The Backup Plan is book 1 in the new Lone Star Rebels series and follows aging quarterback, Lucas Hale as he falls for his team’s doctor, Emery Porter.
About The Backup Plan
Lucas has only ever wanted to play football. Since he was a kid he found escape in sports, especially football. It was his escape from his everyday life. He listened and learned from other parents, coaches and players. He was the player that everyone wanted on their team.
Emery married while she was in college. She went on to medical school and has made quite the name for herself in treating sports injuries. In addition, she is well versed in physical therapy. She is well respected by her colleagues, but, sadly, not her husband. She has chosen to make a clean break, and move to Austin and the Rebels.
Lucas and Emery meet in a compromising situation. He is the white knight she needs at a time when her defenses are down. Lucky for her, he is concerned enough to step in and get her out of a tricky situation. Having no idea who the other is, he makes sure she is safe and settled for the night.
Emery has been through so much in her life. So when Lucas is a perfect gentleman she is stunned, but so appreciative. Until she finds out he is her new special project.
Lucas needs Emery. More than he wants to admit. Without her approval, he does not know what he is going to do. He came to play football, not warm the bench. What he does not know is that if anyone can get him back on the field, it is her. She has spent her entire career studying techniques that will provide maximum rehabilitation of injuries. But she requires complete honesty from him about any issues he experiences during workouts, practices and games. Can he do that? Only time will tell.
While he may not be QB1, Lucas proves himself to the coaches and his teammates by being able to read the defense. He is able to show them what the set up is and what the offensive play should be to balance it. He is also able to tame the current QB1, Cole. Cole is young and cocky. But he sees what Lucas is showing him and the initial animosity is thawing.
Lucas and Emery begin to build a friendship while working together. They are neighbors, so they tend to see each other regularly. When Lucas starts running with Emery in the mornings, it is a time for them to just be. They can talk or not.
But when things start to progress in their relationship, they need to be careful at work. She is a professional and has worked hard to earn the respect of her coworkers and she refuses to lose it because of an affair.
But things go haywire sending Lucas and Emery into a tailspin.
What will the new normal look like for these two? Will their secret be outed? What are the ramifications of everything that has happened?
Impressions
Emery spoke to me in this story. Trying to prove herself in a man’s world is not an easy task. Being taken seriously for your knowledge and expertise is not easy with people who are already established in the workplace. But she has the knowledge and know how to get the job done. However, I found her methods a little “mousy”. She was not as assertive as I would have expected. Yes she proved herself, but I felt like there were some who were not respectful towards her. But setting them straight was not her way. She did it quietly and over time with results.
Lucas was brought in with one purpose, but he also wanted another chance. He proved himself in so many ways in this story, but when times were tough he stepped away. Yes he needed to deal with his demons, but he also should have communicated better.
These two just work. Emery knows Lucas’s tells when it comes to injuries, pain, discomfort. She also knows when he is holding back from her. But Lucas respects Emery’s need for space. I see these two going far in life together, as a team. Both in life and in work. If they ever leave the Rebels, I see them transferring jointly.
I will admit I would love to see more of Lucas’s brother and Emery’s best friend. Not necessarily together. But I am intrigued by both of these side characters.
Narration
Kit Swann is such a joy to listen to. I have enjoyed her in so many roles, and this one is no exception. She take on the characters she is portraying makes her a narrator I enjoy listening to. It has been awhile since I have listened to Lance Greenfield and I felt like it was coming home with his take on Lucas Hale. He is able to bring out the determined football player while giving Emery his softer side and protecting her.
Availability
The Backup Plan is currently available to read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited and for purchase in all formats on Amazon.
Series Listing
- The Backup Plan (Lone Star Rebels Book 1)
- Hard Pass (Lone Star Rebels Book 2)
About K Bromberg
New York Times Bestselling author K. Bromberg writes contemporary romance novels that contain a mixture of sweet, emotional, a whole lot of sexy, and a little bit of real. She likes to write strong heroines and damaged heroes, who we love to hate but can’t help to love.
A mom of three, she plots her novels in between school runs, sports practices, and figuring out how to navigate parenting teenagers (send more wine!). More often than not, she does all of this with her laptop in tow, and her mind daydreaming of the current hero she is writing.
Since publishing her first book on a whim in 2013, Kristy has sold over two million copies of her books across twenty different countries and has landed on the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal Bestsellers lists over thirty times. Her Driven trilogy has been adapted for film and is available on the streaming platform Passionflix as well as Amazon.
You can find out more about Kristy, her books, or just chat with her on any of her social media accounts. The easiest way to stay up to date on new releases and upcoming novels is to sign up for her newsletter or follow her on Bookbub.
Check out K Bromberg’s current book list.
