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Norwalk Breakers #3
False Start: An Opposites Attract, Forced Proximity Road Trip Romance
What do I care about my reputation as the NFL’s cockiest wide receiver?
Bad press, angry coaches, and pissed off fans don’t get in my head. My currency is women, fame, and touchdowns.
Or, at least it used to be.
My late nights and hard partying may have finally caught up to me. Bobbled plays and missed practices derailed my last season and one more screw-up might cost me my career. Keeping my summer drama-free is crucial. My solution? Boring Kit Holden. Little did I know, 'boring' was about to become my biggest distraction…
Trent Vogt thinks I’m boring? Fine.
While a certain arrogant football player skated through life on looks and charm, I’ve never had it easy. No money, no connections, no room for big dreams. I’ve worked hard for what little I have.
On the verge of finally graduating college, I’m due a break. And a road trip in my late father’s Mercury, hitting up roadside attractions as part of a quirky car rally is as good of an escape as any.
Too bad I can’t stand the guy riding shotgun.
Buckle up as opposites attract in the sizzling road trip romance False Start! This standalone third installment of the Norwalk Breakers series features a nerdy scientist, an arrogant football player, lots of banter, and a cozy, offbeat road rally down the East Coast.
Bad press, angry coaches, and pissed off fans don’t get in my head. My currency is women, fame, and touchdowns.
Or, at least it used to be.
My late nights and hard partying may have finally caught up to me. Bobbled plays and missed practices derailed my last season and one more screw-up might cost me my career. Keeping my summer drama-free is crucial. My solution? Boring Kit Holden. Little did I know, 'boring' was about to become my biggest distraction…
Trent Vogt thinks I’m boring? Fine.
While a certain arrogant football player skated through life on looks and charm, I’ve never had it easy. No money, no connections, no room for big dreams. I’ve worked hard for what little I have.
On the verge of finally graduating college, I’m due a break. And a road trip in my late father’s Mercury, hitting up roadside attractions as part of a quirky car rally is as good of an escape as any.
Too bad I can’t stand the guy riding shotgun.
Buckle up as opposites attract in the sizzling road trip romance False Start! This standalone third installment of the Norwalk Breakers series features a nerdy scientist, an arrogant football player, lots of banter, and a cozy, offbeat road rally down the East Coast.
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 22, 2025
32 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
April 26, 2025
This book felt like something you would read on a sunny day with a light breeze. I actually finished this within a day, it wasn't too hard to get through. Although there are a few emotional moments, I felt like I could kick back with a fruity drink or tea to read this.
What initially drew me to this book was the heroine. I find that these days that I feel I can't entirely relate to some of them. The contemporary romance heroines tend to have certain traits that don't feel grounded enough. They either have this big confidence with a surety to everything they do or they seem larger than life with flaws that don't really seem like flaws. Which is why I just wanted a heroine who is just an ordinary, down to earth girl who might be a little nerdy or insecure. And that's what I got with Kit.
Kit and Trent's romance was a slow burning slow burn. I say slow burn twice because it had the right amount of slow to the burn. I admit, that I thought it lulled a bit since they are on a road trip but it requires patience. The tension was worth it and the banter on the trip was bantering.
I've heard of car rallies before but not quite like this, this was a road trip that felt fun and entertaining. Kit and Trent have to compete in a car rally to help Kit achieve her father's dream after his death. It had its small emotional moments with this but it had its antics and games with comedic moments. Making for some of the juicy tropes that are hard to resist.
The tropes that were included were forced proximity, frenemies, and black cat/golden retriever. Kit is the black cat here since she is pretty grumpy with Trent at first but she slowly warms up to him, hence the slow burn. I did think that Kit could've eased up a little since she makes snap judgements about Trent. However, I haven't read the reverse grumpy/sunshine a lot, so it was curious to see it play out.
My only small issue with this was that there really wasn't any football. I know this takes place during Trent's off season but I would have liked a little glimpse into Trent actually playing. That way, it can be shown that he's a football player not just told. It was especially significant near the end with Kit realizing how his career actually works while he's playing. Something that I thought should have been discussed more.
Overall, this was a light romance that felt like actually being on a road trip, cruising the road with the breeze blowing in. I felt the ease with maybe some angst to punctuate moments of disagreement. Even still, I could imagine listening to a road trip song while reading this book, being carefree in the moment.
What initially drew me to this book was the heroine. I find that these days that I feel I can't entirely relate to some of them. The contemporary romance heroines tend to have certain traits that don't feel grounded enough. They either have this big confidence with a surety to everything they do or they seem larger than life with flaws that don't really seem like flaws. Which is why I just wanted a heroine who is just an ordinary, down to earth girl who might be a little nerdy or insecure. And that's what I got with Kit.
Kit and Trent's romance was a slow burning slow burn. I say slow burn twice because it had the right amount of slow to the burn. I admit, that I thought it lulled a bit since they are on a road trip but it requires patience. The tension was worth it and the banter on the trip was bantering.
I've heard of car rallies before but not quite like this, this was a road trip that felt fun and entertaining. Kit and Trent have to compete in a car rally to help Kit achieve her father's dream after his death. It had its small emotional moments with this but it had its antics and games with comedic moments. Making for some of the juicy tropes that are hard to resist.
The tropes that were included were forced proximity, frenemies, and black cat/golden retriever. Kit is the black cat here since she is pretty grumpy with Trent at first but she slowly warms up to him, hence the slow burn. I did think that Kit could've eased up a little since she makes snap judgements about Trent. However, I haven't read the reverse grumpy/sunshine a lot, so it was curious to see it play out.
My only small issue with this was that there really wasn't any football. I know this takes place during Trent's off season but I would have liked a little glimpse into Trent actually playing. That way, it can be shown that he's a football player not just told. It was especially significant near the end with Kit realizing how his career actually works while he's playing. Something that I thought should have been discussed more.
Overall, this was a light romance that felt like actually being on a road trip, cruising the road with the breeze blowing in. I felt the ease with maybe some angst to punctuate moments of disagreement. Even still, I could imagine listening to a road trip song while reading this book, being carefree in the moment.
April 12, 2025
Trent, the male professional football player lead, is looking for a distraction that won’t get him into trouble on his season break. Joining a kickball team, he’s amused to meet Kit, the female blood bank technician lead, and her best friend, the team captain. Making a new best friend for himself in her best friend, he’s surprised to find Kit resistant to his charm.
When his invitation to paintball causes Kit’s friend an injury severe enough that he can’t take her planned rally trip, Trent happily volunteers! They’re just going as maybe-friends, definitely not as anything more. Kit is realistic enough to know she’s too plain and poor to be more than an amusement for Trent…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, female grumpy/male sunshine, contemporary romantic comedy. I enjoyed Trent’s focus and determination. I appreciated that he was making wise and healthy choices for himself and was amused at his surprise that Kit wasn’t immediately enthralled by him. I enjoyed Kit’s snarky presence and her determination to achieve her goals. I enjoyed the way she was willing to stretch herself out of her comfort zone. I enjoyed the relationship development, and laughed at the characters’ awkwardness at discussing what they were doing. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and the ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review
When his invitation to paintball causes Kit’s friend an injury severe enough that he can’t take her planned rally trip, Trent happily volunteers! They’re just going as maybe-friends, definitely not as anything more. Kit is realistic enough to know she’s too plain and poor to be more than an amusement for Trent…
This story is dual POV, well written, and a fast-paced, female grumpy/male sunshine, contemporary romantic comedy. I enjoyed Trent’s focus and determination. I appreciated that he was making wise and healthy choices for himself and was amused at his surprise that Kit wasn’t immediately enthralled by him. I enjoyed Kit’s snarky presence and her determination to achieve her goals. I enjoyed the way she was willing to stretch herself out of her comfort zone. I enjoyed the relationship development, and laughed at the characters’ awkwardness at discussing what they were doing. I enjoyed the supportive secondary characters and the ending.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and this is my voluntary honest review
April 23, 2025
This is my fifth Sarah Everly book and I can truthfully say that each one has been a delight and they have kept my attention from beginning to end and while this one is also a delight I can also be truthful and say my attention faded some between the opening kickball meeting and the beginning of the rally road trip but after that it became a total page-turner. I would classify this as an enemies to frenemies to friends-with-benefits to lovers mildly steamy romance with him committing first. Both characters change their opinions of each other with Kit having to adjust her opinion the most and Trent goes from an arrogant playboy to a loving, caring boyfriend. The road trip is what makes this book come alive with Kit and Trent stuck together in the car for days learning the truth about each other and discovering their weaknesses and their strengths and all the stops added fun and humor along the way. So, if like me you think the book gets off to a little bit of a “False Start” just add some gas to your tank, buckle your seatbelt, maybe load up with some snacks and get ready because once the rally trip begins you won’t have time for and you won’t want to stop for a pit stop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 13, 2025
This is the third book in the Norwalk Breakers series but it can absolutely be read as a stand-alone.
Trent is a professional football player and has been known to get into trouble in the off-season so this year has decided to keep his nose clean and joyn a kickball team. He befriends the team's captain Declan whose best friend Kit is also on the team and can't really stand Trent. Due to an accident Trent has to take Derek's place in a car rally with Kit. Now Kit and Trent have to spend 5 days in a car, completing challenges...
This was a very entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance. I loved the setting with the car rally and them having to find all those peculiar places enroute. I liked the main characters Trent and Kit and the way were constantly bickering at first. If you have read the other books in the series you will get glimpses of other characters that you have already read about which is something I love.
I really enjoyed reading this book and am already looking forward to reading Rob's story next.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Trent is a professional football player and has been known to get into trouble in the off-season so this year has decided to keep his nose clean and joyn a kickball team. He befriends the team's captain Declan whose best friend Kit is also on the team and can't really stand Trent. Due to an accident Trent has to take Derek's place in a car rally with Kit. Now Kit and Trent have to spend 5 days in a car, completing challenges...
This was a very entertaining enemies-to-lovers romance. I loved the setting with the car rally and them having to find all those peculiar places enroute. I liked the main characters Trent and Kit and the way were constantly bickering at first. If you have read the other books in the series you will get glimpses of other characters that you have already read about which is something I love.
I really enjoyed reading this book and am already looking forward to reading Rob's story next.
I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 1, 2025
Trent Vogt wide reciever for the Norwalk breakers is in trouble.He needs to clean up his image after his last disastrous play or he could end up losing everything.
So instead of leaving town for the off season and getting into more trouble he,decides to take up yoga and join the local kickball team.He ends up becoming friends with Derek,but Derek's best friend Kit is not impressed with him.
Kit does not like athletes and Trent is no exception.When Kit needs a partner for the rally she is taking part in,in her father's memory,Trent ends up being her partner.
As they spend time in close proximity on their road trip,they start to get to know each other and become friends.
Their friendship changes to more along the way.
There are ups and downs along the way,but they get to their happily ever after.
The banter between Trent and Kit was great.Loved how Kit was not impressed by Trent and how he won her over.
There was laughter,tears,emotions,great friendships,romance and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Sarah Everly and am voluntarily leaving my review.
So instead of leaving town for the off season and getting into more trouble he,decides to take up yoga and join the local kickball team.He ends up becoming friends with Derek,but Derek's best friend Kit is not impressed with him.
Kit does not like athletes and Trent is no exception.When Kit needs a partner for the rally she is taking part in,in her father's memory,Trent ends up being her partner.
As they spend time in close proximity on their road trip,they start to get to know each other and become friends.
Their friendship changes to more along the way.
There are ups and downs along the way,but they get to their happily ever after.
The banter between Trent and Kit was great.Loved how Kit was not impressed by Trent and how he won her over.
There was laughter,tears,emotions,great friendships,romance and a happily ever after.
Cannot wait for the next book in the series.
I recieved an ARC of this book from Sarah Everly and am voluntarily leaving my review.
April 13, 2025
Love a good road trip story! Frenemies to more, forced proximity and my favorite, only one bed! An unlikely pairing of a playboy NFL star and a young lab tech scientist just about to graduate. Kit barely has time to breathe as she finishes off her studies while holding down a job at the hospital and work on her dads old car, so she can make it drivable for a much needed vacation and honor her late dad. Trent is lying low in his off season and trying to be a good boy. He somehow ends up riding shotgun with Kit on her vacation and their banter is hilarious. He knows all the buttons to press to get under her skin but she has all the sass to give it right back. A road trip filled with quirky if not a little dorky stops along the way, helping to build on their undeniable chemistry.
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
April 10, 2025
Another fantastic read by Sarah Everly.
I was hooked from the beginning.
False start is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance with a slight difference.
Trent is a big name in the sports industry, known for more than just his skills on the field, although he is trying to change all of it.
Kit is a busy lab technician, attempting to further her career. Trying to balance work, study, kickball and car repairs, she has no time for anything else.
She has big plans for a car rally with her bestie, only an unfortunate paintball accident means she's stuck with Trent. Only their trip together takes a turn from infuriating to fun, with some very comical moments along the way.
It's such a sweet story, with plenty of laughs and cuteness. There is some slight drama, but not too much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😍🔥
I was hooked from the beginning.
False start is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity romance with a slight difference.
Trent is a big name in the sports industry, known for more than just his skills on the field, although he is trying to change all of it.
Kit is a busy lab technician, attempting to further her career. Trying to balance work, study, kickball and car repairs, she has no time for anything else.
She has big plans for a car rally with her bestie, only an unfortunate paintball accident means she's stuck with Trent. Only their trip together takes a turn from infuriating to fun, with some very comical moments along the way.
It's such a sweet story, with plenty of laughs and cuteness. There is some slight drama, but not too much.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️😍🔥
April 12, 2025
3.75⭐️
The NFLs cockiest player Trent needs to spend his off season laying low and behaving after a slew of bad press.
Kit, lab technician in training, is on the verge of graduating and excited to take her late father’s vintage car on a rally with her best friend Derek. When Derek gets injured, Trent agrees to go on the 5-day rally in his place.
Dual POV
Opposites attaract
Forced proximity
This was a really sweet read, and not your usual “sports romance”. I enjoyed the setting being in the road for most of the story and the antics were very entertaining. Kit and Trent had great banter, and while the post trip relationship development was quite short it had me kicking my feet 💕
Another great read for Sarah Everly, thank you for the opportunity to read this advance copy! All opinions are my own.
The NFLs cockiest player Trent needs to spend his off season laying low and behaving after a slew of bad press.
Kit, lab technician in training, is on the verge of graduating and excited to take her late father’s vintage car on a rally with her best friend Derek. When Derek gets injured, Trent agrees to go on the 5-day rally in his place.
Dual POV
Opposites attaract
Forced proximity
This was a really sweet read, and not your usual “sports romance”. I enjoyed the setting being in the road for most of the story and the antics were very entertaining. Kit and Trent had great banter, and while the post trip relationship development was quite short it had me kicking my feet 💕
Another great read for Sarah Everly, thank you for the opportunity to read this advance copy! All opinions are my own.
September 1, 2025
I love Sarah’s stories, but she has issues with typos, grammatical errors, and plot line consistency. For example - the El Camino. Trent apparently buys it in a gesture to do another rally with Kit. Kit seems surprised by the car even though he took her to the team bbq in it earlier… I had to back up and do a search to make sure. Also when it was mentioned in the bbq scene, I was thrown off bc before he had a “lambo.” I had no idea where the car - the El Camino had come from. Seems like it was meant to be introduced earlier. Maybe it was written that way then the scenes were moved around? The story was cute. I enjoyed their dynamic, but just struggled with typos taking me out of the story sometimes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 23, 2025
Another great addition to this series!
I loved everything about this book and was sad when it ended. Trent and Kit were golden. Their chemistry together was fantastic. I enjoyed watching them work together to try to win the rally and I had to keep reading to see if they were going to win. Trent was not what I was expecting. He was thoughtful, sweet, caring, funny and charming. He was perfect for Kit. I am really enjoying this series, and I am looking forward to the next book.
I loved everything about this book and was sad when it ended. Trent and Kit were golden. Their chemistry together was fantastic. I enjoyed watching them work together to try to win the rally and I had to keep reading to see if they were going to win. Trent was not what I was expecting. He was thoughtful, sweet, caring, funny and charming. He was perfect for Kit. I am really enjoying this series, and I am looking forward to the next book.
May 29, 2025
-NFL player/ Lab technician
-Grumpy h vs. Sunshine H
-Forced Proximity
This opposites-attract story has some frenemies vibes, as they let first impressions color their interactions. Yet, a five-day road trip changes everything.
There's plenty of banter between them. It's a slow burn, but it's worth it! I loved how their relationship developed and how they embraced their flaws and growth.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
-Grumpy h vs. Sunshine H
-Forced Proximity
This opposites-attract story has some frenemies vibes, as they let first impressions color their interactions. Yet, a five-day road trip changes everything.
There's plenty of banter between them. It's a slow burn, but it's worth it! I loved how their relationship developed and how they embraced their flaws and growth.
I was given a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 27, 2025
I throughly enjoyed this book, absolutely adore the characters.
Loved the slow burn aspect to Kit and Trent’s relationship and their banter on the road trip was perfection.
It was refreshing to have a ‘off season’ footy player, liked the dynamic of what he is getting up to in his supposed downtime.
I also found the whole kickball game fascinating, never heard of it before.
Overall a great read with a fantastic storyline.
Loved the slow burn aspect to Kit and Trent’s relationship and their banter on the road trip was perfection.
It was refreshing to have a ‘off season’ footy player, liked the dynamic of what he is getting up to in his supposed downtime.
I also found the whole kickball game fascinating, never heard of it before.
Overall a great read with a fantastic storyline.
November 7, 2025
I love this series, it’s fun and easy to read.
My only complaint with this book is that there were quite a few obvious editing issues that took away from the flow of reading. An extra word here, a your vs you there. They weren’t huge issues and I could easily correct in my head and move on but it just felt like the editors maybe didn’t pay as close of attention as they did previous books.
The book itself was great though and I can’t wait to read the next one.
My only complaint with this book is that there were quite a few obvious editing issues that took away from the flow of reading. An extra word here, a your vs you there. They weren’t huge issues and I could easily correct in my head and move on but it just felt like the editors maybe didn’t pay as close of attention as they did previous books.
The book itself was great though and I can’t wait to read the next one.
April 21, 2025
A brilliant addition to this series, I have thoroughly enjoyed the series by Sarah Everly so far!
It's got everything going for it, sassy female and famous soccer star!
I love that Trent has to work hard for Kit's attention, and that Kit makes his life difficult.
The storyline is compelling, I didn't want to put the book down.
It's got everything going for it, sassy female and famous soccer star!
I love that Trent has to work hard for Kit's attention, and that Kit makes his life difficult.
The storyline is compelling, I didn't want to put the book down.
April 23, 2025
I love a road trip and all the crazy roadside attractions and quirky little stops are a must! Kit and Trent’s meeting and their eventual switch from reluctant (on Kit’s part) kickball teammates to even more reluctant (definitely on Kit’s part) partners in the road rally was entertaining. This story really brought the energy of the rally to life and made me want to hit the road myself.
December 23, 2025
This was my least favorite book of the series. It took me over a week to finish this. It was a slow burn but I didn’t care for how Kit was so against Trent and he was just taking it all the time. And then suddenly out of nowhere she turns a corner and falls in love with him? I didn’t find the relationship very believable and it was a struggle to get through it. I did enjoy the last maybe 25% of the book.
May 24, 2025
I enjoyed this easy read. I was worried it would be too sport focused, however it wasn't at all. Both Kit and Trent are quite likeable characters and I enjoyed their car rally journey.
July 23, 2025
I think this series has gotten better with every book,y fav so far. Nothing grand about this romance series, but it’s a quick, easy, low stakes high rewards that are a good break for me,
December 30, 2025
This was really cute. I found myself smiling quite a bit as I read. I would have liked more back story to the main characters. It was the lighthearted read I needed!
April 22, 2025
After reading the first page, I knew I was in for a treat! He is full of sunshine and she is full of snark. With a plethora of witty banter and hilarious situations, this slow burn keeps the mood light-hearted even as it delves into deeper emotions along the way. Tagging along on this road trip will keep a smile on your face as Trent brings his A-game to get into Kit’s good graces and her heart.
May 14, 2025
Kit's life consisted of study, work or kickball, to most they would say boring but to Kit it's committed. Trent is a professional football player with quite the reputation, which was causing him to reconsider his lifestyle choices if he wanted to keep his place on the team. So now it being off season he had to find something to hopefully help improve his image. When he joins the only kickball team that would take him he was hoping to become everybody's new best friend. Except Kit's instant dislike can not go unnoticed. These two are so complete opposites and everything he does just seems to make it worse. When Kit is due to leave for a car rally with her dad's car her co pilot is injured and Trent steps in. This is a great story with brilliant characters, the constant bickering between the main characters is not only entertaining but totally believable. Can they both survive the five day of challenges without to much angst. Will Trent prove he can be helpful and show Kit he's not just a poser. This is part of a series but can totally be read as a standalone, I can't wait for the next in the series
July 9, 2025
False Start is a captivating second-chance sports romance that immediately pulled me in with its emotional depth and chemistry between the characters. Sarah Everly crafts a believable story about love, mistakes, and redemption, set against a backdrop of high-stakes athletic competition. The characters felt real, and their journey was full of heartfelt moments and realistic challenges. I loved the balance between the swoony romance and the personal growth each character had to face. A fantastic, engaging read that kept me hooked until the very last page!
Definitely recommend! ♥
Definitely recommend! ♥
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews