Offensive Formations: Connecticut Kings Book 8
Whoa! Mrs. Jones invites us to a final season with the Connecticut Kings but gives us more than just touchdowns, tennis matches, and scoring. Teagan Tolliver and Ambrose McNeil are two characters who teach us more than just the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of being an athlete.
Connecticut Kings: Book 8
Publisher : Warm Hues Creative
Publication date : June 2, 2021
Genre: AA Women's Fiction, Sports Romance
Offensive Formations: Connecticut Kings Book 8;
Pedestals are lonely places. Teagan Tolliver is learning the hard way that for every new trophy, every tournament win, comes more scrutiny, more pressure - far beyond what she can do on a court. As an elite, Black female athlete in a sport dominated by people she has little in common with beyond a match, she’s got the eyes of the world on her - for better or worse.
Ambrose McNeil is familiar with the concept as well.
Coming out of BSU, he was a star cornerback, fulfilling a long-term dream - and challenge - of having his name on the Connecticut Kings roster.
Living the dream.
Until what could’ve been a career-ending injury leaves him on the sidelines - forgotten about.
But no more.
With a hard-won full recovery on his side and a new head coach at the helm of the Kings, Ambrose is poised to rebuild his reputation and retake his place in the lights.
Only… now that the dream is back within his grasp.. . he’s realizing the wisdom of old cliches, and wondering if the turf under his feet is going to actually be any greener.
Maybe not, according to Teagan.
She’s witnessed firsthand what the pressures of competition - and the addiction to public adoration can do.
But she can’t let it go.
Not while she still has a legacy to continue, a birthright to honor, and most importantly - points to prove.
All motivations she and Ambrose have in common.
From accidental enemies to something softer, to friends, to something deeper than either imagined or was even looking for, they’re both navigating more than they can handle alone.
So maybe together...
MY THOUGHTS...
Whoa! Mrs. Jones invites us to a final season with the Connecticut Kings but gives us more than just touchdowns, tennis matches, and scoring. Teagan Tolliver and Ambrose McNeil are two characters who teach us more than just the dedication, commitment, and sacrifices of being an athlete.
With her skills, Teagan is more than qualified to compete on any court and at any level. Not only is she judged upon her ability to make it to these levels, but she also has to contend with where she grew up or even her ethnicity. When her ex-boyfriend turns stalker begins to escalate, even that needs to be handled delicately due to social media. Ambrose is there to support her and gives her a safe place to be vulnerable.
With Ambrose, the initial reason for being with the Connecticut Kings was an act of vengeance against his father. That fact did not affect his love for the game, he gave his all whenever he was on the field. When an injury took him out for a season, it was the determination that brought him back to his position on the field. It was yet another tragedy that put him on the course of his true destiny. In the end, and all the odds against them, finally recognizing their truths, they take the win.
Offensive Formations was a multilayered story of realism, including romance, dysfunctions in families, coping with mental illness, domestic violence, surviving social media, bias treatment of female athletes of color. The secondary characters were a bonus, and you will fall in love with them.
If you are looking for an engaging read, I recommend this one for your reading pleasure. I hope we get to see more of these characters.
I paired Offensive Formations with Love Cork Screw We Go High- Rose. Its name particularly states a message Richardson Sports Management wanted to convey to their clients.
Love Cork Screw – We Go High
Rose’ Wine
Rose’ Wine has hints of berry on the nose with almond and citrus on the palate, vibrant coral color.
The nose is an experience of red fruits and oak. On the pallet, smooth and well-balanced dryness with just a bit of sweetness. We Go High Rose’ Wine is tasty, and I enjoyed the mixture of fruit and dry acidity.
FOOD PARINGS: Nicely paired with light pasta, salads, grilled fish, and goats’ cheeses.
BOOK PAIR: Offensive Formations
COST: $15-17 It can be found at some of your local grocery stores or wine & spirits. If unsuccessful, try their website
Whether you enjoy separately or together, do enjoy, but sip responsibly.