The Hearts We Fumble

arc brother-s-best-friend reverse-grumpy-sunshine

How is it the end of Braysen U? This is the series that found me Brooke O'Brien and captured my heart. I can't believe it's over, but also- thank you Brooke for giving us Wyatt and Zane!!

I loved how we had two REAL storylines going on here. The brother's best friend vibe is one I am ALWAYS here for and it was so good. These two have been dancing around each other for years and literally everyone knows it. I loved that this was just so much fun to read, but there wasn't any over the top moment with it. When Zane decided he was in, he was 100% in and that made for such a good time!

The other storyline we had was so football rooted. If you went to any university with football, you know how intense rivalries can be. I loved following the story between Braysen and Keaton, plus we got some good Texas football with the Kolmont game at the end. Reading through these (now 4) football players as they get through their college careers and enter the draft felt so like real life for me. I loved how well written it was.

Overall, fantastic series. And she's writing hockey now! It's going to be a wild freaking ride and I can't wait!

Thank you to Brooke + Team for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Lisa Hambridge (lisamareebooks1109)

705 reviews7 followers

Thank you to Brooke for the ARC.

This book was full of banter, spice, angst, and forbidden feelings between the two main characters. Zane and Wyatt were main characters that were brilliantly written, I loved their character development and how they interacted with each other. There were moments that I absolutely loved, the interactions between Zane and Wyatt were full of chemistry, and I enjoyed their banter and their romantic moments. This book proved that Brooke is an amazing author.

This series has been brilliant, and this book was a great addition to the Braysen University series.

Sandy

337 reviews3 followers

This was honestly the cutest college football romance ever—with some seriously amazing smut! It’s the perfect mix of brother’s best friend, secretly-in-love, and that “we’re both idiots but meant for each other” kind of vibe. Watching them work through their insecurities and finally realize they’ve always felt the same way? So satisfying. The emotional growth between them was beautiful and empowering, and their love felt so real. Such a lovely, feel-good read—I adored it!

Michelle

2 reviews

May 7, 2025

all they did was have sex. didn’t feel any actual connection between them because every other chapter it was just 30 pages of spicy scenes. I’m not against that but at least do it while building an actual connection between them.

Cigi cini

678 reviews49 followers

April 13, 2025

✓ Brother's Best Friend
✓ Teammate's Sister
✓ Reverse Grumpy/Sunshine
✓ Football
✓ Small College Town
✓ Interconnected Standalone

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25

Brooke O’Brien delivers a swoony, angsty, and heartfelt sports romance in The Hearts We Fumble, a story packed with hometown nostalgia, forbidden love, and secrets that threaten to unravel everything. Set under the Friday night lights of a small football-obsessed town, this novel beautifully balances the heat of first love with the weight of unresolved history.

Zane Kinnick is the town’s golden boy—football star, future NFL pick, and hometown hero. But behind the fame and expectations is a young man burdened by pressure and haunted by choices he’s made. And at the centre of those choices is the girl he’s always wanted but never let himself have.

She’s the girl next door. His best mate’s sister. And the one-line Zane swore he’d never cross. But that boundary crumbled one unforgettable night, only to be followed by heartbreak and silence. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, Zane can no longer keep pretending he doesn’t want her—and she’s no longer content to be a bystander in his story.

Brooke O’Brien masterfully captures the emotional push-and-pull between Zane and Wyatt, layering their slow-burn connection with longing, tension, and a touch of danger. The chemistry between them is undeniable, but what makes the romance shine is the depth of their bond—years of friendship, quiet yearning, and love denied.

What adds to the story’s edge is the central rivalry that goes beyond the football field. A simmering conflict with Zane’s longtime rival adds suspense and emotional weight, creating a subplot that keeps the pages turning. The secrets buried beneath the surface—about loyalty, betrayal, and family—eventually explode, leading to a climax that is both gut-wrenching and satisfying.

Brooke O’Brien’s writing is sharp and emotionally resonant, with just the right blend of heartache and hope. The small-town setting adds warmth and charm, and the sports backdrop provides tension and drama without overshadowing the romance. Fans of brother’s-best-friend and second-chance tropes will be hooked from the first page.

The Hearts We Fumble is a powerful story about fighting for love when everything—including the past—tries to get in the way. It’s tender, sexy, and full of emotional depth. An absolute touchdown of a romance.

arc

Book Nerdy 2020

680 reviews7 followers

THE HEARTS WE FUMBLE By Brooke O'Brien

Football rules everything in our small town. Under the stadium lights of the Gridiron, no one plays under more pressure than Zane Kinnick—the hometown legend and future NFL star who’s spent his life proving he’s built for the spotlight.
And me? I’ve always been the one risk he wasn’t willing to take.
I’ve loved Zane for as long as I can remember. My next-door neighbor. My brother’s best friend. The boy who swore I was off-limits.
For years, he kept me at a distance—until the night we finally gave in.
Then he walked away like it never happened.
Now, he’s done pretending. The stolen glances have turned into lingering touches. The tension we ignored is finally snapping. And for the first time, he’s tearing down all the walls he’s built between us.
But we aren’t the only ones holding on to the past. His rival is out for blood, using me and the people he loves to get inside his head, feeding him lies, and twisting the truth.
Because this rivalry? It’s not only about football.
It’s about secrets that refuse to stay buried. And when the truth finally comes out, it won’t just change the game—it’ll shake up his world.

😊What i liked -

✔ Brother's Best Friend/Sports/Reverse Grumpy-Sunshine/Small Town.
✔ This was a roller coaster ride of a book.
✔ It was emotional, angsty, Love, friendship and loyalty.
✔ I loved reading Wyatt's and Zane's story. They had chemistry and their banter was h*t.
✔ I loved a few side characters too.
✔ Oh my god, I was so not expecting that plot twist.

🤔What could have been better-

✔ I love smut, but it could have been tuned down a little bit in this.

📚Who Should read :
👶Beginners
💝Romance Lover
💏Brother's Best Friend Romance
🏈Sports Romance

📈M y Rating : 4.5/5

Thank you, Brooke O'Brien and The Author Agency, for a copy.

World Of Books 65

3,225 reviews60 followers

April 25, 2025

With a bittersweet heart, we say goodbye to Brooke O’Brien’s marvellous Braysen U series, and what a send-off it is. The Hearts We Fumble, the fourth and final installment, delivers everything fans of this football romance world have come to crave—deep emotional stakes, heart-pounding passion, unbreakable friendships, and hard-fought happily ever afters.

Zane and Wyatt’s long-awaited story is the epitome of the “brother’s best friend” trope done right. Their chemistry is magnetic, built on years of buried feelings, silent longing, and one unforgettable night where Zane let his guard down—only to put it right back up. But fate has other plans. When Wyatt finds herself at a rival’s campus party and Zane comes to her rescue, the line he’s held for so long snaps. From that moment on, all bets are off.

Wyatt has always loved Zane, but she’s learned to bury her feelings. Watching that dam break—and seeing Zane finally stop fighting what’s been brewing for years—was an emotional whirlwind. Their love story unfolds at a spine-tingling pace, equal parts angsty and swoony, and laced with the kind of raw vulnerability that lingers.

But what truly sets this book apart is the poignant secondary storyline involving Zane’s father—a twist that sneaks up on you and hits right in the heart. It’s woven so seamlessly into the plot that it elevates the entire story, adding depth and emotional grit that resonates.

As always, O’Brien’s portrayal of the Braysen U team dynamic shines. This isn’t just a team—it’s a family. Their bond, their loyalty, their unwavering support for one another makes this series unforgettable.

The Hearts We Fumble is a powerful finale, rich in passion, layered emotion, and the kind of storytelling that stays with you long after the final whistle blows. Brooke O’Brien, you’ve given us a series to cherish. Bravo.

Amanda

393 reviews12 followers

The Hearts We Fumble is your quintessential best friend's little sister book. Zane is looking towards the future of the NFL with hopes of leaving his small town. The small town that centers around football and championships. Zane is dealing with trying to impress his father (retired professional player) and never gets the acceptance he is looking for. While coming back from an injury that could have been career ending, Zane spots Wyatt near the sports medicine facility.

*Cue the flashback*

One night where they crossed the line and now Wyatt is just a distant memory.

Wyatt is finishing up college and having to move back home due to her room mate leaving unexpectedly.

Wyatt is trouble with a capital ‘T’ where Zane is concerned. Zane has always been around as he is Wyatt’s older brother’s best friend. Now Wyatt is right next door to Zane. How will he keep his distance? Well, he doesn't; he walks right into the fire and right to Wyatt. Flames a blazing.

Zane and Wyatt have a ‘eff it’ moment where they argue and finally get to the bottom of why Wyatt and Zane cannot stand one another after they used to be so close.

The Hearts We Fumble focuses on the challenges of hiding a relationship from your family and friends all the while managing your personal crap (parents, school, graduation). Overall an easy read and enjoyable for anyone who gobbles up sports romance like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

romance sports

Aspen G

1,679 reviews5 followers

The Hearts We Fumble is an epic series conclusion filled with sparks, tension, subplots, emotion, action, and beautiful connection. I absolutely adore Wyatt and Zane’s history as we finally discover it page by page. Their long-awaited and much-anticipated reveal had me hooked with its first scene through to the last. Wyatt is such a complex and amazing young woman with a heart of gold, a solid sense of self, and so much hurt from her past. Zane is equally matched for her in so many ways, working through his own hurts and the pressures of being a college football star. I love that no matter the circumstances, they turn to each other—whether it’s outside forces at play and even when they are struggling with their feelings for one another. The electric connection that lights up between Zane and Wyatt is palpable, and I love how their friends and families come together no matter who is going through what to help and support each other. I enjoyed how the author wove the various plot lines together taking us through each moment of the angst, action, and steam to provide a satisfying ending to this novel and the series. With all the feels and so much more, I am sad to be leaving this amazing group of characters but man, what a ride it has been!

Crystal Smith

921 reviews57 followers

April 26, 2025

Brothers best friend is my favorite trope and this book did not disappoint at all!

Zane is a college football player who has tried to live up to his father’s expectations his entire life. He is really hard on himself and tries to be perfect. He has also hidden how he feels about his best friend, neighbor, and best friends sister. He has tried pushing her away, but when he sees her walking out of a frat house, he becomes a bit possessive.

Wyatt is sassy and I love her. She isn’t going to take crap from anyone. She has cared about her best friend and brothers friend/teammate since they were young. But he has made it clear he didn’t feel the same, or so he says.

When Zane and Wyatt finally allow each other to give into their attraction and desires it is hot and electric. They can’t keep their hands off one another. The connection is deep and not just physical, they both seem to ground one another. It’s funny because when people find out, they all said about time. 😆

This book has some twits I did not see coming. It was a nice little surprise. I love that these two care about each other and want to be together no matter what.

4⭐️
3🌶️

Kayla Smith

96 reviews

5⭐️
5❤️
5🌶️ (This is a sweet spice)

Zane & Wyatt’s story is the ultimate love burn best-friends-to-lovers ride, and I was HERE for every messy, steamy, emotional second! 🥰

They start off as tight as can be—until one moment flips everything. Zane? He spirals. Gets all up in his head and shoves Wyatt away (boy, WHY). But our girl? She’s strong, fierce, and doesn’t take his BS. She may have always wanted him, but she’s not about to settle for crumbs. 🍞

And THEN. Zane SNAPS. And let me tell you—WHEW. It’s hot. Like fan-yourself, blush-while-reading, scream-into-a-pillow hot. 🥵

Yes, it’s a sports romance, but this is 100% their LOVE story. The connection. The pining. The tension. And the DIRTY TALK—from both of them?! MY. GOD. Brooke O’Brien understood the assignment and absolutely delivered. 💌

If you love friends-to-lovers, angsty push-and-pull, and a hero who redeems himself HARD—this one’s for you.

Read it. Obsess over it. Thank me later. 🫡

#TheHeartsWeFumble #BrookeOBrien #ZaneAndWyatt #FriendsToLovers #SportsRomance #SpicyReads #BookReview #RomanceReads #Bookstagram

Sharon Jones

2,015 reviews15 followers

April 21, 2025

How is it that this is the final book in the series and I never knew of its existence until now?? After finishing Zane & Wyatt’s story I am determined that I will go and read the previous books as this one was just that good.
I am a big fan of sports romance novels, and this was what drew me to this book in the first place. But I have to say that it was the brother’s best friend trope that really had me invested. Then when you add in the teammates trope and also the next door neighbor one as well I was just about giddy reading everything unfold.
I really enjoyed the two main characters. I usually tend to favor one over the other but in this case I couldn’t split them. Both grew so much throughout the story and even though they are still quite young, they continuously showed a maturity well beyond their years.
Not a surprise, but I ended up loving everything about this book, and I wish I could go back and reread it again like it was the first time around.

Corey Logan

220 reviews6 followers

I am a complete sucker for sports romance and football is definitely up there as my favourite. This Braysen U series just gets better and better - and dare I say it - I think Zane and Wyatt are one of my total favourites.

A brother’s best friend trope gets me every damn time and the sneaking around and suspense of getting caught always has me on edge.

I love our strong, protective and slightly broken Zane. His dad is a real piece of work and his struggles of achieving perfection make you cheer so hard for him.

Wyatt is loud and proud and yet a little lost trying to figure out what she wants while battling those inner voices that always cast doubt and insecurities.

Brooke saved the best for last and although I’m so sad to see this series end- we went out with a bang (pun intended hah)

Kristina Maysonet

1,736 reviews34 followers

brothers-best-friend college football

The Hearts We Fumble by Brooke O’Brien is a swoony, angsty small-town sports romance that brings the perfect blend of heart, heat, and hometown tension. It is book 5 in the Braysen U series but can be read as a standalone.

Zane Kinnick is the golden boy quarterback with a heavy past. The one girl he’s never stopped wanting is his best friend’s sister, Wyatt. Wyatt is hurt by the one night that changed everything. Now she wants nothing to do with Zane & tries to avoid him but he keeps finding her. The chemistry they’ve tried to ignore is impossible to resist and Zane is determined to get Wyatt to trust him again.

Zane and Wyatt’s connection leaps off the page with their chemistry and their banter. Their journey from friends to something more was absolutely captivating. There is also some football rivalry and family secrets that could unravel everything.

Laurenreadingrecs

603 reviews39 followers

April 19, 2025

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes:
💙Brother’s Best Friend
🏈Teammates sister
💙small town
🏈sports romance
💙angst
🏈dual pov

The Hearts we Fumble is Book 5 in the Braysen U series from author Brooke O Brien and gives us Zane and Wyatt’s story. The is an interconnected standalone to this series, and I was here for all of it .

Zane & Wyatt's story, well they start off ok.. trying to make a go of it. Both have feelings for each other .. but Wyatt has always had these feelings for Zane. Zane makes a stupid decision and decides he’s not into it and steps back

Fast forward Wyatt has now put Zane on the I hate you list and What does Zane do…

He decides enough is enough and he’s sick of fighting his feelings and he’s not just going after a career in the NFL… he’s gonna get the girl too

Now let’s add in some family secrets, found family and all the angst and emotions you would get and that’s exactly what Brooke has woven together in this story.

I absolutely loved this one.

Ariana Martin

407 reviews

This was a fun read. I’m sad it’s the last book in Braysen U. But it was a great way to finish. Seeing all the characters happy and settling into their lives and relationship was great. Plus Wyatt and Zane finding their HEA was a great way to end.

Their lives are chaotic and the secrets they carry burden them. Finding each other and learning to depend on and find peace with each other helps them deal with their burdens in life.
There is a lot of emotional upset and uncovering of secrets.

It’s a nice spin on girl next door along with brother’s best friend. It’s a relationship years in the making. And them having the solid foundation of friendship made their relationship that much sweeter.

I received this as an ARC for free. I am voluntarily leaving this review.

Sarah Oliver

1,030 reviews6 followers

April 13, 2025

This was an angsty and steamy read. The magnetism between Wyatt and her brother's best friend, Zane, was powerful and their chemistry was explosive. Initially I found Zane difficult to like, and was frustrated with the snarky and uncomfortable push and pull between the pair, however once Zane had an abrupt change of heart I settled in to enjoy watching their relationship grow from strength to strength. I would have preferred a little less steam and little more of their backstory, however ultimately this was a spicy and sweet read, with cameos from all the couples we have enjoyed in the Braysen U series, plenty of family and sporting drama, and a satisfying and swoony ending.

I was lucky to receive an early copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Samantha Jernigan

137 reviews

I can’t believe the Braysen U series is ending. I have loved all of these stories and get so excited seeing everyone’s name pop up. But, I think Zane and Wyatt’s story was the perfect one to close the series out. I’m a sucker for a second chance and everyone loves a brother’s best friend. Zane and Wyatt are perfection. You can feel their love through the pages. Plus, I’d venture to say, they are even our spiciest couple 🥵

I loved the journey for all the couples of Brayson U and I look forward to what @authorbrookeobrien has coming next!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

Lou Li Reads

471 reviews11 followers

April 18, 2025

Did Brooke save the best couple til last for the series, she absolutely did! Zane and Wyatt finally getting their HEA in the most spectacular way, ALL the spice. Loved both these characters to pieces, Wyatt and her quietly confidence ways and Zane with his head finally screwed on to see what was right in front of him. He was all in as soon as he decided enough was enough, so great to read of their emotional maturity given their age in this. A sports romance with no third act breakup - what a way to finish the series - a brilliant read!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

arc_reads

Peggy Hogan

1,246 reviews15 followers

The Hearts We Fumble is a brother's best friend and teammate, sports romance, and is part of the Braysen U series by Brooke O'Brien. This is Zane and Wyatt's story. I have fallen in love with every single one of these characters in the series! I can't get enough! This one is so good! I love this author's writing style and storytelling! Zane and Wyatt were so good together. I loved how they could talk to each other about anything, so that there were no misunderstandings. The whole story was fantastic, and I would highly recommend it with way more than five stars!

Kylee

2,991 reviews60 followers

The Hearts We Fumble was the perfect way to end this series. Wyatt and Zane's story is one that is filled with history, chemistry and so much emotion. There is also plenty of tension and angst to add more depth to an already captivating storyline. The connection between the characters has strength and it is a slow burn romance filled with drama and secrets. Their story will keep you on the edge of your seat as you watch the wall that Zane has built up between them get torn down brick by brick.

Kelsey Ray

353 reviews

College student Wyatt kissed her brother’s best friend/football teammate Zane two years ago, but then he walked away. Now, he is back in her life. Will they fumble the pass or score?

I really enjoyed this one! The chemistry between these two was sizzling. I definitely appreciate a “f it” moment and a possessive mmc. The spice was very, very nice…I loved how varied it was and not just the same over/over/over. The side characters added instead of taking away. This is the last of a series that can be read as a standalone but probably best to read in order if possible. Five stars!⭐️

Danielle Robbins

2,941 reviews12 followers

The Hearts We Fumble is book four in the series and was a good read. Wyatt has been in love with Zane, her neighbor and brother's best friend for a long time. They both have been dancing around their feelings for each other for years. Zane is done pretending and is all in and will stop at nothing to get his girl. I loved Zane and Wyatt's chemistry and connection. Their relationship was cute and they were sizzling together! Loved them.

Erin Stapel

727 reviews17 followers

Chealsey (Grace_lynn_reads)

I could not get enough of this series and it's bittersweet that it has come to an end. Zane and Wyatt were given to us in this book and their story is filled with chemistry, banter, with a hint of secretly-in-love vibe. A friend to lovers' book that was brilliantly done. Fun, romantic, passionate, and emotional. This series was perfect from beginning to end and Brooke really delivered those happily ever after's that we all craved so badly.

2025

Domi

93 reviews

April 18, 2025

The Hearts We Fumble had my heart racing from page one! Small-town, and a broody football star who finally stops fighting fate? Yes please.

Zane and his "she’s off-limits" energy gave all the slow-burn angst, and when it finally snapped? Whew

This is the kind of romance that mixes tension, heartache, and undeniable chemistry with just the right dose of drama. Brooke O’Brien nailed the brother’s best friend trope perfectly.

107 reviews2 followers

I can’t believe that this is the last book in the Braysen U series! 😭 I love this series so much. It is one of my favorites! Wyatt and Zane were so, so cute. The chemistry between them was on fire and the spice was *chefs kiss* perfect. I loved it! I really enjoyed this book and definitely recommend.

I read an advanced copy and this is my honest opinion.

K Webz

1,886 reviews

I have been hooked on this series from the beginning and while I am sad to see it end, she saved the best couple for last. Zane and Wyatt are phenomenal together. The history between these two is apparent, along with the feelings they both have and when Zane decides he can’t stay away anymore….it is explosive!

Rebekah Ninneman

66 reviews

April 17, 2025

"I couldn't put this book down. The banter, the mutual pining, the spice, and the tension between the two. I loved it!!! Can't wait to read more from Brooke. Zane and Wyatt were the cutest couple."

Megan Fraser

81 reviews1 follower