Their rival sports agencies are in competition…but sex is a game both can win. 

Paige Moss’s agency is breaking down barriers by representing female athletes—until Zach Armstrong, CEO of a rival agency, makes a foray into her territory. If she isn’t careful, Zach could poach her clients and ruin her.

A face-off at a Vegas Sports Expo should set him straight…but Paige is caught off-guard by their searing attraction. Now, she’s sleeping with the enemy!  

Paige vows it’ll be a one-night affair. Zach is everything she doesn’t want—he’s her rival, her competition, and he’s considerably younger.

But as passion rages between them, can they find a way to mix business with pleasure? 

This is an adult 18+ story that may contain language, possible violence, and/or sexual situations geared to an adult audience.

Booksprout ARC

Title:  Their After Hours Playbook
Series:  -standalone title-
Author:  Karen Booth
Genre:  Contemporary Romance
Published:  September 26, 2023
Publisher:  Harlequin Desire
My Rating:  4.5

I’ve followed and enjoyed Karen Booth’s work for years now.  I love the realistic feel of her characters from any walk of life, but especially those that fall outside of so many romance novels that I (and many others) cannot easily identify with anymore.  I love Seasoned Romance, for falling in love and having steamy moments is not reserved for only the young.  I’m empowered by seeing curvy women get the handsome prince or create their own company to control their destinies in the business world.  It’s a diverse world, and Karen Booth has always shown me that love is a powerful emotion that cannot be contained to “what has been expected” for generations.  This is why, in my opinion, Their After Hours Playbook is the perfect book to be known as her final Harlequin Desire line title.  I will miss this “line” of stories very much, but what a finale for this author!

Paige and Zach are rivals in their unique business of sports agents.  For Paige, it goes a bit deeper than mere rivals.  Zach may have taken over the family business, but his stepfather’s hand is still very visible in business dealings.  And Paige doesn’t trust any Armstrong male.  At.  All.  Which makes the attraction between them a bit awkward from her point of view.  He’s younger than she is, and he’s moving his company into her area of the sports world, representing female athletes.  Two reasons right there to question his sudden interest.  But what if…

I adored Zach from the very beginning.  He is handsome as sin yet with a strong sense of right and wrong, especially within his business and its dealings with not only athletes but other agencies.  He’s not running the company as his stepfather did but is moving in a slightly different direction, one Tom never wanted to explore.  If that put Paige directly in his path, well, she intrigued him, and he certainly was attracted to her.  Watching them work through not only the age gap but trust issues and possible betrayals was a fascinating and enjoyable journey.  And steamy as all get out!

If you enjoy a well-written, emotional romance that will keep you engaged from the opening page to the final word… then Their After Hours Playbook is perfect for you.  There are a few surprises that I won’t spoil for you – but I will say that Zach shines and shows not only his heart but his business mind at work in the closing chapters.  You’ve got to love a man who knows what he wants and goes after it in his own unique way.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

Available in print or for your favorite e-reader