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Try for Love #1
One Last Try
When the rookie who ended your rugby career moves in next door.
Retired legend Owen Bosley is used to the quiet life. After a career ending injury eight years ago, Owen leaves it all behind in exchange for a fresh start. Now he’s the landlord of his local pub in a chocolate-box village. The Little Thatch is the heart of the community, but there’s one problem. The pub needs work… expensive renovation work, so to help pay for the repairs, Owen rents out his cottage and moves into the tiny apartment upstairs.
But nothing could prepare him for who would move in.
Pro rugby star Mathias Jones never expected to be signed to the one team whose fans despise him, but some opportunities are too good to pass up. A few months with the Centurions seem like an eternity, but Mathias is determined to see it through. He’s here to play rugby, not make friends.
Seeking refuge in the quiet countryside, Mathias figures he can escape the fallout from his mistakes and the crowds who insist on reminding him. But when he meets his new landlord, it’s running from his past won’t be that easy.
For the former rivals, finding common ground on opposite sides of the bar should be easier than on the field. But with Owen overwhelmed by renovations and Matthias fighting to prove himself on the team, the weight of their shared history may be one challenge too big to tackle.
One Last Try is an age gap MM rugby romance with a cheery single dad pub owner and a grumpy sportsman. Expect slow burn, forced proximity, a barrel of rugby puns, and a village full of hilarious punters. One Last Try is the first in the brand-new Try for Love series of interconnected rugby standalones.
Retired legend Owen Bosley is used to the quiet life. After a career ending injury eight years ago, Owen leaves it all behind in exchange for a fresh start. Now he’s the landlord of his local pub in a chocolate-box village. The Little Thatch is the heart of the community, but there’s one problem. The pub needs work… expensive renovation work, so to help pay for the repairs, Owen rents out his cottage and moves into the tiny apartment upstairs.
But nothing could prepare him for who would move in.
Pro rugby star Mathias Jones never expected to be signed to the one team whose fans despise him, but some opportunities are too good to pass up. A few months with the Centurions seem like an eternity, but Mathias is determined to see it through. He’s here to play rugby, not make friends.
Seeking refuge in the quiet countryside, Mathias figures he can escape the fallout from his mistakes and the crowds who insist on reminding him. But when he meets his new landlord, it’s running from his past won’t be that easy.
For the former rivals, finding common ground on opposite sides of the bar should be easier than on the field. But with Owen overwhelmed by renovations and Matthias fighting to prove himself on the team, the weight of their shared history may be one challenge too big to tackle.
One Last Try is an age gap MM rugby romance with a cheery single dad pub owner and a grumpy sportsman. Expect slow burn, forced proximity, a barrel of rugby puns, and a village full of hilarious punters. One Last Try is the first in the brand-new Try for Love series of interconnected rugby standalones.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 24, 2025
86 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Jemma Croft
8 books249 followersJemma is a regular human author living in Bristol, UK, with her husband, daughters and an anxiety-ridden Brussels Griffon.
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
November 28, 2025
I did originally write a really long, detailed and diplomatic review on why I DNFd this book, but I'm coming back and changing it to be more straightforward about my issues with it.
I DNFd this one because of the bad and inaccurate demisexual representation and generally inconsistent characterization, which went beyond personal experience and into 'the author doesn't seem to know what demisexuality is' territory. I'm tired of and worried by this growing trend of authors writing ace, aro and demi rep as -- seemingly -- a replacement of the 'gay for you' trope (which is just bi erasure, fyi), or just as a convenient plot device to show the character finally finding 'the one'. I'm not saying that's what this author in particular has done, but I think it's a conversation that needs to happen, and bad sexuality representation like this is not helping the situation. Other reviewers have gone more into what exactly made it bad rep with examples (and more info on the terribly inconsistent characters), so I won't get into it too much.
There is no mention of sensitivity readers in the foreword or acknowledgements of this book, which I can only assume means none were used, considering the end product. Using sensitivity readers is so freaking important, even for authors writing about things based on their own experiences. Not to make sure different rep can apply to anyone and everyone, but to make sure there are no glaring mistakes or mistrepresentation. When you choose to write about specific identities and sexualities, I think you have a responsibility to do so well and with care. It did not feel like this was done with care.
I'm demisexual and found myself questioning my own damn self while reading this, and I DNFd when it started to feel upsetting.
I DNFd this one because of the bad and inaccurate demisexual representation and generally inconsistent characterization, which went beyond personal experience and into 'the author doesn't seem to know what demisexuality is' territory. I'm tired of and worried by this growing trend of authors writing ace, aro and demi rep as -- seemingly -- a replacement of the 'gay for you' trope (which is just bi erasure, fyi), or just as a convenient plot device to show the character finally finding 'the one'. I'm not saying that's what this author in particular has done, but I think it's a conversation that needs to happen, and bad sexuality representation like this is not helping the situation. Other reviewers have gone more into what exactly made it bad rep with examples (and more info on the terribly inconsistent characters), so I won't get into it too much.
There is no mention of sensitivity readers in the foreword or acknowledgements of this book, which I can only assume means none were used, considering the end product. Using sensitivity readers is so freaking important, even for authors writing about things based on their own experiences. Not to make sure different rep can apply to anyone and everyone, but to make sure there are no glaring mistakes or mistrepresentation. When you choose to write about specific identities and sexualities, I think you have a responsibility to do so well and with care. It did not feel like this was done with care.
I'm demisexual and found myself questioning my own damn self while reading this, and I DNFd when it started to feel upsetting.
December 2, 2025
I loved absolutely everything about this book!
First up, it was so refreshing to read a sports romance that isn't the over-saturated ice hockey! As much as I love hockey romance, sports romance is my favourite sub-genre and I feel like screaming sometimes that other sports exist too!
The rugby content was so good and even though Owen's description was absolutely nothing like him, I could not stop picturing Owen Farell - which I'm not at all mad about 😂😂 The sunday sevens was entertaining, and the crowd being contrary was so accurate.
The characters in this book were just so good. Owen just feels like a warm hug everytime he appears and I love how he loves his kids and basically adopts Lando as his own ridiculous kid too. Mathias was a really great representation of an autistic character and I loved his obsession with technology and researching everything. Even the side characters had their own strong personalities and felt like part of the family. I'm completely obsessed with Lando already though, he's absolutely hilarious and I cannot wait to read his and Harry's book next.
I just can't say enough good things about this story. It was so perfectly English (and Welsh for Mathias), the potato obsession was so beyond relatable, the pub quizzes sounded so epic that I'm jealous I couldn't go to them myself... There was just so much that made me instantly feel at home with this story and I didn't want the book to end.
First up, it was so refreshing to read a sports romance that isn't the over-saturated ice hockey! As much as I love hockey romance, sports romance is my favourite sub-genre and I feel like screaming sometimes that other sports exist too!
The rugby content was so good and even though Owen's description was absolutely nothing like him, I could not stop picturing Owen Farell - which I'm not at all mad about 😂😂 The sunday sevens was entertaining, and the crowd being contrary was so accurate.
The characters in this book were just so good. Owen just feels like a warm hug everytime he appears and I love how he loves his kids and basically adopts Lando as his own ridiculous kid too. Mathias was a really great representation of an autistic character and I loved his obsession with technology and researching everything. Even the side characters had their own strong personalities and felt like part of the family. I'm completely obsessed with Lando already though, he's absolutely hilarious and I cannot wait to read his and Harry's book next.
I just can't say enough good things about this story. It was so perfectly English (and Welsh for Mathias), the potato obsession was so beyond relatable, the pub quizzes sounded so epic that I'm jealous I couldn't go to them myself... There was just so much that made me instantly feel at home with this story and I didn't want the book to end.
November 13, 2025
This seemed a nice cozy read and a change of pace for a sports romance - British set, in a tiny village near Bath and the sport is rugby with a lot of village seven matches. Cozy pub and pub regulars and all. MCs are the dad bodied and dad spirited former player now turned publican and the much younger current star that unintentionally ended his career. No grudges from the older guy but still a lot of guilt from the younger guy with a lot of fan hostility. And as a twist the older guy is (supposedly) demisexual, and the younger guy is (supposedly) autistic.
But it does not quite work. I wanted to love this book, to settle in for a nice time, but it failed at cozy for me - Matt's angst about the injury and his fear of meeting Owen; the concern about the cost of the thatched new roof, Owen working so hard 7 days a week and not being able to afford the new roof, even heck too much information about being an inevitable consequence of rugby, the irrational fan hostility was just too negative for me to call this a real cozy or fluff.
And the other part of the mix, the romance also failed. Maybe because while we are told time and time again they are demisexual and autistic and given traits of it in individual scenes, they act totally unlike it often - thirsting about grindr screenshots of a guy you have not really talked to yet, Matt being very comfortable and sure hosting pub quizzes and particularly the big over the top scene at the end. The romance did not quite work and I hated the big over the top love declaration scene at the ending, I was cringing with embarrassment about it all and the circunstances of it . The MCs (including the autistic one who supposedly worried about not being able to control what people thought of him) loved it and all and it was supposed to be positive and romantic, I just did not get it. But that was the cherry on top of the cake, all through the book them together was really not interesting to me. Lots of detailed sex scenes, but which somehow I was skimming.
Next up there will be a sequel about a couple side characters who are interested in each other here. But one of them is on all kinds of unappealing situations around toilets in this book, I will definitely skip that.
So, while rugby and a Jilly Cooper type of setting are very much something I want to read more of (seriously, enough hockey already), this did not quite hit the spot of cozy/romance for me.
But it does not quite work. I wanted to love this book, to settle in for a nice time, but it failed at cozy for me - Matt's angst about the injury and his fear of meeting Owen; the concern about the cost of the thatched new roof, Owen working so hard 7 days a week and not being able to afford the new roof, even heck too much information about being an inevitable consequence of rugby, the irrational fan hostility was just too negative for me to call this a real cozy or fluff.
And the other part of the mix, the romance also failed. Maybe because while we are told time and time again they are demisexual and autistic and given traits of it in individual scenes, they act totally unlike it often - thirsting about grindr screenshots of a guy you have not really talked to yet, Matt being very comfortable and sure hosting pub quizzes and particularly the big over the top scene at the end. The romance did not quite work and I hated the big over the top love declaration scene at the ending, I was cringing with embarrassment about it all and the circunstances of it . The MCs (including the autistic one who supposedly worried about not being able to control what people thought of him) loved it and all and it was supposed to be positive and romantic, I just did not get it. But that was the cherry on top of the cake, all through the book them together was really not interesting to me. Lots of detailed sex scenes, but which somehow I was skimming.
Next up there will be a sequel about a couple side characters who are interested in each other here. But one of them is on all kinds of unappealing situations around toilets in this book, I will definitely skip that.
So, while rugby and a Jilly Cooper type of setting are very much something I want to read more of (seriously, enough hockey already), this did not quite hit the spot of cozy/romance for me.
October 8, 2025
DNF @ 36%
Uhh, I don't think that's how being demisexual works. Owen repeatedly drooling all over Mathias' physique and body while they were still practically strangers contradicts the very meaning of demisexual (aka someone who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong bond). My brain literally short circuited when I read Owen say he was demi. The author clearly wanted to do the whole "I don't want to have casual sex" schtick, but demisexual =/= only wants to have meaningful sex. Demisexual means that you aren't sexually attracted to strangers or people you don't have a strong connection with. Lusting after an acquaintance's body is most definitely not something a demi person would find themselves doing.
Mathias' personality seemed wildly inconsistent based on the scene. A guy who expressed social anxiety ("Scared of joining in" and didn't like most people as per his own words) being OK with Owen's daughter + her best friend drunkenly coming into his house (illegally) AND being the emcee of a trivia night at the bar seemed OOC. It's true that he could have just been a naturally charismatic person who'd never had the chance to express it, but if that was the case, I feel like there should've been more done to characterize him as such and not an awkward loner who actually enjoys people's company but doesn't want to engage.
I thought the story was going to make Mathias and Owen address their history, but so far all that's happened is that Owen is just lusting after Mathias and Mathias is out there being social and interacting with Owen. Where's the deeply seeded regret that forced Mathias to avoid Owen in the years prior? Where's Owen's reassurances that he wasn't holding it against Mathias? Why wasn't it a big issue between them (despite it being the blurb's hook and the first few chapters' focus)?
I DNFed when I realized I'd been skimming chapters. From Owen's not so demisexualilty to Mathias' weirdly inconsistent personality and the general lack of conflict, there just wasn't enough here to really make me willing to see this through.
Uhh, I don't think that's how being demisexual works. Owen repeatedly drooling all over Mathias' physique and body while they were still practically strangers contradicts the very meaning of demisexual (aka someone who only experiences sexual attraction after forming a strong bond). My brain literally short circuited when I read Owen say he was demi. The author clearly wanted to do the whole "I don't want to have casual sex" schtick, but demisexual =/= only wants to have meaningful sex. Demisexual means that you aren't sexually attracted to strangers or people you don't have a strong connection with. Lusting after an acquaintance's body is most definitely not something a demi person would find themselves doing.
Mathias' personality seemed wildly inconsistent based on the scene. A guy who expressed social anxiety ("Scared of joining in" and didn't like most people as per his own words) being OK with Owen's daughter + her best friend drunkenly coming into his house (illegally) AND being the emcee of a trivia night at the bar seemed OOC. It's true that he could have just been a naturally charismatic person who'd never had the chance to express it, but if that was the case, I feel like there should've been more done to characterize him as such and not an awkward loner who actually enjoys people's company but doesn't want to engage.
I thought the story was going to make Mathias and Owen address their history, but so far all that's happened is that Owen is just lusting after Mathias and Mathias is out there being social and interacting with Owen. Where's the deeply seeded regret that forced Mathias to avoid Owen in the years prior? Where's Owen's reassurances that he wasn't holding it against Mathias? Why wasn't it a big issue between them (despite it being the blurb's hook and the first few chapters' focus)?
I DNFed when I realized I'd been skimming chapters. From Owen's not so demisexualilty to Mathias' weirdly inconsistent personality and the general lack of conflict, there just wasn't enough here to really make me willing to see this through.
August 2, 2025
This book just proves that Jemma can write anything and I’ll become obsessed with it. This book was a cozy hug. Low spice, low angst- I know NOTHING about rugby (except those thighs) but I gobbled this up like a side of potatoes.
June 16, 2025
One Last Try is one of those reads that makes you want to wrap up in a warm fuzzy blanket - even in the middle of June - with a lovely cup of tea and huddle down into your sofa. It's the epitome of a good hug in book form, which is ironic because Mathias - one of our MCs - dislikes cuddling. The story is an easy read and there's very little angst. In turn, there's a whole lot of laughs and a host of brilliant side characters that form a great found family in the hamlet of Mudford-upon-Hooke.
Jemma has such a talent for creating characters that are so well fleshed out, they feel like real people that you just MUST have as your friends, and One Last Try isn't an exception. I loved the differences between Owen and Mathias, because these differences are what brings them closer together as a couple. I also really enjoyed that Mathias was autistic, but his neurodiversity wasn't a major plot point in the story, it was just part of what made Mathias who he was. As someone who is suspected autistic, Jemma did really well at presenting Mathias' quirks, and it was presented really sensitively and positively. The rugby aspects of the story were really easy to understand, and there was plenty of action to move the story forward and keep me hooked. I have no idea about rugby as a sport, but I followed along easily, and found myself wanting to learn more about the sport as a whole!
Overall, I think OLT is a resounding success, and I can't wait to read more about the characters in this new series. I was so lucky to beta read this, and if you're looking for your next sports romance read, then OLT is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
Jemma has such a talent for creating characters that are so well fleshed out, they feel like real people that you just MUST have as your friends, and One Last Try isn't an exception. I loved the differences between Owen and Mathias, because these differences are what brings them closer together as a couple. I also really enjoyed that Mathias was autistic, but his neurodiversity wasn't a major plot point in the story, it was just part of what made Mathias who he was. As someone who is suspected autistic, Jemma did really well at presenting Mathias' quirks, and it was presented really sensitively and positively. The rugby aspects of the story were really easy to understand, and there was plenty of action to move the story forward and keep me hooked. I have no idea about rugby as a sport, but I followed along easily, and found myself wanting to learn more about the sport as a whole!
Overall, I think OLT is a resounding success, and I can't wait to read more about the characters in this new series. I was so lucky to beta read this, and if you're looking for your next sports romance read, then OLT is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.
August 5, 2025
⭐️ARC REVIEW⭐️
How much bad luck do yo have to have to end up playing for a team that's fans hate you, living not only across the street form the man whose career you ended but to also end up living in his house, while simultaneously trying to remain isolated in arguably the friendliest little town there ever was . I expected a rivalry or enemies to lover situation but what I got was a grumpy rugby player who needs to be shown he is more than he believes and a retired pub-owner that holds no grudges and simply wants to live his quiet life but is absolutely horrible at accepting help. Despite an age gap, past history, and other obstacles to tackle these two know how to get out of a rut - but this time they can work together instead of against each other!
How much bad luck do yo have to have to end up playing for a team that's fans hate you, living not only across the street form the man whose career you ended but to also end up living in his house, while simultaneously trying to remain isolated in arguably the friendliest little town there ever was . I expected a rivalry or enemies to lover situation but what I got was a grumpy rugby player who needs to be shown he is more than he believes and a retired pub-owner that holds no grudges and simply wants to live his quiet life but is absolutely horrible at accepting help. Despite an age gap, past history, and other obstacles to tackle these two know how to get out of a rut - but this time they can work together instead of against each other!
July 3, 2025
I love watching rugby reels on Instagram and the slutty little shorts they wear. Mathias delivered all the slutty shorts of my dreams.
Mathias is renting the house across the street from Owens pub for the next 6 months as he joins his new team. A team Owen used to play for! A team he retired from after Mathias, in his debut game, broke Owens leg and became a very disliked player. Flirting and some late nights later... I love Mathias and Owen together. This book doesn't have a lot of big romantic gestures or grand acts (it does maybe have some...) It has all these sweet little moments of them seeing each other and showing they care. Mathias making breakfast for Owen because he never gets taken care of, Owen and his potatoes and the cuddling!!! *sob*
I can't stand how sweet and kind and considerate they are together. This feels like a real romance between two absolute gems.
There are also a love of lovable side characters, Lando is pretty hilarious and i liked his friendship with Daisy.
I didn't want the book to end, it was so sweet and fun but also really relatable with Mathias and his tism lol.
Mathias is renting the house across the street from Owens pub for the next 6 months as he joins his new team. A team Owen used to play for! A team he retired from after Mathias, in his debut game, broke Owens leg and became a very disliked player. Flirting and some late nights later... I love Mathias and Owen together. This book doesn't have a lot of big romantic gestures or grand acts (it does maybe have some...) It has all these sweet little moments of them seeing each other and showing they care. Mathias making breakfast for Owen because he never gets taken care of, Owen and his potatoes and the cuddling!!! *sob*
I can't stand how sweet and kind and considerate they are together. This feels like a real romance between two absolute gems.
There are also a love of lovable side characters, Lando is pretty hilarious and i liked his friendship with Daisy.
I didn't want the book to end, it was so sweet and fun but also really relatable with Mathias and his tism lol.
July 25, 2025
I’m not a big sports (or human) romance reader, but y’all know I’m not gonna miss out on Jemma’s books. Mathias was relatable AF with his ‘tism and having those moments when his brain was just like “‘kay we’re done now” and needing to leave wherever he was. He and Owen worked out setting boundaries with distant cuddling so he wouldn’t get overstimulated, which I also loved. Owen was the sweetest big boi daddy and I loved him. He struggled hard with getting help, which is true of most people like him. The book was sugar sweet coziness.
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: mentions of homophobia, sports related accident and injury, ableism, divorce, cheating by past partner, crowd heckling
Spice: 4/5
Triggers: mentions of homophobia, sports related accident and injury, ableism, divorce, cheating by past partner, crowd heckling
July 24, 2025
omg I needed this book! It is perfection and I loved everything about it. It pulled me away from reality and I was laughing, gasping, tearing up and swooning through it as I read. I am so very thankful for the ARC the author shared with me… I cannot recommend it enough.
Also this story has so much packed in and it’s so well told, I’m low key scared of giving away spoilers in the edits or in my review but I still really want to gush about everything … I am so torn!
I absolutely adore Owen and Mattias. These are characters that you just want to meet hang out with, watch them fall in love… all of the good vibes and that delicious swoon, so much swoon! The found family in this book is stupendous- real family, Daze and Molly and then the whole MUH community, the author just literally took me on a trip and I lived there for a few days. And the rugby - I just love the world and the action and the sheer teamlyness (that’s not a word but you know the whole team thing of sports) that is imbued in this story is phenomenal
If you want a sweet, swoony, sports romance ate in a hamlet, with a host of great characters and tons of lols, witty banter, bit of exhibitionism and some neurospicy rep this is perfect for you!
Also this story has so much packed in and it’s so well told, I’m low key scared of giving away spoilers in the edits or in my review but I still really want to gush about everything … I am so torn!
I absolutely adore Owen and Mattias. These are characters that you just want to meet hang out with, watch them fall in love… all of the good vibes and that delicious swoon, so much swoon! The found family in this book is stupendous- real family, Daze and Molly and then the whole MUH community, the author just literally took me on a trip and I lived there for a few days. And the rugby - I just love the world and the action and the sheer teamlyness (that’s not a word but you know the whole team thing of sports) that is imbued in this story is phenomenal
If you want a sweet, swoony, sports romance ate in a hamlet, with a host of great characters and tons of lols, witty banter, bit of exhibitionism and some neurospicy rep this is perfect for you!
October 16, 2025
Very endearing and an easy read. Although I didn’t enjoy Matthias excessive use of the word gadget
October 8, 2025
DNF @ 31%
Maybe I’ll try again another day but I just found myself skimming and not caring. The internal POVs felt so surface-level and generic. Owen’s a grown man but his narrative reads like a 13 year old… I know there’s a lot of definitions of Demi, but I’m wondering if the author even understands what that means because Owen barely knows Matthias and most of his narrative is just listing after him. Matthias being okay with drunks teens randomly showing up in the middle of the night and crashing at his place seems wildly out of character after he JUST SAID how uncomfortable he is with people and unfamiliar situations and I just don’t find any of this believable. I really wanted to line this and maybe I’ll try again if I want something really breezy and mind-numbing but certainly not today…
Maybe I’ll try again another day but I just found myself skimming and not caring. The internal POVs felt so surface-level and generic. Owen’s a grown man but his narrative reads like a 13 year old… I know there’s a lot of definitions of Demi, but I’m wondering if the author even understands what that means because Owen barely knows Matthias and most of his narrative is just listing after him. Matthias being okay with drunks teens randomly showing up in the middle of the night and crashing at his place seems wildly out of character after he JUST SAID how uncomfortable he is with people and unfamiliar situations and I just don’t find any of this believable. I really wanted to line this and maybe I’ll try again if I want something really breezy and mind-numbing but certainly not today…
July 22, 2025
2.5 stars. I think the reason I struggled with this book was that it was too surface level for me, I wanted more depth. I found myself skimming quite a bit and near the end things seemed to go quickly, felt rushed and almost thrown together to get us to the end point.
It had cute moments and I did enjoy Mathias and Owen together, I just wanted more of a connection.
It had cute moments and I did enjoy Mathias and Owen together, I just wanted more of a connection.
August 20, 2025
This is probably a me problem, but something about this book, it was just really hard for me to connect with. I do love both of these main characters, which is kinda the only reason I pushed thru and finished. Something about the pacing didn’t work for me I think. I lowkey skipped 50ish pages after 54%
July 10, 2025
Ok I'm going to try and make this review not sound like a totally obsessed reader but it's going to be hard. That's what Lando said. Because I am obsessed with Jemma's ability to write apparently anything. Never thought I would be staying up late every single night reading about two totally human MCs that are into sportsing. And a sport I know absolutely nothing about. But that's what happened.
This book felt like the sweetest and most adorable love letter to the neurospicy community. I felt so seen and accepted reading this. Mathias is me. Well mostly me. I don't give a hoot about electronics or rugby but the way he explained how he handles social situations, masking, and being overstimulated is similar to me. We do have a mutual love of Pedro Pascal and potatoes, though.
I'm so jealous of their little community. The way Jemma described the cottage, the pub, and the people...it's a place that I think I would be so happy living in. I wouldn't do very well at quiz night, but I think I would have fun just hanging out at Roger's table and people watching.
As usual there is a sweet slow burn, though not as slow as some others, lots of wanking, sexual tension, hilarious banter, and some tear jerker moments. I believe I was told I wouldn't cry with this one, but I did. If you sat there reading the scenes of the village coming together to show Owen how much they love and support him and didn't tear up....do you even have a heart? And that love confession?? Come on! Rom com movies wish they could have such a romantic scene as that.
If there was a way to erase my memory so I could read a book for the first time again, this one would be at the top of the list of books.
This book felt like the sweetest and most adorable love letter to the neurospicy community. I felt so seen and accepted reading this. Mathias is me. Well mostly me. I don't give a hoot about electronics or rugby but the way he explained how he handles social situations, masking, and being overstimulated is similar to me. We do have a mutual love of Pedro Pascal and potatoes, though.
I'm so jealous of their little community. The way Jemma described the cottage, the pub, and the people...it's a place that I think I would be so happy living in. I wouldn't do very well at quiz night, but I think I would have fun just hanging out at Roger's table and people watching.
As usual there is a sweet slow burn, though not as slow as some others, lots of wanking, sexual tension, hilarious banter, and some tear jerker moments. I believe I was told I wouldn't cry with this one, but I did. If you sat there reading the scenes of the village coming together to show Owen how much they love and support him and didn't tear up....do you even have a heart? And that love confession?? Come on! Rom com movies wish they could have such a romantic scene as that.
If there was a way to erase my memory so I could read a book for the first time again, this one would be at the top of the list of books.
November 4, 2025
It’s funny-I found the characters and the overall premise to be very charming but it felt like we are told aspects of their personalities but not actually shown them very well. It’s a bit confusing. Like Owen is demi but it’s only mentioned once and never seems to affect his life. So why bother? There was also a random detail about falling in love fast being a family curse and isn’t that the complete opposite of demi? Clearly I am bothered by little things. lol. And Matthias doesn’t enjoy being social yet he can host a bar trivia night?
October 25, 2025
I'm trying to think if I have ever read a cozy sports romance, and you know what, I don't think I have. This book is definitely that: a cozy sports romance set in a tiny English village and featuring two fairly endearing MCs and a cast of colourful British village-folk.
Mathias Jones is a professional rugby player starting for new team, he is neurodivergent, lonely, queer and carrying 8 years of guilt after causing an on-pitch injury which ended a beloved veteran player's career. He rents a cottage in a little village near his training grounds and guess who his landlord is?? The same player who was injured years ago - now a pub owner, Owen Bosley. Turns out these two have a sweet kind of chemistry that changes how Mathias thinks of himself and the past. Things just kind of go from there.
It was really cute little slice of English village life, all revolving around Owen's pub and rugby. It's a fairly quick, low-angst, medium-low-heat read and I'd love to see what this author does with the rest of the series.
Mathias Jones is a professional rugby player starting for new team, he is neurodivergent, lonely, queer and carrying 8 years of guilt after causing an on-pitch injury which ended a beloved veteran player's career. He rents a cottage in a little village near his training grounds and guess who his landlord is?? The same player who was injured years ago - now a pub owner, Owen Bosley. Turns out these two have a sweet kind of chemistry that changes how Mathias thinks of himself and the past. Things just kind of go from there.
It was really cute little slice of English village life, all revolving around Owen's pub and rugby. It's a fairly quick, low-angst, medium-low-heat read and I'd love to see what this author does with the rest of the series.
August 9, 2025
Listen, I tried. Real hard.
I did make it to 70% but the last 10% I pretty much skimmed.
There's a lot of cute stuff, the found family vibe is nice, the rugby aspect (which was the main reason i wanted to read this) was great, and on the surface level, both MMCs are adorable.
but that's my issue. to me, it stayed very surface level, even a bit generic. The premise felt so promising, but then nothing really surprised me. However, i think what did me in was the demi representation.
Im demi myself, and while i know there's as many different definition as there are people who are demi, i felt like this did not fit at all. For me, demi people need to form a connection to feel sexual attraction, however, Owen right away feels attracted to Matthias, even before they become friend. There's a few instance like that where i went Hhuh? and honestly, i just thought i would spare myself. It might work for other people, but it did not for me.
I did read the end to know how they ended up together, and im glad to see it was really cute. Again, just not for me.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
I did make it to 70% but the last 10% I pretty much skimmed.
There's a lot of cute stuff, the found family vibe is nice, the rugby aspect (which was the main reason i wanted to read this) was great, and on the surface level, both MMCs are adorable.
but that's my issue. to me, it stayed very surface level, even a bit generic. The premise felt so promising, but then nothing really surprised me. However, i think what did me in was the demi representation.
Im demi myself, and while i know there's as many different definition as there are people who are demi, i felt like this did not fit at all. For me, demi people need to form a connection to feel sexual attraction, however, Owen right away feels attracted to Matthias, even before they become friend. There's a few instance like that where i went Hhuh? and honestly, i just thought i would spare myself. It might work for other people, but it did not for me.
I did read the end to know how they ended up together, and im glad to see it was really cute. Again, just not for me.
Thanks to the author for the ARC.
July 26, 2025
4 stars
Owen and Mathias are amazing together, their banter is fantastic; I liked how the fell in love by doing simply things together, like quiz at the pub or playing on Sundays. They fit into each other lives without too much effort, they build a kind of "domesticity" together that works perfectly for them. It seemed like they moved in together since day one. Their quiet nights on the couch, their cup of tea and shared breakfasts in the tiny kitchen laid a veil of warmth over the whole story.
Owen sweetness and thoughtfulness and Mathias'shyness and inwardness make them balance each other.
I found Mathias' autism very well portrayed: his fixation on things, he needs to step away from too stimulating situations, his need to research things thoroughly, his struggles to handle social gatherings.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The story is very long and the pace is slow. I don't mind the slow burn but the slow build up of the romance was making me lose interest during some parts. And the lack of communication between the two of them, sometimes, didn't help.
I'm not an expert on demisexuality and I get that everyone is different, but I still found that Owen's was not very accurate: demi people don't feel sexual attraction until they have a solid connection with the other person, but Owen was physically very attracted to Mathias almost since they first met, when they obviously didn't know each other yet.
Lastly, they were acted all coupled up and in love publicly, in front of everyone at the pub or during the games, but then they were upset when someone posted pictures of them online, like it wasn't a possibility for that to happen.
I loved the side characters, especially Daisy (finally a not know-it-all kind of daughter), Lando (every moment with him was hilarious) and the Coach (who wanted to protect Mathias at any cost and wasn't intimidated by Owen's career). I also really liked all the friends and customers who gathered at Owen's pub.
This should be the first book of a new series and I'm very curious about who will be the leading characters of the next story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
Owen and Mathias are amazing together, their banter is fantastic; I liked how the fell in love by doing simply things together, like quiz at the pub or playing on Sundays. They fit into each other lives without too much effort, they build a kind of "domesticity" together that works perfectly for them. It seemed like they moved in together since day one. Their quiet nights on the couch, their cup of tea and shared breakfasts in the tiny kitchen laid a veil of warmth over the whole story.
Owen sweetness and thoughtfulness and Mathias'shyness and inwardness make them balance each other.
I found Mathias' autism very well portrayed: his fixation on things, he needs to step away from too stimulating situations, his need to research things thoroughly, his struggles to handle social gatherings.
What prevented me from giving a higher rate:
The story is very long and the pace is slow. I don't mind the slow burn but the slow build up of the romance was making me lose interest during some parts. And the lack of communication between the two of them, sometimes, didn't help.
I'm not an expert on demisexuality and I get that everyone is different, but I still found that Owen's was not very accurate: demi people don't feel sexual attraction until they have a solid connection with the other person, but Owen was physically very attracted to Mathias almost since they first met, when they obviously didn't know each other yet.
Lastly, they were acted all coupled up and in love publicly, in front of everyone at the pub or during the games, but then they were upset when someone posted pictures of them online, like it wasn't a possibility for that to happen.
I loved the side characters, especially Daisy (finally a not know-it-all kind of daughter), Lando (every moment with him was hilarious) and the Coach (who wanted to protect Mathias at any cost and wasn't intimidated by Owen's career). I also really liked all the friends and customers who gathered at Owen's pub.
This should be the first book of a new series and I'm very curious about who will be the leading characters of the next story.
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
July 6, 2025
"Eight years ago, I broke my leg, but I also broke Mathias Jones. In more ways than one. I need to be the person who puts him back together."
Matias was signed by a team that the fans despised him due to an incident involving him and their pro-now-retired player, Owen. However, fate has other plans as he moved in a house across Owen's pub and he's also his landlord.
Let me tell you, this is probably Jemma's best work yet.
Every after reading a chapter, all my thoughts and comments are: This is so freaking cute!
"...but it’ll be nice to go with someone I don’t need a social battery for."
I love the representation in Matias' character. He comes off as grumpy but that's because he's shy, introvert and had autism. He literally worked in a different way. Owen's such a sweetie. He's such a good and caring person and does everything for his family, for the pub and for everyone around him.
The pining and the overthinking on both our main characters were so adorable to see. I just want them to kiss and get over it, but at the same time, I love the slow burn of it considering they have history and that needs to be tackled first. They were both communicative and adult enough to define their relationship, and I love that they were both vulnerable with each other and knows their boundaries.
The relationship? Great. The found family? Perfection. The side characters? Added more to the story.
I spent 2 nights sleeping late, like way beyond my reading time, to read and finish this book. That's when I knew that this one was a great book.
Looking forward to the next one!
Matias was signed by a team that the fans despised him due to an incident involving him and their pro-now-retired player, Owen. However, fate has other plans as he moved in a house across Owen's pub and he's also his landlord.
Let me tell you, this is probably Jemma's best work yet.
Every after reading a chapter, all my thoughts and comments are: This is so freaking cute!
"...but it’ll be nice to go with someone I don’t need a social battery for."
I love the representation in Matias' character. He comes off as grumpy but that's because he's shy, introvert and had autism. He literally worked in a different way. Owen's such a sweetie. He's such a good and caring person and does everything for his family, for the pub and for everyone around him.
The pining and the overthinking on both our main characters were so adorable to see. I just want them to kiss and get over it, but at the same time, I love the slow burn of it considering they have history and that needs to be tackled first. They were both communicative and adult enough to define their relationship, and I love that they were both vulnerable with each other and knows their boundaries.
The relationship? Great. The found family? Perfection. The side characters? Added more to the story.
I spent 2 nights sleeping late, like way beyond my reading time, to read and finish this book. That's when I knew that this one was a great book.
Looking forward to the next one!
July 11, 2025
I just want to scream and cry and beg everyone to read this hug in a book!
Jemma never fails to write a story that completely engrosses me. I never wanted it to end! I have over 40 highlights that I made! I went through countless tissues(from happy tears), I yelped in excitement, accidentally threw things when I was so overcome with joy. I just cannot express the delight this book brought me.
Owen is just the sweetest man. Sturdy, dependable, the most caring. Such a genuine soul.
Mathias is having a bit of a rough go. He is autistic, and well grounded in his life. He likes what he likes, with gusto! He works to keep his quirks manageable by knowing himself well. He is always trying to expand his limitations. Positive reinforcement potato style!
There is no angst, just precious adorable adult men that embrace their lives and bring us along. I really wish I could go visit the pub, and hang out with all the people.
I want to empty my brain just so I can read this book for the first time ever all over.
Updated to add my rambling obsession from a comment section - I love Jemma and I have such a hard time articulating the feelings I have when reading her books. It unlocks something in my brain that my inner child is giddy for. Or maybe it evokes my inner child, I don’t know. It’s like experiencing something entirely new. Sometimes I wish I was an author so I could use better words to articulate how I feel about books. Shroom for Improvement was like an awakening for the glee center in my brain. That book smashes my dopamine button. One Last Try was to me what Potatoes are to Mathias.
Jemma never fails to write a story that completely engrosses me. I never wanted it to end! I have over 40 highlights that I made! I went through countless tissues(from happy tears), I yelped in excitement, accidentally threw things when I was so overcome with joy. I just cannot express the delight this book brought me.
Owen is just the sweetest man. Sturdy, dependable, the most caring. Such a genuine soul.
Mathias is having a bit of a rough go. He is autistic, and well grounded in his life. He likes what he likes, with gusto! He works to keep his quirks manageable by knowing himself well. He is always trying to expand his limitations. Positive reinforcement potato style!
There is no angst, just precious adorable adult men that embrace their lives and bring us along. I really wish I could go visit the pub, and hang out with all the people.
I want to empty my brain just so I can read this book for the first time ever all over.
Updated to add my rambling obsession from a comment section - I love Jemma and I have such a hard time articulating the feelings I have when reading her books. It unlocks something in my brain that my inner child is giddy for. Or maybe it evokes my inner child, I don’t know. It’s like experiencing something entirely new. Sometimes I wish I was an author so I could use better words to articulate how I feel about books. Shroom for Improvement was like an awakening for the glee center in my brain. That book smashes my dopamine button. One Last Try was to me what Potatoes are to Mathias.
July 20, 2025
5+⭐️
This book came along right when I really needed it. Truly the epitome of a hug within a book. This was so incredibly funny, sweet, and thoughtful. The way Jemma manages to speak about and describe Mathias’ autism was so validating for me. I’m 34 and was only diagnosed last year and this was able to put into words SO many experiences and emotions that I struggle to express. Jemma did that thing and I am so grateful for it. This was actually laugh out loud hilarious. There were so many moments that I startled my poor dog by cackling. This was lower on actual spice scenes but really was able to maintain a lot of sexy energy in many moments throughout. I mean, Jemma managed to take their first discussion about who’d top vs bottom and made it incredibly cringe, hilarious, embarrassing and still super sexy all at once!! I love her writing and this an excellent example of how she’s honed her craft. The pacing was *chefs kiss* perfection. Very impressed by the diverse range of potato dishes repped 😂 made me very hungry. This book has everything you want when you’re looking for a pick me up. Fully fleshed out and interesting MCs, sizzling chemistry, lovable side characters, funny sexy moments, hilariously humbling moments, community that loves and supports one another, mutual pining, and a really fabulously chaotic public love confession. I truly can’t sing this book’s praises enough. READ THIS BOOK! You won’t regret it. I love all the characters and would love more stories from this lovable bunch.
This book came along right when I really needed it. Truly the epitome of a hug within a book. This was so incredibly funny, sweet, and thoughtful. The way Jemma manages to speak about and describe Mathias’ autism was so validating for me. I’m 34 and was only diagnosed last year and this was able to put into words SO many experiences and emotions that I struggle to express. Jemma did that thing and I am so grateful for it. This was actually laugh out loud hilarious. There were so many moments that I startled my poor dog by cackling. This was lower on actual spice scenes but really was able to maintain a lot of sexy energy in many moments throughout. I mean, Jemma managed to take their first discussion about who’d top vs bottom and made it incredibly cringe, hilarious, embarrassing and still super sexy all at once!! I love her writing and this an excellent example of how she’s honed her craft. The pacing was *chefs kiss* perfection. Very impressed by the diverse range of potato dishes repped 😂 made me very hungry. This book has everything you want when you’re looking for a pick me up. Fully fleshed out and interesting MCs, sizzling chemistry, lovable side characters, funny sexy moments, hilariously humbling moments, community that loves and supports one another, mutual pining, and a really fabulously chaotic public love confession. I truly can’t sing this book’s praises enough. READ THIS BOOK! You won’t regret it. I love all the characters and would love more stories from this lovable bunch.
November 12, 2025
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and both of the characters were very adorable. The plot was good, the side characters funny, and it just felt very wholesome. A read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.
They both seem to like over-sharing, but it all just added to the humour. Their age gap wasn’t made a huge deal of, and they got over it nicely and quickly. They both complement each other well. I have absolutely no idea about rugby, but it was easy enough to follow, and the competition at the end was enjoyable to read; you could feel the fun Owen was having at playing again.
I did think the demi-sexual rep was a bit off. I get that sexuality is a very wide spectrum, but Owen very clearly states that he does not like casual sexual relationships, and it’s either all or nothing for him. The rest of his actions do not really support his words because, as far as he is aware, the relationship with Mathias is very casual, and they even define it as being a friends-with-benefits setup. So I didn’t see the point in adding this at all. It would have been better to have focused more on Mathias’s autism and how he learns to let Owen in, tries things that often make him uncomfortable, and to find a partner who understands and loves his quirks.
That’s my only criticism though. I enjoyed the rest of the book a lot. It was definitely entertaining and cute. I’m really looking forward to Lando’s book. I hope he gets his gut sorted out. 😂
I really enjoyed this book. It was fun and both of the characters were very adorable. The plot was good, the side characters funny, and it just felt very wholesome. A read that leaves you feeling warm and fuzzy.
They both seem to like over-sharing, but it all just added to the humour. Their age gap wasn’t made a huge deal of, and they got over it nicely and quickly. They both complement each other well. I have absolutely no idea about rugby, but it was easy enough to follow, and the competition at the end was enjoyable to read; you could feel the fun Owen was having at playing again.
I did think the demi-sexual rep was a bit off. I get that sexuality is a very wide spectrum, but Owen very clearly states that he does not like casual sexual relationships, and it’s either all or nothing for him. The rest of his actions do not really support his words because, as far as he is aware, the relationship with Mathias is very casual, and they even define it as being a friends-with-benefits setup. So I didn’t see the point in adding this at all. It would have been better to have focused more on Mathias’s autism and how he learns to let Owen in, tries things that often make him uncomfortable, and to find a partner who understands and loves his quirks.
That’s my only criticism though. I enjoyed the rest of the book a lot. It was definitely entertaining and cute. I’m really looking forward to Lando’s book. I hope he gets his gut sorted out. 😂
July 15, 2025
This was such a beautiful, neuro-spicy, queer loving book. With the best British humor. I laughed and even cried a bit.
Easily one of the most realistic, but also unique, books I’ve read in a long time. So many nuances to each character. And the side characters were just as charming as our mmcs.
Honestly, so refreshing for not even an ounce or queer hate in the locker rooms. It felt so normalized to have queer rugby players.
A bit of an age gap with Mathias and Owen but their lives were so intwined from the beginning. Owen’s daughters and ex wife were supportive goals.
The found family was with the whole community and it was beautifully done. They each had their own connection to the pub and family.
Mathias is hands down one of my favorite characters. He is autistic- his need to research each thing thoroughly while being a lover of gadgets, the neurospice was spicing. I could feel the way his brain works and Jemma did a wonderful job bringing that to life with her words.
Jemma is easily becoming an auto read author for me. I read this book in 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down and had a smile on my face the whole time.
Also, potatoes. Girl had me hungry!!
Thank you for this arc!
Oh and Lando- I loved this kid so much and would love to get his book next!!
Easily one of the most realistic, but also unique, books I’ve read in a long time. So many nuances to each character. And the side characters were just as charming as our mmcs.
Honestly, so refreshing for not even an ounce or queer hate in the locker rooms. It felt so normalized to have queer rugby players.
A bit of an age gap with Mathias and Owen but their lives were so intwined from the beginning. Owen’s daughters and ex wife were supportive goals.
The found family was with the whole community and it was beautifully done. They each had their own connection to the pub and family.
Mathias is hands down one of my favorite characters. He is autistic- his need to research each thing thoroughly while being a lover of gadgets, the neurospice was spicing. I could feel the way his brain works and Jemma did a wonderful job bringing that to life with her words.
Jemma is easily becoming an auto read author for me. I read this book in 24 hours. Couldn’t put it down and had a smile on my face the whole time.
Also, potatoes. Girl had me hungry!!
Thank you for this arc!
Oh and Lando- I loved this kid so much and would love to get his book next!!
August 12, 2025
Contemporary MM
Sports Romance
Low Angst
Single Father
Adorable MCs
Found Community
Age Gap (15 Years)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This was just so darn adorable and Jemma Croft is so fantastic with those cozy but spicy vibes. I always have a smile on my face when reading these. This one is no exception, having an amazing found family (more like found community) plot with a town full of quirky characters, and two very likeable MCs.
Owen is such a cinnamon roll. Just one of those characters that you can find no wrong with. A single Dad that's patient, hands on with his community and such a kind soul Matthias was in his head a lot and the patience and respect that Owen showed was so sweet.
I just enjoyed everything about this book - so many fantastic characters that had me laughing a lot. I will admit that even though I work with former rugby players that surround themselves in the sport (and that bleeds into my office) and even after reading this... I still do not understand the sport. Like, at all. But it was fun to read.
Sports Romance
Low Angst
Single Father
Adorable MCs
Found Community
Age Gap (15 Years)
Spice: 🔥🔥🔥
This was just so darn adorable and Jemma Croft is so fantastic with those cozy but spicy vibes. I always have a smile on my face when reading these. This one is no exception, having an amazing found family (more like found community) plot with a town full of quirky characters, and two very likeable MCs.
Owen is such a cinnamon roll. Just one of those characters that you can find no wrong with. A single Dad that's patient, hands on with his community and such a kind soul Matthias was in his head a lot and the patience and respect that Owen showed was so sweet.
I just enjoyed everything about this book - so many fantastic characters that had me laughing a lot. I will admit that even though I work with former rugby players that surround themselves in the sport (and that bleeds into my office) and even after reading this... I still do not understand the sport. Like, at all. But it was fun to read.
June 16, 2025
Here I am yet again fawning over Jemma Croft, yet it is, yet again, richly deserved.
Whenever I think "No, this is my favourite Croft book," she comes out again with a novel so perfect, so enriching, so amazing, that it stumbles over the white line and drop kicks my heart over the goal.
I feel as if I was watching my own mates grow and fall in love, and play rugby.
One Last Try is a sports romance that made me proud to be British. It is so distinctly woven into the story - the fabric of our society - everything that makes us tick. A community filled with different faces, different cultures, different backgrounds - finding home in a small pub in a small hamlet. This book is a testament to what makes our country so wonderful and made me appreciative.
The story is so endearing and emotional. It is about two Rugby players falling in love over pub quizzes and potatoes. What is there not to enjoy?
I hate that Owen Bosley isn't real. And I actually find it hard to believe, because Jemma writes her characters with such authenticity that Owen breathes off the page. This big-hearted man is perfect in every way, even if he falls in love too fast and too hard (same.)
Mattias is equally written with love and care, especially when mentioning his autism. It's not the focal point, but it is not throwaway either. It makes him Mattias. His arc over the story is so, enriching - to have someone fall in love with small town life.
I lost count of the number of times I cried. Just from the sheer joy. There is a scene where a plus-sized body is described so beautifully that I wept solely over that.
Croft continues to be my favourite author. She can make you laugh, she can make you cry, and she can weave the most beautiful paragraph you've ever witnessed and then talk about potatoes with equal vivid imagery.
One Last Try is exceptional. I have no higher praise. I want to read this again and again and again.
Well done, Jemma. I cannot wait to fall in love with the next one.
Although Owen Bosley is going to be pretty hard to beat in terms of book boyfriends.
Whenever I think "No, this is my favourite Croft book," she comes out again with a novel so perfect, so enriching, so amazing, that it stumbles over the white line and drop kicks my heart over the goal.
I feel as if I was watching my own mates grow and fall in love, and play rugby.
One Last Try is a sports romance that made me proud to be British. It is so distinctly woven into the story - the fabric of our society - everything that makes us tick. A community filled with different faces, different cultures, different backgrounds - finding home in a small pub in a small hamlet. This book is a testament to what makes our country so wonderful and made me appreciative.
The story is so endearing and emotional. It is about two Rugby players falling in love over pub quizzes and potatoes. What is there not to enjoy?
I hate that Owen Bosley isn't real. And I actually find it hard to believe, because Jemma writes her characters with such authenticity that Owen breathes off the page. This big-hearted man is perfect in every way, even if he falls in love too fast and too hard (same.)
Mattias is equally written with love and care, especially when mentioning his autism. It's not the focal point, but it is not throwaway either. It makes him Mattias. His arc over the story is so, enriching - to have someone fall in love with small town life.
I lost count of the number of times I cried. Just from the sheer joy. There is a scene where a plus-sized body is described so beautifully that I wept solely over that.
Croft continues to be my favourite author. She can make you laugh, she can make you cry, and she can weave the most beautiful paragraph you've ever witnessed and then talk about potatoes with equal vivid imagery.
One Last Try is exceptional. I have no higher praise. I want to read this again and again and again.
Well done, Jemma. I cannot wait to fall in love with the next one.
Although Owen Bosley is going to be pretty hard to beat in terms of book boyfriends.
July 22, 2025
Jemma described this book as a big hug and it truly was. Owen and Mathias were so good together. Owen anticipated Mathias' needs and understood when he needed alone time to decompress. Mathias loved Owen's big heart and caring ways.
They met years ago on the rugby pitch, during Mathias' first game and what would become Owen's last. Throughout the years people tried to make their rivalry bigger than it was. Mathias ends up moving into the cottage Owen owns and they grow closer and eventually start a friends with benefits situation. Will they be able to end it without our getting hurt when Mathias leaves at the end of the rugby season?
They met years ago on the rugby pitch, during Mathias' first game and what would become Owen's last. Throughout the years people tried to make their rivalry bigger than it was. Mathias ends up moving into the cottage Owen owns and they grow closer and eventually start a friends with benefits situation. Will they be able to end it without our getting hurt when Mathias leaves at the end of the rugby season?
August 17, 2025
Oh this book… if I could give it 6 stars I would. What endearing characters. This book gave me all the warm and fuzzies and had me giggling and kicking my feet!
The picturesque town, the irregular circumstances and the warm cozy local pub across the street. Sigh!
I immediately need to read more books that make me feel this way. Owen and Mathias are the sweetest couple. The way they can read eachother and anticipate what the other needs. Owen knows when Matt is people out and Mathias knows that Owen struggles to accept help from others. The media tried putting them against eachother and at every turn Owen would shut it down.
Also, Mathias’ obsession with potatoes is so funny, should be studied lol
Thank you so much, Jenna, for this sweet story❤️
The picturesque town, the irregular circumstances and the warm cozy local pub across the street. Sigh!
I immediately need to read more books that make me feel this way. Owen and Mathias are the sweetest couple. The way they can read eachother and anticipate what the other needs. Owen knows when Matt is people out and Mathias knows that Owen struggles to accept help from others. The media tried putting them against eachother and at every turn Owen would shut it down.
Also, Mathias’ obsession with potatoes is so funny, should be studied lol
Thank you so much, Jenna, for this sweet story❤️
July 6, 2025
first book i read by this author and it won't be the last! this was cute. I saw the author describing her book as a big hug and I can relate to that. it's not overly spicy, not real sad or anything. it was fun and heartwarming. I loved how both men were very confident but had their own insecurities in different aspects of their life's. but they just clicked! overall a very enjoyable book.
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July 17, 2025rtc 💜
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