From the Sidelines

Breaking Barriers

by Rachel LaBerge

Friends don’t look at each other like that—right?

Blair Miller is used to pressure. Former college soccer star, gym owner, relentless competitor—she thrives on challenge. But nothing could have prepared her for life as the NFL’s first female player. Overnight, she’s gone from coaching classes at Embers & Ashes to breaking barriers and kicking extra points for the Upstate Cosmos.

Crowds? Cameras? Press? Blair can handle it. A whole different kind of challenge is Tyson Bishop–her best friend, biggest what-if, and now her teammate.

Tyson’s loved Blair for as long as he can remember—quietly, patiently, from the sidelines. Now between every look, every practice, and every moment they shouldn’t want more… it’s getting harder to hold back.

They’ve spent years playing it safe. Maybe it’s time to rewrite the playbook?

Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 12, 2026

Reviews

[Caitlyn Lemberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Did I read this in a day? Yes.
Did I love this? Also yes.
A rekindle relationship? LOVE
Sports (FOOTBALL) romance? Enough. Sign me the heck up.

Parts of this book was more than just a sports romance and I LOVED it. I overall loved this book. It was the perfect length and it flowed so so well. The plot, the character development, everything. Also the relationship? GOSH. I enjoyed reading the spice because it wasn’t too much and didn’t take away from anything imo. I can’t wait to see how this continues.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐!

I'll never get sick of Rachel's writing; I'm gonna be 90 in a nursing home and I'll still be reading her stories🤭 with every book of hers that I read, it gets even harder to pick a favorite. They're all so good, and From The Sidelines is no different!

Blair and Tyson are the cutest😍 you could tell he was so gone for her, even from the beginning. The way he supported her no matter what happened? Love that🥹 I love how Blair never let anything get in the way of her dreams too. There might've been things that slowed her down or made her reroute, but she never gave up on herself and that's really admirable.

This one is for those who need a reminder that your worth isn't defined by other people, for those who have a dream they want to pursue, and for us girls who like sports too🤭 a huge thank you to Rachel for giving me the opportunity to read this before release! It meant the world to me🥹

You'll love this if you love:
📖 sports romance (football)
📖 women in sports
📖 dual POV
📖 friends to lovers

✨TW: this book contains cuss words and topics of depression, anxiety, poor self image, eating disorder (mentions of), absent father, and sexual content.
🌶️: Innuendos throughout
Scenes in chp 21-22, chp 27-28, chp 32, and chp 40

[TheGood ByeGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this story, first off, giving us a playlist of music, genius. Blair reminded me sooo much of myself, I'm not a professional athlete but I'm taller than your average girl & I look like a professional swimmer, I have seriously wide shoulders. I loved the writing style too.

Blair Miller has her life on point, her best friend Tyson is going to play for a NYC NFL team after years away, now the pair are in the same town, then in a twist of fate Blair is a kicker for the same team. Tyson struggles to hold back his feelings, only after a drunken sentence from Blair does Tyson take a chance.

[Bookarazzi Babe- Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a good sports romance and this did not disappoint! This is a heartfelt sports romance featuring strong women-in-sports, friends-to-lovers, “always been her” energy, and thoughtful mental health themes. The open-door romance is steamy without overshadowing the emotional growth. A solid read for sports romance fans.
Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for the opportunity to read this arc!

[Amber Tentnowski]

BETA read this.

If you love sports romance, especially women in sports, absolutely add this to your must reads. You’re gonna love it.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel LaBerge From the Sidelines wrecked my composure, stole my sleep, and had me emotionally yelling at fictional people like it was my job.
THANK YOU to the author for my gifted ARC.

I went in thinking I was ready. Sports romance? Friends to lovers? Woman breaking barriers in the NFL? Please, I’m built for this. What I was not prepared for was how deeply this story would crawl under my skin and settle there. This book doesn’t flirt with feelings, it commits. It grabs you by the jersey and drags you straight into years of longing, quiet sacrifices, and the kind of love that’s been patient for so long it almost forgot how to ask for more.

Blair Miller is everything I want in a heroine. She’s strong without being untouchable, confident without being immune to doubt, and ambitious in a way that feels earned, not performative. Watching her step into a male-dominated space and own it, while still dealing with anxiety, financial stress, and the very real fear of not being enough, felt painfully honest. Her journey isn’t polished. It’s messy and vulnerable and brave in that everyday way that hits hardest. I loved that she didn’t suddenly become fearless. She just kept going anyway.

And Tyson Bishop. Let’s talk about the man who has been in love so quietly and so consistently that it almost hurts to witness. This is elite “always been her” energy. Tyson isn’t loud about his feelings. He doesn’t demand space in Blair’s life. He supports her dreams without ego, without expectation, and without trying to be the hero of her story. The way he shows up emotionally, physically, and unapologetically is the kind of romance that sneaks up on you and then refuses to let go.

Their friends-to-lovers arc is a masterclass in tension. The lingering looks. The almost moments. The interruptions that made me groan out loud. It’s slow burn done right, where the payoff feels earned because you’ve lived inside their hesitation. When they finally cross that line, the chemistry is undeniable. The spice is open-door, intentional, and perfectly placed. It enhances the story instead of hijacking it, which I appreciated so much.

What truly elevates From the Sidelines is how much heart it has. This isn’t just a football romance. It’s a story about worth, timing, mental health, and learning to stop standing on the sidelines of your own life. The side characters bring warmth and humor, the found family element adds depth, and the overall pacing keeps everything flowing without ever feeling rushed.

One quote that absolutely stuck with me was: “From the sidelines, I know I’m looking at my future.” That line perfectly captures the soul of this book. It’s about recognizing what you want, even when it scares you, and deciding that wanting it is reason enough to try.

By the time I finished, I didn’t want to let these characters go. I wanted more moments, more banter, more quiet support, more everything. This book is cozy, witty, emotional, empowering, and quietly devastating in the best way.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

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[Tracey Mele · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will always show up for a Rachel Laberge sports romance, and this one absolutely delivered. This story is warm, swoony, and deeply heartfelt, blending friends to lovers perfection with a strong yet vulnerable FMC, thoughtful mental health representation, and a cozy reunion with familiar faces from the Play Caller Series. It’s the kind of book that just flows. The pacing is spot on, the character growth feels natural, and every piece fits together so effortlessly.

And the romance. Oh my heart. The open door chemistry is steamy in all the right ways, but it never overshadows the emotional depth. Blair and Tyson are ridiculously cute together. Tyson was clearly gone for her from the very start, and watching the quiet way he supported her through everything made me melt. He never tries to steal the spotlight or fix her. He just shows up, over and over, exactly when she needs him.

This book is such a beautiful reminder that your worth is not defined by other people, that dreams are worth chasing, and yes, that girls who love sports deserve stories made just for them too. It hit all the emotional beats while still being fun, flirty, and easy to fall into.

Their relationship unfolds with such delicious restraint. Every glance, every near miss, every perfectly timed interruption had me internally screaming. This is the kind of slow build that feels intentional and immersive, letting the tension stretch until the moment finally arrives and hits exactly as it should. Seeing Blair and Tyson move beyond friendship felt natural and deeply rewarding, shaped by patience, trust, and genuine respect for one another.

Tyson embodies the quiet kind of devotion that speaks louder than grand gestures. He never needs to announce his feelings or take center stage. Instead, he stands firmly beside Blair, championing her ambitions with steady confidence and zero ego. His presence is constant, supportive, and emotionally grounded, creating a love story that settles into your heart and refuses to leave.

Huge thank you to Rachel for trusting me with this story before release.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read this!

I genuinely loved this story from beginning to end. The friends-to-lovers progression was so well done—nothing rushed, nothing forced, just a natural, believable shift from friendship to something deeper. Watching them go from buddies to boyfriend and girlfriend felt incredibly satisfying, and I adored how their dynamic evolved with so much care and respect.

And can we talk about the fact that the FMC is an NFL kicker?! I LIVED for that. It was such a refreshing and empowering storyline, and honestly something I didn’t even know I needed until I read it. Blair being talented, confident, and absolutely crushing it in a male-dominated sport added such a fun, inspiring layer to the entire book.

From the very first page, I was hooked. The pacing was perfect, the banter was adorable, and the emotional beats landed exactly where they needed to. Tyler and Blair’s relationship was genuinely sweet—supportive, steady, and full of chemistry. Tyler was the kind of MMC who shows up, listens, and loves loudly in all the right ways, and Blair matched that energy beautifully.

Overall, this was such a fun, heartwarming, empowering read and I’m so grateful I got to experience it early. This story definitely earned a spot on my favorites list!

[Shannon Isaacs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being the only girl to 3 brothers it’s easy to see how our FMC Blair got her competitive side; with 2 older brothers at home.. and always wanting to keep up and even surpass her brothers, it’s no surprise how Blair ends up on the sidelines that pre-season game Sunday - in full gear and a fresh jersey with her name stitched on the back.

Blair, a 30 year old former soccer player is the owner of a spin club/gym and while business is good and growing - being the owner means money is always being stretched thin.. so when her best friend and NFL player Tyson convinces her there is a little on field pre-game competition, our girl is sold; because seriously why let the boys have all the fun!!

From the sidelines is the perfect story about college best friends who are secretly in love with each other. Both too afraid to admit to feelings, always stuck in the friend zone. Tyson is the perfect cinnamon roll of an MMC, he is attentive, so sweet, and has a dirty mouth (seriously I think I’m still blushing)

The perfect push and pull, some missteps on both sides will give you the perfect feeling of Finally!!! And if your not blushing like I was - I wanna know your secret

“Here from the sidelines I know I’m looking at my future” ❤️

[bookbaefae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewing a pre-published copy. All thoughts are my own.

He said, "Don't let the boys have all the fun," and she said, "Hold my beer."

Well, not the beer part. It probably would have been a latte or a rosé, because our FMC Blair LOVES her caffeine and pink wine.

Anyway, I DEVOURED this book (started 1/16 and finished 1/17). It's a spicy (3 🌶️🌶️🌶️) open door sports romance featuring a strong women in sports arc and themes of mental health rep and open communication.

You'll love this book if you enjoy:
- Sports romance (football)
- Breaking barriers, especially baddie entrepreneur FMCs with a competitive streak
- Friends to lovers. like BEST friends who can order for each other when they go out. I can't even do that for my bf 🤣)
- Spicy scenes featuring jerseys, him making sure SHE is in control and saying what she wants
- Found family and creating community

These characters grow even closer together and learn exactly what's possible when you take the risk, fight for what you want and "...put yourself out there to get the answers you need."

may you find the same, if not in life, at least in this book. 🫶

[Cassie Hammer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A special thank you to author Rachel LaBerge for sending me an advanced copy of From the Sidelines 💚 This is my honest and voluntary review.

💚 My thoughts: 💚
🏈 First off, I LOVE a book with dual/multiple POVs! I enjoy being able to read both sides as it allows me to better understand each character and their feelings.
🏈 I also enjoyed and appreciated the flashbacks of Tyson and Blair’s friendship. This allowed me to be able to get to know both characters on a deeper level, learn how they met and learn about their relationship and feelings for each other.
🏈 I absolutely LOVE Tyson! The way he loves Blair from the beginning is perfection 🫶🏼 Tyson is that sweet friend who wants to be more but too scared to express his feelings because he doesn’t want to ruin how good things are now and doesn’t want the possible rejection.
🏈 This was the perfect friends to lovers trope and I ate it up!
🏈 There were spicy scenes for sure, but overall this book was more focused on the story and I was all here for it!

My Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Plot Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨
My Character Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Spice Rating: 🌶️🌶️

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book. It is so uplifting and empowering. What I loved the most through is that most everyone was very encouraging and supportive of Blair. Yet it did not feel forced or like everyone had to support Blair. They honestly were excited to have Blair on the team

In regard to Blair and Tyson and their relationship, I liked it. They are both so supportive of one another. I loved getting to see how they went from friends to lovers. Yet they frustrated me a bit because there were signs that they both were interested and it took them a long time to cross that line. Although, they felt it and there was a time or two that it was not their fault as they were interrupted.

Zach one of the other players on the team was a hoot. Blair is my girl. This book is such a delight to read and the best way to start off this series. A "kickin" great read!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG i loved this book! Thank you so much for allowing me to be on the ARC team! It was such an interesting yet powerful take for women in sports. I was also really happy to see some of the characters from Rachel's other series peaking in! I miss that world!

I truly enjoyed getting a peak of what a woman in sports and owning her own business has to go through. We all have our own stressed, fears, anxieties over different things that make us feel broken in ways that we have to carry on our own. I really liked how Blair was able to have someone to turn to, to let it all out. Tyson, you big softy. I love a man who isn't afraid to do anything for his woman. There were some moments where I kinda wished there were more, but the overall story and the characters were incredible.

[Romance_book_obsessed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC! This whole series is about women in sports 🏈

Blair and Tyson have been best friends for years. When his recent NFL trade relocates Tyson to New York, he’s excited to be reunited with Blair! They’ve never been more than friends but both have wanted to cross the line!

An opportunity arises for Blair to be the new kicker for his team. There are some people who don’t want to see a woman play football, but Blair defies the odds!

When Tyson finally decides to tell Blair how he feels, she reveals the same feelings! It’s a short and steamy friends to lovers read!

[book lover 2025 · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in this women in sports series and it started off amazing! I love Rachel la berge playcaller series and was so happy when I realised is was kinda a spin off from that as we get to see some of the characters.
This was well written and showed the story of Blair and Tyler who have been best friends since their college days who have been secretly in love with each other. It also shows the first woman in nfl history be part of the team. I loved it and I am excited for the next book in the series

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! I received an arc from the author and when I started it I didn’t put it down once. I stayed up all night and finished it. Like the author says in the beginning, if you suspend disbelief a little, the rest of the book is completely relatable and real. The relationship and personal issues are dealt with an entirely real way and I just loved how it progressed. The pacing of the book was perfect and I didn’t ever feel it drag. All in all it is a great read and I recommend it to all my romance readers! I will be reading the rest of her books ASAP!

[Grace Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book by Rachel LaBerge! The mutual pining between the two characters is so clear. They’ve been in love with each other for ten years but each one thinks the other doesn’t like them like that. When they reach the climax and discover they feel the same way about one another…it’s just incredible. Blair and Tyson are such a dynamic duo, both such well thought out characters, I’m so privileged to have been able to read this ARC!

[Aly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was an adorably cute second chance romance that had an FMC pushing boundaries or what is acceptable for women while also being so real with real fears! I loved the characters and the growth and the way the characters responded to things. The pacing was solid and engaging. I loved how the FMC was an athletic and how that was covered in this book. It was a sweet fun read with a touch of spice.

[Craftin' Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first read from the author, From The Sidelines, will be out in just a few weeks.
It's got a great couple who you really root for. Plenty of steam if that's your thing, but it's not just steamy for steamy's sake. It’s all story driven.
The side characters are also fantastic, you really get to know (and like them). I look forward to more from the author.
Definitely worth picking up a copy!

[Kailee · Rating 4 out of 5]

On the surface, it’s a friends to lovers rom-com about a woman that gets temporarily drafted to the NFL. Deeper down, it’s a story about resilience and perseverance and being proud of your accomplishments! It’s about breaking boundaries and smashing through ceilings and proving naysayers wrong. A fun and empowering story from the dedication!

Thank you to the author for the chance to read this early! Be sure to check it out Feb 19 2026

[Ashley Brumback · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blair and Tyson are amazing! The what ifs, should haves, and could bes are perfect. And once that switch is flipped there's no going back. Tyson is so supportive in every way. He's like the perfect man. Blair seems to have the same insecurities as most women I know do. And he helps her and hypes her up through it all. I definitely wish there was more of them, I never wanted it to end.

[Kimberly Tran · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book from Rachel and I’m so excited about it! I loved the premise of this story! Blair was such an amazing character. I loved that she was confident in her skills despite the insecurities she dealt with. I love friends to lover when the tension and angst of loving from afar catch up to them! Highly recommend this one!

[Danika Ford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! This story is absolutely adorable, featuring best friends who end up falling in love while playing for the NFL. The male main character has such golden retriever vibes and truly longs for the female main character. I really enjoyed the happily ever after!

[Jessica Wisniewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute football romance that I could not put down. Loved the FMC (Blair) and MMC (Tyson), and their friends to lovers relationship. Thank you to Rachel LaBerge for this e-book ARC! I rated this one 3.75 ⭐️, and I’m looking forward to reading more from the author!

[Gianna Marone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you so much for an amazing ARC read! This story is everything I want in a sports romance, empowering, emotional, and quick with a perfectly balanced plot. I loved the strong themes of women’s empowerment, and the dual POV sealed the deal for me since it’s a favorite. Absolutely loved it!

[keona]

beta read!!🥰 keep this on on your radar!

[ceilidh (yourhopefulromantic)]

beta read - RTC 💚

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alpha Read- get ready for another amazing book!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC! I really enjoyed this story!

[MRH Kotz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this story and the strong empowered woman as the FMC and the supportive MMC as well as the cast of characters on the team.