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Mile High #2
Paws on the Playbook
An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.
I was raised to be quiet, polite, and perfectly palatable. Unfortunately for my parents, I grew up to be autistic, opinionated, and the proud mom of a paralyzed corgi with a bad attitude.
I’m a veterinarian, not a debutante. I can handle a brawl between two angry Chihuahuas, but human small talk? That’s a blood sport. So when I’m forced to help plan a charity gala with Denver’s favorite golden boy, I expect disaster.
What I don’t expect is for Jameson Wahlberg, the Denver Wolves starting quarterback and alleged god among men, to be… like me.
Turns out the man behind the helmet is just as autistic, awkward, and catastrophically sincere as I am. He’s also bluntly honest, empathizes with my quickly draining social battery, and kisses like he’s solving an equation.
Between our matchmaking friends, a newly adopted quintet of guinea pigs, and a charity gala that might crumble faster than my emotions can handle, Jamie and I are trying to navigate love on our own terms.
Because being autistic doesn’t mean being unlovable, it just means we read the playbook a little differently.
Paws on the Playbook is a football, neurodiversity, secret dating, and found family romance in an interconnected series. It features a shy golden retriever NFL quarterback star and the plus-size veterinarian he falls for. It includes spice, banter, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after that will have you swooning.
I was raised to be quiet, polite, and perfectly palatable. Unfortunately for my parents, I grew up to be autistic, opinionated, and the proud mom of a paralyzed corgi with a bad attitude.
I’m a veterinarian, not a debutante. I can handle a brawl between two angry Chihuahuas, but human small talk? That’s a blood sport. So when I’m forced to help plan a charity gala with Denver’s favorite golden boy, I expect disaster.
What I don’t expect is for Jameson Wahlberg, the Denver Wolves starting quarterback and alleged god among men, to be… like me.
Turns out the man behind the helmet is just as autistic, awkward, and catastrophically sincere as I am. He’s also bluntly honest, empathizes with my quickly draining social battery, and kisses like he’s solving an equation.
Between our matchmaking friends, a newly adopted quintet of guinea pigs, and a charity gala that might crumble faster than my emotions can handle, Jamie and I are trying to navigate love on our own terms.
Because being autistic doesn’t mean being unlovable, it just means we read the playbook a little differently.
Paws on the Playbook is a football, neurodiversity, secret dating, and found family romance in an interconnected series. It features a shy golden retriever NFL quarterback star and the plus-size veterinarian he falls for. It includes spice, banter, and a guaranteed happily-ever-after that will have you swooning.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2025
120 people are currently reading
646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 218 reviews
December 1, 2025
ARC Review:
Dear Heavenly Book Gods,
Please give me fewer cocky athletes in romance, even though I do still love them, and please give me more nerdy, hot women in STEM.
Amen.
Okay, but honestly, this is my first book by Williams, and I'm already fully convinced she writes her female characters for the girls, the gays and the theys, and I am absolutely here for it. Audrey was phenomenal from start to finish, Chelsea is the platonic soulmate every woman deserves, and I too had a big-fat girl crush on Becca by the end of the book.
Speaking of Becca, I started Paws of the Playbook without having read the first two books in the series, and while I'll absolutely be going back to see how our favorite meteorologist ended up with Jax, I still didn't feel as if these had to be read first to be enjoyable.
Jameson, Jax, Max and Maddox were all equally enjoyable for me. The four of them love so deeply and fiercely, and best of all, that love extends just as much to their friends as it does to their romantic partners. Their support, acceptance, and understanding of one another is absolutely non-toxic masculinity done right.
Full disclosure: I, by no means, claim to be the most qualified person to speak on how neurodiversity was portrayed in this story. Still, I love to see autism in adulthood being represented in media. Jameson and Audrey were similar because of their shared diagnosis, but they weren't mirrors of one another because no two individuals are ever exactly the same, neurodivergent or not. Their communication about their thoughts, their needs, and how they process things was open and kind and respectful. Their support systems, even if not familial, met both of them with the same level of love and understanding.
Now, I truly had a blast, but if there's one thing I hate more than a , it's a , especially after I just finished praising how healthy the communication was in the rest of the story.
Also, I'm sorry, but Jameson's coach and agent both gave me the major ick. I have a feeling that Williams is eventually setting us up for a story focusing on Silas, and with Troy representing Max as well, we're sure to see even more of him, but I'm personally excited for neither. Silas pressured. Jameson into a situation he was clearly uncomfortable with and then tried to hold him accountable for the actions of a grown ass woman. Troy blamed Audrey for Jameson's self-induced guilt and then lit into her in the middle of the major charity event she spent countless hours planning and organizing. Honestly, I'd be totally fine to see both of them fired by book 4.
Still, minor complaints aside, I had a great time, and I truly can't wait to see what more Jennifer J. Williams has in store. 4 easy stars.
Dear Heavenly Book Gods,
Please give me fewer cocky athletes in romance, even though I do still love them, and please give me more nerdy, hot women in STEM.
Amen.
Okay, but honestly, this is my first book by Williams, and I'm already fully convinced she writes her female characters for the girls, the gays and the theys, and I am absolutely here for it. Audrey was phenomenal from start to finish, Chelsea is the platonic soulmate every woman deserves, and I too had a big-fat girl crush on Becca by the end of the book.
Speaking of Becca, I started Paws of the Playbook without having read the first two books in the series, and while I'll absolutely be going back to see how our favorite meteorologist ended up with Jax, I still didn't feel as if these had to be read first to be enjoyable.
Jameson, Jax, Max and Maddox were all equally enjoyable for me. The four of them love so deeply and fiercely, and best of all, that love extends just as much to their friends as it does to their romantic partners. Their support, acceptance, and understanding of one another is absolutely non-toxic masculinity done right.
Full disclosure: I, by no means, claim to be the most qualified person to speak on how neurodiversity was portrayed in this story. Still, I love to see autism in adulthood being represented in media. Jameson and Audrey were similar because of their shared diagnosis, but they weren't mirrors of one another because no two individuals are ever exactly the same, neurodivergent or not. Their communication about their thoughts, their needs, and how they process things was open and kind and respectful. Their support systems, even if not familial, met both of them with the same level of love and understanding.
Now, I truly had a blast, but if there's one thing I hate more than a , it's a , especially after I just finished praising how healthy the communication was in the rest of the story.
Also, I'm sorry, but Jameson's coach and agent both gave me the major ick. I have a feeling that Williams is eventually setting us up for a story focusing on Silas, and with Troy representing Max as well, we're sure to see even more of him, but I'm personally excited for neither. Silas pressured. Jameson into a situation he was clearly uncomfortable with and then tried to hold him accountable for the actions of a grown ass woman. Troy blamed Audrey for Jameson's self-induced guilt and then lit into her in the middle of the major charity event she spent countless hours planning and organizing. Honestly, I'd be totally fine to see both of them fired by book 4.
Still, minor complaints aside, I had a great time, and I truly can't wait to see what more Jennifer J. Williams has in store. 4 easy stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2025
How come such a good story can have so many unnecessary misogynistic moments and even worse have fatphobic rhetoric while being a plus size romance!
I'm so pissed a this book, because i liked most of it but what i didn't like i really didn't like, I gave it the first pass when it called Yuca Frita the french fry of south america, no yuca frita is yuca frita and french fry is the french fry of south america given how potatoes are south american but since a small indie author I gave the pass, then there was something that could be read like homophobia when the MMC mentions that he started saying influencers when people thought he was gay for not dating and I gave it a pass, then there was the whole coach nice being slut shamed from her to the moon and i became a bit more weary, and then came the good awful "you're not fat your're beautiful" that stopped me in my tracks, the word fat does not mean ugly the FMC is fat and is gorgeous at the same time! and everything went pretty much downhill, every woman that is not the FMC or one of her few friends is a slut that can't keep to themself in the presence of men but less in front of the MMC, it comes to a point to where the MMC hasn't spoken to his mom in over years because after her divorce she went to where e was in college and ended up sleeping with a coach and he could never forgave her for doing that, also suddenly his mom has cancer and he doesn't know if she going to even talk to her before dying because he hates her that much, and that plot line is never solved to one side or the other, oh did i mention that he talks to his dad just fine and his dad cheated on his mom several times? but the horrible one is his mom. anyways when in the first chapter he leaves the apartment of a girl he met in a bar and is told by a random man in the walkway to get checked by an STD because that girl gets around aso she must be sicki should have dnf. and im not even going to talk about the whole FMC family of it all
Is deeply annoying to read all of that (and is just a few examples) in a book where two neuro divergent characters find each other in such a nice way and how well represented it was and in a book where the plot line was fun and clever, where some of the internal struggles of the FMC where real an valid and even well written, that might be the worst part seeing the well written parts next to the wtf parts.
I do think i'm being really generous by giving it 2.5 stars but again what i liked of the book i loved
Tropes:
Plus Size FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Secret Dating
Football Romance
Neurodiverse MCs
Many Pets
Thanks to Jennifer. J. Williams and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I'm so pissed a this book, because i liked most of it but what i didn't like i really didn't like, I gave it the first pass when it called Yuca Frita the french fry of south america, no yuca frita is yuca frita and french fry is the french fry of south america given how potatoes are south american but since a small indie author I gave the pass, then there was something that could be read like homophobia when the MMC mentions that he started saying influencers when people thought he was gay for not dating and I gave it a pass, then there was the whole coach nice being slut shamed from her to the moon and i became a bit more weary, and then came the good awful "you're not fat your're beautiful" that stopped me in my tracks, the word fat does not mean ugly the FMC is fat and is gorgeous at the same time! and everything went pretty much downhill, every woman that is not the FMC or one of her few friends is a slut that can't keep to themself in the presence of men but less in front of the MMC, it comes to a point to where the MMC hasn't spoken to his mom in over years because after her divorce she went to where e was in college and ended up sleeping with a coach and he could never forgave her for doing that, also suddenly his mom has cancer and he doesn't know if she going to even talk to her before dying because he hates her that much, and that plot line is never solved to one side or the other, oh did i mention that he talks to his dad just fine and his dad cheated on his mom several times? but the horrible one is his mom. anyways when in the first chapter he leaves the apartment of a girl he met in a bar and is told by a random man in the walkway to get checked by an STD because that girl gets around aso she must be sicki should have dnf. and im not even going to talk about the whole FMC family of it all
Is deeply annoying to read all of that (and is just a few examples) in a book where two neuro divergent characters find each other in such a nice way and how well represented it was and in a book where the plot line was fun and clever, where some of the internal struggles of the FMC where real an valid and even well written, that might be the worst part seeing the well written parts next to the wtf parts.
I do think i'm being really generous by giving it 2.5 stars but again what i liked of the book i loved
Tropes:
Plus Size FMC
Golden Retriever MMC
Secret Dating
Football Romance
Neurodiverse MCs
Many Pets
Thanks to Jennifer. J. Williams and her team for sending this ARC in exchange for my honest review
⭐ ⭐.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book was sweet and adorable, plus had some fun spice and meaningful topics. This book has some great neurodiversity representation in it, football, adorable animals, a plus size FMC and a golden retriever MMC. All of this totalled up to well rounded romance! I really liked these two characters, and loved how they learned what each other likes and doesnt like, and how to handle their unique situation.
December 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Absolutely Heart-Stealing!
Paws on the Playbook is an absolute gem — tender, thoughtful, funny, and overflowing with heart. Jamie, the quietly overwhelmed NFL quarterback, and Audrey, the anxious but brilliant veterinarian, shine as two beautifully crafted neurodivergent characters who are simply trying to find someone who truly sees them.
Their connection is sweet, slow-growing, and wonderfully respectful, with representation that feels authentic and deeply affirming. As someone with AuDHD, I rarely find characters who resonate as strongly as these two did. Their struggles with communication, overstimulation, and just navigating the world felt genuine — and their growth, both individually and together, was stunning to watch.
The supporting cast is fantastic, too; their best friends are the perfect blend of loving, hilarious, and grounding. And the “hair scene” with Maddox, Jamie, and the Coach? Absolutely priceless. Add in anonymous charity emails, chaotic guinea pigs, and a gala that barely survives them, and you’ve got a story that’s intentional, heartfelt, and unexpectedly hilarious.
The romance is soft, sincere, and yes — surprisingly spicy. Jamie is the definition of a patient, attentive king, and their chemistry leaps off the page in the most beautiful way.
This was easily a one-sitting read for me. I laughed, I melted, I felt seen, and I adored every single page. Jennifer has crafted a love story that is not only gorgeous, but genuinely meaningful — a story about dropping the mask, being understood, and letting love in.
I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.
Highly, highly recommend!
Paws on the Playbook is an absolute gem — tender, thoughtful, funny, and overflowing with heart. Jamie, the quietly overwhelmed NFL quarterback, and Audrey, the anxious but brilliant veterinarian, shine as two beautifully crafted neurodivergent characters who are simply trying to find someone who truly sees them.
Their connection is sweet, slow-growing, and wonderfully respectful, with representation that feels authentic and deeply affirming. As someone with AuDHD, I rarely find characters who resonate as strongly as these two did. Their struggles with communication, overstimulation, and just navigating the world felt genuine — and their growth, both individually and together, was stunning to watch.
The supporting cast is fantastic, too; their best friends are the perfect blend of loving, hilarious, and grounding. And the “hair scene” with Maddox, Jamie, and the Coach? Absolutely priceless. Add in anonymous charity emails, chaotic guinea pigs, and a gala that barely survives them, and you’ve got a story that’s intentional, heartfelt, and unexpectedly hilarious.
The romance is soft, sincere, and yes — surprisingly spicy. Jamie is the definition of a patient, attentive king, and their chemistry leaps off the page in the most beautiful way.
This was easily a one-sitting read for me. I laughed, I melted, I felt seen, and I adored every single page. Jennifer has crafted a love story that is not only gorgeous, but genuinely meaningful — a story about dropping the mask, being understood, and letting love in.
I’m already counting down until the next book in the series.
Highly, highly recommend!
December 8, 2025
2.5/5 and semi spicy
I had a hard time getting through this book. It was great reading a book with diverse characters and backgrounds. It just fell a bit flat for me. I kept getting lost in the text messages and some of the back and forth with the FMC/MMC. The animal aspect and scenarios were a fun element to the story.
I had a hard time getting through this book. It was great reading a book with diverse characters and backgrounds. It just fell a bit flat for me. I kept getting lost in the text messages and some of the back and forth with the FMC/MMC. The animal aspect and scenarios were a fun element to the story.
December 15, 2025
I DEVOURED this. Like literally could not put it down, I loved it so much.
I was giddie the entire time they interacted.
I was giddie the entire time they interacted.
December 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Review
This book wrecked me in the gentlest, most validating way—and then handed me a corgi, guinea pigs, and a neurodivergent love story I didn’t know how badly I needed.
An autistic veterinarian and an autistic NFL quarterback planning a charity gala should be chaos. And it is. But it’s also tender, funny, deeply respectful, and profoundly human. Watching these two navigate attraction, communication, sensory overload, and social exhaustion without being “fixed” or softened for the narrative felt revolutionary.
The FMC is a breath of fresh air—brilliant, blunt, overwhelmed, loving, and unapologetically herself. Her inner world rang with truth, humor, and heart. And Jameson Wahlberg? Golden-boy quarterback on the outside, awkward, sincere, and methodical on the inside. A man who listens. Who asks. Who adapts. A hero who doesn’t rescue—he meets her where she is.
Their romance is quiet in the ways that matter and loud in the moments that count. No forced misunderstandings. No masking to be palatable. Just two people learning how to exist together honestly, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.
The autism representation is thoughtful, affirming, and clearly written with care. The humor lands. The animals steal scenes. And the message—that love doesn’t require you to be less yourself—hit me straight in the chest.
If you want a romance that feels real, kind, inclusive, and deeply romantic without being performative, this is it.
Tender. Awkward. Joyful. Unforgettable. 💙🐾🏈
This book wrecked me in the gentlest, most validating way—and then handed me a corgi, guinea pigs, and a neurodivergent love story I didn’t know how badly I needed.
An autistic veterinarian and an autistic NFL quarterback planning a charity gala should be chaos. And it is. But it’s also tender, funny, deeply respectful, and profoundly human. Watching these two navigate attraction, communication, sensory overload, and social exhaustion without being “fixed” or softened for the narrative felt revolutionary.
The FMC is a breath of fresh air—brilliant, blunt, overwhelmed, loving, and unapologetically herself. Her inner world rang with truth, humor, and heart. And Jameson Wahlberg? Golden-boy quarterback on the outside, awkward, sincere, and methodical on the inside. A man who listens. Who asks. Who adapts. A hero who doesn’t rescue—he meets her where she is.
Their romance is quiet in the ways that matter and loud in the moments that count. No forced misunderstandings. No masking to be palatable. Just two people learning how to exist together honestly, even when it’s messy. Especially when it’s messy.
The autism representation is thoughtful, affirming, and clearly written with care. The humor lands. The animals steal scenes. And the message—that love doesn’t require you to be less yourself—hit me straight in the chest.
If you want a romance that feels real, kind, inclusive, and deeply romantic without being performative, this is it.
Tender. Awkward. Joyful. Unforgettable. 💙🐾🏈
December 18, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for Jennifer J. Williams’ recent release, Paws on the PlayBook, Book Two in the Mile High Sports Series—and it was such a heartfelt, thoughtful read.
One of the standout aspects of this story is its beautiful depiction of neurodivergence, both in male and female characters. The representation felt authentic, respectful, and deeply intentional. Equally impactful was the emphasis on consent, which is woven seamlessly into the romance and made the relationship feel safe, healthy, and emotionally grounded.
While the story started a little slow for me, once it found its stride, I couldn’t put it down. The emotional connection, character growth, and found-family dynamics pulled me in completely and kept me turning pages.
And can we talk about the coach? Because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need his love story next.
Overall, Paws on the PlayBook is a warm, character-driven sports romance that shines through its representation, heart, and gentle spice.
Rating: ⭐ 3.5 out of 5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 2 out of 5
Tropes & Themes:
Sports Romance
Found Family
Strong Emphasis on Consent
Autism Representation
Golden Retriever MMC
Plus-Size FMC
One of the standout aspects of this story is its beautiful depiction of neurodivergence, both in male and female characters. The representation felt authentic, respectful, and deeply intentional. Equally impactful was the emphasis on consent, which is woven seamlessly into the romance and made the relationship feel safe, healthy, and emotionally grounded.
While the story started a little slow for me, once it found its stride, I couldn’t put it down. The emotional connection, character growth, and found-family dynamics pulled me in completely and kept me turning pages.
And can we talk about the coach? Because I REALLY, REALLY, REALLY need his love story next.
Overall, Paws on the PlayBook is a warm, character-driven sports romance that shines through its representation, heart, and gentle spice.
Rating: ⭐ 3.5 out of 5
Spice Level: 🌶️ 2 out of 5
Tropes & Themes:
Sports Romance
Found Family
Strong Emphasis on Consent
Autism Representation
Golden Retriever MMC
Plus-Size FMC
December 19, 2025
“I love you. I wish I’d told you that. I wish you knew how much I crave you. How you’ve made such an impact on my life, and how I’ll never be the same man because of you.”
I’m so in love with this book!
I thought I was going to enjoy this book from just the blurb, but it has blown my expectations out of the water!
I have never related to a book so much as I deal with many similar things as both main characters. This book has truly made me feel seen.
Jamie is such a sweetheart and just needed someone to except him for who he is. And Audrey just needed to hear that she was important to someone, that she was loveable. I have never read of a more perfect match than these two!
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and more from this author.
Thank you to the author for a chance to read that arc of this book! It was absolutely wonderful. 🤍
I’m so in love with this book!
I thought I was going to enjoy this book from just the blurb, but it has blown my expectations out of the water!
I have never related to a book so much as I deal with many similar things as both main characters. This book has truly made me feel seen.
Jamie is such a sweetheart and just needed someone to except him for who he is. And Audrey just needed to hear that she was important to someone, that she was loveable. I have never read of a more perfect match than these two!
I can’t wait to read the rest of this series and more from this author.
Thank you to the author for a chance to read that arc of this book! It was absolutely wonderful. 🤍
December 14, 2025
Overall Rating: 4.5
Storyline: 4
Character development: 5
Ending:4
Romance:4
I am so grateful that I got an arc of this book. I have read three of this author's books in the past few days, and I can genuinely say I have enjoyed every single one of them. The writing is beautiful and flows so easily. I am generally a slow reader, but I flew through this book with so much ease. The autism representation in this book was phenomenal, and I saw a lot of myself in Audrey. Her struggles with anxiety and overstimulation are something I also struggle with, and it was like seeing a part of myself in the book. I can't wait to read more of Jennifer's books, and I can't wait for the next one in this series.
Storyline: 4
Character development: 5
Ending:4
Romance:4
I am so grateful that I got an arc of this book. I have read three of this author's books in the past few days, and I can genuinely say I have enjoyed every single one of them. The writing is beautiful and flows so easily. I am generally a slow reader, but I flew through this book with so much ease. The autism representation in this book was phenomenal, and I saw a lot of myself in Audrey. Her struggles with anxiety and overstimulation are something I also struggle with, and it was like seeing a part of myself in the book. I can't wait to read more of Jennifer's books, and I can't wait for the next one in this series.
December 12, 2025
We were so excited to receive an ARC for Paws on the Playbook. We can’t help but love any character written by Jennifer J. Williams. Whenever we start one of her books we know we are about to giggle, cry, and love every minute of it. Paws On The Playbook was no different. We loved reading Audrey and Jamie’s story. Not only do we love to read strong independent women in STEM and shy golden retrievers but we also loved seeing BOTH characters with autism. And it’s done so well. Of course it’s not a Jennifer J Williams book without a man OBSESSED and we are here for it! He was immediately down bad and just wanted to protect Audrey…and same because she needs protected at all costs. We hated her family as much as Jamie did and for someone who hates confrontation he did a pretty dang good job of making sure her mom knew she messed with the wrong one. Because if there’s one thing he doesn’t mess around about it’s Audrey. He was a respectful king and made sure she was always comfortable and honest. They respected each others boundaries and made sure to always communicate. And who doesn’t love a man who can take care of his women emotionally and…financially. He made sure to take care of her and their family of pets which was literally the sweetest! If you haven’t read any of Jennifer’s books or haven’t read all of the series yet you need to! And if you have read…go reread them because we swear they get better every time!
December 13, 2025
One of the best books Ms. Williams has written, the humor is off the charts, our characters are sweet, awkward, smart, and I am so glad Jamie and Dax are good friends. The storyline is pure perfection and written as if she has followed my family around for years.
I love the development of the relationship between Audrey and Jamie; we are given plenty of time to meet and get to know our characters. As layers are peeled back, personalities are exposed, and connections are made. The conversations that are necessary to move the relationship forward are vital. Both are aware of their downfalls and history with relationships, and the author takes the care to show use the unique qualities of our characters.
I highly recommend, and looking forward to where we go from here!
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
I love the development of the relationship between Audrey and Jamie; we are given plenty of time to meet and get to know our characters. As layers are peeled back, personalities are exposed, and connections are made. The conversations that are necessary to move the relationship forward are vital. Both are aware of their downfalls and history with relationships, and the author takes the care to show use the unique qualities of our characters.
I highly recommend, and looking forward to where we go from here!
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
December 23, 2025
Paws on the Playbook
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.”
I read this in like 2 days it was an easy read and so good! I love all of Jennifer’s books because they seem to be all intertwined which makes me just want to read them all. The plot of this book is a good story that I couldn’t stop reading. The spice is chefs kiss! Highly recommend this book, series and anything by this author!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“ An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.”
I read this in like 2 days it was an easy read and so good! I love all of Jennifer’s books because they seem to be all intertwined which makes me just want to read them all. The plot of this book is a good story that I couldn’t stop reading. The spice is chefs kiss! Highly recommend this book, series and anything by this author!
December 1, 2025
4 ⭐️ | 2.5 🌶️
This was such an easy, enjoyable read!
I loved the diversity in this story and the thoughtful representation of neurodivergent characters, it felt genuine and so refreshing.
Jamie and Audrey were honestly made for each other, and watching them care for one another, grow together, and actually communicate (a rare miracle in romance!) was such a joy.
I’d never read a book by Jennifer J. Williams before, but this definitely won’t be my last!
This was such an easy, enjoyable read!
I loved the diversity in this story and the thoughtful representation of neurodivergent characters, it felt genuine and so refreshing.
Jamie and Audrey were honestly made for each other, and watching them care for one another, grow together, and actually communicate (a rare miracle in romance!) was such a joy.
I’d never read a book by Jennifer J. Williams before, but this definitely won’t be my last!
December 12, 2025
So good!
I absolutely loved this book! This was my first novel by Jennifer Williams, and she delivers a standout romance that is a must-read.
Beyond the good spice and strong plot, the real magic lies in the relationship between Audrey and Jamie. Williams does an amazing job building both the FMC and MMC storyline, allowing you to connect deeply with their hurdles as neurodiverse individuals and the unique qualities that drive their story.
Most importantly, Jamie and Audrey are a beautiful example of what a healthy relationship should be, defined by open communication and mutual respect for boundaries. Pick this one up!
I absolutely loved this book! This was my first novel by Jennifer Williams, and she delivers a standout romance that is a must-read.
Beyond the good spice and strong plot, the real magic lies in the relationship between Audrey and Jamie. Williams does an amazing job building both the FMC and MMC storyline, allowing you to connect deeply with their hurdles as neurodiverse individuals and the unique qualities that drive their story.
Most importantly, Jamie and Audrey are a beautiful example of what a healthy relationship should be, defined by open communication and mutual respect for boundaries. Pick this one up!
December 14, 2025
This book was absolutely brilliant!
I loved the neurodivergent representation and the way it showed two different people that came together helping each other grow!
This book will have you pissed, crying, laughing, and just down right on the edge of your seat!
Also the corgi in the book? She’s my favorite!
I loved the neurodivergent representation and the way it showed two different people that came together helping each other grow!
This book will have you pissed, crying, laughing, and just down right on the edge of your seat!
Also the corgi in the book? She’s my favorite!
December 12, 2025
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I adore Jennifer’s writing and I instantly fell in love with Jamie and Audrey. I saw so much of myself in these characters. This is a beautiful story of acceptance, finding the people who understand and love all your uniqueness. This book show a healthy relationship where boundaries are respected for both the MMC and the FMC.
🏈 Football romance
🐕 Golden retriever MMC
🐈⬛ Cat Daddy
🏈 Found family
🐕 Secret dating
🐈⬛ Neurodivergent rep
The animals in this book just steal the show. I also loved seeing Becca and Jacob from book 1. Can’t wait to see what is next for this series.
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I adore Jennifer’s writing and I instantly fell in love with Jamie and Audrey. I saw so much of myself in these characters. This is a beautiful story of acceptance, finding the people who understand and love all your uniqueness. This book show a healthy relationship where boundaries are respected for both the MMC and the FMC.
🏈 Football romance
🐕 Golden retriever MMC
🐈⬛ Cat Daddy
🏈 Found family
🐕 Secret dating
🐈⬛ Neurodivergent rep
The animals in this book just steal the show. I also loved seeing Becca and Jacob from book 1. Can’t wait to see what is next for this series.
December 12, 2025
How fortunate am I to have gotten the chance to read Paws on the Playbook early?! I’m so happy I did, because this was such a sweet and enjoyable read.
Pro football player Jamie and veterinarian Audrey cross paths completely by fate. Both are struggling under the pressure and stress of their everyday lives, but what Audrey doesn’t know is that Jamie has been quietly funding and supporting organizations in need, including the one she works with. When they team up to host their fundraising gala, they quickly realize they aren’t so different after all, and their friendship slowly grows into something so much more.
I’m an absolute sucker for animal lovers, and what’s better than one in a book? A dog momma and a cat daddy. These two neurodivergent sweethearts learning to let their guards down together? Adorable.
Did we need the third-act breakup we got? No. I hated it, haha. But I’ll admit, it did make the reunion that much sweeter.
The supporting characters were great without ever stealing the spotlight, and overall this was such a feel-good romance. I hope everyone gets the chance to read it. 🐾💛
Pro football player Jamie and veterinarian Audrey cross paths completely by fate. Both are struggling under the pressure and stress of their everyday lives, but what Audrey doesn’t know is that Jamie has been quietly funding and supporting organizations in need, including the one she works with. When they team up to host their fundraising gala, they quickly realize they aren’t so different after all, and their friendship slowly grows into something so much more.
I’m an absolute sucker for animal lovers, and what’s better than one in a book? A dog momma and a cat daddy. These two neurodivergent sweethearts learning to let their guards down together? Adorable.
Did we need the third-act breakup we got? No. I hated it, haha. But I’ll admit, it did make the reunion that much sweeter.
The supporting characters were great without ever stealing the spotlight, and overall this was such a feel-good romance. I hope everyone gets the chance to read it. 🐾💛
December 12, 2025
5 ⭐️
📕: Paws On The Playbook by Jennifer J. Williams
Why you’ll love this book!!
Plus Size FMC
Secret Dating
Neurodiversity Rep
Shy Golden Retriever
Found Family
Spicy Lessons
Cat Daddy
Billionaire
Football Romance
Mutual Self Care
I love Jennifer J. Williams writing she has never disappointed EVER and this was no different she killed it!! I ate this book up in a day! I loved the neurodiversity rep in this book she did an amazing job writing someone who is neurodivergent. I also love how Jennifer writes a great found family in her books it’s one of my favorite tropes and she writes it so well. I loved Audrey and Jamie and how unique they are and how they build each other up there was a few bumps in the road for these two but man was it worth it!! I loved all the animals in the book.
📕: Paws On The Playbook by Jennifer J. Williams
Why you’ll love this book!!
Plus Size FMC
Secret Dating
Neurodiversity Rep
Shy Golden Retriever
Found Family
Spicy Lessons
Cat Daddy
Billionaire
Football Romance
Mutual Self Care
I love Jennifer J. Williams writing she has never disappointed EVER and this was no different she killed it!! I ate this book up in a day! I loved the neurodiversity rep in this book she did an amazing job writing someone who is neurodivergent. I also love how Jennifer writes a great found family in her books it’s one of my favorite tropes and she writes it so well. I loved Audrey and Jamie and how unique they are and how they build each other up there was a few bumps in the road for these two but man was it worth it!! I loved all the animals in the book.
December 16, 2025
This book was pretty good. It deals with sports and Pets and the characters are autistic.
A veterinarian and an NFL quarterback have to plan a charity gala, and they find love with each other and have a happy ending.
A veterinarian and an NFL quarterback have to plan a charity gala, and they find love with each other and have a happy ending.
December 2, 2025
2.5 chili peppers
Okay sports romance with dual POV. Lots of cute animal friends, and good neurodivergent representation.
Okay sports romance with dual POV. Lots of cute animal friends, and good neurodivergent representation.
December 13, 2025
Sweet and steamy with wonderful MCs…
💖📚 Story: 4 ⭐️s
This was my first Jennifer L. Williams book and I had a great time in the Mile High series sandbox she has created. PotP is a fun, curvy girl gets the pro football player romance with some great found family vibes, lots of adorable animals, and excellent neurodivergent rep. Overall, the book is well-written, engaging, and a joyful read.
Jamie and Audrey made great MCs. There is a strong connection between them and while their physical attraction was great, my favorite aspect of their relationship was how well they were able to talk to each other. Connection is such a big part of the genre, and the connection between Jamie and Audrey was so beautifully well-developed because there are so many great scenes of them getting to know one another. These scenes were an absolute pleasure to read, however it also made the mechanics of the third act split harder to swallow. Miscommunication as a catalyst is a rough needle to thread; it’s the most common, so it shows the strings and telegraphs its plot device status more so than other conventions. (This is why it’s so often my least favorite.) To have the split be predicated on a refusal to talk when these MCs characters had been so good at communicating up until that point, just seemed strange. But ultimately, as this is not an uncommon misstep, and doesn’t overly harm all that is still engaging about the story.
I absolutely love the secondary characters. Chelsea is a hilarious, ride or die for Audrey; we all deserve friends like that in our corner! The found family aspect of this book is fabulous all around, for both MCs. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I picked it up and I’m definitely interested to go back and read Jax and Becca’s story. I’m also hoping to follow other characters, like Max, into theirs. For me, a hallmark of a great series is that you can pick up any of the books and want to follow the series whether that means you go backwards or forwards with it. I think Williams does a great job setting up characters that a reader wants to follow.
On top of all the enjoyable human characters, there are the irresistible animal characters! I loved Jamie‘s cats and the ridiculously cute guinea pigs, but my heart belongs to Flash, Audrey’s rescue corgi. His grumpy sass and hell on wheels approach to everything was hilariously endearing. There are few things I find harder to resist in a romance than a lovable dog!
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a romance where the curvy girl and the QB fall hard, surrounded by adorable animals and a stellar found family.
I’m grateful to Jennifer L. Williams for a fun sneak peak of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
💖📚 Story: 4 ⭐️s
This was my first Jennifer L. Williams book and I had a great time in the Mile High series sandbox she has created. PotP is a fun, curvy girl gets the pro football player romance with some great found family vibes, lots of adorable animals, and excellent neurodivergent rep. Overall, the book is well-written, engaging, and a joyful read.
Jamie and Audrey made great MCs. There is a strong connection between them and while their physical attraction was great, my favorite aspect of their relationship was how well they were able to talk to each other. Connection is such a big part of the genre, and the connection between Jamie and Audrey was so beautifully well-developed because there are so many great scenes of them getting to know one another. These scenes were an absolute pleasure to read, however it also made the mechanics of the third act split harder to swallow. Miscommunication as a catalyst is a rough needle to thread; it’s the most common, so it shows the strings and telegraphs its plot device status more so than other conventions. (This is why it’s so often my least favorite.) To have the split be predicated on a refusal to talk when these MCs characters had been so good at communicating up until that point, just seemed strange. But ultimately, as this is not an uncommon misstep, and doesn’t overly harm all that is still engaging about the story.
I absolutely love the secondary characters. Chelsea is a hilarious, ride or die for Audrey; we all deserve friends like that in our corner! The found family aspect of this book is fabulous all around, for both MCs. I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series when I picked it up and I’m definitely interested to go back and read Jax and Becca’s story. I’m also hoping to follow other characters, like Max, into theirs. For me, a hallmark of a great series is that you can pick up any of the books and want to follow the series whether that means you go backwards or forwards with it. I think Williams does a great job setting up characters that a reader wants to follow.
On top of all the enjoyable human characters, there are the irresistible animal characters! I loved Jamie‘s cats and the ridiculously cute guinea pigs, but my heart belongs to Flash, Audrey’s rescue corgi. His grumpy sass and hell on wheels approach to everything was hilariously endearing. There are few things I find harder to resist in a romance than a lovable dog!
Recommended to anyone who enjoys a romance where the curvy girl and the QB fall hard, surrounded by adorable animals and a stellar found family.
I’m grateful to Jennifer L. Williams for a fun sneak peak of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really really wanted to love this book. The premise of a neurodiverse NFL player and a neurodiverse plus size veterinarian had the potential to be a super good story line, but this whole book fell flat for me. The book was SO entirely focused on hitting every benchmark of being neurodiverse and including every single neurodiverse trigger that the plot ended up lacking any depth and every single conversation the MC's had was about/around autism. I am trying to tread lightly and most importantly sensitively, because while I do have ADHD, I am not diagnosed with autism, so this is me speaking/coming from MY personal perspective - if my entire life centered around my diagnosis, I would be missing out on SO much more to life. Does my ADHD affect my daily life? Yes! Do I need to explain every single trigger/symptom I have in a day because of my diagnosis? No. I wholly understand for some people, maybe their diagnosis is their entire life. Again, I do not feel as though I can represent an entire population of people. I feel like this entire story was so driven toward overexplaining every minute aspect of being neurodivergent that you couldn't enjoy the fact that our two neurodivergent MC's were experiencing life and love and looking past their diagnoses and overcoming challenges related to it. I still give 3 stars because we absolutely do need more characters like this in the book world, and I hope this book reaches someone who does love this story and can see themselves represented in these characters. It just wasn't for me!
A plot point entirely unrelated to the neurodiversity aspect of the story was our FMC and her aversion to her family, but her plethora of money... She hates her family - FOR GOOD REASON!! She states they did pay her entire way through undergrad. But they disapprove of her being a vetinarian, so one could assume she had to pay for vet school herself. Then she somehow BUYS her own veterinary clinic... owns a townhome... has a special needs animal.. and is wearing expensive Louboutin's... But in the beginning of the story she states veterinarians don't make a ton of money... Even if we say her mom got her the shoes when she still lived at home (which she wouldn't have because she thinks anything over 2.5 inch heels means you are a wh*re) and we recognize the fact that as a vet she can perform daily care and even surgeries just for supply costs for her dog.. and maybe we take a leap and say her family paid for vet med school as well....
how does a 27/28 year old new vet afford to purchase her own clinic-work as the only vet at said clinic- and buy a townhome in the Denver suburbs? This was a huge oversight in the book for me.
A plot point entirely unrelated to the neurodiversity aspect of the story was our FMC and her aversion to her family, but her plethora of money... She hates her family - FOR GOOD REASON!! She states they did pay her entire way through undergrad. But they disapprove of her being a vetinarian, so one could assume she had to pay for vet school herself. Then she somehow BUYS her own veterinary clinic... owns a townhome... has a special needs animal.. and is wearing expensive Louboutin's... But in the beginning of the story she states veterinarians don't make a ton of money... Even if we say her mom got her the shoes when she still lived at home (which she wouldn't have because she thinks anything over 2.5 inch heels means you are a wh*re) and we recognize the fact that as a vet she can perform daily care and even surgeries just for supply costs for her dog.. and maybe we take a leap and say her family paid for vet med school as well....
how does a 27/28 year old new vet afford to purchase her own clinic-work as the only vet at said clinic- and buy a townhome in the Denver suburbs? This was a huge oversight in the book for me.
December 12, 2025
Paws on the Playbook
⭐4/5
🌶️2.5/5
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had an excellent neurodiverse representation and I very much recognised some of the traits displayed by both MCs and connected with them and some of their struggles with everyday life.
Audrey is a veterinarian with an amazing wheelchair pooch, and a harem of piggies! While Jameson is the almighty NFL quarterback with two adorable, if somewhat grouchy cats, and both are neurodiverse.
Even though it did take me a little while to read the book, I enjoyed that it was easy for me to read. It's nice to have a “not the norm” representation and that no matter who you are, you are deserving of happiness. And even though books for me are about escaping reality, books can have everyday life and people contained within the story and still be enjoyable and escaping.
The best part of this book for me was the “banana scene”. If you know, you know what I mean. 😉 . The writing of this scene managed to put me in stitches and I could actually see myself through Audrey's eyes trying to do this! Well done Audrey for trying to impress her man!
As much as I enjoyed this book, I did find a few things not to my tastes. Even though I can empathise and sympathise with Jamie over his parental situation, I did find the relationships a little hypocritical. His father and mother essentially did the same thing (and from what I gathered by the writing, his father had countless affairs and his mother had one) his mothers relationship suffered more than his fathers.
Add to this, I did find that through the book Audrey wanted to understand things and can't rest until she gets to the truth, that when she heard Jmie talking to his agent she left and wouldn't hear him out. It did seem strange to me that she wouldn't try and understand something especially if it brings her closure. Saying this though, I did love how Jamie won her back by doing the one thing he hates: public speaking without a carefully prepared speech.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and didn't have much difficulty in seeing past the parts I found…..odd.
⭐4/5
🌶️2.5/5
I really enjoyed reading this book. I thought it had an excellent neurodiverse representation and I very much recognised some of the traits displayed by both MCs and connected with them and some of their struggles with everyday life.
Audrey is a veterinarian with an amazing wheelchair pooch, and a harem of piggies! While Jameson is the almighty NFL quarterback with two adorable, if somewhat grouchy cats, and both are neurodiverse.
Even though it did take me a little while to read the book, I enjoyed that it was easy for me to read. It's nice to have a “not the norm” representation and that no matter who you are, you are deserving of happiness. And even though books for me are about escaping reality, books can have everyday life and people contained within the story and still be enjoyable and escaping.
The best part of this book for me was the “banana scene”. If you know, you know what I mean. 😉 . The writing of this scene managed to put me in stitches and I could actually see myself through Audrey's eyes trying to do this! Well done Audrey for trying to impress her man!
As much as I enjoyed this book, I did find a few things not to my tastes. Even though I can empathise and sympathise with Jamie over his parental situation, I did find the relationships a little hypocritical. His father and mother essentially did the same thing (and from what I gathered by the writing, his father had countless affairs and his mother had one) his mothers relationship suffered more than his fathers.
Add to this, I did find that through the book Audrey wanted to understand things and can't rest until she gets to the truth, that when she heard Jmie talking to his agent she left and wouldn't hear him out. It did seem strange to me that she wouldn't try and understand something especially if it brings her closure. Saying this though, I did love how Jamie won her back by doing the one thing he hates: public speaking without a carefully prepared speech.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book and didn't have much difficulty in seeing past the parts I found…..odd.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2025
ARC REVIEW
--------------------
✨Currently Reading Paws on the Playbook by @authorjenniferjwilliams, coming December 12th ✨
#PreOrderNow → https://a.co/d/b5Uq3HN
An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.
I was raised to be quiet, polite, and perfectly palatable. Instead, I grew up to be autistic, opinionated, and the proud mom of a paralyzed corgi with a bad attitude.
I’m a veterinarian, not a debutante. I can handle a brawl between two angry Chihuahuas, but human small talk? That’s a blood sport. So when I’m forced to help plan a charity gala with Denver’s favorite golden boy, I expect disaster.
What I don’t expect is for Jameson Wahlberg, the Denver Wolves starting quarterback and alleged god among men, to be… like me.
Turns out the man behind the helmet is just as autistic, awkward, and catastrophically sincere as I am. He’s also bluntly honest, empathizes with my quickly draining social battery, and kisses like he’s solving an equation.
Between our matchmaking friends, a newly adopted quintet of guinea pigs, and a charity gala that might crumble faster than my emotions can handle, Jamie and I are trying to navigate love on our own terms.
Because being autistic doesn’t mean being unlovable, it just means we read the playbook a little differently.
#SmallTownRomance #JenniferJWilliams #PawsonthePlaybook #MileHighSportsSeries #bookish #KindleUnlimitedReads #SecretDating #FootballRomance #CoverReveal #SpicyRomance #UpcomingRelease
----------------------------
This one just might be my favorite in this series so far! Audrey and Jamie are so great both together and as individuals. Their upbringings really show how they have overcome so much & honestly, are better off without their families. While I don't like 3rd act breakups, I loved the letters Jamie wrote & that he went out of his comfort zone to show Audrey he wasn't embarrassed by her & truly loved her.
--------------------
✨Currently Reading Paws on the Playbook by @authorjenniferjwilliams, coming December 12th ✨
#PreOrderNow → https://a.co/d/b5Uq3HN
An autistic veterinarian and an equally awkward NFL quarterback are forced to plan a charity gala together—proving that love, like life, is best when you stop masking and let the chaos purr.
I was raised to be quiet, polite, and perfectly palatable. Instead, I grew up to be autistic, opinionated, and the proud mom of a paralyzed corgi with a bad attitude.
I’m a veterinarian, not a debutante. I can handle a brawl between two angry Chihuahuas, but human small talk? That’s a blood sport. So when I’m forced to help plan a charity gala with Denver’s favorite golden boy, I expect disaster.
What I don’t expect is for Jameson Wahlberg, the Denver Wolves starting quarterback and alleged god among men, to be… like me.
Turns out the man behind the helmet is just as autistic, awkward, and catastrophically sincere as I am. He’s also bluntly honest, empathizes with my quickly draining social battery, and kisses like he’s solving an equation.
Between our matchmaking friends, a newly adopted quintet of guinea pigs, and a charity gala that might crumble faster than my emotions can handle, Jamie and I are trying to navigate love on our own terms.
Because being autistic doesn’t mean being unlovable, it just means we read the playbook a little differently.
#SmallTownRomance #JenniferJWilliams #PawsonthePlaybook #MileHighSportsSeries #bookish #KindleUnlimitedReads #SecretDating #FootballRomance #CoverReveal #SpicyRomance #UpcomingRelease
----------------------------
This one just might be my favorite in this series so far! Audrey and Jamie are so great both together and as individuals. Their upbringings really show how they have overcome so much & honestly, are better off without their families. While I don't like 3rd act breakups, I loved the letters Jamie wrote & that he went out of his comfort zone to show Audrey he wasn't embarrassed by her & truly loved her.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2025
When you just find a book that blows your mind and you struggle to articulate for your review how much you loved this book? This is it. I signed up for the ARC because I saw 'plus size FMC and neurodivergent' listed as tropes. Being plus size and neurodivergent, I was intrigued into how this would be written in a way, I could relate too.
Jennifer, Audrey and Jamie were beautiful, and reading how they navigated their lives, who they both are, was beautiful.
Audrey is a veterinarian, with a passion to help within animal rescue shelters and adoption, but also front foots her autism diagnosis. Her parents and siblings are toxic (and that is me being kind with the adjective) and see her as 'less than' from her appearance thru to whom she is as a person. Always trying to control the narrative and make her into something she is not.
Audrey finds herself paired with Jamie, who is a well known QB, and has a reputation, or so she believes, but this is a well conceived social persona as Jamie has not let the public know he too is autistic. He has an extremely well controlled 'game day' face that has you thinking one thing, but belies the fact he is behind one of the biggest charities that raises money for animal rescue/shelter. He goes so far as to registered under a pseudonym to protect his privacy. These two combine to organise the upcoming gala, and seeing their friendship grow to a relationship literally had me feeling extremely emotional because there was several things between them that resonated with me, and how you wish you were understood and seen. The text banter between them I could not get enough of. Had me laughing, smiling and thinking that this could be me having these very text conversations.
Of course it is not without its challenges, misunderstanding or insecurities, but we do get out our HEA. I literally could have read more from them, this was an amazing read. Audrey, Jamie and their all of the eclectic fur babies they have between them made my heart full. I highly rate this.
Jennifer, Audrey and Jamie were beautiful, and reading how they navigated their lives, who they both are, was beautiful.
Audrey is a veterinarian, with a passion to help within animal rescue shelters and adoption, but also front foots her autism diagnosis. Her parents and siblings are toxic (and that is me being kind with the adjective) and see her as 'less than' from her appearance thru to whom she is as a person. Always trying to control the narrative and make her into something she is not.
Audrey finds herself paired with Jamie, who is a well known QB, and has a reputation, or so she believes, but this is a well conceived social persona as Jamie has not let the public know he too is autistic. He has an extremely well controlled 'game day' face that has you thinking one thing, but belies the fact he is behind one of the biggest charities that raises money for animal rescue/shelter. He goes so far as to registered under a pseudonym to protect his privacy. These two combine to organise the upcoming gala, and seeing their friendship grow to a relationship literally had me feeling extremely emotional because there was several things between them that resonated with me, and how you wish you were understood and seen. The text banter between them I could not get enough of. Had me laughing, smiling and thinking that this could be me having these very text conversations.
Of course it is not without its challenges, misunderstanding or insecurities, but we do get out our HEA. I literally could have read more from them, this was an amazing read. Audrey, Jamie and their all of the eclectic fur babies they have between them made my heart full. I highly rate this.
December 14, 2025
Paws on the Playbook should win the Superbowl of sports romance! Book 2 in the Mile High Series by Jennifer J Williams is a secret-dating, found family, football romance with a plus size heroine. NFL quarterback Jameson Wahlberg and veterinarian Audrey Carrington come together to plan a charity gala for his foundation (which helps animals) and sparks fly as these two find the unexpected in each other.
Paws on the Playbook hits the mark in every way you would expect from a sports romance and even more ways unexpected. Williams has made both of her characters neurodiverse and with adult-age diagnoses, they have lived the life of so many of us. I was blown away by Williams’s raw, unfiltered, and accurate representation of what it is like to live with AuDHD, especially when those who should be closest to you don’t believe or understand you. She doesn’t back away from it or pull any punches. Audrey and Jamie are awkward, anxious, closed up (until they start oversharing), and feeling inadequate and this comes across the page beautifully. There are representations of imposter syndrome, sensory overload, communication difficulties, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, and more. When I tell you I have never seen my brain laid out more clearly on a page, or read a character’s internal monologue that could be word-for-word what runs through my own mind, I am not exaggerating. I will admit that I had a soft spot for this book before I even picked it up because an off-hand suggestion that I made somehow became the title(eek!). But even beyond that, Ms. Williams, you have created something I never thought I would see…a representation of myself as the heroine. Others have come close but I truly feel seen with your book and that’s worth more than any Super Bowl ring (and I say that as a diehard football fan). Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see what’s next up your sleeve.
Paws on the Playbook hits the mark in every way you would expect from a sports romance and even more ways unexpected. Williams has made both of her characters neurodiverse and with adult-age diagnoses, they have lived the life of so many of us. I was blown away by Williams’s raw, unfiltered, and accurate representation of what it is like to live with AuDHD, especially when those who should be closest to you don’t believe or understand you. She doesn’t back away from it or pull any punches. Audrey and Jamie are awkward, anxious, closed up (until they start oversharing), and feeling inadequate and this comes across the page beautifully. There are representations of imposter syndrome, sensory overload, communication difficulties, emotional dysregulation, social isolation, and more. When I tell you I have never seen my brain laid out more clearly on a page, or read a character’s internal monologue that could be word-for-word what runs through my own mind, I am not exaggerating. I will admit that I had a soft spot for this book before I even picked it up because an off-hand suggestion that I made somehow became the title(eek!). But even beyond that, Ms. Williams, you have created something I never thought I would see…a representation of myself as the heroine. Others have come close but I truly feel seen with your book and that’s worth more than any Super Bowl ring (and I say that as a diehard football fan). Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t wait to see what’s next up your sleeve.
December 13, 2025
I cannot put into words how much I absolutely loved this book, but I’m going to try.
First, this is the best book with an autistic MC that I’ve ever read. I identified with Jamie on a level I’ve never experienced before. His autism was pretty much exactly like mine. It’s so great to see a high masking ND and get an inside look at all they have to do to make their world look “normal” to everyone around them. The amount of care this author took to make her characters authentic is very obvious to me.
Second, I would not classify this as insta-love, but instead that Jamie and Audrey immediately knew they could be themselves around each other. This is absolutely how I felt when I met my husband. As an ND, you can almost instantly tell who is “safe” to be around and who isn’t. I absolutely believed that they clicked that fast, they fell in love in just a few weeks, and they knew so early in their relationship that they were end game. I knew after my first date that I could marry my husband, and we’ve been together and best friends for almost 20 years.
Third, this is my first book from Jennifer J Williams and I will 100% be going through her back list and reading everything she has ever written and will impatiently wait for every future book she has. Her writing style was exactly what I like. The dialogue was smooth and drove the plot along. The inner monologue was minimal and explained something that had happened in the past instead of repeating the same thought 100 times in 10 different ways. I feel like she showed me how the characters thought and felt rather than telling me over and over as if I can’t figure it out on my own.
Fourth, I love animals and this book has them all throughout the story. She’s a vet, they’re planning an event to raise money for shelters, and they each have their own pets. The animals are major contributors to the story and I loved it.
First, this is the best book with an autistic MC that I’ve ever read. I identified with Jamie on a level I’ve never experienced before. His autism was pretty much exactly like mine. It’s so great to see a high masking ND and get an inside look at all they have to do to make their world look “normal” to everyone around them. The amount of care this author took to make her characters authentic is very obvious to me.
Second, I would not classify this as insta-love, but instead that Jamie and Audrey immediately knew they could be themselves around each other. This is absolutely how I felt when I met my husband. As an ND, you can almost instantly tell who is “safe” to be around and who isn’t. I absolutely believed that they clicked that fast, they fell in love in just a few weeks, and they knew so early in their relationship that they were end game. I knew after my first date that I could marry my husband, and we’ve been together and best friends for almost 20 years.
Third, this is my first book from Jennifer J Williams and I will 100% be going through her back list and reading everything she has ever written and will impatiently wait for every future book she has. Her writing style was exactly what I like. The dialogue was smooth and drove the plot along. The inner monologue was minimal and explained something that had happened in the past instead of repeating the same thought 100 times in 10 different ways. I feel like she showed me how the characters thought and felt rather than telling me over and over as if I can’t figure it out on my own.
Fourth, I love animals and this book has them all throughout the story. She’s a vet, they’re planning an event to raise money for shelters, and they each have their own pets. The animals are major contributors to the story and I loved it.
December 2, 2025
STEM FMC: veterinarian
Wow. I don’t know where to start with this one, like at all… I’m a little speechless. I have a feeling that this book isn’t going to be a lot of people’s cup of tea because both MCs are autistic, and I kind of hate that because this book makes me feel so seen. I am slowly realizing at the age of almost 40 that I am very likely autistic, and I’m almost positive my husband is, too. As a curvy autistic girl with all of the insecurities, a mom who is hypercritical of everything I do and how I look, a very small friend group, a soft heart for all furry creatures, and the need to have everything in its place… I felt like the author was in my head and that Audrey was me at times. I laughed and cried with her. The conversations and understanding between the MCs felt so natural. It really reminded me of the pure acceptance between my husband and I from the beginning, and I just love them so much. I also thoroughly enjoyed their very upfront discussions about boundaries both related to spicy times and just in general and how they both completely respected each other’s limits without judgement. I’m not gonna lie, the third act breakup sucks so much for both of them, but the resolution is really great. Not a single thread is left loose and you get all of the answers for everyone and everything by the end of the epilogue. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’m about to dive into her backlist after this. Although this is the second book in this series, and other characters from other series make an appearance, you can definitely read this book as a standalone. It was well written, had a good plot and character development, and good spice. Thank you for the ARC Jennifer!
Wow. I don’t know where to start with this one, like at all… I’m a little speechless. I have a feeling that this book isn’t going to be a lot of people’s cup of tea because both MCs are autistic, and I kind of hate that because this book makes me feel so seen. I am slowly realizing at the age of almost 40 that I am very likely autistic, and I’m almost positive my husband is, too. As a curvy autistic girl with all of the insecurities, a mom who is hypercritical of everything I do and how I look, a very small friend group, a soft heart for all furry creatures, and the need to have everything in its place… I felt like the author was in my head and that Audrey was me at times. I laughed and cried with her. The conversations and understanding between the MCs felt so natural. It really reminded me of the pure acceptance between my husband and I from the beginning, and I just love them so much. I also thoroughly enjoyed their very upfront discussions about boundaries both related to spicy times and just in general and how they both completely respected each other’s limits without judgement. I’m not gonna lie, the third act breakup sucks so much for both of them, but the resolution is really great. Not a single thread is left loose and you get all of the answers for everyone and everything by the end of the epilogue. This is the first book I’ve read by this author, but I’m about to dive into her backlist after this. Although this is the second book in this series, and other characters from other series make an appearance, you can definitely read this book as a standalone. It was well written, had a good plot and character development, and good spice. Thank you for the ARC Jennifer!
December 7, 2025
I swear I was smiling like an unhinged gremlin the entire time. This story is SO CUTE I practically got a cavity.
First of all—AN AUTISTIC VET AND AN AUTISTIC NFL QUARTERBACK???
This is the neurodivergent romcom of my DREAMS.
Our girl Audrey, is autistic, blunt, brilliant, opinionated, and absolutely done with pretending to be “palatable,” and I adore her for it. She’s out here saving animals, wrangling her spicy paralyzed corgi, trying to survive human small talk like it’s the Hunger Games, and honestly? Relatable.
And then enters Jameson Wahlberg, Denver’s golden boy quarterback… who turns out to be just as autistic, awkward, and emotionally sincere as a baby deer trying to stand for the first time. The man is a sunshine-coded cinnamon roll trapped in a linebacker’s body and I LOVE HIM. He kisses like he’s working through equations?? BE STILL MY HEART.
Their dynamic is EVERYTHING:
✨ two autistic people unmasking with each other
✨ adorable blunt honesty
✨ social batteries draining in real time
✨ secret dating chaos
✨ GUINEA PIGS (FIVE OF THEM??)
✨ the softest, sweetest, most affirming romance
The way they see each other—truly see each other—without judgment or confusion or pressure to perform is just… ugh. Pure serotonin. Their communication? Immaculate. Their chemistry? Off-the-charts in the cutest, nerdiest, most perfect way.
And don’t even get me started on the charity gala unraveling like a feral raccoon got into the blueprints. Watching these two awkward geniuses navigate all that chaos had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teen.
This book is warm, tender, swoony, spicy, funny, and filled with found family vibes that hit me right in the feels. Neurodivergent love stories told with THIS much heart? Inject them directly into my veins.
First of all—AN AUTISTIC VET AND AN AUTISTIC NFL QUARTERBACK???
This is the neurodivergent romcom of my DREAMS.
Our girl Audrey, is autistic, blunt, brilliant, opinionated, and absolutely done with pretending to be “palatable,” and I adore her for it. She’s out here saving animals, wrangling her spicy paralyzed corgi, trying to survive human small talk like it’s the Hunger Games, and honestly? Relatable.
And then enters Jameson Wahlberg, Denver’s golden boy quarterback… who turns out to be just as autistic, awkward, and emotionally sincere as a baby deer trying to stand for the first time. The man is a sunshine-coded cinnamon roll trapped in a linebacker’s body and I LOVE HIM. He kisses like he’s working through equations?? BE STILL MY HEART.
Their dynamic is EVERYTHING:
✨ two autistic people unmasking with each other
✨ adorable blunt honesty
✨ social batteries draining in real time
✨ secret dating chaos
✨ GUINEA PIGS (FIVE OF THEM??)
✨ the softest, sweetest, most affirming romance
The way they see each other—truly see each other—without judgment or confusion or pressure to perform is just… ugh. Pure serotonin. Their communication? Immaculate. Their chemistry? Off-the-charts in the cutest, nerdiest, most perfect way.
And don’t even get me started on the charity gala unraveling like a feral raccoon got into the blueprints. Watching these two awkward geniuses navigate all that chaos had me giggling and kicking my feet like a teen.
This book is warm, tender, swoony, spicy, funny, and filled with found family vibes that hit me right in the feels. Neurodivergent love stories told with THIS much heart? Inject them directly into my veins.
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