Tight Ends & True Crime

Houston Pumas #2

by Ranee S. Clark, J.D. Tomlinson (Narrator), Amelia Hugh (Narrator)

Falling for my football star vacation fling? Inevitable. Unless he turns out to be a murderer…

Okay, that's unlikely. But after my straight-laced, seemingly upstanding ex turned out to be an international drug dealer, trust doesn't come easily.

Enter Law Card, the new Houston Pumas tight end, your typical boy-next-door. He's maddeningly patient with my suspicious, true-crime obsessed self. But he has "too good to be true" written all over him.

If there's one thing I know, it's that everyone has something to hide.

Now, Law's neighbor's wife is MIA. All my instincts say something feels off, but Law thinks I'm taking my suspicions too far. I'm letting my doubts spill into our budding relationship and threatening my chance at a real happily-ever-after.

Trusting him could cost me everything. Not trusting him could break my heart.

Tight Ends & True Crime is a swoon-worthy sports romance with a mystery twist inspired by Jane Austen's Northanger Abbey. Listeners will enjoy the crime-fighting shenanigans, slow-burn chemistry, some forced proximity, and found family vibes.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Sports Romance, Clean Romance, Audiobook, Mystery, Football

8 pages, Audible Audio

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

During her early years of reading, Ranee` S. Clark devoured fantasy books, which continued into her adulthood—since she often believes that a well-written romance novel is a delightful fantasy. Though raising three boys can sometimes hamper both romance with her own Mr. Charming and her writing, she tries to get a little of both in every day. And most of the time she succeeds.

Reviews

[Southern Lady Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This needs a little editing for flow and dialogue. I actually really like the premise but would like to see a little more work.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

Cary was an issue… like a major issue.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sweet and delightful story! Raneé writes such engaging and heartwarming stories, and this is another winner for her.

I really loved Carlie and Law. The romance between them unfolds gradually, making their relationship all the more believable. Law was such a sweetheart, and I loved how patient and supportive he was with Carlie and the insecurities she felt because of her ex.

I really enjoyed the appearances of characters from the previous book in the series, and as someone who enjoys true crime, the mystery elements in the story added an extra fun twist, making this book a page-turner.

You can expect—
Dual POV
Football romance
Mystery twist
Inspired by Northanger Abbey
forced proximity
found family

This is book 2 in the Houston Pumas Sports Romance series but can be read as a standalone.

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

[Lyon.Brit.andthebookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delightful surprise. When I first saw the title my interest was definitely piqued and then read that is had a “Northanger Abbey” inspired twist and I was 💯 in!

A first for me by Ranee and definitely not my last. TIGHT ENDS & TRUE CRIME is book 2 in the Houston Pumas Sports Romance Series and I felt totally fine reading out of order… which usually isn’t my jam but I’m excited to circle back to the first one!

Much like Northanger Abbey Ranee has written a very atmospheric setting. Opening up with a vacation in Hawaii where Ex Preschool teacher Carlie meets Law the new tight end for the Pumas… their connection is instant but is a slow burn as they get acquainted with one another. As vacation comes to an end they both return to Houston where Carlie and Law continue getting to know each other while he starts practices with his new team and Carlie begins a nanny position for Law’s friend/neighbor. What started as a promising position quickly turns south when Carlie’s true crime obsession kicks in to gear and she quickly becomes paranoid of the happenings inside the house she is nannying for.

Bits…
Hawaii 🌺
Texas 🤠
Football 🏈
Preschool teacher —> Nanny 👩🏼‍🏫
True crime enthusiast 🖤
Sleuthing 🔎
Eerie vibes 🫣
Found Family
Sibling love 🫶🏼

Thank you Ranee S. Clark for a copy!

Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Lyon.brit.A...

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Law & Carlie's sweet, suspicious, caring, intense, funny, loving, swoony happily ever after!!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

This Austen inspired novel had it all....a quirky, imaginative heroine...a super sexy, kind, understanding and strong hero....and a mystery that kept me intrigued. It was also good to see characters from the first book, although this could be read as a stand alone. Highly recommend this sweet and clean romance:)

[Nanci · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I thought the book started well but then I got sooo tired of it. Round and round. I didn't like the main female character. She reminded me of Mrs. Cravitz in Bewitched. That's not a compliment in any way.

[Rhonda 🌒🌕🌘 🐈‍⬛ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kinda funny but ultimately missed the mark if this was supposed to be a romcom

[Kenzi · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book in this series, but was a bit disappointed with this one. Everything just happened so dang fast and I didn’t really like some of the characters and some things were just strange to me

[Sheena Kawamura · Rating 2 out of 5]

So long

So long and drawn out and soooo much cringe with Carlies actions, ugghhhhh. Swoony Law though, and happy ending was cute.

[Jaida · Rating 5 out of 5]

✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎ ᯓ  ✈︎

🏈~Genres~🏈
Contemporary/Rom Com/Dual POV/Sports
Romance

Trusting him could cost me everything. Not trusting him could break my heart.

🌺~Characters~🌺
(Carlie "car") FMC she used to be a preschool teacher. She was super into true crime and she was really good with kids and I really liked her even if she was a little dumb lol.

(Lawson "Law") MMC He is the new Houston Pumas Tight end. He's really good with kids, He is protective, and he Reads. I liked him.

(Ivy) LAW'S BEST FRIEND she was a life coach so that's kinda cool I don't think I've ever read a book with a character having that job. I liked her well enough

(Chad) LAW'S NEIGHBOR & CARLIE'S BOSS
He is a a trauma surgery consultant so he has long hours and could be called in to work at any time day or night so Carlie has to work a lot. He was ok.

(Shelby) ZOEY AND SCARLETT'S MOM she isn't exactly in the picture anymore because she never wanted kids so she just up and left.

(Zoey) CHAD'S DAUGHTER
She was three years old and sO cUtE! Carlie is the nanny to both of these little girls.

(Scarlett) CHAD'S DAUGHTER she was four years old (five in three months) she was so sarcastic and cute! I love little kids.

(Liz "Mimi") SCARLETT & ZOEYS GRANDMA she was just a nice older lady.

(Jenna) CARLIE'S SISTER I liked her but she was annoying at times because she sees any type of help as charity and doesn't want it.

(Devin) JENNA'S HUSBAND he was ok I don't really have much to say about him.

(Hudson) CARLIE'S NEPHEW he was eight years old which is a great age and he was cute I liked him.

(Ian) CARLIE'S NEPHEW he was a little four year old and was so cute!

(Ruby) CARLIE'S NIECE this little two year old was bossy but so cute All the kids where so cute.

(Jett) LAW'S TEAMMATE He's the quarterback for the Houston Pumas.i liked him he was funny and nice.

(Ava) JETT'S FIANCE I liked her she was so supportive and energetic when it came to Jett's football.

(Caleb) CARLIE'S TWIN BROTHER he was funny I liked him.

(Malcolm) LAW'S BROTHER he was boring.

(Mrs. Card) LAW'S MOTHER she wasn't a very good mom pressuring her sons to be politicians like she is.

(Xavier) CARLIE'S EX he got arrested for being a drug dealing kingpin and that lead to them breaking up because obviously.

📚~Quotes~📚
I’m not a love-at-first-sight kind of guy, but there was definitely a spark.

Law dons a pair of sunglasses, and the effect makes me want to fan my face. Keeping my distance could be hard when he looks this good.

But daaang, this man is hot—and a baby in his arms? I can’t even right now.

Is falling for a guy because he’s adorable with kids cliché? Because it’s happening to me right now.

“Would you mind if the kids come along? Probably Jenna and Devin too. I promised to help with them tomorrow since I had today to myself.” His expression doesn’t even drop. His smile grows wider, and I am so smitten.

✈️~What I liked~✈️
The close family relationships (Carlie's family), the friendships, The little kids, the epilogue omg, it made me think of those Taylor swift lyrics "he jokes that it's heroin but this time an e" (her ex was a drug dealer)

🎮~What I disliked~🎮
Can't think of anything this was great.

🔦~Content/Trigger Warnings~🔦
Drugs mentioned, Characters drink (All adults), death of a parent, Parental abandonment, Talk of murder, Lots of talk about crime, child death talked about, Blood, medical stuff is mentioned, Death during surgery, drug abuse, a character is addicted to drugs and alcohol.

🧳~Language~🧳
OMG, S-xy, Dang, oh. My. Gosh BS

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carlie, a kindergarten teacher with a true crime obsession and trust issues, thanks to an ex-fiancé, and Lawson (aka Law) Card, the charming Houston Pumas tight end who seems almost too perfect, meet on vacation in Hawaii. There's an instant attraction and undeniable chemistry with them, and they decide to continue to see each other when they return to Texas.

There's so much to like about this sweet sports romance:
* Law doesn't hide how he feels about Carlie
* Carlie as a nanny
* The banter
* The mystery
* Dual POV
* The bathtub scene (IYKYK)

Carlie's inner monologue is hilarious, and her love for true crime adds a unique twist to the usual sports romance. Law is the perfect mix of patient, sweet, and totally irresistible, making it impossible not to root for him. If you love sports romance with a side of suspense, lovable characters, and plenty of humor, this is the book for you!

This is the second book in the Houston Pumas Sports romance series but it can be read as a standalone. I received a complimentary copy. All opinions in this review are my own.

[Kim Golding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, man! What a cute book! Tight Ends & True Crime is the 2nd book in the Houston Pumas Romance series. After loving the first book The Comeback, I was super excited to read this one!

Carlie, a true crime, junkie, has recently left her job as a preschool teacher when she meets Law (the new tight end for the Pumas) while in Maui for a wedding. There is immediate attraction on both ends, but after being burned by her last relationship, Carlie isn’t sure she’s ready to trust again.

This book was so much fun! Carlie’s past relationship, coupled with her obsession with True Crime stories made her extra nosey and super paranoid—especially about the disappearance of her new boss’s wife who he refuses to talk about. Law is such a great guy and is SO patient with Carlie both in his willingness to take things slow and regarding her suspicions about his friend & neighbor Chad!

Such a cute story! You don’t want to miss this one!

[LESLIE J (mrsj_readsbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to Ranee Clark for my complimentary arc of Tight Ends & True Crime. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I really liked this slow moving sweet romance. The book opens in Hawaii and the scenery is gorgeous. Ranee makes mention in the author's note of the devastation of the Lahaina fires.
Make sure to read it.

Carlie and Law both have secrets and (thankfully) they are able to overcome some pretty intense miscommunication scenes in order to move forward. Building trust in a relationship takes time, and Ranee does a wonderful job of showing both the positives (and negatives) of getting to know someone.

This was a fun combination of mystery and sports romance. While it is the second book in the series, it can be ready as a stand alone. You won't be confused, but you will have lots of spoilers from the first book. Do yourself a favor and read both!

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book. Not predicable at all. All the side characters arcs ended differently than I thought but still good. Way too many times I caught myself speaking to Carlie saying "no don't do it!" She had a desire to solve mysteries and she saw them everywhere. I'll just say she's not as stealthy as she thinks she is.
Clean romance and no bad language. So I was just able to sit back and enjoy it without cringing.
Rating: PG, triggers: the FMC's past fiancé was a drug dealer so there is some talk about drugs, being duped by the one you love, self doubt, trust issues, independent to a fault when refusing help, etc.

[Jenni Moeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a fan of the main character. I wanted better for Law and couldn’t understand why he stayed with her craziness. I also don’t understand why everyone tried so hard to convince Jenna to let her brother buy her a house… she wasn’t comfortable with that and I wouldn't be either.

This book is loosely based on Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen, and the movie was also mentioned in the book, so I’ve decided to *try* reading that classic next. 😜

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A modern day Northanger Abbey. I listened to it as an audiobook, the narrators did a great job. The story was compelling with a sweet romance and a bit of a mystery.

[Alexia Coenen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The pacing of this book was very strange.
Carly is also sooooo nosy.

[Tanisha Burnett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes two of your favorite things don’t belong in a book together.

[faye ✮ (reading slump) · Rating 5 out of 5]

— 5 stars ✰

: ̗̀➛ It took me awhile to get into this book because of the slow burn, but as I kept reading the plot became more exciting and fun. I really enjoyed seeing Carlie and Law together. Their chemistry was so nice and I found myself wishing for more moments between them. Eventhough it's a closed-door romance, the connection between them still felt strong and sweet. The mystery element in the story was a great addition too. It made the book more interesting. The ending was unexpected honestly lol, but I still enjoyed it a lot!

࣪𖤐.ᐟ tropes:
🏈 clean football romance
🏈 a bit slowburn
🏈 true crime shenanigans
🏈 dual pov
🏈 found family

[DayDreamer8912 · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3/5
Genre: Clean/Sports Romance
🚨TW: mentions about drug dealing, anxieties, controlling parent, snooping+watching someone every move.

Read it if you like
🏈 Dual POV
🏈 sports romance
🏈 mystery twist
🏈 inspired by “Northanger Abbey”
🏈 crime-fighting shenanigans
🏈 forced proximity
🏈 found family
Favourite Moments
🏈 They first meet.
🏈 Moments with the children
🏈 Moments with her grandma and her family
🏈 Him being there for her to help her in her insecurities.
🏈 Their sweet mini dates (can’t spoil it)
🏈 Ivy and Caleb hehe…
🏈 Mysteries lurking (can’t spoil it)
(and lots more)

Swoony Moments
🏈 He love her at first sight.
🏈 He cares and worried for her.
🏈 He is always there for her whenever he meets her
🏈 He is great with kids.
🏈 He is patient with her because of her past relationship (can’t spoil it)


Synopsis

Carlie
Used to be a pre-school teacher but because of the tabliods going around that her ex-fiancee is a drug dealer she quit and now she helps her sister to take care of her children.

Lawson/Law
A pro-footballer who had always dream to play for Blues but instead he got the offer from Pumas and he is still feeling mixed feelings about it and his mom pressuring him to be a political figure.

They both meet in Maui and Law fell in love with her instantly and she did too however she is still insecure because of what happened with her ex-fiancé and she is very cautious about getting to know someone. She is in need of a job and he found her one but soon she was suspicious of her boss because of his mysterious missing wife. What happens next? Read Tight Ends & True Crime to find out!!


Review:
Aww…Law is just such a sweet sweet guy. Carlie had a lot of insecurities because of her previous relationship which made her can’t really trust anyone. Whenever she meets someone, she tends to check on them to see whether they are not hiding something that’s why she had been investigating her boss for the sake of her boss’ children’s safety (can’t spoil the story). But in life there are things that people will always keep away from you just that some are horrible and some are just little things. But love that Law is patient with her and helps her to see that not all people are like her ex and also encourage her to seek help too and he had been respectful to her though he had to deal with things too which his overbearing mother who wants him to be a political figure when he retire from his football career but he doesn’t want any part of it. He wants the freedom to be who he loves and not too please the eye of public. And love they open up to each other and also be there for each other. Them flirting and bickering is just so sweet to see. Love the way they spend time with the children, they are just so great with the children. Love her grandmother and her family who is also always there for her and help her through her insecurities too. This book made me smile, laugh, cry and frustrated at times (read and you will know)

P.S I would love to see Carlie’s twin, Caleb and Ivy have their happily ever afters.
This is the 2nd book of Houston Pumas Sports Romance series. Can’t wait for the next book.

I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @raneesclark for the ARC copy .

You can purchase this book on Amazon and it is available on KU.

[Marilee · Rating 5 out of 5]

COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN!!

Law may have been Carlie on a vacation, but she is so much more than a fling for him. And now that she is working as a nanny for his next door neighbor, he is hoping to see a lot of her despite the beginning of training camp.

Carlie's life seems perfect. She is falling in love with the handsome, protective football player and she has a great new job as a nanny to two adorable little girls. But when she begins to suspect there is something more to the story of her boss' missing wife, she can't let the idea go.

Luckily, her love of true crime stories and a drug dealing ex help her spot clues that others may have missed. She just has to convince Law to trust her and help her figure out what really happened before her obsession and doubts ruin their chances at a happily ever after.

What you'll love:
football romance
dual pov
found family
slow burn
true crime twists
he falls first
THE KISSES!!!!
insta attraction
boy next door vibes
vacation romance
adorable ending!!!

Okay, talk about a romcom with a twist! I don't think I have ever read a story quite like this one and let me just say, I am a HUGE fan! Loved it all from the meet cute and time spent in Hawaii to Carlie's sleuthing skills to the aborably swoony romance between Carlie and Law!

I loved the combination of initial attraction + slow burn because it meant there was so much tension throughout the story! Carlie and Law were ADORABLE together and I could not stop myself from grinning and squealing watching them fall for each other.

Carlie's past has definitely influenced the way she sees people and situations but not surprising given what she went through with her ex. And oh my, I definitely had some second hand embarrassment with Carlie! At one point I had to set the book down and walk away for a minute it was so bad, lol! But I LOVED the way that Law reacted to Carlie's doubts and suspicions - green flags all the way!!

This the second book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed it even though I haven't read the first one yet (though it is now high on my tbr because of how much I loved this one!) My absolute new favorite book from this author and a touchdown all the way!

I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.

Content: no swearing, kisses only

[Sian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this! I have read Northanger Abbey, and I think this definitely embodied the spirit of the book, which is a gothic parody with light romance. Law has cinnamon roll hero vibes (a rational yet emotionally supportive voice) just like Henry Tilney gives me. And the way the plot had fun parallels to the original. Instead of gothic novels, Carlie is true crime podcast obsessed and it made a ton of sense for the author to add a more serious backstory to Carlie's paranoid thoughts than just being a true crime junkie, so I appreciated that. And even though we get Law's POV, the story did feel inclined toward Carlie.

I think the transition from book 1 to this story was done well and previous characters were incorporated in a way that really worked and set up the story nicely. For example, the reason for this to start out on vacation (like in Northanger Abbey, Catherine visits wealthy friends in Bath) was solidly backed by events in the first book.

The true crime junkie aesthetic truly delivered! I loved the chapters when Carlie's suspicions were at their highest. And her nosiness overall was so relatable. My least favorite thing about this book was actually Ivy's side character. I understood her purpose and she did move the plot along, but I forgot about her when she wasn't on page and I bemoaned her presence when she was. Not sure if the author is giving her a book or not. And lastly, I wish there had been a bit more football in this sports romance. Maybe another practice chapter or something haha. Overall, Northanger Abbey always felt light angst to me? And this did too, Law and Carlie's obstacles were easy to overcome with a conversation and they both had agreeable personalities that made a smooth and quick resolution make sense.

I did receive an eARC and paperback ARC to read and review. My thoughts are my own! I'm excited for which Jane Austen novel the author is inspired by next.

In this book: dual pov, true-crime obsessed teacher turned nanny, bookish football player. forced proximity, guy next door, vacation fling to more, found family, amateur sleuthing, inspired by Northanger Abbey, fish out of water, trust issues

Content Guide: romance: clean, language: clean, violence: clean

CW: drug dealing references regarding mostly off-page side characters, anxiety/paranoia,

[Traci · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A half-laugh, half-sob escapes. You came so fast,” I whisper. Even though he never believed my crazy suspicions, he ran when I called. Even though I hadn’t spoken to him in days. Even though I held back trust.

“The second you asked.”

🏈🏈🏈🏈🏈

Oh. My. Lanta. Law Card has stolen my heart and hasn’t given it back yet. If I didn’t like Carlie so much, I may just have to intervene and call dibs. For now … I will let her have him. *Sigh*

Tight Ends and True Crime by Ranee S Clark is a game-winning touchdown. Law Card is a football star with insecurities and he wants to fit in with the Houston Pumas, even if it wasn’t the original team he was hoping to play for. Carlie Gallagher is great with kids and is looking for a new job. She was burned badly by her ex, and therefore has trouble trusting that people are as they seem to be … which now makes her a True Crime podcast enthusiast so she can learn how to spot the bad signs. Carlie and Law’s friendship is slowly growing into something more, that is, until a suspicious pile of dirt and other mysterious clues threaten to get in the way…

Things to Love:
Dual POV
Northanger Abbey vibes
😍 Picnic dinner
😘 “For all the…talking we are doing”
🛁 Investigations 🤣
Complicated family dynamics / found family
🥰 Swoony kisses
The ending!!!

I can relate to Carlie – when I watch true crime shows on TV, instantly everyone around me is acting sus. Her investigations are laugh out loud funny. I love how protective she is, how badly she wants to not let the past repeat itself, and how hard it is to trust again. Law is patient, kind, and loyal – I truly loved watching their slow burn relationship develop and seeing how the mystery ended! 🤐

Tight Ends and True Crime is book 2 in the Houston Pumas Sports Romance series. It has interrelated characters from The Comeback (book 1, which is fabulous!!!) but can be read as a standalone.

CW: kisses only

[Kaci Bonar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aloha!  Not exactly what you were expecting from a football theme titled book…even football players deserve to go on vacation in the off season!  This story features, Carlie, one of our favorite Houston Pumas’ sisters in laws sorta, and the newest traded player from LA Rays, Law!  Most of the Pumas are currently vacationing in Maui to celebrate Colby and Gabrielle with the beach wedding, she really wanted!

Carlie is happy to be on the vacation, even if it means she often will be watching her nephews and niece!  She has recently had some life upheaval moving from Arizona to Texas, so why not ease into it?!  While hanging out, she meets Ivy and their ease in conversation makes them fast friends.  Turns out Ivy is also loosely affliated with the team thanks to her best friend, Lawson Card.

Law[son] is getting his feet wet literally and figuratively while in Maui with his new teammates!  What he wasn’t expecting is that he would be drawn to Carlie!  He wastes little time after he gets an introduction.  Law is given the advice to go slow and their connection takes off quickly as he helps her land a job interview (with his neighbor) upon their return home! 

While the foundation began in Maui, things really take off for these two back in Houston!  Despite the craziness of her work schedule, the pair can make time for each other!  While Carlie thoroughly enjoys her new job of nannying for Chad, there are some curiosities that simply won’t shake.  Well, all I will say is that the cat didn’t get killed!  Ranee S. Clark wrote this fun story and while I wasn’t sure what to think of the ‘True Crime’ part of the title, I absolutely loved it!  Silence is golden on this one!  Read this book and you won’t regret it!  If you’re looking something different from your average romcom, this is the book you have been looking for!  No Jedi mind tricks, just fantastic continuation in the existing series!  Job well done!

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a football lover, I am always up for a football romance. This is book 2 in the Houston Puma Sports Romance series, and they just keep getting better.

Once bitten, twice shy is definitely Carlie's motto in life. She is a preschool teacher whose previous relationship has left her with a bad taste in her mouth. It has destroyed her trust in mankind completely. She is also a true crime buff, which may or may not get her into trouble. Add all of that up, and you have a woman on a mission.

Lawson (Law) is newest member of the Houston Pumas. He is not with his dream team, but he keeps telling himself to count his blessings.

Law and Carlie meet in Hawaii at a wedding. This was dreamy in and of itself. Hawaii and romance go hand in hand. Carlie lets her guard down a little bit, but she is still paranoid because she knows that everyone has secrets. I could not help but feel sorry for Carlie. She has been through so much.

I loved this book because it was not only a football romance, but it had a little mystery attached as well. Carlie, with her amateur detective skills, will have you laughing at times, but will also make you wonder if she is onto something. Law was adorable in every sense of the word. His patience level was tested and he passed with flying colors.

As Carlie starts collecting clues, she had me wondering where this was going to end up. Ranee Clark knows how to deliver a good story with great characters, and an emotional story as well. You do not have to read book 1 of this series, but I highly recommend that you read it because it is good as well. You will more fully appreciate the other characters' story if you read book 1.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kassandra Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love Ranee S Clark books and her newest release is no exception! Tight Ends and True Crime is a refreshing spin on the sport romance genre but with a dash of light hearted mystery that totally had me laughing out loud!

After a little mishap at her job as a preschool teacher, Carlie could definitely use a break! Luckily the opportunity for a vacation getaway presents itself when she is invited to Hawaii to help take care of her sister’s kids. But the kids aren’t the only ones who have her attention! When Carlie meets Law, the O SO HANDSOME newest player for the Pumas, and there’s an immediate connection!

Soon the vacation is over but as luck would have it Carlie is able to get a job working for one of Law”s friends as a nanny for his two daughters! While the romance between her and the star athlete simmers slowly, the story has a clever twist! After some questionable behavior Carlie starts suspecting that there’s more to the disappearance of her boss’s wife than anyone realized. Fueled by her love for true crime and the fact that her ex left her with some serious trust issues, Carlie can’t help but jump to the worst case scenario! (I have to say, I definitely felt a connection with her on this! I’m always automatically thinking the worst possible outcome, and much like Law, my husband often has to help me see the reality of things 😝)

The chemistry between Carlie and Law is so genuine and endearing, making you fall in love with them as well! And add in several completely hilarious scenes, this is one romcom you’re definitely going to want to read!!! And after you do, make sure to check out the bonus epilogue on Ranee’s website!

Thank you so much Ranee S Clark for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book! All thoughts are my own 🩷

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tight Ends & True Crime
(Houston Pumas Sports Romance #2)
by: Ranee S.Clark
@raneesclark

-I give 4.5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨

~Falling for my football star vacation fling? Inevitable. Unless he turns out to be a murderer... Okay, that’s unlikely…

“Trusting him could cost me everything. Not trusting him could break my heart.”

-Tight Ends & True Crime is a swoon-worthy sports romance with a mystery twist inspired by Jane Austen’s “Northanger Abbey.” It is a story filled with some crime-fighting shenanigans, a slow burn chemistry, with some forced proximity and some found family vibes. It has interrelated characters from The Comeback- book 1, but can easily be read as a standalone. Although, I recommend reading both. I really enjoyed the crazy but fun adventures, a few mixed-up assumptions, some familiar faces and the sweet romance in this story. Friends, this is a quick read that delivered in all good ways. It is definitely an enjoyable fun read! 🙌🏻📚☺️

“I want you to know.” He says the words so gently, so carefully. “I love you,” he says softly, and then he smiles and adds, “Don’t be scared.”

-Content: dealing, anxieties, controlling parent, snooping+watching someone every move; only kisses.

-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.

“He’s not perfect. There have been, and there will be more, times when he messes up.
When I mess up. But we’re going to make it through that every single time, because we trust each other with everything.“

#tightendsandtruecrime
#raneesclark
#happyreleaseday
#allaboutthebestreads

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tight Ends and True Crime is the second book in the Houston Pumas Sports Romance series. While those who have read the previous book will enjoy seeing some familiar characters, this could definitely be enjoyed as a standalone as well.

This book was just so much fun! Honestly, from the moment that I saw the title, I was absolutely hooked. A football romance with a possible murder to uncover!? Um, yes, please! I didn't know this was a combination that I needed, but I absolutely loved every minute of it. Carlie is an ex-preschool teacher who had unknowingly been engaged to a drug dealer... needless to say, she has some trust issue to work through. That doesn't stop Law from wanting to explore a relationship with her though. I loved the easy chemistry between them, but he certainly has his work cut out for him when it comes to gaining her trust. Throw in his neighbor's missing wife, and well... Carlie has a whole lot of secrets she's trying to uncover. As someone who has a big imagination and perhaps a little paranoia too, I definitely found myself relating to Carlie's character and her suspicious mind and I loved all the antics that it brought about. It added such a fun aspect to the story that I couldn't get enough of. This is definitely a must read!

Tight Ends and True Crime is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet romance with a slow-burn love story, a bit of mystery, and strong family and friendship vibes.

Carlie and Lawson meet on a vacation with family and friends, and there’s instant attraction. Lawson makes his feelings clear right away, but Carlie is hesitant. Her past relationship makes it hard for her to trust, even though she can’t ignore how she feels about him. Things take a turn when she starts working as a nanny for Lawson’s neighbor and notices some strange things happening. Her employer’s wife is missing, and Carlie can’t shake the feeling that something isn’t right. But digging for answers could put both her job and her new relationship at risk. Lawson wants to support her, but he worries that her trust issues aren’t just affecting her job, they’re also coming between them. Is Carlie right about her boss? Will Lawson help her, or will this mystery tear them apart?

This was a really sweet story with great friendships, family moments, and a bit of suspense. At first, the romance felt both fast and slow (insta-love, but a slow burn), which was little hard for me to grasp onto at first. But as the story went on, I got more into it. I loved Lawson’s patience with Carlie, his friendship with Ivy, and Carlie’s love for true crime.

Once again, Ranee wrote a great book, and now I can't wait to see who will get their love story next!

I received a complimentary copy, this review reflects my honest opinion.