Intercepted
Berkley, 2018
Agent: Jessica Watterson
Marlee thought she scored the man of her dreams only to be scorched by a bad breakup. But there's a new player on the horizon, and he's in a league of his own...
Marlee Harper is the perfect girlfriend. She's definitely had enough practice by dating her NFL-star boyfriend for the last ten years. But when she discovers he has been tackling other women on the sly, she vows to never date an athlete again. There's just one problem: Gavin Pope, the new hotshot quarterback and a fling from the past, has Marlee in his sights.
Gavin fights to show Marlee he's nothing like her ex. Unfortunately, not everyone is ready to let her escape her past. The team's wives, who never led the welcome wagon, are not happy with Marlee's return. They have only one thing on their minds: taking her down. But when the gossip makes Marlee public enemy number one, she worries about more than just her reputation.
Between their own fumbles and the wicked wives, it will take a Hail Mary for Marlee and Gavin's relationship to survive the season.
Accolades:
•An Amazon Best Book of 2018
•A NPR Best Book of 2018
•A Buzz Book Romance pick for Fall
•An Amazon September Romance Pick
•A September iBooks pick
•A Booklist Top 10 Romance Debut for 2018
•A Goodreads best book of the month of September 2018
•A BookRiot Best Romance of 2018
• A BookBub Best Romance of 2018
• Best in Genre Fiction for Adult Readers: Romance at ALA mid-winter 2019
Reviews:
"Fresh voices and strong multicultural characters from every rung of the social ladder make Martin's debut novel a must-read"
—Booklist (starred)
"The ups and downs of love in the NFL are well portrayed with a heavy dose of humor and snark in Martin's sports romance...perfect for readers looking for a fun contemporary."
—Publisher's Weekly
"Alexa Martin scores a touchdown of a debut with Intercepted, a witty rom-com set in the world of professional football players and their wives...Spending time in Martin’s world is like having a heart-to-heart with your bestie, offering up plenty of moments for giggling with someone who just gets you, whether they’re trying to make you smile or build you up after a hard day. With its breezy sense of humor, you won’t be able to hide the grin this feel-good debut inspires. ?"
—Entertainment Weekly
"Narrated in an irreverent first-person voice, this story about a betrayed woman who finds the courage to once again seek love is a cut above the usual sports-themed romance. Martin’s debut is fast-paced, fun and promising."
—Book Page
The writing is snappy, the pacing is quick, the romance is sublime, and the humor is off-the-charts. Alexa Martin delivers a stellar love story.
—USA Today Happy Ever After
"[Marlee's] love story isn't about which football player is The One for her, it's about a woman claiming her independence on her own terms, even when a hunky guy keeps coming to the rescue."
—NPR
"Martin weaves a clever, nuanced, and deeply funny story about fighting to be strong among a group of guys who live by their muscles."
—Amazon Book Review
"If you like steamy romance with a side of sports, this fun, fast-paced novel is for you."
—HelloGiggles
“Intercepted was so much fun to read! For anyone who has been yearning for a great, hilarious, and thoughtful romantic comedy about a black woman in the world of the NFL, you need this book. But you don’t have to be a football fan to love Intercepted: Marlee’s joys and struggles are universal, her battles with her enemies are both satisfying and laugh out loud funny, and everything about her relationship with Gavin is sheer delight. I cheered for Marlee and booed everyone who wronged her like she was one of my best friends. I finished this book with a big smile on my face and that gooey, good book feeling in my chest.”
—Jasmine Guillory, USA Today bestselling author of The Wedding Date
"“Fast, fun and absolutely engaging. A smashing debut!”
—New York Times bestselling author Kristan Higgins.
"Love it! All the hot sports and romance action you could hope for."
—New York Times bestselling author Kylie Scott
“Reading Intercepted is like drinking wine and gossiping with your best girlfriends. It’s fast-paced, flirty, and laugh-out-loud funny, without the hangover the next day.”
—Helen Hoang, author of The Kiss Quotient