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Abby Offsides
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20 copies available
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In this witty and heartfelt debut, a woman's impulsive journey across the pond after a broken engagement leads her to a new love—and a new version of herself.
Seeking a fresh start after leaving her cheating fiancé, Abby McIntyre makes a series of spontaneous decisions: She quits her job. She books a one-way flight to the UK. She even gets bangs!
Newly arrived in Liverpool, she lands a job with the Mersey Football Club and meets Lachlan Ramsay, the recently recruited Scottish star midfielder. Both lonely in a new city, the pair bond quickly, and Abby finds it nearly impossible to deny their chemistry—despite the nagging guilt she feels about Lachlan’s mysterious wife who didn’t relocate with her husband.
When Abby’s housing falls through, Lachlan insists she move into his massive penthouse. As they spend almost every waking moment together, Abby wonders if it’s possible that the world-famous footballer could be falling for her, too. But with her job and his marriage dependent on them staying firmly in the friend zone, can Abby risk being caught offside?
Crackling with witty banter and palpable sexual tension, Abby Offsides is at once a smoldering, slow-burn romance and a nuanced exploration of one woman’s journey to reclaim her own dreams and desires after years of living life on autopilot.
Seeking a fresh start after leaving her cheating fiancé, Abby McIntyre makes a series of spontaneous decisions: She quits her job. She books a one-way flight to the UK. She even gets bangs!
Newly arrived in Liverpool, she lands a job with the Mersey Football Club and meets Lachlan Ramsay, the recently recruited Scottish star midfielder. Both lonely in a new city, the pair bond quickly, and Abby finds it nearly impossible to deny their chemistry—despite the nagging guilt she feels about Lachlan’s mysterious wife who didn’t relocate with her husband.
When Abby’s housing falls through, Lachlan insists she move into his massive penthouse. As they spend almost every waking moment together, Abby wonders if it’s possible that the world-famous footballer could be falling for her, too. But with her job and his marriage dependent on them staying firmly in the friend zone, can Abby risk being caught offside?
Crackling with witty banter and palpable sexual tension, Abby Offsides is at once a smoldering, slow-burn romance and a nuanced exploration of one woman’s journey to reclaim her own dreams and desires after years of living life on autopilot.
368 pages, Paperback
Expected publication June 23, 2026
8293 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
November 12, 2025
First of all, I have to admit something crucial: I LOVE football (and yes, it's blasphemy to call it soccer—it's FOOTBALL, dear readers!). I come from a family of passionate football lovers who took me to matches when I was only five years old! I had my designated groups in the stadiums, my sacred match-day routines, and I know the entire rulebook—probably better than some TV sports commentators, if I'm being honest. I've arrived late to my prom, my wedding day, and important meetings when they conflicted with my team's matches, so yes, I breathe and live this sport. Naturally, this made me the perfect fit to dive headfirst into this book with unbridled enthusiasm!
There are striking similarities with my favorite Apple TV show, Ted Lasso—only gender-reversed! We have an American learning the rules of the British Premier League, a friendship forged between wounded souls, troubled marriages, and healing from the damage inflicted by toxic exes. It also reminds me of Ted and Rebecca's dynamic (though they're unfortunately not meant to be romantically—though I'm STILL keeping my hopes up for a surprising upcoming season in Kansas featuring the women's soccer league!). Anyway, let's return to this debut novel, which I mostly enjoyed, especially the entertaining job interview opening where Abby decides to leave her life in the States behind and become part of Mersey Football Club in Liverpool. She wants to showcase her social media marketing skills, even though she doesn't know much about the sport—but her confidence and determination were enough to hook me immediately!
After her meeting with grumpy but gorgeously, mouth-wateringly hot Lachlan Ramsay, the storyline's resemblance to Ted and Rebecca quickly shifted into something more reminiscent of Keeley and Roy Kent's relationship (though Abby is vastly different from Keeley's bubbly personality, Lachlan's grumpiness and no-nonsense demeanor absolutely reminded me of Roy's energy). Lachlan is a Scottish star midfielder recently transferred from Spain, with a mysterious wife Abby never gets the chance to meet. Their dynamic starts with a slight enemies-to-lovers vibe—mostly grumpy-meets-partial-sunshine energy—then gradually transforms into friends-to-lovers with delicious slow-burn progression and forced proximity thrown into the equation when Abby's housing situation falls apart and she moves into Lachlan's luxurious penthouse.
The chemistry? Absolutely scorching. The banter? Brilliantly executed and laugh-out-loud funny. As both a football fanatic and a devoted Ted Lasso enthusiast, it was impossible for me not to thoroughly enjoy this book, which expertly weaves together several beloved tropes. I especially loved the themes of self-discovery and learning to differentiate right from wrong as Abby tries desperately to hold back her growing feelings because she believes she's falling for a married man. She respects the ethics of her profession and doesn't want to lose the job she's worked so hard to secure.
The only thing that made me drop my rating to 3.5 stars (and this is hard to explain without spoiling anything) is that certain communication issues in this book dragged on unrealistically long for normal, rational people, which significantly affected the entire progression between the main characters. I genuinely wished the obstacles could have been constructed differently or resolved more naturally. Besides that one frustration, this is a fun, easy-to-read, thoroughly enjoyable debut from an author whose sarcastic, engaging tone I absolutely loved. I'm genuinely looking forward to reading her upcoming works!
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for providing me with this entertaining rom-com's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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There are striking similarities with my favorite Apple TV show, Ted Lasso—only gender-reversed! We have an American learning the rules of the British Premier League, a friendship forged between wounded souls, troubled marriages, and healing from the damage inflicted by toxic exes. It also reminds me of Ted and Rebecca's dynamic (though they're unfortunately not meant to be romantically—though I'm STILL keeping my hopes up for a surprising upcoming season in Kansas featuring the women's soccer league!). Anyway, let's return to this debut novel, which I mostly enjoyed, especially the entertaining job interview opening where Abby decides to leave her life in the States behind and become part of Mersey Football Club in Liverpool. She wants to showcase her social media marketing skills, even though she doesn't know much about the sport—but her confidence and determination were enough to hook me immediately!
After her meeting with grumpy but gorgeously, mouth-wateringly hot Lachlan Ramsay, the storyline's resemblance to Ted and Rebecca quickly shifted into something more reminiscent of Keeley and Roy Kent's relationship (though Abby is vastly different from Keeley's bubbly personality, Lachlan's grumpiness and no-nonsense demeanor absolutely reminded me of Roy's energy). Lachlan is a Scottish star midfielder recently transferred from Spain, with a mysterious wife Abby never gets the chance to meet. Their dynamic starts with a slight enemies-to-lovers vibe—mostly grumpy-meets-partial-sunshine energy—then gradually transforms into friends-to-lovers with delicious slow-burn progression and forced proximity thrown into the equation when Abby's housing situation falls apart and she moves into Lachlan's luxurious penthouse.
The chemistry? Absolutely scorching. The banter? Brilliantly executed and laugh-out-loud funny. As both a football fanatic and a devoted Ted Lasso enthusiast, it was impossible for me not to thoroughly enjoy this book, which expertly weaves together several beloved tropes. I especially loved the themes of self-discovery and learning to differentiate right from wrong as Abby tries desperately to hold back her growing feelings because she believes she's falling for a married man. She respects the ethics of her profession and doesn't want to lose the job she's worked so hard to secure.
The only thing that made me drop my rating to 3.5 stars (and this is hard to explain without spoiling anything) is that certain communication issues in this book dragged on unrealistically long for normal, rational people, which significantly affected the entire progression between the main characters. I genuinely wished the obstacles could have been constructed differently or resolved more naturally. Besides that one frustration, this is a fun, easy-to-read, thoroughly enjoyable debut from an author whose sarcastic, engaging tone I absolutely loved. I'm genuinely looking forward to reading her upcoming works!
A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for providing me with this entertaining rom-com's digital reviewer copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.
Follow me on medium.com to read my articles about books, movies, streaming series, astrology:
medium blog
January 6, 2026
Fresh from a broken engagement, FMC Abby moves across the Atlantic Ocean to the UK to run from her heartbreak, and start work for the Mercy Football Club. Abby is sarcastic and her self deprecating humor lends for some really funny banter between her and her new coworkers and friends. Before she even gets the job she runs into Scottish player Lachlan. Kinda wishing I listened to this one to hear his accent, I bet it’s swoony. Abby and Lachlan have instant chemistry, but once Abby realizes he’s married, into the friend zone she put him. Having been cheated on by her ex, Abby won’t be the other woman, but emotionally lines are definitely crossed. This will definitely be a slippery slope for those who don’t want OW/OM drama at all, but if you can with no issue I definitely would jump in. I liked the humanness the author was able to flesh out even from the smallest character. I definitely felt everyone’s sides to how things rolled out. Abby is our only narrator but honestly I didn’t need Lachlans. Though he and Abby never brought up the elephant in the room, once it comes to a head the resolution is so satisfying. I had that stupid, dopey grin one gets when the HEA hits hard. This is authors debut and wow. She’s definitely one I’ll follow going forward.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my review.
October 25, 2025
Abby finds herself in Liverpool, thousands of miles from home, after calling off her wedding to her cheating fiancé. When she lands a content creator role for a professional football (aka soccer) team, she meets Lachlan Ramsey — handsome, funny, kind… and married. Though Lachlan and his wife, Claire, are clearly on the rocks and have already filed for separation, something still holds him back from Abby. It all comes to a crashing head on New Year’s Eve — words are said, mistakes are made, and hearts are broken. Can Abby and Lachlan find a way through the mess?
Okay, first of all — this book is a masterpiece. Second of all, I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall more than once. Both characters are painfully avoidant, and it drove me absolutely mad (in the best way). Around 70% in, something happened that made me have to take a walk to cool off. But that’s the power of a good book — it makes you feel everything.
It was laugh-out-loud funny, the humor was 10/10, and I highlighted a million witty lines. The angst and sexual tension were unmatched, and the slow burn? Torturous in the most delicious way. I couldn’t put it down. Not gonna lie, I was kicking my feet more than a few times. Complicated, emotional, funny, and full of heart — I loved every minute.
Tropes:
🔥 Forbidden romance
💬 Friends to lovers
⚽ Professional athlete
💞 Slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, first of all — this book is a masterpiece. Second of all, I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall more than once. Both characters are painfully avoidant, and it drove me absolutely mad (in the best way). Around 70% in, something happened that made me have to take a walk to cool off. But that’s the power of a good book — it makes you feel everything.
It was laugh-out-loud funny, the humor was 10/10, and I highlighted a million witty lines. The angst and sexual tension were unmatched, and the slow burn? Torturous in the most delicious way. I couldn’t put it down. Not gonna lie, I was kicking my feet more than a few times. Complicated, emotional, funny, and full of heart — I loved every minute.
Tropes:
🔥 Forbidden romance
💬 Friends to lovers
⚽ Professional athlete
💞 Slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2026
what an incredible debut novel! i loved this from the moment i picked it up. lachlan was such a golden retriever and i absolutely LOVED him! i also loved abby so much. it was so fun watching her navigate her new life in another country after a failed engagement. she was so strong and so funny! the only thing that kept this from being a 5 star for me is that i feel like it moved a little too quickly for my liking. i really enjoy more of a slow burn. this has great tension, but it could have been even better!! all in all, i HIGHLY recommend abby offsides to any romance reader and think it will be highly enjoyable!
November 16, 2025
Right off the bat, I knew this book was going to lean full rom-com in the best way. And when I pick up a rom-com, I want to know that’s what I’m getting into. From the very first chapter, Abby’s personality jumps off the page—quick-witted, sharp as a tack, effortlessly funny. Every one of her relationships, from friendships to colleagues to romance, has this warm, genuine feel that makes you root for her instantly.
Nobody loves a storyline where the “other woman” wins… but this book handles that angle so differently. It is that trope, but also absolutely not. You really have to read through to the end to understand how thoughtfully it’s done.
What I loved most was watching Abby find herself over the course of the story. It isn’t just a romance—it’s a journey of self-worth and stepping into your own life with confidence.
This is a slow-burn, soccer-themed rom-com, but you definitely don’t need to know anything about soccer to follow along. Some of the phrases the characters use went right over my head at first, but they fit the tone perfectly and added charm instead of confusion.
Abby and Lachlan’s progression felt natural, sweet, and genuinely satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed the entire story and the heart behind it.
If this is going to end up a series, there are so many side characters with perfect main character energy.
Nobody loves a storyline where the “other woman” wins… but this book handles that angle so differently. It is that trope, but also absolutely not. You really have to read through to the end to understand how thoughtfully it’s done.
What I loved most was watching Abby find herself over the course of the story. It isn’t just a romance—it’s a journey of self-worth and stepping into your own life with confidence.
This is a slow-burn, soccer-themed rom-com, but you definitely don’t need to know anything about soccer to follow along. Some of the phrases the characters use went right over my head at first, but they fit the tone perfectly and added charm instead of confusion.
Abby and Lachlan’s progression felt natural, sweet, and genuinely satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed the entire story and the heart behind it.
If this is going to end up a series, there are so many side characters with perfect main character energy.
November 21, 2025
*ARC review 11/21/25*
This book had such a good premise to it that I was excited to read it, but I had some “issues” with it.
There was so much telling rather than showing. A lot of conversations we were just told bits of what happened/how Abby felt about it, but not given the actual dialogue so we didn’t get to hear the conversations ourselves. Sure, not every conversation needs to be given dialogue, but there were quite a few places where it felt important to the story and it just wasn’t there.
Now, I understand that Abby and Lachlan are friends first. But that’s all I got from them. I felt no chemistry, whatsoever. Up until the last like five chapters, they had no serious or even semi-serious conversations/interactions. There was just constant banter back and forth and it started to get annoying and unrealistic (this may just be a me problem because I am very much an introvert).
Lastly, the constant time jumps. We would hear about Abby or Abby and Lachlan together going to do something and then it would just jump to a different day without us actually seeing what they’re doing. It could be a couple days, a few weeks, or a month later. It was constant and kept throwing me out of the story. Which this story lasted like a year and I just felt like nothing actually happened? The biggest conflict I felt was where is Abby supposed to live when she keeps leaving or getting kicked out of people’s homes.
These all very well could just be my problems, but the book sadly just fell flat for me.
This book had such a good premise to it that I was excited to read it, but I had some “issues” with it.
There was so much telling rather than showing. A lot of conversations we were just told bits of what happened/how Abby felt about it, but not given the actual dialogue so we didn’t get to hear the conversations ourselves. Sure, not every conversation needs to be given dialogue, but there were quite a few places where it felt important to the story and it just wasn’t there.
Now, I understand that Abby and Lachlan are friends first. But that’s all I got from them. I felt no chemistry, whatsoever. Up until the last like five chapters, they had no serious or even semi-serious conversations/interactions. There was just constant banter back and forth and it started to get annoying and unrealistic (this may just be a me problem because I am very much an introvert).
Lastly, the constant time jumps. We would hear about Abby or Abby and Lachlan together going to do something and then it would just jump to a different day without us actually seeing what they’re doing. It could be a couple days, a few weeks, or a month later. It was constant and kept throwing me out of the story. Which this story lasted like a year and I just felt like nothing actually happened? The biggest conflict I felt was where is Abby supposed to live when she keeps leaving or getting kicked out of people’s homes.
These all very well could just be my problems, but the book sadly just fell flat for me.
November 18, 2025
✨I can’t believe this is a debut. Anna McCallie cracked the rom-com code with this one: warm, funny, heartfelt, and so beautifully written I had to stop and feel it over and over again. 🤯
The meet cute? Legendary. It cracked the whole book wide open and had me rooting for them from the very beginning. I laughed out loud. I clutched my chest. I teared up. I felt everything with Abby throughout her whole journey and that’s rare. 🥹📣
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The banter? Unreal. Abby’s voice is fresh and full of heart, and watching her uproot her life, take this huge chance, and slowly begin to fall in love again; with the game, with herself, and with love itself was just stunning. As an expat myself, I could really relate to the effort it takes to relearn and rebuild, not just your own life abroad, but establishing and maintaining friendships - this book handles it so truthfully and beautifully.
This book was everything I want in a rom-com: sharp banter, deep heart, laugh-out-loud joy, and a love story that sticks with you. I feel lucky to have read it, and even luckier knowing this author is just getting started. 🫶📖
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Dell and Random House for sharing this beautiful ARC with me! 🥰
The meet cute? Legendary. It cracked the whole book wide open and had me rooting for them from the very beginning. I laughed out loud. I clutched my chest. I teared up. I felt everything with Abby throughout her whole journey and that’s rare. 🥹📣
From the first chapter, I was hooked. The banter? Unreal. Abby’s voice is fresh and full of heart, and watching her uproot her life, take this huge chance, and slowly begin to fall in love again; with the game, with herself, and with love itself was just stunning. As an expat myself, I could really relate to the effort it takes to relearn and rebuild, not just your own life abroad, but establishing and maintaining friendships - this book handles it so truthfully and beautifully.
This book was everything I want in a rom-com: sharp banter, deep heart, laugh-out-loud joy, and a love story that sticks with you. I feel lucky to have read it, and even luckier knowing this author is just getting started. 🫶📖
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Dell and Random House for sharing this beautiful ARC with me! 🥰
November 23, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for the ARC!
(maybe 3.5/5?)
This was so rom-commy it hurt (in a good way). It felt very classic with larger than life characters and a cute little premise. Abby was truly messy like her Bridget Jones foremother, and Lachlan was for sure... there. There were some moments between them that made me really smile, and I really liked the progression of their relationship through its whole arc. I was also happy in the book's attempt to humanize Lachlan's ex-wife and emphasize how she, Abby, and Lachlan all had some blame. It was especially nice how it wasn't afraid to call out its characters' shortcomings in creating the problem at the core of the novel.
Super breezy read despite the (in my opinion) overuse of five-dollar-words, and I'm happy to read a sports romance that at least somewhat centers the sport and what it can do to the people around it (see: my most recent reviews). I can see this becoming very popular with the right crowd, and I'm excited to see what Anna McCallie writes next!
(maybe 3.5/5?)
This was so rom-commy it hurt (in a good way). It felt very classic with larger than life characters and a cute little premise. Abby was truly messy like her Bridget Jones foremother, and Lachlan was for sure... there. There were some moments between them that made me really smile, and I really liked the progression of their relationship through its whole arc. I was also happy in the book's attempt to humanize Lachlan's ex-wife and emphasize how she, Abby, and Lachlan all had some blame. It was especially nice how it wasn't afraid to call out its characters' shortcomings in creating the problem at the core of the novel.
Super breezy read despite the (in my opinion) overuse of five-dollar-words, and I'm happy to read a sports romance that at least somewhat centers the sport and what it can do to the people around it (see: my most recent reviews). I can see this becoming very popular with the right crowd, and I'm excited to see what Anna McCallie writes next!
January 19, 2026
Thank you Ballantine/Dell for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Abby Offsides is a witty, heartfelt romantic comedy that pairs sports-world charm with meaningful emotional growth. After Abby McIntyre’s long-term engagement implodes in betrayal, she makes an impulsive, Ted Lasso–esque leap: quitting her job, flying to Liverpool, and taking on a role she’s wildly unqualified for—running social media for the Mersey Football Club. There, she meets Scottish midfielder Lachlan Ramsay, and what begins as a banter filled friendship builds into a slow-burn romance fraught with ethical dilemmas, longing, and genuine connection.
This was a wonderful debut novel for Anna McCallie and a book that’s guaranteed to make you smile. I found myself unable to put it down, constantly wanting to know what would happen next. That said, it did lose a star for me because the avoidance and miscommunication felt a bit too drawn out.
December 6, 2025
Abby Offsides was an absolute standout romcom read for me. The character development was strong, the pacing flowed so well, and the premise pulled me in right away. I stayed hooked from start to finish and truly loved the story. I’ll absolutely be reading more from this author. It was such a great read and I highly recommend!
December 10, 2025
This was FAN👏🏼TAS👏🏼TIC👏🏼. Absolutely loved it. Would have read it in one sitting but paced myself to extend the experience.
I think you'll agree if you're forever on the hunt for:
Exceptional banter. I'm talking SEP-levels of wit and callbacks.1
True friendship chemistry between the MCs. Sure, Abby (the sole POV character) identifies Lachlan as a sexy man. Because she has eyes. But she wasn't constantly lusting after him, and you could tell they truly enjoyed each other's company. 2
Gradual sexual tension. I'm talking to the point that I would have sued for physical distress if there wasn't sex scene near the end. 3>/sup>
A messy FMC who isn't TSTL. With multiple friends! Many of whom are men! Plus, she's into sports. All without a speck of NLOG energy.
Three-dimensional supporting characters. Each of Abby's friends have personalities and lives that don't revolve around the Main Character.4 Lachlan's teammates are distinguishable from each other (!)
[Minor Spoilers Ahead]
The OW drama was real, ya'll. In fact, at one point I was concerned this wasn't a true HEA. But I appreciate that the author subverted this reader's expectations and that Lachlan's marriage wasn't explained away with misunderstandings or miscommunications. There were nuances, and dude was truly conflicted. And his wife wasn't the caricature you'd expect from a WAG. 5
Don't worry, there was a HEA. And it does not involve a saccharine epilogue with an engagement and/or baby. Nope, the author did such a good job convincing us these two kids were gonna make it that she didn't need to jump ahead ten years just to prove it.
Gosh, I just want to scream from the rooftops (or rather, in r/Romancebooks) about how good this was. I guess my only real issue with this book, then, is that it doesn't come out until freakin' JUNE.
Well done, Anna McCallie. I wish you had a back catalogue I could devour and am looking forward to your (hopefully many) follow-ups.
Thank you so so so so much to the author, publisher, Netgalley, and any other powers that be for the ARC. I promise I wasn't paid for this review lol
1 Although the multiple references to how good their banter was took away from the magic a lil bit.
2 Aided, I think, by the lack of Lachlan's POV keeping it out of insta-lust territory.
3 Which is very unlike me. I usually find late third-act sex scenes gratituous. Not here. This one was necessary for my health.
4 I will say that the conflict between Abby and her Stateside BFF was the one point in the story where I got frustrated while reading. But after thinking about it some more, I decided his reaction and his stubbornness was actually very realistic and human, which is what made it even more aggravating.
5 Plus, Abby gets to (gasp!) hook up with another team hottie while she waits for Lachlan to get his shit together.
I think you'll agree if you're forever on the hunt for:
Exceptional banter. I'm talking SEP-levels of wit and callbacks.1
True friendship chemistry between the MCs. Sure, Abby (the sole POV character) identifies Lachlan as a sexy man. Because she has eyes. But she wasn't constantly lusting after him, and you could tell they truly enjoyed each other's company. 2
Gradual sexual tension. I'm talking to the point that I would have sued for physical distress if there wasn't sex scene near the end. 3>/sup>
A messy FMC who isn't TSTL. With multiple friends! Many of whom are men! Plus, she's into sports. All without a speck of NLOG energy.
Three-dimensional supporting characters. Each of Abby's friends have personalities and lives that don't revolve around the Main Character.4 Lachlan's teammates are distinguishable from each other (!)
[Minor Spoilers Ahead]
The OW drama was real, ya'll. In fact, at one point I was concerned this wasn't a true HEA. But I appreciate that the author subverted this reader's expectations and that Lachlan's marriage wasn't explained away with misunderstandings or miscommunications. There were nuances, and dude was truly conflicted. And his wife wasn't the caricature you'd expect from a WAG. 5
Don't worry, there was a HEA. And it does not involve a saccharine epilogue with an engagement and/or baby. Nope, the author did such a good job convincing us these two kids were gonna make it that she didn't need to jump ahead ten years just to prove it.
Gosh, I just want to scream from the rooftops (or rather, in r/Romancebooks) about how good this was. I guess my only real issue with this book, then, is that it doesn't come out until freakin' JUNE.
Well done, Anna McCallie. I wish you had a back catalogue I could devour and am looking forward to your (hopefully many) follow-ups.
Thank you so so so so much to the author, publisher, Netgalley, and any other powers that be for the ARC. I promise I wasn't paid for this review lol
1 Although the multiple references to how good their banter was took away from the magic a lil bit.
2 Aided, I think, by the lack of Lachlan's POV keeping it out of insta-lust territory.
3 Which is very unlike me. I usually find late third-act sex scenes gratituous. Not here. This one was necessary for my health.
4 I will say that the conflict between Abby and her Stateside BFF was the one point in the story where I got frustrated while reading. But after thinking about it some more, I decided his reaction and his stubbornness was actually very realistic and human, which is what made it even more aggravating.
5 Plus, Abby gets to (gasp!) hook up with another team hottie while she waits for Lachlan to get his shit together.
December 23, 2025
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Dell for an early e-Arc copy of Abby Offsides by Anna McCallie
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. In theory the premise of the story is right up my alley, unfortunately the execution felt flat.
Abbey is a likeable FMC, I won’t lie there. She’s funny, witty and has been through a lot and it’s just trying to stay afloat. My issue is that she’s doing to someone exactly what was done to her. She’s having a whole emotional affair with Lachlan, all the while, knowing he was married.
I did see that the blurb had mentioned he was married but I figured they wouldn’t get emotionally involved with each other until afterwards.
I did like the friendship and banter between Abby and Lachlan, I just wish that they would be distant friends while he was married and that things had only developed after his separation, and I wished they had conversations about the situation sooner. If it wasn’t for this, I honestly think I would’ve really enjoyed the story and the development between the characters since they had some good banter and time to develop as characters. Honestly they deserve each other.
Overall the story was okay, definitely not for me personally but the book wasn’t terribly written or had bad pacing issues.
I wanted to like this more than I actually did. In theory the premise of the story is right up my alley, unfortunately the execution felt flat.
Abbey is a likeable FMC, I won’t lie there. She’s funny, witty and has been through a lot and it’s just trying to stay afloat. My issue is that she’s doing to someone exactly what was done to her. She’s having a whole emotional affair with Lachlan, all the while, knowing he was married.
I did see that the blurb had mentioned he was married but I figured they wouldn’t get emotionally involved with each other until afterwards.
I did like the friendship and banter between Abby and Lachlan, I just wish that they would be distant friends while he was married and that things had only developed after his separation, and I wished they had conversations about the situation sooner. If it wasn’t for this, I honestly think I would’ve really enjoyed the story and the development between the characters since they had some good banter and time to develop as characters. Honestly they deserve each other.
Overall the story was okay, definitely not for me personally but the book wasn’t terribly written or had bad pacing issues.
November 17, 2025
I inhaled this book. I felt it deep in my bones, nerves in my legs, butterflies in my belly, excitement in my chest and pain my in my cheeks from smiling. I laughed out loud, I cried, my lips wobbled with overwhelming emotion. I held my breath, reread sentences to draw out the suspense of the moment. Abby Offsides is messy, and real, with a genuine conflict. It is a romance but still central to Abby and her healing, and it is remarkably believable in how we make the same mistakes more than once. This had be my the throat at every page. I need to read it again already.
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title. I look forward to purchasing a hard copy for my shelf.
favorite quotes:
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for the ARC and the opportunity to read and review this title. I look forward to purchasing a hard copy for my shelf.
favorite quotes:
“You’ve got to do the things that make you happiest, even if they’re hard.”
“You’re the perfect shape for me. You’re the perfect shape for my life, and I’m so glad you’re in it.”
Little collection of anxieties
Healing is a process. It’s not as easy as a scab closing over a wound, it’s a slow and steady realignment of things in your body.
December 27, 2025
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine, and Anna McCallie for this ARC! All opinions are my own.
Before Christmas break, I was not expecting that I would request this novel and thought I would just wait to read it on publication day. But the title and synopsis just kept calling out to me, so when the request was approved, I knew this one would make my holiday TBR list.
As a social media coordinator for an institution, I immediately connect with any story and character that is based in the marketing and communications realm, and this book felt like the most delightful cross between Emily in Paris and Ted Lasso. There aren’t nearly enough good books about women taking a leap of faith and taking a chance on themselves to leave America for a better opportunity abroad, so whenever I find one, I become mildly obsessed with it. Abby Offsides is the perfection representation of that.
I’ll go ahead and say that the storyline and some of the characters are firmly planted in the morally grey area. Because the main character Abby could be considered as “the other woman,” I know that this book will definitely not be for everyone, no matter how the characters and storyline are presented. And while I had my doubts about how these characters would end up halfway through the novel, I was impressed how well the author handled such a tricky and delicate subject matter with such finesse and careful intention. This kind of subject matter is not one that is easy to navigate, but Anna McCallie did it with flying colors on her debut!
Abby was a very emotionally rich and relatable FMC. She certainly had her flaws, but she was also someone I could root for nearly every step of the way as she found her footing for the first time across the pond after a failed engagement. We really saw her grow into herself, take accountability when she needed to, and step into her own power both professionally and personally. Her journey felt earned, realistic, and deeply satisfying, especially as she learned to trust her instincts and more importantly, trust herself.
The romance was layered, complicated, and undeniably compelling. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from the messiness of real emotions or try to oversimplify difficult choices. Instead, the story allowed space for growth, reflection, and consequences, which made the emotional payoff that much stronger. The banter, the slow-burn tension, and the moments of vulnerability all worked beautifully together and kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
The setting and supporting cast added so much charm and warmth to the story. From the workplace dynamics to the sense of community Abby builds abroad, everything felt vibrant and alive. McCallie’s writing struck the perfect balance between humor, heart, and introspection, making this a delightful and compelling read.
Overall, this was a standout debut that exceeded my expectations in every way. Thoughtful, romantic, and emotionally resonant, Abby Offsides is a smart, modern story about starting over, taking risks, and choosing yourself.
Before Christmas break, I was not expecting that I would request this novel and thought I would just wait to read it on publication day. But the title and synopsis just kept calling out to me, so when the request was approved, I knew this one would make my holiday TBR list.
As a social media coordinator for an institution, I immediately connect with any story and character that is based in the marketing and communications realm, and this book felt like the most delightful cross between Emily in Paris and Ted Lasso. There aren’t nearly enough good books about women taking a leap of faith and taking a chance on themselves to leave America for a better opportunity abroad, so whenever I find one, I become mildly obsessed with it. Abby Offsides is the perfection representation of that.
I’ll go ahead and say that the storyline and some of the characters are firmly planted in the morally grey area. Because the main character Abby could be considered as “the other woman,” I know that this book will definitely not be for everyone, no matter how the characters and storyline are presented. And while I had my doubts about how these characters would end up halfway through the novel, I was impressed how well the author handled such a tricky and delicate subject matter with such finesse and careful intention. This kind of subject matter is not one that is easy to navigate, but Anna McCallie did it with flying colors on her debut!
Abby was a very emotionally rich and relatable FMC. She certainly had her flaws, but she was also someone I could root for nearly every step of the way as she found her footing for the first time across the pond after a failed engagement. We really saw her grow into herself, take accountability when she needed to, and step into her own power both professionally and personally. Her journey felt earned, realistic, and deeply satisfying, especially as she learned to trust her instincts and more importantly, trust herself.
The romance was layered, complicated, and undeniably compelling. I appreciated that the author didn’t shy away from the messiness of real emotions or try to oversimplify difficult choices. Instead, the story allowed space for growth, reflection, and consequences, which made the emotional payoff that much stronger. The banter, the slow-burn tension, and the moments of vulnerability all worked beautifully together and kept me completely invested from beginning to end.
The setting and supporting cast added so much charm and warmth to the story. From the workplace dynamics to the sense of community Abby builds abroad, everything felt vibrant and alive. McCallie’s writing struck the perfect balance between humor, heart, and introspection, making this a delightful and compelling read.
Overall, this was a standout debut that exceeded my expectations in every way. Thoughtful, romantic, and emotionally resonant, Abby Offsides is a smart, modern story about starting over, taking risks, and choosing yourself.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
“Grass is grass is grass. Sports are sports are sports. We love them for what they provoke in us, for the memories they give, for the fact that something as simple as an aroma can transport you to innumerable places, memories, emotions”.
Ted Lasso combined with Welcome to Wrexham got me back into football/soccer. I never really understood how football clubs could be centres for the community, because it's very different in cosmopolitan cities where teams that don’t have the storied legacies and histories as the oldest football clubs of England. I watched those shows enamoured by the charm and how it's integrated into the culture as a beating heart. Currently in my city, the basketball team is still quite young and I’ve never been compelled by the other sports in my city (unless we make Playoff runs or we’re dealing with bragging rights on the international stage, specifically hockey), that’s why football culture intrigues me, and much like Abby I may not understand it but it’s something to be apart of and I got to partially experience that with Mersey FC.
6 days after calling off her wedding Abby quits her job with the Boston Red Sox’s and travels to England. Eventually becoming the social media lead for Mersey FC without knowing anything about football (aka soccer). But she catches the eye of returning soccer player Lachlan and what starts as innocent flirting spirals into a full on emotional affair (but is framed as slow burn in the narrative of "will they, won't they"). Whew, the premise was solid, I was fully into this book but then everything kind of crumbled. Boy, did it crumble badly.
I had high hopes for Jenna Bush Hager's venture Thousand Voices because authors greatly benefit from visibility, but is this book something that should be praised en-masse? Is this truly a slow burn romance? Do we endorse characters that call women "she-beasts" or "parasites"? Are we still recycling the storyline of "the other woman"? Do we discredit all the strides made by women in sports communications by simply thinking they are one track minded to becoming a social-climbing "WAG"? There are some serious underlining tones and questions that certainly made me uncomfortable, and if Jenna and Thousand Voices wants to put that narrative out there, I sincerely urge my fellow romance readers to not enter this book blindly.
Should Abby maybe have focused on personal growth, sought therapy, found a healthier way to cope while also living abroad and falling in love with football, the town, and a mysterious footballer? That's what I hoped for but didn't get. Potential was there and it was huge opportunity missed.
My thanks to Ballantine|Dell for the digital advance reader copy.
Ted Lasso combined with Welcome to Wrexham got me back into football/soccer. I never really understood how football clubs could be centres for the community, because it's very different in cosmopolitan cities where teams that don’t have the storied legacies and histories as the oldest football clubs of England. I watched those shows enamoured by the charm and how it's integrated into the culture as a beating heart. Currently in my city, the basketball team is still quite young and I’ve never been compelled by the other sports in my city (unless we make Playoff runs or we’re dealing with bragging rights on the international stage, specifically hockey), that’s why football culture intrigues me, and much like Abby I may not understand it but it’s something to be apart of and I got to partially experience that with Mersey FC.
6 days after calling off her wedding Abby quits her job with the Boston Red Sox’s and travels to England. Eventually becoming the social media lead for Mersey FC without knowing anything about football (aka soccer). But she catches the eye of returning soccer player Lachlan and what starts as innocent flirting spirals into a full on emotional affair (but is framed as slow burn in the narrative of "will they, won't they"). Whew, the premise was solid, I was fully into this book but then everything kind of crumbled. Boy, did it crumble badly.
I had high hopes for Jenna Bush Hager's venture Thousand Voices because authors greatly benefit from visibility, but is this book something that should be praised en-masse? Is this truly a slow burn romance? Do we endorse characters that call women "she-beasts" or "parasites"? Are we still recycling the storyline of "the other woman"? Do we discredit all the strides made by women in sports communications by simply thinking they are one track minded to becoming a social-climbing "WAG"? There are some serious underlining tones and questions that certainly made me uncomfortable, and if Jenna and Thousand Voices wants to put that narrative out there, I sincerely urge my fellow romance readers to not enter this book blindly.
Should Abby maybe have focused on personal growth, sought therapy, found a healthier way to cope while also living abroad and falling in love with football, the town, and a mysterious footballer? That's what I hoped for but didn't get. Potential was there and it was huge opportunity missed.
My thanks to Ballantine|Dell for the digital advance reader copy.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
a huge thank you to netgalley, ballantine and dell for giving me the chance to read this book in advance. abby offsides by anna mccallie is exactly the kind of book that gives you an adrenaline rush, even if you have never watched a soccer match in your life, and it does so with an irony that hits you right from the first pages.
tropes:
sports romance (soccer)
friends to lovers
slow burn
fresh start / fish out of water
forced proximity
forbidden / workplace romance
found family
the story starts with a real disaster: abby mcintyre finds out that her fiancé is cheating on her just six days before the wedding. instead of staying at home crying, she decides to quit her job with the boston red sox and escapes to liverpool, where she ends up working as a social media manager for the mersey football club. and there is one small detail: she knows absolutely nothing about soccer. here she meets lachlan ramsay, the team’s star player who has just returned from spain. there is an instant connection between them, a natural chemistry, but they have to face reality: lachlan is technically still married, even though his marriage is basically over. when abby suddenly finds herself without a place to live, he offers her a room in his penthouse, and from that moment on the forced cohabitation brings the tension to a very hard-to-handle level.
abby is a character that is very easy to relate to. she is smart, she uses sarcasm as a kind of shield, she has the courage to leave everything behind and move to another continent, and she is wonderfully messy. her characterization is so deep that it is a real pleasure to watch her fight to find herself again while trying not to drown in her feelings. on the other hand, we have lachlan, the classic slightly reserved and grumpy scotsman, but with a heart of gold, a mix between a troubled athlete and a protective “golden retriever.” mccallie’s writing was a real revelation. she has a vivid, almost cinematic way of storytelling, and she manages to make you feel the stadium atmosphere and the warmth of liverpool as if you were really there. of course, if you are an impatient reader, the fact that the two main characters struggle so much to communicate openly might make you clench your teeth, just like his marriage situation, which stays a bit in the background for most of the book. and yet, despite some frustration caused by their silence, the atmosphere and abby’s personal growth still manage to make the book very enjoyable.
i liked it.
tropes:
sports romance (soccer)
friends to lovers
slow burn
fresh start / fish out of water
forced proximity
forbidden / workplace romance
found family
the story starts with a real disaster: abby mcintyre finds out that her fiancé is cheating on her just six days before the wedding. instead of staying at home crying, she decides to quit her job with the boston red sox and escapes to liverpool, where she ends up working as a social media manager for the mersey football club. and there is one small detail: she knows absolutely nothing about soccer. here she meets lachlan ramsay, the team’s star player who has just returned from spain. there is an instant connection between them, a natural chemistry, but they have to face reality: lachlan is technically still married, even though his marriage is basically over. when abby suddenly finds herself without a place to live, he offers her a room in his penthouse, and from that moment on the forced cohabitation brings the tension to a very hard-to-handle level.
abby is a character that is very easy to relate to. she is smart, she uses sarcasm as a kind of shield, she has the courage to leave everything behind and move to another continent, and she is wonderfully messy. her characterization is so deep that it is a real pleasure to watch her fight to find herself again while trying not to drown in her feelings. on the other hand, we have lachlan, the classic slightly reserved and grumpy scotsman, but with a heart of gold, a mix between a troubled athlete and a protective “golden retriever.” mccallie’s writing was a real revelation. she has a vivid, almost cinematic way of storytelling, and she manages to make you feel the stadium atmosphere and the warmth of liverpool as if you were really there. of course, if you are an impatient reader, the fact that the two main characters struggle so much to communicate openly might make you clench your teeth, just like his marriage situation, which stays a bit in the background for most of the book. and yet, despite some frustration caused by their silence, the atmosphere and abby’s personal growth still manage to make the book very enjoyable.
i liked it.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to #NetGalley, Anna McCallie, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.
Fresh off a breakup with her cheating fiancé, Abby McIntyre decides it’s time to make a big life change, but in the best possible way. She quits her job with the Boston Red Sox, hops on a one‑way flight to the UK, and even gives herself a bold new haircut to match her bold new beginning.
Liverpool is supposed to be her clean slate, but starting over gets complicated fast. Abby’s new job happens to be at a major soccer, oops I mean football organization. That’s where she meets Lachlan Ramsay—a charming, quiet and at times footballer who just happens to be famous. Their connection is instant, warm, and impossible to ignore, even as Abby tries to remind herself that Lachlan’s still married… at least on paper.
When her housing plans fall apart, Lachlan offers her a place to stay in his sprawling penthouse. Suddenly they’re sharing morning coffees, late‑night conversations, and the kind of everyday attraction that makes it harder and harder to pretend they’re “just friends.” Abby can’t help wondering if the spark she feels is mutual—or if she’s imagining it because she wants so badly to believe in something good again.
But with her job on the line, his personal life under scrutiny, and a friendship that’s starting to feel like much more, Abby has to decide whether taking a risk on this connection is worth the fallout.
Review:
I went into this book knowing very little about soccer, and like Abby don't really care about soccer. I do enjoy a good sports storyline though, and this one made the book feel fun and surprisingly addictive. The real heart of the story isn’t the soccer. It’s Abby, a woman determined to rebuild her life after a messy breakup, starting life in a new country, and finding herself. Abby’s voice is warm, funny, and relatable, and watching her navigate a new job, a new city, and a very complicated friendship kept me reading. Lachlan is charming without being over the top, not a show off, and their chemistry feels natural and slow-building in a way that makes you root for them even when the situation gets messy.
The soccer backdrop adds energy without ever overwhelming the story—perfect for readers like me who enjoy sports but don’t necessarily want to read about technical side of soccer. I enjoyed the story lines of fresh starts, found family, real family, and the tension of wanting something you’re not sure you’re allowed to have.
Fresh off a breakup with her cheating fiancé, Abby McIntyre decides it’s time to make a big life change, but in the best possible way. She quits her job with the Boston Red Sox, hops on a one‑way flight to the UK, and even gives herself a bold new haircut to match her bold new beginning.
Liverpool is supposed to be her clean slate, but starting over gets complicated fast. Abby’s new job happens to be at a major soccer, oops I mean football organization. That’s where she meets Lachlan Ramsay—a charming, quiet and at times footballer who just happens to be famous. Their connection is instant, warm, and impossible to ignore, even as Abby tries to remind herself that Lachlan’s still married… at least on paper.
When her housing plans fall apart, Lachlan offers her a place to stay in his sprawling penthouse. Suddenly they’re sharing morning coffees, late‑night conversations, and the kind of everyday attraction that makes it harder and harder to pretend they’re “just friends.” Abby can’t help wondering if the spark she feels is mutual—or if she’s imagining it because she wants so badly to believe in something good again.
But with her job on the line, his personal life under scrutiny, and a friendship that’s starting to feel like much more, Abby has to decide whether taking a risk on this connection is worth the fallout.
Review:
I went into this book knowing very little about soccer, and like Abby don't really care about soccer. I do enjoy a good sports storyline though, and this one made the book feel fun and surprisingly addictive. The real heart of the story isn’t the soccer. It’s Abby, a woman determined to rebuild her life after a messy breakup, starting life in a new country, and finding herself. Abby’s voice is warm, funny, and relatable, and watching her navigate a new job, a new city, and a very complicated friendship kept me reading. Lachlan is charming without being over the top, not a show off, and their chemistry feels natural and slow-building in a way that makes you root for them even when the situation gets messy.
The soccer backdrop adds energy without ever overwhelming the story—perfect for readers like me who enjoy sports but don’t necessarily want to read about technical side of soccer. I enjoyed the story lines of fresh starts, found family, real family, and the tension of wanting something you’re not sure you’re allowed to have.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The description is not really accurate… in the sense of something HUGE not being mentioned. I thought based off the blurb I’d enjoy this one but… that was not the case. I was so happy to get the ARC and I read it in a couple of hours but I was just so disappointed with this one. It’s just not the type of trope I’d go for, and had I known this was involved with the story I wouldn’t have requested this. The other woman (estranged wife) is literally the whole problem during the entire book up until like 90%???? It’s just wrong in so many ways. Like Lachlan and his wife are just two immature idiots like just figure out your shit. Lachlan is just not for me… he was ACTIVELY developing feelings for Abby and just doing nothing about it, continuing it inappropriately. Emotional cheating really pisses me off. Like just learn to communicate and treat all parties with respect. Abby also an idiot… doing the same thing that was done to her.. cheating is cheating like and she was the OW whatever way she wants to view it… in denial for so long and it’s very clear she doesn’t care about the wife. The characters are just not really great people overall. It’s just constant tension and building up with the characters but neither of them are actually mature to have difficult conversations. Lachlan knew his marriage was in the toilet so he should’ve grown the balls and got his divorce process started WHEN he realised his feelings for Abby were becoming more. I get that people can be emotionally checked out but it’s just disrespectful and I can’t justify it.
I also didn’t like how it didn’t come out at all how Charlotte and Matt were basically blackmailing Abby and Lachlan didn’t know anything about it.. I feel like this was something maybe we could have had play out because I think it would have been important for Lachlan and Matt to have a discussion on boundaries considering Matt can’t butt out of shit that doesn’t concern him.
I’m choosing to believe that the team is LIVERPOOL and NOT Everton. I would have liked some more football actually in the story, there is a lost opportunity here to just go further into it… perhaps like the ultras of the club, scenes that are the 90min (the game). I think it would have added something more, just brought a sports romance trope more to it. I just hate the book because of how Lachlan and that shit just drags ON AND ON like it’s not really a romance novel to me at all.
I am grateful and truly appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC. Just a shame it was not for me
I also didn’t like how it didn’t come out at all how Charlotte and Matt were basically blackmailing Abby and Lachlan didn’t know anything about it.. I feel like this was something maybe we could have had play out because I think it would have been important for Lachlan and Matt to have a discussion on boundaries considering Matt can’t butt out of shit that doesn’t concern him.
I’m choosing to believe that the team is LIVERPOOL and NOT Everton. I would have liked some more football actually in the story, there is a lost opportunity here to just go further into it… perhaps like the ultras of the club, scenes that are the 90min (the game). I think it would have added something more, just brought a sports romance trope more to it. I just hate the book because of how Lachlan and that shit just drags ON AND ON like it’s not really a romance novel to me at all.
I am grateful and truly appreciate the opportunity to read this ARC. Just a shame it was not for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! 4 stars
Abby Offsides has lots tropes I enjoy…
-Pro-Athlete
-Strangers to Lovers
-Found Family
-Workplace Romance
-slow burn
Anna McCallie’s writing style is a lot of fun. We’re in Abby’s POV the whole book which was a narration I really enjoyed. I typically prefer a Dual POV but this plot required a single POV and I wasn’t sad about it. Abby’s voice and sense of the world really came through the writing. The banter and humor were really well done. I had such a genuinely good time with the back and forths between Lachlan and Abby or Abby and her friends.
Side characters were dynamic and loveable. McAllie also cultivated a warmth and affection for the spaces and places like Liverpool, the F.C. and especially Oban/ the Highlands. Together, these things made me hope we have a series in the works. Does our sweet quiet Phil find love next? Maybe the boy-king Kieran? Or better yet Mummy Collins????
However, as much as seriously loved this book……I have a huge bone to pick with the central conflict. I did not love that
I did want a little more of Lachlan -
It speaks to McCallie writing that she lands this plane and I left this book rooting for Lachlan and Abby.
So please, tell me Lachlan has brothers and we can spend more time with hot Scotsmen up in the Highlands saying things like, “Give us the wee bairn.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Abby Offsides has lots tropes I enjoy…
-Pro-Athlete
-Strangers to Lovers
-Found Family
-Workplace Romance
-slow burn
Anna McCallie’s writing style is a lot of fun. We’re in Abby’s POV the whole book which was a narration I really enjoyed. I typically prefer a Dual POV but this plot required a single POV and I wasn’t sad about it. Abby’s voice and sense of the world really came through the writing. The banter and humor were really well done. I had such a genuinely good time with the back and forths between Lachlan and Abby or Abby and her friends.
Side characters were dynamic and loveable. McAllie also cultivated a warmth and affection for the spaces and places like Liverpool, the F.C. and especially Oban/ the Highlands. Together, these things made me hope we have a series in the works. Does our sweet quiet Phil find love next? Maybe the boy-king Kieran? Or better yet Mummy Collins????
However, as much as seriously loved this book……I have a huge bone to pick with the central conflict. I did not love that
I did want a little more of Lachlan -
It speaks to McCallie writing that she lands this plane and I left this book rooting for Lachlan and Abby.
So please, tell me Lachlan has brothers and we can spend more time with hot Scotsmen up in the Highlands saying things like, “Give us the wee bairn.”
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2025
3 stars ⭐️
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was nice! The tension between Abby and Lachlan was so intense, and their friendship was genuinely lovely to read. I really enjoyed how their bond slowly built, from friendship, to care, to love. I might be a little biased because I love a slow burn, and this one was slowww in the best way possible.
The humor was another highlight. Abby’s inner monologue was hilarious, her jokes, her witty comments, and her way of seeing the world made the book so fun to read. I really enjoyed being inside her head.
However, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me. I’m not a fan of miscommunication tropes, and I found it hard to believe that two best friends who share everything could avoid such important topics, especially their relationship histories. Lachlan not knowing about Abby’s past with her fiancé just didn’t make sense to me.
Another thing that bothered me was the “telling instead of showing.” We hear about their deep conversations, about their pasts, their childhoods, their personal struggles, but we don’t actually see them. Most of their on-page interactions are banter and lighter moments, which are fun, but it made their friendship feel a bit superficial from the reader’s perspective.
Overall, it was a fun read with great tension and humor, but some of the relationship choices and pacing just didn’t hit for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Ballantine for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This book was nice! The tension between Abby and Lachlan was so intense, and their friendship was genuinely lovely to read. I really enjoyed how their bond slowly built, from friendship, to care, to love. I might be a little biased because I love a slow burn, and this one was slowww in the best way possible.
The humor was another highlight. Abby’s inner monologue was hilarious, her jokes, her witty comments, and her way of seeing the world made the book so fun to read. I really enjoyed being inside her head.
However, there were a few things that didn’t quite work for me. I’m not a fan of miscommunication tropes, and I found it hard to believe that two best friends who share everything could avoid such important topics, especially their relationship histories. Lachlan not knowing about Abby’s past with her fiancé just didn’t make sense to me.
Another thing that bothered me was the “telling instead of showing.” We hear about their deep conversations, about their pasts, their childhoods, their personal struggles, but we don’t actually see them. Most of their on-page interactions are banter and lighter moments, which are fun, but it made their friendship feel a bit superficial from the reader’s perspective.
Overall, it was a fun read with great tension and humor, but some of the relationship choices and pacing just didn’t hit for me.
November 9, 2025
read if you like:
⚽️ soccer
👩❤️👨 forbidden love
💙 friends-to-lovers
summary:
Girl flees to the UK to escape her failing relationship. Girl meets boy. Boy is the star of a European soccer team, where Girl happens to work. Girl and Boy become friends. Will they be anything more? That is essentially the premise of this book.
It follows Abby McIntyre, an expat who moves to Liverpool to take a job managing the social media for Mersey Football Club. While she’s there, she meets Lachlan Ramsey, a Scottish football star who has been recently signed by the team. The two become fast friends, and when she gets kicked out of her apartment, Abby moves in with him, bringing them even closer. Despite this, she knows their relationship can’t be romantic — Lachlan is married, for starters, and her boss made it very clear that players are off limits. But can you fight fate?
I really, really wanted to love this book — but there just wasn’t enough depth or conflict. Everything plays out perfectly for Abby — she lands a job she’s wildly unqualified for, she hits it off with the star player her first day on the job, and she’s quickly able to leave behind her drama from home while she thrives in Liverpool. Even when she’s evicted — a real conflict — Lachlan immediately moves her into his palatial apartment. While she’s a vulnerable and honest character, she hardly faces any real challenges. Lachlan, on the other hand, is hard to understand — while married he immediately forms this intense, platonic friendship with Abby, with essentially zero conflict or strife. He seems privileged, perfect and yet pretty unlikeable.
The story drags on without much fanfare; and wraps up with an all-too-perfect ending you can see coming from a mile away. Boring? Hardly, but captivating? Not so much.
If you’re looking for fluff and love soccer, you might like this one! Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
⚽️ soccer
👩❤️👨 forbidden love
💙 friends-to-lovers
summary:
Girl flees to the UK to escape her failing relationship. Girl meets boy. Boy is the star of a European soccer team, where Girl happens to work. Girl and Boy become friends. Will they be anything more? That is essentially the premise of this book.
It follows Abby McIntyre, an expat who moves to Liverpool to take a job managing the social media for Mersey Football Club. While she’s there, she meets Lachlan Ramsey, a Scottish football star who has been recently signed by the team. The two become fast friends, and when she gets kicked out of her apartment, Abby moves in with him, bringing them even closer. Despite this, she knows their relationship can’t be romantic — Lachlan is married, for starters, and her boss made it very clear that players are off limits. But can you fight fate?
I really, really wanted to love this book — but there just wasn’t enough depth or conflict. Everything plays out perfectly for Abby — she lands a job she’s wildly unqualified for, she hits it off with the star player her first day on the job, and she’s quickly able to leave behind her drama from home while she thrives in Liverpool. Even when she’s evicted — a real conflict — Lachlan immediately moves her into his palatial apartment. While she’s a vulnerable and honest character, she hardly faces any real challenges. Lachlan, on the other hand, is hard to understand — while married he immediately forms this intense, platonic friendship with Abby, with essentially zero conflict or strife. He seems privileged, perfect and yet pretty unlikeable.
The story drags on without much fanfare; and wraps up with an all-too-perfect ending you can see coming from a mile away. Boring? Hardly, but captivating? Not so much.
If you’re looking for fluff and love soccer, you might like this one! Thanks to Ballantine and NetGalley for the advanced copy!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Here’s a cleaned-up, polished version of your review that keeps all the angst, humor, and emotional chaos you loved—just tightened for flow and readability. Perfect for Goodreads/NetGalley 🖤⚽
⸻
Abby finds herself in Liverpool, thousands of miles from home, after calling off her wedding to her cheating fiancé. When she lands a content creator role for a professional football (aka soccer) team, she meets Lachlan Ramsey—handsome, funny, kind… and married.
Though Lachlan and his wife, Claire, are clearly on the rocks and have already filed for separation, something still holds him back from Abby. Everything comes to a crashing head on New Year’s Eve—words are said, mistakes are made, and hearts are broken. But can Abby and Lachlan find their way through the mess?
Okay, first of all—this book is a masterpiece. Second of all, I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall more than once. Both characters are painfully avoidant, and it drove me absolutely insane (in the best possible way). Around the 70% mark, something happened that literally made me put the book down and take a walk to cool off. That’s the power of a truly great story—it makes you feel everything.
This book was laugh-out-loud funny, with 10/10 humor and an absurd number of highlight-worthy lines. The angst and sexual tension were unmatched, and the slow burn? Torturous in the most delicious way. I could not put it down. I was kicking my feet more than once, not even going to lie. Complicated, emotional, funny, and full of heart—I loved every minute of it.
Tropes:
🔥 Forbidden romance
💬 Friends to lovers
⚽ Professional athlete
💞 Slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
⸻
If you want, I can:
• Make this shorter and punchier
• Add content warnings
• Turn it into an Instagram caption
• Or format it exactly to Goodreads standards
Just say the word 💬📚🖤
⸻
Abby finds herself in Liverpool, thousands of miles from home, after calling off her wedding to her cheating fiancé. When she lands a content creator role for a professional football (aka soccer) team, she meets Lachlan Ramsey—handsome, funny, kind… and married.
Though Lachlan and his wife, Claire, are clearly on the rocks and have already filed for separation, something still holds him back from Abby. Everything comes to a crashing head on New Year’s Eve—words are said, mistakes are made, and hearts are broken. But can Abby and Lachlan find their way through the mess?
Okay, first of all—this book is a masterpiece. Second of all, I wanted to throw my Kindle against the wall more than once. Both characters are painfully avoidant, and it drove me absolutely insane (in the best possible way). Around the 70% mark, something happened that literally made me put the book down and take a walk to cool off. That’s the power of a truly great story—it makes you feel everything.
This book was laugh-out-loud funny, with 10/10 humor and an absurd number of highlight-worthy lines. The angst and sexual tension were unmatched, and the slow burn? Torturous in the most delicious way. I could not put it down. I was kicking my feet more than once, not even going to lie. Complicated, emotional, funny, and full of heart—I loved every minute of it.
Tropes:
🔥 Forbidden romance
💬 Friends to lovers
⚽ Professional athlete
💞 Slow burn
Thank you to NetGalley and Dell for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
⸻
If you want, I can:
• Make this shorter and punchier
• Add content warnings
• Turn it into an Instagram caption
• Or format it exactly to Goodreads standards
Just say the word 💬📚🖤
October 29, 2025
⚽💔 ABBY OFFSIDES by Anna McCallie 💔⚽
A slow-burn, laugh-out-loud debut about fresh starts, forbidden chemistry, and finding yourself halfway across the world.
After walking away from her cheating fiancé (and making some truly iconic breakup decisions - ✂️ hello, bangs! ✈️ goodbye, America!), Abby McIntyre impulsively hops a one-way flight to Liverpool. She lands a job as a content creator for the Mersey Football Club and straight into the orbit of Lachlan Ramsay, the charming, broody, very married Scottish midfielder who makes resisting temptation feel like a full-time job.
When Abby’s housing falls through, Lachlan offers her his guest room, and suddenly, late-night takeout turns into quiet glances, inside jokes, and enough tension to set the penthouse on fire. Their connection is magnetic, funny, tender, and absolutely forbidden. Because when your career (and his reputation) depend on keeping your distance, falling for each other is the biggest offside of all.
💫 Expect:
💞 Friends-to-lovers slow burn (the kind that hurts)
🔥 Forbidden tension with emotional depth
⚽ Broody Scottish footballer x chaotic American sweetheart
🤣 Smart banter + laugh-out-loud moments
💔 Angst, self-discovery, and second chances
This book wrecked me in the best way. The chemistry is sizzling, the banter crackles, and the emotional payoff is so worth the wait. Abby’s journey from heartbroken to fearless is full of humor, warmth, and a little chaos, the perfect reminder that sometimes, love finds you right when you’re rebuilding from the ground up.
✨ “It wasn’t love at first sight. It was love at every sight after.” ✨
#AbbyOffsides #AnnaMcCallie #NetGalley #RomanceReaders #SlowBurnRomance #FriendsToLovers #ForbiddenRomance #SportsRomance #Bookstagram #ContemporaryRomance #RomComReads #BookishLove #DebutAuthor #BookReview #BanterAndBurn #KickOffYourHeart #DellPublishing
A slow-burn, laugh-out-loud debut about fresh starts, forbidden chemistry, and finding yourself halfway across the world.
After walking away from her cheating fiancé (and making some truly iconic breakup decisions - ✂️ hello, bangs! ✈️ goodbye, America!), Abby McIntyre impulsively hops a one-way flight to Liverpool. She lands a job as a content creator for the Mersey Football Club and straight into the orbit of Lachlan Ramsay, the charming, broody, very married Scottish midfielder who makes resisting temptation feel like a full-time job.
When Abby’s housing falls through, Lachlan offers her his guest room, and suddenly, late-night takeout turns into quiet glances, inside jokes, and enough tension to set the penthouse on fire. Their connection is magnetic, funny, tender, and absolutely forbidden. Because when your career (and his reputation) depend on keeping your distance, falling for each other is the biggest offside of all.
💫 Expect:
💞 Friends-to-lovers slow burn (the kind that hurts)
🔥 Forbidden tension with emotional depth
⚽ Broody Scottish footballer x chaotic American sweetheart
🤣 Smart banter + laugh-out-loud moments
💔 Angst, self-discovery, and second chances
This book wrecked me in the best way. The chemistry is sizzling, the banter crackles, and the emotional payoff is so worth the wait. Abby’s journey from heartbroken to fearless is full of humor, warmth, and a little chaos, the perfect reminder that sometimes, love finds you right when you’re rebuilding from the ground up.
✨ “It wasn’t love at first sight. It was love at every sight after.” ✨
#AbbyOffsides #AnnaMcCallie #NetGalley #RomanceReaders #SlowBurnRomance #FriendsToLovers #ForbiddenRomance #SportsRomance #Bookstagram #ContemporaryRomance #RomComReads #BookishLove #DebutAuthor #BookReview #BanterAndBurn #KickOffYourHeart #DellPublishing
November 1, 2025
Big thanks to Thousand Voices and Dell Romance for the ARC of this book! This was a fantastic debut novel and I became immersed in the story almost immediately. I am not really a football/soccer fan but was a huge fan or Ted Lasso and I think this would book will be universally likeable to sports fans and not sports fans. The book follows Abby, an American who moves to the UK for a job at a football club as a social media manager, She moves on the heels of her long term relationship spectacularly ending and is looking to start over and get away from real life. What she doesn't expect is to fall in love with the club, the players, the job and the UK as a whole. She f0rms an unlikely friendship with a player right when she gets there and they develop a deep bond despite the fact that he is married. Lachlan is Scottish, charming and all around likeable. He has just moved back to the team after spending many years playing in Spain. His wife didn't relocate with him, but Abby finds herself wondering what the status of their relationship is. She know she should ask, but finds herself falling into an easy friendship with him despite the fact that he doesn't share that huge part of his life with her. When her housing falls through, she even ends up moving into his spare room in his massive penthouse. They both know they are skirting the line of an appropriate relationship due the fact that they are married. The push and pull of their relationship and the sexual tension made for a fantastic read. This one is a slow burn for sure, but I liked how the topic was handled over all by the author. This book is a romance, but it is also a book about deciding between right and wrong, finding yourself and healing as well. It was five stars for sure and I will be looking for more by this author in the future!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for the advanced reader copy
4.5 stars
*SPOILERS AHEAD
When Abby's engagement ends--after her cheating fiance dumps her--she quits her job and leaves her life behind, moving to Liverpool, England. Hoping for a fresh start that will help her find herself again, she takes a job as the Social Media Director for the Mersey Football Club (even though she doesn't know anything about the sport). She meets Lachlan, a famous footballer who's returning to Mersey after playing in Spain, and they quickly form a bond that Abby tries to deny is more, especially since he's technically married (though his wife didn't relocate with him). When Abby finds herself without a place to live, Lachlan comes to the rescue and the two grow even closer. But Lachlan IS married and Abby IS getting over heartache: can she find a happily ever after that doesn't have her falling into old patterns?
What I most appreciated about ABBY OFFSIDES was 1) the location setting not being in one of the major cities we read so much about and 2) that the messiness of what's keeping Abby and Lachlan apart isn't easily solvable. The phenomenon that is football fandom in the UK is a major part of the book and adds so much energy to the story. When Abby realizes that she and Lachlan can be together, she doesn't rush into things and make it so that the romance solves all her issues; McCallie gives Abby mature ways of getting her and Lachlan to their HEA. If you enjoy the following tropes, this is a great romance to grab:
-workplace romance
-close proximity
-fish out of water
-sports romance
Abby Offsides is out June 23, 2026
4.5 stars
*SPOILERS AHEAD
When Abby's engagement ends--after her cheating fiance dumps her--she quits her job and leaves her life behind, moving to Liverpool, England. Hoping for a fresh start that will help her find herself again, she takes a job as the Social Media Director for the Mersey Football Club (even though she doesn't know anything about the sport). She meets Lachlan, a famous footballer who's returning to Mersey after playing in Spain, and they quickly form a bond that Abby tries to deny is more, especially since he's technically married (though his wife didn't relocate with him). When Abby finds herself without a place to live, Lachlan comes to the rescue and the two grow even closer. But Lachlan IS married and Abby IS getting over heartache: can she find a happily ever after that doesn't have her falling into old patterns?
What I most appreciated about ABBY OFFSIDES was 1) the location setting not being in one of the major cities we read so much about and 2) that the messiness of what's keeping Abby and Lachlan apart isn't easily solvable. The phenomenon that is football fandom in the UK is a major part of the book and adds so much energy to the story. When Abby realizes that she and Lachlan can be together, she doesn't rush into things and make it so that the romance solves all her issues; McCallie gives Abby mature ways of getting her and Lachlan to their HEA. If you enjoy the following tropes, this is a great romance to grab:
-workplace romance
-close proximity
-fish out of water
-sports romance
Abby Offsides is out June 23, 2026
January 18, 2026
2.75⭐️! I really wanted to like this one, but the main characters just kept rubbing me the wrong way. I will start off with saying that the writing itself was good. I thought it was witty, humorous, and the tension building was well executed.
My issue stems from the fact that we see the protagonist, Abby, escaping her home back in the U.S. mainly due to her cheating ex fiancé, only to get tangled with another man, a famous footballer, that she initially knows is married. It’s not just her, but Lachlan as well. They both pursue a friendship knowing that they’re both attracted to each other, despite Abby knowing (and getting told more times than my liking) that getting too close with him would put her job and work visa on the line. Emotionally? They definitely crossed a line. Physically? They get very close until that one party. After that scene, it kinda solidified that I didn’t like Lachlan.
This felt like a case of watching Something Borrowed. None of the main characters were “good” but I was still curious to see how it all played out while hoping for accountability on all their parts. While we did get a bit of that, I feel like the clearing up of the miscommunication could’ve been handled better. It felt like we got more of the time gaps in between than that. The end felt a bit rushed, with too much talking and not enough action.
I did like that some of the side characters voiced the same feelings as me, making me feel sane. And I also enjoyed how each character had layers to them. From Josh to Amina to Sadie and even Claire.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for this eARC!
My issue stems from the fact that we see the protagonist, Abby, escaping her home back in the U.S. mainly due to her cheating ex fiancé, only to get tangled with another man, a famous footballer, that she initially knows is married. It’s not just her, but Lachlan as well. They both pursue a friendship knowing that they’re both attracted to each other, despite Abby knowing (and getting told more times than my liking) that getting too close with him would put her job and work visa on the line. Emotionally? They definitely crossed a line. Physically? They get very close until that one party. After that scene, it kinda solidified that I didn’t like Lachlan.
This felt like a case of watching Something Borrowed. None of the main characters were “good” but I was still curious to see how it all played out while hoping for accountability on all their parts. While we did get a bit of that, I feel like the clearing up of the miscommunication could’ve been handled better. It felt like we got more of the time gaps in between than that. The end felt a bit rushed, with too much talking and not enough action.
I did like that some of the side characters voiced the same feelings as me, making me feel sane. And I also enjoyed how each character had layers to them. From Josh to Amina to Sadie and even Claire.
Thank you to Ballantine and NetGalley for this eARC!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 25, 2025
*I received an advanced copy through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
The premise of this book hooked me right away: Abby leaves Boston and her job as social media manager for the Red Sox after discovering her longtime fiancé cheated on her. She escapes to the UK and ends up running social media for a British football club, where she meets a very charming Scottish player.
I loved the banter between Abby and the love interest; their chemistry is fun and easy. But I did feel their friendship and the intimacy that comes with it developed way too fast. Both of them were coming out of serious relationship issues, yet somehow they go from strangers to deeply connected without actually learning much of substance about each other. I wanted more slow-burn friendship and more emotional groundwork.
I also would have liked more “side quests.” She is in a whole new country, but most of the scenes outside her apartment happen with the football team. A little more exploration, travel, culture, or even everyday moments would have added depth.
What I did appreciate was how Abby’s heartbreak wasn’t just a background detail. You really feel how she is struggling and doing her best to heal, and the book lets that grief breathe instead of rushing past it.
Overall, it is an easy, enjoyable read with some genuinely cute moments. I would definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for something light with solid banter and a sweet romance.
The premise of this book hooked me right away: Abby leaves Boston and her job as social media manager for the Red Sox after discovering her longtime fiancé cheated on her. She escapes to the UK and ends up running social media for a British football club, where she meets a very charming Scottish player.
I loved the banter between Abby and the love interest; their chemistry is fun and easy. But I did feel their friendship and the intimacy that comes with it developed way too fast. Both of them were coming out of serious relationship issues, yet somehow they go from strangers to deeply connected without actually learning much of substance about each other. I wanted more slow-burn friendship and more emotional groundwork.
I also would have liked more “side quests.” She is in a whole new country, but most of the scenes outside her apartment happen with the football team. A little more exploration, travel, culture, or even everyday moments would have added depth.
What I did appreciate was how Abby’s heartbreak wasn’t just a background detail. You really feel how she is struggling and doing her best to heal, and the book lets that grief breathe instead of rushing past it.
Overall, it is an easy, enjoyable read with some genuinely cute moments. I would definitely recommend it if you are in the mood for something light with solid banter and a sweet romance.
January 7, 2026
This book hooked me from the start and found it hard to put down. I was drawn to this book partly due to the includision of Soccer or Football but although a key part of this story it was the storyline, the characters, the humor and the writiing and the lessons imparted that kept me hooked!
This is about Abby who has just had her engagement broken off just before the wedding and her heart broken. She decides to take a leap and move to Liverpool and learn the rules of the British Premier Leaguewith Mersey Football Club. This story includes a friendship forged between wounded souls, troubled marriages, and healing from the damage inflicted by toxic exes. She wants to showcase her social media marketing skills, and even though she doesn't know much about the sport is determined to learn and so her confidence and determination were enough to hook me immediately!
She builds a friendship with one of the players Lachlan Ramsey who is married but at the time separated from his wife. Can they remain only friends and how can they both help each other to move on in life? And how does Mersey do this first season that Abby is on board. Abby quickly gets totally into this group that is truly a team! It is very important to her!
It is a great story and kept me laughing out loud!
This is about Abby who has just had her engagement broken off just before the wedding and her heart broken. She decides to take a leap and move to Liverpool and learn the rules of the British Premier Leaguewith Mersey Football Club. This story includes a friendship forged between wounded souls, troubled marriages, and healing from the damage inflicted by toxic exes. She wants to showcase her social media marketing skills, and even though she doesn't know much about the sport is determined to learn and so her confidence and determination were enough to hook me immediately!
She builds a friendship with one of the players Lachlan Ramsey who is married but at the time separated from his wife. Can they remain only friends and how can they both help each other to move on in life? And how does Mersey do this first season that Abby is on board. Abby quickly gets totally into this group that is truly a team! It is very important to her!
It is a great story and kept me laughing out loud!
October 18, 2025
After catching her fiancé cheating on her, Abby quits her job working for the Red Sox in search of a fresh start working for a Premier League team in Liverpool. She quickly dives in to the fascinating world of football (soccer to us Americans) and all the interesting characters that come with it. She finds herself growing closer to one of the star players for Mersey F.C., Lachlan, but he comes with his own baggage. Can she balance her new job and budding friendships on the team? Or will she crack under the pressure and retreat home to Boston?
This book was such a fun, well written emotional rollercoaster! Abby's journey across the pond to find herself after calling off her wedding had a perfect mix of messy characters (but also lots of growth), comedic moments, found family, and I truly could not put this one down, This slow burn was perfectly paced and I loved that all of the issues these characters had were actually dealt with and not just ignored for the sake of a happy ending. In a market with very few soccer romances, this one definitely stands out as one of my favorites and I can tell I will be searching for one like it for a while!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy!
This book was such a fun, well written emotional rollercoaster! Abby's journey across the pond to find herself after calling off her wedding had a perfect mix of messy characters (but also lots of growth), comedic moments, found family, and I truly could not put this one down, This slow burn was perfectly paced and I loved that all of the issues these characters had were actually dealt with and not just ignored for the sake of a happy ending. In a market with very few soccer romances, this one definitely stands out as one of my favorites and I can tell I will be searching for one like it for a while!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced review copy!
November 23, 2025
I think it’s clear by the description of this book, I’ll warn anyway: a large majority of this book is an emotional affair between Abby and Lachlan. They were called out on it by different people, they were told after that it was an emotional affair, and more. I think it helped make this book a slow burn. I won’t say this took away from the book because I went in expecting it. Since I expected it, I wish they had deeper conversations at least.
What did sort of gross me out was the last 30%. Lachlan’s actions were just not it. Very realistic, but didn’t help me buy into their relationship when they finally got together. Also, his bff Matt? I’m all for calling out people having affairs. But the way he did it made me uncomfortable. Going to Abby’s boss, when there’s such a power imbalance between Abby and Lachlan (and Matt) bothered me because Lachlan (the married player) would face zero consequences. Also, there is no chance the tabloids wouldn’t have gotten pictures of Lachlan and Abby hanging out!! Lastly, I’m American and I have had kettles my entire life.
This was far from perfect and not for everyone, but I would be interested to see the author writers next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
What did sort of gross me out was the last 30%. Lachlan’s actions were just not it. Very realistic, but didn’t help me buy into their relationship when they finally got together. Also, his bff Matt? I’m all for calling out people having affairs. But the way he did it made me uncomfortable. Going to Abby’s boss, when there’s such a power imbalance between Abby and Lachlan (and Matt) bothered me because Lachlan (the married player) would face zero consequences. Also, there is no chance the tabloids wouldn’t have gotten pictures of Lachlan and Abby hanging out!! Lastly, I’m American and I have had kettles my entire life.
This was far from perfect and not for everyone, but I would be interested to see the author writers next.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an arc in exchange for an honest review.
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