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Forward
Charlie
Let me guess, you want to tame me?
Three years ago I swore off love forever, content to live my life alone; until him.
Ruhaan Erasmus, the charming and charismatic tighthead prop for South Africa’s national rugby team came crashing into my life with the grace of a raging bull. It was just supposed to be a fling; a hot and heavy tryst to occupy us both until he returned home. In the process, he opened my eyes to a life I’ve never known with the unfamiliar feelings to match.
Now, he’s back and is here to stay.
They say that time heals all wounds, but I can hold a grudge forever.
Ruhaan
I was built to withstand a force as wild as you.
There are men made for romance and flowers – then there’s me.
Life is great as the playboy of the South African National rugby team. I have the fame, the notoriety, and any woman I could ever want; except her.
Charlie Bennett, the red-hot horse trainer had me the moment she poured me that drink. It was just supposed to be some fun – something to keep the demons at bay. Suddenly, I’m more concerned with soft green eyes and a smart mouth than winning my final Rugby World Cup.
Through sheer force and brute strength, I can make anyone move at my will.
If only I was strong enough to make her love me back.
Forward is a contemporary rugby romance. It is dual POV and is intended for readers 18+.
Let me guess, you want to tame me?
Three years ago I swore off love forever, content to live my life alone; until him.
Ruhaan Erasmus, the charming and charismatic tighthead prop for South Africa’s national rugby team came crashing into my life with the grace of a raging bull. It was just supposed to be a fling; a hot and heavy tryst to occupy us both until he returned home. In the process, he opened my eyes to a life I’ve never known with the unfamiliar feelings to match.
Now, he’s back and is here to stay.
They say that time heals all wounds, but I can hold a grudge forever.
Ruhaan
I was built to withstand a force as wild as you.
There are men made for romance and flowers – then there’s me.
Life is great as the playboy of the South African National rugby team. I have the fame, the notoriety, and any woman I could ever want; except her.
Charlie Bennett, the red-hot horse trainer had me the moment she poured me that drink. It was just supposed to be some fun – something to keep the demons at bay. Suddenly, I’m more concerned with soft green eyes and a smart mouth than winning my final Rugby World Cup.
Through sheer force and brute strength, I can make anyone move at my will.
If only I was strong enough to make her love me back.
Forward is a contemporary rugby romance. It is dual POV and is intended for readers 18+.
387 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 8, 2024
33 people are currently reading
247 people want to read
About the author
Ashley Summer
2 books20 followersTucked away in South Carolina, you’ll find Ashley roaming with a coffee, her high school sweetheart turned husband, their two children, and their scary looking dog. A lifelong lover of reading, Ashley enjoys writing strong men and even stronger women.
In 2023, Ashley was introduced to test match rugby and has not looked back. The sport, as well as the push from her friends on TikTok, inspired her to begin her Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series. While her career as a writer began in the sports romance world, she has every intention of venturing out and exploring the many facets of the romance genre world.
In 2023, Ashley was introduced to test match rugby and has not looked back. The sport, as well as the push from her friends on TikTok, inspired her to begin her Carolina Cyclones Rugby Series. While her career as a writer began in the sports romance world, she has every intention of venturing out and exploring the many facets of the romance genre world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
August 3, 2024
'Let me guess, you want to tame me? I was built to withstand a force as wild as you'
'We never do anything boring do we vlammetjie? No Ru. No we do not'
Okay okay - being a South African girlie I adored this, while rugby might not be my fav sport in the world I feel like I might watch a game if it involved Ruhaan, Jaco and all the boys and I did shed a tear or a hundred hearing the reactions at the end of the game, the mix of English and Arikaans was stunning.
This has to be one of my fav spicy romance arcs so far this year, Ashley Summe, I adore you.
Our FMC - Charlie is feisty and knows what she wants and how she wants it, she is a fiery redhead pocket rocket.
Charlie has sworn off of love after her ex mistreated her and she doesnt want to drop her walls to allow anyone in to change her mind.
Our MMC - Ruhaan is charismatic and just lovely, he is an instant love in this series (pssst - welcome to the club)
Ruhaan is not who you expect he isnt an ourward romantic he has always been the single one in the team - not without his numerous conquests - UNTIL - he meets Charlie
While we have Charlie's mother throwing her temper tantrums trying to get what she wants and Pawpaw giving Charlie what she wants, we have an amazing found family, instant love, rugby and lovely amounts of spice.
This was incredible I am so honoured to be allowed the opportunity to having read this as an ARC, EVERYONE, needs to read this.
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Rugby Player
🏈 Small Town
🏈 He falls first - AND HARD
🏈 Fast Burn
🏈 Possessive MMC
🏈 Golden Retriever MMC X Black Cat FMC
'We never do anything boring do we vlammetjie? No Ru. No we do not'
Okay okay - being a South African girlie I adored this, while rugby might not be my fav sport in the world I feel like I might watch a game if it involved Ruhaan, Jaco and all the boys and I did shed a tear or a hundred hearing the reactions at the end of the game, the mix of English and Arikaans was stunning.
This has to be one of my fav spicy romance arcs so far this year, Ashley Summe, I adore you.
Our FMC - Charlie is feisty and knows what she wants and how she wants it, she is a fiery redhead pocket rocket.
Charlie has sworn off of love after her ex mistreated her and she doesnt want to drop her walls to allow anyone in to change her mind.
Our MMC - Ruhaan is charismatic and just lovely, he is an instant love in this series (pssst - welcome to the club)
Ruhaan is not who you expect he isnt an ourward romantic he has always been the single one in the team - not without his numerous conquests - UNTIL - he meets Charlie
While we have Charlie's mother throwing her temper tantrums trying to get what she wants and Pawpaw giving Charlie what she wants, we have an amazing found family, instant love, rugby and lovely amounts of spice.
This was incredible I am so honoured to be allowed the opportunity to having read this as an ARC, EVERYONE, needs to read this.
🏈 Sports Romance
🏈 Rugby Player
🏈 Small Town
🏈 He falls first - AND HARD
🏈 Fast Burn
🏈 Possessive MMC
🏈 Golden Retriever MMC X Black Cat FMC
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 17, 2024
5 stars omg!!! i cannot believe this is a debut!!
sports (rugby!!) romance, obsessed mmc, found family, wild child fmc, south african mmc, and sm more!!
i loved this soo much. the found family was so good, the characters were all very loveable and i would def read more books by this author if she writes them!
(i really hope she does. some other couples were teased and i want their books soo bad😭)
remember to support indie authors!! i highly recommend this!
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
RUGBY ROMANCE!!!! COMES OUT IN THREE DAYS !!! IM GONNA EAT IT UP
sports (rugby!!) romance, obsessed mmc, found family, wild child fmc, south african mmc, and sm more!!
i loved this soo much. the found family was so good, the characters were all very loveable and i would def read more books by this author if she writes them!
(i really hope she does. some other couples were teased and i want their books soo bad😭)
remember to support indie authors!! i highly recommend this!
─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─ ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─
RUGBY ROMANCE!!!! COMES OUT IN THREE DAYS !!! IM GONNA EAT IT UP
March 18, 2025
What an excellent read!!!
Loved it!!!
Loved it!!!
August 5, 2024
Welcome to Rugby,babe.
The hooligans game played by gentleman.”
Forward has made me into a Rugby Fan!!! I absolutely fell in Love with Charlie and her feistiness! And Ruhaan… oh Ru! I love how protective and domineering he is and how big he loves. As far as sports romance goes this one is at the top of my list. Charlie and Ruhaans love story is explosive and burns hot! Ashley Summer’s writing pulls you and makes you want to be besties with her characters. I need and want more and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
The hooligans game played by gentleman.”
Forward has made me into a Rugby Fan!!! I absolutely fell in Love with Charlie and her feistiness! And Ruhaan… oh Ru! I love how protective and domineering he is and how big he loves. As far as sports romance goes this one is at the top of my list. Charlie and Ruhaans love story is explosive and burns hot! Ashley Summer’s writing pulls you and makes you want to be besties with her characters. I need and want more and cannot wait to see what she comes up with next!
March 5, 2025
Still shocked at how this was a debut novel?! Well done Ashley! For most people this book will be enjoyable, but for South Africans, it’s even better! I laughed, I cried, I was kicking my feet and giggling at all of the little Afrikaans words 🤭 Don’t let that put you off though - Ashley gives a guide at the front of the book to reference all of the Afrikaans words and slang. The language and the rugby match scenes were incredibly well-researched. I could feel the adrenaline of playing the game through the pages. There is no better feeling like being a part of winning the Rugby World Cup, and she captured those feelings of pride from a rugby player and a spectators point of view, well.
There definitely could’ve been more expansion on the “South Africanisms” in the book, like explaining to the reader why food and being with family and friends is so important to South Africans. Even though I loved Charlie and her fierce personality, I didn’t feel as connected to their relationship as I so desperately wanted to (I think I prefer a more slow burn approach but that’s just me). However, being a South African immigrant living in New Zealand, this book felt like coming home. It felt like a warm hug wrapped up in pages. It reminded me how fiercely we love our country, and even though some of us might have moved on (and how Ruhaan has ultimately moved on from South Africa), it will always be home.
Dankie, Ashley! Hierdie boek was ‘n fees! 😉
There definitely could’ve been more expansion on the “South Africanisms” in the book, like explaining to the reader why food and being with family and friends is so important to South Africans. Even though I loved Charlie and her fierce personality, I didn’t feel as connected to their relationship as I so desperately wanted to (I think I prefer a more slow burn approach but that’s just me). However, being a South African immigrant living in New Zealand, this book felt like coming home. It felt like a warm hug wrapped up in pages. It reminded me how fiercely we love our country, and even though some of us might have moved on (and how Ruhaan has ultimately moved on from South Africa), it will always be home.
Dankie, Ashley! Hierdie boek was ‘n fees! 😉
March 8, 2025
A friend of mine recommended Forward by Ashley Summer, and I’m so glad she did because this book is an absolute gem. It’s refreshing how it captures the essence of not only our Afrikaans Boer gentleman but also our Afrikaans rugby player personality—and, of course, the way our mammas raised us. As an Afrikaanse Girl, I adored the little Afrikaans words sprinkled throughout and the nods to our traditions. They show just how amazing our home is, and it made my heart FULL in the best way. I smiled, knowing full well how Ruhaan's mama raised him—those details just hit different.
This book is like a Hallmark story, but hear me out—it’s got loads more spice. It’s warm and familiar, yet there’s a kick to it that keeps you turning the pages. And okay, I’ll admit it—I’ve now got a crush on Ruhaan Erasmus. He’s got that something something ... But the moment that truly sealed the deal for me? The malva poeding. I mean, come on—once that came up, I was like Ashley Summer did her HOMEWORK. That will win over this Afrikaanse heart any day.
If you want a read that’s heartfelt, steeped in our culture, Forward is it. It’s a love letter to our Afrikaans taal, our Afrikaans quirks, and, ja, our Afrikaans desserts—perfectly capturing the stress of the rugby game and that angst we all feel when the stakes are high. Ashley Summer ... You did Good!
This book is like a Hallmark story, but hear me out—it’s got loads more spice. It’s warm and familiar, yet there’s a kick to it that keeps you turning the pages. And okay, I’ll admit it—I’ve now got a crush on Ruhaan Erasmus. He’s got that something something ... But the moment that truly sealed the deal for me? The malva poeding. I mean, come on—once that came up, I was like Ashley Summer did her HOMEWORK. That will win over this Afrikaanse heart any day.
If you want a read that’s heartfelt, steeped in our culture, Forward is it. It’s a love letter to our Afrikaans taal, our Afrikaans quirks, and, ja, our Afrikaans desserts—perfectly capturing the stress of the rugby game and that angst we all feel when the stakes are high. Ashley Summer ... You did Good!
August 4, 2024
**Received this book as an ARC for an honest review**
“When you exist right now,” I cup her delicate face and delight in the way that she unconscientiously sinks further into me, “there are no other options.”
I fully expected, going into this book, for it to have some kind of effect on me, but my gosh did it shake my world.
Starting off we meet Charlie, a strong, beautiful fire - spirited horse trainer who has been put through the proverbial ringer by the very people who are supposed to love and protect her. She's careful when it comes to who she let's in because of her past, but for some reason the big, tattooed, intensely cocky rugby player who finds himself having dinner in her best friend's bar, has her dropping a little of her guard.
We meet said rugby player, Ruhaan, who plays for the South African rugby team who traveled to the USA for the Rugby world cup. He expects this season to be one for the books and he knows what is expected of him in his team to make their performance the best it could be. But despite the fact that he faces very intimidating men on the field, the auburn- haired and green eyed woman behind the bar has him needing to know everything about her, with the constant urge to push her limits, just to see what she will do.
A intense standoff between them leads to a wild night, but will one might be enough?
What you can expect from this book, is proof of unconditional love, a man ready to fight anyone to protect the woman he cares for, but standing next to her in quiet support and letting her overcome what she can only do herself, while never asking her to dim her wild and beautiful personality to fit into any boxes.
Charlie is absolutely amazing, Ruhaan is basically just a really large golden retriever and their chemistry is perfect - as is the spice - so be warned, it gets hot in here.
Ashley, to my absolute delight, captured quite perfectly what it is to be a South African, reminding me how sport connects people and how anything can settled over a braai surrounded by good people.
“When you exist right now,” I cup her delicate face and delight in the way that she unconscientiously sinks further into me, “there are no other options.”
I fully expected, going into this book, for it to have some kind of effect on me, but my gosh did it shake my world.
Starting off we meet Charlie, a strong, beautiful fire - spirited horse trainer who has been put through the proverbial ringer by the very people who are supposed to love and protect her. She's careful when it comes to who she let's in because of her past, but for some reason the big, tattooed, intensely cocky rugby player who finds himself having dinner in her best friend's bar, has her dropping a little of her guard.
We meet said rugby player, Ruhaan, who plays for the South African rugby team who traveled to the USA for the Rugby world cup. He expects this season to be one for the books and he knows what is expected of him in his team to make their performance the best it could be. But despite the fact that he faces very intimidating men on the field, the auburn- haired and green eyed woman behind the bar has him needing to know everything about her, with the constant urge to push her limits, just to see what she will do.
A intense standoff between them leads to a wild night, but will one might be enough?
What you can expect from this book, is proof of unconditional love, a man ready to fight anyone to protect the woman he cares for, but standing next to her in quiet support and letting her overcome what she can only do herself, while never asking her to dim her wild and beautiful personality to fit into any boxes.
Charlie is absolutely amazing, Ruhaan is basically just a really large golden retriever and their chemistry is perfect - as is the spice - so be warned, it gets hot in here.
Ashley, to my absolute delight, captured quite perfectly what it is to be a South African, reminding me how sport connects people and how anything can settled over a braai surrounded by good people.
January 20, 2025
Cute and quick!! Would read the rest of the series
August 8, 2024
The story of Charlie and Ruhaan will keep you on your toes. When a horse trainer/bartender meets a Rugby star in a bar, you never know what can happen. Ashley Summer first book is full of love and laughter, challenge a triumph. Charlie has to overcome pieces of her past and her family to find that she is worth the love that Ruhaan is willing to give. A rugby chanpionship and uncertain future add to Ruhaan’s challenges in winning over Charlie. This book is a mix of sweet and spicy. I may never look at a thunderstorm the same way again. A marvelous read and I cannot wait for more!
February 24, 2025
I enjoy a good sport romance and I wanted to love the story more.
The rugby match scenes were written impeccably and well-researched. I felt the angst, the aggression and the adrenaline of the rugby games. The author described those well including the training and the camaraderie and teamwork within the team as well as the tension the spectators have while watching the game. The maroon jersey for the national team threw me off though. Any national team representing South Africa will usually be decked out in green and gold so as a South African I dissociated from the team’s identity then.
There were a lot of South African elements thrown into the book (Afrikaans words, slang, food) but they didn’t feel cohesive and authentic to the story and felt like an afterthought. Some characters shared a name so Jacques was a team mate but was also the MMC’s brother which toward the end could’ve been confusing when both were in the same space. There was also a Jake and a Jaco although not confusing, the naming of characters felt repetitive. I appreciate the author’s attempt at inclusivity and representation though.
The chemistry between our main characters sizzled for me but it didn’t burn. I had to suspend belief when it came to how crazy they were about each other. I think because the progression of the relationship felt fast-tracked. The spice factor was there but the chemistry wasn’t so it didn’t land the way it was meant to. I found it predictable in terms of how it ended as the ending was set up quite early on in the story with the offer of the contract.
I enjoyed how feisty and headstrong the FMC was… to a point and I like how the author tackled the FMC’s difficult family dynamics. I also enjoyed how caring and loving the MMC was and how he treated her with kindness and tenderness once he understood the family dynamics.
I think it fell short of providing the pride I expected to feel reading a story about a South African rugby player in a US city.
The rugby match scenes were written impeccably and well-researched. I felt the angst, the aggression and the adrenaline of the rugby games. The author described those well including the training and the camaraderie and teamwork within the team as well as the tension the spectators have while watching the game. The maroon jersey for the national team threw me off though. Any national team representing South Africa will usually be decked out in green and gold so as a South African I dissociated from the team’s identity then.
There were a lot of South African elements thrown into the book (Afrikaans words, slang, food) but they didn’t feel cohesive and authentic to the story and felt like an afterthought. Some characters shared a name so Jacques was a team mate but was also the MMC’s brother which toward the end could’ve been confusing when both were in the same space. There was also a Jake and a Jaco although not confusing, the naming of characters felt repetitive. I appreciate the author’s attempt at inclusivity and representation though.
The chemistry between our main characters sizzled for me but it didn’t burn. I had to suspend belief when it came to how crazy they were about each other. I think because the progression of the relationship felt fast-tracked. The spice factor was there but the chemistry wasn’t so it didn’t land the way it was meant to. I found it predictable in terms of how it ended as the ending was set up quite early on in the story with the offer of the contract.
I enjoyed how feisty and headstrong the FMC was… to a point and I like how the author tackled the FMC’s difficult family dynamics. I also enjoyed how caring and loving the MMC was and how he treated her with kindness and tenderness once he understood the family dynamics.
I think it fell short of providing the pride I expected to feel reading a story about a South African rugby player in a US city.
September 8, 2025
📣 Let it be known that I hate ONSs 📣
Why? Well for three simple reasons...
First , talk about awkwwwwaard the next day whether performing the walk of shame and/or what now?. Forced relationship.
Second , MFC becomes "accidentally" pregnant. MCs are forced to be together not because they sought each other, not because they like each other, but because there is something that connects them. Forced relationship.
Third , a ONS is a relationship based on lust and not on that deeper level of attraction. When the physical attraction wears off.... well you get it, Forced relationship.
That said...
The MCs relationship started as a ONS. He's a player but for some reason he feels connected to her. Why? Beats me 🤷♀️
All their interactions are based on wild unabandoned sex. Acrobatic sex. Contortionist sex. 5 orgasms for the price of one sex. Well you get the idea.
I saw no connection, no character development, can't figure out why they are attracted to each other or why suddenly they feel ... right. There's a bit of drama with her parents which lasts about 2 pages.
Would have liked knowing that her asshole ex is miserable with her cousin whom he cheated on the MFC with. Or better yet, he didn't end up with the cousin and was forced to marry a witch 😁
The epilogues though were adorable and cute.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
(18) "A book from every continent (Africa)" eventhough the book takes place in the US but the MMC is a South African rugby player and the book is filled with South African dialect
Square Count: 90
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃86┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃🔴┃20┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
Why? Well for three simple reasons...
First , talk about awkwwwwaard the next day whether performing the walk of shame and/or what now?. Forced relationship.
Second , MFC becomes "accidentally" pregnant. MCs are forced to be together not because they sought each other, not because they like each other, but because there is something that connects them. Forced relationship.
Third , a ONS is a relationship based on lust and not on that deeper level of attraction. When the physical attraction wears off.... well you get it, Forced relationship.
That said...
The MCs relationship started as a ONS. He's a player but for some reason he feels connected to her. Why? Beats me 🤷♀️
All their interactions are based on wild unabandoned sex. Acrobatic sex. Contortionist sex. 5 orgasms for the price of one sex. Well you get the idea.
I saw no connection, no character development, can't figure out why they are attracted to each other or why suddenly they feel ... right. There's a bit of drama with her parents which lasts about 2 pages.
Would have liked knowing that her asshole ex is miserable with her cousin whom he cheated on the MFC with. Or better yet, he didn't end up with the cousin and was forced to marry a witch 😁
The epilogues though were adorable and cute.
📝 ticking another Bingo square
(18) "A book from every continent (Africa)" eventhough the book takes place in the US but the MMC is a South African rugby player and the book is filled with South African dialect
Square Count: 90
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃86┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃98┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
100┃🔴┃17┃🔴┃🔴┃49┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃21┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃22┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃06┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴┃55┃🔴┃20┃🔴┃🔴┃🔴
June 30, 2025
Rugby, romance and steam!
I'm going to be honest, sports romances are not my thing, but I was determined to give this a go, convinced I'd get bored of it within a few chapters, and if nothing else it would send me to sleep.
So, imagine my surprise to find myself still glued to the pages still at 5am, and wondering if I could finish the whole thing before my day started and I had to be a functioning human adult on no sleep! Well I didn't finish, and I was itching to return to it all day! I even snuck in a couple of chapters over lunch.
I loved every word, I loved how their relationship progressed, I loved reading them both worry, I loved it all.
***Spoiler***
... kinda
But the thing I loved most was the care and respect both characters displayed when dealing with dominating, rough, consensual sex. It was such a refreshing change from how this kind of this is depicted in some books. It made me want to cry with relief that it was approached in such a healthy way.
10/10 would highly recommend!
I'm going to be honest, sports romances are not my thing, but I was determined to give this a go, convinced I'd get bored of it within a few chapters, and if nothing else it would send me to sleep.
So, imagine my surprise to find myself still glued to the pages still at 5am, and wondering if I could finish the whole thing before my day started and I had to be a functioning human adult on no sleep! Well I didn't finish, and I was itching to return to it all day! I even snuck in a couple of chapters over lunch.
I loved every word, I loved how their relationship progressed, I loved reading them both worry, I loved it all.
***Spoiler***
... kinda
But the thing I loved most was the care and respect both characters displayed when dealing with dominating, rough, consensual sex. It was such a refreshing change from how this kind of this is depicted in some books. It made me want to cry with relief that it was approached in such a healthy way.
10/10 would highly recommend!
August 12, 2024
wow!
Great book. I loved both characters and the rugby setting was awesome. I was worried with the South Africa being a lead with phrases and words from there. She put an awesome guide in the front and kept it to an acceptable amount, so not to pull you from the story. I would love to see a series based on the new team, especially if we find out her mom lost everything and I forced to shop at wal-mart.
Great book. I loved both characters and the rugby setting was awesome. I was worried with the South Africa being a lead with phrases and words from there. She put an awesome guide in the front and kept it to an acceptable amount, so not to pull you from the story. I would love to see a series based on the new team, especially if we find out her mom lost everything and I forced to shop at wal-mart.
May 17, 2025
I can get behind 500 year old shadow daddies, basilisk shifters and even blue aliens, but as a South African, I couldn’t suspend disbelief enough to accept that Ruhaan’s accent was “sexy”. He calls her vlammetjie for goodness sake. 😝
But in all honesty, the almost insta-love aside, it was pretty cute. Also, Ashley is lovely and it’s been nice seeing her become a little obsessed with rugby and South Africa in particular. 😊
But in all honesty, the almost insta-love aside, it was pretty cute. Also, Ashley is lovely and it’s been nice seeing her become a little obsessed with rugby and South Africa in particular. 😊
August 12, 2024
Forward
What an amazing debut with truly amazingly flawed characters!
The love of South Africa and the US. This isn't just a rugby romance, this is romancing the ordinary.
Perfect homage to rugby, South Africa, southern culture and an ode to everyone who's heart's been broken
Ashley you have outdone yourself. Can't wait for the next book.
What an amazing debut with truly amazingly flawed characters!
The love of South Africa and the US. This isn't just a rugby romance, this is romancing the ordinary.
Perfect homage to rugby, South Africa, southern culture and an ode to everyone who's heart's been broken
Ashley you have outdone yourself. Can't wait for the next book.
August 13, 2024
LOVE
I absolutely LOVED this book! I downloaded it up after going into a bit of a book slump and finished it in one day! I really hope there are going to be some more books with some of the characters!! I loved Ru & his love for Charlie!! And his nickname for her 🫠! Definitely ordering the paperback so I can have a trophy on my shelf and so I can definitely read it again!!
I absolutely LOVED this book! I downloaded it up after going into a bit of a book slump and finished it in one day! I really hope there are going to be some more books with some of the characters!! I loved Ru & his love for Charlie!! And his nickname for her 🫠! Definitely ordering the paperback so I can have a trophy on my shelf and so I can definitely read it again!!
January 2, 2025
She has to write more
Ashley Summer has a talent for thick, power belly men that are just scrumptious. Ru was perfect and his love for Charlie was perfectly written, keeping me turning pages. And younknow what else was perfect? The fact she gave us the 'what happened after the THE END'.
Ashley Summer has a talent for thick, power belly men that are just scrumptious. Ru was perfect and his love for Charlie was perfectly written, keeping me turning pages. And younknow what else was perfect? The fact she gave us the 'what happened after the THE END'.
March 10, 2025
Devoured is probably an accurate word for how quickly I flew through this book. We’re talking stayed up far too late into the night for how early I have to get up, squeezed in a quick nap, and powered through the rest of it this morning because I just had to see how it all played out. I hope to high heaven there are more stories in this world to come, because oh did I enjoy this one.
June 8, 2025
Can I get an amen for finally getting a mmc who is 6’2 and has a belllly?! Yea im talking 270 lbs and plays rugby- and he does NOT disappoint!! It’s a fast paced insta love for him romance and that man is down bad and I am smitten with him, that’s all;) oh and he’s South African and calls her my liefie which means my love😭😍 the nicknames he has for her in his language are the best!
October 14, 2025
I had high hopes, and still this book exceeded them
My only real complaint is that I wouldn’t put the South Africans and the All Blacks on the same level. Also, why is their jersey maroon?
But aside from the rugby issues, the romance story here was very good. The parents from hell added a little drama to keep it interesting without taking away from the love story.
My only real complaint is that I wouldn’t put the South Africans and the All Blacks on the same level. Also, why is their jersey maroon?
But aside from the rugby issues, the romance story here was very good. The parents from hell added a little drama to keep it interesting without taking away from the love story.
January 15, 2025
4.5 stars
This is an amazing read. The chemistry and relationship between the main characters is wonderful. I love rugby Romance, but if this had been my first one I think it would have hooked me.
This is an amazing read. The chemistry and relationship between the main characters is wonderful. I love rugby Romance, but if this had been my first one I think it would have hooked me.
March 6, 2025
absolutely perfect
This book y’all, does not disappoint. The sassiness in Charlie and the dominance in Ruhaan, put them together and my god, perfection. So much laughter and some tears to be had. Definitely a must read.
This book y’all, does not disappoint. The sassiness in Charlie and the dominance in Ruhaan, put them together and my god, perfection. So much laughter and some tears to be had. Definitely a must read.
April 21, 2025
A one sitting Book
I was a bit sceptical. But I loved the Book. It was awesome and I had a great time. I laughed and cried. It was great character development and bringing in the Little bits of our South African culture was great. Thx for this read.
I was a bit sceptical. But I loved the Book. It was awesome and I had a great time. I laughed and cried. It was great character development and bringing in the Little bits of our South African culture was great. Thx for this read.
June 22, 2025
I can’t remember where I saw this advertised but I’m so glad I saw it. I absolutely loved the story plus it is a rugby series, book 1. The plot had some drama where I was angry and sad for Charlie but then I was laughing and swooning later because of Ruhaan. It was a phenomenal story.
August 9, 2024
I laughed, I moaned, I fell in love with rugby. I really can’t believe this is a debut novel and cannot wait for her next novel. The fast burn, Golden Retriever MMC, feisty Black Cat FMC and found family on both sides made me want to move to South Carolina and find myself a Rugby team to stalk.
August 10, 2024
I just finished and OMG!!! I don’t know how she could ever top her debut! I felt like a giddy little girl reading it and it was so sweet and encouraging and emotional and HOT 🥵 seriously! I need more from the author!
September 8, 2024
I loved this book it was spicy and adorable and cute.
September 15, 2024
I loved it! I read it in a day!
I thought this was going to be your typical “woman wronged but thankfully it was not! I recommend the read!
I thought this was going to be your typical “woman wronged but thankfully it was not! I recommend the read!
November 23, 2024
It was cute.... but I DNF around 65% just cause I felt it became predictable...
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