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

[Afton · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a cute and empowering read. Blair is a total BA FMC, and I loved how she was authentically herself. Although Blair’s story seemed a bit far fetched in this day and age, we all that it comes true sooner rather than later. We need more woman everywhere!!

The slow-burn romance between Blair and Tyson was sweet with just the right amount of spice. They had a great support system, so many found family vibes, and acceptance radiated from their network. That said, the story did feel a bit rushed at times. There was a lot going on, and I wished each plotline had more room to fully develop.

Cannot wait to check out the rest of the series!

[Sandy (Sandy.Reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️¾

From the Sidelines is all about women stepping out, taking up space, and making waves when the world would rather they stay quiet. Blair is such a badass FMC. I loved the premise of her gym being a place where women feel seen, strong, and confident. What really worked for me was how, the more you read, you start to see that beneath her confidence, Blair still carries insecurities. That layer made her feel very real and relatable.

The romance between Blair and Tyson has that slow burn, we have been in love forever but never said it out loud energy, and watching them finally work through that was really well done. I also loved how involved Tyson’s family was in the story and how close knit they were. It added so much warmth and depth.

Overall, this was an empowering, heartfelt read with strong themes of confidence, growth, and love. A solid 3.75 stars for me. 💪📚

[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
🎬: NC-17: not suitable for under age 18 due to explicit and graphic sexual content.

[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.

[Whitney Schad · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars ARC Review

So the premise of this book is spectacular. Imagine being a retired soccer player thrown into a football team mid-season as a kicker. Wild! Loved th FMC, she was tenacious and imperfect but working on herself. Ya therapy! The MMC was a smitten golden retriever, and I’m here for it.

I hate the miscommunication trope and characters that get in their own way. However! I really enjoyed this book and felt like it was more of a necessary part of the story rather than a lazy way to keep things moving. I can’t wait for what comes next for these characters

Thanks to the publisher and Rachel Laberge for the advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest opinions.

[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!

[Samantha Necaise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five ⭐️ ARC Read!!! I flew through this this book!! I was hooked from the beginning!!! Absolutely loved this sports romance! Has an HEA! Love seeing strong women thriving in real life and stories! This is an automatic buy author for me!

[De Rijdende Boekenwurm]

My review will follow soon.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Rachel LaBerge for providing the opportunity to read and review this ARC!!

I loved The Play Caller series, so was super excited to read another football romance - Twist! She’s the first female NFL player - collegiate soccer player to NFL kicker 💪

Blair and Tyson were sweet. It was clear from the beginning how much they cared and supported each other. Obvious Tyson was smitten from the get go. I appreciate how much Blair stood up for herself and pursued her dreams - all with the full support of Tyson.

Rachel LaBerge does a fantastic job avoiding third act breakups and illustrating how important communication supports healthy relationships in working through and overcoming challenges together. 🥰

[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!

[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

#FromTheSidelines #RachelLaBerge #BookReview #ARCReview #SportsRomance #FootballRomance #FriendsToLovers #WomenInSports #SlowBurnRomance #RomanceBooks #RomanceReads #KindleRomance #Bookstagram #BookTokRomance

[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.

[Kirstie · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 stars)
eARC Review
Release Date: February 12

From the Sidelines is Book 1 in the Breaking Barriers series, a multi-author collection centered on strong women in sports, and it was such a fun way to dip my toe into sports romance for the first time.

Tyson and Blair have been best friends since college. For ten years, they’ve both carried quiet crushes on each other, choosing friendship over risk… until circumstances finally line them up on the same field. Literally.

Tyson is an NFL player who gets traded mid-season to the NYC Cosmos, and any disappointment disappears when he realizes he’ll be in the same city as Blair for the first time since college. Blair is invited to watch his first game from the sidelines, wearing his jersey, fully in supportive-best-friend mode, when she’s unexpectedly pulled into a fan competition to kick a field goal. Thanks to her background as a college soccer player and growing up with competitive brothers, she absolutely nails it.

What starts as a chance to win merch turns into something much bigger. The competition is actually the team’s way of scouting a replacement kicker, and just like that, Blair is asked to join the team. From there, she goes down in history as the first woman in the NFL, all while owning and running her own gym.

One of my favorite parts was the first game. You can feel the crowd energy pouring off the page, the nerves, the excitement, the noise of the stadium. It made the moment feel big, earned, and electric.

Blair is an absolute badass. Confident, talented, and grounded - although she sometimes needs that reminder. Tyson is the muscular, emotionally supportive king we all love to see. Their friends-to-lovers dynamic is built on years of trust, which made their transition feel natural and satisfying.

It’s not all touchdowns and heart eyes though. There are real challenges, pressure, and unexpected upsets along the way that keep the story grounded.

If you’re looking for a sports romance with a strong female lead, a supportive MMC, and a feel-good but realistic arc, this is a great kickoff to the series and one to have on your radar when it releases February 12. ✨

[Ezza Syuhada · Rating 3 out of 5]

No third-act breakup. No petty jealousy. Just emotionally mature adults trying their best 

I was lucky enough to be accepted as an ARC reader for From the Sidelines by Rachel LaBerge, and I was over the moon because I’ve genuinely enjoyed every book she’s written so far.

⭐ Rating: 3.5/5

I quite enjoyed this book, mostly because I knew exactly what to expect from Rachel’s writing and that’s a good thing. Her stories always focus on wholesome, emotionally mature relationships between two adults who are trying to figure out whether they want to be together, while also working through their own trauma and baggage.

Going into this, I already knew I was going to like it. There was no unnecessary third-act breakup (a trope I hate), no pointless girl-on-girl jealousy or pettiness, and definitely no fighting over a man (another trope I cannot stand). Most of the characters, aside from the obvious antagonist, were supportive, loving, and emotionally present, which honestly felt like a breath of fresh air.

So why a 3.5 instead of a 4?

While I do appreciate reading about women handling their insecurities in a healthy way, Blair’s insecurities occasionally felt a bit tedious for me to get through. In particular, there was a scene where Blair lashed out at her partner after discovering they had made future plans without including her. She immediately felt intentionally left out and abandoned, which frustrated me especially since this person had consistently shown up for her for over a decade. At some point, I found myself thinking: what more do they need to do to prove they’re not going anywhere?

That said, I also completely understood her reaction. She learned about these plans immediately after experiencing something deeply traumatic, so her feeling overwhelmed and lashing out was entirely valid. Basically… I get it, but I also don’t get it. If you know, you know.

Overall, this was still a very enjoyable read, and I would absolutely recommend it, along with Rachel LaBerge’s other books if you’re in the mood for a mature, emotionally grounded love story.

[LoveMeDarkly · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, a huge thank you to the author for this ARC opportunity. It honestly is what I needed to pull me out of this reading slump (due to my own personal issues) and feel heard and seen in certain ways.

I give this book a 4.5⭐ (rounded up to 5) and a spice rating of 3.5🌶️.

TROPES:
* Friends to lovers
* Women in sports
* Mental health rep

I absolutely devoured this book. This is another phenomenal read from this author and I can't wait for book 2 in the series! Anyway, here's my thoughts.

This story follows Tyson, who plays for the Upstate Cosmos (football) and Blair who had her own gym business and former college soccer star.
In my eyes, they are a perfect match made in heaven. The friends to lovers trope and the slowburn was done to perfection and I couldn't get enough of their chemistry.

I found both characters relatable. I related to Blair and her insecurities when it came to the relationship with Tyson. Then I see a lot of Tyson's qualities in my current love.

A quote that hit me the hardest in this read was "The man meant to care for me didn't love me enough to stay. So why would anyone else?" In the book was used to describe the relationship between Blair and her father, but it was relatable to me in a different relationship.

My favorite quotes overall were...
"If it's worth having, you better be ready to fight for it," and "Because when you get everything you want, and more, you hold on. Tight. You don't let go."

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC reader here 💚🏈🔥😍 THANK YOU, RACHEL!

Slowburn ✅
Friends to lovers ✅
Hidden Love ✅
Sports Romance ✅
Female empowerment ✅
Female independence ✅
Female CEO ✅
Men supporting women ✅
Spice ✅

Rachel, You had me at the dedication, “For anyone who was told “that’s not for you,” and did it anyway. This one’s for you.”Tidbits I loved: Their mutual, immediate recognition that their hidden feelings still exist. Blair’s love of his beard. I’m a beard girl, too! I enjoyed Blair’s tenacity, goals and ability to push herself through whatever means to achieve her dreams. The vulnerability of Tyson’s harbored feelings before confessing to his brother, to Blair. Like he’s not sure. But he is. His inner monologue one liners were perfect: “Fuck. I’m in trouble.” “Fuck. She’s going to kiss me.” And my favorite Ty realization, “Fuck. I’m a mess.”The tension before the *almost* first kiss. Yes, please! Had me on the edge of my seat, will they?! won’t they?! The first spice scene, two chapters, dual POV! Yes! I am here for reading both of their experiences! The term, “sex drunk?!” I laughed out loud. I’ll just say two words of praise, “The shower!” In a man’s world, to see the men rally around this badass female that’s good at sports and in business without trepidation or intimidation was magical to read. “She’s been a symbol of progress,” Isn’t that what we need in today’s world?! On pointe, Rachel.

[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!

[Stephs.bookshelf09 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the start of a new series, where the focus on the series in the fierce FMCs and I am sooo here for it!! These ladies are going to be fun. And you know their men have to be ready to handle all of them 😜


This book is about Blair and Tyson. They are long time friends, a friendship that started up in college and they just have stayed close all these years. We know though what happens when best friends ignore those feelings 😜 things will happen haha.

This story start with Tyson being in the NFL and moves home closer to his family and most importantly Blair. His team has an issue and is in desperate need of a temporary kicker. When someone suggests a crazy idea, somehow Blair ends up being the star of the show and the first female NFL player. Watch their journey as she explores this new life and fame but also trying to continue with her life and her goals.

She has her ambitions and dreams and even though having Tyson closer is making this dreams seem like they could change and maybe grow new sprouts, she has a hard time trusting what she can’t control and it will be interesting what happens with them both.

Great story so much fun. And I enjoyed getting to read this book and this was my first from this author. Great character development and story had great twists on the football romances we all know and love

[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: 🌶️🌶️

[Books and Blooms NH · Rating 4 out of 5]

From The Sidelines by Rachel Laberge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a great read! As a female with anxiety, I could resonate with Blair. I loved this character. She's strong (physically and mentally), a college soccer player, gym owner, and first woman in the NFL. But the most impressive part, is she doesn't let other's judge her because of her gender. Her gym is a safe space for everyone, she stands up for herself, and she inspires girls of all ages.

Then we have Tyson, the big hearted football player. He's Blair's biggest supporter, anticipating her wants and needs and trying to ease her burden and give her somewhere to be comfortable and let herself fall apart.

After years of being friends, they both secretly yearn for each other. When they finally get together, they are spicy. Who knew sweet Ty, was so good at dirty talk?

The only thing I wanted, was more! I feel like the ending was rushed, but it wrapped up well. 💚

Thank you @rachellabergeauthor for the gifted eARC!

[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!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The first woman on an NFL roster? On a random Sunday?”
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
From The Sidelines by Rachel LaBerge

It felt correct to ring in a snowstorm with Rachel’s book and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Blair is a bisexual retired college soccer player who owns a gym just for
Women. Tyson is a player on the Upstate Cosmos. (remember Tripp& Zach? They’re baaaaaaack) When all of their kickers are out of commission before their next game, who do you think ends up on the roster.

That’s right; Blair Miller.

This story was SO CUTE and hopeful. Watching this friends to lovers romance play out was so sweet. Tyson is absolutely a man who yearns to be with his best friend. Will he get his wish? Add this to your TBR to find out.

As always, thank you to Rachel for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Marielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was very cute!! Friends to lovers isn’t always my favorite trope but Blair and Tyson were adorable so I couldn’t help but love them!! I love the “it’s always been her” vibe from Tyson and I loved his brother and parents meddling slightly in their relationship.

Blair was such a badass and I loved how she used the money from the NFL to attempt to expand her business while still focusing on playing at the same time. I also loved how supportive the team was of her (even Benny).

I really loved the women in sports & mental health rep in this book!! Especially in regards to being an athlete and self image! This was such a quick read I can’t wait to read the others in the series! If you’re a sports romance fan, I highly recommend this one!

Thank you Rachel for the eARC in exchange for my honest review <3

[Emily || Bookstagram&#x1f380; · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨I fan girled when I realized this book ties into Trip Owen’s team!
✨I was really proud of Blair and her skills for becoming a kicker for the NFL. The realistic feelings she felt from high heart rate to massive pressure to have the best outcome for each kick she has to do would give anyone anxiety. She’s a badass!
✨The way Blair thinks is so relatable. She’s not wrong about it being so hard to be positive to yourself and believing when other people tell you positive things. Makes me root for her harder 🤍
✨I love that she has a gym to build women up and providing a safe space for honestly everyone. That’s so huge for some people who are unsure of themselves.
✨She’s a girls girl ! Who’s not afraid of being the only girl in a room full of men 🙌🏼

🏈Years of yearning
🏈Football players
🏈Women in sports
🏈Mental health
🏈Friends to lovers
🏈Found family
🏈Text on pages

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Former college soccer star and current gym owner Blair has never quite left her competitive side behind. So when her best friend and NFL player Tyson invites her to a per-game field goal contest, she shows up ready to win. Only Blair doesn't know the prize isn't just bragging rights: it's a place on the team.

Read if you like:
-Friends to Lovers
-They're Both Athletes
-Teammates
-Mutual Pining

Blair is my new hero. She's so relatable because I'm also too competitive for my own good and have a coffee addiction. I'm also a huge fan of the friends to lovers trope so I was cheering on Blair and Tyson from the start. From the Sidelines felt like reading a gender swapped Invincible with amazing mutual pining, and as much as I enjoy Mark Wahlberg, Blair did it better. I highly recommend this one!

[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.