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An Obvious Tell
Maddie Thompson is trying her best to stay on the positive side of what being a newly single mom means. And let’s face it. There are only so many things you can do right before you are confronted with a few hard choices. Especially ones like fleeing from your estranged ex, with your son in tow, to start a new life in a small town.
Meeting someone new is not in the cards, but when she signs her son up for football, she can't help but become more than a little smitten with the ever-observant and perceptive Coach Lucas.
Lucas James is tired of drama. His weekly "Dads Only" poker nights are the only reprieve between his ex-wife Sherry and the politics that come with small-town life. With raising his son and coaching football added into the mix, finding time to meet someone seems impossible, not that he's ready to leave his own emotional scars behind anyway.
That is until a charming ray of sunshine steps onto the field, shaking up the poker face he's worked so hard to master. Can Maddie and Lucas leave the mistakes of their failed relationships from the past behind long enough to create a future together?
Dive into this humorous and sexy story about the harsh realities of life and how much it takes to move on and fall in love… whether you’re ready for it or not.Britt Bartilson's debut novel can be read as a stand-alone or part of The "Dad's Only" Series.
Meeting someone new is not in the cards, but when she signs her son up for football, she can't help but become more than a little smitten with the ever-observant and perceptive Coach Lucas.
Lucas James is tired of drama. His weekly "Dads Only" poker nights are the only reprieve between his ex-wife Sherry and the politics that come with small-town life. With raising his son and coaching football added into the mix, finding time to meet someone seems impossible, not that he's ready to leave his own emotional scars behind anyway.
That is until a charming ray of sunshine steps onto the field, shaking up the poker face he's worked so hard to master. Can Maddie and Lucas leave the mistakes of their failed relationships from the past behind long enough to create a future together?
Dive into this humorous and sexy story about the harsh realities of life and how much it takes to move on and fall in love… whether you’re ready for it or not.Britt Bartilson's debut novel can be read as a stand-alone or part of The "Dad's Only" Series.
- GenresRomance
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 29, 2024
43 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 10, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. AOT tells the inspiring story of a strong single mom who starts a new chapter in her life by moving to a different town. Along the way, she meets her son's football coach, who happens to be a single parent too (+ hot 🌶️🌶️🌶️). As they navigate their own pasts (+ crazy exes) they discover the power of love and the beauty of blended families ❣️I was hooked from page one, and I cannot get over Lucas and Maddie’s connection 😭 I loved getting to know them and seeing their relationship grow through out the book. This book is a touching exploration of healing, love, and resilience and I highly recommend it
Did not finish
May 10, 2025DNF 3%
I feel horrible since I was sent a copy of this book, but I couldn’t make it through the first chapter 😢
Too much of an info dump, this is a single dads’ series and they all just seem to sleep around.
Writing is repetitive & I’m just too bored to hang on.
I feel horrible since I was sent a copy of this book, but I couldn’t make it through the first chapter 😢
Too much of an info dump, this is a single dads’ series and they all just seem to sleep around.
Writing is repetitive & I’m just too bored to hang on.
February 12, 2024
When I first heard about a series that follows a group of single dads, who get together for a weekly poker night…I was frothing at the mouth. And An Obvious Tell did NOT disappoint.
This book (still) has me in a CHOKEHOLD. From the first page I was completely sucked in and STAYED sucked in until the very end.
Maddie and Lucas share everything that makes fictional magic: emotional depth, sweltering chemistry, hilarious back and forth, and a plot that will have your heart on the edge of its seat. And trust me when I say, you DEFINITELY want to find out what goes down in that bakery of hers *pulls out a fan*.
I’ll be here drooling, not so patiently waiting, until the next book comes out.
This book (still) has me in a CHOKEHOLD. From the first page I was completely sucked in and STAYED sucked in until the very end.
Maddie and Lucas share everything that makes fictional magic: emotional depth, sweltering chemistry, hilarious back and forth, and a plot that will have your heart on the edge of its seat. And trust me when I say, you DEFINITELY want to find out what goes down in that bakery of hers *pulls out a fan*.
I’ll be here drooling, not so patiently waiting, until the next book comes out.
April 14, 2024
Love love loved this book! Not normally a romance fan, I’d heard good things about this one and decided to give it a whirl. I was hooked from the get go and finished it way faster than most books I read. It was a breath of fresh air and such a sweet love story. Got very invested in the characters and loved watching two people step away from their difficult pasts and come out the other side together!
February 23, 2025
A sweet story with rich characters and plot
I couldn't put this book down. I binged it in two days. The plot was straightforward and well written, developed lead characters, strong supporting characters, and more teasers into the future of this world have me salivating like there's a plate of brownies in front of me. Cannot wait to continue reading.
I couldn't put this book down. I binged it in two days. The plot was straightforward and well written, developed lead characters, strong supporting characters, and more teasers into the future of this world have me salivating like there's a plate of brownies in front of me. Cannot wait to continue reading.
April 2, 2024
This will probably get a 4 star in my book journal, but she appears a new Author with only 17 ratings so far so imma bump it up to 5 for Goodreads! Because, c’mon, let’s support new authors, not tear them down.
Found this book via Insta ad. Cute short small town romance about two divorcees with kids. Will read the rest of the series when it comes out.
(And by “read” I, of course, mean listen to my phone read it to me, cause that’s the only way my dyslexic brain can consume my goal of 52 books this year lol)
Found this book via Insta ad. Cute short small town romance about two divorcees with kids. Will read the rest of the series when it comes out.
(And by “read” I, of course, mean listen to my phone read it to me, cause that’s the only way my dyslexic brain can consume my goal of 52 books this year lol)
September 8, 2025
Found this book on an add. While it took me a bit to get into overall it was a good book.
The beginning was tough. Lots of filler and kind of seemed all over the place. I’m glad I stuck with it and finished the book. I then went on to read the second book in the series and it was such a good book.
The beginning was tough. Lots of filler and kind of seemed all over the place. I’m glad I stuck with it and finished the book. I then went on to read the second book in the series and it was such a good book.
February 13, 2024
I was lucky enough to get an arc of An Obvious Tell and this book is ingrained in my chemistry now!!
The way that Maddie and Lucas are with one another is so natural so organic it is one of those books that feels like real life in the most beautiful way! Not to mention the little rqzzle dazzle of suspense! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Not to mention the boys cuteness overload! And the guys… the guys!!!! It’s the found family for me! Honestly can’t wait for the rest of their stories! So so so amazing!
The way that Maddie and Lucas are with one another is so natural so organic it is one of those books that feels like real life in the most beautiful way! Not to mention the little rqzzle dazzle of suspense! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time!
Not to mention the boys cuteness overload! And the guys… the guys!!!! It’s the found family for me! Honestly can’t wait for the rest of their stories! So so so amazing!
April 10, 2025
so good!
What a great love story! Two divorced people with their own equal issues and abuse who make the most of it all!!! Literally finished it in one sitting!
What a great love story! Two divorced people with their own equal issues and abuse who make the most of it all!!! Literally finished it in one sitting!
April 12, 2025
I love it! I enjoy all the scenes from beginning to end. The moments that they had *chef kiss*
April 10, 2024
I love relationship building and character growth and development, and this book delivers. I like the journey Maddie goes on in regards to domestic violence and the growth and courage she shows. Lucas is such a wonderful protective man that continually steps up to the plate to support Maddie. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
March 31, 2024
I was struggling with the side characters for a while and trying to force myself to keep going. This series is a friend group of dads who find their HEA. The problem? Lots of them are manhos. And setting up the series, there are lots of mentions of how this one has threesomes in the bar bathroom. That one can't stay with the same woman for long... it was off-putting and I made a mental note who's books I would be skipping.
But when the MMC asks the FMC on a date and she says no because she still has some loose ends with her ex/husband... it quickly went to hell-no territory for me. She explained her reasons. She asked him to be patient. It wasn't a no. It was a not yet. So what does he do??? Literally breaks his dating hiatus the next day with a women from work. So you want me to believe he was mostly single for the past 2 years, only hooking up with his ex or ONS and now he's interested in a woman with shadows in her eyes and she ASKS HIM TO GIVE HER TIME and he IMMEDIATELY goes on a date?? And kisses her. Openly on the street. He's thinking of the FMC the whole time... THAT MAKES THIS WORSE.
This is disgusting and he was the only monogamous one of the group. So if he sets the integrity and loyalty bar that low then I want nothing to do with any of the others.
But when the MMC asks the FMC on a date and she says no because she still has some loose ends with her ex/husband... it quickly went to hell-no territory for me. She explained her reasons. She asked him to be patient. It wasn't a no. It was a not yet. So what does he do??? Literally breaks his dating hiatus the next day with a women from work. So you want me to believe he was mostly single for the past 2 years, only hooking up with his ex or ONS and now he's interested in a woman with shadows in her eyes and she ASKS HIM TO GIVE HER TIME and he IMMEDIATELY goes on a date?? And kisses her. Openly on the street. He's thinking of the FMC the whole time... THAT MAKES THIS WORSE.
This is disgusting and he was the only monogamous one of the group. So if he sets the integrity and loyalty bar that low then I want nothing to do with any of the others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
This book was such a great find. A charming and humorous (but very real) story about second chances for single parents. Maddie and Lucas are great characters, and their story is a wonderful ride start to finish. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series!
May 11, 2025
loved it
I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved the storylines of the 2 main characters and how they overcame the challenges and difficulties of life and how complicated it can be. This is my first Britt Bartilson book and now I’m off to read the second
I loved this book from beginning to end. I loved the storylines of the 2 main characters and how they overcame the challenges and difficulties of life and how complicated it can be. This is my first Britt Bartilson book and now I’m off to read the second
April 5, 2024
I thought this book was real good. I won't share any spoilers, but it was a great story that kept me coming back for more.
August 5, 2025
4.5 for grammar
June 18, 2025
I wasn’t sure how much I’d like this book at first when it started with poker and football, neither of which I mind, but neither of which are particular interests of mine. But Britt Bartilson tells a story that will pull you in and keep you glued to the page. Characters, plot, setting - all of them come alive and build a world that you feel like you’re in the middle of.
Maddie and Lucas each have problems in their past that they haven’t fully dealt with, and have to navigate how to find their way to each other through those minefields. Along the way, they have to protect those most important to them, discover some truths about themselves, and decide whether they’re strong enough to face their fears. Supporting characters are also fleshed out beautifully - I’d LOVE to have a meal prepared in that diner, and a friend group like the poker gang would be incredible.
Overall, good read, not too heavy but with some good depth. Will absolutely be reading the rest of the series as it comes out.
Maddie and Lucas each have problems in their past that they haven’t fully dealt with, and have to navigate how to find their way to each other through those minefields. Along the way, they have to protect those most important to them, discover some truths about themselves, and decide whether they’re strong enough to face their fears. Supporting characters are also fleshed out beautifully - I’d LOVE to have a meal prepared in that diner, and a friend group like the poker gang would be incredible.
Overall, good read, not too heavy but with some good depth. Will absolutely be reading the rest of the series as it comes out.
May 24, 2025
I loved the premise of the all-guy group being the main characters of the story and Lucas did not disappoint. He and Maddie are well-written and the side characters all fit in well. I can't wait to read more of their stories.
April 6, 2024
Too much owd/omd for me
This book could have been 100 pages shorter with the excess of filler. So much other woman/other man drama that it was very off putting for me. Both the MCs had too much recent/current relationship drama that their relationship felt like a rebound.
I also heartily disliked how the MMC yelled at FMC for not standing up for herself. Seriously, yelling at the abused woman?
Also, the spice felt forced and the story would have been just fine without it (and I’m not generally a clean romance reader, but that’s how out of place it felt to me. Like the author was writing a clean or closed door story and she was told to spice it up. It just felt out of place)
I finished it, but I skipped a lot and didn’t miss it. An editor to help remove some of the filler and clean up the story a little might help.
This book could have been 100 pages shorter with the excess of filler. So much other woman/other man drama that it was very off putting for me. Both the MCs had too much recent/current relationship drama that their relationship felt like a rebound.
I also heartily disliked how the MMC yelled at FMC for not standing up for herself. Seriously, yelling at the abused woman?
Also, the spice felt forced and the story would have been just fine without it (and I’m not generally a clean romance reader, but that’s how out of place it felt to me. Like the author was writing a clean or closed door story and she was told to spice it up. It just felt out of place)
I finished it, but I skipped a lot and didn’t miss it. An editor to help remove some of the filler and clean up the story a little might help.
April 16, 2024
i wanted to love this book, it had a good story, i just really struggled with finishing it ☹️
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews