A new steamy second chance football romcom standalone!
When she left me alone in a hotel room four years ago, she left me with a used wedding dress, and a hard…feelings. It was for the best cause love—it’s not for me.
Turns out, I left something with her too. And he has my eyes.
Playing football is the only thing I’ve ever been good at and the thought of being a dad after my own is such a deadbeat, terrifies me. But my son will know who I am..
And June? The girl I haven’t stopped thinking about for four years? I wasn’t ready for her back then and I’m not sure that’s changed. I can’t afford distractions.
Not with my contract ending at the end of the season.
So why do I invite them to live with me after a plumbing disaster destroys her apartment?
Because I’m addicted. Addicted to her smiles, her curves, those damn yoga pants she wears around the house.
And I snap. I’m done fighting, I’m done playing games. June Morgan is mine and it’s about time she knows it.
What to expect in Tight End…
*Second Chance *Surprise Child *Forced Proximity *Opposite Attract *He Falls First And HARD *Co-parents to Lovers *Sassy Single Mom Yoga Practicing Heroine *Dirty Talking Tight End With Eyes For Only Her *All The Possessive Vibes *LOL Banter *HEA *No Cheating
It was okay except that it ended with a bunch of answered questions like was the ml traded to another team?,did they end up getting married?,did he get her pregnant again ? Why would the author not provide an epilogue about the main characters instead it’s about her upcoming book. Disappointing
Ryan and June story I loved after reading the prequel loose end i was so in love with both Ryan and June characters and throw in the adorable Oliver my god i didn’t want to put the book down.
Melissa has done it again written fantastic book, she able write a great second chance romance with great chemistry with main characters, she also brought in characters from them Nashville devils and gave us just enough of the Ryan team mates and June sister and friend you are wanted to see where their stories are going to go.
With two book been promoted at the end Kingsley book and Heath and London can’t wait to read both
-football romance -single mom -forced proximity -second chance -secret baby -he falls first -coparents to lovers
ahhhh this is exactly the continuation we needed from the start of their journey! ryan was the BESTTT dad & watching these three become a family made me feel a cozy inside!
Its no secret that I’m usually not a huge fan of the pregnancy trope…especially the secret baby trope. But my girl here??? Knocked it out of the mfin PARK.
We previously met June and Ryan in their novella meet cute Loose End after June leaves her cheating ex on her wedding day and falls into bed with Ryan without exchanging any names or information. 4 years later they run into each other again but June has a big secret in her arms…their son. Once Ryan realizes he’s a father he knows his life will never be the same- and he doesn’t want it to. He’s been thinking about that night and June for 4 years wondering what could have been and spoiler alert…so was she.
June has been trying to figure out what she wants to do with her life as well as being a single mom. Giving up some control to Ryan while is difficult also is a relief to finally have the support she had been hoping for. While both Ryan and June have family baggage and history that can’t be undone they both want the best for their son, Oliver. And they both want each other.
The slow burn on this one was smokingggggg. I loved the lead up and tension between the two as well as their relationship growth from strangers to roommates/ coparents to lovers. The way this man just changed his entire life in the blink of an eye had me SWOOOOONING. Ryan is the definition of a golden retriever ‘if he wanted to he would’ and I just love June. She is such a sweet soul that deserves the best out of life.
These two were absolutely adorable and I ate up their story. I cannot wait for the rest of the Nashville Aces team. The tease with London and Heath???? Sign me tf up. Thank you to Melissa + team for the eARC for review 🖤
Arc Review: Overall Rating: 4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice Rating: 2 🔥🔥 Cover Raying: 3 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️ Tropes: - He Falls First - Single Mom - Forced Proximity - Second Chance - Angst - Co-Parents To Lovers - Secret Baby - Possessive Hero
I want to thank the author Melissa Ivers and LoveNotes Pr for letting me apart of the arc team for this book.
I had such a great time reading this book, I absolutely loved June and Ryan’s story and I couldn’t get enough of their relationship. Also their little family with Oliver was so cute and I loved reading it all.
I highly recommend you read this book because I think you’ll love it as much as I do.
I've been wanting Ryan and June's story since I got my first glimpse of them in Loose End and their story definitely did not disappoint.
June had a wedding disaster that lead to a one night stand with Ryan. That was four years ago and the only reminder she has of that night is her three year old son. Since they never exchanged names, June had no way of finding Ryan, so he's obviously surprised when he runs into his mystery woman again and sees her with a child that has his blue eyes. Ryan's life is football and he can't afford any distractions, but he's determined to be a good dad and he's struggling to resist his son's mom.
Although secret pregnancy isn't one of my favorite tropes, I like how it was portrayed in this book. This story has so much more going for it: sports romance, second chance, he falls first...it has it all. There are some laugh out loud moments and this feels like a lighter read even though there is a tragic past storyline. June and Ryan are both likable characters and their son is adorable. There are a lot of new characters too as this story kicks off the Nashville Aces series and I can't wait for more.
What the heck was that ending?? I fell like we just got to the good part and that’s how you end it? And they didn’t get an epilogue?? That’s the best part of the book because it’s the extra HEA
I want to thank @lovenotes.pr and the author Melissa Ivers, for the opportunity to read this ARC! Tight End is the first book in a new football romance series, Nashville Aces!
June had a wedding disaster that led to a one-night stand with Ryan. That was four years ago and the only reminder she has of that night is her three-year-old son. Since they never exchanged names, June had no way of finding Ryan, so he's obviously surprised when he runs into his mystery woman again and sees her with a child that has his blue eyes. Ryan's life is football and he can't afford any distractions, but he's determined to be a good dad and he's struggling to resist his son's mom. For a better understanding of their story, it is recommended to read Loose End, a short novella! I didn't read it before, and I think you should before starting this! I will go back and read it now!
It is easy to fall in love with the characters, Melissa Ivers just wrote the best ones, 20 pages in and I was already falling in love with Ryan, and Oliver! Ryan is the ideal blend of possessive and golden retriever. I let out a little squeal when he told his teammates straight out that June is his future bride. It's simple to cheer for June. She is doing her best to raise her son and is attempting to carve out a new career. There are ups and downs in her relationship with her mother, you will be rooting for June when she stands her ground. Ivers captures the incredible chemistry that blossoms between June and Ryan as they revive their intense relationship.
Since there is a secret baby trope, we have to talk about Oliver, as a character! Similar to his father, I was instantly enamoured with the world's cutest child! Seeing Oliver and Ryan connect and form a bond is really beautiful to watch! Oliver had me laughing aloud several times. I realize that not everyone enjoys reading about children in romance books, but I adore them! Oliver was expertly crafted by Melissa Ivers; sure, he occupies a central place in the book, but that kind of presence is necessary for that particular trope! In many of the books I've read, the child kind of vanished when the FMC and the MMC began dating, but not in that particular instance!
The ending of this book was my least favourite part. It just seemed hurried. The conclusion didn't feel like it was done, more like a novella. There's even a shocking revelation concerning Ryan's sibling near the conclusion. That's probably why I didn't give it a 5-star rating - at first the book seemed like it had potential!
Tropes: 🏈 Football romance 🏈 Secret baby 🏈 Second chance 🏈 He falls first 🏈 Forced proximity 🏈 "That's my future wife"
I really enjoyed June and Ryan’s story. In fact I couldn’t put it down and I finished it all in one day! I loved how much Ryan loved Oliver from the start and didn’t try and shy away from being a dad. The only thing I didn’t love was I felt like there was a lot of miscommunication that could have been resolved with a quick convo. And I wish the epilogue showed more of Ryan and June and what happens next in their story. I felt like it just kind of ended suddenly.
When I started this book I was in a reading slump, wasn't sure what I was in the mood for, just having a hard time getting into a book lately. I received Tight End as an ARC and decided to start it on my first day off from work, and I was not disappointed. I devoured the entire book in one sitting, was unable to put the book down and completely ignored my to do list around the house. Am I sorry about that? No. Not at all.
I was hooked from the very beginning of this story. I loved how to story started and the plot began to play out, the simplicity of the number of characters at the beginning, and others slowly introduced as the story progressed. I loved the connection between June and Ryan from the very start. The fact that years after meeting they still had this explosive chemistry, no matter how much they ignored it or wanted to just remain co-parents. I loved the marshmallow of a man Ryan was with June and Oliver, but the possessive dirty talking side of him was hot.
Ryan wanting to focus on football and being re-signed to his team at the end of the year, but stepping up and deciding that Oliver comes first, because he never had that. The relationship between Ryan and Oliver was cute. Their relationship, and Ryan's journey into fatherhood at times seemed too easy, especially for a guy who wasn't supposed to know anything about being a dad or children in general. But it wasn't necessarily a turn off from the book, more like I wanted to see him struggle a little more to be in the new role of Dad, panicked calls to his mom, etc. All around the relationship was adorable and the way Melissa Ivers depicted Oliver was perfect.
This was the first book I have read By Melissa Ivers, and I know it will not be the last because whatever she put into this book is pure addiction and I want more. Now I'm off to purchase some more of her books.
Big thanks to Love Notes PR & the author for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
"Tight End" is a heartwarming, steamy second-chance romance that brings together football star Ryan and his one-night stand from four years ago, June. After a wedding disaster that led to their one-night fling, June was left with more than just memories—her three-year-old son, who just so happens to have Ryan's eyes. The surprise reunion catches them both off guard, especially Ryan, who is suddenly faced with the reality of being a father. With his football career on the line and his determination not to follow in the footsteps of his deadbeat dad, Ryan is determined to step up, even if it means fighting his feelings for June along the way.
June and Ryan’s chemistry is undeniable, and the playful banter between them keeps the story light and fun, despite the underlying tension of their past and the unexpected family dynamic they must navigate. Watching them reconnect after years apart is incredibly satisfying, especially as Ryan comes to terms with his new role as a father. The progression of their relationship is beautifully done, with their son adding an extra layer of warmth to the story.
Overall, "Tight End" is a sweet and sexy romance that doesn’t disappoint. The blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and steamy chemistry makes it a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a good second-chance love story with a sports twist. Ryan and June’s journey from strangers to lovers and then to a family is both tender and thrilling, making this book a winner.
Highly recommend reading Loose End, the prequel novella, before this one for the best reading experience!
Overall Rating: 4.25 stars, 1.5 chili peppers Available on KU
Thank you so much to Melissa Ivers and Love Notes PR for letting me read and review Tight End!
Going into this book, I thought I knew what to expect—a classic second chance, secret baby romance. But right from the first chapter, Melissa Ivers throws a total Hail Mary, and I loved it! The way Ryan and June are reintroduced to each other is perfect, and watching Oliver step into Ryan’s life was heartwarming.
Seeing June and Ryan fall in love, after being apart for years, was breathtakingly beautiful. I adored watching them come together as a family with their son, Oliver, and even more so as friends, co-parents, and eventually partners.
Ryan’s suave and charming personality totally won me over! His attempts to win June back were hilarious, swoon-worthy, and full of heart. His relationships with his teammates, mom, and half-brother Dean added depth to his protective, loyal character.
June is fierce—an incredible mom who’s been rocking single motherhood while chasing her dreams, no matter what others say. Her bond with her sisters is amazing, and I’m obsessed with their support for her. They hype her up about her football baby daddy, and it’s got me kicking my feet and screaming! I wish I could be a member of their group chat, because they are such girls girl, that I loved whenever they were on the page.
Tight End is a must-read for anyone who loves heartwarming, second chance romances with strong family dynamics and plenty of charm! 🖤
When I say I inhaled this.. I devoured it in one go. I could not put this down!!
We first met Ryan and June in Loose end, a prequel novella that daw June run away from her wedding and find Ryan in a bar. No names exchanged just one fun packed night they indulged in.
Fast forward a few years and we have Tight end. Ryan id still playing football for Nashville, and June is finding her feet with a new yoga studio, whilst also working a little for Satan, I mean, her mom. It was whilst running an errand for her that June comes face to face with her baby daddy. Yep, and Ryan walks straight into that tole with perfection. This man could not make me swoon any harder. Not only is he built like a god, with a wicked tongue inside that filthy mouth but he loved what was his fiercely.
The side characters - Poppy and Kinsley, the chats, these are girls I want to be friends with! The lads, Heaths not so subtle obsession with the Coachs daughter, setting us up for the next book in this series. I have no doubt I will devour that too. Junes dad, god I loved him. Melissa can he have a book because that would be hilarious(!) I love how easy Melissas books are to read, there being no third act break up made my lil heart happy but we still got a little heartbreak, but this only added to why I loved this man!
Liked: One of my pet peeves with second chance romances is how apparently the MMC has been pining after the FMC for years and yet is a complete manwhore… Not here though! Ryan waited for his girl! Their chemistry is undeniable, an NFL player and yoga instructor, you just know the stamina is going to be strong! And he was all in with little Oliver.
Disliked: I wanted to slap June at times! The guy has literally not moved on in 4 years, moves you into his apartment and crashing your ‘date’ and yet you still don’t know if he wants you to stay? Come on girl!
OW/OM: MMC briefly talks about death of ex-wife 7 years ago. MMC was a manwhore after her death, but hasn’t been with anyone in 4 years (since he first met the FMC). FMC goes on a date with OM, which is very quickly interrupted…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Yup, Melissa gave me everything I wanted and so much more with the continuation of Ryan and June's story. I had a hard time putting it down, and I'm sure you will too.
I knew I loved Ryan's character already from the novella Loose End, but dang!!! I fell even harder for him in this book. He is what pretty much every woman dreams of, in a nice tight football player package. He's kind, loving, giving in ALL the right ways, and he is sexy as hell!
June grew on me even more in this book. Getting to watch the dynamics of her family throughout the book made me appreciate her so much more. I already thought she was an amazing character but got so much more from this book.
And Oliver?!?!?! Oh my, what a cutie! I had so much fun with all of the interaction that happened with him. I mean, anyone who had been around little ones, know they speak their mind and what they have heard. He was funny.
Melissa, you did an amazing job bringing these characters to life and making them so enjoyable. I look forward to the next book in this series!
June y Ryan tuvieron una noche juntos hace cuatro años, y como resultado nació Oliver. Sin embargo, no intercambiaron información, por lo que ella no pudo informarle sobre su embarazo. Años después, se reencuentran por casualidad, y él se entera de la existencia de su hijo, del cual no volverá a perderse ni un solo momento y se hará cargo.
Tanto June como Ryan no quieren una relación, ya que lo más importante para ellos es Oliver y su bienestar. Y esto lo que diré sobre el libro porque no quiero dar spoilers.
Me asusté cuando salió lo de C; pensé que siempre sería un problema.
Necesito saber por qué Gunnar y Dean no se soportan. Además, necesito saber cómo es que Ander se enteró de Ryan.
Ese no fue un epílogo, fue un adelanto del siguiente libro. Necesito saber si tuvieron más hijos, cómo fue la boda o cómo es su vida 5-6 años después.
**ARC** I liked this book so much I had to go back and read Loose End! Tight End can 100% be read as a standalone, but I couldn’t get enough of June and Ryan. Oliver is absolutely ADORABLE and I liked how accepting Ryan was of his child. He was such a great dad throughout the book, overcoming personal obstacles so he could be there for his son. June also grew so much. No spoilers, but I am happy with her ending. Ultra proud of her. Melissa Ivers definitely made me want to read more football romances. I’m typically an ice hockey girlie, but now I am curious about possible football player book boyfriends. I can’t wait to read Kinsley’s story (a why choose) and Heath’s story (the next in the Nashville Aces series)!
When I tell you I was flying through this book. I think I never read this fast. The story is really catchy I liked the setting. I also have to mention that I’m still confused if I like the pregnancy trope or not but in this book it was done so well. So I think I’m a "Fan" of it.
We get to meet our June and we basically already get into the setting where she meets the Ryan. They meet by accident and he immediately remembers her from there one night stand. He sees the kid and it basically like in every story. He asks how old he is, he does the math and boom🤯 it could be my kid. Next thing they move in together and get together within one week or so.
I knew I was going to love this one and I was so fucking right.
Melissa has an amazing way of writing my new favorite book every time she releases a book, SO WILD RIGHT?
This was just everything, the chemistry, the little dramatic moments, the banter in their friendships, BABY OLIVER (I am biased, I have my own toddler Oliver and they are truly the best kind of baby) was the absolute cutest. June and Ryan were just utter perfection and I need a million more of these right now.
ps… absolutely loved having snippets of my boy Gordon 🥹🖤
If you’re wanting a bit more backstory of how June and Ryan first meet, you should definitely check out the prequel to this series. Oliver stole the show for me, he was so adorable and I love his and Ryan’s interactions—Ryan was such a good dad. Dads are my kryptonite in romances🤭
The only reason I didn’t rate it higher was because I wasn’t completely sold on the relationship between the MC’s. I thought they were cute together but I wasn’t super invested.
I was lucky enough to be an ARC for this book! It was SO good. After reading the prequel, I just couldn’t wait to dive into this one! I LOVE Ryan and June’s characters! They are fun, lovable and natural. I also loved the text conversations between June, her sister and her friend. So fun! The plot was good, the story was well written. And even though we only saw a tiny bit of Heath, I just cannot wait for his story!!!
This setup is ideal for romance fans who appreciate tension and a gradual rekindling of love, accompanied by sharp dialogue and touching moments. The blend of humor, warmth, and heat is skillfully balanced, creating an irresistible read for those seeking a passionate and heartfelt second-chance romance.
I loved Ryan and June in Loose End already but reading Tight End made me fall in love with them even more!!!! These two were just amazing! And I love the side characters so much too! June’s father and his constant quips, referring to Mrs. Morgan as Satan, got me every time! 😆 I am so excited for more from this crew! This one was full of heart, humor, and steamy moments! Amazing!!
I DEVOURED this book! I read it all in one day! It was really good! I loved Ryan and June’s story and I adored little Oliver!
There was a couple things I wished we found the answers to but I think perhaps the author is going to make a certain character have their own book and maybe that will open it up to more answers.
I love the secret baby trope and I love when the kid is actually in the story! This book did the trope justice!
This was such a cute romcom that I wasn’t expecting to enjoy and love so much! Ryan and June’s story sucked me in from the very beginning and their relationship was a ride of laughter, tears, gasps, steamy moments, audible “AWWW”, and had me wanting more and more! I’d recommend this for a quick little easy read that just gives you all the comfort feels.
i just love sports romance & i may now need to pick up more nfl sport romances as this was amazing!! this had every single trope i am obsessed with and typically i don't love kids in books, but oliver was the cutest thing ever. thank you lovenotes pr & melissa ivers for the arc💌