Sadie Henley is a contemporary romance author who loves to write swoony love stories for deserving characters. Her stories are authentic and filled with heart, banter, and spice.
Sadie resides in the Northeast USA with her husband and two boys. She loves long naps on the beach and getting lost in a good book.
I was immediately intrigued by this book because you almost always see football romances focused on quarterbacks or wide receivers but this one centers around an offensive lineman, which made for such a refreshing take.
What really stood out to me was getting the perspective of a male character who isn’t fully secure in his body. So often, it’s the FMC who struggles with confidence, but here Sebastian battles with self-doubt at times, which added depth and realism to his character.
Sebastian and Annie truly felt like a perfect match. I loved how Annie supported him unconditionally and was always there to help him work through his insecurities. Their relationship felt authentic and full of heart.
For a debut novel, this was impressive. The writing was smooth, the romance was engaging, and it set up the series so well. I can’t wait to continue on with the next book!
I received this as an ARC and I couldn't have been happier reading this. It was such as wonderfully written story about a couple; a misunderstanding; coming back together and a slow burn sports romance. The romance didn't happen in a few day but took time, months, weeks. It was a realistic view of how people who want to be together will find a way. Sebastian and Annie are a perfect couple. Annie is smart, athletic and a fantastic coach while Sebastian is smart, an elite athlete and somehow down on himself that he's not quite enough. I love each characters backgrounds and the way they compliment each other so well. The spice in this book was also very realistic, not closed door but not explicit either.
I'm looking forward to more books from Sadie and can't wait to see where she takes some of the other characters we met in this book.
I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It is not like other football romances. This story is unique because he has body image issues. Sebastian is a thicc guy. He is an offensive lineman. He is not cocky, arrogant or very confident in his self image. Both main characters are past their 20’s. He thinks that the fact he plays professional football as a lineman makes him not really an athlete. He started off as a rookie with someone using his innocence to get an in with the other players and then dropped him for a more athletic build teammate. It happened a couple other times throughout his career and this has given him low confidence. He is however an excellent player, friend and brother.
Sebastian’s teammate Bryce connects with a woman named Goldie on a dating app. He goes to the meet up with him to be his wingman. It’s hard for NfL players to not get catfished. While his friend is on his date he is sitting at the bar. That’s where he meets Annie. She is there as Goldie’s wingwoman. She was sure Goldie was being catfished and wanted her to be safe. They hit it off talking but when he realizes she knows who he is he shuts down. He thinks she is like the rest.
Through a series of events they find themselves in the same place again and he still has his walls up and it takes awhile for him to see the truth about Annie and her friend Goldie. The story tackles some character issues perfectly. It’s refreshing that the MMC is not a player and the FMC is strong and confident.
So different the usual sports romance! This one has got "fat" Representation for the MMC and I loved that.
I loved the way the author gave the background story as to the "WHY" he got that way and his journey to football "stardom". His experiences on the field, past failed romances and insecurities as a result were all so valid.
I also loved the fact that Annie saw past that and appreciated him for who he was... a great guy.
From being in the friend-zone to being a supportive partner that wasn't afraid to share her concerns when necessary.
The play on names made me chuckle so hard😄
I really can't wait for more from this author.
Thank you Sadie Henley for the ARC and the opportunity to share my honest thoughts.
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 This was an entertaining and engaging read! The plot was good and kept me hooked from beginning to end. The author has a great knack for storytelling and building a compelling narrative. However, I felt that the book could have benefited from a bit more "showing" rather than "telling." It often felt like I was being told about the characters' feelings and motivations instead of experiencing them through their actions and dialogue. This made it a little difficult for me to fully connect with the characters on an emotional level. Ultimately, I enjoyed the story, but the writing style might just not be for me. If you enjoy a more direct, narrative-driven approach, you'll probably love this book.
I enjoyed this book for the most part. It was a quick easy read. I felt like the romance to a back seat to the sports aspect of the book. It was there but it did not have the loving passion I expect from a romance. The relationship just felt forced and more like a high school crush. The game of volleyball did not need to be explained in as much detail as it was. Overall, it was not terrible but it was just ok. I would definitely give the author another shot in the future since this is her first book!
Annie and Sebastian are such a wholesome couple. Its different from typical sports romance books I usually read, but I absolutely loved it. The storyline was easy to follow and I did laugh throughout it while also being able to relate somewhat to parts of their stories. If you're looking for a lighthearted, easy read, this is definitely it.
I really enjoyed this debut book. I connected with the characters and enjoyed their development. I found myself chuckling at their banter and some one-liners from other characters throughout the book.
This was phenomenal for a debut!!!! Loved so many different aspects, especially the maturity of the characters throughout. Not your typical fluffy romance! Well done!
I was really excited to get a chance to ARC read this story. I love that our MMC Sebastian isn't the typical MMC - quarterback or wide receiver - that we typically read about in football romances. He's an O-Lineman so he's not necessarily the "in the headlines" guy - nor is he carrying around the perfect 6 pack. Our FMC Annie is also an athlete and is a D1 Volleyball Headcoach. Also LOVED that they were both older (Annie 30 and Sebastian 32). Both of them are heavily involved in charity works - he runs a foundation for women - both giving scholarships but also for women in abusive relationships. Her family runs a foundation that provides sports summer camps. They met and it takes a bit for them to both get on the same page - Sebastian has a hard time making his feelings known - but once they get together it's a lovely romance. They both suffer from body image issues, neither being thin etc like society expects - and I felt this part of Sebastian's story arc was a nice touch we don't often see written about. I liked that we got a good bit of the sports in the book - we see them and their teams go through the season and I like while it didn't dominate the story - it was still an integral part of it - specifically how it effects their ability to spend time together. My only real complaint was the internal monologue of these MC's just felt to "young" for their age and lived experiences. I don't mind some good humor and there are some funny moments. But felt there could have been more depth. That said - I can't wait to get some more of the Big Football Romance. Thank you Sadie for an opportunity to ARC read this.
A Heartfelt, Sporty Slow Burn with Just the Right Amount of Heat
Brick Wall by Sadie Henley is a sports romance that hooked me right from the beginning. It’s not just about football or volleyball—it’s about two people learning to let their guard down and believe they’re worthy of love.
Annie, a volleyball coach, and Sebastian, a professional football player known as “the Brick Wall,” get off to a hilariously awkward false start. What follows is a slow burn full of tension, banter, and those little moments that make you root for them to finally give in. Both characters struggle with mild body image issues and a sense of not being “enough,” which makes them feel all the more real and relatable. Watching them open up, push past insecurities, and truly see each other is where this book shines.
The chemistry builds naturally, and when the spice does arrive, it’s tasteful and satisfying—about a 🌶️🌶️ out of 5 on the heat scale. Enough to add spark, but still focused on the emotional depth of their connection.
If you love sports romance with genuine characters, family dynamics, and a romance that makes you smile as much as it makes you swoon, this one’s a winner.
I want to say thank you to Sadie Henley for allowing me to read an ARC copy of this book - and congratulations on your first novel!
I haven't read many sports romances, but I very much enjoyed Brick Wall! I really enjoyed Sebastian and Annie. The topic of self-esteem and self image was handled with grace and realism from the big, hunky Sebastian, and a little on Annie's side as well. It feels familiar for anyone who had ever felt like they were too much, but done in a way that doesn't feel grating.
Annie supports Sebastian with kindness and patience, even as he stumbles a little through compliments and communication. He really is just a big teddy bear. The humor was great throughout. ""Weekday bacon?" Highly suspicious." I agree!! The football aspect was well written, even as a casual viewer of the sport everything was easy to understand. I love that it wasn't the typical quarterback story I tend to usually see football romances based on.
This is just a good, cozy, sexy fun read. Pick it up and enjoy, you won't regret it!
The Goodick jokes were super hilarious and Ryan was the chaos gremlin every story needs!
I did also love that Sebastian was not your typical Athlete MMC. He had insecurities and soft spots that are normally not written about. I loved that he was a bigger guy and even had issues with his weight in the story. These are the MMCs that are not written about but are more common than the super cut alpha males.
I loved than Annie was who she was. She had to own her sporty personality and how she defies the typical FMC. I loved that she never changed who she was to try and be what she thought Sebastian needed. She prepared herself to be dismissed if she wasn't what he wanted, not willing to change to be who she wasn't. it was admirable and I'm glad she exists as a character.
I really want more of the Moore brothers or even Scarlett and Cal's story. Hell, give me Quinn's single dad story. I'm here for it!!
I really enjoyed this book so much, Annie and Sebastian did felt like a grown couple for the most, very accurate from their age I must say. I have to say I hope there's gonna be a book for Goldie and Bryce and one for Scarlet and Cal, I would love to know about their stories as couples, and maybe another one for Quinn too.
I loved that their communication was key for everything, the fact that Annie called him out on their second encounter and Cal kept teasing Sebastian with what she said even after they were already dating was gold.
I do have to admit Ryan was one of my favorite characters, he was funny trying to set them up when he just had met Sebastian.
I loved that there wasn't a 3rd act breakup, there was a miscommunication plot but they talk it out after a while which I really enjoyed, and the fact that they took their time to get engaged was the cherry on top, it felt more romantic and realistic.
It was a very good reading🫰🏼.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
This story has such a charming, light-hearted vibe. I absolutely loved the dynamic between Annie and Bash—she’s confident and self-assured, while he, despite being part of a high-profile football team, quietly struggles with deep insecurities. The contrast between them is handled beautifully. Sadie does a wonderful job weaving their personalities together, showing how, despite their differences and personal challenges, they manage to grow, support each other, and hold on through it all. I also love how the side characters added a closeness, family and heartwarming vibes to the story. This book strikes a perfect balance between the romance and the sports setting, making it super engaging. Absolutely love this one!
I loved the sports romance trope in this book! While Sebastian is a strong offensive lineman for a pro football team, he is also adorably shy and hesitant. His charitable foundation work and his dedication to volunteering endeared him to me even more. Annie is a main character worth looking up to: a head coach for a D1 team, confident in herself, and loyal to her family and friends. I loved her relationship with her brothers too. I feel like it added another layer to her character development.
A great debut novel by an author and I am excited to see what’s next! I would love to see this develop into a series with a focus on Sebastian’s teammates or sisters or maybe Annie’s brothers?
I really enjoyed the angle of this book coming from the male athlete who didn’t have the traditional athlete body and having some insecurity about it. I loved that Annie was a tall, confident woman who handled his insecurity with such grace and not having her also be really insecure. This is the author’s first novel and I think it will be great to see where she takes this as a series (it seems like Scarlett and Annie’s brothers and Quinn all may be getting set up for their own books i hope!). The dialogue and internal thoughts of the characters were maybe a little stiff and formal in how they talked, but I think the casual, relaxed dialogue will come as more writing gets done. Overall, I enjoyed this book
I am an impatient reader when it comes to romance novels and I struggled waiting for the first kiss to happen, but once it did I was burning through the pages. That has nothing to do with the author and everything to do with the reader. It was a really thoughtfully constructed and engaging story and I liked the way we as readers were able to get to know both Annie and Sebastian from their individual POVs.
I thought that the supporting character development was done in a way that presents a great opportunity for the author to follow those story lines in future books. I would love to see a book that highlights Scarlett next. I also think that there is an opportunity to write a book that follows Annie's brothers. Sadie did a great job with her debut novel!
Brick Wall was such a sweet story!! It was a different take on Sports Romance and I enjoyed it a lot.
I loved Annie and Sebastian's chemistry. I loved how Sebastian wasn't cocky or dripping with arrogance. Instead, he is vulnerable, quiet, and human. His journey toward self-acceptance, combined with Annie’s steady persistence, makes their romance feel raw and real. Annie was the real MVP to me.
Brick Wall isn’t just about love, it’s about trust, breaking down walls, and learning to see yourself through someone else’s eyes. This book has humor, family moments, and genuine emotional depth. It was heartfelt and refreshing. I definitely recommend!! 5/5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3/5🌶🌶🌶
I enjoyed it so much! I think this is my first book with a dad-bod MMC and love love loveeeeee the way they talked about his insecurities. The way they interact with each other every time they have concerns about each other is so good, no miscommunications which I very well in love for that. The pace of the book is just nice, not too slow and not too fast.
This book would be in my go-to book to recommend to people who want something sweet, steady, mature, and short. The book is short but it feels fulfilling.
This book felt so authentic and made me fall in love with the characters immediately. I appreciated the family aspects and how they all gave back and worked for charity. The representation of insecurities, the communication when the conversations weren’t always easy, and having a full circle moment at the end was amazing.
I loved the humor sprinkled throughout the book. As someone with 5 brothers myself, it was very accurate dealing with their shenanigans.
I can’t wait to see what else this author writes. This book surprised me in the best ways possible! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I adore Bash and Annie, they're such a cute couple and are totally perfect for each other.
For me, what sets this book apart from most romances is that it's the MMC who suffers from insecurities and not the FMC. It's a nice change!
While Bash is comfortable enough with his masculinity to sip on girlie cocktails, he still questions whether he is good enough both as an athlete and a partner. I love the way Annie slowly gets him to accept that he is and that there's only him for her.
I received an ARC of this book and with it being a debut novel I didn't know what to expect, but I can't wait to see what other books this author gifts us with x
3.5 stars for me. Annie and Sebastian meet in a bar, trying to watch out for their friends. First meeting didn't go well, but they can't stop them from running into each other. Will they take a risk and trust what seem like fate, or insecurities will push them apart?
I enjoyed this book,there was a little sport, family ,romance and the MMC who feel insecure, which was different and a nice surprise from all arrogant sport players I read about. Hope to read further work of this author.
Thank you author for arc, review is honest and my own.
This was such a cute, cozy, AND steamy read. Easy and quick yet fulfilling.
Sebastian is a professional football player, and he's a big, thicc boy. He has some body image issues from being surrounded by fit athletes, but we love his body the way that it is. And so does Annie, of course. She's also a tall baddie with some curves.
Both are great, talented, and giving people. Their meet-cute and evolving love story was so much fun to read.
Thank you, Sadie, for the chance to read! I enjoyed it so much.
This was my first football/volleyball romance and I think it was a great introduction! Like a lot of others have said, I thought it was an interesting perspective to have the MMC be insecure in himself and his looks. Most often, it is the FMC dealing with body image issues so that was a nice change of pace.
This book is a slow burn romance and takes place over months. The first meeting between Annie and Sebastian (FMC & MMC respectively) is contentious with snap judgements being made. It is an easy read and great for a weekend relaxing.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Football player x volleyball coach -THICC MAN -Dad bod -Forced proximity
Such a fun and light read! Sebastian and Annie’s relationship was so cute, and I loved the double POV. He is such a cinnamon roll for her, and I love that so much😭 Not only did Annie face some insecurities regarding her height and proportionate weight, but so did Sebastian! It was refreshing to see the male side of it as well. Would definitely recommend!!
Sebastian stole the show for me. On the field he’s this huge, unstoppable lineman, but off the field he’s insecure about his size and struggles to believe someone could love him for who he is and not what he is. That made him feel so real and relatable. Annie was the perfect match for him—strong, competitive, and willing to call him out when he needed it. I loved how their shared love of sports and family kept pulling them together.
I received this book as an ARC and I must say I loved it!!
It was great to see Big Boy as the MMC and not some super muscular guy. And it was very exciting to see a tall FMC for once. Most FMC are small so there is a huge height gap with the MMC. This book had the perfect amount of spice without being overly done. I’m just starting to get into sport romances and this was another good start to reading more!
I loved this so much. I am not a huge sports romance girly but this had me hooked from the start. It’s a wholesome love story where the MMC has body insecurities and I just loved reading how they both get each other through their own issues. As someone who doesn’t follow American Football, there is a lot of scenes talking about the sport that I didn’t really understand but overall I really enjoyed this story.