My life is anything but perfect—but I’ve gotten really good at pretending it is.
My ballet career busted before it even began, all because my body changed. And my love life? That’s been doomed from the start, too. Why? Because I’ve been in love with one guy since I was a kid. And that’s exactly how he sees me.
Gary Robinson, quarterback of the Seattle Ironbacks, I’ve known him since I was twelve and in love with him since I was thirteen!
He’s never said anything, thank God. I don’t even think he’s realized it. Maybe when I was little, but now he definitely has no clue. But regardless, he’s been a constant in my life—those piercing blue eyes, that easy charm. His goofy sense of humor!
He’s everything I want but can’t have… Loving him isn’t the hard part—hiding it is.
But then he walks in on me while I’m FaceTiming with my sister, being completely ridiculous while sunbathing by the pool—instead of laughing it off, he gets…angry.
And suddenly, pretending gets a whole lot harder.
Being a professional quarterback for the Seattle Ironbacks? That was always the dream.
But Zoey? I never saw her coming.
Not only is she the coach’s daughter, but he’s also my friend. His wife is my cousin!
She’s always been there—cute, talented, sweet as hell. She’s never been anything more than the cute kid that had a crush on me once.
When did she grow up?
I’ve never been in a serious relationship before, even a not serious relationship. But now, after seeing her at the pool…
I can’t unsee what I saw. And—well, I don’t want to.
Gary gets his happily ever after in The Quarterback. The first chapter is hilarious definitely pulls you in immediately. Gary has a “reputation” as not being a relationship guy. That’s until Zoey. There’s an age gap between them not only an age gap, but Travis (Zoey’s dad) is The Coach and Gary’s friend. That’s going to cause some awkward/tension when Travis finds out.
Zoey is going through a break up with her ex. She’s staying at the house when Gary walks in on her twerking…. Well, I won’t say too much else but just know it’s hilarious. Zoey’s ex can’t take a hint.
Now there was a twist thrown in towards the end of this story I did not see coming at all and I won’t go further into detail because it’ll ruin it. But the way I was like…. “Alexandra! Shaw! What?!?!” But ultimately the story does have a happy ending.
If you are into age gap, humor, protective mmc, spice but hilarious spice then I highly suggest picking this one up! This story also deals with body image issues. I would say this could be read before The Coach. But for the full experience start with The Coach!
I also cannot end this review without saying…. Not the cord 🤣 gotta read to find out what I mean.
First I would like to say I received this as an ARC. I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Touchdown Read: The Quarterback by Alexandra Shaw
Alexandra Shaw scores a winning touchdown with The Quarterback, the fantastic follow-up to The Coach. This novel is an absolute delight, filled with “leg-kicking and laugh-out-loud humor.” Shaw throws a beautiful “touchdown” pass with The Quarterback. It masterfully delivers the laughs, the witty banter, and significant emotional maturity and healing for both Gary and Zoey. Don’t worry about the spice, and Shaw serves up an appropriate portion! This is a must-read for fans of the first book and anyone looking for a heartwarming, hilarious, and steamy romance.
Now, you want to know a little bit more about the story, don’t you?
Well, we’re back in Seattle, fully immersed in the world of the Seattle Steelheads, and this time, our focus is on the team’s charismatic quarterback, Gary Robinson. Gary’s tired of the unfulfilling parade of random hookups and “fake women with their fake orgasms.” In fact, his dissatisfaction with his latest fling sends him running faster than a 100-meter sprinter.
But Gary’s biggest problem isn’t just the superficiality of his dating life; he can’t stop thinking about a certain raven-haired, blue-eyed beauty: Zoey Thompson. Try as he might, she’s constantly on his mind.
Zoey, now all grown up and back from Juilliard, is battling her internal demons. Despite being graced with a beautiful physique, she struggles with self-worth and body image. In addition, Zoey has been in love with Gary since “she learned what love was.” But she thinks that Gary will never see her as an adult.
Gary feels wrong for wanting her because he watched her grow up. Can Gary, the serial love-them-and-leave-them type of man, settle into a real relationship? You have to read it to find out!
Fantastic book two!! I just love a football romance ( because I was the cheerleader who married a football player ) Age gap, very protective MMC, spicy , falls for the coaches daughter , mental health, found family , and did I mention football 🏈
I've finished reading my ARC copy of 'the Quaterback' written by Alexandra Shaw. This is a sports romance and kind of a spin off of her book 'the Coach'.
"It's easier to pretend everything is okay."
I loved this book as much as I loved the other one. It's nice to read more about 'side' characters of the Coach as well and also be able to read about the rest of the characters again. I really love the way these stories are written and I just wanted to keep reading!
"I will not promise not to freak out because that statement is like someone jumping up and down waving their arms over their head yelling, freak out coming!"
This story is about Zoey and Gary, but you also can read about Travis, Ella, Charlie and their friends again. It's a surprising story and I'm kinda sad that their story isn't a longer one, cause I would have read it all!
"S*x and football, that de are my favorite things. At least they used to be."
What I love most about the stories I've read of Shaw, is that she's capable of mixing upcoming and blossoming love with hard, problematic and sometimes even traumatic subjects. It gives her books an extra layer of depth that makes you feel the story even more. It makes you emphasize with the characters on a deeper level and it frankly makes the stories much more interesting.
"I've never enjoyed holding a woman as much af I enjoy holding her. And in this moment, with her arms wrapped around my waist and her head resting on my chest, it's perfection."
I loved reading the Quaterback. I love how the story unravels and how there's room for all these real emotions and problems along the way. I love how cozy it is on one side and how serious on the other. I've read it in record time and it deserves five stars.
if you've read the first book of the Seattle Steelheads series, you already know both Zoey and Gary. Only now Zoey is a grown woman.
Zoey is one of Travis's daughters, the one who's had a crush on Gary since she was a girl. Gary is Ella's cousin and the quarterback to the Steelheads. It isn't until Zoey comes back from college that Gary finally decides Zoey will be his. No matter who wants her and who wants him.
The Quarterback is an easy to read and spicy book. An age gap romance that doesn't push heavily and the age difference. I love that Alexandra doesn't push the age difference in a negative way but shows it to us as a normal healthy relationship.
Zoey has always had a thing for her stepmother's cousin. But when she come home from her own issues, the feelings between her and Gary take a turn of events when the realization of the feelings is mutual from daddy's Quarterback. Will Gary's past ruin his future with the woman he loves and finally ready to settle dodor? The real life situations in this book make it even more eventful. Recommend this read. It will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what will happen next.
I love this book so much I like this age gap story because it taught me to love myself and to take care of myself. Zoe reminds me of me and I think that Gary was just there to help her get to who she is. I cannot wait for the next book. The spice was the best
Read this wonderful book the minute you sent it to me. I couldn't put it down and actually finished it the same day. I love your writing and am downloading more of your books to read. Kudos on this book!
This is the second book in the series, and I actually liked it slightly more than the first—which says a lot, because book one already had a strong foundation. But something about Gary and Zoey’s story just clicked for me in a way that felt a little deeper and more emotionally satisfying.
I absolutely loved the dynamic between Gary and Zoey. Their relationship may seem fast-paced on the surface, but because they’ve known each other for years, it never felt rushed or unbelievable. Instead, it felt like the perfect example of two people who have been orbiting each other for a long time finally stepping into what was meant to be. There’s a comfort, familiarity, and unspoken history between them that makes their romance feel natural and effortless.
The way their love unfolded—quick but rooted in years of connection—was honestly one of my favorite parts. It didn’t need the typical slow-burn buildup because the foundation had already been laid long before page one. Watching them shift from friends/acquaintances with shared history into something soft, romantic, and emotionally open was incredibly sweet. Their chemistry felt easy, warm, and believable, and I loved how seamlessly they fit together once they finally allowed themselves to.
Overall, this book brought out the best parts of the series: heartfelt relationships, character growth, and a romance that feels both earned and magical. Gary and Zoey were such a wonderful pairing, and their story made this installment shine even brighter than the first.
This short little masterpiece packs a lot of punch! We have true love, body acceptance, over coming a serious illness both physically and mentally, hot and spicy spice in all the right ways and places, we have banter, age gap,and alot of humor! Alex takes a very serious issue and brings it to us readers in the best way possible! In this book we get Zoey and Gary’s love story. You must read the coach first in order to completely understand these characters. Gary has always been in Zoey’s life since she was little and growing up and was very protective over her and her sister. Fast forward years later, Zoey is now an adult in college and just now realizing how much her feelings for Gary has grown, and Gary realizing how much he truly loves Zoey, he will do whatever it takes to protect her and show her just how deep his feelings run! This book starts off with a bang and keeps you, it doesn’t let you go til the very end! It’s a beautiful story of love, and friendship and learning to love your body and to take care of yourself. MUST READ THE COACH FIRST!
I loved this book! If you haven’t read The Coach before you start this book you’re missing out! Turn around and go to that one first! It helps build the setting even more for book two! I loved how Gary and Zoey’s relationship is friendship long before feelings get involved. I truly appreciate that the author really touched on eating disorders in dancers (it’s a thing, and unfortunately most go without help/a support system) and how she had Zoey’s family rally around her! The age gap and spice is all wonderful! I really enjoyed how the author threw in a plot twist, and kind of hooked you in because you knew something was going to happen (Zoey keeps feeling like she’s being watched) and BAM! You were not expecting that kind of plot twist!!! And the aftermath and how loving and caring Gary is towards her. How that incident helped her dad be more accepting of their relationship (which is funny because he has an age gap in his marriage too). It was an easy and quick read that left your heart happy in the end! ENJOY!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The first book in this series was good, but this one is 🫦. The spice begins on page one. Did you hear me?! PAGE ONE! That my friends is how you know it’s going to be a good book! 🤭
Gary is the quarterback for the Seattle Steelheads and has never been in a serious relationship - he’s more of a hit it and quit it kind of guy. He falls in love with the coaches daughter, who is significantly younger than he is. Fun fact - shes had a crush on him since she was 12.
Their relationship might be taboo to some, but I’m here for it. The way he cares for Zoey is what dreams are made of - every woman (and man) deserves a love like Gary’s. His attraction is more than physical or sexual. 🥰
Thank you so much, Alexandra Shaw, for allowing me to read an ARC of this book. 🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Quarterback by Alexandra Shaw Contemporary Sports Romance that doesn’t waste any time. 😉 I started reading and it wasn’t long that I was saying, “Alright then … that was hot! 🤩” This novella companion of the Coach is a great extension of the original story. I loved the characters in the original and really wanted to know more about all of them. Gary is a quarterback not really looking for love, but tired of his constant rotation of admirers. Fun and fast paced read. Deals with some tough topics in a respectful way. Check triggers before reading, but Alexandra does treat everything with grace and style. Contains: Age Gap, forbidden romance, friends to lovers, and more. 4.5 ⭐️ 4 🌶️
I had the honor of getting The Quarterback as an ARC. This is the 3rd book I have read from Alexandra, I read the 1st book in the series and loved it. I loved The Quarterback also, it was funny, sad and had some great twists. I’m only sorry she didn’t make it a little longer. I would definitely recommend to everyone. Even though it’s a sports romance, there is more romance (and spice) than about the sports. Again I would definitely recommend this book. You also should read The Coach first, this is where the story starts with Gary and Zoey.
The Quarterback By Alexandra Shaw ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️ This is Something
Our Quarterback Gary Robinson, 36, his Coach Travis is married to his cousin Ella. Our FMC Zoey Thompson 20, yes one of the coaches daughters. Who’s crushed on him since she was 13. I want to know WHY he is obsessed with going to the Met for dinner!! lol. I just love the way Alexandra Shaw writes. This story hit on some personal things I’ve experienced in the past and it just made me stronger reading this. I can’t wait for more from her. I laughed I cried I fist pumped.
Don’t start this book until you have time to read it from start to finish!!! It is that good! It’s spicy, emotional, hilarious, and everything else that makes a book perfect.
Gary, the playboy who doesn’t date, has completely changed for one certain woman. Zoey, the little girl we know from The Coach, is completely grown and still in love with her childhood crush, Gary. I absolutely loved how he supported her and helped her get through her struggles.
This was a great read. The story and romance progressed quickly but didn’t feel rushed since the characters have known each other for years. It’s quick paced and written well. It’s lighthearted but doesn’t shy away from heavy topics. The characters are lovable, and I think this was a great way to see more of them. This book can be read independently from the Coach, but I do think having already read the Coach enhanced the experience of this book.
While Book 2 was good, it was too short for me. I wanted so much more. I won't put in spoilers here, but the ending, I wanted so much more of them. So I give this 3.75 stars and 2.5 chilies for spice. I do hope to see more on this family. Like how did Quincy and Jenny hook up? Is Troy going to be with Charlie?
Would I recommend this book? Not to my mom, but yes to others that like Football and a bit of who is the stalker mystery.
Alexandra Shaw is an amazing writer and I love the Seattle Steel Heads Series. This a other great book. I highly recommend it if you liked The Coach because in this book we lean about more Gray was is the Quarterback in the coach. This does have spice. This book has a great Alexandra Shaw twist in it as well.
OMG. the craziness of how this book starts and then the chemistry between the two characters captivates you. it is a rollercoaster of emotion towards the end but very good read. different from the coach but in its own right as it is two different characters and their story.Alexandra Shaw definitely knows what she is doing and highly recommend the book.
Absolutely loved this book! The story has a fiery and engaging plot, blending body positivity with plenty of spice. I was a little hesitant about the age gap, but it turned out to be a minor detail that didn't detract from the overall enjoyment. Highly recommend for those looking for a steamy and uplifting read!
Great follow up to The Coach!! This one is spicy and smart. I love the characters- Gary, the popular guy who sleeps around (at least until he realizes he loves Zoey) and Zoey, the introverted girl that had a crush on the popular guy that she was sure would never look at her romantically. I loved it!!! It’s a must read for anyone who enjoys a great love story with lots of spice!
Not gonna lie, I really liked the Coach better. I’m all for an age gap romance and I love goofy Gary, but Zoey just isn’t for me. I found her immature and one note. It was so much easier to enjoy a story where the main characters felt like equals. Absolutely going to read the final book in the series, though. Got to find out what happens between Charlie and Troy.
Amazing! Funny! Heart grabbing! Wow!! Loved it! This is Gary and Zoey’s story! Loved it! I was in tears from both laughing and heart wrenching! This book is amazing and keeps you on edge of seat! I couldn’t put down once I started!! Love this series and can’t wait for more!
The quarterback may be my new favorite Alexandra Shaw book. I read this book in one day, and I could not stop reading it. I love Gary and Zoeys' story. this book has great banter, makes you laugh out loud, and also touches on sensitive issues.i highly recommend you add this to your TBR.
This novella had me rolling from the get go. There is comedy, there is spice, and a bit of psychological thriller. If you’ve read The Coach, then this story is a must read!! If you’ve haven’t, what are you waiting for that story is great too!!!
I was able to be an arc reader for this book. this book had age gaps. football romance. this was my first sports romance book and it was super adorable. I loved this book and couldnt put it down. I laughed and did shed a few tears and the ending was perfect.
Absolutely adorable!! Fast paced, loving, protective,passionate, caring and SPICY! 🌶️ 🌶️🌶️. Another Alexandra Shaw book for me and I loved it!!! I don’t know how she does it but keeps going with the good writes!!