A review by gnomepatronus
Blindsided by Eden Finley

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-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? It's complicated

4.75

Am I about to gush? 100%! Did this story completely take me by surprise? 1000%!

I honestly didn’t think any book in this series could win me over like Deke did… but Rebound? Oh, it’s fighting hard for that top spot!

These two best friends—Miller and Talon—had me hooked from page one. Not once did I want to smack their heads (a rarity), but even when they were being ridiculous, I loved every single thing they did.

Let’s break it down: Miller and Talon were college friends, so the foundation of their friendship is rock solid from the start, and they’ve never let that go. Now, they’re both professional football players. Miller? He knows and is comfortable with his sexuality… except when it comes to his best friend Talon. The internal tug-of-war Miller goes through—balancing what he feels, what he thinks he needs, and how to protect Talon—is beautifully handled. Seriously, this book nails the emotional highs and lows without ever feeling heavy, and the characters are so well-rounded and complex.

Now, Talon. On the surface, he’s all golden retriever energy—cute, a little goofy, and full of charm. But dig deeper, and there’s so much more to him. He’s confident in what he knows, and he doesn’t second-guess himself. But the layers! The way he processes, contemplates, and factors in everyone’s best interest before making a confident decision? Brilliant. And when he realizes he’s made a mistake and has to backtrack? The growth! Watching him evolve is so satisfying and makes his character feel incredibly real.

For a book as compact as this one, it packs a ton of character development, emotional depth, and storyline magic. Eden Finley absolutely crushed it with Rebound. If you’re looking for a story that’s low angst but packed with emotional connection and growth, this is a must-read!