Faked and Fumbled

Knoxville Coyotes Football #1

by Gina Azzi

Knoxville Coyotes football heartthrob Cohen Campbell is my brother’s best friend. Now, he’s the man posing as my fake boyfriend. Simple, right? Wrong.

I thought my luck couldn’t get worse than when my long-term boyfriend publicly dumped me. Wrong again. Now, my ex is dating my cousin, and our friend group is embarking on an annual ski trip.

Desperate to save face, I beg Cohen to pretend to like me. To bluff wanting me. To lay it on thick to convince my friends that I’m not heartbroken or hurt. I’m not damaged goods. That I have, in fact, moved on.

But during the trip, things change. Cohen’s longing glances make my heart race. His casual, familiar touches stir up new feelings. And his kiss? His kiss makes me yearn for things I’ve never experienced before.

Toss in one bed, an epic snowstorm, and a gossip circle a mile wide, and I’m praying we don’t fumble our fake relationship.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Football, Romance, Contemporary, Friends To Lovers, Fake Dating

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 1, 2024

About the author

Hi! I'm Gina and I write realistic, relatable, sweet New Adult and Contemporary Romance books. A NJ native, I have lived and worked abroad before settling in Canada with my husband and Littles. Although I can't iron (at all), I am a passionate reader, frequent globetrotter, and aspiring baker (recipes appreciated!). I love hearing from fellow readers so please connect!

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Reviews

[Heather Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so good!! I loved every minute of Cohen and Raia's book!

I love the brother's best friend trope and this has that plus, hockey romance, small town, and fake dating.
Cohen is a great guy and was very supportive of Raia and her dreams. The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. They start to fake date so she can show her backstabbing cousin/best friend and ex-boyfriend that she is over their betrayal. There's a lot of emotions in this book and I loved every minute of it. Cohen stepped up for Raia and it was so amazing. Cohen and Raia's chemistry and attraction were top shelf and I was all here for that. Their banter was hilarious too.
Overall, I loved their book and I can't wait to get more books in the Knoxville Coyotes series! Woot!

[diann bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faked and Fumbled is a fun story about how Raia got her groove back!
After being dumped and getting injured Raia needed to heal and learn to regain her strength. Except her friends wanted her to go on their annual ski trip like old times , except this time her ex would be with her cousin/best friend instead of her.
Most people would bow out or find an excuse not to go but most people aren’t Raia, she is a bad ass go getter and she never gives up. So? Who better to ask to be her fake plus one but her brother’s best friend Cohen!
Yes! Brother’s best friend Lover’s unite!
Gina has done this trope well and you will be totally satisfied with how this story plays out!
5 cheering stars!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raia is about to take the field to play one of her last soccer games before going pro and moving to Spain, when her boyfriend of a decade breaks up with her, destroying her concentration and resulting in her being seriously injured. Bye, bye Spain. Heartbroken and reeling from the betrayal and the hiccup in her career, Raia moves in with her parents in her hometown. Cohen is her brother’s best friend and teammate has years of experience looking out for Raia and when she experiences yet another betrayal, he is he one whose messages and care brings her back to the world of the living. When she has to go on a ski trip with her friends (including the ex and his new girlfriend), Raia asks Cohen to be her fake boyfriend to help her save face. You can see where this is going…

Azzi definitely scored on this one! The chemistry and back and forth between Raia and Cohen was so genuine and healthy, it just made me so happy. The way Cohen shows his affection and cares for Raia will give you the warm fuzzies for sure. He builds her up and encourages her, bringing her joy for life back, being patient when she struggles. Raia’s ability to forgive and mature was also inspiring and the Thanksgiving dinner scene was all that and more! This was a great start to the new Knoxville Coyotes Football series and I can’t wait to see what happens with the other players on the team.

[Gabby (bookishandballgowns) · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are few genres I love more than sports romance and Gina Azzi always does it well. Her characters are so fun and these are the easiest reads.

This book centers around rising soccer star Raia and her brother’s best friend Cohen. They have a lot in common starting with the fact that they are both athletes training to be at the top of their game. Cohen has already made it to the pros while Raia is well on her way to it. Raia is destined for greatness, but loses focus when her boyfriend mercilessly breaks up with her moments before a big game. All it takes is a second for her life to change. She returns to her hometown to heal at her brother’s house after the brutal injury sidelines her for the season.

Returning home might be a blessing in disguise. It gives her some much needed distance from her friends. She’s already feeling out of place in her tight-knit friend group after the breakup, but then to add insult to injury, Raia’s ex-boyfriend immediately starts dating her best friend… who happens to also be her COUSIN (Yikes. Girl code? Never heard of it). And yet, they all fully expect her to show up for their annual ski trip.

And that’s where Cohen comes in. Cohen has always thought his friend Raia was beautiful, but when she returns home down on her luck, he can’t keep his eyes off her. He’s always told himself that he would never cross any lines with his best friend’s sister, but she’s making it very hard with her flirtatious banter. She doesn’t want to show up to the annual ski trip alone so she asks Cohen to be her stand in boyfriend. He expects her brother to put up a fight but he’s fully on board with the fake relationship.

As long as it stays fake…

Which I’m sure you can imagine goes reaaaally well. Cough cough, insert sarcasm here. Like most fake dating scenarios, crap hits the fan quick and Raia has to make a hard choice between two important men in her life.

This book was genuinely so fun to read. I flew through it in less than a day and it reminded my why I love Gina’s book so much. For some people, it moved too quickly and they had trouble connecting with the characters, but I loved the pacing. I thought characters were easy to like and the story sucked me in right away. I felt like they had great chemistry and their banter was a lot of fun. It was a great series starter, and I’m excited to see what comes next.

Thank you to Gina Azzi for the eARC!

[Sarah | Retro Girl Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Faked and Fumbled” is the first book in Gina Azzi’s Knoxville Coyotes football romance series, and it’s Cohen and Raia’s love story.

Raia’s boyfriend Brooks breaks up with her right before an extremely important game, during which she gets seriously injured.

Needing time to heal, she ends up back in her hometown, where she reconnects with Cohen, her older brother’s best friend.

Okay, so this was an amazing read! I felt so sorry for Raia when she found out that her ex boyfriend, Brooks, had a new girlfriend, and that it was her own cousin, Anna.

I loved how supportive Cohen was of Raia while she worked through these feelings despite the fact that they hadn’t seen each other in person in years.

Cohen and Raia’s relationship started off as fake, but I think there were always very real feelings between them.

They may not have started off as romantic, but in the end, no one could deny how hopelessly in love they were with each other.

I read this book in one sitting. It was utterly fantastic, and I highly recommend!!!

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever since I picked up Gina Azzi's books I've been a huge fan. Her way of telling a sorry speaks to me on many levels and getting to know Raia and Cohen was another great read for me.

Raia and Cohen have known each other for a very long time. She had a huge crush on him and he thought of her as a little sister. But now she is all grown up and single and he's starting to notice it. Raia is not having a great time. First her boyfriend broke up with her, next she suffered a huge injury that puts her dreams of playing soccer in Europe on hold. And when she's (almost) obligated to attend her friend's ski trip, she begs Cohen to help her. But what neither of them expected is that their pretend would turn into HEA.

This story was fun to read and I loved seeing   Avery even though I'm still not over what he did to Mila but OK. I'm looking forward to seeing more footballers getting their HEA.

[Kylie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg I just DEVOURED this story ! I Absolutely loved it !!!
Cohen was just everything! Her brother’s best friend ,Raia’s known him her whole life. He’s always looked out for her and now when she asks him for a huge favor, he can’t deny her.
When her boyfriend of ten years breaks things off with her, and she has a sports injury which puts her soccer career on hold, her life is thrown upside down.
A fake relationship with Cohen, quickly turns into very real feelings which complicate everything, for them and their families.
Cohen is the bf everyone wishes for growing up. He’s kind, honest, and loyal. Green flags everywhere !
Rain is sweet, driven and very independent ! These two together will have you snuggled up cozy to devour this in one sitting.
This book was engaging and addicting, with the perfect spice and many LOL moments. I absolutely loved this book! I cannot wait for book 2 in this series!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

This has been a really good read. The friends to lovers trope is a favourite of mine and Gina Azzi did it proud. Raia and Cohen's journey is one of denial, fun, cheeky banter, friendship, oh, and a betrayal to kick things off! Raia, reluctantly home after suffering an injury, is a super talented football/soccer player, with ambitions to play in Europe, so her injury is a disaster. Add in the reason for her distraction while playing, a trip skiing with her friends and, voila, Cohen, the lifelong best friend of her brother Avery and his teammate, is the knight who steps in to support this feisty, quick witted heroine.
I loved this book. I have devoured it in great big chunks between RL. Will definitely look forward to West's book!! Oh, and will we get Preston's story? Fingers crossed!💖💖💖💖💖

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just when you think you have your life all figured out......BAM!
Let the hurdles and the obstacles and whatever else Fate plans to release on you fall. But we all know fate loves to just kick you in the gut sometimes, just to make sure you're paying attention. Life lessons are learned as well as opening your eyes to what's right in front of you.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was excited to get my hands on this book as it ties into Azzi’s previous hockey series. I love a good brother’s best friend to lovers type story and this one was emotional and fun at the same time. I adored how Cohen was there for Raia as she goes through so much from her injury. What started as a fake relationship turns into something so much more. Their chemistry, wit and banter made the book so enjoyable. I loved the growth in this book too for Raia as she realizes so much during this “fake” relationship! Great read and looking forward to what is to come!

[Lara P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I need to start fake dating

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t lie. I wanted more misery for two people here. One, especially. Because that one broke every code and rule just to be selfish. Sure, it’s said that it wasn’t meant to be, but it was. And yet…I’m glad it fell apart because if it hadn’t, Cohen and Raia may not have finally figured it out. Trust me when I say, these two deserve the happiness they find along the way.

It may start as fake. But it’s also all too real. The worry is who will get hurt in the end. One is all in, one is afraid. One jumps, the other falters. The one that falters, though? Yeah, that one lays it all out on the table for everyone to see when it counts the most. Thanksgiving might never be the same for this family after Cohen and Raia get together, but I mean that in the best way possible. Sure, there’s some snark, but shouldn’t there be? Believe me. It’s well deserved and makes the love that Cohen and Raia share that much sweeter!

[Serena Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

’Su confianza en mis capacidades futbolísticas, en mí, es motivadora. Se suma a mi sed de demostrar mi valía. Para ser suficiente. No recuerdo la última vez que una mujer tuvo este efecto en mí. Nunca pensé que sería la pequeña Raia Callaway.’



•Mi opinión puede contener Spoilers.
•Esta destinada a ser un descargo personal no para que alguien más lea pero si lo haces y te ofende, me disculpo porque sé lo que es que te guste un libro y otros lo critiquen.



Faked and Fumbled de Gina Azzi Serie Knoxville Coyotes Football libro 1

Argumento:

El galán del equipo de fútbol de los Knoxville Coyotes, Cohen Campbell, es el mejor amigo de mi hermano. Ahora, él es el hombre que se hace pasar por mi novio falso. Sencillo, ¿verdad?
Me equivoqué.

Pensé que mi suerte no podía empeorar más que cuando mi novio de mucho tiempo me dejó públicamente. Me equivoqué de nuevo. Ahora, mi ex está saliendo con mi prima, y nuestro grupo de amigos se embarca en un viaje anual de esquí.

Desesperada por salvar las apariencias, le ruego a Cohen que finja que le gusto. Que finja que me desea. Que se exceda para convencer a mis amigos de que no estoy desconsolada ni herida. Que no soy producto dañado. Que, de hecho, he seguido adelante.

Pero durante el viaje, las cosas cambian. Las miradas anhelantes de Cohen hacen que mi corazón se acelere. Sus toques casuales y familiares despiertan nuevos sentimientos. ¿Y su beso? Su beso me hace anhelar cosas que nunca antes he experimentado.

Mezcle una cama, una tormenta de nieve épica y un círculo de chismes de un kilómetro de ancho, y rezo para que no arruinemos nuestra falsa relación.



Mi humilde opinión:

Romance deportivo, futbol femenino, futbol americano, relación falsa, de amigos a amantes, una cama, cabaña nevada.

Rai y Cohen son dos atletas elite, amigos de la infancia, el deporte es una de las cosas mas importantes de sus vidas hasta que ella le pide fingir ser su novio durante un viaje y todo cambia entre ellos.

Lo que le hizo Brooks a Rai fue una bajeza, dejarla antes de un juego importante en el que encima termina lesionada. Si las cosas no iban bien entre ellos debió haber encontrado un mejor momento para decirle. Semanas después mientras Rai se recupera en su pueblo natal, se entera por redes sociales que su prima y mejor amiga Anna esta de novia con Brooks? Códigos! No importa como fueron las cosas o como terminaron juntos, no le haces eso a tu mejor amiga, a tu familia! No posteas fotos en redes sociales con el ex antes de decirle y lo siguió haciendo! Hay todo un drama y tensión con esta situación cuando se reúne con su grupo de amigos de universidad en la cabaña que incluye a los traidores. Yo creí que Rai les iba a decir en la cara lo que pensaba de los dos y la forma en que la lastimaron pero no lo hizo. Tuvieron una conversación sin peleas, lo que esta bien, pero me molestó que Anna y Brooks se mostraran afligidos delante de Rai y quisieran justificarse. Me gustó que los amigos de Rai les dijeran algunas cosas a la pareja sobre lo mal que actuaron con Rai.

No me gustaba mucho Avery, el hermano de Rai y mejor amigo de Cohen, cuando se contó lo que le hizo a Mila en el pasado pero se noto que creció con los años. Es un buen líder de su equipo de futbol, es un buen amigo, y un consejero y buen apoyo para Rai.

Ahora, como nunca Rai se dio cuenta lo bien que encajaba con Cohen? No solo era un atleta como ella y la entendía en ese sentido, de estar comprometida con tu equipo y alcanzar tus metas sino que era guapo, gracioso y un gran amigo. Me encantó Cohen y Rai juntos. Eran un dúo divertido y sexy, tenían una fácil amistad. Cuando él accedió a fingir ser el novio fue divertido verlos tambalear y preguntarse sobre sus sentimientos por el otro.

Si bien el futbol era lo principal para Cohen en su vida, una vez que se dio cuenta que estaba enamorado de Rai fue directo y le dijo que no quería fingir más, que quería una relación de verdad, que tenían que decirle al hermano porque no pensaba mentirle. Lo ame por eso pero no entendí a Rai! Ella dudo, dio vueltas, se mintió a si misma, a su hermano, lastimó a Cohen, me molestó mucho que no fuera directa con Cohen como él lo fue con ella. Pensé que su actitud al final fue inmadura pero arregla las cosas en el día de acción de gracias al decir la verdad delante de toda la familia sobre su relación falsa y que se había enamorado de verdad de él. Fue un momento de declaración romántica.

El final fue lindo, todo se resuelve bien entre ellos a pesar de que tienen vidas ocupadas con sus equipos lograron hacerlo funcionar para estar juntos.

[Donna · Rating 2 out of 5]

"Nothing about this is simple or straightforward. It’s a disaster waiting to happen. And I’m at the center of the storm."

🏈 Fake Relationship
🏈 Brother's Best Friend/Teammate
🏈 Childhood Friends to Lovers
🏈 He Falls First
🏈 Forced Proximity/Snowstorm
🏈 Professional Football
🏈 HEA

I adored Cohen, how he fully opened his heart, raw and exposed, honest and vulnerable, willing to go all in with Raia. He had been looking for a connection, to feel a spark, wanting more than the moment. What would happen when Cohen and Raia's fake relationship started to feel real? Could they have something more? Could they have a future together?

Independent and determined, Raia was scarred by hurt and betrayal, holding back based on fear, fear of what could happen if she allowed herself to fall for Cohen. I couldn't warm up to Raia, her actions often at odds with her personality. She lost all her confidence as she faltered in Avery's shadow, always in competition with her brother. And the way she behaved at Thanksgiving was just so incredibly immature and uncalled for even though her ex deserved worse for what he had done.

"If I allow myself to fall fully for Cohen, will he be there to catch me? If I let him all the way in, will he eventually break my heart?"

The progression of Cohen and Raia's relationship didn't feel natural and organic to me and so it was difficult to invest myself in their relationship. Raia frustrated me but I still hoped she wouldn't break Cohen's heart. I also wanted the snowstorm issue to be further developed since it seemed to end almost as quickly as it began.

The brother's best friend aspect was written well, the conflict with Avery and the way everyone handled it. I loved seeing Avery again even after he hurt Mila in Hot Shot's Mistake and I think he finally deserves his chance at redemption in this series.

Family dynamics and friendships played a significant role in this book and I loved the connections between Raia and her parents as well as the bond between Cohen and his brother. Ultimately, this was a story about finding your person, finding your home, feeling like you belong.

"She tastes like hazelnut and snowflakes. She feels like home."

I've been anticipating Cohen getting his story since first meeting him in Hot Shot's Mistake. Unfortunately, that might be part of the problem, the way I built him up in my thoughts. I'll still read anything Gina writes even though this one was a miss for me. Other readers, however, may enjoy this more, especially those who are fans of the listed tropes.

* Special thanks to author Gina Azzi for sending me this ARC to read and review. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Quotes subject to change at time of publication. Available November 30, 2023. *

[Sassy Southern Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raia Callaway has been dating Brooks Spence since her freshman year of high school and now right before she’s about to play an important soccer game she is dumped. Then her luck takes even more of a turn for the worse when she is injured and Brooks begins dating her cousin. With her friend group planning a ski trip Raia will do what she can to pretend to be dating someone so she doesn’t have to deal with the embarrassment of showing up awkward and alone.

Cohen Campbell plays football with Raia’s older brother, Avery, for the Knoxville Coyotes but grew up with the Callaway home as his second home. When he learns about the situation facing Raia he agrees to pretend to be her boyfriend, with the agreement that Avery must know the truth.

When the ski trip changes the dynamic in their relationship, Raia and Cohen must figure out how they feel and what they see for themselves in the future before they lose everything and the truth is discovered.

This was a really good read and I really enjoyed it. I don’t think I have read this author before but I will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future.

I loved Raia and my heart broke for what she went through in the beginning of the book. She was completely blindsided by so many things and I was super mad at how she was treated by both Brooks and her cousin. On top of losing both of them she was also unsure what rehabilitation she would be facing after her injury and if she would have to give up her dream of playing soccer in Europe. I would have tried to do the same thing that she did with find a fake boyfriend instead of having to show up alone for the ski trip.

Cohen was a great character as he really struggled with how he felt about Raia and his relationship with Avery, her brother. He didn’t feel right keeping anything from Avery about the shift in their relationship as that was one of the most important relationships in his life. Cohen was truly a stand up guy who genuinely cared and was attracted to Raia but he really had a hard time with dealing with these new feelings.

There was so much chemistry between Cohen and Raia and you knew when that relationship shifted that things were going to get hot and heavy! I didn’t feel like this relationship rushed things along and I really liked the dynamic in their relationship.

Things got tense for a bit and I was happy with how things were handled and also how things blew up and were pieced back together! This book had me cheering for a happy ending for so long and I really enjoyed the journey along the way!

Can’t wait for more in this series!- Rebecca

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Kissing Raia Callaway changed things and I don’t know how to reconcile that with reality. I’m her fake boyfriend. Nothing else.”

Faked and Fumbled was a fun and fast read that was full of heart and emotions. Raia is recovering from a heartbreaking betrayal and asks Cohen to be her fake boyfriend to save face during a ski trip with her friends. These two quickly realize that there is a simmering attraction beneath the surface of their relationship and all too quickly the fake becomes real.

“It’s comforting to know that in a sea of thousands of people, Raia Callaway gets me. She understands that sometimes, you can be surrounded by noise and laughter, in the midst of living your dream, and simultaneously disconnected, and filled with loneliness. It’s the most terrifying truth I’ve ever experienced.”

I loved Cohen. He was completely focused on football and didn’t give time to anything else because he didn’t think it could compete with his love of the game until he reconnected with Raia. He was such a sweetheart and I loved how he didn’t shy away from what he was feeling. He was open and honest and his support of Raia was absolutely beautiful.

“When I’m with you, I feel…lighter. Everything is more fun. Even me.”

I liked Raia, but she frustrated me, too. She had feelings of inadequacy that were hard for her to overcome and made her feel a lot of things that were not reality. I was so afraid she was going to hurt Cohen, but despite that, she was also feisty and strong. She had to face her fears in order to embrace the future that would make her truly happy.

“In her presence, I can envision my whole damn future.”

I loved the fun, flirty banter between Raia and Cohen and their chemistry was sizzling. Their support of one another and their communication was also heartwarming. Full of heart, heat, and humor, Faked and Fumbled was a delightful read that was a lot of fun and I can’t wait to see what’s next in this series.

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Faked and Fumbled is the first book in the new Knoxville Coyotes series by Gina Azzi, featuring a fun brother’s best friend romance for Raia and Cohen. Raia would have no luck at all if it wasn’t for bad luck. She gets dumped right before a big game in her soccer career, sustains a major injury, and finds out her ex is dating her cousin via social media! To make matters worse, they are all part of a close-knit friend group, and a pre-planned ski-trip is coming up. In desperate need of a buffer, she asks her brother’s best friend and NFL teammate Cohen to pretend to date her and come on the trip. The lines blur and feelings develop, but he’s got a demanding career, and she wants to get back to soccer in Europe. Can they find a way to make it work, or will they fumble the ball for good?

What a great way to start a new series! Raia and Cohen’s story brings authentic emotions, lots of witty banter, steamy chemistry, and a fun cast of characters to build a world around. My heart went out to Raia with the betrayal she suffered, but she did frustrate me with the way she handled things with Cohen. As someone who had been hurt, you’d think she would be a bit more mindful of his feelings. Cohen was a total sweetheart! I love when the MC is a relationship newbie who falls first. He had me swooning and blushing at times! They definitely had some spicy heat and interesting history other side. Between Raia’s friends and Cohen’s teammates, the found family vibe is strong, and there are tons of compelling characters I’m dying to know more about!! I can’t wait to see what is next for this series! You don’t definitely don’t want to miss this one!!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶

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[Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Faked and Fumbled is book one in the new Knoxville Coyotes series by Gina Azzi. This is a fake dating football romance between Raia Callaway and Cohen Campbell. It is also a friends to lovers, brothers’ best friend and teammate story. If you have read the author’s Tennessee Thunderbolts series, then you will have met Cohen and Avery in #1 Hot Shot’s Mistake.

Raia is tough and determined to prove herself as a soccer player. She has always felt second best to her big brother Avery, the Coyotes QB and town hero. One day her world falls apart as she loses her boyfriend, her team and her dream of playing professionally in Europe. She finds herself back home in Knoxville broken hearted and injured. The only person who seems to understand what she is going through is her childhood friend and former crush, Cohen.

Cohen is dedicated to his career and has never had a serious relationship because of his commitment to football. He has always looked out for his friend’s little sister and pushed her to chase her dreams. He is the one who supports her in her rehabilitation and when she experiences more betrayal. He then agrees to be her fake date for a ski trip with her friends because she needs them to think she has moved on. How difficult could it be?

Can they fake date and not catch feelings for each other? He becomes conflicted because he realises he likes her. They both fight the attraction but the chemistry is undeniable. Both confused and wonder if they are better staying friends or could they act on what is becoming very real. Their banter is funny but poor Cohen starts to struggle. He will not cross any lines even though she has always meant something to him. She’s just come out of a ten year relationship while he’s been searching and waiting for the right woman. What if he has unexpectedly found her?

I felt so sorry for Cohen because he feels guilty lying to everyone about their relationship.
When he realises he has fallen in love with her, he is scared she doesn’t feel the same way. He was such a sweetheart, so honest and showed such vulnerability at times. I didn’t always agree with how Raia behaved and often got cross with her. I had my fingers crossed she wouldn’t break his heart. What happens when a kiss and then a snowstorm changes everything?

The author focused quite a bit on how family and friendships affected the couple. She never felt like she belonged whereas he had a strong bond with his brother Cooper. There was also the affect their relationships has on Avery, the team and their careers. I liked most of her friends and his teammates seem a laugh. Overall a fun start to the series and I’m looking forward to finding out about West and the mysterious woman.

[Jackie (Jackie's Book World) · Rating 5 out of 5]

***Review can also be found at Jackie's Book World. :)***

RATING: 4.5/5

As the first book in the Knoxville Coyotes Football Series, Azzi delivers a second chance and new beginnings romance in Faked and Fumbled. This steamy romance will leave you wanting for more!

In her town, Raia Callaway has always been second best compared to her older brother, the football player and hometown hero. She has worked really hard to become a professional soccer player outside her home, until her life changes when her boyfriend of ten years brakes up with her before a game. A game that she would end up losing and getting hurt. Her dreams of playing in Europe quickly diminish and Raia finds herself going back home to recover from her injury. She is surprised to see Cohen Miller, her brother’s best friend and fellow Knoxville Coyotes football player.

It’s been years since she’s seen him, but she is grateful to have him around. He understands what it’s like to be a professional athlete and his concern for her makes her feel cared for. Until she gets a text that her cousin/best friend is dating her ex that completely crushes her heart. Raia feels betrayed, but she has to face them and doesn’t want to do it alone, so convincing Cohen to be her fake boyfriend for the week turns into so much more. Especially when they end up getting caught in a snowstorm, miles away from everyone else. Feeling begin to blossom and she doesn’t know if he feels the same way.

I throughly enjoyed reading Faked and Fumbled, it was a wholesome read that had me reading nonstop until the very end. I’m a huge fan of Azzi’s sports series and this was such a promising start that I cannot wait to read the next books in the series. While Raia struggles to fully feel at home and get past her cousin and ex’s betrayal. Cohen has worked really hard to get to where he is, he is a top football player who can get just about any woman he could possibly want, but struggles to find a deeper connection. Seeing Raia again, he feels protective towards her and there is a deeper feeling that he can’t deny. Pretending to be her fake boyfriend gets him that much closer to her and he realizes that they might just be perfect for each other, if he can convince her to give them a chance. Told in dual POV, this steamy sports romance ends on a perfect note that I would highly recommend checking it out! :)

***I received an advanced copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own.***

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

The Knoxville Coyotes are here and readers better get ready for some action!

We met Cohen in the Thunderbolts series, in passing, but now it’s time for him to get his moment in the spotlight. He is all about football, it’s his job, his life and his number one priority. He is down to earth. Funny, sweet and lifelong, best friends, with Avery Callaway, quarterback of the Coyotes. A relationship has never been on his radar because no one has ever been special enough to push their way onto his priority list, until he gets knocked on his rear by an unexpected person in his life.

Raia Callaway is Cohen’s best friend’s little sister, a professional athlete in her own right, she has had a difficult summer, professionally and personally. When an opportunity comes to ask her brother’s best friend, and all around amazing guy, Cohen Campbell, if he can help her save face with an awkward situation, she takes it. Raia is a bada$$ and determined to rehab her injuries and get back on the soccer field as soon as she possibly can, but dealing with the ultimate betrayal from two people in her life is a situation where she needs some back up, and that’s where a fake relationship with Cohen comes in. Very quickly fake becomes fuzzy and these two start to realize there is way more beneath the surface than they were ever willing to recognize before. It will take a lot of vulnerability, some extremely passionate moments and a lot of honesty for this couple to make a relationship real.

Readers better be ready to devote some serious hours to this book because once you start reading you won’t want to put it down!

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Rebecca Austin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really good read and I really enjoyed it. I don’t think I have read this author before but I
will definitely be looking for more of her books in the future.

I loved Raia and my heart broke for what she went through in the beginning of the book. She was completely blindsided by so many things and I was super mad at how she was treated by both Brooks and her cousin. On top of losing both of them she was also unsure what rehabilitation she would be facing after her injury and if she would have to give up her dream of playing soccer in Europe. I would have tried to do the same thing that she did with find a fake boyfriend instead of having to show up alone for the ski trip.

Cohen was a great character as he really struggled with how he felt about Raia and his relationship with Avery, her brother. He didn’t feel right keeping anything from Avery about the shift in their relationship as that was one of the most important relationships in his life. Cohen was truly a stand up guy who genuinely cared and was attracted to Raia but he really had a hard time with dealing with these new feelings.

There was so much chemistry between Cohen and Raia and you knew when that relationship shifted that things were going to get hot and heavy! I didn’t feel like this relationship rushed things along and I really liked the dynamic in their relationship.

Things got tense for a bit and I was happy with how things were handled and also how things blew up and were pieced back together! This book had me cheering for a happy ending for so long and I really enjoyed the journey along the way!

Can’t wait for more in this series!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story:3.5 Stars
Spice: 2.75 🍆🍆🍆
FMC: 3
MMC: 3.75 Stars
Secondary Characters: 2.25 Stars

I really enjoyed this book. I didn’t think I would. Many times It read like a college sports centered book because the FMC was very immature and judgmental.

Raia is a burgeoning professional female soccer player it because her then boyfriend friend chooses the absolutely wrong time to have a talk with her she is injured and unable to dive into her professional career. She also has a weird and somewhat imagined rivalry that does nothing but keep her on a hamster wheel of competitive agony because she feels he’s the favored golden child.

Then we have Cohen. A childhood friend who has always tried to make sure Raia, though a few years younger, is not left out or outcast. Cohen plays professional football with Avery (Raia’s brother) who is the quarterback.

So the meat of the story is an annual trip Raia’s friend group takes but since she is now suddenly single and insult to injury, her ex quickly takes up with someone close. Cohen is asked to be a fake boyfriend for a week.

Turns out that relationship dry Cohen needed a good rainstorm of perfection and he and Raia go from fake to real to locked in but Raia’s self doubt almost sabotages her happiness.

Cohen is patient and honorable and helps Raia level up. I did not think her character possessed the ability to adult up in a meaningful way on her own. Also her “found” family made no sense because they just appear and then are gone.

In any event it was a pleasant 2 day read. I could invest in the rest of the series but will wait and see.

[Trish- Late Knight Luna Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the little teasers we got from the Thunderbolts series, I have been waiting to read about the men from the Knoxville Coyotes. “Faked and Fumbled” is a flirty, heartfelt, and sweet friends to lovers fake dating football romance that is a great start to the new series.

After her boyfriend of ten years breaks up with her right before one of the biggest soccer games of her career, Raia is back home in Knoxville to rehab some injuries. Cohen has been best friends with Raia’s brother for years and also plays with him on the Coyotes. When it’s time for Raia to go on her annual ski trip with friends, and her ex will be there, Cohen offers to be her fake boyfriend. As the two spend time together, it’s clear that there are feelings there that aren’t fake at all.

I loved Raia from the start. She’s a superstar athlete in the soccer world and is on a mission to be the best and make it on a professional team. Raia is genuine, kind and determined. She has some relatable insecurities that made me love her even more. Cohen is such a great guy and I loved how honest he was. He was willing to help Raia by being her fake boyfriend but didn’t want to lie to her brother. Cohen is swoony, genuine and trustworthy. Raia and Cohen had a solid friendship first that was the solid building block to something more. The chemistry was coming off the pages and I could feel how much they were meant to be as I read. Both had some insecurities they needed to work through to be able to truly be a couple. I loved the ending and I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gina Azzi's latest gem, "Fake and Fumbled," is a heartwarming touchdown in the world of romance that promises to sweep you off your feet. Stepping into the enchanting Knoxville Coyotes Football series, Ms Azzi's storytelling captivates from the very start, inviting you into a spellbinding love story that's impossible to resist.

Meet Raia, a resilient soccer player whose journey unfolds with an emotional intensity from the first page. "Fake and Fumbled" kicks off with a prologue that sets the stage for a captivating tale of heartbreak but mostly finding love when you least expect it in the place you least expect it.

This is a brother's best-friend romance that captivated me, Raia and Cohen, share a chemistry that's pure magic. Sparks fly as they navigate the twists of love, friendship, and Raia's post-breakup and injury challenges.

Cohen, the perfect book friend, brings swoon-worthy romance and a comforting presence that Raia desperately needs. This author once again gave us characters with depth and authenticity, creating a dynamic between Raia and Cohen that's utterly irresistible.

Raia's resilience, vulnerability, and strength make her a character you'll find yourself rooting for, while Cohen, the bookish hero, wins hearts with his charming sincerity.

"Fake and Fumbled" not only sets the stage for an enchanting series but also invites romance enthusiasts to savour the magic of love and magically HEA. Here's to Gina Azzi for crafting a delightful tale – may the Knoxville Coyotes series bring more heartwarming romance my way!

[Heather · Rating 1 out of 5]

I. Hate. Every. Character.

FMCs brother? The manwhore who whores his way thru all the cleat chasers?? I don't want to read a fucking blurb let alone an entire book about him. Ugh. Such a shitty brother while his sister is hurting, he keeps abandoning her to get his dick wet. Maybe his book will be a love triangle with 2 separate baby mama's. God knows, he's leaving a string of potentials throughout. I only started this because some other review said he "earned" a redemption arc but if this is true, then he was human garbage in past books.

FMCs friends? Who all blow up her phone that she can't "ruin their special ski trip" even though her COUSIN and ex WHO SHE DATED FOR A DECADE will be there, showing off their affair?? What the fuck kind of friends are those?? Am I supposed to crave their books next? Cause they fucking suck. Nobody should be pressured to face those cheating assholes if they don't want to. Real friends would ditch the ski trip on your behalf, not guilt the wronged party for ruining their friend group. She didn't cheat. She didn't stab her family in the back. Fuck anyone who makes her feel guilty.

FMC who constantly feels sorry for herself? Stfu or DO something. But she's a whiney baby. At least she's the only person with relationship standards in the whole book.

MMC is probably the best of the group. But even he is lame. The bar is so fucking low that him not sleeping with all the jersey chasers makes him a catch in this book. But in the romance genre? He's a dud.

[Booklover Judy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in this series can be read as a standalone and ends with a HEA. It is written in first person from an alternating dual POV.
After the breakup of a long-term relationship and a betrayal by her best friend, Raia returns home to Knoxville to heal. I loved her resilience. I loved her competitive nature and her drive to achieve her dreams even in the face of adversity. Raia has a journey of self-discovery during this book. I appreciated how she finally sees the truth of things in a way she never thought possible. I adored the friendship she had with Cohen before they ever decided to fake date. I loved their banter, and the support Cohen offers because he just understands her in a way no one else does. Cohen is the real deal. He is the full package. I absolutely loved him because he is a good and honorable guy. He also happens to be able to get dirty when he needs to; and that was a treat. The chemistry and heat between them are intense. I loved how emotional they were while being physical. They were together body, heart, and soul.
There was a lot to love about this book. I am sitting here writing this filled with the glow of their happy ending. I adored how they supported each other, pushed each other, and wanted only the best for each other through it all. I think I love the Coyotes, and I am excited to read more.
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advance reader copy of the book.

[Tsundoku is Forever · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cohen is a Football hottie, he's good but is looking for a serious relationship. Hookups are not doing it for him. He wants an emotional connection. Football is everything but when little Raia comes back everything changes, she a women now.

Raia has always felt below her brother. He's always to protective including in her last relationship that lasted a decade. Her last bf broke up with her before a very important soccer game and then she got seriously injured and THEN she found out her cousin and BFF is dating her ex. also she kinda always liked Cohen and nows hes back and he's not longer a boy.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Burn:🔥🔥🔥🔥/5
Darkness: N/A
Heat: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Range Of Emotions:🔥💗🌶️🥰🥵😢🥹😭Ending: 💗 {HEA}
POV: 👫 {DUAL}

🗂️ Genre: Romance

✨ Tropes: Football Romance, Childhood Friends, Snowed In, Grumpy x Chaotic Sunshine, “It was always you”, Badass Heroine, Fake Dating, Brothers Best Friend

💋 Kinks: N/A

⚠️ Warning: This is spicyyyyy , but also you will cry at the sweetness

📣 Type: Faked and Fumbled is book 1 of the Knoxville Coyotes Football Series, but can be read as a standalone

Yes, Yes, Yes. a million times YESSS. This was a great book. Their chemistry is explosive and in the beginning they agree to fake date to preserve their friendship and make sure they are not hurt but he's already too deep in. She is not prepared for the feelings she will face. The major problem is when their feelings are revealed is how to tell her brother.

[Melissa Miller-Mattern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

Raia has been humiliated. Not only did her boyfriend break up with her right before one of the biggest soccer games of her life, but she also got seriously injured in the same game, ruining her chances of going to Europe to play soccer for the time being. Raia heads back to her hometown to recover and rehab from her injury but falls into a funk. At home, she feels like she has always been in her big brother's shadow since he is a player for the Coyotes professional football team. When her brother's friend and fellow Coyotes teammate, Cohen stops by the see Raia, they fall back into the easy friendship they had when they were younger but now Cohen is starting to see Raia in a different light. When Raia needs a plus one for a ski trip where her ex and his new girlfriend will be, Raia and Cohen come up with a plan for him to be her "boyfriend". The two begin to catch more than friends-with-benefits feelings but the time is coming for Raia to leave her childhood hometown and return to the world of soccer; also, Raia's brother is not happy with either of them for what started out as fake (that he knew about) has turned into a lot more than any brother wants to know about concerning his little sister and best friend.
Faked and Fumbled is for any sports romance, fake relationship, or brother's little sister genre lovers. Cohen was easy to fall for as he is a caring, responsible, successful adult who only has Raia's best interest in mind. Raia is one bad...well, you know. She takes her sport seriously and isn't going to let anyone dictate what she can or can't do. The story was easy to read, full of spice and sweetness, and overall enjoyable romance book.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, this book was really good! 😍✨ The scenes were awesome 💥, the characters had real depth 🧠❤️, and the way the intro gave you solid context before jumping into the fake dating stuff? Chef’s kiss. 👏🍽️💋 Unlike a lot of books that just throw you into the trope with no buildup 🙄📖, this one actually let you settle in—and I loved that 😍💫. It was cute 💕, fun 🥳, and had me excited to keep reading 📚🧡. The vibes were there right away 🎉 and I really appreciated how it started off strong with purpose 🌟📘.

That said, I do wish I could’ve finished it properly. Around the middle, things got really intense, emotionally and romantically, and I kind of backed out because I didn’t want to see what might happen—I was convinced they’d break up or something awful would hit, and I couldn’t handle the heartbreak. 😅💔😭

The romantic tension? SO on point. 🔥💞 You could feel the chemistry 💓 and all the unspoken feelings bubbling just under the surface 😳💭💘.

The only real issue I had was that the section from about 20% to 50% felt a little rushed ⏩😬. It didn’t give quite enough time for the characters to fully grow into their connection 🧩➡️💑. It kind of leapt from “just faking” to “deeply involved” without enough of that messy in-between that makes fake dating stories so satisfying 😮‍💨💭.

Other than that, I thought it was a really good book 📚✨. Intense 😮, engaging 🎯, romantic 💖—and definitely one I’d recommend 💬📖 (if you’re ready for some emotional turbulence in the middle 😅🎢).

[Jackie Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I heard we were getting a new series from Gina Azzi and all I need to say is Faked and Fumbled is a perfect start to the Knoxville Coyotes Series. This is Cohen and Raia story and if you love friends to lovers or fake to real romances look no further than this gem of a read.
Raia is back home in Knoxville to recover from an injury and to nurse her broken heart after a bad breakup when her ex decided to date her best friend and cousin. Faced with the upcoming annual ski trip she needs someone who has her back to help her get through seeing her ex again so she asks her brothers best friend and teammate Cohen to act as her fake boyfriend.
As Raia works through her feelings it becomes apparent real quickly that it’s Cohen she wants to be with but he has never put a woman before his NFL career and she is meant to be returning to her soccer career in Europe. So will she be the first woman he wants to date and more importantly will they be prepared to cross the line and risk friendships. One click to find out.
This book touched me on so many levels, I smiled, I swooned, I fell hard and fast for Cohen and I adored Raia but what took this read to another level was the way this couple only ever wanted the best for each other and the way they always had each others backs. A well written story that has left me excited for what’s to come next from Knoxville.