Love on the Sidelines

by Gracie Graham

I’ve been in love with my best friend for as long as I can remember.

Tatum Fletcher isn’t just my person; she’s my anchor, my calm in the chaos, the one girl who’s always felt like home.

But while I spent my summer grinding on the football field, she was back in our hometown falling for someone else.

Now we’re both at school for fall semester, and I’m finally ready to tell her the truth—until she drops the kind of bomb that rips the ground from under me.

She’s transferring schools to be with him.

So, I bury my feelings, slap on a smile, and do what the good guy—the supportive best friend—should do. I support her, pretend like my heart isn’t breaking every damn day.

But when I see the bruises on her arms, all that control shatters.

One punch. One suspension. One ultimatum that might cost me everything—including her.

So when she comes to me with a favor, one that threatens to ruin me in the process, I know I have to tell her how I feel.
I want to believe love can save us. But deep down, I know—giving her all of me might be the one play that finally breaks me.

Fans of friends-to-lovers, "who hurt you?," and friends-with-benefits tropes will fall for this college sports romance.

401 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 24, 2025

Reviews

[Joanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie Graham is truly my best discovery of the year. I absolutely love her writing style and her books!

Brandon has been in love with Tatum for as long as he can remember. She’s his best friend, his constant, and the one person he can always count on. But Tatum starts feeling like she’s missing out on a real relationship and finally thinks she’s found that - a guy she can build a future with. Just when Brandon is finally ready to confess his true feelings, Tatum tells him she’s transferring schools to be with her boyfriend and hopes for his support.

The problem? This guy isn’t right for her. He doesn’t treat her well, and the red flags only grow stronger as controlling and manipulative behavior begins to surface. Brandon knows all of this… but loving someone has never been simple.

My thoughts:
This is the perfect friends to lovers story. It’s not usually my go-to trope, but this one completely won me over. I loved the angst and the emotional push and pull between them. You can truly feel how much they care for each other. Their connection is deep, genuine, and proven again and again. I also adored the friend group and the way the girls support one another throughout the story.

I highly recommend this book! 💛

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝕃𝕠𝕧𝕖 𝕆𝕟 𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝕊𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕟𝕖𝕤

🩷Best Friends to Lovers
🩷College Romance
🩷Love Triangle
🩷Angsty
🩷Friends With Benefits

Ahh Gracie has scored another touchdown with Brandon and Tatum!

The angst filled tension when Brandon realises he has feelings for his best friend Tatum, only to find out she’s dating someone and plans to move schools to be with her new boyfriend.

Tatum is in denial of how controlling and manipulative her boyfriend Ethan is. The amount of times I screamed at her! The relationship is completely toxic.

The character growth from Tatum was excellent. Turning from the naive girl who just wanted to be loved, to someone that learns her worth and finally sees what’s right in front of her.

I loved the friendship between B & T. And the whole friendship group with the inside jokes and witty banter.

So much angst, sexual chemistry and tension put me on a rollercoaster of emotions throughout this story, and I loved every second.

Another amazing read!

[Misty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh what a good story, it was so freaking good! Brandon and Tatum’s relationship was raw, emotional, and they were best friends first. Brandon’s emotions were almost palpable for Tatum, while she is terrified to cross the line and lose her best friend. Maybe crossing that line will give them the happily ever after they both want. He wanted Tatum to be happy first, before his needs were met. Tatum and Brandon together was one of the best stories that I have read in a while, and I grabbed for a few tissues along the way. I highly recommend.

Received ARC from author for honest review.

[Aisha Sarfraz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was just so freaking good. Brandon and Tatum's relationship was everything. The yearning, the heated glances, the subtle touches...it was amazing. Brandon's emotions were bleeding on to the page and the way Tatum was so torn between both her best friend and her boyfriend was just done so well. Special mention to the boys' group because their unwavering support to their man was outstanding. 5 out of 5 stars. No notes.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Because I’d rather spend forever in the friend zone with Tate than a lifetime without her” “ What a deserve is someone who builds me up instead of tearing me down, a man who puts my needs above his own because that’s what makes him happy” Brandon and Tate’s story is raw, full of feelings and emotions. Best friends since forever afraid to cross the line when it’s the best that can happen to them.

[Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie Graham is killing it with these boys! 🥵 where can I find one? Lol jk.
Tatum & Brandon was so stinkin good to read bout! It was everything you didn’t know you needed. Best friends to lovers, emotional, enduring, heartwarming & breaking all at the same time. Can’t wait to read everything & anything else Gracie writes

[Rhonda Ziglar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I freaking loved Tatum and Brandon. These two were so fun and special to watch their relationship evolve. They gave me all the feels and hit every emotion button. This author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.