Delay of Game (Owning the Game, book one)

Jessie Lane knows football.

From the penalties and play calls to the sweaty, muscular players decked out in their protective shoulder pads and tight-fitting spandex pants, there's nothing about the sport she doesn't love. For the last eight years, Jessie's been in the replay booth as a backup referee, studying plays and taking notes, yearning for the opportunity to one day take the field as an official NFL referee. When one of the Special Seven refs has a family emergency three weeks into the season, Jessie's dream is about to become a reality. As one of only two women to make it as an official referee on Game Day Sunday, Jessie's confident this is where she's meant to be.

Until she stumbles upon Chance Coker, defensive end for the Carolina Cougars.

Chance Coker lives and breathes football.

It's been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. Chance's energy stems from the game-changing tackles and record-setting stats he continues to put up each week. At the peak of his career, his focus is right where it needs to be. But when he meets a gorgeous blonde the night before one of his big games and then sees her again on the sideline right before game time, Chance's attention is suddenly on more than just football. Add in that she's a few years older than him, not to mention off-limits, Chance is determined to find out more about the woman in the black and white striped uniform standing on the side of the field.

Will Jessie give in to Chance's attempts to get to know her? Will the two of them risk their careers for a shot at falling in love?