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Waiting: Next Generation #1
Home Game
Football has been my life. Not that I ever had a choice in the matter. When your dad is a retired, future Hall-of-Fame quarterback, the gridiron tends to weave its way into your DNA.
I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter. To make matters worse, when my dad retired from the NFL, he decided his second calling was to take over the head coaching gig at my high school, where he has coached my boyfriend for the last three years.
Correction—my ex-boyfriend.
While the fairytale high-school sweetheart story may have worked for my parents, I have other plans. And following a self-absorbed athlete to college is not part of them, no matter how hard my dad tries to push me and my ex together.
Thankfully, a new high school opens and draws a line through the center of our town, sending half of my dad’s players to a new team. And apparently, their new quarterback is breaking all of my dad’s old state records. It’s the ultimate distraction, giving me the chance to land myself a spot on the cheer team at any college that isn’t close to home.
But then I meet him. Wyatt Stone. The guy my dad considers our enemy. The best quarterback I’ve ever seen. A complete jerk who I can’t quit thinking about. And running into. And rooting for.
Now, I’m the one who is distracted. And repeating my parents’ love story doesn’t sound so bad after all.
*** This is a second-generation novel from The Waiting Series world. Peyton is the daughter of Reed and Nolan.
Tropes LoveFated to FallFamous Quarterback DadFootballSmall TownComing-of-ageBonfiresRivalriesCheerleading
I always loved the game, but I could do without the spotlight that comes with being Peyton Johnson, the great Reed Johnson’s daughter. To make matters worse, when my dad retired from the NFL, he decided his second calling was to take over the head coaching gig at my high school, where he has coached my boyfriend for the last three years.
Correction—my ex-boyfriend.
While the fairytale high-school sweetheart story may have worked for my parents, I have other plans. And following a self-absorbed athlete to college is not part of them, no matter how hard my dad tries to push me and my ex together.
Thankfully, a new high school opens and draws a line through the center of our town, sending half of my dad’s players to a new team. And apparently, their new quarterback is breaking all of my dad’s old state records. It’s the ultimate distraction, giving me the chance to land myself a spot on the cheer team at any college that isn’t close to home.
But then I meet him. Wyatt Stone. The guy my dad considers our enemy. The best quarterback I’ve ever seen. A complete jerk who I can’t quit thinking about. And running into. And rooting for.
Now, I’m the one who is distracted. And repeating my parents’ love story doesn’t sound so bad after all.
*** This is a second-generation novel from The Waiting Series world. Peyton is the daughter of Reed and Nolan.
Tropes LoveFated to FallFamous Quarterback DadFootballSmall TownComing-of-ageBonfiresRivalriesCheerleading
293 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 10, 2024
958 people are currently reading
1890 people want to read
About the author
Ginger Scott
76 books3,579 followersGinger Scott is a USA Today, Wall Street Journal and Amazon-bestselling author from Peoria, Arizona. She was also nominated for both the Goodreads Choice and Rita Awards. She is the author of several young and new adult romances, including bestsellers The Moon and Back, The Varsity Series, The Hard Count, This Is Falling and Wild Reckless.
A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.
When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).
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A sucker for a good romance, Ginger's other passion is sports, and she often blends the two in her stories. She has been writing and editing for newspapers, magazines and blogs for a hella long time. She has told the stories of Olympians, politicians, actors, scientists, cowboys, criminals and towns. For more on her and her work, visit her website at http://gingerscottbooks.com.
When she's not writing, the odds are high that she's somewhere near a baseball diamond, either watching her son field pop flies like Bryce Harper or cheering on her favorite baseball team, the Arizona Diamondbacks. Ginger lives in Arizona and is married to her college sweetheart whom she met at ASU (fork 'em, Devils).
Sign Up for Ginger's Newsletter!
http://www.littlemisswrite.com/newsle...
Find Ginger online here:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GingerScottA...
Twitter: https://twitter.com/thegingerscott
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorginge...
Website: https://www.littlemisswrite.com
Amazon: amazon.com/author/gingerscott
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/ginge...
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
July 15, 2025
I was disappointed with Home Game. I was expecting it so much more. After all, Miss Scott is good writing sport romance.
But somehow, the heart break drama is missing. I want more. I want that drama. The heart crushing plot.
Not there...
3 stars
But somehow, the heart break drama is missing. I want more. I want that drama. The heart crushing plot.
Not there...
3 stars
May 24, 2025
That was… fun-ish?
It was entertaining, a dash of highschool football and some rivarly between schools. Add in a cute family, a super well mannered young man and you have a perfect story.
Even the spice was all consent this, ask for permission there… all very proper.
It was entertaining, a dash of highschool football and some rivarly between schools. Add in a cute family, a super well mannered young man and you have a perfect story.
Even the spice was all consent this, ask for permission there… all very proper.
October 12, 2024
Home Game is a charming and romantic love story, mixed up with some youthfulness,competitiveness and rivalry.
This is the follow up of The Waiting serie, I haven't read the previous book about Peyton's parents and I know I've missed a lot, but this is a very good read on its own.
Peyton meets Wyatt while she was working at the diner in town, little she knows that the cute guy who make her heart beat a little faster is the quarterback of the city's new rival team. While the rivalry between the Coolidge's high schools football teams will mess up their senior year, their affection for each other will bring clarity to their future decisions.
Peyton and Wyatt are meant to be, their relationship is nice and sweet and flirtatious from the beginning.
I liked Wyatt's maturity and Peyton's resolve, they know what they want and they get it, trying to not destroy their town, their and other people's careers and dreams in the meantime.
I adore Ginger Scott writing, it's so full of emotions and beauty that I can't put her books down.
Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.
October 10, 2024
4.5/5
Head cheerleader and quarterback of rivaling teams full for each other. Yes please!
I honestly really loved this book. I finished it less than 24 hours because I just could not put it down and wanted to know what happened.
It has everything a good rivalry romance needs.
A jealous ex.
An independent girl.
A thoughtful, caring, new guy.
Two football teams that will go ahead to head.
If you love football romances, I definitely think you will enjoy this one.
Head cheerleader and quarterback of rivaling teams full for each other. Yes please!
I honestly really loved this book. I finished it less than 24 hours because I just could not put it down and wanted to know what happened.
It has everything a good rivalry romance needs.
A jealous ex.
An independent girl.
A thoughtful, caring, new guy.
Two football teams that will go ahead to head.
If you love football romances, I definitely think you will enjoy this one.
October 2, 2024
Home Game by Ginger Scott was such a cute read! I loved the rivals to lovers, but also love at first sight, story of Peyton Johnson and Wyatt Stone. This is my first title by Ginger Scott, so while I didn't have the baseline love of Peyton's parents, Nolan and Reed, I still found this story fun and easy to read.
I liked Peyton and her story a lot, and while much of the story centered around her love/hate relationship of being a child in the spotlight, she was written as a strong young woman with a good head on her shoulders and strong motivations. I liked the moments when she lost her cool, because they felt true to her age (18.)
I also liked Wyatt, I thought his story was touching and I liked how motivated he was as well. He felt a bit mature for 18, but with his backstory I felt like it really worked. I liked how hard and fast he fell for Peyton and how connected he stayed to people from his previous town.
Overall, this was a cute story. It was cute, low spice and the cross-town rivals was fun to read. There were a few places where I would have liked a bit more story and plot beef, but I did appreciate the light quality of the plot. I thought the writing was good and I definitely would like to read more by Ginger Scott.
I liked Peyton and her story a lot, and while much of the story centered around her love/hate relationship of being a child in the spotlight, she was written as a strong young woman with a good head on her shoulders and strong motivations. I liked the moments when she lost her cool, because they felt true to her age (18.)
I also liked Wyatt, I thought his story was touching and I liked how motivated he was as well. He felt a bit mature for 18, but with his backstory I felt like it really worked. I liked how hard and fast he fell for Peyton and how connected he stayed to people from his previous town.
Overall, this was a cute story. It was cute, low spice and the cross-town rivals was fun to read. There were a few places where I would have liked a bit more story and plot beef, but I did appreciate the light quality of the plot. I thought the writing was good and I definitely would like to read more by Ginger Scott.
September 30, 2024
(Received as an ARC for my honest review)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
This was a super sweet, coming of age romance between a small town now divided when they built a new school and the towns football team is split up. A new boy moves to town and is the new schools star quarterbackand he falls for the daughter of the rivals team coach.
Tropes:
🏈 High School Sports Romance
🩷 Football Player/Cheerleader
🏈 Rivals
🩷 Rival Coach's Daughter
🏈 He Falls First & Hard
🩷 Coming of Age
🏈 FMC Dad is Famous Football Player
🩷 Small Town
This book was super sweet when it came to the couple. Wyatt was such a golden retriever football player. He fell for the waitress who served him pancakes when he first moved to town.
Peyton had no clue who Wyatt was at first until her crappy ex boyfriend shows up at the restaurant and told her. He father is a famous retired pro football player and the coach of Coolidge High. The big shiny school that her dad built the stadium.
Peyton knows who Wyatt is because her father has been studying him for years. He is a beast of a quarterback and sweet to break every record her father ever set.
The town is upset due to a new evil being built, and it divided the football team when students had to be moved. This set up for these schools to be major rivals between each other.
Wyatt isn't out to set trouble. He just wants to play and make his deceased father proud. When Wyatt and Peyton behind close and start secretly dating, it sets up trouble between the two teams. Her ex is the quarterback of her father's team.
This book really did remind me of high school times and the fun between friendships. This is a must-read story. The relationship between each and every character in this book was amazingly sweet. Well, not every character. Every story has a villain.
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice: 🌶🌶.5
This was a super sweet, coming of age romance between a small town now divided when they built a new school and the towns football team is split up. A new boy moves to town and is the new schools star quarterbackand he falls for the daughter of the rivals team coach.
Tropes:
🏈 High School Sports Romance
🩷 Football Player/Cheerleader
🏈 Rivals
🩷 Rival Coach's Daughter
🏈 He Falls First & Hard
🩷 Coming of Age
🏈 FMC Dad is Famous Football Player
🩷 Small Town
This book was super sweet when it came to the couple. Wyatt was such a golden retriever football player. He fell for the waitress who served him pancakes when he first moved to town.
Peyton had no clue who Wyatt was at first until her crappy ex boyfriend shows up at the restaurant and told her. He father is a famous retired pro football player and the coach of Coolidge High. The big shiny school that her dad built the stadium.
Peyton knows who Wyatt is because her father has been studying him for years. He is a beast of a quarterback and sweet to break every record her father ever set.
The town is upset due to a new evil being built, and it divided the football team when students had to be moved. This set up for these schools to be major rivals between each other.
Wyatt isn't out to set trouble. He just wants to play and make his deceased father proud. When Wyatt and Peyton behind close and start secretly dating, it sets up trouble between the two teams. Her ex is the quarterback of her father's team.
This book really did remind me of high school times and the fun between friendships. This is a must-read story. The relationship between each and every character in this book was amazingly sweet. Well, not every character. Every story has a villain.
October 7, 2024
4.5 Stars 🌟
This lady does sports and young/new adult romance so well and Home Game has it all!
From that first tingle of attraction, to the giddiness of a first kiss, right to the moment when they realise that this is their person. Putting all that along with the high school drama, rivalries and high jinx and you have a really fun journey.
Wyatt and Peyton were pretty much fated…he’s the boy with the desire to be the best but at the same time become the man his father would be proud of. A leader who can stand up for himself and his teammates, who can be there for those he loves and lift them up to where they should be. Someone who is worthy of the beautiful soul that is Peyton. She may come from football royalty but she just wants to enjoy the game and get the boy. She wants to stay true to her family and have a man she knows her father will be proud of.
This is a really fun read with some great moments between Peyton and Wyatt. I was cheering for them all the way!
This lady does sports and young/new adult romance so well and Home Game has it all!
From that first tingle of attraction, to the giddiness of a first kiss, right to the moment when they realise that this is their person. Putting all that along with the high school drama, rivalries and high jinx and you have a really fun journey.
Wyatt and Peyton were pretty much fated…he’s the boy with the desire to be the best but at the same time become the man his father would be proud of. A leader who can stand up for himself and his teammates, who can be there for those he loves and lift them up to where they should be. Someone who is worthy of the beautiful soul that is Peyton. She may come from football royalty but she just wants to enjoy the game and get the boy. She wants to stay true to her family and have a man she knows her father will be proud of.
This is a really fun read with some great moments between Peyton and Wyatt. I was cheering for them all the way!
October 3, 2024
My face actually hurts from smiling so much while reading this book. Romance. Pure and simple. This is romance.
Peyton's life has revolved around football. It's not easy being her father's daughter. He's a retired NFL superstar who is now the football coach at Peyton's high school. This season is looking a little different though as half of her dad's team has been sent to the new school across town. Complicating matters even more is that Peyton is finally done once and for all with her ex who just happens to be her dad's prize quarterback...and she's caught the eye of the new school's star quarterback too. Wyatt didn't know who Peyton's dad was when he first met her, and by the time that he found out, it was too late. He was absolutely smitten with this girl, complications and all.
I absolutely loved this story, everything about it. Every. Single. Thing. The relationship between Peyton and Wyatt, their relationships with their parents, the friendships, the rivalry, the football. It's all just so good. Wyatt has got to be one of the most humble, sweetest, just down right "good" guys that I've ever read about and I adored him. His relationship with Peyton had me smiling and swooning, and just falling in love with their love. Yep, this is why I read romance.
Peyton's life has revolved around football. It's not easy being her father's daughter. He's a retired NFL superstar who is now the football coach at Peyton's high school. This season is looking a little different though as half of her dad's team has been sent to the new school across town. Complicating matters even more is that Peyton is finally done once and for all with her ex who just happens to be her dad's prize quarterback...and she's caught the eye of the new school's star quarterback too. Wyatt didn't know who Peyton's dad was when he first met her, and by the time that he found out, it was too late. He was absolutely smitten with this girl, complications and all.
I absolutely loved this story, everything about it. Every. Single. Thing. The relationship between Peyton and Wyatt, their relationships with their parents, the friendships, the rivalry, the football. It's all just so good. Wyatt has got to be one of the most humble, sweetest, just down right "good" guys that I've ever read about and I adored him. His relationship with Peyton had me smiling and swooning, and just falling in love with their love. Yep, this is why I read romance.
October 10, 2024
I listened to The Waiting Series a few years ago and was excited to hear about the next gen starting with Home Game. It lived up to all my expectations and then some. Seeing Reed Johnson as a dad and the dad of a teenage girl was priceless.
Peyton is a cheerleader and living in a town where football is everything and Reed Johnson is an icon, and the high school football coach. Sports is part of their family. Her on and off again boyfriend is the quarterback. But Peyton wants to stand on her own and find her own way. That includes finally breaking up with her boyfriend who doesn't treat her well.
The town has a new high school and now there is a new rivalry. Wyatt is the new quarterback, and he is going to turn their sports world upside down. Peyton and Wyatt have a flirty encounter and banter back and forth with electricity flying. They are on opposite sides of the town, but their attraction and connection are strong.
Wyatt will challenge the past and forge a new future. He is a leader and has good values trying to make a new life after the passing of his dad. His and Peytons relationship will give you all the feels of young love.
This is a story about growing up, finding your path and conquering your dreams. It's a story about friendship, love and family.
Ginger Scott has told a great story, and I can't wait for more to come in this next generation.
Peyton is a cheerleader and living in a town where football is everything and Reed Johnson is an icon, and the high school football coach. Sports is part of their family. Her on and off again boyfriend is the quarterback. But Peyton wants to stand on her own and find her own way. That includes finally breaking up with her boyfriend who doesn't treat her well.
The town has a new high school and now there is a new rivalry. Wyatt is the new quarterback, and he is going to turn their sports world upside down. Peyton and Wyatt have a flirty encounter and banter back and forth with electricity flying. They are on opposite sides of the town, but their attraction and connection are strong.
Wyatt will challenge the past and forge a new future. He is a leader and has good values trying to make a new life after the passing of his dad. His and Peytons relationship will give you all the feels of young love.
This is a story about growing up, finding your path and conquering your dreams. It's a story about friendship, love and family.
Ginger Scott has told a great story, and I can't wait for more to come in this next generation.
October 10, 2024
I have been waiting for this book for a very, very, very long time. It did not disappoint.
I loved going back to the waiting gang and I especially loved getting to know Peyton. She seems like a beautiful blend of Nolan and Reed.
And Wyatt. Oh. My. God. I didn’t think a character could beat Reed Johnson, by Wyatt Stone? Holy hotness. He is… everything. Reed has a reason to be worried!
And I liked how Reed and Nolan didn’t really change as parents. I would’ve loved to have seen them a bit more, Nolan especially. But I understand this book wasn’t about them. But still, they’re my OGs!
I loved how this book evolved, I love how Wyatt grew as a leader.
I sincerely hope there is more to this series!
I loved going back to the waiting gang and I especially loved getting to know Peyton. She seems like a beautiful blend of Nolan and Reed.
And Wyatt. Oh. My. God. I didn’t think a character could beat Reed Johnson, by Wyatt Stone? Holy hotness. He is… everything. Reed has a reason to be worried!
And I liked how Reed and Nolan didn’t really change as parents. I would’ve loved to have seen them a bit more, Nolan especially. But I understand this book wasn’t about them. But still, they’re my OGs!
I loved how this book evolved, I love how Wyatt grew as a leader.
I sincerely hope there is more to this series!
October 1, 2024
Note: This review is for an ARC and is my unbiased opinion.
Back when Ginger Scott released and I read The Hail Mary, I can remember thinking I was glad Scott knew we needed another book in The Waiting series when I didn't. I had the exact same thought while reading Home Game. I'm so happy she felt inspired to write Peyton's story because it was one I didn't know I wanted or needed. I absolutely loved Home Game from start to finish.
In Home Game, it's Peyton's last year in high school and things are different this year. She may still be the hometown hero's daughter and a cheerleader, but she's not going to be dating the school's star quarterback anymore. Peyton's looking forward to turning eighteen, finishing up her cheer season and the school year, and gaining more independence from her parents. She has no plans for boys - especially another quarterback.
Part of things changing in the town of Coolidge, AZ this year is the opening of a new high school. Vista opening brings with it a new football rivalry. Half the of Coolidge's football team will play at the new school along with quarterback Wyatt Stone. Wyatt, a star quarterback in his own right, has moved to town after the death of his dad. Falling for his football hero and rival coach's daughter was not on his to do list.
Peyton and Wyatt were the couple that probably shouldn't have been but that I couldn't help rooting for. Their romance had everything I've come to love and expect from Ginger Scott. There was the perfect amount of angst and tension surrounding them. Everything should have kept them apart - rival schools, ex-boyfriends, her dad being the opposing coach. I loved that nothing did. Their chemistry was second to their emotional connection. I loved the understanding and support they gave each other. I enjoyed how their friends and family showed up for them. I even liked the "bad guy" of the story and how everything revolving around that worked out. There was a great message along with the romance. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Well, except for more books in this world. I'm asking for that!
Back when Ginger Scott released and I read The Hail Mary, I can remember thinking I was glad Scott knew we needed another book in The Waiting series when I didn't. I had the exact same thought while reading Home Game. I'm so happy she felt inspired to write Peyton's story because it was one I didn't know I wanted or needed. I absolutely loved Home Game from start to finish.
In Home Game, it's Peyton's last year in high school and things are different this year. She may still be the hometown hero's daughter and a cheerleader, but she's not going to be dating the school's star quarterback anymore. Peyton's looking forward to turning eighteen, finishing up her cheer season and the school year, and gaining more independence from her parents. She has no plans for boys - especially another quarterback.
Part of things changing in the town of Coolidge, AZ this year is the opening of a new high school. Vista opening brings with it a new football rivalry. Half the of Coolidge's football team will play at the new school along with quarterback Wyatt Stone. Wyatt, a star quarterback in his own right, has moved to town after the death of his dad. Falling for his football hero and rival coach's daughter was not on his to do list.
Peyton and Wyatt were the couple that probably shouldn't have been but that I couldn't help rooting for. Their romance had everything I've come to love and expect from Ginger Scott. There was the perfect amount of angst and tension surrounding them. Everything should have kept them apart - rival schools, ex-boyfriends, her dad being the opposing coach. I loved that nothing did. Their chemistry was second to their emotional connection. I loved the understanding and support they gave each other. I enjoyed how their friends and family showed up for them. I even liked the "bad guy" of the story and how everything revolving around that worked out. There was a great message along with the romance. I couldn't have asked for anything more. Well, except for more books in this world. I'm asking for that!
October 9, 2024
How PRECIOUS was this book?
I must admit. I came into this series on this one. The second gen. Which is totally on brand for me. But I do want to go back and read where it all started.
I adored Peyton. And thought she was super relatable. Because some people do just grow up with everything but it doesn’t mean they don’t have the same high school trivial issues as everyone else. And I loved how she just owned it all. The good and ugly. I also loved how she had good friends and we didn’t have drama there.
But man, our boy, Wyatt stole the show for me. What a sweet little pumpkin he is. His relationship with his mom is what makes me wish I could be a mother. And I loved that he just was such a gentleman through and through. And the dead dad wasn’t used as a way to victimize him. But to showcase his character instead.
Overall I did adore this book. Ginger Scott is a new to me author. And I am happy I’ve found her. It was a solid read and reminds you of watching episodes of Friday Night Lights on abc family.
I must admit. I came into this series on this one. The second gen. Which is totally on brand for me. But I do want to go back and read where it all started.
I adored Peyton. And thought she was super relatable. Because some people do just grow up with everything but it doesn’t mean they don’t have the same high school trivial issues as everyone else. And I loved how she just owned it all. The good and ugly. I also loved how she had good friends and we didn’t have drama there.
But man, our boy, Wyatt stole the show for me. What a sweet little pumpkin he is. His relationship with his mom is what makes me wish I could be a mother. And I loved that he just was such a gentleman through and through. And the dead dad wasn’t used as a way to victimize him. But to showcase his character instead.
Overall I did adore this book. Ginger Scott is a new to me author. And I am happy I’ve found her. It was a solid read and reminds you of watching episodes of Friday Night Lights on abc family.
October 16, 2024
Home Game is the first book in the Waiting: Next Generation series. This is a second-generation novel from The Waiting Series world. FMC is the daughter of Reed and Nolan. It's a high school world with the MMC being the Quarterback Rival of the FMC ex boyfriend. If you like small town high school football, rivals, a sweet slow burn story then this book can be yours with one click.
Wyatt Stone has just moved to Arizona and is his high schools Quarterback. He's a true leader and a gentleman, something his fire fighter Dad taught him. He meets Peyton one evening when he comes into the restaurant she works at to get something to eat.
Peyton Johnson is head cheerleader and is trying to correct old habits by staying away from her cheating ex. When Wyatt comes in to eat she's interested in more than his blue eyes.
They continue to meet up unexpectedly until soon they are dating and it's creating major issues with both rivaling teams. Her ex is jealous and benched and Peyton is being treated like a real queen by Wyatt. Will they they stay together when it comes to college after graduation?
Wyatt Stone has just moved to Arizona and is his high schools Quarterback. He's a true leader and a gentleman, something his fire fighter Dad taught him. He meets Peyton one evening when he comes into the restaurant she works at to get something to eat.
Peyton Johnson is head cheerleader and is trying to correct old habits by staying away from her cheating ex. When Wyatt comes in to eat she's interested in more than his blue eyes.
They continue to meet up unexpectedly until soon they are dating and it's creating major issues with both rivaling teams. Her ex is jealous and benched and Peyton is being treated like a real queen by Wyatt. Will they they stay together when it comes to college after graduation?
October 5, 2024
The first time I ever read a Ginger Scott book was when I found Waiting on the Sidelines on NetGalley and fell in love. I was BEYOND excited to get to come back to that world with Reed and Nolan's daughter Peyton!
When Coolidge gets split between two schools, strife ensues and tensions are on the rise. Wyatt Stone is the one to watch, but when he and Peyton first meet neither of them have any idea who the other is. They both just know they're drawn to each other. I enjoyed the journey from we should probably not have anything to do with each other to a friendship to more with Wyatt and Peyton.
The rivalry and attacks that happened because of it were wild. I'm sure in other places rivalries are like that, but in my time in high school we never had anything like that.
I loved that Peyton was fiesty and strong and followed her heart even when it would have been easier (and probably safer) to stay away from Wyatt.
Getting to know Wyatt in this book was a joy. My heart hurt for him. His resilience and kind nature in the face of less than ideal circumstances made me really admire him.
I'm so happy I got to read this one! (And I hope we get another in this world!)
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity!
When Coolidge gets split between two schools, strife ensues and tensions are on the rise. Wyatt Stone is the one to watch, but when he and Peyton first meet neither of them have any idea who the other is. They both just know they're drawn to each other. I enjoyed the journey from we should probably not have anything to do with each other to a friendship to more with Wyatt and Peyton.
The rivalry and attacks that happened because of it were wild. I'm sure in other places rivalries are like that, but in my time in high school we never had anything like that.
I loved that Peyton was fiesty and strong and followed her heart even when it would have been easier (and probably safer) to stay away from Wyatt.
Getting to know Wyatt in this book was a joy. My heart hurt for him. His resilience and kind nature in the face of less than ideal circumstances made me really admire him.
I'm so happy I got to read this one! (And I hope we get another in this world!)
Thank you Wordsmith Publicity!
October 11, 2024
This is the first book in this next generation series and this is Peyton and Wyatt’s story.
Peyton is captain of the cheerleading squad, and daughter of a retired NFL superstar, who is now the head coach at her high school. Wyatt is sweet and charming and is the new star quarterback. When Wyatt first meets Peyton, he has no clue who her dad is, but when he finds out he is already smitten with her.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, enemies / lovers, coming off age, rivalry, engaging and realistic characters, humor, and forbidden love, which leads to an entertaining, fun, and heartwarming small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Peyton is captain of the cheerleading squad, and daughter of a retired NFL superstar, who is now the head coach at her high school. Wyatt is sweet and charming and is the new star quarterback. When Wyatt first meets Peyton, he has no clue who her dad is, but when he finds out he is already smitten with her.
This is a well written easy to read story, with family, friendships, enemies / lovers, coming off age, rivalry, engaging and realistic characters, humor, and forbidden love, which leads to an entertaining, fun, and heartwarming small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
August 23, 2025
everything I love about a sports romance—fun, flirty, emotional, and impossible to put down. Laney Price is such a fierce, determined heroine, and her fight to chase her dreams while proving herself both on and off the court had me rooting for her from page one. And Cutter McCreary? Total scene-stealer. He’s charming, cocky, and exactly the kind of hero who sneaks into your heart when you’re not looking.
The forced-roommate setup and bet had the perfect mix of tension and slow-burn chemistry. The banter was sharp, the fake kisses were swoony, and the emotional payoff hit all the right notes. What I loved most, though, was the balance—this isn’t just a love story, it’s also about ambition, resilience, and finding someone who sees you for who you really are.
The forced-roommate setup and bet had the perfect mix of tension and slow-burn chemistry. The banter was sharp, the fake kisses were swoony, and the emotional payoff hit all the right notes. What I loved most, though, was the balance—this isn’t just a love story, it’s also about ambition, resilience, and finding someone who sees you for who you really are.
October 13, 2024
3.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover: Lovely! But the models look older so it gives college vibes or graduated vibes even…
Story: I like Ginger Scott. Her writing is nice, entertaining. Her stories are powerful but I didn’t feel a deep connection with these characters.
It’s hard to write second-generation stories, especially following the same line (QB, small town, NFL famous dad). The twist was nice, about a new high school bringing new rivalry, and I liked Peyton’s friends! Also Whisky is a great character. But I kept waiting for something to happen. I don’t know what but it felt sort of plain and I skimmed through some parts (never a good sign).
I would continue reading stories about the characters and I felt we will be getting more. We’ll see.
Cover: Lovely! But the models look older so it gives college vibes or graduated vibes even…
Story: I like Ginger Scott. Her writing is nice, entertaining. Her stories are powerful but I didn’t feel a deep connection with these characters.
It’s hard to write second-generation stories, especially following the same line (QB, small town, NFL famous dad). The twist was nice, about a new high school bringing new rivalry, and I liked Peyton’s friends! Also Whisky is a great character. But I kept waiting for something to happen. I don’t know what but it felt sort of plain and I skimmed through some parts (never a good sign).
I would continue reading stories about the characters and I felt we will be getting more. We’ll see.
August 27, 2025
4.75 ⭐️ stars
🎵 The 1975- about you
It was exactly what i needed to read at the moment. Cozy small town romance heavily involved in football. Daughter of football legend and now high school coach falls for rival school star rising quarterback.
I loved the plot and got sucked in pretty much from the beginning. Wyatt and Peyton are so sweet and it was do much fun watching them find their way to another. I loved the football plot and the rivalry between the two teams add on the funny moments between wyatt and peyton’s dad, Reed.
If you are looking for a sweet romance for a change with some minimal spice. You got the right book!
🎵 The 1975- about you
It was exactly what i needed to read at the moment. Cozy small town romance heavily involved in football. Daughter of football legend and now high school coach falls for rival school star rising quarterback.
I loved the plot and got sucked in pretty much from the beginning. Wyatt and Peyton are so sweet and it was do much fun watching them find their way to another. I loved the football plot and the rivalry between the two teams add on the funny moments between wyatt and peyton’s dad, Reed.
If you are looking for a sweet romance for a change with some minimal spice. You got the right book!
November 30, 2024
3★
A quick read that I initially liked but got a little too surface level for me. The main characters were cute and clearly had an instant connection but I feel like I kept waiting for something to happen. I also wish the supporting characters were more integrated into the storyline—they felt more like fleeting mentions than meaningful additions at times. This was my first read in the series though, so I can definitely see how longtime readers might be loyal to this second-generation continuation!
A quick read that I initially liked but got a little too surface level for me. The main characters were cute and clearly had an instant connection but I feel like I kept waiting for something to happen. I also wish the supporting characters were more integrated into the storyline—they felt more like fleeting mentions than meaningful additions at times. This was my first read in the series though, so I can definitely see how longtime readers might be loyal to this second-generation continuation!
January 3, 2025
now this is how you kick off a new year of reading!
The first thing to draw me to this book was the stunning cover. I knew I had to read it and hoped that the inside matched the beautiful outside and boy did it!
This book had everything I love about the romance genre- undeniable chemistry, banter, and angst. Scott delivers a well written book with the perfect amount of each of those elements.
Wyatt is for sure going to throw a winning pass to capture your heart.
The first thing to draw me to this book was the stunning cover. I knew I had to read it and hoped that the inside matched the beautiful outside and boy did it!
This book had everything I love about the romance genre- undeniable chemistry, banter, and angst. Scott delivers a well written book with the perfect amount of each of those elements.
Wyatt is for sure going to throw a winning pass to capture your heart.
April 2, 2025
If you love Noah Riley and Arianna's story in Say You Swear then you will LOVE this book!
Home Game gives similar vibes throughout the book and Wyatt and Peyton's love story is absolutely brilliant, beautiful, heart-wrenching, and worth the read!
Ginger Scott... Tip of the cap to you! This book was fantastic :)
Home Game gives similar vibes throughout the book and Wyatt and Peyton's love story is absolutely brilliant, beautiful, heart-wrenching, and worth the read!
Ginger Scott... Tip of the cap to you! This book was fantastic :)
April 18, 2025
Home Game- book 1 in the Waiting:Next Generation series
Small town
Football
Cheerleader
High School
I loved Peyton and Wyatt! Nice story with a small town vibe feel.
Although the story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger book 2 continues their story. They are off to college with new adventures.
Small town
Football
Cheerleader
High School
I loved Peyton and Wyatt! Nice story with a small town vibe feel.
Although the story doesn’t end in a cliffhanger book 2 continues their story. They are off to college with new adventures.
October 15, 2025
𝗛𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲
5⭐️
🏈Football Romance
📣Cheerleader x Quarterback
🏈Rivals to Lovers
Gosh, I loved this book so much. Home Game brought back all the high school memories and butterflies you get with young love.
Wyatt Stone is a golden retriever MMC. He is a natural leader with an unparalleled love for the game. His stats speak for themselves, he should be self-absorbed but he is not. Wyatt is such a mature and levelheaded young man. The star quarterback of the new Vista High, it takes one glance for him to fall head over heels for Peyton Johnson.
Peyton Johnson was strong, lovable, and independent FMC. Daughter of retired NFL Quarterback, Reed Johnson, she knows the game of football all too well. Popular and known by all, Peyton finds herself in the center of small-town drama all too often.
Peyton and Wyatt’s coming of age love story is so wholesome and sweet. The cheerleader and quarterback from rival high schools in a small town, it should feel so wrong… but it feels so right.
I fell in love with these two from the start and could not get enough. Their love story stole my heart and I cannot wait to see what the future holds in book 2 & 3.
“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.”
5⭐️
🏈Football Romance
📣Cheerleader x Quarterback
🏈Rivals to Lovers
Gosh, I loved this book so much. Home Game brought back all the high school memories and butterflies you get with young love.
Wyatt Stone is a golden retriever MMC. He is a natural leader with an unparalleled love for the game. His stats speak for themselves, he should be self-absorbed but he is not. Wyatt is such a mature and levelheaded young man. The star quarterback of the new Vista High, it takes one glance for him to fall head over heels for Peyton Johnson.
Peyton Johnson was strong, lovable, and independent FMC. Daughter of retired NFL Quarterback, Reed Johnson, she knows the game of football all too well. Popular and known by all, Peyton finds herself in the center of small-town drama all too often.
Peyton and Wyatt’s coming of age love story is so wholesome and sweet. The cheerleader and quarterback from rival high schools in a small town, it should feel so wrong… but it feels so right.
I fell in love with these two from the start and could not get enough. Their love story stole my heart and I cannot wait to see what the future holds in book 2 & 3.
“𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙖𝙡𝙨𝙤, 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙣𝙚𝙚𝙙 𝙩𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙣𝙤 𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙖 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙙𝙖𝙪𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙬𝙖𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙄 𝙢𝙚𝙩 𝙝𝙚𝙧. 𝘼𝙣𝙙 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙮 𝙢𝙪𝙘𝙝 𝙝𝙖𝙙 𝙢𝙚 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙨𝙩 𝙗𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙝𝙚 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙠 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙘𝙚.”
October 9, 2024
I loved everything about this book. Wyatt and Peyton were so adorable together.
I am listening to Reed and Nolan's stories on audible right now and I am enjoying it so much. I really like it when Authors write next generation books. It is so nice to see what happens to the characters from the original books and what happens with their families.
Wyatt was so cute. The way that he was with Peyton just melted my heart. She had so much to deal with, being the famous Reed Johnson's daughter and Wyatt was by her side through it all. He didn't even give up when he got some push back from her dad. I loved that!
Peyton was so much fun, and she is a jeep girl. Love, Love, Love that, being a jeep girl myself!! I also loved that she was the type of girl that knew what she wanted and didn't care what anyone said about it.
**I read an ARC of Home Game, and this is my honest opinion. I definitely recommend and can't wait to see what Ginger Scott comes out with next.
I am listening to Reed and Nolan's stories on audible right now and I am enjoying it so much. I really like it when Authors write next generation books. It is so nice to see what happens to the characters from the original books and what happens with their families.
Wyatt was so cute. The way that he was with Peyton just melted my heart. She had so much to deal with, being the famous Reed Johnson's daughter and Wyatt was by her side through it all. He didn't even give up when he got some push back from her dad. I loved that!
Peyton was so much fun, and she is a jeep girl. Love, Love, Love that, being a jeep girl myself!! I also loved that she was the type of girl that knew what she wanted and didn't care what anyone said about it.
**I read an ARC of Home Game, and this is my honest opinion. I definitely recommend and can't wait to see what Ginger Scott comes out with next.
October 9, 2024
3,25⭐
May 19, 2025
read this because I wanted to read another book with the rival theme, and it was good enough
December 31, 2025
I read this because Tiktok said it gives one tree hill vibes and that wasn’t the case. Still a decent small town romance read. Needed to switch up the sports book & read about some football.
November 24, 2024
I didn’t even realize I was at the end of the book.
October 10, 2024
I recently listened to the Waiting series in audio and absolutely devoured Reed and Nolan's story. So to now see their daughter Peyton going through her own high school journey was such a wonderful treat. This second generation football series sees us back in Coolidge where Reed Johnson is now the local famous football coach.
He now has a rival team to content with across town at Vista and a QB who looks set to beak all his high school records, enter Wyatt Stone. This up and coming superstar is all heart and Peyton very quickly begins to learn how special the new QB is, however risking the wrath of her father and hometown if she falls for the new QB is one of many hurdles these two will have to navigate.
This story had so much heart and emotion, I felt every step of their journey together and finished this in one sitting. Highly recommend!
He now has a rival team to content with across town at Vista and a QB who looks set to beak all his high school records, enter Wyatt Stone. This up and coming superstar is all heart and Peyton very quickly begins to learn how special the new QB is, however risking the wrath of her father and hometown if she falls for the new QB is one of many hurdles these two will have to navigate.
This story had so much heart and emotion, I felt every step of their journey together and finished this in one sitting. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2024
This is a fantastic read, I very much liked reading about Peytons story seeing as her parents were such a hit. I devoured Peyton and wyatts story and want more more more. Highly recommended
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