Title: Snapped by Alexa Martin
Publisher: Berkley
Playbook Series Book Four
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+
Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley
Summary:
With the stakes this high, it’s no longer just a game for the Mustang’s quarterback in this romance by the author of Blitzed.
Elliot Reed is living her best life—or pretending to. She owes it to her dad’s memory to be happy and make the most of her new job as Strategic Communications Manager for the Denver Mustangs. Things are going well until star quarterback Quinton Howard Jr. decides to use the field as his stage and takes a knee during the national anthem.
As the son of a former professional athlete, Quinton knows the good, the bad, and the ugly about football. He’s worked his entire life to gain recognition in the sport, and now that he has it, he’s not about to waste his chance to change the league for better. Not even the brilliant but infuriating Elliot, who the Mustangs assign to manage him, will get Quinton back in line.
A rocky initial meeting leads to more tension between Quinton and Elliot. But as her new job forces them to spend time together, Elliot realizes they may have more in common than she could’ve imagined. With her job and his integrity on the line, this is one coin toss that nobody can win.
Review:
Snapped by Alexa Martin is a slow burn romance with a socially relevant storyline. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Playbook series, it can be read as a standalone.
Elliot “Elle” Reed is thrilled to have landed her dream job with the Denver Mustangs. Unfortunately she is immediately handed a potential PR disaster that could cost her the coveted position. As she works with Mustangs’ quarterback Quinton Howard Jr., Elle is immediately befriended by the players’ significant others and she is completely enjoying their support. She is still deeply mourning the death of her father and her career decisions become entangled in her grief. As her situation with the Mustangs’ owner becomes even more complicated, Elle is caught between the man she is beginning to love and the job that makes her feel close to her father.
Quinton starts off his first season with the Mustangs by blocking out the league’s name and taking a knee during the anthem. Immediately stirring up controversy, his actions are not at all appreciated by the team owner and some of his fans. But Quinton is determined to draw attention to the racial inequality within the league and the lack of financial support for a certain set of retired players. With Elle’s help, he is able to set up a foundation and begin fundraising to raise awareness. Quinton is quite smitten with Elle, but her inability to acknowledge her own issues is not something he can ignore.
Elle is feisty, fun and good at her job. But she is struggling with her insecurities about not fitting in. Raised by her white father to be colorblind, Elle is very uncomfortable when it comes to dealing with race relations. Working with Quinton makes it difficult for her to continue ignoring her growing awareness of what is happening around her. As their relationship gradually slides into a surprising romance, Elle makes a decision that jeopardizes her future with Quinton.
Snapped is a thought-provoking romance that deals with true to life issues with sensitivity. Quinton is articulate about his issues and passionate about making positive changes within the football league. Elle initially wants to ensure she keeps her job, but she grows and transforms as she is forced to confront her own biases and reactions to racism. Elle and Quinton’s relationship is wonderfully flirty, funny and sensual. Alexa Martin’s latest addition to the Playbook delivers a powerful message that will resonate in today’s world. I absolutely loved and highly recommend this captivating romance to fans of the genre.
