In this episode, we dive into the contemporary romance book, Worth the Try by Valerie Pepper. This is the first book in her Atlanta Granite rugby romance series.
During this episode, we discuss how we’re now huge rugby fans after reading this book, why we’re always going to love a single dad and nanny trope, the extremely dirty mouth on Ansel, how authentic Elodie’s character development was throughout the book, the moments that made us so frustrated with Ansel’s character (the hallmark of great writing!), and why we cannot wait for the next book in the series. Plus, we can’t forget about the spice. We’re giving this book a four-and-a-half pepper rating.
Steph: Hi, everyone, I'm Steph.
Megan: And I'm Megan.
Steph: And welcome to another episode of Late Night Reads.
Megan: This week, we are talking contemporary romance and covering Worth the Try by Valerie Pepper.
Steph: So let's start with why we selected Worth the Try.
Steph: We love a good sports romance book, and we've been in our hockey era lately for a little bit longer than maybe we should be.
Megan: Never enough, no, never enough hockey.
Steph: Never enough, right?
Steph: And we decided to expand into rugby.
Steph: And let's just say we are hooked.
Megan: Oh yes.
Megan: Fly me over.
Megan: I'll take a try.
Steph: Right?
Steph: We love it.
Steph: Plus, single dad, nanny, need we say more?
Steph: Plus, we love a good spicy book.
Steph: All of you know that.
Steph: We talk about them every single week on the show, and this one definitely delivers.
Steph: Plus, who doesn't love a man who makes you beg for what you want?
Steph: Sweet lord.
Megan: Please, please, I will beg for more all the time.
Steph: Right?
Steph: I just love these, like, you need to get out of your shell and stop being a people pleaser.
Steph: I need you.
Steph: And that includes in the bedroom, ladies.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: Because he is here to please, and thank you very much, sir.
Steph: Yeah, right?
Megan: But here are a few things that you should know about the author Valerie Pepper.
Megan: First up, she writes steamy small-town and sports romance hot enough to fry an egg on.
Megan: Let me tell you, she is an expert in the spice level.
Megan: And naturally, she is also an incurable optimist and a firm believer in happily ever after, even if it takes more than one try.
Megan: And she is living out her own second chance romance out there in Birmingham, Alabama with her lovely family.
Steph: So before jumping into discussing this book, a couple of key reminders, as always, this episode will contain spoilers.
Steph: We assume if you're listening, you have read the book.
Steph: It also contains a number of topics that may be some stuff for some readers, and we will talk about them on the show.
Steph: Anxiety, bullying, emotional abuse, and infertility.
Megan: But now let's talk tropes.
Megan: So first up, of course, it's a rugby slash sports romance.
Megan: I still have not really watched any rugby, and I don't need to watch it.
Megan: I can just see it up here with my handsome Ansel.
Megan: So Ansel, he is the captain of a professional rugby team and becomes the interim coach for a short period at the end of the book.
Megan: But I learned so much about rugby just from listening to him talk about it.
Megan: I'm like, oh, okay, I can watch this.
Megan: Short shorts, sign me up.
Steph: That's right, short shorts, thick thighs.
Megan: How short are these shorts?
Steph: Right?
Megan: Okay.
Steph: How tight are they?
Megan: How muscular are these men?
Megan: Not bad.
Megan: I'm a fan.
Megan: I'm a fan.
Megan: Then we have single dad trope.
Megan: Ansel was thrust into fatherhood unexpectedly five years ago when little tiny baby, Rosie, showed up on his doorstep with a note, which, first of all, you're like, oh, who, mother, who does that?
Megan: What mother does that?
Steph: : Not a good one.
Megan: Not a good one.
Megan: But him being the amazing single dad he is, picks her up, doesn't look back.
Megan: He's amazing.
Megan: He dives full on.
Megan: Then we have the nanny trope.
Megan: Elodie is hired to be Rosie’s nanny for the summer, which is perfect timing because she recently lost her job.
Megan: She's really out on her luck, did not have a good time for her, but she's going to be a nanny.
Megan: We all know how that ends.
Megan: And then we have found family.
Megan: Elodie's mother is literally the worst, and she has some serious emotional baggage from her last relationship, but Ansel and Rosie quickly become her new family, and you're just so happy to see them all kind of resolve their issues with previous family members and find a family here.
Steph: Yes, I agree.
Steph: So there's a lot of drama on this book, and it starts off with Elodie not having a great time because she gets fired from her job because her company is supposedly going in a different direction.
Steph: And a lot of people can probably relate to that situation, especially when she finds out not only is she fired, but her mean, shitty boss is the one taking over her job.
Steph: So it's kind of like, it's kind of like rumming salt in the wound a little bit when the mean person gets to stay.
Megan: Like, what the fuck?
Megan: That's rude.
Steph: And it's so rude.
Steph: : And she is trying to like hold it all together, pretending everything is fine, packing up her stuff, leaving the office.
Steph: And then if things can't get worse, because we like to dump on our heroines as much as we can in the first couple chapters, she finds out from her landlord that his daughter is coming home and he'll be moving her into Elodie's apartment.
Steph: Because you know, your lease expired last year, and you've just been month to month.
Steph: Wow.
Steph: So.
Megan: Great.
Steph: You just need to get a month's notice and then get out.
Steph: Cool.
Steph: Great.
Steph: Cool, cool, cool.
Steph: Not a great day.
Steph: I was waiting for like her car to break down next.
Steph: Right.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: Or like her to lose her phone or something like that.
Steph: What's like the third thing that can like really smack her in the face?
Steph: It reminded me of The Paradise Problem.
Steph: Yeah.
Steph: From Christina Lauren and like how that all starts where she has like three, like she loses her job, her car breaks down.
Steph: Like it's just a lot of things all at once.
Steph: But next, we get to meet Ansel, who's a rugby.
Steph: That is Rock Bottom, right?
Steph: Yeah.
Steph: So next, we get to meet Ansel, who's a rugby player, and he is pissed about losing the championship game, which most sports people would be at that point.
Steph: If you are a player or just a viewer, I know my husband gets very into it and upset when his teams lose.
Steph: But normally, most teams would take some time off after the end of the season.
Steph: But Ansel is like, no, we need to start practicing right away.
Steph: And so the coach is like, I guess we'll practice in two weeks.
Steph: I could only imagine how pissed everyone was at him.
Steph: Like, I have plans.
Megan: You're supposed to have three months off, and you're only getting two weeks off.
Steph: I would be furious.
Steph: And we also learn, as Megan mentioned, he's a single dad to this sweetest little girl, Rosalie, who was dropped on his doorstep one day by her biological mom.
Steph: And he is also not having the best day either.
Steph: His dad fell off a ladder, so his parents, who are supposed to watch Rosalie for the summer, can't.
Steph: Enter the need for a nanny.
Megan: We always need a good nanny.
Steph: Yes, we do.
Megan: So then two weeks later, Elodie goes with her best friend, Kari or Kari, however you want to pronounce it, to the Atlanta Granites office, which is the professional rugby team that Ansel just happens to play for.
Megan: So Kari plans to convince just a few of those players with those big old muscles of theirs to help Elodie move her stuff.
Megan: And of course, they're going to get paid in beer and pizza.
Megan: Happens all the time.
Megan: Almost immediately upon arriving, Elodie meets Rosalie, who starts to teach Elodie about how rugby is played, which I'm like, same girl, how do they play the sport?
Megan: I have no idea.
Megan: But then she gets to meet Ansel and is immediately attracted to him.
Megan: She's like, oh my god, who is this hot, hot man coming towards us?
Megan: And then it quickly comes out that Elodie got fired from her job and needs to help move in with Kari in a couple of weeks.
Megan: And so one of the other players whose name is Lennox asks if Elodie likes kids.
Megan: He's like, so do you like kids by any chance?
Megan: And this leads to the idea of Elodie perhaps watching Rosalie for the summer and then living in Ansel's guest house, AKA pool house, which, yes, please.
Steph: Right.
Megan: And then Elodie quickly becomes a little overwhelmed by all of this because in her past, we learned that she actually was engaged in this major asshole named Jeremy, who literally broke their engagement because she couldn't have children.
Steph: So furious, right?
Megan:So furious.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: And so for her, she's just like, oh my god, like I just lost my job and now I'm going to maybe like watch a kid for a job and like live like that was that was a lot.
Megan: So Ansel is, you know, being a gentleman, offering her up a job, a place to live, ability to have a child in her life for a little bit.
Megan: Pretty big deal, but she does agree to do it as long as she can bring her cat, Cleocatra, which I love that.
Steph: I love that name.
Megan: Cleocatra, best.
Megan: And apparently Ansel made this decision to hire her because she seems nice, but he's like still going to do a background check on you, which I'm like, it should be a compliment that she seems nice, but for Elodie, it's just like she's always been the nice girl and she's like, I need to work on being not nice.
Megan: But then we do find out that Ansel has trust issues because he does not initially elaborate on like what's behind these issues, only that Elodie is going to have to pass a background check, which is standard, of course, when you're working with children.
Megan: So we're like, thank you for at least taking those precautions because someone can be nice, but they could still be psycho.
Steph: Correct.
Steph: Cute but crazy.
Steph: She's sweet, but she's psycho.
Megan:Yeah, but Elodie is sweet and not psycho, so she passes.
Steph: It's good.
Steph: So both Ansel and Rosalie are excited about Elodie moving into the guest house for the summer.
Steph: Although Ansel is very determined to ignore his growing attraction and other things that are likely growing when she's around, to Elodie, I was like, good luck with that one, buddy.
Steph: It does not take long until Elodie realizes how poorly she was treated at work after spending an afternoon with Ansel and the other rugby players who treat her as an equal.
Steph: And I'm like, if professional rugby players who've just met you, treat you better than your work colleagues did, you were in a real shitty, toxic place.
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: So the next morning, so she's moved in, Elodie plans to make a breakfast casserole for them and finds Ansel in the midst of braiding his daughter's hair.
Steph: And she's like, oh, that makes him a DLIF.
Steph: And I was like, Major DLIF.
Steph: Like, a man who can take care of his daughter's hair is a pretty big deal.
Steph: When my oldest daughter, when she was in elementary school, I traveled a lot internationally for work.
Steph: And her teacher, because she had kind of the same teacher for a couple of years, would say, I would know when you were gone and when dad was doing hair.
Steph: Because, oh yes, because he would try so hard.
Steph: My husband is the best.
Steph: He would try.
Steph: But like, she had this is when she had bangs.
Steph: And so you had to like use like a curling iron or straightener on her bangs and like a ponytail.
Steph: And it.
Steph: No, it's hard.
Steph: So braiding is even more complicated.
Steph: My husband's never tried that.
Steph: So, but she gets very flustered when trying to make breakfast because Ansel is wearing those really short rugby shorts that we've talked about that leave literally nothing to the imagination.
Steph: So I can imagine struggling to focus on making food at that point, too.
Steph: But her first day alone with Rosie is kind of a doozy.
Steph: And Elodie is like worn out by the time Ansel gets home.
Steph: So he offers to make them dinner.
Steph: And I'm like, hold on.
Steph: He's hot, a good dad, and he cooks.
Steph: Sign me up.
Steph: Sign me up.
Megan: I've got one of those.
Steph: I was gonna say, you can...
Steph: My husband does not cook unless you need something grilled.
Steph: Then he's great.
Steph: Oh, he can also sous vide steaks.
Steph: So that's a little fancy.
Megan: I was gonna say, my husband, he can also do hair.
Megan: He can do the kid's hair.
Megan: They have curly, curly hair.
Megan: So he knows.
Megan: He has a spray bottle.
Megan: He brushes it.
Megan: He scrunches it with the right product.
Steph: Your husband's like the perfect girl dad.
Megan: He really is.
Steph: He really is.
Megan: And he cooks for us.
Megan: He baked brownies last night.
Steph: It was great.
Megan: Unprompted.
Steph: I think, yeah, my, no.
Steph: My husband could not bake brownies.
Megan: But my husband does not play rugby, so.
Steph: No.
Steph: He did play hockey, though.
Megan: He did play hockey.
Steph: So we got that going for us.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: But the sexual tension between the two of them continues to grow every time they're in the same room.
Steph: It was really entertaining for me to read because they're both getting hot and bothered, and they're like, nope, gonna ignore it.
Steph: I'm gonna pretend it doesn't exist.
Steph: I'm like, well, that's not gonna go well.
Steph: For the two of you, eventually it's gonna go very well.
Steph: But unfortunately, Ansel continues to get texts from an unknown number that we later learn in the book is Rosalie's mom, but he doesn't want to talk to her.
Steph: And I'm like, well, who would after what she did?
Steph: Like you've been gone for five years and now you're just reaching out.
Steph: Fuck you.
Megan: You get a hard block.
Steph: That's what I was like, why haven't we blocked that number already?
Megan: Yeah, seriously.
Megan: A few weeks later, Elodie is still struggling with her attraction that she has for Ansel, even though she's forced herself to watch hours of rugby highlights, thinking, maybe this will help me be a man to him.
Megan: It does the exact opposite.
Megan: She's like, goddamn it, I'm getting more hot and bothered more than I watch this sport with him in it.
Megan: Oh, and Ansel continues to ask her to stay for dinner every single night, but she's been turning them down partially because she does not trust herself around him.
Megan: She's like, I need boundaries.
Megan: I don't want Rosalie getting like more custom to having me around when this is clearly only temporary.
Megan: Which I'm like, okay, that makes sense.
Megan: You're thinking about the child, but she does finally give in again.
Megan: And then we get another little glimpse into more of Elodie's past.
Megan: And so the more time that has passed since losing her job, the more she realizes just how toxic that place was for her and how she never stood up for herself.
Megan: And then we also learned that that douchebag Jeremy was literally trying to help her have a baby beforehand.
Megan: They didn't do IVF, but they literally tried so many different ways to have a baby.
Megan: And then when it wasn't going to happen, he literally decided to show how much of an asshole that he really was.
Megan: And was just like, well, since you can't have children, I can't be with you.
Megan: Excuse me.
Steph: Excuse me.
Megan: She dodged a bullet.
Steph: She did, but there are a lot of men out there that would behave that way, unfortunately.
Megan: Ugh, disgusting.
Megan: Next.
Megan: Don't need that.
Steph: Thank you.
Megan: Don't need that in our lives.
Megan: No.
Megan: Dodged it.
Steph: No.
Megan: Bye bye.
Steph: So later that day, Rosalie and Elodie go swimming, and Ansel shows up, and of course, he has to join them.
Steph: Who wouldn't?
Megan: Has to.
Steph: And the sexual tension significantly increased because who wouldn't want to stare at a rugby player dressed in swim trunks with water dripping down his body?
Steph: And then we had an innocent game of Marco Polo because Marco Polo is a very innocent game until Elodie is the one saying Marco and ends up touching his bare chest, and then the flames happen.
Steph: And I'm like, what would have happened if Rosalie wasn't in the pool?
Megan: Uh huh.
Steph: Uh huh.
Megan: A lot of splashing, I hope.
Steph: Yes, right?
Steph: Because they are both like super turned on.
Steph: So then they have the three of them have dinner together that night and Elodie shares about how she's planning to go into business for herself because that's the only way to guarantee real security and I kind of love that for her because I think there is a lot of truth to that and I think she's just been hurt by so many other people being able to control something herself is really needed and her idea is to create a honeymoon planning company where she'll plan aspects of your honeymoon.
Steph: And Ansel, it sounds great, right?
Steph: Ansel's immediately, he's like, do you need an investor?
Steph: Will you take my money?
Steph: And she was like, um, no.
Steph: Because, and I get her kind of like comment from us, right?
Steph: She takes it as him insinuating that she needs help in order to be successful, which she does not like.
Steph: And I think that's also, unfortunately, sometimes, like when men are so quick to like, oh, let me help you.
Steph: I did not ask for your help.
Steph: I can do it on my own.
Steph: Back off.
Steph: And then she makes an offhand comment about how she doesn't think she'll be able to have her new company up and running by the end of the summer.
Steph: And so Ansel's like, would you like to stay in the guest house for as long as you need?
Steph: You won't even have to watch my daughter.
Steph: And I'm like, did you just ask her to quasi move in?
Steph: Is that what's happening?
Megan: I believe you did, sir.
Steph: Huh?
Megan: Somebody's catching feelings.
Steph: Someone's catching feelings and pretending they don't exist.
Steph: However, she's not going to accept because she wants to do all this by herself, which is hilarious because, like Ansel acts the exact same way about his life.
Steph: Like when she'll ask to help with Rosalie for something, and he's like, Oh, I've got it.
Steph: Huh?
Steph: You're like the same person.
Megan: Huh?
Steph: Huh?
Megan: So then, a week later, Elodie is hurt by the lack of a dinner invite from Ansel, but she knows that she shouldn't have dinner with them.
Megan: She still wants to be invited, which I'm like, okay, I get it.
Megan: Like, sure.
Megan: But this leads to Elodie going out for a girls' night with Kari.
Megan: And then she happens to run into Samantha.
Megan: And Samantha is Kari's friend from her semester abroad in Sydney.
Megan: So she's like this cute Australian chick.
Megan: And it turns out her brother is training to hopefully join the Atlanta Granite.
Megan: And they're like having fun all together.
Megan: And then when Elodie gets home, she runs into Ansel.
Megan: She's just walking by, and he's like, hello.
Megan: And she ends up stammering based on how hot he looks.
Megan: Like he is up and like waiting for her.
Megan: And oh my gosh, she's like hot and bothered.
Steph: I was hot and bothered reading it.
Steph: I was like, god damn it, that's good.
Megan: Which then causes him to mention that he thought she was finally immune to him.
Megan: I'm like, oh no.
Steph: So you have noticed.
Megan: So you've noticed, buddy.
Megan: And then he ends up asking her for a little nightcap.
Megan: And thank god she says yes.
Megan: And this leads to Elodie telling him how she's always really been like the nice girl.
Megan: And like that side of her believes that maybe he was waiting up to make sure that his nanny just got home safely.
Megan: She's like, but then the other part of me, the not-so-nice part, the naughty side, wonders if it was for a different reason.
Megan: And then he asks to kiss her.
Megan: And it's about god damn time.
Steph: I'm like, I was dying.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: Yes, please jump in the pool, please.
Megan: Dear lord.
Megan: And afterwards, Ansel admits that letting someone in is hard for him and that Rosalie is his top priority.
Megan: Good dad.
Steph: Yeah.
Megan: But he wants Elodie to just be patient with him, which is understandable.
Megan: Okay.
Megan: I get this.
Megan: And he's like, I do eventually want to ask you out on a date.
Megan: And he does.
Megan: And you're like, finally.
Megan: So it's like, okay, a little slow, little slow bird here.
Megan: I'm like, but I appreciate it.
Megan: There's a kid involved.
Megan: I get it.
Megan: But meanwhile, Kari helps Elodie find her first client for her honeymoon planning business, which happens to be another rugby player's fiancée.
Megan: So we're like, okay, we're getting this done.
Steph: We're making progress.
Megan: I like it.
Steph: Personally, professionally.
Megan: Looking good.
Steph: Looking good.
Steph: And then it's date night.
Steph: And Ansel has arranged for his daughter to spend the night next door.
Steph: And I'm like, hmm, I like where this is headed.
Steph: That's a little presumptuous, and I'm here for it.
Steph: They have dinner.
Steph: It's great.
Steph: There's chatting.
Steph: They end up getting drenched on the way home.
Steph: So obviously they have to take their clothes off because who wants to be, like, what?
Megan: I'm all wet.
Steph: Exactly.
Steph: And then he draws her a bath in this giant tub that he has.
Steph: So once again, I'm like, how big is this tub?
Steph: Where do we buy it?
Megan: I want one.
Steph: I want one because I have a really large soaking tub, and two people cannot fit in it.
Megan: I can't even fit in my tub.
Steph: Oh, I can fit in my-
Megan: It's for my children.
Megan: I can't fit in it.
Megan: My knees stick out and-
Steph: Now I'm like fully submerged, like shoulders down.
Megan: Rub it in.
Steph: Legs out.
Steph: Is that part of the reason we bought this house?
Steph: Yes.
Steph: Yes, it is.
Megan: Absolutely.
Steph: Not only does he have a giant tub, he's got special bubble bath that he's like held aside for her candles.
Steph: And I'm like, this is incredibly sweet because she is not used to anyone doing literally anything romantic.
Steph: Jeremy was the king of all assholes.
Steph: And then she's like, do you want to get in the tub with me?
Steph: And I was like, yes, yes, he does.
Steph: Yes, I want him to.
Steph: Oh my god.
Steph: Thank you.
Steph: This leads to touching.
Steph: And we finally get our first spicy scene of the book, where Ansel does a little fingerfuckery on Elodie.
Megan: Fingerfuckery.
Steph: We love the fingerfuckery.
Steph: We love the fingerfuckery word.
Megan: And the action.
Steph: And the action.
Steph: As long as it needs to lead to something else for me.
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: So, and he makes her tell him what she wants.
Steph: And I'm just like, I love that for her because I'm just assuming that Jeremy was very much like a missionary style in and out type of guy.
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: That's just my assumptions.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: He didn't do any foreplay.
Megan: He was just like, all right, it's Tuesday at five o'clock.
Megan: Let's go.
Megan: You're like, okay.
Megan: Like, maybe that's why things just didn't work.
Steph: Yeah.
Steph: Or you're just an asshole.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: I do.
Steph: Then he goes down on her in his bedroom and makes her beg for him.
Steph: And I'm like, I...
Megan: Oh, good lord.
Steph: I just, I love the words that came out of his mouth.
Steph: He is definitely helping her come out of her shell, be less of a people pleaser, making her ask for what she wants.
Steph: And then she ends up spending the night.
Steph: And I'm like, yes.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: Then we jump like two weeks forward, and everything has changed between the two of them because clearly there was the fingerfuckery incident, there was kissing, and then nothing has changed because they've not been able to go on another date, they've not been back in bed together.
Steph: So I'm like, hold please.
Steph: You have been just like walking around each other constantly with all of the sexual tension and feelings, just staring at each other.
Megan: Yeah, I'm like, oh my god.
Megan: Make a move.
Megan: Make a move, please.
Steph: Right.
Steph: How can you be that busy?
Megan: You're not.
Steph: Priorities.
Megan: Come on.
Steph: But Ansel does remedy it with some fingerfuckery in the hallway.
Steph: And all I thought was, thank god, Rosalie didn't just walk in.
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: Because little kids at like the age of five are either two things, loud, so loud you can hear them coming, or so quiet, they sneak up on you, that they're like, hi.
Steph: I'm like, where did you come from?
Megan: Oh, yes.
Megan: So I have a five-year-old at the moment, and she is very much either loud or sneaky.
Megan: And my husband and I are always joking, like, so which kid is going to be the one to catch us one day?
Megan: It's going to be the five-year-old, 100 percent.
Megan: We're like, it's her.
Megan: I just know it.
Steph: She's going to be like, hi.
Steph: What are you doing?
Megan: She won't even say hi.
Megan: She'll just be there standing, watching, and be like, goddamn, how long have you been there?
Steph: I saw mommy and daddy wrestling.
Megan: You're like, nothing was happening.
Megan: Lock the door, lock the door, lock the door.
Steph: Right?
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: But what does one do after they get fingerfucked in the middle of a hallway?
Steph: We return the favor with a hand up.
Steph: And my favorite part is when she says good boy and I lost it because I think this might be the second book we've read with a good boy reference.
Steph: And I am here for, we need more of that in this world.
Megan: Good boy.
Steph: Like just.
Megan: Love it.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: However, this orgasm bliss is short-lived when Ansel gets a call from his lawyer to let him know that Rosalie's biological mother, Lauren, is living there in Atlanta.
Megan: We're like, what the fuck?
Megan: Where does this B come from?
Megan: His lawyer encourages Ansel to just prepare for the worst because there isn't anything that can be done to really prevent her from seeing Rosie.
Megan: And he, of course, has not shared any of this information with Elodie.
Megan: And he's just like, the whole point of this book is just like, at this point in the book, like he has just not told her anything about Rosalie's mother.
Megan: Like, she hasn't asked.
Megan: She's like, he'll tell me if I need to know anything, I guess.
Megan: I'm not going to bother him.
Megan: But I'm like, this, but maybe bother him a little bit.
Steph: But, maybe, a little bit.
Steph: Why are lawyers so negative?
Steph: This made me think of Pucking Strong.
Steph:Where Elain was like, just basically like, here are all the horrible things that can happen.
Steph: I'm like, could we not?
Steph: Like, I know that you're paid to think about horrible things.
Steph: But when you communicate to regular people, could you just be like, here's a 75% chance it's gonna end up like this way?
Steph: Here's a couple of bad things that could happen that I think are maybe unlikely, but just wanted you to be aware.
Steph: It's kind of like when you have surgery and they go through the list of complications, and they're always like, and death.
Steph: Like, death is the list of a complication for every surgery.
Steph: You're having a mole removed?
Steph: Well, death could also occur.
Steph: But like, why do lawyers feel like they have to say that?
Steph: Like, is there a clause you take to make you think about all the horrible things that could happen and how to communicate those to people?
Steph: Yes.
Megan: Doomsday 101.
Megan: Fun times.
Megan: Harvard Law.
Megan: Well, later that night, after the three of them watched a movie all together, Ansel asks Elodie to stay over.
Megan: We're like, what?
Megan: With a child there?
Megan: And we do get a little spicy scene that starts with Ansel going down on Elodie.
Megan: Thank you so much, sir.
Megan: Followed by her giving him a blow job.
Megan: And he, like, legit, like does not really want her to.
Megan: And she's like, would you just let me do this?
Megan: Like, let me take care of you.
Megan: You're like, oh, yes.
Megan: And then they finally have sex.
Megan: And you're like, thank god.
Megan: The heavens' part, the angels are singing.
Megan: You're like, finally, thank you.
Megan: And things are going really well.
Megan: Until Elodie notices that she's being followed when she's out and about with Rosie.
Megan: She's like, this is uncomfortable.
Megan: I don't like this.
Megan: She's like, my intuition is telling me something is wrong.
Megan: So she drives immediately over to the Atlanta Granite's facilities office to find Ansel.
Megan: She's like, let's just go somewhere safe.
Megan: And let's just say that daddy is pissed to find out that they've been followed.
Megan: He's like, oh hell no.
Megan: But he doesn't tell her anything again.
Megan: He's like, I know what's happening.
Megan: And he really like gets on his phone and she's like, what's happening?
Steph: What?
Megan: Tell me, please.
Megan: Somebody tell me.
Megan: And his best friend Lennox is there.
Megan: And he's like refusing to also share any information.
Megan: He's like, well, if he wants you to know, he'll tell you.
Megan: And I'm like, yes, that is the case in some scenarios.
Megan: But like now, when I am physically in danger, I deserve to know.
Megan: You should tell me.
Megan: And so there's definitely also some like sexual tension going on by the way, between Lennox and Kari.
Megan: Oh, I hope we get to find out what's going on with them.
Steph: Me too.
Megan: Like they've got a story.
Megan: Oh yeah, he's Scottish.
Megan: I'm like, right.
Steph: A Scottish rugby player?
Steph: I know.
Steph: We're just manifesting a future book.
Megan: It's going to happen.
Steph: Now, here's where I start to get frustrated with Ansel's character because he doesn't tell Elodie about what's going on when they get home.
Steph: Instead, he lets her go back to the house, doesn't say a damn thing.
Steph: And then she just kind of reverts back to her nice girl mentality, believing that he doesn't owe her anything and doesn't have to tell her.
Steph: I'm like, first of all, you are in danger, as Megan said.
Steph: Second of all, you take care of his child.
Steph: Like, there is a minimum amount of information that you should be required to know.
Megan: Yeah, yeah.
Steph: And then later that day, Lauren shows up outside of Ansel's house when he gets home, claiming she wants to see Rosie and mentions that she knows that he's sleeping with a nanny.
Steph:And I'm like, is that a crime?
Megan: Who gives a fuck?
Steph:Also, how do you know?
Megan: Creeper.
Steph: Creeper.
Steph: She admits to having Elodie and Rosie followed because she needed information.
Steph: Like, what kind of information do you get from following someone?
Megan: From following a five-year-old.
Steph: Right.
Megan: What their favorite color is?
Steph: She likes crayons.
Steph: Yes.
Steph: And fruit snacks.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: There you go.
Steph:Way to go.
Steph: And then Ansel was like, how much money will you need to go away?
Steph: And Lauren's like, I'll go to the media.
Steph: And I'm like, you didn't answer the question, Lauren.
Steph: You avoided answering the question.
Steph: If it wasn't about, I mean, like you kind of like, oh, it's not about the money.
Steph: Once Lauren leaves, Sharon, who is the next-door neighbor, who's been super helpful in the last five years, pulls into her driveway, notices Ansel's upset.
Steph: And then she's like, I'll watch Rosie so you can leave.
Steph: Once again, he leaves and doesn't tell Elodie any of it.
Steph: And I'm just like.
Megan: Communication could be a bit better here, buddy.
Steph: And I get it that he's been alone for five years, and he really hasn't had to communicate.
Steph:And based on what we know about his life prior to Rosie, it doesn't sound like he had a lot of serious relationships.
Steph: So maybe this is all new to him.
Steph: But I'm like, you have friends who know these things.
Steph: Lennox knows these things.
Steph: Yes.
Steph: You told Lennox.
Steph: Could we tell your lawyer?
Steph: Could we, I don't know, tell the girl that you're having sex with?
Steph: Just a crazy idea.
Steph: Crazy idea.
Megan: Crazy.
Megan: But what do we know?
Megan: So the next day, Elodie makes it clear that she's angry with Ansel.
Megan: I'm like, good for you, as you should.
Megan: And he promises to tell her everything that night.
Megan: And I'm like, whoa, whoa, whoa, buddy.
Megan: Don't do that.
Megan: Like, don't say, I'll tell you later.
Megan: It's like, tell me now.
Megan: Tell me now.
Megan: There is time.
Megan: You can have this conversation.
Megan: But he doesn't.
Megan: So, a few hours after he leaves, Lauren shows up at the house.
Megan: And Elodie immediately realizes who it is.
Megan: Like, the second, she opens the door, and she's like, hello, who are you?
Megan: And then Rosalie's like, hi, who are you?
Megan: And she's like, I'm Lauren.
Megan: What's your name?
Megan: And Elodie's just like, oh, hell no.
Megan: And she just was like, mm-mm.
Megan: And I am so happy that after this interaction, Elodie sticks up for herself.
Megan: But either way, Lauren gets to meet Rosie for a second.
Megan: Elodie's like, you need to leave.
Megan: You need to go.
Megan: But Lauren is a real bitch and asks, when he fucks you, does he do that?
Megan: Does he do that thing with his hips?
Megan: You know, the one.
Megan: And oh my god, Elodie's just like, I'm not falling for that trap bitch and just like slams the door on her face.
Megan: And I'm like, good job.
Megan: I am so glad that you were not nice girl, Elodie, just then.
Megan: But when Ansel gets home, oh yeah.
Steph: I was gonna say, I'm also just like, you had sex with him one time, Lauren.
Megan: I know, right?
Megan: Like, how do you even remember the hip thing?
Steph: And just because someone does it one time does not mean it's his thing.
Megan: Right?
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: I was like, you're a bit delusional here, girl.
Steph: But it was a really good line.
Megan: I mean, it was.
Megan: It was a good line.
Steph: Such a good line.
Megan: But when Ansel gets home, Elodie is pissed, rightfully so.
Megan: And Rosie mentions to him how a lady named Lauren came over and visited.
Megan: And let's just say, while Rosie is watching a movie, Brave, by the way, great movie, Elodie lays into Ansel about this.
Megan: She's like, how dare you leave me unprepared for any of this?
Megan: Like, and then she realizes she's like, me being followed earlier is totally tied to the situation.
Megan: I'm like, you left me uninformed, not safe.
Megan: This is not okay.
Megan: Beyond being somebody that you're sleeping with, I'm taking care of your child, as we've mentioned.
Megan: This is basic safety needs.
Megan: And she just literally is so angry at him about everything, but not telling about Lauren.
Megan: She can't protect Rosie.
Megan: Ends up then leading to them having sex, which I'm like, wait, what?
Megan: What?
Megan: I think it's like, he's like, oh my god, I'm so hot for you right now.
Megan: Like you're so protective mama right now.
Megan: And like, you're kind of jealous of Lauren.
Megan: And now I want to like lay into you about this.
Megan: And he realizes he loves her.
Megan: And I'm like, oh, I'm like, well, I don't understand how this happened, but I'm also glad that it happened.
Steph: Yes.
Megan: You know?
Megan: And then he finally does tell her about the one-night stand with Lauren that happened, that led to Rosie.
Megan: And he's just like, literally don't even know like what happened.
Megan: Like we had one time, we wore a condom.
Megan: Like Rosie shouldn't have been able to happen, but it did.
Megan: And he's like, and then nine months later, Lauren leaves like this little tiny little baby and a carrier like at my doorstep with a note.
Megan: He's like, I don't even know how long she was out there.
Megan: He's like, my neighbor had to like ring the doorbell and tell me there's a baby at my front doorstep.
Megan: I'm like, how long was that poor thing outside?
Steph: I know.
Steph: Can you imagine?
Megan: God, terrible.
Megan: And she shares with him then in the middle of sex, cause he was like, let me get a condom.
Megan: And she's like, it doesn't matter.
Megan: I can't have kids anyway.
Megan: And it's like, well, that's a time to drop that bomb, I guess.
Megan: But Ansel just says, I love you.
Megan: And then they get another spicy scene where they have sex.
Megan: But he's also just like, I'm not going to forget about that.
Megan: We're going to talk about that little note later.
Megan: Let's pin that, have sex, we'll come back to that.
Megan: I'm like, okay, okay.
Steph: Yeah, like, infertility is not the conversation you want to have during four-player sex.
Megan: No, no, no, no, no, no.
Steph: So the next morning, Ansel and Elodie are woken up in bed together by Rosie, who just jumps into bed, just like, good morning!
Steph: Which, and she's just totally fine that Elodie spent the night.
Steph: That's one thing I love about it, is I think sometimes in those situations, the adults obsess about how the kids are going to react.
Steph: And Rosie's just like, yay!
Megan: It's like a party!
Steph: Exactly.
Steph: And then we had another small spicy scene where Ansel goes down on Elodie.
Steph: And then at breakfast, Ansel tells Rosie that Elodie is his girlfriend, which is super cute, because Rosie's like, oh, well, she'll move in then.
Steph: And they're both like, um, and then within a week, Elodie's effectively living with them.
Steph: Because Rosie's like, oh, well, she needs, like, her swimsuit and, like, Cleocatra stuff, right?
Steph: Like, all the things.
Steph: And now I'm just...
Megan: And I love that Rosie calls her, like, Elle Belle.
Steph: I know.
Steph: It's like, it's just...
Steph: I loved all of it.
Megan: She's like Disney princess obsessed, like, Elle Belle.
Megan: And I'm like, oh, I love you.
Steph: I know, she's such a cutest little kid.
Steph: Meanwhile, we learn from Ansel.
Steph: Ansel finds out that his coach is leaving, and he's going to become the interim coach until a new one is hired, which is like adding even more to his plate.
Steph: What I loved about this was, I don't think he was actually asked.
Steph: I think it was like he was voluntold.
Steph: Like, you have a choice, but you, like, but you don't.
Steph: Here, sign this.
Steph: I've already sent it to your agent.
Steph: It also comes out that the team hasn't put some of the players on contract yet because there are some other pressing matters, but no one shares what those are throughout the entire book, which feels like that's a bigger breadcrumb to come in the series, which I'm kind of excited to dig into.
Steph: So you're laying some groundwork for something big.
Megan: So then they also have a gala that they have to go to.
Megan: So they're all getting ready for it, but before they go, we get a little brief mention of them having sex against a wall and in the shower.
Megan: We're like, yes, thank you.
Megan: Yes, please.
Steph: More details.
Megan: More details, please.
Megan: And then we're at the gala.
Megan: Elodie's looking fabulous, but she is nervous about walking on the red carpet with him.
Megan: But he just calms her down.
Megan: He’s like, baby, I promise, I'm gonna eat your pussy so well tonight if you're a brave girl for me.
Megan: And I'm like, oh my god.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: Okay.
Megan: Sure.
Steph: And also, what does that mean?
Steph: Like, when you say extra well, like, what do you mean?
Steph: Explain.
Megan: Are we gonna use toys?
Megan: Are we?
Steph: Like what?
Megan: How are we doing?
Megan: How are we doing this?
Steph: Let's go home now.
Steph: You've had a good job prior to this point, so I just have some questions.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: It's like I would love to know what the extra part is gonna be.
Megan: But then we get a very cute moment where Ansel is just continuing to share his love for Elodie.
Megan: But she has not been able to say it back yet, because obviously she has a lot of baggage from her ex.
Megan: And she always felt like her love wasn't enough for somebody.
Megan: So it's really hard for her to say those words, I love you.
Megan: But things get really crazy then when Lauren shows up at this gala, and I'm like, how the hell are you here?
Megan: Did you have to have an invitation?
Steph: What the fuck?
Steph: You don't go here, Lauren.
Steph: Don't go here.
Megan: And she corners her in the bathroom, which now I'm like stalker.
Megan: Hello.
Steph: Right.
Megan: And Elodie is just not having it.
Megan: She's like, I've tried being nice.
Megan: The bitch gloves are coming on now, and you're going to have it.
Megan: So she literally reams into her for abandoning Rosie as a baby.
Megan: And what she doesn't know at this time is that Lauren is recording this entire conversation and then later is going to leak it to the media to just create drama.
Megan: And like use like AI to like cut and split like the vocals, and it's just insane.
Megan: And so while Ansel doesn't love learning then that Lauren was at the gala, he does thank Elodie for like standing up for Rosie.
Megan: So then once they're home, we get another spicy scene where Ansel goes down on her and then bends her over the couch and fucks her like fucks her brains out.
Megan: And I'm like, oh god, yes.
Steph: Right?
Megan: Like was this, was this the extra?
Megan: Cause I'm okay with that.
Steph: Can we get extra, extra?
Megan: Can we get a little bit more?
Megan: Even?
Megan: So then the next morning, Lauren's vindictive side has come out.
Megan: And maybe it's because she got called out for being like a cheap whore.
Steph: Cause she was.
Steph: If the shoe fits.
Megan: The shoe fits, the discount shoe, cause the tag was still on it, and it's like, oh honey, you're a hot mess.
Megan: Because remember, Elodie is like a pageant girl.
Megan: So she knows how to do herself up and how to look good.
Megan: And she's like, I have dealt with bitches like you, and I'm going to let you have it.
Megan: And Lauren, you know, doesn't know how to handle this.
Megan: She plays dirty.
Megan: She doesn't, she cannot be charming in any way.
Megan: She's vindictive.
Megan: She links this recording and has hit the news.
Megan: Ansel immediately knows this situation is not good.
Megan: He's like, oh, fuck.
Megan: Like literally the shit going on that Lauren has said is that like apparently Elodie said, I'm a better mother to Rosie than you would ever be.
Megan: Like also that's not true, clearly.
Steph: Well, I mean, I think a couch would be a better mother to Rosalie than Lauren has been.
Megan: Yeah, it's like a lot.
Steph: Disney movies have been a better mother.
Megan: Yes, Mother Gothel was a better mother than you.
Megan: So Elodie's bitchy ass mother also is now pressing down on Elodie because apparently her mom is trying to rise up the ranks in the Pageant Corporation.
Megan: So I'm thinking she's part of the Miss America crap, right?
Megan: Atlanta, Georgia.
Megan: I'm like, you're in the Miss America world, which is where I came from, so I can say this.
Megan: The pageant press is calling, like, oh, Pageant Planet is calling you and asking you about your daughter and stuff.
Megan: I'm like, no, nobody gives a shit.
Steph: No one cares.
Megan: Who cares?
Megan: Yeah, right?
Megan: And so she's like, you need to call them and tell them that you are not a part of this, so it doesn't ruin my chances of being president of Miss America, blah, blah, blah.
Megan: And I'm like, please.
Megan: Kari then shows up.
Megan: And while Elodie is so glad to see her best friend, she realizes, oh shit, you're not really here for me.
Megan: You're here for business because you're the PR person.
Steph: Damn it.
Steph: I know.
Steph: I felt so bad for her in that moment.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: I'm like, oh, she's like, I love you.
Megan: I'm here for you, but I need to go over talking points in crisis management.
Megan: You're like, oh, that stinks.
Megan: That stings a bit.
Megan: But then Ansel's agent also comes in.
Megan: And over the next few days, Ansel is just like, hold up with his team.
Megan: And Elodie is basically just like doom scrolling on the internet, like reading what all these trolls are having to say about her, which I'm like, girl, get off your phone.
Megan: You should know this, like stop it.
Megan: But it doesn't help also, like Ansel is like pushing Elodie away, and she's having to deal with all of this on her own.
Megan: And she's like, I can't handle this.
Megan: I can not handle this.
Megan: I'm like, girl, I don't blame you.
Megan: That's a lot.
Steph: It's a lot.
Steph: And then Elodie decides it's a great time to call her mother.
Steph: Because why not?
Steph: And she does call her mom out on her shady behavior, which I was like really proud of her for.
Steph: But her mom is a classic gas lighter.
Steph: So clearly, all of this is Elodie's fault, as one would assume when you're being gaslit.
Steph: But what I loved was Elodie stands up to her and tells her mother, we're done talking until you can be nice to me.
Steph: Which is a really hard thing to say when you've been raised by a narcissist or someone who gaslights you.
Steph: People think it's easy, but it's actually really hard.
Steph: So super proud of her in that moment.
Steph: And then she tries to talk to Ansel, and it does not go well.
Steph: She offers to help him carry the burden.
Steph: He refuses.
Steph: Letting her know about the notice of custody hearing that he got yesterday, which he once again didn't bother to tell her about, because why would he?
Steph: And I'm just like, you live in the same house.
Steph: It's not like she's far away.
Steph: Then she blurts out that she loves him and thought they were supposed to be doing things together..
Steph: And his reaction is like, now you say it?
Steph: Thank you.
Steph: Thank you, Ansel.
Steph: That's exactly how every woman wants to be responded to when they say, I love you for the first time.
Steph: Great.
Steph: She tries to take the higher road.
Steph: And I was like, proud of her in that moment because I would not have taken the higher road.
Steph: I would have slashed out.
Steph: And she's like, we can be a team.
Steph: And he claims that she does nothing about being a team.
Steph: Because once again, she was in the pageant world.
Steph: It was always about yourself.
Steph: And that was a low blow.
Steph: And then he goes on to tell Elodie, low blow.
Steph: And then he goes on to tell Elodie that, how it's her fault he and Rosie fell for her just in time for Lauren to use her as a weapon.
Steph: And I'm like, hold please.
Megan: She planned this, right?
Steph: Because she didn't even know about Lauren.
Steph: You didn't even tell her about Lauren.
Steph: And yet somehow this is her fault.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: And I was like, we're just like pouring salt in the wounds.
Steph: And then she also is reminded that she can't possibly know what it's like to have a child.
Steph: They're not a team.
Steph: They won't get through this together.
Steph: And I was like, oh, you motherfucker.
Steph: I was so furious at him.
Steph: You did not.
Steph: Like, because all I feel like he did is like all of her insecurities that she's had.
Steph: He just like was like wound, salt, lemon juice, squeeze, squeeze, squeeze.
Steph: And I'm like, oh, fuck you.
Steph: But that's one thing I loved about this book is I love books.
Steph: I get angry at characters because like, when writers make you feel emotion to me, like that is the hallmark of great writing.
Steph: Like if I'm just annoyed, like I wouldn't like I was like fucking Ansel.
Steph: I was so angry at him at this point.
Steph: And then she leaves.
Steph: What do you what do you do when like you're living in this house with this man who you're in love with, you thought he was in love with you, you're taking care of his daughter, and he's basically like I don't want you in my life.
Steph: Like I don't know how else to take what he said.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: He's like, this is all your fault and I don't want you here anymore.
Megan: You're like, okay.
Megan: All right.
Megan: Fuck you.
Megan: I'll go.
Steph: Fuck you.
Megan: See you.
Megan: Call your bluff.
Megan: So, Elodie then heads over to Kari's house, tells her everything that happened.
Megan: And then like a good friend here, Kari's like, I need backup.
Megan: She calls Allison, she calls Sam, and they come over, and they get drun,k and they gossip.
Megan: And I'm like, yes.
Megan: I'm like, pick your poison.
Megan: What do you want?
Megan: You want tequila?
Megan: I got it.
Megan: You want vodka?
Megan: I got it.
Megan: You want whiskey?
Megan: I got it.
Megan: You need something, girlfriend.
Megan: Here you go.
Megan: Let loose.
Megan: You want some wine?
Megan: Here's some Pinot Grigio.
Megan: So to top it off, Lauren somehow gets Elodie's number.
Megan: And I'm like, how?
Megan: How are you doing that?
Megan: How did you get her number?
Megan: And sends the shittiest text of all time to Elodie.
Megan: And Elodie's just like, are you fucking kidding me?
Megan: And like shows everyone, because naturally, of course, you do.
Megan: You're like, when this bitch sent me.
Steph: We never do that, Megan.
Megan: Screenshots.
Megan: I screenshot everything.
Megan: We save receipts.
Megan: And then that's when Allyson shares, hey, did I ever mention to you guys, I actually own and run a private investigation company?
Megan: And they're like, no, you did not, girlfriend.
Megan: She's like, let me take care of this.
Megan: And let's just say Lauren is about to get some well-deserved, beautiful payback.
Steph: I loved Alison, just like dropping that nugget.
Steph: Okay, so I feel like she was like politely, would you like to see the bitch pay?
Steph: I can help you.
Steph: I know someone.
Steph: Would you like me?
Megan: It me.
Megan: It me, hi, hi.
Megan: And they're like, what, you do that?
Megan: And she's like, you guys never asked.
Megan: It's like, well, damn.
Steph: This is why I love women of the internet today, because there is no stone left unturned.
Megan: Oh yes.
Megan: No.
Megan: I'll find it.
Steph: Meanwhile, Rosie's devastated that Elodie is gone.
Steph: And I love how she's like, to Ansel, like you need to fix this.
Steph: Like you say, things can be fixed, like you need to fix this.
Steph: Daddy, you messed up.
Steph: You messed up.
Steph: And she calls him ma's bullshit, which I appreciate.
Steph: So that Ansel texts Kari, and finds out that Elodie is with her, and he plans to come by in the morning.
Steph: They bring an interesting assortment of balloons and flowers, which is like what happens when you let a five-year-old pick things out.
Steph: Like you get interesting things.
Steph: I've gotten some interesting-
Megan: Condolences, condolences.
Megan: Cause there were no, I'm sorry balloons, but my condolences.
Steph: Like, well, close enough.
Steph: I've gotten Mother's Day and birthday cards from my kids when they were little, but like they would go with my husband to the store and pick one out.
Steph: And it was like, here's your sympathy card.
Steph: And I'm like, and it's like, happy birthday inside.
Steph: And I'm like, okay.
Steph: They really liked it.
Steph: Like how it looked outside, and I was like, there's like dead flowers on it.
Steph: Okay.
Megan: Okay.
Steph: But Ansel does apologize.
Steph: She forgives them.
Steph: Yay.
Steph: Like we're all back together.
Steph: A week later, Ansel's lawyer calls because Allyson gave her a gift of all sorts of information about Lauren that will ensure that Lauren never sees Rosie again or gets custody of her.
Steph: And then we get another spicy scene.
Steph: But what I really liked was the epilogue.
Steph: There was this backyard party with the team and a new coach.
Steph: And I am thinking this entire time, book two is going to be Lennox and Kari.
Megan: Yeah.
Megan: Me too.
Megan: This whole time.
Steph: I'm like, okay.
Steph: Whole time.
Steph: And I'm like dying.
Steph: No, because it turns out Sam has slept with the new team coach, the same Sam who was just hired to be the physical therapist for the team.
Steph: And I was like, I see what you did there.
Steph: I see what you did.
Steph: And now I'm like, what?
Steph: Sam had a one-night stand with the new coach.
Steph: Please tell me that's going to be in the next book.
Steph: Cause I need to know exactly what happened.
Megan: I already downloaded it.
Megan: I already downloaded the next one.
Megan: I'm like, give it to me.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: I'm like, this is gonna be good.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: This felt like a four pepper in terms of hot and steamy.
Steph: Maybe four and a half or four.
Megan: You know, he did say he's gonna eat her pussy extra well.
Megan: So maybe a four and a half.
Steph: I think we're gonna, yeah, I think it gets bumped up solely for the extra well eating.
Steph: Oh my god.
Steph: Okay.
Megan: Bend me over the couch.
Megan: Oh god damn.
Steph: Yes.
Steph: This is, his words were just...
Megan: Such a dirty, dirty boy.
Steph: Such a dirty man with tight shorts.
Steph: I like to, and slutty glasses.
Steph: So I was just...
Megan: Oh my god.
Megan: I was...
Megan: I just imagined a more athletic Jude Law with the glasses from the holiday, of just braiding his daughter's hair with his sexy glasses and his tight shorts and muscly thighs.
Megan: And you're like...
Steph: Thank you.
Megan: Yes.
Steph: Dead.
Steph: Absolutely dead.
Steph: Do you know what's hilarious?
Steph: I was just thinking back, the last contemporary romance we covered was Bad Bishop.
Steph: So we think about Tiernan compared to Ansel.
Steph: You guys, we have a wide range of MMCs that we love.
Steph: We do.
Megan: We do.
Steph: Yeah.
Megan: I love them all.
Steph: Love them all.
Steph: For different reasons.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: So Chapter 16, we get some fingerfuckery in the tub.
Steph: He goes down on her in the bedroom.
Steph: This is like, I loved his, I don't know, what did you call this banter or dirty talk?
Steph: Give me those gorgeous eyes.
Steph: I want to see your face as I taste your orgasm.
Steph: And I was like, and she thinks holy mother of god, that's what I thought.
Steph: I was harder, not yet.
Steph: I'm so close.
Steph: Beg?
Steph: And I was like, I'm begging.
Steph: I'm begging.
Steph: Oh my god.
Steph: And then she's like, I don't know, I have no idea where this dominance is coming from, and I don't care.
Steph: Please Ansel, please.
Steph: And I was just like, holy shit, if this is chapter 16, this is like what I would say, entry-level spice for the book, right?
Steph: Cause like, you're usually your first one or two spicy scenes are typically a lot tamer.
Steph: Not always.
Steph: We've read books where like, like those three little words-
Megan: Chapter is a spicy scene, yeah.
Steph: Spicy scene, right?
Steph: It's a one-night stand, and it's hot.
Megan: Yeah.
Steph: But like most of the time, there's like a progression to it.
Steph: So I was like, oh my god, if we're, oh, he's making her beg already.
Megan: God damn.
Steph: God damn.
Megan: It's gonna be good.
Steph: I know.
Megan: So let me get Chapter 17, where Ansel fingerfucks Elodie in the hallway, and then she gives him a hand job.
Megan: Nice.
Megan: So, she raises an eyebrow and pumps me, her hand and mouth begging to move and sink as she wipes her thumb across the tip of my cock.
Megan: I'm coiled tight about to explode, and even though I know I shouldn't let this happen, it was supposed to be about her.
Megan: I can't find it in me to make her stop.
Megan: Her fucking mouth.
Megan: Jesus Christ.
Megan: She hums against my fingers, her tongue sliding between them as she grips my cock, and I explode, climaxing so hard that I see stars.
Megan: I grunt as I come, needing to so fucking badly roar and being utterly unable to do so, because they're in the foyer, by the way.
Steph: And there's a kid in the kitchen.
Megan: I know.
Megan: As I finish, as I finish panting so hard, it feels like I've just run a set of stadiums.
Megan: She pulls my fingers out of her mouth with a pop.
Megan: Good boy, she purrs.
Megan: And then she literally is just like, you should probably go change your clothes now.
Megan: And walks away.
Megan: You're welcome.
Megan: I'm like.
Steph: I was so proud of her in that moment because I was like, girl, look at you.
Megan: You've come to play.
Steph: Hey, hey, hey.
Steph: Yeah, well done.
Steph: Jeremy could never.
Megan: He could never.
Steph: No.
Steph: Okay, so Chapter 19, Ansel goes down, Elodie.
Steph: Her orgasm is close to good girl.
Steph: I praise her again, pressing as deep into her as I can.
Steph: Now come for me.
Steph:Like.
Steph:: Okay.
Steph:She's so fucking gorgeous, so unbelievably sexy as her as she shudders above me, her eyes wide and glassy, she inhales and loses a breath, a drowned out curse as she lets herself fall back onto the bed.
Steph: My god, Ansel.
Steph:And I was like.
Megan: I think he even like, there was a moment where she like laid down on the bed and he just like grabs her from the hips and just like pulls her all the way down to the edge.
Megan: Almost like when your gynecologist is like, can you scoot down a little bit closer?
Megan: But he's just like, I need you closer.
Megan: And you're like, oh my god, yes.
Megan: You're just like, I melted into the bed.
Megan: And yeah, uh-huh, yeah.
Steph:Yeah, mm-hmm.
Megan: You melt.
Megan: So then, Chapter 20.
Steph: Something melts.
Megan: Something melts, woo.
Megan: Chapter 20, Elodie gives Ansel a blowjob, and then they have sex.
Steph:This is my favorite part.
Megan:Now remember, I love this.
Megan: She's a good girl.
Megan: She doesn't say naughty things.
Steph: No.
Megan: But he teaches her how.
Megan: Say it, Elodie, he demands softly.
Megan: Tell me you want to suck my cock.
Megan: I swivel against him again, needing relief before murmuring, I want to suck your cock.
Megan: No whispers, sweetheart.
Megan: His hands dig into my hips.
Megan: Say it out loud.
Megan: I want to suck your cock.
Megan: I repeat.
Megan: I'm like, yes, girl.
Megan: Yes, say cock.
Megan: Because she even said blowjob.
Megan: And he's like, I don't think I've had anyone say blowjob since high school.
Megan: And she's like, right?
Megan: Oh, what do you say?
Megan: It's like, suck cock.
Megan: Suck the cock.
Megan: Be dirty.
Megan: Be a dirty girl.
Steph: Oh, it's so good.
Megan: Oh, so good.
Steph: Chapter 25, they have sex.
Steph: Ripping my mouth from her, I push her to the bed and crawl on after her, throwing her legs apart, diving between them.
Steph: She's already soaked, and I groaned as I taste, as her taste hits my tongue.
Steph:Ansel, fuck, now I need you now.
Steph: And I love it because, like, if you think about where she's come from, like he was making her bag and say what she wants.
Steph: And now she's like, fuck me now.
Megan: She's demanding it now.
Steph: Like she's demanding.
Steph: It's just so.
Megan: Yeah, she's like, I'm not going to beg.
Megan:I'm going to demand.
Megan: Yeah, I'm like, yes.
Megan: Good.
Megan: Chapter 26, where Elodie and Ansel have sex.
Megan: She's writing him slowly as he pushes the fabric up and sucks at my nipple again.
Megan: The sensation of bright, hot thing that brings me closer to the edge.
Megan: Then he shoves a hand down my shorts, finding my clit and pressing onto it.
Megan: I hitch a breath, letting my forehead rest on his head as sensations threaten to overwhelm me.
Megan: And I'm getting overwhelmed too.
Megan: He laughs softly, pulling off my breast and tugging my mouth to his tongue, thrusting into my mouth hot and wet as his free hand wraps around my ass.
Megan: He holds me in place as his hips rise, pushing him deeper into me.
Megan: Fuck, I let out.
Megan: Again, she doesn't curse a whole lot.
Megan: So she's like...
Steph:It's getting there.
Steph:Only during sex.
Megan: But you know what?
Megan: There's learning curve, and she is on board.
Steph:She is.
Steph: Chapter 27, Ansel goes down on Elodie.
Steph: I think this is after Rosalie came bursting into the room.
Steph: What theory is that?
Steph: The one where I test out yet again, how good you are at staying so quiet, the kid down the hall has no idea you're coming.
Steph: And she's like, Ansel, don't you...
Steph: Oh, and then he's going down on her, and so she can no longer speak.
Steph: And I was just like...
Steph: And she's like, of course I can be quiet in her head, but it's not that easy.
Steph: It really isn't if it's being done right.
Megan: It's always fun trying to figure out a way to have sex when the kids are at the home and you're like...
Steph: Yeah.
Megan: Hmm.
Megan: But you can make it work.
Megan: You can make it work.
Megan: So in Chapter 30, there's mentions of them having sex in the bedroom and in the shower before the gala, which I'm like, I wish I had more details on that, please.
Megan: Thank you.
Megan: Love a good shower sex scene.
Megan: Then Chapter 32, Ansel goes down on Elodie and then bends her over the couch and fucks her.
Megan: Oh god.
Megan: She blinks slowly.
Megan: Her already glassy eyes, shiny with satisfaction.
Megan: And what's next?
Megan: Next, I'm going to bend you over that couch.
Megan: I'm going to bury myself so deep in you and fuck you so hard that neither one of us will ever recover.
Megan: A feline grin crosses her face.
Megan: Sounds perfect.
Megan: Yes, please.
Megan: And then you just have Chapter 40, mention of Ansel and Elodie having sex.
Megan: Again, always want more.
Megan: Chapter 41, Ansel and Elodie have sex again.
Megan: He says, I'm going to take you like this forever, Elodie.
Megan: He slams into me, and I moan at the pleasure of it.
Megan: Fuck this pussy.
Megan: You're so tight around me.
Megan: I squeeze him and he curses, starting to lose the rhythm.
Megan: And it's exactly what I want.
Megan: I want him undone.
Megan: Feral, as wild with love as I am.
Megan: I grip his jaw, and his eyes meet mine again.
Megan: Fuck me, Ansel.
Megan: I want to feel you so deep inside me, I scream.
Steph: And he does.
Steph: And don't we all?
Megan: And oh my god, I'm a rugby fan.
Megan: Can you imagine those thighs?
Steph: Right?
Megan: The limit does not exist.
Megan: They can go.
Megan: There's endurance for days.
Steph: That's what I was thinking.
Steph: There has to be.
Megan: Oh my god.
Steph: Like, I mean, if you think about the thighs and the hip thrusting.
Steph: That's a workout.
Megan: And she keeps being like, every time he does pick her up, she's like, I'm not too heavy for you.
Megan: But she's like, please, you're a feather.
Megan: Like, come on.
Megan: Yes.
Megan: He's like, honey, I benched five times your weight.
Megan: Like, come on.
Megan: And I'm like, uh-huh.
Steph: Okay.
Megan: Take me on yours.
Steph: Right?
Megan: Absolutely.
Megan: That's why we love this book.
Steph: It was so good.
Steph: Okay.
Steph: In terms of what's next, if you enjoyed this book, we think you'll also love the rugby romance Red Card by Maren Moore.
Steph: We're also very personally excited to read Bad Boy Era by Amy Daws that's going to feature a rugby player.
Steph: It's coming out in May.
Steph: Cannot wait.
Steph: If you're into football romance, highly suggest checking out Only in Your Dreams and Only Between Us by Ellie K. Wild
Steph: Other great football romances are Bright Lights and Summer Nights by Kat Singleton and Everything in Between by Aria Harding.
Megan: And then join us next week when we dive into the world of contemporary romance again, and we discuss The Marriage Bet by Olivia Hale.
Megan: Happy reading, everybody.
Steph: Happy reading.
Steph: Thanks for listening to Late Night Reads.
Steph: Don't forget to follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook at Late Night Reads Podcast, and check out latenightreads.com for even more information about all the books we're reading.
Steph: If you loved today's episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast, and share the show with your fellow book lovers.
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