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Coral Bell Cove #3
At First Play
Bailey Hart has mastered the art of staying small.
A lighthouse-bookstore, a quiet life in Coral Bell Cove, and enough romance novels to drown out the heartbreak she swore she’d never repeat. She’s sworn off big leaps, big risks, and especially the boy who once left her love note—and her heart—on full display.
Crew Wright was supposed to have it all.
The charming quarterback with a Southern smile and a future paved in stadium lights… until an injury sent everything crashing down. Now he’s back home to heal his shoulder, his pride, and the parts of himself he buried beneath fame. He’s not expecting Bailey—the girl who saw him before the world ever did.
What starts as borrowed tools, paint-splattered afternoons, and late-night confessions quickly turns into something neither of them can outrun.
Bailey wants to protect her heart.
Crew wants a second chance to prove he won’t break it.
But when old wounds reopen and the world comes calling for him again, they’ll have to decide if love is something you chase…
or something you stay for.
At First Play is a slow-burn, banter-filled, small-town romance about forgiveness, falling again, and finding the one person who feels like home—no matter how far you’ve run.
A lighthouse-bookstore, a quiet life in Coral Bell Cove, and enough romance novels to drown out the heartbreak she swore she’d never repeat. She’s sworn off big leaps, big risks, and especially the boy who once left her love note—and her heart—on full display.
Crew Wright was supposed to have it all.
The charming quarterback with a Southern smile and a future paved in stadium lights… until an injury sent everything crashing down. Now he’s back home to heal his shoulder, his pride, and the parts of himself he buried beneath fame. He’s not expecting Bailey—the girl who saw him before the world ever did.
What starts as borrowed tools, paint-splattered afternoons, and late-night confessions quickly turns into something neither of them can outrun.
Bailey wants to protect her heart.
Crew wants a second chance to prove he won’t break it.
But when old wounds reopen and the world comes calling for him again, they’ll have to decide if love is something you chase…
or something you stay for.
At First Play is a slow-burn, banter-filled, small-town romance about forgiveness, falling again, and finding the one person who feels like home—no matter how far you’ve run.
321 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 14, 2026
31 people are currently reading
72 people want to read
About the author
Renee Harless
51 books1,041 followersRenee Harless is a
USA TODAY
bestselling author of contemporary romance - focusing on family and small towns. Her upcoming release, At First Play, is scheduled for January 14th, 2026. Add it to your TBR today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 148 reviews
January 11, 2026
ARC review
I have been in the worst slump and then I picked up this… I absolutely loved and flew through Crew and Baileys book. Going back to Coral Bell Cove felt like going home. I loved the town, the characters, and the story line. (I loved seeing Ivy & Rowan.) Crew and Bailey are lovable and easy to connect with and I’m super glad I was able to arc read! Thank you again to the author for the e-arc!
This book has everything you could ever want in a romance:
-slow burn
-second chance
-childhood crush
-football
-he falls first
-close proximity
-best friends brother
I have been in the worst slump and then I picked up this… I absolutely loved and flew through Crew and Baileys book. Going back to Coral Bell Cove felt like going home. I loved the town, the characters, and the story line. (I loved seeing Ivy & Rowan.) Crew and Bailey are lovable and easy to connect with and I’m super glad I was able to arc read! Thank you again to the author for the e-arc!
This book has everything you could ever want in a romance:
-slow burn
-second chance
-childhood crush
-football
-he falls first
-close proximity
-best friends brother
January 18, 2026
Bailey & Crew!! This book follows Crew & Bailey’s oh so sweet second chance love story 💓 Crew comes back into Bailey’s life after a severe injury. Bailey struggles to keep Crew at arms length, afraid to be vulnerable again. It is all the emotions with these two. If you love true second chance romances, you will love these two 🫶🏻 the slow burn mixed with second chance gave all the emotions and I loved it 💓
January 22, 2026
3.5⭐️ / ARC REVIEW- i’m so happy i got to dive back into coral bell cove but this one just wasn’t my fav out of the series 😭
January 11, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
At First Play by Renee Harless follows Bailey Hart, who owns a lighthouse-bookstore in the small town she grew up in, and Crew Wright the small town guy turned big fish who’s the quarterback everyone adores. Crew comes crashing back into Bailey’s life after an injury on the field that results in him having to stay off the field and do rehab until he’s fighting fit again.
Crew finds many, many reasons to be around Bailey, and Bailey is struggling to keep him at arms length. The story is beautifully written, and honestly I adore Bailey and her lighthouse-bookstore. I love the relationship she has with the townspeople, with her friends, and with Crew. She’s adorable and everything you’d want in a friend or partner in my opinion.
Whilst I did really enjoy Bailey, and how beautifully the story was told, I did find it to be a little slow in places and sometimes I found the dialogue a little unrealistic. Harless has a knack for metaphors in her storytelling but it grew a little irritating and overused when a lot of the characters were always saying these profound metaphors during normal conversations.
However, if you enjoy the best friend’s brother trope, second chances and stories of redemption, this one’s for you. I truly did enjoy seeing Bailey and Crew’s relationship grow, and Bailey is up there as one of my favourite main characters of a book!
At First Play by Renee Harless follows Bailey Hart, who owns a lighthouse-bookstore in the small town she grew up in, and Crew Wright the small town guy turned big fish who’s the quarterback everyone adores. Crew comes crashing back into Bailey’s life after an injury on the field that results in him having to stay off the field and do rehab until he’s fighting fit again.
Crew finds many, many reasons to be around Bailey, and Bailey is struggling to keep him at arms length. The story is beautifully written, and honestly I adore Bailey and her lighthouse-bookstore. I love the relationship she has with the townspeople, with her friends, and with Crew. She’s adorable and everything you’d want in a friend or partner in my opinion.
Whilst I did really enjoy Bailey, and how beautifully the story was told, I did find it to be a little slow in places and sometimes I found the dialogue a little unrealistic. Harless has a knack for metaphors in her storytelling but it grew a little irritating and overused when a lot of the characters were always saying these profound metaphors during normal conversations.
However, if you enjoy the best friend’s brother trope, second chances and stories of redemption, this one’s for you. I truly did enjoy seeing Bailey and Crew’s relationship grow, and Bailey is up there as one of my favourite main characters of a book!
January 14, 2026
At First Play completely stole my heart. Renee Harless has such a gift for writing emotionally grounded, slow-burn romance, and this story might be my favorite in the Coral Bell Cove series yet.
Bailey and Crew’s story is tender, painful, and deeply healing. This is a true second-chance romance where the past matters — mistakes, misunderstandings, and all. The emotional weight between these two felt so real, especially Bailey’s fear of being vulnerable again and Crew’s quiet determination to make things right.
I loved how intentional this book felt. Nothing was rushed. Every interaction, every shared moment, every step toward forgiveness was earned. The slow burn was chef’s kiss — full of longing, soft tension, and moments that made my chest ache in the best way.
Coral Bell Cove once again felt like home. The small-town atmosphere, the familiar faces, and the sense of community added so much warmth to the story. It’s one of those books that makes you want to curl up, take your time, and savor every page.
If you love:
• second-chance romance
• slow burn with emotional depth
• small-town settings
• characters who grow, heal, and choose love again
…this book is absolutely for you.
Renee Harless continues to prove she knows how to write romance that feels heartfelt, hopeful, and deeply satisfying. I closed this book with a full heart and a smile I couldn’t shake.
Bailey and Crew’s story is tender, painful, and deeply healing. This is a true second-chance romance where the past matters — mistakes, misunderstandings, and all. The emotional weight between these two felt so real, especially Bailey’s fear of being vulnerable again and Crew’s quiet determination to make things right.
I loved how intentional this book felt. Nothing was rushed. Every interaction, every shared moment, every step toward forgiveness was earned. The slow burn was chef’s kiss — full of longing, soft tension, and moments that made my chest ache in the best way.
Coral Bell Cove once again felt like home. The small-town atmosphere, the familiar faces, and the sense of community added so much warmth to the story. It’s one of those books that makes you want to curl up, take your time, and savor every page.
If you love:
• second-chance romance
• slow burn with emotional depth
• small-town settings
• characters who grow, heal, and choose love again
…this book is absolutely for you.
Renee Harless continues to prove she knows how to write romance that feels heartfelt, hopeful, and deeply satisfying. I closed this book with a full heart and a smile I couldn’t shake.
Review of advance copy received from Author
3⭐️
arc review
This story follows Crew and Bailey and a second chance romance I absolutely needed. I use to despise second chance but its grown on me so much! After Bailey is humiliated in the past and Crew not standing up for her they drift apart. Many years later he shows back up in town beaten down and needing to get away from fame. I absolutely loved that one of his first stops was to see Bailey 🥹
There are many bookstores and bookstore owners in books, but Bailey is the first to own a lighthouse bookstore and I LOVEEEEE IT. It gave me the cutest vibes. The suspense towards to end kinda threw me for a loop but it was keeping me on my toes!
Their love was so sweet and loved her put her first before the media and not wanting the spot light on her 🥹 The story just fell off a little but I think I needed to read the first 2 books to get a true better understanding. Her bestfriends and one being the sister of Crew was too sweet, her pushing them to be together is amazing since that doesn't happen often!
thank you so much Renee for an earc in exchange for an honest review 🤎
arc review
This story follows Crew and Bailey and a second chance romance I absolutely needed. I use to despise second chance but its grown on me so much! After Bailey is humiliated in the past and Crew not standing up for her they drift apart. Many years later he shows back up in town beaten down and needing to get away from fame. I absolutely loved that one of his first stops was to see Bailey 🥹
There are many bookstores and bookstore owners in books, but Bailey is the first to own a lighthouse bookstore and I LOVEEEEE IT. It gave me the cutest vibes. The suspense towards to end kinda threw me for a loop but it was keeping me on my toes!
Their love was so sweet and loved her put her first before the media and not wanting the spot light on her 🥹 The story just fell off a little but I think I needed to read the first 2 books to get a true better understanding. Her bestfriends and one being the sister of Crew was too sweet, her pushing them to be together is amazing since that doesn't happen often!
thank you so much Renee for an earc in exchange for an honest review 🤎
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2026
“Bailey isn’t a game. She’s the whole damn season.”
At First Play is such a great read for readers who love small town second chance romances. After reading and loving the previous books of the series, I was very excited to read Bailey and Crew’s story. This story is the perfect example right person wrong time. Although their relationship didn’t turn out the way they planned when they were teenagers, Crew and Bailey are able to reconnect and grow stronger together.
In this story, we follow Crew and Bailey as find their way back to one another. Renee Harless did an incredible job of building their relationship. The slow burn was perfectly written and really showed how much each character wanted this relationship to work. O loved both characters and can’t wait to see what comes next.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
* Second Chance Romance
* Sports Romance
* Slowburn
* Small Town Romance
* Childhood Sweethearts
Overall, this book was absolutely adorable. I am giving it 4 stars and would definitely recommend it.
At First Play is such a great read for readers who love small town second chance romances. After reading and loving the previous books of the series, I was very excited to read Bailey and Crew’s story. This story is the perfect example right person wrong time. Although their relationship didn’t turn out the way they planned when they were teenagers, Crew and Bailey are able to reconnect and grow stronger together.
In this story, we follow Crew and Bailey as find their way back to one another. Renee Harless did an incredible job of building their relationship. The slow burn was perfectly written and really showed how much each character wanted this relationship to work. O loved both characters and can’t wait to see what comes next.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
* Second Chance Romance
* Sports Romance
* Slowburn
* Small Town Romance
* Childhood Sweethearts
Overall, this book was absolutely adorable. I am giving it 4 stars and would definitely recommend it.
January 14, 2026
ARC Review: Renee Harless
At First Play (Coral Bell Cove Series #3) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 🌶
This is the first time reading this author, and its been a good book to start. I do wish I had read the other two books in the series first, even though you don't have to, wouldhave been good too. Some of the tropes for this book are as below:
💓 Small Town Romance
💓 Football Star Injured
💓 Second Chance
💓 MFC Book Owner
It follows Bailey Hart, who owns a lighthouse bookstore in her small town, and Crew Wright who comes back home from an football injury.
I did enjoy reading this book, it was beautifully written, but it just never got me as excited as my previous football reads. Its a very slow paced storyline, but the banter between Bailey and Crew is great, they really do understand each other on a different level.
Thank you Renee Harless and The Author Agency for giving me opportunity to read this ARC, and to give my honest review.
At First Play (Coral Bell Cove Series #3) - ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/ 🌶
This is the first time reading this author, and its been a good book to start. I do wish I had read the other two books in the series first, even though you don't have to, wouldhave been good too. Some of the tropes for this book are as below:
💓 Small Town Romance
💓 Football Star Injured
💓 Second Chance
💓 MFC Book Owner
It follows Bailey Hart, who owns a lighthouse bookstore in her small town, and Crew Wright who comes back home from an football injury.
I did enjoy reading this book, it was beautifully written, but it just never got me as excited as my previous football reads. Its a very slow paced storyline, but the banter between Bailey and Crew is great, they really do understand each other on a different level.
Thank you Renee Harless and The Author Agency for giving me opportunity to read this ARC, and to give my honest review.
January 14, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars
At First Play was such a fun, heartfelt small-town romance. I loved the texting between the friends—it felt so natural and realistic, like actual conversations you’d have with your own group chat.
The chemistry between Crew and Bailey was SO good—easy, flirty, and genuine without feeling forced. The small-town vibe was strong in the best way: cozy, close-knit, and full of charm.
And the side characters? Absolutely hilarious. They really brought the town to life and added so much heart and humor to the story. Overall, this was a feel-good read with great banter, lovable characters, and a very sweet small-town atmosphere. Would definitely recommend if you love romance with heart and humor.
At First Play was such a fun, heartfelt small-town romance. I loved the texting between the friends—it felt so natural and realistic, like actual conversations you’d have with your own group chat.
The chemistry between Crew and Bailey was SO good—easy, flirty, and genuine without feeling forced. The small-town vibe was strong in the best way: cozy, close-knit, and full of charm.
And the side characters? Absolutely hilarious. They really brought the town to life and added so much heart and humor to the story. Overall, this was a feel-good read with great banter, lovable characters, and a very sweet small-town atmosphere. Would definitely recommend if you love romance with heart and humor.
January 14, 2026
You Had Me at Lighthouse Bookstore!!
Bailey Hart is owner of A Page in Time, a bookstore in a lighthouse in the small town of Coral Bell Cove. Her high school boyfriend Crew Wright has become a famous quarterback, but is injured and home for rehab. He publicly humiliated her during high school, ending any relationship.
Crew wants a second chance. Bailey has never had anyone “stick”, and doesn’t trust. There are rules, honest discussions, small town antics, pigeons, nicknames, books, storms, and career pressures.
Emotional, romantic, angsty and entertaining. So very relatable and a true delight. Sigh.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Bailey Hart is owner of A Page in Time, a bookstore in a lighthouse in the small town of Coral Bell Cove. Her high school boyfriend Crew Wright has become a famous quarterback, but is injured and home for rehab. He publicly humiliated her during high school, ending any relationship.
Crew wants a second chance. Bailey has never had anyone “stick”, and doesn’t trust. There are rules, honest discussions, small town antics, pigeons, nicknames, books, storms, and career pressures.
Emotional, romantic, angsty and entertaining. So very relatable and a true delight. Sigh.
***** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book *****
Review of advance copy received from Author
First time reading this author and I thought this was a really cute book. Second chances are one of my favorites. I loved the banter between Bailey and Crew. It was that sort of dry humor and the quick wit that I love. Nice storyline.
January 16, 2026
cute second chance story
I really liked this one. It was cute and had some parts that made me laugh. I enjoyed the characters and I liked the storyline of Crew who had to learn the hard way about life.
I really liked this one. It was cute and had some parts that made me laugh. I enjoyed the characters and I liked the storyline of Crew who had to learn the hard way about life.
January 9, 2026
I was lucky enough to read this as an ARC and I am so thankful!
If you like sloooowwwww burn this book is for you. The tension mixed with the banter between Bailey and Crew is so good! The small town mixed with the second chance romance is so heartwarming. You really see a community come together. It also paints the perfect picture of how everyone knows everyone else’s business in a small town!
I loved the lighthouse. It was its own character. It had the perfect amount of attitude for the story. The author is so descriptive, it is easy to picture the scene exactly as intended.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If you like sloooowwwww burn this book is for you. The tension mixed with the banter between Bailey and Crew is so good! The small town mixed with the second chance romance is so heartwarming. You really see a community come together. It also paints the perfect picture of how everyone knows everyone else’s business in a small town!
I loved the lighthouse. It was its own character. It had the perfect amount of attitude for the story. The author is so descriptive, it is easy to picture the scene exactly as intended.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 25, 2026
4⭐️ 1.5🌶️ ARC REVIEW - AT FIRST PLAY by Renee Harless. This is a cozy, sweet, small town romance about forgiveness and a second chance at true love. It’s book 3 in the series but my first time reading this author. I loved the lighthouse-bookstore setting, the witty banter, the big family dynamics , the meddling townspeople, and the hilarious girls’ text chain. ❤️
Bailey Hart owns and lives in the lighthouse in
Coral Bell Cove (coastal Virginia), and runs a bookstore out of it. She’s been in love with Crew Wright since she was 16, but something happened in high school 10 years ago and she hasn’t forgiven him. He’s back in town to rehab from his pro football injury, and wants to earn back her trust. He starts by showing up with coffee, tools to fix things around the lighthouse, and letting her set the pace. And he continues to show up by asking what he can do that helps her. He fixes things, stocks bookshelves, joins in the kids storytime, brings her breakfast sandwiches, remembers her favorite muffins. He is so patient, and willing to do what it takes to prove that Coral Bell Cove is home - that she is home. During his rehab he realizes that he may not want to return to football. he tries to hide his vulnerability but Bailey sees right through him.
❤️ He calls her ‘book girl’
❤️ I love that she has a snappy, snarky comeback for everything he says
❤️ smart, irreverent, heart under the snark
❤️ quiet, alphabetized, laminated life
❤️ Sweatpants
❤️ He loves taking care of her 🐱
❤️ ‘Good girl’ 😮💨
Favorite quotes:
‘I've built something solid out of the wreckage of what used to be heartbreak. But all I can think about is how solid doesn't feel the same as alive.’
"You make it hard to remember all my reasons."
"Then let me remind you of better ones."
"I'm still figuring this out. I spent so many years trying to ignore the fact that you even existed.”
"I'll wait," I tell her.
"You shouldn't do that," she whispers.
"Do what?"
"Make it feel like this."
"Like what?"
"Like home."
"That's what scares me. I'm not used to being the first choice. Not even to my parents."
“Don't be scared of what's meant for you."
“You sound sure."
"I am."
‘Because for the first time in my life, I want something I can't win by force. Bailey Hart isn't a game. She's the whole season.’
"I missed this. Missed you.”
“It's been one day.”
"Longest day of my life."
"Bailey. I've already seen the messy chapters. I was there for some of them, remember?"
“You caused a couple."
"Yeah. And I've spent a long time trying to figure out how to be worthy of a second read."
"Dance with me."
"There's no music."
"There's always music.”
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Second chance romance
*Slow burn 🔥
*Banter
*Lighthouse-bookstore owner FMC
*NFL Quarterback
*Injury rehab
*Meddling townsfolk
*Big family dynamics
Content warning: football injury
Thank you to Renee Harless and The Author Agency for the gifted ARC!
Bailey Hart owns and lives in the lighthouse in
Coral Bell Cove (coastal Virginia), and runs a bookstore out of it. She’s been in love with Crew Wright since she was 16, but something happened in high school 10 years ago and she hasn’t forgiven him. He’s back in town to rehab from his pro football injury, and wants to earn back her trust. He starts by showing up with coffee, tools to fix things around the lighthouse, and letting her set the pace. And he continues to show up by asking what he can do that helps her. He fixes things, stocks bookshelves, joins in the kids storytime, brings her breakfast sandwiches, remembers her favorite muffins. He is so patient, and willing to do what it takes to prove that Coral Bell Cove is home - that she is home. During his rehab he realizes that he may not want to return to football. he tries to hide his vulnerability but Bailey sees right through him.
❤️ He calls her ‘book girl’
❤️ I love that she has a snappy, snarky comeback for everything he says
❤️ smart, irreverent, heart under the snark
❤️ quiet, alphabetized, laminated life
❤️ Sweatpants
❤️ He loves taking care of her 🐱
❤️ ‘Good girl’ 😮💨
Favorite quotes:
‘I've built something solid out of the wreckage of what used to be heartbreak. But all I can think about is how solid doesn't feel the same as alive.’
"You make it hard to remember all my reasons."
"Then let me remind you of better ones."
"I'm still figuring this out. I spent so many years trying to ignore the fact that you even existed.”
"I'll wait," I tell her.
"You shouldn't do that," she whispers.
"Do what?"
"Make it feel like this."
"Like what?"
"Like home."
"That's what scares me. I'm not used to being the first choice. Not even to my parents."
“Don't be scared of what's meant for you."
“You sound sure."
"I am."
‘Because for the first time in my life, I want something I can't win by force. Bailey Hart isn't a game. She's the whole season.’
"I missed this. Missed you.”
“It's been one day.”
"Longest day of my life."
"Bailey. I've already seen the messy chapters. I was there for some of them, remember?"
“You caused a couple."
"Yeah. And I've spent a long time trying to figure out how to be worthy of a second read."
"Dance with me."
"There's no music."
"There's always music.”
Read this if you like:
*Small town romance
*Second chance romance
*Slow burn 🔥
*Banter
*Lighthouse-bookstore owner FMC
*NFL Quarterback
*Injury rehab
*Meddling townsfolk
*Big family dynamics
Content warning: football injury
Thank you to Renee Harless and The Author Agency for the gifted ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“Bailey Hart isn’t a game. She’s the whole damn season.”
At First Play is a gorgeously crafted, emotionally charged second chance romance that completely swept me away. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t Crew’s biggest fan in the previous book, so I walked into this one with a healthy dose of skepticism. But somewhere between his bruised pride, quiet vulnerability, and relentless determination, he won me over in a way I didn’t see coming.
“You don’t have to become smaller to fit the life you want. I’ll make room.”
Crew’s return to town after his injury sets the stage for a slow, aching unraveling. The once untouchable quarterback is suddenly face to face with the girl he never truly had, all because he was too young, too scared, and too foolish to claim what he wanted. Bailey, meanwhile, has spent years guarding the pieces of her heart after he shattered it in high school. She’s built walls, routines, and a life that doesn’t leave room for the boy who once broke her. But now Crew is back, asking for a second chance—and this time he’s willing to fight for it.
“I’ve been touched by hundreds of hands—fans, teammates, trainers—but hers is the only one that ever felt like home.”
Their longing is so palpable it practically breathes. The tension, the hesitation, the hope—they all feel like living, beating things in the background of every scene. Watching them slowly stitch together what was broken felt intimate and tender. Bailey grounds Crew, giving him the courage to finally choose what matters, while Crew coaxes Bailey into taking up space, speaking her truth, and refusing to shrink herself for anyone.
“Sometimes light just finds you.”
At First Play is emotional in the best, most satisfying way—character driven, heartfelt, and beautifully introspective. It deepened my love for this series and left me rooting for these two long after I turned the final page.
At First Play is a gorgeously crafted, emotionally charged second chance romance that completely swept me away. I’ll be honest—I wasn’t Crew’s biggest fan in the previous book, so I walked into this one with a healthy dose of skepticism. But somewhere between his bruised pride, quiet vulnerability, and relentless determination, he won me over in a way I didn’t see coming.
“You don’t have to become smaller to fit the life you want. I’ll make room.”
Crew’s return to town after his injury sets the stage for a slow, aching unraveling. The once untouchable quarterback is suddenly face to face with the girl he never truly had, all because he was too young, too scared, and too foolish to claim what he wanted. Bailey, meanwhile, has spent years guarding the pieces of her heart after he shattered it in high school. She’s built walls, routines, and a life that doesn’t leave room for the boy who once broke her. But now Crew is back, asking for a second chance—and this time he’s willing to fight for it.
“I’ve been touched by hundreds of hands—fans, teammates, trainers—but hers is the only one that ever felt like home.”
Their longing is so palpable it practically breathes. The tension, the hesitation, the hope—they all feel like living, beating things in the background of every scene. Watching them slowly stitch together what was broken felt intimate and tender. Bailey grounds Crew, giving him the courage to finally choose what matters, while Crew coaxes Bailey into taking up space, speaking her truth, and refusing to shrink herself for anyone.
“Sometimes light just finds you.”
At First Play is emotional in the best, most satisfying way—character driven, heartfelt, and beautifully introspective. It deepened my love for this series and left me rooting for these two long after I turned the final page.
January 14, 2026
At First Play is a heartfelt second-chance romance that quietly pulls you in and leaves you sitting in your feelings before you've even realize what happened. Set in the coastal town of Coral Bell Cove, it blends small-town charm, a cozy lighthouse bookstore, and the aftermath of a professional football career in a way that feels intimate.
Bailey Hart has built a safe, carefully contained life after an embarrassing high school incident, while Crew Wright returns home after an injury carrying regret, vulnerability, and unfinished business. Their shared history adds weight to every interaction, and the connection between them is weighed down by things left unsaid. Crew completely won me over. He was soft, devoted, and very much a golden retriever MMC. His acts of service, accountability, and quiet determination to do better felt genuine and earned.
Bailey is down-to-earth, kind, and deeply afraid of getting hurt again. She’s spent years making herself smaller, and watching Crew encourage her to take up space and choose herself was emotional for me. Their romance is built on support, trust, and emotional intimacy, and the slow burn carries a lot of heart. That said, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, with intimacy progressing faster than the buildup suggested, but the emotional foundation between them kept me invested.
Beyond the romance, this story has so much heart. The coastal storms mirror the emotional turbulence beautifully, and the lighthouse bookstore setting is pure cozy perfection. The book banter, sense of community, and thoughtful touches outside the romance made the world feel lived-in and like something familiar.
Overall, At First Play is a character-driven, emotionally satisfying story about coming home, healing old wounds, and choosing the life, and love, you want. Despite a few pacing hiccups, I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading the next in the series.
Bailey Hart has built a safe, carefully contained life after an embarrassing high school incident, while Crew Wright returns home after an injury carrying regret, vulnerability, and unfinished business. Their shared history adds weight to every interaction, and the connection between them is weighed down by things left unsaid. Crew completely won me over. He was soft, devoted, and very much a golden retriever MMC. His acts of service, accountability, and quiet determination to do better felt genuine and earned.
Bailey is down-to-earth, kind, and deeply afraid of getting hurt again. She’s spent years making herself smaller, and watching Crew encourage her to take up space and choose herself was emotional for me. Their romance is built on support, trust, and emotional intimacy, and the slow burn carries a lot of heart. That said, there were moments where the pacing felt a bit uneven, with intimacy progressing faster than the buildup suggested, but the emotional foundation between them kept me invested.
Beyond the romance, this story has so much heart. The coastal storms mirror the emotional turbulence beautifully, and the lighthouse bookstore setting is pure cozy perfection. The book banter, sense of community, and thoughtful touches outside the romance made the world feel lived-in and like something familiar.
Overall, At First Play is a character-driven, emotionally satisfying story about coming home, healing old wounds, and choosing the life, and love, you want. Despite a few pacing hiccups, I did enjoy the book and look forward to reading the next in the series.
January 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I love a good coming home story! The type of story where a MC rediscovers part of themselves, remembers why home will always be home, and seeing the people who know you best. Renee Harless gives readers just this in her newest release, At First Play, book 3 in her Coral Bell Cove series. I have not read the first 2 stories in this series, but I didn’t feel lost while reading. This is the first book that I have read by Renee also and I love her writing.
Bailey is a quiet, book loving woman who owns her own bookstore. She is the FMC who doesn’t know her worth and/or beauty. As her character develops, you begin to understand that she is protecting her heart from being broken again. When the person responsible for breaking her heart returns, she is determined to get hurt again.
Crew comes home after an injury takes him out of football. Needing time to heal and complete rehab, he wants to make things right between him and the only girl who's ever known the real him. His fame caused him to bury parts of himself and now he has the opportunity to reclaim those parts of him. But forgiveness doesn’t come as easy as he had hoped, when he comes face to face with the girl who now guards her heart due to him breaking it years ago.
Renee writes a sweet romance of two hearts finding their way back to each other. As old wounds are finally allowed to heal, new worries come up as Crew’s rehab gets closer and closer to completion. Bailey can’t help but feel strongly for Crew, but knows the hurt she may face. Crew wants to prove himself to Bailey, but returning to the game is always looming over him. Their story is a great read and Renee knows how to keep her readers engaged until the very last page.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈Small Town Romance
📚Second Chance Romance
🏈Best Friend’s Brothers
📚He Falls First
🏈Close Proximity
📚Football Romance
🏈Childhood Crush
I love a good coming home story! The type of story where a MC rediscovers part of themselves, remembers why home will always be home, and seeing the people who know you best. Renee Harless gives readers just this in her newest release, At First Play, book 3 in her Coral Bell Cove series. I have not read the first 2 stories in this series, but I didn’t feel lost while reading. This is the first book that I have read by Renee also and I love her writing.
Bailey is a quiet, book loving woman who owns her own bookstore. She is the FMC who doesn’t know her worth and/or beauty. As her character develops, you begin to understand that she is protecting her heart from being broken again. When the person responsible for breaking her heart returns, she is determined to get hurt again.
Crew comes home after an injury takes him out of football. Needing time to heal and complete rehab, he wants to make things right between him and the only girl who's ever known the real him. His fame caused him to bury parts of himself and now he has the opportunity to reclaim those parts of him. But forgiveness doesn’t come as easy as he had hoped, when he comes face to face with the girl who now guards her heart due to him breaking it years ago.
Renee writes a sweet romance of two hearts finding their way back to each other. As old wounds are finally allowed to heal, new worries come up as Crew’s rehab gets closer and closer to completion. Bailey can’t help but feel strongly for Crew, but knows the hurt she may face. Crew wants to prove himself to Bailey, but returning to the game is always looming over him. Their story is a great read and Renee knows how to keep her readers engaged until the very last page.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏈Small Town Romance
📚Second Chance Romance
🏈Best Friend’s Brothers
📚He Falls First
🏈Close Proximity
📚Football Romance
🏈Childhood Crush
Review of advance copy
I was gifted an ARC of At First Play, and while this was my first time reading this author, I’ve said before that I only sign up for ARCs that truly capture my attention—and this one absolutely did.
This is one of those books that’s hard to describe because of how immersive the writing feels. As I was reading, I could see the conversations happening. Renee Harless writes in a way that feels like you’re listening to two people talk—or like you’re mid-conversation with your best friend, finishing each other’s sentences. It’s natural, engaging, and incredibly easy to fall into.
The story follows Bailey, who’s had a longtime crush on Crew, now an NFL quarterback, dating back to high school. But their past is complicated. Something painful happened when they were younger, and Crew didn’t stand up for Bailey when she needed him most. One line really stuck with me: just because you don’t know what to say doesn’t mean you can’t still stick up for somebody. Crew owns his failure, and I appreciated how much accountability and growth we see from him.
What I really enjoyed is how much heart this story has beyond the romance. There’s book banter (which honestly feels like a micro-trope and one I loved), a literacy program for children in their small town, and the most charming setting—a coffee shop/bookstore inside a lighthouse. Yes, a lighthouse bookstore. That is now officially on my real-life bucket list.
There’s a touch of drama, a lot of warmth, and ultimately a very satisfying happily ever after—because it is a love story. I genuinely enjoyed this book, especially because the dialogue felt so familiar to how I talk with my own best friend.
I think you’ll enjoy this book. I enjoyed this book. You should read this book. It releases this month, and I can’t wait to see what Renee Harless gives us next.
This is one of those books that’s hard to describe because of how immersive the writing feels. As I was reading, I could see the conversations happening. Renee Harless writes in a way that feels like you’re listening to two people talk—or like you’re mid-conversation with your best friend, finishing each other’s sentences. It’s natural, engaging, and incredibly easy to fall into.
The story follows Bailey, who’s had a longtime crush on Crew, now an NFL quarterback, dating back to high school. But their past is complicated. Something painful happened when they were younger, and Crew didn’t stand up for Bailey when she needed him most. One line really stuck with me: just because you don’t know what to say doesn’t mean you can’t still stick up for somebody. Crew owns his failure, and I appreciated how much accountability and growth we see from him.
What I really enjoyed is how much heart this story has beyond the romance. There’s book banter (which honestly feels like a micro-trope and one I loved), a literacy program for children in their small town, and the most charming setting—a coffee shop/bookstore inside a lighthouse. Yes, a lighthouse bookstore. That is now officially on my real-life bucket list.
There’s a touch of drama, a lot of warmth, and ultimately a very satisfying happily ever after—because it is a love story. I genuinely enjoyed this book, especially because the dialogue felt so familiar to how I talk with my own best friend.
I think you’ll enjoy this book. I enjoyed this book. You should read this book. It releases this month, and I can’t wait to see what Renee Harless gives us next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I devoured Bailey and Crew’s story and I am NOT okay about it. At First Play wrapped me up in small-town warmth, slow-burn longing, and second-chance tenderness and refused to let go. This book didn’t just hit—I felt it. Deeply.
Bailey Hart is the kind of heroine who sneaks up on your heart. Quiet strength, soft edges, a woman who learned the hard way how to stay small so she wouldn’t get hurt again. Her lighthouse bookstore? Absolute dream. Her love of romance novels while refusing to believe she deserves one of her own? Painful in the best way. I wanted to hug her and scream at the same time.
And Crew Wright… whew. Former golden boy quarterback brought low by injury and life and regret? Yes please. But what really got me was this version of him—bruised pride, stripped-down honesty, and a man who knows exactly where he went wrong and is desperate not to repeat it. The way he looks at Bailey like she’s always been his north star? UGH. My heart.
The slow burn here is immaculate. Borrowed tools, paint-splattered afternoons, quiet conversations that turn into soul-deep confessions—every interaction felt earned. The banter was soft and real, the tension delicious, and the emotional payoff? Worth every single page.
This story understands that love isn’t always about chasing the biggest dream—it’s about choosing the place and the person who feels like home. Watching Bailey and Crew circle each other, stumble, heal, and fall again was beautiful and achy and hopeful all at once.
If you love small-town romance, second chances, gentle angst, and characters who feel like real people with real scars, read this book. Renee Harless absolutely nailed the heart of this story, and I closed the final page with that warm, full-chested feeling that only a truly special romance can give.
Bailey Hart is the kind of heroine who sneaks up on your heart. Quiet strength, soft edges, a woman who learned the hard way how to stay small so she wouldn’t get hurt again. Her lighthouse bookstore? Absolute dream. Her love of romance novels while refusing to believe she deserves one of her own? Painful in the best way. I wanted to hug her and scream at the same time.
And Crew Wright… whew. Former golden boy quarterback brought low by injury and life and regret? Yes please. But what really got me was this version of him—bruised pride, stripped-down honesty, and a man who knows exactly where he went wrong and is desperate not to repeat it. The way he looks at Bailey like she’s always been his north star? UGH. My heart.
The slow burn here is immaculate. Borrowed tools, paint-splattered afternoons, quiet conversations that turn into soul-deep confessions—every interaction felt earned. The banter was soft and real, the tension delicious, and the emotional payoff? Worth every single page.
This story understands that love isn’t always about chasing the biggest dream—it’s about choosing the place and the person who feels like home. Watching Bailey and Crew circle each other, stumble, heal, and fall again was beautiful and achy and hopeful all at once.
If you love small-town romance, second chances, gentle angst, and characters who feel like real people with real scars, read this book. Renee Harless absolutely nailed the heart of this story, and I closed the final page with that warm, full-chested feeling that only a truly special romance can give.
Review of advance copy
I just finished reading this beautifully written story with words that come across poetically, fluidly moving from one page to the next. It's flawlessly written and incredible. The main characters Bailey and Crew are a favorite of mine. They come across as real and genuine. I loved seeing these two reconnect and find their way back. I also like that the MMC falls first because in a second chance romance like this it's always nice to have something a little different. Then the details are written in such a way that it draws you into the story making you feel like you're there experiencing what's going on in that moment. Another thing that I liked about this book was the emotions, how much heart the story had. Of course the banter was fantastic. I also liked how well the characters meshed together they were perfection in my opinion. I liked the slow burn too as well as the build-up. In fact I was rooting for these two characters from the beginning. Their story captured my interest and held my attention from the first chapter until the very last page. This is a book that needs to be read it's so worth it. I know I enjoyed reading this. I couldn't get enough of it. In fact I will be going back to reread it because that's how much I liked this story. It's a breath of fresh air, of something special that touches your soul when you read it. I highly suggest picking a copy of this book up and reading it. This author did an incredible job with the story.
Some of my favorite lines:
"I like lighthouses," he says simply. "And books seem to bring out the truth in people."
" I don't want to put you on a shelf. I want to stand next to you and be useful."
" Quiet isn't small. It's chosen."
Thanks to the author and the author agency for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
Some of my favorite lines:
"I like lighthouses," he says simply. "And books seem to bring out the truth in people."
" I don't want to put you on a shelf. I want to stand next to you and be useful."
" Quiet isn't small. It's chosen."
Thanks to the author and the author agency for an advance copy. My opinions are my own and freely expressed.
January 19, 2026
This story felt like a deep breath, a quiet ache, and a slow, steady return to something that was always meant to be.
Bailey Hart is a heroine you feel in your bones. She’s learned how to stay small, how to make her world safe and predictable inside her lighthouse bookstore and the pages of romance novels. Her heartbreak wasn’t loud, but it was lasting, and the way she guards her heart feels tender, understandable, and deeply human.
Crew Wright is the boy who left and the man who comes back changed. Once the golden quarterback with the world at his feet, he returns to Coral Bell Cove bruised in body and spirit, forced to confront who he is without the spotlight. And the way he sees Bailey, truly sees her, is everything. She was the one who knew him before the noise, and that connection never really faded.
Their love unfolds in quiet, beautiful moments. Borrowed tools. Paint-splattered afternoons. Late-night confessions that feel like truth finally being spoken aloud. The slow burn is exquisite, filled with banter, softness, and that unmistakable pull of unfinished love. Every look, every almost-touch carries weight.
What made this story shine for me was its emotional honesty. Bailey’s fear of being hurt again and Crew’s determination to prove he’s worthy of a second chance feel raw and real. When the world comes calling for him once more, the question isn’t just about love, it’s about choice. About staying. About deciding what home really means.
At First Play is a gentle, heartfelt reminder that some loves don’t disappear. They wait. They grow. And when the timing is right, they ask you to be brave enough to choose them again.
Renee Harless delivered a beautifully written, emotionally rich small-town romance that left my heart full and quietly aching in the best way 🤍✨
Bailey Hart is a heroine you feel in your bones. She’s learned how to stay small, how to make her world safe and predictable inside her lighthouse bookstore and the pages of romance novels. Her heartbreak wasn’t loud, but it was lasting, and the way she guards her heart feels tender, understandable, and deeply human.
Crew Wright is the boy who left and the man who comes back changed. Once the golden quarterback with the world at his feet, he returns to Coral Bell Cove bruised in body and spirit, forced to confront who he is without the spotlight. And the way he sees Bailey, truly sees her, is everything. She was the one who knew him before the noise, and that connection never really faded.
Their love unfolds in quiet, beautiful moments. Borrowed tools. Paint-splattered afternoons. Late-night confessions that feel like truth finally being spoken aloud. The slow burn is exquisite, filled with banter, softness, and that unmistakable pull of unfinished love. Every look, every almost-touch carries weight.
What made this story shine for me was its emotional honesty. Bailey’s fear of being hurt again and Crew’s determination to prove he’s worthy of a second chance feel raw and real. When the world comes calling for him once more, the question isn’t just about love, it’s about choice. About staying. About deciding what home really means.
At First Play is a gentle, heartfelt reminder that some loves don’t disappear. They wait. They grow. And when the timing is right, they ask you to be brave enough to choose them again.
Renee Harless delivered a beautifully written, emotionally rich small-town romance that left my heart full and quietly aching in the best way 🤍✨
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is the 3rd book in the Coral Bell Cove series. You meet local book store owner Bailey and football player Crew. They have a past together and he is the brother of her best friend. When he returns home to recover, he start checking in on Bailey in her Lighthouse book store, as a way to get back into her life. While there is plenty of banter, they have to over come his meddling family, small town gossip and busy body friends. Everything is done out of love because these two belong together and everyone knows it. While she is having a hard time letting him back into her life, he is trying his hardest to win that over, prove to her that he’s a better person than he was before. As time goes on, they finally are letting each other get close and rebuilding that relationship. When things are starting to look up, they take a step back when he has to leave. While he is gone, it takes him a little bit to figure out where he actually belongs and it’s right there in Coral Bell Cove with Bailey. He rushes home to her and she isn’t ready to forgive him again, yet.
She takes him back, and with his help they work together to save her lighthouse from being taken over by someone that wants to make sure they are miserable. It brings them back together and they soon learn there isn’t a better place to be than with each other at the lighthouse.
I had a hard time getting into this book, because i felt like it dragged on, and I feel like the story was taking too long to actually get to the point of the story. While I think it was written well, it just wasn’t for me. I do love second chances, small town and best friends brother. This story had all these things and more, but it was not a win for me.
She takes him back, and with his help they work together to save her lighthouse from being taken over by someone that wants to make sure they are miserable. It brings them back together and they soon learn there isn’t a better place to be than with each other at the lighthouse.
I had a hard time getting into this book, because i felt like it dragged on, and I feel like the story was taking too long to actually get to the point of the story. While I think it was written well, it just wasn’t for me. I do love second chances, small town and best friends brother. This story had all these things and more, but it was not a win for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
At First Play by Renee Harless is a charming, emotional, and utterly addictive romance that pulled me in from the very first page and kept me invested until the very last word. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review and opinion.
Renee Harless does an incredible job crafting a story that feels both playful and deeply heartfelt. The connection between the characters develops naturally, with the perfect balance of banter, tension, and emotional depth. Their chemistry is effortless—sweet, swoony, and laced with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting without ever overpowering the story itself.
What truly stood out to me was the emotional journey. This isn’t just about attraction; it’s about growth, vulnerability, and taking a chance on love when it shows up unexpectedly. The characters feel real and relatable, complete with flaws, fears, and moments that made me smile, laugh, and pause to soak it all in. Watching their relationship unfold was incredibly satisfying and had me fully rooting for them every step of the way.
The writing is smooth, engaging, and easy to fall into—one of those books where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly hours have passed. Renee Harless delivers a story that feels warm, genuine, and emotionally rewarding from start to finish.
If you love romances that blend heart, chemistry, and feel-good moments with meaningful emotional payoff, At First Play is absolutely worth the read. An easy five-star romance and a wonderful ARC experience that left me smiling long after I turned the final page. 💖📖
At First Play by Renee Harless is a charming, emotional, and utterly addictive romance that pulled me in from the very first page and kept me invested until the very last word. I received this book as an ARC, and this is my honest review and opinion.
Renee Harless does an incredible job crafting a story that feels both playful and deeply heartfelt. The connection between the characters develops naturally, with the perfect balance of banter, tension, and emotional depth. Their chemistry is effortless—sweet, swoony, and laced with just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting without ever overpowering the story itself.
What truly stood out to me was the emotional journey. This isn’t just about attraction; it’s about growth, vulnerability, and taking a chance on love when it shows up unexpectedly. The characters feel real and relatable, complete with flaws, fears, and moments that made me smile, laugh, and pause to soak it all in. Watching their relationship unfold was incredibly satisfying and had me fully rooting for them every step of the way.
The writing is smooth, engaging, and easy to fall into—one of those books where you promise yourself “just one more chapter” and suddenly hours have passed. Renee Harless delivers a story that feels warm, genuine, and emotionally rewarding from start to finish.
If you love romances that blend heart, chemistry, and feel-good moments with meaningful emotional payoff, At First Play is absolutely worth the read. An easy five-star romance and a wonderful ARC experience that left me smiling long after I turned the final page. 💖📖
Review of advance copy received from Author
More reviews posted at Tales of Love, Life, and Murder
Bailey Hart meant everything so Crew can’t explain why he laughed along with everyone else, destroying his relationship with the most important person in his world. Life went on and though he’s now a star quarterback, he’s regretted that moment every day since it happened. Now he’s home recovering and rehabbing and determined to earn another chance with Bailey’s heart, if life will stop getting in his way.
Crew didn’t just break her heart, he destroyed it, so Bailey isn’t going to just forgive and forget. But she’s tired of avoiding him too because the truth is, she’s never stopped missing Crew or what they had back then. He’s determined to prove that he’s worth taking a chance on, that he’s now the man he only wishes he had been back then but his career and fame dictate his choices, so he’s got to find a way to be on the field or in the booth but still here for Bailey, if he can just figure out how to make that happen.
Bailey and Crew’s story is sweet and funny with plenty of spice and a whole lot of charm. I loved Bailey with her lighthouse bookstore and how the town supports her in every possible way. Crew’s dry humor and determination won me over right away and I couldn’t get enough of these two. I’d like to thank the author and The Author Agency for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 15, 2026
This was such a quietly satisfying small-town romance—soft, heartfelt, and emotionally grounded in all the right ways.
Bailey Hart is a wonderfully relatable heroine. She’s cautious, guarded, and intentionally living a smaller life after past heartbreak, and her lighthouse bookstore and routines feel like safety rather than stagnation. Her emotional walls make sense, which makes every step she takes toward vulnerability feel earned.
Crew Wright is where this book truly shines for me. A former quarterback forced to slow down after an injury, he’s reflective, gentle, and emotionally available without losing his charm. He falls first—and deeply—and the way his feelings unfold feels sincere rather than performative. I really appreciated that his growth wasn’t just physical recovery but emotional reckoning.
The romance is a true slow burn, built through proximity, shared history, and meaningful conversations. The banter is natural and warm, but it’s the quieter moments—late-night talks, unspoken tension, small gestures—that give the relationship its depth. The second-chance element never feels rushed or convenient.
The writing style is cozy and inviting, perfectly matching the small-town setting of Coral Bell Cove. The pacing is steady and intentional, which worked well for the emotional arc, though readers looking for high drama may find it more subtle.
Overall, At First Play is a comforting, character-driven romance about forgiveness, coming home, and choosing love even when it feels risky. A great pick if you enjoy small-town settings, emotionally mature leads, and slow-burn second chances.
✨ Recommended for fans of soft, heartfelt romances with depth.
Bailey Hart is a wonderfully relatable heroine. She’s cautious, guarded, and intentionally living a smaller life after past heartbreak, and her lighthouse bookstore and routines feel like safety rather than stagnation. Her emotional walls make sense, which makes every step she takes toward vulnerability feel earned.
Crew Wright is where this book truly shines for me. A former quarterback forced to slow down after an injury, he’s reflective, gentle, and emotionally available without losing his charm. He falls first—and deeply—and the way his feelings unfold feels sincere rather than performative. I really appreciated that his growth wasn’t just physical recovery but emotional reckoning.
The romance is a true slow burn, built through proximity, shared history, and meaningful conversations. The banter is natural and warm, but it’s the quieter moments—late-night talks, unspoken tension, small gestures—that give the relationship its depth. The second-chance element never feels rushed or convenient.
The writing style is cozy and inviting, perfectly matching the small-town setting of Coral Bell Cove. The pacing is steady and intentional, which worked well for the emotional arc, though readers looking for high drama may find it more subtle.
Overall, At First Play is a comforting, character-driven romance about forgiveness, coming home, and choosing love even when it feels risky. A great pick if you enjoy small-town settings, emotionally mature leads, and slow-burn second chances.
✨ Recommended for fans of soft, heartfelt romances with depth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
At First Play is the third book in Renee Harless’ Coral Bell Cove series. The tropes are best friend’s brother, football player, bookstore owner, and returning home for second chances.
Crew is a professional football quarterback who recently suffered an injury leading to surgery and rehab which he chooses to do at home in Coral Bell Cove instead of in Nashville. Back home, he helps out on the family farm and then he helps Bailey, the lighthouse and bookstore owner and the girl who captured his heart long ago but never knew how to keep. Determined to show Bailey he’s serious, he shows up in small ways following her lead and moving at her pace. Bailey doesn’t know how to trust Crew or herself and a potential future yet slowly but tentatively opens up to exploring the options.
I didn’t like Crew and Bailey as much the previous couples in this series. I thought the writing of Crew and Bailey’s story felt tentative and disjointed at first until the middle of the book where things began to flow more smoothly. In the middle of the book you could really feel Bailey giving Crew a chance to explore a future together without punishing him for teenager Crew’s actions and believing in him now. I think maybe Bailey being hung up on the past kind of affected how they moved forward. The last half of the book felt a little rushed wrapping up Crew’s future endeavors but one thing was for sure he never wavered about wanting to protect Bailey and be in her life.
Thank you Renee Harless and the Author Agency for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Crew is a professional football quarterback who recently suffered an injury leading to surgery and rehab which he chooses to do at home in Coral Bell Cove instead of in Nashville. Back home, he helps out on the family farm and then he helps Bailey, the lighthouse and bookstore owner and the girl who captured his heart long ago but never knew how to keep. Determined to show Bailey he’s serious, he shows up in small ways following her lead and moving at her pace. Bailey doesn’t know how to trust Crew or herself and a potential future yet slowly but tentatively opens up to exploring the options.
I didn’t like Crew and Bailey as much the previous couples in this series. I thought the writing of Crew and Bailey’s story felt tentative and disjointed at first until the middle of the book where things began to flow more smoothly. In the middle of the book you could really feel Bailey giving Crew a chance to explore a future together without punishing him for teenager Crew’s actions and believing in him now. I think maybe Bailey being hung up on the past kind of affected how they moved forward. The last half of the book felt a little rushed wrapping up Crew’s future endeavors but one thing was for sure he never wavered about wanting to protect Bailey and be in her life.
Thank you Renee Harless and the Author Agency for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Bailey owns a bookstore located inside the old Coral Bell Cove lighthouse. Having put her heart on the line in highschool, only to have it crushed when the boy she thought she could trust allowed her to be publicly humiliated, she has sworn away from romance, especially with the quarterback who broke her heart in the first place. When an injury forces him back to town, and he uses every excuse to come by her store, she feels her defences weakening, but how can she build anything real on such a shaky foundation?
Crew may have a successful career as an NHL quarterback, but beyond the bright lights and screaming fans, his life lacks something real. When a shoulder injury means that he has to take time off to heal, he chooses to go back home to Coral Bell Cove, in hopes to find peace, and maybe make amends with the girl he let slip away. Understanding that regaining Bailey’s trust will mean sharing time and space, and establishing a foundation that can be built upon, he vows to take things slow, letting her set the pace, and hopes that the loudness of his life won’t clash with her quiet.
I received an early copy of this book through The Author Agency, and as I expected, its stillness was a balm my soul didn’t know it needed. With tropes used as dialogue prompts, and the slow burn only a decade of hurt can unravel, Bailey and Crew’s story will sneak up on you, like a riptide pulling you out to sea. They teach us that slow and steady helps build something true, and sometimes second chances are more than just a storyline.
Crew may have a successful career as an NHL quarterback, but beyond the bright lights and screaming fans, his life lacks something real. When a shoulder injury means that he has to take time off to heal, he chooses to go back home to Coral Bell Cove, in hopes to find peace, and maybe make amends with the girl he let slip away. Understanding that regaining Bailey’s trust will mean sharing time and space, and establishing a foundation that can be built upon, he vows to take things slow, letting her set the pace, and hopes that the loudness of his life won’t clash with her quiet.
I received an early copy of this book through The Author Agency, and as I expected, its stillness was a balm my soul didn’t know it needed. With tropes used as dialogue prompts, and the slow burn only a decade of hurt can unravel, Bailey and Crew’s story will sneak up on you, like a riptide pulling you out to sea. They teach us that slow and steady helps build something true, and sometimes second chances are more than just a storyline.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
A heart-tugging second-chance romance that proves Renee Harless just keeps getting better.
Renee Harless truly knows how to write heart-warming, emotionally rich small-town romances, and I was completely captivated by Coral Bell Cove from the very first book. By the time we reach Book 3, At First Play, it feels like coming home—and I couldn’t wait to dive back in.
This time, we meet Bailey Heart, the owner of the most charming bookshop you can imagine—set inside a lighthouse. Yes, a lighthouse! It’s cosy, unique, and full of character, much like Bailey herself. A woman surrounded by romance novels, yet determined never to fall down that path again.
Enter Crew—the hot-shot, injured quarterback and her best friend’s brother, returning home after leaving once before. And that’s the catch. He already walked away—so what’s to say he won’t do it again? The past still lingers, old wounds haven’t healed, and trusting him means risking her heart all over again.
The banter between Bailey and Crew is effortless, the chemistry undeniable, and the slow-burn second-chance romance is beautifully paced. As feelings resurface, Bailey must decide whether she’s brave enough to open her heart again, or if the scars left behind will prove too deep to overcome.
With emotional depth, a close-knit small-town setting, and characters that feel real and relatable, At First Play delivers all the warmth, tension, and swoon I’ve come to expect from Renee Harless. Coral Bell Cove continues to shine as a place you’ll want to return to again and again. 📚💙✨
Renee Harless truly knows how to write heart-warming, emotionally rich small-town romances, and I was completely captivated by Coral Bell Cove from the very first book. By the time we reach Book 3, At First Play, it feels like coming home—and I couldn’t wait to dive back in.
This time, we meet Bailey Heart, the owner of the most charming bookshop you can imagine—set inside a lighthouse. Yes, a lighthouse! It’s cosy, unique, and full of character, much like Bailey herself. A woman surrounded by romance novels, yet determined never to fall down that path again.
Enter Crew—the hot-shot, injured quarterback and her best friend’s brother, returning home after leaving once before. And that’s the catch. He already walked away—so what’s to say he won’t do it again? The past still lingers, old wounds haven’t healed, and trusting him means risking her heart all over again.
The banter between Bailey and Crew is effortless, the chemistry undeniable, and the slow-burn second-chance romance is beautifully paced. As feelings resurface, Bailey must decide whether she’s brave enough to open her heart again, or if the scars left behind will prove too deep to overcome.
With emotional depth, a close-knit small-town setting, and characters that feel real and relatable, At First Play delivers all the warmth, tension, and swoon I’ve come to expect from Renee Harless. Coral Bell Cove continues to shine as a place you’ll want to return to again and again. 📚💙✨
January 14, 2026
“Bailey isn’t a game. She’s the whole damn season.”
And with this small sentence, we say it all…
This book brought me comfort, warmed my heart, and made me believe that love is truly what drives our lives and that when we are meant to be with our soulmate, it will happen, no matter what path it takes.
I was invited to read this ARC, and clearly the Author agency already knows me well, because this book was absolutely made for me.
It’s a light read, but one that gives you everything.
The story follows Bailey, the owner of a bookstore (she already won me over right there!), who has held onto a teenage crush on Crew, now an NFL quarterback. However, their past sent them down very different paths and, because of Crew’s immaturity, Bailey ended up getting hurt and giving up on love… until years later, while recovering from an injury, Crew decides to try to win her back and reconnect with his high school sweetheart in a sincere attempt to make up for the mistakes of the past.
It’s impossible not to mention their family, absolutely hilarious and so small-town, so cozy, that it truly makes you want to spend time with them.
This book has everything you could ever want in a romance, whit a delicious slow burn, small town, about forgiveness, second chance, and fimd the only person who made you fell complete, and feels like home...
if you love:
- small town
- slow burn
-second chance
-childhood crush
-football
-he falls first
-close proximity
-best friends brother
read it, ASAP!!
And with this small sentence, we say it all…
This book brought me comfort, warmed my heart, and made me believe that love is truly what drives our lives and that when we are meant to be with our soulmate, it will happen, no matter what path it takes.
I was invited to read this ARC, and clearly the Author agency already knows me well, because this book was absolutely made for me.
It’s a light read, but one that gives you everything.
The story follows Bailey, the owner of a bookstore (she already won me over right there!), who has held onto a teenage crush on Crew, now an NFL quarterback. However, their past sent them down very different paths and, because of Crew’s immaturity, Bailey ended up getting hurt and giving up on love… until years later, while recovering from an injury, Crew decides to try to win her back and reconnect with his high school sweetheart in a sincere attempt to make up for the mistakes of the past.
It’s impossible not to mention their family, absolutely hilarious and so small-town, so cozy, that it truly makes you want to spend time with them.
This book has everything you could ever want in a romance, whit a delicious slow burn, small town, about forgiveness, second chance, and fimd the only person who made you fell complete, and feels like home...
if you love:
- small town
- slow burn
-second chance
-childhood crush
-football
-he falls first
-close proximity
-best friends brother
read it, ASAP!!
January 9, 2026
ARC Review ✨
First I would like to say a big thank you to Renee for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
What to expect when reading At First Play;
-Small Town
-Second Chance
-Best Friends Brother
-Football Romance
-Slow Burn
This is book three of the Coral Bell Cove series! You get to follow Bailey and Crew! Bailey is our quiet bookstore owner, Crew is the guy who she thought she would have it all with. Now she has to figure out what she is going to do now that he is back in town, because unfortunately her for she can’t hide out in the lighthouse forever. Crew knows he has made mistakes in the past but is now the time he will be able to right his wrongs. You get to follow their journey of overcoming obstacles they knew they had between them and plot twists that get thrown their way. I enjoyed this book a lot but I think I may have enjoyed Bailey the most lol, she is such a unique character, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her and the girls honestly. Another thing that got my throughout the book is the one word “banter” between Bailey and Crew, it’s so playful and just helped so much with their chemistry.
Side notes:
-your local chaos
Fav Quote:
•”Hey, Book Girl”
•“My feelings are feral”
•“You look like you’re trying to murder that bookmark”
•“I used to think light was just… light. Now I think it’s a promise”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Jan. 14th 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
First I would like to say a big thank you to Renee for letting me be apart of this ARC Team!
Rate: 4/5⭐️
Spice: 1/5🌶️
What to expect when reading At First Play;
-Small Town
-Second Chance
-Best Friends Brother
-Football Romance
-Slow Burn
This is book three of the Coral Bell Cove series! You get to follow Bailey and Crew! Bailey is our quiet bookstore owner, Crew is the guy who she thought she would have it all with. Now she has to figure out what she is going to do now that he is back in town, because unfortunately her for she can’t hide out in the lighthouse forever. Crew knows he has made mistakes in the past but is now the time he will be able to right his wrongs. You get to follow their journey of overcoming obstacles they knew they had between them and plot twists that get thrown their way. I enjoyed this book a lot but I think I may have enjoyed Bailey the most lol, she is such a unique character, I honestly couldn’t get enough of her and the girls honestly. Another thing that got my throughout the book is the one word “banter” between Bailey and Crew, it’s so playful and just helped so much with their chemistry.
Side notes:
-your local chaos
Fav Quote:
•”Hey, Book Girl”
•“My feelings are feral”
•“You look like you’re trying to murder that bookmark”
•“I used to think light was just… light. Now I think it’s a promise”
Make sure you get your copy of the book when it releases Jan. 14th 🤍
#bookstagram #romance #review
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