Reviews - First Down | The StoryGraph

3.42k reviews for:

First Down

Grace Reilly

3.55 AVERAGE

kadestacey's review against another edition

5.0

loved this book.

nsousa's review against another edition

2.5

medium-paced

I hated it. I hate the lack of communication trope, this is not enemies to lovers at all :/

nguyenkristine's review against another edition

4.0

funny lighthearted fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

First Down, this one snuck up on me in the best way. I went in expecting a fun, flirty, YA football romance, and what I got was so much more. This might actually be one of my favorite football romances I’ve read so far. It hit all the right notes — the banter, the spice (way spicier than I expected and I was not mad about it), the slow build — all of it was exactly what I crave from a sports romance.

The dynamic between James and Bex is everything. He’s charming, confident, and clearly dealing with some pressure and expectations — and she’s no-nonsense, clever, and refreshingly not here for any of his athlete nonsense. The fake dating trope was done so well, and watching their “pretend” relationship start to feel a little too real had me absolutely hooked. Every look, every “fake” kiss, every moment where they almost admit what they’re feeling? I was eating it up.

Now, Bex… I loved her most of the time. She’s strong, independent, and unapologetically herself, which made her a great lead. But I’ll be real — there were definitely moments where I found myself frustrated with her. A lot of the drama that pops off? Kind of self-inflicted. Her mindset and emotional walls sometimes made things harder than they had to be. But then James would come in, all thoughtful and supportive, and just reassure her in the most swoon-worthy ways. Like seriously, this man is out here doing emotional labor and looking hot doing it — and that lowkey made up for a lot.

And can we talk about yearning? Because James yearns. I’m sorry, but a man who longs, who gets a little jealous, who clearly wants more but is too emotionally blocked to say it yet? That’s a must for me in romance, and he nailed it. Add in the pet names and I was fully melting. Like, if he doesn’t look at me the way James looks at Bex, I don’t want it.

Originally, I wasn’t planning on reading the rest of the series — I’m a football girl at heart and the other books follow different sports — but Grace Reilly’s writing completely won me over. It’s fun, sharp, and has just the right mix of tension and heart. Now I’m curious to see how she writes the other stories and if they’ll hit the same way this one did. If you love fake dating, spicy slow-burns, smart heroines (with a few frustrating moments, but still worth rooting for), and football players with a soft side, First Down is definitely one to check out. Comfort read with just enough depth to keep it from feeling basic — and honestly, I’m still thinking about James (one of my favorite book bf’s!)

langheth's review against another edition

3.75

emotional lighthearted medium-paced

ohhhhkkaren's review against another edition

5.0

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted reflective tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

The added spice was nice.

loruhgjermo's review against another edition

2.0

gah, why do I keep doing this to myself?! AND, the narrators kept mispronouncing words, who allowed this.

chelseyjeannee's review against another edition

4.0

I really enjoyed this book.

The characters had lots of depth.
James with such a little romantic softie.
Bex had the biggest development when it came to her life and goals.

Another great sports romance to add to the reading list.

I can’t wait to read the rest of the families stories.