James Martin aka The Play Maker: international soccer sensation, owner of a drool-worthy body, and panty-dropping man whore. 

He’s the perfect one night stand.

And by one night stand I mean two night stand.

And by two night stand I mean three night stand.

Nicole Grant is living every girl’s fantasy: a rendezvous with the sexiest Brit on either side of the pond. It’s just one night, and that’s fine with her. With her busy work schedule and a brother she’s devoted to, flings are all Nicole has time for. No complicated feelings and no strings attached. Just hot sex. 

James Martin is used to scoring — on and off the field. His prowess in the game is rivaled only by his reputation in the tabloids. But after Nicole gives him the best hookup of his life, he experiences something new: a woman who isn’t throwing herself at his feet, who knows all he has to offer and is still keeping her distance. Apparently there’s a first time for everything.

James can’t get Nicole out of his head. She’s funny and she’s irresistible. Nicole can’t James off her mind. He’s good hearted and he’s sexy. Will their standoff end in a draw, or can this one night stand kick off something real?

GOODREADS LINK:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30168894-play-maker

A nickname like the play maker implies that the person has a skill set that makes things happen, and while James Martin can’t take all of the credit for how the media perceives him, he’s also not shying away from how the public eye spotlights his moves, both on and off the soccer field.

Like James, Nicole Grant embraces her sluthood. One night stands are all she’s capable of because her responsibility, first and foremost, is to her younger brother, Mikey. Keeping things only about sex is not only a rule in her slut code handbook, but it also makes it easier to stay unattached and focused on the things in her life that truly matter.

But even though James and Nicole are from two different worlds, leading two very different lives, both find themselves thinking about their night together, how strong the chemistry was between them, and what another night of sex would be like despite James’ short stay in the states and Nicole’s desperate need to not break the rules she’s always stood by.

James is so much more than he allows others to see, but through his need to prove to Nicole that they’re more than a string of one night stands, he lets his other qualities shine through – he’s a caring, honorable, and compassionate man who may lead a charmed life, but with Nicole, he realizes that there’s so much more life has to offer and he’s ready and willing to make those things happen with Nicole and her brother by his side.

The dynamics McCoy creates between James and Nicole prove, right from the start, that their time together will be something they both want to hold onto despite Nicole’s protestations, and as James gets Nicole to let down her walls and makes her understand that she doesn’t have to give up who she is and what’s important in her life in order to choose a relationship with the right guy.

This was my first read by Katie McCoy, and it definitely won’t be my last. McCoy weaves comedy with a bit of angst…steam with snark…romance with highly erotic scenes and creates a great cast of characters, both main and supporting, who add to the overall atmosphere of the text and make readers want to hear the stories of those who have the main characters’ backs even more.

A complimentary copy was provided in exchange for an honest review.

4 Poison Apples