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The Tackle's Crush
Shayne Masters has a good life. An offensive tackle on the Sullivan Cougars varsity football team, he's handsome and popular. He also has a bad reputation as a player. Ginger Matson is his school locker buddy. Friends since childhood, things start shifting between them before senior year starts. But Shayne's rep keeps him from dating girls at school, and Ginger's family is experiencing upheaval. Are they destined to remain friends? Or will things work out for them?
393 pages, Paperback
First published November 17, 2022
About the author
L.M. Ransom
27 books50 followersL. M. Ransom lives in a place called Blooming Valley, located not too far off the shores of Lake Michigan. She is married to her best friend, and they have two adult children. She shares her home with an older black merle Jackshund, who always keeps things interesting. L. M. works at the library in her hometown, mostly behind the scenes in the back room. She would love to have a real-life AT-AT from Star Wars, but is settling for her collection of Walkers in her home office (for now). She enjoys watching TV and movies with her family. She adores The Big Bang Theory, Brooklyn 99, and The Middle, and she absolutely loves writing young adult romance. You can find L. M. on Instagram, Threads, and X at @lmransomwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
March 24, 2024
Sweet but misunderstood (not in the emo way) Shayne struggles with dating. Not in getting a date as he’s a handsome, popular football player, but he struggles to find someone who will accept him for a very known mistake in his past. He’s known that sweet girl-next-door with attitude Ginger for most of his life, so why is it after a few interactions with her that she’s catching his eye in a new way? (I think you and I both know why ;)).
If you love ya romance, sports romances, and re-living high school days with characters who are juggling homework, blooming romance, practice, work, and high school drama (of course!), you will absolutely fall in love with these characters as they fall in love with each other. ❤️
Also: no spice! It’s a great read for young and adult audiences alike!
If you love ya romance, sports romances, and re-living high school days with characters who are juggling homework, blooming romance, practice, work, and high school drama (of course!), you will absolutely fall in love with these characters as they fall in love with each other. ❤️
Also: no spice! It’s a great read for young and adult audiences alike!
July 21, 2024
I may be an adult, but sometimes I enjoy revisiting the excitement of youth by reading Teen/YA novels. This book about teenage love and drama is a fun escape from the seriousness of adulthood. I was pleasantly caught up in Shayne and Ginger’s friends to more story and I look forward to more stories about their other friends on the football team.
March 18, 2024
This book was cute! It was definitely pretty long, but the chapters were all so short that I didn't really notice. It only took me so long to get through because I spent the last few weeks working so much. I'll be checking out the other books in this series!
I enjoyed the romance and the two main characters were both enjoyable to read about! I also enjoyed that there wasn't a third act breakup, but rather Shayne and Ginger coming together to overcome their problems and face the future together.
I enjoyed the romance and the two main characters were both enjoyable to read about! I also enjoyed that there wasn't a third act breakup, but rather Shayne and Ginger coming together to overcome their problems and face the future together.
October 19, 2023
The Tackle’s Crush ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The was my first book from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her.
This was such a sweet, clean, closed door YA romance.
Ginger and Shayne have know each other since they were kids. This is their senior year of high school. After a nasty break up with her rude boyfriend, Ginger and Shayne become closer as friends. During this time they realize they both have more feelings for each other. The only thing is, Shayne doesn’t date girls from his school. And she doesn’t know if she’s going to have to move to a different state or not. Dealing with their friends, rumors, a rude ex, and family drama they stick together and tackle anything that’s thrown at them.
I adored Shayne, he is the small town football player. He has respect for girls and takes being a boyfriend serious. Ginger is so considerate and kind. She takes a lot of the heat with grace and doesn’t care about what others think of her.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Think Hallmark movie but with young adults. I loved that it was a sweet, clean romance.
Thank you for giving me an arc copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
The was my first book from this author and I will definitely be reading more from her.
This was such a sweet, clean, closed door YA romance.
Ginger and Shayne have know each other since they were kids. This is their senior year of high school. After a nasty break up with her rude boyfriend, Ginger and Shayne become closer as friends. During this time they realize they both have more feelings for each other. The only thing is, Shayne doesn’t date girls from his school. And she doesn’t know if she’s going to have to move to a different state or not. Dealing with their friends, rumors, a rude ex, and family drama they stick together and tackle anything that’s thrown at them.
I adored Shayne, he is the small town football player. He has respect for girls and takes being a boyfriend serious. Ginger is so considerate and kind. She takes a lot of the heat with grace and doesn’t care about what others think of her.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. Think Hallmark movie but with young adults. I loved that it was a sweet, clean romance.
Thank you for giving me an arc copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.
September 10, 2023
Absolutely adorable!
From page one this book transported me back to high school (in a good way!) and even when I set it down found myself thinking about the characters.
This story had me grinning through the entire book. It is just THAT sweet. Ginger and Shayne’s relationship is so dynamic and realistic. The buildup and tension in their interactions was incredible and left me wanting more.
Shayne is my favorite type of MMC - faux bad boy, athlete, popular, and chivalrous (seriously, the protective, sweet nature of this guy!)
I adored the way Ginger was protective over Shayne, while still appreciating when he stood up for her. She is the perfect balance of strong and sweet and the ideal compliment to Shayne.
.
From page one this book transported me back to high school (in a good way!) and even when I set it down found myself thinking about the characters.
This story had me grinning through the entire book. It is just THAT sweet. Ginger and Shayne’s relationship is so dynamic and realistic. The buildup and tension in their interactions was incredible and left me wanting more.
Shayne is my favorite type of MMC - faux bad boy, athlete, popular, and chivalrous (seriously, the protective, sweet nature of this guy!)
I adored the way Ginger was protective over Shayne, while still appreciating when he stood up for her. She is the perfect balance of strong and sweet and the ideal compliment to Shayne.
.
February 24, 2024
Gah, such a sweet, high school football, romance. But so much more. Ginger is sooo kind and considerate! And Shayne takes his role as boyfriend very seriously. Swoon.
But these two are also a slow burn. Oh my word I don’t think I’ve ever read a couple that go back and forth as much as these two.
But these two are also a slow burn. Oh my word I don’t think I’ve ever read a couple that go back and forth as much as these two.
October 17, 2023
I haven't read YA books before, but this book hooked me! Shane is the quintessential high school boyfriend - cute, caring, and protective. Don't wait, grab this book now and enjoy!
January 19, 2024
It was a cute book - a little long, but a good read.
August 10, 2023
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. This is the first book of the author's that I've read and I will be reading more from her. This is book in the Sullivan Cougars Series and can be read as a standalone, though characters for the coming books are introduced and you will surely want to read their stories too. The book's blurb is straightforward. It's a great YA first person dual pov football romance.
Although Ginger and Shayne have been friends since childhood, it isn't until the start of their senior year when they begin to view each other differently. Ginger's nasty break up allows her and Shayne to become closer. As they begin to rely on each other, their feelings grow but Ginger is worried about her family's future and Shayne vowed he wouldn't date girls from his high school making both of them cautious about starting a relationship. What I liked about Ginger was that she had a quiet grace. She had a kind heart but she was able to stand up for herself and her loved ones when she needed to. I especially liked how she looked past the rumors surrounding Shayne and made her own opinions about him based on how he treated her. As for Shayne, he knew he made mistakes and, even if his fears prevented him from correcting them right away, he accepted the results of his mistakes. I loved how protective he was towards Ginger and how he could be honest about his feelings with her.
Their romance is a clean slow burn. No cuss words are used, though some choice words are, and there are some suggestive comments made but they're at the pg-13 level. Because of Ginger's break up and family situation and Shayne's worries about his reputation, the pacing of their relationship was done well. Though they really don't have problems between them, there are conflicts to keep the story interesting - even if some of the resolutions are easy for readers to guess.To me, that just means the author was setting up things well. What I really enjoyed about this book was how the author captured the voices and feelings of the teens. While you may want them to act differently at times, their behaviors and decisions felt appropriate for their age. Throughout the story, characters are introduced and you will be curious about their stories too. Overall, this was a great introduction for me to the author's writing and a great start to the series. I look forward to the rest of the books to come!
Although Ginger and Shayne have been friends since childhood, it isn't until the start of their senior year when they begin to view each other differently. Ginger's nasty break up allows her and Shayne to become closer. As they begin to rely on each other, their feelings grow but Ginger is worried about her family's future and Shayne vowed he wouldn't date girls from his high school making both of them cautious about starting a relationship. What I liked about Ginger was that she had a quiet grace. She had a kind heart but she was able to stand up for herself and her loved ones when she needed to. I especially liked how she looked past the rumors surrounding Shayne and made her own opinions about him based on how he treated her. As for Shayne, he knew he made mistakes and, even if his fears prevented him from correcting them right away, he accepted the results of his mistakes. I loved how protective he was towards Ginger and how he could be honest about his feelings with her.
Their romance is a clean slow burn. No cuss words are used, though some choice words are, and there are some suggestive comments made but they're at the pg-13 level. Because of Ginger's break up and family situation and Shayne's worries about his reputation, the pacing of their relationship was done well. Though they really don't have problems between them, there are conflicts to keep the story interesting - even if some of the resolutions are easy for readers to guess.
July 31, 2023
I adored this YA sweet romance book! Have you ever experienced those Hallmark movies during Christmas? They're the ones with a somewhat predictable plot, but they still manage to create a cozy and heartwarming feeling, making you want to snuggle under a blanket with a cup of hot chocolate, feeling utterly content and hopeful about love. A Tackle’s Crush embodies a similar spirit, but without the cheesiness and is perfect for a summer vibe! Its storyline presents a refreshing twist on a classic and beloved romantic theme.
TTC is all about friends turning into lovers, but it's not just your usual love story. It dives deep into romantic relationships and explores family struggles, our dreams, and the importance of following your heart. And let me tell you, all these things come together in the most incredible way, leading to a satisfying finale!
If you're into heartwarming romance novels that leave you with a big, happy grin, THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ! I'm seriously jealous of those who are going to read it for the first time. I can't wait for L.M.'s next YA sweet romance book!
TTC is all about friends turning into lovers, but it's not just your usual love story. It dives deep into romantic relationships and explores family struggles, our dreams, and the importance of following your heart. And let me tell you, all these things come together in the most incredible way, leading to a satisfying finale!
If you're into heartwarming romance novels that leave you with a big, happy grin, THIS BOOK IS A MUST-READ! I'm seriously jealous of those who are going to read it for the first time. I can't wait for L.M.'s next YA sweet romance book!
June 1, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (3.5, rounded up)
GENRE
-YA romance
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: kisses
-⚠️: lots of talk implying that Shayne was sleeping around
I won this book in a giveaway, and the author took time to annotate it for me, which made for a neat reading experience! Overall, I thought it was cute. There were a couple of things that I didn't love though.
First off, it was long. The physical book is 378 pages, and there were parts that felt like they dragged.
Secondly, one of the main conflicts and problems in the story was that Shayne had a bad boy reputation. At a party his freshman year, he had gone into a room with two girls and come out a long time later. The upperclassmen assumed he had slept with the girls and were basically congratulating him on his conquests. Shayne never corrected them. Years later, he basically is terrified to come clean about actually NOT having slept with them. I just didn't love that so much of the story focused on his sexual status, basically.
GENRE
-YA romance
CONTENT
-🤬: none
-❤️: kisses
-⚠️: lots of talk implying that Shayne was sleeping around
I won this book in a giveaway, and the author took time to annotate it for me, which made for a neat reading experience! Overall, I thought it was cute. There were a couple of things that I didn't love though.
First off, it was long. The physical book is 378 pages, and there were parts that felt like they dragged.
Secondly, one of the main conflicts and problems in the story was that Shayne had a bad boy reputation. At a party his freshman year, he had gone into a room with two girls and come out a long time later. The upperclassmen assumed he had slept with the girls and were basically congratulating him on his conquests. Shayne never corrected them. Years later, he basically is terrified to come clean about actually NOT having slept with them. I just didn't love that so much of the story focused on his sexual status, basically.
December 9, 2023
I love this book so much. Shane and Ginger’s journey from friends to dating is so fun. Their relationship isn’t without problems, but the character growth is so apparent throughout the entire book. This book has multiple POVs, high school sports romance, and so many fun moments. L. M. Ransom created such a complex story that focuses not only on the couple, but also the friendships that surround them.
June 7, 2026
This YA high school romance is the perfect cleanser between heavy fantasy or large series to get you in the mood for summer. I loved reading about the sports and how Ginger and Shayne navigated their relationship around so much change and drama!
I love a good clean romance with healthy couples and high stakes and this book delivered! I will definitely be continuing the series!
I love a good clean romance with healthy couples and high stakes and this book delivered! I will definitely be continuing the series!
September 21, 2024
This was such a cute read! Shayne and Ginger were adorable! I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
August 13, 2023
Very sweet, clean romance. Cute little story with heart-warming character development.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews