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Fumble Into the End Zone
Marcus Allen
I’ve worn hardships longer than I’ve worn football pads. Life hasn’t given me much to celebrate except for my daughter and my God-given athleticism. Being a single father and the sole caregiver for my grandmother meant sacrifice. Football became my way to provide and keep my promises. I buried my needs beneath my responsibilities until I met her, Mia. She has guarded eyes and a beautiful soul. Mia made me believe there might be more than grind and grief.
But life has taught me one every blessing comes with a lesson.
Mia Robinson
Healing was my mission. After surviving a relationship with a serial cheater, I let go of the dream of a picture-perfect love story. My heart was shattered, so I chose solitude, therapy, and a microphone--building my podcast from pain and purpose. Love dropped to the bottom of my list.
Then he walked in. Marcus Allen with smooth chocolate skin and eyes full of fire and focus. His presence makes me melt and panic. He’s everything I want and everything I fear.
I can handle this… right?
I’ve worn hardships longer than I’ve worn football pads. Life hasn’t given me much to celebrate except for my daughter and my God-given athleticism. Being a single father and the sole caregiver for my grandmother meant sacrifice. Football became my way to provide and keep my promises. I buried my needs beneath my responsibilities until I met her, Mia. She has guarded eyes and a beautiful soul. Mia made me believe there might be more than grind and grief.
But life has taught me one every blessing comes with a lesson.
Mia Robinson
Healing was my mission. After surviving a relationship with a serial cheater, I let go of the dream of a picture-perfect love story. My heart was shattered, so I chose solitude, therapy, and a microphone--building my podcast from pain and purpose. Love dropped to the bottom of my list.
Then he walked in. Marcus Allen with smooth chocolate skin and eyes full of fire and focus. His presence makes me melt and panic. He’s everything I want and everything I fear.
I can handle this… right?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 3, 2025
206 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 8, 2025
Loving Beyond Trauma
In the first book we got to experience Marcus meeting Mia, and this book gives us their pov.
I am not a fan of stories repeating from different povs, however, Elle did a good job aligning the storyline and the timeframe from the first book.
Marcus applied pressure from the first day he met Mia. 🤭🤭 This man said Ayye she is my wife, even if she don't know it yet. That's it and that's all. Harley, his daughter/sidekick was ready for the smoke right with him. I appreciated him showing and proving that he was serious about their relationship.
Mia was still mourning/healing a previous relationship and she was caught off guard by the whirlwind that both Marcus and Harley presented. She couldn't deny the immediate connection she felt with Harley. She was more hesitant with Marcus because her ex had done a number on her. I enjoyed their growth together.
These two had some trauma bonds...Marcus with abandonment and Mia with the loss of the family moved on without her. It made Marcus clingy and possessive and Mia fearful of dating, especially men with children. It was nice to see both of them get help to work through their trauma and to eventually move on together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The sports theme was just enough in the background and didn't overwhelm the love story. Typos could have been cleaned up, and the repetitive scenes on different povs. However,I would recommend it and I enjoyed the characters.
In the first book we got to experience Marcus meeting Mia, and this book gives us their pov.
I am not a fan of stories repeating from different povs, however, Elle did a good job aligning the storyline and the timeframe from the first book.
Marcus applied pressure from the first day he met Mia. 🤭🤭 This man said Ayye she is my wife, even if she don't know it yet. That's it and that's all. Harley, his daughter/sidekick was ready for the smoke right with him. I appreciated him showing and proving that he was serious about their relationship.
Mia was still mourning/healing a previous relationship and she was caught off guard by the whirlwind that both Marcus and Harley presented. She couldn't deny the immediate connection she felt with Harley. She was more hesitant with Marcus because her ex had done a number on her. I enjoyed their growth together.
These two had some trauma bonds...Marcus with abandonment and Mia with the loss of the family moved on without her. It made Marcus clingy and possessive and Mia fearful of dating, especially men with children. It was nice to see both of them get help to work through their trauma and to eventually move on together.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The sports theme was just enough in the background and didn't overwhelm the love story. Typos could have been cleaned up, and the repetitive scenes on different povs. However,I would recommend it and I enjoyed the characters.
June 7, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Two distinct forms of abandonment issues were evident in the case of Marcus and Mia. Mia with adulthood and Marcus with childhood. Elle did a good job of developing the characters, in my opinion. Mia was a significant addition to Marcus's life, which already featured two key women: his daughter Harley, and his grandma, Eddy. From the first conversation, he knew Mia was his wife; it was his job to persuade her of this.
While Marcus loved Mia at first sight 🤭 , Mia loved Harley at first sight since she had abandonment issues in her previous relationship with a man and his child; she required reassurance this time around. It was nice to watch this love story blossom, as well as to see Marcus's community expand because of Mia and Eddy.
Mia's friend group is a quiet, private pair that doesn't say anything to each other until the last minute. I didn't like Stacie at first since she was aggravating me with her overbearing nature. To be honest, Kindness lived in her own world. I like that Marcus did not reconcile with his mother. I believe it is justifiable that every situation will be forgive and reconciliation; sometimes it is forgive and forget 🖕 (FU)
While Marcus loved Mia at first sight 🤭 , Mia loved Harley at first sight since she had abandonment issues in her previous relationship with a man and his child; she required reassurance this time around. It was nice to watch this love story blossom, as well as to see Marcus's community expand because of Mia and Eddy.
Mia's friend group is a quiet, private pair that doesn't say anything to each other until the last minute. I didn't like Stacie at first since she was aggravating me with her overbearing nature. To be honest, Kindness lived in her own world. I like that Marcus did not reconcile with his mother. I believe it is justifiable that every situation will be forgive and reconciliation; sometimes it is forgive and forget 🖕 (FU)
August 10, 2025
I LOVED them!!!! Mia was seriously made to be a mom, she was just so good with Harley!! And Marcus was so clingy and obsessed I loved it 🤩🤩
Mia was such a caring h, which is my favorite kind of h! The way she made feel better baskets for Harley and Marcus 🥹🥹🥹🥹
Mia was such a caring h, which is my favorite kind of h! The way she made feel better baskets for Harley and Marcus 🥹🥹🥹🥹
June 5, 2025
Imaaa give Elle the 5 okay? She wrote the heck outta this dang book. I thought Mia was gonna piss me off, but she was actually well-balanced and thoughtful.
I only had three issues:
1. If you’re hesitant, closed off, and unsure… WHY ARE YOU ON YOUR BACKKK?? Like, I get it we want the spice but I don’t like when characters don’t stick to their boundaries, fold like a lawn chair, and then get confused about the consequences. Marcus told you exactly what it was gonna be if you opened them legs, so the commitment anxiety afterward was wild.
2. I hate when dual POVs just rehash the same event from the other person’s perspective. Personally, I feel like if the writing is strong (which this was!), we as readers can pick up on the other character’s emotions without a play-by-play rerun. Give me new thoughts or keep it pushing.
3. Kindness... yeah, I still don’t forgive her sneaky tail, but I’ll admit she was okay here. Growth? Slightly. We’ll see.
Now, Stacie?? Whew, hated her at first. She was annoying, overbearing, and had zero regard for Mia’s trauma. I hate that she had to go through the same thing just to get a clue, but I’ll give her credit — she redeemed herself by the end. And I cannot wait to see what she and Roundtree got going on.
All in all, this story was heartwarming, uplifting, and just cute as hell. I loved Mia and Marcus. That’s the real team superstar right there.
I only had three issues:
1. If you’re hesitant, closed off, and unsure… WHY ARE YOU ON YOUR BACKKK?? Like, I get it we want the spice but I don’t like when characters don’t stick to their boundaries, fold like a lawn chair, and then get confused about the consequences. Marcus told you exactly what it was gonna be if you opened them legs, so the commitment anxiety afterward was wild.
2. I hate when dual POVs just rehash the same event from the other person’s perspective. Personally, I feel like if the writing is strong (which this was!), we as readers can pick up on the other character’s emotions without a play-by-play rerun. Give me new thoughts or keep it pushing.
3. Kindness... yeah, I still don’t forgive her sneaky tail, but I’ll admit she was okay here. Growth? Slightly. We’ll see.
Now, Stacie?? Whew, hated her at first. She was annoying, overbearing, and had zero regard for Mia’s trauma. I hate that she had to go through the same thing just to get a clue, but I’ll give her credit — she redeemed herself by the end. And I cannot wait to see what she and Roundtree got going on.
All in all, this story was heartwarming, uplifting, and just cute as hell. I loved Mia and Marcus. That’s the real team superstar right there.
August 16, 2025
Marcus Allen is a first-round draft pick wide receiver with a fat check, but his focus isn’t on fame, it's on his two biggest priorities: his daughter and his grandmother. He keeps to himself, scarred by childhood trauma, and doesn’t trust easily. But the moment he meets Mia? It’s a wrap.
Her plus-size body caught his eye but the way she instantly connected with his daughter? That sealed it. Wifey material, no question.
Mia, on the other hand, has been through it. Her last relationship did damage, and she’s been minding her peace ever since. Men? Not on the radar. But Marcus and that quiet, forward pressure he applies? Yeah… he’s testing her “no men” policy real bad.
Watching these two come together was everything. Marcus is healing, deep in his own emotional trenches, but being around Mia makes him better. That old saying? “The right woman will upgrade every aspect of your life.” It’s all the way true here.
Marcus always knew Mia was the one, but Mia wasn’t sure if she was ready to get involved with another man who has a child. That fear was real, and I loved how the story didn’t sugarcoat it. But the way they show up for each other? Whew.
Come and #read.these.damn.books because this story right here? Yeah, it gave what it needed to give. You won’t be disappointed. 💯🔥
Her plus-size body caught his eye but the way she instantly connected with his daughter? That sealed it. Wifey material, no question.
Mia, on the other hand, has been through it. Her last relationship did damage, and she’s been minding her peace ever since. Men? Not on the radar. But Marcus and that quiet, forward pressure he applies? Yeah… he’s testing her “no men” policy real bad.
Watching these two come together was everything. Marcus is healing, deep in his own emotional trenches, but being around Mia makes him better. That old saying? “The right woman will upgrade every aspect of your life.” It’s all the way true here.
Marcus always knew Mia was the one, but Mia wasn’t sure if she was ready to get involved with another man who has a child. That fear was real, and I loved how the story didn’t sugarcoat it. But the way they show up for each other? Whew.
Come and #read.these.damn.books because this story right here? Yeah, it gave what it needed to give. You won’t be disappointed. 💯🔥
June 20, 2025
Insta love 🥰
This was cute. I have enjoyed everything that Elle Madearis has written, and Marcus and Mia were no exception. Mia was really reluctant to get into another relationship after all that her ex took her through, but Marcus was a man with a plan; he knew he was going to do whatever to get us women, and I mean whatever it took. The way they bonded together, creating their own little family unit, was sweet, and I loved the inclusion of therapy in this book because both Mia and Marcus had past trauma to work through. I also loved the communication in this book. They talked through their issues like adults, and it was refreshing to read.
This was cute. I have enjoyed everything that Elle Madearis has written, and Marcus and Mia were no exception. Mia was really reluctant to get into another relationship after all that her ex took her through, but Marcus was a man with a plan; he knew he was going to do whatever to get us women, and I mean whatever it took. The way they bonded together, creating their own little family unit, was sweet, and I loved the inclusion of therapy in this book because both Mia and Marcus had past trauma to work through. I also loved the communication in this book. They talked through their issues like adults, and it was refreshing to read.
August 7, 2025
Marcus was everything 😍😍😍 He knew what he wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it in order to give his family the life they deserved.
June 23, 2025
I’ve seen some “love at first sight” in books but Marcus said “hold my beer”. He laid ONE EYE on Mia and was like “You know you’re gonna be my wife, right” and he continued to back up his words with action, never taking his foot off sis’ neck. As the book goes on, however, we begin to see that his attachment to her was amplified because as a result of a trauma response. However, Mia and Marcus had explosive chemistry & great communication, and I honestly loved the two of them together. They each had their own separate set of trust issues that manifested at different times in the relationship, but together they were able to tackle it & be what the other needed. This was an engaging read. I blushed & giggled. And even teared up a little.
Also as an aside: I DNF’d the first book in the series because I didn’t like the FMC. So it was interesting from what I could see that these two books take place in the same timeline but just from a different couples perspective.
Can’t wait for Stacie & Roundtree(?)’s book!
And as a petty critique I hated that the author repeatedly said “she shook her head yes”. You nod yes, shake no🤣
Also as an aside: I DNF’d the first book in the series because I didn’t like the FMC. So it was interesting from what I could see that these two books take place in the same timeline but just from a different couples perspective.
Can’t wait for Stacie & Roundtree(?)’s book!
And as a petty critique I hated that the author repeatedly said “she shook her head yes”. You nod yes, shake no🤣
June 8, 2025
3.5 ✨
After reading the first book in this series I was super excited to read Marcus story. The first 35% of the book was also for me simply bc I felt like I already read these moments from Bryce and Kindness story.. and I get it you have to give the background for those who didn’t read these moments first book since this is suppose to be a standalone, but maybe not have so much of them in the first book would have made this one much more enjoyable.
Outside of that once we picked up post the initial meeting of Marcus and Mia was super cute. I loved how I couldn’t feel his age. Marcus was wise beyond his years and his intentions when it came to Mia was so pure. The cadence this story flowed once they connected was realistic and enjoyable. I love the relationship building of his daughter and Mia on page.
I also enjoyed the continuation of his friendship with Bryce on page as well.
After reading the first book in this series I was super excited to read Marcus story. The first 35% of the book was also for me simply bc I felt like I already read these moments from Bryce and Kindness story.. and I get it you have to give the background for those who didn’t read these moments first book since this is suppose to be a standalone, but maybe not have so much of them in the first book would have made this one much more enjoyable.
Outside of that once we picked up post the initial meeting of Marcus and Mia was super cute. I loved how I couldn’t feel his age. Marcus was wise beyond his years and his intentions when it came to Mia was so pure. The cadence this story flowed once they connected was realistic and enjoyable. I love the relationship building of his daughter and Mia on page.
I also enjoyed the continuation of his friendship with Bryce on page as well.
September 3, 2025
Insta-everything
I really enjoyed this one!!! I’ll be honest I kept forgetting Marcus was 22, I knew Mia wouldn’t be able to resist him. Her relationship with Harley just warmed my heart. This was Instalove and instafamily and I ate it all up!
I can’t wait to see what happens with S & R.
I really enjoyed this one!!! I’ll be honest I kept forgetting Marcus was 22, I knew Mia wouldn’t be able to resist him. Her relationship with Harley just warmed my heart. This was Instalove and instafamily and I ate it all up!
I can’t wait to see what happens with S & R.
June 2, 2025
4.5 ⭐️
Warning: This book is written along the same timeline as book 1 (Fumbled into forever).
This book was really good & it touches on various topics one of the biggest being abandonment & also the desire to be a mother. I laughed, I cried, I blushed. I did it all while reading this book. Seeing the character growth of Marcus was really heartwarming.
Warning: This book is written along the same timeline as book 1 (Fumbled into forever).
This book was really good & it touches on various topics one of the biggest being abandonment & also the desire to be a mother. I laughed, I cried, I blushed. I did it all while reading this book. Seeing the character growth of Marcus was really heartwarming.
June 8, 2025
Marcus “Too Fast Mamas” Allen and his love bombing felt a bit over the top, especially with the whole legal document situation. Harley completely stole the show for me; she definitely earned a spot on my list of favorite book kids. Overall this is a good read, I enjoyed book 1 as well!
June 9, 2025
A few moments made me a little emotional. This was a good read, I wish her ex could have felt it a little more than what he did
July 10, 2025
Loved it
Another well written book by Elle Madearis!!! I enjoyed this entire series. I love, love. Y'all just read the damn book.
Another well written book by Elle Madearis!!! I enjoyed this entire series. I love, love. Y'all just read the damn book.
July 29, 2025
3.5 ⭐
Holy shit what an emotional roller coaster.
Holy shit what an emotional roller coaster.
Read
August 13, 2025DNF 17%. I just did not click w the author’s writing style. Cute premise, good characters, just not for me.
June 21, 2025
A Full Book
I liked Mia and Marcus as characters. I first read about them in Kindness and Bryce's book, but we got a closer look into their lives in this book and caught back up with Mia at a very difficult time in her life. However, at the heart of her was still everything good despite how terrible that jerk Nathan did her. Marcus was young but stood on Business with a capital B about his granny his baby and from the first hello with Mia. Now, this IS fiction- so his antics should never be tried in real life. But after understanding more about his past, we got a better understanding of him and why he crashed out like he did. I'm glad the author highlighted therepy.
Little Ms. Harley stole the show, and I loved me some granny. I also loved how Mia's parents loved on Harley and Marcus and granny, too. The ending was a bit emotional, and there were some topics that were introduced but didn't get flushed out. It was also left wide open for book 3, though, so I will patiently wait for that.
Now, what did irk me a tad bit was the excessive and inaccurate use of the word "glare." Glare is a word with a negative connotation, yet that is the adjective that was used every time a character looked at another character - even in happy occasions and even when it was little Harley. Then there there was a few small inconsistencies: first Harley's strict bedtime was 8, then 7 then 7:30- and Marcus' age, he had Harley at 16 and she is 7, so how is he 22? Again, minor - but still should have been fixed if someone in editing actually read the book.
Overall, while several parts were repetitive from book one, rhe viewpoints were that of Mia and Marcus this time and although he was a LOT in many instances, it was sweet to see Mia love him and take care of him. It kept me entertained.
I liked Mia and Marcus as characters. I first read about them in Kindness and Bryce's book, but we got a closer look into their lives in this book and caught back up with Mia at a very difficult time in her life. However, at the heart of her was still everything good despite how terrible that jerk Nathan did her. Marcus was young but stood on Business with a capital B about his granny his baby and from the first hello with Mia. Now, this IS fiction- so his antics should never be tried in real life. But after understanding more about his past, we got a better understanding of him and why he crashed out like he did. I'm glad the author highlighted therepy.
Little Ms. Harley stole the show, and I loved me some granny. I also loved how Mia's parents loved on Harley and Marcus and granny, too. The ending was a bit emotional, and there were some topics that were introduced but didn't get flushed out. It was also left wide open for book 3, though, so I will patiently wait for that.
Now, what did irk me a tad bit was the excessive and inaccurate use of the word "glare." Glare is a word with a negative connotation, yet that is the adjective that was used every time a character looked at another character - even in happy occasions and even when it was little Harley. Then there there was a few small inconsistencies: first Harley's strict bedtime was 8, then 7 then 7:30- and Marcus' age, he had Harley at 16 and she is 7, so how is he 22? Again, minor - but still should have been fixed if someone in editing actually read the book.
Overall, while several parts were repetitive from book one, rhe viewpoints were that of Mia and Marcus this time and although he was a LOT in many instances, it was sweet to see Mia love him and take care of him. It kept me entertained.
June 4, 2025
love it
Elle you are easily becoming a favorite! Loved this story I know we met them in part 1 but watching this story unfold was beautiful. Now what’s Stacie tea ?
Elle you are easily becoming a favorite! Loved this story I know we met them in part 1 but watching this story unfold was beautiful. Now what’s Stacie tea ?
June 11, 2025
5
“I’m asking for you to try love again but with me.” ❤️
“I’m going to be Mrs. Marcus Allen.” .. “You were always Mrs. Marcus Allen.” ❤️
Tropes
Black love
Football romance (NHL rookie)
Rags to riches story (MMC)
FMC is rich too (she makes her own money & her parents comes from money)
Single dad
Love at first sight
He falls first and hard
Possessive / obsessed MMC
Overcoming trauma and grief
Found family
No 3rd act breakup
You know what .. I can appreciate a man who see’s the woman he wants, falls hard and stops at nothing to make her his because he knows he’ll want no one else but her.
I had a great time reading this, I went through all the emotions.. I laughed, I swooned, I clutched my pearls and crossed my legs, I rolled my eyes, I cried (sitting here at 1:30am lol), I got hype, and at the end I was wishing for 200 more pages.
I loved Marcus and Mia together so much. Marcus had me cracking up in the beginning. He owned his crazy and saw no issues with anything lol. He was applying that pressure from the first time he saw her and he wasn’t letting anyone dissuade him lol. He was so sweet, affectionate, passionate, caring, spoiled her, lifted her up when she felt down about herself, and was dominant in the best way. Their spice was spiiiiiiiicing! I also love the fact that he went to and continued to go to therapy.
Mia was doing her thing too. I loved that she was also wealthy on her own, outside of her parent’s wealth. I loved seeing her move on from a piss poor excuse of a man who didn’t deserve her, to being loved completely and endlessly.
The side characters also helped make this book for me. I loved Harley. She really was a 70 year old lady in a kids body lol. Granny was hilarious, Stacie cracked me up, Mia’s parents were a trip, it was good to see Bryce and Kindness again, Ed turned out to be a good dude, and I loved seeing how the other guys stepped up for Marcus.
The third act situation tore me up, especially because I kind of called it early in the book and was hoping it wasn’t going to happen. I would’ve loved to have actually seen them get married and have their twins, but I loved the wrap of their story, and I’m looking forward to Stacie and Roundtree’s book next
To the “other” characters.. it’s still f*** Vick tbh, it’s f*** Stedman too, Mariah can go to hell and Nathan and Rex can join her, and Sierra? Girl nobody asked for you lol stay gone thank you.
“I’m asking for you to try love again but with me.” ❤️
“I’m going to be Mrs. Marcus Allen.” .. “You were always Mrs. Marcus Allen.” ❤️
Tropes
Black love
Football romance (NHL rookie)
Rags to riches story (MMC)
FMC is rich too (she makes her own money & her parents comes from money)
Single dad
Love at first sight
He falls first and hard
Possessive / obsessed MMC
Overcoming trauma and grief
Found family
No 3rd act breakup
You know what .. I can appreciate a man who see’s the woman he wants, falls hard and stops at nothing to make her his because he knows he’ll want no one else but her.
I had a great time reading this, I went through all the emotions.. I laughed, I swooned, I clutched my pearls and crossed my legs, I rolled my eyes, I cried (sitting here at 1:30am lol), I got hype, and at the end I was wishing for 200 more pages.
I loved Marcus and Mia together so much. Marcus had me cracking up in the beginning. He owned his crazy and saw no issues with anything lol. He was applying that pressure from the first time he saw her and he wasn’t letting anyone dissuade him lol. He was so sweet, affectionate, passionate, caring, spoiled her, lifted her up when she felt down about herself, and was dominant in the best way. Their spice was spiiiiiiiicing! I also love the fact that he went to and continued to go to therapy.
Mia was doing her thing too. I loved that she was also wealthy on her own, outside of her parent’s wealth. I loved seeing her move on from a piss poor excuse of a man who didn’t deserve her, to being loved completely and endlessly.
The side characters also helped make this book for me. I loved Harley. She really was a 70 year old lady in a kids body lol. Granny was hilarious, Stacie cracked me up, Mia’s parents were a trip, it was good to see Bryce and Kindness again, Ed turned out to be a good dude, and I loved seeing how the other guys stepped up for Marcus.
The third act situation tore me up, especially because I kind of called it early in the book and was hoping it wasn’t going to happen. I would’ve loved to have actually seen them get married and have their twins, but I loved the wrap of their story, and I’m looking forward to Stacie and Roundtree’s book next
To the “other” characters.. it’s still f*** Vick tbh, it’s f*** Stedman too, Mariah can go to hell and Nathan and Rex can join her, and Sierra? Girl nobody asked for you lol stay gone thank you.
June 7, 2025
3.5 rounded up? Down idk I haven’t decided yet. I enjoyed the story for like 150-200 pages. Although Marcus is only someone that should exist in the confines of a book. I think the rehashing of events after we already got a POV got old and made parts drag. We could have gotten more about Marcus’ mom, the letter…anything else. I also was slightly disappointed that this book was just the first book just focused on Marcus and Mia. I think I would have appreciated the story more if it wasn’t just a retelling. The book doesn’t separate until at the very at and by then I was fatigued. Now that I’m done I’ll probably go 3 stars but I did enjoy it and will still continue to read this author
October 26, 2025
Marcus, Marcus, Marcus 😮💨, in my best Kartha Kit voice
What an amazing story! I laughed, I teared up, and I even walked away with some quotes that made me check myself on how I live and what I need to adjust. The way Marcus carries the weight of his world but still shows up with so much strength and drive? Whew. Cue up EnVogue’s Whatta Man! And Mia? She was the healing he didn’t even know he needed.
So well done. I truly enjoyed every single page. And listen… I may or may not have developed a little old lady crush on Marcus 😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
What an amazing story! I laughed, I teared up, and I even walked away with some quotes that made me check myself on how I live and what I need to adjust. The way Marcus carries the weight of his world but still shows up with so much strength and drive? Whew. Cue up EnVogue’s Whatta Man! And Mia? She was the healing he didn’t even know he needed.
So well done. I truly enjoyed every single page. And listen… I may or may not have developed a little old lady crush on Marcus 😍
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
June 8, 2025
Marcus and Mia were instant attraction, insta love and insta love BOMBING. All that was fine with me until the legal documents, and that had me side eyeing and raising eyebrows. Overall a decent love story with spice if you can get over how quickly the love connection is formed.
June 22, 2025
This book really took love at first sight to a whole other level because Marcus knew he wanted to marry Mia when he first saw her especially by the way that she treated his daughter Harley. Marcus and Harley teamed up to get Mia to spend time with them laying the foundation of them transitioning into being a family. Marcus wasn’t shy about letting everybody know that Mia was his woman when he announced during his press conference that he was going to finish a bedtime story with Harley and then lay down with his woman, Mia. I like the fact that Mia stepped up to the plate of being the woman of the household making sure that Harley, Granny, and Marcus was taken care of. I wanted to real deal cry when Granny passed away especially with the raw emotional breakdowns that Marcus and Harley had. Marcus was so closed off to everyone on the team except Bryce and refused to let them in until Granny passed and the team was there for him even being pallbearers for Granny’s casket. I already didn’t like Mariah for leaving Marcus when he was ten years old nor her entitled texts like he owed her something when she abandoned him but her outburst at Granny’s funeral most definitely warranted her being added to the blocked list. I liked the brotherhood with Bryce and Marcus and sister with Kindness, Mia, and Stacie. I was so glad that Stacie ended things with Rex when he cheated and made a baby on her the same way that his cousin Nathan did to Mia. It was a red flag to me when they were out to dinner and he tried to defend Nathan. The book ended eluding that Roundtee and Stacie has something going on that Mia and Kindness wasn’t privy to and all three was calling out her name as she walked away. I can’t wait to read their story next because Stacie is a free will fashionista and Roundtree is quite the multiple ladies man.
June 9, 2025
FYI: I understand by a lot of reviews that there was a first book. I didn't read it, and as it turned out, I didn't need to. This book gave enough overview needed for me to understand the secondary characters and their challenges.
OMG! I laughed, cried, blushed, and clapped during this story. This was a slow-fast burn story, in my opinion. I forgot as I cruised through the story that Marcus navigated in this story, far beyond his age. He definitely was thar MAN who had experienced much and took on responsibilities at such a young age.
Mia, I loved her character and energy! Loved that she decided to take care of herself, FIRST! Loved her relationship with Harley.
Little Miss Diva Harley stole my heart and Mia's. Harley became the glue to help connect her daddy and Mia. She was her daddy's heart!
Granny Eddy! Her wisdom, strength, truth, and love were genuine and felt. I caught her tiredness revelations several times throughout the story. I cried as if she were my real-life granny.
I enjoyed the journey of Marcus and Mia as they began the healing process of Trust, Loyalty, Friendship, and Opening their hearts to love. They both had qualities that complemented the other.
Love at first sight and an undeniably attraction and chemistry displayed by both. Great read!
OMG! I laughed, cried, blushed, and clapped during this story. This was a slow-fast burn story, in my opinion. I forgot as I cruised through the story that Marcus navigated in this story, far beyond his age. He definitely was thar MAN who had experienced much and took on responsibilities at such a young age.
Mia, I loved her character and energy! Loved that she decided to take care of herself, FIRST! Loved her relationship with Harley.
Little Miss Diva Harley stole my heart and Mia's. Harley became the glue to help connect her daddy and Mia. She was her daddy's heart!
Granny Eddy! Her wisdom, strength, truth, and love were genuine and felt. I caught her tiredness revelations several times throughout the story. I cried as if she were my real-life granny.
I enjoyed the journey of Marcus and Mia as they began the healing process of Trust, Loyalty, Friendship, and Opening their hearts to love. They both had qualities that complemented the other.
Love at first sight and an undeniably attraction and chemistry displayed by both. Great read!
September 18, 2025
All Gas No Breaks!!
Ok, first off let me say I never despised a character as much as Nathan for what he said to Mia about her irregular periods situation. He let her and mama get attach and love on his daughter and the snatched her away from them. When Marcus saw Mia, he knew that she was the one. He applied pressure. I mean big pressure. She was protecting her heart from getting hurt again. I mean I get it. She was making Marcus pay for Nathan sins. She and her parents love Harley like she is their own. Harley is seven year old wrapped in a sixty year old woman's body. She has an old soul. They sex life really picked up with the roll play. I glad Marcus continued with therapy. He's scared that everybody was going to leave him. Then his mammy had the audacity of ask him bowl tickets for his brothers, who he hasn't met a day in life. Be for real lady. Mia and Marcus should have ran into Nathan that would have been the icing on the cake. I'm expecting a book from Stacie.
Ok, first off let me say I never despised a character as much as Nathan for what he said to Mia about her irregular periods situation. He let her and mama get attach and love on his daughter and the snatched her away from them. When Marcus saw Mia, he knew that she was the one. He applied pressure. I mean big pressure. She was protecting her heart from getting hurt again. I mean I get it. She was making Marcus pay for Nathan sins. She and her parents love Harley like she is their own. Harley is seven year old wrapped in a sixty year old woman's body. She has an old soul. They sex life really picked up with the roll play. I glad Marcus continued with therapy. He's scared that everybody was going to leave him. Then his mammy had the audacity of ask him bowl tickets for his brothers, who he hasn't met a day in life. Be for real lady. Mia and Marcus should have ran into Nathan that would have been the icing on the cake. I'm expecting a book from Stacie.
June 13, 2025
Feels!!!
“Trauma shows up, even when we’re striving to do the opposite”. This story was beautiful between Marcus and Mia. Marcus, a single father is simply trying to raise his daughter and care for his maternal grandmother. Marcus is also dealing with abandonment issues stemming from his childhood. Mia is dealing with settling for less and not being valued from a recent relationship with an ex who had challenges with honesty, etc. Once Marcus laid eyes on Mia it was INSTANT attraction-“All this fullness is mine and I’m going to make you a believer.” Mia tried to resist but the pressure he was laying on her was real and one thing led to another and that was all that was written. I enjoyed the journey both Mia and Marcus took individually with the help of a therapist and also the way they communicated their needs with one another. Marcus’s daughter Harley was the beauty of the entire book!!
“Trauma shows up, even when we’re striving to do the opposite”. This story was beautiful between Marcus and Mia. Marcus, a single father is simply trying to raise his daughter and care for his maternal grandmother. Marcus is also dealing with abandonment issues stemming from his childhood. Mia is dealing with settling for less and not being valued from a recent relationship with an ex who had challenges with honesty, etc. Once Marcus laid eyes on Mia it was INSTANT attraction-“All this fullness is mine and I’m going to make you a believer.” Mia tried to resist but the pressure he was laying on her was real and one thing led to another and that was all that was written. I enjoyed the journey both Mia and Marcus took individually with the help of a therapist and also the way they communicated their needs with one another. Marcus’s daughter Harley was the beauty of the entire book!!
December 14, 2025
Mia and Marcus, A Healing For Your Soul
Not Stacie and Roundtree playing football with each other!!!…🤣🤣🤣 Stacie got secrets she’s not sharing!!!…
I love the sisterhood of Mia, Kindness and Stacie!!!…What a beautiful support system and the calm when they are facing storms!!!…
Marcus came a long way and Dr Choice was dropping so many gems for him to heal and grow!!!…
We do not realize what we are carrying while trying so hard to not be like the ppl that failed us, hurt us or left us!!!…
Grandma Eddy was a wealth of wisdom and she left Marcus and Harley in good hands!!!…I knew she was getting tired when she kept saying she was resting her eyes!!!…She wanted to make sure her grandbabies were going to be fine!!!…
Marcus allowing some of his team mates close to him was the start of his healing the 10 year old boy that was left my his mother!!!…
I truly enjoyed this book and I knew that Mia and Marcus were going to be that couple to inspire you, all while healing you!!!…
Not Stacie and Roundtree playing football with each other!!!…🤣🤣🤣 Stacie got secrets she’s not sharing!!!…
I love the sisterhood of Mia, Kindness and Stacie!!!…What a beautiful support system and the calm when they are facing storms!!!…
Marcus came a long way and Dr Choice was dropping so many gems for him to heal and grow!!!…
We do not realize what we are carrying while trying so hard to not be like the ppl that failed us, hurt us or left us!!!…
Grandma Eddy was a wealth of wisdom and she left Marcus and Harley in good hands!!!…I knew she was getting tired when she kept saying she was resting her eyes!!!…She wanted to make sure her grandbabies were going to be fine!!!…
Marcus allowing some of his team mates close to him was the start of his healing the 10 year old boy that was left my his mother!!!…
I truly enjoyed this book and I knew that Mia and Marcus were going to be that couple to inspire you, all while healing you!!!…
September 10, 2025
Marcus knew his girl from the moment he saw her and that was that. Following the first book, I didn't think I would like following the exact same timeline from a different POV but it was done well. Reading fumbled into forever first, is mandatory to get the full experience. This is absolutely an instalove story so keep that in mind if it isn’t your thing.
While instalove can throw me, I appreciated the way the author added depth by addressing trauma, therapy, boundaries etc. Kudos to Mia for not letting their situation turn into a trauma bond because there was A LOT going on.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did sometimes struggle with the tense the author was using. Sometime it is present and sometimes past. I found myself re-reading sentences to see which one made sense in my head. There is definitely some repetition from book one, since we're following the same timeline but overall it didn't detract from the experience.
While instalove can throw me, I appreciated the way the author added depth by addressing trauma, therapy, boundaries etc. Kudos to Mia for not letting their situation turn into a trauma bond because there was A LOT going on.
Overall, I enjoyed this book. I did sometimes struggle with the tense the author was using. Sometime it is present and sometimes past. I found myself re-reading sentences to see which one made sense in my head. There is definitely some repetition from book one, since we're following the same timeline but overall it didn't detract from the experience.
June 4, 2025
Love it!!
I absolutely loved Marcus in the first book of this series and was happy when I found out he was getting his own book in the series!! I literally counted down the days to this book was released!!
Marcus, Mia, and Harley’s love story was simply amazing. Yes, I included Harley because as a single mom, your child is always part of your journey to love, life, and happiness.
Marcus loved Mia at first sight and Mia loved Harley at first sight. Pain, betrayal and insecurity did everything to keep this family apart but love, forgiveness, friendship, and therapy help them be the family they were created to be.
I recommend this to anyone who love a good urban sports romance!
I absolutely loved Marcus in the first book of this series and was happy when I found out he was getting his own book in the series!! I literally counted down the days to this book was released!!
Marcus, Mia, and Harley’s love story was simply amazing. Yes, I included Harley because as a single mom, your child is always part of your journey to love, life, and happiness.
Marcus loved Mia at first sight and Mia loved Harley at first sight. Pain, betrayal and insecurity did everything to keep this family apart but love, forgiveness, friendship, and therapy help them be the family they were created to be.
I recommend this to anyone who love a good urban sports romance!
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