Book excerpt: Shatter the slipper. Spit out the apple. Fall for The Beast. All-star linebacker Cole Hawthorne is a beast on the field, destroying offenses one broken quarterback at a time. Though he's a gifted athlete, his violent reputation makes him a liability to his team and a villain in the league.As Cole's agent, it's my responsibility to convince the brooding loner that being traded is better than getting banished from the game. If he loses his contract, this single mom is out of a job. So, it's up to me to tame the beast.But the closer I get to the ferocious monster, the harder I fall for the passionate man underneath. He's crude and charming. Tough and sweet. Dangerous...but even he can't resist my baby's giggle. Denying my feelings might protect my heart, but the trading deadline is closing in. When Cole reveals the dirty truth about the trade, I can't let the league rip us apart. Do I save my career...or do I protect a man who deserves a happily ever after?Maybe no one can love a beast...But they haven't met Cole Hawthorne.