This book was the perfect choice for a read that leaves you smiling and feeling like all is right with the world. Something I was desperately in need of when I picked it up! I refuse to give away any details in this review, so you'll have to excuse me if it seems more generalized than usual. It's just that this book was so good & I want everyone that reads it (because everyone should!) to read each scene with fresh eyes.

Here we go: This book checked all my boxes! A wicked smart & independent heroine, a dirty-talking hero that happens to be a gorgeous football star, an unplanned pregnancy, and a stellar supporting cast of characters. The romance is super sexy, and its done in a way that supports character development, which is the best type of super sexy times! I loved this couple because they were both a little damaged and alot relationship-weary. While there may have been insta-lust, there was no insta-love. Instead, the couple slowly built a relationship based on trust and mutual respect. This hero, y'all. His respect for this woman was stellar! Also, he was caring and considerate, always willing to give the heroine her space. There was snark, too. Laugh out loud humor that had me looking for tissues to dry my eyes! Good thing I had those tissues because Naima Simone knows how to pack an emotional punch. This book delivers on the emotional "I screwed up, please forgive me" scene in a BIG way! Waterworks central at the end. Have the tissues ready! Don't say I didn't warn you. Then there's the epilogue. It was sublime. The type of scene that leaves you with what I call "Julia Roberts Face" . You know, the grin that's ear to ear, while crying, and it totally hurts your face. Yep, that's what this book did to me!
That's about all I can say without giving anything away. Trust me, if you love romance you'll want to read this book asap. Yes, it's part of a series. No, you don't have to read the others before you read this one, although why wouldn't you want to?!

Naima Simone's Scoring the Player's Baby is the third in her WAGS series. I'm usually all about reading a series in order but I happily stumbled onto my first Naima Simone read.

I loved Ronin from the moment we meet him at a Wedding Expo. The wait isn't very long before we have the mutual attraction and hot chemistry between Ronin and Kim. Hot, pro-football player, a sexy, independent executive, add in the unexpected pregnancy with just enough humor, and you have a romance that keeps the pages turning. I really enjoyed that some characters from Simone's previous books make appearances in Scoring the Player's Baby.

I can't believe that I am only just now reading Naima Simone. I am very much looking forward to reading the first two in Simone's WAGS series. And I'll have to pick up her Bachelor Auction titles too for Kim's brother, Alex's story.

The first romance I read by Naima Simone was Beauty and the Bachelor, the start of her Bachelor Auction series in August of 2015. I loved it, and I immediately put the author on my ‘watch’ list, to make sure I wouldn’t miss any of her future releases. Since then she’s written a bodyguard romantic suspense series, a scorchingly hot sex club series, and her most recent endeavor, the WAGS (which stands for Wives and Girlfriends) football romance series. Scoring the Player’s Baby is the third in that latter series and the title gives away the trope (Whoops! Surprise pregnancy!). Normally I stay away from that particular plotline but with this author, I trusted that she would overcome my hesitation with something worth reading – and she does, in a sexy, fun and emotionally pleasing romance.

Ronin Palamo takes his brotherly duties to his four sisters seriously, though he’s already regretting escorting Hana to the Seattle wedding show. As the wide receiver for the Washington Warriors football team, he’s used to being recognized in public though he’s managing to keep a low profile so far with his ‘man bun’ tucked under a thrift store Fedora. In fact, it gives him the chance to scope out the hall, and the sophisticated woman manning the Grand Hotel booth. When a stalkerish ex tries to catch his attention he does the only thing he can think of – fling himself at the mercy of the booth beauty in hopes she’ll play along and pretend to be his new girlfriend.

Kim Matlock prides herself on the reputation she’s built as the Vice President of public relations for Bishop Enterprises, her half-brother’s financial and holding company. With the company sponsoring the wedding show, and the Grand as their hotel to promote for the day, she’s taken a hands-on approach by appearing at the wedding show herself. Her own feelings about weddings are… not quite as upbeat as the throngs around her; she’s recently gone through a trying divorce from an NFL player for whom infidelity was a hobby. The Polynesian God look-a-like catches her off guard when he pulls her into an embrace and explains his dilemma, but she’s willing to help – and then indulge in a steamy night together, on a first name only basis.

Too late, Kim discovers the next morning that Ronin is a football player, the type of man she’s vowed never to get involved with again. But their one night stand has a consequence, in the form of a baby on the way. When she tells Ronin, he’s prepared to go all in as a co-parent. Both of them have had past relationships that have left their mark and made them wary of commitment. Will they be willing to take a second chance leap together?

I’m not always that fast at catching connections but it dawned on me partway through reading this that Kim is the sister of Alex Bishop of A Millionaire at Midnight (Bachelor Auction #4) which was a delightful surprise for me as I loved that story (and enjoyed Morgan and Alex’s cameos here). Kim – who is half black – is Alex’s half-sister, but is shunned by her father who paid money to her mother on learning of Kim’s birth but wanted no part in her life. Alex wants to right this wrong, and has connected with Kim and given her a valued place in his life and the family business. Their father resents this and is constantly a thorn in Kim’s side, doubting her business skills and decisions.

As a result of her poor relationship with her father and her failed marriage, Kim has always relied on herself for her strength and has kept her emotions tightly checked. When Ronin offers to be her safe place, someone she can confide in and trust, she has a hard time accepting it. Indulging in some steamy sex – sure! But long term commitment scares her. Kim is also worried about her pregnancy, having suffered a previous miscarriage. Plus she’s experienced the lows of paparazzi gossip as a result of her divorce. The last thing she wants is to be seen as a gold digger looking for another NFL player with whom to hook up.

Ronin is not without his own baggage. His high school sweetheart died young of cystic fibrosis, and she had wanted a baby; he struggles with guilt about being excited to have a baby with Kim. The grief over the loss of his first love led to his player reputation, easy sex with willing women wanting to sleep with a famous football player but none with whom he wanted a commitment. He and Kim must deal with the past in order to contemplate having a future together that’s more than just about being co-parents. I really enjoyed the way in which the author has the characters open up to each other slowly but surely as they start to get more emotionally involved and consider something for themselves and not just for the baby.

Though this is a football romance, the time on the field is limited to practices and the occasional game mention. More important is the bonding between teammates, particularly Ronin’s friends Zeph and Dom who feature in the first two books in the series. Family is important too, with Ronin’s relationship with his sisters and Mom a steadfast and supportive one. For Kim, learning to let go of her need for her father’s approval goes a long way to helping heal the hurt he’s caused her. Scoring the Player’s Baby puts a fresh, sexy spin on a familiar trope.

Ronin was the only brother- and oldest at that-that his four sisters had. Today he was going to the wedding expo with his tomboyish sister Hana as she is getting married. Ronin shuttered at the word “wedding.” Ronin loved and would do anything for Hana even go to a wedding expo as their mother has stage two breast cancer and couldn’t go so Ronin went instead. Ronin was also trying to be strong for his mom who had been his rock his entire life. Ronin is trying to hide he is shaken,, hurting, and terrified of losing his mom. Ronin was the star wide receiver for the Washington Warriors football franchise and had been for seven out of eight years he’d been on the NFL team. Ronin had also been All Pro for six years. Ronin had seen her standing in front of a booth. She excluded poise and confidence. Ronin admits he may have been a male floozie the last couple of years but he was never disrespectful and offensive to any woman. Ronin’s best friends are Zep and Dom. Marissa had been a one night stand but she sees him at the expo but Marissa doesn’t want to let go and she is clingy when there is nothing to cling to. Kim- the woman Ronin had seen at the booth- could handle projects, clients, and campaigns. Give Kim a problem and she thrived at solving it. She was Vice President of Public Relations with Bishop’s Enterprises - her half brother’s financial and holding company. Kim had spent the last eight years proving her presence and position had been earned. Kim refused to be defeated , at least in business. Kim had been married to a lying, cheating football player Matt . Kim no longer believed in the dream of happily ever after. She had divorced him after learning about the cheating one year ago. Ronin went to Kim and asked her to help him and to follow his lead, He pulled Kim to him and gave her a deep kiss Marissa before she makes a scene. Kim then looks at Ronin and thinks he is gorgeous. Ronin no longer believes in love. He had fallen in love with his best friend in his sophomore year in HS she loved him and wanted his child but was sick and passed away at twenty six. He didn’t want the relationship and commitment that love demands. Most only resulted in pain, disillusionment, infidelity, and resentment. Ronin was tired of being left behind to bear the burden of the agonizing aftermath. Football was the stable force in his life. Kim and Ronin have one night of mind blowing sex then Kim finds out Ronin is a football player like her cheating lying ex Matt. In two and a half months Ronin had not been interested in anyone else since Kim. Then Ronin sees Kim with his friend Renee at the bar he was in with his friends and Renee brings Kim over to meet everyone. Kim then finds out she is pregnant by Ronn.
I loved this book. It was full of emotions, hurt, baggage, yet still managed to be a beautiful second chance romance. At times I chuckled while I read this and at others I choked up. I loved the plot and the pace. I loved Ronin and Kim together. I loved how Close both Kim and Ronin were close to their moms. Also how close Kim was with her brother Alex and sister in law. I loved how close Ronin was to Dom and Zep. Happily I could find nothing to criticize in this book. I loved the characters and the ins and outs of this book and I highly recommend.

Naima Simone’s WAGS series is one of my favorites to date. Hit after hit, and they just keep coming. Scoring the Player’s Baby takes it up a notch. Hella hot sex, giggle-like-crazy banter, all wrapped up in a VP businesswoman and the football player she brings to his knees.

Kim was burned by a football player, and she’s sworn them off for good. So, of course, her one night of letting loose and getting freaky is with a football player. And she gets knocked up, to boot.

So, I loved Kim. I loved Ronan. I loved them together. So much keeps them apart, but that chemistry just jumps right off the page. There’s something so engaging and effortless about Simone’s writing, too, and add in the emotional punch that knocks you off your feet? It makes this an unforgettable romance.

And that ending?? Oh my god, I smiled ear to ear, and I laughed in pure joy. Loved! If you’re looking for romance, romance is what you’re gonna get and then some.

So sit back, grab your book and some Kleenex and settle in.

4.5 stars!

OMG...this is my first Naima Simone book and I'm in love. I love Ronan! He's such a good brother (going to the bridal show) and he and Kim make one hot couple. This book was romantic, hot, touching, you name it. It wasn't easy and they both had things to work through but I love how Naima writes all of it. I must go back now and read all the WAGS books in this series. I received an Advanced Reviewers Copy from #NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

Ronin is hot as sin , Kim is sweet and a force to be reckoned with in the bridal world . When a chance meeting and a kiss that would curl anyone's toes . What do they do after a hot night in the sheets . Well after she finds out she is pregnant . What is a girl to do with a hot sexy football player and a baby on the way .
This is the third book in the series and I am going to say that Ronin and Kim are my favourite couple . They both are flawed with loves from the past . Kim has been hurt by men in her life . She has worked hard and has come a long way . She is feisty but also really compassionate . She also has walls built around her heart from a cheating ex husband . Enter Ronin man he is sexy and when he enters a room people stop and listen and look at him . But there is an underlining hurt that he just can't shake . He is doing everything for the memory but he just can't come to love someone again. Them as a couple are hot , they are really good together . But like with all good relationships there is misunderstandings and awkward moments .
The author takes us on an emotional journey through out this book . You really get to see the characters at their best and their worst .There is a lot of emotional scenes in this book . Especially the scene where Ronin lays it all bare for Kim about his past . I had cried through out this book the author ripped out my heart and stomped on it.. Then it was all repaired . This can be read as a stand alone but if you want the whole show you should read the whole series . This would be a great hot little read by the pool this summer . So check it out .

I think Ronan and Kim are now my favourite couple in the WAGS series. This book is so utterly romantic and sweet. Even with all the baggage these two are carrying they manage to create a love that eventually saves them from themselves. Naima's books always have an unusual dynamic between the couple that forces them apart at first but ultimately is essential to bringing them and keeping them together. Also, I loved that I got to catch up with Alex and Morgan from The Bachelor Auction series once again. Never did like Malcolm Bishop and his treatment of Kim just reinforced all that dislike. I love these crossovers and I just LOVED these two.

All of the books in Naime Simone’s WAGS series are quickly becoming some of my favorite sports romances, and I adore Scoring the Player’s Baby. The hero, Ronin, is absolutely sigh-worthy. He’s a sexy football player with dashes of adorable and sweet that make him utterly lovable, and he is wonderful with Kim, who is still recovering from a rocky marriage and heartbreak. They are magnetic from their initial meet-cute and steamy one-night stand, and their flirty, fun banter dials their chemistry up several degrees. Naime Simone is one of the most reliable authors, and you know you are getting top-notch romance when you pick up one of her books, and Scoring the Player’s Baby is a wonderful example of her ability to write a thoroughly entertaining love story that is the perfect blend of heartwarming emotion and sizzling heat.

Mary Dubé, USA Today HEA
July 17, 2018

Kim Matlock is not having the best year--she is recently divorced from her NFL star Matt Cooper. Her estranged father doesn't want anything to do with her especially in his company and now she is working the Seattle Wedding Expo trying to revamp the dying hotels her father just aquired. The only saving grace is her older brother Alex. Alex found her when she was 16. They have been extremely close ever since much to the dismay of their father. Alex is now the CEO of Bishop Enterprises after he ousted their father. Malcolm isn't pleased with either of his children, although he only acknowledges Alex and throws the nepotism in Kim's face at every opportunity. Kim has something to prove--that she is the brillant PR whiz and has earned her position as Vice President that her brother gave her. Her latest project is to rebrand the Grand hotel chains that Malcom bought. But while she's at the wedding expo a few unexpected things occur 1) she is kissed senseless by a gorgeous man trying to escape another woman and 2) she realizes that her no man diet is about to be broken. Kim hasn't thought about men or sex since her ex was caught cheating on her numerous times while on the road. One of the many reasons why she loathes professional athletes especially football players--and the partying lifestyle that goes with it. But she can't forget those deep soul searching eyes and his sexy as hell lumberjack look. His Soaman tats make her melt. Who can blame her for caving not once but twice (grant it those times were months apart but come on...she's only human). Men or man is the last thing she needs since Malcolm is constantly hoovering over her waiting for failure. The one thing that Kim defintely doesn't need is a baby.

3.5 Stars

Scoring the Player's Baby is book 3 in the WAGs series and it can be read as a standalone.

I was so excited to read this book, I loved book 2 in the series and was looking forward to this one. Unfortunately, there were a few things that didn't work well for me. Like, for example, that Kim was so judgmental. I get that she'd been hurt by her ex, but thinking all football players were like him was a bit too much. With all her daddy issues, she could've transferred that antipathy to businessmen like her sperm-donor and at least have a more valid reason to judge. And while I didn't particularly care about Ronin being sure he wouldn't love another woman again, after his first love die like she did, at least he had a more plausible motive.

So, even if the book was well-written, entertaining and I found Ronin sweet, caring and supportive, I found it nearly impossible to connect with Kim, and that impacted in my overall enjoyment of the book.

*** Copy provided to the reviewer for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Ronin may be my new favorite Washington Warrior!
Scoring the Player’s Baby is quite the ride right from the start. Kim and Ronin are made for each other, from scars to strengths. Their relationship may begin with a one-night-stand that Kim considers a mistake almost immediately after the fact, but it soon becomes more for both of them, above and beyond the consequences of Ronin’s momentary lapse in judgement during their time together.
I gotta say, the WAGS series continues strong, and I can’t wait to see what comes next, both for the next couple, and for the couples that are already happily together within the series this far. I’m more than ready for the next installment, as I absolutely inhaled this one. It’s not the kind of book you’ll want to put down once you get started, so plan accordingly.

The next installment of WAGS by Naima Simone gives us Scoring the Player’s Baby, Ronin Palamo’s story. Ronin, a part of Washington Warriors football team, is not into relationships, but is also an honest and stand-up guy. After losing the love of his life, he just knows he has nothing deeper to give. He is always upfront with what he can and cannot give. With a strong and caring mother and two fierce sisters, he had no other choice.

Kim Matlock just divorced her cheating football playing ex and the last thing she wants is another relationship, must less another football player. But when one sexy and determined man kisses her while working an expo, she is taken off guard. The one night she decides to spend with him has life-changing consequences.

What surprises Kim even more? Is Ronin’s desire to be a part of the baby’s life upfront. They agree they will keep it platonic and be co-parents. Her time in Seattle is limited anyway. But the more time they spend together, the harder they fall. But when two people with so much baggage who are afraid to open their hearts again, can they find a way to each other before it is really to late?

I really enjoyed reading Ronin and Kim’s story. At times is was sweet and charming and at others it was full of angst. It was frustrating to see two people destined to be together pushing each other away. But you understand why this is their first gut reaction as you learn more about them. Another great read in the WAGS series by Naima Simone.

I love reading Naima Simone's books! Ronin has a reputation for enjoying his one night stands with no entanglements. Kim was badly burned by her ex-husband's cheating and an indifferent father. Working for her father's company doesn't make things any easier. Their initial meeting is hilarious - Ronin, trying to excape a desperate past hook-up, convinces Kim to pretend she's his fiance to try to get rid of the clinger - all in the matter of a few minutes - and she does so extremely well! Needless to say the sexual tension runs high and Kim gives in for one night. Only to discover that Ronin is a professional football player - same as her ex - and the breed of which she has sworn to stay away from. Unfortunately for her (or should we say - fortunately) Ronin decides that he can't get enough with just one night. As the relationship progresses both realize how similar their backgrounds are and that maybe they just need to give each other a chance to know each other better - especially since there's a baby linking them together.
There were some laughs and some tears shed while reading - making this a five star read in my

It's a 3.5 for me. I liked that it read like a romcom because Ronin is so FUNNY and he thinks everything is a joke. He's super laid-back according to his mates, and though he's a bit of a player in the field of love, he's always honest and nice about it, and I liked that. I liked that as the story progressed, it showed why he did what he did until he met Kim. And Kim, this serious, elegant woman that he falls for at first glance, is complicated. They've both been hurt, but by different circumstances, so they live their lives according to it. And it's interesting. I actually could've done without the extra drama because they're both already so sad with their past, but I shouldn't complain about it too much, considering that life doesn't care if you've had enough.

I liked that Ronin kept it funny. His sarcastic, end-my-misery-now monologues with himself when he's with his sisters or friends was hilarious and it kept it light when Kim would get a little dark with her POV. It was like seriousness and funny trying to balance itself out. I also enjoyed that a lot of the other couples by this author got brought up by Ronin to make Kim feel better. Getting their lives' issues set up from an outsider's perspective was really funny and in a way, it also acted as the comedic relief when Kim and Ronin would have their misunderstandings are scary moments. Overall, it's a recommend if you like reading about those brotherly feels among athletes, relationship drama, family drama and sarcastic wits.

Sexy, funny and sweet.


Kim Matlock isn't looking for love, in fact, she's still trying to get rid of the last mistake. Her divorce is still going through from her cheating ex. One thing she has learned, ballplayers cannot be trusted and she intends to avoid them. She is focused on helping to save her family's company and getting her life back on track.


Ronin, as you've guessed, is a sportsman. He's built like a footballer, he's confident like a ballplayer and he's an all alpha male. He's attending a wedding event with his sister when Kim catches his eye. The problem is she's not the only one with wandering eyes. Ronin has always been honest with women. He doesn't want a relationship. He's a one night kind of deal. Unfortunately, his latest conquest is struggling to get the message. He needs help to get rid of her and recruits Kim.

Kim doesn't know who this sexy hunk of a man is but he's only offering something she didn't realise she had missed. After some sexy time... the title of the book is a big giveaway... things get complicated. Can two people not looking for love find a family to share?

The WAGS series are all standalone stories.


4 stars out of 5. Naima Simone has good banter. The characters are loveable, funny and sweet in all the right places. I enjoyed this book. It's predictable but written well..

ARC for honest review.

4.5 Stars

Kim Matlock finally has her own story!!! Happy dance. Wait...She divorces her cheating football player husband, she gets accosted by the most gorgeous man she’s ever seen, kissed within an inch of her life, has a one-night stand with said hottie, discovers he’s a freaking football player and oops, also discovers she’s pregnant with his child…..Not really what I pictured for her story. But man oh man...This. Is. The. Story. Kim. Needed.

Remind me to never doubt Naima Simone ever again! I love reading Naima because I know two things are going to happen; 1) I’m going to laugh and 2) I’m going to fall in love with the hero and heroine of the story. Honestly, before I picked up Scoring the Player’s Baby I was critical of it for surface reasons. The title screams gold-digger to me. Excuse me, but Kim isn’t one. She has a job she loves, makes her own money, and doesn’t need a man. Thank you very much. The hero has a beard. Not just a sexy five o’clock shadow, but a full mountain man beard. Eww. No thank you. By the end of the first chapter, I could care less about those issues.

Ronin Palamo is a man who seems to not have a care in the world. As star wide receiver for the Washington Warriors, he has money, adoring fans, NFL records, and his choice of any woman he wants. But behind his smiling face and electric personality is a man who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. Since his father abandoned the family when he was ten, Ronin has felt as if he had to be the “man of the house”, a protector and caregiver to his mother and four sisters. He also feels like a failure for not saving and protecting the love of his life two years ago.

Kim first made an appearance as the half sister of Alex Bishop, the hero of A Millionaire at Midnight. She was funny, gracious, and seemed to love life. As VP of Public Relations for Bishop Enterprises, Kim was at the top of her game. That is until her life came crashing down around her with the realization that her husband of three years had been cheating on her. Now, a year and a half later, Kim finds herself in Seattle being less than half the woman she use to be.

I haven’t read all of Naima’s books and I don’t profess to be an expert on her writings, but Scoring the Player’s Baby seems different from her other books. Ronin and Kim really had to fight the demons of their past to be together. Ronin had to prove to Kim, a woman who no one ever put first, that she was worth loving, fighting for, and worthy of being number one. I loved Ronin’s reaction to discovering he was going to be a father. He has such a tenderness about him that my heart sighs and leaps with joy. I loved that he isn’t a typical guy. He and Kim prove that opposites really do attract. For me, the best part of this story was the declaration of love moment.

The WAGS series features three football players who happen to be best friends. The books are all standalones, however Scoring the Player’s Baby has a big moment for Sophia and Zeph from Scoring with the Wrong Twin. There are two friends who have been around the whole series, neither are players, but Jason and Renee have been dancing around each other. I really really hope they get their own friends to enemies to lovers story.

Wow.

Scoring the Player's Baby is the third book in Naima Simone's WAGS series, and it's a doozy. I'm sometimes leery of stories that involve babies, just because they usually involve complicated emotions and situations (and I'm all about the easy 😉 ) but Ms Simone did such a good job with all of it. I just kept turning the pages with pleasure.

Kim Matlock and Ronin Palamo are totally believable and unbelievably hot together. She's a hotel executive, recently divorced from her cheating football-playing ex, and of course, is NOT looking for a date, much less a relationship. But Ronin catches sight of her while accompanying his sister to a wedding expo and he's hooked like nobody's business. They decide on one night, and when that night ends up with long-term consequences, he shows himself to be a stand-up guy.

One of the things I really appreciated was how Kim and Ronin both ultimately behaved like grown-ups. Their lives aren't easy; they've got a lot going on, and they've been hurt by stuff in their pasts. But it's satisfying to see them struggle with what's happening and then step up. Adulting at its finest! Ms Simone lets us see their feelings and conversations in such a real way.

Also, I loved getting to see glimpses of Ronin interacting with his crew--we've met them in the prior books in the series, and it's fun to see them again. It isn't necessary to have read the previous stories to enjoy this one, but you'll want to! And while there isn't a ton of football in the story, what is there feels genuine.

I understand that Scoring the Player's Baby is the last in the series for now, but I would definitely read more!

Looking forward to more from Ms Simone!

I LOVED this book so hard! I mean Ronin had me wrapped around his finger in the first chapter making a Harry Potter and Outlander reference. Then he had to add a Lord of the Rings reference for good measure. Yup he made it on my top book boyfriends list pretty quickly. What really makes him swoon worthy book boyfriend material is the way he is with Kim then with the baby. I think I may need to fight Kim for him. It's not going to be easy for Ronin because he has a huge strike against him when it comes to Kim, he's a football player. The humor and banter between the two is one of my favorite things about this book. I would highly recommend this one along with the other books in the series.

One of the things that I really like about Naima Simone’s books are her characters. She writes hot-as-sin heroes and gorgeous, accomplished heroines. Scoring the Player’s Baby is no different. It’s a fun, sexy read with a lot of heart.

"I’ll give you whatever you ask for. Use me in any way you need to erase those shadows in your eyes.”

Ronin Palamo is living a life most men could only dream of. He’s playing for a championship caliber team and he doesn’t lack female companionship. He has it all. But it doesn’t take long for readers to notice that Ronin is hiding a deep wound. One that makes him wary of love and relationship. He doesn’t want it or need it. Or so he thought.

His resolve was tested when he meets Kim Matloc. Like Ronin, Kim is hiding wounds of her own. She was cheated on by her ex-husband who also happens to be a football player. She also issues with her birth father who basically abandoned her and her mother as a child. This makes Kim not trust men in general. She armored herself so no one could ever hurt her again.

I liked Ronin a lot, but I LOVED Kim even more. She’s a successful woman who is constantly underestimated by people. Except for her half-brother, Kim has been hurt by the men in her life and I did not blame her a bit for disbelieving Ronin.

It took me awhile to warm up to Ronin. This is mostly due to personal preference. While I enjoy sexy, gregarious heroes, I don’t really gravitate to them all that much. I prefer a grumpier type hero and Ronin is the exact opposite of that. He’s full of personality which can be overwhelming at times. It was when he shows his vulnerable side that he shines as a character. I also didn’t really like the constant reference to ‘being a pussy’ or the ‘man card’ in his POV. It was very distracting.

Despite those things, I enjoyed the banter between Kim and Ronin. I liked how they resolved their issues, and the grand gesture towards the end was really cute. Although, I must say that Ronin’s come-to-Jesus moment felt a bit rushed considering he seemed hung up on his dead ex-girlfriend. The epilogue, however, leaves little doubt in your mind as to Ronin’s devotion to Kim.

Overall, Scoring the Player’s Baby scored a 100 on the hotness scale. If you’ve enjoyed Naima Simone’s books before, you will find plenty of things to enjoy here.