Thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the audiobook. This book is solid on plot and great in audio, but I wanted a little more grovelling from Becca and a little more so when they broke up. It was a fast-paced story which felt like it was going with the motions and not exactly with feelings. The happy moments, the banter, and even the friendship is greatly written and expressed but it was all rushed when it got to the sadness. I know every story can’t be just angsty but it does require that element. Rest, I loved all of how everything happened and how nice the ending was, and also Becca, for being able to stand for herself.

It’s a 3.5⭐️ for me.

Liked the chemistry just not a big fan of the „new fiancé“ trope thingy but I still read the books because it might only be a little detail…wasn’t the case here. I’m gonna buy the book and reread it when it’s out cause all in all it was really enjoyable

Beneath the Stands is the second book in Emily McIntire’s Sugarlake series. It tells the story of Elliot "Eli" Carson, a former basketball star whose career ends abruptly due to injury. He returns to Florida Coast University as a coach, only to find Becca Sanger, his sister’s best friend, as the new team manager. Their shared history and unresolved feelings reignite, leading them down a path filled with passion, secrets, and the complexities of love and family. ​

Having read three books in the Sugarlake series, I can confidently say that Beneath the Stands is a standout, but don't make me pick a favorite. I've loved them all. Emily McIntire weaves a tale that's not just about romance but also delves deep into family dynamics and personal struggles.​

The portrayal of addiction in the story is both raw and real, offering a realistic glimpse into its impact on individuals and relationships. The characters are flawed, relatable, and their journey is both heart-wrenching and hopeful.​

While each book in the series can be read independently, I found that reading them in order enriched my understanding of the interconnected stories and character developments. The emotional depth and authenticity in McIntire's writing make this book a compelling read that stays with you long after the last page.

The Vibe it Brings:
📚 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Second Chance Romance
🏀 Sports Romance
🏡 Small Town Setting
💔 Emotional Depth
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Secrets
🌶️ Steamy Scenes
🎧 Dual Narration
🧠 Mental Health Awareness
❤️‍🩹 Healing and Redemption​

The audiobook, narrated by Brooke Bloomingdale and Liam DiCosimo, brings the characters of Becca and Eli to life with authenticity and emotion. Their performances capture the nuances of the characters' personalities and the intensity of their relationship, enhancing the overall experience of the story.​

Beneath the Stands is more than just a romance novel; it's a deep dive into the complexities of love, family, and personal growth. Emily McIntire's storytelling is both poignant and passionate, making this book a must-read for fans of emotionally charged romances. Whether you're new to the Sugarlake series or a returning reader, this installment offers a rich and rewarding experience.​ I received a free copy of this audiobook, but these are my own opinions.

★★★½

Emily McIntire’s Beneath the Stands took me by surprise—in the best way. As the second installment in the Sugarlake series, it delivered a deeper emotional connection and more compelling character arcs than Beneath the Stars, which I didn’t expect.

Beneath the Stands felt more raw and engaging to me. Becca and Eli's chemistry was intense, and the themes of second chances, self-forgiveness, and healing hit home in a way that felt authentic and moving. While it still had moments of melodrama and could have been a bit tighter in pacing, I found myself more invested in this couple’s journey than I was in the previous book.

The audiobook narration was solid—both narrators captured the emotional tone well and brought out the vulnerability in the characters. Their performances really helped me connect with the story on a deeper level.

While it’s not a perfect read, Beneath the Stands worked better for me overall than Beneath the Stars. It’s emotional, a little messy, and full of heart—which is exactly what I look for in a second-chance romance.

This was sooooo good!!! I havent cried in a while reading a book and being able to know what Eli says in his letter to his mom hit hard!! I felt so connected with the characters. I want to be friends with them. I want to be there and help them out too!! I love love love the Sugarlake series. I’m so glad I picked It up.

Beneath the Stands is an emotionally charged second-chance romance that explores themes of family expectations, personal growth, and healing. The story follows Becca, a preacher’s daughter determined to carve her own path, and Eli, a former basketball star turned assistant coach at Florida Coast University. Their forced proximity reignites past tensions and unresolved feelings, leading to a passionate and tumultuous relationship.​

McIntire's writing is emotionally charged, capturing the complexities of love and forgiveness. While the characters' flaws make them relatable, their actions can be frustrating at times. The plot offers a satisfying mix of angst and romance, though some readers may desire a more extensive epilogue to fully experience the couple's journey.​

Overall, Beneath the Stands is a compelling read for fans of steamy, emotionally intense romance. It may not be perfect, but it offers a heartfelt exploration of love's challenges and triumphs.

Miscommunication or lack of communication was the main theme here and it was incredibly difficult to not throw my earbuds. Not a single character knew how to be open and honest. Also - what is the point in casting a male and female narrator for it not to be told in duet?! When a male cannot produce a genuine sounding female voice it kills the listen.

If I would have read this story I would have enjoyed it so much more.

Despite not loving the narration I am grateful for the advance listen courtesy of NetGalley & Blackstone Publishing.

If you love a story of enemies to lovers, best friends brother, and second chance romances then this book has it all and it is executed perfectly. There is the perfect amount of tension, regret, growth and a happily ever after to make a great story.

This book really was as good as the first. And I really enjoyed the overlapping scenes from the first book! Excited for the next one!! The audiobook was incredible. The representation Emily McIntire brings in these books PLUS to storyline is so good!

I really enjoyed this book. I will say it was a little less than the first book for me but overall everything I love about Emily McIntire was there. The writing, the relationships, the feeling. I loved the narration and the pacing. Everything flowed very well. If you're looking for an emotional journey - pick up this series.


Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this audio ARC of Beneath The Stands, in exchange for an honest review.

I know this series was early in Emily’s career but you would never know. Her writing is so mature and crisp. She knows how to write characters who have real feelings and deal with hardships in a way people can relate to. Sometimes the people who are suppose to love you the most take advantage of that fact. this story shows you how you can overcome to make your own fairytale in the end.

Thank you for the publisher & NetGalley for the ALC.

It’s was a cute read.
I did however expect more from the author , since the first book was a 5 star …
But I enjoyed the story .
I do recommend it .

Just finished listening to an audio arc of, Beneath The Stands. This is the second book in The Sugarlake series. This story is about two side characters from the first book, Alina's brother Eli and Alina's best friend Becca. These two knew each other growing up because of Alina but were never really friends. Eli was focused on basketball and Becca is focused on somehow always coming up short and being a disappointment as the preacher's daughter. But when Eli gets injured and his basketball career is suddenly over, he finds himself taking a coaching gig at a Florida college because he just can't go back home after everything. Becca is currently at college in Florida and planning on never going back home, but when she tells her parents they cut her off. She finally feels free but to keep that freedom she has to get a job so she can pay rent. So she gets a job helping the basketball team, and now Eli is her boss. They immediately don't get along but anger turns into attraction until they're finding themselves developing real and deep feelings for each other, just to get torn apart. After years of being apart, Becca ends up back home and is an adult still being controlled by her parents. When Eli finally comes back home, it's with a fiancé, to get married and asks none other than Becca's father to marry them. And now Becca has to plan the wedding of the guy she still loves, while he is still hurt and can't stand her. This was such a good story! The audio brought so much life and emotion to these characters, and the story was told so beautifully. I really enjoyed this one and I'm excited for the next one! 💛📚

Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for this audio ARC of Beneath The Stands, in exchange for an honest review.

I love the way Emily Mcintire manages to fit in relationships, personal growth, and casual kink in an effortless and cohesive way. Beneath the stands builds on the first story of Lee and Chase and I’m surprised to say I enjoyed it just as much as Beneath the Stars.

I do need to address the audio aspect as well since the ARC was for the audio book specifically. Becca’s narrator was great, with an authentic sounding twang for all Becca’s sass. I had major issues with Eli’s though, specifically when the narration had to be “saying” something that Becca or any other female would say. His feminine voice sounded like an exaggerated impression of an 80 year old southern belle. Not at all cohesive to the fiery narration of the other part.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It drew me in, and I couldn't stop reading it until the gap.

This is the story of Becca, who is a senior in college and has just been cut off by her preacher father because she doesn't want to return home and join the church. Because of this, she tries to find a job on campus to cover her rent and ends up managing the boys' basketball team. This is where she runs into her best friend's older brother, Eli. He is the new assistant coach after an injury ended his chances of continuing to play in the NBA. What ensues is passionate and all-consuming.

This is where the story goes awry for me. There is a gap, and it really didn't fit. We are trying to deal with their histories, but it made their whole relationship feel only physical to me. There were inconsistencies and wholes in the plot. I feel like more emphasis needed placed on them as characters here and less on the physical. Don't get me wrong, I love spice, but there also needs to be a strong bond, which felt lacking after the gap. I really did enjoy the first part of the book and the narrators did a good job.

the was the last book in Emily's Sugarlake series that I had yet to finish and It was so nice to go back to her original series that started off her career. Her roots. I missed this series and her origins. I love that it is getting a new light for her and being brought to audio with these gorgeous new covers too.

Beneath the stands audiobook #review
Well, that was delicious 😏
The tension, the angst, the chemmmmistry.
Chefs kiss 💋 oh and a HEA to boot 🤩

I need to start off by thanking Netgally and Blackstone publishing for the opportunity to review this audiobook ❤️

Honestly, I forgot JUST how funny Emily McIntire is, to the point I was cackling OUTLOUD at the gym. That’s right, heads were turning and I still couldn’t stop laughing and shipping Becca and Eli from the very beginning. Reading/listening to her books is always a shot of dopamine straight to the brain.

That’s not even mentioning the NARRATORS! My god. Brooke Bloomingdale and Liam DiCosimo could narrate a telephone book and I’d be sitting there happily enamored.

I felt like we got two books in one here, and I absolutely adored it. Bit of a “YOUVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME” moment and saying “oohhhhhh noooo” out loud about 20 times (when you’re there you’ll know 😂), but the characters needed it for their developement. Just because I get it Emily, doesn’t mean I have to like it 😩😂.

Seriously though, this book made me pause it and leave a 10 minute long voice note ranting to my book besties about what was going on in more than one part of this book, and that only happens with the good ones. I absolutely loved this book. It made me feel allll the feelings my cold barren heart tries not to feel, and that’s a feat in itself. I’d rate it 10 stars if I could 🥺

Overall Rating- 5✨
Narration- 12847282 (5) ✨
Spice- 3.5 🌶️

This sports romance was a good story but I found some of the character lines hard to follow due to the book’s pacing which could definitely be from listening to this book and not reading it. I personally did not read the first book so again the confusion could be from not reading book 1 and jumping into this book. I enjoyed the sports romance storyline, I laughed about how Becca needed a job and became the manager of the basketball team while not knowing anything about the sport. The attempt of “rivals” or “enemies to lovers” type story line is a little forced in my honest opinion, they end up with each other very quickly and often. Others have said this is a slow burn but I have to disagree there.

After Becca eventually calls things off, the literal next chapter is about how Elliot and Sarah are getting married and it dives into how Becca’s father who is a preacher is going to marry Elliot and Sarah. Becca then is put in charge of planning the wedding of Elliot and Sarah when just a couple chapters back Elliot was offering to drop everything and have Becca move in. The pacing is just off, and it felt like the wedding planning and everything came out of no where. Then later on Elliot shares all about this with Sarah and they split, just for Elliot and Becca to reconnect and are back to their previous antics like nothing happened.

Becca’s comebacks and smart remarks along with the southern accent had me fully entertained throughout the whole book, but the storyline was so up and down it was very hard for me to follow and stay invested in the characters. Seems like a story full of self destruction and toxic relationships in the sense of no one seems to really know what they want.

Eli and Becca grew up together and somehow made it to the same college. Only Eli is the coach of the basketball team and Becca needed a job. Eli finds solace in his sister’s best friend and Becca starts falling for her best friend’s brother. The only problem is Becca’s parents have made her doubt love. She’s afraid to love anyone because she’s afraid they will get bored and cheat. This book was so so good and I’m honestly super happy I got to listen to it. I think the narrators did a phenomenal job and they couldn’t have picked better speakers. I definitely recommend listening to this series (or even just reading it if audiobooks aren’t your thing)

Thank you Emily McIntire, NetGalley, and Blackstone Publishing for a copy of this ALC!

Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the chance for this audiobook this is my first chance to do give my opinion on an audio book and i was not let down. I have not read the first book but i still enjoyed it. The characters the plot and it was very very emotional listening to. One i will pick up a physical copy and read again. Well done Emily loved this audiobook.