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emotional
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to Atria Books, Ellie K Wilde, and NetGalley for the arc copy of this book. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Brooks Atwood, an ex pro football player, is working on his comeback to the NFL after a 2 year retirement due to a bad concussion. Currently coaching for the UOB Huskies football team, he is on the field one day when he intercepts a pass from hitting a random woman on the field, who isn't supposed to be there. Insert Siena Pippen, who did in fact sneak onto the field with her best friend, but is determined to lie her way out of the situation. Siena tells Brooks that she works for the Huskies social media team and needs photos of the field, so he takes her to the coaches box. Needless to say, after finding themselves locked in said coaches box, Siena posts a selfie of the pair to social media as a last ditch effort to convince Brooks of her story. The photo quickly goes viral and the pair find themselves in quite the entanglement.
At the insistence of Brooks' manager, Brooks begs Siena to be his fake girlfriend. The Rebels, the football team he is desperately trying to get resigned with, are not fond of the image Brooks created for himself during retirement. After being cheated on and leaving his dream job, Brooks fell into a deep depression and images of his many hookups with several different women are all over the internet. The Rebels employ family oriented players, so Brooks needs Siena to recreate his image and prove he has changed.
Siena is hesitant at first. After being accused of seeking Brooks out and him essentially calling her a gold digger, she doesn't like him at all. The last thing she wants to do is pretend date him, but soon she realizes she can greatly benefit from the perks of dating famous Brooks Atwood. Her family owned bait shop needs 10k in repairs, her car just took a crap, and her rent is increasing. Their rumored relationship is already bringing brand deals her way, and she cannot deny the money. They agree to a fake relationship and boundaries are set. But the more they hang out, the blurrier the lines become.
This book is hot, point blank. The spice is spicin', the relationship building is ridiculously sweet, and the characters are so wholesome my heart hurts. Brooks and Siena are honest and vulnerable with their personal struggles and trust issues. It's refreshing to have a MMC with those qualities who is down BAD for his girl. I love a good sports romance and fake dating book, and Ellie really knows how to write a good one. Can't wait for the next book!
Brooks Atwood, an ex pro football player, is working on his comeback to the NFL after a 2 year retirement due to a bad concussion. Currently coaching for the UOB Huskies football team, he is on the field one day when he intercepts a pass from hitting a random woman on the field, who isn't supposed to be there. Insert Siena Pippen, who did in fact sneak onto the field with her best friend, but is determined to lie her way out of the situation. Siena tells Brooks that she works for the Huskies social media team and needs photos of the field, so he takes her to the coaches box. Needless to say, after finding themselves locked in said coaches box, Siena posts a selfie of the pair to social media as a last ditch effort to convince Brooks of her story. The photo quickly goes viral and the pair find themselves in quite the entanglement.
At the insistence of Brooks' manager, Brooks begs Siena to be his fake girlfriend. The Rebels, the football team he is desperately trying to get resigned with, are not fond of the image Brooks created for himself during retirement. After being cheated on and leaving his dream job, Brooks fell into a deep depression and images of his many hookups with several different women are all over the internet. The Rebels employ family oriented players, so Brooks needs Siena to recreate his image and prove he has changed.
Siena is hesitant at first. After being accused of seeking Brooks out and him essentially calling her a gold digger, she doesn't like him at all. The last thing she wants to do is pretend date him, but soon she realizes she can greatly benefit from the perks of dating famous Brooks Atwood. Her family owned bait shop needs 10k in repairs, her car just took a crap, and her rent is increasing. Their rumored relationship is already bringing brand deals her way, and she cannot deny the money. They agree to a fake relationship and boundaries are set. But the more they hang out, the blurrier the lines become.
This book is hot, point blank. The spice is spicin', the relationship building is ridiculously sweet, and the characters are so wholesome my heart hurts. Brooks and Siena are honest and vulnerable with their personal struggles and trust issues. It's refreshing to have a MMC with those qualities who is down BAD for his girl. I love a good sports romance and fake dating book, and Ellie really knows how to write a good one. Can't wait for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Stalking, Sexual harassment
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Listen to me. I didn't think this book would get me like it did but it GOT ME. I was expecting regular, run of the mill sports romance. I read this entire book in a DAY. I've read a lot of romance novels recently and I was expecting the formula to be followed. And don't get me wrong, the narrative was pretty par for the course when it comes to romance.
There was insta-lust and the characters did fall in love quickly. However, I think that Siena's reservations and reasons for those reservations were extremely valid. Her backstory was unique, not just a "my ex cheated and now I'm sworn off football players". I like that neither one of the main characters compromised what they wanted for the other, but rather made a mature decision and TALKED. This book actually made me shed a tear which is extremely rare so props to Ms. Wilde.
I think the side characters were fun and unique too. Shyla and Rosie were adorable, and it's not often you see military wife rep in a book like this, which was nice. And Summer and Parker? Ma'am PLEASE let that be the next book in line! I am SAT and SIGNED UP for their novel!! I totally called that they were in love and um Parker is...whew. I can't say anything PG so I will have to move on.
5/5 for me!
There was insta-lust and the characters did fall in love quickly. However, I think that Siena's reservations and reasons for those reservations were extremely valid. Her backstory was unique, not just a "my ex cheated and now I'm sworn off football players". I like that neither one of the main characters compromised what they wanted for the other, but rather made a mature decision and TALKED. This book actually made me shed a tear which is extremely rare so props to Ms. Wilde.
I think the side characters were fun and unique too. Shyla and Rosie were adorable, and it's not often you see military wife rep in a book like this, which was nice. And Summer and Parker? Ma'am PLEASE let that be the next book in line! I am SAT and SIGNED UP for their novel!! I totally called that they were in love and um Parker is...whew. I can't say anything PG so I will have to move on.
5/5 for me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Child abuse, Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Stalking, Sexual harassment