Just for the Cameras

Bay Area Players #1

by Meghan Quinn

From New York Times bestselling author Meghan Quinn comes a sizzling sports romance full of flamingo feathers, slow-burn heat, and one grump-meets-sunshine love story that's anything but fake.

They're faking it for the cameras. But what if the sparks are real?

Graydon St. John doesn't do drama―or public appearances. The brooding defensive end for the San Francisco Foghorns prefers silence, solitude, and avoiding headlines. But when a league-wide PR scandal forces him into a media stunt at the city zoo, he's suddenly face-to-face with squawking birds, nosy fans, and the zookeeper who seems to hate his guts on sight.

Maple Baker loves her flamingos. Loud, pink, messy? Sure. But they're hers. And the last thing she needs is a grumpy football player stomping into her sanctuary with a bad attitude and a bigger ego. Unfortunately, they've been paired for the zoo's new public outreach program, and the cameras are already rolling.

The banter is sharp. The tension is electric. And the more they pretend to play nice for the press, the more their fake flirtation starts to feel like something dangerously real.

But when family secrets, viral fame, and a PR romance gone off-script threaten everything Maple's worked for, Graydon must decide if he's willing to fight for love―or let it slip away to protect her.

Genres: Romance, Sports, Contemporary Romance, Rom Com, Sports Romance, Football, Audiobook

592 pages, Paperback

Expected publication February 3, 2026

About the author

Like me on FB: https://www.facebook.com/meghanquinna...

When I was in high school I occasionally read books but was consumed by other teenage things so I didn't take the time to appreciate a good book on a cloudy day, wrapped up in a blanket on the couch. It wasn't until I received a Kindle for Christmas one year that my world completely flipped upside down. When looking for books I came across the Contemporary Romance genre and was sold and I haven't turned back since.

You can either find my head buried in my Kindle, listening to inspiring heart ripping music or typing away on the computer twisting and turning the lives of my characters while driving my readers crazy with anticipation.

​I currently reside in beautiful Colorado Springs where the sun is always shining and there is a trail waiting to be hiked on every corner. I share a lovely and warm home with the love of my life and my five, four-legged children.

Reviews

[The Bern Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ★★★★☆
ARC Review: Yes
*I received an advance copy of this book from Bloom via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Release Date: February 3, 2026

Standalone or Series: Book 1 in a series of interconnected standalones (Bay Area Players)
POV: 1st Person / Dual POV
Genre: Sports Romance
Vibe: Slow-burn, highly entertaining
Pacing: medium
Third-Act Breakup: Yes
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Cliffhanger: No
Reread-worthy: Maybe

Tropes:
✵ Grumpy/Sunshine
✵ Fake Dating
✵ Football Player x Zookeeper
✵ Protective MMC

Synopsis: Just for the Cameras is a laugh out loud, swoon-worthy romance that is sure to have you flying through the pages! When the San Francisco Foghorns face a PR crisis, they decide to send their star player to a zoo to help boost community morale. The team hasn’t won many games, and the last thing that Graydon St. John wants to do is waste his time at the zoo when he could be training for the next season. Especially not when he is paired with the flamingo keeper Maple Baker. Maple loves her job, and more than anything, she needs funding to improve the flamingo enclosure. So, when she is presented with a PR opportunity to fake date the star football player in exchange for a large donation, she jumps at the opportunity. As the two spend more time together, they realize that they may have misunderstood each other a little too harshly. Sparks fly as the two work to navigate their new reality, and when outside forces try to cut in, they realize that things are tougher than they seem.

My thoughts: Meghan Quinn does no wrong in my eyes! This was another fabulous read that had me hooked from the very beginning. I love a fake dating story, and Meghan is such a pro at immediately pulling you into the lives of the characters. Graydon was a strong, reserved MMC and Maple was a loud and outgoing FMC that you couldn’t help but love. I loved seeing their trade-off with the deal they made for each other. I won’t mention any spoilers, but the scenes of Maple training had me laughing out loud. Their chemistry was off the charts, and I was constantly begging for them to cross the line. When they finally did, it was like fireworks! The zoo setting was also such a fun and unique touch, and I loved getting to learn more about the flamingos.

My only complaint is that the book was a bit too long; it felt like it could have been cut down 100 pages. I also struggled at times with Graydon’s internal monologue compared to his real life actions. I didn’t love how he seemed to constantly think of Maple positively in his head but then turn around and do something that made it seem like he didn’t care about her at all. I wish he would have spoken up sooner about how he felt instead of belittling her one too many times.

Overall this was a great read and I recommend it!


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[✨Little Lit Lady✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holy smokes hands down one of her best books yet! This story and its premises have a lot of heart and soul. All the characters had so much depth to each one, even the side ones. This book had me laughing, ugly crying, and well other things I cannot mention ☺️. Graydon what a complex layered character he is but you can’t help but fall for him. Maple I can see being friends with her she’s so sweet. I wish I can mention all the parts I love but don’t want to spoil. Pick up this book you will not regret it.

I want to thank NetGalley and BloomBooks for allowing me to read this super fantastic book in advance. This is why Meghan is the queen of Rom Cons!

[Shirley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three athletes playing for San Francisco sports teams have been sacrificed to volunteer at the local zoo to generate positive publicity for their teams and the zoo. One of these athletes is Graydon St. John, a football defensive end (I have no idea what that position entails) a brooding, second generation player giant man who has been paired with flamingo zookeeper, Maple Baker. Maple is very passionate about flamingos and does not want to babysit Graydon who immediately pisses her off because he called flamingos “pink-feathered dipshit[s] on stilts”. But because she loves her flamingos and wants to use this opportunity to fundraise an upgraded flamingo enclosure, she is determined to make the best of it, even if she kinda hates him.

Maple and Graydon decide to start a joint Instagram account called Flock and Tackle. In this social media account, they will promote flamingos and also document Maple’s football education at training camp and it is wildly popular. Who knew that people would love seeing a giant man feeding flamingos or a tiny woman in oversized football gear? Cue Gretchen, the PR manager steering this entire scenario and she thinks they should have a PR relationship. Maple only agrees to support her beloved flamingos. Graydon thinks it’s a terrible idea because he knows how awful the press and paparazzi can be. Will their fake dating result in actual feelings? Or is it JUST FOR THE CAMERAS?? (sorry that was cheezy but I’m sticking with it.)

Graydon as a romantic MMC is a classic grump and I really liked him. He’s so grumpy, it rolls back all the way around to adorable, like when toddlers pout. And when you learn about his family history you really understand why has made the decisions he has made, even if they seem incomprehensible to begin with. And although he isn’t great at expressing his thoughts, when he stands up to his dad it’s amazing. “She’s not my plaything. She’s an intelligent woman with a heart of fucking gold. Show some goddamn respect.” Maple is also a really strong FMC. She has clear motivations and is smart and driven and funny. She’s not a coward and takes on the challenges of learning how to play football against professional athletes with her whole spirit, even taking out a player who decides he is going to try to tackle her. “She starts running at the guy who is running at her….Everyone on the field stops while we all watch in horror as Maple lifts her foot in the air and presses the bottom of her sneaker right into the rookie’s junk. ‘Hi-ya! She yells, connecting her foot solidly to his dick, crumpling the rookie over in an instant.” She isn’t going to let anything stop her from helping her flamingos, even giant ass athletes trying to tackle her. And she is empathetic. You really see her shine in the moments when she has to connect with people who are hurting.

And perhaps my favorite thing is Maple isn’t even the most sunshine-y character, it’s Oden (aka OC) one of the other athletes roped into this promotion. OC and Bennett, the third athlete, are fantastic supporting characters and clearly are going to be stars of their own future books and I cannot wait. It clearly seems that the other two books are going to take place somewhat concurrently because there are things taking place in the backgrounds. Seeing Graydon open up with Maple and with OC and Bennett is one of the highlights of the book. It’s like if the Diamond Dogs from Ted Lasso had an even grumpier Roy (Graydon) and an even cheerier Ted (OC).

This is a very funny book, highly entertaining, and had very touching emotional moments as well. I’m deeply anticipating the next two books. Recommended for rom com fans who like their romance OPEN DOOR.

4 out of 5 stars

Thank you to NetGalley and Bloom Books for the ARC.

[Rachel (Rachy’s Reads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bloom Books for this e-ARC!

Maple Baker is a zookeeper for the Flamingos at the San Francisco Zoo and Graydon St. John is a defensive end for the San Francisco Foghorns. What do they have in common? Nothing, other than being paired together for a PR stunt to make his football team look better, and to bring awareness to the flamingos. He is grumpy, she is sweet, and they do not mix-- but the public seems to think otherwise when the social media account they created for the stunt takes off by posting one selfie of the two of them together. They are thrust into the a PR relationship and Maple starts to see Graydon in another light, and she manages to bring some of his walls down. With a complicated past and family relationships, and being in the spotlight, Graydon has a tough time letting people in, but could Flamingo Girl be the one to change it all for him?

4.5 stars but rounding up to 5 because I LOVED this book! I did not want it to end, and as someone who has read quite of few of Meghan Quinn's books I always know I'm going to be giggling, kicking my feet and blushing significantly throughout her books. I love how she ties in characters from previous books and I was so excited when it was announced that Maple was getting her own story after she was featured so heavily in Bridesmaid Undercover. What stood out to me in Just for the Cameras how much emotional depth to this story that had me crying during multiple points. Without giving too much away, Graydon having no support system wrecked me, and the differences in the moments he spent with his mom-- wow. I loved seeing his growth throughout the story. And Maple! She grew too, from crying when being embarrassed to being able to stand up for herself and go after what she wants. She was such a warm character, and hell, I had a crush on her too. I loved the friendship that formed between the three men chosen to be part of the zoo PR stunt, and I was excited to see OC, of course.

The reason I'm rating 4.5 instead of 5 is because I feel like I didn't get enough about Maple's backstory. Her parents weren't mentioned until the epilogue which I thought was odd considering how much information was given about Graydon's family situation. No one wanted to know what was going on with her and the famous football guy? I also wish we had been given her POV of the first time she kissed Graydon's cheek in truck. She was being so brave, I wish I had known her motives and feelings too!!!

Overall, cannot recommend enough, and I can't wait for Bennett the emotionally mature KING to get a book!

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced digital copy from NetGalley for a review. Thank you so much for letting me read this perfection early!!

Meghan Quinn is the Queen of comedy! If I ever want a sweet, steamy & hilarious story she hits the spot every time!

This book had grumpy x sunshine with a dash of enemies to lovers that kept me enthralled from beginning to end.

Graydon is a scowling professional defensive end for the Foghorns who are having some bad PR lately. To turn it around they have him and 2 other sports athletes (insert crossover from the Agitators 😻 here) to help at the SF Zoo and bring awareness to certain animals. He hates the contractual agreement and makes sure everyone knows it.

Maple is a flamingo loving goddess who is strong, sweet, smart & sassy which made me love her more. She is paired with Graydon to raise money for her pink feathered friends. She immediately steps up to Graydon’s grumpy demeanor and decides to start a side PR campaign in social media for just them to both learn about each other’s jobs. Win-win right?

The banter and acute level of hatred from them was 🔥. I mean I felt it and wondered how will they ever work together romantically? But I was here for the ride and MQ delivered!

The thing I loved most about this story was the emotional maturity that Maple had and how she helped Graydon to literally become the best version of himself. She was so genuine and fierce in her determination that Graydon literally could NOT stop himself from falling for her. I hardly ever fall for the FMC but Maple made me do it. I just loved her. 💗Once she claimed him as hers she stuck by him, she didn’t run away. That right there had me fully invested!

Meghan’s books always have such a good backstory and this one was no different. The baggage he had was a lot, but it makes the story that much more interesting when these characters are so fleshed out they feel real. It makes my heart hurt when they hurt, laugh when they laugh and cry for them when they’re happy.

Now for Megan’s side characters, something I always look forward to in her books. She had the crossovers from heaven! I loved it! I don’t want to spoil it cuz that’s all part of the fun for me, finding out who else will make an appearance, but the most important was we got the 3 sports players looped into the zoo PR stunt & we get a text chat group!!! I laughed out loud so much to their goofy conversations. It made me miss the Agitator boys🫶🏻

As if it needs to be said but this book was ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5-stars for me! And I cannot wait to read the next one in this series!

[Romancereadingaddict · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just for the Cameras is an exceptional and highly engaging romance novel that I absolutely devoured in a single day, earning it a clear five-star rating in my mind. The story centers on Graydon, a professional football player whose deep-seated trauma, stemming from his mother's amnesia after a car accident and his father's relentless criticism, has resulted in him maintaining an aggressively grumpy demeanor and avoiding all deep personal connections. His team's requirement that he assist the local zoo leads him to the flamingo enclosure, where he meets Maple, the passionate and dedicated enthusiast who serves as his perfect foil. Maple's love for the flamingos is infectious; she even lived in Peru to be closer to them and creates unique stories for each bird, driven by a desire to raise money and prevent the closure of their section of the zoo. As Graydon works alongside her, he slowly begins to recognize a strong attraction to Maple, finding himself drawn in by her sunshine personality and commitment. Their fundraising efforts inspire Maple to launch an Instagram account combining football insights with flamingo updates, but a spontaneous selfie leads the public to believe they are a real couple, forcing them into the highly entertaining fake dating scenario. This book successfully combines the spicy and the funny, making for a quick and incredibly satisfying read that I highly recommend

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meghan Quinn is always the best palate cleanser. Whenever I hit a reading slump, her books are an automatic go-to because you know exactly what you’re getting: swoony alpha MMCs, sharp banter, a generous dose of spice, and a cast of lovable side characters. Just for the Cameras absolutely delivers.

Graydon is peak grumpy MMC with just the right amount of sexy possessiveness, and Maple is every bit as likable as she was in Bridesmaid’s for Hire. Their chemistry is immediate and addictive, with banter that makes this impossible to put down. The fake dating premise is executed beautifully, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and balanced with surprising emotional depth. The connection builds naturally, the tension is chef’s kiss, and the humor and heart are perfectly blended.

I loved seeing familiar faces like Everly and Hardy, and this felt like the perfect kickoff to a new series. I’m already excited to spend more time with the Bay Area Players and can’t wait to see what OC and Bennett have in store.

This was a delightful, bingeable romance that had me smiling from start to finish. Thank you to Bloom and NetGalley for the early copy!

[Jacquie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I could not wait to start this new advanced copy from NetGalley. I am in my Meghan Quinn era. I find her books to be so laugh out loud funny as well as romantic and spicy, that I was all in from the title, Just for the Cameras. Graydon is a grumpy football player that needs help with his image. He is tasked with working at the local zoo and helping Maple, a flamingo exhibit zoo employee, bring new light and money to the flamingo habitat. Graydon is not happy about it and he and Maple get off to a rough and bitter start. But the social media loves their fake dating profile and you know when something starts out as fake.........true feelings are going to surface. But Graydon is so worried about keeping Maple out of the spotlight and he gets in his own way at times. This was a fun read. I didn't love how overprotective Graydon was at times, but their love story was a great grumpy and sunshine trope.

[Allison Agnello · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok but I actually liked the nickname Slutty Little Glasses (not an MC) and idk what that says about me 🤣

This was so unlike other Meghan Quinn books ive read but still fun and enjoyable! I didnt laugh as much as I am used to but the plot was unique and the characters had their own special brand of toxicity.

I really liked getting to know the characters relationship through text messages, including friendships. It felt much more realistic and relatable than if all the characters were always together.

Who knew flamingos were becoming endangered?! But then I forgot about JP in her other series and that was such a cute little bonus.

Please tell me the other "Gladdy Daddies" get their own books in this series? I felt like OC and Bennett would be really entertaining mmc's. Gretchen and OC are definitely the next couple right?!

[Leaf and Letter · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Just for the Cameras” is exactly the kind of rom‑com that reminds me why Meghan Quinn has such a loyal fanbase. As a reader, I went in expecting humor, chemistry, and a bit of chaos and she delivered all of that with a surprising amount of heart.
The premise..fake dating under the pressure of cameras, grumpy meets sunshine, sports rom com..could easily feel cliché, but Quinn keeps it fresh with sharp banter, well‑timed comedic moments, and characters who feel like real people rather than tropes.
There are scenes that genuinely made me laugh out loud, the kind where you have to pause reading because you’re smiling too hard. I adored the relationship between found friends.
My only con, too much unnecessary cussing.

[Leslie at SheReadsRomanceBooks.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG – THIS book is why I read Meghan Quinn romcoms! This book is “classic” Quinn filled with a fun storyline, humor that will have you busting out laughing and the best text threads between characters that you will absolutely eat up and desperately flipping pages for more.

If you have loved Meghan’s Brentwood baseball boys or her Vancouver Agitators series, then you will enjoy this romance that kicks off a new series with more athletes to love.

This is also for the grumpy sunshine lovers because Graydon is one serious mega grump whose football team is making him help out at the local zoo, particularly in the flamingo enclosure with the sweetest heroine who loves her birds.

Did I expect to learn what a flock of flamingos is called while reading this book? No, I did not but I did! Did I expect to laugh so hard after reading so many funny one-liners and one particular character whose comic relief I couldn’t get enough of? I hoped so and found it!

I say this in every review, but I’ll say it again. Megan Quinn writes the best romcoms. I mean her humor is just unmatched and when it hits it hits so right.

You are going to see a few characters from her previous books in this one (don’t worry, you don’t need to read them beforehand to know what’s up) and one in particular absolutely stole the show for me. It’s like I was meeting a new Jason Orson and you KNOW how much I ADORE Jason!!

Mabel is just the sweetest and I had so much fun trying to picture her at preseason football camp trying to keep up with the pros. This woman was willing to put it all on the line for the flamingos and I loved how she wouldn’t let Graydon write her off.

Graydon – not going to lie, you were a bit harsh (aka really mean) to Mabel in the beginning but you made up for it. And once you were all in, you were a man after my own heart who would do anything for his girl. Now, I just really need some artwork that shows off your fauxhawk.

I was so excited to hear that Meghan was writing a new sports romance series starting with a football grump and it totally hit the spot. Just be prepared to dive in for almost 600 pages!!
I cannot wait to read the next two in the series. Highly recommend.

*I received an advance reader copy. All opinions are my own.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just for the Cameras is proof that tropes aren’t tired. Meghan Quinn takes fake dating, grumpy-meets-sunshine, and forced proximity and runs them like a perfectly timed rom-com machine, hitting every beat without letting it tip into chaos or cringe. The banter is sharp, the pacing is locked in, and the chemistry builds so naturally you forget they’re pretending until it’s suddenly very much not pretend anymore. It’s funny, swoony, and sneaks emotional depth in when you least expect it. Read this if you want to laugh, scream internally, and immediately text your friends “I fear this fake relationship has ruined me for real ones.”

[BHK · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meghan Quinn nails that grumpy sunshine vibe, and Graydon and Maple might be one of my favorite pairs she’s written! Graydon starts off as this stoic football player, and watching Maple drag him into her chaotic and pink feathered world was hilarious. Their banter feels so natural, and I loved the slow burn tension under all the snark. By the end, I was fully invested not just in their romance, but in their growth too. If you want a fun, warm, slightly unhinged sports romance, add this to your TBR!

[Vanessa Symington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just for the Cameras is incredible! The year may have just started, but I feel like this will be one of my top reads of the year. 

Graydon and Maples story had me laughing, swooning, and feeling all the emotions. While a stunning, hilarious, and cheeky rom-com it also had tense and deep moments that added depth. 

I was blown away by this grumpy x sunshine, footballer x zoo keeper, fake dating story. I fell head over heels for Maple and Graydon (and the friendships throughout the novel). I need more in this series...like, yesterday please!

[Hillary · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.4
It wouldn't have been so exhausting were it not at least 30% longer than necessary, but the bigger problem is this huge, dramatically possessive, violently inclined man who makes decisions for everyone around him regardless of his inability to think his way out of a paper bag. Also? Are there adjectives other than beautiful and perfect? I've forgotten, as I've been stuck in the bottom end of this quagmire for waaaay too long.

[Shay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Graydon and Maple's story!! I was so thrilled that I got a chance to read this book early. Meghan outdid herself again with Just for the Cameras. I have never laughed so hard, this book had me rolling! Maple and Graydon were the true definition of the trope grumpy meets sunshine. Graydon's backstory was heartbreaking and clearly showed why he was the way he was. Pushing people away and sticking to hisself. Maple was the perfect fit to his puzzle piece. She was adorable and I loved that she didn't back down and stood up for herself. She wasn't afraid to be with Graydon and what all baggage came with him. He was so romantic, protective and possessive. I loved the side characters as well, OC and Bennett, and even started liking Gretchen.

Arc provided by publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!

[eatbookseatworlds · Rating 4 out of 5]

Graydon and Maple are a really fun pair. This story reads like a Netflix rom-com. Their back and forth is funny, sweet and feels authentic.

4.5 stars.

*I received a review copy from the publisher/author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Megan Quinn book and it didn’t disappoint! This grumpy and sunshine rom com had me laughing, crossing my legs, and cheering for the main characters and the flamingos too of course.

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trope heavy romances can either do really well or flop for me as a reader. This one was a win! In this book alone, readers will see forced proximity, grumpy/sunshine, and fake dating tropes that somehow work really well together. This book kicks off a new series by Meghan Quinn. They will certainly be able to function as standalones, but characters will overlap would be my guess. The friendship between the 3 athletes in the book had me laughing out loud at times! Then, we have Graydon and Maple's story-- the football star and the flamingo zookeeper. Not only is their relationship sweet, but you also see some incredibly tense moments for them both emotionally. Like other Meghan Quinn books, there is no shortage of spice either. Good start to the new reading year!

Thank you Netgalley and Bloom Books for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.