Lanterna Rally

Author: V.K. Sykes

Publisher: V.K. Sykes

Published: 2016-01-28

Total Pages: 407

ISBN-13: 0991902599

A brand new book in the USA Today Bestselling PHILADELPHIA PATRIOTS series of sexy sports romances! Big, tough, sexy…and trouble. As far as sports agent Kate Berlin is concerned, that describes Nick Rome perfectly. Landing the hard-charging, talented catcher as her new client is a huge coup, and Nick could catapult her small agency into the big leagues—or destroy her reputation if she screws up. Since Nick has a habit of butting heads with Patriots management, the chance for disaster is high. Nick’s had serious agent troubles, so he’s willing to give smart and sexy Kate Berlin a try at negotiating his new and much-needed contract. The hardworking single mom is determined to manage Nick both on and off the field, clamping down on the attraction blazing between them. But nobody keeps Nick Rome under control—either on the field or in the bedroom. Can Kate handle Nick as both her lover and her client, or will succumbing to passion destroy the professional life she’s worked so hard to achieve? The Philadelphia Patriots Series Fastball: A Prequel Novel Book One: Hardball Book Two: Bigger Than Beckham Book Three: Curveball Book Four: Payoff Pitch Praise for The Philadelphia Patriots: “This series is excellent and the 4th instalment does not disappoint. The Sykes tell a great story and for those of us that enjoy the sports aspect and the romance aspect it’s the best of both worlds…Curveball gets a GRAND SLAM – 5 Stars from SYMFB!” ~ Save Your Money for Books “Spicy new sports romance that knocks it out of the park!” The Kindle Romance Review on Payoff Pitch "PAYOFF PITCH delights with likable characters and loads of realism." ~4 stars, Single Title Reviews EXCERPT: Kate was glad she hadn’t yet taken a drink of the Scotch since she likely would have done a spit-take. Nick Rome was nothing if not blunt. And a little intimidating, especially when he pulled his chair so close that she could feel the heat radiating off his wickedly muscular body. She’d never seen him in anything other than a baseball uniform, and then only from seats high in the ballpark stands or in photographs. But even at a distance, he was clearly one seriously hot dude. Every female in Philadelphia—maybe the whole country—knew that. But sitting this close, Kate could even see the grain of bristle on his hard jaw and the knowing glitter in his dark gaze. In fact, he was so damn masculine and sexy he was practically giving her heart palpitations. Nick Rome might not be tall as professional athletes go—about six-one or so—but he was built like a human Freightliner. There was nothing trim or tapered or elegant about the guy. He didn’t even look super-athletic. He just looked powerful. Dominant, robust, hard as nails—those were the descriptions that slid easily into her head. From his massive shoulders through his deep chest to big, muscular thighs, Nick Rome looked more like a middle linebacker or even a military commando than a ballplayer. His hands—callused and rough catcher’s hands—were huge. Kate couldn’t wait to find out whether his dominating physique was matched by an equally tough, take-charge personality. From his reputation, she suspected it was. “Am I coming on too strong, too close? Do you want me to back off?” Nick asked when she didn’t respond right away. Yeah, but no way would she admit that. “Not at all.” She gave him a sugary-sweet smile. “Are you hard of hearing? I could speak louder if you like.” Nick laughed, a deep bass rumble that vibrated through her in all the right places. “This is just the sort of gamesmanship our jackass general manager tries to pull off on agents and players. Consider it a test you just passed.” Kate raised her brows. “You’re saying Dembinski invades your personal space?” When he scooted back a foot, she could finally breathe again. “No, but he might try to invade yours. The man likes his women, and you’re smoking hot, Kate, in case you haven’t noticed.” He relaxed his awesome body into the uncomfortable looking chair, sipping his Scotch as if he’d just made a comment on the slightly chilly weather outside on this early May evening. As far as Kate was concerned, it might be a case of the pot calling the kettle black when it came to the Patriots general manager, given what she knew about Nick Rome’s rakish reputation. “I’ll try not to wear something quite as sexy as this wild outfit for negotiations,” she said dryly. “Maybe a plastic trash bag or grubby sweats would do the trick.” “Nah, even then you’d still look sexy.” His voice held a low, growly note that almost made her shiver. Well, it did make her shiver, which was a bit annoying. Fun was fun, but it was time to get down to business.