I have had this one on my kindle since before it was released and wonder what took me so long to finally read it. After all I read all the other books in this series. It seems the entire team is in some type of polyamorous relationship and now roommates Tom and Danny are hooking up with Carmina who is Sam's best friend. She is an Army buddy who was injured in the same IED accident he was but she has sustained brain trauma that has effected her speech. She really does not have a hard time talking to Tom who puts her at ease but and Danny who she has had a crush on and looks at her with such intensity. Will these three figure out their issues and be able to make it work together or will their fear keep them apart.

This one can be read as a standalone.

I heard about Samantha Kane's books from another reader friend, who called them her "guilty pleasure". Well, I agree with that, mostly. This book was definitely a pleasure, but I don't feel the slightest bit guilty! I was already looking forward to some steamy scenes, but I wasn't anticipating the depth of emotion, and the moments of levity. This isn't just an erotic novel with a ridiculous plot. It's a romance novel with some excellent sex, real and flawed characters, and a story you really fall into. I think I might just go ahead and add all of Kane's back-list to my Amazon cart!
4 stars

I had issues with how the characters dealt with their sexuality in this one, and it started to seem like some of the wording was coding for sex shaming, and while that can appear in a character if it isn't handled carefully it just doesn't work and I don't think it worked in this one for me. Which makes me sad because I've overall enjoyed this series.

This book wasn't my favorite in this series. Tom was perfectly likable, but I didn't like Danny as much. I get that he was burdened by his past and fighting his desires, but it felt like he fought them too hard and it took away from the story. Carmina was perfectly likable, but something about her personality bugged me. I think they played up her disability more than was necessary. I feel like it took too long to get the trio portion of the relationship going and then it was instant love. This one only gets 3.5 stars.

MISCONDUCT - Samantha Kane

#4 in the Birmingham Rebels sports romance series

HOT! - 4 stars

Plot - 4 stars - Carmina is struggling to get back to normal after her traumatic brain injury in Afghanistan. One of her problems is her inability to have an orgasm. So she decides to find a man to help. Luckily for her, Tom is her fantasy, and he's willing to help. Then his friend and roommate Danny comes along and helps save the day.

Writing - 4 stars - Kane has created a good team of players that are rough and tough, but still having hearts and feelings. Her characters are warm and loving, but they still are in-charge types of guys without being over-the-top alphas. The women are strong professionals that are willing to be controlled.

Characters - 4.5 stars - This is where the story shone for me.
These three characters are a strong combination of independent and caring and hot! Although their lifestyles (and sex lives) are foreign to me, I love how they accept their choices among themselves and keep it to themselves as much as possible. Their camaraderie was fun, and their serious conversations had depth. I loved Tom (as does everyone else) because of his boyish charm and silliness, yet his strength in the bedroom was the perfect way to add to his sexiness. Danny has gotten a reputation for being a tough guy, but his anger issues have to deal with his keeping his feelings inside about his past. He's a sweetheart, but it was somewhat frustrating to watch his struggle with his feelings when all he should have done is let them out in a healthy way. Caring for Carmina and letting himself be cared for by Tom was just perfect for him, and it tied the group together perfectly.

Title - 4 stars - Good title. There was quite a bit of misconduct in this book, actually, both the sexual kind (that many would consider deviant) and the actual game kind (at that final climactic game of the regular season).

Cover - 3.5 stars - Nothing wrong with looking at a set of sexy naked male abs, although it's typical of this genre.. The football uniform tells us what type of romance we're going to read. So it's a win for me.

Overall - 4 stars - An excellent end to what's been a very enjoyable series. Each story has been a bit different as far as the relationships go, and each trio has worked together to build their togetherness to meet their needs. She did a great job of showing that these 3-way situations can be normal and loving, just like more mainstream couples. And, boy, does she know how to write a hot sex scene! I thought Kane did a great job of dealing with Carmina's TBI and loved that so many of the other characters had such understanding and patience with her. Kane also included the fact that many people do not understand such injuries, although she didn't dwell on it. All in all, this was a very good ending to what has been a very good series.

Samantha Kane does an excellent job at realistic MMF romances. She is able to craft a believable relationship between three people. I'm really enjoying this series.

Thank you so much for the opportunity to review this book and to be an early reader via NetGalley! However, I will not be writing a review for this title at this time, as my reading preferences have since changed somewhat. In the event that I decide to review the book in the future, I will make sure to purchase a copy for myself or borrow it from a library. Once again, thank you so much for providing me with early access to this title. I truly appreciate it. Please feel free to contact me with any follow-up questions or concerns.

If I've learned anything, it's that Samantha Kane not only writes amazing sports romance, but she writes amazing mfm romance.
The scenes feel so real, they are written perfectly, you connect with each character--their struggles, their wants, their desires.
And that's always a beautiful thing.

Is the book hot AF? Most definitely.
Is the book realistic? Sure, why not.
But omg, the book is one that will have you turning the pages faster than you ever imagined. Tom, Danny, and Carmina are perfect for each other. You'll pull for them from the get-go.

And you'll want more of these Rebels. You'll want all of these books and more.

I loved this book! It's super hot. Sports romance...yes always yes. Thanks for the Arc Netgalley and to the publisher

MORE! MORE! MORE! I neeeeed more!

Oh my gosh! This book, these characters.. fantastic It was so good. From the beginning to the end was perfection that I couldn't get enough of.

I absolutely adored this book, which was both a bit of a delightful surprise and the first step in laying a foundation of affection for everything that comes after this!

The Birmingham Rebels isn’t a series for the faint hearted or the shy and easily offended. No this is a series that is about love and lust in its basest and plainest form - no matter who the other person is. So it’s not about a boy and a girl falling in love and living happily ever after. These books are about girls falling in love with boys and boys falling in love with boys and girls and two boys loving one girl and each other. I have been following this series from the beginning and even though I am not a huge fan of multiple partners and polyamory, I have to admit that Samantha Kane sure knows how to make the best of it and leave you blushing and fantasising in the process ;) and “Misconduct”, in my opinion, is the best book of the series yet.

Tom Kelly, the rookie running back for the Birmingham Rebels, has been busy not only on the field, but also off it as he has been experiencing all that his new fame has to offer. Discovering his sexuality has opened up a whole new world of opportunities for him. And yet, he wants something deeper and there are only two people that he can imagine having a deeper and committed relationship with. His best friend and roommate Danny Smith and Carmina de la Cruz, the army veteran who happens to be his teammate Sam’s best friend. But it seems that that option will only live in his fantasies- or can it possibly come true?

Carmine de la Cruz, lost more than just her friends in that blast in Afghanistan. She also lost a part of her memories and her speech. She is in therapy and has regained most of her speech back, but there is still something that alludes her- an orgasm. She has her fantasies, but knows that she needs the real thing to make her dreams come true.

Danny Smith experienced a kinky side of sex once and though he denies it with his whole being, he knows that he needs that to be truly satisfied. And he also knows that there is one person who can help him unleash his true self. All he has to do now is accept it and have the perfect relationship.

I know the premise of this book sounds a little far fetched and very unconventional, but you really feel the struggle that the characters have with themselves and with accepting their true natures. Usually in these kinds of books the writer only likes to show the sexy side of these relationships- the fantasy side and you never get to see the beginning and how hard it is to not only come to terms with this side of oneself, but to also accept and embrace it. Samantha Kane does a great job of not only giving us the fantasy but also marking it believable and human. Great read for all fans of romance who love a little fantasy and wildness in their love scenes!!!

I can't get enough of Samantha Kane!! I have read every book she has and can't wait for the next ones. Misconduct is no exception...great characters, great story, fun and definitely hot! This is definitely a series you want to pick up.

I couldn't get through this one, I tried many times but I couldn't .I didn't like it and the characters were simply ok.

Another super sexy Birmingham Rebels book from Samantha Kane! I can hardly wait to see which football play falls in love next!

Misconduct is my favorite Samantha Kane book so far, keep em coming!

I loved this book and I love this series.

On the believability scale, I’m giving it a two. I can’t see these situations happening in real life or playing out the way the author depicts. I can’t see people making such life altering decisions so quickly and making peace with them so easily. In my opinion, not realistic in the least.

That being said, if I wanted believable, I’d read non-fiction. This was over-the-top, kinky sexy, melt-in-your mouth men engaging in all kinds of naughty play with the women they fall for. The sex, the athletes, the brotherhood, I just can’t get enough of it.

Danny, Carmina and Tom are no exception. We’ve met all of these people before and know their issues. For Carmina, it’s recovering from a traumatic brain injury and fighting to have people see her as the able person she is, not a recovering patient. For Danny, it’s struggling with past actions and past guilt that he needs to let himself release, and for Tom, the realization that he wants more than just a good time with a lot of nameless, faceless different people. It was sweet to see them all come together emotionally, as individual couples and a threesome, and it was smolderingly hot to read about the details!

I especially found the pseudo-BDSM aspect to be very interesting. It was not flat out physical bondage and domination. Rather, it was seeing Tom realize his dominant side and his desire to care for those he loved. He watched, he analyzed and he acted upon what he felt his lovers needed most, and he gained the most pleasures out of giving them what they needed. It seems odd to describe it in this manner, but I found his evolution, especially in the youngest of this threesome, to be touching and…well…sweet.

While all of the Birmingham Rebel’s stories are stand alone, I believe they are better if read in order. It gives a better picture of what is going on and all of the past characters are brought back in some manner, so it’s nice to see how they’re doing.

If you’re looking for a deep, realistic story, you may want to keep walking. But if you’re looking for a dirty, kinky, stay up late story, look no further.

Misconduct by Samantha Kane
Book #4: Birmingham Rebels Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:


Carmina de la Cruz knows exactly what she wants from life, to be normal. For most, being normal isn’t all that hard, but for Carmina, normal is a monumental challenge when you consider the traumatic injuries she suffered while serving in the Army. With a lot of therapy (physical and emotional) and the help of a few close friends, Carmina has improved dramatically and is looking to move forward with her life. First up, getting laid . . . . .

Tom Kelly knows exactly who is and what he wants. He’s having a banner year with the Rebels and if the media is to be believed, he’s the man all the men and women want. To be fair, since discovering and accepting his bisexuality, Tom has had one hell of a time exploring and experimenting, but what he really wants is a long-term committed relationship that involves himself, Carmina, and his best-friend and teammate, Danny Smith. Two problems: 1) Tom’s not at all sure Carmina wants anything to do with him and; 2) Danny adamantly refuses to admit he enjoyed being with another man the one and only time he tried it. Obstacles!

Danny Smith doesn’t quite know who he is, but he’s a bit clearer on who he wants and that’s Carmina de la Cruz. Make no mistake, Danny isn’t looking for long-term and committed, but a quick, sexy shower in which both walk away totally clean from getting super dirty, would be amazing. Trouble is, that dirty shower may cost Danny his best-friend and a potential friendship with Carmina. Oh well, it’s all about living in the moment, right?

Even with all the drama they’ve seen their teammates and friends go through, Tom, Carmina, and Danny seem to want to make a go of their incredibly messy situation. There are so many instances of hurt feelings and little betrayals, it almost seems as if an HEA is going to be out of the question. However, with patience, determination, and a lot of communication (whether Danny wants it or not!) the trio makes their way toward each other and into a situation that expands boundaries as much as it provides a great sense of happiness and contentment for all.

The Bottom Line: You want to know what I love best about this series?? The fact that nearly every member of the Birmingham Rebels is just the tiniest bit kinky and willing to take a chance when it comes to their love lives. Carmina, Tom, and Danny may be the most disparate trio to come out of the Birmingham Rebels series and that made the road to their HEA all the better. Though there are a great number of obstacles for Carmina and Danny to overcome (emotionally and physically), Tom is the guiding force in the group, and despite his own hurt feelings (at times) he is able to see the awesome potential of their relationship and lead everyone to a mutually satisfying and loving relationship. Misconduct really is a very satisfying read and it’s good to see the series isn’t losing any of its strength as the series continues.

This was my first book by Samantha Kane and it was a very nice surprise. While I was originally attracted to the cover, I came to find that I really enjoyed this author's writing style. The romance between out characters was both realistic and fun, causing me to LOL many times! I read this book in just one sitting, and paid the next day at work! Will look for more from this author in the future!
4 stars

This story was a miss for me this time around. I am a fan of the author and will continue to read her work in the future.