A review by thindbooks
First Down by Grace Reilly

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

“Reilly's latest sports romance brilliantly intertwines the fake dating and sports tropes, following quarterback James and tutor Bex as they navigate their unexpected connection. While the pacing occasionally falters, the dual POV, engaging characters, and sizzling chemistry create an enjoyable storyline, culminating in a well-executed ending and an added bonus novella. A must-read for fans of the genre, this book delivers a heartwarming tale of love amidst college life and football." - thindbooks 

 

This story is about a quarterback who needs a tutor and decides to exchange a few fake dates which shouldn’t lead to more. I love sports romance and fake dating trope. Reilly did a great job with this story and bringing my two favorite tropes to life. I enjoyed the storyline and the college atmosphere of the story. I do have to say that the pacing of the story was off throughout the book and sometimes there wouldn’t be a flow. This did take away a bit of the reading from me. I did enjoy the dual pov and getting to know about the characters. 

 

James is the quarterback who begins to fall in love with Bex when she kisses him at the party. I enjoyed his character and how caring he was of James. I do wish we got more of his story instead of his story with Bex. Bex recently dumped her ex and is focusing on school and her job but James comes in and she thinks things will be different now. I loved her story and seeing how great of a person she was. She’s such a hard worker and don’t understand how she fits in time for everything. She was my fav of them all. There are quite a few side characters and I can see their stories are coming next which I can’t wait for. The romance was great and I loved the chemistry between the MCs. The romance is fake dating, he falls first and sports romance. 

 

The ending was well done and we get an epilogue that takes readers about 1 year into the future I believe. But the new edition also has an entire novella/short story that features the couple’s special moment which was cute. Overall it was a great read and recommend checking the story out. 

 

*this book was sent to me by the publisher to give an honest review in return*