This summer I have been reading romances written by Black authors and featuring Black characters. I wanted to be able to recommend new authors to people at my library. I was really pleased to see that I had already bought the first book of this series (though I haven't read it yet.) I can't imagine a stronger book than Snapped. The book deals with the structural racism of the football industry as well as the problems faced by bi-racial people. The strength of the book comes from the incredible women that help Elle face her feelings for Quentin, the racism of her boss, and her own hidden feelings of inadequacy as a bi-racial woman who was raised by a White father. Who doesn't want friends like this? I could easily recommend this to readers of Susan Elizabeth Phillips who not only also has a football series, but also features wonderful secondary characters.

This the fourth book in Alexa Martin's football series and it may be my favorite one yet. Elliot has her dream job in the PR team of a major football team and seems to be living a perfect life but she's actually still struggling from her father's death. When she gets assigned to work with Quinton, the football player that started kneeling before the game, she's in a sticky situation. Elliot is mixed but her Black mother died when she was really young. She was raised by her White father but she mostly took after her mom, so she always had a hard time saying how she feels, not wanting to hurt her dad's feeling. Working with Quinton and eventually having feelings for him, makes her uncomfortable, specially at the things she's been ignoring her whole life. I loved this book and specially love how diverse the characters are in this series. I really recommend all of them.

I loved that this book touched on issues that are incredibly relevant today. That being said, I am not sure it landed correctly. I know the author was writing from her own experiences, and I 100% respect and admire that, but I think the story just fell a little flat. The ending was rushed and a little too sunshine and rainbows for the subject matter, and the love story felt forced. I love enemies to lovers, it is one of my favourite tropes, but the chemistry was lacking for me.

Elliot has a complicated emotional life and feels very real- she also is raised Black but by white people and has a blindspot for a lot of stuff Black people would consider racist. Elliot is a really sympathetic protagonist while also being wrong about a lot of stuff. Elliot is relatable, and her grief is very real. She wants to be close to her dad by having a job with their favorite team. The racial tensions are well-handled, and Elliot’s conflict is too.
Quinton is a hot guy, and his actions all make sense within context. There's great chemistry between the leads, and good racial commentary.
The secondary characters are good without being distracting- we get a lot more about Vonnie than we have in previous books, and I'm interested to know if we'll get another book with her as the protagonist.
This book is not really about football, more about football problems, much like one of Martin's previous books. Kneeling is handled well, and the real life analogues aren’t too sloppy.
We don’t get enough about either of their careers before they meet- how did Elliot get into PR? We get hints at previous uncomfortable work situations but we don’t go into it further. She's also WAY naive for her age, which I guess could be explained by her being sheltered, but we never get justification for it.
It's not a bad book, but nowhere near as good as the previous three in the series.

Elliot knows that her late dad would be over the moon about her communications job with the Denver Mustangs, the football team they always bonded over. However, she's already being thrust into PR chaos, as her new (and unpleasant) boss expects her to convince quarterback superstar Quinton to stop taking a knee before the season is over, or her job is history. Although Elliot and Quinton aren't particularly fond of each other at first, both have much to learn together-- there might even be a spark of romance, too. Martin's ongoing Playbook series is nothing short of marvelous-- these books are probably my favorite romance series ever, and I don't even know anything about football! I was completely immersed in Snapped, and it was everything I hoped for.

I was a little nervous going into this book because of the subject matter and the current state of our society. One thing I enjoy about Alexa Martin books is her ability to blend pop culture references with emotional heartfelt scenes. There’s a wit and sass to her main characters that have me laughing out loud. So knowing how her previous books felt I was intrigued to see how she would take on racism and discrimination and intertwine a contemporary romance.

There’s no doubt that the author's writing style is steller. She has a way that captivates her audience by introducing us to these amazing women who are intelligent, sassy, sarcastic, and just so relatable. I loved watching these women go into their own and dominate their situations. Elliot had a mountain to climb. Not only was she PR for an NFL team whose quarterback decided to take a stance against the injustice he saw in both the institutions he worked for but in his own society, but she was still reeling from the tremendous loss of her father and her best friend. She had a tendency to run and hide rather than deal with situations that arise.

It was interesting to see how Elliot and Quinton developed their chemistry with each interaction. They were both so jaded that it fascinated me to see them breaking down their walls as they slowly let each other in. The female bonding also brought a lot of heart and soul to this story. I love that the author showcased female empowerment rather than the petty, competitive side that can often happen with the wives and girlfriends of athletes. They uplifted each other and stand by each other through thick and thin and genuinely want the best for one another

A part of me wishes this book was a dual POV especially with the subject matter. With something so powerful I wanted to see Quinton’s side and inner thoughts. I wanted to get to know him and what drove him to use his platform to take a stand against racism and inequality within and outside of the league. I will say, the author did an excellent job capturing his story, I just wanted more depth to it that could only be done if it was done from his point of view.

Bravo to Alexa Martin for writing this book. It’s potent and powerful with a reliable message that resonates with today’s society. It was amazing to see that kind of representation in a romance book. She was able to capture this message while providing her signature wit and romance. This is a great story from start to finish. Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the opportunity to read this book.

Alexa did warn at the beginning that Snapped would be different from the other books in this series. This book was too heavy for me. There were some LOL moments and Elliot is funny and charming. Quinton was too serious for me. I totally understood the reasoning for this, but I just couldn’t connect with him. 75% in I had to fight throwing my reader because Elle couldn’t be honest with Quinton. You knew how that was going to turn out. Then the fact that she wasn’t the one who let it slip was icing on the cake. Luckily, we did get to reunite with the other ladies. It was a good read but in light of everything going on it wasn’t what I was hoping for.
Arc provided by publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I've read the first 3 books from the library so I was super excited to be able to get my hands on Snapped. I liked how the previous characters made appearances in this one and I like how our protagonist is confident and knows what she wants.

I really enjoyed how this book handled a very current controversy - athletes using their platform for social justice - set in the context of a sweet romance story. The author wrote in a very sensitive and culturally appropriate way, and didn't shy away from the complicated issues and positions of African American professional athletes (and others in the sports industry) in this time and historically. You can tell that she put a lot of thought and research into how to best tell this story. She also does a great job of exploring the character's challenges of being biracial but raised in a white family, and coming to grips with internalized racism as an adult . You may not expect to see this kind of astute writing and empathetic storytelling in a popular football romance series, but Martin executes it brilliantly, and I was so impressed. While I have not read the other books in the series, I believe Martin has admirably taken the platform that has come with their popularity to explore important issues of social justice, and no doubt this book will be popular with readers.

I absolutely 1 million percent LOVE this series. Every single one of these books is wonderful. They combine so many things I enjoy: sisterhood and bonding, hilarious characters and scenarios, swoony athletes, heartfelt storylines, and the sense that these stories are rooted in a realistic experience. I will forever be grateful for stumbling upon the first novel in this series, every single novel is a complete delight to delve into. I couldn't possibly pick one as a favorite butttttttttt I will say that Snapped is easily at the top of the stack for me.

This particular novel stands out for all of the things mentioned: the friendship bonds are strong, the comedy hits every time, and the hero is a quiet, strong, disciplined character. It's the main thrust of the plot that really grabbed my attention and kept it: equity in football when it comes to black athletes, coaches, owners, and retired players. I didn't know I was looking for this as a major theme until it appeared and I then I fell even harder for this series than I already had. I appreciated how Alexa Martin approached all of the nuances and also really educated me about some things I hadn't even considered (the retired players and their benefits--I HAD NO IDEA!!). If I have any gripes it's that I wish I had more of this novel to read.

The Lady Mustangs were in full effect in Snapped and I truly adore them all. Actually, reading this novel has me wanting to reread the entire series all over again. But there was one wife I'm hoping we see more of in a future novel: Vonnie. And if I'm going to be really greedy? I'd love for some of the new secondary characters to have a novel of their own too. I guess what I'm saying is that I would love for this series to never end but if it does, then I hope that Alexa Martin has more things up her writing sleeve because I'm a HUGE fan.

Snapped is the last in the Playbook series. Not only are these books thoroughly enjoyable romances infused with the power of girlfriends, but I always learn something. BLM & CTE has received a lot of justified attention but I had no idea about the pension gap affecting former players. I hope Martin has plans for another series!

This book was fantastic, my favorite one in the series. Elliot is new to PR for the Denver Mustangs and Quinton, the Colin Kapernick-esque quarterback, starts off the season taking a knee to protest systemic racism and police brutality. The racist team owner enlists Elliot to manage Quinton and she helps him add to his protest by starting a foundation. The Lady Mustangs are all back and we get to spend time at HERS, like in other books in the series. Highly recommended.

I loved the previous books in this series but for some reason this one just didn't do it for me in the same way. I'm not sure if the characters weren't teased in previous books, or if I just don't remember it, but it took awhile for me to become interested in them and their story. I liked the premise of the book though and thought it tackled a contemporary topic really well. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

I have been reading this series since the first book released a couple years ago. Each book follows a different player's love interest. I have mostly enjoyed this series. It's nice to read books that aren't so cliche'.

I think I should just dive right in here. If you are a reader looking for a book that hits the current climate on things going on in our country right now with sports, this book is probably for you. If you're like me, and you prefer to not have books reflect current real life things so closely and want to read to escape all of it, then this one might not be for you.

I tried really hard with this book. I didn't like the characters. The plot was too close to real-life in a time where I just want to read to escape reality. Did I mention I didn't like the characters? When you mix the inability to read this book as an escape and a dislike for the main characters, you have a book that you are struggling to finish. You have a book that takes you days to finish instead of hours.

I kept my rating in the middle range because the book isn't necessarily written poorly. It's not. I kept the rating in the middle because for the right reader, it's a good book. For me, it's just meh.

A deeper message about football players after retirement and the problems with CTE after many concussions. Wrapped inside a beautiful romance between Elliot, the team publicist and Quinton, the star quarterback. Very well done. Family and friends feature prominently. I loved it.

This book was much deeper than a rom con. It deals with a lit that is going on in the world right now. While it is not a bad book, I turn to book to escape the world and immerse myself into light and fluffy.

Thanks to @netgalley for my ARC of Snapped! I flew through the first three books of Alexa Martin’s The Playbook series in April, so I immediately pre-ordered Snapped. Snapped comes out on 10/20/2020.

Y’all. I loved this! LOVED IT! It’s my favorite book of 2020. (I’ve loved all The Playbook series - each book is better than the one before it.)

Snapped is the love story of Elliot and Quinton. Elliot is biracial and was raised by her white father, and she is currently working in HR for our Denver Mustangs. Quinton is the new star quarterback and the son of a former NFL player. When Quinton decides to start blacking out the “NFL” on his jersey and taking a knee during the National Anthem, Elliot is put in charge of Quinton’s image.

They (obviously) fall in love through the process of working together - Snapped is a romance. However, Snapped hits on real world issues - biracial identities, racism, sexism in the work place, the lack of help for retired NFL players, etc - without ever feeling “preachy.” (And I recognize as a white woman, preachy may be the wrong word choice. I just think we could all benefit from more teaching and less preaching.) It’s a romance book you give out to your friends who are making fun of your romance addiction.

I HIGHLY recommend checking out Snapped and the rest of The Playbook series! (I need book #5! I ♥️ Vonnie!)

I really hope this series isn't over. I am not ready to say goodbye to this crew! Elliott was a boss babe and it was so fun to read about her. She had some personal issues that she was dealing with but I loved watching Quinton help her through those even though he was dealing with some of his own. This book was perfect for what is happening in our world today and the author did a great job explaining. There is so. much behind a player's decision to kneel so I loved reading about Quintons. Can we just talk about Quinton and Mrs. Rather though... I just loved it!

I have really enjoyed this series. I thought this book was incredibly timely and definitely worth the read!

Hmmm... Okay, I’m having complex feelings about another book. I personally enjoy the previous Playbook series and the smart feel-good rom-com premise the author presented us.

But this book is questioning deep political , socioeconomic issues and racism , injustice. This is not entertaining, sweet, soft romcom with steamy love scenes you’re looking for. This is serious, emotional women’s fiction. If you’re expecting to read an easy sports romance, this is not great fit for you.

I have no problems with the characters. Both of them were likable from the beginning and as individuals, their point of views and opinions about racism are understandable.
Quinton, star quarterback is taking a knee as black man to protest inequality and racism in the sports industry. Elliot, already suffers from losses of her family, PR exec, hired to stop this PR mess. From the beginning she thinks Quinton is spoiled rich brat and she couldn’t understand with his motives about protesting the entire system. But as long as she starts learning more about him and back story, she slowly changes her mind, empathizing with him.

In my opinion, the way of approaching to the political issues, dialogues and characters’ actions at the end ( both of them were ready to give up their ideals or what they worked for) and team members’ sudden awakening and changing their opinions instantly parts were not realistic.

The book gives important messages and deals with sensitive issues which overshadowed romance parts and the outcome of the story was a little haphazard and unsatisfying. (The novel started like thought provoking, serious fiction/ emotional women’s fiction and finished as cheesy romcom with a lot of cliches!)

I like the characters and I wholeheartedly support the author’s decision to write about racism, injustice and inequality in the competitive sports industry but the conclusion could be more inspirational and logical.

So this is I didn’t love it so much but I also didn’t hate it kind of I prefer to stay in the middle kind of reading for me. I’m giving my three sporty, equal, powerful stars!

I keen on reading more books from the series but this one didn’t work with me.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for sharing this emotional ARC with me in exchange my honest thoughts.