Too Forward

by Krystina Rivers

What happens when falling in love means loving parts of ourselves that we do not believe are worthy?

Jane Gray arrives in Milwaukee with a lot to prove and low expectations for success after her former collegiate coach persuades her to sign a WNBA training camp contract. She doesn’t usually throw caution to the wind, but that’s exactly what happens her first night in town, and she lands in bed with a beautiful stranger.

Jane is shocked to discover she slept with Kinzie Lancaster, brand consultant for Jane’s new team—the Milwaukee Pitbulls. And she’s even more stunned when her career begins to heat up after an ACL injury stalled her bright future and years of bouncing around the league destroyed her confidence. When passion and pleasure turn to promises of forever, the love and success she has always dreamed of is suddenly within reach and she must put everything on the line to discover she deserves love in this swoon-worthy sapphic basketball romance.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Lesbian, Queer, Sports Romance

242 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 11, 2025

About the author

Krystina Rivers has been a lover of romance novels since she was probably too young to read them and developed an affinity for lesbian romance novels after she found her first lesbian romance on a shelf in a used bookstore in 2001. Despite a lifelong desire to write romances, she never had the time to write her own until the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and she no longer had to commute to the office or travel regularly for work.
Krystina grew up in Florida but, after spending six years in the military, now calls Chicago home. She works in commercial real estate and lives with her wife and their two dogs and three cats. When not working or writing, Krystina can be found reading with a glass of wine in hand, doing yoga (occasionally with a glass of wine in hand), snuggling with her fur-babies, or trying to convince herself that it is not too cold to go for a jog outside.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️
Too Forward is a very enjoyable sports romance in the universe of the WNBA.
You don't have to understand very much about basketball to enjoy the story, but as a sports fan myself, I had to read it.

Thirty-year-old Jane knows that her former coach's call-up for a training camp is her last chance for a place on a WNBA team. Early on, a torn ACL prevented her from pursuing her promising career. Not only was she physically held back, but mentally, it was a roadblock that she was never able to fully overcome. Her insecurity and lack of self-confidence had a field day with her mental state.

When she tried to calm her nerves with a beer in the hotel bar the evening before the camp started, she surprised herself by having a one-night stand for the first time in her life. But it helped to calm her down – and it was a hot and amazing nicht. For sure, she thought, it was only one night, with a stranger she'll never see again - except that she was the new brand consultant for her new team the Milwaukee Pitbulls.

The slow-burn romance and the development that Jane experiences over the next few months are the main theme of the story. With the help of the team and the staff, Jane manages to get back on the court and get back to her game and does so successfully. The author does an excellent job of showing Jane's internal battle with the imposter syndrome and her fight to find her self-confidence in basketball and life, giving a good insight into her emotional life and thoughts. And that love, friends, and moral support can change your life, make you a better person, and become self-confident.

I liked the chemistry between Jane and Kinzi, I felt their connection, and the sex was hot. I also liked the way Kinzi wormed her way into Jane's heart, even though Jane was the only one who didn't realize it and didn't think she deserved Kinzi's love.

Jane, Kinzi, and also Maya the team captain are loveable characters with flaws and quirks, and the team spirit is amazing, which doesn't happen with every team. I was a team athlete myself, so I loved everything about basketball and could empathize with the situations, and I was rooting for the team.

It's written from Janes's POV, which was fine for me, except that I would have loved a little bit more backstory on Kinzie.

Thank you to Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley for receiving an ARC.

[JulesGP · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a big sports fan so I always look forward to new books with mc’s who are athletes. In this one, Jane Gray is a pro basketball player who has been bouncing around the periphery of the WNBA and Euro League for about a decade. Never a big name but able to make a living. She’s about to retire when her old Duke University coach lures her into one more season with the fictional Milwaukee wnba team.

I thought it was an interesting move on the author’s part to write a book about someone who has basically been a benchwarmer because 9 out of 10, the story is usually about a star player. Yes, Jane won a ring in college with Coach but that was a lifetime ago. Although there’s some basketball and training in the book, there’s not as much as you might think. The focus is more on Jane and her efforts to come to terms with the newfound success in her career and her love life at this later stage. Jane battles anxiety and imposter syndrome as she tries to welcome the good in her life but it’s a constant struggle. 10+ years of disappointment and injury have left her feeling vulnerable. Overall, a solid story about someone learning to embrace her own worth.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an arc. I am leaving a review voluntarily.

[Cherie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a story about Jane Grey who is a professional basketball player. Jane suffered an injury in her second professional game, 8 years ago. She’s just now getting back on a team in the WNBA. Jane suffers from poor self esteem and negativity. Kinzie is a marketing professional who works for her family business. She is working on getting more publicity for Jane’s Milwaukee Pitbulls team.

This book was filled with basketball training, practice and games. I enjoyed the play by play scenes. I like watching college and high school games. So this was an enjoyable book for me. This is told completely from Jane’s point of view. We only know Kinzie’s thoughts by what she says. I had a hard time relating to Kinzie and felt we didn’t get to know her character. Jane’s constant self doubt was annoying to me.

I’ve read several of Rivers books and I’m looking forward to her next one.

Thanks to BSB and Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[gracie · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5 stars

I struggled to finish this. My biggest issue with the book was that there was nothing interesting about both mcs. Jane was boring and reduced to only her self deprecation and lack of self esteem. It made it so difficult to read because the entire book is in her pov only. Kinzie was the "perfect" girlfriend, clearly written FOR Jane rather than as a character that Jane happens to like romantically. The entire book we are told the progression of their relationship and lives, literally Jane narrates Kinzie's life back to her multiple times in the book and I just think the author could have found a better way to let the readers know what was going on. The book really would have benefitted from a dual pov, even if only to offset the constant drain that it was to be in Jane's head.

There's a part where Jane says, "I skipped past all the politics crap..." and I recoiled in disgust. Having your white American, southern, lesbian character be apolitical is definitely a choice especially since the book is releasing in 2025 and everyone is aware of the political climate, not just in America but worldwide, against queer people.

One more thing that peeved me was the ending. The team losing the championships was just an even more horrible ending to an already bad book. We could have at least closed on a happy note rather than the "championships aren't everything" spiel we got.

I did enjoy the basketball games, practice and all the details though. I'm not very familiar with the game but they were fun to read about. The saving grace of the book if I'm being honest.

Thank you to Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review

[Vita L. Licari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Love this book! Jane Gray is a 30 yr old basketball player who's last chance in the WNBA is now. The day before tryouts, she meets Kinzie Lancaster . Kinzie admits she knows nothing about sports. But that doesn't stop the two women to have a steamy Hot night together. When after practice and Kinzie is introduced as the media specialist Jane doesn't know what to do.
A glorious angsty, steamy HOT love story! 5 stars!

[Kexx · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book - excellent characters and a strong story about basketball. The added mental health felt important and made the tale real. Thank you.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Forward is a refreshing sports romance that steps away from the typical star-athlete narrative and instead focuses on Jane Gray—a 30-year-old WNBA player whose career has been defined more by setbacks and struggle than by stardom. Jane’s story isn’t about dominating the court; it’s about finding her footing, both as an athlete nearing the end of her career and as a woman learning to embrace love and self-worth.

I really appreciated how the author portrayed Jane’s internal battle with anxiety and imposter syndrome. Her vulnerability felt real, and her journey—both on and off the court—was compelling. There’s definitely basketball here, but it’s not the centre of the story. Instead, we’re pulled into a slow-burn romance that begins with an impulsive one-night stand and unexpectedly grows into something deeper. The chemistry between Jane and Kinzie is believable and charming, and Kinzie's steady presence really helps bring warmth and balance to Jane’s guarded world.

With great side characters (shoutout to team captain Maya), strong team camaraderie, and a thoughtful exploration of what it means to be enough, Too Forward is a grounded and emotionally resonant read. While I would have liked more background on Kinzie, Jane’s voice carried the story well. A great pick for sports romance fans who love character-driven stories with heart.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[Sue Plant · Rating 5 out of 5]

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

this is jane grays last chance ..... shes about to embark on her last try at basketball, she is 30 and she feels at the end of her career that started off very promising but reality kicked in and she has been floating ever since.......

so an evening in the bar at her hotel finds her trying to settle her nerves not to get drunk or anything as that would give a bad impression of herself to her new team members but she ends up having a one night stand with a stranger that night

and so begins her time with her new team the Milwaukee Pitbulls and its during her first week that she meets up with her one night stand who just happens to be Kinzie Lancaster who has been brought in as brand consultant to help the team get sponsorship and a more higher profile

as she gets to play her best basketball for the team and things get interesting with kinzie can there really be an ever after for them....

its a great read and i was thoroughly invested right to the end with this one.... loved all the characters that we meet in this book love a good sports book

cant wait to see what is next for this author

[Andrea (looseleftlesbian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️ the only complaint I have is that I wish there was a little more at the end.

I think the author did a fantastic job on the way imposter syndrome and low self esteem was portrayed. I also think it was importantly for the dialogue between Maya and Jane about confidence, seeing that support from a friendship perspective and then seeing it from a romantic perspective with Kinzie. I’m glad Kenzie said something about not being the one that always reassures Jane. That would be toxic and it was an aspect of their relationship that needed to be explored.

I’m not sure why those who “don’t know much about or don’t like” basketball read this and made that point to give a lower rating. Don’t read a romance book that is centered on basketball then? I personally loved the amount of basketball that was in the story.

Overall, this was an emotional, important love story that was so much more than basketball. Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me an ARC. I have left my review voluntarily.

[Lillie Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I’d like to thank NetGalley for this ARC. I would give this 3.5 stars. I’m not typically a sports romance fan but found this enjoyable. This is definitely very basketball heavy, detailing practices and play-by-plays but it isn’t too overwhelming for someone who doesn’t have a lot of basketball knowledge like myself. I liked following Jane’s growth and seeing her develop friendships as well as her relationship with Kinzie. It was nice to see Jane get her second chance and try to overcome her anxiety and other mental struggles. However I would have liked to know more about Jane’s career earlier. It’s mentioned a lot but not in detail and maybe a flashback chapter of her injury or from sometime in her college career would have been helpful. I would consider this to be a slow burn romance so sometimes it felt like the romance was lacking a little but that just comes with the territory of this trope. There’s no denying Jane and Kinzie’s physical attraction but I would have loved to see more of their actual relationship even in the epilogue. Things just seemed very surfaced and I feel like having Kinzie’s POV in some chapters or getting to know more about her would have helped me understand Kinzie more. It seemed to focus a lot on their physical relationship but lacked emotional conversations outside of Jane’s struggles. Overall, I did enjoy this book and think it’s an easy romance read.

[Jem · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

A very solid read. Little too much focus on basketball, but considering the context of the novel I cannot fault it for that, I just know very little about basketball in general so I may have missed certain things.

I wasn’t really invested in Jane and Kinzie’s relationship or really them as characters. Things felt a little too surface level for me especially with Kinzie.

Jane on the other hand was often over explained, her anxieties, injury, feelings. Every character was rooting for her and motivating her on literally any page. I wish we were able to see some of Kinzie’s point of view, this book could’ve benefitted from a dual POV in my opinion.

Their relationship also suffered from telling and not showing, their chemistry both sexually and romantically was discussed over and over but not really shown as much. I think this being only a single POV is part of the problem because without Kinzie’s input we only see their relationship as interpreted by Jane who just can’t believe Kinzie still likes her after their one night stand.

This is not a bad book by any means, it’s a very quick and chill read and I’m interested in the rest of the authors works.

Thank you to Bold Stroke Books and NetGalley for the ARC!

[Bayley Reynolds]

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this ARC for a fair review


DNF at 12%
Now i've never DNF'ed an ARC but I was 12% through and I just couldn't

I found the characters quite swallow and the spicy scene felt way too quick and forced so I think it isn't a bad book but it just wasn't going well for me

[Kie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is for the people who loved “Mistakes Were Made” by Meryl Wilsner and “How You Get The Girl” by Anita Kelly!

Before I get into my review of “Too Forward”, I’d like to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC!

I absolutely love how this book was equally centered around basketball as it was about romance. I was deeply invested all the way through, although I’ve never once played basketball there are still deeply relatable themes throughout the book.

As much as I loved Kinzie and Jane, I also loved the found family this book showcased.

If you’re looking for a quick easy read with sweet and spicy moments, “Too Forward” is definitely the book for you!

[lindsey · Rating 2 out of 5]

received an arc from netgalley, thanks! this review is honest, but i think that will be obvious.

so a couple of weeks ago i thought to myself "i have never read a basketball romance" and then when i was perusing netgalley i came across this. "perfect!" i said to myself. reader, i was wrong.

ok that was dramatic but the point stands. my problem with this book is that it was boring. i don't mean that the story dragged, i just mean that the characters were dull and uninspired. jane is reduced to nothing but her shattered self esteem and spends the whole book thinking she is the worst in every single way. it makes her flat and uninteresting because all she cares about is how much she sucks. kinzie, on the other hand, seems pretty much perfect? kind, understanding, etc and so on. i could go on but i don't need to. you get the point.

also, quite frankly, they have too much sex. i do not think it is possible to have as many orgasms one after the other as these two do with terrifying regularity. i do not believe you that they have this many rounds in them. i reject it. the sex does nothing to advance the characters or the story and just made me embarrassed to be reading it on the train. at least the sex scenes were short.

now that i have my Big Issues out of the way i am going to move into my Nitpicking. i have not torn apart a book like this while reading for a while but i just couldn't stop myself here. and so:
- in the beginning, jane describes kissing kinzie in a hotel room as taboo. i'm sorry? there is no conflict about their sexualities or homophobia (which was great actually, a redeeming aspect at last) so it just came out of nowhere
- that one time the entire room started singing or whatever because maya got excited about smoothies. give me a fucking break. if you wanted this to be a musical go write a musical
- that time somebody (i forget who) goes something like "it's weird that woman is gay because she's so hot" about kinzie was actually not a normal thing to say, actually
- i just find abs boring and that is a large part of my problem here now that you think about it
- we should have grown out of the term tomboy by now ladies
- jane is upset about having a "slight headache" on media day or something. this is the same woman who sleeps like thirteen hours before her games. if she had to live in my body she would immediately perish. my headaches last for weeks and i have never slept eight hours in my life. seriously jane, get over yourself
- the words "up and coming AI firm" make me want to barf
- the banter is boring
- too many mentions of twitter for a book coming out in 2025
- stop saying "whom" i am begging you
- i think it is uninspired to have the athletes not get the big trophy or whatever and be like "that's ok because of the friends we made along the way and also love" like i get why authors do it i just think that it's lazy and not nearly as deep as they want it to be
- one of the worst epilogues i have ever encountered. jane, stop describing kinzie's life to her, she doesn't need to hear it. find a better way to tell your readers or whatever.

anyways, sorry for all the hatred but genuinely i found this almost unreadable. sad face.

[Fiona Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too forward is the perfect book for anyone who loves a good sports romance but will also suit anyone who loves to see a character’s journey towards self-acceptance and overcoming imposter syndrome. I loved it and struggled to put it down.

In this beautiful story we meet Jane Gray who has recently been called up by her old Basketball Coach to join the Milwaukee Pitbulls WNBA team. However, after 8 years of struggling to come back from a major ACL injury she has no faith that she will even survive the training camp chopping block, let alone become a starter on the team. As a result, she is determined that she will give it a go but needs to ensure that there are no distractions. However, when a gorgeous woman approaches her in the bar, the night before the training camp is due to start she is drawn into an incredible one night stand. Just as well they will never see each other again so it can’t become that unwanted distraction. Except, that the strange turns out to be Kinzie Lancaster, who has been brought in by the team to help with their marketing and promotion strategy.

What follows is a very sport-heavy story with the Jane’s emotional journey towards finding her self-confidence and self-worth with the unwavering support of Kinzie and some of her teammates, especially team captain, Maya who very quickly becomes Jane’s best friend. Maya is a rock! (Side note: I would absolutely love to see another book in the future giving us Maya’s story.) By telling us the story in the first-person perspective from Jane’s point of view, Krystina Rivers has enabled the reader to get inside Jane’s head to see where all her doubts and fears are coming from, and I feel that she absolutely nailed it.

This book is one that has left a mark on me and is one that I will certainly return to again in the future.

I am extremely grateful to Krystina Rivers, Bella Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy of Too Forward and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was a mixed bag for me. I was immediately drawn to the WNBA setting, and I have enjoyed other fictional books with women's basketball that include sapphic romances. As I read Too Forward, I was pleased to see the various basketball terms, existing team and player references, and game play descriptions. This may be a barrier for someone not familiar with women's basketball and the WNBA, but I think they can gloss over those parts and still get the gist of things.

The character of Jane had a lot of personal issues to work out for herself. I liked how she had help from a therapist and an athletic trainer, as it shows that people need help from both mental and physical sides. Her self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and overall insecurity gave her character complexities that are easily relatable and understandable by those of us who are not professional athletes. However, the character of Kenzie felt highly idealized to me. I wish her struggles were given more time; it just seemed like her character had flaws so that it'd give Jane something to relate to. I think it also would have balanced out the non-sex part of the relationship and given it more credibility, because the honeymoon phase usually only lasts so long.

The parts of this book I liked the most include the development of the basketball team dynamic and a seemingly realistic behind-the-scenes of professional women's basketball. The same-sex romantic pairings are also a big draw for me.

Thanks to NetGalley, Bold Strokes Books, and Krystina Rivers for the chance to honestly review this arc.

[Minna Perälä · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received from the publisher via NetGalley.

3.75 stars rounded up.

Too Forward was the first book by Krystina Rivers that I've read. The writing was a pleasant surprise and I think I'll check out older books in the future.

Too Forward is a sports romance with one night to forever and woman in a suit tropes. It's a solid sapphic sports romance set during a WNBA season. For me it was a nice read with the main character being a pro athlete and the love interest being a marketing executive. Many times sports romances are between two athletes which are great, too, but Too Forward was a nice change of pace.

The story evolves around the main character's lack of confidence and low self-esteem, and it's about getting back to the top after being a bench warmer for 8 seasons. The novel is a story about finding your self worth and having your confidence back after an ACL injury almost a decade ago.

Jane Gray, the main character, was lovable and infuriating at the same time. The way she constantly put herself down was almost too much. Luckily she had her team captain and cheerleader Maya and one night stand Kinzie to help her. 

I'm not a fan of (adult) romances with only one POV. The writing and story building has to be superb for one POV to really work for me. Too Forward would have been, in my opinion, better with also Kinzie's POV. Now her character felt a bit flat. Since a lot of commentary (inner monologue) by Jane had a low self-esteem twist, the true Kinzie didn't really become familiar through Jane's POV. Second POV would have been interesting.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a huge fan of basketball, but I love any book that revolves around women's sports and this one didn't disappoint. I'm not a fan of first person POV's either, but like Kris Bryant, Rivers did it justice.

Jane Gray is getting one last shot to make a statement in her basketball career after playing crappy for the last 8 years due to tearing her ACL. She lost confidence in herself and her game. When she gets another shot, Jane is determined not to screw it up, but ends up having a one night stand the night before training camp and thinks she'll never see Kinzie again.

Until the first day of training camp, she sees Kinzie again, who happens to be the consultant for the teams. It's a slow burn romance, that highlights the difficulties of an athlete getting hurt and coming back. It was very enjoyable and quick, low angst read. I loved the side characters, especially Maya and hope maybe she'll have her own book someday.

Overall, I would recommend this book. I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Shannon Luchies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Grey, pro basketball player, is hoping to salvage her career. Years back she suffered a serious injury, and her playing never recovered. A call from a former coach has encouraged her to give things a final try.

On her first night in Milwaukee Jane stops at the hotel bar and ends up getting hit on by a gorgeous business woman, Kinzie. They sleep together, but Jane slips out of her room before morning, as she has practice.

The first few practices go well, and Jane feels herself getting her groove back, when the Coach introduces the team's marketing people... including Kinzie. Kinzie is all for picking up where they left off, but Jane is nervous about dating a coworker.

(It's does feel weird that Kinzie is not concerned, actually. If another player felt they weren't getting promoted enough and learned they were dating, they might complain to the owners.)

Kinzie wears Jane down and they start dating, covertly, but Jane has self esteem issues. Also, not well written third act breakup... felt out of character.
3.5 stars out of 5.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book despite so much focus on basketball that I have no clue about. Jane and Kinzie are having the right kind of chemistry that is so clear after the hot one-night stand. It really takes time for them to circle back to each other but very understandable, Jane needs to get into the right headspace, being worthy of success in her career as well as in her love life.

I would have liked to read a bit more of a backstory about Jane and Kinzie, I think the book could easily have been a bit longer and cover also that. Hearing Kinzie's POV would also have been great, she is the main driver of their relationship for so long, and her insights and frustration would have been very interesting to read about. The book is also so focused on their chemistry and way less on their actual relationship, I hope they will get there one day or I have doubts this will be a HEA and not just a HFN.

I received a free ARC of this book via NetGalley and leave a review voluntarily.

[Hayley · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Too Forward” by Krystina Rivers is a romance novel focusing on Jane Gray, a professional basketball player who has had a mediocre career but ends up signing for a WNBA team. She finds out the team’s consultant is the woman from her one and only one-night-stand when she gets to town. Even though Jane tries to keep things professional and focus on the game, their attraction is undeniable.

The chemistry between Jane and Kinzie is alluring and so lovely to read. Jane’s character struggles with self-confidence, self-worth, and anxiety. Kinzie is immediately swept off her feet by Jane, but Jane has to overcome her anxieties and worries to believe she’s worthy. I found this really relatable as a person with anxiety myself, and I imagine others would, too. I loved watching Jane come into her power and grow proud of who she is.

The book is a great read, a fun insight into women’s basketball, and a delicious romance. I highly recommend this book to any adult romance reader!

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane had great college basketball career but suffer a tore ACL and been bounce from one team after another but ever since then she been having low self esteem and fears she won’t be able to making it in the WNBA. She finally has a chance to calm her nerves before going to training camp she surprised herself by having a one night stand with a stranger. Kinzie is brand consultant for the team that Jane been recruit to play on Milwaukee Pitbulls. Jane and Kinzie are shock to see each other again but Jane is determined to keep her dream alive as she battle newfound fame and her self doubt she and Kinzie gets closer although the story is more from Jane pov we do get to know about Kinzie like that she was supportive. I enjoy this read about learning that you are worth it and dreams can come true.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

**3.75 Stars**

This was a really fun sport sapphic romance! I'm not super knowledgeable about the WNBA, but it felt like it was written by someone who knows about the league, which is a big plus in sports romances because I have read some that feel like they've used the sport as a plot device but know very little about how the sport and league works.

The romance was really cute, and I reallly loved that the central plot was Jane getting her second chance and overcoming all the mental struggles that come with being injured a lot throughout your career and feeling like you will never reach your potential.

It was a little slow at times but overall, I really enjoyed this one. I also imagined Jane as DT the whole time because, wow what a babe...

Thank you to Netgalley and Bold Strokes Books, Inc for an arc in exchange for an honest review

[Shannon bagnall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank everything for kindle search because I know 0 about basketball 😂

This book was great, I enjoyed it. I loved how it talked about the struggles of life after an injury and how that affects all aspects of life and how it can mentally challenge you, I also loved the talk of therapy and helping to stop the stigma

The romance side was nice, I liked how despite pushing one of the MC’s away the other MC still tried everything to be there.

Overall a great book.. my only downside i would have preferred an epilogue that took the back to the final and winning that would have been perfect I’m a sucker for happy conclusions

*full disclosure I was given this book in exchange for an honest review through NetGalley*

[Tita · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sadly, I had to DNF this book at 75%.

I can’t really pinpoint the problem, I just stopped caring about the characters at the halfway mark, because I was unable to emotionally connect to them. The story itself and the romance both seemed interesting at the beginning of the book, but I was missing a stronger build up of emotions over the course of the book.

I think this is a problem that does not affect everyone. If you are looking for a sweet basketball romance you should definitely still give this a go!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy ahead of release.

[Seb · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is more like 2.5 stars for me.Where to start with this one.....I really wanted to like it as it is a sports romance and I love sports romances but this was almost entirely negativity and low self esteem and very little evolution and I am sorry but the main character was just not likeable and I really feel like the love interest was too nice and constantly trying.They should not of ended up together there was no "learning point" that comes over time it was more like 5 min okay I love u it is fine now blah blah but there is no way in hell this will work unless both go to couples therapy together.Anyway yeah no I didnt like it but it might be someone else's cup of tea.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a basketball fan I loved the story of a character making there way back to what they love and earning their place. It was a great story like reading Rudy or A League of Their Own.

The hard part is I found the romance lacked. The characters didn’t really relate to each other and I didn’t truly feel their connection to each other outside of physical attraction.

It’s still a nice easy read for an afternoon while you wait for the evening basketball games to come on.

Thanks to NetGallery and the publisher for this Arc in exchange for my honest review.

[Steph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an interesting take on a sports romance where one main character is an athlete and the other a marketing exec who claims to hate sports, but is in no way any form of an enemies to lovers trope. Both characters are likeable and realistic, and though I’ve never had any interest in basketball myself, I had no trouble relating to Jane or the basketball scenes. I loved several other characters in the team and would love to see more in this same universe!

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley.

[Lila Besser · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love sports romances, but basketball has never been my thing. Until this book! Jane is an amazing character, on a journey to re-find her spark in the game as well as her lost confidence. Along comes Kinzie, the new marketing guru and sparks are flying! Watching Jane and Kinzie navigate the personal and professional is a wild ride in this sapphic romance.

ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Too Forward is a beautifully crafted sapphic basketball romance that seamlessly blends sports, personal growth, and a steamy love story. Jane’s journey—both on and off the court—is deeply compelling, making it easy to root for her every step of the way. With vividly written sports action, authentic emotional struggles, and undeniable chemistry between Jane and Kinzie, this novel delivers on every level. Whether you’re a sports fan or just love a heartfelt romance, this book is a must-read.