Third and Long

Pawprints on My Heart #1

by Rebecca Minelga

A sweet, sports romance where love is a four-legged word
Trauma survivor, Abby Barclay, finds purpose in her life with her therapy dog, Gen, helping terminally ill children and their families deal with pain and loss. When a playground accident brings nine-year-old Dylan into her life, even Abby is surprised at the depth of the bond between the boy and her dog. Her relationship with him––as well as with his divorced father, Scott––soon grows into something beyond professional.
Threatened by Abby and Gen's close relationship with Dylan, Scott's ex-wife reopens their custody arrangement, forcing Scott to decide between his son and the woman he loves. To make matters worse, Gen receives a devastating prognosis.
As Abby weighs losing Scott, Dylan, and her beloved dog, she must decide whether loving anyone is worth the risk and whether she can find the courage to go on even if she loses everything.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance

347 pages, Paperback

Published January 9, 2026

About the author

Rebecca Minelga is an author and speaker who uses the power of words to navigate the liminal spaces between who we are and who we are becoming. She raises Guide Dog Puppies and two sons - in that order - with her husband just north of Seattle. When not writing, she can be found working with her Therapy Dog Santana, open water swimming in her local lake, or traveling the world on an adventure!

Reviews

[Bruce Buchanan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Talk about all the feels. THIRD AND LONG, a spice-free football-themed romance, had me crying, smiling, even cheering.

The story begins with Abby picking up the pieces of her life. She lost her husband in a tragic accident and sometimes, it feels like her beloved therapy dog Gen is the only thing keeping her going. A chance encounter with pro football star Scott kindles a spark. But Scott has his own issues. Beyond his demanding career, he’s dealing with the challenges of being a single dad–-and his ex is determined to make his life miserable.

The Abby-Scott relationship is well done, and romance fans certainly will enjoy it. But to this reader, Abby’s personal journey is the heart and soul of the book. It’s more than just finding a new love—THIRD AND LONG shows us how she heals from tragedy, to become whole again.

And Gen is a huge part of that journey. It’s no surprise that author Rebecca Minelga is a dog lover herself. In this story, the dog isn’t an accessory, but a vital part of the family. Gen gives and gets as much love as any other character—and the novel is far stronger for it.

Oh, and the football scenes are so well done! THIRD AND LONG had me thinking, “So what’s going to happen here? Are they going to score and win the game?” As a sports fan, I loved this element.

Chances are, you like romance, dogs or football. Maybe even all three. If you like any of these, I’d highly recommend THIRD AND LONG!

[Lindsay Keeling · Rating 5 out of 5]

A perfectly sweet football romance with unique tropes that will definitely leave your literary palate satisfied! I adored the characters in this book that Ms. Minelga brought to life so effortlessly. I am excited to read more of her work in the future!

[Susete Kunkel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible, talks about hard subjects, a very emotional read, but definitely amazing.
I am not the biggest fan of 3rd person books, but it was such a powerful read that I was able to completely ignore that.

[Adele · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a charming story! I wasn’t prepared to be as emotionally invested in all these characters as I was. I really enjoyed the many relationships and all their layers in this and everyone’s dynamic to each other. The story is about so much more than just Scott and Abby’s growing relationship, and Abby’s past felt like a character of its own, which really got me. This is the first in a series, and I’ll definitely be back for more!

Thanks to the author and Conquest Publishing for the ARC.

[Kelsey John Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a heart wrenching love story that will catch you by surprise more than once!

This is definitely a slow burn romance that takes its time evolving but once everything starts to take off it really goes. You’ll be crying and smiling by the end! Abby and Scott go through it all while figuring out their feelings, relationship and all the messy details in between.

A sweet story of loss, anger, trauma, love and everything in between. If you’re a fan of slow burn romance this is a must add to your TBR list!

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first Rebecca Minelga novel is filled with hope and promises of love and support through difficult times, and I loved it! It's a meaty story about "good things that come from devastating circumstances," touching on mental health, grief, divorce, parenting, and love when you least expect it. 

Abby is a trauma survivor navigating life with her adorable therapy dog, Gen. She's been on a rollercoaster ride called life for three years after an accident that flipped her world upside down. But just when she thought she was done with surprises, she meets Scott and his son, Dylan, and her world changes.

What I truly admire about Abby is her courage and unwavering kindness. She spends her time helping terminally ill children, providing emotional support with Gen by her side. It takes a special kind of strength to face the heart-wrenching reality of watching young kids struggle with illnesses. This is where Scott and Dylan come in, helping her bear the weight of such heartbreaking moments. I cried so hard at more than one of those moments.

Scott is an NFL quarterback and single dad who is a quintessential good guy: a devoted father, a patient partner, and just an all-around amazing human being. He takes his time, letting Abby become accustomed to their blossoming relationship, but is it wise when he and his son need her the most? Navigating life in the world of football can come with its own pitfalls, not to mention a vengeful ex-wife. The price of love can sometimes be steep, especially when the past comes knocking. 

Abby and Scott’s slow-burning romance is heartwarming. As Abby struggles with the loss of her husband, Scott stands by her, giving her the space she needs to heal. Their relationship shines when they kick doubts to the curb, even when their past challenges try to mess with their new beginning. I have to say I liked that Abby is a football fan, which strengthened her connection with Scott even more.

Not only did I enjoy the romance, but I also learned some things. The book taught me the difference between therapy and service dogs, as well as some intriguing football protocols. Plus, the characters surrounding Abby add so much depth to the story. Dylan, the boy with so much love to give, Cara, her best friend, who is the ultimate soundboard and voice of reason, and new friend Kelly, who helps Abby navigate the tricky waters of being a football WAG (Wives and Girlfriends). And, Lindsay, Scott’s ex, definitely knows how to stir the pot. Arghhhh!!

Rebecca Minelga pens a heartfelt journey through life's ups and downs, showing that we often don't have control over it. It’s beautiful, it's haunting, and it's raw. So, if you’re looking for your next memorable read, I highly recommend picking this one up.

Thank you to Ms. Minelga for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

For more of my reviews, visit The Eclectic Review.

[Brianne Ritchie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Make sure you have tissues nearby when you read this, because you'll get the whole rollercoaster of emotions!

The writing is phenomenal. I typically enjoy my romances with more fluff, but Scott and Abby's story is gripping and heartwarming. The insight into PTSD and grief that we get through Abby's character is raw and compelling. It's a welcome change to see the bad, the ugly, and the light at the end of the tunnel for topics and themes that are often glossed over or simplified to be more digestible. Abby's experience and arc felt incredibly realistic because of this.

Scott is a dreamboat. He's patient, compassionate, a great father, and a huge hunk. Dylan is a cutie patootie, and of course Gen is the real star of the show. ;)

Third and Long is a great match for you if you enjoy:
- gritty romances with page-turning tension
- PTSD and grief representation
- therapy dogs!!
- canine characters
- hateable antagonists
- female friendships
- loveable side characters
- slow burn romance with healthy communication
- football/sports romances
- cinnamon roll MMCs
- single dad romances

Content warnings:
swearing: mild swears infrequently throughout the book
spice: kisses only
potential triggers: I believe there's an author's note at the beginning that you'll want to read! Grief, PTSD, sickness of a pet (but the dog does NOT die), children with cancer and mentions of car accident and death (including that of a child) are the most major ones I think!

[Jenette Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Minelga’s Third and Long is a beautifully layered story that goes far beyond its sports setting to deliver a deeply emotional and human journey. At its core, this novel is about healing and finding love again.

The characters are unforgettable—not because they’re perfect, but because they’re real. They come with baggage, vulnerability, and hearts that have taken a few hits. Watching them grow, open up, and connect with one another is where the story truly shines. Their struggles feel authentic, and their small victories are deeply satisfying.

Minelga weaves in multiple storylines, but everything fits together effortlessly. Whether it’s personal grief, complicated relationships, or learning to trust again, each thread adds emotional depth without ever dragging the pace. There’s a warmth and honesty to her writing that makes the emotional moments hit just right—never overdone, always sincere.

Third and Long is more than a romance; it’s a reminder that love, in all its forms, can be a powerful force for redemption and renewal. If you’re looking for a story that resonates on an emotional level and leaves you with a full heart, this one’s worth the read.

[lucialeelibros · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know that feeling of emotional and spiritual emptiness a book can leave behind?
Yeah… that’s exactly how this one made me feel.

It was a full-on emotional rollercoaster — the kind that doesn’t warn you, just sweeps you up, flips you inside out, and leaves you staring into space wondering what just happened. The story didn’t feel like I was reading it. It felt like I was living it, quietly watching from the sidelines with my heart wide open.

I wasn’t ready for how deeply it would hit me, or how much I’d get pulled into it. It was beautiful.
And I was lucky enough to read this ARC — one I picked myself — and I couldn’t have chosen better. It was the perfect mix of sport romance, adorable dogs, and the sweetest little kid who stole the show (and my heart).

Thank you, Rebecca, for writing something so special. 🧡

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angela Michaels · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was a lot going on in this book.

We had football, therapy dogs, grief, children with cancer, custody issues…this book was a full beat.

And yet, there was little real development of the central relationship. You get to know the dog more than the humans. I was personally not ok with that.

The relationship seemed detached and strange in many ways. Won’t specify here bc this is not a spoiler review! But comment if you feel the same!

i couldn’t see as a reader how any real progress was being made.

Not enough football IMO to qualify for a football headline, and additionally, while it was somewhat addressed, be prepared to suspend a lot of disbelief about a person dating an NFL star.

This was just not it for me.

[Jeanette]

This is a wonderfully sweet book about loss and getting back to living. Abby takes her dog Gen to work with ill children and families dealing with loss and pain. A playground accident brings a nine year old boy into Abby & Gen's life. The dog and the little boy bond so easily, & it is heartwarming. A relationship starts between the little boys father and Abby. From there things get dicey.

I recommend this book, it is easy reading and heart warming despite the issues that the main characters encounter.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bridgette Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this arc because I read the blurb and thought It would be a great palate cleanser from my normal books, and let me tell you I was right!! Third and Long by Rebecca Minelga had me crying, laughing, and falling in love. I read this book in about two day (when I actually sat down to read it) it was easy to read and I didn't want it to end. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that is needing a feel good book with a little love and a smidge of drama. By the way I so did not like the ex wife, she was horrible!

[Sarah Floyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this wonderful, well-written story! It’s the first time in a very long time that I’ve found myself reading without skimming at all, which I must admit I tend to do when a story rambles. Third And Long is layered and emotional, with characters who are relatable and worth the time to get to know. The pace is perfect – plenty of twists and turns, and a compelling thread of blossoming romance. The high emotional stakes kept me completely engaged, and I absolutely fell in love with the dog character, Gen. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.

[Lisa Penninga · Rating 3 out of 5]

From pediatric patients to puppies to tragic losses, this book is a tearjerker! I think the best friend, Cara, and Gen, the therapy dog, won my heart more than the protagonists. I wanted to love them, and I did together, but between their baggage, and needs for therapy, it felt like a stretch for them to be happy. I loved the inclusion of so many important topics like co-parenting, pediatric cancer and dog therapy, widow life, and football training life. It was a lot to throw in one book, and overall, I felt like it all came together pretty well.

[OneMadReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very sweet and emotional book. First of all I would like to say that I am not a very big pet person, but the way Gen was written and how you could feel Abby's love for her dog coming off the page had me rooting for Gen in a way I didn't think was possible. The characters were all entertaining, yet there were such beautiful moments between characters that had me tearing up, which is something I do not experience with books often. Since this book deals with some heavier topics, I definetly suggest you check the trigger warnings listed at the begining of the book before you start reading in case anything could be triggering for you. 🫶

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice: 🌶️
Language: ! (one use of the b-word, a few uses of pissed, and one use of bad@ss)
Drug/Alchol Content: 🍺

*I received an advanced review copy for free from Net Gallery and the publisher, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Evy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Rebecca and I have to say, it was an emotional rollercoaster. The story really has depth and the author beautifully guides you through all their emotions. Both Scott and Abby have some struggles to fight through. You will feel so many things after finishing this one. I received a copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I’m curious to read other books by Rebecca.

[Sophie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via BookSirens. This in no way impacted on my view.

Abby is a former paramedic, who following the death of her husband now works with her therapy dog, Gen, to help those on the paediatric oncology ward at her local hospital. When they come across a young boy, Dylan, who falls in the park and breaks his arm, Abby becomes close with his dad, Scott, a football player. They both have been hurt in love before, but they can’t deny their connection. But are they willing to take the risk?

I quite enjoyed this book, though I definitely wasn’t expecting how emotional it was at times. I knew it was a sports romance, with a single father, but that was it. It had all of that, but also there were really hard hitting themes of the loss of a spouse, childhood illnesses and deaths, custody battles, and so much more. I really liked the chemistry between Abby and Scott, and how they formed a true family with Dylan and Gen. I do think the pacing was off at times - sometimes it seems to drag, and other times it was a little rushed, particularly with the ending. I am interested in reading what comes next from the author though.

[Booklvr89 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by how well this book hits you in the feels; be ready for an emotional ride that you'll love. I loved the characters dynamic and the sports romance tropes. This was very well done.

I received an advanced copy of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Damn ! I wasn’t expecting to find myself crying at this book! I love Abby and Dylan’s relationship and I don’t think I need to say I am a goner for Abby and Gen 🫶🏼
Thank you Rebecca for this story. It was beautiful 🥹

[Alba Dorado · Rating 5 out of 5]

Those vibes of the cover become in this recommendable read. I've loved the characters here. Overall: 4,5⭐

[Yesenia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Indulge in the beauty of this captivating read that undoubtedly deserves a spot on your bookshelf.

[Elise · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars

I like this book, the relationship was pretty cute between the both of them along with the dog and his son, I enjoyed my time reading this book

[Weltraumstaub]

DNF at 12%
No chemistry

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5


RTC

[Haley · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5

I loved this book! The story was heartwarming and you really felt drawn into the main characters life. This book gave me all the feels. Frustration, joy, excitement, giddiness and sadness.

[Melissa Kastner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clean Romance on heartbreak and the ability to find love again.

The characters are flawed with past experiences and traumas the prevent them from moving forward or trusting others.

Scott can be selfish thinking only of how things will affect him and his son, which I get.

Abby is so caught up in her own trauma she shuts out those that love her except for her therapy dog.

But have growing to do.

I liked the characters but at times in the beginning feel like their relationship was natural or easy. But it did get better.

I did like this book and wanted them to have a HEA.

This was an ARC and I’m giving my review freely.