Fumble

X’s and O’s #4

by Allie Lasky

Mackenzie is my best friend's little sister. Off-limits in more ways than one. But I spent my football career bending the rules... and she's too tempting to resist.

I should know better than to fall for Mackenzie Cavanaugh. She’s the one who got me hooked on romance novels in the first place, and it should have been clear when my favorite stories revolved around the “best friend’s little sister” and "dating in secret" plot lines… But I’ve read enough of these stories to know it doesn’t usually turn out so well.

Mackenzie isn’t just Miles’s sister, though; she’s my friend in her own right, and her overprotective brother’s objections shouldn’t be enough to keep us apart. No mater how much he tries.

My football career is over, so now the rest of my life can begin. My focus has pivoted from surviving every day to thriving in real life. At the end of this school year, I’m going to pick up and move across the country for grad school—where I’ll end up, I’m not sure, I just know that it probably won’t be here.

FUMBLE is a college sports romance best friend's sister romance featuring a secret relationship, two introverted bookworms, a virgin heroine, and a celibate-by-choice football player.

Genres: Sports, Romance, Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Contemporary, Mental Health, Ebooks

469 pages, ebook

First published May 9, 2023

Reviews

[Alicia Brewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is not the most creative plot (read similar concepts), but I really really really loved so many things about this book and it was written SO well:
1. Shy, quiet guy with trauma 🤣 (one of may faves)
2. Bookish people!
3. Respectful guy who takes things slowly and treats the girl like a princess
4. The TENSION (oh goodness, it's done so well)
5. The athletic setting-I miss athlete life.

I honestly thought this would be a 5 star.

BUT, the repetitiveness was insane (the same internal monologues were repeated 3-4 times: way too much), and also the whole ending. 😬 Honestly, it's probably very realistic and 100% accurate as to how this whole situation would go down between a 19 year old freshman and a 22 year old senior, so 5 stars for not being super cheesy. However, it just wasn't my fave ending. Not anything wrong with her story, just a personal preference.

Great book overall and would recommend! 3.5

[Sadie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Bummer

I went into this book excited, but by the end I was ready for it to be over. I don’t feel like the main characters even liked each other. Overall it was very disappointing and could have been a good story if the main characters weren’t so wishy washy about their feelings. First half of the book was okay but by 50% it was boring and repetitive.

[maya · Rating 3 out of 5]

For context, I was in the fattest reading slump of my life, but this reasonably fast-paced and easy-to-read book helped me get back into reading, so I am grateful that I read it. There wasn’t anything that made this book outstanding, hence the 3 stars, but I still have some notes.

*Start of spoiler section*

I just thought it was…interesting that Wes was absolutely head over heels for Mackenzie despite their age gap. Wouldn’t have given it much thought but author explicitly brought it up so…. OH, and the whole “I love you” from Wes before they even started dating was also a tad questionable, in my opinion.
Also, can we talk about how annoying their discussions about the future and the future of their relationship were. Wes was set on basically marrying Mack from day 1 while Mack wasn’t because it was her first relationship?! First of all, completely valid, but Wes here couldn’t take a hint. But what was worse was the fact that Mack was suddenly cool with them being together long term?! The individuality of their characters and opinions during that 100 page long argument/discussion was completely lost and SO ANNOYING AND TEDIOUS TO READ. By far my least favourite part of the book. But hey, can’t say I hated it too much ‘cuz I kept coming back for more; up until the point where I finished the book so…
One thing I truly loved about this book was the fact that Mack and Wes were perfectly comfortable reading next to each other. I found it absolutely adorable and it just showed how at peace they were with each others’ company. I ATE THAT UP.

*End of spoiler section*

Overall, would not read another book in this series because
(a) novel works as a standalone;
(b) did not know this was a series;
(c) there’s other books I gotta read this summer!

[Yaerli Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute! I really liked Wes and his character development. Little spicy but the plot was good. Definitely a traditional love story with a predictable twist and ending but a good read and I enjoyed it.

[Kayla · Rating 1 out of 5]

I would give this a half star if I could but I can't.
It's 442 pages of just questioning the whole book. I found myself skipping more than half due to the repetition of information with the characters as well as the use of the same sayings. It also didn't help that nothing added up - like how long he liked her for in comparison with their ages.
The only character development is from the MMC, if it wasn't for how he was written & me just wanting him to get everything he wanted, the would have been a DNF.
I was extremely irritated by the end of the book given the FMC blames the MMC for the fall out between them when it was 110% her doing & then he just ends up agreeing with her even though she did was she said she wouldn't.
I under no circumstances recommend this book.

[Arizona Rayne · Rating 1 out of 5]

First part of the book was great, but then it just got really repetitive, so I skimmed the rest of it 😴 I think this book just needs a good editor.

[Jara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have never in my life met an intellectual athlete and I've never dated a fellow introvert, so that's why I tried to read this book. I wanted to see if this is possible - even if it's just in someone's imagination.

This "best friend's sister" romance is told from the perspectives of both main characters so there's a lot of head-hopping...which is necessary to fully understand how two antisocial introverts hooked up. Allegedly, they're both physically attracted to each other, but they act like an old married couple who have run out of things to say to - and do with - each other...and they're still in their teens! Usually, there's some danger about the best friend, which makes him "off-limits" to the little sister, but there's no danger here whatsoever. He even reads the same romance novels as her like a gay bestie would!

And even though both of them are supposedly athletes, there's no competitive vibe between them (or any sports action sequences to break up the monotony of their bookworm ways), which is highly unrealistic. I attract competitive, athletic men...and even when they're many years out of playing their favorite sport in high school, they are still quick to challenge me physically. This football player who is super-hot because he's a trained athlete yet doesn't care about no longer being able to play the sport he loves (and hates basketball, which is the sport that the heroine plays?!) and always has his head in a book while also being an observant caretaker with the heroine only exists as a figment of the author's imagination.

Frankly, it's boring to read about two people who love to read so much that the hero reads while he's walking, at the movies, etc. and she feels like she's slacking because she only reads 1 or 2 books a DAY. So there isn't much dialogue (which I love to read!). There are many descriptions of how they're reading while "hanging out" together.

The author seems to confuse being boring (having no personality, multiple interests, etc.) with being an introvert (someone who recharges alone). As for the passion level, I would rate that a 1 on the scale of 1 (non-existent) to 5 (steamy). When they actually touch each other, it's like reading about siblings making out. Very cringe-worthy!

I would only recommend this book to people who are trying to understand how antisocial introverts think (the answer to that question is answered very early on in the book!) and/or who want to test their patience level with this slow, lukewarm "romance."

Excerpts:

Mackenzie:

"As much as I wasn’t interested in any of the college guys at the party, I can admit I was intrigued by the hulking football player who sat in the corner all night long with a mug of tea and a thick mystery novel. It wasn’t the same book he was reading earlier at dinner. He disappeared into his room not long after we got home from the party."

"Wes sips his tea and doesn’t speak. I don’t think he speaks much in general. I kind of like that about him. When he does talk, his words carry meaning.

Through the years, he’s been steady and silent, hovering in the shadows of my brother’s life. He’s usually reading, and one time, he recommended a book for me to read. It was not a good book, and I chewed him out the next time I saw him—and all he did was smile, and recommend another book to read."

"We sit in quiet silence, broken up only by the crackle of the dwindling fire. He’s restful company. He doesn’t push me to talk, doesn’t try to make me into someone that I’m not. He simply lets me be. It’s nearly an hour later when he moves, heaving himself out of his chair. He holds out a hand for my empty mug, and I let him take it. His calloused fingertips brush mine, and I jump again."


Wes:

"I’VE NEVER BEEN A man of many words. Even before everything happened, I was never particularly talkative. Since then, everything is different. Other people might have issues with it, but it doesn’t bother me. I’m perfectly capable of getting my point across. I reserve my words for when they matter."

"Rain pelts the flimsy windows, hovering between liquid ice and sleet. There’s no way I’m stepping foot outside in this downpour, even if I had someplace to go. I don’t. I don’t go to parties. I don’t drink. I go to class, I do my homework, and I read my books."

"There’s a knock on the door. Briefly I consider answering it. It’s nearly midnight. Nothing good happens in Athlete’s Village after midnight. I’m not expecting a pizza. There’s no cars allowed in A.V. after dark. I’m not expecting anyone. None of my roommates are home.

I turn the page in my book.

There’s another knock, followed by the doorbell. It rings twice in quick succession. Sighing, I mark my place with a bookmark and heave myself to my feet. My lower back twinges in protest. Everything hurts these days. It’s a different hurt than the everyday pain of playing football. It’s the ache of disuse, the ache of inactivity. More pounding on the door. Whoever this is, their intensity is really making me not want to deal with them. Grumbling to myself in the sanctity of my own head, I trudge to the entry and unlock the door. I pause two beats and then wrench it open.

Mackenzie Cavanaugh is standing on the doorstep, her fist raised as if to pound on the door some more. She looks like a drowned rat: her dark blonde hair hangs in limp strands nearly to her elbows, her wool coat is soaked a darker, angrier grey than usual, and her leggings and boots are soaked through. Makeup is creased in dark semi-circles beneath her eyes.

She’s absolutely fucking gorgeous.

She blinks at me. “Hey, Wes.”

I grunt."

...and this is where he lost credibility with me. She looks like a "drowned rat" but he still thinks she's "gorgeous?"

"This is as comfortable and familiar as breathing. I don’t think Mackenzie realizes how much I enjoy the time we spend together. We’re both occupied with our own books, our own beverages, but I like the reassuring familiarity of her company. We don’t need to talk. We simply co-exist."

Mackenzie:

Mackenzie WESLEY ALEXANDER BRADFORD IS one of the most interesting men I’ve ever met. He’s the definition of stoic; nothing fazes him. In the four and a half years I’ve known him, he’s probably said fifty words—total. The only time I’ve ever seen him without a book in his hands is when he’s on the football field. Sometimes, I even see him reading as he walks through campus. He reads through meals. He reads through movies. The only time he ever puts down his book is for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, which he watches religiously every night."

"We sit on the couch in comfortable silence. I drink my hot chocolate. He drinks his tea. We read our books. The fire crackles innocently in front of us. There are worse ways to spend a Saturday night.

This is not how I imagined college would be."

"He’s made this difficult year bearable. We’ve spent way too many Friday and Saturday nights in this room, reading and hanging out while the rest of his roommates filter in and out, partying or hooking up or playing video games. I relish my alone time. Living with someone that doesn’t know how to respect that is exhausting. Having someone who understands me so well… I’m really going to miss him, and I don’t know how to tell him that."

"Mackenzie shrugs, unfazed, and takes another bite of her lunch before returning her attention to her book. I make a mental note of the title, so I can look it up when I go to the library later. Although maybe this is one I should reserve for my e-reader…I’m man enough to read a book with a shirtless man on the cover. I don’t know that I want her to know I try to read every book she does.

We sit in quiet silence for the better part of half an hour. It’s easy being with her, peaceful. The itch in my soul is soothed when I’m in her presence.

Our completely non-romantic lunch is interrupted by her brother and my teammate and roommate, Miles. He frowns at the sight of us sitting together."

"I don’t like to be touched. I never have. She knows this. Everyone knows this. Yet at the same time, I yearn for her touch, for her smooth skin to be on mine in any possible way. I nod and she approaches closer, her long fingers closing around my wrist. Sparks shoot down my arm and coalesce into a ball of fury in my gut. My heart hammers a thousand beats a minute. She’s touching me. She’s touching me. She’s touching me."
___

Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NLT)
Finishing is better than starting. Patience is better than pride.

Proverbs 25:15 (NLT)
Patience can persuade a prince, and soft speech can break bones.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emma-Rose Nixon · Rating 2 out of 5]

At the start of this book I was so engrossed and I was loving it all. I thoroughly enjoyed the trope of friends to lovers/ brothers best friend. I also enjoyed the uniqueness of their characteristics as athletes to be so introverted and break the stereotypical norms of drinking and partying that most novels portray. I also really enjoyed the realistic build of their sexual relationship. I tend to read “virgin” tropes that have highly unrealistic timelines of loosing their virginity and it being an overall unrealistic scene however this book did it quite well. I did find the actual loss of virginity to be quite unrealistic however the lead up was good.

Despite really enjoying this book to begin with I did start to find it a chore to read. The writing was highly repetitive in both perspectives where the characters will have inner monologues mid way through a conversation but the monologue would always be the exact same. For a reader this became tedious and irritating causing me to want to skim read. In its entirety this book was far too long for what it was and from the loss of virginity the book went down hill.

The male characters biggest issue with intimacy was the fear of loss after it and alas it occurred yet he did not react to this? There was no expectations of the female to apologise? It became a very one sided relationship with the girl made a list of demands that must be obliged or else. I found her character at the beginning to be relatable and enjoyable however at the end I feel like her character development declined in a negative direction become more immature. I did not route for these two characters to come back together. It actually angered me to finish the book and them be together. They clearly wanted different things and were in different parts of life where they would not work and the accurate thing for the author to do would be to keep them apart. That would have been the happy ending. She finally got what she wanted most, friends and he was able to stay in the best university for his future. They did not need to be together.

I so wanted to love this book however I can’t.

[Susannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came up on my Booksy email, and I immediately started it. I enjoyed it. I did. It was cute, and I’m a sucker for the trope. I know everything after this will make it seem like I hated it. I didn’t! I thoroughly enjoyed the first 70%, fell out of it a bit for 15%, got insanely bored for 12%, and then fell right back in it until the end.

Let’s talk about what didn’t work… first and foremost, the one thing this book needs that would make it immensely better is an editor. And if it has one I couldn’t find, it needs a better one. The amount of grammatical errors, the scene jumps without a new paragraph, and repeating the same thing over and over and over again was insane. This book could have easily been 150 pages shorter if the number of times her age was said (which was 19, btw) or how much he weighed/how big he was (15 times) or that he sweats and snores in his sleep (10) OR the countless other stuff that was literally on repeat wasn’t repeated! It was so unnecessary, distracting, and pointless.

A lot of aspects regarding the exercising within this book is completely unrealistic and not true. I felt the author did not do her due diligence in research. I have a masters in exercise physiology and am certified as a PMA Pilates instructor so it bothered me that it was so inaccurate.

I loved our male character. He was cute, shy, sweet, and so much more! She, on the other hand, got worse and worse as the book went on. She became so incredibly immature and stupid. What annoyed me was that she wasn’t like that initially, so consistency throughout the book was another problem. And that wasn’t the only thing that didn’t stay consistent.

I felt their relationship got toxic near the end, and he deserved more than her. I won’t lie, I skimmed the last 15% of the book because I was dangerously close to completely DNFing it.

This author has promise. But she needs more practice with writing and an excellent editor to improve it. There’s a reason professional writers hire them; just saying.

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wes and MacKenzie are good friends. Wes lives in a house with Mack’s brother Miles and a bunch of other football players. Mack is a freshman at the same school, playing basketball, and dealing with a terrible roommate. The more she hides out at the football house, the closer she gets to Wes. Wes has dealt with the trauma of losing both parents in a car accident. While he has forged a relationship with his roommates, he is otherwise very introverted, never going to parties and relying on books and his routines. They keep their relationship a secret for everyone a while. But in the light of day with Wes graduating and Mack still getting her feet wet in college, is there a way to stay together? I really like how Mack and Wes helped each other grow - slowly but surely they became stronger versions of themselves with independent interests who work well together.

I have not read the other books in this series. I sense that you have read them you would understand more about Miles and the rest of Wes’s roommates but I think this worked fine as a stand alone.

I read an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[mariam · Rating 2 out of 5]

the first half was so good but then towards the end it felt like a completely different book. it’s like the characters personalities randomly changed. they both went from anti social people to now having a million things to do constantly in the span of like 2 chapters. and don’t get me started on wes. he started off as a sweet introvert who barely spoke to kind of controlling and obsessive. and he randomly starts speaking in full paragraphs and no one says anything about it???? if my most introverted friend went from never speaking to being the most talkative id definitely be confused on what kind of drugs they’re on bc that just doesn’t happen to people. and him mentioning forever over and over again like he basically trying to propose to her and then blamed her for ending the relationship. ALSO the speech in class????? i would’ve been PISSED if any man spoke about our relationship in front of a group of strangers for a GRADE.

i’m gonna stop now bc the more i think the more i dislike the book but i swear the first half was really good.

[Danielle Eakins · Rating 2 out of 5]

No steam or visceral attraction at all

The heroine is a wishy-washy little brat. There is like zero steam. I liked the MMC at the start because he seemed like a big teddy bear, but he had like zero backbone, and although he kept saying he loved her, it pissed me off that he let her walk all over him and his feelings. He definitely presented as a person with depression and zero self-worth or respect. The only reason I'm writing this review is to say I'm sorry I wasted my time with this book. It's repetitive, long-winded, and while it was going for realistic it became all together boring and made me angry because neither main character acted like they were truly passionate or even liked the other person.

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

Wes is usually the one watching from the sidelines of life. But when fate places him in the same class as Mackenzie, maybe it's time to make a play for the girl he's been fighting feeling for. Only she's his best friend's sister and completely off limits.

Read if you like:
-Best Friend's Sister/Roommate's Sister/Teammate's Sister
-The Quiet, Sensitive Cinnamon Roll
-Slow Burn
-Virgin FMC

I'm having a difficult time picking a favorite in the series and its entirely Wes' fault. I love Miles, the shy, sweet cinnamon roll, so much but there is something about the quiet, sensitive cinnamon roll too. The scene where Wes has a panic attack during his speak and Mackenzie clams him down was so good. That one is going to live rent free in my head for a while.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!! You will definitely fall in love with Wes and MacKenzie's story.

MacKenzie has started college. She's become best friends with her brothers teammate Wes. He knows there's a bro code they are supposed to live by but he can't stay away from her knowing she's the one for him.

So when Wes tells her how he feels, they decide to take their friendship to a romantic relationship. But when things start to go wrong and everything falls apart, will they be able to find their way back to each other and a happily ever after?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mechelle Ross · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fumble was my second book by Allie Lasky. I didn’t enjoy the first book, but decided to try another in the series. I read 50% of this book before I DNF. I had to force myself to read that much of it. I was really excited to get Wes’ story because he seemed like a complex character. But this book had way too many internal monologues that were repetitious and too long, I needed more action and/or dialogue. Wes and Mackenzie together were kind of dull. I mean I love reading too, but I don’t want to read a book where the couple spend most of their time together reading silently. I’m officially giving up on this author.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 5 star reading experience

Wes & Mackenzie's story is a fantastic addition to the series. Their story will take the reader on a truly emotional rollercoaster ride of emotions. You can't help but feel connected to the characters that will make you laugh & cry. Will there be heartache or HEA for Wes & Mackenzie.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Diane Green · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book….at least I liked the first 75% of it. But the ending? It’s basically a Happy Right Now and not a HEA. It’s like the author pulled too much from real life and not romance novels. The angst, the slow burn, all ✅✅ but seriously - she throws a hissy fit when he might have to go away to grad school and then takes no ownership of it. They get back together… but it is stressed again and again that it’s “for now” and to “not think too far into the future”.

[Stacey Gomez · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had to DNF this book which I do not like to do. But I honestly could not get into this book 5o save my life. Maybe I need to step away and try again later? But after reading some of this guy wanting his teammates younger sister. Yes, I thought but, hm no. What’s wrong with me? Sorry I don’t know.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Literally got the free trial of KU to read this story because although I was very "ok" with book one I saw something being set up for these 2 in that book and NEEDED to read it. Thank the Lord it was free. I'm sorry I have heard enough about these football players' "large belly" and "fantastic weight" no, literally, their actual weight on top of them and I wont be reading any more.

[Wendy Livingstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story!!

This is the fourth book in this fascinating series. This is a well written flawless story which is an emotional roller coaster, with family, friendships, humour, witty banter, challenges, and love which all leads to a riveting and entertaining page turner. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Qianna Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

This is the second book I read from this author and I really enjoyed the storyline. The only downside is the repetitiveness. I found myself skipping paragraphs and pages to get past some of the repeated sentences and thoughts. Overall it’s a good book and I will read something else by this author.

[Abby Chambers · Rating 3 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was amazing. It was everything. Then, it became repetitive and way too long. For the “epilogue” to be that boring and the extra chapter to be just as of a let down, I have mixed reviews of this book. I would definitely recommend it to someone had it been 200 pages shorter than it is. Good book if you are into reading long repetitive books.

[Jenn M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Best Friend’s Sister Sports Romance

I really loved Wes, but could give up McKenzie. I loved the premise of the story and found myself laughing and crying at various times. For me, there were parts that I found to be repetitive but overall I still really enjoyed the story.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too cute!

The spice was great and I love some goodness between the pages but I loved the emotional and real life relationship piece of everything. It was refreshing to see the characters struggle and grow in their relationship.

[Sierra Crane · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 80% of this book was cute and had elements that I loved but towards the end I couldn’t stand the MFC. I couldn’t finish the last few chapters because she made me so mad. Wes deserved better

[Heather Hylock · Rating 1 out of 5]

I know the main character was young but she was very annoying and immature in her thoughts and actions. The book also restated the same thoughts from the characters over and over. It dragged on for me.

[Lili · Rating 1 out of 5]

Honestly this was a let down

[Seanlee Espie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m obsessed

[Lisa Axtman · Rating 1 out of 5]

Was ok in the beginning, but towards the end it was too long and couldn’t finish it. Skimmed the last 10% of the book.

[Ashley McKee · Rating 5 out of 5]

so sweet

The way Wes love Mackenzie is so endearing and heart felt. Their love of books bringing them together is the cutest also.