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Denver Mountain Lions #1
Roughing The Kicker: Illustrierte Ausgabe (Denver Mountain Lions Illustrierte Ausgabe)
He’s my best friend.
He’s a pro football player.
He’s famous.
I’m just the girl next door.
And I’ve been in love with him since I was 13.
He doesn’t know.
He can never know.
But will I be able to hide my feelings when I move in with him?
Jackson Fields. Denver’s star kicker. My best friend since 9th grade.
When an injury sidelines him, I step up. Living with him will be easy. I can hide my feelings long enough to take care of him. Piece of cake.
Except he depends on me for everything. Every touch, every move he makes has butterflies swarming my stomach. I can’t fall for him. Because he’s my friend. And he doesn’t see me as anything else.
But when his situation changes, and he sees me in a new light? Am I willing to risk everything to see if we’ll be good together? Or will we always be destined to be just friends?
What’s a girl to do?
Roughing the Kicker is the first book in a new sports romance series. No cheating, no cliffhanger and an HEA guaranteed!
He’s a pro football player.
He’s famous.
I’m just the girl next door.
And I’ve been in love with him since I was 13.
He doesn’t know.
He can never know.
But will I be able to hide my feelings when I move in with him?
Jackson Fields. Denver’s star kicker. My best friend since 9th grade.
When an injury sidelines him, I step up. Living with him will be easy. I can hide my feelings long enough to take care of him. Piece of cake.
Except he depends on me for everything. Every touch, every move he makes has butterflies swarming my stomach. I can’t fall for him. Because he’s my friend. And he doesn’t see me as anything else.
But when his situation changes, and he sees me in a new light? Am I willing to risk everything to see if we’ll be good together? Or will we always be destined to be just friends?
What’s a girl to do?
Roughing the Kicker is the first book in a new sports romance series. No cheating, no cliffhanger and an HEA guaranteed!
314 pages, Paperback
First published January 16, 2022
280 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Emily Silver
49 books610 followersAfter winning a Young Author’s Award in second grade, Emily Silver was destined to be a writer. She loves writing strong heroines and the swoony men who fall for them.
A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.
When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!
Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!
A lover of all things romance, Emily started writing books set in her favorite places around the world. As an avid traveler, she’s been to all seven continents and sailed around the globe.
When she’s not writing, Emily can be found sipping cocktails on her porch, reading all the romance she can get her hands on and planning her next big adventure!
Find her on social media to stay up to date on all her adventures and upcoming releases!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
June 24, 2022
This was an ok book, but not my favorite. Mainly because I couldn't stand Jackson. He was with his ex girlfriend for THIRTEEN years even though he wasn't really happy. He had no idea it was his best friend in that closet this entire time, even though ya know.. he never felt that way with his ex. Idk, I just didn't buy it.
I liked Tenley, but I didn't like how Jackson walked all over her. She dropped everything for him when he got hurt, but she was always the one he directed his anger towards. Then she would forgive him instantly. I just wanted her to have some backbone when it came to him.
Overall it wasn't bad, and I am looking for to the rest of the series, I just never warmed up to Jackson.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**
I liked Tenley, but I didn't like how Jackson walked all over her. She dropped everything for him when he got hurt, but she was always the one he directed his anger towards. Then she would forgive him instantly. I just wanted her to have some backbone when it came to him.
Overall it wasn't bad, and I am looking for to the rest of the series, I just never warmed up to Jackson.
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions**
February 7, 2024
Roughing the Kicker by Emily Silver was a sweet and swoony friends-to-lovers football romance that tugged at my heart right from the start. Seriously, the Prologue will suck you in and make you want it ALL for Jackson and Tenley. Jackson and Tenley have a history; they were friendly neighbors growing up. Ever since a secret chance encounter at a party, Tenley has always had a soft spot for Jackson. Fast forward years later and both are still living in their hometown fulfilling their dreams. Tenley is a kindergarten teacher, and Jackson is a pro football player for the Denver Mountain Lions. I loved this couple! Tenley had such passion for her job and devotion and dedication to Jackson! However, she has a vulnerable side that made me empathize with her at the same time. Jackson was such a hardworking football player and a charismatic lover, but still had many hidden layers to uncover, especially when he realized what really mattered most in his life! Together, Jackson and Tenley have fiery hot chemistry that has been burning for quite some time!
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of a friends to lovers romance with a hot hunky pro football kicker, sweet and sassy kindergarten teacher, hanging out with the whole Denver Mountain Lion team, helping out a friend in need, cute students, a jealous ex, friendly nights that turn into so much more, spicy steamy times, and a HEA that will score a winning touchdown in your heart, then you will love Jackson and Tenley's story! I love this brand new world Emily has created with the Denver Mountain Lions, and I can't wait to find out who gets their own HEA next.
**Audio Review**
Rose Dioro and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration, and this pairing was perfect to voice Tenley and Jackson. Rose’s vibrant tone captured Tenley’s passion for her job and steadfast dedication to Jackson. However, Rose’s performance highlighted Tenley’s softer, vulnerable side which made you empathize with her. Teddy’s upbeat loveable tone portrayed Jackson’s devotion to football and his charismatic persona. Teddy brought the feels portraying all those hidden layers Jackson had to face and uncover to discover what really mattered in his life. Both narrators convincingly conveyed the slow-burning chemistry between Jackson and Tenley.
Overall, I LOVED this book! If you are a fan of a friends to lovers romance with a hot hunky pro football kicker, sweet and sassy kindergarten teacher, hanging out with the whole Denver Mountain Lion team, helping out a friend in need, cute students, a jealous ex, friendly nights that turn into so much more, spicy steamy times, and a HEA that will score a winning touchdown in your heart, then you will love Jackson and Tenley's story! I love this brand new world Emily has created with the Denver Mountain Lions, and I can't wait to find out who gets their own HEA next.
**Audio Review**
Rose Dioro and Teddy Hamilton perform this audiobook in dual narration, and this pairing was perfect to voice Tenley and Jackson. Rose’s vibrant tone captured Tenley’s passion for her job and steadfast dedication to Jackson. However, Rose’s performance highlighted Tenley’s softer, vulnerable side which made you empathize with her. Teddy’s upbeat loveable tone portrayed Jackson’s devotion to football and his charismatic persona. Teddy brought the feels portraying all those hidden layers Jackson had to face and uncover to discover what really mattered in his life. Both narrators convincingly conveyed the slow-burning chemistry between Jackson and Tenley.
June 17, 2022
I love it when my reading coincides with what I'm needing in my life, and right now, I'm ready for football season & over the whole off season LOL! AND it just so happens that my beloved football team is the Denver Broncos so color me #BRONCOSCOUNTRY, which made it hard for me to call this football team anything else but the Broncos (LOL) but let me get on with it. Jackson Fields is the kicker, and the best friend of our heroine Tenley. She's been secretly in love with him for as long as she could remember but they're best friends because he doesn't see her like that or does he?! Anyway, he gets hurt so she's the one who is going to help him, and along the way, he's seeing her in a different light but while it seems pretty straight forward, you already know there will be a bump or two along the way since developing into a relationship is never really straight forward at the end of the day. This story was the perfect friends to lovers with the football aspect, and I LOVED IT SO HARD! I'm super excited to see what comes next with this Denver team & HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
October 30, 2022
I received this book from a book subscription box, and it had all the elements of some of my favorite troupes, sports friends to lovers romance. What I loved about this? Really liked Tinley as well as the friendship she had with Jackson. I really liked their intimate scenes. I really liked how quick and easy it was to read.
Saying that, I honestly felt that this was a bit too simple. I felt that I was reading a book that was very surface level and think that it was saved because Tinley and Jackson already had a good relationship to begin with. Which is also funny to me.. it felt like Tinley and Jackson were ALREADY dating, but just added sex into the mix.
Jackson wasn't my favorite character either. I didn't like how he was in a 13 year relationship with a girl that he didn't even like, and used her [like she did him] just so he didn't have to face reality. Then when he got with Tinley, he already knew that he loved her and would do anything for her, but then pulled a 180.
Which leads me to the ending. All 20-30 pages of it. We finally get the huge problem that would test their relationship, but instead we get Jackson, not once...and not even twice... but three + times tearing Tinley down because of a football scare. Then.. we have a few pages of Jackson knowing he messed up but not really wanting to do anything about it because "football" is everything to him, until his coach and teammates tell him to win her back. As a reader, it came off like he had to be convinced. Then in the lamest final few pages of the book, he does a "big gesture" that ultimately wins her over.
I wasn't convinced. But I also don't know what I would do in a situation if my best friend and love of my life of 13 years, emotionally blamed the possible end of his career on me. And again, not once or twice. He full out blamed her over the course of a few days. And wasn't even fazed until his coach told him he fucked up. Tinley was a strong character, but she bent over backwards for this boy who probably needed loads of therapy if he thinks it was okay to talk to Tinley like that, use Rachel to avoid " the celeb life ", and really had zero remorse.
Saying that, I honestly felt that this was a bit too simple. I felt that I was reading a book that was very surface level and think that it was saved because Tinley and Jackson already had a good relationship to begin with. Which is also funny to me.. it felt like Tinley and Jackson were ALREADY dating, but just added sex into the mix.
Jackson wasn't my favorite character either. I didn't like how he was in a 13 year relationship with a girl that he didn't even like, and used her [like she did him] just so he didn't have to face reality. Then when he got with Tinley, he already knew that he loved her and would do anything for her, but then pulled a 180.
Which leads me to the ending. All 20-30 pages of it. We finally get the huge problem that would test their relationship, but instead we get Jackson, not once...and not even twice... but three + times tearing Tinley down because of a football scare. Then.. we have a few pages of Jackson knowing he messed up but not really wanting to do anything about it because "football" is everything to him, until his coach and teammates tell him to win her back. As a reader, it came off like he had to be convinced. Then in the lamest final few pages of the book, he does a "big gesture" that ultimately wins her over.
I wasn't convinced. But I also don't know what I would do in a situation if my best friend and love of my life of 13 years, emotionally blamed the possible end of his career on me. And again, not once or twice. He full out blamed her over the course of a few days. And wasn't even fazed until his coach told him he fucked up. Tinley was a strong character, but she bent over backwards for this boy who probably needed loads of therapy if he thinks it was okay to talk to Tinley like that, use Rachel to avoid " the celeb life ", and really had zero remorse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2022
Roughing the Kicker is a sweet, low angst, besties to lovers romances that follows Tenley and Jackson as she helps him recover from a knee injury. Their relationship is lightening quick and insta-love once Jackson dumps his gf and realizes he’s always had feelings for Tenley (who has been in love with him since they were kids).
This is more of a 3.5 ⭐️ read, honestly, but I rounded up because it was cute and a quick read. I wished there had been a little more build up between Tenley & Jackson before they jumped into a relationship, and I didn’t like the third act conflict or his attitude change towards Tenley.
This is more of a 3.5 ⭐️ read, honestly, but I rounded up because it was cute and a quick read. I wished there had been a little more build up between Tenley & Jackson before they jumped into a relationship, and I didn’t like the third act conflict or his attitude change towards Tenley.
June 11, 2022
ARC Review
Roughing The Kicker is a friends-to-lovers story. Tenley and Jackson have been friends since high school. Tenley has been in love with Jackson the entire time. Jackson is a professional football player in Denver who gets injured at the beginning of the season. He leans on Tenley to help him recover. This is a low-angst story and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Our characters have some very sweet and spicy moments. Once Jackson realizes his feelings for Tenley are more than just friendship, he’s all in. The bonus for me was the story being set in Denver. Living in Denver, I got a kick out of seeing real places mentioned.
Overall 4.5/5
Roughing The Kicker is a friends-to-lovers story. Tenley and Jackson have been friends since high school. Tenley has been in love with Jackson the entire time. Jackson is a professional football player in Denver who gets injured at the beginning of the season. He leans on Tenley to help him recover. This is a low-angst story and I loved seeing their relationship develop. Our characters have some very sweet and spicy moments. Once Jackson realizes his feelings for Tenley are more than just friendship, he’s all in. The bonus for me was the story being set in Denver. Living in Denver, I got a kick out of seeing real places mentioned.
Overall 4.5/5
March 31, 2024
2.5⭐️ 1🌶️
January 21, 2023
Tropes: Sports Romance/Friends-to-Lovers/Forced Proximity
PoV: Dual
Scene that had me turning on the fan: Teacher Voice
Whenever I read an Emily Silver book, I know I’ll enjoy it. Roughing the Kicker was no exception and I think I found a new favorite football team to be a fan of.
This was such a swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers romance that claimed my attention from the very first page. Tenley has been in love with Jackson for as long as she can remember, and after a heated and secret 7 minutes in heaven in high school, she is convinced he feels the same way. Sadly, as luck would have it, when it came time to reveal who kissed who, she had to sneak out of the party and rush home leaving Jackson convinced he shared the kiss with someone else. Even though the prologue seems like the setup for a cinderella retelling, the plot is a million times better. Oh and there are sexy football players involved!
Honestly, though, I loved this book. I am such a huge fan of forced proximity tropes that when I realized Tenley was going to be stuck caring for Jackson after he injured his knee.. I may have gotten a little excited. What can I say? I know what I like! I am so stoked for this new series and I 10/10 recommend you pick up Roughing the Kicker today!
PoV: Dual
Scene that had me turning on the fan: Teacher Voice
Whenever I read an Emily Silver book, I know I’ll enjoy it. Roughing the Kicker was no exception and I think I found a new favorite football team to be a fan of.
This was such a swoon-worthy friends-to-lovers romance that claimed my attention from the very first page. Tenley has been in love with Jackson for as long as she can remember, and after a heated and secret 7 minutes in heaven in high school, she is convinced he feels the same way. Sadly, as luck would have it, when it came time to reveal who kissed who, she had to sneak out of the party and rush home leaving Jackson convinced he shared the kiss with someone else. Even though the prologue seems like the setup for a cinderella retelling, the plot is a million times better. Oh and there are sexy football players involved!
Honestly, though, I loved this book. I am such a huge fan of forced proximity tropes that when I realized Tenley was going to be stuck caring for Jackson after he injured his knee.. I may have gotten a little excited. What can I say? I know what I like! I am so stoked for this new series and I 10/10 recommend you pick up Roughing the Kicker today!
July 29, 2022
ARC Review
I loved this book. I'm a sucker for sports romances and this book did not disappoint. I liked Tenley and how she's both sweet and gentle, but also steadfast in her decisions and thoughts. I also admire Jackson's passion for football and how he prioritizes his passion. However, I was glad to see that he found something else he genuinely cares about besides football in Tenley. I loved the dynamic between Tenley and Jackson and how perfectly imperfect their relationship was. Although it took them a long time to truly be together, I feel like that length of time was needed for them to be able to grow and mature individually. I also feel like that time was good for them to figure out their feelings for each other and realize how much they actually mean to one another. Overall, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I would 10/10 recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this book. I'm a sucker for sports romances and this book did not disappoint. I liked Tenley and how she's both sweet and gentle, but also steadfast in her decisions and thoughts. I also admire Jackson's passion for football and how he prioritizes his passion. However, I was glad to see that he found something else he genuinely cares about besides football in Tenley. I loved the dynamic between Tenley and Jackson and how perfectly imperfect their relationship was. Although it took them a long time to truly be together, I feel like that length of time was needed for them to be able to grow and mature individually. I also feel like that time was good for them to figure out their feelings for each other and realize how much they actually mean to one another. Overall, this was a book I thoroughly enjoyed reading and I would 10/10 recommend.
I received an advanced reader copy for free in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2022
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
What a sweet friends to lovers book. A simple game of seven minutes in heaven back in high school would have turned out much differently if Tenley hadn't gotten that text message from her mom telling her she was out past curfew. Instead of her being Jackson's girlfriend all these years, she's been relegated to the role of his best friend.
Fast forward thirteen years, Jackson has finally kicked Rachel to the curb, too bad it comes on the heels of him being injured and him finally figuring out that Rachel has only cared about herself all these years. Tenley is glad that Jackson knows that he can rely on her but wishes he would see her as more than a friend. Then the unthinkable happens - Jackson finds out that it was her in that dark closet all those years ago.
Jackson has seen a different side to Tenley since he has been injured and when he finds out that it was Tenley that gave him that kiss in the closet back in high school, he can't wait to kiss her again to see if the sparks are still there.
This book allowed the reader to take the journey with Jackson and Tenley as they went from friends to lovers and how they navigated the new course their lives are on.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
What a sweet friends to lovers book. A simple game of seven minutes in heaven back in high school would have turned out much differently if Tenley hadn't gotten that text message from her mom telling her she was out past curfew. Instead of her being Jackson's girlfriend all these years, she's been relegated to the role of his best friend.
Fast forward thirteen years, Jackson has finally kicked Rachel to the curb, too bad it comes on the heels of him being injured and him finally figuring out that Rachel has only cared about herself all these years. Tenley is glad that Jackson knows that he can rely on her but wishes he would see her as more than a friend. Then the unthinkable happens - Jackson finds out that it was her in that dark closet all those years ago.
Jackson has seen a different side to Tenley since he has been injured and when he finds out that it was Tenley that gave him that kiss in the closet back in high school, he can't wait to kiss her again to see if the sparks are still there.
This book allowed the reader to take the journey with Jackson and Tenley as they went from friends to lovers and how they navigated the new course their lives are on.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
~~Wicked Reads Review Team~~
February 9, 2024
4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐🎧
This is a short but sweet book.
Another best friends turned lovers, and I am here for it.
I will say the one complaint I need to get off my chest before I go forward was Jackson being with the ex for 13 years… And is only now realizing how selfish she is and how she treated his best friend. Yeah, that didn't fly with me.
But other than that… I liked that Jackson had Tenley to lean on when he needed someone. I appreciate that Tenley was just herself; she accepted his ex but respected herself enough to exit the scene when she was around. She didn't need to put herself in those situations that just make you uncomfortable.
I wonder why Jackson never noticed how mean his girlfriend was to Tinsley; that part was all a bit odd to me.
I liked how they fell for each other, and Jackson was with her when he was all in. The steam was steaming, for sure.
Oh, Teddy, you sure do make me love audiobooks. He was the perfect Jackson and Rose. Well, I haven't had a lot of chances to listen to her. I am slowly becoming a fan.
This is a short but sweet book.
Another best friends turned lovers, and I am here for it.
I will say the one complaint I need to get off my chest before I go forward was Jackson being with the ex for 13 years… And is only now realizing how selfish she is and how she treated his best friend. Yeah, that didn't fly with me.
But other than that… I liked that Jackson had Tenley to lean on when he needed someone. I appreciate that Tenley was just herself; she accepted his ex but respected herself enough to exit the scene when she was around. She didn't need to put herself in those situations that just make you uncomfortable.
I wonder why Jackson never noticed how mean his girlfriend was to Tinsley; that part was all a bit odd to me.
I liked how they fell for each other, and Jackson was with her when he was all in. The steam was steaming, for sure.
Oh, Teddy, you sure do make me love audiobooks. He was the perfect Jackson and Rose. Well, I haven't had a lot of chances to listen to her. I am slowly becoming a fan.
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January 18, 2023
Tenley has been crushing on her neighbor and best friend Jackson since her teen years. However, he never saw her as more than a best friend.
I loved the friendship between Tenley and Jackson. These two would do anything for each other and it showed. Especially when Jackson becomes injured and needs someone to take care of him. They have such an obvious connection and everything just felt so natural when it came to their relationship.
I don’t know how Jackson was in a thirteen year relationship, cause they were obvious not a match and it took him way too long to come to his senses about all that and to really open his eyes. BUT he finally does and things go from zero to 60 and everything really starts to heat up between Tenley and Jackson.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, forced proximity, sports romance this is one to check out.
I loved the friendship between Tenley and Jackson. These two would do anything for each other and it showed. Especially when Jackson becomes injured and needs someone to take care of him. They have such an obvious connection and everything just felt so natural when it came to their relationship.
I don’t know how Jackson was in a thirteen year relationship, cause they were obvious not a match and it took him way too long to come to his senses about all that and to really open his eyes. BUT he finally does and things go from zero to 60 and everything really starts to heat up between Tenley and Jackson.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers, forced proximity, sports romance this is one to check out.
June 13, 2022
Roughing the Kicker (Denver Mountain Lions #1) by Emily Silver
5 stars
M/F Friends to lovers romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Tenley is a fun, quirky kindergarten teacher who has always held a flame for her best friend, Jackson. Despite Tenley's dating life, she knows that unless she stops comparing everyone to Jackson, she might never find the one person for her.
Jackson loves his job. When he's injured, he realizes that he was in a relationship that was convenient and not one that was based on love and trust. When he truly needs someone, Jackson knows that he can always count on Tenley.
With new feelings emerging on Jackson's part and Tenley allowing herself to let her feelings out, can these two see what's been there all along? You'll laugh with them, yell at Jackson, cry with Tenley and ultimately cheer for the home team.
I can't wait to see what's next in this series.
5 stars
M/F Friends to lovers romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
Tenley is a fun, quirky kindergarten teacher who has always held a flame for her best friend, Jackson. Despite Tenley's dating life, she knows that unless she stops comparing everyone to Jackson, she might never find the one person for her.
Jackson loves his job. When he's injured, he realizes that he was in a relationship that was convenient and not one that was based on love and trust. When he truly needs someone, Jackson knows that he can always count on Tenley.
With new feelings emerging on Jackson's part and Tenley allowing herself to let her feelings out, can these two see what's been there all along? You'll laugh with them, yell at Jackson, cry with Tenley and ultimately cheer for the home team.
I can't wait to see what's next in this series.
June 7, 2022
Roughing the Kicker reminded me why I love football romance novels. It was a feel-good friends to lovers, forced proximity, romance that was the perfect beginning to the Denver Mountain Lions series.
Jackson and Tenley have know each other for half their lives. Tenley has been in love with Jackson since they met, but Jackson took longer to see what was right in front of him. When Jackson gets injured during a pre-season game and needs help recovering, he realizes the only person he can count on is Tenley. Tenley moves in with him and as they spend more time together Jackson finally sees Tenley for who she has always been to him and what they could share together.
I loved the introduction to all the Captains and the relationship they shared together. I loved Jackson and Tenley together and the progression of their relationship as best friends to their relationship as a couple. I loved Tenley and how she both supported Jackson and was bold enough to stand up for herself when it was necessary. She never wavered in her love and support of Jackson. Overall this was a great read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Jackson and Tenley have know each other for half their lives. Tenley has been in love with Jackson since they met, but Jackson took longer to see what was right in front of him. When Jackson gets injured during a pre-season game and needs help recovering, he realizes the only person he can count on is Tenley. Tenley moves in with him and as they spend more time together Jackson finally sees Tenley for who she has always been to him and what they could share together.
I loved the introduction to all the Captains and the relationship they shared together. I loved Jackson and Tenley together and the progression of their relationship as best friends to their relationship as a couple. I loved Tenley and how she both supported Jackson and was bold enough to stand up for herself when it was necessary. She never wavered in her love and support of Jackson. Overall this was a great read and I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
June 8, 2022
Tinley and Jackson! I love these two together and one of my absolute favorite tropes is friends to lovers but man did my heart break a bit for Tinley I could imagine being in love with my best friend and watching him from afar all the while hiding those feels and still sticking by his side every step of the way. But it really says something about the bond these two have with one another. Honestly they would do anything for one another and when Jackson really needed someone by his side Tinley didn’t hesitate or question anything she showed up and showed out. These two were everything one another needed it just took Jackson a hell of a long time to realize it but once they got there they were unstoppable and the love they have is unmatched. The love that Tinley has for Jackson is how everyone wants to be love. She’s all in and he love never wavered. I love Jackson’s team mates the guys are all charismatic and fun and they are all more like brothers than teammates. I can’t wait for more from this series!!
June 17, 2022
Tenley fell in love with Jackson when she was a teenager so even though he had given his heart to another their friendship remained. When he needs her help she doesn’t hesitate to be there for him despite the fact that being so close to him will only intensify her feelings for him.
Jackson is a professional football player who is healing from a serious injury. This injury not only shows him who he can depend on to be there for him but that he and Tenley are destined to be so much more than friends.
Tenley and Jackson have always shared a special relationship and I enjoyed seeing Jackson realize that the woman he is destined to spend his life with has been there all along.
Jackson is a professional football player who is healing from a serious injury. This injury not only shows him who he can depend on to be there for him but that he and Tenley are destined to be so much more than friends.
Tenley and Jackson have always shared a special relationship and I enjoyed seeing Jackson realize that the woman he is destined to spend his life with has been there all along.
June 5, 2022
“Roughing the Kicker” is a flirty and feel good friends to lovers romance that is the perfect start to Emily Silver’s newest series.
Jackson is the star kicker for the Denver Mountain Lions but when he hurts his knee during a friendly game, he needs help with everyday things in life. His best friend, Tenley, is there at the drop of a hat to help him. The two have been best friends for years and Tenley has always had a crush on him. The close quarters and all the extra time together opens Jackson’s eyes to the future that he could have with Tenley.
I love that the first book of the new football series starts with the kicker. You always see books about the quarterbacks and it’s so great to see the kicker getting some love. I loved how seamlessly Jackson and Tenley’s relationship developed. It didn’t feel forced; it just felt so natural. Their chemistry was undeniable and absolutely sparked when they got together. Jackson was swoon worthy and I loved how passionate about football and Tenley. Tenley is just the sweetest and I want her to be my best friend. This was such a fun read and I can’t wait for the next book.
Jackson is the star kicker for the Denver Mountain Lions but when he hurts his knee during a friendly game, he needs help with everyday things in life. His best friend, Tenley, is there at the drop of a hat to help him. The two have been best friends for years and Tenley has always had a crush on him. The close quarters and all the extra time together opens Jackson’s eyes to the future that he could have with Tenley.
I love that the first book of the new football series starts with the kicker. You always see books about the quarterbacks and it’s so great to see the kicker getting some love. I loved how seamlessly Jackson and Tenley’s relationship developed. It didn’t feel forced; it just felt so natural. Their chemistry was undeniable and absolutely sparked when they got together. Jackson was swoon worthy and I loved how passionate about football and Tenley. Tenley is just the sweetest and I want her to be my best friend. This was such a fun read and I can’t wait for the next book.
June 20, 2022
LOVE Tenley & Jackson
What a book this turned out to be! From best friends to lovers…Tenley and Jackson are everything!! The heat, the gamut of emotions that comes from taking a huge chance when everything you cherish is at stake. Their journey was nothing short of perfection. Gah!! I loved these two so much! An epic love story that will make you laugh, cry & swoon! Emily Silver's stories are the epitome of feel good stories with sass and steam and all the delicious feels in-between.
What a book this turned out to be! From best friends to lovers…Tenley and Jackson are everything!! The heat, the gamut of emotions that comes from taking a huge chance when everything you cherish is at stake. Their journey was nothing short of perfection. Gah!! I loved these two so much! An epic love story that will make you laugh, cry & swoon! Emily Silver's stories are the epitome of feel good stories with sass and steam and all the delicious feels in-between.
June 10, 2022
卂𝘳ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜ𝓲ꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Jackson
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 -Tenley
5 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝑩𝒚 𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑟
Tenley, is a kindergarten teacher and also the best friend to Jackson. Someone she has been in love with for years. But could never find the courage to confess her feelings.
Jackson, after an injury he finds himself relying on his best friend. Someone who he could always count on, but along the way, he sees her in a way that he never expected.
Tenley and Jackson where amazing, the love they had for each other was beautifully written, the spicy moments 🥵 and off course the "man I wanna hit the H for his stupidity moment", made this an enjoyable read.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Jackson's friends where awesome, can't wait to read their books📚
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Jackson
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 -Tenley
5 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐊𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐞𝐫 𝑩𝒚 𝐸𝑚𝑖𝑙𝑦 𝑆𝑖𝑙𝑣𝑒𝑟
Tenley, is a kindergarten teacher and also the best friend to Jackson. Someone she has been in love with for years. But could never find the courage to confess her feelings.
Jackson, after an injury he finds himself relying on his best friend. Someone who he could always count on, but along the way, he sees her in a way that he never expected.
Tenley and Jackson where amazing, the love they had for each other was beautifully written, the spicy moments 🥵 and off course the "man I wanna hit the H for his stupidity moment", made this an enjoyable read.
𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬
Jackson's friends where awesome, can't wait to read their books📚
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🎨🎨🎨🎨🎨
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
August 15, 2024
Maybe a 3star...
Unfortunately this didn't work for me. Jackson never really redeemed himself and gosh he was mean. His red flags were not the good kind. Dates a girl for 13 years he doesn't love. Breaks up with her and finally has eyes for his childhood friend who has had a crush on him the whole time. Then it's straight smut. Then he's a red flag who does not grovel. I needed more from him.
Unfortunately this didn't work for me. Jackson never really redeemed himself and gosh he was mean. His red flags were not the good kind. Dates a girl for 13 years he doesn't love. Breaks up with her and finally has eyes for his childhood friend who has had a crush on him the whole time. Then it's straight smut. Then he's a red flag who does not grovel. I needed more from him.
June 4, 2022
Roughing the Kicker was a super bowl winning field goal! Tenley and Jackson's love was so swoony.
Tenley fell in love with Jackson, the boy who moved in next door, when she was in highschool. Unfortunately, Jackson started dating Rachel which landed Tenley in the best friend zone. Fast forward 13 years, Jackson is a kicker in the NFL and Denver's very own hometown boy. Tenley is living out her dreams as a kindergarten teacher in Denver.
Due to a dirty shot during the preseason, Jackson finds himself out for 2 months and needing the help from his on-again, off-again girlfriend Rachel. When Ryan quickly realizes he can't depend on Rachel, he ends the relationship and calls the one person he knows he can count on to help, Tenley.
Stuck living together, Tenley has a hard time guarding her heart while Jackson is quickly realizing what's been in front of him from the get go.
Snag this awesome book and see how their story plays out! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
Tenley fell in love with Jackson, the boy who moved in next door, when she was in highschool. Unfortunately, Jackson started dating Rachel which landed Tenley in the best friend zone. Fast forward 13 years, Jackson is a kicker in the NFL and Denver's very own hometown boy. Tenley is living out her dreams as a kindergarten teacher in Denver.
Due to a dirty shot during the preseason, Jackson finds himself out for 2 months and needing the help from his on-again, off-again girlfriend Rachel. When Ryan quickly realizes he can't depend on Rachel, he ends the relationship and calls the one person he knows he can count on to help, Tenley.
Stuck living together, Tenley has a hard time guarding her heart while Jackson is quickly realizing what's been in front of him from the get go.
Snag this awesome book and see how their story plays out! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
June 16, 2022
A cute and steamy sports romance. You root for Jackson and Tenley from the beginning. A friends to lovers sports romance that will make you feel like you won the superbowl. Full of heart and a sweet quick read.
Emoji Summary 👉 👩🏫👫🏈📚4️⃣🏔❤️🩹🦵
Emoji Summary 👉 👩🏫👫🏈📚4️⃣🏔❤️🩹🦵
June 16, 2022
Tenley and Jackson have been best friends since they were kids. There has never been a time where they didn't have each other's back. Never a time when they weren't the best of friends. And Tenley can't remember a time that she wasn't in love with Jackson. When Jackson is injured during a football came and is told he has to stay off his feet, can't walk for weeks, he calls his best friend to help him. But when they end up living together Jackson suddenly sees what he has been missing his whole life.
Roughing the Kicker was a short, fast paced, sweet, and low angst read. I enjoyed it and was able to devour it in one sitting. I really enjoyed the characters and their story. But it all felt a bit rushed since it was such a short read. Would have liked to have seen more development between the characters and their relationship. A short cute read. 3.5 Stars for me.
Roughing the Kicker was a short, fast paced, sweet, and low angst read. I enjoyed it and was able to devour it in one sitting. I really enjoyed the characters and their story. But it all felt a bit rushed since it was such a short read. Would have liked to have seen more development between the characters and their relationship. A short cute read. 3.5 Stars for me.
September 28, 2024
fun sports romance
I enjoyed this fun little sports romance. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was stellar! You can’t go wrong with Rose and Teddy! This was short but sweet!
I enjoyed this fun little sports romance. I listened to the audiobook and the narration was stellar! You can’t go wrong with Rose and Teddy! This was short but sweet!
June 7, 2022
Roughing the Kicker by Emily Silver is a super cute and steamy sports romance. Jackson is the kicker for the mountain lions in Denver. Tenley is a kindergarten teacher in Denver. Jackson and Tenley have known each other since the ninth grade and have been best friends ever since. Tenley has always had a thing for Jackson, but Jackson has always been with Rachel. When an accident sidelines Jackson, Tenley is there to help him. From there they see their friendship is more. I absolutely loved the story and loved how the author set up other characters for future books in the series. I will definitely be reading the next books in the series!
July 14, 2024
2.75 stars
This is a super-short book because it’s essentially half of a story. If it had the other half, it could have been a nice read. It was very rushed.
This is a super-short book because it’s essentially half of a story. If it had the other half, it could have been a nice read. It was very rushed.
December 6, 2025
GoLLY. Just FYI the 🌶️fun🌶️ part is not 'Roughing the Kicker' ☹️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 6, 2022
Roughing the Kicker is a friends to lovers story about Jackson and Tenley. They have known each other since Jackson moved in next door to Tenley in high school. She has loved him ever since but he never noticed her that way. Jump forward 13 years and Jackson is in the NFL as a Kicker. He gets injured and Tenley steps up to take care of him. Things start to spark between them! I was sucked in at the beginning and couldn't wait to find out how it ended for them. They have some pretty hot scenes🔥 I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
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