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The Peppermint Playbook #4
Fumble All the Way
Twelve days. One clumsy rumba performance. Zero chance of falling in love…right?
I’ve spent years in sequins and spotlight, dazzling audiences on television’s biggest ballroom dance competition show. But when I arrive in Winterbrook, Colorado for a star-studded charity event, the last thing I expect is to be caught mid–“practice kiss” with my own reflection by none other than Ledger Bishop—the gorgeous NFL player who clearly has never heard of knocking.
Ledger is used to end zones, not eight-counts. He’s only in Winterbrook because his sports management agency is sponsoring the event, and he’d rather be anywhere but stuck doing a dance performance in front of hundreds of people.
The real kicker? Ledger and I are partners for the show, and I have to teach him how to dance, even though he’s the most difficult student I’ve ever had.
Also? There’s a lot of touching and having to stare lovingly into one another’s eyes. It’s exhausting.
He says I’m a diva. I say he’s an arrogant, clumsy brute. But this performance is important–I have to prove I can lead my team of all-star dancers and athletes to victory. Ledger and I have to get it together somehow. We have to win.
But as the music plays and we’re forced to become extremely familiar with each other, we discover that sometimes the best partners are the ones you never saw coming.
If you love enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with laugh-out-loud banter, small-town holiday magic, and closed-door chemistry that still crackles, Fumble All the Way is your next cozy, swoon-worthy read.
I’ve spent years in sequins and spotlight, dazzling audiences on television’s biggest ballroom dance competition show. But when I arrive in Winterbrook, Colorado for a star-studded charity event, the last thing I expect is to be caught mid–“practice kiss” with my own reflection by none other than Ledger Bishop—the gorgeous NFL player who clearly has never heard of knocking.
Ledger is used to end zones, not eight-counts. He’s only in Winterbrook because his sports management agency is sponsoring the event, and he’d rather be anywhere but stuck doing a dance performance in front of hundreds of people.
The real kicker? Ledger and I are partners for the show, and I have to teach him how to dance, even though he’s the most difficult student I’ve ever had.
Also? There’s a lot of touching and having to stare lovingly into one another’s eyes. It’s exhausting.
He says I’m a diva. I say he’s an arrogant, clumsy brute. But this performance is important–I have to prove I can lead my team of all-star dancers and athletes to victory. Ledger and I have to get it together somehow. We have to win.
But as the music plays and we’re forced to become extremely familiar with each other, we discover that sometimes the best partners are the ones you never saw coming.
If you love enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with laugh-out-loud banter, small-town holiday magic, and closed-door chemistry that still crackles, Fumble All the Way is your next cozy, swoon-worthy read.
192 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 26, 2025
4 people are currently reading
114 people want to read
About the author
Deb Goodman
44 books132 followersJoin Deb's newsletter to get the book, Just a Road Trip, part of the Tate Brothers series, totally FREE!
https://debgoodmanwrites.com
Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.
Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.
Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!
Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.
https://debgoodmanwrites.com
Deb Goodman’s obsession with the written word started at age three, when she realized the old-timey newsprint wallpaper in her family’s bathroom had actual words on it. The only problem? By the time she learned to read a couple of years later, the wallpaper had been replaced with something else—boring, non-worded wallpaper—and to this day, she still doesn’t know what it said.
Now, she and her husband and four children live in Utah. They love sports, music, and doing slightly insulting, pretend voices for their little shorkie, Mavis.
Deb writes funny, small-town romance that you won’t need to shield your kids’ eyes from. Billionaires, friends-to-more, enemies-to-more, cowboys, fake relationships…there’s something for everyone here!
Writing lovey dovey books comes naturally to Deb since, to her, there’s nothing better than reading and writing about how two people fall in love.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 24, 2025
I loved this cute Christmasy novella! Fumble All the Way is the sweet story of Kaisa (a pro ballroom dancer) and Ledger (an NFL player) who, despite their not-so-cute meet cute, are about to be dance partners for a televised fundraiser in hopes of improving Ledger’s currently tarnished reputation. Kaisa is determined to keep her distance after a disastrous experience dating a previous partner, but Ledger is just sooo charming.
This was really such a fun read! I’m a big DWTS fan, so having these two be part of a dance competition was so fun! I loved their chemistry on and off the dance floor! They were just too cute!!
Favorite quotes:
“Good luck with your show. Maybe I’ll come watch.” “You should.” Pleasure at the thought flashes through me. I’d love to perform the samba for him—it’s hot. And I’d love to take him down a notch or two. I’m very good at what I do because I was born to dance, and I want to impress him, just to spite him. To make him putty in my hands. To make him regret messing with me.”
“The warmth of him by my side is everything I love about Christmas back home. The way he’s making me feel right now is like my favorite mug of mulled cider warming my hands.”
“She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman times a thousand. If she’s cold, hot, hungry, tired, sad… I want to do anything and everything that I can for her.”
This was really such a fun read! I’m a big DWTS fan, so having these two be part of a dance competition was so fun! I loved their chemistry on and off the dance floor! They were just too cute!!
Favorite quotes:
“Good luck with your show. Maybe I’ll come watch.” “You should.” Pleasure at the thought flashes through me. I’d love to perform the samba for him—it’s hot. And I’d love to take him down a notch or two. I’m very good at what I do because I was born to dance, and I want to impress him, just to spite him. To make him putty in my hands. To make him regret messing with me.”
“The warmth of him by my side is everything I love about Christmas back home. The way he’s making me feel right now is like my favorite mug of mulled cider warming my hands.”
“She’s everything I’ve ever wanted in a woman times a thousand. If she’s cold, hot, hungry, tired, sad… I want to do anything and everything that I can for her.”
December 8, 2025
Adored this book!
I have read a lot of Christmas books the last month and I think this is my favorite! The hero, Ledger, a football player trying to redeem himself, just captured my ♥️ heart! Kaisa, heroine, a professional ballroom dancer touched me with her deep vulnerabilities. Watching these 2 fall in love was so tender and touching! It was also interesting to see behind the scenes of a Dancing with the Stars type of show. Ledger was definitely a dreamy book boyfriend….happy sigh…very highly recommend this book!
I have read a lot of Christmas books the last month and I think this is my favorite! The hero, Ledger, a football player trying to redeem himself, just captured my ♥️ heart! Kaisa, heroine, a professional ballroom dancer touched me with her deep vulnerabilities. Watching these 2 fall in love was so tender and touching! It was also interesting to see behind the scenes of a Dancing with the Stars type of show. Ledger was definitely a dreamy book boyfriend….happy sigh…very highly recommend this book!
November 23, 2025
Two Hearts Meant to Be United -
This is a a delightful holiday romance story filled with lots of magic, drama and emotional moments. The characters relationship didn’t start on the right note, but the chemistry between them grew into heightened tension, that kept things really interesting. I have read a few of the books in the ‘Peppermint Playbook Collection’ and I can say without a shadow of doubt, that this book didn’t disappoint in entertaining me, so I believe it definitely worthy of being part of the Peppermint Playbook Collection.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a a delightful holiday romance story filled with lots of magic, drama and emotional moments. The characters relationship didn’t start on the right note, but the chemistry between them grew into heightened tension, that kept things really interesting. I have read a few of the books in the ‘Peppermint Playbook Collection’ and I can say without a shadow of doubt, that this book didn’t disappoint in entertaining me, so I believe it definitely worthy of being part of the Peppermint Playbook Collection.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 26, 2025
A fun, engaging holiday romance that drew me in from the first page. Ledger is a football player who made a PR mistake and ends up going to a charity event (that's the basis of the series) to rehabilitate his image. He is selected to participate in the dance competition and partnered with Kaisha, the dance team's leader and the same woman he insulted when they first met. As they spend time together and get to know each other, they start to develop feelings for each other.
This is a sweet love story, with just enough tension to propel the story. They have a lot to figure out and not much time to do it. But more often than not, you will have a smile on your face while reading it.
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one does not disappoint!
This is a sweet love story, with just enough tension to propel the story. They have a lot to figure out and not much time to do it. But more often than not, you will have a smile on your face while reading it.
I have enjoyed every book in this series so far, and this one does not disappoint!
November 26, 2025
Imagine this… a charity star studded ( stud being the operative word ) sequinned event has her in her element ,dance is in her loins after all . But when she’s caught kissing her own reflection on the mirror by hot as sin NFL star Ledger Bishop shes all on edge not demure . Her pulses flaring she’s all a kerfuffle but he’s not caring, not one jot because her he’s got bang to rights sex appeal and a smouldering grin that has her doing the shuffle. He’s amused at this see her practising a kiss but all of this dancing lark is not his scene but he’s here in Winterbrook to be seen. His sports management agency is sponsoring but he’s no urgency to learn how to prance and preen . That is until he eyes this beauty with a beam and twinkle in his eye. Now he wants nothing going awry. Well at first that’s not true, he’d rather die than look in the diva’s eye as if in love .He’s a receiver I believe but deceive her ? That’s make believe because he’s been hit by a lightning bolt and the last thing on his mind after these days are gone is to leave which gives him quite a jolt. It’s all his fault she can’t think straight because he’s been hit has her all irate . The performance though has to be top notch perfection for her to lead her team to victory . Surely this is something they have in common after all so should be shooting for the same goal. Fumble all the Way made my week,my year my every waking day. My body was quaking at the fun of it all and the puns spun ,had a ball. Deb Goodman’s writing is exciting and clever and well received in this land of make believe . She’s a champ ,makes her stamp ,her mark if you will she has you laughing out loud and goes in for the kill ,gives you a thrill . With chemistry that crackles with searing heat this storyline can’t be beat ,it’s divine. Sizzling and sensual as well as nonsensical this sure has the characters in a pickle while raising in us a big fat chuckle of laughter and hope for their happily ever after. And that’s amazing and dope.
November 27, 2025
FUMBLE ALL THE WAY
(The Peppermint Playbook Series #4)
by: Deb Goodman
@debgoodmanwrites
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Twelve days. One clumsy rumba performance. Zero chance of falling in love...right?…
-FUMBLE ALL THE WAY, is delightful short, enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with laugh-out-loud banter, small-town holiday magic, and closed-door chemistry that still crackles, in Peppermint Playbook Series. It is book #4 in this cute multi-author series and is not one to miss. I thoroughly enjoyed watching icy walls around hearts melt, and seeing dear characters realize that what matters is what’s in front of them on and off the dance floor or football field. If you are a fan of DWTS, then you will surely enjoy this cute story! There is such excitement, pressure, dramatics, humor, and swoony moments that had me engaged and smiling all along the way. Definitely a quick but delightful story worth reading!🎄📚🩷✨
“I’m overwhelmed with love for you.”
•Content: feelings of needing to get things just right/ not measuring up, feelings of loss, and fear of rejection/disaster on the dancing floor. No language, no violence. Kisses only. Clean-closed door!
“My point is, you’re gorgeous with makeup and without. It’s just a fact. I know you didn’t ask for my
two cents, but I had to say it because it’s true.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I want this to go well for you..for both of us.”
#fumbleallthewaybydebgoodmanwrites
“You’re my dream come true.”
#book4inthepeppermintplaybookseries
“I got you!”
#allaboutthebestreads
(The Peppermint Playbook Series #4)
by: Deb Goodman
@debgoodmanwrites
••I give 5 stars!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
~Twelve days. One clumsy rumba performance. Zero chance of falling in love...right?…
-FUMBLE ALL THE WAY, is delightful short, enemies-to-lovers holiday romance with laugh-out-loud banter, small-town holiday magic, and closed-door chemistry that still crackles, in Peppermint Playbook Series. It is book #4 in this cute multi-author series and is not one to miss. I thoroughly enjoyed watching icy walls around hearts melt, and seeing dear characters realize that what matters is what’s in front of them on and off the dance floor or football field. If you are a fan of DWTS, then you will surely enjoy this cute story! There is such excitement, pressure, dramatics, humor, and swoony moments that had me engaged and smiling all along the way. Definitely a quick but delightful story worth reading!🎄📚🩷✨
“I’m overwhelmed with love for you.”
•Content: feelings of needing to get things just right/ not measuring up, feelings of loss, and fear of rejection/disaster on the dancing floor. No language, no violence. Kisses only. Clean-closed door!
“My point is, you’re gorgeous with makeup and without. It’s just a fact. I know you didn’t ask for my
two cents, but I had to say it because it’s true.”
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“I want this to go well for you..for both of us.”
#fumbleallthewaybydebgoodmanwrites
“You’re my dream come true.”
#book4inthepeppermintplaybookseries
“I got you!”
#allaboutthebestreads
November 25, 2025
When a NFL player and a famous dancer met, sparks will fly. Their first meeting was hilarious and set the stage for their relationship. Ledger has to fix his reputation after his press conference faux pa and is forced to join the dance competition. Kaisa is just the one to challenge him not only in learning the dance but learning about himself as well. Kaisa is determined to keep her heart safe from another break up but Ledger broke down her walls just by being himself.
Favorite parts:
-their night practicing and then time in the snow
-Kaisa’s excitement to see Ledger in San Antonio
-Kaisa at the meet and greet.
-Ledger wanting to protect their budding relationship and be true to his feelings
-Mistletoe kiss
-Farm Boy
Favorite Quotes
She really is dangerously beautiful. And if I focus on the dangerous part, I can clear my head.
I’m drinking the Kool-Aid of Kaisa Halberg.
She can be demanding and rigid. But also kind and witty and so beautiful it stops my heart. When I’m dancing with her, I feel something I’ve never felt before.
I think maybe I don’t want to stop holding her in my arms.
“Ledger, you’re my dream come true.”
Favorite parts:
-their night practicing and then time in the snow
-Kaisa’s excitement to see Ledger in San Antonio
-Kaisa at the meet and greet.
-Ledger wanting to protect their budding relationship and be true to his feelings
-Mistletoe kiss
-Farm Boy
Favorite Quotes
She really is dangerously beautiful. And if I focus on the dangerous part, I can clear my head.
I’m drinking the Kool-Aid of Kaisa Halberg.
She can be demanding and rigid. But also kind and witty and so beautiful it stops my heart. When I’m dancing with her, I feel something I’ve never felt before.
I think maybe I don’t want to stop holding her in my arms.
“Ledger, you’re my dream come true.”
November 21, 2025
If you love Dancing with the Stars and holiday romance, chances are you're going to love this cute addition to The Peppermint Playbook series! In this story, we meet NFL player Ledger and professional dancer Kaisa... and well, let's just say that these two got off to a bit of a rough start, neither particularly wanting to spend their holidays prepping for this dance performance. Despite that though, it doesn't take long at all for the chemistry to become apparent, in the ballroom and out! I found myself really enjoying the dynamic between these two. They may not have always seen eye to eye, but I loved how well they supported each other and saw beyond the perceptions. This was a super quick story, making it perfect for the holiday season... and another great addition to this fun series!
Fumble All the Way is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Peppermint Playbook series, an interconnected multi-author series of sports romance taking place in the week before Christmas. They can be enjoyed as standalones as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
Fumble All the Way is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Peppermint Playbook series, an interconnected multi-author series of sports romance taking place in the week before Christmas. They can be enjoyed as standalones as well.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
December 29, 2025
3.5 stars
Cute fun, short holiday romance. It was actually really fun with the whole dancing show/football player thing. It gave dancing with the star vibes and that was really different from anything that I’ve ever read before so it was really enjoyable.
Cute fun, short holiday romance. It was actually really fun with the whole dancing show/football player thing. It gave dancing with the star vibes and that was really different from anything that I’ve ever read before so it was really enjoyable.
November 27, 2025
This was such a cute and sweet story.
I was giggling so hard from their first awkward meeting. Kaisa and Ledger have fantastic chemistry on and off the dance floor.
They both need this to go well so the stakes are high.
I was rooting so hard for Ledger to nail those dance steps. I loved their dance lessons and the tender moments that emerged through them.
An all around delight that kept me smiling till the end.
Thank you to Deb Goodman for the copy. All opinions are my own.
I was giggling so hard from their first awkward meeting. Kaisa and Ledger have fantastic chemistry on and off the dance floor.
They both need this to go well so the stakes are high.
I was rooting so hard for Ledger to nail those dance steps. I loved their dance lessons and the tender moments that emerged through them.
An all around delight that kept me smiling till the end.
Thank you to Deb Goodman for the copy. All opinions are my own.
November 20, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
Neither main character wants to be at the Mynt Peak Resort event. Ledger'd rather be at his team practice readying for their next game, and Kaisa'd rather be with her family.
Their first meeting did not go well, but the more time they spend together, the more they like each other. Which could be good or bad. They should talk, but not before their dance routine.
It was a great story. The characters and situations were entertaining and all worked out in the end.
Neither main character wants to be at the Mynt Peak Resort event. Ledger'd rather be at his team practice readying for their next game, and Kaisa'd rather be with her family.
Their first meeting did not go well, but the more time they spend together, the more they like each other. Which could be good or bad. They should talk, but not before their dance routine.
It was a great story. The characters and situations were entertaining and all worked out in the end.
November 24, 2025
Ledger and Kaisa are great characters. They don't get along in the beginning, but through their dancing they come to know each other. This is a fun Christmas romance.
November 21, 2025
An adorable holiday romance!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
December 13, 2025
Very cute romance. I wasn't impressed by Ledger initially since I thought he was a bit rude but he quickly grew on me. Kaisa I liked from the beginning but I liked her better as Ledger had a positive influence on her to allow her to let things go and focus on the more important things. It was an enjoyable read and I would love to see their dance in real life.
November 26, 2025
5/5
Genre: Sweet Sports Rom Com
🚨TW: mentions of ruined reputation in media, rivalry, mentions about having social anxiety
🚨CW: mentions of accidentally flashing (don’t worry it is because during fitting and his pants is too tight it’s not intentional)
Favourite Moments
💃🏼 They first meet.
🏈 Them bickering, teasing and flirting with each other.
💃🏼 Them practicing the dance together.
🏈 Her nickname for him. (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Them opening up to each other and there for each other.
🏈 The snowball fight (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Her going to San Francisco (can’t spoil it)
🏈 Mynt Mingle and Jingle event. (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Christmas Eve.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏈 He love, care and respect her.
🏈 He is always there for her when she is having social anxieties.
🏈 He tries his best to get the steps right.
🏈 He is great in socializing and also with children.
🏈 He make sure she is alright.
🏈 He is a hopeless romantic.
Synopsis
Kaira
A pro- ballroom dancer who wants to prove to the director that she can shine and still be on the dancing show.
Ledger
An NFL player who accidentally said something that he didn't mean to during the interview after the game that his team lost and now he needs to get back his reputation.
One of the pro-dancer was injured and Kaira had to take her place. Ledger no matter he doesn’t want to do it he has to do it for his reputation. They are paired together and definitely they don’t see eye to eye, worst they need to dance rumba which needs chemistry. Will they able to pull it off for the charity event? Read Fumble All the Way to find out!!
Review
Loving these two so much. And this is like the show Dancing with the Stars. Kaira and Ledger don't see eye to eye at first and always bickering with each other. And then as they get to know each other they started teasing and flirting with each other and also seeing each other in a different light. They are both great with children. Love that he makes sure she is okay because she has social anxiety and he is by her side when she needs him. And their dance practices are cool though he didn’t really want to dance but because of her he wants to do it perfectly and was harsh on himself while for her, she feels that he is improving a lot.
They opened up to each other about their stories and encourage and comfort each other. Can’t spoil too much of the story, he is also a hopeless romantic and also love their snowball fights hahaha… This book made me smile, laugh, swoon, makes me want to dance ballroom dancing and also trying the Finnish Christmas cookies hehe…
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @debgoodmanwrites for the ARC.
This is the 4th book of The Peppermint Playbook Series. It a multi-author series written by 6 amazing authors. You can check out the first few books to read first while waiting for this book to be out.
You can buy this book from Amazon and it’s available on KU.
Genre: Sweet Sports Rom Com
🚨TW: mentions of ruined reputation in media, rivalry, mentions about having social anxiety
🚨CW: mentions of accidentally flashing (don’t worry it is because during fitting and his pants is too tight it’s not intentional)
Favourite Moments
💃🏼 They first meet.
🏈 Them bickering, teasing and flirting with each other.
💃🏼 Them practicing the dance together.
🏈 Her nickname for him. (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Them opening up to each other and there for each other.
🏈 The snowball fight (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Her going to San Francisco (can’t spoil it)
🏈 Mynt Mingle and Jingle event. (can’t spoil it)
💃🏼 Christmas Eve.
(lots more)
Swoony Moments
🏈 He love, care and respect her.
🏈 He is always there for her when she is having social anxieties.
🏈 He tries his best to get the steps right.
🏈 He is great in socializing and also with children.
🏈 He make sure she is alright.
🏈 He is a hopeless romantic.
Synopsis
Kaira
A pro- ballroom dancer who wants to prove to the director that she can shine and still be on the dancing show.
Ledger
An NFL player who accidentally said something that he didn't mean to during the interview after the game that his team lost and now he needs to get back his reputation.
One of the pro-dancer was injured and Kaira had to take her place. Ledger no matter he doesn’t want to do it he has to do it for his reputation. They are paired together and definitely they don’t see eye to eye, worst they need to dance rumba which needs chemistry. Will they able to pull it off for the charity event? Read Fumble All the Way to find out!!
Review
Loving these two so much. And this is like the show Dancing with the Stars. Kaira and Ledger don't see eye to eye at first and always bickering with each other. And then as they get to know each other they started teasing and flirting with each other and also seeing each other in a different light. They are both great with children. Love that he makes sure she is okay because she has social anxiety and he is by her side when she needs him. And their dance practices are cool though he didn’t really want to dance but because of her he wants to do it perfectly and was harsh on himself while for her, she feels that he is improving a lot.
They opened up to each other about their stories and encourage and comfort each other. Can’t spoil too much of the story, he is also a hopeless romantic and also love their snowball fights hahaha… This book made me smile, laugh, swoon, makes me want to dance ballroom dancing and also trying the Finnish Christmas cookies hehe…
I was gifted complimentary ARC. All opinions are my own. Thanks @debgoodmanwrites for the ARC.
This is the 4th book of The Peppermint Playbook Series. It a multi-author series written by 6 amazing authors. You can check out the first few books to read first while waiting for this book to be out.
You can buy this book from Amazon and it’s available on KU.
November 26, 2025
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading the books in The Peppermint Playbook Series. I have found new authors to add to my list. All these stories take place at the Mynt Peak Resort located in Winterbrook, Colorado. Mr. Mynt loves everything about Christmas. He invites groups of athletes to his resort to meet some very special children. Children who have childhood diseases or afflictions. He spares no expense for the celebration, and each group of athletes really enjoy their time with these children. The children love spending time with them as well. At least when they’re at the Mynt Peak Resort, they forget about their illness.
Kaisa is a professional dancer with the show Lights, Camera, Dance! She in charge of choreographing the dances for the group to perform. Each dancer from Lights, Camera, Dance will be paired with a celebrity (athlete, singer, actor, etc.). Unfortunately for her, she will have to dance with her rival, Pavel for the Peppermint Twist Showdown and won’t be able to be with her family in Finland for Christmas.
Ledger is also attending the Charity Ball at the Mynt Peak Resort. Ledger is an athlete (football) and his coach has sent him to work on some things. He finds out from his agent that he’s going to be part of the ballroom dance performance on Saturday night. The same production that Kaisa is part of-as an instructor/dancer. His coach sent him after “saying something rude and it made me look like an arrogant prima dona who doesn’t care about kids at Christmas time.” His coach benched him and sent him to the Mynt to Make a Difference charity event.
Ledger’s top priority is making sure he attends practices for the competition and tries to rebuild his reputation and his fan base. This is not where he wants to be, but he has no one to blame but himself. In my opinion, he needs to learn to control his impulses and watch what he says when he’s in public. At the meeting for the athletes to be paired with the professional dancers, Ledger is sulking with a horrible scowl on his face. Kaisa sees him as she’s announcing the pairs. Well, Ledger gets paired with Kaisa. Poor Kaisa having to work with pity party Ledger.
Will the two of them be able to get along? Will Ledger lose his position if he doesn’t go through with this competition? How does Kaisa feel about being paired with an athlete? Her last encounter with one was a disaster and she doesn’t want it to happen again. Her position in the Lights, Camera, Dance show depends on how this works out. Will she be able to keep her position? If not, what will she do?
There is a lot of drama, uncertainty, self-doubt, and more in this story. I do not want to give too much away. You need to get your copy of Fumble All the Way by Deb Goodman and find out the answers to these and so many more questions. Don’t miss this book!
Kaisa is a professional dancer with the show Lights, Camera, Dance! She in charge of choreographing the dances for the group to perform. Each dancer from Lights, Camera, Dance will be paired with a celebrity (athlete, singer, actor, etc.). Unfortunately for her, she will have to dance with her rival, Pavel for the Peppermint Twist Showdown and won’t be able to be with her family in Finland for Christmas.
Ledger is also attending the Charity Ball at the Mynt Peak Resort. Ledger is an athlete (football) and his coach has sent him to work on some things. He finds out from his agent that he’s going to be part of the ballroom dance performance on Saturday night. The same production that Kaisa is part of-as an instructor/dancer. His coach sent him after “saying something rude and it made me look like an arrogant prima dona who doesn’t care about kids at Christmas time.” His coach benched him and sent him to the Mynt to Make a Difference charity event.
Ledger’s top priority is making sure he attends practices for the competition and tries to rebuild his reputation and his fan base. This is not where he wants to be, but he has no one to blame but himself. In my opinion, he needs to learn to control his impulses and watch what he says when he’s in public. At the meeting for the athletes to be paired with the professional dancers, Ledger is sulking with a horrible scowl on his face. Kaisa sees him as she’s announcing the pairs. Well, Ledger gets paired with Kaisa. Poor Kaisa having to work with pity party Ledger.
Will the two of them be able to get along? Will Ledger lose his position if he doesn’t go through with this competition? How does Kaisa feel about being paired with an athlete? Her last encounter with one was a disaster and she doesn’t want it to happen again. Her position in the Lights, Camera, Dance show depends on how this works out. Will she be able to keep her position? If not, what will she do?
There is a lot of drama, uncertainty, self-doubt, and more in this story. I do not want to give too much away. You need to get your copy of Fumble All the Way by Deb Goodman and find out the answers to these and so many more questions. Don’t miss this book!
December 29, 2025
Fumble All the Way is a sweet holiday romance. Kaisa and Ledger are both dedicated to their professions and do not want to jeopardize their careers. They are forced to dance together, much to their chagrin, at the Peppermynt Twist Showdown. As much as they don’t get along in the beginning, they certainly are perfect for each other both on and off the dance floor. Both are under tremendous pressure to do well with their dancing partnership and as they spend more time together opening up about their pasts and sharing their hopes, their walls come tumbling down. Their chemistry is instant, and their banter had me smiling. The trust Kaisa puts in Ledger as her dance partner is astonishing, especially when she doesn’t know how seriously he is taking this assignment. Eventually, Kaisa and Ledger brought out the best in the other and I loved watching them realize how much they really liked the other. Fumble All the Way was a delightful and sweet holiday read, and I would recommend it especially if you like ballroom dance and football players!
My favorite things:
- Dancing With the Stars vibes
- The not so cute, but funny, meet cute
- Her nickname for him
- Mistletoe kiss
- Late night practice
- Fun in the snow
- Ledger not giving up
- Finnish Christmas Stars
Tropes: holiday romance = enemies to lovers = football player = ballroom dancer = unwilling dance partners = forced proximity = fun banter = swoony kisses
Happy reading!
My favorite things:
- Dancing With the Stars vibes
- The not so cute, but funny, meet cute
- Her nickname for him
- Mistletoe kiss
- Late night practice
- Fun in the snow
- Ledger not giving up
- Finnish Christmas Stars
Tropes: holiday romance = enemies to lovers = football player = ballroom dancer = unwilling dance partners = forced proximity = fun banter = swoony kisses
Happy reading!
November 25, 2025
Oh my heavens. The first meeting between professional dancer Kaisa and professional football player Ledger is not a good one, as he catches her primping. He makes all manner of fun of her antics. Little does he know that this short meeting is going to bite him on the butt. He is will definitely regret his unkind words.
They want a football player who will be ballroom dancing partner. Are you kidding me? This is what Ledger is asking his coach. He counts yards, not steps. He is mortified, but he needs something to erase his bad public persona. Since he is at the resort anyway, they decide he can dance.
Kaisa is a professional dancer who is obviously a very good dancer. She lives and breathes dancing. She is just as much of a professional athlete as Ledger is. She wears tight clothes with sequins and he wears tight pants with pads. She is determined to turn him into a great dancer.
This book was entertainment in book format at its finest. The characters were exceptional and very easy to like. There were so many great scenes. Laughter is a requirement and if you do not smile while reading this sweet romance, your face is not working properly.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They want a football player who will be ballroom dancing partner. Are you kidding me? This is what Ledger is asking his coach. He counts yards, not steps. He is mortified, but he needs something to erase his bad public persona. Since he is at the resort anyway, they decide he can dance.
Kaisa is a professional dancer who is obviously a very good dancer. She lives and breathes dancing. She is just as much of a professional athlete as Ledger is. She wears tight clothes with sequins and he wears tight pants with pads. She is determined to turn him into a great dancer.
This book was entertainment in book format at its finest. The characters were exceptional and very easy to like. There were so many great scenes. Laughter is a requirement and if you do not smile while reading this sweet romance, your face is not working properly.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 26, 2025
Kaisa and Ledger danced their way into my heart.
What a fun story to read right as a popular dancing show season is ending. I loved seeing the dancer + football player match up. Their meet ugly was perfect and really got the tension and chemistry started right from the beginning. The banter was so flirty and fun. I also loved the nickname (shout out to The Princess Bride!).
I really appreciated the invisible illness representation. Seeing a character with anxiety and migraines made the characters come to life and had me invested in how they would handle the stress of the competition. I was genuinely worried for the characters and it drew me into the story, hoping for the best possible outcomes.
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity, holiday romance is the perfect blend of dancing, flirting, fighting for your place, and some sweet kisses. This is the 4th book in the Peppermint Playbook series about the Mynt Peak Resort and the Mynt to Make a Difference celebrity charity event.
What a fun story to read right as a popular dancing show season is ending. I loved seeing the dancer + football player match up. Their meet ugly was perfect and really got the tension and chemistry started right from the beginning. The banter was so flirty and fun. I also loved the nickname (shout out to The Princess Bride!).
I really appreciated the invisible illness representation. Seeing a character with anxiety and migraines made the characters come to life and had me invested in how they would handle the stress of the competition. I was genuinely worried for the characters and it drew me into the story, hoping for the best possible outcomes.
This enemies to lovers, forced proximity, holiday romance is the perfect blend of dancing, flirting, fighting for your place, and some sweet kisses. This is the 4th book in the Peppermint Playbook series about the Mynt Peak Resort and the Mynt to Make a Difference celebrity charity event.
November 29, 2025
This was so fun! Every book in this series has been such a treat.
I admired Kaisa so much! She was chasing her dream and pouring every bit of effort into it that she could. However, it did leave her with a lot of anxiety and a strong perfectionism streak. I felt for her as she tried so hard to take care of all the aspects of the show. Ledger was such a good match for her. He matched her intensity and understood her drive. They both had strong personalities and pushed each other. Ledger also had a rough time coming into the competition. He had to figure out what he wanted for his future.
Kaisa and Ledger were adorable together. I loved seeing them get to know one another and how they connected. Even though they sometimes clashed and had their struggles, they cared deeply for each other. It was such a fun story and I loved the dancing competition element. This holiday romance novella is a standalone in the Peppermint Playbook series. It is a closed door romance, with some innuendo and kissing.
I received an ARC.
I admired Kaisa so much! She was chasing her dream and pouring every bit of effort into it that she could. However, it did leave her with a lot of anxiety and a strong perfectionism streak. I felt for her as she tried so hard to take care of all the aspects of the show. Ledger was such a good match for her. He matched her intensity and understood her drive. They both had strong personalities and pushed each other. Ledger also had a rough time coming into the competition. He had to figure out what he wanted for his future.
Kaisa and Ledger were adorable together. I loved seeing them get to know one another and how they connected. Even though they sometimes clashed and had their struggles, they cared deeply for each other. It was such a fun story and I loved the dancing competition element. This holiday romance novella is a standalone in the Peppermint Playbook series. It is a closed door romance, with some innuendo and kissing.
I received an ARC.
December 6, 2025
Kaisa & Ledger
I liked seeing these characters grow. It took Ledger a day to get over himself at his banishment from his football team. But when he did, he became very determined to master the steps of his dance with Kaisa.
Kaisa had been tasked with a major undertaking when the show runner of the TV dance competition program assigned her to run the Peppermynt Twist Showdown, the highlight of the Mynt charity event. The entire week of the event she was juggling all the backstage business of putting on a show, but she was doing choreography for the opening and closing numbersas well as teaching Ledger to dance.
It was so sweet to see them slowly open up to each other about hopes, dreams, their past, the triumphs and pain. The approach and retreat echoed the ateps of their dance. I just felt every emotion the characters were experiencing. Even the fear of losing their job if they didn't do everything perfectly. The HEA only came with a lot of hard work.
I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
I liked seeing these characters grow. It took Ledger a day to get over himself at his banishment from his football team. But when he did, he became very determined to master the steps of his dance with Kaisa.
Kaisa had been tasked with a major undertaking when the show runner of the TV dance competition program assigned her to run the Peppermynt Twist Showdown, the highlight of the Mynt charity event. The entire week of the event she was juggling all the backstage business of putting on a show, but she was doing choreography for the opening and closing numbersas well as teaching Ledger to dance.
It was so sweet to see them slowly open up to each other about hopes, dreams, their past, the triumphs and pain. The approach and retreat echoed the ateps of their dance. I just felt every emotion the characters were experiencing. Even the fear of losing their job if they didn't do everything perfectly. The HEA only came with a lot of hard work.
I received a free advance copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
December 7, 2025
Fumble All the Way is a sweet enemies to lovers, celebrity, sports, holiday romance featuring pro ballroom dancer Kaisa and pro NFL player Ledger.
Kaisa and Ledger have an awkward first meeting before finding out that they have been partnered together for a charity holiday dancing competition. Now forced together for the next week, they learn that there is more to their partner than what their initial meeting led them to believe. As they spend more time together and their feelings grow, Kaisa and Ledger must figure out how to navigate their demanding careers and their growing feelings.
These two make such a sweet couple and if you like holiday romances and Dancing With the Stars then this is definitely a book you should check out!
Thank you to Deb Goodman for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warning:
Mild language (one use of crap)
Lots of commentary on the sensuality and sexiness of ballroom dancing
Clean kisses
Mild innuendo
Kaisa and Ledger have an awkward first meeting before finding out that they have been partnered together for a charity holiday dancing competition. Now forced together for the next week, they learn that there is more to their partner than what their initial meeting led them to believe. As they spend more time together and their feelings grow, Kaisa and Ledger must figure out how to navigate their demanding careers and their growing feelings.
These two make such a sweet couple and if you like holiday romances and Dancing With the Stars then this is definitely a book you should check out!
Thank you to Deb Goodman for including me on her ARC team! I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Content Warning:
Mild language (one use of crap)
Lots of commentary on the sensuality and sexiness of ballroom dancing
Clean kisses
Mild innuendo
December 11, 2025
I've been enjoying The Peppermint Playbook series so much! It's fun to see the events of the week through each of the characters different perspectives.
This one features Kaisa and Ledger. They were so great together! I loved the way they complimented each other.
Kaisa is the leader of the group of dancers for the Peppermynt Twist Showdown. It's a big and stressful job. She's got to get all the dancers paired up with the sports stars, make sure all of the costumes are made by the seamstresses and run the whole show. As well as teach her partner the dance they need to learn. And Kaisa is worried about her job if everything doesn't go right with the showdown.
The way Ledger and Kaisa met is definitely a "meet ugly." Neither of them got off on the right foot during their meeting. And they both assumed the worse of the other. So, of course they'd need to work together for the Peppermynt Twist Showdown!
I loved the way they both learned the truth about the other. And little by little, they learned that they could work together really well.
This one is so cute!
This one features Kaisa and Ledger. They were so great together! I loved the way they complimented each other.
Kaisa is the leader of the group of dancers for the Peppermynt Twist Showdown. It's a big and stressful job. She's got to get all the dancers paired up with the sports stars, make sure all of the costumes are made by the seamstresses and run the whole show. As well as teach her partner the dance they need to learn. And Kaisa is worried about her job if everything doesn't go right with the showdown.
The way Ledger and Kaisa met is definitely a "meet ugly." Neither of them got off on the right foot during their meeting. And they both assumed the worse of the other. So, of course they'd need to work together for the Peppermynt Twist Showdown!
I loved the way they both learned the truth about the other. And little by little, they learned that they could work together really well.
This one is so cute!
November 20, 2025
The athletes at the MYNT Peak Resort who are invited for a week long holiday fundraiser all have assignments throughout the week. But football star Ledger Bishop is assigned to one thing. He's part of the special dance team performance at the final event of the week. All week he is partnered with Kaisa Halburg, the star from the popular TV show "Lights, Camera, Dance!" A week to learn how to dance, and not just any dance! An intense routine that is the ultimate challenge for the football player.
This book is part of a multi book series, each featuring a different guest athlete and different events. An interesting concept that involves a variety of activities and emotions! A delightful addition to the series that will have you laughing, worrying, and cheering!
This book is part of a multi book series, each featuring a different guest athlete and different events. An interesting concept that involves a variety of activities and emotions! A delightful addition to the series that will have you laughing, worrying, and cheering!
November 24, 2025
Do you watch Dances with the Stars? Then you will like this Christmas time story of Kaisa, the professional ballroom dancer and Ledger, the football player who is trying to repair his media mistake with his football team. They certainly start off on the wrong foot, but spending time with each other while working on a dance routine helps them to see that first impressions aren't always right.
Tropes to enjoy:
forced proximity
sports romance
enemies to more
This is part of the Peppermint Playbook series that features professional sports figures who are involved in a week long charity event at a beautiful resort. I received a copy of the book, but was not obligated to write a positive review.
Tropes to enjoy:
forced proximity
sports romance
enemies to more
This is part of the Peppermint Playbook series that features professional sports figures who are involved in a week long charity event at a beautiful resort. I received a copy of the book, but was not obligated to write a positive review.
November 27, 2025
This is part of the Peppermint Playbook Series and was a hreat addition. Ledger is sent to the Mynt Peak Resort for a charity dance performance to raise money for kids. This was after he makes a huge mistake with the press and now is trying to clean up his image. He wasnt my fav person at first. He had a huge ego and was a frustration! Kaisa is a professional dancer and is leading the dance performance. She gets paired up with Ledger. Their meet-cute was priceless! To say these two didn't get along is a serious understatement t. Slowly though, things begin to change and they start to see the real people underneath. Will it be enough to keep them dancing into forever??? You'll have to read to see what happens!
November 29, 2025
Another outing to Winterbrook where some guests are reluctant to be there never mind then finding out that they have to learn to dance like Ledger the NFL player! Ledger finds out he is paired with pro dancer Kaisa for the week AFTER meeting on the wrong footing!!!
This was a fabulous Christmas novella as the emotions were so real and very charged at times! Loved how the main characters’, who are both under pressure with their respective work, can take the reader on the up and down journey with them to their happily ever after.
Great descriptions of behind the scenes to a dance competition and also NFL training. Recommended for putttjng a smile on your face too so please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
This was a fabulous Christmas novella as the emotions were so real and very charged at times! Loved how the main characters’, who are both under pressure with their respective work, can take the reader on the up and down journey with them to their happily ever after.
Great descriptions of behind the scenes to a dance competition and also NFL training. Recommended for putttjng a smile on your face too so please read!
Received this as an Advanced Reader Copy from the author and this is my own opinion given voluntarily.
November 25, 2025
So far, I have loved every one of the books in this series. Fumble All the Way was interesting throughout with a ton of fun and holiday cheer all wrapped up in one 2-hour read.
Ledger was a bit grumpy and on edge due to his recent fumble on the field and is trying to be more thoughtful before he opens his mouth, yet, he continues to fumble more than the football. Will he show up for Kaisa and dance his way to the top?
Things I loved:
A football player trying to Rhumba
The way Ledger keeps trying
Kaisa's strength to be away from family in Finland
Kaisa's struggle with anxiety
There are no swears, no alcohol, and lever 1 kisses only. Dual POV.
Ledger was a bit grumpy and on edge due to his recent fumble on the field and is trying to be more thoughtful before he opens his mouth, yet, he continues to fumble more than the football. Will he show up for Kaisa and dance his way to the top?
Things I loved:
A football player trying to Rhumba
The way Ledger keeps trying
Kaisa's strength to be away from family in Finland
Kaisa's struggle with anxiety
There are no swears, no alcohol, and lever 1 kisses only. Dual POV.
November 29, 2025
This story was an unexpected delight for me. I’ll be honest, I’m not much into ballroom dancing. Kaisa is a professional dancer who puts a ton of pressure on herself to be the best. When she’s unexpectedly placed with Ledger, a pro football player who seems anything but excited to be a part of a dance competition, the pressure only increases in her mind. Even though this story had so much dance lingo and dance scenes in it, I really enjoyed it! Kaisa and Ledger’s chemistry and banter was fun, and the increasing tension between them had me rooting for them. If you’re a sucker for a blossoming romance between dance partners with a competition like Dancing With the Stars, check this one out!
December 12, 2025
The longer I dwell on this book, the less I like it.
This book was definitely less Christmasy than the other books in the series.
The main couple, Kaisa and Ledger, would have sweet and caring scenes, but the moment reality and their work entered, they would shift into emotionally stunted idiots. The male lead, Ledger, was the worst since at every point he was asked, he would flatly deny any connection to Kaisa, with only blame and excuses for his subsequent mean conduct and comments towards her, and then he would wonder how and why the Kaisa withdrew into her shell again.
You can just tell that this relationship isn't going to last going forward.
This book was definitely less Christmasy than the other books in the series.
The main couple, Kaisa and Ledger, would have sweet and caring scenes, but the moment reality and their work entered, they would shift into emotionally stunted idiots. The male lead, Ledger, was the worst since at every point he was asked, he would flatly deny any connection to Kaisa, with only blame and excuses for his subsequent mean conduct and comments towards her, and then he would wonder how and why the Kaisa withdrew into her shell again.
You can just tell that this relationship isn't going to last going forward.
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