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Not Falling For The Forward
Jack Cartwright used to have it a glittering Premiership League career, enough scandalous headlines to break the internet, and abs that got more airtime than his footwork.
After a decade of fame, flings and front-page scandals, he’s decided it’s time to grow up. Settle down. Maybe even find the one?
Emily Ryan, meanwhile, is one life-altering disaster away from a full-blown meltdown. So when Jack Cartwright accidentally breaks her nose on what was already the worst day of her life?
Yeah, she's not exactly charmed.
Now the annoyingly tall, grinning striker is offering her dinner by way of apology, as if that’s a normal response to a concussion. But honestly? Distraction sounds kind of nice.
He’s offering dinner.
She’s thinking dessert and zero emotional consequences.
He wants something real.
She wants something that won’t require therapy.
The more Emily tries to keep things fun and temporary, the more Jack shows up with suspiciously excellent hugs and a dangerous amount of boyfriend energy. And the more Jack tries to play it cool, the more he realises Emily might be the one woman completely immune to his charm.
The timing is a disaster. The chemistry is undeniable. And neither of them is sticking to the plan.
After a decade of fame, flings and front-page scandals, he’s decided it’s time to grow up. Settle down. Maybe even find the one?
Emily Ryan, meanwhile, is one life-altering disaster away from a full-blown meltdown. So when Jack Cartwright accidentally breaks her nose on what was already the worst day of her life?
Yeah, she's not exactly charmed.
Now the annoyingly tall, grinning striker is offering her dinner by way of apology, as if that’s a normal response to a concussion. But honestly? Distraction sounds kind of nice.
He’s offering dinner.
She’s thinking dessert and zero emotional consequences.
He wants something real.
She wants something that won’t require therapy.
The more Emily tries to keep things fun and temporary, the more Jack shows up with suspiciously excellent hugs and a dangerous amount of boyfriend energy. And the more Jack tries to play it cool, the more he realises Emily might be the one woman completely immune to his charm.
The timing is a disaster. The chemistry is undeniable. And neither of them is sticking to the plan.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 14, 2025
2 people are currently reading
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 5, 2025
Shameless self support review.
I absolutely loved writing this book, I’m so sad to no longer be inside Emily and Jacks heads, I loved these characters so much.
I absolutely loved writing this book, I’m so sad to no longer be inside Emily and Jacks heads, I loved these characters so much.
October 18, 2025
Obsessed!! Couldn’t put it down and already want to read to next one
November 23, 2025
Wow, A spicy (hilarious pre warning) feel good romance with a happy ending. An easy read, I can see this book splayed across many a sun lounger around the pool
November 20, 2025
Wow. When my work friend mentioned she was writing a book I was really excited to read it..... However I didnt expect to not want to put the book down. I fell in love with the story and the characters! I cant wait to read book two from my new favourite author! If you like a love story with a whole lot of spice then this book is for you.
October 16, 2025
So glad I was able to read this as an ARC. I loved it so much! I fell in love with Jack & Emily and their romance. I LOVE when a man is down bad for his girl and boy, is Jack down bad for Em. This book made me laugh, made me teary, made me feel lots of things!
October 17, 2025
I loved this book! It was such an easy, fun read that I flew through. It has all the cozy, feel-good vibes that I love. My first football romance and as a football fan, I was all in. It’s even sparked a little book club at work because I wouldn’t stop talking about how excited I was to read it.
Already waiting for the next one 🤩
Already waiting for the next one 🤩
October 16, 2025
I was lucky to read this as an ARC.
First thoughts - how is this a first book?
It's a beautiful love story of two people opening up and letting someone in.
We meet Emily, who has closed off her heart for fear of getting hurt.
We meet Jack, who was at the top of his sport until a tragic accident relegated him to the lower levels.
Then a stray football has other ideas and decides they should meet.
If I didn't already have the one I love, I'd want that ball to smack me in the face, too. 😅
First thoughts - how is this a first book?
It's a beautiful love story of two people opening up and letting someone in.
We meet Emily, who has closed off her heart for fear of getting hurt.
We meet Jack, who was at the top of his sport until a tragic accident relegated him to the lower levels.
Then a stray football has other ideas and decides they should meet.
If I didn't already have the one I love, I'd want that ball to smack me in the face, too. 😅
October 16, 2025
Slow burn romance
Emily had her heart broken by her ex and she starts to see jack
Sad in parts. Glad emily has opened her heart up
Made me smile, made me teary, made me laugh
The book was steamy 🌶🌶🌶🌶
Emily had her heart broken by her ex and she starts to see jack
Sad in parts. Glad emily has opened her heart up
Made me smile, made me teary, made me laugh
The book was steamy 🌶🌶🌶🌶
November 15, 2025
Before I start there’s a couple of things I want you to know about me!
I am an avid reader and I love crime thrillers. David Baldacci is my favourite author and this is not my usual type of book.
The author is my friend. At least I think she is; at least up until now!!
I detest lies and can assure you that despite the above my review will be honest.
So the book actually had me engrossed by the content warning!! It made me laugh and regardless of any warnings it made me want to read the book more!!
I liked the authors style. It covers a whole range of emotions and throws in some thought provoking issues surrounding working as a nurse and in the NHS and compares it to the extremes of constantly being in the press and the limelight.
You start by admiring Emily dealing with the trauma of finding your fiancé is cheating and continues with her initial rejection of jack.
The story keeps you gripped and when they do finally get together throws in so many trust issues a lot of us can probably relate to.
I found myself shouting at the characters at times for not understanding each other and the more I read the more I couldn’t put it down.
And then there’s the sex!! Let’s just say wow!!
It blossoms into the perfect romance and highlights things that every girl dreams of.
It kept me gripped throughout and I will admit I did shed a tear at the end!!
Basically I loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
I am an avid reader and I love crime thrillers. David Baldacci is my favourite author and this is not my usual type of book.
The author is my friend. At least I think she is; at least up until now!!
I detest lies and can assure you that despite the above my review will be honest.
So the book actually had me engrossed by the content warning!! It made me laugh and regardless of any warnings it made me want to read the book more!!
I liked the authors style. It covers a whole range of emotions and throws in some thought provoking issues surrounding working as a nurse and in the NHS and compares it to the extremes of constantly being in the press and the limelight.
You start by admiring Emily dealing with the trauma of finding your fiancé is cheating and continues with her initial rejection of jack.
The story keeps you gripped and when they do finally get together throws in so many trust issues a lot of us can probably relate to.
I found myself shouting at the characters at times for not understanding each other and the more I read the more I couldn’t put it down.
And then there’s the sex!! Let’s just say wow!!
It blossoms into the perfect romance and highlights things that every girl dreams of.
It kept me gripped throughout and I will admit I did shed a tear at the end!!
Basically I loved it and can’t wait for the next one.
October 21, 2025
Absolutely loved this book. Really enjoyed the characters. Can't wait for the next one
October 25, 2025
Oh my god, this book was brilliant! Witty and comical from page one, with a female POV that was written so beautifully I swear I could hear my own inner voice coming through.
It’s genuinely funny, and a male lead who’s completely obsessed with her? Always a win for me. The spice was plentiful but never gratuitous, it fit the relationship perfectly. Just a heads-up if you’re not into steamy reads, but for those who are, you’ll lap it up.
I honestly can’t wait to read more from this author!
It’s genuinely funny, and a male lead who’s completely obsessed with her? Always a win for me. The spice was plentiful but never gratuitous, it fit the relationship perfectly. Just a heads-up if you’re not into steamy reads, but for those who are, you’ll lap it up.
I honestly can’t wait to read more from this author!
October 26, 2025
Loved every minute of reading this book.
I look forward to book two with Aimee and Kieran
I look forward to book two with Aimee and Kieran
October 29, 2025
ARC- What an incredible debut novel!
Really loved the story and the writing, can’t wait for the next one
Really loved the story and the writing, can’t wait for the next one
October 22, 2025
✨️ARC Review✨️
Not Falling for the Forward by N.J. Brownedge
Started: 19.10.25
Finished: 21.10.25
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
❤️❤️❤️
Tropes
× He Falls First
× Sports Romance
× Golden Retriver vs. Black Cat vibes
× Trust issues
× Duel POV
Review
When you pause your current read, to read this? I couldn't put it down!
Can I just say...Jack f*king Cartwright 🥵... The spice 🤌🏼
The 6'4, full-bodied tattoo'd, football star, falls HARD for the brunette, nurse Emily.
They're meet-cute, doesn't end up being so cute, when Emily, a volunteer first aider at the football grounds, finds herself smacked in the face with a football, by the one and only Mr Cartwright.
He is mortified to learn that not only did he knock the poor girl out, but he also gave Emily a broken nose and two black eyes.
To make it up to her, he offers to take her out, which she rejects, multiple times over. After the break-up of her 8 year relationship, to her now ex Chris, she is adamant she is done with men! Jacks is all about persistence, and gets what he wants, and what he wants is Emily. With his flirtatious remarks and cheeky winks, he just can't take no for an answer!
The comedic value in this story is gold and had me literally laughing aloud.
I can't wait for the hard copy to come out on the 14th of November as I will be purchasing for future reread!
So proud of you, @n.j.brownedge.writes ❤️
Quotes/Favourties
' She's hot, and I am a man with eyes. Sue me'
' Im pretty sure you could get her to eat her own shit if you told her it had cleansing properties '
The Dos & Donts of a cheating fiance 🤣
Ox.
Not Falling for the Forward by N.J. Brownedge
Started: 19.10.25
Finished: 21.10.25
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶🌶🌶🌶
❤️❤️❤️
Tropes
× He Falls First
× Sports Romance
× Golden Retriver vs. Black Cat vibes
× Trust issues
× Duel POV
Review
When you pause your current read, to read this? I couldn't put it down!
Can I just say...Jack f*king Cartwright 🥵... The spice 🤌🏼
The 6'4, full-bodied tattoo'd, football star, falls HARD for the brunette, nurse Emily.
They're meet-cute, doesn't end up being so cute, when Emily, a volunteer first aider at the football grounds, finds herself smacked in the face with a football, by the one and only Mr Cartwright.
He is mortified to learn that not only did he knock the poor girl out, but he also gave Emily a broken nose and two black eyes.
To make it up to her, he offers to take her out, which she rejects, multiple times over. After the break-up of her 8 year relationship, to her now ex Chris, she is adamant she is done with men! Jacks is all about persistence, and gets what he wants, and what he wants is Emily. With his flirtatious remarks and cheeky winks, he just can't take no for an answer!
The comedic value in this story is gold and had me literally laughing aloud.
I can't wait for the hard copy to come out on the 14th of November as I will be purchasing for future reread!
So proud of you, @n.j.brownedge.writes ❤️
Quotes/Favourties
' She's hot, and I am a man with eyes. Sue me'
' Im pretty sure you could get her to eat her own shit if you told her it had cleansing properties '
The Dos & Donts of a cheating fiance 🤣
Ox.
December 6, 2025
Se notaba que Emily no estaba lista para una relación, solo basta ver el capítulo 30, cuando ve que tiene muchos mensajes y en lugar de averiguar qué estaba pasando, se pone a llorar y de inmediato asume que Jack la engañó. La primera vez que se enfrentaron a una situación de este tipo se podía entender porque no habían hablado de ser exclusivos, pero fue ella quien besó a otro para vengarse de algo que ni siquiera sabía si había pasado. Y esta vez estuvo a nada de gritarle y sacarlo de su casa.
Además, si no iba a soportar estar con alguien famoso, ¿para qué continuó la relación? No estuvo bien cómo reaccionó por los mensajes y tampoco cuando vio que habían publicado fotos de Jack y decidió reportarse enferma en el trabajo para no salir en una semana porque no quería que nadie le preguntara nada. Esos no son comportamientos normales, ella necesitaba ayuda.
Además, si no iba a soportar estar con alguien famoso, ¿para qué continuó la relación? No estuvo bien cómo reaccionó por los mensajes y tampoco cuando vio que habían publicado fotos de Jack y decidió reportarse enferma en el trabajo para no salir en una semana porque no quería que nadie le preguntara nada. Esos no son comportamientos normales, ella necesitaba ayuda.
February 10, 2026
Lovely easy read with plenty of banter, he falls first and hard, famous MMC x Regular FMC (Nurse) & Sports Romance!
Jack is the cutest MMC, he is so thoughtful and I loved that he did not give up, gave Emily a reason to trust him (which is never easy) as an ex-premiership league player who was a bit of a playboy and has a reputation. After an accident, he plays for a lower league team and is trying to rebuild himself. I loved how open he was with Emily!
Emily, my heart went out to her because she is so relatable and the heartache she went through, the love from her bestfriends and Jess was the funniest I loved her! (Would have loved to under a bit from Emily childhood with her mum) however, her banter and chemistry with Jack was fire and I just loved them!
It’s a lovely read with romance, spice, some small drama and a lot of wholesomeness!
Jack is the cutest MMC, he is so thoughtful and I loved that he did not give up, gave Emily a reason to trust him (which is never easy) as an ex-premiership league player who was a bit of a playboy and has a reputation. After an accident, he plays for a lower league team and is trying to rebuild himself. I loved how open he was with Emily!
Emily, my heart went out to her because she is so relatable and the heartache she went through, the love from her bestfriends and Jess was the funniest I loved her! (Would have loved to under a bit from Emily childhood with her mum) however, her banter and chemistry with Jack was fire and I just loved them!
It’s a lovely read with romance, spice, some small drama and a lot of wholesomeness!
February 21, 2026
An addictive read, full of wit and heart
Now, I’m probably not the target demographic for this book, but you know what? I absolutely loved it – to the point where I couldn’t wait to get into bed at night and check in with these two! The author did an incredible job at not only building two characters who you vouch for, but also creating an addictive story that I couldn’t put down.
This was such a breath of fresh air from my usual reading material. NJ Brownedge is a truly talented author, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. I thoroughly recommend this book. So grab a glass of wine, get under a blanket and enjoy. Oh… and being a big Manchester City fan myself, I am fully in Jack Cartwright’s corner at all times ;)
Now, I’m probably not the target demographic for this book, but you know what? I absolutely loved it – to the point where I couldn’t wait to get into bed at night and check in with these two! The author did an incredible job at not only building two characters who you vouch for, but also creating an addictive story that I couldn’t put down.
This was such a breath of fresh air from my usual reading material. NJ Brownedge is a truly talented author, and I can’t wait to see what she does next. I thoroughly recommend this book. So grab a glass of wine, get under a blanket and enjoy. Oh… and being a big Manchester City fan myself, I am fully in Jack Cartwright’s corner at all times ;)
October 20, 2025
Such a fun read! I receive this as an ARC and I truly enjoyed this book! I have read a lot of books with Americans sports, so it was refreshing to read European football🙌🏼 (tho my Manchester United head is bleeding 😂)
A sports romance where he falls first (and HARD), kind of reversed grumpy x sunshine and slow burn (ish)
Jack is the biggest simp on the planet and I’m here for it! Emily was kinda annoying some times, where she struggled to make up here god damn mind😅
I was living for their tension through out this book. When the burn was finally burning 🥵 YES!
I had fun with this book, would recommend!
A sports romance where he falls first (and HARD), kind of reversed grumpy x sunshine and slow burn (ish)
Jack is the biggest simp on the planet and I’m here for it! Emily was kinda annoying some times, where she struggled to make up here god damn mind😅
I was living for their tension through out this book. When the burn was finally burning 🥵 YES!
I had fun with this book, would recommend!
October 16, 2025
Dual POV Jack and Emily
Jack a football star with a somewhat of a ‘party boy’ background believes it’s time to put his foot down and settle his ways
Emily is going through a hard time and ends up getting her nose broken by no other than jack
This book was such an easy read. I loved every second of it the plot was great and the story was fantastic. Everyone needs a jack in their life.
P.S this is an actual football romance, thank you for doing this from a fellow Brit
Jack a football star with a somewhat of a ‘party boy’ background believes it’s time to put his foot down and settle his ways
Emily is going through a hard time and ends up getting her nose broken by no other than jack
This book was such an easy read. I loved every second of it the plot was great and the story was fantastic. Everyone needs a jack in their life.
P.S this is an actual football romance, thank you for doing this from a fellow Brit
November 27, 2025
As a sports romance fan I absolutely loved getting to dive into a soccer(football) team! Jack was such a dreamy lead and I loved his connection with Emily. This book had me laughing and kicking my feet with how adorable they were together. If you love he falls first, sports romance, with a developed cast of characters and some steam, then you need need need to check out Not Falling for the Forward!
December 28, 2025
I was lucky enough to win a signed copy of this from the author 🤩. It’s taken a while for me to read it due to being in a slump but it’s 100% gotten me out of it. I loved it, read it in one go and can’t recommend it enough if you love a little sports romance with some spice where he falls first then you need to add this to your TBR 😍
October 9, 2025
Loved every second of it!!
November 11, 2025
Actually obsessed with this book!! LOVED LOVED LOVED ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
December 1, 2025
DNF at 52%
Boring, too slow and running in circles. Also needs better editing, too many typos ("barley" instead of "barely" - twice!, "you're" instead of "your" - come on!!!)
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Boring, too slow and running in circles. Also needs better editing, too many typos ("barley" instead of "barely" - twice!, "you're" instead of "your" - come on!!!)
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