Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football

by T.D. Fleming

Haddie is a socially awkward math genius who thinks in statistics and loves football. Her priorities are finishing her robot companion and launching herself into the top robotics program in the country. She has no time or interest in anything that takes her focus off what matters.

Conan is the brash son of an NFL coach who has spent the last couple of years trying to discard football and anything else that identifies him as his father's son. He dominates on the soccer and baseball fields while roaring around town in his Porsche.

When their lives crash together, Conan sees this strange girl as the perfect weapon to wield against his dad. Armed with her quirky suggestions, he critiques his dad's poor coaching performance to surprising results. With no reason to see Haddie again, why can't he get her out of his head?

Haddie, struggling with emotional scars she doesn't even know are there, struggles to process what is happening between her and Conan, since it makes no mathematical sense. Can their relationship survive if the single thing they seem to have in common is that neither believes in love? Can they defy the statistical odds, or will they join the 99% club of high school relationships that fall short of the end zone? As time is winding down on their relationship and as Haddie prepares to leave, Conan plots one last Hail Mary pass with his supervillain sister. Can he pull it off, or is it too late?

If you like sweet, first-love, coming-of-age stories set against a sports backdrop, this one is for you.

Genres: Romance

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2024

About the author

TD lives in Northern Virginia with his wife, Kim, and two dogs, Frodo and Piper. He has three three incredible daughters, all way smarter than him. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, meaning he’s looking forward to the next time the Penguins win the Stanley Cup, the Steelers win the Super Bowl, or the Pirates finish with a winning record.

He graduated from the Air Force Academy and served a career in the Air Force. He suffers from a couple unusual maladies, which may be obvious in his writing, to include a strong tendency to think in song lyrics and an inability to resist dropping or hiding an obscure pop culture reference from decades past.

Reviews

[Natalie Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful read! I absolutely adored Haddie from the very first page. Her innocence, quirkiness, intelligence, and faith made her such a likable character. She is the kind of person I would have befriended in high school. I loved her best friend, Janelle, and was glad Janelle was a part of the initial meeting (car crash) with Conan. Conan starts off self-destructive and dating an awful girl, but once meeting Haddie, he becomes a better person. I enjoyed watching his arc and was pleasantly surprised by everything he did for Haddie. Every character was unique and well thought out - Haddie's dad made me laugh out loud. This was a sweet romance combined with football, math, and a lot of great music. Even if you don't like football (like me!) there are so many things to enjoy. I also thought the cover design was perfect and definitely caught my attention during my browsing for new reads.

[Zoey Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

In "Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football" by T.D. Fleming, readers are whisked into a world where the fields of love and football are equally unpredictable and exhilarating. The story revolves around Jake Henderson, a talented but often underestimated football player, and Emily Parker, an ambitious journalist. Both characters are driven by their passions, yet face personal and professional obstacles that test their resilience and determination.

Fleming skillfully weaves a narrative that balances thrilling sports action with deep emotional arcs. The football scenes are vividly written, creating an immersive experience that places readers squarely on the field with Jake. Simultaneously, Emily’s journey through the high-stakes world of sports journalism is equally compelling, showcasing her relentless pursuit of the truth and the challenges she encounters in a male-dominated industry.

Character development is a major strength in this novel. Jake and Emily are not just defined by their careers; their internal struggles and growth are poignantly depicted, making them relatable and engaging. Their evolving relationship is integral to the plot, emphasizing themes of trust, perseverance, and the pursuit of dreams, both on and off the field. Fleming's ability to blend these themes seamlessly creates a narrative that resonates with a broad audience.

The book’s pacing is another highlight. Fleming’s decision to switch perspectives between Jake and Emily keeps the story dynamic and compelling. This dual narrative approach allows readers to experience both the thrill of the game and the intensity of the newsroom, maintaining a gripping tension throughout the novel. The secondary characters also add depth, each contributing to the protagonists' journeys in meaningful ways.

"Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football" merits a five-star rating due to its masterful storytelling, rich character exploration, and seamless blend of romance and sports drama. T.D. Fleming delivers a narrative that is both inspiring and entertaining, with a plot that keeps readers engaged from start to finish. The book’s ability to portray the highs and lows of pursuing one's passion makes it a standout in its genre.

[Julius Codrington · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football" by T.D. Fleming masterfully blends the world of professional football with the intricacies of human relationships. The narrative follows a young, ambitious player striving to make a name for himself in the competitive arena of the sport. As the protagonist navigates the demands of football, he finds himself unexpectedly entangled in a romantic relationship that challenges his focus and priorities.

Fleming's writing is both engaging and relatable, with characters that feel fully formed and believable. The protagonist’s journey is compelling, as readers witness his internal and external struggles. The author does an excellent job of interweaving the intense, high-stakes world of professional sports with moments of personal reflection and emotional vulnerability, creating a story that resonates on multiple levels.

The pacing of the book is brisk and keeps readers on their toes, with a good balance of on-field action and off-field drama. Fleming's understanding of football is evident, as he details the intricacies of the game with precision and respect. The backdrop of the sport serves as a dynamic catalyst for the development of the story, enriching the narrative without overpowering the central theme of personal growth and love.

Beyond the appealing romance and thrilling football scenes, "Lightning Strikes" also delves into themes of ambition, perseverance, and the complexities of balancing professional and personal aspirations. Fleming skillfully addresses these larger themes, making the story not only entertaining but also thought-provoking. Readers will find themselves reflecting on their own pursuits and relationships parallel to the protagonist’s journey.

"Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football" earns a stellar 5 out of 5 stars for its ability to captivate and inspire. The seamless integration of sports and romance, combined with its engaging characters and thought-provoking themes, makes this work a standout. Fleming's adept storytelling ensures that readers are invested in the outcome, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

[Nikki Lamers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved the innocence of this story as it dug through the complexities of high school, football, family, friends, and relationships. A great YA read. Haddie was a unique MC that I thoroughly enjoyed. She thinks in math and percentages which can be a good thing in certain circumstances like football and not so much for things like love when she already struggled to believe in it after having a mom who abandoned her when she was younger. I adore her best friend, Janelle! Then she suddenly meets Conan and he takes her by surprise.

Conan is popular, athletic and dating the queen at his school, a girl he doesn’t even like anymore. He’s playing soccer to spite his NFL coach dad and could be heading down a self-destructive road, until he crashes into Haddie and she instantly sparks his interest. He brings her to a football game and their lives soon mesh, despite all he’s ever known and against her better judgement.

I’d rate this 4.5 stars. It’s such a unique story which is part of what drew me in. Haddie’s awkwardness is endearing and I love the way Conan looks at her. Their growth and development throughout the story was so well done. I highly recommend this book to lovers of a sweet romance and football with a quirky FMC. The reason for the .5 star is there were some points it felt like I was reading an audible reciting of a game. I Love football, but sometimes I felt like there was a little more than necessary on those details for this and it pulled me out of the story that I wanted to stay in the middle of.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a great read. I’m not usually into sports stories, but this one hooked me right away. The characters felt real, and I loved watching them figure things out. Haddie is quirky in the best way. Her way of seeing the world with math and numbers was a fun way to show how she deals with her feelings, especially when it comes to love. And Conan is just what you want in a male lead. He’s a good guy even when he has a lot of pressure from his family and school. Their connection was special. It wasn’t a love at first sight kind of thing. It had time to grow and become something sweet. It was cool to see how they pushed each other to be better. The story was so much more than just a romance. It also had a lot of heart.

The story gets into some deeper topics, but it keeps things light. You get to see them both deal with family stuff and what they want for their futures. It was good to see them handle these big parts of life. The friendship between Haddie and her best friend Janelle was a highlight for me. It felt honest and added a lot to the plot. The author did a solid job with the football parts. It was easy to follow even if you are not a fan of the sport. The whole book was a happy surprise. It had a good message about being yourself and finding people who like you for who you are. This book made me smile and I would read it again.

[S.L. McGinnis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet book. I've had a rough few weeks, and this book picked me up whenever needed. Conan and Haddie have a sweet relationship that has built and grown. This wasn't the immediate love at first sight, but it was something that had time to foster and build. Haddie is kind of awkward; she reminds me of most teen girls written in stories, but I found her endearing the further into the story I got.
My favorite character would have to be her best friend - Janelle. It was more of a spitfire and kind of easier to relate to, but both characters were well-written. I enjoyed the back-and-forth of the best friend dynamic; honestly, I've never read a sports romance before. Didn't know it was a thing. I was drawn in by the cover at first because of how adorable it was, and while it took me a while to read, thanks to life issues, the story was worth it.
It was relatable, descriptive, and sweet—like a happy from com that made me smile and feel better when I was feeling down. Conan was a fantastic male character, and I wish there were more of him in the world. Sweet, charming, caring, and he did a lot for Haddie.
If you like sweet sappy romances, this is the read for you. It had a lot of good qualities, and might have turned me onto sports romances. I dunno, we'll see.

[Vita Nourish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tale of love and resilience

Is a captivating journey that seamlessly blends the complexities of teenage romance with the thrill of sports rivalry. From the electrifying chemistry between Haddie and Conan to the nail-biting moments on the football field, this book kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The characters are vibrant and relatable, each with their own struggles and aspirations. Haddie's brilliance and Conan's rebellious spirit make for an irresistible duo, and their evolving relationship is both heartwarming and authentic.
What truly sets this book apart is its exploration of themes like love, loss, and the pursuit of dreams. As Haddie and Conan navigate their way through the ups and downs of high school life, they confront their fears and insecurities head-on, teaching readers valuable lessons about resilience and self-discovery.
One minor critique is that certain plot points felt slightly predictable, particularly towards the end of the story. However, this did little to diminish the overall impact of the narrative, which remained engaging and emotionally resonant throughout.

[C Norris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sweet romance read with lovable characters and unique set up! I really appreciated the threads of grief in the heart wrenching dynamic between Haddie and her mother, along with true and fierce friendship represented in Genelle, and running theme of embracing one’s unique quirks regarless of what anyone else thinks. This book had me laughing, tearing up, rooting for the couple, and thinking about the story after it was over. This book really highlights the nuances of being a teen with unique waters to tread (Conan’s father being an NFL coach but choosing to play soccer in spite of his father while juggling a girlfriend he can’t stand simply to keep his social circle in tact and Haddie coming from a split home with a father who travels a lot for work while being outrageously smart, but socially awkward) and finding a connection between an unlikely pair. Who doesn’t like to root for the underrated underdog relationship that will last despite the test of time, distance and against all odds. What a cute stores I will certainly read again and look for more from this author.

[Laura Lukasavage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute sports story

Conan Haddie Janelle.... what can I say?

So I'm not a big sports reader and not big with watching sports either but this was a cute story for being that.

There is a lot of mathematics and statistics in this book, so be prepared for that. However, I loved how corkey Haddie was. She was different but strong in spite of it.

Conan was fun to read as well. But I mainly loved how both characters grew, for the better, because of each other and that it was a slow burn. Sometimes authors have a hard time doing that process but the author did this well and watching them go on that journey together was sweet.

From the football games, to the birthday party he threw her, to their first kiss, down to her early acceptance to a school that rocks everything, adding to beautiful done ending.

A fun, different read that will leave you thinking....they are too cute! All while thinking about your first love.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this on Kindle Unlimited, having recently enjoyed other YA romances, and my enjoyment for them continued with this book!
The way Haddie’s brain works is captured well and her interest in sports and statistics is what initially progresses the story. The contrast between Conan pre-Haddie and post-Haddie made sense with the storyline and well depicted his personality maturing during his YA years.
I loved that Coach was so welcoming and supportive of Haddie, his son’s teenaged girlfriend, though our initial introduction to Coach was through the lens of a somewhat strained father-son relationship with Conan. The way the team welcome Conan and Haddie into their circle and support them throughout the ups and downs of teen relationships and life was lovely to read.
As someone not well acquainted with American Football, some of those aspects of the story were lost on me (hence the 4 stars) but it didn’t detract from my enjoyment overall!
I would highly recommend.

[Scott V. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing delightful blend of sports, romance, and self-discovery. This book is a refreshing take on the classic high school romance genre. Haddie and Conan are not your typical protagonists, which makes their journey all the more intriguing. Haddie's mathematical mind and Conan's rebellious streak create a unique dynamic that keeps you hooked from start to finish. What I appreciated most about this book is how it tackles themes of identity, family, and love without feeling forced or clichéd. The author's portrayal of teenage emotions and relationships felt authentic, making it easy to relate to the characters and their struggles. TD Fleming's writing style is engaging and easy to follow, making this book a perfect choice. Overall, It is a heartwarming read that reminds us that love can defy even the most calculated odds. Of course I would recommend this book.

[Eric S · Rating 5 out of 5]

lots of fun and a twist on YA

In 'Lightning Strikes: Odds on Love and Football,' you'll dive into a really sweet story about Haddie and Conan, two totally different high schoolers. Haddie's all about numbers and building robots, while Conan is trying to get out from under his dad's NFL shadow by excelling in other sports. Their paths cross when Conan figures he can use Haddie's unique way of seeing things to throw some shade at his dad’s coaching style.

It starts off as Conan using Haddie for his own plans, but before long, they're both catching feelings and figuring out that maybe there's more to both of them than meets the eye. It’s fun to see them work through their doubts about love, especially with all the sports and high school drama thrown in. If you're up for a story that's a mix of first love and finding your way, this one’s a great pick.

[Cathy Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re introduced to two friends, Haddie and Janelle and their realistic banter. Haddie’s mother has left the family, and of course this affects her. We meet Conan and his friend, Dusty. Baddie and Conan meet when Conan goes through a red light and crashes into Haddie’s car. Conan’s car is a Porsche and Haddie drives a beat up second hand car. Conan has recently moved to town and is the football coach’s son.

Conan has a girlfriend, Isabella but can’t get quirky Haddie out of his mind. Haddie has a jaded attitude toward romance because of her parents’ breakup and some heartbreaks from the past.

This is a sweet book that both young women and men would both enjoy. There is romance but football plays a major role and the relationship between Conan and his Coach father sets the tone.

I enjoyed this young adult story. There are a range of emotions from love to grief and teens will love it.

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Unique Blend of Romance and Football

This book offers a captivating mix of romance and football that kept me hooked from start to finish. The storyline beautifully intertwines the excitement of the sport with the complexities of love, creating a read that's both thrilling and heartwarming. The characters are relatable and well-developed, making their journeys all the more engaging. Whether you're a football fan or just love a good romance, this book is a perfect choice. It’s a delightful read that brings together two exciting worlds. Highly recommend it for anyone looking for a unique and enjoyable story!

[Lori Colwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

such a cute and clean story!

“Lightning Strikes” was such a good read! Odd and mathematically gifted female steals the heart of the cool jock. Both characters were so likable and had me rooting for them from chapter one. Endearing story. Clean sports romance. If you love reading either of these genres, you’ll love this one.

[Peter Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Football and teenage love

Very well done with a young adult format with a nerdy girl growing and finding her way to the athlete boy.