False Start: Chicago Engines: A fake dating, celebrity/athlete sports romance

by T.L. Hamilton

Is a relationship built on a lie doomed to fail? Or could it recover from its false start?

Beautiful. Anxious. Bitch.

Georgia “Gia” Kennedy doesn’t care what you call her, as long as you know her name.
The aspiring starlet is set to be the next big television talent.
She just needs to impress the producers and get the job first.
When an attractive stranger saves her from an uncomfortable situation with a casting director, it seems logical to play along with the lie he gives.
Boyfriend.
Terribly in love.
Exclusive.
Unfortunately, he left out a small truth.
He plays tight end for the Chicago Engines, and all of Illinois is watching him return from a career threatening injury.
Weston Naylor has more important things to worry about than what a budding actress may be asked to do on the casting couch, but he doesn’t seem to have gotten the memo.
The more he sees of the woman behind the mask she shows the world, the better he understands she’s more than just a pretty face with a tragic backstory.
Can honest connection come from a lie?
Or will fear of failure keep them apart?

Genres: Contemporary, Sports Romance

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2025

Reviews

[Mona Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

False Start

This is a sweet story about two people who meet by chance and end up being perfect for each other. What started as a nice gesture blows up and turns into two people finding themselves and each other. Oh, it's hot too. Weston is book boyfriend material

[Chandra Luna · Rating 4 out of 5]

False Start hooked me right from the opening scene with Georgia “Gia” Kennedy—sharp-tongued, ambitious, and desperate to make it in Hollywood without losing herself in the process. She’s not just chasing fame; she’s battling anxiety, old wounds, and the constant judgment of everyone around her. Enter Weston Naylor, the tight end fighting his own uphill battle—a man clawing his way back from injury while under the watchful eyes of the entire state of Illinois.

Their first meeting? Electric. A fake relationship born out of necessity—his protective impulse, her need for a lifeline. What could have been a shallow setup turns into something layered and surprisingly vulnerable. Gia’s mask begins to crack, showing the bruised but resilient heart underneath, while Weston’s steady strength reminds her that not everyone wants to use her or tear her down.

The brilliance of this story lies in how Hamilton plays with the idea of performance—Gia performs for producers, Weston performs for fans, but together, they start learning how to just be. Of course, the lie that brought them together lingers like a shadow, threatening to ruin everything. But the real tension comes from whether these two people—both terrified of failure—can let themselves believe they deserve the kind of love that doesn’t require pretending.

I adored the banter, the chemistry, and most of all, the tenderness hiding under their prickly exteriors. This isn’t just a sports romance or a Hollywood romance—it’s a story about trust, about stepping into the spotlight without the mask, and about finding someone who loves you for every flawed, messy piece of who you are.

If you love fake-dating tropes that evolve into genuine, hard-won intimacy, False Start delivers the perfect blend of heat, heart, and second chances.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Billie-Jean H · Rating 3 out of 5]

False Start is a fake dating sports romance that follows a side character from a previous book in the series. You do not have to have read the first book, I hadn’t, but it helps.

Gia is an actress shooting her last shot when a meeting with a creepy director from her past is derailed by a hot stranger pretending to be her boyfriend. They share some hot moment and then go their seperate ways. Life has other plans when circumstances force them into a fake dating contract for publicity.
What happens when those feelings stop being fake and real emotions come into play?

This was a generally fun read. I’m new to the sports romance genre and this was a easy intro with minimal actual sports references other than attending games and dealing with injury.
The found family in the football team was sweet. Reading Gia I picked up pretty quickly that she was ADHD and the representation was pretty authentic and not offended so kudos to the sensitivity readers. If you don’t experience ADHD first hand Gia will seem chaotic and likely annoying so I’m putting it out there to the neurotypical brains to give her some grace.

Having not read Gia’s sisters book the family storyline was off putting as there was little context here but it does come together in the end.

For me the spice was mild but if you read fade to black or closed door this is probably a 3🌶️

Overall an enjoyable read.

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was intrigued by the idea of this book - after all, when we met Gia in her sister's book, she didn't exactly come across as the most sympathetic character! Of course, I trust my authors, and knew that it would all be explained!

I'm sure it will come as no surprise to anyone that read the first book exactly where Gia's trauma's come from. Without spoilers, if I disliked this character first time round, they were so much worse here!

Weston is a great MMC, the right mix of tough and puppy dog. He's exactly what Gia needed in her life.

Loved the book, and there's a few characters I'm hoping we see more off. Plus I might just have to find a few more Grid Iron Warriors to read about, too!

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

False Start is book 3 of Gridiron Warriors series. I am really enjoying this series! The story line was interesting, entertaining and kept you wanting more and on the edge of your seat. The characters were amazing, likable, had chemistry, hopeful and enjoyable. I really enjoyed reading this addition to the series and can't wait to see where this series goes!.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. If you have never read any of TL Hamilton's book then you need to get one immediately. I loved the story between Gia and Weston. It was spicy, steamy and they had a great relationship between them. Gia has gone through so much to be able to make it in Hollywood and still be true to herself then enter Weston and things completely change. Weston is trying to make a comeback with everyone's eyes on him. The spark between them is electric and it will draw yo in immediately.

[Kalexreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gia and Weston had chemistry from the start, even though their one night stand turned into a fake relationship. It was obvious to everyone that they had real feelings for each other. The spice was yummy, and their banter was great. Loved it!!!

[Abby Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this romance book! This is the story for Gia and Weston. It was wonderfully spicy and hot. Gia goes through so much and I was completely invested in how this story was going to end. Definitely a must read if you love romance!

[Amanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic read. From page one I was drawn into the story. It flows nicely, the characters are likeable, and the storyline is perfection. I absolutely loved it.

[Melinda Swaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!!!

I absolutely loved this book. Amazing characters and wonderful plot. Very beautifully written and easy to read. Has great characters and a was a fab read. Loved it. Happy reading

[Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was so sweet!

I’m personally not the biggest fan of fake dating but the way this book was written almost changed my mind ❤️ they are both the sweetest characters and I just all round adored this one