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The Substitute
#19 in the Amazon Store. #1 Sports Romance. "Amazingly Addictive."Can the NFL superstar fall the the hometown girl...and his best friend's ex?When the NFL goes on strike, Super Bowl champion Peyton O'Rourke ends up back in his hometown as a substitute teacher and high school football coach.The one thing he didn't count on?Maddy Cooper being newly single.She's the hot girl next door type.Literally. She's literally the cute girl next door and his best friend's (now ex) girl.And even though he knows he should be with anyone other than Maddy Cooper —Well you know the drill.Things are going to get hot. Heavy.Does Facebook still have an 'It's complicated' button?Because it's about to go down.
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 10, 2019
About the author
Mickey Miller
46 books2,148 followersHi, there! My name is Mickey Miller and I write sexy, fun romance with smart characters. My books are great if you're looking for a light-hearted, steamy read with some humor and a happy ending! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews
January 8, 2019
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntary leaving a review. I have several books by Mickey Miller on my Kindle but this is the first book of his that I read and let me say it won’t be the last. I loved this book. It had two of my favorite things: friends to lovers and sports. They had their issues, for example, her being his ex-friend’s ex-girlfriend but they worked that out. It was a slow burn with some teasing but when it heated up, let me just say hot, hot, hot. This will not be the last of his books that I read.
October 16, 2019
OK read. What does not work for me is the character chemistry. The insta lust is too much. the relationship between Peyton and Maddy is too fast without a real and honest connection. So I feel a bit off with the characters.
The story is light. Not much plot or specific twist that the author develop. The banters are sweet and fun though. It cracks my smile.
Overall this book is OK read for me. Nothing specific stands out.
3 stars
The story is light. Not much plot or specific twist that the author develop. The banters are sweet and fun though. It cracks my smile.
Overall this book is OK read for me. Nothing specific stands out.
3 stars
January 6, 2020
This was a new author for me so I wasn’t sure if I would like his style. But I have to say he really gave us a full and whole story. The characters are full and round you don’t feel like you’re missing parts of them like with some book I always feel like I don’t really know the character.
Maddy and Payton’s chemistry is explosive, I just wanted Maddy’s to be more honest with herself and she was for the most part but for an adult she really lets her family dictate her life. I didn’t really like that part of the story. And her ex is a massive you know what, how he thought he could just come back and things were going to go back to the way it was before. Some men are just dingbats.
I loved the narration, these two know how to do romance and do them well.
Maddy and Payton’s chemistry is explosive, I just wanted Maddy’s to be more honest with herself and she was for the most part but for an adult she really lets her family dictate her life. I didn’t really like that part of the story. And her ex is a massive you know what, how he thought he could just come back and things were going to go back to the way it was before. Some men are just dingbats.
I loved the narration, these two know how to do romance and do them well.
October 9, 2019
This is a great friends to lovers sports romance. Peyton coming back home and working in the same school as Maddy shook things up a bit especially with him being her ex’s best friend. Their story is a push and pull relationship for a good while and there’s guaranteed laughs with their banter. The storyline held strong throughout the book and the pace was set comfortably where you wanted to know what will happen next and keep turning those pages. Guaranteed HEA and no cliffhanger.
Audiobook review:
4.5 stars. I was pulled into this story all over again with Peyton and Maddy. The narration was wonderful giving each individual character their own strong personality and kept me wanting to listen. I found myself hooked more then before while listening and although I’ve read the story, I felt even more hooked hearing it.
Audiobook review:
4.5 stars. I was pulled into this story all over again with Peyton and Maddy. The narration was wonderful giving each individual character their own strong personality and kept me wanting to listen. I found myself hooked more then before while listening and although I’ve read the story, I felt even more hooked hearing it.
March 12, 2020
2 Peyton and Maddy Stars
This is the first book I have read / listened to by this author. I liked the sound of it when I read the blurb but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Plenty of people clearly did enjoy it so please don't be put off by my review.
Peyton is a successful NFL Quarterback who returns to his hometown when the NFL goes on strike for the season. He takes up a job teaching Spanish and coaching the Football team at the local school. When Peyton was younger , his best friends were Eric and Maddy , who were dating each other. Recently, Eric left to travel abroad and split with Maddy. They had been together for twelve years.
Peyton always had feelings for Maddy. Now that she is single she sees him in a whole new light and when they are both teaching at the school their paths cross more and more.
I was not keen on Maddy as a heroine. She behaves immaturely most of the time. The whole thing of not wanting to tell her parents that she was seeing Peyton and then the point of conflict when Eric reappears was just really unbelievable. Peyton was an ok kind of hero but he wasn't especially memorable.
Gorgeous cover and good narration.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
This is the first book I have read / listened to by this author. I liked the sound of it when I read the blurb but unfortunately I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Plenty of people clearly did enjoy it so please don't be put off by my review.
Peyton is a successful NFL Quarterback who returns to his hometown when the NFL goes on strike for the season. He takes up a job teaching Spanish and coaching the Football team at the local school. When Peyton was younger , his best friends were Eric and Maddy , who were dating each other. Recently, Eric left to travel abroad and split with Maddy. They had been together for twelve years.
Peyton always had feelings for Maddy. Now that she is single she sees him in a whole new light and when they are both teaching at the school their paths cross more and more.
I was not keen on Maddy as a heroine. She behaves immaturely most of the time. The whole thing of not wanting to tell her parents that she was seeing Peyton and then the point of conflict when Eric reappears was just really unbelievable. Peyton was an ok kind of hero but he wasn't especially memorable.
Gorgeous cover and good narration.
HEA? Yes
Cheating? No
January 15, 2019
5 stars
This is my first book by this author and I’ll admit I was a little iffy (not trying to sound sexist) this is the first male author I’ve actually been able to read and enjoy. It was crude I laughed and I swooned over Peyton. And I enjoyed Maddy as well. Can’t wait to read more books by Mickey Miller!!
This is my first book by this author and I’ll admit I was a little iffy (not trying to sound sexist) this is the first male author I’ve actually been able to read and enjoy. It was crude I laughed and I swooned over Peyton. And I enjoyed Maddy as well. Can’t wait to read more books by Mickey Miller!!
February 23, 2020
This was my first book by this author. It was ok. I enjoyed most of it. A 26 year old that was such a push over was a little unbelievable and also the way that she continued to refer to him as her secret was just degrading. It happened so much it was annoying. Also her parents completely hating him and then finding out they were wrong??? It was like oops moving on. Made no sense. Not a bad story but had a few issues.
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April 30, 2020
Enjoyable read
I read and listened to this book as part of a group reading challenge. This was my second read and listen from this author. Audiobook narrations can either make or break a story. This is a great proof that choosing the right narrators made a big difference to the story in my opinion. I enjoyed this book a lot compared to the previous book I read and listened. I recommend this book.
I read and listened to this book as part of a group reading challenge. This was my second read and listen from this author. Audiobook narrations can either make or break a story. This is a great proof that choosing the right narrators made a big difference to the story in my opinion. I enjoyed this book a lot compared to the previous book I read and listened. I recommend this book.
January 31, 2020
I enjoyed the story the only problem I had with it was Maddy. A 26 year old that worries about upsetting her parents? Maddy seemed to be incredibly immature. I had hoped for a different ending for Peyton.
December 16, 2019
4.5 star review The Substitute by Mickey Miller
AUDIO REVIEW:
Mickey Miller is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is. This book was narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom who did a great job in bringing Peyton O’Rourke and Maddy Cooper’s story to life for me.
From chapter one I was hooked and kept telling myself, just one more chapter. This is a second chance slightly taboo love story as Maddy is the ex girlfriend of Peyton’s friend.
There is certainly plenty of steam within this story and the narration only enhanced it as the friendship between Peyton and Maddy finally progressed. I loved how feisty and determined Maddy is and that she refuses to settle for second best any more. Peyton to me was swoon worthy and captured my attention from the start, even if I first thought he was a bit of an obnoxious jerk. However he soon grew on my and I swiftly fell for the caring and passionate man who has come back to help put his old school and check n on his grandmother whilst the NFL is on strike.
Once Peyton and Maddy got together, they came into their own, not only as a couple but also separately and this shone through in the storytelling. This may have been my first book from Mickey Miller but be assured it will not be my last.
AUDIO REVIEW:
Mickey Miller is a new author to me and I have no idea why that is. This book was narrated by Sebastian York and CJ Bloom who did a great job in bringing Peyton O’Rourke and Maddy Cooper’s story to life for me.
From chapter one I was hooked and kept telling myself, just one more chapter. This is a second chance slightly taboo love story as Maddy is the ex girlfriend of Peyton’s friend.
There is certainly plenty of steam within this story and the narration only enhanced it as the friendship between Peyton and Maddy finally progressed. I loved how feisty and determined Maddy is and that she refuses to settle for second best any more. Peyton to me was swoon worthy and captured my attention from the start, even if I first thought he was a bit of an obnoxious jerk. However he soon grew on my and I swiftly fell for the caring and passionate man who has come back to help put his old school and check n on his grandmother whilst the NFL is on strike.
Once Peyton and Maddy got together, they came into their own, not only as a couple but also separately and this shone through in the storytelling. This may have been my first book from Mickey Miller but be assured it will not be my last.
January 14, 2019
4.5 Substitute Stars 🌟
Maddy is ready for the school year to kick off! She has one of the nicest classrooms overlooking the football field and she’s ready for anything 😀 That is until she realises that there is a substitute and he’s taking her classroom...it gets worse, she knows him well.....Super Bowl Champion Peyton!
Peyton and Maddy get off to a bad start but finally settle into a rhythm as the school year passes. Unfortunately, their chemistry and attraction is through the roof and neither want to act on it because Maddy is getting over her ex, Eric, and Eric and Peyton were BFFs in High School! If they cross the line, can they remain friends or will they want more?
A great storyline! I didn’t always like Maddy because I thought she was a bit wishy washy with her feelings and not expressing herself, but she eventually grew on me😀 Loved Peyton, he was the proverbial bad boy with an inner good boy😍
Maddy is ready for the school year to kick off! She has one of the nicest classrooms overlooking the football field and she’s ready for anything 😀 That is until she realises that there is a substitute and he’s taking her classroom...it gets worse, she knows him well.....Super Bowl Champion Peyton!
Peyton and Maddy get off to a bad start but finally settle into a rhythm as the school year passes. Unfortunately, their chemistry and attraction is through the roof and neither want to act on it because Maddy is getting over her ex, Eric, and Eric and Peyton were BFFs in High School! If they cross the line, can they remain friends or will they want more?
A great storyline! I didn’t always like Maddy because I thought she was a bit wishy washy with her feelings and not expressing herself, but she eventually grew on me😀 Loved Peyton, he was the proverbial bad boy with an inner good boy😍
January 10, 2019
The Substitute is a good friends to lovers, slow burning romance. I didn't connect with Peyton at the start of the book but by the end I really liked his character. I found him sweet and a little swoony. Usually Mr Miller has strong heroines in all of his stories, heroines who you can not help but love. Maddy was very different to his usual heroines.
Even though this book did take me a couple of chapters to get into I really enjoyed the story line. Not only is it friends to lovers but also a slight sports romance. I do love both of these types of tropes. If you are a fan of Mr Miller's books, make sure you pick up a copy of this one!
Even though this book did take me a couple of chapters to get into I really enjoyed the story line. Not only is it friends to lovers but also a slight sports romance. I do love both of these types of tropes. If you are a fan of Mr Miller's books, make sure you pick up a copy of this one!
January 12, 2019
Another great book by Mickey Miller
I loved this book about Peyton a football superstar that went back to his small home town during an NFL strike. Peyton and Maggie were old friends and neighbors. Maggie is an elementary school teacher and Peyton is subbing and coaching at the school during the strike. Maggie is a good girl, wanting to please everyone, and Peyton shows her how to live in the moment and that it is ok to put herself first. I loved watching Peyton and Maggie figure out their feelings for each other. Mickey’s books have humor and sex and his characters are always believable and real. This one is really good. I highly recommend reading it!
I loved this book about Peyton a football superstar that went back to his small home town during an NFL strike. Peyton and Maggie were old friends and neighbors. Maggie is an elementary school teacher and Peyton is subbing and coaching at the school during the strike. Maggie is a good girl, wanting to please everyone, and Peyton shows her how to live in the moment and that it is ok to put herself first. I loved watching Peyton and Maggie figure out their feelings for each other. Mickey’s books have humor and sex and his characters are always believable and real. This one is really good. I highly recommend reading it!
February 12, 2019
Could have been great just wasn’t
The circumstances in this book were ridiculous and unbelievable. What Super Bowl winning quarterback is going to need a third grade teacher and a third grade student help him call plays in a high school football game as their coach. She is a 26-year-old teacher living at home - drives a beater - has less than $100 in her checking account because of student loans from a community college? She thinks about triple X sex all the time but then can’t tell her parents she’s going on a date. These two dummies deserve each other.
The circumstances in this book were ridiculous and unbelievable. What Super Bowl winning quarterback is going to need a third grade teacher and a third grade student help him call plays in a high school football game as their coach. She is a 26-year-old teacher living at home - drives a beater - has less than $100 in her checking account because of student loans from a community college? She thinks about triple X sex all the time but then can’t tell her parents she’s going on a date. These two dummies deserve each other.
January 12, 2019
Mickey’s books make me smile. Like his others, The Substitute is fast moving, easy to read, and full of wit and banter, romance and steam, and characters that are easy to fall in love with. From the very first pages Peyton had me hooked. He’s witty and sexy and just irresistible. I love a good connection between the characters and Peyton and Maddie definitely had one.
A swoon worthy story, I totally recommend The Substitute!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
A swoon worthy story, I totally recommend The Substitute!
An arc was provided for an honest review.
February 5, 2019
I loved everything about this book and I’ll definitely be checking out more from this author!! Friends to lovers stories are always a favorite for me, especially when they’ve been friends since high school and get reacquainted later in life. Throw in some sports talk, small town vibes, and the main characters being next door neighbors (loved the ole tin can conversations) and you know it’s going to be a good story! ;)
January 27, 2019
4 “Megpie” stars 🤩. This is a great friends to lovers sports romance. Their story is a push and pull relationship for a good while and there’s guaranteed laughs with their banter. The storyline held strong throughout the book and the pace was set comfortably where you wanted to know what will happen next and keep turning those pages. Enjoy myself with story. Recommended read.
January 30, 2019
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE
I've read every book by this author and the only disappointment is waiting for his next one! I can't even pick a favorite. Just enough romance, steamy sex, and angst to bring me further into the story! Read this book and know that you won't regret it! Enjoy :)
I've read every book by this author and the only disappointment is waiting for his next one! I can't even pick a favorite. Just enough romance, steamy sex, and angst to bring me further into the story! Read this book and know that you won't regret it! Enjoy :)
February 14, 2019
The Substitute
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed Peyton and Maddie’s story. Some drama/ angst but nothing over the top. But it did get a little repetitive at times with the same worries coming up over and over before they were finally resolved. I’m glad Peyton found his HEA.
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed Peyton and Maddie’s story. Some drama/ angst but nothing over the top. But it did get a little repetitive at times with the same worries coming up over and over before they were finally resolved. I’m glad Peyton found his HEA.
January 30, 2019
I think it was an ok book. I think that it could've gone deeper into the plot instead of just having a lot of sex scenes. I would recommend this to romance lovers that are 15+.
January 6, 2019
Holy high school football, Mickey Miller has done it again! When the NFL goes on strike, Super Bowl star, Peyton O'Rourke returns to his small home town of Pentwater, MI, to fill in as the substitute Spanish teacher and high school football coach. He left town after his senior year, never looking back, but being home stirs up a lot of memories -- not the least of which is his neighbor Maddy, who was joined at the hip with Payton’s best friend Eric all those years ago. Maddy is now all grown up and teaches third grade at the K-12 school, and did I mention she and Eric are no longer dating? Doesn’t that open up all kinds of delicious possibilities.
Miller's books are just so darn fun to read, and with each new book, I think, “This is his best book,” because he continues to grow in his craft while still showcasing a terrific sense of humor. I adored Peyton and Maddy and was cheering for them throughout, easily devouring their story in one sitting. Of course, I wanted to shake them both a time or two, but what's a romance without a little conflict? I love when characters are realistically complex because peeling back the layers makes a stronger connection with the reader. Peyton acts all cocky and arrogant, seeming to never take anything seriously, but it's the little boy with the tough upbringing and the gigantic heart beneath it all that won me over. Maddy has lived her life being good, nice and agreeable, and it was delightful to see a carefree but strong person emerge and go after what she wanted.
I loved seeing Miller show a deeper side with the parallel between Maddy and Payton’s grandmother which finally helped Maddy fully understand the cost of “settling for.” That's actually a great lesson for all of us. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Miller novel without sexy times, and the chemistry between Peyton and Maddy was explosive, with just the right amount of tension and teasing, and a little bit of taboo added in. This one is fun and flirty, humorous and hot, messy at times but with a poignant tenderness that hits all the right notes, and you're definitely going to want to start reading it right away!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
Miller's books are just so darn fun to read, and with each new book, I think, “This is his best book,” because he continues to grow in his craft while still showcasing a terrific sense of humor. I adored Peyton and Maddy and was cheering for them throughout, easily devouring their story in one sitting. Of course, I wanted to shake them both a time or two, but what's a romance without a little conflict? I love when characters are realistically complex because peeling back the layers makes a stronger connection with the reader. Peyton acts all cocky and arrogant, seeming to never take anything seriously, but it's the little boy with the tough upbringing and the gigantic heart beneath it all that won me over. Maddy has lived her life being good, nice and agreeable, and it was delightful to see a carefree but strong person emerge and go after what she wanted.
I loved seeing Miller show a deeper side with the parallel between Maddy and Payton’s grandmother which finally helped Maddy fully understand the cost of “settling for.” That's actually a great lesson for all of us. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Miller novel without sexy times, and the chemistry between Peyton and Maddy was explosive, with just the right amount of tension and teasing, and a little bit of taboo added in. This one is fun and flirty, humorous and hot, messy at times but with a poignant tenderness that hits all the right notes, and you're definitely going to want to start reading it right away!
*I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily, having made no commitment to provide a review and receiving no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.
May 25, 2020
Great ending
At first, I didn’t think I was going to LOVE this book, like maybe if that. Magpie kind of drove me nuts a little. She lived with her parents, she seemed very unsure of herself, and let herself get stepped on a bit by others. Here’s the thing about that, Magpie kind of reminded me of me. It’s hard when an author hits you in the feels like that. It’s like looking into a mirror and having your flaws bared for all to see. It’s uncomfortable and a bit painful. The good news is that Magpie grows on you, well she grew on me anyway. I loved it when she stood up to her parents, his parents, and her jerk of ex trying to worm himself back into her life. Nope, not happening buddy. I loved it even more that she went Detroit and met Peyton and kissed him for all the world to see. It was like when Patrick Swayze’s character said,”Nobody puts Baby in a corner!” The ending was perfect to me. Magpie not only got her guy, she made her own happy ending.
At first, I didn’t think I was going to LOVE this book, like maybe if that. Magpie kind of drove me nuts a little. She lived with her parents, she seemed very unsure of herself, and let herself get stepped on a bit by others. Here’s the thing about that, Magpie kind of reminded me of me. It’s hard when an author hits you in the feels like that. It’s like looking into a mirror and having your flaws bared for all to see. It’s uncomfortable and a bit painful. The good news is that Magpie grows on you, well she grew on me anyway. I loved it when she stood up to her parents, his parents, and her jerk of ex trying to worm himself back into her life. Nope, not happening buddy. I loved it even more that she went Detroit and met Peyton and kissed him for all the world to see. It was like when Patrick Swayze’s character said,”Nobody puts Baby in a corner!” The ending was perfect to me. Magpie not only got her guy, she made her own happy ending.
December 18, 2019
1.5 stars: 🙈 DNF @ 40% - I really wanted to like this book. A new to me author, with a fun synopsis, my kind of M.O. Unfortunately this book just wasn't for me. I'm sure it gets better, I'm hoping anyways, but for me personally, I was struggling to want to flip pages.
I have plenty to say about the 40% I read, however I don't want to come across as someone bashing the author or book for the little I read. And at the end of the day it really wasn't for me, what I struggled to enjoy, you may just find entertaining.
I have plenty to say about the 40% I read, however I don't want to come across as someone bashing the author or book for the little I read. And at the end of the day it really wasn't for me, what I struggled to enjoy, you may just find entertaining.
January 12, 2019
Sports romance is my absolute favorite! Mickey Miller has delivered!
Poor Maddie, so much drama for that poor girl. Lots of lol moments which I really liked...her Dad, her wit, banter, she’s great!
When Peyton shows up as the substitute teacher and football coach at school, life starts to get really interesting for Maddie! Did I mention Peyton’s her Ex’s bff?!? Loved this book, lighthearted, fun, happy ending...highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Poor Maddie, so much drama for that poor girl. Lots of lol moments which I really liked...her Dad, her wit, banter, she’s great!
When Peyton shows up as the substitute teacher and football coach at school, life starts to get really interesting for Maddie! Did I mention Peyton’s her Ex’s bff?!? Loved this book, lighthearted, fun, happy ending...highly recommend ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 7, 2019
Just a small town romance!
Maddie and Peyton secretly wanted to be together but respected the boundaries of their childhood friendship which included Eric! I thought it was really cute how they had a secret fall romance and they both discovered things they suppressed for years. In the end they made it about themselves forgetting what everyone else wanted or thought! A few grammatical errors but a very good story!
Maddie and Peyton secretly wanted to be together but respected the boundaries of their childhood friendship which included Eric! I thought it was really cute how they had a secret fall romance and they both discovered things they suppressed for years. In the end they made it about themselves forgetting what everyone else wanted or thought! A few grammatical errors but a very good story!
January 17, 2019
3.5 stars
This was my 1st Mickey Miller book and I did enjoy it!! Both MC's seemed a little immature for 26. I still have no idea why a NFL player on strike would take a sub position?!?!? I get maybe volunteering to coach the football team... And the ending was abrupt. The beginning of the school year Maddy goes above and beyond a just quits half way through the year?!?!?
I liked the slow burn it and overall I like both MC's, I just wished the story line was more complete.
This was my 1st Mickey Miller book and I did enjoy it!! Both MC's seemed a little immature for 26. I still have no idea why a NFL player on strike would take a sub position?!?!? I get maybe volunteering to coach the football team... And the ending was abrupt. The beginning of the school year Maddy goes above and beyond a just quits half way through the year?!?!?
I liked the slow burn it and overall I like both MC's, I just wished the story line was more complete.
July 11, 2020
Good goody
So this is one of the best ones from Mickey! I’ve read so many of his novels and some have not been awesome but this one was pretty freaking great!! Take a chance and read it!
So this is one of the best ones from Mickey! I’ve read so many of his novels and some have not been awesome but this one was pretty freaking great!! Take a chance and read it!
March 10, 2022
Wish He'd been my Substitute
Peyton isn't your average sub and Maddy isn't your average hometown girl. Mickey Miller delivers humor, sexy scenes and oof the kinda guy you want to have at your kids' school if for no other reason; eye candy. A definite treat!
Peyton isn't your average sub and Maddy isn't your average hometown girl. Mickey Miller delivers humor, sexy scenes and oof the kinda guy you want to have at your kids' school if for no other reason; eye candy. A definite treat!
January 23, 2019
Another winning story by Mickey Miller. I loved this story. The characters were deep, thoughtful and well written. I love it when a book can surprise me, and this one certainly did!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 301 reviews