Beautiful Game

Stag Brothers, Book 5

De: Lainey Davis

Narrado por: Nikola Muckajev

Everything comes at a cost. Is love worth the price?

Hawk Moyer has it all: fame, fortune…the only thing missing from the pro athlete’s life is family. Half his identity is a mystery, and after a transfer to Pittsburgh’s soccer team, he’s determined to solve the secret of his origins. He just needs to stay focused on his game in the mean time.

The only problem? He met a woman who’s not that into him…and he can’t get her out of his head.

Lucy Nelson has everything to lose. She finally broke free from her son’s abusive father and is working to build a future that can’t be taken away. She’s got priorities, and they don’t include a cocky soccer player, no matter how charming. As far as Lucy’s concerned, he’s only good for one thing.

But Hawk’s a mid-fielder. He’s used to playing offense and defense, and he’s not afraid of Lucy’s baggage, especially with backup from a trio of brothers he didn’t know he had. Can Hawk convince Lucy he’s a team player? Will she ever trust him to be there for her amidst her custody chaos?

Beautiful Game is the fifth book of the Stag Brothers series, a stand-alone contemporary romance with crackling tension and sizzling passion. If you love meddling side characters, secret siblings and workplace romance, you’ll swoon for the Stag Brothers and the women they weren’t expecting to love.

©2022 Lainey Davis (P)2024 Lainey Davis

Single Moms deserve all the happiness

Book 5 in the series it stands alone perfectly. If you're like me and this is your first venture into the Stag Brothers world, you will have no issues following along. You can tell there's background and more story to understand but you will never be lost, just left with the desire to explore more of the back list.

Lucy is a single mom who got herself and her son away from her excessively controlling ex. She now is very sensitive to trusting others. Enter an amazing group of women who invite her to play soccer and she builds friendships, a new network of people she can ask for help (not that she ever wants to) and who help her rebuild her life in the most amazing way.

Hawk is the son of a single mom who won't tell him anything about his father. He's a pro soccer player who has been traded to the city he never wanted to play in. It's his first hometown and around any corner could be the man who gave him half his DNA. Though his mother's story is different from Lucy's he still finds a lot of empathy for her. He wants to spend time with her, he wants to help her even though he doesn't know all the details of what is going on.

Together, Lucy and Hawk find ways to build trust with each other and with those around them, including Hawk's newly discovered bio family complete with 3 big brothers who will meddle in his life and support his plans to help gain Lucy's trust and her heart.

The audiobook for this story was performed by Nikola Muckajev. The story is told in dual POV but with only one narrator it gives it more of a cast feel since the voices are consistent through the whole book. Nikola does a great job of presenting both Hawk and Lucy's voices (dialog and internal narration) and the emotions he pulled were great. Frustration, fear, joy, reluctance, passion.... it was all there. And I have to comment him for all the kid voices. Lucy's son is 4 and makes friends early on with twin boys. Then we start to bring in all of Hawk's newfound nephews.... I'm a sucker for a well performed kid voice and I was not disappointed here.

Fantastic Story & Listen🎧 Gripping & Heartfelt!

Lainey Davis pens another fabulous sports romance novel and surprises us with another amazing Stag brother. If you are new to the Stag brothers series, no worries, it is a standalone, though I highly recommend the books in the series which are available in a box set for your reading and/or listening pleasure and what a pleasure they are. Hawk Moyer is a professional soccer ball player who was just traded to the last city he wanted to play in, Pittsburgh. Brought up by a single Mom who never revealed who his father was, the only thing he knows is that he was from Pittsburgh. But this team, The Forge, is trying to make a better name for themselves and he plans to do just that and make them shine. The only good thing that came out of Lucy Nelson’s marriage was her son, Wyatt, she may have gotten away from her abusive husband, but he is not letting her go and continues to make her life a living hell. She worries about her son when he visits him and her worst fears came to fruition, a good samaritan rescued Wyatt from a dangerous situation, that good samaritan, Patty, became good friends with Lucy too. Lucy worked with athletes before and when a new job opportunity comes her way, she jumps on it and becomes the new strength and conditioning coach for the Forge. Hawk felt an attraction to Lucy the moment he laid eyes on her, but she is not ready to get involved with another man, regardless of of how she feels about him or that the chemistry between them is sizzling hot. I thought these two were great together and for each other, they just got each other, and he was understanding about her struggles as a single mom and wanted to help her deal with her abusive ex-husband. And the way he learns who is his father and that he has brothers was priceless, the way the Stags handled it was too, you got to love those guys. I loved how everything played out in book, it is a beautifully written and plotted story with plenty of drama, heartfelt and emotional moments, charming and heartwarming moments and a romance to be remembered. Lainey Davis, thank you for another wonderful story and emotional rollercoaster ride.

🎧📚🎧 And for the fabulous narration, Lainey Davis chose the perfect narrator to bring her characters and their story to life. Nikola Mucajev is a talented narrator and versatile voice artists, he does an amazing job covering the voices for all the characters, giving each their own distinct sound, making it easy to follow and tell who is who. He has a complete understanding of the characters he is portraying, gives each a voice that suits the character’s persona to a tee, sounding believable in every role he plays and just as I picture to character to sound. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures all the characters’ emotions and projects them into his performance. Nikola Muckajev is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen.

A soccer star’s moving journey to find love and the missing pieces of his family tree

Beautiful Game is book 5 in the Stag Brothers series by Lainey Davis. Although it would have enhanced the story to have read the other books in the series first, I got enough of a background of the entire Stag family to thoroughly enjoy Beautiful Game. Book 5 focuses on soccer star Hawk Moyer. We get Hawk’s path to find love as well as the missing pieces of his own family tree.

In addition to the author being new to me, this was the first time I listened to narrator Nikola Muckajev. He is terrific here. He has such a smooth and soothing voice and does a great job giving each character a distinctive voice.

Ms. Davis gives Muckajev so much to work with in this emotional story. Hawk has been recently traded to Pittsburgh. So naturally the one woman who has caught his attention is hired by the team as their fitness coach. Their chemistry is off the charts and Hawk is determined to pursue Lucy. Lucy is a single mom who has just come out of an abusive relationship. What I loved here is how Hawk understands her hesitancy to jump into a new relationship and respects her need to take things slow. He is willing to take his time with her and adapt to her pace so that she feels safe and cherished which is beautiful to watch unfold. I also loved how quickly he took to Lucy’s son, Wyatt. Wyatt is her world and Hawk doesn’t hesitate at all in embracing him and playing the role of protector of both him and his mom.

In addition to the love story, a big part of the book is Hawk’s own need for answers to questions he has always had about his father. His mother raised him alone and has been unwilling to discuss who his father is. His journey to get the answers he needs isn’t an easy one but in the end it’s well worth it when he finally has the family he has always longed for.

All in all, Beautiful Game was a very enjoyable story and I look forward to more from both the author, Lainey Davis, as well as narrator Nikola Muckajev.

Good Steamy Romance

Lucy a single mother and Hawk is a pro soccer player. They meet at a soccer game and sparks fly. Hawk's dealing with finding out who his father is. Lucy's dealing with custody issues. These two are so well written for each other. I like all the characters and the narrators voice just fit so good. The steamy parts didn't even bother me. I'm so glad a found another new to me author, I love it. Since this is book five I had to go back and listen to the other four, maybe Lainey's other books too.

Heartfelt sports romance

Lainey Davis is a new to me author and it will not be the last book I read that is written by her. “Beautiful Game” is a story about second chances and finding yourself again after having to start over.

Hawk Moyer is a star soccer player and has been just traded to a new team. The team he has been to has had some recent problems but they are looking to turn it around. Lucy is new in town after divorcing her husband who had put her son’s life in danger. She’s also the newest coach on the team. A relationship is the last thing she needs but the chemistry they have can’t be denied.

I loved the plot of this story. Hawk grew up not knowing who his father was and coming to the new team, allowed him to find the parts of his family tree that were missing. Hawk starts out as the overconfident athlete and his genuine personality wanting to help Lucy wins you over. Lucy was so strong with everything she was dealing with. Lucy went through some terrible things and was doing everything she could to change her future. I loved every interaction between Hawk and Lucy’s son, Wyatt. It was so adorable the bond the two formed.

Nikola Muckajev narrated this book solo and I loved his narration. The story is told from both Lucy and Hawk’s POV. It threw me off for a second that a man was narrating Lucy’s part but he did an amazing job at portraying Lucy. He was a new to me narrator and I’m looking forward to listening to more books narrated by him.

Sweet Single Mom Romance

Pour a glass of wine, grab the Kleenex and snuggle up for this emotionally-charged sports romance! This is my first book by Lainey Davis, and it definitely won’t be my last! The Soccer star and the Single mom. Traded to a team marred by scandal, Hawk Moyer reluctantly adjusts to life and soccer in a new city. Lucy Nelson is struggling to distance herself from her abusive ex and delinquent father to her young son, Wyatt. Temps rise and sparks fly when the growly soccer star meets the sweet, shy single mom! Can “Hawk the hottie” break down her walls and show her what a kind, thoughtful, stable man is like?

From their first meeting to the epilogue, the evolution of Lucy & Hawk’s relationship was a joy to read. Their friendship and romance is beautiful on and off the field. I love that Lainey wrote a heroine in pro sports! Lucy holds her own and squashes any skepticism buzzing about her abilities in a male-dominated field. The natural and respectful way Hawk approaches a relationship with Wyatt is endearing. Lainey Davis writes big family romance wonderfully. Although this is book five in a series, i didn’t feel lost or like I was missing something for a second. Although, I am utterly intrigued by the Stag family and can’t wait to read the rest of their HEAs. Lainey’s characters are warm, genuine, and all flow in and out of the story nicely. Beautiful Game is about second chances, found family, fiercely strong women, and fighting for what you love. Lainey shows us the beauty that can come from accepting a helping hand and building a community you can rely on.

Nikola Muckajev is a new-to-me narrator and I really enjoyed his voice! He has great pacing and cadence. The way he brought the growly, seductive soccer star to life was masterful. Beautiful game has quite a few emotionally raw moments. Nikola performed them perfectly. There were a couple instances when I couldn’t tell whether he was voicing Lucy or Hawk, but overall he crushed this performance. I’ll be seeking out more books he’s narrated. If you’re in the mood for a heartwarming, steamy year-jerker romance audio, grab Beautiful Game! You’ll fall in love with Lucy & Hawk and the whole Stag family.

Stag Brothers book 5 - stand alone

This is book 5 in Davis' Stag Brothers series and I loved this read / listen! This is the first book in the series I've gotten and it can be read / listened to as a stand alone. Narration by Nikola Muckajev was perfectly done and able to change pitch and tone for our two main characters - Hawk and Lucy beautifully. I love the push pull these two have from the very beginning. Hawk is a well known soccer player traded to a city he doesn't want to be in and has instant chemistry with Lucy - a single mom who is struggling to come to grips with her past mistakes. This book has the perfect balance of sweet, steam and humor - oh how I adore these Stag brothers now and want to know everything I can about them. I adore their dynamic! Well done all around and I can't wait for more!!!

I received a free copy of this book at my request and I voluntarily provided this review.

Beautiful Game 🖤🖤

Beautiful Game is Book 5 of the Stage Brother Series by Lainey Davis. Lucy is a single mom of an adorable toddler, Wyatt. While Lucy struggles to leave an abusive relationship, fight for custody, and find herself - She also finds Hawk. Hawk, famous soccer player in a new city, new team and working on his own issues.
This is my first audio with Nikola Muckajev. I will say while I wasn't automatically sold, by chapter 2 I was looking up other books Nikola narrated. I will be listening to more for sure.
I really enjoyed this book, it wasn't your typical single mom looking for a rich guy to complete the family story. Lucy was strong, she overcame everything that was thrown at her and she thrived through it. I really loved watching Lucy and Wyatt grow. Hawk wasn't without issues of his own. WIth his past he was able to find ways to help Lucy without overstepping.
Also - How Wyatt greeted Hawk was the best!

second chances

Hawk is determined to play his best soccer in Pittsburg, even if the identity of his absent father threatens to blow his focus. Lucy has a new job and she needs to keep it to raise her son alone, while waiting the trial against her abusive ex-partner. When Hawk and Lucy first met, the attraction is instinct but now they work together and Lucy has everything to lose if she gets involved with Hawk. Can they fight their feeling while trying to solve their own problems? An steamy love story about family, second chances and new beginnings. The audiobook is great. Nikola is a great narrator and he makes the characters and their feelings very real.

Love Hawk and Lucy

The narrators were fantastic! Really brought this story to life. This is a beautifully written story of a single mother trying to protect her child and rebuild her life after getting free from an abusive man. In the process she meets Hawk and sparks fly from first meet. Hawk helps Lucy in many ways while dealing with his own life challenges. Very realistic and easy to relate to. The Stag brothers bring them into the family fold and from there life only gets better for Hawk, Lucy and her son. A definite roller coaster of events brings out so many emotions from one minute to the next. Love this book. A must read.