All my life I’ve been keeping score and living by the rules: 1. Play it safe 2. Stay out of trouble 3. Hide who you really are
To win, I go unnoticed and it’s working. Until my predictable, virginal life comes under attack. Worst of all, I’m the threat.
An escape to the cottage is the answer. Only, I’m not alone. Matthew Carruthers is here. Pro football player. A six-foot-three slice of fun-loving sexy. He’s everything I’ve never dared want and yet, I’m drawn to him.
Both faced with a major life decision, we vow to help one another. Instead of sticking to the rules, I’m breaking them. And being bad never felt so good.
But this dream world can’t last.
We have responsibilities, and honoring them means we can’t be together. Yet I’m unsure how to go back to my rules or if I even want to. Not when Matt could be the biggest win of all.
USA Today bestselling and award-winning author, S.M. West, writes sexy, angsty stories about brave hearts and wild love, including, more times than not, heart-pumping twists and turns.
Apart from her infinite love of books, she’s a self-professed wine, chocolate, and travel junkie. When not writing or hanging with her family, she’s usually talking to her characters (in her head) or planning her next adventure!
She currently lives near Toronto, Ontario, with her husband and two smart and sassy daughters.
Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Griffin - Best Thriller Smash - Best Romance
Global eBook Awards Griffin - Gold, Romantic Suspense Scoring the Player - Silver, Romance
Global Book Award Griffin - Silver, Romantic Suspense
NYC Big Book Award Reverb - Distinguished Favorite, Romance
My heart went out to Claire as years of stress and pressure (most self-created) come tumbling down around her. I really like that she takes the necessary step back to recharge, even the temporary break.
Enter Matt. They've met before but when they find themselves alone, or rather nearly alone, they... well, things get interesting and explosive.
I like the turns and hoops that they tackle. Neither is perfect and each has challenges to deal with outside of their developing relationship. The added drama lent by Gavin's sister's best friend Britney goes a bit over-the-top, for certain, but it does add some unexpected twists.
I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Jennifer Mack and Teddy Hamilton. I like both narrators a lot and think they are good choices for the characters.
SM West's new story is about Matt, a successful QB and Claire, a surgeon-in-training. Both have reached a crossroads in their lives and a chance meeting leads them on to find both answers and each other. Factor in a scheming airhead (my description) and interfering family, and the course of true love is bumpy. Recently updated, this is a well crafted easy read romance that deals with some uncomfortable issues.
Claire and Matt are the sweetest couple! From crushing on each other to falling in love and dealing with Matt’s troublesome assistant Britney, they have you cheering for them. They are both trying to decide their future and maybe, just maybe, that includes each other. Loved this story!
This crafty storyteller is one I can always count on for an amazing reading escape. While this story is shorter than her others I easily fell for these characters and their story full of heartwarming emotion.
NFL quarterback Matt Carruthers and Dr. Claire Raine both have some career decisions to make. Making a life-changing choice may not be the time to fall in love, but Fate is a tricky mistress and won’t be denied.
I loved these characters almost instantly and read this one straight through. Their story is witty and charming with a electric chemistry, but also evocative, poignant and inspiring. It's exactly the quick escape you need to take you on a journey full of humor heat and heart and leave you with a happy sigh.
What a great story, two people who have liked each other from afar forced in close proximity finally face their feelings. Claire and Matt both have to make some tough life altering changes about their future and they help themselves through it. Friendship leads to something more, through the ups and downs they find their way back to each other. Such a great couple, they were meant for each other.
Matthew and Claire both escape to Claire’s sisters cottage to figure out things in their lives not knowing the other would be there. When they discover each other they agree to both stay along with Matt’s friend who is having her own issues. They grow closer and want to try to have a relationship when they each go home. Will their life altering decisions let that be a possibility
This is book 2 in SM West’s 6 Loves series. While this stands well on its own, I think it’s best enjoyed after Resisting the Best Friend’s Sister and Trusting the Ex.
I’ve been looking forward to Matt & Claire’s story. Both were secondary characters in previous books, but impactful and I was so happy they were getting their HEA. At first it seems like a professional football player and a doctor in residency wouldn’t have much in common - but West does a great job of showing how these two can bond over struggling with their career choices and breaking under the weight of family expectations.
The relationship angst is actually fairly low here - most of the drama comes from external sources. When there were some things that could tear them apart, I like how Matt works to make sure that Claire knows he isn’t giving up. Sweet, sexy, and feeling all the love with these two.
I’m looking forward to Promising the Billionaire. Though - can I vote that Claire’s brother Tom gets a book at some point. He’s adorable. 🥰
Narration: I enjoyed the performances by Teddy Hamilton and Jennifer Mack. They’re a great match for these characters and West’s writing.
Scoring The Player by S.M. West is a contemporary romance that I listened to on audio narrated by Jennifer Mack and Teddy Hamilton. This is the second book in the 6ix Loves series and can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely love Suzanne’s books because they always leave me with a smile. I loved the relationship that bloomed between Matt and Claire. I really enjoyed getting both of their points of view throughout the book. It really brought the story to life.
Jennifer and Teddy did a great job on the narration. I look forward to listening to more of their work in the future.
I would recommend this book if you like contemporary romances, sports romances, medical romances, or just romance books in general.
“Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. And along the way, I was lucky enough to also find you.”
Scoring the Player was another great story by S.M. West. Matt and Claire are both at a crossroads in their respective careers and have escaped to a cabin to determine the direction of their futures. Secretly, they both have been crushing on the other and the forced proximity of the cabin will bring those feelings to the surface.
“Claire Raine. The girl of my dreams stands in front of me. Literally.”
Matt was such a sweetheart. While he was strong, determined and knew his own mind, he took care of those around him and took on unneeded responsibilities because his heart was so big. I loved how he took care of Claire and forced her to confront her fears.
“…he’s the only guy I’ve ever crushed on, and I love how I feel when I’m near him.”
Claire had a huge, caring heart, but she was suffering from a childhood trauma that made her suppress her true wants and feelings. She was always determined to be the best and not to cause any trouble or be a burden to anyone.
“With Matt by my side, I’m at the edge of possibility and my choices are limitless. I can’t wait to jump.”
I loved Matt and Claire together and watching their friendship grow and change. They were both so supportive of each other and talked through their fears and concerns regarding the decisions that they had to make. Plus their banter and chemistry was electric. They were better together than apart.
“All I know is I lost the joy of football, and Claire, being with her this past week…she’s the fire, the magic, I’ve been missing.”
Scoring the Player was full of humor, heart, friendship and so much emotion. I was drawn into Matt and Claire’s world and was so invested in their relationship. They had a difficult road to travel, but it warmed my heart how they were able to find their paths in life together.
good god. saw this tagged as a sports/medical romance & it was the furthest thing from it, they just happened to be a sports star & a student doctor. a cooking romance would have been a more fitting tag because that’s all they seemed to do.
one thing that really grossed me out was initially how focused matt was on how claire was a virgin. no late twenties person would be so 'omg a virgin!1! wow!!' ... you just wouldn't care about it it’s not a major deal warranting a chapter or so of anxiety about.
another thing, everyone in this was insufferable. britney needs HELP & savannah ENABLING her? good grief. most of the conflict at the end of the story (not even) could have been SOLVED with a phone call or a meet up, why did matt not just call her & confront her? saving it for when he retired was just wild, just tell him what happened don’t be all secretive! omg again you’re 28 communicate with your partner!!
again this could have just been a cooking romance. all they did was cook & bake & play games & wallow in their sadness & anxiety. i was definitely expecting player x physio or something like that not just player & doctor meet at house & play masterchef together.
I read Scoring The Player by SM West as part of the Desire After Dark Anthology, but the story is also book 2 of the author's 6ix Loves series. The story can be read as a standalone, but it does refer to characters from the beginning of the series, so you may want to read Resisting the Best Friend's Sister (book 0.5) and Trusting the Ex (book 1) first.
Scoring The Player is a story that pulls you in and then slowly reveals its secrets whilst also pulling on the heart strings and having you desperate to see what happens next. SM West has written an enthralling story that knows exactly how to put you right there into the action and have you experiencing what the characters are going through. Be prepared for some frustration when it comes to Matt's assistant, Brittany, though because that woman is crazy lol. Whilst this story is part of an anthology, it delivers everything needed to make it a 5 star read and showcases the amazing talent of an author who never fails to deliver.
* I voluntarily reviewed an advance complimentary copy of this story
Any book that has “being a virgin at 26” as the defining trait of the main character should not be near me. There’s a whole chapter on her whining and declaring that she’s a 26 year old virgin and him being aghast at this while also simultaneously being turned on.
Claire is a doctor (although you’d never guess) who is unlikeable has tiresome inner ramblings. Oh and if you forget that she’s an adult virgin, don’t worry, she reminds you only ever other page.
Matt is a quarterback for an NFL team and has a messy female best friend who pouts at him and regularly crosses boundaries (but he encourages her behaviour too so really he’s also messy?). He sexualises Claire from day 1 and has no personality besides wanting to bone her.
This was a sweet story about Claire and Matt. She is trying to get away from her hectic life and goes to have a few days away. She didn't realize that it would include spending time with Matt and his assistant. This is sweet recipe for friends to lovers and also ad the twist of spice in a winter wonder land. It is so good.
I thought this was such a fun romance. I really liked Claire and really felt for her. I also really liked Matt as he was truly a good guy. These two have such great chemistry together, and I loved how caring he was of her. They were really sweet together and had such great chemistry. I found this to be a fun and entertaining read.
I received a free advanced reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
Such a great story! The characters, Matt & Claire, are absolutely drawn to each other. Both are fighting their own personal issues in their lives, and it seems that the time they spend together helps them ease the uncomfortable decisions they each need to make. Matt becomes set in his decision for his future, as Claire is a people pleaser and struggles to make decisions that are for herself rather than everyone else. I do love that Matt doesn’t allow Claire to push him away, and keeps proving himself.
This book had some emotional moments for me. I wanted to hug Claire because I understood why she was the way she was. It was so good to watch her come into her own and do things for herself.
I loved every page of this book, and would recommend this to everyone. It’s a complicated but sweet love story that will make you swoon.
THAT BOOK WAS A DISASTER! I didn't like it especially the characters. First Matt. I don't think he is a gentelman I think he is just weak. You see what Britney is doing and you encouraging her behaviour. Be a man for God sake. Then Claire she claims she loves Matt but she right away believed he would propose to Britney just because she is pregnant with not even his child ? Yeah if you believe Britney over your boyfriend I don't think your relationship is very strong. Then she practically told him that he should merry her. It was just a disaster. I almost did not finish the book because it was too childish. It was getting worse and worse every chapter!
Claire and Matt have been secretly crushing on each other for years. What happens when they end up staying at a cottage together? Scoring the Player is sweet, angsty, steamy and full of heart!
This was such a great book! It was about NFL Quarterback, Matt and surgical resident, Claire. They have mutual friends so they have met before. Both had crushes on the other but work across the country from each other. They both retreat to a mutual friend’s cottage to hide out from the world for a while. It doesn’t take long for them to realize that they both have feelings for each other. They do have a few obstacles though: they still live across the country from each other, they are both at a crossroads in their career and Matt’s assistant shows up. She is a handful and demands attention. Specifically, she wants Matt’s attention. Finally, after a few days, Matt sends her packing. She is not happy about it. This does, however, give Matt and Claire time together. Both realize that they have feelings for each other. They want to act on them but Matt wants more from Claire. When the time comes for Claire to leave, she finds that she doesn’t want to leave Matt. Reminding herself of her life and responsibilities, she does leave. After being home for a day, Matt reaches out and tells her that he is in town, so Claire invites him over. Once again, they enjoy their time together. Matt notices that Claire is running herself ragged and urges her to get help for some underlying issues, but she refuses. Much to her surprise, Matt’s assistant shows up at Claire’s hospital to tell her to leave Matt alone and flaunts an engagement ring at Claire. At home that evening, Claire has every intention of asking Matt if he is going to marry his assistant but Claire’s mom shows up and doesn’t give them any privacy. In the middle of the night, Claire wakes up sick and, again, Matt urges Claire to get help. Claire essentially tells Matt to go be with his assistant and to leave. Matt respects Claire’s wishes about leaving but tells her that they are not over. Matt was set to leave for business anyway but hates the way they left things. Matt also confronts his assistant about going to Claire’s work and spits the ring on her finger. He then realizes the damage she’s done and tells her that he’s done with her and leaves. Meanwhile, Matt reaches out to Claire’s mom and tells her that Claire needs their support. Claire’s family rallies around her and convinces her to get help. They tell her how Matt reached out to them, worried and concerned about her. Claire decides to surprise Matt. When Claire shows up at Matt’s place, he welcomes her with open arms, just glad to have her back. They both have things to work out but find that together, they can do it. Matt and Claire get their HEA! This author is new to me but I really enjoyed this book so I doubt it will be the book of hers that I read! I would definitely recommend this book!!!
Fantastic Story & Listen🎧 Wonderfully Emotional! Scoring the Player 6ix Loves, Book 2 By: S.M. West Narrated by: Jennifer Mack, Teddy Hamilton
S.M. West pens another wonderfully steamy and heartfelt romance novel. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are likable and easy to care about, except for “it is all about her” Brittany. Matthew “Matt” Carruthers, a professional football player, has come to a crossroads in his career, his body is not bouncing back from injuries like it used to and his team may look to trade him. Everyone else tells him what he should do, but he is not sure and he goes up to his friend’s Drew and Pippa’s cottage in the woods for some alone time. But his annoying assistant, Brittany, joined him there, she is her sister’s friend, and he hired her because she needed a job, a job she is not even good at. But he is too nice to say anything and just writes it off as her being her. Dr Claire Raine, is interning at the surgical unit in the hospital, she has always been top in her class and number one in the intern program but an incident in the operating room has her questioning not only her skills but if she has chosen the right profession. She decides she needs time to reflect and takes some “me” for herself and escapes to her sister’s cabin in the woods. Except the cabin is not vacant, at first she thought there may have been a break in or there was a squatter, it turns out to be a friend of the family, Matt and who she thinks is his girlfriend, Brittany. It was great to watch Matt and Claire navigate around each other, both feeling an attraction, she fighting it because she thinks he has a girlfriend, him being his usual charming self. Matt finally explains who Brittany is to him, yet she still manipulates her way between them. This is a wonderfully written and plotted story, there is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, emotions that pour off the pages and straight into your heart, as well as steamy “two hearts beat as one” romance. S.M West, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, S.M West could not have chosen a better cast to bring her story and characters to life. Jennifer Mack and Teddy Hamilton are superbly talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, giving each a voice that fit their character’s persona, sounding believable, and how I pictured the character to sound. Teddy Hamilton nailed it with Matt’s role, brining out the depth of his character with perfection, Jennifer Mack did the same for Claire, both brought out all their emotions and had you feeling every single one. They were great performing the roles of the secondary characters as well, Mack brought out all the stops for Brittany made her sound as annoying as she was. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances this already wonderful story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
Scoring the Player 6ix Loves, Book 2 By: S.M. West Narrated by: Jennifer Mack, Teddy Hamilton
S.M. West pens another wonderfully steamy and heartfelt romance novel. The story grabbed my attention right from the start and captivated it straight to the end. The characters are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with, they are likable and easy to care about, except for “it is all about her” Brittany. Matthew “Matt” Carruthers, a professional football player, has come to a crossroads in his career, his body is not bouncing back from injuries like it used to and his team may look to trade him. Everyone else tells him what he should do, but he is not sure and he goes up to his friend’s Drew and Pippa’s cottage in the woods for some alone time. But his annoying assistant, Brittany, joined him there, she is her sister’s friend, and he hired her because she needed a job, a job she is not even good at. But he is too nice to say anything and just writes it off as her being her. Dr Claire Raine, is interning at the surgical unit in the hospital, she has always been top in her class and number one in the intern program but an incident in the operating room has her questioning not only her skills but if she has chosen the right profession. She decides she needs time to reflect and takes some “me” for herself and escapes to her sister’s cabin in the woods. Except the cabin is not vacant, at first she thought there may have been a break in or there was a squatter, it turns out to be a friend of the family, Matt and who she thinks is his girlfriend, Brittany. It was great to watch Matt and Claire navigate around each other, both feeling an attraction, she fighting it because she thinks he has a girlfriend, him being his usual charming self. Matt finally explains who Brittany is to him, yet she still manipulates her way between them. This is a wonderfully written and plotted story, there is plenty of drama, a touch of angst, emotions that pour off the pages and straight into your heart, as well as steamy “two hearts beat as one” romance. S.M West, thank you for another amazing story and emotional rollercoaster ride.
🎧📚🎧 And for the amazing narration, S.M West could not have chosen a better cast to bring her story and characters to life. Jennifer Mack and Teddy Hamilton are superbly talented narrators and versatile voice artists. They had a complete understanding of the characters they portrayed, giving each a voice that fit their character’s persona, sounding believable, and how I pictured the character to sound. Teddy Hamilton nailed it with Matt’s role, brining out the depth of his character with perfection, Jennifer Mack did the same for Claire, both brought out all their emotions and had you feeling every single one. They were great performing the roles of the secondary characters as well, Mack brought out all the stops for Brittany made her sound as annoying as she was. These entertaining storytellers are a pleasure to listen to and their narration enhances this already wonderful story to another level. Thank you for another exceptional listen.
Claire and Matt have one thing in common and that is they are at point in their lives when big decisions to be made. Matt is a pro football player and needs to get away to do some thinking so he asks if he can stay at friend’s cabin. This friend just happens to be Claire’s sister Pippa. Claire is well on her way to being a surgeon when she has a terrible panic attack and decides she needs to get away from everything and everyone. She doesn’t want to worry anyone so she keeps the panic attack a secret but she decides to go away for a week to the cabin to clear her head. This just happens to be her sister’s cabin and the exact same place Matt is. These two have meet a few times and both were secretly taken with the other not ever knowing it. When they meet at the cabin, they share a wonderful week except for the fact that Britney which is Matt’s assistant and sister’s best friend who he just happens to feel the need to take care of her and look out for her. Well, you know the old saying twos company and threes a crowd…. Well, this makes for an interesting week. This is a great story with a lot of tough decisions for both main characters. I loved the storyline and how this author brings real life matters into it. The chemistry between Matt and Claire is off the charts and you will just love this couple. This is my first time to read S.M. Wests books and I will most definitely be reading more from her. I was honored to receive an arc copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review. Thanks so much S.M. for allowing me this opportunity. 😊
I loved Matt and Claire! Even though they were opposites, they were perfect for each other. Two broken souls that tried to mend each other. This book had me laughing-out-loud one minute and tears running down my face the next ... and every emotion in between. I loved the banter between the characters ... it's so realistic.
Matt has a big decision to make ... keep playing in the NFL or retire. He goes to his friend's cottage in the woods outside of Toronto, so he can clear his mind and make the decision that is best for him. But then his assistant (and his sister's best friend) Brittany shows up and he can never say no to her, so she makes herself at home.
Claire is a med student and has a panic attack in the OR. She begs for a week off and goes to her sister's cottage in the woods. Only when she gets there, she finds her sister's friend Matt and his girlfriend Brittany already staying in the cottage. But it's a big cottage, and Matt convinces her to stay, Matt can't believe his eyes when Claire shows up ... after all, she's the girl of his dreams ... literally! Now all he has to do is make her fall for him, but it's not going to be easy with Brittany there every time he turns around.
I haven't read the other books in this series ... but I sure will because I have to know more about Pippa and Drew's story! And I can't wait to read the next one in the series!
I received an early copy courtesy of the author in exchange for a honest review.
Scoring the Player 6ix Loves, Book 2 By: S.M. West Narrated by: Jennifer Mack, Teddy Hamilton
It's time to do some reflecting and decision making so what does SM West do? She takes us to a cabin to meet Matt and Claire where it is the perfect place to do it! Instant chemistry, these two dance around their feelings. There are life altering events that will change the course of each of their paths, so it's important to have everything in place before going on. Will it all work out? West creates a love story like no other. Relevant issues are brought to the surface in this one, written with grittiness and compassion to bring it to heart. I love the way she has melded these two together, the family bonds Claire has and he way Matt will do anything to keep her. It's real, it's beautiful, it's love.
Jennifer Mack is Claire, and with the many layers of this character, she shines. Each peel is torn off, letting us in to each facet of Claire and though her voice is easy to listen to, she makes her realistic and easy to relate to. Teddy Hamilton proves he is one of the best again as he brings Matt to life. Each part of this man's heart is revealed, and we feel his pain, his fury and his love. It's a fantastic team for this emotionally driven sports romance, and an amazing listen.
Scoring The Player easily has to be one of my very favorite Stories by the very talented S.M West .Claire and Matt are just the sweetest Couple . They have been crushing on one another for the longest time yet neither has ever voiced there feelings . Both are faced with making tough decisions in their lives , decisions that could change everything they thought they wanted . Needing a little time away from all the stress In their lives Both Claire and Matt have the same idea to spend some time at Claire’s family’s cabin . When Claire arrives to say she is surprised to see Matt there is a understatement. Both decide to share the cabin and as they spend more and more time together they soon realize the feelings they have for one Another are not so innocent. What a emotional story , so full of Steam and angst and off the charts chemistry. This is the type of story that will literally tug at your heartstrings In the best way possible . I laughed , I cried , I found myself rooting so hard for there two to get their happy endings .
I received this book for Free to Give My True & Personal Review.
This is my first book by S.M. West that I've read even though I had thought I'd read her work previously & I read her work again.
Here we're meeting QB Matt & Dr.Claire Raine whose still in training in Ontario to become a surgeon. They've met a few times over the years since her older Sister Pippa whom's a physio for the football team. But it's when Matt's on 'leave' & is having to decide what to do with his career due to an argumentative elbow injury & his passion for the game is dimming for him. But it's when they both go to Pippa's Cottage outside NY & his pa Britney turns up without informing or asking to stay with him, she's not just his pa but his younger Sister's best friend whom asked him to hire her. It's whilst they're there they start talking & getting to know each other. But it's when Claire goes back to Ontario that Matt realises he wants to be with her & it's there when things become more open & Claire has to open up within her own self & open up to her family. It's a beautiful joining together ❤️ 😍 🥰
What happens when a cute as a button frazzled, virginal medical student and a sexy as sin sweet quarterback in the crossroads of their lives have to share a cottage?…..
Add in an unexpected manipulative best friend of his sister who will do anything to gain said quarterback’s attention rocking up and stirring the pot?
That is the roller coaster ride that Clair, youngest sister to Pippa, and Matt best friend to the newly wed couple, has to endure when they both need a time out regarding their future careers as a surgeon and quarterback…
“Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself”.
Both have admired each other from a distance at Pippa’s wedding and now they can make their dream a reality but do they?
“Sometimes, the wrong train takes you to the right station”
A slow burn with close proximity and some mental health issues that has to be overcome with patience, trust and love.
“And along the way I was also lucky enough to find you”
This is book two in The 6ix Loves Series and it is Matthew and Claire's story and it is definitely a must read. Matthew and Claire needed to make some life changing decisions and both ended up staying at the same place trying to decide on where to go next in there careers but the more time that they spend together feelings start to grow but what will happen when it is time to leave and go back to there lives. I absolutely loved this book and it was really great to watch Claire come out of her shell and he her own person in stead of always wanting to please everyone else and the way Matthew encouraged her was a beautiful thing to see and I found myself hoping that they would both get the happy ending that they both deserve. The chemistry between Matthew and Claire was so strong as it went from friendship to love and I can't wait to read the next book in this series and I recommend that you read this book and you will not be disappointed.