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Hailey Family #2
The Playbook
Basil Hailey is used to being adored. He's Langston's handsome, charasmatic hometown hero; an ex-NFL player, current high school football coach, and the life of the party wherever he goes. He's also single, a status he's hoping to change soon. And it should be very easy for him. Everybody loves him.
Everybody except Asia Montgomery.
She's known the Hailey family for a long time and she's had a crush on Basil since puberty. But now? She can't stand him and the feeling is hella mutual. Except...well, she's beautiful. Smart. A great mother. But for some reason, every time they're in the same place at the same time, he says or does something to piss her off. And unlike the groupies and fans he's used to, Asia isn't easily impressed. He can't seem to joke or charm his way into her heart--not that he's trying to. He really can't stand her either.
And he can't stop thinking about her.
***The Playbook is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance. It can be read as a standalone***
Everybody except Asia Montgomery.
She's known the Hailey family for a long time and she's had a crush on Basil since puberty. But now? She can't stand him and the feeling is hella mutual. Except...well, she's beautiful. Smart. A great mother. But for some reason, every time they're in the same place at the same time, he says or does something to piss her off. And unlike the groupies and fans he's used to, Asia isn't easily impressed. He can't seem to joke or charm his way into her heart--not that he's trying to. He really can't stand her either.
And he can't stop thinking about her.
***The Playbook is a steamy, enemies-to-lovers romance. It can be read as a standalone***
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2020
About the author
Shae Sanders
42 books407 followersJust a girl who loves black love. Reading it, writing it, and living it.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 4, 2023
Asia x Basil
***This may contain spoilers
This story was way better than the 1st. It was so flipping good. I was hooked from page one. Asia was a single mother, on some grown woman independent shit. Basil, a grown ass man with putting his foot in his mouth syndrome. He just says the most of out pocket, most foul shît to Asia. Every chance he gets. But I liked him for that. Not because of his foul mouth, but because I love my character's flawed. At first I was getting annoyed with Asia.
1) she has a masters degree and was a researcher. This is a quote from the book:
"Because our work here was about understanding black women’s elevated HIV risk. My job was to get at patterns in the sexual decision-making process among black women and what I’d been hearing, over and over for the past twelve months, was a consistent refrain of irresponsibility and carelessness." (Ch.1 p. 4)
This being said, Asia on multiple occasions refused the use of condoms. She at one point tried to pull it off of Basil in the middle of the act. She then had the nerve to get upset when he called her out for it afterwards. He didn't even disrespect her when he did.
2) She lied. She literally lied to Basil about being on birth control. Ma'am, you have a whole kid.
3) It seem like she was so easily offended. She was always defensive about everything. But I'm not in her shoes. I'm not a mother, so it was easy for me to roll my eyes at her. BUT, as she checked Basil, I, myself was able to understand why she felt the way she did. I appreciated that.
All that said, please don't get me wrong. I LOVEDDDD Asia. She knew her worth and didn't settle. She speaks her mind and her truth. When she read Basil his life in the beginning, I had the worst case of second-hand embarrassment.
I just loved what the author did with this story. She touched on some real issues with the way black men view single mothers. I didn't want this story to end. The dialogues flowed so nicely and the sex scenes were written so well and the HEA was everything 😍😍🥰🥰
I hope Adonis gets a story, cause I love the Haileys. This was a really good read. Definitely recommend.
Since this review was written on Thanksgiving Day '21, wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🦃
***This may contain spoilers
This story was way better than the 1st. It was so flipping good. I was hooked from page one. Asia was a single mother, on some grown woman independent shit. Basil, a grown ass man with putting his foot in his mouth syndrome. He just says the most of out pocket, most foul shît to Asia. Every chance he gets. But I liked him for that. Not because of his foul mouth, but because I love my character's flawed. At first I was getting annoyed with Asia.
1) she has a masters degree and was a researcher. This is a quote from the book:
"Because our work here was about understanding black women’s elevated HIV risk. My job was to get at patterns in the sexual decision-making process among black women and what I’d been hearing, over and over for the past twelve months, was a consistent refrain of irresponsibility and carelessness." (Ch.1 p. 4)
This being said, Asia on multiple occasions refused the use of condoms. She at one point tried to pull it off of Basil in the middle of the act. She then had the nerve to get upset when he called her out for it afterwards. He didn't even disrespect her when he did.
2) She lied. She literally lied to Basil about being on birth control. Ma'am, you have a whole kid.
3) It seem like she was so easily offended. She was always defensive about everything. But I'm not in her shoes. I'm not a mother, so it was easy for me to roll my eyes at her. BUT, as she checked Basil, I, myself was able to understand why she felt the way she did. I appreciated that.
All that said, please don't get me wrong. I LOVEDDDD Asia. She knew her worth and didn't settle. She speaks her mind and her truth. When she read Basil his life in the beginning, I had the worst case of second-hand embarrassment.
I just loved what the author did with this story. She touched on some real issues with the way black men view single mothers. I didn't want this story to end. The dialogues flowed so nicely and the sex scenes were written so well and the HEA was everything 😍😍🥰🥰
I hope Adonis gets a story, cause I love the Haileys. This was a really good read. Definitely recommend.
Since this review was written on Thanksgiving Day '21, wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🦃
August 20, 2020
So Asia needed therapy...
This may be an unpopular opinion but while Basil was an obnoxious jerk, Asia was manipulative and reckless while interacting with him.
This may be an unpopular opinion but while Basil was an obnoxious jerk, Asia was manipulative and reckless while interacting with him.
March 5, 2021
the only plot point that bugged me was Asia wanting to have sex without a condom and lying about having an IUD. and she isnt using any kind of birth control...
i felt like the author was going somewhere with that but it fizzled out.
i felt like the author was going somewhere with that but it fizzled out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2020
I would give 41/2 Stars
This story grew on me. There was this young black woman who was a single mother who is named Asia Montgomery. Her family consisted of her mother and her baby boy. Her grandmother died after she finished high school. She felt like her and her mother were like gypsies because they traveled from one place to the other because her mother was a singer her name was Donyella, she was a good looking woman and she was forty five. Asia and her mother bumped heads because she was a free spirit and Asia was a person who needed control because she had none when she was growing up.
Basil Hailey was a former NFL player, was in the NFL 6 years and retired. He now coached a football team at Langston High, which is where he and his sister Yasmeen lived and his brother Adonis was moving back to town because he was getting a divorce. Yasmeen was going out with one of his friends Larenzo and at the moment he was not to happy about it because he felt like they snuck around behind his back, he forgot that she is a grown woman.
Basil and Asia eventually get together but before that they really sorta don't like each other. Asia is a controlling person and sorta mean. Basil is a judgemental person where women are concerned and he felt like all the women out there wanted was his money and his fame. So when he finds out that Asia had had a crush on him when she was young things heat up. They actually really started when they played cards together and he being the person he was clowned on her and embarrassed her and she got up and stop playing and when into the kitchen. He came into the kitchen to apologize after his sister sorta prodded him too. They started talking about he was always clowning and thinking he could joke all the time and he was loud. She did not know that his clowning was a defense mechanism and he liked being the center of attention. Both of them decided to take their relationship slow after dancing at the party and he taking her home and they had sex. Asia and Basil were teaching at the same school her the Health Teacher and him the Football Coach. This story grew on me after getting over the first part of Basil's antics. This story even discussed the issue of depression and how to deal with a loved one that forgets to take their medicine and goes into depression and cuts themselves. I did like this book and it made me look at the end to see if their were any other books with the Hailey's in it and I will got out their to read some of Shae's books. Get this book you will like it, it is a Good Read.
This story grew on me. There was this young black woman who was a single mother who is named Asia Montgomery. Her family consisted of her mother and her baby boy. Her grandmother died after she finished high school. She felt like her and her mother were like gypsies because they traveled from one place to the other because her mother was a singer her name was Donyella, she was a good looking woman and she was forty five. Asia and her mother bumped heads because she was a free spirit and Asia was a person who needed control because she had none when she was growing up.
Basil Hailey was a former NFL player, was in the NFL 6 years and retired. He now coached a football team at Langston High, which is where he and his sister Yasmeen lived and his brother Adonis was moving back to town because he was getting a divorce. Yasmeen was going out with one of his friends Larenzo and at the moment he was not to happy about it because he felt like they snuck around behind his back, he forgot that she is a grown woman.
Basil and Asia eventually get together but before that they really sorta don't like each other. Asia is a controlling person and sorta mean. Basil is a judgemental person where women are concerned and he felt like all the women out there wanted was his money and his fame. So when he finds out that Asia had had a crush on him when she was young things heat up. They actually really started when they played cards together and he being the person he was clowned on her and embarrassed her and she got up and stop playing and when into the kitchen. He came into the kitchen to apologize after his sister sorta prodded him too. They started talking about he was always clowning and thinking he could joke all the time and he was loud. She did not know that his clowning was a defense mechanism and he liked being the center of attention. Both of them decided to take their relationship slow after dancing at the party and he taking her home and they had sex. Asia and Basil were teaching at the same school her the Health Teacher and him the Football Coach. This story grew on me after getting over the first part of Basil's antics. This story even discussed the issue of depression and how to deal with a loved one that forgets to take their medicine and goes into depression and cuts themselves. I did like this book and it made me look at the end to see if their were any other books with the Hailey's in it and I will got out their to read some of Shae's books. Get this book you will like it, it is a Good Read.
July 16, 2020
I'm always up to reading new authors and the blurb to this story hooked me in.
I loved the way the author started the book off with Asia interviewing women about unprotected sex to gather information on HIV findings on black women. Her POV inner dialogue was well written and insightful giving the reader a good idea of what kind of person she was.
A single mother who was smart, sassy, and strong, Asia was a great heroine and match for Basil.
Their frenemies relationship lasted just long enough for them to get together which was also refreshing to read. I liked the way Asia immediately recognized that something was wrong and the honest gutsy way she confronted Basil with the whole "I'm not feeling it" spiel.
That kind of honesty notched Asia up in my book.
While Basil did act like a bonehead as he pulled away from Asia and CJ like a coward, I loved, loved, loved the way his dad went over to set him straight on a few things. What a great family dynamic that was healthy and mature!
The ending was a bit abrupt, but I was very happy I decided to read this new author for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved the way the author started the book off with Asia interviewing women about unprotected sex to gather information on HIV findings on black women. Her POV inner dialogue was well written and insightful giving the reader a good idea of what kind of person she was.
A single mother who was smart, sassy, and strong, Asia was a great heroine and match for Basil.
Their frenemies relationship lasted just long enough for them to get together which was also refreshing to read. I liked the way Asia immediately recognized that something was wrong and the honest gutsy way she confronted Basil with the whole "I'm not feeling it" spiel.
That kind of honesty notched Asia up in my book.
While Basil did act like a bonehead as he pulled away from Asia and CJ like a coward, I loved, loved, loved the way his dad went over to set him straight on a few things. What a great family dynamic that was healthy and mature!
The ending was a bit abrupt, but I was very happy I decided to read this new author for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2022
Finally Asia and Basil get together
In ‘The Playbook’, Asia and Basil finally explore this attraction that’s been brewing forever for Asia and more recently for Basil. Now, was it all smooth sailing? Hell no! These two had and by the end of the book, still have some serious issues that need to be addressed. While I loved Asia, she did have some issues that weren’t addressed. The whole wanting to take the condom off during sex while not on birth control or having a conversation with your partner first!? She was dead wrong for that and then got mad at him for questioning her about it - like what!?! Also, Basil was low-key hating on women for doing some of the same stuff guys do all the time, so double standard much?!
Anyway, enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to the next in this series. Hopefully, Adonis can find love too!
In ‘The Playbook’, Asia and Basil finally explore this attraction that’s been brewing forever for Asia and more recently for Basil. Now, was it all smooth sailing? Hell no! These two had and by the end of the book, still have some serious issues that need to be addressed. While I loved Asia, she did have some issues that weren’t addressed. The whole wanting to take the condom off during sex while not on birth control or having a conversation with your partner first!? She was dead wrong for that and then got mad at him for questioning her about it - like what!?! Also, Basil was low-key hating on women for doing some of the same stuff guys do all the time, so double standard much?!
Anyway, enjoyed reading this book and looking forward to the next in this series. Hopefully, Adonis can find love too!
October 22, 2022
loved it!
I loved the storyline. It was refreshingly different. Both characters were flawed and i loved the way he acknowledged his flaws and grew from them but, I honestly would have loved Asia to work on her flaws too. She loved hard but she was a little to hard in my opinion. I don’t think she really owned her ish. It’s reckless to want to have sex without a condom and you don’t get to just say “I’m reckless sometimes” and get upset when you’re called on it. She was very judge mental and loved telling others their faults but it was like she refused to see hers. And I get why she was so upset about her childhood but either move on or not. That better than thou attitude was annoying and if her mom was such a disappointment as a babysitter for her. Pay someone else and be done with it
I loved the storyline. It was refreshingly different. Both characters were flawed and i loved the way he acknowledged his flaws and grew from them but, I honestly would have loved Asia to work on her flaws too. She loved hard but she was a little to hard in my opinion. I don’t think she really owned her ish. It’s reckless to want to have sex without a condom and you don’t get to just say “I’m reckless sometimes” and get upset when you’re called on it. She was very judge mental and loved telling others their faults but it was like she refused to see hers. And I get why she was so upset about her childhood but either move on or not. That better than thou attitude was annoying and if her mom was such a disappointment as a babysitter for her. Pay someone else and be done with it
April 5, 2024
No ma’am
Unfortunately this book didn’t do it for me. I love other books by this author but this storyline was just off. Asia was not forthcoming with her demons and decisions. Her logic of Basil sharing issues he has with one of the boy’s mother that he coaches was nothing but her projecting herself. Not all mothers are good parents whether they’re single or married. She kept using “single motherhood” as a crutch for her not being responsible and accountable. We human and we all make choices we’re not proud of by damn girl. Know better and do better. Well she did NOT do better hence lying to Basil about being on birth control. She doesn’t like being a single mother yet she wants to have unprotected sex with a guy you’re not even in a relationship with??? Annnd you’re doing this without seeing if he’s been tested…No ma’am!!!
Unfortunately this book didn’t do it for me. I love other books by this author but this storyline was just off. Asia was not forthcoming with her demons and decisions. Her logic of Basil sharing issues he has with one of the boy’s mother that he coaches was nothing but her projecting herself. Not all mothers are good parents whether they’re single or married. She kept using “single motherhood” as a crutch for her not being responsible and accountable. We human and we all make choices we’re not proud of by damn girl. Know better and do better. Well she did NOT do better hence lying to Basil about being on birth control. She doesn’t like being a single mother yet she wants to have unprotected sex with a guy you’re not even in a relationship with??? Annnd you’re doing this without seeing if he’s been tested…No ma’am!!!
September 7, 2020
I liked Asia and how she called Basil out on his ignorant comments about black women and single mothers. Basil wasn't easy to like. He was arrogant, insensitive and judgemental. I liked that the story continued to cover Yaz's mental health and how it affected her relationship/life. I totally understood Asia's resentment towards her mother but I'm glad they had a much needed conversation about everything. I really liked the conversation that Brick had with Basil about how he recklessly handled the situation with Asia. I do believe Basil should've worked much harder to get Asia back but overall it was a pretty good story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 19, 2022
Enemies
I liked book 2 better than book 1 although I didn't realize that this wouldn't be a continuation. Asia had issues and lied to Basil who also had his own issues. So how does this enemies to friends work in the long run? The heart wants what it wants but can it sustain the continual conflict that two headstrong people bring? I actually enjoyed the on again, off again while they figured this thing out but only because I didn't have to live it. I couldn't wait to see how it would end. Speaking of ending, I didn't feel closure with either book. But they were both well written, engaging reads.
I liked book 2 better than book 1 although I didn't realize that this wouldn't be a continuation. Asia had issues and lied to Basil who also had his own issues. So how does this enemies to friends work in the long run? The heart wants what it wants but can it sustain the continual conflict that two headstrong people bring? I actually enjoyed the on again, off again while they figured this thing out but only because I didn't have to live it. I couldn't wait to see how it would end. Speaking of ending, I didn't feel closure with either book. But they were both well written, engaging reads.
July 22, 2021
I needed more accountability on Asia's part. She was mad at Basil, but how was she a whole public health practitioner who was reckless sexually? Never resolved the lie about an IUD and never really acknowledged that she should have mentioned who her child's father was and her own past....
She was heavy on him and her mother being accountable, but didn't do her part.
Plus, she wasn't the best friend bc how come she never checked on Yaz when Baz hinted that something was wrong knowing Yaz's history?
(I did like her relationship with Adonis.*hope his story is next)
She was heavy on him and her mother being accountable, but didn't do her part.
Plus, she wasn't the best friend bc how come she never checked on Yaz when Baz hinted that something was wrong knowing Yaz's history?
(I did like her relationship with Adonis.*hope his story is next)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2022
dnf
Dnf. This book just didn’t do it for me. I’m not sure what I was expecting because the first of the Hailey books wasn’t giving much either. At 38% in I was bored. I can usually tolerate friends to lovers tropes but I found both characters to be unlikeable with lackluster chemistry. Asia became the least liked after the whole condom incident. Once the story flipped back to Yaz self-harming I was entirely done. I hate to review a book I dnf but I also like to keep other readers aware so no one else’s time is wasted.
Dnf. This book just didn’t do it for me. I’m not sure what I was expecting because the first of the Hailey books wasn’t giving much either. At 38% in I was bored. I can usually tolerate friends to lovers tropes but I found both characters to be unlikeable with lackluster chemistry. Asia became the least liked after the whole condom incident. Once the story flipped back to Yaz self-harming I was entirely done. I hate to review a book I dnf but I also like to keep other readers aware so no one else’s time is wasted.
July 27, 2020
It was an interesting novel with lots of action. There was a lot of chemistry between Asia and Basil which led to some very steamy scenes There was also a lot of slang/language which is great for authenticity but makes it heard to read/understand as I found that I had to look up some of the phrases or words as I didn’t quite understand what was going on. Otherwise it was a fun read.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
July 29, 2020
This is the story of Asia and Basil. He’s the town hero and everyone loves him except Asia. She’s the one person who is susceptible to his charms. While she is attracted to him she also can’t stand him until something changes everything. I enjoyed this entertaining romance. I received an arc of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 30, 2020
4 STAR ROMANCE!
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind.
This review has been voluntarily submitted for your consideration.
August 8, 2020
This was a new author for me and I enjoyed reading this story. The characters are well defined with a relatable and realistic nature. It wasn’t hard to get immersed into the story because my emotions were engaged the minute he opened his mouth. The author was able to draw me in by crafting believable dialogue. I found this story enjoyable.
December 2, 2020
Shae Sanders is an author I had not heard of prior to reading The Playbook; but this is an author I had added to my favorites list. I enjoyed the development of the storyline and its' characters. The relationship did not seem forced but very natural. I could see this story as the lead off to a series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 22, 2023
Good storyline
The writer has a way of capturing you at the beginning and holding you there. There are some errors in the book, but it's nothing that hitting that correction button can't solve.
I also like that this is not a big investment read. I can finish this in a day and still get all my work done.
The writer has a way of capturing you at the beginning and holding you there. There are some errors in the book, but it's nothing that hitting that correction button can't solve.
I also like that this is not a big investment read. I can finish this in a day and still get all my work done.
November 13, 2023
What was this? What was wrong with her? Her job and she's a full-blown hypocrite. Something was wrong with her. It was almost compulsion. Nah, I absolutely abhor this chick. I will need to take a few weeks away from Shae. This may have improved later on in the book, but I can't tolerate this character a moment longer.
July 22, 2020
Good read
First read by this author and I like her style. Basil even annoyed me through the pages as he annoyed Asia. I didn’t know how they would come together amicably. It was definitely a rocky journey.
First read by this author and I like her style. Basil even annoyed me through the pages as he annoyed Asia. I didn’t know how they would come together amicably. It was definitely a rocky journey.
September 21, 2020
Again, so real. Not fantastical unbelievable reasons for discord. I loved the characters and there was some angst but not too much. The tension that often occurs between Black men and women was candidly dealt with.
May 31, 2021
I love the Hailey family 🥰🥰
I love Basil and Asia's story. Asia knew her self-worth and Basil had his own prejudice. Their story made me laugh, sad and happy. I love the message in this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this book it was so good.
I love Basil and Asia's story. Asia knew her self-worth and Basil had his own prejudice. Their story made me laugh, sad and happy. I love the message in this book. It was an absolute pleasure reading this book it was so good.
August 27, 2021
Definitely better than I expected
Really enjoyed this book, I felt very emotion and I even shed a tear for Asia. I’m glad Basil got his shit together and his perspective on single black mothers.
Really enjoyed this book, I felt very emotion and I even shed a tear for Asia. I’m glad Basil got his shit together and his perspective on single black mothers.
September 10, 2022
toe stepper
This book stepped on toes and what I enjoyed most was Basil’s change of heart at the end . Letting people be who they are bc it is no one’s business to judge someone. The love story was good I’m glad they Had a Happily ever after omk
This book stepped on toes and what I enjoyed most was Basil’s change of heart at the end . Letting people be who they are bc it is no one’s business to judge someone. The love story was good I’m glad they Had a Happily ever after omk
May 7, 2021
Good... More to come later
July 27, 2021
Basil! Basil! Basil!
Basil knew how to work a nerve. Asia was letting him have it though. It was good to catch up with Yaz and Zo too. I need to see my boy Adonis next. Nice read.
Basil knew how to work a nerve. Asia was letting him have it though. It was good to catch up with Yaz and Zo too. I need to see my boy Adonis next. Nice read.
November 27, 2021
Romantic
I absolutely enjoyed the story of Basil and Asia. It was warm and endearing and their families. Although Asia mom I could do without her. Loved Cj.
I absolutely enjoyed the story of Basil and Asia. It was warm and endearing and their families. Although Asia mom I could do without her. Loved Cj.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews