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LA Rays #1
Best Friends Backups & Something More
A sweet sports romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility .
If “best friends at first sight” were really a thing, Eli Dash would say that’s how his friendship with the new private school teacher, Court Edwards, began. She’s the only person who understands his determination to prove himself as the new L.A. Rays quarterback. She, and nobody else, completely relates to his drive to make everyone forget about last year’s disastrous season with his old team. She’s also stolen his heart and run off with it, faster than any running back he’s ever met.
The problem is, she’s secretly dating another teacher who also happens to be her department head. She’s completely clueless about Eli’s feelings and seems content to keep him in the friend zone forever.
For those reasons alone, Eli should take a sideline bench. Speaking up may risk their friendship, and then he could lose her altogether. But Eli Dash isn’t the sidelines type. It’s the most critical season of his life, and he refuses to let others call the shots this time—not with their happily-ever-after barely within reach. Can the new QB take them from friend zone to the end zone? Or is it game over for them both?
If “best friends at first sight” were really a thing, Eli Dash would say that’s how his friendship with the new private school teacher, Court Edwards, began. She’s the only person who understands his determination to prove himself as the new L.A. Rays quarterback. She, and nobody else, completely relates to his drive to make everyone forget about last year’s disastrous season with his old team. She’s also stolen his heart and run off with it, faster than any running back he’s ever met.
The problem is, she’s secretly dating another teacher who also happens to be her department head. She’s completely clueless about Eli’s feelings and seems content to keep him in the friend zone forever.
For those reasons alone, Eli should take a sideline bench. Speaking up may risk their friendship, and then he could lose her altogether. But Eli Dash isn’t the sidelines type. It’s the most critical season of his life, and he refuses to let others call the shots this time—not with their happily-ever-after barely within reach. Can the new QB take them from friend zone to the end zone? Or is it game over for them both?
123 pages, ebook
Published August 18, 2023
138 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Ranee S. Clark
36 books306 followersDuring her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 168 reviews
August 2, 2024
WHERE IS THE YEARNINGGGGG????!!!!
April 28, 2025
I read this series all out of order, but that's ok! This story is the first of the series even though I read it last. It was fun to go back and see how Eli and Court's relationship came to be.
I listened to the audio book version & it was so good!!! It was done in dual narration and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved the friendship between Court and Eli and seeing the way he pined for her while also trying to be a good friend. But even though there were things that Court had to realize before she allowed her heart to guide her to Eli, it wasn't too angsty. It was a sweet story about two people who were obviously meant to be more than just friends.
I listened to the audio book version & it was so good!!! It was done in dual narration and I enjoyed it so much.
I loved the friendship between Court and Eli and seeing the way he pined for her while also trying to be a good friend. But even though there were things that Court had to realize before she allowed her heart to guide her to Eli, it wasn't too angsty. It was a sweet story about two people who were obviously meant to be more than just friends.
September 19, 2025
I really loved Eli and Court! Eli is such a perfect book boyfriend, his love and devotion to Court was just swoon-worthy ♥️. This is a feel good read that is sweet and clean. Even though the book was short, it had full character development and sweet romance. Highly recommended!
August 17, 2023
This book was a quick read. There was real chemistry between the main characters, that led them from being strangers to close friends quickly. The hero hoped to be more than friends, but there is a very real obstacle between them besides ignoring chemistry in the name of friendship.
I loved watching the characters navigate their families and careers as both individuals and as friends. Eli was definitely the best character. I liked Court, too, but she made a bit of a mess for herself- and poor Eli. I didn't realize it was a loose Sense & Sensibility retelling at the time, but see it now looking back. More than that, it seemed like a gender-swapped retelling, and that was really fun.
Note to more sensitive readers: a Willoughby-type character does Willoughby-type things.
I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys urban fantasies and romcoms.
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.
I loved watching the characters navigate their families and careers as both individuals and as friends. Eli was definitely the best character. I liked Court, too, but she made a bit of a mess for herself- and poor Eli. I didn't realize it was a loose Sense & Sensibility retelling at the time, but see it now looking back. More than that, it seemed like a gender-swapped retelling, and that was really fun.
Note to more sensitive readers: a Willoughby-type character does Willoughby-type things.
I would recommend this book for everyone who enjoys urban fantasies and romcoms.
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.
December 27, 2025
Eli & Court
- Dual POV
- best friends to more
- forced proximity
- he falls first
- protective MMC
- football player MMC
- teacher FMC
- slow burn
The book was simple, but it was a cute, quick read. Their relationship is cute and they find a lot of comfort in one another. Their banter and conversations flow easily but I just felt like everything was rushed and I was left just hoping for more. I didn’t get a full picture of who the MCs are. I wanted more depth and building but it felt like their connection was rushed. When Court figured out how she felt, they had a really sweet moment but like everything in this book it was quick and not a lot of detail.
Timeline isn’t always specified clearly and we just jumped a month or a week and other times it’s just the next day. I was a bit annoyed with the whole Oliver plot but I see its purpose and why the author it happening.
This is a closed door romance with no cursing, just kissing, and no innuendo.
- Dual POV
- best friends to more
- forced proximity
- he falls first
- protective MMC
- football player MMC
- teacher FMC
- slow burn
The book was simple, but it was a cute, quick read. Their relationship is cute and they find a lot of comfort in one another. Their banter and conversations flow easily but I just felt like everything was rushed and I was left just hoping for more. I didn’t get a full picture of who the MCs are. I wanted more depth and building but it felt like their connection was rushed. When Court figured out how she felt, they had a really sweet moment but like everything in this book it was quick and not a lot of detail.
Timeline isn’t always specified clearly and we just jumped a month or a week and other times it’s just the next day. I was a bit annoyed with the whole Oliver plot but I see its purpose and why the author it happening.
This is a closed door romance with no cursing, just kissing, and no innuendo.
August 28, 2023
4 / 5
* arc review *
Those two are so freaking cute. I love them.
Love at first sight? Um heck yes! He is so hopelessly in love with her I love it.
Eli really takes the best big brother award. And Court and her aunt have the sweetest bond I swear.
Wish we got a bit more EliCourt as a couple scenes, and it sort of felt like Court’s realisation that she loves Eli was sudden and out of nowhere.
Regardless this was a really cute, quick read that I’d recommend to people looking for a quick little comfort read!
* arc review *
Those two are so freaking cute. I love them.
Love at first sight? Um heck yes! He is so hopelessly in love with her I love it.
Eli really takes the best big brother award. And Court and her aunt have the sweetest bond I swear.
Wish we got a bit more EliCourt as a couple scenes, and it sort of felt like Court’s realisation that she loves Eli was sudden and out of nowhere.
Regardless this was a really cute, quick read that I’d recommend to people looking for a quick little comfort read!
August 25, 2023
Loved it! Such a quick fun read! A sweet clean sports rom com inspired by Sense and Sensibility! Jane Austen is my all time favorite so I’ll read just about anything with a touch of her. Swoony stares, and classy gentleman, perfect 😍
September 30, 2024
I felt like this book didn't really have a plot. It wasn't poorly written or bad, just kind of boring and obvious. I wanted more interest.
August 3, 2023
We love it when the guy falls first!
Eli and Court have such a beautiful friendship, except that’s all Eli believes it will ever be because he has found himself firmly in the friendzone.
This was a really cute story of seeing two friends figure out they might really be better as more than friends.
I enjoyed all of the side characters and would love to see more about Mila’s story.
This is a fun, fast read! Thank you to the author for this advanced copy!
Eli and Court have such a beautiful friendship, except that’s all Eli believes it will ever be because he has found himself firmly in the friendzone.
This was a really cute story of seeing two friends figure out they might really be better as more than friends.
I enjoyed all of the side characters and would love to see more about Mila’s story.
This is a fun, fast read! Thank you to the author for this advanced copy!
August 21, 2023
A sweet sports romance. I love a good friends to more romance!
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.
August 23, 2023
"𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘐'𝘮 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘯𝘰𝘸. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘴𝘦𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳 𝘢𝘨𝘢𝘪𝘯 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦, 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳." -Ranee S. Clark, Best Friends, Backups & Something More
A sweet sports romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility.
Eli Dash is a pro football player and meets Court Edwards, a new private school teacher, at a service project where the team and school are volunteering together. Both Eli and Court are new to L.A and hit it off as friends. Court has Eli in the friend zone but Eli’s heart has been intercepted by love. Eli feels sidelined but if he makes a play for love, he may lose Court altogether.
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎...
💞Friends-to-lovers
2️⃣Dual point-of-view
✏First day of school vibes
🏆Sports romance
💝Secret dating
Best Friends, Backups & Something More is my last read in the #SummerOfRomComs! This was a short and sweet closed-door romance by @raneesclark. It had a great storyline that captured me from the beginning with cute and swoony moments. This is the first in a series and I can't wait to read more by this author.
A sweet sports romance inspired by Jane Austen’s Sense & Sensibility.
Eli Dash is a pro football player and meets Court Edwards, a new private school teacher, at a service project where the team and school are volunteering together. Both Eli and Court are new to L.A and hit it off as friends. Court has Eli in the friend zone but Eli’s heart has been intercepted by love. Eli feels sidelined but if he makes a play for love, he may lose Court altogether.
𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚒𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎...
💞Friends-to-lovers
2️⃣Dual point-of-view
✏First day of school vibes
🏆Sports romance
💝Secret dating
Best Friends, Backups & Something More is my last read in the #SummerOfRomComs! This was a short and sweet closed-door romance by @raneesclark. It had a great storyline that captured me from the beginning with cute and swoony moments. This is the first in a series and I can't wait to read more by this author.
October 14, 2024
NEEDED DEPTH.
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This was much shorter than I expected and it showed. While a cute and sweet story, I wish it would have been a regular novel length to really feel the connection between Eli and Court.
And a lot of it was filled with adults handling issues like high school drama. A bit he said/she said, not being forthright with feelings and such. Just not what I was hoping for. Eli bugged me the most as is CONTINUALLY put himself down and argued that he was a terrible football player. I get it, but also, where’s the character growth?
It’s dual POV and friends to lovers, and he falls first which were my favorites aspects. And if you are looking for something short, maybe this is for you?
I will continue my quest for sweet/closed door football romances that I would love to recommend. This one just didn’t click for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
BLOG || INSTAGRAM
This was much shorter than I expected and it showed. While a cute and sweet story, I wish it would have been a regular novel length to really feel the connection between Eli and Court.
And a lot of it was filled with adults handling issues like high school drama. A bit he said/she said, not being forthright with feelings and such. Just not what I was hoping for. Eli bugged me the most as is CONTINUALLY put himself down and argued that he was a terrible football player. I get it, but also, where’s the character growth?
It’s dual POV and friends to lovers, and he falls first which were my favorites aspects. And if you are looking for something short, maybe this is for you?
I will continue my quest for sweet/closed door football romances that I would love to recommend. This one just didn’t click for me.
Overall audience notes:
- Sports Romance
- Language: none
- Romance: kisses
January 15, 2026
I read the book in 2024 but I just (2026) listened to this audiobook and loved it. These narrators did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Sometimes voices don’t match what I think the characters sound like but these were great. Eli was such a good guy, trying to be a good friend while also pining for Court. These two were meant to be together and thankfully Court don’t take too long to figure it out.
November 17, 2024
Review published at:
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Best Friends Backups & Something More follows the journey of Eli Dash, a newly appointed quarterback for the L.A. Rays, as he navigates a critical season both on the field and in his heart. His deepening friendship with Court Edwards, a new teacher in town, presents an emotional challenge as he falls for her despite her being involved with someone else. This is a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance that modernizes Sense & Sensibility with an unexpected gender swap twist.
I don’t usually like gender swap stories, but this book is so beautifully written that I absolutely loved it. The gender swap allowed for the male hero to be extremely different from the ones I’m used to and that was refreshing because I never knew what to expect. There were no predictable behaviors or punch lines in Eli whose personality is reminiscent of Elinor Dashwood. He is pondered, rational and sensible, traits that made him a hero worth rooting for.
The author skillfully navigates the intricacies of friendship, unspoken love, and the fear of losing someone you deeply care about. The dynamic between Eli and Court is heartwarming as they dance around their feelings, unsure of whether they can or should cross the line from friends to something more. It is a very different type of romance, and I liked it 😊
The book’s small-town girl moves to the big city vibe gives it a cozy feeling, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles. I really liked witnessing Court navigate and adapt to this new environment which was so different from everything she knew before. It also made her relationship with Eli more special as he was her anchor, supporting her all the way through, even when that meant being miserable himself. Did I mention how he was the perfect best friend becomes boyfriend kind of guy?
I though the use of text messages throughout the novel was also a very clever way to add a modern touch to the storyline, allow us to have a more intimate view on the characters relationship and facilitate the reading, making it a fast read as well.
I also found Marianne’s storyline interesting and yet another creative adaptation of the matters present in Sense & Sensibility. The ability to pick up details from Austen’s novel and add them to this modern gender swap romance was definitely another aspect I enjoyed in this book.
I didn’t have any quibble with this book but while I liked its ending, the story could have benefited from a more extended resolution to fully explore the characters’ emotions and future together because I was left wanting more. Despite this, Best Friends Backups & Something More is a beautifully crafted tale of love, friendship, and the courage to take risks for the people who matter most.
Best Friends Backups & Something More was a wonderful surprise and I highly recommend it to readers who like modern romances.
https://frompemberleytomilton.wordpre...
Best Friends Backups & Something More follows the journey of Eli Dash, a newly appointed quarterback for the L.A. Rays, as he navigates a critical season both on the field and in his heart. His deepening friendship with Court Edwards, a new teacher in town, presents an emotional challenge as he falls for her despite her being involved with someone else. This is a refreshing and engaging contemporary romance that modernizes Sense & Sensibility with an unexpected gender swap twist.
I don’t usually like gender swap stories, but this book is so beautifully written that I absolutely loved it. The gender swap allowed for the male hero to be extremely different from the ones I’m used to and that was refreshing because I never knew what to expect. There were no predictable behaviors or punch lines in Eli whose personality is reminiscent of Elinor Dashwood. He is pondered, rational and sensible, traits that made him a hero worth rooting for.
The author skillfully navigates the intricacies of friendship, unspoken love, and the fear of losing someone you deeply care about. The dynamic between Eli and Court is heartwarming as they dance around their feelings, unsure of whether they can or should cross the line from friends to something more. It is a very different type of romance, and I liked it 😊
The book’s small-town girl moves to the big city vibe gives it a cozy feeling, making it easy to connect with the characters and their struggles. I really liked witnessing Court navigate and adapt to this new environment which was so different from everything she knew before. It also made her relationship with Eli more special as he was her anchor, supporting her all the way through, even when that meant being miserable himself. Did I mention how he was the perfect best friend becomes boyfriend kind of guy?
I though the use of text messages throughout the novel was also a very clever way to add a modern touch to the storyline, allow us to have a more intimate view on the characters relationship and facilitate the reading, making it a fast read as well.
I also found Marianne’s storyline interesting and yet another creative adaptation of the matters present in Sense & Sensibility. The ability to pick up details from Austen’s novel and add them to this modern gender swap romance was definitely another aspect I enjoyed in this book.
I didn’t have any quibble with this book but while I liked its ending, the story could have benefited from a more extended resolution to fully explore the characters’ emotions and future together because I was left wanting more. Despite this, Best Friends Backups & Something More is a beautifully crafted tale of love, friendship, and the courage to take risks for the people who matter most.
Best Friends Backups & Something More was a wonderful surprise and I highly recommend it to readers who like modern romances.
September 25, 2023
Do not read this book.
I tried to find something I liked in this book, because the best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, but this book? Absolutely awful.
Court, the FMC, has just moved to LA and is starting at a private school. She meets a pro football player named Eli who comes to their school to meet up with the kids (over summer??). They immediately become best friends. Eli wants more. Court is secretly dating an older teacher -Oliver- who tells her that dating is not allowed for the teachers and to keep it on the DL. Court mentions that it is too troublesome to read 200 pages of the teacher manual to see if that is true so she believes him. No spoiler alert here that it was not true.
So you have best friends who have been best friends one whole month, a secret boyfriend who doesn't have to remain secret, and apparently six solid weeks of teacher training at a private school.
Let's set our you've-got-to-be-kidding-me aside for the above. I truly dislike Eli. He is the most measly, whiny, judgy, horrible know-it-all. Here are a few things he does:
Constantly micro-manages his little sister. Doesn't want her to date or live where she wants. When her boyfriend, an actor, is shown in a grainy picture close to his co-star, Eli assumes the worst and calls his mother while they discuss the best way to tell the sister/daughter, who they say is dramatic. Condescending much?
He tells everyone - I mean every single character he meets - that he doesn't want the starting QB position because the QB is hurt. He wants it on his own merit. Once is enough. He whines about every single thing he does playing football. He apparently makes no friends when he plays either. No surprise. You hear his every weak thought as he runs through them.
He doesn't tell Court his feelings because he doesn't want to ruin their 4-week-old friendship. Sigh.
He doesn't want to spend any money - and I mean ANY. He's saving his money in case he has to help his sister out with rent. A pro football QB. This penny-pinching is said over and over again.
Court is no dream either. Red flags are everywhere with her secret BF. She says them in the book - so it's not as if it's a secret and yet, she doesn't confront or break up with him (at least for the first 75% of the book). She continues to see him even though (according to him), they'll fire her if they find out. She doesn't read her school's policies when they directly affect her. She doesn't seem capable of teaching middle school because she acts like she's in middle school.
This is truly an exhausting read. Do not read if you like your characters to at least pretend they are functioning adults.
I tried to find something I liked in this book, because the best friends to lovers is one of my favorite tropes, but this book? Absolutely awful.
Court, the FMC, has just moved to LA and is starting at a private school. She meets a pro football player named Eli who comes to their school to meet up with the kids (over summer??). They immediately become best friends. Eli wants more. Court is secretly dating an older teacher -Oliver- who tells her that dating is not allowed for the teachers and to keep it on the DL. Court mentions that it is too troublesome to read 200 pages of the teacher manual to see if that is true so she believes him. No spoiler alert here that it was not true.
So you have best friends who have been best friends one whole month, a secret boyfriend who doesn't have to remain secret, and apparently six solid weeks of teacher training at a private school.
Let's set our you've-got-to-be-kidding-me aside for the above. I truly dislike Eli. He is the most measly, whiny, judgy, horrible know-it-all. Here are a few things he does:
Constantly micro-manages his little sister. Doesn't want her to date or live where she wants. When her boyfriend, an actor, is shown in a grainy picture close to his co-star, Eli assumes the worst and calls his mother while they discuss the best way to tell the sister/daughter, who they say is dramatic. Condescending much?
He tells everyone - I mean every single character he meets - that he doesn't want the starting QB position because the QB is hurt. He wants it on his own merit. Once is enough. He whines about every single thing he does playing football. He apparently makes no friends when he plays either. No surprise. You hear his every weak thought as he runs through them.
He doesn't tell Court his feelings because he doesn't want to ruin their 4-week-old friendship. Sigh.
He doesn't want to spend any money - and I mean ANY. He's saving his money in case he has to help his sister out with rent. A pro football QB. This penny-pinching is said over and over again.
Court is no dream either. Red flags are everywhere with her secret BF. She says them in the book - so it's not as if it's a secret and yet, she doesn't confront or break up with him (at least for the first 75% of the book). She continues to see him even though (according to him), they'll fire her if they find out. She doesn't read her school's policies when they directly affect her. She doesn't seem capable of teaching middle school because she acts like she's in middle school.
This is truly an exhausting read. Do not read if you like your characters to at least pretend they are functioning adults.
August 16, 2023
I loved this romcom! This was a really cute read.
I loved Courtney from the beginning. I think her struggles were really relatable. She felt like she couldn’t stand up for herself, and she was being conformed by her dad. And I felt like her relationship with Oliver, her boyfriend, was really well done. I think sometimes I can feel so frustrated when a character stays with someone who is obviously an jerk. But on the flip side, I really don’t like it when a nice person gets hurt because the MCs like each other. I think this relationship was perfect because while Oliver had some red flags, it wasn’t over the top.
Eli was adorable! His insecurities about his football team were really sweet to read about. Generally, in sports romances, the guys are really arrogant because Eli was a sweetheart all the way. I loved his relationship with Mila too and how much he loved his sister!
Courtney and Eli were so fun together! The friends to lovers romance is quickly becoming a favorite because their interactions are so lovely. In many ways, Courtney and Eli were already acting like a couple so when they actually recognized their feelings for each other it felt very natural. The plot in this one was very focused on the relationship between Courtney and Eli. It kept me hooked without being too stressful.
This was an adorable closed door romance that I would totally recommend! It’s perfect for fans of sports romcom.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
I loved Courtney from the beginning. I think her struggles were really relatable. She felt like she couldn’t stand up for herself, and she was being conformed by her dad. And I felt like her relationship with Oliver, her boyfriend, was really well done. I think sometimes I can feel so frustrated when a character stays with someone who is obviously an jerk. But on the flip side, I really don’t like it when a nice person gets hurt because the MCs like each other. I think this relationship was perfect because while Oliver had some red flags, it wasn’t over the top.
Eli was adorable! His insecurities about his football team were really sweet to read about. Generally, in sports romances, the guys are really arrogant because Eli was a sweetheart all the way. I loved his relationship with Mila too and how much he loved his sister!
Courtney and Eli were so fun together! The friends to lovers romance is quickly becoming a favorite because their interactions are so lovely. In many ways, Courtney and Eli were already acting like a couple so when they actually recognized their feelings for each other it felt very natural. The plot in this one was very focused on the relationship between Courtney and Eli. It kept me hooked without being too stressful.
This was an adorable closed door romance that I would totally recommend! It’s perfect for fans of sports romcom.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, a positive review was not required.
January 26, 2024
I once again read the next book before the first, but while I normally would hate knowing too much about the previous book, but since it’s a retelling of a classic (Sense & Sensibility) I was okay with it!
Court Edwards is new in town to start a teaching job at the prestigious Reagan Academy! While assisting in a service project for the upperclassmen of the school, she meets pro athlete Eli Dash! The two seem to connect rather quickly and their kinship develops into a meaningful bestie relationship! Court also begins a secret relationship with one of her collegues much to the dismay of her aunt and secretly Eli!
Eli Dash is a new trade to the Rays football team and is out to prove that he hasn’t lost his edge despite the rough previous season! Over the course of this story, Eli has some additional upheaval but the things that stay consistent are his loyalties to his sister, Mila, and his new bestie, Court! Court even gets her aunt Sophie to agree to rent out her guest house to Eli when a housing issue arises! As difficult as it is for Eli to be friend zoned by Court, he sticks by her and often lets her hug it out!
This book was a retelling, I knew how things would play out, but I did my best to see it as an original story to not get overly worked up by it! It was a fun take on the Jane Austen classic and worth celebrating all the highs and lows! If you’re in need of a fun shorter read, consider this story! The sequel to this will help round out your day if you want even more adaptation fun!
Court Edwards is new in town to start a teaching job at the prestigious Reagan Academy! While assisting in a service project for the upperclassmen of the school, she meets pro athlete Eli Dash! The two seem to connect rather quickly and their kinship develops into a meaningful bestie relationship! Court also begins a secret relationship with one of her collegues much to the dismay of her aunt and secretly Eli!
Eli Dash is a new trade to the Rays football team and is out to prove that he hasn’t lost his edge despite the rough previous season! Over the course of this story, Eli has some additional upheaval but the things that stay consistent are his loyalties to his sister, Mila, and his new bestie, Court! Court even gets her aunt Sophie to agree to rent out her guest house to Eli when a housing issue arises! As difficult as it is for Eli to be friend zoned by Court, he sticks by her and often lets her hug it out!
This book was a retelling, I knew how things would play out, but I did my best to see it as an original story to not get overly worked up by it! It was a fun take on the Jane Austen classic and worth celebrating all the highs and lows! If you’re in need of a fun shorter read, consider this story! The sequel to this will help round out your day if you want even more adaptation fun!
August 18, 2023
4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/Sports Romance
Read it if you like
🏈 Dual POV
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 He Falls First
🏈 Family
🏈 Friendship
🏈 Sports
Favourite Moments
🏈 They first met
🏈 He came over for dinner
🏈 The game
🏈 The after party that the sister planned for him.
🏈 When she realize who she loves.
Swoony moments
🏈 He is like an overprotective friend/brother.
🏈 He cares for her.
🏈 He respects her.
Synopsis
Two persons meet and they became fast friends. Eli is a quarterback while Court is a new teacher. Eli is in love with Court but afraid to tell her because it might ruin their friendship. And what? She has a secret boyfriend? Will Eli pick up the courage to tell Court how he feels or keep his feelings a secret? Read Best Friends, Backups & Something More to find out!
Review:
Eli and Court are just so cute together. Though this story is quite short but still their friendship is just so sweet. And I love it that Court slowly realizes who is she in love with. And Eli is just so sweet and also respected her. Eli is an overprotective brother who cares for both his sister and Court as well. Aunt Sophie and Mila are also really sweet and supportive and hoping that they will be together. (can’t spoil much of the story. You will need to read it. This story made me smile, swoon, and sometimes annoyed with some of the characters (you will know what I mean when you read it.)
Can't wait to read her other books. Thanks Ranee S. Clark for the ARC copy .
You can buy this book from Amazon.
Genre: Clean Romance/Sports Romance
Read it if you like
🏈 Dual POV
🏈 Friends to lovers
🏈 He Falls First
🏈 Family
🏈 Friendship
🏈 Sports
Favourite Moments
🏈 They first met
🏈 He came over for dinner
🏈 The game
🏈 The after party that the sister planned for him.
🏈 When she realize who she loves.
Swoony moments
🏈 He is like an overprotective friend/brother.
🏈 He cares for her.
🏈 He respects her.
Synopsis
Two persons meet and they became fast friends. Eli is a quarterback while Court is a new teacher. Eli is in love with Court but afraid to tell her because it might ruin their friendship. And what? She has a secret boyfriend? Will Eli pick up the courage to tell Court how he feels or keep his feelings a secret? Read Best Friends, Backups & Something More to find out!
Review:
Eli and Court are just so cute together. Though this story is quite short but still their friendship is just so sweet. And I love it that Court slowly realizes who is she in love with. And Eli is just so sweet and also respected her. Eli is an overprotective brother who cares for both his sister and Court as well. Aunt Sophie and Mila are also really sweet and supportive and hoping that they will be together. (can’t spoil much of the story. You will need to read it. This story made me smile, swoon, and sometimes annoyed with some of the characters (you will know what I mean when you read it.)
Can't wait to read her other books. Thanks Ranee S. Clark for the ARC copy .
You can buy this book from Amazon.
August 27, 2023
Best Friends Backups and Something More is a very sweet story about two very likable people. Courtney meets Eli at a charitable function in Los Angeles with students from her new school, Reagan Academy, and his professional football team, the Rays. They hit it off as friends immediately. Courtney is nervous about starting her new teaching job at the prestigious school. She previously taught at a small rural school in Wyoming. Her aunt, a successful and famous actor, helped her get the job in LA.
Eli had a humiliating season with his previous team in Arizona. He's hoping to get his sports reputation back with this new team. When he needs a place to stay, he moves into the guest cottage on Courtney's aunt's property, thereby giving him and Courtney lots of time together.
Eli realizes early on he's in love with Courtney, but she's dating a guy at her new school, and doesn't think of Eli as any more than a friend. When she finds the guy she's dating has lied to her, she begins to understand how much she's come to rely on Eli, and how he excites her. She finally acknowledges she loves him too.
I don't usually read sports romances because I don't care to read about macho jocks. Eli is nothing like a swaggering jock. He's sweet, vulnerable, has insecurities, and is willing to do anything for Courtney.
I loved the story so much. It gave me a good feeling while reading and I found myself thinking about it long after I'd finished.
Eli had a humiliating season with his previous team in Arizona. He's hoping to get his sports reputation back with this new team. When he needs a place to stay, he moves into the guest cottage on Courtney's aunt's property, thereby giving him and Courtney lots of time together.
Eli realizes early on he's in love with Courtney, but she's dating a guy at her new school, and doesn't think of Eli as any more than a friend. When she finds the guy she's dating has lied to her, she begins to understand how much she's come to rely on Eli, and how he excites her. She finally acknowledges she loves him too.
I don't usually read sports romances because I don't care to read about macho jocks. Eli is nothing like a swaggering jock. He's sweet, vulnerable, has insecurities, and is willing to do anything for Courtney.
I loved the story so much. It gave me a good feeling while reading and I found myself thinking about it long after I'd finished.
July 31, 2023
What do a new teacher and a Football player starting with a new team have in common? Read this and you will have a great time finding out! They meet working on a community service project, each facing a new job with lots of unknowns. As it turns out, each needing a friend as well. Thus begins a beautiful friendship. Circumstances gives them opportunities to develop that friendship.
A sweet story where Eli (that football player) is intent on watching over his sister, and is kind, supportive, and a great listener. I love his personality and melted a little when he revealed he keeps a list of "Kind Words" on his phone. Then there's Courtney (Court) who lives with her aunt and is starting a new teaching position at a prestigious private school. She follows rules to the letter, and gives everyone the benefit of doubt, staying positive when others would get angry. I was impressed with the way she supported people that didn't seem to deserve it. Both characters were kind, giving, and positive. This made the book even more enjoyable!
The fact that things turned out great in so many different areas made me want to immediately recommend this book to family and friends. Fun to read and a lasting glow of happiness, you won't want to miss this book.
OH. P.S. I'm not a big football fan or pro sports fan. So if you're not either, rest easy, this isn't an intense sports story at all!
A sweet story where Eli (that football player) is intent on watching over his sister, and is kind, supportive, and a great listener. I love his personality and melted a little when he revealed he keeps a list of "Kind Words" on his phone. Then there's Courtney (Court) who lives with her aunt and is starting a new teaching position at a prestigious private school. She follows rules to the letter, and gives everyone the benefit of doubt, staying positive when others would get angry. I was impressed with the way she supported people that didn't seem to deserve it. Both characters were kind, giving, and positive. This made the book even more enjoyable!
The fact that things turned out great in so many different areas made me want to immediately recommend this book to family and friends. Fun to read and a lasting glow of happiness, you won't want to miss this book.
OH. P.S. I'm not a big football fan or pro sports fan. So if you're not either, rest easy, this isn't an intense sports story at all!
August 18, 2023
This is a cute, sweet story. It’s a sports romance take on Sense & Sensibility. Since it’s novella length I wasn’t sure how it was going to really encapsulate the story, but it works. Obviously it’s more inspiration than complete fidelity to the original story. I really liked it. The story felt familiar but not obvious. The gender flip of the main characters was fun, and involving professional football, Hollywood, and teaching was interesting. Not being a football aficionado, I was happily with the level of football talk and description. Not too much to confuse a reader like me, but enough for people who do like it. Courtney and Eli were both just really likeable, even if we had to shake our heads at Courtney’s obliviousness for awhile. Eli was sweet, patient, thoughtful, kind, caring…just everything good. It was also fun to have a little bite-sized taste of the secondary romance. I really enjoyed this quick and easy read. I would not have minded a little more of the relationship being built on the page, but I pretty much always want more when I’m enjoying a story. Ultimately, I was satisfied and had fun reading it. I am excited for more Austen-inspired football stories from this author…I just wish the wait wasn’t so long. This is a sweet closed door story with no harsh language.
July 30, 2023
If “best friends at first sight” were really a thing, Eli Dash would say that’s how his friendship with the new private school teacher, Court Edwards, began. She’s the only person who understands his determination to prove himself as the new L.A. Rays quarterback. She, and nobody else, completely relates to his drive to make everyone forget about last year’s disastrous season with his old team.
She’s also stolen his heart and run off with it, faster than any running back he’s ever met.
The problem is, she’s secretly dating another teacher who also happens to be her department head. She’s completely clueless about Eli’s feelings and seems content to keep him in the friend zone forever. For those reasons alone, Eli should take a sideline bench. Speaking up may risk their friendship, and then he could lose her altogether.
But Eli Dash isn’t the sidelines type. It’s the most critical season of his life, and he refuses to let others call the shots this time—not with their happily-ever-after barely within reach.
Can the new QB take them from friend zone to the end zone? Or is it game over for them both. This was a quick read for me that had me staying up too late to finish.i received an advanced copy of the book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an review
She’s also stolen his heart and run off with it, faster than any running back he’s ever met.
The problem is, she’s secretly dating another teacher who also happens to be her department head. She’s completely clueless about Eli’s feelings and seems content to keep him in the friend zone forever. For those reasons alone, Eli should take a sideline bench. Speaking up may risk their friendship, and then he could lose her altogether.
But Eli Dash isn’t the sidelines type. It’s the most critical season of his life, and he refuses to let others call the shots this time—not with their happily-ever-after barely within reach.
Can the new QB take them from friend zone to the end zone? Or is it game over for them both. This was a quick read for me that had me staying up too late to finish.i received an advanced copy of the book from the author and I'm voluntarily leaving an review
August 20, 2023
Sweet summer rom/com
Court meets a football player at a outreach event that her school and his team are supporting. Eli is new to the area, being picked up by the local Pro Football team. Court is new the to elite school, and just moved to the area as well. Their friendship picks up quickly and naturally, but neither is certain if they'll be leaving the friend-zone. Throw in other teachers, Court's aunt, Eli's sister, and her college friends, and we've got an interesting mix as the academic and pro seasons are about to get underway.
The story starts a bit slow for me, and I'm not entirely sure why it felt that way. I enjoyed the pacing overall. Still it took a while to just flow smoothly for me. We like Eli and Court right away. Everyone else's part in the story fills out our little world, and I wouldn't mind reading more about any of them. Mila's roommates and neighbors would be a great next stop, or another player, or another faculty/staff member at Court's school. Eli and Court's story is sweet and simple itself, with a hurdle or two in the middle. An enjoyable summer read.
I received a free advance copy of the book, and my thoughts are voluntarily offered.
Court meets a football player at a outreach event that her school and his team are supporting. Eli is new to the area, being picked up by the local Pro Football team. Court is new the to elite school, and just moved to the area as well. Their friendship picks up quickly and naturally, but neither is certain if they'll be leaving the friend-zone. Throw in other teachers, Court's aunt, Eli's sister, and her college friends, and we've got an interesting mix as the academic and pro seasons are about to get underway.
The story starts a bit slow for me, and I'm not entirely sure why it felt that way. I enjoyed the pacing overall. Still it took a while to just flow smoothly for me. We like Eli and Court right away. Everyone else's part in the story fills out our little world, and I wouldn't mind reading more about any of them. Mila's roommates and neighbors would be a great next stop, or another player, or another faculty/staff member at Court's school. Eli and Court's story is sweet and simple itself, with a hurdle or two in the middle. An enjoyable summer read.
I received a free advance copy of the book, and my thoughts are voluntarily offered.
August 8, 2023
I'll read a sports romance any day of the week!
This is a super fun friends to lovers, unrequited love, blind to love type romance that has so many fun elements...add in a professional football player, a teacher trying to prove herself mixed in with a hidden romance that has a hint of love triangle lol.
I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author...which is 90% of them and this book kept the pages turning and I couldn't wait to see how it would end.
You'll experience fun banter, great side characters, some side characters that aren't so appealing (you always need a few of those in the mix), great romance and so much more!
Read this one for a fun weekend treat!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: mention of a married character dating around, mention of acting students starring as prostitutes (no details), mention of co-ed living arrangements and one roommate finding out they are pregnant (not main characters and very brief mention), kisses only romance, football, anxieties over pressure in the workforce, supportive and non-supportive family members and fun banter.
This is a super fun friends to lovers, unrequited love, blind to love type romance that has so many fun elements...add in a professional football player, a teacher trying to prove herself mixed in with a hidden romance that has a hint of love triangle lol.
I've enjoyed every book I've read by this author...which is 90% of them and this book kept the pages turning and I couldn't wait to see how it would end.
You'll experience fun banter, great side characters, some side characters that aren't so appealing (you always need a few of those in the mix), great romance and so much more!
Read this one for a fun weekend treat!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: mention of a married character dating around, mention of acting students starring as prostitutes (no details), mention of co-ed living arrangements and one roommate finding out they are pregnant (not main characters and very brief mention), kisses only romance, football, anxieties over pressure in the workforce, supportive and non-supportive family members and fun banter.
August 9, 2023
Oh, what a sweet story this was!
Eli and Court were just the cutest together... both as friends and as more. Unlike many stories using the best friends to more trope where there is a LONG history of friendship behind them, that's not the case in this story. In fact, Eli and Court had only actually been friends for a few months. Still, both being new in town they'd connected instantly and became best friends instantly... even if his feeling for her were always a little more than friendly! While I enjoyed both of these characters very much, I must say Eli definitely won me over the most. I loved how he looked after his younger sister and how great of a friend he was to Court... but it was definitely his 'kind words' list that endeared me to him most!
This was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed and left me smiling throughout. There were also several great side characters introduced that I truly hope to see more of later in the series!
Best Friends, Backups & Something More is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Eli and Court were just the cutest together... both as friends and as more. Unlike many stories using the best friends to more trope where there is a LONG history of friendship behind them, that's not the case in this story. In fact, Eli and Court had only actually been friends for a few months. Still, both being new in town they'd connected instantly and became best friends instantly... even if his feeling for her were always a little more than friendly! While I enjoyed both of these characters very much, I must say Eli definitely won me over the most. I loved how he looked after his younger sister and how great of a friend he was to Court... but it was definitely his 'kind words' list that endeared me to him most!
This was a very quick read, but it didn't feel rushed and left me smiling throughout. There were also several great side characters introduced that I truly hope to see more of later in the series!
Best Friends, Backups & Something More is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.
**I received an ARC for consideration. All opinions are my own.
August 17, 2023
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️ Intense Kissing
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: NA
Place: Los Angeles CA
Tropes: Sweet Romance, Clean, Football, Teacher, Inspired By Jane Austen
TW: Cheating, Lying
Main Characters: Court & Eli
Best Friends quickly won my heart over when Court and Eli met. They had the best interaction for meeting for the first time. Newbies in only ways that each other could really understand. Starting somewhere new is always a challenge. But with each other they were able to weather the storms.
Court was the perfect cheerleader for Eli when he was feeling unworthy and vice versa. I loved how even when they both felt something they were able to be there for each other in the capacity that was needed. They grew to see what each other needed and filled those needs without really noticing they were.
I loved the dynamic with Court and Eli and their family. They really brought so much to the story when they were included. It really brought other opinions and views to share along the way.
I can't wait to see what the next book will bring!!!
I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
Spice: 🌶️ Intense Kissing
Chemistry: 🧪🧪🧪🧪🧪
Plot: 5/5
Series: NA
Place: Los Angeles CA
Tropes: Sweet Romance, Clean, Football, Teacher, Inspired By Jane Austen
TW: Cheating, Lying
Main Characters: Court & Eli
Best Friends quickly won my heart over when Court and Eli met. They had the best interaction for meeting for the first time. Newbies in only ways that each other could really understand. Starting somewhere new is always a challenge. But with each other they were able to weather the storms.
Court was the perfect cheerleader for Eli when he was feeling unworthy and vice versa. I loved how even when they both felt something they were able to be there for each other in the capacity that was needed. They grew to see what each other needed and filled those needs without really noticing they were.
I loved the dynamic with Court and Eli and their family. They really brought so much to the story when they were included. It really brought other opinions and views to share along the way.
I can't wait to see what the next book will bring!!!
I received a complimentary copy via the author. All opinions are my own, honest and voluntary.
August 10, 2023
This was a quick and easy read for romance lovers with a touch of humor. Eli is the backup quarterback for the L.A. Rays and Court has just taken a position as a teacher at a prestigious school. She is nervous and feels completely out of her element. When she meets Eli, she has no idea that they will become fast friends. You can immediately feel the chemistry between these two, but I honestly do not think Court ever dreamed that a professional football player would be interested in her, so she keeps him in the friend zone.
The characters were fun to get to know. Eli was a protector and this made him a big lovable bear to me. Court is all over the place with her emotions, but I think some of her behavior is brought about by her nervousness at the new school and pressure from her father. You will learn more about this pressure when you read the book.
This was definitely a sweet, clean romance with a great cast of characters.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were fun to get to know. Eli was a protector and this made him a big lovable bear to me. Court is all over the place with her emotions, but I think some of her behavior is brought about by her nervousness at the new school and pressure from her father. You will learn more about this pressure when you read the book.
This was definitely a sweet, clean romance with a great cast of characters.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 23, 2023
Reader’s Notes:
– this is told from Court (Courtney) & Eli’s points of view
– for most of the book Court is secretly dating her coworker who is about 10 years older
Review:
I flew through this book! I really enjoyed Court & Eli’s friendship and that Eli respected Court’s decisions even though he didn’t always agree with them. I loved that Eli ended up moving into Court’s aunt’s guest house (making them neighbors) and that her aunt was actively trying to set up the two of them. I don’t think I was ever a fan of Oliver (Court’s secret older boyfriend), even in the beginning, which was helpful because then I didn’t feel the need to worry that this was going to be a book where you might not get the female main character to choose the guy you want (since Oliver really was never in the running to begin with). I loved that Court & Eli both cared for Eli’s sister as well as Court’s aunt. And though it took a bit for Court to see what was right in front of her, I loved that Eli was always there for Court & that he was so sweet with her!
Summary:
When Eli met Court at an event in the school she was going to work at, Eli found someone who really understood him. From the complete change in scenery to finding their groove in their new work locations & with their coworkers, Eli & Court just got each other. If it wouldn’t be odd to do so, Eli would have asked her out right then and there. But a friendship is good too until he can figure out if she might like him back…
Court clicked with the new football player for the local team at the best time. Eli’s friendship makes Court’s anxiety and discomfort over the new changes she just applied to her life ease. If only her secret boyfriend could do the same thing…
– this is told from Court (Courtney) & Eli’s points of view
– for most of the book Court is secretly dating her coworker who is about 10 years older
Review:
I flew through this book! I really enjoyed Court & Eli’s friendship and that Eli respected Court’s decisions even though he didn’t always agree with them. I loved that Eli ended up moving into Court’s aunt’s guest house (making them neighbors) and that her aunt was actively trying to set up the two of them. I don’t think I was ever a fan of Oliver (Court’s secret older boyfriend), even in the beginning, which was helpful because then I didn’t feel the need to worry that this was going to be a book where you might not get the female main character to choose the guy you want (since Oliver really was never in the running to begin with). I loved that Court & Eli both cared for Eli’s sister as well as Court’s aunt. And though it took a bit for Court to see what was right in front of her, I loved that Eli was always there for Court & that he was so sweet with her!
Summary:
When Eli met Court at an event in the school she was going to work at, Eli found someone who really understood him. From the complete change in scenery to finding their groove in their new work locations & with their coworkers, Eli & Court just got each other. If it wouldn’t be odd to do so, Eli would have asked her out right then and there. But a friendship is good too until he can figure out if she might like him back…
Court clicked with the new football player for the local team at the best time. Eli’s friendship makes Court’s anxiety and discomfort over the new changes she just applied to her life ease. If only her secret boyfriend could do the same thing…
August 19, 2023
Best friends
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
Sweet and clean, promising first book in series, I will look forward to reading the rest
Plot: 4/5, I enjoyed the story, I would have loved even more, but it is a fun quick read! I hope that the characters introduced in this book and their HEA will be part of the future books in this series.
Spice: relatively low, which is 5/5 for me, because my personal preference is adherence to traditional Christian standards
Characters: 5/5 I liked the main characters, as well as the supporting cast
MC: Court & Eli
Key subjects/tropes: friends to more, age gap, football, teaching, moving to a new city, love at first sight (one-sided)
In series: yes, this is the debut book
Overall review: I recommend reading this rom com short novel. It’s the best kind of brain candy, and the text conversations were very fun and cute.
***I received a free ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review; all opinions stated in this review are my own ***
- [ ]
Overall rating: 5/5 stars
Sweet and clean, promising first book in series, I will look forward to reading the rest
Plot: 4/5, I enjoyed the story, I would have loved even more, but it is a fun quick read! I hope that the characters introduced in this book and their HEA will be part of the future books in this series.
Spice: relatively low, which is 5/5 for me, because my personal preference is adherence to traditional Christian standards
Characters: 5/5 I liked the main characters, as well as the supporting cast
MC: Court & Eli
Key subjects/tropes: friends to more, age gap, football, teaching, moving to a new city, love at first sight (one-sided)
In series: yes, this is the debut book
Overall review: I recommend reading this rom com short novel. It’s the best kind of brain candy, and the text conversations were very fun and cute.
***I received a free ARC copy from the author in exchange for an honest review; all opinions stated in this review are my own ***
- [ ]
August 9, 2023
Best Friends Backups & Something More is a sweet, contemporary romance featuring Courtney (Court) Edwards and Eli Dash.
Eli and Court meet at Reagan Academy. Both are new to LA. She will be working there as a history teacher, and he is the new quarterback playing for the Rays. Conversation flows smoothly between the two, and they're pleased to have made a new friend. The two exchange numbers, and quickly become best friends.
Court starts dating a fellow teacher, but keeps it secret after learning that Reagan has a policy prohibiting teachers from dating. She doesn't want to hide it, but is concerned about her job. Eli would like more from their relationship, not knowing she's already dating someone.
When Eli's sister and roommate makes a change in her living situation, Eli needs to move and ends up in Court's aunt's guest house. The two end up spending more time together...
This was a cute novella - a sweet, spiceless, friends-to-"lovers" story.
Eli and Court meet at Reagan Academy. Both are new to LA. She will be working there as a history teacher, and he is the new quarterback playing for the Rays. Conversation flows smoothly between the two, and they're pleased to have made a new friend. The two exchange numbers, and quickly become best friends.
Court starts dating a fellow teacher, but keeps it secret after learning that Reagan has a policy prohibiting teachers from dating. She doesn't want to hide it, but is concerned about her job. Eli would like more from their relationship, not knowing she's already dating someone.
When Eli's sister and roommate makes a change in her living situation, Eli needs to move and ends up in Court's aunt's guest house. The two end up spending more time together...
This was a cute novella - a sweet, spiceless, friends-to-"lovers" story.
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