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Tackling Tanner: Football Heartthrobs Book Two
Why did I hire the hottest live-in chef in existence?
Jimmy Dillon
All I’m tryna do is stay busy with work and hookups. My thoughts get too crazy otherwise. But now that my assistant managers at my diner are insisting I’m too out of it at work, they’re forcing me to take a sabbatical. So now I have little to keep my thoughts at bay.
Until professional NFO center Tanner Bash comes to town. He’s a dick, but he needs a live-in personal chef out in San Diego. So I decide to help him, and it’s definitely not because I’m attracted to him. I just need something to do.
Tanner Bash
Growing up in a chaotic home, I learned that to earn God’s favor, I have to obey His divine laws. Most importantly, marriage—heterosexual marriage, of course.
But this pressure is killing my appetite, and now coach is on me to gain back all the weight I’ve lost. So I solicit the help of a deadly handsome chef whose food is the first thing in months that’s tasted good enough to finish. As long as I keep him distant, I won’t be tempted to break God’s laws.
Until I discover what a sweet man he is.
Tackling Tanner deals with heavy topics. Please read forewarnings. There is an HEA.
Jimmy Dillon
All I’m tryna do is stay busy with work and hookups. My thoughts get too crazy otherwise. But now that my assistant managers at my diner are insisting I’m too out of it at work, they’re forcing me to take a sabbatical. So now I have little to keep my thoughts at bay.
Until professional NFO center Tanner Bash comes to town. He’s a dick, but he needs a live-in personal chef out in San Diego. So I decide to help him, and it’s definitely not because I’m attracted to him. I just need something to do.
Tanner Bash
Growing up in a chaotic home, I learned that to earn God’s favor, I have to obey His divine laws. Most importantly, marriage—heterosexual marriage, of course.
But this pressure is killing my appetite, and now coach is on me to gain back all the weight I’ve lost. So I solicit the help of a deadly handsome chef whose food is the first thing in months that’s tasted good enough to finish. As long as I keep him distant, I won’t be tempted to break God’s laws.
Until I discover what a sweet man he is.
Tackling Tanner deals with heavy topics. Please read forewarnings. There is an HEA.
373 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 4, 2025
5 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
d-n-f
November 19, 2025I normally don’t leave reviews if I dnf a book but after sleeping on it I felt compelled to still go write one because I hope this comes out as constructive criticism and not batching this new author.
First I have to say that I was completely looking forward to this book because I truly loved book one and I was really intrigued to know about Jimmy story but I unfortunately felt disappointed.
So I dnfed the book at about 35% and here are my personal reasons
1. We are 35% in and the mmc’s are Still messing around with other people . I feel like that late in the book ant outside fooling should have been down bc it won’t feel authentic when they do get together.
2. WAY to many trauma and “plots” in the story. Like I felt like the book was trying to give us EVERYTHING but it didn’t deliver. So what do I mean by that? So “plots or storylines” that they had
-recovering alcoholic
-closeted gay man but also heavily in denial
-black mail by teammate with releasing a sex tape if they he stops fooling around with him?
-religious trauma (he feels like he has to have a family with a women to be a good Christ follower but although society is okay with gay football players in this world and his close friend which book 1 is about came out and is happily married GAY MAN)
-self image issues or don’t think they are good enough
-they are both very freaking rude to each other and ignore each other
Like there is just ALOT going on and it felt like the author just kept trauma dumping and after this “black mail” portion was added I just couldn’t see how this book would turn it around.
Again I really wanted to love it but just wayyyy to much trying to be stuffed into a 340 page book.
First I have to say that I was completely looking forward to this book because I truly loved book one and I was really intrigued to know about Jimmy story but I unfortunately felt disappointed.
So I dnfed the book at about 35% and here are my personal reasons
1. We are 35% in and the mmc’s are Still messing around with other people . I feel like that late in the book ant outside fooling should have been down bc it won’t feel authentic when they do get together.
2. WAY to many trauma and “plots” in the story. Like I felt like the book was trying to give us EVERYTHING but it didn’t deliver. So what do I mean by that? So “plots or storylines” that they had
-recovering alcoholic
-closeted gay man but also heavily in denial
-black mail by teammate with releasing a sex tape if they he stops fooling around with him?
-religious trauma (he feels like he has to have a family with a women to be a good Christ follower but although society is okay with gay football players in this world and his close friend which book 1 is about came out and is happily married GAY MAN)
-self image issues or don’t think they are good enough
-they are both very freaking rude to each other and ignore each other
Like there is just ALOT going on and it felt like the author just kept trauma dumping and after this “black mail” portion was added I just couldn’t see how this book would turn it around.
Again I really wanted to love it but just wayyyy to much trying to be stuffed into a 340 page book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 7, 2025
"Tackling Tanner" is a deeply heartfelt and incredibly satisfying contemporary romance that truly scores big! This novel centers on a professional footballer whose life gets deliciously complicated when he enlists the help of a professional chef, only to discover feelings far beyond the kitchen.
What stood out most was the phenomenal depth of character development, particularly the way the protagonists fostered their growth both individually and as a couple. I was especially impressed by the nuanced inclusion of mental wellness practices, such as meditation and group therapy, which provided a supportive and realistic backdrop for their romance.
This book is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a low-ish-angst, high-support romance that prioritizes emotional health alongside chemistry.
What stood out most was the phenomenal depth of character development, particularly the way the protagonists fostered their growth both individually and as a couple. I was especially impressed by the nuanced inclusion of mental wellness practices, such as meditation and group therapy, which provided a supportive and realistic backdrop for their romance.
This book is a highly recommended read for anyone seeking a low-ish-angst, high-support romance that prioritizes emotional health alongside chemistry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews