bkaur's review
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
readwithcat22's review against another edition
5.0
I want to start off by saying a huge thank you to Maggie for this arc!
I fell in love with Harper and Xander and I’ve been in love since! I enjoyed Colt and joss alot but Xander was holding my top spot BUT now gosh Tobias came and just kicked him off.
Tobias is wild! I love his dirty mouth so much!!
I enjoyed getting to know Scarlett and watching them two with their banter was awesome!
Scarlett is witty and sassy and you have Tobias coming to save her from a disaster of a birthday dinner. Then Scarlett is there in return when Tobias needs alittle saving!
I loved the growth of each character and how we really see them develop a great friendship with hot sex
I fell in love with Harper and Xander and I’ve been in love since! I enjoyed Colt and joss alot but Xander was holding my top spot BUT now gosh Tobias came and just kicked him off.
Tobias is wild! I love his dirty mouth so much!!
I enjoyed getting to know Scarlett and watching them two with their banter was awesome!
Scarlett is witty and sassy and you have Tobias coming to save her from a disaster of a birthday dinner. Then Scarlett is there in return when Tobias needs alittle saving!
I loved the growth of each character and how we really see them develop a great friendship with hot sex
sincity_bookworm's review against another edition
5.0
Wild Card is officially out in the wild! [[See what I did there
bookswithdawn's review
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
lynnmargretreads's review against another edition
5.0
I COULD NOT PUT THIS DOWN!
This is a first read for me from Maggie, and I will ABSOLUTELY be going back to read everything she’s ever released!
I was hooked from the beginning and thought Scarlett and Tobias were hilarious, not just towards each other but within their friendships as well.
Having not read any books prior to this, I felt like all of the side characters from other books were easy to get to know and make sense of the connections to our MC in Wild Card.
I love the nerdy sides we see and how they’re always saving each other somehow. The banter was hilarious and I enjoyed how they kept each other on their toes!
Now the spice, my goodness it was great!
Tobias and Scarlett were hot!
Also, the library! Ugh! I need one!
5/5⭐️
3/5
This is a first read for me from Maggie, and I will ABSOLUTELY be going back to read everything she’s ever released!
I was hooked from the beginning and thought Scarlett and Tobias were hilarious, not just towards each other but within their friendships as well.
Having not read any books prior to this, I felt like all of the side characters from other books were easy to get to know and make sense of the connections to our MC in Wild Card.
I love the nerdy sides we see and how they’re always saving each other somehow. The banter was hilarious and I enjoyed how they kept each other on their toes!
Now the spice, my goodness it was great!
Tobias and Scarlett were hot!
Also, the library! Ugh! I need one!
5/5⭐️
3/5
dranaisjourney's review against another edition
4.0
"Wild Card," a part of the Seattle Phantom Football Series by Maggie Rawdon, can be enjoyed as a standalone, offering an enticing story of love and recovery.
The book introduces us to Tobias and Scarlet. Tobias is a talented wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom, while Scarlet works as a curator in a museum. Their paths cross when a disastrous birthday date arranged by a friend leaves Scarlet in a tricky situation, prompting a text to Tobias for assistance. It's a twist of fate as Tobias, the last person Scarlet expected, becomes her savior once again when she's stranded in the rain.
Their dynamic is charged with banter, reflecting their complex frenemy relationship fueled by a mutual attraction. This leads to a spontaneous one-night stand, setting the stage for their rollercoaster journey.
After an intimate video of Tobias is leaked, he spirals into a dark place. A tragic motorcycle accident further compounds his struggles, leaving him isolated and in need of help. Reluctantly, their friends turn to Scarlet, tasking her with nursing Tobias back to health as she awaits the opening of the new museum and Tobias works hard to salvage his career.
I found "Wild Card" to be a compelling read. Scarlet's unwavering support and care for Tobias during his darkest times were touching. As a survivor myself, I appreciated the book's portrayal of the ongoing mental health struggles that often accompany traumatic events. The inclusion of Tobias seeking therapy was a positive aspect, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health.
Despite his playboy reputation before Scarlet, Tobias reveals himself as a compassionate, kind, and caring man. He battles with self-doubt, largely stemming from a tumultuous relationship with his father. Overcoming this toxic influence is a significant part of his character growth.
Scarlet, a self-described nerd with a penchant for vintage clothing, works at the museum. Her connection with Tobias deepens as she cares for him after the accident. Their intimacy develops naturally, but Scarlet's attempt to date others while maintaining her connection with Tobias felt somewhat incongruous. Nevertheless, her genuine pride in his recovery and her attraction to him added depth to her character.
The love story between Tobias and Scarlet is engaging, but I yearned for a deeper exploration of their emotional connection. The focus on their physical chemistry, while undeniably passionate, left me wanting more insight into their feelings and emotional journey.
The steamy scenes are expertly written, showcasing Tobias's passionate nature and filthy mouth. The balance between spice and emotional depth was slightly skewed for my taste.
"Wild Card" offers a quick and enjoyable read with well-executed character growth. Tobias and Scarlet's shared love for history and their mutual nerdiness provide endearing qualities to their relationship. If you're in search of a fast-paced, easy read with tons of spice, this book is worth a try. However, if you prefer a stronger emotional focus, you may find it falls slightly short in that
The book introduces us to Tobias and Scarlet. Tobias is a talented wide receiver for the Seattle Phantom, while Scarlet works as a curator in a museum. Their paths cross when a disastrous birthday date arranged by a friend leaves Scarlet in a tricky situation, prompting a text to Tobias for assistance. It's a twist of fate as Tobias, the last person Scarlet expected, becomes her savior once again when she's stranded in the rain.
Their dynamic is charged with banter, reflecting their complex frenemy relationship fueled by a mutual attraction. This leads to a spontaneous one-night stand, setting the stage for their rollercoaster journey.
After an intimate video of Tobias is leaked, he spirals into a dark place. A tragic motorcycle accident further compounds his struggles, leaving him isolated and in need of help. Reluctantly, their friends turn to Scarlet, tasking her with nursing Tobias back to health as she awaits the opening of the new museum and Tobias works hard to salvage his career.
I found "Wild Card" to be a compelling read. Scarlet's unwavering support and care for Tobias during his darkest times were touching. As a survivor myself, I appreciated the book's portrayal of the ongoing mental health struggles that often accompany traumatic events. The inclusion of Tobias seeking therapy was a positive aspect, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health.
Despite his playboy reputation before Scarlet, Tobias reveals himself as a compassionate, kind, and caring man. He battles with self-doubt, largely stemming from a tumultuous relationship with his father. Overcoming this toxic influence is a significant part of his character growth.
Scarlet, a self-described nerd with a penchant for vintage clothing, works at the museum. Her connection with Tobias deepens as she cares for him after the accident. Their intimacy develops naturally, but Scarlet's attempt to date others while maintaining her connection with Tobias felt somewhat incongruous. Nevertheless, her genuine pride in his recovery and her attraction to him added depth to her character.
The love story between Tobias and Scarlet is engaging, but I yearned for a deeper exploration of their emotional connection. The focus on their physical chemistry, while undeniably passionate, left me wanting more insight into their feelings and emotional journey.
The steamy scenes are expertly written, showcasing Tobias's passionate nature and filthy mouth. The balance between spice and emotional depth was slightly skewed for my taste.
"Wild Card" offers a quick and enjoyable read with well-executed character growth. Tobias and Scarlet's shared love for history and their mutual nerdiness provide endearing qualities to their relationship. If you're in search of a fast-paced, easy read with tons of spice, this book is worth a try. However, if you prefer a stronger emotional focus, you may find it falls slightly short in that
poupi's review
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
That’s a fine reading.
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first (kind of)
- interesting plot
- no third act breakup
- 2 🌶️ / 5
Sometimes the writing was odd. Like skipping time between chapters even if I thought the previous one needs more insights.
The spice is nice but the dynamic feels not accurate. It give the impression that the spice has to be filthy and it did bot have to be in my opinion.
- Friends to lovers
- He falls first (kind of)
- interesting plot
- no third act breakup
- 2 🌶️ / 5
Sometimes the writing was odd. Like skipping time between chapters even if I thought the previous one needs more insights.
The spice is nice but the dynamic feels not accurate. It give the impression that the spice has to be filthy and it did bot have to be in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail and Car accident
cnapierkowski's review against another edition
5.0
Wild Card is one of my favorite books of 2023! Everything about it was perfect. I adore Tobias and Scarlett together AND separately. The spice was fantastic and the sweetness was just right.
stucknbooks14's review
5.0
(I received an ARC for this book)
Trigger Warnings include:
discussions about anxiety, depression, and therapy; leaked sex tape; slut/sex shaming; verbally and emotionally abusive parent; descriptions of violet play in football and injuries; descriptions of motorcycle accident and graphic injuries; descriptions of accident recovery; sexual scenes and kinks including exhibitionism, voyeurism, degradation, praise, come play, food play
There are no words for my love for this series. Easily one of my top football romance series! If you’ve been reading the prior books, Scarlett and Tobias are familiar faces. (I’ve been waiting for the moment I got to devour their book!) And devour I did!! Tobias decided from the start that he needed to stay away from Scarlett. She deserved all the things he just couldn’t give her. But Tobias being Tobias, he swoops in and saves Scarlett from an awful date because he literally can’t stay away from her. And then, it’s her turn to save Tobias. Who needs saving from himself. There seriously was no one better for the job. The “stop fighting it and just do it already” started from the beginning thanks to their yummy tension, even before they were in the same room. So when they’re under the same roof?! Their open communication was such a turn on! Especially when all Tobias wanted to do was hide from her. He wanted to be someone who deserves her, he wanted to earn that chance. And earn he did! Everything about Tobias Westfield was enjoyable to read. Even the parts that hurt my heart. And Scarlett?! It’s hard to tell which character I loved more!
Spitfire: 59
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I think I’d rather have the lesser man tonight.”
• “I think about wrapping my hands around your throat too, but the ending’s a little different in my mind.”
• “As long as at the end you let me watch while you ride me, I don’t care.”
• “I don’t know how I ever saw anyone but you.”
• “I’ll make you come so many times tonight you won’t even remember this one.”
• “You’re a good girl, and you deserve it.”
• “You have this mouth on you, so f!cking smart and such a good girl. And f!ck… I’m just a f!cking mortal.”
• “If I’m touching you, your eyes are on me.”
• “I need you to come on my face for me.”
• “You’re such a good f!cking girl when you do that.”
• “I want your fingers on your cl!t when I fill you up. You f!cking hear me?”
• “Come for me like a good f!cking girl.”
• “Whatever you are. I don’t care. I’m here and I want it.”
• “You’re the one person who gives me peace.”
• “You’re gonna shut up like a good f!cking sl!t and take everything you have on under that jersey off for me while I watch.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Enemies to Lovers
5/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Friends to Lovers
8/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Series
This is my review for Pick Six
This is my review for Overtime
Trigger Warnings include:
discussions about anxiety, depression, and therapy; leaked sex tape; slut/sex shaming; verbally and emotionally abusive parent; descriptions of violet play in football and injuries; descriptions of motorcycle accident and graphic injuries; descriptions of accident recovery; sexual scenes and kinks including exhibitionism, voyeurism, degradation, praise, come play, food play
There are no words for my love for this series. Easily one of my top football romance series! If you’ve been reading the prior books, Scarlett and Tobias are familiar faces. (I’ve been waiting for the moment I got to devour their book!) And devour I did!! Tobias decided from the start that he needed to stay away from Scarlett. She deserved all the things he just couldn’t give her. But Tobias being Tobias, he swoops in and saves Scarlett from an awful date because he literally can’t stay away from her. And then, it’s her turn to save Tobias. Who needs saving from himself. There seriously was no one better for the job. The “stop fighting it and just do it already” started from the beginning thanks to their yummy tension, even before they were in the same room. So when they’re under the same roof?! Their open communication was such a turn on! Especially when all Tobias wanted to do was hide from her. He wanted to be someone who deserves her, he wanted to earn that chance. And earn he did! Everything about Tobias Westfield was enjoyable to read. Even the parts that hurt my heart. And Scarlett?! It’s hard to tell which character I loved more!
Spitfire: 59
My Favorite Quotes:
• “I think I’d rather have the lesser man tonight.”
• “I think about wrapping my hands around your throat too, but the ending’s a little different in my mind.”
• “As long as at the end you let me watch while you ride me, I don’t care.”
• “I don’t know how I ever saw anyone but you.”
• “I’ll make you come so many times tonight you won’t even remember this one.”
• “You’re a good girl, and you deserve it.”
• “You have this mouth on you, so f!cking smart and such a good girl. And f!ck… I’m just a f!cking mortal.”
• “If I’m touching you, your eyes are on me.”
• “I need you to come on my face for me.”
• “You’re such a good f!cking girl when you do that.”
• “I want your fingers on your cl!t when I fill you up. You f!cking hear me?”
• “Come for me like a good f!cking girl.”
• “Whatever you are. I don’t care. I’m here and I want it.”
• “You’re the one person who gives me peace.”
• “You’re gonna shut up like a good f!cking sl!t and take everything you have on under that jersey off for me while I watch.”
8/10 Dirty Birdy
5/10 Enemies to Lovers
5/10 Forced Proximity
7/10 Friends to Lovers
8/10 Sports Romance
8/10 Series
This is my review for Pick Six
This is my review for Overtime
adagetsliterary's review against another edition
5.0
As far as sports romances go, when I’m looking for story, spice, banter - it’s Maggie Rawdon. This was the last in the Seattle Phantoms series and Tobias & Scarlett were everything. This story of the football bad boy falling for the museum curator, while dealing with a potential public scandal and recovering from an injury was an easy, sexy, fun read.
✨Forced Proximity
✨Frenemies to Lovers
✨“Only one night”
There’s something refreshing about reading characters in their 20s/30s with great banter and who are comfortable in their sexuality. These two ever minced words about each other and it was hilarious, at times sweet, and super hot.
Scarlett was perfect as a vintage-wearing curator, all business until she meets Tobias & lets herself more openly talk about the things she wants from him. She was funny, smart, a great friend, and not shy about her needs or wants. She wasn’t a wallflower and held her own in any situation.
Tobias was a perfect mixture between cocky, sweet, and incredibly hot. Also open about what he wants and doesn’t (though, surprise surprise, Scarlett breaks all his rules from the jump), and owning his reputation. He was teased throughout the other books (and in an earlier series), but reading about him in this was better than I expected - he was cocky but never mean, open sexually but wanted consent, and ultimately had to reckon with who he was in his darkest moments after his accident. Letting Scarlett take care of him wasn’t easy, but it allowed them both to be vulnerable with each other and put down their walls.
Scarlett and Tobias were delicious. She called him out on his crap, and he gave her unconditional support. And, as always, the spice in this book was SO good - there was communication, honest discussions about boundaries, and the consent between these two made everything they did that much better. There’s a scene in an elevator and then one in a home library - both are now living in my head rent-free.
And we got to revisit Xander & Harper and Colt & Joss. I love the friendgroup and found family aspect.
I can’t recommend Maggie’s books enough and I am so excited to see what’s coming next!
✨Forced Proximity
✨Frenemies to Lovers
✨“Only one night”
There’s something refreshing about reading characters in their 20s/30s with great banter and who are comfortable in their sexuality. These two ever minced words about each other and it was hilarious, at times sweet, and super hot.
Scarlett was perfect as a vintage-wearing curator, all business until she meets Tobias & lets herself more openly talk about the things she wants from him. She was funny, smart, a great friend, and not shy about her needs or wants. She wasn’t a wallflower and held her own in any situation.
Tobias was a perfect mixture between cocky, sweet, and incredibly hot. Also open about what he wants and doesn’t (though, surprise surprise, Scarlett breaks all his rules from the jump), and owning his reputation. He was teased throughout the other books (and in an earlier series), but reading about him in this was better than I expected - he was cocky but never mean, open sexually but wanted consent, and ultimately had to reckon with who he was in his darkest moments after his accident. Letting Scarlett take care of him wasn’t easy, but it allowed them both to be vulnerable with each other and put down their walls.
Scarlett and Tobias were delicious. She called him out on his crap, and he gave her unconditional support. And, as always, the spice in this book was SO good - there was communication, honest discussions about boundaries, and the consent between these two made everything they did that much better. There’s a scene in an elevator and then one in a home library - both are now living in my head rent-free.
And we got to revisit Xander & Harper and Colt & Joss. I love the friendgroup and found family aspect.
I can’t recommend Maggie’s books enough and I am so excited to see what’s coming next!