What do you think?
Rate this book
Crawfield Football Club #2
The Longshot
Will this Captain be able to make it off the sidelines?
Gary Wilkinson
He’s the Captain. He’s the man. He’s the star of Crawfield Football Club. He’s Wilks. The striker with a level of fame that precedes him. Gary’s a ladies man—there’s no denying that, and since Crawfield FC has taken the town by storm, he’s now one of the most eligible bachelors on the market.
Love isn’t as simple as it seems, though. For as easy as it is for Gary to swoop anyone up, it’s that much harder for him to get them to stay. It’s as if the town only wants a taste of the Crawfield Captain, and not the whole dessert.
Fed-up with his routine heartache, Gary settles on the hope that love will happen naturally, and when he unknowingly runs into a local bakery in town, desperate for some help, his encounter is as unexpected as can be.
Chelsie Windsor
She needed a fresh start—a break—a moment in time to reset and detach from not only her life before, but her toxic ex-relationship that won’t seem to let up.
Fleeing to Crawley in secret, to join her older sister in running her local bakery was the only safe-haven she could think of, and now that she's here, Chelsie refuses to let anything stand in the way of this fresh start.
Crawley is a small, quiet town, but little does Chelsie realize the big reputation it up-holds, with not only the football club that dominates through, but with the Captain who makes his acquaintance hard to forget.
Gary Wilkinson
He’s the Captain. He’s the man. He’s the star of Crawfield Football Club. He’s Wilks. The striker with a level of fame that precedes him. Gary’s a ladies man—there’s no denying that, and since Crawfield FC has taken the town by storm, he’s now one of the most eligible bachelors on the market.
Love isn’t as simple as it seems, though. For as easy as it is for Gary to swoop anyone up, it’s that much harder for him to get them to stay. It’s as if the town only wants a taste of the Crawfield Captain, and not the whole dessert.
Fed-up with his routine heartache, Gary settles on the hope that love will happen naturally, and when he unknowingly runs into a local bakery in town, desperate for some help, his encounter is as unexpected as can be.
Chelsie Windsor
She needed a fresh start—a break—a moment in time to reset and detach from not only her life before, but her toxic ex-relationship that won’t seem to let up.
Fleeing to Crawley in secret, to join her older sister in running her local bakery was the only safe-haven she could think of, and now that she's here, Chelsie refuses to let anything stand in the way of this fresh start.
Crawley is a small, quiet town, but little does Chelsie realize the big reputation it up-holds, with not only the football club that dominates through, but with the Captain who makes his acquaintance hard to forget.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
20 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
About the author
Kate Lauren
5 books166 followersKate Lauren is a “certified fangirl” whose passions include writing contemporary romance novels, using suggestive innuendos any chance she can, and subliminally tying Taylor Swift song titles into her books.
Based out of Toronto, Canada, when Kate’s not daydreaming about which fictional character she’ll create next, you’ll find her with her friends, family and husband—or nose-deep in her next novel.
Based out of Toronto, Canada, when Kate’s not daydreaming about which fictional character she’ll create next, you’ll find her with her friends, family and husband—or nose-deep in her next novel.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
December 18, 2024
**rating: 4/5 stars**
Returning to the Crawfield Football Club series felt like a warm, familiar embrace, but this time, we follow Gary Wilkinson, or Wilks, the endearing captain of the team. He’s the kind of guy who’s always there for everyone else, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s as clumsy as they come.
Then there is Chelsie, who’s trying to rebuild her life after escaping a toxic relationship. Staying with her sister Ruby and helping out at her bakery, Chelsie wasn’t exactly looking for love—but sometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected ways.
Their first meeting is pure rom-com gold—Gary, fresh off a cake-related mishap, walks into the bakery where Chelsie works, and from that moment, you can’t help but root for them. Gary’s golden retriever energy, with his awkward yet sweet attempts to woo Chelsie, is both endearing and funny. You got to know him a bit in the first book, but seeing him navigate his own love story is even more satisfying.
The small-town setting adds a layer of charm, especially with Chelsie’s interactions with her sister Ruby and the easy banter between the three of them when Gary starts hanging around the bakery. You can feel the tension and anticipation as Gary and Chelsie’s friendship deepens then quickly starts developping into trust and something more special, and when Chelsie finally decides to take a chance on him, Gary doesn’t just show up—he delivers in every way that matters. (king behaviour)
Kate Lauren has a knack for creating these cozy, heartwarming scenes that make you want to keep reading, and this book is no exception. It’s a delightful mix of sweet, funny, and romantic moments that left me swooning.
Thank you Kate for choosing me as a part of your ARC team for this book too! I am so honoured you have no idea! Wish you all the best in your future projects and be SURE I'm always here READY to read them.
Now for my guess on who's the couple for the next book, Green and Hazel's energy in the few last chapters of the book is giving the next friends to lovers romance in the Crawfield Football world AND I'M HERE FOR IT. If you know me, you'd know that this is my favourite romance trope, so here we are, I AM SO EXCITED, so let's wait and see. Much love 💙
Returning to the Crawfield Football Club series felt like a warm, familiar embrace, but this time, we follow Gary Wilkinson, or Wilks, the endearing captain of the team. He’s the kind of guy who’s always there for everyone else, but when it comes to matters of the heart, he’s as clumsy as they come.
Then there is Chelsie, who’s trying to rebuild her life after escaping a toxic relationship. Staying with her sister Ruby and helping out at her bakery, Chelsie wasn’t exactly looking for love—but sometimes, love finds you in the most unexpected ways.
Their first meeting is pure rom-com gold—Gary, fresh off a cake-related mishap, walks into the bakery where Chelsie works, and from that moment, you can’t help but root for them. Gary’s golden retriever energy, with his awkward yet sweet attempts to woo Chelsie, is both endearing and funny. You got to know him a bit in the first book, but seeing him navigate his own love story is even more satisfying.
The small-town setting adds a layer of charm, especially with Chelsie’s interactions with her sister Ruby and the easy banter between the three of them when Gary starts hanging around the bakery. You can feel the tension and anticipation as Gary and Chelsie’s friendship deepens then quickly starts developping into trust and something more special, and when Chelsie finally decides to take a chance on him, Gary doesn’t just show up—he delivers in every way that matters. (king behaviour)
Kate Lauren has a knack for creating these cozy, heartwarming scenes that make you want to keep reading, and this book is no exception. It’s a delightful mix of sweet, funny, and romantic moments that left me swooning.
Thank you Kate for choosing me as a part of your ARC team for this book too! I am so honoured you have no idea! Wish you all the best in your future projects and be SURE I'm always here READY to read them.
Now for my guess on who's the couple for the next book, Green and Hazel's energy in the few last chapters of the book is giving the next friends to lovers romance in the Crawfield Football world AND I'M HERE FOR IT. If you know me, you'd know that this is my favourite romance trope, so here we are, I AM SO EXCITED, so let's wait and see. Much love 💙
September 12, 2024
ARC review:
Release date: 13th September
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“The Longshot” by Kate Lauren is the second book in the Crawfield Football Club series, and it completely exceeded my expectations. After falling in love with “The Underdog,” I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world, and Lauren did not disappoint.⚽️🩵
Sports romance is one of my favourite genres, and this book was right up my alley!🤩
The story is easy to follow, but I do recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Gray Wilkinson, or “Wilks” as most people call him, is Crawfield FC’s star striker and the town’s most eligible bachelor. He’s got that perfect mix of cocky and self-awareness. His protective nature and unwavering loyalty to those he loves make him an irresistible character.🩵
Chelsie Windsor, on the other hand, is the perfect match for Wilks. She’s quick-witted, and wears her heart on her sleeve. Balancing her studies at Oxford with helping her older sister run a local bakery, Chelsie is a strong and endearing character that people can relate too. She went through a lot, and my heart broke for her.🥺🩵
The chemistry between Gray and Chelsie is electric, and Lauren’s writing pulls you right into their world.🔥
If you're looking for a heart-pounding sports romance with unforgettable characters and a whole lot of passion, then "The Longshot" is an absolute must-read!🩵⚽️😍
Tropes:
⚽️ Football Romance
🧁 Golden Retriever MMC
⚽️ Opposites Attract
🧁 Small Town Romance
⚽️ Reformed Playboy
Release date: 13th September
Overall Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
“The Longshot” by Kate Lauren is the second book in the Crawfield Football Club series, and it completely exceeded my expectations. After falling in love with “The Underdog,” I couldn’t wait to dive back into this world, and Lauren did not disappoint.⚽️🩵
Sports romance is one of my favourite genres, and this book was right up my alley!🤩
The story is easy to follow, but I do recommend checking the trigger warnings before diving in.
Gray Wilkinson, or “Wilks” as most people call him, is Crawfield FC’s star striker and the town’s most eligible bachelor. He’s got that perfect mix of cocky and self-awareness. His protective nature and unwavering loyalty to those he loves make him an irresistible character.🩵
Chelsie Windsor, on the other hand, is the perfect match for Wilks. She’s quick-witted, and wears her heart on her sleeve. Balancing her studies at Oxford with helping her older sister run a local bakery, Chelsie is a strong and endearing character that people can relate too. She went through a lot, and my heart broke for her.🥺🩵
The chemistry between Gray and Chelsie is electric, and Lauren’s writing pulls you right into their world.🔥
If you're looking for a heart-pounding sports romance with unforgettable characters and a whole lot of passion, then "The Longshot" is an absolute must-read!🩵⚽️😍
Tropes:
⚽️ Football Romance
🧁 Golden Retriever MMC
⚽️ Opposites Attract
🧁 Small Town Romance
⚽️ Reformed Playboy
September 3, 2024
Gary is the golden retriever, super cute & clumsy soccer player book boyfriend we all need!!!
How do they meet ?! Him having dropped a cake on himself and needed a new one, while she works at a bakery.. a real meet cute moment 😍😍
Not only is he giving Atlas vibes by protecting Chelsie but also is a romantic searching for love
Pinch me honestly ! 🤏🏽
This book was so sweet and so cute and I love it !!!
but what it also contains is a abusive toxic ex !
SIMON I hate you !!! You little POS !!! 😠
But it was so wholesome to see her sister Ruby and Gary to step in and help her figure out where to go after her breakup and to find herself again.
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Tropes:
Sports Romance
Small Town Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Protective MMC
How do they meet ?! Him having dropped a cake on himself and needed a new one, while she works at a bakery.. a real meet cute moment 😍😍
Not only is he giving Atlas vibes by protecting Chelsie but also is a romantic searching for love
Pinch me honestly ! 🤏🏽
This book was so sweet and so cute and I love it !!!
but what it also contains is a abusive toxic ex !
SIMON I hate you !!! You little POS !!! 😠
But it was so wholesome to see her sister Ruby and Gary to step in and help her figure out where to go after her breakup and to find herself again.
4/5 ⭐️
1/5 🌶️
Tropes:
Sports Romance
Small Town Romance
Golden Retriever MMC
Protective MMC
September 9, 2024
3.75 ⭐️
I was so happy to be back in with Crawfield FC, and the golden retriever Wilks! You really can’t help but love him; he’s such a goofball 😂
Underneath the cocky captain is lover boy, Gary, who is doing a bit of soul searching, a very different persona to everyone who knows him as Wilks, and typical Wilks behaviour lands him a sweet meet cute, with baker Chelsie. Honestly, it’s one of my favourite meet cutes to date— playboy instantly smitten with the mysterious girl he meets once, and he falls first!
Chelsie is new and settling into the small town of Crawley. She’s in need of a fresh start, having escaped from a toxic relationship, when she encounters Wilks. They both had more to them than meets the eye, and I loved seeing how she was able to find a safe haven in Gary, and Gary was able to be more himself than just the playboy that everyone thinks he is.
Chelsie’s story is real and very raw with how it addresses domestic violence and elements of gaslighting in a relationship; Kate done a great job handling the effects and trauma that comes from being in a toxic environment, and also relearning how to love yourself again.
Thank you eternally for the arc Kate, I always have the best time with the boys at Crawfield, and can’t wait for what’s to come next! 🩵
Tropes
Small town
Opposites attract
Sports romance
Reformed playboy
No third act breakup
I was so happy to be back in with Crawfield FC, and the golden retriever Wilks! You really can’t help but love him; he’s such a goofball 😂
Underneath the cocky captain is lover boy, Gary, who is doing a bit of soul searching, a very different persona to everyone who knows him as Wilks, and typical Wilks behaviour lands him a sweet meet cute, with baker Chelsie. Honestly, it’s one of my favourite meet cutes to date— playboy instantly smitten with the mysterious girl he meets once, and he falls first!
Chelsie is new and settling into the small town of Crawley. She’s in need of a fresh start, having escaped from a toxic relationship, when she encounters Wilks. They both had more to them than meets the eye, and I loved seeing how she was able to find a safe haven in Gary, and Gary was able to be more himself than just the playboy that everyone thinks he is.
Chelsie’s story is real and very raw with how it addresses domestic violence and elements of gaslighting in a relationship; Kate done a great job handling the effects and trauma that comes from being in a toxic environment, and also relearning how to love yourself again.
Thank you eternally for the arc Kate, I always have the best time with the boys at Crawfield, and can’t wait for what’s to come next! 🩵
Tropes
Small town
Opposites attract
Sports romance
Reformed playboy
No third act breakup
September 2, 2024
Being a uk girly that watches football, this book series is perfect for me. It’s the perfect mixture between spice, sport and cute moments the main characters share.
I adored Wilks, I knew I was going to love him but I loved him in the first book. The whole story with him needing a new cake was perfect and I loved that it was there meet cute 🤭
Chelsie was amazing! I also adored her sister and them working in the bakery together and the banter that the three of them had when Wilks would come and pick Chelsie up.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series because this series is just amazing!! 🤍🤍
“I knew that one day, I’d find my hope again. My safe space, and I did. I found it. I found it in you.”
“Because being a goof makes you smile… and your smile, I’d do anything, be anything for, baby girl.”
I adored Wilks, I knew I was going to love him but I loved him in the first book. The whole story with him needing a new cake was perfect and I loved that it was there meet cute 🤭
Chelsie was amazing! I also adored her sister and them working in the bakery together and the banter that the three of them had when Wilks would come and pick Chelsie up.
I cannot wait for the next book in the series because this series is just amazing!! 🤍🤍
“I knew that one day, I’d find my hope again. My safe space, and I did. I found it. I found it in you.”
“Because being a goof makes you smile… and your smile, I’d do anything, be anything for, baby girl.”
January 25, 2025
Wilks>>>
September 11, 2024
September 10th: my day on the virtual book tour!
Having recently finished The Underdog, I was super excited to head back to Crawfield Football Club! The standalone series so far gives the reader the “found family” vibes, making you feel like one of the team too!
This book follows Wilks, captain of Crawfield FC, a total ladies’ man and a total hottie, finds himself in charge of the cake for his coach (and best friend!!) baby shower. One wrong move and the cake is on the floor. To save the baby shower he rushes to the nearby popular bakery, Ruby’s to get a replacement. In a total-meet cute vibes, he spots sweeter than cake, Chelsie, who has his attention from the first look. Chelsie, having run from a violent relationship is just trying to keep her head down, but that’s impossible when an attractive man is begging through the glass window.
This book was just perfection. Wilks was so patient and attentive to Chelsie, going at her pace to form this relationship. He was ready to fight for his girl. Chelsie was so strong & loveable, I enjoyed watching her blossom throughout the story and stop hiding.
The main characters were just PERFECT for each other.
This book will be pulling on your heart strings while making you laugh and fall in love. The side characters just add the story and take it up that notch, making the atmosphere within the book consuming.
Also…my heart totally swoons when the FMC wears the MMC jersey!
I can’t wait to read about the future of Crawfield FC!
Rating: 4 stars
Spice: 2
Tropes:
sports romance
found
family
set in the UK
reformed playboy
he falls first
small town
Key Info:
Crawfield Football Club #2
medium pace
character & plot driven
emotional but hopeful read
dual POV
1st Person
triggering subjects! please check warnings
Thank you so much Kate for reaching out and providing me with an e-arc copy in exchange for my honest review!
「 ✦ All thoughts & opinions in this review are my own ✦ 」
Having recently finished The Underdog, I was super excited to head back to Crawfield Football Club! The standalone series so far gives the reader the “found family” vibes, making you feel like one of the team too!
This book follows Wilks, captain of Crawfield FC, a total ladies’ man and a total hottie, finds himself in charge of the cake for his coach (and best friend!!) baby shower. One wrong move and the cake is on the floor. To save the baby shower he rushes to the nearby popular bakery, Ruby’s to get a replacement. In a total-meet cute vibes, he spots sweeter than cake, Chelsie, who has his attention from the first look. Chelsie, having run from a violent relationship is just trying to keep her head down, but that’s impossible when an attractive man is begging through the glass window.
This book was just perfection. Wilks was so patient and attentive to Chelsie, going at her pace to form this relationship. He was ready to fight for his girl. Chelsie was so strong & loveable, I enjoyed watching her blossom throughout the story and stop hiding.
The main characters were just PERFECT for each other.
This book will be pulling on your heart strings while making you laugh and fall in love. The side characters just add the story and take it up that notch, making the atmosphere within the book consuming.
Also…my heart totally swoons when the FMC wears the MMC jersey!
I can’t wait to read about the future of Crawfield FC!
Rating: 4 stars
Spice: 2
Tropes:
sports romance
found
family
set in the UK
reformed playboy
he falls first
small town
Key Info:
Crawfield Football Club #2
medium pace
character & plot driven
emotional but hopeful read
dual POV
1st Person
triggering subjects! please check warnings
Thank you so much Kate for reaching out and providing me with an e-arc copy in exchange for my honest review!
「 ✦ All thoughts & opinions in this review are my own ✦ 」
September 12, 2024
The longshot arc review 🩵✨⚽️🧁
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(✨=half)
This is the second book that I have read by this author and I love her writing style and this book was no different from the first book that I have read I absolutely loved it. I also loved the characters stories and I love getting snippets of the side characters because we know that their stories coming up ✨🥰
Firstly, I would like to say I’m so glad that grey got his book because I loved him in the underdog and wanted to see more of him and seeing more of him did not disappoint. He is literally the definition of a golden retriever. I love him and the way that he treats Chelsie is honestly too cute🥹🩵
I would also like to say to check the trigger warnings because this book does have some topics that would definitely make some readers uncomfortable but I feel like it was written very well and I just loved the story between the two main characters and also getting to see the characters from the first book and how their love story has developed🩵⚽️✨
The reason this is not a five star is because no one compares to Delaney and Warner for me. I absolutely loved there story and fell in love with them.🥰 but I am very excited to see how the next book in the series takes off. I have an inkling who it’s going to be about, but I won’t be giving no spoilers.🤭🩵
⚽️Quotes⚽️
“What I meant to say was perfect. You look perfect, Chelsie. You do. You always do.”
“I’d drive up and down this country twice over for just a single smile from her lips, and I’d do it over and over, happily.”
“Because being a goof makes you smile… and your smile, I’d do anything, be anything for, baby girl.”
“I want you, Chelsie. I want everything about you. I have from the moment I first laid eyes on you. It’s you, Chels. It’s only ever going to be you.”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
(✨=half)
This is the second book that I have read by this author and I love her writing style and this book was no different from the first book that I have read I absolutely loved it. I also loved the characters stories and I love getting snippets of the side characters because we know that their stories coming up ✨🥰
Firstly, I would like to say I’m so glad that grey got his book because I loved him in the underdog and wanted to see more of him and seeing more of him did not disappoint. He is literally the definition of a golden retriever. I love him and the way that he treats Chelsie is honestly too cute🥹🩵
I would also like to say to check the trigger warnings because this book does have some topics that would definitely make some readers uncomfortable but I feel like it was written very well and I just loved the story between the two main characters and also getting to see the characters from the first book and how their love story has developed🩵⚽️✨
The reason this is not a five star is because no one compares to Delaney and Warner for me. I absolutely loved there story and fell in love with them.🥰 but I am very excited to see how the next book in the series takes off. I have an inkling who it’s going to be about, but I won’t be giving no spoilers.🤭🩵
⚽️Quotes⚽️
“What I meant to say was perfect. You look perfect, Chelsie. You do. You always do.”
“I’d drive up and down this country twice over for just a single smile from her lips, and I’d do it over and over, happily.”
“Because being a goof makes you smile… and your smile, I’d do anything, be anything for, baby girl.”
“I want you, Chelsie. I want everything about you. I have from the moment I first laid eyes on you. It’s you, Chels. It’s only ever going to be you.”
September 13, 2024
The Longshot by Kate Lauren (𝖠𝖱𝖢)
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.𝟧
"𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫" - 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒌𝒔
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
🩵𝖧𝖾 𝖥𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝖥𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍
⚽️𝖥𝗈𝗈𝗍𝖻𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🩵𝖭𝗈 𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗋𝖽-𝖠𝖼𝗍 𝖡𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗎𝗉
⚽️𝖥𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒
🩵𝖣𝗎𝖺𝗅 𝖯𝖮𝖵
When I received the arc to this book you best believe I ACTUALLY. SQUEALED
I fell in loveeeee with Wilks in the first book so it was safe to say that i was SOOO excited for this book 🥹
Omgggg the scene in the RAINNNN 😩 my hearttt
Overall, I absolutely ATEEE up this book. Theres just SOMETHING about Kates writing that is so binge worthy! Ive adored every book by her so far. I loved the little glimpses of Warren & Delaney 😩 (from book 1) those characters will always have my heart. OH! And dont even get me STARTED on that ending 😮💨 It was so wholesome i honestly teared up 😭
I want to say a huge thank you to the author for sending me this arc copy 🥹 i absolutely cannot WAIT to see what happens next 🤭😮💨
I have a strongggg feeling Greens book is next 😏
Lots of love,
Lillie Xo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5
🌶️🌶️.𝟧
"𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭, 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝. 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥 𝐈𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐛𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫" - 𝑾𝒊𝒍𝒌𝒔
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
🩵𝖧𝖾 𝖥𝖺𝗅𝗅𝗌 𝖥𝗂𝗋𝗌𝗍
⚽️𝖥𝗈𝗈𝗍𝖻𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
🩵𝖭𝗈 𝖳𝗁𝗂𝗋𝖽-𝖠𝖼𝗍 𝖡𝗋𝖾𝖺𝗄𝗎𝗉
⚽️𝖥𝗈𝗎𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝖺𝗆𝗂𝗅𝗒
🩵𝖣𝗎𝖺𝗅 𝖯𝖮𝖵
When I received the arc to this book you best believe I ACTUALLY. SQUEALED
I fell in loveeeee with Wilks in the first book so it was safe to say that i was SOOO excited for this book 🥹
Omgggg the scene in the RAINNNN 😩 my hearttt
Overall, I absolutely ATEEE up this book. Theres just SOMETHING about Kates writing that is so binge worthy! Ive adored every book by her so far. I loved the little glimpses of Warren & Delaney 😩 (from book 1) those characters will always have my heart. OH! And dont even get me STARTED on that ending 😮💨 It was so wholesome i honestly teared up 😭
I want to say a huge thank you to the author for sending me this arc copy 🥹 i absolutely cannot WAIT to see what happens next 🤭😮💨
I have a strongggg feeling Greens book is next 😏
Lots of love,
Lillie Xo
September 10, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
“Even in my darkest thoughts, Gary always has a way of forcing a smile out of me.”
After reading The Underdog I knew I would love to read more about Wilks and when I found out the second book was his book I screamed!
I loved getting to know Gary Wilkson better and I have to say he definitely charmed me. The way he’s always there for his team and his family and they know they can count on him made me love him so much. He cares so much for those people and doesn’t want to let them down. And when he meets Chelsie he knows that she is deserves to see his true self and give up his playboy years. He never gets tired of affirming his intentions and making sure that Chelsie knows that she’s safe with him.
Chelsie Windsor is such a sweet, caring and confident woman. Her relationship with Ruby is so strong and how she escaped her abusive relationship is admirable. Meeting Gary and starting to date her was definitely not on her bingo card but he always finds a way to make her laugh and feel safe with him. I truly admire her character for how strong she is.
Gary and Chelsie are a perfect match and this story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The Longshot really showed that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Kate Lauren just knows how to write the cosiest and most touching scenes that make you want to keep reading✨
Thank you to Kate Lauren for sending me an eARC of The Longshot ✨
“Even in my darkest thoughts, Gary always has a way of forcing a smile out of me.”
After reading The Underdog I knew I would love to read more about Wilks and when I found out the second book was his book I screamed!
I loved getting to know Gary Wilkson better and I have to say he definitely charmed me. The way he’s always there for his team and his family and they know they can count on him made me love him so much. He cares so much for those people and doesn’t want to let them down. And when he meets Chelsie he knows that she is deserves to see his true self and give up his playboy years. He never gets tired of affirming his intentions and making sure that Chelsie knows that she’s safe with him.
Chelsie Windsor is such a sweet, caring and confident woman. Her relationship with Ruby is so strong and how she escaped her abusive relationship is admirable. Meeting Gary and starting to date her was definitely not on her bingo card but he always finds a way to make her laugh and feel safe with him. I truly admire her character for how strong she is.
Gary and Chelsie are a perfect match and this story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. The Longshot really showed that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. Kate Lauren just knows how to write the cosiest and most touching scenes that make you want to keep reading✨
Thank you to Kate Lauren for sending me an eARC of The Longshot ✨
September 26, 2024
First off i would love to say a huge thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity ❤️❤️
This book was EVERYTHING. Literally felt all the emotions from happy to sad to mad to happy again. It was such a well written story. I loved every piece of it, from beginning to end. I can proudly say that Kate did a fantastic job with this book! I mean small town story?? count me in! strangers to lovers?? HELL YES. Spice but not so much spice?? HELL YEAHHHH. Overall; i really really loved this book and i can’t wait for the whole world to finally read it! I love that i could finally see Wilks story come to life. When i read the underdog (Delaney & Coach’s story) i met Wilks as his dorky self i knew i wanted to read his story one day.
The scene where Chelsie’s came and found her at her apartment. the way Wilks protected her and was like “you need to leave right now” AHHH it made me all giddy i love him so much. seriously go read it!! it’s so good i promise!!
This book was EVERYTHING. Literally felt all the emotions from happy to sad to mad to happy again. It was such a well written story. I loved every piece of it, from beginning to end. I can proudly say that Kate did a fantastic job with this book! I mean small town story?? count me in! strangers to lovers?? HELL YES. Spice but not so much spice?? HELL YEAHHHH. Overall; i really really loved this book and i can’t wait for the whole world to finally read it! I love that i could finally see Wilks story come to life. When i read the underdog (Delaney & Coach’s story) i met Wilks as his dorky self i knew i wanted to read his story one day.
The scene where Chelsie’s came and found her at her apartment. the way Wilks protected her and was like “you need to leave right now” AHHH it made me all giddy i love him so much. seriously go read it!! it’s so good i promise!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2024
3.5/5
i loved the underdog so muuucchh and while GARY FREACKING WILKS was my fav i loved the first book more
dont getme wrong wilks is still my fav and will always be but this just didnt hit as much sadly i hoped that it was going to be five stars for me but it wasnt
still im excited abt the next bookk
i loved the underdog so muuucchh and while GARY FREACKING WILKS was my fav i loved the first book more
dont getme wrong wilks is still my fav and will always be but this just didnt hit as much sadly i hoped that it was going to be five stars for me but it wasnt
still im excited abt the next bookk
February 19, 2025
kate never fails!!! wilks and chelsie were the cutest! and there little meet cute was everything! wilks was dead set on getting chelsie since they first met and i loved how he let chelsie take the lead once he understood why she was so hesitant to jump into something after everything she was going through!
September 5, 2024
Another amazing sports romance! I am obsessed with these characters and the found family aspect of this series! Wilks/Gary’s character is one that I loved and I can’t wait to see this series progress <3
January 22, 2025
(2,75 ⭐)
September 3, 2024
Arc read out sep 10!!!
I loved this so much 🥹
I loved this so much 🥹
September 12, 2024
kate, as usual, you’ve done it again!
i knew i was going to love wilks the moment we met him in the underdog 😍 my fav golden retriever mmc!
first off, i love how they met! honestly the perfect little meet cute 🍰 wilks & chelsie were meant to be together, they were so cute!
chelsie is such a strong character, and wilks is just so goofy!
seeing delaney & warren back just made my heart happy 🥰 the relationship between wilks & warren is probably my fav. they give off sibling vibes and i am here for it. speaking of siblings, i adored chelsie’s sister, ruby. their relationship was so strong, and anyone would be lucky to have an older sibling like ruby!
i absolutely loved this story, and i can’t wait for book 3 🫶🏻 hoping it’s green’s & hazel’s story!
thank you so much kate for having me be apart of your arc team again 🫶🏻 always love arc reading for you!
the longshot is the second book in the crawfield football club series.
what to expect:
- small town
- sports romance ⚽️
- he falls first
- found family
- opposites attract
- dual pov
i knew i was going to love wilks the moment we met him in the underdog 😍 my fav golden retriever mmc!
first off, i love how they met! honestly the perfect little meet cute 🍰 wilks & chelsie were meant to be together, they were so cute!
chelsie is such a strong character, and wilks is just so goofy!
seeing delaney & warren back just made my heart happy 🥰 the relationship between wilks & warren is probably my fav. they give off sibling vibes and i am here for it. speaking of siblings, i adored chelsie’s sister, ruby. their relationship was so strong, and anyone would be lucky to have an older sibling like ruby!
i absolutely loved this story, and i can’t wait for book 3 🫶🏻 hoping it’s green’s & hazel’s story!
thank you so much kate for having me be apart of your arc team again 🫶🏻 always love arc reading for you!
the longshot is the second book in the crawfield football club series.
what to expect:
- small town
- sports romance ⚽️
- he falls first
- found family
- opposites attract
- dual pov
October 26, 2024
4,5/5 ⭐️
WHAT.A.BOOK!!! I had the highest hopes for this book! I fell in love with Gary while reading The Underdog and I couldn’t wait to read his own book, all I wanted was to get to know more about him.
I can now tell you that I love this character with my whole heart! Everything about him is amazing, from his sense of humor to the way he cares and takes care of those he loves. The way he acted towards Chelsie made me fall even harder. I didn’t imagine him to be this adorable but omg! Every single interaction between those two got me smiling until my face started hurting!
Chelsie, what an amazing surprise you were. Her background story almost brought me to tears a few times and I couldn’t help but feeling proud of this girl. I loved her from the start, not only for how strong she was but also for her big, caring heart! Loving her was the easiest thing ever and I could totally understand why Gary fell so fast for her.
Their relationship is everything to me. I loved everything about it and about them 🩵 it quickly became one of my favorite books by Kate but also one of my favorite couples
And don’t even get me started on the epilogue because GUYS the tears in my eyes??? Only happy tears i promise, it was wholesome!
WHAT.A.BOOK!!! I had the highest hopes for this book! I fell in love with Gary while reading The Underdog and I couldn’t wait to read his own book, all I wanted was to get to know more about him.
I can now tell you that I love this character with my whole heart! Everything about him is amazing, from his sense of humor to the way he cares and takes care of those he loves. The way he acted towards Chelsie made me fall even harder. I didn’t imagine him to be this adorable but omg! Every single interaction between those two got me smiling until my face started hurting!
Chelsie, what an amazing surprise you were. Her background story almost brought me to tears a few times and I couldn’t help but feeling proud of this girl. I loved her from the start, not only for how strong she was but also for her big, caring heart! Loving her was the easiest thing ever and I could totally understand why Gary fell so fast for her.
Their relationship is everything to me. I loved everything about it and about them 🩵 it quickly became one of my favorite books by Kate but also one of my favorite couples
And don’t even get me started on the epilogue because GUYS the tears in my eyes??? Only happy tears i promise, it was wholesome!
September 26, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
It was good, I feel like I just couldn’t really connect to the story but there was nothing I could pin point that I didn’t like so it’s definitely a me problem. I think I just felt mildly irritated with how some interactions happened or how quickly Chelsie would come to realizations, there was never really a break she would want to be with him one day need distance the next and then immediately the next day be with him again (if that makes sense), it just might be the right book wrong time for me.
Also apparently I don’t like the name Gary lol it just didn’t feel right so that might add to my relatively neutral feelings about this book.
It was good, I feel like I just couldn’t really connect to the story but there was nothing I could pin point that I didn’t like so it’s definitely a me problem. I think I just felt mildly irritated with how some interactions happened or how quickly Chelsie would come to realizations, there was never really a break she would want to be with him one day need distance the next and then immediately the next day be with him again (if that makes sense), it just might be the right book wrong time for me.
Also apparently I don’t like the name Gary lol it just didn’t feel right so that might add to my relatively neutral feelings about this book.
September 12, 2024
The Longshot will be out on the 13th of September - tomorrow, don’t miss out on buying your copy!
Please check the trigger warnings for this book: Domestic Violence. This book is also only intended for those over the age of eighteen as it contains some spicy scenes.
Firstly, the cover of The Longshot, I am obsessed. I do love the character work, and it makes me happy that they are all going to match in their themes.
The dedication…
"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 - 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚎".
I am a sucker for a good dedication and I think that this one is one that a lot of individuals will be able to resonate with. Peace is something a lot of us look for, whether that be in where we stay, who we surround ourselves with or in our career. Often life can get so chaotic and busy, so finding peace in things that make us feel good and calm is always a bonus. Dedications are so special because I think that people can interpret from them what they need from them.
Characters…
Those first few pages… oh my god, I felt so much for Chelsie. I was shouting through the words, please get out of this relationship. "𝙽𝚘 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚎 𝚖𝚎. 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝". From this it was clear that Chelsie knew what she was experiencing wasn’t okay, she knew she had to get out of it. It is obvious that Chelsie’s mind is in a place of survival with how she is reacting to the way Simon’s behaviour is, she knows how to appease him in order for him not to hurt her. I was so glad that Chelsie’s sister was there, and automatically knew that something was wrong. I think Chelsie needed this, Simon seemed like the type to convince her to try to stay.
Gary Wilks… he is so golden retriever coded.
I love his relationship with the Coach (Warren) - it is so interesting to get to see their relationship in a bit more depth and learn a bit more background into how it began. Also to see his relationship with Delaney - you can tell that he has a lot of respect for her. When he says he is ready for his own Delaney - adorable! The banter between Wilks, Hart and Green had me giggling.
Simon is just so awful. The way he manipulated Chelsie into staying with him is truly horrible. The way he spoke to her made me dislike him right away! How fast he can change his reactions with Chelsie just proves the type of person he actually is. I felt so protective of Chelsie everytime Simon spoke to her or was around her. I am so glad she found her way out of this relationship with him.
I loved that Delaney and Warren got a wee appearance, it was so sweet to be able to read about them again. It was great to see a bit more into their future!
Chelsie’s relationship with her parents is quite a difficult one at first. It seems that she does a lot to appease them, and almost feels as if she owes them for what they were able to provide Chelsie with growing up. I feel the way they were about Simon is also very difficult because they didn’t know what Simon was doing to Chelsie and what she was actually going through. It was a tough read watching how they spoke to her and treated Gary.
Chelsie’s sister Ruby is genuinely the kindest soul. She takes Chelsie in after finding out what Simon has been doing to her, and allows Chelsie the time to heal. She supports her decision no matter what and shields her secret from their parents who don’t know what Simon is doing to Chelsie. "𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜". I adored this quote from Ruby to her sister as I truly believe in it.
Chelsie and Gary together are so meant to be - I loved that their relationship was so real and raw. "𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚎'𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚢 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 -𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛". It starts with Chelise helping out Gary with an emergency cake. When Gary tried to act the player bit with his friends closely watching behind, Chelsie does not stand for it and I love this for her. It shows strength in her character that she starts to stick up for herself - I was absolutely rooting for her. Although I adored the grovelling with the bunch of flowers as an apology - this was too cute! I mean, come on, showing up everyday at the cafe in order to win her back over, my heart is melting. They just seem to compliment each other so well, like they are two halves of the one person.
Tropes -
Grovelling
Small Town Romance
Playboy x Good Girl
Captain x New Girl in Town
Slow Burn
Calls her ‘love’
Please check the trigger warnings for this book: Domestic Violence. This book is also only intended for those over the age of eighteen as it contains some spicy scenes.
Firstly, the cover of The Longshot, I am obsessed. I do love the character work, and it makes me happy that they are all going to match in their themes.
The dedication…
"𝚃𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚋𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚒𝚜 𝚍𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚜𝚎 𝚜𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚌𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚒𝚛 𝚙𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚎 - 𝚠𝚑𝚘𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚘𝚛 𝚠𝚑𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚒𝚐𝚑𝚝 𝚋𝚎".
I am a sucker for a good dedication and I think that this one is one that a lot of individuals will be able to resonate with. Peace is something a lot of us look for, whether that be in where we stay, who we surround ourselves with or in our career. Often life can get so chaotic and busy, so finding peace in things that make us feel good and calm is always a bonus. Dedications are so special because I think that people can interpret from them what they need from them.
Characters…
Those first few pages… oh my god, I felt so much for Chelsie. I was shouting through the words, please get out of this relationship. "𝙽𝚘 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚒𝚜 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚛𝚎𝚜𝚌𝚞𝚎 𝚖𝚎. 𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝. 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚘𝚠𝚗 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚞𝚝". From this it was clear that Chelsie knew what she was experiencing wasn’t okay, she knew she had to get out of it. It is obvious that Chelsie’s mind is in a place of survival with how she is reacting to the way Simon’s behaviour is, she knows how to appease him in order for him not to hurt her. I was so glad that Chelsie’s sister was there, and automatically knew that something was wrong. I think Chelsie needed this, Simon seemed like the type to convince her to try to stay.
Gary Wilks… he is so golden retriever coded.
I love his relationship with the Coach (Warren) - it is so interesting to get to see their relationship in a bit more depth and learn a bit more background into how it began. Also to see his relationship with Delaney - you can tell that he has a lot of respect for her. When he says he is ready for his own Delaney - adorable! The banter between Wilks, Hart and Green had me giggling.
Simon is just so awful. The way he manipulated Chelsie into staying with him is truly horrible. The way he spoke to her made me dislike him right away! How fast he can change his reactions with Chelsie just proves the type of person he actually is. I felt so protective of Chelsie everytime Simon spoke to her or was around her. I am so glad she found her way out of this relationship with him.
I loved that Delaney and Warren got a wee appearance, it was so sweet to be able to read about them again. It was great to see a bit more into their future!
Chelsie’s relationship with her parents is quite a difficult one at first. It seems that she does a lot to appease them, and almost feels as if she owes them for what they were able to provide Chelsie with growing up. I feel the way they were about Simon is also very difficult because they didn’t know what Simon was doing to Chelsie and what she was actually going through. It was a tough read watching how they spoke to her and treated Gary.
Chelsie’s sister Ruby is genuinely the kindest soul. She takes Chelsie in after finding out what Simon has been doing to her, and allows Chelsie the time to heal. She supports her decision no matter what and shields her secret from their parents who don’t know what Simon is doing to Chelsie. "𝙽𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚘𝚠 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚜𝚝𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚢 𝚘𝚏 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚏𝚒𝚗𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚎 𝚑𝚊𝚙𝚙𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜". I adored this quote from Ruby to her sister as I truly believe in it.
Chelsie and Gary together are so meant to be - I loved that their relationship was so real and raw. "𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚊𝚝𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚎'𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚢 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 -𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚠𝚎'𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚐𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚛". It starts with Chelise helping out Gary with an emergency cake. When Gary tried to act the player bit with his friends closely watching behind, Chelsie does not stand for it and I love this for her. It shows strength in her character that she starts to stick up for herself - I was absolutely rooting for her. Although I adored the grovelling with the bunch of flowers as an apology - this was too cute! I mean, come on, showing up everyday at the cafe in order to win her back over, my heart is melting. They just seem to compliment each other so well, like they are two halves of the one person.
Tropes -
Grovelling
Small Town Romance
Playboy x Good Girl
Captain x New Girl in Town
Slow Burn
Calls her ‘love’
August 25, 2024
"You make me feel special because whatever this is between the two of us, it is special. It's real."
Honestly cannot express how much I loved this book! Pretty much devoured it as soon as I started reading it! As my first Kate Lauren novel, this has me giddy to read all her other works!
overall rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
spice rating: 🌶🌶
giggle rating: like a madwoman 🤭
A sports romance thats packed with all your favourite tropes! We have the reformed playboy soccer player and a goodie to shoes baker, with a sprinkle of grovelling and a delicious side of "who did this to you?" I mean... what more could you want!?!?
Chelsie; our smart, talented and badass FMC, who moved to the Crawfield with her sister to get away from a life that was hurting her, and work in the towns favourite bakery. Until our goofy and clumsy soccer captain comes arguing into the bakery needing a cake... and Chelsie does not make it easy for him. Even when he shamelessly flirts, she cant help but not be swayed by his charm, even though he HAS LOTS OF HARM. she just doesn't have time for men right now. Not when she had wounds that need time to heal.
Gary, the happy go lucky soccer captain, finds himself star struck but Mollie as soon as he meets her. Wanting to get to know her, even using his signature charm to try and sway her, but alas, Chelsie but very well be the first woman to reject him... but he's determined. In Awe but her spunk and witty remarks, he wants to get closer to her. And he will. But showing her the real him, and not 'Wilks' who he puts on as an act.
As Gary and Chelsie’s friendship flourishes, I find myself rooting so hard for them! Especially when Gary was constantly turning up to the bakery for Chelsie. Looking like a little love sick fool. So when she finally decides to give this a go, I was so excited. And Gary DELIVERED! This man is the definition of 'if he wanted to he would.'
Chels and Ruby's sisterly bond is so beautiful to read about. The way Ruby didn't think twice before sneaking her away to the small town, and helping her rebuild her life after what Simon out her through! how they are there for each other and even hang out all the time! Makes the big sister heart in me happy!
But when I tell you I wanted to jump into the boom and strangle Simon so badly. I hated that man so much and THE WAY GARY PROTECTED HER AND STOOD UP FOR HER! *SWOON* He would do anything for Mollie and that is why I love him so much! I love the insta love he had for her. Because he chose to be the real him with Chelsie, for the first time ever!
Now, now, they may be sweet and wholesome, but these two are some FREAKS IN THE SHEETS! I mean, this man lets her take the lead so SHE feels in control! And he loves being called Captain 😏 like these two are so hawt and they just know it! I'm obsessed with them!
I also love the bond that Gary has with his team, how they see him as a leader (yes he is the captain of the team but sometimes captain can be shit), a friend to go to with advice and how they tease each other like a band of brothers. Even as they give Coach shit everyday!
Thank you to Kate for choosing me as an ARC reader for your second book! I am truly grateful and I adored this book so much! Off to go read 'The Underdog" now because I need more Coach and Delany.
Honestly cannot express how much I loved this book! Pretty much devoured it as soon as I started reading it! As my first Kate Lauren novel, this has me giddy to read all her other works!
overall rating: ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
spice rating: 🌶🌶
giggle rating: like a madwoman 🤭
A sports romance thats packed with all your favourite tropes! We have the reformed playboy soccer player and a goodie to shoes baker, with a sprinkle of grovelling and a delicious side of "who did this to you?" I mean... what more could you want!?!?
Chelsie; our smart, talented and badass FMC, who moved to the Crawfield with her sister to get away from a life that was hurting her, and work in the towns favourite bakery. Until our goofy and clumsy soccer captain comes arguing into the bakery needing a cake... and Chelsie does not make it easy for him. Even when he shamelessly flirts, she cant help but not be swayed by his charm, even though he HAS LOTS OF HARM. she just doesn't have time for men right now. Not when she had wounds that need time to heal.
Gary, the happy go lucky soccer captain, finds himself star struck but Mollie as soon as he meets her. Wanting to get to know her, even using his signature charm to try and sway her, but alas, Chelsie but very well be the first woman to reject him... but he's determined. In Awe but her spunk and witty remarks, he wants to get closer to her. And he will. But showing her the real him, and not 'Wilks' who he puts on as an act.
As Gary and Chelsie’s friendship flourishes, I find myself rooting so hard for them! Especially when Gary was constantly turning up to the bakery for Chelsie. Looking like a little love sick fool. So when she finally decides to give this a go, I was so excited. And Gary DELIVERED! This man is the definition of 'if he wanted to he would.'
Chels and Ruby's sisterly bond is so beautiful to read about. The way Ruby didn't think twice before sneaking her away to the small town, and helping her rebuild her life after what Simon out her through! how they are there for each other and even hang out all the time! Makes the big sister heart in me happy!
But when I tell you I wanted to jump into the boom and strangle Simon so badly. I hated that man so much and THE WAY GARY PROTECTED HER AND STOOD UP FOR HER! *SWOON* He would do anything for Mollie and that is why I love him so much! I love the insta love he had for her. Because he chose to be the real him with Chelsie, for the first time ever!
Now, now, they may be sweet and wholesome, but these two are some FREAKS IN THE SHEETS! I mean, this man lets her take the lead so SHE feels in control! And he loves being called Captain 😏 like these two are so hawt and they just know it! I'm obsessed with them!
I also love the bond that Gary has with his team, how they see him as a leader (yes he is the captain of the team but sometimes captain can be shit), a friend to go to with advice and how they tease each other like a band of brothers. Even as they give Coach shit everyday!
Thank you to Kate for choosing me as an ARC reader for your second book! I am truly grateful and I adored this book so much! Off to go read 'The Underdog" now because I need more Coach and Delany.
September 10, 2024
ARC Review
The Longshot by Kate Lauren
4.25/5 ⭐️
The Longshot is the second book in the Crawfield Football Club series and it follows Chelsie and Wilks (Gary).
Chelsie has secretly escaped to Crawley for a fresh start. She needed a break and to get away from her toxic ex boyfriend. She is working at her sister’s bakery when Wilks, Crawford FC’s star captain and the town’s well known ladies man, comes banging on the door in need of a cake. From the moment Wilks sets eyes on Chelsie, he is completely smitten. He turns on the charm that has worked for every other woman in Crawley, but it fails to impress her. Chelsie is immune to his charms, because she believes it’s front and it’s not who he really is. She wants to know who Gary is, not the Wilks facade he puts up. Wilks fears that she won’t stay around once she gets to know the real him. No other woman has stayed, so why would she be different. They’ve only ever wanted a taste of him. Chelsie is reluctant to start anything with Wilks because of her most recent relationship. She’s afraid to open up and trust again. But the more she gets to know Wilks, she realizes he’s different. And maybe he could be the one…
I loved being back in the town of Crawley. Gary and Chelsie’s relationship was so cute. Their meet cute is rom com gold. Wilks (Gary) was one of my favorite characters in The Underdog and I loved getting to read his story. Gary is such a golden retriever MMC. I love that we got to see a vulnerable side of him in this book. Chelsie is such a strong FMC. What she went through with her ex was horrible and nobody should ever have to go through that. I hated that she felt like she had to keep what happened between them a secret. Ruby is the best big sister ever. I liked that Ruby was protective over her little sister. Getting Chelsie out of the situation she was in was the best thing Ruby could have done. I wasn’t too happy with the parents. Even though they did know what happened, they still should have been on the side of their daughter. I loved the way the book ended. Had me laughing so hard. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Football Romance
- Fake Dating
- Found Family
- He Falls First
- Golden Retriever MMC
- Reformed Playboy
- No Third Act Break-up
Thank you Kate Lauren for the ARC!
The Longshot by Kate Lauren
4.25/5 ⭐️
The Longshot is the second book in the Crawfield Football Club series and it follows Chelsie and Wilks (Gary).
Chelsie has secretly escaped to Crawley for a fresh start. She needed a break and to get away from her toxic ex boyfriend. She is working at her sister’s bakery when Wilks, Crawford FC’s star captain and the town’s well known ladies man, comes banging on the door in need of a cake. From the moment Wilks sets eyes on Chelsie, he is completely smitten. He turns on the charm that has worked for every other woman in Crawley, but it fails to impress her. Chelsie is immune to his charms, because she believes it’s front and it’s not who he really is. She wants to know who Gary is, not the Wilks facade he puts up. Wilks fears that she won’t stay around once she gets to know the real him. No other woman has stayed, so why would she be different. They’ve only ever wanted a taste of him. Chelsie is reluctant to start anything with Wilks because of her most recent relationship. She’s afraid to open up and trust again. But the more she gets to know Wilks, she realizes he’s different. And maybe he could be the one…
I loved being back in the town of Crawley. Gary and Chelsie’s relationship was so cute. Their meet cute is rom com gold. Wilks (Gary) was one of my favorite characters in The Underdog and I loved getting to read his story. Gary is such a golden retriever MMC. I love that we got to see a vulnerable side of him in this book. Chelsie is such a strong FMC. What she went through with her ex was horrible and nobody should ever have to go through that. I hated that she felt like she had to keep what happened between them a secret. Ruby is the best big sister ever. I liked that Ruby was protective over her little sister. Getting Chelsie out of the situation she was in was the best thing Ruby could have done. I wasn’t too happy with the parents. Even though they did know what happened, they still should have been on the side of their daughter. I loved the way the book ended. Had me laughing so hard. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Football Romance
- Fake Dating
- Found Family
- He Falls First
- Golden Retriever MMC
- Reformed Playboy
- No Third Act Break-up
Thank you Kate Lauren for the ARC!
September 8, 2024
"You make me feel special because whatever this is between the two of us, it is special. It's real."
Tropes:
💙 Small Town
⚽️ Soccer Romance
💙 Fake Dating
⚽️ Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
⚽️ Opposites Attract
💙 He Falls First
⚽️ Golden Retriever x Black Cat
💙 Reformed Playboy
⚽️ Soccer Player x Baker
💙⚽️ ARC Review ⚽️💙
I was so excited to return to the Crawfield Football Club series. I absolutely adore the series because Kate has this wonderful way of writing that makes you feel like you are part of her character's friendship group.
Kate really emphasizes the feelings of her characters throughout the book and creates this amazing world where you can't help but fall in love – Chelsie and Gary were everything 😭💗
Chelsie, my sweet angel 🥺💗 I absolutely love her – she is such a strong person after everything she has been through. I loved how her sister Ruby looked after and protected her – no one should ever experience the pain Chelsie has been through. She deserves nothing but respect for moving toCrawfield with her sister to get away from a life that was hurting her and work at her sister’bakery.
The relationship between Chelsie and her sister Ruby was so adorable🥺💗Ruby was so protective over her sister. The way Ruby didn't think twice before moving with her to Crawfield and helping her rebuild her life after what Simon put her through! Both of them are always there for each other and would do anything to protect each other everything😭💗
Gary Wilkinson was everything - I love him so much 🥹💗 When he first met Chelsie, he knew immediately that she was everything to him. After she rejects him he is determined to show her how serious he is about her. He wants Chelsie to see the real him, Gary, not Wilks. Gary is also a family man - he cares a lot about his parents and siblings 😭💗
I loved the friendship between Gary and Chelsie so much but throughout the book, I was rooting for them!! They are the definition of soulmates 🥺💗I loved it when Gary kept showing up at the bakery for Chelsie - he wanted her to see him get to know her. It was so adorable and you could tell how much he cared for her.
I also love the bond between Gary, the team, and Coach Warren. They care deeply about each other and will always protect each other!
Kate really brought out all the feelings I loved and will cherish forever! Chelsie and Gary captured my heart 🥹💗This story was absolutely beautiful 💗
Thank you so much Kate for the ARC 🫶🏻💗
Tropes:
💙 Small Town
⚽️ Soccer Romance
💙 Fake Dating
⚽️ Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
⚽️ Opposites Attract
💙 He Falls First
⚽️ Golden Retriever x Black Cat
💙 Reformed Playboy
⚽️ Soccer Player x Baker
💙⚽️ ARC Review ⚽️💙
I was so excited to return to the Crawfield Football Club series. I absolutely adore the series because Kate has this wonderful way of writing that makes you feel like you are part of her character's friendship group.
Kate really emphasizes the feelings of her characters throughout the book and creates this amazing world where you can't help but fall in love – Chelsie and Gary were everything 😭💗
Chelsie, my sweet angel 🥺💗 I absolutely love her – she is such a strong person after everything she has been through. I loved how her sister Ruby looked after and protected her – no one should ever experience the pain Chelsie has been through. She deserves nothing but respect for moving toCrawfield with her sister to get away from a life that was hurting her and work at her sister’bakery.
The relationship between Chelsie and her sister Ruby was so adorable🥺💗Ruby was so protective over her sister. The way Ruby didn't think twice before moving with her to Crawfield and helping her rebuild her life after what Simon put her through! Both of them are always there for each other and would do anything to protect each other everything😭💗
Gary Wilkinson was everything - I love him so much 🥹💗 When he first met Chelsie, he knew immediately that she was everything to him. After she rejects him he is determined to show her how serious he is about her. He wants Chelsie to see the real him, Gary, not Wilks. Gary is also a family man - he cares a lot about his parents and siblings 😭💗
I loved the friendship between Gary and Chelsie so much but throughout the book, I was rooting for them!! They are the definition of soulmates 🥺💗I loved it when Gary kept showing up at the bakery for Chelsie - he wanted her to see him get to know her. It was so adorable and you could tell how much he cared for her.
I also love the bond between Gary, the team, and Coach Warren. They care deeply about each other and will always protect each other!
Kate really brought out all the feelings I loved and will cherish forever! Chelsie and Gary captured my heart 🥹💗This story was absolutely beautiful 💗
Thank you so much Kate for the ARC 🫶🏻💗
September 17, 2024
💫💫💫💫💫 5 stars!!!! I will always read Kate's books!
The Longshot by Kate Lauren is a captivating sports romance that expertly weaves together emotional depth, character growth, and beloved romance tropes. At the heart of the story is Chelsie, a strong yet vulnerable heroine escaping a toxic relationship with Simon. The depiction of her struggle is both heartbreaking and empowering, as she learns to reclaim her life with the help of her kind-hearted sister Ruby. The bond between the sisters is beautifully portrayed, offering emotional support that feels authentic and deeply moving.
The hero, Gary Wilks, is charmingly golden-retriever-coded—a goofy and determined soccer captain who quickly becomes smitten with Chelsie. Their dynamic is full of witty banter and tender moments, with Gary showing great respect for Chelsie’s boundaries. He relentlessly pursues her with adorable gestures like daily visits to her bakery, all while allowing her to heal at her own pace. Their relationship develops naturally, and Gary’s sincerity and vulnerability make him an easy character to root for.
Kate also excels in capturing the camaraderie between Gary and his teammates, adding a lighthearted and fun dimension to the story. The banter and brotherhood among the players, particularly Gary’s relationship with Coach Warren, provide comic relief and showcase Gary’s role as a loyal captain and friend. These friendships enrich the overall narrative, offering a balance to the heavier emotional moments.
The romance is beautifully layered with both sweet and spicy scenes, but what stands out is how Kate allows the physical intimacy to be part of Chelsie’s healing journey. The chemistry between Chelsie and Gary is electric, but more importantly, it’s a safe space for her to regain control of her life after the trauma she endured. *The Longshot* is a powerful and heartwarming read that blends emotional depth, humor, and steamy romance into an unforgettable sports love story.
The story is out now!
The Longshot by Kate Lauren is a captivating sports romance that expertly weaves together emotional depth, character growth, and beloved romance tropes. At the heart of the story is Chelsie, a strong yet vulnerable heroine escaping a toxic relationship with Simon. The depiction of her struggle is both heartbreaking and empowering, as she learns to reclaim her life with the help of her kind-hearted sister Ruby. The bond between the sisters is beautifully portrayed, offering emotional support that feels authentic and deeply moving.
The hero, Gary Wilks, is charmingly golden-retriever-coded—a goofy and determined soccer captain who quickly becomes smitten with Chelsie. Their dynamic is full of witty banter and tender moments, with Gary showing great respect for Chelsie’s boundaries. He relentlessly pursues her with adorable gestures like daily visits to her bakery, all while allowing her to heal at her own pace. Their relationship develops naturally, and Gary’s sincerity and vulnerability make him an easy character to root for.
Kate also excels in capturing the camaraderie between Gary and his teammates, adding a lighthearted and fun dimension to the story. The banter and brotherhood among the players, particularly Gary’s relationship with Coach Warren, provide comic relief and showcase Gary’s role as a loyal captain and friend. These friendships enrich the overall narrative, offering a balance to the heavier emotional moments.
The romance is beautifully layered with both sweet and spicy scenes, but what stands out is how Kate allows the physical intimacy to be part of Chelsie’s healing journey. The chemistry between Chelsie and Gary is electric, but more importantly, it’s a safe space for her to regain control of her life after the trauma she endured. *The Longshot* is a powerful and heartwarming read that blends emotional depth, humor, and steamy romance into an unforgettable sports love story.
The story is out now!
September 10, 2024
4 ⭐️ 1.5 🌶️
Read As An Arc
💙 Small Town
💙 Soccer Player MMC
💙 Fake Dating
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 He Falls First
💙 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
💙 Baker FMC
💙 No 3rd Act Break-Up
💙 Reformed Playboy
Chelsie helps your sister Rudy out of a bakery, while trying to rebuild her life after being in a real toxic relationship. And Gary… Soccer team, captain, clumsy, and golden retriever! He is a new book, boyfriend everyone will love!
My first thing that I loved about Facebook, was how they met! Cute in the clumsiness, because he dropped the cake on himself at Chelsie's bakery. There is a triangle banter between Chelsie, Gary and Ruby, as the tension starts to tighten between Chelsie and Gary. It's honestly, so cute, you can't help rooting for them and having Chelsie take a chance on Gary finally putting Simon away forever… I hate him lol.
A few things that I just wasn’t a fan of, but doesn’t really affect the book itself is one Simon, to her parents, which seem a bit and supportive when it comes to Chelsie’s relationship. At least with having Chelsie’s parents on her side, we would only have Simon to despise lol. The last thing was there just wasn't enough spice. The spice in this book is very little. I think it's a good amount for the book itself and its vibe, so this is just a personal preference of mine, something that doesn’t really take way from the read.
Kate made this book cozy, funny, and a charming romcom! I love the book and the vibe that it was giving it's a great light read that literally won't make you stop giggling.
Instagram Post
* Thank you Kate Lauren for the arc!
Read As An Arc
💙 Small Town
💙 Soccer Player MMC
💙 Fake Dating
💙 Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
💙 Opposites Attract
💙 He Falls First
💙 Golden Retriever x Black Cat
💙 Baker FMC
💙 No 3rd Act Break-Up
💙 Reformed Playboy
Chelsie helps your sister Rudy out of a bakery, while trying to rebuild her life after being in a real toxic relationship. And Gary… Soccer team, captain, clumsy, and golden retriever! He is a new book, boyfriend everyone will love!
My first thing that I loved about Facebook, was how they met! Cute in the clumsiness, because he dropped the cake on himself at Chelsie's bakery. There is a triangle banter between Chelsie, Gary and Ruby, as the tension starts to tighten between Chelsie and Gary. It's honestly, so cute, you can't help rooting for them and having Chelsie take a chance on Gary finally putting Simon away forever… I hate him lol.
A few things that I just wasn’t a fan of, but doesn’t really affect the book itself is one Simon, to her parents, which seem a bit and supportive when it comes to Chelsie’s relationship. At least with having Chelsie’s parents on her side, we would only have Simon to despise lol. The last thing was there just wasn't enough spice. The spice in this book is very little. I think it's a good amount for the book itself and its vibe, so this is just a personal preference of mine, something that doesn’t really take way from the read.
Kate made this book cozy, funny, and a charming romcom! I love the book and the vibe that it was giving it's a great light read that literally won't make you stop giggling.
Instagram Post
* Thank you Kate Lauren for the arc!
September 14, 2024
Y’all know the score by now, it’s time for another review of my girl Kate’s latest upcoming release!! My oh my are you all in for a treat!
I’ve had the absolute honour of both beta and arc reading both novels (to date😉) in this series, and I’m so so happy release day for this one is almost here! It’s up there as one of my favourites for sure🥹
I would definitely recommend checking out the content warnings for this one before you dive in, as there are on page descriptions of domestic violence. I urge you to put your mental health first🩵
The Longshot is book two in Kate’s Crawfield Football Club series, a collection of interconnected standalone novels, featuring FMC Chelsie Windsor and MMC Gary Wilkinson (more affectionately known as Wilks). From reading The Underdog, I loved Wilks already and could not wait to get my hands on his book!
Wilks and Chelsie have one of my all time favourite meet-cutes, and from that day he’s a changed man. Playboy turns golden retriever and I am so here for it!! He grows into being the definition of book boyfriend, and I absolutely love that for Chelsie! Following her story and the awful experiences she has had with men, her hesitance and caution toward men is fully understandable, but no matter the cards life dealt her she has always held on to hope. I honestly cried happy tears when she finally realised the love she deserved was right in front of her, and it couldn’t have come to a more deserving FMC.
Kate, you know I say this every single time I get my hands on your work, but my gosh honey you’ve done it again. I will never tire of your stories, words or works and am endlessly grateful for you sharing them with me. I’m forever proud of you, you truly are special and incredible things lie in your future I’m wholly sure of it.
I’ve had the absolute honour of both beta and arc reading both novels (to date😉) in this series, and I’m so so happy release day for this one is almost here! It’s up there as one of my favourites for sure🥹
I would definitely recommend checking out the content warnings for this one before you dive in, as there are on page descriptions of domestic violence. I urge you to put your mental health first🩵
The Longshot is book two in Kate’s Crawfield Football Club series, a collection of interconnected standalone novels, featuring FMC Chelsie Windsor and MMC Gary Wilkinson (more affectionately known as Wilks). From reading The Underdog, I loved Wilks already and could not wait to get my hands on his book!
Wilks and Chelsie have one of my all time favourite meet-cutes, and from that day he’s a changed man. Playboy turns golden retriever and I am so here for it!! He grows into being the definition of book boyfriend, and I absolutely love that for Chelsie! Following her story and the awful experiences she has had with men, her hesitance and caution toward men is fully understandable, but no matter the cards life dealt her she has always held on to hope. I honestly cried happy tears when she finally realised the love she deserved was right in front of her, and it couldn’t have come to a more deserving FMC.
Kate, you know I say this every single time I get my hands on your work, but my gosh honey you’ve done it again. I will never tire of your stories, words or works and am endlessly grateful for you sharing them with me. I’m forever proud of you, you truly are special and incredible things lie in your future I’m wholly sure of it.
September 7, 2024
▪️ARC BOOK REVIEW!▪️The Longshot by Kate Lauren
Thank you so much Kate for granting me this ARC! I always feel like the luckiest girl when I get this opportunity from you! 🥲
“Chelsie.” It’s the first time I’ve said her name out loud, and only now do I start to wonder why I’ve kept it all in my mind for so long when her name has always belonged on my lips. ✨
Okay, okay...now we all know my heart belongs to the men in Kate's first novel, but let me tell you a secret. Gary Wilkinson is not messing around here, and he's about to steal ALL👏your👏hearts! 👏
Wilks is the captain, or really the king, of the Crawley Football Club, and nothing can take his attention away from his team like the eyes and lips of Chelsie Windsor.
Chelsie needed an escape from her life. No, an escape from her abusive boyfriend. When her older sister takes her away from their hometown to work at her bakery, life starts to get better. But how long until her ex finds her? Maybe she needs a protector, or better, someone who will help her believe that she's the only one that has power over her life. *cries
Kate!!! You've done it again! From the adorable meet cute to the groveling, from the strong connection I felt to the characters to the sweetest quotes, and from chapters that made me hold my breath to the tears I hardly ever shed while reading. Dang girl, you've got a gift. 💙
➡️ If you love...small town romance, English football, opposites attract, Dual POV, he calls her "Baby Girl", sports romance, "who did this to you", groveling, spiiiiice, and British characters...this is for you!!
Thank you so much Kate for granting me this ARC! I always feel like the luckiest girl when I get this opportunity from you! 🥲
“Chelsie.” It’s the first time I’ve said her name out loud, and only now do I start to wonder why I’ve kept it all in my mind for so long when her name has always belonged on my lips. ✨
Okay, okay...now we all know my heart belongs to the men in Kate's first novel, but let me tell you a secret. Gary Wilkinson is not messing around here, and he's about to steal ALL👏your👏hearts! 👏
Wilks is the captain, or really the king, of the Crawley Football Club, and nothing can take his attention away from his team like the eyes and lips of Chelsie Windsor.
Chelsie needed an escape from her life. No, an escape from her abusive boyfriend. When her older sister takes her away from their hometown to work at her bakery, life starts to get better. But how long until her ex finds her? Maybe she needs a protector, or better, someone who will help her believe that she's the only one that has power over her life. *cries
Kate!!! You've done it again! From the adorable meet cute to the groveling, from the strong connection I felt to the characters to the sweetest quotes, and from chapters that made me hold my breath to the tears I hardly ever shed while reading. Dang girl, you've got a gift. 💙
➡️ If you love...small town romance, English football, opposites attract, Dual POV, he calls her "Baby Girl", sports romance, "who did this to you", groveling, spiiiiice, and British characters...this is for you!!
September 11, 2024
Thank you Kate for the arc!!!
Welcome back to Crawley!! 😍💙⚽️ I was so excited to jump back into this small town, and Wilks was the perfect player to start with.
Gary is a star football (soccer) player and definitely puts on a mask for those around him, hiding behind “Wilks” lets him protect Gary and his emotions. He’s such a loveable, soft, kind of chaotic guy you can’t help but become obsessed with him. After his natural talent of being clumsy and ruining Delaney’s baby shower cake he is in a panic to make it right for her and Coach Warren. Running to the bakery in attempt to save the day, he runs into Chelsie. Who Wilks is definitely taken by her pretty face, sassy attitude. Chelsie has just left a bad relationship and is trying to reset and relax away from her family and school. After much persuasion Gary convinces Chelsie to give him a chance.
He is so sweet and pure and down BAD for our girl Chelsie, which she deserves nothing less. I loved the pacing, it was sweet and funny, but also sensitive and serious when it needed to be. Chelsie is so strong for getting herself out and allowing herself to open back up to Gary. I am simply obsessed with them.
I’m hoping book 3 is Green and Hazel and I’m READYYYYYYYYYY.
What to expect:
⚽️ Professional Football (Soccer) Player
🇬🇧 British FMC & MMC
🏘️ Small Town
🫂 Found Family
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🥈 Dual POV
🌗 Opposites Attract
💘 Reformed Playboy
🍩 Goodie Two Shoes
❤️🔥 Open Door
Welcome back to Crawley!! 😍💙⚽️ I was so excited to jump back into this small town, and Wilks was the perfect player to start with.
Gary is a star football (soccer) player and definitely puts on a mask for those around him, hiding behind “Wilks” lets him protect Gary and his emotions. He’s such a loveable, soft, kind of chaotic guy you can’t help but become obsessed with him. After his natural talent of being clumsy and ruining Delaney’s baby shower cake he is in a panic to make it right for her and Coach Warren. Running to the bakery in attempt to save the day, he runs into Chelsie. Who Wilks is definitely taken by her pretty face, sassy attitude. Chelsie has just left a bad relationship and is trying to reset and relax away from her family and school. After much persuasion Gary convinces Chelsie to give him a chance.
He is so sweet and pure and down BAD for our girl Chelsie, which she deserves nothing less. I loved the pacing, it was sweet and funny, but also sensitive and serious when it needed to be. Chelsie is so strong for getting herself out and allowing herself to open back up to Gary. I am simply obsessed with them.
I’m hoping book 3 is Green and Hazel and I’m READYYYYYYYYYY.
What to expect:
⚽️ Professional Football (Soccer) Player
🇬🇧 British FMC & MMC
🏘️ Small Town
🫂 Found Family
❤️🩹 Hurt/Comfort
🥈 Dual POV
🌗 Opposites Attract
💘 Reformed Playboy
🍩 Goodie Two Shoes
❤️🔥 Open Door
September 11, 2024
It’s hard to not just want to gush about Kate Lauren as a person for this entire post but I will try my best to keep my love for her short and sweet. She is not only an incredible author, but she is an incredibly kind and wonderful person and I am truly honored to get to call her a friend. 🤍 Now onto the book itself… I was lucky enough to get to be on the Beta team for the Crawfield series so this was my second time reading through The Longshot. I absolutely adored this book the first time through and I love it even more the second time. My absolute favorite thing about Kate Lauren’s books is the readability, they just have the most beautiful flow to them and they are so easy to just binge through and lose track of time as you read. They also make you FEEL and this one is definitely no exception. This one handles some big subjects (please check trigger warnings) but Kate handles the subject matter with such gentleness and sensitivity that makes it so palatable. You definitely experience the entire range of emotions while reading this book constantly going from laughing to blushing to crying and falling in love right along with Wilks and Chelsie. Can we talk about the Greenhouse scene? We really can’t because is NSFW buut you can read and find out about it yourself 😉. I will be swooning for their love for days to come still because they are just so sweet and perfect together, a true fairy tale love.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews