Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Varsity Dads

Blindside Beauty

Rate this book
This is Nick and Abigail's book. More details coming soon!

368 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 2024

676 people are currently reading
1900 people want to read

About the author

Lex Martin

37 books5,669 followers
Lex Martin is the USA Today bestselling author of Varsity Dads, Texas Nights, and the Dearest series. She writes contemporary romance novels, the steamy kind she hopes her readers love but her parents avoid. A former high school English teacher and freelance journalist, she resides in Texas with her husband and twin daughters. Drop her a line. She loves hearing from readers.

NEW RELEASE: FALLING STARS is now available! Get your copy here:
EBOOK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsEbook
PAPERBACK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsRegPPBK
DISCREET PAPERBACK: https://geni.us/FallingStarsDiscPPbk

GET A FREE SHORT STORY:
http://bit.ly/2mQLZpX

SUBSCRIBE:
http://bit.ly/2DrPcUi

FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK:
http://on.fb.me/1xbYIVv

JOIN LEX’S FACEBOOK GROUP:
http://bit.ly/2dRXBGE

FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM:
http://bit.ly/2rJMwfN

VISIT HER WEBSITE:
https://www.lexmartinwrites.com/

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
1,120 (45%)
4 stars
868 (35%)
3 stars
386 (15%)
2 stars
74 (2%)
1 star
21 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
Profile Image for BookAddict.
2,084 reviews209 followers
September 30, 2024
This crafty storyteller is my go-to for NA/YA romance, and no one does it quite like she does. Her characters are young and inexperienced without the typical immaturity and selfishness found in a lot of young adult romance. They quickly become endearing and relatable, and I love each new romance more than the last.

Our girl Abigail Dawson is one of those instantly loveable characters. First, she transfers to a new university only to discover what a dog her now ex is. She's stuck at a school knowing no one except her new roommate. Next, she has a run-in with her ex, resulting in her crashing into the car of the school’s quarterback. And then the quarterback moves in next door with his four-year-old daughter. Despite all the challenges, Abigail is beautiful inside and out with the most pure, kind heart and a side of nerdy awkwardness.

She's definitely not looking to date another football player but she does want a job as a nanny. She finally gets her wish when quarterback and neighbor, Nick Silva, comes to his senses. Then an act of nature leaves her homeless and, if adorable, little Hazel has a say, Abigail will be moving in with Hazel and her dad, Nick.

Between classes, football, and being a single dad, Nick has his hands full. While he hesitated to hire accident-prone Abigail, she and his daughter get on like wildfire and there's no one better to keep his child safe and care for her. On top of all that, he's still mourning Hazel's mom, which gets a little messy when he and Abigail start to develop feelings for each other.

Not only does this gifted wordsmith do young adult well, little Hazel is lively, loveable and authentic. Add in typical college drama, a blooming relationship embroiled with grief and past prejudice, and it's the perfect formula for an engrossing, compelling, heartfelt read. This is my new NA favorite, and I have no doubt you’ll love Nick and Abigail's journey to forever.
Profile Image for Jenn (The Book Refuge).
2,678 reviews4,499 followers
September 26, 2024
College is hard.

And it's even MORE difficult when you're a single parent trying to do right by your little girl. This whole series has had some stand up dads and I love to see them get their HEA.

Nick needs a nanny and Abby wants to do the job. Too bad she hits him with her car while he's hooking up with a girl in a dark parking lot. Yeah... not a great second impression.

But it doesn't take long til they get on track and watching them grow closer together as they take care of Hazel was beautiful to see.

This series is heart-warming, sweet, and has an extra helping of steam. I really have enjoyed these single dads finding love.

And I'm very intrigued for what's next for Lex Martin.

4 Stars
3.5 on the spice scale

CW: death, accidents (car and otherwise), child in danger, anal play, toys, and voyuerism

*Thank you to Grey's Promo and the author for an ARC of this title.*
Profile Image for TeagzReads.
355 reviews26 followers
September 27, 2024
Another touchdown for Lex Martin!🏈

She has officially become an autobuy author for me. Every book I’ve read from her has been a winner. I don’t tend to gravitate toward single dad or pregnancy tropes, and yet i’ve loved every book i’ve read in the Varsity Dads series. She always delivers an exciting plot with memorable events and lots of angst, balanced with a really wholesome and moving romance that makes me swoon. We also get plenty of excellent spicy moments😉🌶️

I was so ready for Abby’s story after everything Ezra put her through that we caught glimpses of in the last book. She deserved someone to appreciate how caring she is. I loved all her football knowledge and how supportive she was. My heart hurt for Nick with his tragic backstory and I loved him for his precious relationship with his daughter Hazel. The pressure he put himself under and the anxiety he faced around Hazel’s safety was so relatable and emotional to read. It was so easy to root for them to find their happily ever after. I think Nick and Abby’s romance might be my favourite yet? I was laughing, crying, swooning kicking my feet the entire book.

One of my favourite romances of the year🏆

Ps- I am beyond excited to read Lex Martin’s new series that was teased at the end about Paige!

**Thank you to @greyspromo and @authorlexmartin for providing me with an advanced copy to read and review. All opinions are my own**
Profile Image for Jamie.
481 reviews84 followers
September 22, 2024
The Varsity dad series is one of my favourites and Nick & Abby’s book was sooo good!!

Abby is the sweet, accident prone bookworm who is looking for a nanny position for the summer before she goes on a trip to London.

Nick is the grumpy single dad desperate to find the perfect nanny to look after his 4 year old daughter.

They don’t get off to the best start but it’s clear there’s a connection there. I don’t want to say too much without giving away some big plots but you don’t wanna miss this.

I loved the connection between these character and Nicks daughter was just the cutest. The friend groups are great too. Abby has the most supportive girls and Nicks friends…. They mean well lol
Profile Image for Patricia (Spellbound Stories Trish) .
2,842 reviews119 followers
September 28, 2024
I am so happy Abigail is getting her story because omg I was so hurt for her in the last book. I love that Abigail is a heroine with a heart of gold. Ezra was not the man for her but can Nick Silva rise and show her what love truly means?

Abigail and Nick have a less than stellar first meeting and an even worse second run in. She is definitely not someone Nick wants his daughter around. Or is she!?

Life is filled with unexpected surprises and for Nick and Abigail will these coincidences lead to more? As Nick and Abigail get closer they realize that the hate is not hate but something more. A more that neither wants but can no longer deny. The way these two help heal the other was so beautiful and may have caused a few tears because I can’t picture two characters who deserve love more than these two. I love how messy and real their relationship was, it helped me to fall more and more for these two.

This has to be one of the more emotional stories in the series and one I didn’t want to put down. There was so much to uncover and discover and I loved getting to see Nick and Abigail not only fall but grow into two people who no longer let life scare them.
Profile Image for Tabitha Willbanks.
514 reviews30 followers
September 26, 2024
I DON'T WANT THIS SERIES TO END! 😭😭😭
But if it must come to a close, this was the perfect way to end it. Nick and Abby were combustible! Who doesn't love the enemies to lovers, nanny/single dad tropes? Am I right? Throw in sports romance, and it is the perfect trifecta! Nick Silva and Abigail Dawson were wildcards in this series. All we really knew about Abby was that she was engaged to the douche nozzle Ezra until she found out he was banging any girl within a fifty mile radius. And all we knew about Nick was he transferred to play QB, and he became a single father unexpectedly when his girlfriend was killed in a car accident. But these characters were the exact ending this series needed. As with all the other books in this series, I swooned big time. This series just makes my heart happy. Lex has a gift for writing angsty stories, with a lot of humor and a good amount of spice to balance out all the heavy. She also writes the most adorable kids. Little Hazel stole the scenes she was in. If you're ever looking for a sweet series to get lost in The Varsity Dads are the way to go. I'll end this like I've ended all of my other Varsity Dad reviews... Go Broncos!
Profile Image for Jenifer Briggs.
1,520 reviews191 followers
September 28, 2024
Dare I say it, but this just might be the best book in this phenomenal series!! I didn't even know it was the last book, so it's extra bittersweet for me, but man, did I love Abby and Nick!!

I knew I would really adore Abby the first moment we met her in Roxy's book, and all she wants to do is to separate herself from her cheating ex and have people understand that she was blindsided by him too. (See what I did there? *winks*) she's navigating all the hurt that fallout left her with, as well as wondering why she didn't see the real person underneath and how she can never make that mistake again. Her confidence and self-worth took a major hit, and she's slowly building herself back up to the person she wants to be (thanks to an awesome support system!) and although she has a huge crush on her next door neighbor, she's determined not to let it show because there's no way she would ever fall for another football player again. Even if she wants to be the nanny to his adorable little girl.

Nick hasn't had it easy -- he lost his ex in a tragic way (the mother of the aforementioned little girl) and has just been doing his best to get through each day and be the father his daughter needs to be, all the while burying his own feelings. He never expected his accident prone neighbor to be the one to make him want to open up again, and even though they didn't start out in the best way, Nick realizes his preconceived notions were terribly wrong, and he adores every part of her, but especially the way his daughter connects to Abby. They all have such a beautiful connection with one another, and they both grew so much in such a short amount of time.

I know I've said it before, but I LOVE Abby. She's so quirk, kind of quiet and nerdy (her words) but she also has such a big heart and empathy for all those around her. She truly sees the best in everyone despite what she's gone through, and I will fight to the death for her. I also loved Nick, and although it took him a minute to get his head out of his ass, he was also really good for her, as she was for him. They truly made a family with one another, and I'm just so glad I found this series!

I really hope a certain roommate shows up in the next series and gets her much deserved HEA, but I am just so excited to see where Lex takes us next!!

**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
Profile Image for Lynn_G.
1,126 reviews27 followers
September 20, 2024
Early educational college senior Abby has had it up to here with cheating elite football players, having been badly burned by a crummy ex who cheated on her repeatedly. She’s barely scraping by with her waitressing job, so she’s excited to interview for a nanny position, even if it is with a gorgeous QB who replaced her ex. Things are looking up until she accidentally backs into his Subaru trying to get away from her ex.

Desperate to sign as a pro by the end of football season, single father Nick has every reason to prove himself on and off the field. When he moves into an off campus rental in a safer neighborhood with his daughter, he’s nonplussed to find the nanny candidate who trashed his bumper. A few weeks later he finds himself racing home after finding out that the cold, harsh nanny he ended up hiring locked herself out of the house with dinner burning on the stove. Just as he gets to his house, he spies Abby launching herself through a second story window to save his daughter from harm. He immediately replaces her with Abby, who instantly gels with his daughter.

Abby is seriously attracted to Nick but can’t bring herself to trust another football player. Add in the fact that she’s now employed by him and she’s leaving for a planned trip to England in less than three months, and it’s a terrible idea to get involved, right?

But to paraphrase the Bard the course of true love never did go smoothly, and this one’s a doozy: so many misunderstandings, presumptive thinking, plus a whole host of disasters and poor communication occur. Also, there’s some intense cattiness toward Abby by - shocker! - cheerleaders! There’s a makeover/Abby doesn’t know what a gorgeous creature she actually is because of course she doesn’t [eyeroll]. And let’s not forget that least favorite trope of mine which shall not be named…. I haven’t read any of the previous books in the series, but it works just fine as a standalone. All in all it’s a 3.25 star rating for me.

I received an advance reader copy from Grey’s Promotions and bookfunnel, and I’m sharing my honest thoughts.
Profile Image for Vanessa (When Vane Reads).
748 reviews270 followers
September 22, 2024
5 stars !

This book is so adorable and captivating, it made me swoon so hard! I love Nick, Abby and Hazel so much! I couldn’t put it down! This book, the last installment of the Varsity Dads series, it introduces us to Nick Silva, a single father struggling with the grief of losing his child's mother, and Abby, a charmingly clumsy bookworm who unexpectedly becomes his daughter's nanny.

From the beginning, the tension between Nick and Abby is palpable throughout the pages. Their interactions are filled with a mix of frustration and undeniable chemistry, making their journey from barely acquaintances to deep feelings. Lex Martin does a fantastic job of developing their relationship, allowing it to unfold naturally and with a lot of heart.

Nick's character is complex. His struggle to move forward while being a devoted father is portrayed with sensitivity and realism. Abby, on the other hand, brings a refreshing dose of humor and warmth to the story. The supporting characters, Hazel, and all the friends, add depth and richness to the story, making it feel like a tight-knit group you can't help but root for.

What makes Blindside Beauty stand out is its perfect blend of emotional depth and lighthearted moments. The story is filled of laughter and sweet, tender moments that will make your heart melt.
If you're a fan of romance books that offer a mix of angst, humor, spicy and heartfelt moments, Blindside Beauty is a must-read. Also with the few hints we've already gotten in this book, I’m sooo excited for the new series, and I'm dying for Paige and Rhett's story.
19 reviews
September 15, 2024
✨ ARC REVIEW✨

Blindside Beauty - a college sports romance out 9/26!!

This 👏🏼 book 👏🏼 was 👏🏼 freaking 👏🏼 amazing!! Definitely add to my top read list for the year 😍.

Rating: 12/10
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
POV: Dual

Tropes:
- College Football
- Enemies to Friends to Lovers
- Nanny x Boss
- Nerdy Girl x QB
- Single Father
- Forced Proximity

Abbie has had a suckfest of a year so far with moving colleges so be with her fiancée only to find out he’s is a cheating 🐓🧇. She just wants to finish school and save up enough money to take a trip to London like she always dreamed. She’s studying to become a teacher, so nannying the QB’s sweet little girl seems like the perfect job!…. Until she backs her car into his 😣.

Nick feels like he’s treading water. After losing his girlfriend and the mother of his little girl he just needs to keep his spot of QB so he can be drafted and take care of his daughter. And to do that he needs a reliable nanny to help out. But no way is he hiring the shy book nerd who backed her car into his hours after interviewing for the job. But when she literally jumps through a window to save his daughter he decides she’s the perfect choice for his nanny.

Omg this book was so freaking good!! This is the last book in the Varsity Dads series and it didn’t disappoint. I’m so sad to see this series end, but damn Lex did an amazing job with this story!

I can’t wait for the spinoff series that’s coming and I know this just like the other books in the series will be an instant reread for me!

Thanks Lex Martin and @candikanepr for the ARC!
Profile Image for Maddy Hummel.
310 reviews5 followers
September 26, 2024
*sigh*
What an ending to the series that started it all for me, Varsity Dad Dilemma was my first ever sports romance book and Lex had me hooked from then forward!

Nick, Abby, & Hazel were EVERYTHING! I knew I was going to love Abby from Roxy’s book, this sweet girl deserved her happily ever after. And so did Nick & Hazel.

After transferring to Lone Star State to be with her now ex fiancé, Abby finds herself having to do an extra semester to graduate, and is wanting to nanny to make money for her trip after college. Nick Silva is the hot single dad on the hunt for a nanny but Abby’s bad luck keeps landing her and crappy situations, and Nick is not interested in danger being around his daughter.

Nick Silva lost his girlfriend and mother of his child at a young age in a devastating way! After lots of tries and fails, Nick finds himself again searching for a nanny. But when he has to beg the girl he has tried to not hire to come take care of his daughter, he finds himself attracted to someone he shouldn’t want.

Nick & Abby were so perfect for each other once they broke through their walls and began to let each other in! The forced proximity in this book was the perfect push to allow them to fall in love!

It was everything and my love for Lex and her writing grows with every character she writes. I just want more and more and more!!
Profile Image for Maggie.
343 reviews11 followers
September 17, 2024
rip varsity dads you’ll be missed 3

i’m gonna need lex to do what elle kennedy did and give us a they legacy-style book with all of the couples please and thank you :)

i’m so so happy lex ended the series with abby & nick!! when they showed up in heartbreaker handoff i knew this was going to be good and i was NOT disappointed! nick, abby, & haziel made such a cutie family <3

i gotta talk about lex again and say that my favorite thing about her is that her books are just smooth to read (if that makes sense). they flow so well and you just wanna keep reading. i love her so much <33

thank you grey’s promotions for the arc!!
Profile Image for Kate.
359 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2024
When the forced proximity hit. I could not put it down. The CHEMISTRY, the smirks, the flirting. Too fricken cute. Nick was a damage single dad and my heart hurt for him! But god when he wasn’t being a grump ass he made ya swoon. And falling for the nanny. YES PLEASE!
The tropes were hitting so good in this one. Do yourself a favor and get Lex’s bonus epilogues too cause those just wrapped it perfectly. What an end to this series 🎉
355 reviews5 followers
September 17, 2024
I absolutely LOVED Abby and Nick’s story!! I laughed and cried, groaned and cheered! The rollercoaster of emotions was fantastic! And little Hazel definitely stole my heart. I can’t recommend this book enough!
100 reviews
September 14, 2024
I could not put down this book down, it gave me all the feels, and Nick and Abby were the best couple to end the Varsity Dad series!
Profile Image for Ashley Herndon.
1,259 reviews19 followers
September 28, 2024
All. The. Hot. Football. Shooting. Stars.

I have loved all the varsity dad tales!

This one too! Sooo good!

I love how protective Nick is and love how Abbey finds her way again.

This was fabulous and I highly recommend.
Profile Image for Thaimelly Rigobello.
294 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2024
As always, a lovely read!! It had me laughing, crying and face palming. Hehehe. Lex has amazing creativity to come up with unexpected events! Nick is just living his life with his daughter. Abby is just trying to let the past in the past. They crash, literally, and burn so high!!! Their chemistry is great but miscommunication seems to be a problem. Their friends are great too. I loved reading this and couldn’t put it down. Can’t wait for the next series. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Profile Image for Katherine Beers.
782 reviews
September 29, 2024
Okay. So I know this whole series has been accidental pregnancy tropes, but I still didn’t expect it since Nick already had a kid.. I thought that was the edge in this one.

Overall, it was alright, but I didn’t feel especially connected to any characters. This book, like the others in the series, was definitely enjoyable but I don’t know that I would recommend them to many people.
Profile Image for Alecia (The Staircase Reader).
1,111 reviews76 followers
October 2, 2024
description
Blindside Beauty is the sixth book in the Varsity Dads Series by Lex Martin. Let it be known, if you are a lover of single father romances, secret pregnancy romances, Non-biological Father romances, She’s my girl but she’s pregnant with another man’s baby romances…. Basically, if you love drama revolving around pregnancy and/or single parenthood in the romance novels you read, you should definitely head to amazon and 1-click every single book in this series! You won’t be sorry!!

But back to the reason I’m here today. That is to review Blindside Beauty, the sixth standalone in the Varsity Dads series.

Abigail Dawson thought she had everything she could ever want. She was in love with her highschool sweetheart, newly engaged, and plans of uprooting her life and moving to her boyfriend’s college were in the works. But in the blink of an eye, her life begins to unravel. Starting with the news that her fiance, or should I say ex-fiance, got another woman pregnant. It’s at that moment, things start to make sense on why her ex never wanted her to come to his college games or visit him on campus… Now, Abby is destined to make her dreams of visiting London come true. She just needs the funds to do so…

Nick Silva never dreamed his worst nightmare would come to life. Having to raise a little girl all alone, wasn’t what he had on his life’s bingo card. But fate had other plans for Mr. Silva. Now, he’s juggling being a single father, getting his football stats high enough to enter the draft, and making sure his father is taking care of himself. All of his dreams all depend on what happens with the upcoming season and the draft. There is no room for outside distractions….

But when he is having trouble finding someone to care for his daughter while he is on the field, he has no choice but to look to his rival’s ex-fiance, Abby Dawson…. OHHHH! I sense some crazy moments in Abby and Nick’s near future!

My Thoughts:

Lex Martin has continued to amaze me with each book in this series! Nick and Abby’s story has humor, spice, and a few dramatic moments that had me searching my house for a box of tissues. I have loved this series from the start and that love is growing exponentially! There is never a dull moment, that’s for sure.

Let’s start with the characters. First we have the leading lady, Abigail Dawson (also known as Abby). Abby’s character is unlike the majority of heroines in romance novels. I loved the fact that Abby’s character is unlike the majority heroines in romance novels. Her accident-prone characteristic is something we don’t get to experience too often in romance novels, so a big thank you goes out to Lex Martin for giving us something new and exciting to read! I loved the fact that if there was trouble, this woman would find it. I also liked the fact that she was slightly introverted. She’d rather be home reading a book than be at a party getting drunk. I feel like this makes her so relatable! Bottom line, I loved everything about Abby!

And then we have Nick. Nick has the weight of the world on his shoulders, everything to help his family rides on how the upcoming season and draft will go. When I tell you I felt his stress through every page of his point of view chapters, you can take me for my word. One thing I admired about Nick though, he never brought his stress to his little girl. She is living a carefree life thanks to the sacrifices this man is making to ensure she has the best life he can give her. I loved his devotion and his caring nature. It has to be said, I also really loved his grumpy vibes.

Abby and Nick were simply made for one another. The chemistry between these two was pure FIRE! I loved the constant push and pull. I have to say, I was on the edge of my seat for this one!

Now for the reason why I dropped a ½ star on my rating. I gave Blindside Beauty by Lex Martin a 4 ½ star rating simply for the fact that I wanted more interaction between Abby, Nick, and his daughter. I wanted to feel that connection even more than what was given. Maybe throw in a few more scenes between Abby and Nick’s daughter to feel that balance a little bit more. I don’t know, I’m a spoiled reader.

Overall, I have to say I loved this book!! I loved the grumpy/sunshine, single father, quirky heroine, enemies To Lovers, and the close proximity vibes! I couldn’t get enough of this one! So if this is content you enjoy in the romance novels you read, I highly suggest you run to amazon and 1-click this book today!

_________

description

Find me here:
The Staircase Reader
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Bookbub
Profile Image for Min.
9 reviews
September 22, 2024
The Varsity Dads series has been great from the beginning and this book (6th in the series) was every bit as good as the previous 5 books! Blindside Beauty could easily be read as a standalone, but having read the previous books in the series, I appreciate the history that provided, and it added to the depth of this story by helping to explain some of the friendships and relationships among the characters – but, again, that wasn’t necessary to understand and enjoy this book, per se.

I am a huge fan of the dual POV – when you really get to see both characters’ thought processes and what holds them back, it adds so much depth to the story! I loved so much about Nick and Abby’s whole story but I have to say the humor made this such a fun read!

Some of my favorite parts of this book were the development of the FMC (Abby) – she was introduced briefly in a previous book and honestly didn’t seem all that interesting at that point, but she turned out to be one of my favorite FMC’s in the series, and her friendship with Roxy was so satisfying to read! This book very realistically portrayed how past relationships can impact behavior and also what therapy can do to help when old triggers make things complicated – I love seeing that written into a romance, because everyone has baggage and that just made the characters so relatable. Specifically, I loved that Abby matured and changed as opposed to taking on the same/familiar role in her relationship, and (without giving any spoilers), I loved that Abby did not change her goals and plans to accommodate what would have been easier for Nick – her growth as a person was one of the best parts of this story!

For Nick, the representation of how past grief and trauma continued to impact mental health and behavior in sometimes unexpected ways was very well done. Nick as a dad was so sweet, and I loved him for that part alone!

Last but not least, the spice level in this book was perfect – there was enough spice and tension to keep things interesting, but it didn’t overtake the entire storyline.

Overall I would totally recommend this book! The epilogue also gave me all the warm feels!
Profile Image for The Dragon Den Book Blog.
2,969 reviews66 followers
September 22, 2024
ARC Review of Blindside Beauty by Lex Martin
* * * * *
A single dad/nanny romance that is sweet and spicy and another great reason why I love this series! Drama, idiot friends, nasty exes, and a totally adorable hazelnut.

Abby justed wanted to forget about her superstitious cheating a-hole ex of a boyfriend, stay away from anything relating to football, and get some extra cash together to go on her amazing trip to London. This babysitting job was supposed to be an easy and uncomplicated.
She barely made it passed the interview, only to end up crashing into the car of her almost employee.
Nick has only two things on his mind that he needs to focus on - his daughter and football.
When his nanny situation isn't looking too good, and one particular day leads to firemen rocking up, it all ends with Abby getting the job she wanted...just not wearing the outfit she wanted in a position she didn't plan on being found in when being the hero.
As the universe pushes them together - storms of all kinds and chemistry that is just getting too intense - will Nick admit he has feelings for a new woman his life before she departs for London?

5 stars! How can I not?
We have the complicated past relationships: Nick is a super overprotective father, as he is still haunted and mourning the loss of his daughter's mother. Abby has the horrible ex that just used her as a tool and did what he wanted with every other woman in his sight.
We have horrible current relationships: Nick's current piece not liked by his daughter - take the hint sweety. Abby still has her ex lingering around like a bad smell thanks to mother dearest.
Then there is the chemistry. Of course there is humour thanks to the innocence of our sweet Hazel.
Great read. Loved it!
Profile Image for Maddie (Bookaholic_Dreamer).
967 reviews82 followers
September 27, 2024
A bittersweet ending, but made all the well worth from the beautifully sweet yet spicy, cute yet tension filled, emotional rocky yet entertaining read that was the Enemies to Lovers love story of Nick and Abby.
Lex Martin truly came through in ending the Varsity Dad’s series on a high with the delivery of a great finale that was Blindside Beauty.
Ultimately making it not only a 5⭐️ read, as well as Top Fav 2024 Read of mine!



Author Lex Martin is here to delivery the finale to her Varsity Dads series; Blindside Beauty.
The Standalone that is an Enemies to Lovers, Single Dad/Nanny, Small Town, College Romance follows the story of Abigail ‘Abby’ Dawson and Single Dad, Football player Nick Silva through the telling of their dual POVs.

The story was quite the journey, in being filling from all that was delivered in this adventurous ride for Abby and Nick.
Navigating through a flourishing relationship, that brought about drama, tension and witty banter.
This was quite the venture packed with major steam, an array of emotions and feelings thoroughly explored, with angst. And of course tension, drama and suspense from the events and situations bought to the forefront along the pathway travelled got Abby and Nick.
It was no surprise Lex Martin had me hooked, line and sinker in this real page turner. Devouring each and every page like no tomorrow.

Blindside Beauty truly kept you engaged, enthralled and locked in with every page turn.

It ultimately allowed author Lex to come through in delivering yet another perfect combination of elements in her storytelling.
Whether it be the the thorough character building that paved way for an in-depth view of the growth changes displayed by Abby and Nick in their individual journeys. As well as the journey that led to their paths interconnecting them to one another.
The entertainment that bought about hilarious moments in having you LOL’ing.
On top of the sweet and cute witty banter shared between Abby and Nick, turning into some sexy yet fiery steam.
And the tension from the suspense building, due to the plot giving drama.
It was no wonder this jam packed storyline had you never getting enough.

Although it was bittersweet knowing Blindside Beauty was the end to one of the greatest Sports Romance series ever written.
The story of Abby and Nick was not only well worth it, but also a sweet and perfect ending in closing the chapter once and for all to the incredible series Varsity Dads from Lex Martin.
All the whilst opening the door to a brand new series, which has me excited for from the previews showcased into some of the characters.



*I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Sharleen ♡.
507 reviews18 followers
September 25, 2024
So sad we’ve reached the end of the Varsity Dads series but what a way to end on a high note. Nick, Abby & Hazel have my heart 🤍

Tropes

• college hockey romance
• single dad x nanny
• neighbours
• forced proximity

Review

It was so bittersweet going back to Lone Star State University one last time. Every single book in this series has been an absolute pleasure to read and this one was no exception!

I loved getting Abigail’s story. My heart broke for her in Heartbreaker Handoff and I loved seeing her stand up for herself and gain confidence. She’s such a sweetheart and I adored her relationship with Hazel. Nick had already been through so much, becoming a father so young and then losing his girlfriend and the mother of his child only 2 years later. It was easy to understand why he was so overprotective of his loved ones. Hazel was the sweetest little angel who had everyone wrapped around her little finger as she should!

I really enjoyed Nick & Abby’s journey. There were a few bumps along the way but I loved the way they were able to communicate with each other. Through everything you could just tell these two belonged together and it was sweet seeing them work towards their forever as a family. Definitely be sure to download the extended epilogue, sweetness overload I tell you 🥹

There were a few certain side characters I grew rather attached to but I knew this was the last book in this series so imagine how ecstatic I was seeing that one of them would be book 1 in a brand new series! Cannot wait for what Lex has in store for us next 🤭

Thank you Lex for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review 🤍
Profile Image for Sonia.
378 reviews1 follower
September 26, 2024
4.5 *

"The Varsity Dad series" is a collection of stories that tug at the heartstrings, and the book featuring Nick and Abby is a true gem. Abby is a sweet, slightly clumsy bookworm. Nick is a devoted single dad, frantically searching for the perfect nanny for his four-year-old daughter, Hazel. Despite a rocky beginning, their connection is undeniable and deeply heartfelt.

Abby's character is instantly lovable, with a pure heart and a touch of nerdy awkwardness. She transfers to a new university, only to discover her ex-fiancé's infidelity. A series of mishaps leads her to crash into the car of the school's quarterback, Nick Silva, who then becomes her unexpected neighbor. Despite her resolve not to date another football player, she finds herself drawn to Nick and his adorable daughter, Hazel.

Nick is a loving single dad, juggling football, classes, and parenting with grace. He initially hesitates to hire Abby due to her accident-prone nature, but her bond with Hazel is undeniable. Their relationship develops amidst laughter, tender moments, and a touch of romance, creating a perfect blend of emotions.

The supporting characters, including Hazel and their friends, add depth to the story, creating a tight-knit group that readers can't help but adore. Lex Martin's writing style, which combines angst, humor, and heartfelt moments, makes "Blindside Beauty" a must-read for romance fans.

The book introduces hints of a new series, and I was left eagerly anticipating the stories of other characters. Nick, Abby, and Hazel's journey is a beautiful conclusion to the series, leaving me touched and excited for what's next.
Profile Image for Laurenreadingrecs .
611 reviews39 followers
September 15, 2024
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Tropes:
💜 athlete x bookworm
🩶single dad x nanny
💜opposite attract
🩶small town
💜close proximity
🩶slow burn
💜dual pov

This is a bittersweet moment because i absolutely adored this book and this series but sad because this is the last book of the series. This is Nick and Abby’s book.

Let’s talk about our MMC, Nick first. I absolutely loved Nick. This is a man that had to face tragedy at a very young age, which left him as a single dad to his 4yr old daughter, Hazel. Nick had his priorities in order… football and Hazel. Nick has no time for relationships at this stage. But when he meets Abby his axis starts to tilt. The more time he spends with her the deeper he falls.

Our FMc, Abby, she was so sweet. After getting glimpses of her in Heartbreaker Handoff I was glad she was getting her shot at a HEA. She went through so much crap with Ezra and she deserved better. I loved the new found friendships she made with Paige and Baylee, and how they had her back in every aspect. Abby doesn’t trust easily and Nick has to work to gain that trust.

There was alot of push with Nick and Abby, a will they become more, some definite slow burn. When they finally come together as a couple, there was definite sparks flying. There was still that angsty tension, but there was some banter to balance that out.

This was a great way to end the varsity dad series. I loved every couples book and i can’t wait to read Paige’s book to kick off the new series.

Thank you to Lex for letting me be a part of your team.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,498 reviews49 followers
September 18, 2024
Nick Silva is the hot young quarterback for the University. He also has a 4 yr old daughter. Nick likes his routine with his daughter, but he knows he needs help. He needs to hire a nanny / babysitter, she can't keep coming with him to the early morning workouts they have. When she's in the stands watching all he can do is focus on her instead of the game.

Abigail (Abby) Dawson is a very accident prone person. I feel like we are soulmates! Everything that can go wrong, usually goes wrong with Abby. When she was arguing with her ex boyfriend Ezra and she went to drive off whose car does she hit when she goes backwards instead of forwards - Nick Silva's of course!

Abby moves into a house with a roommate next door to Nick of course. Nick knows Abby and would like to forget that he knows her. Nick knows how she struggles with her shyness. When Nick sees how good she is with his daughter, he asks her to nanny for him. Nick also has a few others helping with this daughter, a morning shift, and afternoon shift. That way the other girls can all go to their different classes and his daughter is still being watched and taken care of.

Abby and Nick have chemistry together. But, Abby is more reserved when she is around him. Ezra broke her heart when she realized she was just a lucky charm to him. She doesn't want to be considered anyones lucky charm.
Nick helps her realize that she can trust people and that she isn't being used.

Thanks Lex Martin and @candikanepr for the ARC!

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for KC.
165 reviews2 followers
September 15, 2024
Abby - oh gosh did you make me want to be her champion! After all the BS she went through with Ezra and her general bad luck, she deserved the best. Her growing relationships with paige and Baylee - they are the kinds of girl bonds that are the heart of real friendship and love.

Nick - he faced so much tragedy at such a young age, what he had accomplished was amazing. His priorities and commitment to his daughter, their future and football make him incredibly hard to fault. Although he might not always think before he speaks, his fear driven reactions felt realistic for his age and situation, but his desire to be better and seek therapy - that is the best kind of man!
Together - the tension was perfect! There was that classic angst, but also plenty of humour that kept it fresh and fun. The perfect couple to end one of my all time favourite series. Sweet Hazel is not to be skipped over either - her interactions brought genuine moments of family and developing relationships that added to the realness of the story.

Lex truly has found the right combination of banter, tension, plot and steam to form binge worthy stories. You can rely on her ‘Varsity Dads’ series to keep you enthralled and leave your heart full.

P.S. As always Lex gave us little hints about the next couple we’ll meet, Paige and Rhett. I cannot wait for the ‘Wild at Heart’ series!
Profile Image for Cokiereads.
711 reviews39 followers
September 28, 2024
Abigail Dawson is a sweetheart. She's a bookworm who's finding her place at a new school where the only friend she has is her roommate. She's also recovering from an awful break up from the guy she was supposed to marry, her high school sweetheart. AKA, the guy who cheated on her. Massively.

She loves kids and wants to save for the trip that her DB ex didn't want her going on. So when she applies to be Nick Silvas nanny, she gets denied. Might have been because she plowed into his car.

He's next door, though, and when she makes a daring rescue attempt to save his daughters life, Nick realizes that maybe she's the one who really needs to be watching her.

And when she needs a place to stay... Nick offers to let her move in. Win, win? Uh, no. She's had her fill of jocks. But Nicks is a fantastic dad, super good-looking, and a pretty great guy. A total 180 from her ex.

It's an enjoyable read. Nick has suffered some real loss, but he's learning to live again. And I'm not joking about what a sweet dad he is. It's really complicated for him, he's in truth, a single dad.

I loved the family they made together. It's always more complicated when kids are involved, and seeing as how Hazel's not a baby it's doubled the complicated.
2,926 reviews9 followers
September 26, 2024
Beautiful
This is my first time reading Lex Martin and I’m amazed by the depth of emotion this evoked.
Abby, Nick and little Hazel were so realistic they leapt from the pages. They are warm, endearing, cute, flirty and sweet
This romance has a central focus of dealing with the loss of a loved one. It happens off page but the impact is felt by so many. If this is a trigger for you, please be aware. You never meet Gemma but she felt like an actual character, one whose presence had significant bearing on Nick’s choices and fears.
The friend group was fun with a great camaraderie. The guys sometimes put their foot in their mouth but that just made them more realistic and added some wonderful humour.
This is a final year college romance with big life choices being made, some heartbreak, drama and a couple of real life twists.
If you’re a football fan there’s some gameplay that was exciting woven into the romance.
This couple had my heart from the start, with a few small tense moments, a slow burn before the steam and a beautiful family vibe, this left me with a huge smile. I can’t wait to read more from this very talented author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.