfect. Then she meets newly divorced football hunk Jayce Spurling and discovers that being imperfect is a lot more fun. And it’s just one night, isn’t it? Jayce never saw his divorce coming and he’s determined to win back his family for the sake of his children. If ever four boys needed a live-in dad, it’s that bunch. His ex-wife tells him to move on, but he’s sure he can make things right. Still, when gorgeous Jill Colby suggests a one-night stand, he can’t resist. She doesn’t want anything serious, plus she lives on the other side of the country. And it’s just one night, isn’t it? His family—especially QB Johnny—would go nuts if they heard he was deviating from the game plan: get his wife and kids back. But Jill needs to keep this from her family, too. So there’s no danger of it getting out. And it’s just one night. Isn’t it? Praise for Play Date: “Sean and Tess’s story pulled me in right from the start and had me flying through the pages in search of what I hoped to be a very steamy happily ever after . . . and I am happy to report I found that . . . and so much more!!” — Reds Romance Reviews About the Author: Kate Donovan is a Niners fan, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, and an author. She has more than thirty books and novels to her credit, publishing in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction. Play Mates is the sixth book in her Play Makers series. You can visit Kate’s website at www.katedonovan.com . less

Fans of football romance will love this new novella in the Play Makers Shorts series by Kate Donovan! Sports agent Nick Gutierrez is fighting to save the career of his star player, a rookie QB sensation whose meteoric rise ended in a complete crash and burn. Contacting Gemma Jones, an image consultant with a reputation for miraculously transforming fallen stars, Nick figures with any luck she can work her magic on his client... moreFans of football romance will love this new novella in the Play Makers Shorts series by Kate Donovan! Sports agent Nick Gutierrez is fighting to save the career of his star player, a rookie QB sensation whose meteoric rise ended in a complete crash and burn. Contacting Gemma Jones, an image consultant with a reputation for miraculously transforming fallen stars, Nick figures with any luck she can work her magic on his client. And from their first incendiary meeting, Nick realizes Gemma’s magic works on him, too. Creating new images comes second nature to Gemma, who has already changed her own identity twice to avoid a danger from her past. And with that danger always threatening to resurface, she’s also sworn off any romantic entanglements. The last thing she needs is a brash, hunky, hilarious guy like Nick trying to seduce her. Nick feels certain he can get past Gemma’s defenses, and as much as she’d love to fall for him, she may just have to change her identity yet again and run for everyone’s sake. But Gemma’s a fighter, and she won’t give up on finding a way to save Nick’s client and also save her own heart. “This was funny, sexy and a little heartbreaking at times. I highly recommend it to all sport romance readers out there!” —Jessica Alcazar on Play Date “This was my first experience with Ms. Donovan’s work and I have to say it left a pretty memorable first impression, those handsome football players really lured me in, and have me really looking forward to a return visit to the Play Makers series.” — Reds Romance Reviews on Playing for Kicks About the Author: Kate Donovan is a Niners fan, a wife, a mother, a lawyer, and an author. She has more than thirty books and novels to her credit, publishing in genres including fantasy, historical romance, legal thriller, romantic suspense, and young adult science fiction.You can visit Kate’s website at www.katedonovan.com . less