Offside (Playing For Keeps Duet #1) (2024)

I received an advanced copy of this book as part of a giveaway. This story is set in college and the main characters are football players & dance team members. The group of guys have a close bond and not only are friends but, created a business together. Although Darius and Leah are the stars of Offside, I loved getting to know all the guys and Leah’s two friends. I hope they all get to share their stories later on. Darius and Leah’s pasts haunt them and they work through the many conflicts when they are thrown together again. We end with a cliffhanger which makes me thankful it won’t be long before book 2!

Ridiculous

Contains Spoilers.
I read her mafia series and it wasn’t too bad, so I decided to read more of her books. I started book 1 but skimmed the rest of book 1 because it was getting ridiculous with too much drama going on. Darius has every right to be upset and not trust her. Leah keeps secrets and makes up pathetic excuses for her reasons. Darius and Leah have a past, they were humping behind her brothers back in the past, something went wrong, boom he hates her. Darius and Leah’s brother are BEST FRIENDS. Her and Darius have no respect for her brother because they rekindle their humping and are constantly sleeping together behind Corvin’s back and they know he doesn’t approve, then again, just tell him. They end up have a hump/hate relationship because pretty much Darius hates her when their not humping. The story just got unbelievable. Darius had just went off on her and called her a slu*t for the umpteenth time, this is when they are having a humping fest behind her brother’s back again, while he’s out of town, then they turn around and have a threesome with another one of her brothers friends who lust after her. Darius is soooo possessive up until that point..like really?! So now she’s had sex with 2 of her brothers friends. The other secret. She was date raped and this secret she was supposedly traumatized from it but had plenty sex almost the whole book. It comes out that Gary her rapist and Darius her lover are twins. So one twin raped her and the other twin is her lover. But how tf she didn’t know they were twins, she was shocked when it came out. That lost me. I mean I get they were split so they have different families but…..THEY ARE TWINS! How did she not notice. Maybe i skimmed a little too much lol. But I didn’t care, it been stopped making sense, Then the whole thing with her drugging Darius because Gary blackmailed her to do it, he tested positive for drugs and could’ve lost his spot on the team. I could not bring myself to feel sorry for her, she is far too unforgivable. The drugging him should be a deal breaker. Darius and her brother are best friends and they hold weight in their community, She could have told them everything from the beginning. I don’t want an HEA for Darius and Leah. They Were both very Toxic. Darius mouth is lethal, but after Leah’s secrets, I don’t blame him. They need to go their separate ways. The relationship won’t work. She can’t be trusted. I tried to read book 2 to finish the series. I got to chapter 2 and DNF!

Oh my god!!! This book. I so loved this bully story. I'm not for one to read this kinda trope. But hell I will read it if Samantha is writing it. Darius and Leah, what did you guys do. Oh my god, it's not said sufficiently. The pain, angst and love they have for each other the push n pull the anger and hatred . Damm this book bought out the feels for me.
Diving into the next one immediately!!
Loved it so much

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/9/2023)! 🎁

Alright. I’m going to start this one off with some warnings. If you can not handle SA and blackmail- this may be triggering.

Now saying that, let’s get into what the gist is. We meet Leah who is constantly trying to hide from someone who is blackmailing her, but doesn’t want to talk about what happened to anyone. So her best option is to go to the school her brother plays football at. This is where some other miscommunication starts. Apparently, she was in a secret relationship with her brothers best friend, Darius, but he was sent information that Leah cheated on him so he has hated her ever since. The issue is supposedly her brother had no idea why they were close and now hate each other. The boys are all ‘Kings’ of their football team and own a business together so they are VERY close, but no one knows how Leah’s brother would react if he knew what had happened behind his back. Leah is forced into a difficult situation where she has to make a choice: does she betray her brother and his friends while ruining their future OR does she keep her secret and go along with the blackmailers plan?

I liked this story for the most part. There was a lot of drama, but I have a hard time remembering that people don’t just say what they need to say. Book couples want the drama and miscommunication apparently. I was really upset about the ending and how Darius acted. He doesn’t even think about Leah, just only about how he felt. I will read the other books in the series, but I am still getting over that frustration.

Holy hotness can Samantha Barrett deliver a bully romance or what?!? Because Offside, the first book in the Playing For Keeps Duet was absolute fire!!! Seriously, this is a story wrought with emotions as two characters that once shared a secret past are once again reunited, though not under the best of terms, and the chaos that ensues is utterly captivating! Needless to say Barrett will take you on quite the gamut of emotions with this one so better buckle up!

Darius, our MC, once broke the rule and fell for his best friends sister, but when tragedy intervened, certain assumptions were made that broke them apart and eventually led them down a hateful dark road full of betrayal and pain, causing emotions and anger to burn bright..even two years later. Now Darius has one thing on his mind. Revenge.

However, even though Leah may not know why Darius left her and why they stopped being even just friends, she didn’t escape unscathed and is still paying the price for it herself…and will continue to do so if her secrets are ever discovered. What ensues next is a hot and steamy push and pull between the two, with some dirty talking possessiveness going on that is absolute🔥🥵🔥 making this one a definite must read!

Overall if you love bully, sports university romances that travel the course of friendship, love, hate and everything in between then this is the one for you as it will take you on quite the ride and leave you screaming for more the only way Barrett knows how! And that ending?!?! Man I need June to come STAT!

The perfect enemies to lovers, sports, forbidden best friend's little sister romance with a ton of twists!!

Let me say this was one of my favorite sports romance books with all my favorite tropes in it. This is Must Read it has so much suspense, mystery, secrets, and spice that makes it unputdownable!!

The author just pulls you in from the start and gives you such intense and interesting main and side characters. Yes this book ends on a cliffhanger but omg it's one you are shocked by and having you want more!

Darius is a co*cky alphahole that has a back story that pulls at your heart. I absolutely love these alpha possessive characters so I just loved him so much. He brings out so many emotions from loving him to wanting to knock him out at times lol.

Leah was such a relatable character I loved her feisty side but I loved how she fought when she could. Her story is heartbreaking and the pressure she is under is a weight you can feel.

The author did an amazing job weaving together this intense secret relationship storyline and giving you unforgettable characters that you crave more of. Definitely, a top 2023 read for me. Laughs, mystery, suspense, secrets, heartbreak, and off-the-charts spicy smutty goodness. Don't wait just One Click this book Now!!

I got me a new book boyfriend and his name is Darius!!!!!!

Offside is book 1 in the Playing for Keeps duet. It’s all the second chance…brother best friend goodness you can ask for. It’s full of spice and some mystery with a cliffhanger that will have you at the edge of your seat!!!

Darius is the best friend who did the unthinkable and fell for his best friends little sister Leah. They had some drama surrounding them…they have a history no one knows about and it’s going to bring the drama.

Darius loved him from the start. But at times he had me questioning why I loved him. Leah I loved her and didn’t stop. She has something going on that we know is going to be huge. At the end I nearly fell out of my seat!!!! I didn’t see this turn coming.

This duet is one that I don’t want to end. After book 2 I would love for all the boys to get their story. These characters are a lot of fun and easy to love.

Samantha blows me away with her writing. She doesn’t waste time and always gets right to the good stuff. She knows what she is doing and she does it well. This is another top read by her and I haven’t even read book 2 yet.

Offside, is the first book in the Playing For Keeps Duet and was a page turner right at the page one! Full disclosure, it is a duet that ends on a cliffhanger, but book two is only a month later, so not long to wait and it’s so worth the wait!

It is a new adult/bully/sports romance, the H and h started out as friends that became lovers to hate - it’s definitely a rollercoaster!

Darius is a Uni football player with a hidden past and falls for his best friends little sister Leah. Aside from Darius, there is Corvin - Leah’s older brother, along with Beckett, Saint and Crue who make up the close friendship group but even as secondary characters, they often take the lead, they are as much frustrating and hilarious in equal measures. But Corvin has made it clear that no one is to go anywhere near his sister, which makes this definitely a secret romance….
… until it isn’t!

Both Darius and Leah have pasts that haunt them and make it difficult for them to trust and when that trust is broken everyone suffers!

A brilliant start to the series, definitely a 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 read.

Triggers: Domestic Violence, Bullying, Drug Use, Date Rape and Degradation.

Talk about an EPIC miscommunication trope. It's bad enough Lacey and Darius has been keeping their relationship a secret from her brother Corvin who is also Darius's BFF; Lacey has been keeping silent about a traumatic event that has altered the course of her life.

Darius had had a hard life and it is hard for him to trust but the one time he let his guard down in resulted in him heart being ripped out by the one he loved.

Lacey has remained silent about the one thing that causes women to hide in shame. As a result she is blackmailed into betraying her brother and Darius. Lacey's silence has cause more harm than good and the consequences of her actions may have ruined her chances of ever reconciling with Darius ever again.

Secrets, Betrayal, Manipulation, Blackmail are hard obstacles to overcome. Now with careers and livelihoods on the line, will Lacey have a chance to redeem herself as well as get justice for the crime committed against her that lead to the chaotic life she has endured?

I received an advanced readers copy. This is the first book in the series. Offside is part of a duet. A bully/sports/adult romance book. Samantha Barrett you nailed it. OMG just love this book. Just love it. The chemistry between Darius and Leah is off the freaking charts. I never expected that kind of cliffhanger. Can’t believe how Leah was being blackmailed. What a person will do to protect the ones they love. It’s sad how they both thought the wrong thing with the past if only they trusted each other enough to communicate it but than we would not have this fantastic book. I love all the characters. Love the relationship all the guys have with each other. Like brothers. Hope in Touchdown we see Darius and Leah working it out. We need stories for all the other guys. I mean no pressure Sam😉👍🏻👍🏻.
You are an amazing writer. Can’t wait to read Touchdown. 💜💜👍🏻👍🏻🥳🥳💃🏼💃🏼💯💯💯

You cruel...cruel woman

The story of Darius and Leah is...OH MY GOODNESS I AM ABOUT TO BE ON A ROLLER COASTER RIDE OF FEELS!!! I could not put this book down even if it was to save myself from being torn apart by the angst of young love through turmoil, betrayal, revenge, animosity and pure unadulterated love to hate but can't emotions that swirl around these two. And just when I thought I was going to be brought back down on a soft bed of fluffy clouds and relax Samantha Barrett threw me into the lion's den called a cliff hanger NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! Now I am like a emotional junkie on a "WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?" need and the second book is my fix! Don't just click for this book...get the whole series. Don't be like me and get one book and start jonesing for the next one like a loon.

Believe it or not, this was my absolute first sports romance and I think I've started with the best, because I don't know how anyone could match how amazing this book is! Maybe only Sam herself! 🤣

Sam has this magical ability to draw me into her books with a click of her fingers. The incredible world and character building she does, always makes me feel like I have a front seat view to the entire story.

I absolutely devoured Darius and Leah and fell head over heels along the way. AND SAM NEVER DISAPPOINTS ON SPICE AND SMUT!
Get ready for one of the hottest scenes I've read in forever. Darius may just push the Murdoch's out of my favourite spot....

If you haven't already (even though i tell you constantly) go start one of Sam's books Now!!

HOLY MACARONI!!!!!

Samantha is knocking these out of the park!!!!
First off, The whiplash is real!!

I am falling for Big D one moment and then wanting to punch him the next. He is such an Alphahole it isn’t even funny…it’s hot. Like really, REALLY HOT!
Then you add the Bucket List into the equation 🥵🥵
GaDamn!!!!!!

Leah, I love her character! She’s spunky. Gives as good as she gets. She has a moment when her entire life comes crashing back in on her, and has no one to turn to.
Especially not her brother or ANY of his friends.

What an entire Theme park of rollercoaster rides this FIRST HALF of the duet was!!! I am itching for the next half it’s flipping insane!!
Buh-Bye! I have the second half to go hunt down!

Releases May 16th
Amazon US: https://amzn.to/42oIEk7
Universal: https://mybook.to/OffsidePlayingforKeeps

Offside is the first book in the Playing For Keeps duet, a dark college, sports, enemies to lovers romance. I wasn't sure what to expect as Samantha Barrett is fairly new to me, but this book surprised me in all the best ways!!!

I absolutely loved Darius and Leah and their tumultuous relationship. The chemistry was next level. Emotions definitely run high in this one, as does the angst and suspense. I loved the comradery between Leah and all the boys. Talk about friendship goals.

I was prepared for the cliffhanger ending but WOW did Barrett toss some shocks in there. I was not expecting that at all and I'm thankful I don't have to wait long for the next book.

Devoured

I could not put this down!

Yes the storyline has been done before. Football jock falls for his best friends sister and then gets his heart broken. She turns up with a dark secret and although he tries to stay away his first love is his greatest and they can’t resist each other.

The character development is good the spice is very nice 🌶️🌶️🌶️ and we even get an unexpected threesome ✅

The brother is the last to find out as per usual. But the guys have also been working hard at making themselves financially set for life. But just as all their dreams are about to come true.

“Blondie” is blackmailed into setting up the guys to take a huge fall and when her blackmailer leaks what he has anyway, Darius is murderous and looks like he has f’d it up for everyone!

Whoa is all I can say. Darius and Leah are like phew. Darius and his four best friends in college are considered the untouchables. They literally rule the school. Girl want them and guys want to be like them. One of the five (Corvin) has a younger sister Leah that none of the guys are allowed to touch. Well Darius didn’t listen lol. They had a relationship until something happened (misunderstanding) to end it. Now a few years have passed and Leah ends up at the same school as the guys and all hell breaks loose. This was intense and I couldn’t put this book down. Very well written.

Omg this was only my 2nd book by this author and im now officially obsessed!!
Darius was everything you never knew you needed and do much more
I will admit at times he frustrated me so much I wanted to throw my kindle but he has a way of getting under your skin and you've no chance of shaking him off
The chemistry between him and Leah was off the charts hot and as a female lead character she was awesome, I did want to slap her a few times but hey that's the sign of damn good writing
Loved this book cant wait for book 2.

The tense between Darius and Leah is off the charts in this book. I could put the book down cause i wanted to see how everything goes down.
Its amazing how 1 incident can change 2 people's lives. They both have secrets that they are keeping from each other, friends and family. Darius has a love / hate relationship with Leah. The big man is hurting because of of something in the past. Leah still loves Darius even though he acts like a jerk most the time
The cliffhanger is wow i really didnt expect that. I cant wait to read book 2 in the duet.

This told the tale of Leah and Darius, there were secrets that were hidden that have a way of coming out……

Honestly I love a good sports romance book, but boy I was not prepared for the dark elements in this book. It left me hanging on to ever word, now by chance went to read the part 2 and found out I would have to wait two weeks for it. Little did I know I would meet the author, discuss the book, and be able to purchase the second part on Saturday, instead of waiting two weeks.

There is so many ways this book can go, and I can’t wait for every single one of them.

College Enemies to lovers/ friends sister

I love this book. There is sarcasm that just speaks to me. I love a good enemies to lovers, friends to lovers, forbidden Romance, the friends brother/ friends sister, and this just has all of it. Samantha Barrett quickly became one of my favorite authors with her Murdoch family series. This series is not letting me down. This is book one book and two releases soon. I am just chomping at the bit to get my hands on book two (Touchdown) and keep going with the series. You can’t go wrong with any of her stories so if you’re looking for a new Author or you are looking for a new series of Books… Definitely check out all of her books!

Holy s way to end the book!’I love and I hate you for this! This book was soooooo good!
My good . The chemistry leah and Darius have is sooooo hot and spicy my god, she’s such a little s*x god.
The Guys are all amazing ! The part in the bedroom with beck and Darius and leah , I will re read that a million times.

I loved this book so much! I hate you for the ending but I can’t wait for book 2.
M
So much more I want to say but don’t want to ruin it

Oohh this had me hooked from the start. I loved Darius in this book, he’s a hard man to everyone but Leah, who brings out the puppy dog in him. There’s history there which has caused a lot of heart ache to both of them and poor Leah has to cause even more. Everything comes to ahead at the end and boy does it his the fan. All is revealed and hearts are left broken with a hell of a cliff hanger. Definitely a good read and can’t wait to start book 2.

Darius and Leah share Pain angst hatred and love for each other. Until secrets are revealed and lives are changed in a way you never see coming!
This college football bully dark romance has some trigger so please read those before you read the book. I absolutely devoured this book and cannot wait to read book two! BUT Sam, that cliff hanger was not fair!

Also note this book ends on a CLIFFHANGER!
5⭐️

This is the first book in the series. I truly love reading Sam's Books.. She is one of my favourite authors.. I only have a few that truly get me hooked on their books!!
This book was no exception from Sam. I couldn't put it down... talk about SPICY.. This books has so much going for it - you will not be sorry!! only with not being about to put it down lol..
I can't wait for the next instalment

This book sucked me in! It’s filled with lust, angst, drama and all the feelings. It took me on a little rollercoaster!

Leah and Darius.. 🥵… the intensity between these two is insane! I can’t decide whether I loved Darius or not, the boy’s mean!! Yet other times, he’s not so bad 😏 And Leah, I felt like I just wanted to give her a hug! She goes through a lot, but her character is so strong!

Both of them have a dark past, which impacts them both significantly throughout the book, however there is just so much between them, hateful moments and just some downright 🥵🌶️🔥 moments (i mean chapter 17…am I right?)

I was obsessed with this book from the moment I picked it up. The relationship between the two main characters is so intense and so complicated, that you just HAVE to find out how it ends.

There is degradation in this book, and mentions of SA, but overall, it’s not that dark. Just make sure you check the TWs. I know you’ll just love their story as much as I did!

Holy sh*t balls on a stick! I loved this book so much that I need book two right f*cking now.

I am absolutely in love with Darius and Leah and really am enjoying the DRAMA unfold! I have a secret crush on Beckett and need more just saying! This was such a good read.

Make sure to read all trigger warnings before jumping into this book and oh boy that cliffhanger will really f*ck you up! Lol

Wow just wow

Totally gripping story, I was hooked from the start, the camaraderie between the boys is just perfect, they are like family but not family, I loved the storyline, poor Leah is really not having a great time, but I'm hoping book 2 is nicer to her, definitely worth reading.

Wicked

I couldn't put it down loved it...

Leah what is she doing there and why? She has a secret maybe more.

And when the boys find out what will happen?

Darius has loved her and still does even after that night what will he do when the truth cones out.

Loved it can't wait for more 🔥 ❤️ 💔