What do you think?
Rate this book
Friday Night Gridiron #1
Sideliners
Two types of folks live in Pottsville, Texas. Those who have two jobs and those who have two houses. But no matter their address, Friday night football brings every soul in town together under the same stadium lights. Problem is, the have-nots always watch from the sidelines. Until now …
Four years ago, Reed Maddox made a deathbed promise to his mother before the cancer claimed her life: Take care of their family. To make good on his vow, Reed has agreed to a pact forcing him to abandon his dream of playing football—his one guaranteed ticket out of the trailer park. But when he throws a reckless pass from the sidelines, everything he’s tried to protect is threatened including his guarded heart.
To regain her title as cheer captain and unofficial crown as princess of Pottsville, knock-out Savannah Kensington is about to brush elbows with Reed Maddox and his hooligan friends. But Little Miss Perfect’s world has been upside down longer than anyone who’s seen her winning smile would realize. Still scarred by the death of her baby sister, she hides her feelings under the pretense of popularity. When the opportunity to reclaim her senior year involves a secret deal to help Reed, Savannah accepts.
When their two pacts collide, revealing Reed’s football talent and upending everything Savannah knows about her personal kingdom, Pottsville High implodes. The have-nots are invading, the painted white lines are blurring, and Savannah and Reed are locked together in the middle of a battle between circumstance and privilege. Can their new alliance unite the stands or will the ingrained hatred of a town divided tear apart their chance at happily ever after?
Trigger Warnings: Profanity and Violence
Four years ago, Reed Maddox made a deathbed promise to his mother before the cancer claimed her life: Take care of their family. To make good on his vow, Reed has agreed to a pact forcing him to abandon his dream of playing football—his one guaranteed ticket out of the trailer park. But when he throws a reckless pass from the sidelines, everything he’s tried to protect is threatened including his guarded heart.
To regain her title as cheer captain and unofficial crown as princess of Pottsville, knock-out Savannah Kensington is about to brush elbows with Reed Maddox and his hooligan friends. But Little Miss Perfect’s world has been upside down longer than anyone who’s seen her winning smile would realize. Still scarred by the death of her baby sister, she hides her feelings under the pretense of popularity. When the opportunity to reclaim her senior year involves a secret deal to help Reed, Savannah accepts.
When their two pacts collide, revealing Reed’s football talent and upending everything Savannah knows about her personal kingdom, Pottsville High implodes. The have-nots are invading, the painted white lines are blurring, and Savannah and Reed are locked together in the middle of a battle between circumstance and privilege. Can their new alliance unite the stands or will the ingrained hatred of a town divided tear apart their chance at happily ever after?
Trigger Warnings: Profanity and Violence
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 27, 2023
10 people are currently reading
2134 people want to read
About the author
Dana Claire
14 books553 followersDana Claire is an award-winning author whose stories explore identity, fate and destiny in the crossroads of romance and adventure. But her writing career didn’t begin when she published her first book, The Connection, in 2020. It started when she was a young girl when her mother, an elementary school teacher, inspired her to create imaginary worlds between the pages.
Dana’s love of romantic tension, the supernatural and non-stop action has elicited very positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. But it’s not just readers who love her; literary critics have also taken note, and Dana was given the Children’s Moonbeam award for The Connection in 2021, and The Pen Craft Award for The War of the Sea in 2023.
Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created one page at a time.
Dana’s love of romantic tension, the supernatural and non-stop action has elicited very positive feedback from many readers, as their online reviews reveal her flair for spine-tingling action and unforgettable characters. But it’s not just readers who love her; literary critics have also taken note, and Dana was given the Children’s Moonbeam award for The Connection in 2021, and The Pen Craft Award for The War of the Sea in 2023.
Dana is now sharing her stories through speaking events and book signings, introducing more readers to the worlds she created one page at a time.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
August 6, 2023
Pottsville in Texas is divided by the upper class (Sammie's) and the working class (Willie's), and god forbid anyone crossing that line. The only thing the two sides have in common are the Friday nights football games - with Sammie's on the field and Willie's on the sidelines. Savannah's father is the football coach and she's been cheerleading until her grades fell and she had to stop. Reed has a talent not many know about, but a promise he made on his mother's death bed makes him unable to follow his dream of playing football. Circumstances have Savannah and Reed working together for the team's sake, but will the town accept a Sammie and a Willie to spend time with each other?
To begin with I was a bit sceptical to the main characters. Savannah seemed too stuck up, and Reed as the classic bad boy with violent tendencies. But it didn't take long before I saw that there was so much more beneath the surface of these two. We get both POV's, which always makes me come closer to the characters. I like both Savannah and Reed, but also how the author handles the divide of the town. As a sports geek I of course love that sports is a rather big part of the story, even though I'm not really that interested in American football (hey, I'm a Swede - we play soccer!). When I had finished reading my only disappointment was that it was over!
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
To begin with I was a bit sceptical to the main characters. Savannah seemed too stuck up, and Reed as the classic bad boy with violent tendencies. But it didn't take long before I saw that there was so much more beneath the surface of these two. We get both POV's, which always makes me come closer to the characters. I like both Savannah and Reed, but also how the author handles the divide of the town. As a sports geek I of course love that sports is a rather big part of the story, even though I'm not really that interested in American football (hey, I'm a Swede - we play soccer!). When I had finished reading my only disappointment was that it was over!
* I received an ARC through BookSirens and I'm giving my honest review. *
April 8, 2023
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
Spice: 🌶 / 5
Alright friends, listen up! Do you love….
🏈 Friday Night Lights?
🏈 Romeo and Juliet / West Side Story?
🏈 small town vibes?
🏈 enemies-to-lovers romance?
🏈 love that is forbidden by society?
If so, Sideliners is an absolutely FANTASTIC book that might be right up your alley!
Sideliners tells the story of Savannah and Reed, high school students on opposite sides of a socioeconomic barrier in Pottsville - a small Texan town obsessed with football. Reed and Savannah find themselves thrust together to make the Pottsville Pirates football team a success. In the process, they come to learn about each other and grow closer together. But will love transcend prejudice and the threat of secrets kept quiet??
I cannot express how much I truly enjoyed this book! This was a wonderful YA story that broached challenging subjects (bullying, income disparities, prejudice, etc.) in a poised and mature way. The characters were easy to love. And there was just the right amount of world development to feel easily immersed in the story.
There was one point in the story where I didn’t realize I was holding my breath waiting to see if the Pottsville Pirates would win it all, and I love that! A book that truly pulls you in isn’t always easy to come by, but this was one for me.
Highlights
🏈 relatable, lovable main characters
🏈 overcoming prejudice!
🏈 Friday Night Lights meets Romeo & Juliet
🏈 fantastic energy throughout
🏈 decent twist toward the end 😳
🏈 Squirt 💕💕💕
Grab your jerseys and your pom-poms, and dive into this exciting and heartfelt story!
Thank you to Dana Claire and her team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m happy to be part of Dana’s Darlings 💕
Spice: 🌶 / 5
Alright friends, listen up! Do you love….
🏈 Friday Night Lights?
🏈 Romeo and Juliet / West Side Story?
🏈 small town vibes?
🏈 enemies-to-lovers romance?
🏈 love that is forbidden by society?
If so, Sideliners is an absolutely FANTASTIC book that might be right up your alley!
Sideliners tells the story of Savannah and Reed, high school students on opposite sides of a socioeconomic barrier in Pottsville - a small Texan town obsessed with football. Reed and Savannah find themselves thrust together to make the Pottsville Pirates football team a success. In the process, they come to learn about each other and grow closer together. But will love transcend prejudice and the threat of secrets kept quiet??
I cannot express how much I truly enjoyed this book! This was a wonderful YA story that broached challenging subjects (bullying, income disparities, prejudice, etc.) in a poised and mature way. The characters were easy to love. And there was just the right amount of world development to feel easily immersed in the story.
There was one point in the story where I didn’t realize I was holding my breath waiting to see if the Pottsville Pirates would win it all, and I love that! A book that truly pulls you in isn’t always easy to come by, but this was one for me.
Highlights
🏈 relatable, lovable main characters
🏈 overcoming prejudice!
🏈 Friday Night Lights meets Romeo & Juliet
🏈 fantastic energy throughout
🏈 decent twist toward the end 😳
🏈 Squirt 💕💕💕
Grab your jerseys and your pom-poms, and dive into this exciting and heartfelt story!
Thank you to Dana Claire and her team for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I’m happy to be part of Dana’s Darlings 💕
May 6, 2023
This is the most wonderful book I have read in a looooong time in the YA genre. You can feel the emotions from the varied characters. Especially Reed and Savannah emotions. There is love, hate , and happiness in this story. I especially had love for the baby girl who was the sister of Reed. She really gets to you in the story. This book is going to be loved so much by the young adults who read this book. I am kinda hoping that there is another book with Reed and Savannah. They need one lol. Loved the book and loved the characters.
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review
November 26, 2023
I’m a sucker for enemies to lovers, sports romance, bad boy secretly likes the girl type books. I was the target audience, and yes, it was very good.
Lost a star because of names like ‘Willies’ and ‘Squirt’ which I can’t accept. Also it's giving ZOMBIES vibes from the idea that there is two divided groups, and someone from the outcast wants to get on the sports team (IYKYK)
Fave quotes include ‘when she smiled, it tilted the axis of my whole world’ and ‘“Are you ok?” He spoke softly, like a loud word might hurt me, as I imagined he might do for Squirt’.
I received this ARC for free and the review is voluntary.
Lost a star because of names like ‘Willies’ and ‘Squirt’ which I can’t accept. Also it's giving ZOMBIES vibes from the idea that there is two divided groups, and someone from the outcast wants to get on the sports team (IYKYK)
Fave quotes include ‘when she smiled, it tilted the axis of my whole world’ and ‘“Are you ok?” He spoke softly, like a loud word might hurt me, as I imagined he might do for Squirt’.
I received this ARC for free and the review is voluntary.
March 6, 2023
4.25/5 stars! The ultimate battle between the have and have-nots, the Willies and Sammies have launched an epic divide between the upper and lower classes citizens of Pottsville, Texas. Reed has all the makings of a star football player but he has been holding himself back; until a momentary lapse in judgment shakes everything up for the better. I found this book to be delightful as a YA sports tale. This is my second read by this author and I really enjoy her writing style and ability to draw the reader into the story.
May 13, 2023
It’s the Sammies (rich people) vs. the Willies (poor people) at Pottsville High and in this Texan town. But things start to change when Savannah Kensington, local sweetheart, starts to fall for the town’s resident bad boy. Many lives will change, including their own, as they start to spend more time together and fall in love.
March 17, 2023
Thank you to the author for sending me an ARC to this witty and entertaining read. This ended up being one of my top favourite reads of the year! I loved this book! It was exciting and touching till the very end.
Two types of folks live in Pottsville, Texas. Those who have two jobs, the Willies and those who have two houses, the Sammies. But no matter their address, Friday night football brings every soul in town together under the same stadium lights. The Willies have always been on the sidelines, until now.
Reed Maddox made a promise to his mother on her death bed to take care of his family. This led to him promising Dalton that he will not play football in high school. A reckless pass forces them to change the promise for Reed to play and win the matches.
Savannah has to babysit Reed’s little sister, Squirt to help him during the training and for her to deal with her childhood trauma. It might not be easy since she was raised in the society that discriminates against the Willies. But, she is slowly learning.
As they spend time together, they both learn more about each other and Savannah gets to know the real Reed within the hard exterior. Secrets are revealed as the story progresses and the real characters of many get revealed as we learn more about them.
The plot was realistic and was easy to get immersed into. I don’t know much about football, but I was able to get excited for the matches. It was easy to get excited for Reed while he’s playing the matches, and could feel the leadership quality of his surface when he spoke to his teammates during the huddles.
I was invested in the story from Chapter 1. Reed was very easy to fall in love with and root for. Even when people try to badmouth him, he comes out as a nice person. It was refreshing. He was a well grounded character with a wonderful personality. His close friends were a rock for him through the good and the bad times - this was such a wonderful addition.
The camaraderie the Willies showed in contrast to the Sammies was perfect to showcase how what you are born into had nothing to do with their characters. This contrast added to the plot well.
Savannah was hard to live in the beginning. She was judgmental, condescending and I could tell she had a lot of issues to deal with. She came off like a doormat at the beginning with the way she acted with her friends and Dalton. She did not have a problem with segregation until someone attacked her because of this segregation. I liked how her character was developed as the story progressed. Her trauma gave her substance and the way she handled herself was incredible.
Squirt is my favourite character. She was an amazing character added to the story who aided so much with the plot. I enjoyed watching her interact with everyone. I loved every second of the book and have been invested in the story from the beginning.
Two types of folks live in Pottsville, Texas. Those who have two jobs, the Willies and those who have two houses, the Sammies. But no matter their address, Friday night football brings every soul in town together under the same stadium lights. The Willies have always been on the sidelines, until now.
Reed Maddox made a promise to his mother on her death bed to take care of his family. This led to him promising Dalton that he will not play football in high school. A reckless pass forces them to change the promise for Reed to play and win the matches.
Savannah has to babysit Reed’s little sister, Squirt to help him during the training and for her to deal with her childhood trauma. It might not be easy since she was raised in the society that discriminates against the Willies. But, she is slowly learning.
As they spend time together, they both learn more about each other and Savannah gets to know the real Reed within the hard exterior. Secrets are revealed as the story progresses and the real characters of many get revealed as we learn more about them.
The plot was realistic and was easy to get immersed into. I don’t know much about football, but I was able to get excited for the matches. It was easy to get excited for Reed while he’s playing the matches, and could feel the leadership quality of his surface when he spoke to his teammates during the huddles.
I was invested in the story from Chapter 1. Reed was very easy to fall in love with and root for. Even when people try to badmouth him, he comes out as a nice person. It was refreshing. He was a well grounded character with a wonderful personality. His close friends were a rock for him through the good and the bad times - this was such a wonderful addition.
The camaraderie the Willies showed in contrast to the Sammies was perfect to showcase how what you are born into had nothing to do with their characters. This contrast added to the plot well.
Savannah was hard to live in the beginning. She was judgmental, condescending and I could tell she had a lot of issues to deal with. She came off like a doormat at the beginning with the way she acted with her friends and Dalton. She did not have a problem with segregation until someone attacked her because of this segregation. I liked how her character was developed as the story progressed. Her trauma gave her substance and the way she handled herself was incredible.
Squirt is my favourite character. She was an amazing character added to the story who aided so much with the plot. I enjoyed watching her interact with everyone. I loved every second of the book and have been invested in the story from the beginning.
March 22, 2023
Sideliners is the perfect blend of Friday Night Lights and One Tree Hill! Savannah and Reed are realistic characters that you’ll fall in love with and you’ll wish Noah, JP, and Leah could be your best friends too!!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 2, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I got a copy in lieu of an honest review through voracious readers. It reminds me very much of Friday Night Lights, but with more real-life drama. I would like to see the story continued, and I think it could make an awesome movie or TV show. The characters were all really well developed; each dealing with their own ghosts and closeted skeletons. The author did a great job of humanizing each character. They became your friends and family by time the book was over, not just people you read about in a book.
July 4, 2023
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an arc of the book!
Sideliners is a story set in a Texas football town where there are two different sides that don't mix. It's told in dual POV by our main characters - popular and deemed as "Princess" of her town Savannah Kensington and coming from the other side of the town, bad boy Reed Maddox. They find themselves thrown together to bring their high school football team, the Pottsville Pirates to glory. This book has all the emotions and an angsty romance! I loved our main characters and also the side characters Leah, Noah, JP and of course Reed's little sister Squirt!
TW: this book has some themes of bullying, discrimination, profanities and violence. I didn't at all see the plot twist coming at the end which definitely added some drama to the book!
You should read Sideliners if you love-
~Enemies to Lovers
~Friday Night Lights
~Adorable side characters
~friendships
~plot twist and drama
Sideliners is a fun YA sports romance with angst, drama and all the love!
Sideliners is a story set in a Texas football town where there are two different sides that don't mix. It's told in dual POV by our main characters - popular and deemed as "Princess" of her town Savannah Kensington and coming from the other side of the town, bad boy Reed Maddox. They find themselves thrown together to bring their high school football team, the Pottsville Pirates to glory. This book has all the emotions and an angsty romance! I loved our main characters and also the side characters Leah, Noah, JP and of course Reed's little sister Squirt!
TW: this book has some themes of bullying, discrimination, profanities and violence. I didn't at all see the plot twist coming at the end which definitely added some drama to the book!
You should read Sideliners if you love-
~Enemies to Lovers
~Friday Night Lights
~Adorable side characters
~friendships
~plot twist and drama
Sideliners is a fun YA sports romance with angst, drama and all the love!
March 16, 2023
In Pottsville Texas there are two types of people, those with two jobs and those with two houses. The haves and the have nots. The Sammies and the Willies. The only thing that serves as common ground is football but even that is segregated. The Sammies play and the Willies are stuck on the sidelines.
All of that changes when the head coach catches a hint of the talent that is Reed Maddox. Leader of the Willies and resident bad boy. Reed was such a good character, loyal to a fault and willing to do anything for those he loves especially his little sister who he lovingly refers to as Squirt.
Savannah is a Sammie but I really loved her character growth and watching her heal from her own trauma. And Squirt... who couldn't fall in love with that precious little girl!
Seriously my only complaint is the ending. I didn't get the impression there would be another book and I wish we'd seen more development on the news Dalton received at the end of the book. Other than that it was just a really well done HS sports romance.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
All of that changes when the head coach catches a hint of the talent that is Reed Maddox. Leader of the Willies and resident bad boy. Reed was such a good character, loyal to a fault and willing to do anything for those he loves especially his little sister who he lovingly refers to as Squirt.
Savannah is a Sammie but I really loved her character growth and watching her heal from her own trauma. And Squirt... who couldn't fall in love with that precious little girl!
Seriously my only complaint is the ending. I didn't get the impression there would be another book and I wish we'd seen more development on the news Dalton received at the end of the book. Other than that it was just a really well done HS sports romance.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 9, 2023
This is the first book I’ve read in the ‘sports romance’ genre and I loved it!
Pottsville is a town divided - on one side, there’s the Sammies, AKA the ‘haves’; on the other side, there’s the Willies, AKA the have nots. Savannah Kensington is a Sammie. Reed Maddox is a Willie.
When Savannah’s dad, the high school football coach, gets Reed onto the team (to the disappointment of many Sammie parents), it looks like the town might become even more fractured. Or could football finally be the thing to unite the town?
I found the town divide very dramatic, but if you withhold belief a little and imagine it as a bit of a retelling of life during segregation, it seems more realistic. At least, I presume most American towns aren’t like Pottsville with such a rich/poor divide!
The story was great, and I’m looking forward to a sequel so we can see what happens in the future for Reed, Savannah, Squirt and the town of Pottsville.
[I received an ARC of Sideliners - thank you to Dana Claire and the publisher!]
Pottsville is a town divided - on one side, there’s the Sammies, AKA the ‘haves’; on the other side, there’s the Willies, AKA the have nots. Savannah Kensington is a Sammie. Reed Maddox is a Willie.
When Savannah’s dad, the high school football coach, gets Reed onto the team (to the disappointment of many Sammie parents), it looks like the town might become even more fractured. Or could football finally be the thing to unite the town?
I found the town divide very dramatic, but if you withhold belief a little and imagine it as a bit of a retelling of life during segregation, it seems more realistic. At least, I presume most American towns aren’t like Pottsville with such a rich/poor divide!
The story was great, and I’m looking forward to a sequel so we can see what happens in the future for Reed, Savannah, Squirt and the town of Pottsville.
[I received an ARC of Sideliners - thank you to Dana Claire and the publisher!]
July 29, 2023
4.75⭐️
(This was an ARC, and I am truly grateful for this book🫶)
Wow. Wow. Wow. I love the story line, I love the plot. The tension, the slow burn, the needing, the wanting, the relationships made (a certain trio), the found family. I loved it all. I started this last night, and I've been hooked ever since. The plot twist was so crazy and unexpected, but the execution was perfect. I feel like the epilogue could have had a bit more, but it was still perfect.
29 jul 2023:
I reread it because i missed my loves Reed and savannah😭
(This was an ARC, and I am truly grateful for this book🫶)
Wow. Wow. Wow. I love the story line, I love the plot. The tension, the slow burn, the needing, the wanting, the relationships made (a certain trio), the found family. I loved it all. I started this last night, and I've been hooked ever since. The plot twist was so crazy and unexpected, but the execution was perfect. I feel like the epilogue could have had a bit more, but it was still perfect.
29 jul 2023:
I reread it because i missed my loves Reed and savannah😭
March 24, 2023
This book follows Savannah and Reed as they navigate the various challenges high school throws at them. The town is divided into two social classes: the Willies and the Sammies. The Sammies are the rich, middle/high class, popular kids. The Willies are the poor, less fortunate, very "wrong side of the tracks" kids. Popular girl Savannah, kicked off the cheerleading squad for poor grades, struggles with her popularity and eventually begins to question why it was ever important to her in the first place. Reed, the selfless leader of the Willies, has a long-standing pact with his ex-childhood best friend that prevents him from playing football, even though he is really good. When Reed gets recruited to the football team after the coach sees him throw, Savannah gets thrown into the mix with her dad, who is the coach, to watch Reed's little sister while he's at practice. Mysteries are unveiled, deals are made and rearranged, and social circles are questioned.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be difficult to capture my attention.
BOY WAS I SO WRONG.
Past the first couple chapters, this book was so addicting, I lost sleep getting it finished. From the beginning, Reed and Savannah's dynamic was one of my favorite book tropes: popular girl and "bad" boy. Past the popularity aspect, this book also grapples with some deeper issues, issues I actually wasn't expecting to be so deep when I began. I love how the mystery behind why Reed didn't play football is revealed slowly throughout the book. It's not one where the mystery is revealed and you're reading and waiting for the characters to find out. In this book, you are finding out with the characters, and I think that's part of the reason why this book was so addicting for me. That, and Reed and Savannah's slow burn romance.
This book does well at avoiding the typical cliche of a high school football team with members from different social circles. I actually really enjoyed the way this book was set up and written, and all the important aspects of the story that you aren't expecting to get with a football sports romance.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thank you BookSirens and Dana Claire for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I can't wait to see more of how the series plays out.
When I first started reading this book, I thought it was going to be difficult to capture my attention.
BOY WAS I SO WRONG.
Past the first couple chapters, this book was so addicting, I lost sleep getting it finished. From the beginning, Reed and Savannah's dynamic was one of my favorite book tropes: popular girl and "bad" boy. Past the popularity aspect, this book also grapples with some deeper issues, issues I actually wasn't expecting to be so deep when I began. I love how the mystery behind why Reed didn't play football is revealed slowly throughout the book. It's not one where the mystery is revealed and you're reading and waiting for the characters to find out. In this book, you are finding out with the characters, and I think that's part of the reason why this book was so addicting for me. That, and Reed and Savannah's slow burn romance.
This book does well at avoiding the typical cliche of a high school football team with members from different social circles. I actually really enjoyed the way this book was set up and written, and all the important aspects of the story that you aren't expecting to get with a football sports romance.
Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far.
Thank you BookSirens and Dana Claire for the opportunity to read this wonderful book. I can't wait to see more of how the series plays out.
March 27, 2023
Sideliners was like a Texas football meets West Side story and I loved all of it.
You have a town divided between the Willies (the poor) and the Sammies (the rich). You meet Maddox our resident bad boy Willie who is doing everything he can to make sure his family has what they need...even if it’s not quite legal. Savannah is a Sammie who has never been the same since her younger sister passed away. Constantly masking her true self with her popularity until her world collides with Reed.
I enjoyed that this book wasn’t just a love story but we have school, town, and family moments & 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕒. Plus, you get to see the characters grow and change throughout. I enjoyed Savannah’s parents and how she finally faces her past with her mom 💕
Young adult friendly. No spice. Some talk of sex, child loss, and therapy
TY for this ARC! I hope you enjoy, available today 3/27
You have a town divided between the Willies (the poor) and the Sammies (the rich). You meet Maddox our resident bad boy Willie who is doing everything he can to make sure his family has what they need...even if it’s not quite legal. Savannah is a Sammie who has never been the same since her younger sister passed away. Constantly masking her true self with her popularity until her world collides with Reed.
I enjoyed that this book wasn’t just a love story but we have school, town, and family moments & 𝕕𝕣𝕒𝕞𝕒. Plus, you get to see the characters grow and change throughout. I enjoyed Savannah’s parents and how she finally faces her past with her mom 💕
Young adult friendly. No spice. Some talk of sex, child loss, and therapy
TY for this ARC! I hope you enjoy, available today 3/27
March 15, 2023
Wow! Dana is an exceptional author. I was blown away by this book!! The ups, the downs, the excitement, the adventure, the drama, the heartbreak, and the reality of it all.
This book hits so close to home for me, with the losses and the dealing of grief etc. But the way it was written it actually was comforting and I needed that.
Dana is definitely one of my number one favorite authors, every book gets better and better! Five stars! Bravo! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This book hits so close to home for me, with the losses and the dealing of grief etc. But the way it was written it actually was comforting and I needed that.
Dana is definitely one of my number one favorite authors, every book gets better and better! Five stars! Bravo! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 3, 2023
In Pottsville Texas it always comes down to either you have it or you don't. The Sammies have it and the Willies don't. Each side is content to stay on their side of all things social, until one day a solid football throw brings on the kind of attention that could just shake things up in Pottsville, Texas.
I absolutely devoured Sideliners! Reed Maddox may live on the Willie side of town, but he's got a heart of gold and when you are in his circle, you won't ever doubt it, because he will ALWAYS have your back! The most important person in his life is his litter sister, aka Squirt, and there is nothing that he won't do for her including making a deal that puts her needs above all else. And when there's a chance that something puts her needs at jeopardy, the deal changes and Reed puts his heart and soul into making the new deal work for her needs.
5 stars without a doubt! I can't even tell you all that I love about it, because I want you to read it for yourself and fall in love with Reed (and Squirt) for yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I absolutely devoured Sideliners! Reed Maddox may live on the Willie side of town, but he's got a heart of gold and when you are in his circle, you won't ever doubt it, because he will ALWAYS have your back! The most important person in his life is his litter sister, aka Squirt, and there is nothing that he won't do for her including making a deal that puts her needs above all else. And when there's a chance that something puts her needs at jeopardy, the deal changes and Reed puts his heart and soul into making the new deal work for her needs.
5 stars without a doubt! I can't even tell you all that I love about it, because I want you to read it for yourself and fall in love with Reed (and Squirt) for yourself.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2023
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Dana Claire has done it again, she has written another amazing book. This book was so good, the plot was so amazing and it was really easy to want to continue reading it and see where it goes. From just reading the beginning I knew this was gonna be an incredible read for me. I loved Reed’s character, he was so well written and even though I don’t know anything about football, when he played I was invested in the match as much as the story. He was such a nice person, his personality was so well done and overall he was a well rounded character all around. I loved reeds sister Squirt and I thought she was such a nice addition to this story. At first I didn’t really liked Savannah’s but I have to admit that seeing her growth and watching her heal made me like her so much more than I thought possible. This was such a good sports romance and I hope that we get more books from this world and hopefully see these characters again.
Dana Claire has done it again, she has written another amazing book. This book was so good, the plot was so amazing and it was really easy to want to continue reading it and see where it goes. From just reading the beginning I knew this was gonna be an incredible read for me. I loved Reed’s character, he was so well written and even though I don’t know anything about football, when he played I was invested in the match as much as the story. He was such a nice person, his personality was so well done and overall he was a well rounded character all around. I loved reeds sister Squirt and I thought she was such a nice addition to this story. At first I didn’t really liked Savannah’s but I have to admit that seeing her growth and watching her heal made me like her so much more than I thought possible. This was such a good sports romance and I hope that we get more books from this world and hopefully see these characters again.
April 5, 2023
Wonderful Just Wonderful, a beautifully written slow burn YA romance that left a smile on my face, and a glow in my heart, I adore a two sides of a town romance, and Dana Claire throws this into the red zone with Sideliners, Pottsville Texas is as Reed tells you from the start a town split in two, those that have two jobs and those that have two homes, Reed is from the family of two jobs, and Savannah the daughter of the football coach and football is the only thing that the town come together for, what made this a 5⭐️ read and puts it above some of these types of books is the secret that Reed is keeping which blow my mind, I adored the connect he and Savannah have even if they try and fight it, and Savannah was not at all what I was expecting I fell in love with her kindness right away and adored how her connection to Reed's sister grow. Secrets are the backbone of this unforgettable must-read.
November 11, 2023
5 ⭐️
Ohhh I loved Sideliners! Reed and Savannah are so relatable and you’ll be rooting for them the entire time. This is a story you can easily insert yourself into. Dana’s writing style is perfect and flows so well. No plot holes and everything comes together so well. The ending is shocking. Did not see that coming! This followed another 5 star book for me and I expected everything after to pale in comparison. Now, I’m expecting everything after THIS BOOK to pale in comparison. I need more Savannah and Reed, asap!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ohhh I loved Sideliners! Reed and Savannah are so relatable and you’ll be rooting for them the entire time. This is a story you can easily insert yourself into. Dana’s writing style is perfect and flows so well. No plot holes and everything comes together so well. The ending is shocking. Did not see that coming! This followed another 5 star book for me and I expected everything after to pale in comparison. Now, I’m expecting everything after THIS BOOK to pale in comparison. I need more Savannah and Reed, asap!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 27, 2023
One thing you should know about me is that I’m a fan of sports romances, so when I found out that this book was giving me exactly what I wanted, I didn’t doubt for a second that I had to read this story.
Sideliners is the perfect combination of 2000s shows like The O.C. and One Tree Hill with a hint of Romeo And Juliet , where you can get high school drama, romance, tension, a good plot and amazing, charismatic side characters. I also want to add that I adored how the author touched on some deeper issues in this book, and it took me by surprise.
I loved the relationship between the main characters, they had great chemistry and I specially enjoyed to see their development.
If you’re looking for a well-written book and an amazing story, I highly recommend this one.
I want to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Sideliners is the perfect combination of 2000s shows like The O.C. and One Tree Hill with a hint of Romeo And Juliet , where you can get high school drama, romance, tension, a good plot and amazing, charismatic side characters. I also want to add that I adored how the author touched on some deeper issues in this book, and it took me by surprise.
I loved the relationship between the main characters, they had great chemistry and I specially enjoyed to see their development.
If you’re looking for a well-written book and an amazing story, I highly recommend this one.
I want to thank NetGalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of this book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2023
This book was super easy for me to read. The plot was well written and I think the characters storylines had good depth to them. I wanted to keep reading and thought about it when I wasn’t reading!
I received an advanced review copy of this book and posting this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and posting this review voluntarily.
April 8, 2023
Alright, listen up, folks! Sideliners is a fantastic American football love story that'll definitely get you fired up, especially if you're a Friday Night Light's fan!
This story revolves around Savannah and Reed, two high schoolers in Pottsville, Texas, a football-crazed town. They come from different backgrounds, but together they make the Pottsville Pirates football team a force to be reckoned with. Along the way, they face some tough challenges like bullying, income disparities, and prejudice. Real life crap!
Let me tell you, I was blown away by this book! It's a YA story that tackles real issues head-on, no sugar-coating. The characters are relatable and easy to root for, and the world-building is so vivid, you'll feel like you're right there on the field with them.
There's this one point in the story where I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if the Pottsville Pirates would come out on top, and man, it was intense! Finding a book that grips you like that is a rare gem, but Sideliners nailed it.
The whole vibe of the book is electric, with the perfect blend of Friday Night Lights and Outer Banks rolled up into one. And let me tell you, the twist near the end caught me off guard, kept me guessing till the last play. It's got all the elements of an epic tale.
Sideliners is a must-read that'll leave you pumped up and craving more! Get in the game and dive into this gripping story!
This story revolves around Savannah and Reed, two high schoolers in Pottsville, Texas, a football-crazed town. They come from different backgrounds, but together they make the Pottsville Pirates football team a force to be reckoned with. Along the way, they face some tough challenges like bullying, income disparities, and prejudice. Real life crap!
Let me tell you, I was blown away by this book! It's a YA story that tackles real issues head-on, no sugar-coating. The characters are relatable and easy to root for, and the world-building is so vivid, you'll feel like you're right there on the field with them.
There's this one point in the story where I was on the edge of my seat, waiting to see if the Pottsville Pirates would come out on top, and man, it was intense! Finding a book that grips you like that is a rare gem, but Sideliners nailed it.
The whole vibe of the book is electric, with the perfect blend of Friday Night Lights and Outer Banks rolled up into one. And let me tell you, the twist near the end caught me off guard, kept me guessing till the last play. It's got all the elements of an epic tale.
Sideliners is a must-read that'll leave you pumped up and craving more! Get in the game and dive into this gripping story!
March 17, 2023
A great sports romance
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
In Pottsville, two groups don't mix: those who have money, and those who don't. But if there's one thing that brings people together, it's football. Reed and Savannah aren't supposed to mix. But when they strike a deal to help each other out, keeping it a secret from the rest of the world to keep their reputations clean, their worlds will collide. Will they be able to get over societal claims and admit their feelings despite their differences?
I'm not a big fan of sports romance, mainly because I don't understand a lot about sports. But since I loved this author's books, I thought I'd give it a chance. I don't regret it at all. It was a great read for me, even if the ending got a bit messy and was sometimes hard to understand. The setting is interesting, a bit of a Romeo and Juliet kind of thing with the rivalry. I really, really enjoyed the slow burn and it gave me all the feels when they finallt acted on their feelings. It was intense and very hot, which I loved. Savannah and Reed are very well written, with each their own dramas, past and problems. I liked how they got to know one another, get over their predjudices and allow their feelings to show. The secondary characters were quite intriguing too and I liked the role they had to play in the story and how everything tied together at the end. It was really entertaining and I had a blast reading it.
I recommend if you like a good old slow burn with an impossible love kind of thing.
"Wanting and having are two very different things."
TW: car accident, violence, blood, death, disease, discrimination
- I would like to thank the author for the eARC -
In Pottsville, two groups don't mix: those who have money, and those who don't. But if there's one thing that brings people together, it's football. Reed and Savannah aren't supposed to mix. But when they strike a deal to help each other out, keeping it a secret from the rest of the world to keep their reputations clean, their worlds will collide. Will they be able to get over societal claims and admit their feelings despite their differences?
I'm not a big fan of sports romance, mainly because I don't understand a lot about sports. But since I loved this author's books, I thought I'd give it a chance. I don't regret it at all. It was a great read for me, even if the ending got a bit messy and was sometimes hard to understand. The setting is interesting, a bit of a Romeo and Juliet kind of thing with the rivalry. I really, really enjoyed the slow burn and it gave me all the feels when they finallt acted on their feelings. It was intense and very hot, which I loved. Savannah and Reed are very well written, with each their own dramas, past and problems. I liked how they got to know one another, get over their predjudices and allow their feelings to show. The secondary characters were quite intriguing too and I liked the role they had to play in the story and how everything tied together at the end. It was really entertaining and I had a blast reading it.
I recommend if you like a good old slow burn with an impossible love kind of thing.
"Wanting and having are two very different things."
TW: car accident, violence, blood, death, disease, discrimination
May 16, 2023
This story is a sports romance set in highschool. Although is YA, the characters are very mature for their age of 18 and have been through some emotional and traumatic situations which explains their level of maturity.
This is the second book I have read from this author and so far I like her style of writing. This book is about second chances and healing. This was the first sports romance I have read and I liked that the author was able to transport you to what a highschool football game is like. I was confused at first about the Sammie's and the Willie's. it did feel like Romeo and juliet but less tragic, which I am glad for.
I recommend this story. I give it 4/5 because it just ended and I wanted more. I am not sure if there will be a second book.
I guess it left me wanting to know what their future will be like. Other than that. It was a good story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you book sirens
This is the second book I have read from this author and so far I like her style of writing. This book is about second chances and healing. This was the first sports romance I have read and I liked that the author was able to transport you to what a highschool football game is like. I was confused at first about the Sammie's and the Willie's. it did feel like Romeo and juliet but less tragic, which I am glad for.
I recommend this story. I give it 4/5 because it just ended and I wanted more. I am not sure if there will be a second book.
I guess it left me wanting to know what their future will be like. Other than that. It was a good story.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you book sirens
May 9, 2023
I got this as an ARC and wow! I think Dana Claire is one of my new favourite authors! Sideliners is a great read from start to finish!
April 18, 2023
This. Book. Is. All. The. Feels. (inner fan girl screaming - post book hangover)
I don’t usually get overly cheesy when writing a review, but sitting down to write this as soon as I finished the book (and have been gushing over it while reading), I can’t resist. I just loved this story so much. I might also be in love with Reed 😬.
The best parts of the book: dual POV, enemies-to-lovers & forbidden & small town romance all rolled into one (bonus: maybe even grumpy/sunshine too), football, underdog, and family. There was so much to love about this book.
This is my third Dana Claire book and it will not be my last. She is now an auto read author for me and is very deserving of that title. The reveals have perfect timing (that last one 😯 . Her characters are all so loveable and their growth was realistic and incredible. There was so much heart to this book - there is no way that I will forget it.
If you love a good ya contemporary romance, pick this one up - it will not disappoint 💛
I don’t usually get overly cheesy when writing a review, but sitting down to write this as soon as I finished the book (and have been gushing over it while reading), I can’t resist. I just loved this story so much. I might also be in love with Reed 😬.
The best parts of the book: dual POV, enemies-to-lovers & forbidden & small town romance all rolled into one (bonus: maybe even grumpy/sunshine too), football, underdog, and family. There was so much to love about this book.
This is my third Dana Claire book and it will not be my last. She is now an auto read author for me and is very deserving of that title. The reveals have perfect timing (that last one 😯 . Her characters are all so loveable and their growth was realistic and incredible. There was so much heart to this book - there is no way that I will forget it.
If you love a good ya contemporary romance, pick this one up - it will not disappoint 💛
May 13, 2023
Such a good story, but also so infuriating. So many twists and turns the reader would not expect until the very end and even then it comes as a surprise!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 6, 2023
You are either a Sammie or a Willie. Sammie's have their whole lives handed to them on a silver platter. Willies have to work just to put food on the table.
The Willie's leader, Reed Maddox, loves football. But he promised he would never play. No one, except his closest friends know why. Savannah, the girlfriend of the Sammie's leader Dalton, is no longer on the cheer squad and only her family knows why. One day, Reed risks it all in an impulse move that catches the eye of the football coach, who also happens to be Savannah's dad. Soon their worlds collide in a twist of chance and fate and everything for everyone on both sides changes.
This book was incredible. Reminded me very much of The Outsiders. It was a definite page turner, and with the unexpected secret that doesn't get revealed till the end, it krrps you guessing. The characters are relatable and make you seem like their friends. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Willie's leader, Reed Maddox, loves football. But he promised he would never play. No one, except his closest friends know why. Savannah, the girlfriend of the Sammie's leader Dalton, is no longer on the cheer squad and only her family knows why. One day, Reed risks it all in an impulse move that catches the eye of the football coach, who also happens to be Savannah's dad. Soon their worlds collide in a twist of chance and fate and everything for everyone on both sides changes.
This book was incredible. Reminded me very much of The Outsiders. It was a definite page turner, and with the unexpected secret that doesn't get revealed till the end, it krrps you guessing. The characters are relatable and make you seem like their friends. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 30, 2023
Really liked this new book by Dana Claire! Good girl, bad boy, high school football, family or better yet family that you make and aren’t born into and some really good twists and turns. You won’t be disappointed if you give this one a chance!
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews