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Tate Brothers #2
Just a Football Star
He’s a competitive ex-athlete. Which is code for “He’s gonna break my heart.”
When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys.
Now? It’s all gone. I’m unemployed, unboyfriended, and I’ve rage-booked a week’s stay at a fancy, remote resort to try to heal from the havoc.
Enter Alec. Not only did he used to play for the exact team I’ve gone running and screaming from, but the frustratingly handsome man is harboring a jumbo-sized chip on his shoulder from his career-ending injury.
He’s so broken, I can’t not help him with his knee while I’m here. I’ve always loved a good project.
Except, after awhile, I find myself in irresponsibly close quarters with him. I’m getting glimpses of his goodness and suddenly, I want to know all about him.
What makes him tick?
There is one thing I know.
When I finally figure him out, everything will change.
Just a Football Star is a sweet, small-town, closed-door romantic comedy with all of the sizzle and none of the spice! It lightly touches on the death of a significant other in the past and an addiction in a former relationship. However, there’s also an adorable puppy named Jerry, the meddlesome antics of Aunt Stella, and no one cheats on anyone. Plus, mysteries surrounding those intriguing Tate Brothers will begin to unravel.
When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys.
Now? It’s all gone. I’m unemployed, unboyfriended, and I’ve rage-booked a week’s stay at a fancy, remote resort to try to heal from the havoc.
Enter Alec. Not only did he used to play for the exact team I’ve gone running and screaming from, but the frustratingly handsome man is harboring a jumbo-sized chip on his shoulder from his career-ending injury.
He’s so broken, I can’t not help him with his knee while I’m here. I’ve always loved a good project.
Except, after awhile, I find myself in irresponsibly close quarters with him. I’m getting glimpses of his goodness and suddenly, I want to know all about him.
What makes him tick?
There is one thing I know.
When I finally figure him out, everything will change.
Just a Football Star is a sweet, small-town, closed-door romantic comedy with all of the sizzle and none of the spice! It lightly touches on the death of a significant other in the past and an addiction in a former relationship. However, there’s also an adorable puppy named Jerry, the meddlesome antics of Aunt Stella, and no one cheats on anyone. Plus, mysteries surrounding those intriguing Tate Brothers will begin to unravel.
260 pages, ebook
Published June 29, 2023
123 people are currently reading
782 people want to read
About the author
Deb Goodman
38 books129 followersJoin Deb's newsletter to get the book, Just a Road Trip, part of the Tate Brothers series, totally FREE!
https://debgoodmanwrites.com
Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.
Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.
Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!
Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.
https://debgoodmanwrites.com
Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.
Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.
Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!
Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
June 29, 2023
I'm in love with this small-town RomCom!
Just a Football Star is the second book in the series (I haven't read the first) and I wasn't lost at all. I think it's one of those series where you get the backstory of another couple with each book and can jump in knowing that because it's a romance, it will be a HEA.
I'm so excited that I've discovered a new-to-me author! This my first Deb Goodman book and it won't be my last. I love her writing style and I loved these characters. Alec had a career-ending NFL football injury and is now sulking and working at his brother's resort in small-town Colorado. Oakley is a sports trainer for the NFL and due to a cheating, lying, stealing ex, she's holing up to get back on her feet.
Their cringe-worthy first meet had me DYING of laughter and second-hand embarrassment. From that point on, I knew this was a story worth devouring like a chocolate covered cinnamon bear and I wasn't wrong.
Things to love:
🏈second chances at love
🏈a tight-knit crew of brothers
🏈a swanky resort
🏈a sweet little pup
🏈scrumptious food
🏈forced and close proximity that was 🥵🔥
🏈cute, sweet, fun, and swoony romance
🏈dazzling chemistry
🏈moving on and healing
🏈many laugh-out-loud moments
This series has a little bit of everything for the clean romance reader and I'm excited to catch up with all the brothers.
Content: mild romance; vague talk of drinking/gambling/death
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Just a Football Star is the second book in the series (I haven't read the first) and I wasn't lost at all. I think it's one of those series where you get the backstory of another couple with each book and can jump in knowing that because it's a romance, it will be a HEA.
I'm so excited that I've discovered a new-to-me author! This my first Deb Goodman book and it won't be my last. I love her writing style and I loved these characters. Alec had a career-ending NFL football injury and is now sulking and working at his brother's resort in small-town Colorado. Oakley is a sports trainer for the NFL and due to a cheating, lying, stealing ex, she's holing up to get back on her feet.
Their cringe-worthy first meet had me DYING of laughter and second-hand embarrassment. From that point on, I knew this was a story worth devouring like a chocolate covered cinnamon bear and I wasn't wrong.
Things to love:
🏈second chances at love
🏈a tight-knit crew of brothers
🏈a swanky resort
🏈a sweet little pup
🏈scrumptious food
🏈forced and close proximity that was 🥵🔥
🏈cute, sweet, fun, and swoony romance
🏈dazzling chemistry
🏈moving on and healing
🏈many laugh-out-loud moments
This series has a little bit of everything for the clean romance reader and I'm excited to catch up with all the brothers.
Content: mild romance; vague talk of drinking/gambling/death
*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
June 29, 2023
This is the kind of book you fall in love with immediately. It truly was love at first sight, or love at first read 😍
Oakley is a sports trainer who was forced to walk away from her dream job working for a pro football team. She retreats to a wonderful resort for some R&R where she meets Alec, an ex pro football player.
Oakley needs a break from her old life, so the last thing she needs is a grumpy and bitter ex football star. Except Alec isn't all that grumpy and maybe he is just what she needs.
Their meet cute is hilarious. And perhaps a bit embarrassing, which made it even funnier.
This is book 2 in the Tate Brothers series, and completely stands on its own, although you will want to read book 1 like I do. The family of 6 Tate brothers is amazing. This book predominantly features Alec with brothers Sebastian and Oliver (the MC from book 1.) I am anxious to read all about these brothers. And quite honestly any book Deb Goodman writes!
Oakley is a sports trainer who was forced to walk away from her dream job working for a pro football team. She retreats to a wonderful resort for some R&R where she meets Alec, an ex pro football player.
Oakley needs a break from her old life, so the last thing she needs is a grumpy and bitter ex football star. Except Alec isn't all that grumpy and maybe he is just what she needs.
Their meet cute is hilarious. And perhaps a bit embarrassing, which made it even funnier.
This is book 2 in the Tate Brothers series, and completely stands on its own, although you will want to read book 1 like I do. The family of 6 Tate brothers is amazing. This book predominantly features Alec with brothers Sebastian and Oliver (the MC from book 1.) I am anxious to read all about these brothers. And quite honestly any book Deb Goodman writes!
June 30, 2023
This was such a cute romcom! I love the brothers' dynamic in this story! I like the balance between sweet and depth of character in the story line. A fun read with all the happy feels!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
June 29, 2023
This was my first introduction to the Tate family and while this book is part of a series, it can absolutely be read as a standalone.
This was a really cute story from start to finish. It’s a great quick read romcom.
Alec and Oakley are destined to find each other in this forced proximity, celebrity romance. I thought the character’s chemistry was great and I really enjoyed many of the side characters like Stella, Jerry Rice, and Alec’s many brothers.
I do wish there was a little more character development because at certain points it felt like they were taking leaps and bounds in their relationship, but overall, it was a fun story to dive into!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
This was a really cute story from start to finish. It’s a great quick read romcom.
Alec and Oakley are destined to find each other in this forced proximity, celebrity romance. I thought the character’s chemistry was great and I really enjoyed many of the side characters like Stella, Jerry Rice, and Alec’s many brothers.
I do wish there was a little more character development because at certain points it felt like they were taking leaps and bounds in their relationship, but overall, it was a fun story to dive into!
Thank you to the author for this ARC!
June 29, 2023
Sweet story centered on Alec and Oakley who are both recouping after career ending events, one being a hurt knee that has taken Alec out of football and one being a breakup and being forced out of her dream career.
After meeting in an unfortunate way, Oakley helps Alec with rehabbing his knee while she is staying at the his family's resort. When Alec's brother's offer Oakley a new start, working for them, providing workout classes for guests and eventually rehabilitation for other injured athletes, Oakley up ends her life and moves to Colorado.
They both vow to just be friends, afterall she is recovering from a recent breakup and he is still in mourning over his lost love. But can they keep that promise?
I really loved the chemistry between the two and I found their friendship really endearing. I totally understood the hesitation to move their friendship to anything more.
This is the 2nd book in the series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
I was provided this ARC for my honest opinion.
After meeting in an unfortunate way, Oakley helps Alec with rehabbing his knee while she is staying at the his family's resort. When Alec's brother's offer Oakley a new start, working for them, providing workout classes for guests and eventually rehabilitation for other injured athletes, Oakley up ends her life and moves to Colorado.
They both vow to just be friends, afterall she is recovering from a recent breakup and he is still in mourning over his lost love. But can they keep that promise?
I really loved the chemistry between the two and I found their friendship really endearing. I totally understood the hesitation to move their friendship to anything more.
This is the 2nd book in the series, but can absolutely be read as a standalone.
I was provided this ARC for my honest opinion.
June 27, 2023
What a lovely return to Longdale for Alec and Oakley's story. This being the second in the series we learn all about Alec who is still grieving for his lost love and then recovering from him knee injury losing him his football career. Oakley runs away to Longdale to escape and mend herself after betrayal by her ex Brendt. No job worry over her reputation she meets Alec at the resort and this is were the twists and turns between them begin. Can these two repair themselves and build a relationship. Between a grumpy brother, fires, a puppy and misunderstandings will they ever be able to move forward. The brilliant characters and the superb writing of Deb this book certainly hooks you from the beginning. I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy and this is my own honest opinion and review. I'm sure you'll enjoy it as much as I have
June 28, 2023
This is my first book by Deb Goodman and it won’t be my last! I’m excited to go back and read the first book in this series and for all the cooks to come featuring the Tate brothers!!
Oakley is the cutest! I love her strong, independent, and driven personality. She’s been through some rough patches with her ex, but is ready to move ahead and find what comes next for her!
Alec has also had some pretty tough trials to wade through and is a little bit grumpy because of it. Enter Oakley. Their immediate chemistry from the treadmill encounter to the end of the book just made me so happy! They’re a match made in heaven!!
Oakley is the cutest! I love her strong, independent, and driven personality. She’s been through some rough patches with her ex, but is ready to move ahead and find what comes next for her!
Alec has also had some pretty tough trials to wade through and is a little bit grumpy because of it. Enter Oakley. Their immediate chemistry from the treadmill encounter to the end of the book just made me so happy! They’re a match made in heaven!!
June 29, 2023
I couldn’t put it down! This is a stand-alone sweet romantic comedy but it is in a series. I didn’t read book one but you bet I’m running to grab it now. I need more of the Tate brothers. Alec and Oakley (by the way love her name) are perfect for each other but their pasts make it hard for them to trust themselves and each other. There is a HEA and I really loved the addition of the epilogue to tie up this story. I can’t wait for the next book and I am hoping it’s Sebastian!
July 3, 2023
In book 2, released Friday, Just a Football Star, washed up football star who has not rehabbed correctly + former physical trainer = the perfect mash up! With Longdale Resort as the perfect rehab backdrop, a fire, flooding, and puppy are the perfect elements to create the cozy, cabin, single bed environment for this summer read. (But still sweet,clean and closed door!)
June 29, 2023
This book was so fun! The pacing was awesome and I just couldn’t put it down! I loved the chemistry of this football star and his exercise and sports therapist! Such a beautiful way to bring to broken people together! I loved all the details and all the swoon! Enjoy!
October 7, 2023
I’m a sucker for a good sports romance, and this cutie definitely delivered!! It was my first @debgoodmanwrites read and now I need to read more of her books!! Love, love, love her writing style!!
Oakley and Alec were the dynamic duo!! They had great chemistry from the beginning and it just kept getting better!!
I really admired Oakley! She was a strong character who had endured a lot when the story begins , but was determined to come out better from it. She was feisty, caring, witty and very attracted to Alec. 😉
Alec Tate! I absolutely loved Alec! He was everything you’d want in a dreamy football character….handsome, athletic build, funny, flirty, stubborn at times, and he can cook, girls!! 🫠
They had a bumpy start(literally😂), but neither one knew how much they needed the other!! I loved how they brought out the best in each other and how much they grew personally throughout the story!
I enjoyed all the side characters! Alec’s brothers were a hoot! Lol And Aunt Stella was too cool for words!!
It was such a fun read that I had a hard time putting down! If you love clean, swoony sports rom coms that leave you laughing and smiling, then this is the book for you!!
Things I Loved:
🤎Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears
🤎The Meet-Cute!! 😂
🤎The Bet
🤎Shared Cabin!
🤎Forced Proximity
🤎No Physical Contact Rule! 😂(I always love these rules!)
🤎Chef Alec
🤎Dancing to Taylor Swift
🤎Jerry Rice “the doggy foster son” 🥰
🤎Aunt Stella!! I LOVED her!!!!❤️❤️
🤎The flood! 😂😂
🤎The kiss!!! 🔥🔥
🤎One bed! 😉
🤎Raspberries 🥹🫠
🤎The Epilogue!!
Thank you to the author for the letting me have an ARC copy of her book!! All thoughts and opinions are my own!!
Oakley and Alec were the dynamic duo!! They had great chemistry from the beginning and it just kept getting better!!
I really admired Oakley! She was a strong character who had endured a lot when the story begins , but was determined to come out better from it. She was feisty, caring, witty and very attracted to Alec. 😉
Alec Tate! I absolutely loved Alec! He was everything you’d want in a dreamy football character….handsome, athletic build, funny, flirty, stubborn at times, and he can cook, girls!! 🫠
They had a bumpy start(literally😂), but neither one knew how much they needed the other!! I loved how they brought out the best in each other and how much they grew personally throughout the story!
I enjoyed all the side characters! Alec’s brothers were a hoot! Lol And Aunt Stella was too cool for words!!
It was such a fun read that I had a hard time putting down! If you love clean, swoony sports rom coms that leave you laughing and smiling, then this is the book for you!!
Things I Loved:
🤎Chocolate Covered Cinnamon Bears
🤎The Meet-Cute!! 😂
🤎The Bet
🤎Shared Cabin!
🤎Forced Proximity
🤎No Physical Contact Rule! 😂(I always love these rules!)
🤎Chef Alec
🤎Dancing to Taylor Swift
🤎Jerry Rice “the doggy foster son” 🥰
🤎Aunt Stella!! I LOVED her!!!!❤️❤️
🤎The flood! 😂😂
🤎The kiss!!! 🔥🔥
🤎One bed! 😉
🤎Raspberries 🥹🫠
🤎The Epilogue!!
Thank you to the author for the letting me have an ARC copy of her book!! All thoughts and opinions are my own!!
July 5, 2023
I see you, Deb Goodman. I was caught off guard by how quickly and thoroughly I was sucked into the world of Longdale, CO! Just a Football Star is so much more than a love story: it is a story of growth, trust, and family.
Oakley Ericson is a professional trainer for an NFL team in Texas. She is known for her ability to connect with players, hard work ethic, and superb skills. She lives, breathes, and sleeps football. Until she doesn’t.
Alec Tate is known for his prowess as a football player and skill with the ball. His football IQ is up there with the best of them! He worked his entire life to play in the NFL and saw his dream come to fruition! Too bad his career as a professional athlete was so short lived. Knee injuries do that.
Longdale, CO is home to the newest resort of Tate International. (Yup, same family.) Odd place for a resort, right? The calming presence of trees, a large lake, and nature in general can do amazing things for people. Can it work its magic for Oakley and Alec?
Read this book if you like:
🏈 Stories that Pull You in From the First Line
🏈 Sports Mixed with Love
🏈 Complicated Pasts
🏈 An Excessive Amount of Water
🏈 Jerry Rice
🏈 Personal Growth
🏈 Older Brothers
🏈 Loud Out Loud Moments
🏈 Warm and Fuzzy Feelings
🏈 Dual POV
🏈 Forced Proximity
Content/Triggers: References to gaming addiction and inattentive parents, betrayal, forced proximity, just kisses and witty banter to complete a love story!
Thank you to the author of the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oakley Ericson is a professional trainer for an NFL team in Texas. She is known for her ability to connect with players, hard work ethic, and superb skills. She lives, breathes, and sleeps football. Until she doesn’t.
Alec Tate is known for his prowess as a football player and skill with the ball. His football IQ is up there with the best of them! He worked his entire life to play in the NFL and saw his dream come to fruition! Too bad his career as a professional athlete was so short lived. Knee injuries do that.
Longdale, CO is home to the newest resort of Tate International. (Yup, same family.) Odd place for a resort, right? The calming presence of trees, a large lake, and nature in general can do amazing things for people. Can it work its magic for Oakley and Alec?
Read this book if you like:
🏈 Stories that Pull You in From the First Line
🏈 Sports Mixed with Love
🏈 Complicated Pasts
🏈 An Excessive Amount of Water
🏈 Jerry Rice
🏈 Personal Growth
🏈 Older Brothers
🏈 Loud Out Loud Moments
🏈 Warm and Fuzzy Feelings
🏈 Dual POV
🏈 Forced Proximity
Content/Triggers: References to gaming addiction and inattentive parents, betrayal, forced proximity, just kisses and witty banter to complete a love story!
Thank you to the author of the advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 1, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐.75/6
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Series: Tate Brothers #2
Place: Longdale, CO
Tropes: Rom Com, Sport Romance, Football Romance, Closed Door Romance, Small Town Romance, close proximity, one bed, third act breakup
TW: Death Of A Significant Other, Addiction, Alcoholism, Car Accident, Theft, Nepotism
Main Characters: Alec + Oakley
I enjoyed that Alec and Oakley had a lot in common even from the start. They were the missing puzzle piece of each other's lives. The challenges they faced only brought them closer. I really enjoyed their banter and snarkyness at times. They had so much to gain just by opening their minds and hearts.
Now that I've gotten that out let's talk about dialogue. It could use some revising. There was so much that could have been said in less words or in better terms. I didn't enjoy how often their incidents wood be referenced again and again. If their stories would have been told in their entirety there could have been better ways to relive a memory or just mentionimg it. It just became redundant.
I feel like the plot wasn't much to really be thrilled about. It was less than great, there wasnt enough communication for even the barest of relationships.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and Booksprout. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Spice: 🌶️/5
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪/5
Plot: 2.5/5
Series: Tate Brothers #2
Place: Longdale, CO
Tropes: Rom Com, Sport Romance, Football Romance, Closed Door Romance, Small Town Romance, close proximity, one bed, third act breakup
TW: Death Of A Significant Other, Addiction, Alcoholism, Car Accident, Theft, Nepotism
Main Characters: Alec + Oakley
I enjoyed that Alec and Oakley had a lot in common even from the start. They were the missing puzzle piece of each other's lives. The challenges they faced only brought them closer. I really enjoyed their banter and snarkyness at times. They had so much to gain just by opening their minds and hearts.
Now that I've gotten that out let's talk about dialogue. It could use some revising. There was so much that could have been said in less words or in better terms. I didn't enjoy how often their incidents wood be referenced again and again. If their stories would have been told in their entirety there could have been better ways to relive a memory or just mentionimg it. It just became redundant.
I feel like the plot wasn't much to really be thrilled about. It was less than great, there wasnt enough communication for even the barest of relationships.
I received a complimentary copy via the author and Booksprout. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
June 27, 2023
Just a Football Star is the second book in the Tate Brothers series. While the couple from book one does make an appearance in this one, this could definitely be read as a standalone. I had personally not yet read book one prior to this, and found I was able to enjoy it with feeling as though I was missing anything.
This was such a good read with just the right blend of sweet romantic moments, moments that made me laugh, and so much heart and healing too. Oakley and Alec both had their share of hurt in the past--- both in life and in relationships. As such, neither of them were really looking for a relationship. Of course, as romance readers we know that that's usually when it shows up, right? From the start their chemistry was apparent, and I enjoyed getting to watch them work through those past hurts and start to heal from them as they grew closer together.
Just a Football Star is a sweet, closed-door romance, with great chemistry but nothing beyond kissing. It does take on the 'only one bed' trope, but it's perfectly innocent. This is a super clean read, with no language.
If you're looking for your next sweet, romantic comedy with a lot of heart, this is a great one to check out!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
This was such a good read with just the right blend of sweet romantic moments, moments that made me laugh, and so much heart and healing too. Oakley and Alec both had their share of hurt in the past--- both in life and in relationships. As such, neither of them were really looking for a relationship. Of course, as romance readers we know that that's usually when it shows up, right? From the start their chemistry was apparent, and I enjoyed getting to watch them work through those past hurts and start to heal from them as they grew closer together.
Just a Football Star is a sweet, closed-door romance, with great chemistry but nothing beyond kissing. It does take on the 'only one bed' trope, but it's perfectly innocent. This is a super clean read, with no language.
If you're looking for your next sweet, romantic comedy with a lot of heart, this is a great one to check out!
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
July 11, 2023
A former football star and a former sports trainer collide (well, mostly he collides with the floor) at a resort where they have both fled to after one losing jobs to hide from heartbreaks. Of course, no matter how reluctant they are, their shared experiences- including both having worked for the same team- draw them into orbit with each other.
The characters are both dealing with issues that the other person seems to personify, which is a fun way to force them to process things. There is also the Only One Bed trope, so they really have to face each other. I loved meeting the entire Tate family as a whole, and look forward to reading about Sebastian.
Note to more sensitive readers: I do not recall anything objectionable.
I would recommend this book for romcom readers looking for an escape to a resort.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
The characters are both dealing with issues that the other person seems to personify, which is a fun way to force them to process things. There is also the Only One Bed trope, so they really have to face each other. I loved meeting the entire Tate family as a whole, and look forward to reading about Sebastian.
Note to more sensitive readers: I do not recall anything objectionable.
I would recommend this book for romcom readers looking for an escape to a resort.
I received a copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2023
Ex NFL player and an athletic trainer. One bed. Forced Proximity. Did he hurt you? No Kissing rule. 😏 A puppy! Grumpy-Sunshine. Both with some emotional baggage they have to work through.
What a fun, sweet, and silly story! I love the Tate Brothers! And am looking forward to watching them all fall in love. 🥰
💞 Romantic Content: 3 (heavier kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes
I’m used to Texas beauty, Alec. And you were a Texan! The glorious humidity. The lush vegetation, the cypress trees covered in Spanish moss, the wetlands. I could go on and on. You don’t understand what real beauty is.”
“Oh, I think I have a good idea about real beauty.”
But does it light your soul on fire, Alec? That’s what you need. Something that makes your heart beat again.”
“You make my heart beat again.”
"It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference.”
What a fun, sweet, and silly story! I love the Tate Brothers! And am looking forward to watching them all fall in love. 🥰
💞 Romantic Content: 3 (heavier kissing)
🗨 Some Quotes
I’m used to Texas beauty, Alec. And you were a Texan! The glorious humidity. The lush vegetation, the cypress trees covered in Spanish moss, the wetlands. I could go on and on. You don’t understand what real beauty is.”
“Oh, I think I have a good idea about real beauty.”
But does it light your soul on fire, Alec? That’s what you need. Something that makes your heart beat again.”
“You make my heart beat again.”
"It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference.”
January 28, 2025
no thoughts atm
July 3, 2023
“If you’re healing a broken heart, remember that each experience we have, good or bad, is just a foundation upon which we build our lives.”
Hello…. TATE BROTHERS! This was such a sweet and cozy read with a hilariously embarrassing meet-cute -- talk about falling for her first! I loved reading about grumpy broody Alec and sunshine sweet Oakley! Both are so well matched, but each has major relationship baggage and we wonder the whole time if they will be able to let that go and let each other in. Add to that an adorable puppy, a meddlesome family, and some unfortunate rooming issues that give us forced proximity and one-bed tropes, and BAM! Magic! I love the characters Deb has created within this small-town world. They are so likable and relatable, and you just can’t help but cheer them on! When they finally do get together, it’s a heart-stopping swoony moment. I literally sighed like those gifs you see. I can’t wait to see which Tate brother Deb features next!
Hello…. TATE BROTHERS! This was such a sweet and cozy read with a hilariously embarrassing meet-cute -- talk about falling for her first! I loved reading about grumpy broody Alec and sunshine sweet Oakley! Both are so well matched, but each has major relationship baggage and we wonder the whole time if they will be able to let that go and let each other in. Add to that an adorable puppy, a meddlesome family, and some unfortunate rooming issues that give us forced proximity and one-bed tropes, and BAM! Magic! I love the characters Deb has created within this small-town world. They are so likable and relatable, and you just can’t help but cheer them on! When they finally do get together, it’s a heart-stopping swoony moment. I literally sighed like those gifs you see. I can’t wait to see which Tate brother Deb features next!
July 5, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Oakley & Alec’s points of view
– Oakley has an ex who gaslighted & stole from her; he was also a gambler & heavy drinker
– it is mentioned that Oakley’s brother had been hit by a drunk driver in the past (he was rushed to the hospital but is all better now)
– Alec lost his college girlfriend in an accident & grieves for her
Review:
I enjoyed reading this story! Oakley and Alec had their issues they needed to figure out before they could really be together, and I liked that they tried to help each other but also knew that they needed space at times to figure things out for themselves. I loved Alec with his brothers and aunt, they made things interesting with their teasing and concern for him. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: Jerry, the events leading up to the one bed situation, dancing in the gym, Aunt Stella with Oakley, and Alec’s brothers teasing him (mainly Oliver).
Summary:
After everything in her life falls apart in one devastating swoop, Oakley finds herself escaping her hometown for a resort to get away from the chaos her life became. When the former athletic trainer gets there, she is surprised to find someone she knew from her time training her local football team. Alec Tate is a football star who had to step down do to a horrible injury, and Oakley hopes that he doesn’t recognize her and wonder what she is doing there. Oakley doesn’t want to bring up anything about why she left while still processing it herself. But with Alec constantly being around and then becoming her temporary coworker & roomie, Oakley finds her walls dropping bit by bit. Which is dangerous to her heart considering the more she learns about him the more it looks like Alec is the embodiment of what made her leave town…
Alec hasn’t been taking care of himself or his knee injury, which is painfully obvious after an embarrassing display of competitiveness on his part. Luckily, it catches the eye of the woman he was competing with and they happen to run into each other a few other times around the resort. Alec knows he’d never be ready for another relationship after Callie, but he can’t seem to stop himself from seeking out time with Oakley anyways…
– this is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Oakley & Alec’s points of view
– Oakley has an ex who gaslighted & stole from her; he was also a gambler & heavy drinker
– it is mentioned that Oakley’s brother had been hit by a drunk driver in the past (he was rushed to the hospital but is all better now)
– Alec lost his college girlfriend in an accident & grieves for her
Review:
I enjoyed reading this story! Oakley and Alec had their issues they needed to figure out before they could really be together, and I liked that they tried to help each other but also knew that they needed space at times to figure things out for themselves. I loved Alec with his brothers and aunt, they made things interesting with their teasing and concern for him. Some of my favorite scenes/moments in this book included: Jerry, the events leading up to the one bed situation, dancing in the gym, Aunt Stella with Oakley, and Alec’s brothers teasing him (mainly Oliver).
Summary:
After everything in her life falls apart in one devastating swoop, Oakley finds herself escaping her hometown for a resort to get away from the chaos her life became. When the former athletic trainer gets there, she is surprised to find someone she knew from her time training her local football team. Alec Tate is a football star who had to step down do to a horrible injury, and Oakley hopes that he doesn’t recognize her and wonder what she is doing there. Oakley doesn’t want to bring up anything about why she left while still processing it herself. But with Alec constantly being around and then becoming her temporary coworker & roomie, Oakley finds her walls dropping bit by bit. Which is dangerous to her heart considering the more she learns about him the more it looks like Alec is the embodiment of what made her leave town…
Alec hasn’t been taking care of himself or his knee injury, which is painfully obvious after an embarrassing display of competitiveness on his part. Luckily, it catches the eye of the woman he was competing with and they happen to run into each other a few other times around the resort. Alec knows he’d never be ready for another relationship after Callie, but he can’t seem to stop himself from seeking out time with Oakley anyways…
December 12, 2023
Just a Football Star is Book 2 in the Tate Brothers RomCom Series. It can be read as a standalone but is a richer experience if you read it after book 1. This book hit all the right notes for me to be a RomCom I love. From the first moment Alec and Oakley met I was hooked ❤️.
📖Just a Football Star follows Alec and Oakley as they both navigate life after hardship. Alec busted his knee in a preseason NFL game and has been battling depression after that and over other experiences over the past few years. Oakley just quit being an athletic trainer for Alec's NFL team after things got messy with her ex. As they run into each other (IYKYK) at the resort gym sparks start to fly. Both Oakley and Alec discover hidden talents, new dreams, and the beauty of change in this sweet romance.
✍️Both Alec and Oakley are given hard things to overcome. Reading about their growth was inspiring. I especially loved seeing Alec come to life in this book, and rediscover his life. The conflicts were believable and I felt like the hard things were written well, especially in their resolutions that were realistic. I loved the side characters and how they brought some lightness into the story. Always love good siblings and Alec's relationship with his brothers was sweet to read. The ending was perfect and it felt so satisfying. I loved how compassionate Oakley was and her tender care of her patients. She was a sweetheart through and through and I was so happy she was able to get her happy ending. ❤️
🏈Favorite moments🏈
🏈The first therapy moment
🏈Watching the sunset
🏈Alec making Bacon
🏈The flooding
🏈Jerry the Puppy
🏈High School Football moments
💋Romance- this is a sweet and clean romantic comedy. The romance stops at kissing.
⚠️Medical injuries, thieving ex-boyfriend, grief & guilt over the death of a significant other
Thank you for having me be a part of your advanced reader team Deb! I thoroughly enjoyed this book
📖Just a Football Star follows Alec and Oakley as they both navigate life after hardship. Alec busted his knee in a preseason NFL game and has been battling depression after that and over other experiences over the past few years. Oakley just quit being an athletic trainer for Alec's NFL team after things got messy with her ex. As they run into each other (IYKYK) at the resort gym sparks start to fly. Both Oakley and Alec discover hidden talents, new dreams, and the beauty of change in this sweet romance.
✍️Both Alec and Oakley are given hard things to overcome. Reading about their growth was inspiring. I especially loved seeing Alec come to life in this book, and rediscover his life. The conflicts were believable and I felt like the hard things were written well, especially in their resolutions that were realistic. I loved the side characters and how they brought some lightness into the story. Always love good siblings and Alec's relationship with his brothers was sweet to read. The ending was perfect and it felt so satisfying. I loved how compassionate Oakley was and her tender care of her patients. She was a sweetheart through and through and I was so happy she was able to get her happy ending. ❤️
🏈Favorite moments🏈
🏈The first therapy moment
🏈Watching the sunset
🏈Alec making Bacon
🏈The flooding
🏈Jerry the Puppy
🏈High School Football moments
💋Romance- this is a sweet and clean romantic comedy. The romance stops at kissing.
⚠️Medical injuries, thieving ex-boyfriend, grief & guilt over the death of a significant other
Thank you for having me be a part of your advanced reader team Deb! I thoroughly enjoyed this book
August 30, 2023
I thought this book was so cute! I’ve never really read sports romances, but this one was so good! I loved the more unique side that this book had with the whole football theme. I loved how Alec was so competitive in the beginning that he fell off the treadmill. I loved how Oakley (plus I love her name!) helped him get better not only physically but emotionally. I just thought it was really well written and heartwarming! 💝 I totally recommend!!!
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 265 pages
Language/TW: 2/10 (gambling, drinking)
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Rom Com
Would I recommend to others: Yes!!
Tropes:
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Workplace
🏈 Grumpy x sunshine
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Length of book: 265 pages
Language/TW: 2/10 (gambling, drinking)
Format I read: Kindle Unlimited
Genre: Rom Com
Would I recommend to others: Yes!!
Tropes:
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Workplace
🏈 Grumpy x sunshine
June 28, 2023
When Love Wins -
Oakley was only looking to recover from the the betrayal of her ex-boyfriend and losing her job, whilst staying at the Longdale Lake resort, when she met met Alec. On the other hand, whilst Alec was staying at his family’s resort so he recuperated from his knee injury, he was still reeling from the death of his first love. Fate seems to have brought these two broken souls together, so they could heal each other’s hearts and help them find happiness.
However, even though they were extremely attracted to each other, the pain from the pasts caused them to be weary of entering into a relationship. This caused them to propose and agreement to maintain a platonic relationship. Unfortunately, what neither one of them considered, was the heart wants what it wants and the inevitable will always happen.
As luck would have it, when Oakley’s insecurities reared its ugly head and made her want to run away, an interested party in their budding relationship was able to convince her to stay and fight for a forever happiness with Alec. This story me me on one heck of an emotional rollercoaster, but Deb Goodman did such a phenomenal job of leaving me feeling grounded by the time I reached the end and still thirsting for more. Grab a copy of this book now and I promise you, it will definitely be a wonderful reading experience.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oakley was only looking to recover from the the betrayal of her ex-boyfriend and losing her job, whilst staying at the Longdale Lake resort, when she met met Alec. On the other hand, whilst Alec was staying at his family’s resort so he recuperated from his knee injury, he was still reeling from the death of his first love. Fate seems to have brought these two broken souls together, so they could heal each other’s hearts and help them find happiness.
However, even though they were extremely attracted to each other, the pain from the pasts caused them to be weary of entering into a relationship. This caused them to propose and agreement to maintain a platonic relationship. Unfortunately, what neither one of them considered, was the heart wants what it wants and the inevitable will always happen.
As luck would have it, when Oakley’s insecurities reared its ugly head and made her want to run away, an interested party in their budding relationship was able to convince her to stay and fight for a forever happiness with Alec. This story me me on one heck of an emotional rollercoaster, but Deb Goodman did such a phenomenal job of leaving me feeling grounded by the time I reached the end and still thirsting for more. Grab a copy of this book now and I promise you, it will definitely be a wonderful reading experience.
I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 14, 2023
Book: Just A Football Star
Format: ebook
Genre: Rom-Com
Spice: Sweet Romance (just kissing)
POV: DUAL
Troupe: strangers to friends to lovers
It’s available in Kindle Unlimited
This is a series following the Tate brothers. The second book is Alec & Oakley story. 💕
When I tell you I have soooooo many parts highlighted you wouldn’t believe me. Or maybe you would because let’s be real books are worth highlighting and annotating. I have a kindle, but do hope to transfer the highlights to the physical book!
This book drew me in from the first sentence!
Oakley quit her job and broke up with her boyfriend, so she decides to go to a resort hotel to sulk.
Alec is an injured ex-football player. 🏈
They both are nursing loss and aches that take time to heal, if they are willing to heal.
I loved that even though they both had many doubts, they still pressed on. Learning that it is important to take care of yourself, but to trust others that are worth trusting.
THE TENSION between these two!! Omg I LOVED IT. 😂
The slow build up and the tension building is beautifully written.
I definitely loved this book! I thought I liked the first one a lot, but THIS one is my favorite out of the two!! I’m really excited for the next books in this series!! Highly recommend!!
I was given this book and all opinions are my own.
Format: ebook
Genre: Rom-Com
Spice: Sweet Romance (just kissing)
POV: DUAL
Troupe: strangers to friends to lovers
It’s available in Kindle Unlimited
This is a series following the Tate brothers. The second book is Alec & Oakley story. 💕
When I tell you I have soooooo many parts highlighted you wouldn’t believe me. Or maybe you would because let’s be real books are worth highlighting and annotating. I have a kindle, but do hope to transfer the highlights to the physical book!
This book drew me in from the first sentence!
Oakley quit her job and broke up with her boyfriend, so she decides to go to a resort hotel to sulk.
Alec is an injured ex-football player. 🏈
They both are nursing loss and aches that take time to heal, if they are willing to heal.
I loved that even though they both had many doubts, they still pressed on. Learning that it is important to take care of yourself, but to trust others that are worth trusting.
THE TENSION between these two!! Omg I LOVED IT. 😂
The slow build up and the tension building is beautifully written.
I definitely loved this book! I thought I liked the first one a lot, but THIS one is my favorite out of the two!! I’m really excited for the next books in this series!! Highly recommend!!
I was given this book and all opinions are my own.
July 1, 2023
Just a football star 🏈 by
Synopsis:
When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys.
Now? It’s all gone. I’m unemployed, unboyfriended, and I’ve rage-booked a week’s stay at a fancy, remote resort to try to heal from the havoc.
Enter Alec. Not only did he used to play for the exact team I’ve gone running and screaming from, but the frustratingly handsome man is harboring a jumbo-sized chip on his shoulder from his career-ending injury.
He’s so broken, I can’t not help him with his knee while I’m here. I’ve always loved a good project. Except, after awhile, I find myself in irresponsibly close quarters with him. I’m getting glimpses of his goodness and suddenly, I want to know all about him.
What makes him tick?
There is one thing I know.
When I finally figure him out, everything will change.
Features:
🏈Ex football star and athlete trainer
🏈Part of a series (#2)
🏈Small town
🏈Meddling
Review:
Book 2 definitely exceeded all of my expectations! Some of my favorite parts were the treadmill scene as well as the house flood. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
Synopsis:
When I started my career as a sports trainer for professional football players, I didn’t understand the dangers involved. I thought my knowledge and next-level love for the game would be all I needed to treat and motivate the guys.
Now? It’s all gone. I’m unemployed, unboyfriended, and I’ve rage-booked a week’s stay at a fancy, remote resort to try to heal from the havoc.
Enter Alec. Not only did he used to play for the exact team I’ve gone running and screaming from, but the frustratingly handsome man is harboring a jumbo-sized chip on his shoulder from his career-ending injury.
He’s so broken, I can’t not help him with his knee while I’m here. I’ve always loved a good project. Except, after awhile, I find myself in irresponsibly close quarters with him. I’m getting glimpses of his goodness and suddenly, I want to know all about him.
What makes him tick?
There is one thing I know.
When I finally figure him out, everything will change.
Features:
🏈Ex football star and athlete trainer
🏈Part of a series (#2)
🏈Small town
🏈Meddling
Review:
Book 2 definitely exceeded all of my expectations! Some of my favorite parts were the treadmill scene as well as the house flood. I can’t wait for the next in the series!
July 3, 2023
If this story was a drink it'd be a chocolate milkshake. It's muddy and heavy but full of absolute goodness.
Oliver's story (Book 1 in this series) is more like a peach flavored sprite. It's light and bubbly and can be consumed in one big swig.
So if you go into this book thinking it's more of the same expect a bit of a rude awakening. Both MCs have a rough backstory that comes into play on several occasions. I had to read this in smaller doses because of the heavy nature of some of the conversations but it was still such a great read. 10/10 would recommend over and over again.
Alec has been dealt a heavy hand so far in life. Starting with parents that were seldom around, moving on to losing his girlfriend in a tragic accident and finally being forced out of the NFL due to a career ending injury, he's numb and barely making it through life. Until one day Oakley, a jaded but hard-working personal trainer, walks through the doors of the Longdale Resort and starts to change his life one excruciatingly painful rehab exercise after another.
Content: Loss of loved one, loss of life purpose, depression, small glimpse into a toxic relationship
There is a dog.
This is a sweet closed-door rom com.
Oliver's story (Book 1 in this series) is more like a peach flavored sprite. It's light and bubbly and can be consumed in one big swig.
So if you go into this book thinking it's more of the same expect a bit of a rude awakening. Both MCs have a rough backstory that comes into play on several occasions. I had to read this in smaller doses because of the heavy nature of some of the conversations but it was still such a great read. 10/10 would recommend over and over again.
Alec has been dealt a heavy hand so far in life. Starting with parents that were seldom around, moving on to losing his girlfriend in a tragic accident and finally being forced out of the NFL due to a career ending injury, he's numb and barely making it through life. Until one day Oakley, a jaded but hard-working personal trainer, walks through the doors of the Longdale Resort and starts to change his life one excruciatingly painful rehab exercise after another.
Content: Loss of loved one, loss of life purpose, depression, small glimpse into a toxic relationship
There is a dog.
This is a sweet closed-door rom com.
June 30, 2023
Love the Tate brothers! I’m kind of a sucker for a series of stories about brothers. (And I love it when their stories don’t fall in birth order…shakes it up.) I really enjoyed this story. Alec was stuck, unable to move forward from the losses in his life, which included his professional football career. Oakley, a fitness trainer, has come to his family’s resort to get away from her own bad situation. Their relationship built steadily and I loved watching the progression as they both ended up having to confront their pasts so they could have a future together. They both made the other want to be better. It was really sweet seeing the little “family” household that they temporarily created. Some really cute moments. And some humorous ones too. Their meet-cute is pretty memorable. It’s a fun story. I wish I could just go on and read all the brothers’ books, but I’ll have to be patient and wait for them to be written. Although there is a one bed situation, this book is closed door without harsh language.
July 1, 2023
Just a Football Star is a sweet romcom that has a lot of great and positive reinforcement values, and building a good foundation on a relationship. Both Alec and Oakley had life-changing events happen to them. I enjoyed watching them grow and overcome the challenges that they faced. The sensitive issues of drunk driving, gambling and losing a loved one are heavy subjects, but I thought the author did a great job of having the characters work through there trials, but it never seemed heavy or downtrodden. The light hearted and quirky moments made for a enjoyable read. The romance is sweet and fun. I felt like there was a lot packed into this story, but it flowed really well. This is the second book of a series. It read as a standalone story, but I think I would like to read Oliver and Sophie’s story now. As well as the future books off the other brothers, especially Sebastian. He has my curiosity piqued.
August 19, 2023
I enjoyed every minute! This was such a fun Romcom!
Oakley makes a rash decision to get away from some awful stuff from her job and it ends up being just what she needed to gain the strength to move forward. She is compelled to help Alec Tait, though at this moment in her life she would avoid a former NFL star at all costs.
Alec accidentally “fell” into her life and made a bet with her that changed everything. He grows in ways that can only happen when your at your lowest and the journey was so heartwarming.
Some of my favorite things
🏈 Chocolte Cinnamon Bears
🏈New Puppy
🏈”No Touching” deal
🏈”playing house”
🏈The Flood
🏈One Bed
🏈 Shared Cabin
🏈Kissing his wounded forearms
🏈the Last Cemetery Visit 🥲
My Favorite Quote: “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference.”
Thank you so much @debgoodmanwrites this was a wonderful read. I received an ARC copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Oakley makes a rash decision to get away from some awful stuff from her job and it ends up being just what she needed to gain the strength to move forward. She is compelled to help Alec Tait, though at this moment in her life she would avoid a former NFL star at all costs.
Alec accidentally “fell” into her life and made a bet with her that changed everything. He grows in ways that can only happen when your at your lowest and the journey was so heartwarming.
Some of my favorite things
🏈 Chocolte Cinnamon Bears
🏈New Puppy
🏈”No Touching” deal
🏈”playing house”
🏈The Flood
🏈One Bed
🏈 Shared Cabin
🏈Kissing his wounded forearms
🏈the Last Cemetery Visit 🥲
My Favorite Quote: “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s about how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference.”
Thank you so much @debgoodmanwrites this was a wonderful read. I received an ARC copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2023
Just A Football Star is the first book I have read by Deb Goodman but the second book in the Tate brothers series.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book; once I started it I didn’t want to put it down.
Oakley is running away from her job and her life in San Antonio after her boyfriend stole from her. She runs into Alec Tate who actually played for the football team she was running away from.
I thought it was interesting that these two passed by each other when they worked but actually ran into each other/talked in a completely different state.
I enjoyed these characters and the family aspect between these brothers.
I loved how easily these two fit into each others lives even though they were still dealing with their pasts. Oakley was there when Alec needed her and they definitely helped each other figure out what they wanted to do in life.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book; once I started it I didn’t want to put it down.
Oakley is running away from her job and her life in San Antonio after her boyfriend stole from her. She runs into Alec Tate who actually played for the football team she was running away from.
I thought it was interesting that these two passed by each other when they worked but actually ran into each other/talked in a completely different state.
I enjoyed these characters and the family aspect between these brothers.
I loved how easily these two fit into each others lives even though they were still dealing with their pasts. Oakley was there when Alec needed her and they definitely helped each other figure out what they wanted to do in life.
July 11, 2023
I loved how Oakley jumps right in to help Alec and let him know she would get him moving better.
Alec has been grieving the loss of his football career and his girlfriend.
Oakley is trying to escape her life for a few days after she quits her job and finds herself broke from her ex stealing her savings.
Oakley is offered a job at the resort and finds it a good change from doing Physical Therapy to football players.
Alec is the Director of Fun and finds that he is enjoying his job along side with Oakley.
Oakley and Alec are cute and share a great chemistry and find the attraction unexpected but fun.
Alec's family is supportive and finds that Oakley has been so good for Alec.
When Oakley leaves because she feels life closing in to her old life, she realizes she wants to stay and find a future.
Alec has been grieving the loss of his football career and his girlfriend.
Oakley is trying to escape her life for a few days after she quits her job and finds herself broke from her ex stealing her savings.
Oakley is offered a job at the resort and finds it a good change from doing Physical Therapy to football players.
Alec is the Director of Fun and finds that he is enjoying his job along side with Oakley.
Oakley and Alec are cute and share a great chemistry and find the attraction unexpected but fun.
Alec's family is supportive and finds that Oakley has been so good for Alec.
When Oakley leaves because she feels life closing in to her old life, she realizes she wants to stay and find a future.
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