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Abby Offsides
Not yet published
Expected 23 Jun 26In 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 213 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.
February 21, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine/Dell for the ARC!
Sports romance? Absolutely count me in. As a longtime fan of rom-coms, this novel delivered everything I hoped for and more. The realness of emotions after a complicated breakup and overseas move was well displayed throughout the book. The slow burn tension was on point. All while also highlighting Abby’s friendships and chosen family. The banter is sharp, playful, and completely irresistible. This is a standout debut from Anna McCallie, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
Sports romance? Absolutely count me in. As a longtime fan of rom-coms, this novel delivered everything I hoped for and more. The realness of emotions after a complicated breakup and overseas move was well displayed throughout the book. The slow burn tension was on point. All while also highlighting Abby’s friendships and chosen family. The banter is sharp, playful, and completely irresistible. This is a standout debut from Anna McCallie, and I can’t wait to see what she writes next.
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.
March 9, 2026
I will be singing the praises of Abby Offsides from every rooftop. This book has everything: a realistic FMC, a swoony Scottish love interest, SUCH a lovable supporting cast, and a high-energy soccer (sorry…football) atmosphere. I’d say the vibes are impeccably Ted Lasso romcom core.
Abby is a sharp, witty American coming off a baaaad breakup. She decides to hop across the pond and work for a football club in Liverpool—and she doesn’t know a thing about this kind of football! Of course, the footballers are all easy on the eyes…but none hold a candle to Lachlan Ramsey (who also happens to have a biiiiiit of baggage). Our girl Abby has a lot to learn and it is such a fun journey. This story had me giggling and blushing, but it also made my heart ache!!
All I can say is THANK YOU NetGalley for this ARC… I’m forever grateful. 4.5 🌟 rounded up! Seriously. I can’t believe this is a debut. Anna McCallie, I’m your new biggest fan. And now I have a parasocial connection to these fictional characters.
Abby is a sharp, witty American coming off a baaaad breakup. She decides to hop across the pond and work for a football club in Liverpool—and she doesn’t know a thing about this kind of football! Of course, the footballers are all easy on the eyes…but none hold a candle to Lachlan Ramsey (who also happens to have a biiiiiit of baggage). Our girl Abby has a lot to learn and it is such a fun journey. This story had me giggling and blushing, but it also made my heart ache!!
All I can say is THANK YOU NetGalley for this ARC… I’m forever grateful. 4.5 🌟 rounded up! Seriously. I can’t believe this is a debut. Anna McCallie, I’m your new biggest fan. And now I have a parasocial connection to these fictional characters.
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!
April 26, 2026
Abby Offsides is a fast-paced, soccer rom-com about a woman named Abby who goes through a harsh break up from her fiancé and flees Boston to live in Liverpool for a new start. She becomes a social media manager for a pro football (⚽️) team and sparks a romance with a Scottish player named Lachlan.
Abby and Lachlan become fast friends and quickly gain attraction for each other, but there’s a line they know they can’t cross for many reasons.
Something that I enjoyed from this story were the Ted Lasso vibes I got from the beginning. An American coming to work for an English football team without knowing anything about the sport. Because of this element, I was excited to dive into the story from the start.
The banter between Abby and Lachlan was really entertaining and light hearted. Abby quickly developed a good relationship with all of the players and other coworkers which I found endearing.
The reason why I’m choosing to give this story a 3 star is what Abby’s and Lachlan’s relationship is built on. I understand people go through unique experiences at all ages, but I can’t support the things they were doing and acting like as people in their early 30s. Their relationship felt dirty to me and I think the trope is one that I don’t really enjoy. I was really enjoying seeing their friendship develop but as we got deeper into the issues, it just started to feel wrong. I personally wouldn’t want my friends in this situation, so I’m not going to enjoy my fiction characters in this state of delusion either. I’m giving this an average rating because everything else other than the romance was enjoyable, I just wish the romance didn’t feel like they were late teens/early 20s even though they were in their early 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna McCallie, and Dell for the eARC! Abby Offsides will be officially published on June 23rd, 2026.
Abby and Lachlan become fast friends and quickly gain attraction for each other, but there’s a line they know they can’t cross for many reasons.
Something that I enjoyed from this story were the Ted Lasso vibes I got from the beginning. An American coming to work for an English football team without knowing anything about the sport. Because of this element, I was excited to dive into the story from the start.
The banter between Abby and Lachlan was really entertaining and light hearted. Abby quickly developed a good relationship with all of the players and other coworkers which I found endearing.
The reason why I’m choosing to give this story a 3 star is what Abby’s and Lachlan’s relationship is built on. I understand people go through unique experiences at all ages, but I can’t support the things they were doing and acting like as people in their early 30s. Their relationship felt dirty to me and I think the trope is one that I don’t really enjoy. I was really enjoying seeing their friendship develop but as we got deeper into the issues, it just started to feel wrong. I personally wouldn’t want my friends in this situation, so I’m not going to enjoy my fiction characters in this state of delusion either. I’m giving this an average rating because everything else other than the romance was enjoyable, I just wish the romance didn’t feel like they were late teens/early 20s even though they were in their early 30s.
Thank you to NetGalley, Anna McCallie, and Dell for the eARC! Abby Offsides will be officially published on June 23rd, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely loved this! I love when I accidentally stumble upon a book that wasn’t even on my radar. I was in need of an audiobook while waiting on some approvals, so I grabbed this on a whim based solely on the cover and narrator combo. Thankfully, I had complimentary access to the audiobook from PRH Audio through their influencer program. After starting the audio I knew I wanted the words in front of me and requested it through NetGalley and got quick approval from Ballantine so I was able to do an immersion read from 20% onward.
Mia Hutchinson-Shaw does a bloody brilliant job with this narration. She seamlessly switches between accents, including a Scottish brogue that felt authentic while still being easy to follow. While I do think this would have been the perfect book for a duet narration, she carried the entire production so well that I can easily forgive that choice.
What really worked for me was the storyline itself. It tackles issues that happen in relationships every single day, and while better communication and a little maturity could have solved many of the problems, that’s also what made it feel realistic. The author handled the relationship dynamics thoughtfully while still making the story incredibly engaging and easy to fly through.
Even the inevitable third-act breakup felt grounded and earned instead of relying on the frustrating miscommunication trope that so many romances lean on. It was honestly refreshing. While this is absolutely a romance, it’s also a story about a woman healing, rediscovering herself, and figuring out who she is outside of a relationship. I loved the emotional layers woven throughout the story, and this is definitely one I can see myself revisiting in the future.
Mia Hutchinson-Shaw does a bloody brilliant job with this narration. She seamlessly switches between accents, including a Scottish brogue that felt authentic while still being easy to follow. While I do think this would have been the perfect book for a duet narration, she carried the entire production so well that I can easily forgive that choice.
What really worked for me was the storyline itself. It tackles issues that happen in relationships every single day, and while better communication and a little maturity could have solved many of the problems, that’s also what made it feel realistic. The author handled the relationship dynamics thoughtfully while still making the story incredibly engaging and easy to fly through.
Even the inevitable third-act breakup felt grounded and earned instead of relying on the frustrating miscommunication trope that so many romances lean on. It was honestly refreshing. While this is absolutely a romance, it’s also a story about a woman healing, rediscovering herself, and figuring out who she is outside of a relationship. I loved the emotional layers woven throughout the story, and this is definitely one I can see myself revisiting in the future.
May 24, 2026
SOOO good!! Review to come!!
April 11, 2026
Ok loved this one!!
I almost gave it 4 stars because I don’t normally mesh with tropes that center on avoiding conversations. However, this book unpacked and explained it in a way that I could relate to. There was one specific passage that legit made me teary - how lovely but magical it is to do simple things with the person you love. Christmas shopping, house chores, dreaming. It made the small things you dream of feel so special. The banter was 10/10 and you could see the humanity in each character. A must read!
I almost gave it 4 stars because I don’t normally mesh with tropes that center on avoiding conversations. However, this book unpacked and explained it in a way that I could relate to. There was one specific passage that legit made me teary - how lovely but magical it is to do simple things with the person you love. Christmas shopping, house chores, dreaming. It made the small things you dream of feel so special. The banter was 10/10 and you could see the humanity in each character. A must read!
March 26, 2026
I giggled, swooned, blushed, cried, and kicked my feet through this entire book. Lachlan Ramsay is definitely my new book boyfriend obsession! Anna is a debut to watch, and this sweet romance will have you falling head over heels.
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.
Read
March 23, 2026I loved this book! It has all the fun and joy of a sports romance, but it also has an emotional growth arc for Abby as a person outside the romance. And Lachlan as well. It has such heartbreaking yearning. Ahh, so good!
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 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.
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!
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.
May 28, 2026
3/5 Stars
This was a nice debut by Anna McCallie that’s left me so conflicted. It was insanely well written. The chemistry between Abby and Lachlan was off the charts. I also loved the camaraderie among the entire team. It gave Ted Lasso vibes in the best way. I loved all the characters and the humor was laugh out loud funny.
I just wish that the Abby and Lachlan’s relationship didn’t center around infidelity. If not, this would’ve easily been a 5 star read for me. That was super disappointing and frustrating. Like why couldn’t they have a conversation about Lachlan’s marriage?! Who is telling their married friend about their sex dreams?! Why would she be the other woman when the whole plot is centered around the fact that she left a long term relationship where she was cheated on?! It made no sense and I was legitimately angry. And his poor wife! Made out to be the villain when she clearly wasn’t. The misogyny there was upsetting. The ending was partially redemptive, but they only ended up taking like 2ish months to “heal” before diving back into a relationship. That felt so disingenuous.
Ugh. I’m genuinely so bummed because I really do think this author has so much potential. But in good faith, I just can’t rate this one any higher. I would definitely check out future books by McCallie because I truly did enjoy the writing!
Biggest thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine | Dell for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
This was a nice debut by Anna McCallie that’s left me so conflicted. It was insanely well written. The chemistry between Abby and Lachlan was off the charts. I also loved the camaraderie among the entire team. It gave Ted Lasso vibes in the best way. I loved all the characters and the humor was laugh out loud funny.
I just wish that the Abby and Lachlan’s relationship didn’t center around infidelity. If not, this would’ve easily been a 5 star read for me. That was super disappointing and frustrating. Like why couldn’t they have a conversation about Lachlan’s marriage?! Who is telling their married friend about their sex dreams?! Why would she be the other woman when the whole plot is centered around the fact that she left a long term relationship where she was cheated on?! It made no sense and I was legitimately angry. And his poor wife! Made out to be the villain when she clearly wasn’t. The misogyny there was upsetting. The ending was partially redemptive, but they only ended up taking like 2ish months to “heal” before diving back into a relationship. That felt so disingenuous.
Ugh. I’m genuinely so bummed because I really do think this author has so much potential. But in good faith, I just can’t rate this one any higher. I would definitely check out future books by McCallie because I truly did enjoy the writing!
Biggest thanks to Netgalley and Ballantine | Dell for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review! ❤️
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!
February 13, 2026
Overall: 3.25/5
Cheating: 5/5
Football Mention: 5/5
I received an ARC of Abby Offsides from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a hell of a book. It hit close to home in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for. At its core, it’s a story about rebuilding, starting over, and navigating the messy reality of cheating on both sides.
This feels like the “mistress story” the one where we’re asked to see her side, understand her perspective, and maybe even feel sorry for her. We’re also meant to feel relief when the original marriage falls apart. There’s very little real discussion of the emotional cheating beyond simply labeling it, which left me wanting more depth and accountability.
My favorite character was the best friend. He was the only one willing to tell the FMC the truth, and try to stick to morals and ethics.
If you’re okay with exploring the other woman’s side of the story, this might work really well for you.
Cheating: 5/5
Football Mention: 5/5
I received an ARC of Abby Offsides from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
This was a hell of a book. It hit close to home in ways I wasn’t fully prepared for. At its core, it’s a story about rebuilding, starting over, and navigating the messy reality of cheating on both sides.
This feels like the “mistress story” the one where we’re asked to see her side, understand her perspective, and maybe even feel sorry for her. We’re also meant to feel relief when the original marriage falls apart. There’s very little real discussion of the emotional cheating beyond simply labeling it, which left me wanting more depth and accountability.
My favorite character was the best friend. He was the only one willing to tell the FMC the truth, and try to stick to morals and ethics.
If you’re okay with exploring the other woman’s side of the story, this might work really well for you.
April 22, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine for access to this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Do you ever read a book and immediately get a smile on your face? This pulled me out of such a reading slump. And I’m glad I picked it up when I did. What I thought would be just another sports romance turned into such a fun read. It has “football”, it has quick witty banter, it has a hot MMC and funny hijinx throughout. Also the side characters were well thought out a constructed too they fit so seamlessly in the story. It was the slowest slow burn but worth it in my opinion. Overall will recommend to anyone looking for a book to pull them out of slump, or just to everyone who reads. It is worth the read.
Do you ever read a book and immediately get a smile on your face? This pulled me out of such a reading slump. And I’m glad I picked it up when I did. What I thought would be just another sports romance turned into such a fun read. It has “football”, it has quick witty banter, it has a hot MMC and funny hijinx throughout. Also the side characters were well thought out a constructed too they fit so seamlessly in the story. It was the slowest slow burn but worth it in my opinion. Overall will recommend to anyone looking for a book to pull them out of slump, or just to everyone who reads. It is worth the read.
Read
April 11, 2026I don’t know how I felt about this book. I loved the banter and her relationship with the team. I feel like it I needed more. There was so much build up on their friendship I needed more for the relationship rather than told me sweet nothings, we wanna know what his sweet nothings are!!! But enjoyed this read. A good 24 hr read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2026
I really didn’t want this book to end, I neeeeed more Abby and Lachlan 😭 Ahh this book blew me away even more than expected! Full review to come
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.
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.
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
★★★★☆
Abby Offsides (Anna McCallie - releasing 06.23.2026)
e-ARC Review
✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧ | @haileydianereads
A massive thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Ballantine, Dell, Thousand Voices, & author Anna McCallie for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌
“... but Truth always wins out over dare. Dare is fleeting glances, flirtatious touches, unchecked fantasies. Dare is fun for a while, but Dare is not forever. Truth, though? Truth is patience, honesty, hard conversations. Truth is maturity, vocalized desires, emotional intimacy.” ⚽ 🥅
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Sport’s themed romances
- UK setting(s)
- Friends-to-lovers
- Characters with past romantic struggles and morally grey areas
- 1st Person POV
Anna McCallie’s debut novel aimed for top bins and scored! Truly, this is a plot that was ambitious for a debut author and I think McCallie really gave readers a romance that isn’t afraid of looking at the morally grey area of love lives. I think it would’ve been easier to take the easy shot and give readers a straightforward football (yes, football) romance, but McCallie was brave enough to put readers in the heat of the game. I have been so excited to read this e-ARC since I saw a video back in January hinting at the plot. It did not disappoint.
CONTENT WARNING: Emotional affair ahead.
RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:
📖Plot and Pacing
Abby McIntyre’s world has come crashing down around her. After quitting a job she loved and moving across the pond to the UK, Abby needs to find a job unless she wants to return to Boston and her parents' home. Knowing very little about football, she gets hired to run their social media. Utterly alone, Abby quickly becomes friends with a player returning to Mersey Football Club - Lachlan Ramsay. Abby and Lachlan become unspeakable, but where are the lines exactly? This is a fast-paced read and hooked me instantly.
🧞♀️Characters and Development
I’m really only going to focus on Abby here. I am a reader who craves character development. I think McCallie delivers. While there are some aspects that I felt were lightly explored and more or less “told” to the reader, overall, readers should expect a complicated FMC who really is trying to put together a new life with an unexpected romance brewing. While I might not see much of myself in Abby’s own personality, I can appreciate who she is and what her struggles are throughout the book. However, may this be a lesson to all - communication and therapy are life savers!
🌇Setting and World Building
Now, I am extremely partial to the UK, so I accept that bias. However, a novel set in both England and Scotland featuring many games on the pitch is PERFECTION. The only aspect I think McCallie could have expanded on to really dig deeper into the heart of things is a bit more focus on the fans and the impact they make on a football club.
🗣️Dialogue
The dialogue in this book screams sarcastic friends-to-lovers trope. Honestly, I loved all the early teasing and how easily Abby and Lachlan are able to find their friendship footing. Also, Bashie is the ultimate fictional Scotsman (IMO). However, in reality, that title belongs to Steven Fletcher. Truly, McCallie does a fantastic job capturing the team’s energy and the friendships both on and off the field through the dialogue in this book.
📝Writing Style
What I think McCallie does best is write a story that is gripping and real - even the “ugly parts.” Not only does she write it well, but she writes characters who do find themselves in morally grey areas that I didn’t end up hating by the final chapter. This is a pretty incredible feat for a debut author. Yes, there are parts that are written in a “perfect world” situation, but I also think that some of those plot points should urge readers to consider more than their own lived stories as possibilities.
❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
As a supporter of NSC here in the states and a long-distance Wrexham fan, the plot and setting were absolutely on par for what I consider to be a dream come true for me. The way Abby gets to experience the football culture first hand and the people that make a club worth cheering for is something that resonates with me. I am so glad I got to live out this fantasy through McCallie’s novel!
😤The Flaws
I have found two primary flaws with this book. First, if someone is truly a “best friend” and the person you spend all your time with, there is no world in which the hard topics don’t come up. Even with Abby and Lachlan’s situation, it is incredibly hard to believe that neither of the characters would want to suppress some of their most difficult challenges. I wish that this portion of their dynamic was written in a bit more believable way. Second, the call from Abby’s ex didn’t make sense to me. I really felt like this could have been removed and more emphasis placed on Abby finding her happiness without a romantic distraction (something I really wanted to experience more as the reader). I understand what McCallie was going for with the full-circle moment near the end, but those situations were pretty different in my opinion, so it may have missed the mark a little.
I really loved this book and I can’t wait to see what comes next for McCallie! Overall, it is really hard for me to believe this is a debut novel. Truly, I think that this novel had compelling characters, a complex plot, and an entire team worth rooting for. I can’t wait to buy my own copy of this book in June!
Gratitude, always.
- H.
Abby Offsides (Anna McCallie - releasing 06.23.2026)
e-ARC Review
✧ Read with me ✧ Instagram ✧ | @haileydianereads
A massive thank you to NetGalley, Random House, Ballantine, Dell, Thousand Voices, & author Anna McCallie for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest book review! 🥰🙌
“... but Truth always wins out over dare. Dare is fleeting glances, flirtatious touches, unchecked fantasies. Dare is fun for a while, but Dare is not forever. Truth, though? Truth is patience, honesty, hard conversations. Truth is maturity, vocalized desires, emotional intimacy.” ⚽ 🥅
This book is perfect for readers who enjoy…
- Sport’s themed romances
- UK setting(s)
- Friends-to-lovers
- Characters with past romantic struggles and morally grey areas
- 1st Person POV
Anna McCallie’s debut novel aimed for top bins and scored! Truly, this is a plot that was ambitious for a debut author and I think McCallie really gave readers a romance that isn’t afraid of looking at the morally grey area of love lives. I think it would’ve been easier to take the easy shot and give readers a straightforward football (yes, football) romance, but McCallie was brave enough to put readers in the heat of the game. I have been so excited to read this e-ARC since I saw a video back in January hinting at the plot. It did not disappoint.
CONTENT WARNING: Emotional affair ahead.
RATING SYSTEM: I rate my books by 5 literary element groupings: plot and pacing, characters and development, setting and world building, dialogue and writing style. See below for a full review:
📖Plot and Pacing
Abby McIntyre’s world has come crashing down around her. After quitting a job she loved and moving across the pond to the UK, Abby needs to find a job unless she wants to return to Boston and her parents' home. Knowing very little about football, she gets hired to run their social media. Utterly alone, Abby quickly becomes friends with a player returning to Mersey Football Club - Lachlan Ramsay. Abby and Lachlan become unspeakable, but where are the lines exactly? This is a fast-paced read and hooked me instantly.
🧞♀️Characters and Development
I’m really only going to focus on Abby here. I am a reader who craves character development. I think McCallie delivers. While there are some aspects that I felt were lightly explored and more or less “told” to the reader, overall, readers should expect a complicated FMC who really is trying to put together a new life with an unexpected romance brewing. While I might not see much of myself in Abby’s own personality, I can appreciate who she is and what her struggles are throughout the book. However, may this be a lesson to all - communication and therapy are life savers!
🌇Setting and World Building
Now, I am extremely partial to the UK, so I accept that bias. However, a novel set in both England and Scotland featuring many games on the pitch is PERFECTION. The only aspect I think McCallie could have expanded on to really dig deeper into the heart of things is a bit more focus on the fans and the impact they make on a football club.
🗣️Dialogue
The dialogue in this book screams sarcastic friends-to-lovers trope. Honestly, I loved all the early teasing and how easily Abby and Lachlan are able to find their friendship footing. Also, Bashie is the ultimate fictional Scotsman (IMO). However, in reality, that title belongs to Steven Fletcher. Truly, McCallie does a fantastic job capturing the team’s energy and the friendships both on and off the field through the dialogue in this book.
📝Writing Style
What I think McCallie does best is write a story that is gripping and real - even the “ugly parts.” Not only does she write it well, but she writes characters who do find themselves in morally grey areas that I didn’t end up hating by the final chapter. This is a pretty incredible feat for a debut author. Yes, there are parts that are written in a “perfect world” situation, but I also think that some of those plot points should urge readers to consider more than their own lived stories as possibilities.
❉BONUS❉: Emotional Connection
As a supporter of NSC here in the states and a long-distance Wrexham fan, the plot and setting were absolutely on par for what I consider to be a dream come true for me. The way Abby gets to experience the football culture first hand and the people that make a club worth cheering for is something that resonates with me. I am so glad I got to live out this fantasy through McCallie’s novel!
😤The Flaws
I have found two primary flaws with this book. First, if someone is truly a “best friend” and the person you spend all your time with, there is no world in which the hard topics don’t come up. Even with Abby and Lachlan’s situation, it is incredibly hard to believe that neither of the characters would want to suppress some of their most difficult challenges. I wish that this portion of their dynamic was written in a bit more believable way. Second, the call from Abby’s ex didn’t make sense to me. I really felt like this could have been removed and more emphasis placed on Abby finding her happiness without a romantic distraction (something I really wanted to experience more as the reader). I understand what McCallie was going for with the full-circle moment near the end, but those situations were pretty different in my opinion, so it may have missed the mark a little.
I really loved this book and I can’t wait to see what comes next for McCallie! Overall, it is really hard for me to believe this is a debut novel. Truly, I think that this novel had compelling characters, a complex plot, and an entire team worth rooting for. I can’t wait to buy my own copy of this book in June!
Gratitude, always.
- H.
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