The End Zone

Out of Bounds #2

by Erin MacKenzie

Super Bowl Champion. All Pro running back. Leading rusher in the NFL.

All titles I've strived for my entire career and now that I've achieved them, the pressure to maintain that status has come with a price.
Anxiety is a beast.
And it doesn't care that I'm supposed to look tough on the outside, it still rages within me. But hiding behind lie after lie, it's only a matter of time before everything around me starts to crumble and come to light.
And when they do, the one to pick up the pieces is my best friend.
Her suggestion? A road trip.
Something to relax my mind and ease some of the pressure.
Except, what happens when those old feelings I thought I had buried start rearing their head again? And this time, it looks like she might be feeling them back.

My goal every Sunday is making it into the end zone on the field, but as the days go on, my new end zone, the place I know I can safely rest becomes a person.

Mia Clark.

Genres: Sports Romance, Friends To Lovers, Sports, Romance, Football, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 9, 2024

About the author

Erin MacKenzie is a romance author who lives in a small town in Florida with her family. She loves writing real, emotionally driven romance with steamy and laugh out loud moments along the way. When she isn't reading or writing, you can usually find her trying out new recipes, spending time outdoors or rooting on her favorite sports teams. You can connect with her on Instagram and TikTok at @erinmackenzie.author.

Reviews

[what.jordan.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨eARC review✨
♾️⭐️/🌶️🌶️.5

YOU GUYS. I am still unwell after finishing The End Zone. Erin, you blew me away with your debut novel and the first book in the Out of Bounds series, Line of Scrimmage. And you knocked me off my feet, once again, with this beaut. This was truly *chef’s kiss* 😮‍💨

What will you find in The End Zone?
🏈pro football romance
🎤best friends to lovers
🏈road trip
🎤one bed
🏈athlete mental health rep
🎤flirty tension and banter
🏈slow burn (in the best way possible)

When I tell you that Erin perfectly executed the best friends to lovers trope I ain’t playin’ with you. Like, had me giddy AF and screaming when that spice finally hit. IT’S WORTH THE WAIT 🤭👀🔥 Their banter, the friendship foundation that is absolutely unmatched, Mia’s ability to be Nate’s calm in the storm, and how beautifully Nate loves and takes care of Mia. Ugh. It’s everything. And Erin’s ability to bring awareness to athlete’s mental health when it comes to anxiety and the pressures that come with being a professional athlete was so beautifully done. Seriously could not say more good things. I’m so proud of you Erin, you were made to bring fictional couple’s love stories to life ❤️‍🔥🥹🫶🏼

[Olivia✨ (bookingitwitholivia) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fell in love with Nate & Mia by the end of this book. I admire Erin for not rushing into their relationship & keeping this a slow burn.

I feel like Nate’s anxiety was portrayed perfectly in this too. As someone who struggles with anxiety themselves it was nice to see that being represented in a book. I also like that this book brings to light the many struggles that sports personnel go through.

The found family aspect of Erin’s books are my favourite. She creates such loveable & relatable characters where you wish you were part of their friend group.

It took me a while to read this book as I really struggled to connect during the first 40% of the book. And I was a little bored. I took a break & went back to it. Once Nate & Mia started their road trip the book really picked up & I fell in love with them & their story.

I’m really excited for the next book in this series.

[Payton · Rating 5 out of 5]

1 millions stars. literally nothing could have mended my broken detroit lions heart more than this.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️

I was lucky enough to Alpha read this book for Erin & to say I was blown away would be an understatement!! I was nervous & she knew that, only because friends to lovers hasn’t been my favorite trope in the past — however, I LOVED this book! Even more than book 1 (Line of Scrimmage) which is a brother’s best friend trope which we all know I’m a sucker for. Nate & Mia’s story was so so beautiful & I absolutely devoured it! If you like the friends to lovers trope, I promise you will love this book.

Thank you so much Erin for allowing me to Alpha & ARC read for you! You’re so amazing & I’m so proud of you!🩵

Tropes:
Tropes:
- Sports Romance
- Friends to Lovers
- Roadtrip Romance
- Forced Proximity
- One Bed
- “It’s Always Been You”
- Mental Health Rep

[nia · Rating 1 out of 5]

THIS WAS SO BAD ??? 😭 the writing was impersonal as hell, i did not feel anything for any of the characters + there was ZERO banter which is so important especially when you're writing a bsfs to lovers book??? the smut was ANNOYING, i stopped reading properly around 48% and just skimmed through the entire thing bc i hate leaving books on dnf

[Andi Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5🌟
2/5🌶️

I AM OBSESSED WITH NATE AND MIA.

Erin - how could you write a man as perfect as Nate Campbell?! 🫠 his love for Mia was so evident throughout this entire book & I don’t think I’ll ever get over it.

I hope everyone has their own Mia in their life because what an incredible friend she is!!! Nothing could stop her from being there for the ones she cared about.

Friends to lovers is such an underrated trope & reading Nate and Mia’s story felt so authentic and real! 🫶🏻 the slow burn?! The banter?! The tension?! The spice??! I have no words for the perfection that this was. 😭

Favorite quote - “You are my love language.”

💋 best friends to lovers
🏈 football romance
🚙 road trip
😮‍💨 tension & banter & spice
❤️‍🔥 slowest of slow burns
🛏️ only one bed
🧠 mental health rep

[andie · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5

I really liked the character dynamics and the story, but the author has a lot of room to grow as a writer both in terms of mechanics and content. While romance is by definition repetitive to some extent and built on tropes, this book was unforgivably derivative. Every single aspect of this book seems to have been taken from other popular sports romances I've read, and I really didn't clock a single unique thing. Even the minor characters and hints at future pairings were very, very familiar to anyone who's read Liz Tomforde, Elsie Silver, Kandi Steiner, and many others.

Add in that the characters' first sex scene together was a quickie that happened in earshot of the h's little sister, who she has a bad relationship with, when she came to her on a very bad and potentially traumatic day, and I am just all around disappointed.

It was an enjoyable enough read, I just happen to be able to think of at least 3 books with very similar themes that I would recommend before this one.

[Frankie Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️ 2/5🌶️

This was an amazing second book in the Out of Bounds Series. This series instantly became a favourite when Line of Scrimmage was released and I couldn’t wait to dive back into it with Nate and Mia’s story!

Nate and Mia have been best friends since they met in collage. 6 years on they both live in Tampa, Florida where Nate is the Running Back for Tampa’s NFL team the Knights. Last season they won the Super Bowl and Nate’s starting to feel the pressure to continue to be the best. When the pressure got too much for him he turns to his best friend, Mia, who suggests a road trip to relax Nate and to get him through his feelings. But what happens when old feelings you didn’t know still existed start to reappear?

I absolutely loved this book but in particular I loved the characters. Nate is an absolute golden retriever, which is funny as he owns one. The vulnerability he had throughout the book was so lovely to read, it opens eyes to aspects of athletes we can sometimes forget. I thought his mental health rep was beautifully portrayed showing the ups and downs and how even speaking to 1 person can help.

I think I have a girl crush of Mia. She is the best, best friend anyone could ask for. She’s selfless, a helper and all round great person! The way she helped Nate but also the first in line to help her sister and Dad was so admirable. I loved their banter and bond. But I also loved how they much they cared for each other throughout the whole book.

Overall, this was an amazing second novel and I’m DYING to get more! Chase and Summer will now be my next “most anticipated release”.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

Tropes include:
* Best Friend to Lovers
* Professional Football Player
* Mental Health Rep
* Golden Retriever x Sunshine
* Slow Burn
* Flirty Tension & Banter

*Dislaimer: I received an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Erin for trusting me to read and review your book! So excited to see what’s next for you 🫶🏼

[Mer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just put this book down and I already want to pick it back up again. Nate and Mia feel like home. I think their friendship is what everyone looks for in a best friend. Their connection feels you right in immediately. I was swooning over Nate but I also was heart broken for him. Erin McKenzie can do mental health rep like no other. It was heartbreaking to read about as someone who deals with anxiety. It also made me feel seen and heard.

This is a SLOWWWWW burn but when you get to the spice??? So worth it. Nate’s mouth?? Incredible. Nate’s love confession had my crying in bed at 11pm and I loved every second of this book.

[Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book 6 days ago but I needed time to process and get my thoughts together🥹🥹 This was SO CUTE!! I have been waiting for Nate & Mia’s story ever since we were introduced to them in Line of Scrimmage. And it did not disappoint!!!

Nate Campbell and Mia Clark have been best friends since college. They both had feelings for each other in college but Mia didn’t want to ruin their friendship, so Nate pushed his feelings for Mia aside because he would rather be her friend then not have her in his life at all. Until now, when all those feelings come rushing back and he can’t imagine not being with her.

When Nate needs some time off, Mia suggests a road trip to help him get a grasp on his anxiety. An 18 hour road trip and a couple weeks alone together stirs up a lot of feelings for the both of them👀 Will they be able to face their feelings for each other and admit they don’t want to be with anyone else?!

This was an extremely slow burn but was so worth it in the end. Nate & Mia have my heart and I loved them so freaking much🥹

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

erin did it again!! her writing just keeps getting better and batter!

nate & mia were so cute and perfect!! they were everything to me & they’ll have my heart forever <33

also the mental health rep in this was fantastic! erin handled nate’s storyline with so much care and love

btw prepare to be sick of me when book 3 comes out!! i CANNOT WAIT for chase’s story!!!!

thank you erin for the arc!!

[Aleesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Herg. Okay, so this WAS better than book 1. There's a lot more depth and heavier topics in this book that I can appreciate. The anxiety rep is pretty well done. The characters are cute together, mosty. Nate's a very likeable MMC. The side characters are also great and I enjoy the comradery they share.

But there's a lot that bugged the hell out of me, too.

1. There is a LOT of repetition going on in the first third of this book. A LOT of Nate talking bout how there's a monster in his head and he can't focus.

On the one hand - this is a good representation of anxiety. So I can't fault MacKenzie for that.

But on the other? Repeating the exact same thing for 100 pages doesn't make for a good reading experience. I needed to be SHOWN this anxiety. I needed to be in Nate's body as the dread hit or the dissociation happened. Don't just tell me he feels anxious 50 times and expect me to feel anything for the guy.

This really dragged the first part of this story down to a crawl.

2. The blurb mentions that Mia suggests the two go on a road trip to help with Nate's anxiousness.

And I guess, in the vaguest sense, that might be what happens.

But it takes us 40% of the story before we get to see this road trip. They're headed to Wisconsin for his parents anniversary celebration which would be okay I guess, except the actual road tripping takes up so little of this story it's ridiculous. And feels like false advertising.

We only get to see them stop briefly at this national park as well as a hotel or two where nothing happens except they sleep.

So if you (are like me, and) picked this book up thinking it was going to be a fun road trip adventure, don't. You're going to be sorely disappointed.

3. When these two start with the sexual stuff, I was pleased at first that they weren't just jumping in 15% of the way through the way Abby and Ford did. They don't even touch each other until well over 50% of the way in.

However! Once they do, it's mostly just masturbation and oral sex...but it's only for Mia. Nate's not getting ANYTHING in return - and yeah yeah, he enjoys eating her out blah blah. But she doesn't even think about offering, either.

It's not even that I want to read about any of that, really - I just don't like things that are SO unbalanced.

Because the WHOLE book it's about pleasing Mia, about making her comfortable and making her understand that he's all in for her.

They don't actually have sex for the first (and only) time until nearly 90% of the way through - and even then, it's a quickie within earshot of her sister and right after, Mia darts out because she's got an appointment she has to keep so there's no room for emotional aftercare at all. You mean to tell me that the very first time these two old friends finally cross that final line and become lovers, it's just some random afternoon when she's on a time-limit and her sister's asleep in the room down the hall?????

Again - it's not that I needed all the smut in the book. But waiting SO long just for the guy to feel wanted back and then for it to happen the way it did...ew. It makes Mia read as a selfish lover, which makes me not like her.

She doesn't really give Nate ANY reassurance back as to her feelings until the very (and I do mean, VERY) end of this book, after he grand gestures for her. And even then - he's the one doing ALL of the talking. He's the one doing ALL of the swearing of love vows and leaving love notes. She doesn't hardly ever say ANYTHING about how SHE feels about HIM. The WHOLE book, she doesn't ever really express to him that she loves him.

For someone who is REPEATEDLY described as being selfless, warm and caring, Mia doesn't really ever act like it. That's all I'm saying.

4. There's a lot of other smaller plots that feel like they should be bigger but aren't.

Mia's family situation is a big one. Her father's apparently a gambler and she has to fork over money to keep him from being evicted. That's brought up and then brushed aside so quickly if you blink you'll miss it.

Then Mia's sister crops up out of nowhere, we're told she and Nate don't get along but we don't know WHY, she also doesn't get along with her sister - again we don't know WHY. Then we learn that she's in a bad housing situation and Nate offers her money to help, and THEN we find out it's a domestic violence issue...mind most of this comes out 85% of the way through the story.

If you're going to throw DV at me, I'm going to need you to put a little more effort into dealing with it than just a few pages in a couple separate chapters.

Mia's sister's situation takes you RIGHT out of the newly developing feelings between Nate and Mia. Suddenly it feels like the book needs to be about her and not the couple you've just spent 300 pages hoping would get together.

Then, right up through the epilogue, there's the drama with Kristen (Chase's baby momma). I know this is the setup for his book, but again - it removes a lot of focus from the main couple.

The longer I sit with this book after putting it down, the lower the rating goes because the more I think about the crap that irritated me. Honestly I think the pacing of the relationship is ultimately what's dragging this rating down for me. What do you mean you're going to make me wait 90% of the way through the story for the two of them to get together and it's a quickie before she goes to work? What do you mean this man pours his heart out MULTIPLE TIMES and she can barely admit out loud that she loves him? Gross.

I'm giving this the same score as book 1 and letting it go before it drops any more stars.

[Kaity · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those little cuties had their heads in their a$$3$ for way too long! But it was so worth it! <3

[Ashley Dranguet · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first takeaway from this book (and believe me, there are plenty) is that Erin just gets better and better as she continues to write.

Ford Anderson was truly the loml in Line of Scrimmage. He was swoony, and sexy, and game straight out the gate knowing what he wanted. He was happy and lively, and the man knows how to treat a lady.

But Nate? Fucking hell, Erin. As if I’m not already balls deep in book boyfriends, she said “let me just add one more to the top of that list.” And I do mean the top. Because Nate Campbell is everything I’ve ever wanted and then some.

My only complaint is that he’s not real and I’m not Mia. Honestly, it’s rude.

The way Erin poured herself into the mental health aspects of this book, shedding light on the hard parts of being an athlete struggling with the pressures to perform, was chef’s kiss.

I told myself I couldn’t handle slow burns. That I’d rather eat a jean jacket than wait a second longer for the damn friends to become lovers. But in all honesty, the progression of their friendship was so easy to watch that it didn’t make me want to rush them.

I loved the way Nate was patient with Mia. The way he so effortlessly took care of her while she was busy taking care of everyone else. And how Mia never once gave up on Nate while fighting his demons.

Their love is something you can only dream of having. And yes, I did actually dream of having Nate. Because, like, who wouldn’t??

I’m so freaking thankful to Erin for the opportunity to have read her wonderful books, and I can’t wait to see what she does next!

As always, read your TW. And remember, Mental health is important 🫶🏼

[Jamie Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am still thinking about this book days later after finishing. I was absolutely blown away by Erin’s second book. This best friends to lovers romance was executed perfectly.

This story follows Nate and Mia. They have been best friends since college and surprisingly there has only been one time in their entire friendship where they considered trying more. Nate is a professional football player and Mia is a personal trainer. Nate is struggling mentally and decides to take a break from football. This leads to him and Mia taking a road trip back to WI. The more the two are around each other the more their buried feelings tend to show up…

AH!!! The tension in this book was sooooo gooood!! This was such a slow burn but like in the best way. I was just chomping at the bit for Nate and Mia to have a f*ck it moment and just go for it. That scene in the cabin (IYKYK) will live rent free in my head for all eternity.
These two knew each other better than anyone else and they really were perfect for each other. Nate was so frickin’ sweet and swoony…the POST-its!!!! He would really do anything to put Mia first. I love him so much.
Mia was so sassy but also so full of sunshine. I loved that she would do anything to make Nate smile.

Erin thank you for allowing me to ARC read. I cannot wait to continue the series.

Overall: 5
Spice: 2.5

Tropes:
-Football Romance
-Best Friends to Lovers
-One Bed
-Slow Burn
-Mental Health Rep
-It’s Always Been You

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

favorite quote ||
✨“we all like to believe she’s strong and tough because she carries all the burdens of everyone so well, and she is those things, but she also needs to know it’s okay to put it all down. she deserves to be shown love.”✨

thoughts on this book || I wanted to start this review with saying the quote above made me BAWL. I related to Mia so much throughout the book & the way she always wanted to take care of everyone. even when it seemed to be hurting her, she helped out. her friendship with Nate was so cute to read. but when they switched from friends to lovers, looooord 🥵 they had already been friends for so long & knew just what the other person needed as more than that. I loved the mental health rep in this book. & it’s from a male perspective which we rarely see! I loved how Mia pushed Nate to better himself & go to therapy. she didn’t belittle him in anyway. she cared for him even before their feelings came out. this is a book I would recommend again & again! erin mackenzie knows how to write sports romances 👏🏼💓

read if you like ||
-one bed
-dual pov
-slow burn
-friends to lovers
-football romance
-mental health rep

[Sav | SavtheBookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would give my first born child to Nate and Mia honestly. This is probably one of my favorite best friends to lovers romances I have read in a LONG time.

Nate is a star NFL player that has recently been struggling alot with his anxiety and being able to play football like he once was. He finally opens up to Mia about it who is so supportive and always there for him but decides that maybe a break would do both of them well... so off they go on a road trip together. This usually wouldnt be a big thing but they are both starting to feel stronger feeling towards each other and it's been harder to push those feelings aside.
The love that is in this book is just top tier and I am actually obsessed.
From the hotel bathroom scene, the jet ski scene (HAWT), and the hammock scene I just couldn't get enough.

This one comes out on February 9th and you don't want to push this one to the side.

Tropes
-best friends to lovers
-its always been you
-road trip
-forced proximity
-slow burn but when it hits, it HITS

25/5 stars
2.5/5 spice

[Hope Medford · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, this book gave me mixed emotions it had me laughing and kicking my feet one minute and then wanting to throw my kindle the next. I loved the characters and how they were finding their way through their feeling but there was a lot of miscommunications which was good until I wanted to throw my kindle but, that was the only reason this was not 5 stars. Also, if you hate Slow burners then this book is probably not for you.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️|| 2.5 🌶️

you guysssss! if you know me you know im not a big friends to lovers person- enemies to lovers, forbidden, morally grey is more my speed BUT when the friends to lovers is as top tier as this was I can’t help but love it!

As a sports fan this was an amazing book, the emphasis on mental health in professional sports was amazing- Erin you did a great job shedding light on something that is rarely spoke about but absolutely real.

NOW, to Mia & Nate- freaking Nate Campbell, what a perfect man. He is what dream men are made of: hot, built, rough around the edges with an absolute heart of gold. I highlighted so much in this book because the things he said were just perfect & oh so swoony. The connection between him & Mia was felt in Line of Scrimmage & just got stronger throughout the book. They were both so devoted to being there for each other & were truly each others person. This was a slow burn which killed me, slowly. BUT when they burned, they burned and the spice was so good. This really was such a great book & I cannot wait to read the next couples story- I’ve been rooting for them since book one & I know Erin is going to give me the single daddy of my dreams 🤪😍

[Mia Waller · Rating 3 out of 5]

So cute and perfect little romance book. Bonus points for the main character being named Mia

[Lysa Kingham · Rating 3 out of 5]

It pains me to give this 3 stars. This book had so much potential. I LOVE Mia and Nate. They are such well thought out characters and it was a good addition to her first book. But this book felt jumbled. Certain areas of the book were sort of jumping around and I felt like I had to read between the lines for certain scenes to know where they were going. It was a mega mega slow burn. And then they don’t really resolve a lot of the fooling around that happened on their road trip. They would just like fall asleep? I feel like this was just glossing over their whole story. We covered a lot of ground but I needed more.

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin Mackenzie has truly perfected the friends to lovers trope with this book!

The End Zone is the second book in the Out of Bounds series and can be read as a standalone. But honestly, I don't know why you would want to! I fell in love with Nate and Mia in the first book and was so excited to see how their rock solid friendship turned into a relationship. The first book portrays Nate and Mia as just friends but a small bomb was dropped by Mia to Abby (who is the FMC in Line of Scrimmage) that she always regretted not exploring things with Nate when they were in college. Fast forward now to The End Zone, Nate and Mia continue to be best friends. They do everything together, tel each everything and have one of the most beautiful friendships. But when Nate begins to suffer from mental health problems, Mia is so selfless in trying to make sure her best friend is getting the help he needs and deserves while also being supportive. But the boundaries of their friendship starts to blur when they go on a road trip to Wisconsin. Old feelings begin to resurface and they start exploring feelings that they both buried years ago. So the question is, can their friendship remain while also embarking on a romantic relationship?

📚 Book Tropes:
- Friends to Lovers
- Forced Proximity
- Road Trip
- One Bed
- SLOW Burn 🔥
- Athlete Mental Health Rep
- Pro Football Player MMC
- Personal Trainer FMC

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars
Spice: 🌶🌶

💭 My Thoughts: I absolutely LOVED this book! I loved Ford and Abby's story but this book just hit different. I truly appreciate Erin's take on the friends to lovers trope. I felt like it was perfectly written. Not only do you get to see how their friendship started and evolved over the years, but you also see how they have always had feelings for each other but both were too scared to ruin a friendship to explore their feelings. I also loved how the focus of this book was not overly sports heavy. Now don't get me wrong, I love a sports romance but sometimes I feel like it's hard to make a story different but Erin was able to tell a story that touched base on some topics that are not often explored. For example: Nate's mental health struggles.

I loved this book and highly recommend it if you are looking for a friends to lovers sports romance that is part of an interconnected standalone series!

* I want to say thank you to Erin Mackenzie for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review!

[Jennifer S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the development of Nate and Mia’s relationship from best friends to more. That aha moment when Nate realized he has feelings for Mia and his protectiveness turns possessive. Oh my.

Some of the steamy moments between them…

The cabin scene with just Nate’s words .. the jet ski… Mia’s apartment, Nate all bossy and possessive… (whew.. fans face)

“Tell me what you want,” he whispers into my mouth. My eyes lock with his as my fingers feather over the tip of him, feeling how firm he still is. “Ruin me,” I beg.

The mental health rep on Anxiety hits the nail on the head. I wholeheartedly resonated with how Nate describes the feeling, like someone dropped a building on your chest. I’m glad that there was no neat tidy bow on Nate’s anxiety as it’s usually something you have to work at to maintain balance.

You could tell throughout the book there would be something between Summer and

[Brianna || _books.with.bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin delivered another solid football romance. After all the little mentions of Nate and Mia in Line of Scrimmage I was so excited for their story!

Nate is struggling on and off the field and can’t really explain why or what he’s feeling. Mia is there to help him through and a road trip to Wisco helps both realize their true feelings for each other.

Friends to lovers tends to be hit or miss for me, but I think this one was done so well! And when they finally got together and the spice hit, it hit. I loved that the mental health rep was in the form of a male athlete too.

Adding Nate Campbell to the book boyfriend roster. How many do we think I can add before my real boyfriend gets concerned? 😂

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t care for a slow burn and this one was sloooow. Cute story and characters but would’ve love to see a lot more spice and a lot sooner in the story.

[Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This is without a doubt my favorite friends to lovers book I’ve ever read!

Nate and Mia have been best friends since college, and even though once back in college they both considered trying for more, they never did. Now, Nate is a professional football player and Mia is a personal trainer. When Nate is struggling with his mental health, and decides to take a step back from football, Mia suggests taking a roadtrip to help him. Forced proximity leads to buried feelings springing up in full force, so will these two finally admit they’re it for each other?

This is the second book in the Out of Bounds series; these are interconnected standalone, so you do not have to read in order. And while I enjoyed Line of Scrimmage (the first) I absolutely LOVED The End Zone!!! Getting to watch Erin grow as a writer has been such a joy! Erin, it is such an honor to be one of your alpha readers. Not only do I consider you one of my favorite authors, but I’m so thankful to also consider you my friend.

I am a friends to lovers FAN, but when it’s best friends to lovers I go FERAL! There is so much history between Nate and Mia, and I truly mean it when I say these two know each other better than anyone else. They have this way knowing what the other needs and doing everything in their power to provide it.

Nate. Truly look no further for a new book boyfriend. He’s sweet and swoony. He’s protective and possessive. He would do anything to put Mia first.

Mia. She’s sunshine with a touch of sass. She loves to help everyone around her. And she would do anything to see Nate smile.

Whether it’s karaoke, early morning workouts, hiking, or milkshakes in an empty lot, these two can’t help but fall in love.

If you enjoy a delicious slowburn with all the tension, this is a book you should immediately add to your TBR!!

Tropes:
Best Friends to Lovers
Football Romance
Roadtrip Romance
Only One Bed
Mutual Pining
Slowburn
Mental Health Rep (Anxiety)
He Cooks for Her
It’s Always Been You

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was legit perfection!! ♾️⭐️ | 3 🌶️

Nate and Mia have been best friends since college. The two have always been each other’s person to go to for everything. Even though the temptation was once there between them, they’ve never crossed the line to be something more.

With Nate being in NFL and a public figure, showing his emotions and feelings isn’t something he’s used to seeing. So when his anxiety becomes too much to handle and he completely zones out on the field, he realizes something needs to be done.

After opening up to Mia, she suggests a road trip home for his parents 30th anniversary. When Nate agrees, the two embark on a journey that neither of them will forget. But will the two finally admit that they’re perfect for each other?

I don’t even have the words to describe how incredible this book was. I was lucky to Beta and ARC read for Erin’s first book, and had the opportunity to ARC read for this one. Nate and Mia were utter perfection. I loved the way the two of them slowly started to let down their walls of their feelings towards each other.

Nate Campbell, my god. This fictional man. I wanted to wrap my arms around him and give him the biggest hug. I was so surprised by the mouth on him but was 1000% here for it.

And Mia was so freakin’ cute! I also loved how selfless she was and how much she cared for Nate. She was such an amazing FMC.

I also wanted to give credit to Erin for writing anxiety and mental health in such a beautiful way. This book really shone a light on those heavy issues and how much they can affect a person. It was so well done and I feel like people reading this will relate to Nate so much.

Erin, you absolutely killed it with this book! I’m so freakin’ proud of you. I can’t wait for the next book in the series and to see what else is in store for you!

[alba · Rating 5 out of 5]

☆ 4'2 - 20/02/24

🏈 first, i want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this arc! i had the pleasure to read her debut (the first part of this series), and i love it! thanks @erinmackenzie.author , for trusting in me again! 🫶🏼

what do we find here?

💖 best friends to lovers
🙏🏼 mental health rep
🏈 sports romance
🚗 road trip
🔥 spicy


🏈 first, i want to thank the author for sending me a copy of this arc! i had the pleasure to read her debut (the first part of this series), and i love it! thanks erin mackenzie, for trusting in me again! 🫶🏼

🏈 oh nate, nate, nate. i knew i’d love him just by what i saw in the first one but woah. he’s so so SWEET! SO CARING! i loved how he dealt with his anxiety and mental health. it’s so important to see this represented, especially in men and in sports! also thaaaat mouth!!!! oh my god, NATE 🥵 he was AMAZING, WHAT A MAN!! ❤️‍🔥

🏈 mia, my darling mia. what a woman too. i love these kinds of protagonists. she was so kind, so fierce, so good. a true fighter. she deserves every good thing in her life, she's such a helper, i couldn't believe how selfless she was. loved, loved her💖

🏈 the way this friends to lovers was done, so good. the tension, the chemistry, how well they know each other and how perfect they are. wooww. the nicknames, ''smalls'', the bond they had... so beautiful<3

🏈 also, i love the group, the rest of them, they have my heart <3 they're such a great mix, both the women and the men. shoutout to liam, he's the best HAHAHAH.

🏈 this was such an second part, can’t wait to read the rest of the series! (although they can be read as stand-alone, they're auto-conclusive, you may find some spoilers from the previous couple but still) i love a good old sports romance, and erin sure knows how to write it.

⚠️ tw: mental health, anxiety, child abandonment, explicit s3xual scenes.

[Julie Alma Tranholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get an ARC of the second book in the Out of Bounds series. Erin, you are amazing! I haven’t always been the biggest fan of the “friends to lovers” trope, but not only did I absolutely LOVE Mia and Nate’s story there is something about best friends to lovers that just captivates me, and I was blown away by The End Zone.

Mia and Nate were amazing individually, but together they were electric. The way these to knew each other and were emotionally aware of each other and their needs was exquisite and unmatched.

Mia was the best. She was sunshine embodied *add a little sass* 🤭 She was selfless and funny, and she came alive with Nate and how wholeheartedly he supported her. I loved how patient Mia was with Nate, that she never gave up on him, and she stood by him when he struggled.

Nate was perfect. He was so real, and he loved Mia so fiercely. His strength shone through in his vulnerabilities, and the open and honest conversations he had with Mia and afterwards his family, friends and team about his struggles and his therapy. I adored that Mia was his safe place, and how beautifully she embraced and supported him.

I loved every moment of their banter and the tension. I was screaming, laughing, and kicking my feet it was just that incredible! I love a good slow burn, and this just hit the spot, and it was definitely worth the wait when the spice finally hit - whew🔥

The mental health representation throughout this book was strong and so well-written. Erin did a wonderful job handling these sensitive topics, and I deeply relate to it, which made Mia and Nate feel so calming for me.

Mia and Nate felt like a long-awaited hug, like they could heal a little of your hurt. They felt like coming home. And I cannot wait to come back for more! 🫶🏼

[Readingwithlyynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

the end zone eARC reciew 🏈🩵

♾️🌟
Out of Bounds Series, Book Two
The End Zone, releases tomorrow 02.09.24!🩵

tropes:
🏈football romance
🩵best friends to lovers
🏈road trip
🩵one bed
🏈mental health rep
🩵slow burn but like the best way possible

Nate and Mia have been best friends since college. They both had feelings for each other but Mia didn’t want to risk ruining their friendship, so Nate being Nate pushed his feelings so deep you’d need a shovel to dig them up but things began to blur on their road trip to Wisconsin.

“Even before she was mine, she was always my safe space, my comfort, the sun in all my darkness.”

Nate Campbell is such a gem! He has ruined ALL book boyfriends for me, this man knows how to love and he loves fiercely!! He was so attentive, and he was just as selfless towards mia, as she was for him and I don’t even think he realized it. I wanted to give him the biggest hug🥹

Mia Clarke was such a phenomenal fmc! she was selfless,she was strong, she was everything you’d love about an amazing friend. we all need a Mia Clarke. She’s such a girls girl🫶🏼

I loved this book so much, to say it was an amazing read would be an understatement.. the end zone is so much more. 🥹

This book was a SLOOOOOOOOWW burn and if you know me, you know i can’t with slow burns BUT I think it was the perfect pace for Nate and Mia, i loved their friendship, and seeing them together felt like a big hug to my heart.

“She takes me out of the chaos and brings me somewhere that’s peaceful and refreshing. Literally and figuratively.”

I loved Erin’s ability to include mental health and show awareness of anxiety, as well as coping methods, it was so well done and I just related to it so much. I also loved how Erin brought in little pieces of spanish because as a latina, it makes me super giddy to see us be included in the little things, plus everything sounds much more romantic en espanol 🤭

I want to say thank you to Erin Mackenzie for allowing me the opportunity to read this book as an ARC!