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Kings of Chicago North #2
First Down Darling
When I got the teaching assistant job at Chicago North University, I had to agree to two rules:
1. Follow the syllabus.
2. Don’t date the undergrads.
Easy enough. I’m a science nerd with a Graduate thesis to write. My weekend plans don’t exactly include doing keg stands at the Alpha Delta Xi house.
But when the fastest halfback in college football shows up in the front row of my chemistry class, the rules start to seem... a little more like guidelines to me.
Hello, John Kirby.
Farewell, my V-card.
If anyone finds out about us, I could lose a lot more than my inhibitions.
But John isn’t like any guy I’ve ever dated. He’s clever. And loyal. And ripped like a sheet.
I can believe him when he says he’ll never hurt me. Right?
We broke the rules.
I never expected him to break my heart, too.
First Down Darling is a steamy stand-alone sports romance guaranteed to tug your heartstrings. It was originally published as Johnny Deeper and In Too Deep. This new edition includes brand-new and extended scenes not available in the original version.
Want more Chicago North University? Don’t miss the first book in the Kings of Chicago North series Touchdown Baby!
1. Follow the syllabus.
2. Don’t date the undergrads.
Easy enough. I’m a science nerd with a Graduate thesis to write. My weekend plans don’t exactly include doing keg stands at the Alpha Delta Xi house.
But when the fastest halfback in college football shows up in the front row of my chemistry class, the rules start to seem... a little more like guidelines to me.
Hello, John Kirby.
Farewell, my V-card.
If anyone finds out about us, I could lose a lot more than my inhibitions.
But John isn’t like any guy I’ve ever dated. He’s clever. And loyal. And ripped like a sheet.
I can believe him when he says he’ll never hurt me. Right?
We broke the rules.
I never expected him to break my heart, too.
First Down Darling is a steamy stand-alone sports romance guaranteed to tug your heartstrings. It was originally published as Johnny Deeper and In Too Deep. This new edition includes brand-new and extended scenes not available in the original version.
Want more Chicago North University? Don’t miss the first book in the Kings of Chicago North series Touchdown Baby!
278 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 1, 2024
259 people are currently reading
246 people want to read
About the author
Tabatha Kiss
130 books1,077 followersUSA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author Tabatha Kiss is from Chicago, Illinois.
You can probably catch her huddled up in a hoodie, reading a good romance beneath a tree with her trusty husky by her side. She enjoys roller derby, sushi, and is always searching for her forever bad boy.
In the meantime, she writes.
This profile uses Amazon affiliate links.
You can probably catch her huddled up in a hoodie, reading a good romance beneath a tree with her trusty husky by her side. She enjoys roller derby, sushi, and is always searching for her forever bad boy.
In the meantime, she writes.
This profile uses Amazon affiliate links.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 17, 2022
KU*
4.5 stars
This is John Kirby’s book; it takes place at the same time as the book On His Face, featuring Drew and Heidi.
Rose is the teaching assistant in John’s science course and the minute he sees her, he knows he must have her. However, John’s motives aren’t exactly pure since he is trying to complete his Senior year rite of passage called the Trifecta.
Things between Rose and John quickly take off like a rocket, but while this starts off as casual things change quickly for them both. I loved how John matured while being with Rose and Rose was able to have some fun without worrying about repercussions.
Unfortunately their relationship doesn’t stay smooth and happy once Some secrets are brought to light. I enjoyed watching John fall for Rose, I couldn’t wait to see what else he was willing to do to get his Rose.
The epilogues were were just so sweet to read especially the extended epilogue showing our couples 18 years later.
I can’t wait to read Daisy’s story, she is Rose’s twin sister.
4.5 stars
This is John Kirby’s book; it takes place at the same time as the book On His Face, featuring Drew and Heidi.
Rose is the teaching assistant in John’s science course and the minute he sees her, he knows he must have her. However, John’s motives aren’t exactly pure since he is trying to complete his Senior year rite of passage called the Trifecta.
Things between Rose and John quickly take off like a rocket, but while this starts off as casual things change quickly for them both. I loved how John matured while being with Rose and Rose was able to have some fun without worrying about repercussions.
Unfortunately their relationship doesn’t stay smooth and happy once Some secrets are brought to light. I enjoyed watching John fall for Rose, I couldn’t wait to see what else he was willing to do to get his Rose.
The epilogues were were just so sweet to read especially the extended epilogue showing our couples 18 years later.
I can’t wait to read Daisy’s story, she is Rose’s twin sister.
February 27, 2022
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book.
Rose Hawthorne graduated a year early and this year she is looking forward to completing her thesis and getting some experience as a teaching assistant at Chicago North University. There were only two rules that she had to follow, follow Dr Peyton Zach’s syllabus and no inappropriate touching with the students, but when she agreed to the rules, she had no idea that John Kirby was about to enter her life and make her want things that she had never wanted before. He is known as a player and knows that he can have any girl that he wants so why is he chasing her, will Rose finish with her job and a real love or lose everything that she has worked for?
John Kirby is the star of the football team and can have any woman that he wants and does daily so when he takes up the senior year challenge of Trifecta, seducing a student, alumnus and a teacher it’s a challenge he has been looking forward to since he arrived at Chicago North University and one that he trained for religiously so when he spots the new teaching assistant he decides that he has found the perfect challenge, especially when he learns that once he has her in his bed she will have broken all the rules. But when he spends more and more time with her and sees who she really is all he can think is that he wants more but will she want him when she discovers why he wanted her in the first place?
Loved this and this is the first book that I have read by Tabatha and am going to be checking out some of her back catalogue. John isn’t exactly what you would think of as a gentleman but you cannot help but love him by the end of the book and they are perfect together. Rose doesn’t let John get away with anything and sees him as so much more than anyone does. I was hooked and in the story from page one. I highly recommend this book and can honestly say that its one of my favourites so far this year. 4.5* Read.
Rose Hawthorne graduated a year early and this year she is looking forward to completing her thesis and getting some experience as a teaching assistant at Chicago North University. There were only two rules that she had to follow, follow Dr Peyton Zach’s syllabus and no inappropriate touching with the students, but when she agreed to the rules, she had no idea that John Kirby was about to enter her life and make her want things that she had never wanted before. He is known as a player and knows that he can have any girl that he wants so why is he chasing her, will Rose finish with her job and a real love or lose everything that she has worked for?
John Kirby is the star of the football team and can have any woman that he wants and does daily so when he takes up the senior year challenge of Trifecta, seducing a student, alumnus and a teacher it’s a challenge he has been looking forward to since he arrived at Chicago North University and one that he trained for religiously so when he spots the new teaching assistant he decides that he has found the perfect challenge, especially when he learns that once he has her in his bed she will have broken all the rules. But when he spends more and more time with her and sees who she really is all he can think is that he wants more but will she want him when she discovers why he wanted her in the first place?
Loved this and this is the first book that I have read by Tabatha and am going to be checking out some of her back catalogue. John isn’t exactly what you would think of as a gentleman but you cannot help but love him by the end of the book and they are perfect together. Rose doesn’t let John get away with anything and sees him as so much more than anyone does. I was hooked and in the story from page one. I highly recommend this book and can honestly say that its one of my favourites so far this year. 4.5* Read.
March 22, 2022
John plays football, Rose watch football. John is a student, Rose is a teacher/TA. John goes through girls as…, Rose does not.
Opposites attracts, they say. In this case that is true.
It was a fun, hot story and I loved it. Meeting old friends is also good.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
Opposites attracts, they say. In this case that is true.
It was a fun, hot story and I loved it. Meeting old friends is also good.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book
February 18, 2022
Nerdy but beautiful TA and the star football player. She is the teaching assistant for his chemistry class and exactly what he needs to win a bet.
Fun, sexy and steamy
Fun, sexy and steamy
March 7, 2022
Why do authors keep publishing the same book under a different title? I mean, there’s not much difference in the contents of the book, just the name and title on the cover.
It’s really misleading!!!
It’s really misleading!!!
February 14, 2022
So far I am loving this series! John is a goofball but an adorable one though he did pursue Rose not with the best intentions. However, his chemistry with Rose is scorching hot and they really seem to balance each other. I really liked Rosie as she is such a sweetheart. And Daisy really makes me laugh. I enjoyed this romance as it was sweet with a bit of heart break, and I like reading a bit more about Junior and Alyssa. And I LOVED the epilogue!
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
I received a free advanced review copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a fair and honest review.
February 14, 2022
This stand-alone sequel to the superb romance novel Touchdown Baby lives up to its predecessor and has convinced me that no one writes ridiculously cocky heroes as well as Tabatha Kiss. Even if you hate the cocky-athlete type, by the end of this book, you will love John Kirby. Same goes for Junior Morgan if you read the first book.
The heroine, Rose, a grad student in chemistry, was one of my favorite Tabatha Kiss heroines. Virgins get a bad rap in the romance world, but just like in real life, virginity doesn’t correlate to a lack of maturity, and virgin main characters aren’t unrealistic (I can testify to this as a 30-something virgin with two virgin friends who are older than I [no, we’re not religious or anything]). Rose is a relatable character who is a little overly cautious and has just been waiting for the right person. As much as she prefers to play by the rules, she takes a risk and starts a forbidden relationship with a student (although they are the same age because she graduated a year early). She is just as adorable as John Kirby, and you can definitely see why he falls for her.
There were a couple times I had to suspend disbelief (more than I normally do for a romance novel, that is): victory dances aren’t allowed in college football, and I don’t think a non-player could make it to the endzone at a game — at least, not without security kicking you out. These two nitpicks did NOT detract from the book at all. The victory dances were a great element of characterization, so it was a liberty well taken.
Like Touchdown Baby, this book had a fantastic epilogue. The comedy was great, the characterization was great, the pacing was great, the romance was great — this series is just plain great. I can’t wait to read the final book in this trilogy of stand-alones, Homerun Baby, which I think comes out in March or April. By the way, fans of Junior and Alyssa especially should read this book — no spoilers, just trust me.
I have to add that this book is actually professionally edited, and I don’t mean like what you usually see in self-published romances. I barely saw any typos in the ARC, and those will be fixed in the published version. I never read a book, including traditionally published ones, without seeing a typo. My grammar standards are extremely high.
I really hope this series makes it big because it deserves to. How the disaster that was After got adapted into a film and writers like Tabatha Kiss don’t get optioned, I’ll never understand. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this series or this book.
The heroine, Rose, a grad student in chemistry, was one of my favorite Tabatha Kiss heroines. Virgins get a bad rap in the romance world, but just like in real life, virginity doesn’t correlate to a lack of maturity, and virgin main characters aren’t unrealistic (I can testify to this as a 30-something virgin with two virgin friends who are older than I [no, we’re not religious or anything]). Rose is a relatable character who is a little overly cautious and has just been waiting for the right person. As much as she prefers to play by the rules, she takes a risk and starts a forbidden relationship with a student (although they are the same age because she graduated a year early). She is just as adorable as John Kirby, and you can definitely see why he falls for her.
There were a couple times I had to suspend disbelief (more than I normally do for a romance novel, that is): victory dances aren’t allowed in college football, and I don’t think a non-player could make it to the endzone at a game — at least, not without security kicking you out. These two nitpicks did NOT detract from the book at all. The victory dances were a great element of characterization, so it was a liberty well taken.
Like Touchdown Baby, this book had a fantastic epilogue. The comedy was great, the characterization was great, the pacing was great, the romance was great — this series is just plain great. I can’t wait to read the final book in this trilogy of stand-alones, Homerun Baby, which I think comes out in March or April. By the way, fans of Junior and Alyssa especially should read this book — no spoilers, just trust me.
I have to add that this book is actually professionally edited, and I don’t mean like what you usually see in self-published romances. I barely saw any typos in the ARC, and those will be fixed in the published version. I never read a book, including traditionally published ones, without seeing a typo. My grammar standards are extremely high.
I really hope this series makes it big because it deserves to. How the disaster that was After got adapted into a film and writers like Tabatha Kiss don’t get optioned, I’ll never understand. I can’t imagine anyone not liking this series or this book.
February 18, 2022
They have more then General Chemistry together
First Down Darling is the second book in the "A College Football Romantic Comedy" series. The author may not have labeled these as a series but they really are. After reading the first book I knew I wanted to read the rest in the series and the story of Rose Hawthorne and John Kirby delivers. John is a senior at Chicago North University and a halfback on the football team. This year he is taking the "trifecta challenge" with other seniors on the team. He has been "training" for the last three years for the challenge and he knows he has to nail it, as his father, his grandfather and his coach have all done it. The challenge is that he must sleep with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher. Rose is a graduate student at Chicago North University who is a new TA for Dr. Payton Zach. She will be teaching her first class, General Chemistry, and is nervous about it but she knows her stuff.
So come Wednesday at the first class finds Rose being introduced to the class and John being a student. The thing is that even before he knows Rose is the TA he knows he wants her. So a TA is like a teacher, right? Let's just say that his motives are not completely pure and gentlemanly. Rose knows who John is and was aware he would be in the class. But she also knows there is an Ethics Guideline that she was given with the other paperwork by Payton, and it says "no inappropriate touching". So what happens when these two find their molecules burn red hot together?
I enjoyed this nicely written book. It has a good story that hits all the points and characters that I liked. Sure I was a bit queasy about the whole "trifecta challenge" but when John catches a major case of feelings he grows up and things get more serious. I also really loved Rose's sister, Daisy. That woman is a "ride or die" sister to the moon and back. She adds quite a bit to the story and is a fantastic character. I would love to see her get her own book.
First Down Darling is the second book in the "A College Football Romantic Comedy" series. The author may not have labeled these as a series but they really are. After reading the first book I knew I wanted to read the rest in the series and the story of Rose Hawthorne and John Kirby delivers. John is a senior at Chicago North University and a halfback on the football team. This year he is taking the "trifecta challenge" with other seniors on the team. He has been "training" for the last three years for the challenge and he knows he has to nail it, as his father, his grandfather and his coach have all done it. The challenge is that he must sleep with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher. Rose is a graduate student at Chicago North University who is a new TA for Dr. Payton Zach. She will be teaching her first class, General Chemistry, and is nervous about it but she knows her stuff.
So come Wednesday at the first class finds Rose being introduced to the class and John being a student. The thing is that even before he knows Rose is the TA he knows he wants her. So a TA is like a teacher, right? Let's just say that his motives are not completely pure and gentlemanly. Rose knows who John is and was aware he would be in the class. But she also knows there is an Ethics Guideline that she was given with the other paperwork by Payton, and it says "no inappropriate touching". So what happens when these two find their molecules burn red hot together?
I enjoyed this nicely written book. It has a good story that hits all the points and characters that I liked. Sure I was a bit queasy about the whole "trifecta challenge" but when John catches a major case of feelings he grows up and things get more serious. I also really loved Rose's sister, Daisy. That woman is a "ride or die" sister to the moon and back. She adds quite a bit to the story and is a fantastic character. I would love to see her get her own book.
February 18, 2022
I absolutely loved this story!!!! It was great. I loved the characters! This is a spin off book from Whiplash and it was very well done! We do get a few glimpses of the main characters from Whiplash which is a very nice treat. This book can definitely be read first though. I loved Johnny! Rose is great as well. There were perfect together! Johnny has a goal that seniors do to sleep with the trifecta. The ante is upped when a guy he doesn't like on his team is the only one to join and now they are racing to finish before the other. One of those is to sleep with a teacher, a TA will cover that. He sees Rose in his chemistry class as the TA and sets his sights on her. But she doesn't make it easy and by the time they get together he knows there is more going on but just not what.
I loved Johnny and Rose's interactions with each other. They were great! I loved how Rose gave Johnny crap and didn't just let him get away with things. The sex is explicit and hot and pretty frequent, but it totally fits the story. There's a lot of sexual tension too. I loved how it was done and how it was put into the story. Everything flowed and there's just as much going on outside to keep you interested and entertained. I love how football was blended into this. It was really well done for everyone, if you like watching football or not. Johnny's a great guy, he just needed the right person. I love the epilogues, it's definitely something to look forward to. I loved getting those extra glimpses of these guys down the line. I definitely recommend checking this out!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Johnny and Rose's interactions with each other. They were great! I loved how Rose gave Johnny crap and didn't just let him get away with things. The sex is explicit and hot and pretty frequent, but it totally fits the story. There's a lot of sexual tension too. I loved how it was done and how it was put into the story. Everything flowed and there's just as much going on outside to keep you interested and entertained. I love how football was blended into this. It was really well done for everyone, if you like watching football or not. Johnny's a great guy, he just needed the right person. I love the epilogues, it's definitely something to look forward to. I loved getting those extra glimpses of these guys down the line. I definitely recommend checking this out!
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 16, 2022
John Kirby, halfback at Chicago North University, is a player. He can have any woman he wants and decides to accept the trifecta challenge his senior year - sleep with a student, an alumni, and a teacher. A Teacher's Assistant counts and he sets his eyes on Rose Hawthorne. But he doesn't count on the lingering attraction and his need for more.
I loved John and Rose, both together and on their own. John is smart but completely misunderstood. To everyone, he's the fun guy. The one who dances in the endzone and always has a smile. But there's more to him than meets the eye. And Rose is the early graduate who buries herself in her schooling and work. But she's a sports fan on a whole other level. So when a certain halfback flirts with her, it's tough to stick to the "don't date the undergrads" rule.
The chemistry sizzles between them. There's a lot of steam, plenty of banter, and some romance. There's a sprinkle of angst mixed in by the forbidden teacher/student relationship, but it's minimal. I smiled so much throughout the story - not only with their interaction but with John's goofiness. I loved the supporting case of characters - Daisy had me laughing out loud and so did Grant (I still love him as much here as I did in the first book in this series). We even get a few scenes with Junior and Alyssa. There's enough football in this story to appeal to a sports fan, but not enough to bore those only interested in romance. I loved this one, and dare I say, I enjoyed it more than the first one.
I loved John and Rose, both together and on their own. John is smart but completely misunderstood. To everyone, he's the fun guy. The one who dances in the endzone and always has a smile. But there's more to him than meets the eye. And Rose is the early graduate who buries herself in her schooling and work. But she's a sports fan on a whole other level. So when a certain halfback flirts with her, it's tough to stick to the "don't date the undergrads" rule.
The chemistry sizzles between them. There's a lot of steam, plenty of banter, and some romance. There's a sprinkle of angst mixed in by the forbidden teacher/student relationship, but it's minimal. I smiled so much throughout the story - not only with their interaction but with John's goofiness. I loved the supporting case of characters - Daisy had me laughing out loud and so did Grant (I still love him as much here as I did in the first book in this series). We even get a few scenes with Junior and Alyssa. There's enough football in this story to appeal to a sports fan, but not enough to bore those only interested in romance. I loved this one, and dare I say, I enjoyed it more than the first one.
February 15, 2022
John Kirby is a lovable funny weirdo!! I loved him!! In Junior’s story he was portrayed as kinda an asshat lol!! But in his very own story he’s extremely funny and full of surprises. I loved his dual personality. He’s John Fucking Kirby or Johnny if you’re a lady, the fun flirt, always down for a good time. And then there’s his more serious side, perhaps his more swoony side?
Well this was incredibly fun and sweet, this time around reading it I was unable to feel his connection with Rose. It didn’t seem fleshed out enough. Their push and pull didn’t seem organic.
This time around I didn’t even bother comparing the older version with this newer one, so I can’t even say exactly why I loved this more the first time I read it and this time I didn’t feel that tug of the heartstrings. It was fun, but I wasn’t swooning lol!!
It was great seeing Junior and Alyssa and baby in this one and catching up. They’re still a solid unit and relationship goals. I think in Junior and Alyssa’s story I could tell that it was a bit different and more emotions seemed to be added. Maybe more angst? This is very low angst. Usually that is my cup of tea, but for some reason I think I needed more here. I don’t think enough was added to portray their intensity. We get more moments with our favorite Delta Xi characters in a cool crossover which I think is fun.
This was still a really fun and entertaining story, but I wasn’t completely obsessed with John or Rose, hence the 4 stars only.
Well this was incredibly fun and sweet, this time around reading it I was unable to feel his connection with Rose. It didn’t seem fleshed out enough. Their push and pull didn’t seem organic.
This time around I didn’t even bother comparing the older version with this newer one, so I can’t even say exactly why I loved this more the first time I read it and this time I didn’t feel that tug of the heartstrings. It was fun, but I wasn’t swooning lol!!
It was great seeing Junior and Alyssa and baby in this one and catching up. They’re still a solid unit and relationship goals. I think in Junior and Alyssa’s story I could tell that it was a bit different and more emotions seemed to be added. Maybe more angst? This is very low angst. Usually that is my cup of tea, but for some reason I think I needed more here. I don’t think enough was added to portray their intensity. We get more moments with our favorite Delta Xi characters in a cool crossover which I think is fun.
This was still a really fun and entertaining story, but I wasn’t completely obsessed with John or Rose, hence the 4 stars only.
February 14, 2022
First Down Darling is another excellent Tabatha Kiss romcom and I loved it. It's an updated version of Johnny Deeper, which was published several years ago. This college football romance is the second book in the Kings of Chicago North series set at Chicago North University. The first book, Touchdown Baby, focused on Junior Morgan and Alyssa Pierce. First Down Darling is all about Junior's teammate, John Kirby and his relentless pursuit of TA Rose Hawthorne. John feels like he has been struck by lightning when he gets his first look at Rose, the TA for his chemistry class, and he wants her more than he's every wanted anyone before. It's against the rules for a teacher to get involved with a student but John's persistence wins out when Rose finally succumbs to her desire for him. What follows is a funny, sexy, and sweet story of forbidden love.
It was great to see more of the characters from book one, Junior, Alyssa, and baby Courtney, not to mention Grant and Ty. I love the characters and the snappy dialogue as well as the entertaining and sexy storylines that are never, ever boring. Both stories have a lot of heart and oh so satisfying epilogues, and although they can be read as standalones, I definitely recommend reading both.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It was great to see more of the characters from book one, Junior, Alyssa, and baby Courtney, not to mention Grant and Ty. I love the characters and the snappy dialogue as well as the entertaining and sexy storylines that are never, ever boring. Both stories have a lot of heart and oh so satisfying epilogues, and although they can be read as standalones, I definitely recommend reading both.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 19, 2022
This is the 2nd book in the A College Football Romantic Comedy series and if you are looking for a fun and easy story to read you've found it in Johnny and Rose's sweet story. John is a football player at Chicago North University where the seniors have a challenge they call the Trifecta. The purpose of the challenge is to sleep with a freshman, teacher,and an alumnus by the end of the football season. Rose is a graduate student who's helping Dr. Zach by being his TA for General Chemistry and John is in her class and she knows who he is. John is taking the challenge seriously as his father and grandfather have done it and so has the coach he's already decided that Rose is perfect. Rose knows that even though she's attracted to Johnny their are ethics guidelines preventing it. How do they keep their hands to themselves when they're both really attracted to each other and their chemistry is electric? I don't want to say anymore and ruin it for anyone else with spoilers. You really need to read this wonderful story to see what happens. I would definitely recommend reading this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2022
I enjoyed this student-teacher forbidden romance between the star halfback of the football team and a graduate student – his chemistry teacher. John Kirby was a typical jock – scoring on and off the field, with little consideration for any hurt feelings from his female conquests – until Rose. Despite a not-quite genuine interest in Rose when he began his pursuit, John quickly came to realize the error of his ways the more time he spent with her. I liked that Rose wasn’t fawning all over John, despite her love of all-things football and football players.
While some aspects of the story played out as I expected, I still enjoyed their eventual sweet romance and the glimpse of their HEA in the epilogue. I also liked Rose’s twin sister Daisy – a take-no-crap ballbuster. Such a badass – lol. Overall, there’s plenty of drama, emotion and angst, humour, dirty talk and several steamy, explicit encounters.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
While some aspects of the story played out as I expected, I still enjoyed their eventual sweet romance and the glimpse of their HEA in the epilogue. I also liked Rose’s twin sister Daisy – a take-no-crap ballbuster. Such a badass – lol. Overall, there’s plenty of drama, emotion and angst, humour, dirty talk and several steamy, explicit encounters.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 20, 2022
John Kirby is a local college football star who enters a dare to achieve the sexual trifecta, to sleep with a freshman, an alumnus and a teacher. His other friends are too committed, too scared, or too mature to do this but John's in with Douglas that he considers an enemy of sorts. When he attends his chemistry class he sets his eye on the teaching assistant Rose and becomes a regular in her office hours. Rose is not into casual flings but there is something about John that she likes. Her twin sister Daisy wants her to live a little and encourages her to give John a chance to wow her world. But she could lose her job if she was known to be in a relationship with a student, and John could lose her if she found out about the trifecta. I loved this book for the entertaining dialogue. It was a fun fluff sort of a light read that flows well: The dare seemed rather immature frat boy thing to do but I didn't hold it against John for long.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2022
I usually set my kindle to see the amount of time I have left to read on my books. So when I started reading First Down Darling and it would take me about 4 hours to read, I didn’t think I’d read it in one sitting!
I absolutely love the two couples in these series so far and I really enjoyed seeing Junior & Allyssa as part of this book as well. And Grant! I missed Grant & Ty!
I found myself laughing a lot thanks to the interactions between Rose and her sister Daisy. Talk about polar opposites twins! One thing I really like about Johnny and Rose is how they express their wishes openly to each other. In my head, I already see Ally and Rose being the best of friends and not taking crap from their guys!
The story is sweet, there’s a bet, a forbidden romance, there’s the sleazy guy and a lot of fun! I really do love that Tabatha always gives a peak into her characters’ future. That’s a plus for me!
I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely love the two couples in these series so far and I really enjoyed seeing Junior & Allyssa as part of this book as well. And Grant! I missed Grant & Ty!
I found myself laughing a lot thanks to the interactions between Rose and her sister Daisy. Talk about polar opposites twins! One thing I really like about Johnny and Rose is how they express their wishes openly to each other. In my head, I already see Ally and Rose being the best of friends and not taking crap from their guys!
The story is sweet, there’s a bet, a forbidden romance, there’s the sleazy guy and a lot of fun! I really do love that Tabatha always gives a peak into her characters’ future. That’s a plus for me!
I can’t wait for the next book!
February 14, 2022
I really liked the twist this book takes on the classic teacher-student dynamic by making the “teacher” a teaching assistant so that both our lead characters are similar ages. It was so easy for me to connect with Rose. The ‘academic good girl’ is a role I know very well and have a lot of years of experience with. Even the second time around, it still took me a bit to fall in love with John. He starts out modelling all the behavior of the classic slimy “player” which put me off. Thankfully, through Rose we get to see that there’s a lot more to him than just that persona. He’s deeper and sweeter than he wants his classmates to know. It quickly became pretty difficult for me to resist him at that point. And, once again, the ending is everything that is sweet and cute.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book from the author.
February 15, 2022
This is book two in the Kings of Chicago North Series, which follows John Kirby who has a reputation of being a player on and off the football field. The senior football players have a tradition that they all participate in called the "Trifecta" which is a challenge to sleep with a freshman, alumnus and a teacher by the end of the season. Enter Rose his chemistry Teaching Assistant that John soon sets his sights on. Rose is a rule follower whose focus is getting her Graduate Thesis completed not falling for an undergraduate that could risk everything she's worked so hard for. As she gets to see the real side of John rules become broken but John needs to decide if she is worth more to him then a challenge. Tabatha always brings the humor, heat and charm to her books making her one of my favorite authors. You can't go wrong with this series.
February 22, 2022
John Kirby Scores and Wins His Rose
Title: First Down Darling
Author: Tabatha Kiss
Format: Audio
Genre: Romantic comedy, sports (football), forbidden (teacher/student)
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Book 2 of Chicago North
POV: John, Rose
Steam Level: steamy at times
5/5
I freaking love Tabatha Kiss books and First Down Darling in particular. I read this in one of its earlier incarnations and enjoyed it then but I loved this version. As a huge Tabatha Kiss fan I loved the glimpse into side characters who eventually get their story. One scene in particular I giggled because I knew the outcome and then seeing another scene play out from another POV. The Tabbyverse is immense and I love how Tabatha Kiss plays with it. I loved John and Rose. The intelligent banter which Tabatha Kiss excels at, kept me entertained throughout.
Title: First Down Darling
Author: Tabatha Kiss
Format: Audio
Genre: Romantic comedy, sports (football), forbidden (teacher/student)
Standalone: yes
Part of a Series: Book 2 of Chicago North
POV: John, Rose
Steam Level: steamy at times
5/5
I freaking love Tabatha Kiss books and First Down Darling in particular. I read this in one of its earlier incarnations and enjoyed it then but I loved this version. As a huge Tabatha Kiss fan I loved the glimpse into side characters who eventually get their story. One scene in particular I giggled because I knew the outcome and then seeing another scene play out from another POV. The Tabbyverse is immense and I love how Tabatha Kiss plays with it. I loved John and Rose. The intelligent banter which Tabatha Kiss excels at, kept me entertained throughout.
February 27, 2022
Rose gets to be a teaching assistant in a chemistry class. John is one of her students in the class. Sparks fly between them. John is chasing after Rose because of a trifecta challenge he is taking part in. However, its not long before he regrets agreeing to the challenge. Especially as things between him and Rose get serious. Rose wants to be with John enough to risk losing her TA position. She doesn't know the reasons behind his initial pursuit of her. Will Rose end thing is she finds out about the challenge? What will them being together mean for her TA job?
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a great story that will captivate you from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 10, 2024
I enjoyed the easiness and the chemistry between John and Rose. John was the experienced playboy while Rose was the innocent virgin.
Rose was a shy person, she blushes a lot and rambles on a lot when she’s nervous. I strangely found that endearing about her.
John is the confident playboy, but I found how he slowly fell for rose over time very cute, as love was not an experience he had before and it stumbled him at times.
It was fun seeing John tempting Rose and mostly succeeding. Sex scenes were steamy, I liked them.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I felt the emotional bonding wasn’t really there. Towards the end of the book, I realized I didn’t know much about either the hero or heroine, and I felt they didn’t know much about each other either. There wasn’t much emotional bonding over traumatic experiences, nothing. So the book was a bit lacking in that aspect.
Nevertheless, a nice book to pass the time.
Rose was a shy person, she blushes a lot and rambles on a lot when she’s nervous. I strangely found that endearing about her.
John is the confident playboy, but I found how he slowly fell for rose over time very cute, as love was not an experience he had before and it stumbled him at times.
It was fun seeing John tempting Rose and mostly succeeding. Sex scenes were steamy, I liked them.
As much as I enjoyed the book, I felt the emotional bonding wasn’t really there. Towards the end of the book, I realized I didn’t know much about either the hero or heroine, and I felt they didn’t know much about each other either. There wasn’t much emotional bonding over traumatic experiences, nothing. So the book was a bit lacking in that aspect.
Nevertheless, a nice book to pass the time.
February 16, 2022
I loved both protagonists, John and Rose.
John is quite a contradictory character. He is way too handsome, smart, talented as a football player and therefore cocky for his own good. But on the other hand, he's romantic and charming, sometimes hilarious ... a pretty irresistible mix....
Rose is everything I look for in a heroine of a romance novel. I loved her sass, smarts and ambition as much as her sweetness and sensitivity. Together, they are a real dream team.
As usual with a Tabatha Kiss book, there are several twists and turns that keep the tension high throughout the book. Add to that a red-hot chemistry, a bit of drama and a bet, and you have a perfectly entertaining romance novel, a real page turner.
John is quite a contradictory character. He is way too handsome, smart, talented as a football player and therefore cocky for his own good. But on the other hand, he's romantic and charming, sometimes hilarious ... a pretty irresistible mix....
Rose is everything I look for in a heroine of a romance novel. I loved her sass, smarts and ambition as much as her sweetness and sensitivity. Together, they are a real dream team.
As usual with a Tabatha Kiss book, there are several twists and turns that keep the tension high throughout the book. Add to that a red-hot chemistry, a bit of drama and a bet, and you have a perfectly entertaining romance novel, a real page turner.
February 16, 2022
Last One Standing!!
John Kirby is a senior and halfback on his football team. He is the only one of his friends who has not found love. He is pursuing the “trifecta”; relations with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher. Only his nemesis Douglas Floyd is in the competition.
Rose Hawthorne is a masters student, Chemistry TA and huge football fan. When John Kirby is in the chemistry class she is teaching she may be fangirling a bit. John targets her for the “teacher” but it quickly becomes more than that.
I usually avoid sports stories, and college stories - but I love this series, and this additional story is once again exceptional. Pure enjoyment.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
John Kirby is a senior and halfback on his football team. He is the only one of his friends who has not found love. He is pursuing the “trifecta”; relations with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher. Only his nemesis Douglas Floyd is in the competition.
Rose Hawthorne is a masters student, Chemistry TA and huge football fan. When John Kirby is in the chemistry class she is teaching she may be fangirling a bit. John targets her for the “teacher” but it quickly becomes more than that.
I usually avoid sports stories, and college stories - but I love this series, and this additional story is once again exceptional. Pure enjoyment.
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
February 22, 2022
John Kirby halfback man on campus no shortage of ladies to choose from has one problem it's senior year and time for tradition the trifecta what a dumb bet but John has to win against his enemy. And then he sees Rose or his new teachers assistant in chemistry and boy is there chemistry humor and one major fall out when his secret gets out and Rose hears the truth but John isn't going to lose his Rose even if he has to lose the game.
This was hilarious at times plenty of heat and I liked all the side characters in this book and even if I couldn't stand John in the beginning I liked how his character grew up by the end. And Rose was just cute with a side of sass.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
This was hilarious at times plenty of heat and I liked all the side characters in this book and even if I couldn't stand John in the beginning I liked how his character grew up by the end. And Rose was just cute with a side of sass.
I was allowed to read and advance copy of this book via Booksprout and this is my honest review.
February 17, 2022
This is a refresh of Tabatha’s “In Too Deep.” John Kirby is the star halfback for his college team the Chicago North’s. Rose Hawthorne is a TA for John’s chemistry class. John bets a teammate on his ability to complete a trifecta, that includes a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher. When John sees Rose he is only thinking about the bet. Things shift as John gets to know Rose. John is outgoing, confident, and smarter than he wants to let on. Rose is quiet, intellectual, and off limits. The heat from these two burns up the pages. You will find yourself rooting for these two as hard as Rose roots for the Bearhawk’s football team.
February 17, 2022
I adored this book! Quirky, humorous, sweet and steamy, this romance totally scores! Johnny and Rose had me feeling the feels and swooning. Rose is smart, sassy and sensitive. Johnny is clever, hot, talented and thinks very highly of himself. Lol You might start out disliking him but trust me when I say that changes quickly. This terrific story is a blend of opposites attract and the forbidden romance trope; that works just beautifully. There is drama, secrets and tons of emotion to be enjoyed as this tale unfolds. This was an impossible to resist romance that is too good to miss out on. I am electing to post a candid review.
February 18, 2022
He’s a total player & she’s a graduate student teacher, technically a forbidden romance. What begins as a locker room challenge for John very quickly turns into more as he realises Rose would be more than a notch in his bedpost. How can he prove this to her? Loved that Rose had a mind of her own and was a clever, principled, driven woman who didn’t immediately fall for his charm. Enjoyed seeing John’s layers being peeled back as Rose discovers he’s more than the dumb jock he seems. Well written and well paced with interesting, rounded characters. Plenty of humour and heat. Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 18, 2022
rating: 4 ⭐️
format: kindle unlimited - kings of Chicago north book 2
genre: college sports romance (football), teacher / student
H: john / h: rose
comment: locker room talk and a tradition for seniors in the football team to sleep with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher before the end of the school year. they call it, a “trifecta”. when halfback john kirby meets the new teacher’s assistant, nerdy rose darling hawthorne, she becomes the game changer
published: feb 2022
*** previously published in 2016 as johnny deeper or in too deep
link: Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SHVKW71
format: kindle unlimited - kings of Chicago north book 2
genre: college sports romance (football), teacher / student
H: john / h: rose
comment: locker room talk and a tradition for seniors in the football team to sleep with a freshman, an alumnus, and a teacher before the end of the school year. they call it, a “trifecta”. when halfback john kirby meets the new teacher’s assistant, nerdy rose darling hawthorne, she becomes the game changer
published: feb 2022
*** previously published in 2016 as johnny deeper or in too deep
link: Amazon US link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09SHVKW71
February 18, 2022
This is the second book in the college romantic comedies by Tabatha Kiss. There is John who is the star halfback of the football team. He competes on and off the field for what he wants. When he meets Rose he knows he has to pursue her. There is this instant attraction. Then there is Rose who is the teaching assistant in his class. All students in her classes are off limits despite the instant pull she feels towards him. If she moves forward with the relationship, she could lose everything. Is it worth it? Will Rose do it? Good story with interesting characters. Really liked Rose's sister. Enjoy!!
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
I voluntarily wrote this review from reading an advanced copy of this book.
February 18, 2022
College football player John Kirby is an unapologetic Lothario, but despite that, he’s sweet and laugh-out-loud funny. Rose is an uptight, inexperienced teacher’s assistant and graduate student.
John pursues Rose relentlessly, initially because an immature contest, but becomes enthralled by her intelligence, and the fact that he has to work to win her affections.
I really enjoyed this book! The dialogue between Rose and her sister, Daisy, was hilarious. The book is witty, sweet and steamy with minimal angst and a redeemable male lead character.
I think this book might end up in my reread pile.
John pursues Rose relentlessly, initially because an immature contest, but becomes enthralled by her intelligence, and the fact that he has to work to win her affections.
I really enjoyed this book! The dialogue between Rose and her sister, Daisy, was hilarious. The book is witty, sweet and steamy with minimal angst and a redeemable male lead character.
I think this book might end up in my reread pile.
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