Sideline

by Tessa Jensen

A dual POV, spicy rom-com, with banter and tension that will make you kick your feet and giggle.

Professional football player, Smith, falls for cheerleader, Lola, but unfortunately she's in her 'I hate all men because my last bf was trash' era.

BUT, being the practical and discerning woman that she is, she decides that this hatred shouldn't get in the way of her having a little harmless, just-friends-with-benefits-nothing-more, type of fun.

Genres: Romance, Summer

269 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 5, 2025

Reviews

[dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moment for the cover 👏🏻
I’ve been eating UP these summer romances lately. I saw @rosiepiper post that this was her friend’s debut book and the description sounded right up my alley. Pro football player x pro football cheerleader, ex’s teammate, boy obsessed, friends with benefits turned into more.

The first few chapters start with Lo getting broken up with by a quarterback for an opposing NFL team. She cheers for a team in Miami and he plays for a team in New York. Within the same chapters a man on the New York team scores a touchdown and tramples Lo’s best friend. Lo gives Smith an earful and he’s in love. Until he realizes that she’s his quarterback’s girlfriend. Lo’s boyfriend breaks up with her at her favorite Mexican restaurant (which should be a crime!!!!!) BUTTTTTTT Smith just so happens to frequent that restaurant when he’s in Miami too 😌

They keep running into each other and start a friends with benefits situation. Is that the best thing for Lo who just got out of a long term relationship? No but she’s here for a good time not a long time. Smith’s dog is also absolutely OBSESSED with Lo so that just adds fuel to the fire. This book was amazing. Smith is so down bad for Lo from the jump. He listens so intently which is not something she’s used to. He’s the definition of boy obsessed. This was such a quick read I can’t wait for my paperback to come in some I can re-read it. I can’t believe this is a debut book!!!

“My ego would just feel better knowing there’s a chance that the girl I haven’t been able to stop thinking about isn’t dating that benchwarmer.”

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I loved this at the start but unfortunately I found Lola to be super vapid and selfish. I think it’s because we don’t find out much about these characters besides what’s at surface level. So the only thing Lola seems to have going for her is that she’s hot? I wanted to know so much more about her and Smith. Back stories, vulnerabilities, anything. I needed more than one dimensional hot paper cutouts.

Anytime Smith tried to talk to Lola she just playfully slapped him or made a joke.

The copious spicy scenes just didn’t work for me because I needed depth to balance them out.

I do think this author is super talented and I look forward to trying her again one day.

[Farrahsbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this one! The premise was intriguing, & it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the back & forth banter between the two main characters. I found myself laughing quite a bit reading this! Overall such a fun & entertaining read with a captivating romance.

[Kaley Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was okay

Started out really fun & then fizzled fast. Tried to give it a chance , but not interested in books that just have spice & not a lot of depth to the characters.

[Andie Avery · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not my normal genre but lately I’ve been dipping my toes in the water of contemporary romance and this one was such a FUN page turner with perfect pacing, banter, spice, and romance!!!

I loved the FMC Lola — she was so well rounded, dynamic, and mature! Her sarcasm and quips were right up my alley, I love a funny leading lady! She’s an NFL cheerleader who dreams of being a choreographer but does real estate on the side. She meets Smith — an NFL player who is on her ex’s team and they are always running into each other in the cutest possible settings. Likeeeee at their favorite Mexican restaurant, at a wedding where she’s with another guy, on the field when he accidentally runs over her friend, at a club, etc etc. the amount of adorable scenes in this book is wild — like a Ghost moment in the pottery studio 😆🥰 and the best flirting at a Harry Styles concert!

Read if you like:
- sports romance
- he falls first/harder
- adorable nicknames 🤭
- a man who’s a giver (IYKWIM)
- banter that will make you giggle & kick your feet
- a happy ending!! 💛

The way Tessa wrote enthusiastic consent was also so refreshing to read!! The way this man respected her through and through 🙏🏼 loved it!

“they’re helping me learn her body, which feels like the goddamn privilege of my life.”

“this is where I met the love of my life, you guys have to stay open.” — IYKYK 🥲🥹

“Bite me, Smith.” “You’ll have to beg me first,” he purrs.

[Katie Szalkowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicking my feet and giggling at Smith the entire book. Love a guy that has no problem with the chase.

The book was pretty predictable at the end - only thing keeping me from giving this 5 starts is that I think we definitely missed a great opportunity for Connor to catch Smith and Lo sneaking around. She deserved to rub it in his face a little IMO

Other than that loved this one and loved smith & jinx

[Meredith Hill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I fear I give every book 3 stars

[Claudia Metsch · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I was reading a dcc fan fic

[Mary Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Meh, very classic characters

[Jacquelyn Braithwaite · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love an obsessed manz hehe

[Sarah Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okkkk the yearnnnnnning

I actually loved this book, finding a good back and forth romance book that isnt juvenile but also still fun and flirty is super difficult but this hitsssssss
It literally had me kicking my feet and giggling along with her besties
Wanted a little bit more drama for the ending of the book but i 100% recommend
I neeedd a second book for her friends story

[Olivia Miller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Your typical football player meets cheerleader and falls in love but dang! I was not expecting the smut this book gave woooof! I wasn’t a fan of the whole her setting her boundary of the relationship and him totally dismissing it ? Kind of like “I can fix her” brain - that’s not my fav trope. But glad it worked out I guess??? Definitely read for the smut, not so much the plot lmao

[Abigail Simmons · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️ I would have enjoyed this a lot more if the fmc didn’t piss me off for most of the book

[Amber Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is the cover. The writing was good and the beginning had so much promise but it didn’t offer much other than a bunch of one-sided banter, spicy scenes, and one-dimensional characters. I feel like we knew nothing about these characters other than that they were ‘hot’ which felt shallow and surface-level.

[emmietayylor · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s a meh for me.
The beginning was cute, I was intrigued with how their story was going to go.. but it just fell flat.

Pros: hottie mcs, s*x scenes on point

Cons: annoying fmc, too many unnecessary details, no real plot, and you could guess everything that was going to happen.

[Katie Stout · Rating 3 out of 5]

I needed a smut pallet cleanse after my Throne of Glass hangover

[Tori Winte · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book!! The relationship between the two main characters was so cute I wanted to die! The texting conversations, the chasing and denial, the flirting and the slow growing of love, it was all so CUTE! Perfect level of drama to keep it interesting the whole way through. I was a little worried in the beginning that the main guy Smith was going to be kinda boring and all about football, but he ended up having a great personality and was super sweet and lovable! The best friend Camila was awesome too, I wished she was my best friend and can't wait to read more about her in future books!

The spicy scenes were also great. I think it's rare to be able to write scenes like this that don't feel cringey and embarrassing to read, but these flowed really well and didn't feel cringey or awkward at all! In addition, the book is a great length where you don't feel like the story is dragging on too long, but it's long enough that their relationship growth feels realistic and satisfying.

I read a ton of romance and this one is really special, can't wait to see more books from this author and especially more in this universe. I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a feel-good, adorable, sweet romance!!

[Madeleine Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished the book this weekend and I’m still thinking about it—completely obsessed! From start to finish, it was an absolute roller coaster in the best way possible. The pacing, the characters, the romance, the tension, it was all perfectly balanced. I was so worried about how it would end, and the relief I felt when I found out? Perfection. Such a powerful and satisfying ending!

The dog, Jinx, was such a lovely and meaningful part of the story too, adding depth and charm while tying everything together in this “meant-to-be” way that I adored.

I also really loved the London arc, the connection over food, the back and forth between New York and Miami, and the fun dynamic with Jinx. Every subplot was engaging and added so much richness. The author nailed the balance between plot, character development, adventure, and spice—a tough combo, but she pulled it off so well!

I’m already sad it’s over and trying to resist bugging the author for Book 2. You should be so proud, Tessa. This was such a joy to read!

[Lila Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooooo so SO good!! I didn’t know I needed this book until I started reading it. I have always been a fan of sports romances, but it’s never been a football x cheerleader love story.

So beyond obsessed w the characters, and I LOVE how Smith and Lo’s life just totally aligned. I was PRAYING that she would get that job in NY and I’m so happy with how it all ended.

Smith is honestly the perfect bf and friend, and treated her like she deserved. I wonder what Connor is thinking now lol. Lo is so cute and such a girl boss babe!

This book ROCKED! 10/10 recommend and the perfect summer read. I want to know more about Camilla and Jack next ;) they should daaaate!

[Savannah Condie · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ I won’t lie, I mainly picked this up because the cover was so cute. Unfortunately, the story didn’t live up to it. The romance felt very surface level, with no real build up or tension. I never got a strong sense of who the characters were. They felt bland and lacked the personality or development that makes a love story feel more real.

I also found myself wishing for more actual romance. For example, dates, chemistry, cute couple moments… anything to make me root for them. And considering it’s a football romance, I expected more from that angle too. We don’t see much of the cheering or football aspect until the final 20 pages, which, ironically, ended up being my favorite part.

[Jada · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely stole my heart. The romance was so good! Sweet and full of that chemistry that makes you kick your feet while reading. The connection between the main characters felt so real and authentic, and the way their relationship unfolded was just adorable.

One of the things I loved most was how naturally consent was woven into their dynamic. It wasn’t just a check-the-box moment—it was clear, thoughtful, and sexy in its own right. We love healthy communication and respect in romance!

Honestly, my only complaint? I wish it was longer. I wasn’t ready to say goodbye to Lo and Smith, and I would’ve happily read another hundred pages of their story.

This one’s a must-read!

[Megan Ochello · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this one, it was just up my street. Its so cute and romantic and shows you what a non toxic guy who is 100% in it for the right reasons looks like. The chemistry between the main characters was off the charts. The only things i missed which is why i didn’t give this the 5 stars was the reaction from the ex when he finally find out about their relationship, this was built up to be a forbidden love trope, to then have it end with not looking into the future or even including the reactions of people finding out. Other than that a must read. I absolutely love the cover art too .

[Mary Schofield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish i could give it more than 5 stars!! For starters, the cover!! Photographer genius!!! Then the book- IT WAS SO GOOD!!! I read it within 3 days because I could not put it down. It was fun, sexy, steamy, and kept me wanting more! I loved how relatable the book was. Just when i thought i figured out what would happen, a new twist would arrive. It was so detailed and so well written. I had so much fun visualizing the characters and scenes. I already cannot wait for her next book, PLZ!! & Can this be made into a movie???

[Hannah Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I legit could not put this book down. I’m honestly so shook and impressed. So many moments were so relatable, and the writing was so captivating. The descriptions of facial expressions, body language, and the emotions were so detailed. I was picturing every scene like it was a movie and felt the energy of every interaction. I’m genuinely obsessed and have already told several friends they HAVE to buy this!!

[Tegan Kelsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book! The banter is perfection, the spice is hot and the story really pulls you in. I think there is a little something everyone can relate to in this story. Lo feels like your best friend, and Smith is freaking hot, I’d be cheering for him allllll day. This is the perfect read for your next pool day, flight or just hanging out. I wish I could read it again for the first time. You HAVE to read this, you will love it!!

[Rebecca Buddenbohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

BIG BIG FIVE STAR ENERGY!!!!!

Dual POV PERFECTION! Now this is a spicy lil number here, but I found it not only SO HOT, but also realistic & so so yummy.

This book got 👏🏼 me 👏🏼 out 👏🏼 of 👏🏼 a 👏🏼 reading 👏🏼 SLUMP 👏🏼

I LOVED EVERY CHARACTER (minus the ex ew). The friendships!!!! The sub plots. SMITH & HIS GRAND GESTURES?!? Are you kidding me.

The man was whipped.

I also love love Lola. She was so real. I even didn’t hate the third act breakup so that’s how you KNOW IT’S STELLAR.

[mjemf · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book!!! I saw Rosie Piper on IG post about this and immediately the cover stole my attention. I am shocked that this is a debut novel as it’s a very well structured book with a great plot. It’s got all the right things; banter, great spice, funny characters and a love story that isn’t corny. I ignored my entire family for about 5 hours on a rainy Sunday afternoon to read through this in one sitting.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Garbage but exactly what I needed to read rn.

You cannot tell me that they spent 6 months sneaking around and no one found out, especially not Lo’s ex and Smith’s teammate Connor?? I thought for sure the girl at the harry styles concert being weird was going to out them.

Didn’t love how Lo was constantly ditching her friends to hang out with him and then lowkey hiding it from them.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i’m not kidding when i say this book cured my reading slump. such a fun, easy read in the best way. i think i finished it in less than 48 hours it was such a page turner. big fan and definitely recommend to romance lovers <3

[Caitey Thompson · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.3ish⭐️
I enjoyed the beginning of this book and the progression- its a cute stand alone romance but towards the end I found myself getting bored- I kind of skipped through the last 10% because it was a lot of the same and predictable- also sometimes I find the sports parts of books cringy 🤣