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First Down and Love: A Forbidden Romance
Who wants a perfect love story anyway? Certainly not Avery Charles. She’s worked hard and fought tooth and nail even sacrificing her marriage to land her dream job as an offensive coach for an NFL team. All work and no play makes for a dull life, but her career is what Avery lives for, and she will do whatever it takes to thrive in it.
Smith Harrison lives a life that most men only dream of. After his recent trade to the Abbeville Badgers in a fifteen-million-dollar contract over five years, he’s tasked with getting acquainted with his new team as well as his new city. Tired of gold diggers and women with hidden agendas he joins an exclusive club for discreet fun with no strings attached. Little did Smith know, he would meet an elusive beauty that he can’t resist.
Intrigued by the mysterious temptress, Smith seeks her out for months on end before realizing just how complicated his arrangement is. With the danger of a forbidden relationship ruining careers and lives, Avery and Smith have no choice but to try to find balance or risk losing it all.
Smith Harrison lives a life that most men only dream of. After his recent trade to the Abbeville Badgers in a fifteen-million-dollar contract over five years, he’s tasked with getting acquainted with his new team as well as his new city. Tired of gold diggers and women with hidden agendas he joins an exclusive club for discreet fun with no strings attached. Little did Smith know, he would meet an elusive beauty that he can’t resist.
Intrigued by the mysterious temptress, Smith seeks her out for months on end before realizing just how complicated his arrangement is. With the danger of a forbidden relationship ruining careers and lives, Avery and Smith have no choice but to try to find balance or risk losing it all.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2023
135 people are currently reading
100 people want to read
About the author
Tatum James
63 books528 followersTatum James is a passionate author of romance, urban fiction, and women’s fiction. Since publishing her debut novella Identical Sins in 2018, she has written more than 30 titles—each one known for its unique storylines, unpredictable twists, and vivid characters. A true storyteller at heart, Tatum loves painting pictures with words, weaving emotion, tension, and passion into every page.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
A South Georgia native from the small town of Abbeville, Tatum grew up surrounded by the quiet of the rural South—a place where imagination had room to run wild. That early creativity now fuels her writing, often infused with her love of storytelling and music. These twin passions frequently shape the themes and rhythm of her books.
Outside of writing, Tatum has worked as a dedicated nurse for over a decade. Her compassion and life experience shine through in the depth of her characters and the realism of her stories.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
March 27, 2023
⭐⭐⭐ 1/2
I've been holding off on review this story....Tatum is one of my new favorites and this time I just didn't connect with the story or the characters. I didn't feel the connection between Avery and Smith...while trying to read the story, I kept starting and stopping.....for me that's definitely one of my indicators that I have a lack of connection. Throughout the story we received a lot of content about the couple, their family dynamics and family drama...This information was ever present in the story; however, we didn't understand why certain things happened....it just was....and the truth of the matter is a story can definitely be written and received in that manner...but, when a subject matter is throughout the story...at that point, I expected to receive some kind of explanation. This one just didn't do it for me and I truly enjoy a good sports romance.
I've been holding off on review this story....Tatum is one of my new favorites and this time I just didn't connect with the story or the characters. I didn't feel the connection between Avery and Smith...while trying to read the story, I kept starting and stopping.....for me that's definitely one of my indicators that I have a lack of connection. Throughout the story we received a lot of content about the couple, their family dynamics and family drama...This information was ever present in the story; however, we didn't understand why certain things happened....it just was....and the truth of the matter is a story can definitely be written and received in that manner...but, when a subject matter is throughout the story...at that point, I expected to receive some kind of explanation. This one just didn't do it for me and I truly enjoy a good sports romance.
July 1, 2025
I enjoyed Avery and Smith’s story. They had a connection from the very beginning. Smith did whatever he could to show Avery how much he loved her. Even though there was an age gap you couldn’t tell because Smith handled himself well.
April 25, 2023
Love has no limits...
Ms. James, job well done! Your sports romance debut was a hit! Oh, and Mr. Smith knew he was smooth with his loving and how he showed it. I love the angle you went with this book Ms. James. There was an age gap between Smith and Avery but it was barely mentioned. Smith didn't care about the age, he fell in love with Avery. He loved "all things Avery." Avery deserved a man that was going to pamper, cater, and treat her like a woman without restrictions, unlike her ex-husband. Smith also allowed Avery to live her dream career. He was willing to move his career just to save hers. She wasn't put in a box and could only be a homemaker. She accomplished the dream of being the first African American female coach in the NFL. And she took her team to the Super Bowl. Smith was that guy and the love of Avery's life. I absolutely loved the maturity he displayed at his age. He made sure that the world knew he was in love with Avery while planting Smitty.
If you are into football this book is for you. However, if romance is your genre then you need to bend the pages of this book as well. In other words, grab your copy today. It's well worth every word. You will be fully invested in this plot twist, melodramatic novel. Ms. James, I'm looking forward to your next release.
Ms. James, job well done! Your sports romance debut was a hit! Oh, and Mr. Smith knew he was smooth with his loving and how he showed it. I love the angle you went with this book Ms. James. There was an age gap between Smith and Avery but it was barely mentioned. Smith didn't care about the age, he fell in love with Avery. He loved "all things Avery." Avery deserved a man that was going to pamper, cater, and treat her like a woman without restrictions, unlike her ex-husband. Smith also allowed Avery to live her dream career. He was willing to move his career just to save hers. She wasn't put in a box and could only be a homemaker. She accomplished the dream of being the first African American female coach in the NFL. And she took her team to the Super Bowl. Smith was that guy and the love of Avery's life. I absolutely loved the maturity he displayed at his age. He made sure that the world knew he was in love with Avery while planting Smitty.
If you are into football this book is for you. However, if romance is your genre then you need to bend the pages of this book as well. In other words, grab your copy today. It's well worth every word. You will be fully invested in this plot twist, melodramatic novel. Ms. James, I'm looking forward to your next release.
March 26, 2023
Avery and Smith
They met in a private world where discretion was key. Avery was the 1st female coach for the badgers. He was their wide receiver. There one night of passion not knowing who the other was lead to another until Smith figured out who she was! Can Avery follow her heart and surrender fully to Smith? He loves her unconditionally and promises her forever ! A great read.
They met in a private world where discretion was key. Avery was the 1st female coach for the badgers. He was their wide receiver. There one night of passion not knowing who the other was lead to another until Smith figured out who she was! Can Avery follow her heart and surrender fully to Smith? He loves her unconditionally and promises her forever ! A great read.
April 12, 2023
The story was good. I needed more depth, but overall, it was okay.
April 9, 2024
Anyone else wanna shake Avery??? No, just me? Whew chile. Her character stressed me outttttttttt
Tatum writes a good all in or nothing type of MMC. And Smith was no exception to that. Avery (our FMC) just had to get on the same page (you’ll never guess when it happens lol). As the audiobook got closer to the end, I found myself pacing around the kitchen.
There were a lot of references to the main characters family dynamics but we didn’t get to see it play out in the story. I would have liked to see more on page.
Not a huge fan of the narrator for the FMC. She brings the side characters to life with accents & personalities while the main character is so monotone.
Tatum writes a good all in or nothing type of MMC. And Smith was no exception to that. Avery (our FMC) just had to get on the same page (you’ll never guess when it happens lol). As the audiobook got closer to the end, I found myself pacing around the kitchen.
There were a lot of references to the main characters family dynamics but we didn’t get to see it play out in the story. I would have liked to see more on page.
Not a huge fan of the narrator for the FMC. She brings the side characters to life with accents & personalities while the main character is so monotone.
March 26, 2023
loved!
This was so different. I’ve never read a book where the woman was the coach. It was refreshing to read! Although she was driving me crazy. Fantastic job
This was so different. I’ve never read a book where the woman was the coach. It was refreshing to read! Although she was driving me crazy. Fantastic job
April 30, 2023
❤️
This book is AMAZING!!! Get into it! You won’t regret it I promise! Great job Ms. Tatum James!!! Much love 💕
This book is AMAZING!!! Get into it! You won’t regret it I promise! Great job Ms. Tatum James!!! Much love 💕
April 2, 2023
I love some Smith and Avery and I’m
Glad he apply that pressure and show her how much she meant to him. Avery was a hard nut to crack but he finally weigh her down . That young man was putting his back into it and showing her how he came correct !!
Glad he apply that pressure and show her how much she meant to him. Avery was a hard nut to crack but he finally weigh her down . That young man was putting his back into it and showing her how he came correct !!
June 5, 2025
Cute and quick. It seems like a lot of these characters are falling in love very quickly. I knew her ex husband’s friend wanted her. There was no other reason for him to act like that with her.
March 29, 2023
age gap and forbidden relationship
This was a good read. Avery has resorted to joining a private club to satisfy her needs after a nasty divorce due to her wanting to pursue her career as an offensive coordinator. Smith has joined the elusive club to keep his interactions limited to who and what he chooses. The two link up only to find out she is his new coach. I wanted Avery to just get over it and let Smith handle it but she was set to do things her way which almost messed up everything for both of them. Overall it was a really cute read.
This was a good read. Avery has resorted to joining a private club to satisfy her needs after a nasty divorce due to her wanting to pursue her career as an offensive coordinator. Smith has joined the elusive club to keep his interactions limited to who and what he chooses. The two link up only to find out she is his new coach. I wanted Avery to just get over it and let Smith handle it but she was set to do things her way which almost messed up everything for both of them. Overall it was a really cute read.
March 31, 2023
222
Chile, I didn’t know what to expect going in, but baby…I was NOT prepared?! Tatum, you have a way of covering so many topics without it feeling overwhelming or any of the characters getting lost. The twist toward the end?! Definitely didn’t see that coming, but it makes so much sense. Yes, women can have it all; the thriving career and a flourishing relationship. Loved it!
Chile, I didn’t know what to expect going in, but baby…I was NOT prepared?! Tatum, you have a way of covering so many topics without it feeling overwhelming or any of the characters getting lost. The twist toward the end?! Definitely didn’t see that coming, but it makes so much sense. Yes, women can have it all; the thriving career and a flourishing relationship. Loved it!
April 12, 2023
Very Good
I love sports romance stories. I love how Avery and Harrison met. When Avery found out who Harrison was she was shocked. Harrison knew Avery was going to be his.I am happy things worked out for them. Very good book.
I love sports romance stories. I love how Avery and Harrison met. When Avery found out who Harrison was she was shocked. Harrison knew Avery was going to be his.I am happy things worked out for them. Very good book.
April 13, 2023
Soulmate
Aaliyah said it best age at nothing but a number, love can’t be placed in a package or placed on a shelf. We have to be open to move forward without putting walls, cement or bars in place of blocking what really maybe for us.
Aaliyah said it best age at nothing but a number, love can’t be placed in a package or placed on a shelf. We have to be open to move forward without putting walls, cement or bars in place of blocking what really maybe for us.
April 12, 2023
Good Read
I enjoyed Smith and Avery story. I am all for the older woman younger man love affairs. Look forward to reading more from you Tatum!!!
I enjoyed Smith and Avery story. I am all for the older woman younger man love affairs. Look forward to reading more from you Tatum!!!
March 27, 2023
Smith and Avery
Avery had me stressed trying to play like she wasn’t head over heels for Smith, Even with the age difference I am glad the writer didn’t dwell on that like others. I was all for Avery standing strong for her position but if she would have listened to Smith and got on it before all the other stuff happened then it all could have been avoided. Smith’s mom was something else and I wanted to see his relationship with his brother, hell I just wanted more of this story it was so good 🤣. Smith and Avery was 🔥 together, this author wrote some amazing characters and I had a feeling Kent was a**hole and he showed his true colors and Smith has every right to handle him. Again this was a great story and I am waiting for the next release for sure from Tatum James!!!
Avery had me stressed trying to play like she wasn’t head over heels for Smith, Even with the age difference I am glad the writer didn’t dwell on that like others. I was all for Avery standing strong for her position but if she would have listened to Smith and got on it before all the other stuff happened then it all could have been avoided. Smith’s mom was something else and I wanted to see his relationship with his brother, hell I just wanted more of this story it was so good 🤣. Smith and Avery was 🔥 together, this author wrote some amazing characters and I had a feeling Kent was a**hole and he showed his true colors and Smith has every right to handle him. Again this was a great story and I am waiting for the next release for sure from Tatum James!!!
April 9, 2023
Great Sports Romance!!!
Smith and Avery originally meet each other at a private, exclusive club. He doesn't know that she is one of his coaches and she doesn't know that he plays for the team that she's coaching for. All he knows that she is the lady in white. Smith also finds himself attracted to his coach, Avery, the more time he spends around her. Smith is in a dilemma since he has developed feelings for 2 different women. Once Avery finds out who Smith is, she tries to break things off with him but he isn't having that. Avery got on my nerves being so wishy-washy. I was glad that Smith didn't let up trying to get his woman. He didn't care about the age difference or that she was one of his coaches. He was going after Avery no holds barred. There was so much passion between them which turned into an amazing love story. This is a great sports romance book that I highly recommend.
Smith and Avery originally meet each other at a private, exclusive club. He doesn't know that she is one of his coaches and she doesn't know that he plays for the team that she's coaching for. All he knows that she is the lady in white. Smith also finds himself attracted to his coach, Avery, the more time he spends around her. Smith is in a dilemma since he has developed feelings for 2 different women. Once Avery finds out who Smith is, she tries to break things off with him but he isn't having that. Avery got on my nerves being so wishy-washy. I was glad that Smith didn't let up trying to get his woman. He didn't care about the age difference or that she was one of his coaches. He was going after Avery no holds barred. There was so much passion between them which turned into an amazing love story. This is a great sports romance book that I highly recommend.
April 11, 2023
Love On The Field
I loved everything about this book
Avery is a assistant NFL first female football coach for the Abbeville Badgers, she's at the top of her game living her dream, she wanted no parts to a committed relationship, but she still wanted the company of man.
Smith Harrison is new to the Abbeville Badgers Football team living out his dream as a NFL player, he also isn't ready to commit to a relationship.
One faithful night the two meet at a private location that is for members only called Prime.
I loved everything about this book
Avery is a assistant NFL first female football coach for the Abbeville Badgers, she's at the top of her game living her dream, she wanted no parts to a committed relationship, but she still wanted the company of man.
Smith Harrison is new to the Abbeville Badgers Football team living out his dream as a NFL player, he also isn't ready to commit to a relationship.
One faithful night the two meet at a private location that is for members only called Prime.
March 27, 2023
Love and football
I love the way Smith and Avery gravitated towards each other after the way they met. Smith loved him some Avery. This a good sappy love story. I love the way Tatum writes
I love the way Smith and Avery gravitated towards each other after the way they met. Smith loved him some Avery. This a good sappy love story. I love the way Tatum writes
March 27, 2023
soooo good
Avery was getting on my nerves with the back and forth. I understand how important her career is but she was doing a little too much for her being a grown ass woman. I’m glad she finally got it together.
Tatum Jame never misses another 5 star book!
Avery was getting on my nerves with the back and forth. I understand how important her career is but she was doing a little too much for her being a grown ass woman. I’m glad she finally got it together.
Tatum Jame never misses another 5 star book!
March 26, 2023
Touchdown!
Tatum you did that! I loved both characters and how you kept is guessing at times. Looking forward to the next one in this series 😀! Hint! Hint!
Tatum you did that! I loved both characters and how you kept is guessing at times. Looking forward to the next one in this series 😀! Hint! Hint!
March 27, 2023
loved it!
Great read! This was good from beginning to end. I low key wanted to see more drama regarding their relationship but everything worked out
Great read! This was good from beginning to end. I low key wanted to see more drama regarding their relationship but everything worked out
April 2, 2023
Great Read
Smith and Avery fell fast and hard! Avery tried hard to keep things a secret, but Smith wasn't having that. He told her they would be together and he didn't care who knew. Smith's mom was all about what he could do for her. She didn't love him. Smith cut her off because he wasn't allowing anyone to disrespect Avery. Avery getting pregnant was what needed to happen to get her to realize she couldn't be without him. This was an amazing read.
Smith and Avery fell fast and hard! Avery tried hard to keep things a secret, but Smith wasn't having that. He told her they would be together and he didn't care who knew. Smith's mom was all about what he could do for her. She didn't love him. Smith cut her off because he wasn't allowing anyone to disrespect Avery. Avery getting pregnant was what needed to happen to get her to realize she couldn't be without him. This was an amazing read.
April 24, 2023
Awesome!!
This story was good from the beginning and I the end!! I couldn’t put it down at all! Smith and Avery are fire! I really loved how Smith felt about Avery!! Age doesn’t matter at all!!
This story was good from the beginning and I the end!! I couldn’t put it down at all! Smith and Avery are fire! I really loved how Smith felt about Avery!! Age doesn’t matter at all!!
November 16, 2024
I enjoy a good, forbidden love trope... especially mixed with sports and an elite members only club! There's also an age gap trope, which is not my favorite, but this one didn't seem too bad!
October 4, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
March 26, 2023
Smith and Avery
I enjoyed this read. Of course Smith was ready from the start but Avery was like most was afraid of how IG could affect her career. So glad things worked out!!!
I enjoyed this read. Of course Smith was ready from the start but Avery was like most was afraid of how IG could affect her career. So glad things worked out!!!
April 1, 2023
In Love
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I was waiting on a cliffhanger. I don't want to be done with Avery and Smith they are such a cute couple. I recommend this book.
This book kept me on the edge of my seat! I was waiting on a cliffhanger. I don't want to be done with Avery and Smith they are such a cute couple. I recommend this book.
April 1, 2023
Avery and Harrison met under unusual circumstances but who knew 2 encounters would lead them down a road they were not expecting. Their romance started differently but they made it work.
April 23, 2023
Amused
Being a South Georgia native myself has me tickled to imagine the real Abbeville as the city in my mind while reading this book. That aside I enjoyed the story. I’d love to see more sports romance in the future.
Being a South Georgia native myself has me tickled to imagine the real Abbeville as the city in my mind while reading this book. That aside I enjoyed the story. I’d love to see more sports romance in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews