Risk the Play

Nashville Rampage #6

by Kaylee Ryan

NYT and USA Today Bestselling author Kaylee Ryan brings you a new standalone series surrounding the Nashville Rampage football team. Risk the Play is a single mom, coach, best friend's dad, forbidden, secret-relationship, age-gap romance.

Will


Football was always simple—follow the playbook, make the sacrifice, win the game.

I lived by that rule for decades, and it cost me everything. My marriage. My daughter.

By ten, she believed I loved the game more than her. Now she’s back in my life—with a family of her own—I fight every day to show her I’ve changed.

Then I fumble it all by falling for her best friend.

Amanda is strong, stubborn, and raising her daughter alone after her husband’s betrayal.

One kiss becomes something neither of us can ignore.

She wants to keep it secret. I don’t.

Because this time, I’m willing to risk the play. I won’t lose my second chance at love.



Amanda

I always knew I wanted to be a mother. I just never planned on doing it alone.

But when my ex got his assistant pregnant, I stopped, waiting for the life I thought I’d have—and choose motherhood for myself.

Now I’m a single mom doing my best to build a quiet, steady life with no drama and no risks.

Until my best friend’s father becomes the one risk I can’t resist.

Coach Warner is disciplined, respected… and completely off limits.

Watching him fight for his daughter only makes falling for him more dangerous.

We tell ourselves it’s just once.

But one reckless kiss turns into a night we can’t take back—and a secret we definitely can’t afford to keep.

Because if we’re discovered, I could lose my best friend…

And he could lose his daughter all over again.

Falling for me was never part of his playbook.

Genres: Sports, Sports Romance, Football, Forbidden Romance

Kindle Edition

Expected publication May 19, 2026

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kaylee Ryan has earned the affectionate title of “Queen of Swoon” from her devoted readers. With over sixty romance novels to her name, Kaylee has built a beloved catalog of heartfelt stories that celebrate love in all its tender, emotional, and undeniably swoony forms. Her signature blend of charm, chemistry, and genuine happily-ever-afters has captivated readers around the world.

When she’s not crafting new love stories or dreaming up her next unforgettable couple, Kaylee can usually be found with a book in hand, fueling her creativity as a lifelong reader. She cherishes the time spent with her family and friends, embracing the moments that inspire the heart of her stories.

Reviews

[Amity Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so sad that this series is over! Thank you Kaylee for the opportunity to read all of these amazing stories and fall in love with these characters! This was such a beautiful and fun way to end this series!!

I knew I was going to love Coach Warner, but he beat my expectations. I was so wrapped up in his and Amanda connection!! The way he cared for her & showed up for her!! Swoonnn! Amanda is a single mom & struggles with letting people help her. The way he always stepped up and never once made her feel like bad about taking a break! He just continued to be there & i loved watching her open up to having someone do things for her. I was just so obsessed with their chemistry and the heat they brought! The relationship with Mia was my fave too!! It was so sweet and melted my heart.

Kaylee forever writes the best found family & this friend group will always be one of my faves! This book was emotional, fun, swoony, and a little high risk, but man was it so worth it in the end!!! The perfect ending to the Nashville Rampage Series!

Thank you for the opportunity to early read this book!!

[Patti Lucas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk the Play by Kaylee Ryan is absolutely incredible! It is a wonderful age gap/single mother/best friend’s father love story and is the sixth and final book in her Nashville Rampage series. It was a bittersweet book for me, knowing that this last book in the series. Who does not love a mature hero, and William Warner is the perfect hero. Kaylee Ryan is an amazing storyteller and is a must read; one click author for me. I was hooked from the first few pages, it was impossible to put Risk the Play down, and I loved every moment on every page. It filled me with a rollercoaster of emotions. It is the most enjoyable books that I have read recently. Who does not love hot sexy men, strong females, loving families, and friends, who always support one another? I love how Kaylee Ryan always manages to create the "perfect" heroine, who is a strong woman on her own, to balance out the sexy, swoon worthy men. Risk the Play is the story of William “Will” Warner, head coach of the Nashville Rampage, and his daughter Bellamy’s best friend, Amanda “Manda” Holden, talent scheduler for The Country Fiddle and single mother of nine-month-old daughter, Mia. Learning that her husband, Ethan was having an affair with his assistant, Mia adopts the baby girl that she was planning to adopt with Ethan. Bellamy, Reid, and all the other Rampage players and their wives, support Manda and Mia. Mia bonds with Will, and Will is attracted to Manda, but he does not want to do anything to threaten his renewed relationship with Bellamy. Manda does not want to do anything to jeopardize her friendship with Bellamy, and all the support that she receives from the other women. Things start to change between them when the friends take a vacation, including Manda and Will. Will and Manda share a room with two queen size beds. I love the chemistry between Manda and Will, their conversation flows so easily, with innuendos and playful banter, and Will constantly flirting with Manda. Will starts calling “Mandy,” a nickname no one has ever called her. I love all the little things that they do together with Mia, especially the trip to the petting zoo. Will and Mandy begin to secretly date, but Mandy keeps delaying Will from telling Bellamy about their relationship. Will does not like lying to Bellamy. I love all the changes that both Manda and Will are willing to make in their lives to have a life with one another. One of my favorite parts of the story are the heart-to-heart conversations between Manda and Will, when they discuss their shared experiences in their past marriages. I love Will’s relationship with Mia, how he is always willing the help with her, and how she called him “Dada.” The text streams are another favorite part of the story. I love how the wives of Rampage teammates embrace Manda and Mia. An unexpected plot twist has Bellamy taking Manda to the ER, which causes Will to leave a preseason game to be at Manda’s side. Therefore, revealing their relationship to Bellamy. I love all the surprises that happen in Risk the Play. Another favorite part is the gift that Sloane gives to Manda to wear and surprise Will. My favorite part are the epilogues one told from Will’s perspective, the other from Manda’s perspectives and how it goes above a happily ever after and all the surprises revealed. Another favorite part was the bonus scene shown from Will’s perspective it is the perfect ending of their love story and all the changes that they have made together. I really enjoy how the book is told in the first person from the perspective of the main characters. I love getting the insight and feelings from the different characters. I love that the dialogue that Kaylee Ryan chooses perfectly fits her characters. My favorite part of the book is how Kaylee Ryan incorporates the title of the book and the picture on the cover into the love story, and how the title is used multiple times throughout the story. This page turner is filled with heartbreaking, heartwarming, poignant, and bittersweet moments as well as plot twists and surprises, as well as all the moments that make me laugh that I have come to love and expect in a love story and was not disappointed with Kaylee Ryan’s delivery of those things. I love the characters and the family dynamic in Risk the Play. The characters feel like family and friends, especially Manda’s relationship with Corie, Rowan, Bellamy, Sloane, Eden, and Will’s players. I love that their friendships feel like family. I enjoyed all the interactions between all the Nashville Rampage football players it feels like real family love and makes me laugh at their teasing. I love the descriptions of the Nashville location. I loved the relationship between Will and his teammates. I loved Risk the Play, even though it was a bittersweet series ending book. Who does not love family and friends that always have each other’s backs? This book had my interest from the start, and I fell in love with the story. I thoroughly enjoyed Risk the Play who does not love an age gap/single mother/forbidden best friend’s father love story. Incredible farewell to the Nashville Rampage. I loved catching up with all the couples one final time, and finding out which couples were expecting babies. Highly recommend this incredible love story. Received an advanced copy from the author.

[BookishMarineMama03 · Rating 5 out of 5]

O Kaylee Ryan!! You ended this series so beautifully!! It was so perfect!! Risk The Play by Kaylee Ryan is the last book in the Nashville Rampage story , Coach Will and Amanda got a true storybook ending! If you love a sexy football coach, the SWEETEST single mom who deserves the world, best friend's dad, a forbidden, secret-relationship, and my favorite age-gap, please read this book AND the whole series!

Coach Will and Amanda. O I had been waiting for these two. He’s the famous football coach, who devoted most of his life to the game leaving his daughter and first marriage to fall behind. But many years later, the chance for redemption, to become the true dad he is and a new grandpa is given to him and he takes it arms open. This man is so much more than people think. A heart of absolute gold, so caring and protective and deep down, longs to find a love forever. Amanda, we met her throughout the series. Treated horrible by her ex and left to raise their new daughter Mia alone, she is the definition of a tough, fierce woman who does it all! But there is a lot of pain there too. Her self confidence is so down and deep down she longs for a love like her friends around her have. Will and Amanda have this connection and chemistry that they fight, fear of her best friend's reaction. But the care and love this man shows, the protective heart he has, the unconditional love he shows to both her and her precious daughter. I just can't express how beautiful this whole story was! They begin a forbidden relationship and it is so so hot, but it also shows the true love that can come from the right person who is all in. And the way this man bonds with her daughter is absolutely precious!

And the found family of this book series is priceless. One of the best series I have read, they are there for each other period!

I went through every emotion. Cried, laughed, felt the burn, just everything. There is beautiful redemption, deep and true lasting love, communication that is real and raw working through this relationship coming to the light. It was so beyond the perfect end to this series and I am so sad it’s over!

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

🏈 Football Romance
🏈 He's the Coach
🏈 Single Mom
🏈 Best Friend's Dad
🏈 Age Gap
🏈 Forbidden Love
🏈 Secret Relationship

🎀THANK YOU Kaylee Ryan for the privilege of being a part of your Influencer team!

[Kim (Chipperbooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Risk the Play Series: Nashville Rampage Series, Book 6
Author: Kaylee Ryan
Main Characters: Will Warner and Amanda Holton P. 268
Tropes: Football Romance, Age Gap, Single Mom, Secret Relationship, Forbidden, Best Friend’s Dad
Book Type Reviewed: E-Book
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

…and we say goodbye. Sigh! The Nashville Rampage Series has been six football stories; friends, teammates, family. Five teammates and their coach, all with the same football goal, but each of them has a different story to tell. And when it comes to their HEA…they will do anything for the ones they love.

In case a refresher is needed, five friends and teammates, Knox, Landry, Reid, Baker, and Foster all play for Nashville Rampage. Their wives are Corie, Rowan, Bellamy, Sloane, and Eden. The head coach is Will Warner, who happens to be Bellamy’s father. And in addition to the core friends, Bellamy has a childhood best friend, Amanda. See where this is going? Now, from Reid and Bellamy’s story, we learn of her estranged relationship with her father. Present day, Will and Bellamy have a much better relationship but Will still holds some guilt over missing time with his daughter, and he is determined to be present and not let his job consume him.

Amanda never imagined being in the situation she is in, a single mom. It’s a lot of work and she is exhausted but loves Mia more than anything. Amanda and Bellamy have been friends for a long time and when Bellamy met Reid, Amanda gained a whole group of friends, which she is very grateful for. Any of the five couples have been happy to lend a hand, and even Bellamy’s father, Will, has helped out some. And that’s where the story begins.

Will and Amanda have such a heartfelt story. I was so caught up in their story, I forgot about the age gap and issues they needed to overcome. Then Will with Mia…my heart. So sweet! To say I will miss this series is an understatement. I looked forward to all of these stories, knowing they were going to be great books. Loved the banter amongst the guys. Loved the teddy bear side of them. Loved the support and love from all the friends. All the couples share an intense chemistry and passion and were so much fun to read about. All six books are 5⭐️! (Maybe we can get a Christmas or Family Vacation Novella…hint hint Kaylee Ryan 🙂)
Thank you #KayleeRyan and #GiveMeBooksPR

[Tiffany Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Perfect Ending!**

The final book in the Nashville Rampage series, titled *Risk the Play*, is absolutely the best way to conclude this series. Coach Warner and Amanda finally find their HEA together. Their slow-burning romance and second chance at love unfold as they stop denying their feelings for each other. They take the risk of truly opening up and showing their vulnerabilities, fearing the potential loss of each other and their relationship with their daughter and best friend.

Throughout the series, we witness Will struggling to rebuild his relationship with Bellamy after his divorce. He grapples with guilt and focuses solely on his career as the head coach. Now, he and Bellamy are in a great place; he gets to see his granddaughter grow up, but he realizes how isolated and lonely his life has become. Meanwhile, Amanda has divorced her cheating ex-husband, and her adoption of sweet baby Mia has been finalized. She feels the need to prove to everyone that she can do this on her own, despite having a supportive village behind her. The betrayal has left her feeling alone.

Will helps build Amanda’s self-worth and confidence, which were hard-hit by her ex-husband. In turn, Amanda supports Will by encouraging him to focus on the present rather than work. Their attempts to deny their feelings for each other often lead to hilarious moments, as their attraction and chemistry are undeniably hot and spicy. Coach Daddy is completely fierce and passionate, bringing the perfect amount of intensity to their relationship.

Ryan did a phenomenal job with Will and Amanda, providing a perfect ending to this series. It’s bittersweet to see such an amazing series come to an end, as we’ve come to love all the characters, who feel like family—if not by blood, then through the true meaning of found family. One of my favorite aspects of Ryan's storytelling is the sense of community she creates, where everyone knows and takes care of one another. She consistently delivers that feeling in every series and book she writes. I cannot wait to see where she takes us next; wherever it is, I am eager to follow along!

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[World Of Books 65 · Rating 5 out of 5]

A poignant and powerful finale to one of the most talked-about football romance series, Risk the Play by Kaylee Ryan delivers exactly what this journey deserved—emotion, intensity, and a love story that doesn’t just linger… it hits.

The Nashville Rampage Series doesn’t slip quietly into the background—it goes out with a roar. And honestly, there couldn’t have been a more perfect couple to close it all out than Coach Will Warner and Amanda.

We’ve waited for this story— and it was worth every second.

This isn’t your typical swoony, easy romance. Yes, the chemistry is there, simmering and undeniable, but there’s an added depth that gives this story a different edge. This is an age-gap romance layered with real-life complications, emotional history, and stakes that feel so very real. Will isn’t just the team’s coach—he’s a father trying to rebuild a fractured relationship with his daughter, who also happens to be Amanda’s best friend. That connection alone adds a tension that pulses through every interaction.

And then there’s Amanda… a single mum doing her best to hold everything together. She dreamed of motherhood—just not like this. Watching her navigate raising her baby alone while slowly, almost cautiously, letting Will into their lives is both beautiful and bittersweet. Especially as her child begins to form a bond with him—those moments? They quietly steal your heart.

The more time they spend together—family gatherings, team events, shared spaces—the more the lines begin to blur. What starts as something tentative becomes impossible to ignore. But with so much at stake—family, trust, second chances—this isn’t a love story that comes easy. And that’s what makes it feel so authentic.

Will and Amanda’s journey is filled with longing, restraint, vulnerability, and that constant push and pull between what they want and what they should do. It’s emotional in a way that sneaks up on you—one minute you’re smiling at the softness, the next your heart is aching at the weight of it all.

As a finale, Risk the Play delivers everything: closure, depth, and a love story that feels earned in every sense.

A truly heartfelt ending to a standout series—and if you’re looking for your next 5⭐ binge read, this is absolutely it.

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s just something about a big, intimidating football coach turning into a complete softie for the people he loves that gets me every single time, and Coach Will Warner absolutely had me melting.

What I loved most about Risk the Play was that the tension between Will and Amanda never felt forced or overly dramatic. Amanda is best friends with Bellamy, Will’s daughter, and after years of football taking priority over everything else, Will had only recently rebuilt that relationship. So this wasn’t just a “forbidden for the sake of being forbidden” romance. They both had very real reasons to fight what was happening between them, which made every lingering look, every quiet moment, and every stolen second together feel even more intense.

And Will with Amanda's daughter, Mia? Forget it. This giant football coach completely folding for that little girl had me soft the entire book. The way he naturally stepped in to help Amanda, how patient and protective he was, and how easily he became someone Mia could rely on was honestly one of the sweetest parts of the story. There is just something about a man being wrapped around a little girl’s finger that works on me every single time.

But then you also get the complete opposite side of him once he’s alone with Amanda. The contrast between sweet, attentive grandpa Will and the confident, possessive, take-control energy he brings behind closed doors was SO good. Once this man falls, he falls hard, and I loved watching him realize that for the first time in his life, something mattered more than football.

More than anything though, this story felt like two lonely people finally finding someone who made life lighter. Watching Amanda slowly learn she didn’t have to carry everything alone anymore while Will became the steady, dependable person she could lean on was emotional in the best way.

And as always, the found family aspect of this series was everything. The Nashville Rampage crew truly feels like one big family at this point, and getting one final story with all of them together felt equal parts comforting and bittersweet.

Heartfelt, emotional, sexy, and full of so much love and healing, Risk the Play was such a beautiful ending to a series that completely stole my heart.

[Books_and_coco · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏈 Risk the Play - ARC Review 🏈

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I knew Risk the Play was going to hurt me emotionally but I wasn’t fully prepared for Will Warner 🥹 Dare I say this might actually be my favorite Nashville Rampage book ?

There’s just something about two people who both carry so much loneliness finding comfort in each other so quietly that completely wrecked me. This story wasn’t about grand gestures or unnecessary drama. It was about being chosen consistently, about showing up, about finding softness after disappointment and I felt every second of it.

Will honestly surprised me in the best way. Beneath the football coach, the confidence, the authority… he’s just a man who realized a little too late what really mattered in life. Watching him fall for Amanda and Mia so naturally, so wholeheartedly, had my heart in pieces 😭 The way he cared for them never felt performative or forced. He simply loved them in all the small everyday ways that matter the most. And Amanda… after everything with her ex, seeing her slowly allow herself to lean on someone else again was so emotional. She’s strong, capable, independent but you can feel how exhausted she is from carrying everything alone. Watching her realize she didn’t have to anymore honestly made this story hit even harder.

What made this one become my favorite though was how mature and grounded everything felt. The tension is there, the chemistry is THERE 🫠 but their emotional connection came first. The conversations, the trust, the quiet moments with Mia, the way they understood each other without needing to explain everything, it all felt so genuine and comforting to read.

And Will with Mia absolutely melted me. That little family they created together felt so natural and full of love. Also, the found family in this series will forever own a piece of my heart 🥹

Such a beautiful, emotional, comforting ending to a series I completely fell in love with. I’m not ready to let them go 😭

Thank so much to @kaylee_ryan_author for having me on her team 🩷

[Fernanda Dzib · Rating 5 out of 5]

5⭐️

Review of advance copy ❤️

I was craving for this book since the moment I finished Foster and Eden’s book, and the waiting was worth it 😩❤️

I loved every second I spend reading Will and Amanda’s story, I knew this was going to be an amazing book but it was even more perfect than that! I loved how Amanda was slowly learning to trust Will and asking for help, and I loved her so much, my girl was trying to do everything in her own because her ex cheated on her and got his mistress pregnant when hi and Amanda were trying to adopt a baby because they couldn’t get pregnant, and honestly it was for the best, because when that horrible ex was out of Amanda’s life, she got her beautiful baby Mia and soon after that, she discovered Will🥹❤️

I mean they already knew each other because ahem, Will is Amanda’s best friend dad and the couch of the football team all her husband’s friends are playing for, so we had a little of forbidden romance right there because of course she was afraid of losing her best friend Bellamy because she fell in love with her dad, and even when this could be weird sometimes, I was in could 9 reading how Will and Amanda fell in love, it was gradual and beautiful and he was there for here in every aspect of her and Mia’s life and oh my heart, his bond with Mia was instantaneous and perfect and I just loved them so much 😭❤️ Will was head over heels not only for Amanda but for Mia too, and even when he was afraid too of losing his daughter because he fell for her best friend, he was willing to risk it all just to have the chance to love Amanda and Mia and that man did everything right and ahhh I just love him so much 😩❤️

I’m sad because this was the last book of the series and yes I’m attached to all this characters and I don’t want to say goodbye!! But I’m also excited to read what’s coming next ✨❤️

Also, this and ironically Bellamy’s book aka Will’s daughter are my favorites 🙈

[Jennifer Brewster · Rating 5 out of 5]

FINALLY!!!!! If you are anything like me you have been waiting for Amanda to get her own book and I also was secretly hoping it would be Coach Warren! Risk The Play is the final book in the Nashville Rampage and is a beautiful age gap, single mother, best friends dad story that will have you rotting for everyone involved. These two were the perfect ending for an incredible series.

Best friends dad can always be a little tricky, especially given that said dad was rebuilding his relationship with his daughter Bellamy, Amandas best friend. Kaylee did a phenomenal job of not only building the relationship between Will and Amanda, but also keeping the progress he was building with Bellamy at the forefront as well.

Will is a famous head coach of the Nashville Rampage. He devoted most of his life to the game and as a result lost his first marriage and a relationship with his daughter. Years later he has been given a second chance and is rebuilding his relationship with Bellamy and also rocking his gig as a grandpa. Amanda is a single mom who adopted a beautiful little girl Mia while her first marriage was falling apart. She is trying to hold it all together and not ask for help from anyone. While she loves the Rampage family, she also silently feels like a bit of an outsider.

Their journey is filled with longing, real life complications, true vulnerability from both of them and at the core of it, two people that are truly meant to be together. I loved that Will showed Amanda that she did not have to do it all alone, it was weak to rely on someone. He showed her that her ex was a true D-Bag and having a true partner made the journey that much sweeter.

Getting one last story with the whole Rampage Family was what my soul needed. If you need a 5 star series, this needs to be on your TBR!!!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Risk the Play is (unfortunately) the final book in the Nashville Rampage series. Will Warner has been a secondary character throughout the Nashville Rampage series. The Head Coach to the Nashville Rampage and the estranged father of Bellamy. We only know what Bellamy tells us about Coach. Amanda is introduced in the third book as Bellamy’s best friend. Did I ever imagine these two being paired up? Nope. But Kaylee Ryan surprised us readers and wrote an absolute gem of a story to close out this series.

We see Coach’s vulnerable side. He sees his daughter, players, and even ex-wife in happy relationships. Amanda is in a similar situation- a single mom and all her friend’s are in relationships. The more these two are together, the more they interact and become closer. Baby Mia is just the cutest! She bonds immediately with Coach. Your heart just melts and instinctively you want to call Will, Coach Daddy (iykyk).

The forbidden aspect will keep you on your toes wondering when their relationship comes out. They hide their relationship knowing the risk and what it could cost them. Will wants to tell everyone while Amanda wants to wait. Will is just so patient with Amanda and all the moments with baby Mia is heartwarming.

Risk the Play is everything you love and more in a book by Kaylee Ryan. The amount of times I cheered and joyfully squealed could be embarrassing (especially when I was reading on the subway). I was smiling so hard reading Will and Amanda’s story. My heart was just goo so many times. I just loved every moment of their story. Risk the play is a top read of 2026.

Thank you to Kaylee Ryan for the advance reader copy. I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily. I received no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Laurenreadingrecs · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Tropes :
🏈Football
❤️Age Gap
🏈Coach
❤️Forbidden Relationship
🏈Best Friend's Dad
❤️Secret Relationship
🏈Found Family
❤️Single Mom
🏈Dual POV


I Cannot Believe we are at the end of this Nashville Rampage Series, but man what a way to go. Risk the Play is book 6, the final book and it gives us the story of Will and Amanda.

Will, aka Coach Daddy. He isn't just the team's coach, He has a very strenuous and damaged relationship with his daughter, Bellamy who we got her HEA in Learn the Play, book 3. Bellamy just also happens to be Amanda's best friend. Will knew EXACTLY what Amanda needed and vowed not to make the same mistakes again. He knew how to share some of the responsibilities of an infant just to help but still knowing how capable Amanda is to do it alone. He knew just how to be there in the moment and love no matter the biology. That alone made me a swoon.

Amanda is a single mom but also Bellamy’s best friend. Amanda really struggles with not doing things alone and letting people help her no matter what it is. She often feels the weight of the world and is doing life alone and even sometimes feels like an outsider because she’s the lone wolf of the group. I loved watching her open up to Will and letting someone back in after everything she went through with her ex. She heeded someone to have her back and will was that person.

This book was swoon worthy and their path to getting that HEA wasn’t easy as there are other hearts involved but This book had it all emotions, fun, sports and it had me swooning.

Kaylee is one of the best at found family and groups of friends. This book and series was no exception and a great way to end this Nashville Rampage series

[Allegra Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️ 1/5🌶️

It’s hard to believe this series has come to an end. Watching Amanda finally get her happily ever after—especially after seeing her failed marriage coming—was incredibly satisfying. And that HEA with her best friend’s dad? Unexpected, bold, and surprisingly heartfelt.

Will turned out to be exactly what Amanda needed in a partner. He knew how to share the weight of responsibility while still reminding her that she was strong and capable on her own. Their relationship unfolded naturally and slowly, without intention or planning, and despite both of them trying to resist the attraction, it was inevitable.

I really appreciated seeing Will step up in every way that mattered. He made amends with Bellamy, prioritized his daughter, and navigated his feelings for Amanda with care—even knowing the potential fallout. Aside from the obvious complication of falling for his daughter’s best friend, Will truly did everything right.

It was also nice to get a sense of closure for the friend group after following them for so long. That said, there were a couple of plot points that felt underdeveloped or unresolved, making me question whether they were entirely necessary.

The writing did lean a bit repetitive at times, with characters circling the same thoughts more than needed. Still, those issues didn’t take away from what was ultimately a strong, emotional, and satisfying conclusion to the series.

Tropes:
Football Romance
Single Mom
Age Gap (18 years)
Best Friend’s Father
Forbidden Romance
Slow Burn

Thank you Kaylee and Give Me Books PR for an eARC in exchange of my honest review.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylee wrote the most beautiful story about finding love a second time! Coach Will and Amanda, and little Mia will steal your hearts in this story! 5 hot football stars for this one!
Amanda is raising her adopted daughter Mia all alone. She has a great team behind her thanks to her best friend Bellamy and her crew of football players and their wives! They're always willing to lend a hand. And now that hand includes Bellamy's dad Coach Will. Will knows the struggles Amanda has had, and he's happy to lend a hand when he can to help her out. What starts as helping her, becomes feelings he never thought he'd feel again after he and Bellamy's mom divorced. He's built back his relationship with his daughter, and they're in a good spot. But now after spending so much time with Amanda and Mia, his heart is truly starting to beat once again. He has to tread lightly here, because he knows how distrustful Amanda is, after her husband cheated on her, and left her for the other woman, and she decided to go through with the adoption of Mia alone anyway.
Will and Amanda's story is nothing short of beautiful. The strength they showed to try to fight their feelings for one another, as to not hurt Bellamy, was written so well by Kaylee! I teared up, I laughed and cheered these two on! I couldn't put this one down, yet I also didn't want it to end!
I won't say too much more, because honestly, you need to experience all the feels while reading this one your self!
Kaylee, thank you for doing the Nashville Rampage series justice with this last book! You outdid yourself with this one! People, grab this one asap!

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐲 is the 6th and final book in the Nashville Rampage series by Kaylee Ryan, featuring an angsty, emotional, and heartwarming age-gap, best friend’s dad romance for Amanda and Coach Will. The forbidden vibe was strong, but these two lonely people, starting over for different reasons, both deserved a second chance at love, and they were exactly what the other one needed. Will made his mistakes in his first marriage and learned his lessons, and now he’s ready to put someone first, and build a life. Amanda had endured enough pain and betrayal with her ex, that she has earned a shot at a mature man willing to walk beside her and help carry the load, and also love her daughter as much as she does! Reading scenes with Will with his granddaughter and baby Mia had me swooning so hard!!🥰 As if that wasn’t enough, he treated Amanda like the absolute queen she was, always wanting to help her, without being controlling, offering support, a shoulder to lean on, an ear to listen, and a sweet nickname only from him. Seriously, I was putty for the man, and I didn’t use to like big age gaps. I learned I just had to find authors who could write them beautifully!😉 I loved their genuine conversations, their natural chemistry and sparks, and the love and concern that they showed for Bellamy and the rest of their “family.” I feel like I repeat myself with every book in this series, but I cannot overstate how special the found family vibe is among this football team family. The indelible loyalty and love that flows between them, and the banter and dialogue that spawns from it is priceless. So much love, heart, and babies!! I love all those babies, and the way their manly daddies melt for them!! I kind of want to cry because the series is over, but Coach Daddy was the best way to end it!! Don’t miss that bonus epilogue, though!! It’s perfect!!

Thank you to the author for the advanced review copy. My opinions are entirely my own.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶

[Kelsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️

What an amazing way to end this series! Honestly though I am sad to see the Nashville Rampage series come to an end! I’ve fallen in love with every couple and every story. There was no better couple to end this series with though than Will Warner, and Amanda though. A bit of a forbidden relationship when Will happened to be Bellamy’s dad and Amanda is Bellamy’s best friend. But they say love finds you when your not looking and least expect it and that’s exactly what happened in these two case. Will has just gotten back into his daughter’s life after a tumultuous relationship between the two of them for years, and he knows he’s made mistakes but he’s learned and he’s going to make sure that he’s never on the outskirts of her life again. Amanda on the other hand has been through her fair share of heartbreak and all she wants is to be the best mother to her little girl as possible. Even if she feels like she’s not doing a very good job most of the time. There had never been any feelings between Will and Amanda in previously, but as they begin to spend more time together feelings start to bloom. Both Will and Amanda try to fight their attraction as they know it would be considered strange but the more time they spend together the more they’re drawn to each other until all their walls collapse and love is inevitable. I absolutely loved this series and this final book was just perfect! If you’re looking for a sports series that is full of romance, found family, swoon-worthy romantic moments, the perfect amount of spice, cute little, a few twists and turns, and a happily ever after then I highly recommend grabbing a copy of Risk the Play today!

[Lisa Nizz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved this series and am sorry to see it end. But Kaylee ended this series beautifully.

We have seen Coach Warner through out this series. A tough coach but he had a heart for his daughter and his players. The way he put everything into starting to heal the relationship between himself and his daughter, Bellamy, had me hoping he would be the last book and find his HEA, at the same time hoping poor, struggling Amanda would also find happiness. We got such a gift when Kaylee paired them.

Will is really trying to prove to Bellamy that he’s learned from his mistakes and vows to be there for her. He is just making headway as a doting father and papa to his granddaughter when he and Amanda keep finding themselves in each other’s orbit and her daughter Mia immediately becomes attached to him.

Their path to love is hard as Will doesn’t want to undo all the progress he’s made with his relationship with Bellamy and Amanda is afraid of losing her best friend and found family, her only support in the world.

I swooned, cried, and my heart burst for the three of them. It was such a beautiful and tender love story. Learning to trust, to try again when the past was so painful, the depth of a blended family. What I most loved about the series is there is no miscommunication, the characters are open and honest and work through their problems together. It’s so refreshing.

I think this series will be a constant reread.

Age gap
Daughters best friend
Unexpected love of their lives
Single mom
He falls first
Football romance
Found family

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kaylee Ryan didn't need a hail mary because the Nashville Rampage was a series of touchdowns! And what a way to go out; an age gap, forced proximity, single parent for the win!
Coach and Amanda's story was everything. Loving the same people, being a part of the same found family threw Coach and Amanda together at every opportunity. It's only natural to catch feelings. And what kind of feelings do two single people catch? The kind that makes romance novels what they are.
I loved how Coach was older and so comfortable in his own skin that he really didn't care that Amanda was 20 years younger than him. He didn't care that she was a single mom to a toddler. I love that Mia was just as much his <3. Coach was a total golden retriever and protector when it came to Amanda and Mia.
Amanda, girl I feel you. Not the single parent thing, but the silver fox that's hot on your tail thing. lol.
How could you NOT fall for the silver fox who is always there when you need him. Always ready to be what you need, take care of things for you, especially after telling you that you're an amazing mom, can do all the things, and deserves some time to chill. I mean, *swoon*
The tension and drama here was obviously the fact that Amanda is Coach's daughter's best friend, and WHAT would she think if she found out... and rightly so. Not everyone could be happy that their parent and bestie were banging, lol.
Risk the Play was well written, totally engaging, and such a great read. I am soooo happy I found this author and all her wonderful words.

[Sheridan Mullen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think it’s important to note that I read this in my luteal phase, so take this review as you will with that knowledge…

The first quarter of the book had zero chemistry for me. If I didn’t know Will and Amanda were the MCs, I honestly would not have put them together. There were no sparks, lingering looks, or real tension until just after the 25% mark. But once it finally clicked it was like fireworks!

I still don’t fully know how it all happened so suddenly, but once they gave in to their feelings, they just fit. Their relationship made sense, and I was fully invested. The secrecy kept me engaged because I wanted to see how it would all play out and I was pleasantly surprised by the ending while also completely satisfied with it.

Amanda’s character was a little exhausting at times, especially with how often she resisted help and emphasized being a single mom. It had me rolling my eyes here and there, but as the story progressed, she became easier to connect with. It never took away from the book overall.

I do wish we had gotten more of their beach vacation with friends. It was a week-long trip, and we only really saw a couple of days. I also wanted more of their one on one sneaking around moments.

That said, I still fully enjoyed this book and couldn’t wait to get back to it every time real life forced me to set it down (reality, gross, I know). It’s a cute, light read that had my tummy doing somersaults throughout. Definitely recommend!

[Luisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The time has come to read and review Coach Daddy! Throughout the Nashville Rampage series, we’ve met the grumpy, and sometimes disliked, Will Warner, coach of the Nashville Rampage football team and father of Beth, Amanda’s best friend, whom we’ve also met in prior books. Now, Coach Will is reformed. He’s learned from the mistakes of his past and wants nothing more than a second chance with his daughter—and little does he know, a second chance at love may also be in the cards for him.

I loved everything about this book. Amanda is now a single mother after choosing to move forward with adopting a baby despite her recent divorce. She struggles with relying on others, but it’s so heartwarming to see the people around her continually remind her that they are her family and she doesn’t have to do everything alone.

And let’s talk about Coach Warner, he is truly a changed man. He recognizes the importance of family over career, and I loved how present he is for his daughter, granddaughter, Amanda, and Mia. I especially appreciated his insistence on telling Beth the truth, though I’ll admit I was disappointed by how much Amanda pushed back without really articulating how she was feeling.

One last thing: I initially thought Beth was trying to push Amanda and her father together when she put them in that one room, but I guess I was wrong. If there’s one thing I would have changed about this book, it would be that piece.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Kaylee Ryan for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I can't believe the Nashville Rampage series is over! Will and Amanda's book is the perfect ending to this series!

Coach Daddy (Will) is a famous football coach who lost his first wife and daughter decades before because he chose football over them. He finally has his daughter and grandson back in his life and then he falls for her best friend, Amanda. He can't risk the relationship with his daughter but all he wants is to be there for the woman he never expected to fall for and her daughter.

Amanda went through it right before she adopted her daughter on her own after getting divorced from her cheating husband. She was so afraid to ask or accept help from anyone because she was the one that chose to do this on her own. Will wouldn't take no for an answer and kept showing up for Amanda and Mia showing both of them so much love. Will showed Amanda that accepting help doesn't make her a failure, it makes her stronger because she is asking and accepting the help she needs and deserves. The way Coach Daddy drops everything and shows up for Amanda and Mia over and over, even when he is working, had me swooning! He learned from his past mistakes and is making sure risking the play is worth it.

I am not a big football romance book lover but this entire series was amazing, Risk the Play was definitely my favorite!

[Jaime Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review: When I found out that Kaylee Ryan would be ending this series with none other than Amanda & Coach Will, I knew the Nashville Rampage Series would be one of my favorites. After reading Risk The Play - Just speechless! AMAZING! A true love story. Age-gap. Single mom. Football Coach. Best Friend's Dad. Forbidden Love. Secret Relationships.

PLEASE READ this Book! READ the Whole Series!!

We always got to meet Amanda here and there throughout the Series. She was with someone who would never put her first, always treated her second to everything in his life. Now he is her ex and Amanda is raising a beautiful little girl she adopted Mia. Amanda is struggling as a Single Mom feeling like she can't ask for help, that she needs to do everything herself until Coach Will reminds her that her friends and himself are there to help. Most of all, they are her family. Coach Will took to Mia instantly. With his heart of gold. He loved helping with that sweet little girl. Mia took to him like no other. What started as Coach Will just helping Amanda turned into something neither of them expected. They were falling fast for each other and Amanda was afraid to tell her best friend who was Coach Will's daughter so they kept it secret. Amanda was scared she would lose her best friend but also scared to lose Will the man she fell in love with.

This story will pull you in!! It will Captivate you! It is a true Page Turner! Don't Pass It Up!!

[Veronica Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risk The Play by Kaylee Ryan, Book 6 of the Nashville Rampage Series. This is a Best Friend’s Dad, Age Gap, Sports Romance following Coach William “Will” Warner and Amanda Holton. 🚩This is for readers 18 years and/or older as it has mature content and not suitable for underage readers 🚩

My thoughts 💭
What a way to end a great series!! This is such a beautiful story. Coach Warner, such a great man and doing everything he can to make up for the years he was absent from his only daughter Bellamy’s life growing up. The guilt this beautiful man holds is heartbreaking but also it keeps him present and grounded in a way that makes him feel like he is finally part of her family again. This man loves hard and it is clear from page one, the people he keeps close benefit from it the most. And his connection with Amanda is…wow. So easy and natural. The trust she instantly has for him is so strong, especially after experiencing such a devastating heartbreak finding out her ex husband cheated on her and got his mistress pregnant as they were working on adopting a baby. Somehow, despite it all, they found each other’s company to be fulfilling and to watch their relationship grow…slowly but steadily…it’s so beautiful. This is such a great book and absolutely recommend reading it, along with the full series if you haven’t already.

✨I would like to thank Author Kaylee Ryan for the opportunity to read and review Risk The Play.

[Leshay Germany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew we needed Daddy Coach and his daughter’s best friends story, but let me tell just say that I absolutely devoured Will and Amanda’s book…. literally finished it in one day. I could not love them more. Coach Will Warner had me in a puddle. The slow burn and yearning was just so good and done perfectly. Amanda and his daughter have best friends since they were kids and Will having put his career over fatherhood know has a second chance at repairing their relationship. He’s all in with his daughter and her family she has and Amanda didn’t want to lose her best friend and biggest supporter. They both had every reason why they needed to stay away from each other, but every moment and the looks when they were together made it that much harder to fight it.

Not to mention, he was a big ol’ softy with Amanda’s daughter Mia and their moments had me tearing up. He just stepped right in to help her when she was exhausted and Mia had him wrapped around her little finger. Then he would have me giggling like a school girl and all giddy when he was with Amanda. I was totally swooning over him. Soon they both realize that second chances at love are not so easy to come by and sometimes impossible to ignore. I loved this series so much and this crew with their found family aspect. Will and Amanda’s journey was such a heartfelt way to end on.

Thank you so much Kaylee for the early arc to read. I will miss this crew.

[Kerry-Anne Nabb · Rating 4 out of 5]

To say I was excited that Amanda found love and got her happy ending, is putting it lighting. As soon as she was introduced in Learn the play ( Bellamy & Reid) I was hoping she would find the love she deserves.

Now coach, Bellamy’s father, the man that put his work and players over his family for so many years that he lost his daughter. But now he’s finally back in her life and building that bond back with her and growing a bond with his granddaughter. He now understands that work will not always be there, but family will.

Will and Amanda both have a secret crush on each other. Both believe that the other wouldn’t see them in that light, that they are too young/old for one another.

Until the night Amanda finally takes the chance and kisses Will. Their relationship grows slowly with both fighting their connection. Both not wanting to hurt those that they love.

Until it all becomes too much to hide and allows themselves to have the love they both deserve and want.
The way Will builds a relationship with baby Mia. She’s such a cute little baba. That is loved so much by everyone. And has the perfect mama.

Their story sucked me in deep, I ran through the chapters so fast. Most of the time I completely forgot there is a big age gap.

Will spending time with Amanda and baba Mia. Helping with Mia without being asked too. Knowing Amanda needs that little break and doesn’t ask for any help.

I’m a little sad that this series is over with and I will hold each and every one in my heart.

[Mara Ramirez · Rating 5 out of 5]

And just like that the rampage family is complete. 🥹🤧 This was the perfect way to wrap up the Nashville Rampage series and I genuinely don’t want to say goodbye to this family. Watching Will and Amanda finally get their story was so worth the wait. Coach daddy??? Yeah… that man had me swooning. Who doesn’t love a coach daddy? The way he loved Amanda and Mia so fiercely while also trying to rebuild his relationship with Bellamy made my heart ache in the best way. He wasn’t lying when he said he learned from his mistakes. He was present and there. And Amanda?? My girl deserved the world after everything she went through. I loved watching her slowly let herself be loved and supported. She thought she would never find love like the kind her best friend has, little did she know he forever love was standing right next to her. And can we just talk about Will with Mia because those scenes absolutely melted my heart. Mia KNEWWW who her daddy was. But it was more than that they had a bond and the loved they shared perfect. Such a beautiful, emotional, heartwarming ending to a series I’ve become so attached to. Kaylee Ryan you always write the best found families. Can’t wait to dive into the next one. Thank you for the ARC read ♥️♥️♥️♥️

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coach Daddy! I hoped Coach Warner was going to get a book, I just knew it could happen... and Kaylee made it happen!! There was all sorts of fist pumps and screams when it was announced Risk the Play would be Will Warner's story and I.AM.HERE.FOR.IT!
Coach runs through all the Rampage books, because of course he does, being the teams coach and Bellamy's dad and I am so pleased he found a way to make his second chance at love happen.
It crept up on him, slow and steady, just like him. The tension between him and Amanda was amazing, forbidden, delicious and oh so hot!
Amanda was still reeling from her ex husband but the solid presence of Will broke through all her walls, and baby Mia, man she knew a good thing when she saw it - constantly clinging to him like he hung the moon. I had stars in my eyes whenever it came to Will and his girls, all of them - Amanda, Mia, Bellamy and Coral.
I absolutely love this series, I have followed it from the beginning, and this is by far one of the best football series I have read, ending with Coach was the best decision!

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can’t believe this series is over! Ending the series with Coach’s book was the perfect ending.

I absolutely swooned and fell hard for Coach..aka Will. The man was so sweet and always there to help everyone! Not only was he fixing what was broken between him and his daughter but he was also showing up for Amanda without her asking and showing her that she had help and people to lean on.

This was a slower burn for Will and Amanda and I LOVED it! I loved seeing their relationship slowly progress. Of course this relationship is “forbidden”. Amanda is Will’s daughters best friend and of course they shouldn’t be looking at each other the way they do, or the small touches or sneaking around….but they can’t stop the pull they have for each other.

Will and Amanda had such a sweet relationship. I loved how the 3rd act played out and that Will and Amanda were able to finally have the happiness that they both deserved.

If you love:
Found Family
Sports Romance
Age Gap
Forbidden
Single Mom
This book is for you

Thank you Kaylee for the arc of this in return for my honest opinion.

[Helayna · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review
I'm usually not drawn to age-gap romances, but this one completely stole my heart. From the very first page, this story pulled me in with its emotional depth, slow-burn chemistry, and unforgettable characters.

Amanda is a strong single mom determined to carry the weight of the world on her own, while Coach Will Warner is a man trying to heal from past mistakes and prove he’s worthy of love and family again. Their connection is tender, forbidden, and impossible to ignore. The way Will cares for Amanda and her daughter melted my heart, and the gradual build of their romance made every moment feel meaningful.

What truly makes this book shine is the balance of romance, family, and emotional stakes. The secret relationship, the fear of hurting the people they love, and the overwhelming need to fight for happiness kept me turning pages late into the night.

Captivating, heartfelt, and beautifully written, this was the perfect ending to the series and a romance I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a way to end a series.

I loved Will and Amanda. These two were just built to be together. They were both missing someone. Lonely and wanting to find that missing piece.

Amanda has started her motherhood journey on her own. She’s been through it. However still decided that Mia was meant to be hers.

Will is just glad to be there. Back in his daughter’s life and a part of the group. To be considered at all. He knows he’s missed out on a lot and let a lot of things go when he should have fought harder.

So these two fight their feelings. They don’t want to loose the people important too them. Too bad their feelings are just too strong. Will is in love with Amanda and Mia. They love him too. Being a part of their lives just comes naturally. So they fight for it. They fight for each other and the love that they have fallen into. They fight for the family they are building.

Mane I loved this one!!!