He’s spent years loving her quietly. Now she’s back, and this time, he won’t let fear—or a baby that isn’t his—stand in the way.
Savannah Holycross never planned to settle down young. Haunted by childhood abandonment and armed with fierce independence, she spent college chasing dreams and keeping her heart safely guarded, especially from Grant Campbell. Their connection was undeniable, but she never let it become something real.
Now she’s back for her final semester—pregnant, alone, and doing her best to hold it all together.
Grant’s a rookie assistant coach under his father’s football program, trying to prove himself while staying out of trouble. But when he hears Savannah’s in a situation she shouldn’t have to face alone, his hero instincts kick in. He offers her a safe place to stay until the baby comes and she finds her footing.
Until one tiny lie changes everything.
They’ve spent years in the in between—too scared, stubborn, and broken to admit what was always there. Now, with everything on the line, Savannah and Grant have one last chance to rewrite their story. Because sometimes love isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about choosing to fight for what matters, no matter the obstacles.
The Game Plan is book four in the CTU Eagles a collection of interconnected standalones following a group of college students who have formed a strong family as they navigate studies, sports, and falling in love. Each book can be read on its own, but reading them in order will give you glimpses of future characters and couples as they grow together throughout the series. A full blurb and cover to come.
Alexis Buxton is an avid reader turned author. A lover of all things love, Alexis enjoys reading all varieties of romance novels – the steamier, the better. Writing has always been a passion of hers and with the encouragement of friends and family, Alexis decided it was time to follow a childhood dream. She enjoys writing romance novels with damaged characters who need a little extra love and leave you feeling all the feels.
Alexis currently resides in a small-town in Ohio with her husband and two small kiddos.
As an avid sports fan, when she doesn’t have a book in her hand, you can find Alexis watching sports. She prides herself on being a Cleveland Browns fan, even on the hardest days (or years). She also enjoys going on camping adventures with her family, visiting breweries to try new craft beers, attending races at her local dirt track, and supporting local businesses and restaurants.
Alexis runs on coffee, craft beers, and chaos, but she wouldn’t have it any other way.
This was a cute, friends to lovers romance. I’m all for a pregnant fmc and mmc who steps up even when he’s not the dad.
Grant was a giant green flag and I loved how caring and attentive he was with Savannah. He was all in and truly his love was precious.
Savannah had a lot of anxieties and childhood trauma that kept her from believing people would stay but her journey to learning to trust herself and love was heartwarming. And the postpartum arc was done really well imo—I think it’s something we need to see more of in romances.
Other parts I liked—the found family friendships and the cute nicknames between Grant, Sav, and baby Lennon.
What held it from bumping up to 4⭐️ for me was a couple things—I prefer more angst as well as a little more show than tell in the writing. I think this will be a well loved book by fans of the rest of the series and those looking for sweet (but still spicy) low stakes romance.
Thank you to the author and LunaLiterary for the eARC! Life got busy so I couldn’t read before release so read on KU afterwards 🥰
Grant and Savannah have history from their earlier college days. They have always had a strong connection but never fully committing to one another. Now she is back and pregnant for her last semester and Grant isn't missing his opportunity at a second chance.
Second Chance is my favorite of all tropes and I am so happy Grant didn't waste any time to get it.
I loved their journey to a second chance. Grant is so supportive of Savannah and stands by her side no matter the circumstances. Savannah has been on her own really only relying on her self. Her childhood abandonment sits heavy but it has made her the strongest independent fmc.
the angst and tension were so good I love when it finally snapped
but my favorite part of their story were the parts that were difficult to read because they were relatable. The postpartum anxiety rep was written with thoughtfulness and I could feel how Savannah felt.
I loved this aspect of their story, how it was handled, Grant supporting her and Savannah realizing how her childhood is not representative of who she is
Alexis brings us back to her football series and gives us a whole ON YOUR FEET CHEERING 📣 novel!!
I was lucky enough to Beta and ARC read this for her and it just kept getting better! I thought that I would like it but I couldn't stop gushing about how much I loved this book. I know my husband was like "Will you be quiet about these fake football 🏈 guys already? The real game is on!" 😂
Just when I think I am going into a Football romance I was hit with a whole linebacker. Post-Partum Anxiety representation! I didn't expect for it to hit the way that it did. But here we are. Several tissues almost a box later, I made it through but definitely gained more feels and more respect for mama's!
I can't tell you how excited I am to see what else Alexis has in store!
Thank you 🫶🏻 to ✨️ Alexis Buxton ✨️ for the complimentary 📚 ARC 📚. ✨️ All opinions are my own, honest, and voluntary✨️.
Thank you to Luna Literary for letting me read this advanced copy, and to the author for being present and sharing her story.
Grant and Savannah have history from their college days there was always a connection, but they never quite managed to commit to each other. Now she’s back for her final semester, pregnant and determined to move forward, and Grant isn’t about to miss his second chance.
This book truly surprised me in the best way. I’ve read plenty of college and sports romances, but never one that portrayed postpartum anxiety with such realism and tenderness. It was written with deep empathy. I’ve never been pregnant, but as a woman, I could feel Savannah’s emotions: the confusion, the fear, and that fragile yet fierce hope to heal. Grant is the quiet, steady kind of love the one that holds you up without making a sound. His bond with the baby was absolutely precious, filled with genuine warmth. I loved his determination to stay, to not give up on Savannah or their story.
And that’s exactly what I adored most: their journey toward a second chance. He’s patient and grounded; she’s strong, independent, scarred by abandonment, yet resilient to her core. Together, they learn to heal, to trust, and to build something real. I loved that the conflict didn’t revolve around big external drama, but around those emotional knots we all carry the ones that, little by little, with love and support, we learn to untangle.
It’s an emotional, tender, and beautifully messy story just like life itself. A book that stays with you long after you’ve turned the last page.
4.25 Stars! This book hit me in such an unexpected way! I’ve read plenty of college/sports romances, but I’ve never come across one that included postpartum anxiety rep, and wow, it did such a great job with it. It felt real, relatable, and made me connect with Savannah’s journey even more.
Grant? Absolute dream. The quiet, steady kind of love that sneaks up on you and refuses to let go. He stepped up in every way, and I was rooting for him and Savannah from the very beginning. Their history made the slow build feel so satisfying, and the way he created a safe place for her was just chef’s kiss.
It’s emotional, tender, and a little messy in all the ways love and life actually are. Definitely one of those stories that lingers after you close the book. 💕
The Game Plan is book 4 in the CTU Eagles series by Alexis Buxton.
What can you expect? 🏈 College football (coach x student) 💞 Second chance 🤰 She’s pregnant, not his baby 😏 Grumpy x ☀️ Sunshine ❤️ It’s always been you 🧠 Mental health rep.
⭐ 3.5 | 🌶️ 2
My thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. Savannah and Grant have known each other since freshman year. They had a friends-with-benefits situation when they were young, but Savannah’s fear of ending up like her mother and her past trauma kept her from letting it become serious. She cut off communication with Grant and later discovered she was pregnant, but not with his child.
They meet again, but after a burglary at Savannah’s place, Grant steps in as the ultimate protector and asks her to move in with him for safety. Savannah is still a student, and Grant is a rookie coach under his father’s football program, working hard to prove he earned his position.
Savannah is guarded, but she allows Grant to show her just how much love he has for her and her baby. Grant truly shined as a hero, present, caring, and fully committed. I loved him as an MMC; he was amazing with both Savannah and her baby. I also adored Savannah’s cousin, such a big protector, and his presence added so much to the story. I admired Savannah’s resilience and how hard she worked for her independence. She’s such a strong, hardworking woman.
The romance, chemistry, and tension between them are fantastic, and the spice is on point.
TW: Mental health – This book touches on sensitive topics. By the end, Savannah is starting to heal from her past trauma, which I loved.
Minor spoiler: The one thing that stopped me from rating this higher was that the baby’s father storyline felt a little unresolved. Savannah only discussed it with her friends, and while Grant didn’t mind and loved the baby as his own, I would have liked to see more discussion between them about it. That part felt a bit inconclusive for me.
Overall, this was an enjoyable read showing young adults growing through love, adulthood, and parenthood. This was the first book I’ve read in the series, but it works perfectly as a standalone. I also loved the side characters’ backstories.
Thank you, Alexis, for the ARC. This review reflects my honest thoughts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
4⭐️ | 3.25🌶 An enjoyable read. I did love Grant's determination to stick around for Savannah and Baby. Grant's relationship with Baby was precious. The amount of characters and where they fit in confused me a little but nonetheless a good read. Thank you to luna literary for this arc.
This is a warm, emotionally satisfying romance that does exactly what it sets out to do: deliver a heart-fluttering, poignant story of love, growth, and college life. If you enjoy characters who wrestle with past mistakes, found families, and the tension between what’s expected vs. what’s wanted, this will hit the spot.
▫️second chance ▫️pregnant but not his ▫️college romance ▫️football romance ▫️forced proximity
Savannah had plans after college, which kept her from committing to Grant. But when she later finds out she's pregnant, Savannah's scared she'll end up like her mom. Grant find out she's pregnant and alone and offers her a safe place to live. From their then tension and old feelings arise. Grant steps up to support and love Savannah and her baby.
This is a sweet second chance romance, with a cinnamon roll hero.
I honestly don’t know how to start this review - The Game Plan is the perfect ending to this series 😭 It evoked so many emotions in me, and I loved being back with this crew once again. The found family dynamic that runs through this series truly shines here; it hit me right in the heart and made me tear up more times than I can count.
Sav and Grant’s story is beautifully written. Grant has been in love with Sav since the day he met her, and he’s stepped up for her and her daughter in so many ways. His actions speak louder than words.
Savannah’s journey broke my heart. She had a difficult childhood and still struggles with self-doubt despite doing her best. Reading her inner monologue about how her biological parents treated her was heartbreaking. But then there’s Grant — patient, steady, and determined to show her that she’s worthy of love, that she’s an incredible mother, and that he’ll always be there for her and their little girl.
Once Sav realizes she has a true support system, she begins to heal. And that support system is one of the cutest found families I’ve ever read about. The friendships between the girls and the guys are so special and I absolutely loved how the Campbells immediately welcomed her as one of their own. Especially Emily and Derek Campbell hold a special place in my heart. They made me cry so many times. Alexis' way addressing postpartum anxiety with such care and sensitivity is outstanding. It’s such an important topic, and she handled it beautifully. Chapeau, Alexis! ❤️
This book was truly wonderful and made me feel so many emotions. I love these characters deeply and already miss them. What an incredible conclusion to an unforgettable series.
Thank you Alexis for the e-arc; all thoughts are all my own!
🍼 She's pregnant (not his) 🏈 College coach football 🍼 Second chance 🏈 Grumpy x sunshine 🍼 Healing romance 🏈 Coach x student 🍼 Mental Health Rep
The Game Plan by Alexis Burton gave me all the flirty banter, swoony moments, and slow-burn tension I live for… but it also went THERE. Postpartum. The sleepless nights, the insecurities, the shift in their dynamic, it’s raw, it’s honest, and it’s beautifully handled.
Grant, Mr. “I’ve got my life together” is your classic charming athlete with that quiet intensity, like he walks into a room and everyone knows. But underneath that confident exterior? A total softie who falls hard. And Savannah? Miss “I don’t need you but damn you make my heart race”. She’s smart, stubborn in the best way, and absolutely not here to be anyone’s side character. The way she keeps him on his toes? Iconic.
Savannah isn’t just a heroine, she’s a new mom trying to find herself again in this new chapter, and Grant?? He’s right there beside her, not to “fix” things, but to show up. The way he supports her through the messy, emotional, beautiful chaos of postpartum life had me ugly crying in between squeals 😭
Their love isn’t just built on attraction, it’s tested in the quiet moments: when she doubts herself, when exhaustion sets in, when everything changes. And they choose each other, again and again. Grant and Savannah face the hard stuff together, and it makes their swoony moments hit even harder. This isn’t just another sports romance; it’s a story about partnership, vulnerability, and love that grows deeper when life gets real. 🫶
Thank you so much Lune Literary and Alexis Burton for this arc opportunity! I can’t wait for what’s next!
Reading through this series, I did not expect Grant Campbell to end up being the top-tier MMC he was in this book, but I am so glad Alexis saved the best for last! This man was everything!!!
Savannah and Grant had an on-again/off-again friends with benefits sort of relationship since Freshman year of college, but they were both very clearly head-over-heels for each other. Savannah did not have a great childhood, though, and has learned that being independent and not depending on anyone, especially a man, was probably the best way for her to live her life. But Grant is a protector and someone who will do anything for those he loves. He was exactly what Sav needed in her life after a lifetime of disappointment from her parents.
When Grant realizes Sav is pregnant (with someone else's baby) and needs a safer place to stay, he shows up, not only does he show up, but he also offers her his spare room! We all know when that forced proximity hits two people who are so clearly IT for each other, it is SO GOOD.
Grant was amazing, and the way he went all in for Sav and the little bean was everything!!! Especially with the heavier moments of what Sav was dealing with. Alexis did a wonderful job of portraying real-life struggles while also having a lot of beautiful, lighthearted moments throughout this one.
I loved this book so much, and while it's bittersweet to reach the end of this series, this was a wonderful way to wrap it up, and seeing so many CTU faves back together was so beautiful!!
While Second chance is not my favorite trope, this book still delivered it so perfectly. Grant and Savannah’s journey back to each other was everything I wanted: emotional, tender, a little messy, and so real. Grant is the quiet, steady kind of love that sneaks up on you and never lets go. He stood by Savannah no matter the circumstances, creating a safe place for her to land, and I was rooting for them from the very beginning. Savannah’s strength and independence, shaped by a painful past, made her so relatable, and seeing her allow Grant back into her life was so satisfying.
What set this book apart for me was how thoughtfully it handled postpartum anxiety. The representation felt raw and real, and even though I’m not a mom, I felt like I was experiencing it right alongside Savannah. Her struggles, her doubts, and the way Grant supported her through it all hit me in such an unexpected way. Their love wasn’t just about attraction. It was tested in the quiet moments, when exhaustion set in and self-doubt crept in. And every single time, they chose each other again.
The angst and tension were so good, and when it finally exploded, it made the swoony moments land even harder. I loved how the story showed that love isn’t just about passion, but about partnership, vulnerability, and showing up when life gets real.
I’ve been with this series since the beginning, and while it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, this was the perfect way to wrap it up. Seeing so many CTU favorites come back together was beautiful, and this finale will stay with me for a long time.
A not his baby, FINALLY he’s going after what he wants, football romance that turns you into a puddle at Grant’s feet in the first ten pages, has your heart aching for Savannah, and leaves you totally blissed out by the end and all kinds of in your feels! Love that this isn’t a second chance and it’s not brand new, it’s finally being ready, so we get to skip the get to know you’s, pass on the drama of a break up and dive right in to this is now, this is what I want, and no matter how messy it is we were always going to happen. And it is definitely messy with two people who swore up and down they weren’t ready to commit finding themselves in a place they never saw coming with Savannah pregnant with another man’s baby, all the old feelings they didn’t want to admit still there, and a whole new set of problems cropping up. It’s not about things being easy or simple, it’s not about everything going flawlessly and according to plan, it’s about saying out loud it was always more, I’ll always be here, and every day proving it, and it’s really just gorgeous. Grant totally steps up, you can see he’s so gone for Sav and her baby right from the start, and the way he is so methodical and patient and honest about every single one of his feelings is so good, plus his support for Sav, his attention to her emotions and how hard things get for her, gold standard partner stuff that takes this whole read to another level and it is outstanding. Really excellent read from Alexis Buxton.
As a mom this one hit a little differently because the way Alexis wrote about everything Savannah was going through postpartum was so real and true. I found myself tearing up a few times because becoming a mom is the most beautiful gift but it comes with so much second guessing and learning and feeling like you are failing if you ask for help. Alexis, well freaking done sharing the raw and real moments of motherhood but also the beautiful ones as well.
Grant had the love of his life in college but in the end Savannah pulled away from him. At graduation she shows back up as promised but she is pregnant and its not his baby. Grant is now a football coach for the college he attended and after and few events Savannah is moving in with him as she finishes her last semester of college. A coach and student is forbidden so they have to keep this quiet but when it leaks Grant does something crazy...
Grant is so in love with Savannah but with her traumatic childhood she is hesitant to accept all of the goodness Grant is so freely giving her. Grants patience with Savannah was so sweet. He gave her space when she needed it and never ever pushed her. Savannah character growth was beautiful to read. She had a plan for her life and when she became pregnant it could of crushed her. But the way she took hold of her life and continued her dream of college and becoming a social worker made her into such a bad A! And when she FINALLY lets Grant in and love her and her baby the way they deserve was amazing!! This was such a sweet and tender story and I enjoyed it!
-College Football Coach x Student -Second Chance -Accidental Pregnancy (Not his) -Grumpy x Sunshine -Mental Health Rep -Found Family
Arc Review First off i would like to thank Luna & Alexis for the opportunity to read & review this gifted E-Arc.
Savannah & Grant I absolutely loved this book. The push and pull between them was off the charts. I absolutely loved that they was friends first but had this unshakably chemistry and bond with each other they grew into more. I loved watching Savannah grow into her confidence and become the bada$$ she's truly is and finally accept the love she deserves. I loved that she was honest and vulnerably with Grant. I love and adore Grant and the man that he is, watching him pining over Savannah and giving her the space she needed to come around to him and accepting the fact that he was her end game was beautiful. I love that he never pushed unless he needed too and i love that he never hid his feelings or thoughts from Savannah even when it was hard. I loved watching them get the ending they truly deserved.
5/5 Recommend this book. This was a beautiful way to end the series and wrap it all up. I love this little world that Alexis built and her ability to create such a beautiful found family. I absolutely cannot wait for what's to come next.
The Game Plan had me laughing, swooning and crying happy tears.
Focusing on our 2 main characters Savannah and Grant, The Game Plan is a story of getting a second chance at a life that you thought was gone.
When Savannah finds herself pregnant by someone else, she decides to break off her casual hookup with Grant Campbell. Months later, the restaurant that she lives above gets broken into and Grant shows up to make sure that she is okay. When her cousin makes a fuss about her living situation, Grant offers to let Savannah move into his place.
Nothing can come from living with the person you were casually hooking up with, right?
This book does have a before you read page which lists some potential trigger warnings, make sure you read these before continuing this book.
Thank you to @author_alexisbuxton and @lunaliterary.management for the opportunity to be an ARC reader for this book. Grant and Savannah's story was beautiful and I loved reading it.
Tropes:
💙College Football 🩵Second Chance 💙She’s Pregnant, Not His 🩵Grumpy x Sunshine 💙Mental Health Rep
Wow wow wow. This book had me in a chokehold the second half. I loved how it started with us reconnecting with Grant and Savannah.
We get to understand their backstory and how they were friends first, but when feelings change and people don’t know where to go with that it can derail a friendship.
Then we experience Grants reaction to Savannah‘s pregnancy when he didn’t know about it. Grant was a phenomenal MMC with his patients and all in attitude with Savannah. The way this man steps up and doesn’t back down once he commits was perfection!😮💨
Savannah was also a character I adored. She was struggling with so much and piling so much on her shoulders that when she finally was able to unload some of that to Grant, she didn’t know what to do with it.
But to see these two work and never give up on one another was beautiful. I also adored the mental health rep (truly in each of the books), but especially in this one. Dealing with postpartum depression and anxiety, and how help, support, and family can truly make a difference when you allow yourself the help.
𝚃𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚔 𝚢𝚘𝚞 Alexis for allowing me the early reading opportunity!🩵
This book blends the best of college football vibes with the raw, messy, and beautiful truths of second chances. Grant’s quiet devotion and the way he steps into Savannah’s world (not to rescue her, but to stand beside her and love her and her baby without hesitation) were heart-melting. Savannah’s journey, with all its struggles around independence, abandonment fears, and postpartum anxiety, was written with such authenticity that it felt both tender and gut-wrenchingly real. I especially loved her protective cousin and the way found family wove into the story.
Yes, the big climax solution felt a little rushed, but the emotional payoffs more than made up for it. From the “it’s always been you” energy to the mental health rep handled with care, this book scored big on heart. A perfect closer to the CTU series—sweet, emotional, and just a little bittersweet to say goodbye.
A heartfelt, touchdown of a second chance romance that will leave you teary, swoony, and cheering from the sidelines.
Rating: 🍋🍋🍋.🏈 (3.75⭐️)
I received an ARC copy and wanted to leave an honest review.
This book was already pretty poorly written and silly, but then I got to the big conflict and the reactions were just SO over the top and ridiculous that I could no longer suspend any disbelief.
When the dark romance hacker/motorcycle club cousin went on a whole rant about the FMC being an empath, I knew that the characters and plot would be lacking. I mean, that makes it pretty obvious that characters are going to say whatever the author needs them to say to make the plot happen.
But it’s just SO much angst over something that would be very easy to clear up with a little bit of an explanation, and yet no one seems inclined to do so!
Also, there’s a whole thing about “hot mama walks” and wanting book recommendations with good spicy scenes and then the author just kool-aid mans through the fourth wall and name drops an ACTUAL book by an ACTUAL author. That’s an automatic 2-star deduction right there.
But the one thing that I think is going to really stick with me is the MMC being TWO HOURS late to work bc he had to get it on with the FMC and thinking that if he’d walked in with coffee it wouldn’t have looked as bad.
- second chance - sports adjacent (football coach) - accidental pregnancy - she's pregnant but it's not his - it's always been you - forced proximity
Alexis really saved the best for last in the CTU universe - Grant Campbell... The man that you are!
We got a glimpse of Grant in the last book, being Bret's older brother and teammate of Crew. Here we are about a year later, Grant has graduated and moved on from playing football to coaching alongside his dad.
Savannah has always been the one that got away, and when she shows back up in Grant's life - pregnant - all bets are off. A twist of fate leads Sav to move in with Grant, and he takes advantage of every opportunity to win back his girl.
Grant steps up and takes in the baby that isn't biologically his, as well as the girl he's always loved. Sav hasn't had the easiest family life and the way the Campbells took her in with open arms was so special. I haven't had any kids, but I appreciated the realism woven into Savannah's character post partum. As always, our favorite CTU couples made an appearance and tied up this series with a perfect little bow 🎀
3 ⭐️ It was a cute friends-to-lovers romance. I really enjoy a pregnancy trope, especially when the MC steps up as the dad even though the baby isn't his. Grant was by far the best thing in this book. He really gave Sav all his support and love. Grant stood by her all those years, and when she needed a home, he dropped everything for her and her baby. He was a walking green flag ; he stood by Sav through all the lows and highs. Now, Sav for me lacked a little character depth , and I found myself a bit frustrated with her. We meet Sav basically in her third trimester and going back to school to graduate. It was very implied that Grant and Sav have quite the history since freshman year of college, but I wish we could 've seen those moments in a past/present format. It would've made their love story a little more believable for me. I really enjoyed how the author wrote postpartum ; it was very real and realistic about how much we, as women, struggle, and with the help and support system, we can heal. I felt like a lot of tropes were thrown into this, and it kept throwing me for a loop. It was a cute read. 🏈🩵
Okay, so this book?? 🥺💖 It broke me and healed me at the same time. I’m a SUCKER for second-chance romance, and Grant + Savannah gave me all the feels.
Savannah’s story hit me hard—she’s fierce, independent, and carrying so much on her shoulders (literally and emotionally). Coming back to finish school while pregnant and alone?? My heart just wanted to wrap her up in a hug 🫂. And then there’s Grant… the quiet protector who has been loving her from a distance for YEARS. The way he steps in—not to “save” her, but to stand beside her—😭💞 literal book boyfriend energy.
The angst is real, the slow-burn tension is delicious 🔥, and the tenderness?? Oh my gosh. The way Grant looks at her like she hung the stars, even when the baby isn’t his… that’s the kind of love story that makes you believe in soulmates again ✨🌙.
And THEN that “one tiny lie”?? 👀 Let’s just say it added the perfect amount of drama without ruining the heart of the story. By the end, I was sobbing, smiling, and clutching my Kindle like it was the only thing holding me together 😭💌.
This book had one of my favorite tropes. No make that 2. Second chance and pregnancy (not his)
I didn’t know what to expect with this book. Once I remembered who the FMC was again I got so excited. We’ve seen Grant in past books but were left on a huge “what happened” with Savannah. Now we finally get their story.
Grant is an ex football player trying to find who he is in a new career coaching under his dad and Savannah is still a college student trying to juggle school, work, and prepping for a baby.
One oopsie big mouth slip leads to one thing after another and Grant gets his second chance with his girl.
Seeing this love story unfold and watching Grant take on the fatherly roll when he didn’t have to will make your heart smile and your emotions run wild. (Did I mention he’s a dirty talker in the bedroom with Savannah?)
I knew within the first 10% of this book that I would love this book and I can’t wait for you all to experience it and fall in love with this little family like I did
This book completely swept me off my feet. Their history gave every interaction so much depth, and when circumstances brought them back together, I couldn’t stop rooting for them.
Grant is the definition of steady, unwavering love, patient, supportive, and all in from the start. The way he steps into Savannah’s life, not just for her but for her baby too, melted me. Savannah’s strength and vulnerability made her such a powerful heroine to follow. Watching her confront her fears, her childhood wounds, and her struggles with new motherhood felt raw and real, and I found myself tearing up more than once.
The chemistry between them is undeniable, the tension, the quiet moments, the build-up until everything finally breaks; it was all so perfectly done. But what hit hardest for me were the heavier moments, the honesty about postpartum struggles, and how love doesn’t magically fix everything but makes the weight easier to carry.
This was raw, chaotic, and beautifully genuine. I was completely obsessed.
Savannah and Grant have been friends all through college. They would hook up and hang out, each focused on getting the most out of college. I love their relationship. No one really got their feelings hurt they just both knew that the time wasn't right. Savannah ends up pregnant and the baby isn't Grant's. She is determined to raise her baby on her own. So she's working hard and living above a restaurant. When the restaurant is robbed Grant steps in and offers her his extra bedroom. Grant has graduated and is now working at the college as an assistant football coach under his dad. One slip of the tongue changes the nature of their relationship! Now they are fake married....only one way to fix it. Get married for real! Savannah's mother was abusive and neglectful...so Savannah has some issues to get passed. Will she let Grant help her? Will she open her heart? Read The Game Plan....because you really will want to know how this plays out. Thank you Alexis Buxton and Luna Literary for this great ARC! I inhaled this book!
Grant MF Campbell, ladies. That’s it. That’s the review. But for real though…this man. He is somewhat grumpy but is so down bad for Savannah. They keep things casual but Grant always wanted more with her. They drift apart and she ends up pregnant after a one night stand. That doesn’t deter Grant. He wants to step up for her and offers her a safe place to stay and support. Oh and then he finds himself in some drama - and lies saying Savannah is his wife! They do end up FOR REAL getting married and let me just say this man is everything you could ever want. He cooks, cleans, and put together the most perfect wedding day. I loved how real this book was with the struggles Savannah and Grant encountered. Having a new baby is hard and I thought this was represented so well. Daddy Grant is swoonworthy like no other and his nickname for sweet baby girl melted my heart. I can’t believe this series is over…one of my favorite series with found family!
✨ARC Review of Game Plan ✨ "He’s spent years loving her quietly. Now she’s back, and this time, he won’t let fear—or a baby that isn’t his—stand in the way."
TROPES: 🏈She's Pregnant, But Not His 💛Second Chance 🏈Grumpy x Sunshine 💛Healing Romance 🏈College Football 💛Coach x Student 🏈Secret Softie 💛Mental Health Rep 🏈He Leaves Notes for Her
Game plan is an emotional, heartfelt, slow-burn second-chance romance that digs deep into love, loss, regret, and what it truly means to find your way back to someone even when life takes you on completely different paths
Savannah and Grant’s story is messy, complicated, and so real. It’s not just about rekindling a relationship; it’s about growing up, facing consequences, and choosing each other even when it isn’t easy. And Grant? The way he loves Savannah, even when things don’t go the way he hoped, made me swoon and cry. AND I LOVEDD THE SIDE CHARACTERS ♥.
I am still crying, this was just pure beauty. I won't ever get over them.
Written style, plot, tropes, pace, chemistry, connection, feelings, emotions, honesty, main characters, angst, tension, everything—this book has absolutely everything. Even the hardest moments were exciting to read; the raw face of a pregnancy was very well delivered, and it makes you think about what an amazing but difficult thing it is.
Grant is such a dream. I mean, the man doesn't lack anything and gives it his all to show Savannah that he is the right man for her and her baby. After so many (lost) years, it finally happens; they are together. They deserve a happy ending more than anyone else.
Thank you, a million times, thank you @author_alexisbuxton for giving me the chance to be an ARC and part of your team, even if I am still lacking in some ways. As long as I can, I will stay by your side. Good luck in everything, and I can't wait to see your next book!
This is my first book that I have read by Alexis Buxton and I really enjoyed this book.
Savannah Holycross never planned to settle down young. She canes back to town to finish up her last year in college but she is also expecting a baby and she will have to raise this baby alone that is until Grant steps in.
Grant plays hockey and he would do anything to help Savannah and raise the baby as his own because that is the type of guy he is.
They’ve spent years in the in between—too scared, stubborn, and broken to admit what was always there. Now, with everything on the line, Savannah and Grant have one last chance to rewrite their story. Because sometimes love isn’t about perfect timing—it’s about choosing to fight for what matters, no matter the obstacles.
I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a good book to read.
Thank you Alexis Buxton & Luna Literally for allowing me to read this book before it was released.