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Rock City Renegades #3
The Interception
Not yet published
Expected 22 Jan 26Theo
Since I was a kid, I’ve only wanted two to be a professional football player and to have a family of my own. Being drafted by the Rock City Renegades was the first step, but now I’m ready for the rest. I have the house and the rescue dog, who’s proven to be a bit of a menace for everyone other than my crush, Finley Bolton. So when I find myself needing someone to watch him while I’m away, moving her in is the most logical option. She may be pregnant by another man, but it doesn’t take long for her and the baby to etch their names into my heart. I want a life with them, but will I be able to break down Finley’s walls and prove that I can be the man she needs, or will she pack up and obliterate every dream I’ve ever had?
Finley
Getting pregnant by my casual hookup wasn’t on my bingo card for the year, but that’s exactly what happened. He’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with us, which leaves me scrambling to pay for everything on my own. So, when Theo Calloway asks me to dog sit after I’m unexpectedly fired from my job, I have no choice but to take him up on the offer. Right away, he begins caring for me, blurring the lines between friendship and something more. I said I wouldn’t catch feelings—sure that I’d be better on my own. But when he steps up, showing me what my baby and I deserve, will I be able to move on and protect myself from the heartbreak I’m so used to?
Since I was a kid, I’ve only wanted two to be a professional football player and to have a family of my own. Being drafted by the Rock City Renegades was the first step, but now I’m ready for the rest. I have the house and the rescue dog, who’s proven to be a bit of a menace for everyone other than my crush, Finley Bolton. So when I find myself needing someone to watch him while I’m away, moving her in is the most logical option. She may be pregnant by another man, but it doesn’t take long for her and the baby to etch their names into my heart. I want a life with them, but will I be able to break down Finley’s walls and prove that I can be the man she needs, or will she pack up and obliterate every dream I’ve ever had?
Finley
Getting pregnant by my casual hookup wasn’t on my bingo card for the year, but that’s exactly what happened. He’s made it crystal clear that he doesn’t want anything to do with us, which leaves me scrambling to pay for everything on my own. So, when Theo Calloway asks me to dog sit after I’m unexpectedly fired from my job, I have no choice but to take him up on the offer. Right away, he begins caring for me, blurring the lines between friendship and something more. I said I wouldn’t catch feelings—sure that I’d be better on my own. But when he steps up, showing me what my baby and I deserve, will I be able to move on and protect myself from the heartbreak I’m so used to?
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication January 22, 2026
474 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 210 reviews
January 10, 2026
You’re probably thinking “Cee? A “not his baby” book that you actually enjoyed?” And yes. Absolutely. If they were all written like this one, I’d read them all. The absolute standard for this trope for me now. I regret nothing. Full RTC!
______________________________
If anyone can convince me to read and love a “not his baby” trope book, it’s going to be my Smut Mommy™️, C.L.Rose. Yep. You heard that right. I have absolutely no reason to hate the trope other than picking up one a few years ago, hating it, and never picking it up again afterwards. Well she said “hold my beer” and I’m so glad I read Theo & Finley!
Theo, sweet baby boy Theo. He’s so precious. He’s got the house, the team, the dog, now all he needs is the woman. He’s longed for Finley for a while now, but never had the chance to make his move. Now, he’s stepping up in a big way to be everything she always wanted but didn’t know she could have.
Fin is going through some major changes, so when a new job pops up, and all the pieces seem to be falling into place she just rolls with it. Because why not? Life is changing, it’s time for some stability.
I loved seeing their relationship grow, as well as their friendship. These two really were friends above all else. They took the time to learn about one another, talk, chill, and grow with each other before taking their relationship to the next level.
This book had me tearing up, laughing my ass off (Maddy daddy) and just absolutely swooning for their love. They truly just wanted and had each other. They move quickly, but with everything going on, it just worked for them.
I never got that icky feeling that Fins ex would come back into the picture. I never got the ick from how she got pregnant. I never got an ick from anything here. Theo wasn’t trying to replace anyone, he was just being himself. Stepping up when no one else would to show his girl what she meant to him, and that she was always meant to be his.
Phenomenal. Beautiful. And honestly for me? Life changing. I’m a changed woman.
______________________________
If anyone can convince me to read and love a “not his baby” trope book, it’s going to be my Smut Mommy™️, C.L.Rose. Yep. You heard that right. I have absolutely no reason to hate the trope other than picking up one a few years ago, hating it, and never picking it up again afterwards. Well she said “hold my beer” and I’m so glad I read Theo & Finley!
Theo, sweet baby boy Theo. He’s so precious. He’s got the house, the team, the dog, now all he needs is the woman. He’s longed for Finley for a while now, but never had the chance to make his move. Now, he’s stepping up in a big way to be everything she always wanted but didn’t know she could have.
Fin is going through some major changes, so when a new job pops up, and all the pieces seem to be falling into place she just rolls with it. Because why not? Life is changing, it’s time for some stability.
I loved seeing their relationship grow, as well as their friendship. These two really were friends above all else. They took the time to learn about one another, talk, chill, and grow with each other before taking their relationship to the next level.
This book had me tearing up, laughing my ass off (Maddy daddy) and just absolutely swooning for their love. They truly just wanted and had each other. They move quickly, but with everything going on, it just worked for them.
I never got that icky feeling that Fins ex would come back into the picture. I never got the ick from how she got pregnant. I never got an ick from anything here. Theo wasn’t trying to replace anyone, he was just being himself. Stepping up when no one else would to show his girl what she meant to him, and that she was always meant to be his.
Phenomenal. Beautiful. And honestly for me? Life changing. I’m a changed woman.
January 18, 2026
Theo Calloway. The man that you are. Every time this man says Mama, I melted. This book made me so happy that not only Theo got his HEA but that Finley and her baby did too because they deserved all the happiness.
Theo Calloway was the SWEETEST man there ever was, right up there with Ace baby. This man is selfless, especially when it comes to Finley and her unborn baby. This book was different for me in the sense that Finley is not pregnant with Theo’s baby and the relationship that blossomed between them with this situation, was beautiful and made it seem so natural for them. Theo is all in, in whatever capacity Finley is wanting him to be. Also, we love a man who communicates! The boyishness was so endearing, I loved it.
Finley, this poor girl, just kept getting dumped on by everyone, until Theo swoops in. She was really not expecting much from Theo but he just grabbed her hand and held on tight. This woman was just as sweet as Theo, though. She was trying to take care of him just as much as he was to her.
Their inner monologues had me cracking up, like every C. L. Rose book. The way she writes her characters is so interesting and so unique, I just love it. These two were no exception because I could not get over how freaking cute and sweet they both were. But what really gets me every single book is the spice. This woman’s mind is like nothing I have read. We get an F it moment, but in a gentle way. We get them both taking control and it is so delicious. But the sweetest MMC with a filthy mouth, yes.
This whole book hand me giddy and smiling throughout. The found family, as always, is amazing in this. Not only had Theo stepped up but also the Renegades and their other halves.
Thank you to CL Rose for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Theo Calloway was the SWEETEST man there ever was, right up there with Ace baby. This man is selfless, especially when it comes to Finley and her unborn baby. This book was different for me in the sense that Finley is not pregnant with Theo’s baby and the relationship that blossomed between them with this situation, was beautiful and made it seem so natural for them. Theo is all in, in whatever capacity Finley is wanting him to be. Also, we love a man who communicates! The boyishness was so endearing, I loved it.
Finley, this poor girl, just kept getting dumped on by everyone, until Theo swoops in. She was really not expecting much from Theo but he just grabbed her hand and held on tight. This woman was just as sweet as Theo, though. She was trying to take care of him just as much as he was to her.
Their inner monologues had me cracking up, like every C. L. Rose book. The way she writes her characters is so interesting and so unique, I just love it. These two were no exception because I could not get over how freaking cute and sweet they both were. But what really gets me every single book is the spice. This woman’s mind is like nothing I have read. We get an F it moment, but in a gentle way. We get them both taking control and it is so delicious. But the sweetest MMC with a filthy mouth, yes.
This whole book hand me giddy and smiling throughout. The found family, as always, is amazing in this. Not only had Theo stepped up but also the Renegades and their other halves.
Thank you to CL Rose for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Tropes:
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC review:
5⭐️♾️: THEO CALLOWAY!!! Top tier book boyfriend! I loved him so much! He is literally the sweetest, swooniest, dirty talking MMC 😍😍🥵😮💨. The fact that Finley made him all kinds of tongue-tied and was basically his dream girl was 👌🏻. Loved Finley and you couldn’t help but root for her. Theo was meant to be her light and ended up being such a perfect partner for Finley. Loved that things revolved around Boner getting fired from doggy daycare for being a menace and of course he was a good boy for Finley only 😂. It was fate for Finley to become Boner’s dog sitter. Theo ended up being the most thoughtful and caring MMC 💕. The way he dropped all kinds of pregnancy knowledge on Finley was so endearing and the fact that he loved that baby as his own was everything 🥹. My heart was so happy after this one 🥰. Candice delivered yet again! It was perfect and I’m still completely obsessed with this series!
5⭐️♾️: THEO CALLOWAY!!! Top tier book boyfriend! I loved him so much! He is literally the sweetest, swooniest, dirty talking MMC 😍😍🥵😮💨. The fact that Finley made him all kinds of tongue-tied and was basically his dream girl was 👌🏻. Loved Finley and you couldn’t help but root for her. Theo was meant to be her light and ended up being such a perfect partner for Finley. Loved that things revolved around Boner getting fired from doggy daycare for being a menace and of course he was a good boy for Finley only 😂. It was fate for Finley to become Boner’s dog sitter. Theo ended up being the most thoughtful and caring MMC 💕. The way he dropped all kinds of pregnancy knowledge on Finley was so endearing and the fact that he loved that baby as his own was everything 🥹. My heart was so happy after this one 🥰. Candice delivered yet again! It was perfect and I’m still completely obsessed with this series!
January 19, 2026
FIVE MFING STARS FOR THE PERFECTION THAT IS THEO AND FINLEY!!!
I swear this book is so good!! I am actually so obsessed it should be looked at medically. PERFECTION FROM START TO FINISH!! I wanted 10191883 more pages!!! SO GOOD!!!
I swear this book is so good!! I am actually so obsessed it should be looked at medically. PERFECTION FROM START TO FINISH!! I wanted 10191883 more pages!!! SO GOOD!!!
January 8, 2026
I just finished and I am still a puddle of emotions. I’ve read every single book Candace has every written and loved them, but this book has officially become my favorite.
I thought I’ve seen a man be down bad, but I hadn’t seen anything until I met Theo and saw him with Finley. The way he was so patient with her, and loved her so fiercely had me swooning. But then you add in how much he loved her sweet baby before she was even born, and he completely swept me off my feet. Any fictional man I read after this will never live up to Theo, because he was the biggest green flag, golden retriever, sweetheart of man that I’ve ever met.
Not only was the romance between Fin & Theo so epic, the found family in this one was next level. Seeing the way Theo’s teammates and all their girls rallied around Finley and her baby from the beginning was seriously so wholesome. Seeing this group love Fin, and continue to show up for her definitely helped her heal a part of herself that she needed. I loved the Renegades family before this book, now not only do I love them more, but I’m sad I will never get to be a part of this friend group. (Also, side note but Austin’s moment to shine near the end of this book had me grinning ear to ear. I love that man and cannot wait for him to get a book). It was also so rewarding to see Fin grow so much throughout her pregnancy, and the birth of her baby. I feel like she never felt like she was worthy of love (which was so heartbreaking bc she was such a Bad Ass FMC). And because of Theo, his teammates, and her kismet meeting with someone from her past, near the end of the book, she was able to finally feel like she was worthy of the good things happening to her, which had me 🥹
I cannot wait for everyone to read Theo & Fins story, get to meet their baby, and see what everyone in this found family group is getting up too.
Tropes:
🏈Football Romance
🤍Forced proximity
🏈She’s pregnant, but is not his baby
🤍Spicy
🏈Found family
🤍He falls first & harder
Spicy chapters: 13, 16, 17, 25, 26, 30, 31, 43, 44
I thought I’ve seen a man be down bad, but I hadn’t seen anything until I met Theo and saw him with Finley. The way he was so patient with her, and loved her so fiercely had me swooning. But then you add in how much he loved her sweet baby before she was even born, and he completely swept me off my feet. Any fictional man I read after this will never live up to Theo, because he was the biggest green flag, golden retriever, sweetheart of man that I’ve ever met.
Not only was the romance between Fin & Theo so epic, the found family in this one was next level. Seeing the way Theo’s teammates and all their girls rallied around Finley and her baby from the beginning was seriously so wholesome. Seeing this group love Fin, and continue to show up for her definitely helped her heal a part of herself that she needed. I loved the Renegades family before this book, now not only do I love them more, but I’m sad I will never get to be a part of this friend group. (Also, side note but Austin’s moment to shine near the end of this book had me grinning ear to ear. I love that man and cannot wait for him to get a book). It was also so rewarding to see Fin grow so much throughout her pregnancy, and the birth of her baby. I feel like she never felt like she was worthy of love (which was so heartbreaking bc she was such a Bad Ass FMC). And because of Theo, his teammates, and her kismet meeting with someone from her past, near the end of the book, she was able to finally feel like she was worthy of the good things happening to her, which had me 🥹
I cannot wait for everyone to read Theo & Fins story, get to meet their baby, and see what everyone in this found family group is getting up too.
Tropes:
🏈Football Romance
🤍Forced proximity
🏈She’s pregnant, but is not his baby
🤍Spicy
🏈Found family
🤍He falls first & harder
Spicy chapters: 13, 16, 17, 25, 26, 30, 31, 43, 44
January 11, 2026
ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Oh Theo! The man that you are!!! C.L. Rose gives us another amazing book boyfriend to swoon and fall for with Theo Calloway in The Interception.
Theo, Finley and let’s face it… Boner (with his main character energy) completely captured my heart in one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time. I was completely obsessed with these two from the start. The way Theo showed up for Finley at every opportunity was simply heartwarming. I really enjoyed how their friendship grew into a beautiful love. And as sweet as Theo was, he could be as filthy (in the best kind of way). The mouth on that man!!! These two had undeniable chemistry together and served us plenty of amazing spice scenes. Not that I would expect anything from C.L. Rose. She always knows how to create the perfect mix of swoon, spice and emotions in her books.
The author also gives us plenty of banter between her Renegades players and the girls. It’s always fun to see the camaraderie and support between these teammates and friends. They provided plenty of funny moments as well as cute and emotional ones. I’m fully invested in this team!
All in all, I have to say that with every gestures and “Mama”, Theo Calloway ended up being the perfect embodiment of “if he wanted to, he would” and he’s definitely showed how he’s one of the good ones through and through.
So if you like your book boyfriends to be the best kind of green flags, with golden retriever energy and that are totally down bad for their girl, please read The Interception. I, 1000%, recommend!!
I would like to thank C.L. Rose for the opportunity to read and review The Interception.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Oh Theo! The man that you are!!! C.L. Rose gives us another amazing book boyfriend to swoon and fall for with Theo Calloway in The Interception.
Theo, Finley and let’s face it… Boner (with his main character energy) completely captured my heart in one of the sweetest stories I’ve read in a long time. I was completely obsessed with these two from the start. The way Theo showed up for Finley at every opportunity was simply heartwarming. I really enjoyed how their friendship grew into a beautiful love. And as sweet as Theo was, he could be as filthy (in the best kind of way). The mouth on that man!!! These two had undeniable chemistry together and served us plenty of amazing spice scenes. Not that I would expect anything from C.L. Rose. She always knows how to create the perfect mix of swoon, spice and emotions in her books.
The author also gives us plenty of banter between her Renegades players and the girls. It’s always fun to see the camaraderie and support between these teammates and friends. They provided plenty of funny moments as well as cute and emotional ones. I’m fully invested in this team!
All in all, I have to say that with every gestures and “Mama”, Theo Calloway ended up being the perfect embodiment of “if he wanted to, he would” and he’s definitely showed how he’s one of the good ones through and through.
So if you like your book boyfriends to be the best kind of green flags, with golden retriever energy and that are totally down bad for their girl, please read The Interception. I, 1000%, recommend!!
I would like to thank C.L. Rose for the opportunity to read and review The Interception.
January 18, 2026
Candice strikes gold again! How in the hell can one person just knock every single book out of the park, because she sure as shit does. I have actually never read a “not his baby” trope book before, and I really had no expectations… but whew Theo Calloway is the DADDIEST of all DADDIES 😮💨 The way Candice wrote Finley and Theo’s story was so sweet and pure, yet raw and real. I’m truly a SUCKER for a good breeding kink, and holy moly the breeding kink to go both ways… I was so invested. I know going into a C.L. Rose book, I’m going to get the best spice, hands down.. and this one was no different.. what made me smile though was the gentleness and care from Theo in those moments. I just truly loved everything about this book.. it was written SO well and made my heart so unbelievably happy. I hope that every single woman in the world that finds themselves in Finley’s shoes, finds their Theo (and Boner of course)!
January 9, 2026
The Interception by CL Rose eARC review 🏈💜
Is this my new favorite CL Rose book? Yup, I think it is. I am a sucker for a golden retriever MMC and Theo Callaway is a walking green flag with a dirty mouth who I couldn’t get enough of. Okay, let’s be real.. I still can’t and will be thinking about him for the foreseeable future.
This book is the perfect example of why Candice is an auto buy author for me 🤭. This story is everything. It’s sweet, emotional, heartfelt and heartbreaking and can we talk about the spice because holy shit I was sweating. Theo Callaway and his filthy mouth and kinks… ooooofffff 🫠 HOT!
Finley is just a sweetie and deserves the world, thank goodness she finds a man that wants to give her just that. 🥹
What to expect:
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Thank you so much CL Rose for the arc!
Is this my new favorite CL Rose book? Yup, I think it is. I am a sucker for a golden retriever MMC and Theo Callaway is a walking green flag with a dirty mouth who I couldn’t get enough of. Okay, let’s be real.. I still can’t and will be thinking about him for the foreseeable future.
This book is the perfect example of why Candice is an auto buy author for me 🤭. This story is everything. It’s sweet, emotional, heartfelt and heartbreaking and can we talk about the spice because holy shit I was sweating. Theo Callaway and his filthy mouth and kinks… ooooofffff 🫠 HOT!
Finley is just a sweetie and deserves the world, thank goodness she finds a man that wants to give her just that. 🥹
What to expect:
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Thank you so much CL Rose for the arc!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Theo, what can I say. He restored my faith in men, he is so hot!!.. He would do anything for Finley, to protect her and the baby. But also has a kinky side. So he is a good mix of kind, loving, protective and a filthy mouth. They have a really good connection and banter going on and I love that. What started as friends, even though they always had a bit of a crush on one another, becomes more eventually.
As always this serie is getting me back on a good reading track, it's the kind of book that is light hearted and you don't want to stop reading. So I almost finished it in one sitting, but sleep was needed lol.
As always this serie is getting me back on a good reading track, it's the kind of book that is light hearted and you don't want to stop reading. So I almost finished it in one sitting, but sleep was needed lol.
Review of advance copy received from Author
arc rtc!
January 20, 2026
Theo Calloway is perfection!! This is hands down my favorite CL Rose book. Theo is the most thoughtful, down bad MMC and he had me swooning and sweating throughout this book.
Candice writes FMCs that are such badasses and Finley is no exception. She has been through so much. She finds out she’s pregnant from a situationship and decides she will do anything for her unborn baby. Theo has been pining for Finley and wants nothing more than to be there for Finley. He is so thoughtful and sweet and instantly wants to claim her baby as his own.
The found family in Candice’s books are just chef’s kiss! The banter is hilarious and the way they all rally around each other is just the sweetest! I am just obsessed with this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you CL Rose for the arc!
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Candice writes FMCs that are such badasses and Finley is no exception. She has been through so much. She finds out she’s pregnant from a situationship and decides she will do anything for her unborn baby. Theo has been pining for Finley and wants nothing more than to be there for Finley. He is so thoughtful and sweet and instantly wants to claim her baby as his own.
The found family in Candice’s books are just chef’s kiss! The banter is hilarious and the way they all rally around each other is just the sweetest! I am just obsessed with this series and I can’t wait to see what’s next!
Thank you CL Rose for the arc!
🏈 Accidental Pregnancy (Not his baby)
🐾 Friends to Lovers
🏈 Forced Proximity
🐾 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Caretaking
🐾 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
January 9, 2026
OK Candice, how you keep continuously coming up with all of these bangers blows my mind! With that said Maddox and Emmett are something special obviously but Theo??? I don’t know if it’s the instant consistent infatuation or be silent yearning for the unbelievable support he provided but I really think it might be the hey mama that got me! I squealed when I firstsaw it. It was my first highlight! I literally am smiling so hard while typing this hey mama! Are you kidding me!
I truly loved how even though Theo was head over heels he built a true friendship with Finley and respected all of her boundaries, but also provided that safe space that she needed. Finley is so strong when you are put in a situation that you have no control over you have two options to either rebel act out and become a stereotype or you use that experience to become a better person and she truly is unbelievable. I became a mom at 25 myself and do not know what I would do if I did not have the support system that I had, but Finley was prepared to do it alone no matter what she had to do and I admire that so so much.
The lead up to the next book I’m so excited for I can already feel the beginning and obviously know it is going to be top-tier!
I truly loved how even though Theo was head over heels he built a true friendship with Finley and respected all of her boundaries, but also provided that safe space that she needed. Finley is so strong when you are put in a situation that you have no control over you have two options to either rebel act out and become a stereotype or you use that experience to become a better person and she truly is unbelievable. I became a mom at 25 myself and do not know what I would do if I did not have the support system that I had, but Finley was prepared to do it alone no matter what she had to do and I admire that so so much.
The lead up to the next book I’m so excited for I can already feel the beginning and obviously know it is going to be top-tier!
January 11, 2026
I received this book as a ARC from Smuthood. The reviews are my own. I enjoyed this book and would read it again, star rating are hard so for a full idea of my thoughts please read below!
There’s so much to love between Fin and Theo. I love Theo’s endless and unconditional love and care. It’s tender and gentle and just always there even during that pesky third act. Fin is independent but struggling and that independence definitely goes from a strength to a flaw for a hot minute.
The tropes were/are right up my alley and make it fun. Spice wise there’s like 6 scenes that are explicit but not overdone. Plenty of relationship building in between. The story moves FAST - I finished this within 24 hours. Easy and engaging read.
It follows a very traditional romance book format which is great but also can make it feel a bit repetitive at times. Spoiler - the third act break up, crappy communication about feelings just always feels rough and unnecessary (to me, I know others love it).
There’s so much to love between Fin and Theo. I love Theo’s endless and unconditional love and care. It’s tender and gentle and just always there even during that pesky third act. Fin is independent but struggling and that independence definitely goes from a strength to a flaw for a hot minute.
The tropes were/are right up my alley and make it fun. Spice wise there’s like 6 scenes that are explicit but not overdone. Plenty of relationship building in between. The story moves FAST - I finished this within 24 hours. Easy and engaging read.
It follows a very traditional romance book format which is great but also can make it feel a bit repetitive at times. Spoiler - the third act break up, crappy communication about feelings just always feels rough and unnecessary (to me, I know others love it).
January 21, 2026
THEO MY MAN. I have never met more of a cinnamon roll hero in my flipping life. THIS MAN.
💜Not his baby
💜Football romance
💜Forced proximity
💜Cinnamon roll MMC
💜Br33ding k!nk
When Finley finds herself in an unthinkable situation, getting pregnant by her high profile douche if a situationship, she doesn’t know how things can get worse after he tells her he wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Until she loses her job and housing in the same day.
In walks Theo, who has had it BAD for our girl from the very beginning. He swoops in and gives her everything she needs, and so much more.
I absolutely loved every time Theo called her Mama, because that was so hot! The breeding and lactation k!nks in this book were so well done and so freaking spicy and hot, my god!!
Definitely my favorite CL Rose book to date!
💜Not his baby
💜Football romance
💜Forced proximity
💜Cinnamon roll MMC
💜Br33ding k!nk
When Finley finds herself in an unthinkable situation, getting pregnant by her high profile douche if a situationship, she doesn’t know how things can get worse after he tells her he wants nothing to do with her or the baby. Until she loses her job and housing in the same day.
In walks Theo, who has had it BAD for our girl from the very beginning. He swoops in and gives her everything she needs, and so much more.
I absolutely loved every time Theo called her Mama, because that was so hot! The breeding and lactation k!nks in this book were so well done and so freaking spicy and hot, my god!!
Definitely my favorite CL Rose book to date!
January 20, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! I was super excited for Theo’s book after everything we saw in Bad Call and my god, Daddy Theo did NOT disappoint.
When I tell you I giggled and kicked my feet several times throughout this book… this man would have me on my KNEES. He is everything you could ever want in a partner and dad. While he is the sweetest man ever, um the mouth on this man?! Not so sweet, it’s actually freaking filthy 🥵
I loved how Theo & Finley’s relationship progressed. I loved the found family with the renegades. I loved that this book touched on the many fears that come with pregnancy and motherhood.
Honestly, 10/10, no notes. I devoured this so quickly and have no complaints whatsoever.
And let me just say that milk scene… 🤭 CANDICE YOU HAVE OUTDONE YOURSELF 😅👏🏼😋
Thank you so much to CL Rose & her team for the opportunity to receive and review an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tropes:
💜 Sports romance
💜 Accidental pregnancy (not his baby)
💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Golden retriever MMC
💜 Caretaking
💜 Breeding/pregnancy kink
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely loved this book! I was super excited for Theo’s book after everything we saw in Bad Call and my god, Daddy Theo did NOT disappoint.
When I tell you I giggled and kicked my feet several times throughout this book… this man would have me on my KNEES. He is everything you could ever want in a partner and dad. While he is the sweetest man ever, um the mouth on this man?! Not so sweet, it’s actually freaking filthy 🥵
I loved how Theo & Finley’s relationship progressed. I loved the found family with the renegades. I loved that this book touched on the many fears that come with pregnancy and motherhood.
Honestly, 10/10, no notes. I devoured this so quickly and have no complaints whatsoever.
And let me just say that milk scene… 🤭 CANDICE YOU HAVE OUTDONE YOURSELF 😅👏🏼😋
Thank you so much to CL Rose & her team for the opportunity to receive and review an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Tropes:
💜 Sports romance
💜 Accidental pregnancy (not his baby)
💜 Friends to lovers
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Golden retriever MMC
💜 Caretaking
💜 Breeding/pregnancy kink
January 18, 2026
The Interception by C. L. Rose was my first book by this author. She just gave me my next book boyfriend with Theo Calloway. If you’re looking for a hero who is everything you could ever want then Theo is your man. He will be the best baby daddy and man Finley could ever hope for. Watching him fall for Finley and her baby was one of the most beautiful things I’ve read. The way he stepped up with such selflessness and charm made my heart ache in the best way. Him calling her Mama melted my heart. Finley hasn’t had it easy in life.
Finley is amazingly strong but broken too. After being let down by everyone, seeing her finally find a safe place in Theo was heartfelt. Their connection felt incredibly natural, and the banter and easiness between them was what romances are made for.
The humor and spice were on point. Theo’s family, friends and Renegades found family backing them up, this story was perfection. I just loved Theo and Finley and so happy they got the HEA they both deserved!
Finley is amazingly strong but broken too. After being let down by everyone, seeing her finally find a safe place in Theo was heartfelt. Their connection felt incredibly natural, and the banter and easiness between them was what romances are made for.
The humor and spice were on point. Theo’s family, friends and Renegades found family backing them up, this story was perfection. I just loved Theo and Finley and so happy they got the HEA they both deserved!
Review of advance copy received from Author
“I’ve been pretending for weeks that I don’t ache to touch you. To taste you.
Theo and Fin were SO ADORABLE. he was ridiculously sweet and dotting and just sooooooo obsessed with her. also the found family aspect with the guys on the team was great... and the WAGS too! I love when theres a good friend group to add some humor and support. to be fair...any pregnancy trope is notttt my favorite but she did a great job writing it and if it IS a trope you love you definitely want to check this out!!
Theo and Fin were SO ADORABLE. he was ridiculously sweet and dotting and just sooooooo obsessed with her. also the found family aspect with the guys on the team was great... and the WAGS too! I love when theres a good friend group to add some humor and support. to be fair...any pregnancy trope is notttt my favorite but she did a great job writing it and if it IS a trope you love you definitely want to check this out!!
January 14, 2026
*ARC REVIEW*
Rounded up to 4 ⭐️
There’s just something about the accidental pregnancy trope when the MMC is not the dad that just hits so good 🤌🏻
Theo is probably the most down bad MMC I have ever read. He’s a walking green flag.
Finley is a little damaged and a little self sabotage-y but comes through in the end.
Rounded up to 4 ⭐️
There’s just something about the accidental pregnancy trope when the MMC is not the dad that just hits so good 🤌🏻
Theo is probably the most down bad MMC I have ever read. He’s a walking green flag.
Finley is a little damaged and a little self sabotage-y but comes through in the end.
January 21, 2026
ARC Review!!
I’d like to thank C.L Rose for allowing me to ARC read this!
Theo Calloway the man that you are 😩
This is the first book i’ve read where the FMC is pregnant, let alone with another man’s baby and I devoured every minute of it. Every time Theo said “mama”, I melted every. single. time.
I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books after this one
I’d like to thank C.L Rose for allowing me to ARC read this!
Theo Calloway the man that you are 😩
This is the first book i’ve read where the FMC is pregnant, let alone with another man’s baby and I devoured every minute of it. Every time Theo said “mama”, I melted every. single. time.
I can’t wait to read more of this author’s books after this one
Review of advance copy received from Author
My goodness does Theo have a mouth on him! His obsession with Finley was so cute. And the fact that he stepped up without even questioning it? Chefs kiss. I loved everything about their story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC REVIEW
5⭐️
3🌶
This is EXACTLY why I'm obsessed with Golden Retriever MMC's. Theo went right to the top of my book boyfriend list where he will happily stay. He is everything I wanna read as an mmc. He was so obsessed with Finley and it was adorable to see him struggle to talk to her early on. He immediately protected her and her baby without even batting an eye.
Finley made me heart hurt 🥹 She just wanted to do right by her baby but it literally felt like everything was against her, that was until Theo at least.
The spice was exceptional, OF COURSE. I expect nothing less from the Queen of spice and Theo & Finley definitely did not disappoint. 🥵🥵
This is officially my new favorite C.L. Rose book and I'm dyingggggg for the rest of this series.
Tropes:
✨️ Golden Retriever MMC
✨️ Friends to Lovers
✨️ Accidental Pregnancy(not his baby)
✨️ Forced Proximity
✨️ Caretaking
✨️ Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
5⭐️
3🌶
This is EXACTLY why I'm obsessed with Golden Retriever MMC's. Theo went right to the top of my book boyfriend list where he will happily stay. He is everything I wanna read as an mmc. He was so obsessed with Finley and it was adorable to see him struggle to talk to her early on. He immediately protected her and her baby without even batting an eye.
Finley made me heart hurt 🥹 She just wanted to do right by her baby but it literally felt like everything was against her, that was until Theo at least.
The spice was exceptional, OF COURSE. I expect nothing less from the Queen of spice and Theo & Finley definitely did not disappoint. 🥵🥵
This is officially my new favorite C.L. Rose book and I'm dyingggggg for the rest of this series.
Tropes:
✨️ Golden Retriever MMC
✨️ Friends to Lovers
✨️ Accidental Pregnancy(not his baby)
✨️ Forced Proximity
✨️ Caretaking
✨️ Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
Review of advance copy received from Author
Theo absolutely wrecked me—in the best possible way. He’s the kind of man who quietly has everything figured out: his career, his people, his home, his dog. The only thing missing has always been Finley. He’s carried feelings for her for so long, waiting, watching, never pushing. And when the moment finally comes? He doesn’t half-step. He shows up fully, ready to be the man she didn’t even realize she deserved.
Finley is standing at a crossroads when this story begins. Her life is shifting in huge, scary ways, and when an unexpected opportunity lands in her lap, she takes it without overthinking. At that point, why wouldn’t she? Everything is already changing—maybe it’s time to let something good stay. What follows is one of the most natural, comforting relationship developments I’ve read in a long time. Their bond doesn’t feel rushed emotionally, even if life forces things to move fast. They build something real first—friendship, trust, late-night talks, quiet moments—before romance ever fully takes center stage.
I laughed until I cried, cried until I had to put the book down, and spent the rest of the time with my heart lodged firmly in my throat. The humor was spot-on (Maddy absolutely stole scenes), the emotions were raw, and the love story was pure devotion. There was never a moment where I felt uneasy or skeptical about the direction of the plot. No cheap drama, no uncomfortable tropes. Theo never tried to take someone else’s place—he simply stood exactly where Fin needed him, proving through action who he was and how deeply he cared.
This book didn’t just move me—it altered my brain chemistry. I’ve read everything Candace has written and loved all of it, but this one hit differently. It now sits firmly at the top of my list. I thought I knew what “down bad” looked like in fiction, but Theo redefined it. His patience, his steadiness, and the way he loves Finley with his whole heart had me melting. And then you add how instantly and unconditionally he loves her baby? Game over. No fictional man after this stands a chance. Theo is the ultimate green flag—soft, loyal, protective, and endlessly kind.
Beyond the romance, the found family element was exceptional. Theo’s teammates and their partners embracing Finley from day one was incredibly healing to witness. They didn’t hesitate, didn’t question—just showed up. Again and again. That support system helped Finley rebuild pieces of herself she didn’t even realize were broken. I already adored the Renegades crew, but this book deepened that love tenfold. And yes, I’m officially devastated that I’ll never be part of this friend group. (Also, Austin? That moment near the end? Perfection. I need his story immediately.)
Watching Finley grow through her pregnancy and into motherhood was powerful. She carried so much unworthiness inside herself despite being such a strong, capable woman. Seeing her slowly accept love—from Theo, from the team, and from an unexpected reconnection late in the story—was incredibly emotional. She finally allowed herself to believe she deserved the joy finding her, and that realization hit me hard.
I’m still sitting in the aftermath of this book, completely undone. I cannot wait for readers to experience Theo and Finley, meet their baby, and continue following this beautifully messy, loving found family. This story is special—and I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time.
Finley is standing at a crossroads when this story begins. Her life is shifting in huge, scary ways, and when an unexpected opportunity lands in her lap, she takes it without overthinking. At that point, why wouldn’t she? Everything is already changing—maybe it’s time to let something good stay. What follows is one of the most natural, comforting relationship developments I’ve read in a long time. Their bond doesn’t feel rushed emotionally, even if life forces things to move fast. They build something real first—friendship, trust, late-night talks, quiet moments—before romance ever fully takes center stage.
I laughed until I cried, cried until I had to put the book down, and spent the rest of the time with my heart lodged firmly in my throat. The humor was spot-on (Maddy absolutely stole scenes), the emotions were raw, and the love story was pure devotion. There was never a moment where I felt uneasy or skeptical about the direction of the plot. No cheap drama, no uncomfortable tropes. Theo never tried to take someone else’s place—he simply stood exactly where Fin needed him, proving through action who he was and how deeply he cared.
This book didn’t just move me—it altered my brain chemistry. I’ve read everything Candace has written and loved all of it, but this one hit differently. It now sits firmly at the top of my list. I thought I knew what “down bad” looked like in fiction, but Theo redefined it. His patience, his steadiness, and the way he loves Finley with his whole heart had me melting. And then you add how instantly and unconditionally he loves her baby? Game over. No fictional man after this stands a chance. Theo is the ultimate green flag—soft, loyal, protective, and endlessly kind.
Beyond the romance, the found family element was exceptional. Theo’s teammates and their partners embracing Finley from day one was incredibly healing to witness. They didn’t hesitate, didn’t question—just showed up. Again and again. That support system helped Finley rebuild pieces of herself she didn’t even realize were broken. I already adored the Renegades crew, but this book deepened that love tenfold. And yes, I’m officially devastated that I’ll never be part of this friend group. (Also, Austin? That moment near the end? Perfection. I need his story immediately.)
Watching Finley grow through her pregnancy and into motherhood was powerful. She carried so much unworthiness inside herself despite being such a strong, capable woman. Seeing her slowly accept love—from Theo, from the team, and from an unexpected reconnection late in the story—was incredibly emotional. She finally allowed herself to believe she deserved the joy finding her, and that realization hit me hard.
I’m still sitting in the aftermath of this book, completely undone. I cannot wait for readers to experience Theo and Finley, meet their baby, and continue following this beautifully messy, loving found family. This story is special—and I’ll be thinking about it for a very long time.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
OMG, this book!!! THEO CALLOWAY, you are a DREAM! Sexy, sweet, protective and one dirty talking man! These two had me at page one! The Interception by CL Rose is book 3 in the Rock City Renegades and it was so freaking good! Give me a football romance with this much heart and spice and I am here for it!
Theo and Finley were everything! Oooo Theo, you are the man we all want. Hot football player, sweet, possessive, caring, kind, the man that will burn the entire world straight to the ground for you. He has the house, the dog and just wants the woman to bring home to have the family he’s always wanted! Sweet Finley, such a different life she has lived. She is so genuine, caring, beautiful and lived a very simple life. No family and has truly never been cherished and loved. These two meet in the club she is a waitress at. Through the first two books, we watch Theo as this secure and confident man becomes tongue tied every time they interact. She thinks he doesn't like her, she is so wrong! An unexpected pregnancy by a horrible man and her losing her job brings these two together in the perfect way. From day one she came to stay with him, this man showed her what a TRUE MAN is. Loving her so patiently, sweetly and taking on the world for her and her baby who he already deeply loves as his own. What unfolds is an absolutely beautiful story of healing, love and the perfect little family coming together. I loved watching her truly come out of her shell and become the confident woman she always was. I loved them growing together over this beautiful baby. And the connection and fire between these two, a dirty talking MMC AND FMC, holy hell!
And then you add in the perfect found family. The way they all come together to love on each other and support each other, I want friends like these!
This book…. It just had every emotion and feel. I felt it in my heart, it will pull you in and leave you in a perfect book coma. The love these two share is priceless. C.L. Rose, you write such amazing stories! The heat is perfect, but you add such a beautiful, raw vulnerability that pulls you in and never lets your heart go! You must read this book AND the whole series! I cannot wait for the next book!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏈Football Romance
🤍Forced proximity
🏈She’s pregnant, but is not his baby
🤍Spicy
🏈Found family
🤍He falls first & harder
🏈 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
🖤THANK YOU C.L. Rose and The Smuthood for my ARC!
Theo and Finley were everything! Oooo Theo, you are the man we all want. Hot football player, sweet, possessive, caring, kind, the man that will burn the entire world straight to the ground for you. He has the house, the dog and just wants the woman to bring home to have the family he’s always wanted! Sweet Finley, such a different life she has lived. She is so genuine, caring, beautiful and lived a very simple life. No family and has truly never been cherished and loved. These two meet in the club she is a waitress at. Through the first two books, we watch Theo as this secure and confident man becomes tongue tied every time they interact. She thinks he doesn't like her, she is so wrong! An unexpected pregnancy by a horrible man and her losing her job brings these two together in the perfect way. From day one she came to stay with him, this man showed her what a TRUE MAN is. Loving her so patiently, sweetly and taking on the world for her and her baby who he already deeply loves as his own. What unfolds is an absolutely beautiful story of healing, love and the perfect little family coming together. I loved watching her truly come out of her shell and become the confident woman she always was. I loved them growing together over this beautiful baby. And the connection and fire between these two, a dirty talking MMC AND FMC, holy hell!
And then you add in the perfect found family. The way they all come together to love on each other and support each other, I want friends like these!
This book…. It just had every emotion and feel. I felt it in my heart, it will pull you in and leave you in a perfect book coma. The love these two share is priceless. C.L. Rose, you write such amazing stories! The heat is perfect, but you add such a beautiful, raw vulnerability that pulls you in and never lets your heart go! You must read this book AND the whole series! I cannot wait for the next book!
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 4/5🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
🏈Football Romance
🤍Forced proximity
🏈She’s pregnant, but is not his baby
🤍Spicy
🏈Found family
🤍He falls first & harder
🏈 Friends to Lovers
🤍 Golden Retriever MMC
🏈 Breeding/Pregnancy Kink
🖤THANK YOU C.L. Rose and The Smuthood for my ARC!
January 9, 2026
Theo Calloway!!!!! What a man. What can I say other than I swooned HARD throughout the entirety of this book! Theo’s had a crush on Finley for over a year. He’s watched the red headed beauty from afar at the club she works at for all of this time, and when then do interact he loses all of his brain cells and forgets how to talk. Finely had noticed him too, thinking he was attractive and a nice guy but that he didn’t really like her all that much because he never spoke to her.
After Finley finds out she’s pregnant by her douchecanoe of a situationship, and she’s let go from her job Theo shoots his shot when he runs into her and she’s upset. Finley’s been looking after herself for as long as she can remember. Her mum was too busy trying to find a dad substitute for Finley rather than actually taking care of her so Finley isn’t used to being taken care of. But this man??? They share an instant ease around each other and Finley ends up staying at Theo’s house to help him out with his dog sitting situation. And from then on, Theo shows Finley how a real man should look after someone he cares about. He goes above and beyond to show her he’s not going anywhere. He’s not only head over heels for her but for her baby too and I could not of loved him more for the way he dotes on these too! He was the biggest green flag if ever I did see one! He understands how hard she’s had in life and is so patient. He waits and assured her he isn’t going anywhere, and despite Finely having some trepidations she realises that he’s all
in and wants both of them. This man considers himself a Daddy from the moment they share their first kiss and boy did my heart love that so much! There are not only the most beautiful moments between these two but they share some great banter, some too funny one liners and an all round real fun time, which happens to include some br€€ding kink fun!🤣
Finley, despite the the rough time she’s had with her past, finally has someone who has her back always, she learns to trust him like she’s never trusted anyone before and that was truly stunning to read. Theo was everything I’d hoped for and more, showing up like the true family man he’s always dreamed of being. New book boyfriend unlocked! And we love our girl Finley just as much! Epic read!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
After Finley finds out she’s pregnant by her douchecanoe of a situationship, and she’s let go from her job Theo shoots his shot when he runs into her and she’s upset. Finley’s been looking after herself for as long as she can remember. Her mum was too busy trying to find a dad substitute for Finley rather than actually taking care of her so Finley isn’t used to being taken care of. But this man??? They share an instant ease around each other and Finley ends up staying at Theo’s house to help him out with his dog sitting situation. And from then on, Theo shows Finley how a real man should look after someone he cares about. He goes above and beyond to show her he’s not going anywhere. He’s not only head over heels for her but for her baby too and I could not of loved him more for the way he dotes on these too! He was the biggest green flag if ever I did see one! He understands how hard she’s had in life and is so patient. He waits and assured her he isn’t going anywhere, and despite Finely having some trepidations she realises that he’s all
in and wants both of them. This man considers himself a Daddy from the moment they share their first kiss and boy did my heart love that so much! There are not only the most beautiful moments between these two but they share some great banter, some too funny one liners and an all round real fun time, which happens to include some br€€ding kink fun!🤣
Finley, despite the the rough time she’s had with her past, finally has someone who has her back always, she learns to trust him like she’s never trusted anyone before and that was truly stunning to read. Theo was everything I’d hoped for and more, showing up like the true family man he’s always dreamed of being. New book boyfriend unlocked! And we love our girl Finley just as much! Epic read!
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
🍼ARC Review🏈
The Interception is Book 3 in the Rock City Renegades series following Theo and Finley. This is a spicy, “not his baby” sports romance that delivers (pun intended) all the spice and wholesome goodness!
Theo Calloway The.Man.That.You.Are 👏🏼👏🏼 He is the sweetest, golden retriever MMC and also has a filthy mouth. He has been so down bad for Finley ever since he noticed her at the club she works at. And as if that’s not enough reasons to love him he is also a dog dad 😍to Boner (what a name) 🤣🫶🏻
Finley (Fin) is down on her luck after finding out she accidentally got pregnant with her situationship who wants nothing to do with her or the baby. He is a real piece of work. The phrase when it rains it pours could not be more accurate for Fin. She also has past trauma from having an absent mother and no father figure. Despite her setbacks she’s determined to give her child a better life than she had. Luckily, Theo, who is the literal definition of “if he wanted to, he would” steps up. This man is so supportive and caring! The yearning and pining!! You could not ask for a better partner!! This man is willing to be whatever she needs and he calls her “Mama” 🥰🥹 swoon. Their relationship is so heartwarming.
{It’s official. Theo Calloway is addicted. Obsessed. Down bad. This woman could tell me to put on a collar and leash so she could walk me like a dog, and I’d do it without hesitation. Woof woof, motherf^ker. }
Now, we can’t forget all the delicious spice packed into this, because Candice stood on business! It’s fun, delicious (because Theo loves to eat)😜 and k!nky! 🥵
I also loved the girls (WAGs) becoming friends with Fin. Between the banter and girls nights, I really wanted to just jump in there with them! The friend group really shows up and rallies around them!! This is one of the best “not his baby” books and was written so well! The birth scene was so real and full of tenderness and emotion! Their story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I just wanted to give them both a hug! C.L Rose has delivered yet another banger and I can’t wait to continue this series!
4.5⭐️s
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Accidental Pregnancy (not his baby)
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Golden Retriever MMC
Caretaking
Breeding K!nk
Thank you to The Smuthood and C.L. Rose for the eARC of The Interception. All opinions are my own
The Interception is Book 3 in the Rock City Renegades series following Theo and Finley. This is a spicy, “not his baby” sports romance that delivers (pun intended) all the spice and wholesome goodness!
Theo Calloway The.Man.That.You.Are 👏🏼👏🏼 He is the sweetest, golden retriever MMC and also has a filthy mouth. He has been so down bad for Finley ever since he noticed her at the club she works at. And as if that’s not enough reasons to love him he is also a dog dad 😍to Boner (what a name) 🤣🫶🏻
Finley (Fin) is down on her luck after finding out she accidentally got pregnant with her situationship who wants nothing to do with her or the baby. He is a real piece of work. The phrase when it rains it pours could not be more accurate for Fin. She also has past trauma from having an absent mother and no father figure. Despite her setbacks she’s determined to give her child a better life than she had. Luckily, Theo, who is the literal definition of “if he wanted to, he would” steps up. This man is so supportive and caring! The yearning and pining!! You could not ask for a better partner!! This man is willing to be whatever she needs and he calls her “Mama” 🥰🥹 swoon. Their relationship is so heartwarming.
{It’s official. Theo Calloway is addicted. Obsessed. Down bad. This woman could tell me to put on a collar and leash so she could walk me like a dog, and I’d do it without hesitation. Woof woof, motherf^ker. }
Now, we can’t forget all the delicious spice packed into this, because Candice stood on business! It’s fun, delicious (because Theo loves to eat)😜 and k!nky! 🥵
I also loved the girls (WAGs) becoming friends with Fin. Between the banter and girls nights, I really wanted to just jump in there with them! The friend group really shows up and rallies around them!! This is one of the best “not his baby” books and was written so well! The birth scene was so real and full of tenderness and emotion! Their story is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I just wanted to give them both a hug! C.L Rose has delivered yet another banger and I can’t wait to continue this series!
4.5⭐️s
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
Tropes:
Accidental Pregnancy (not his baby)
Friends to Lovers
Forced Proximity
Golden Retriever MMC
Caretaking
Breeding K!nk
Thank you to The Smuthood and C.L. Rose for the eARC of The Interception. All opinions are my own
Review of advance copy
⭐ 4.5 Stars
Thank you to The Smuthood for early access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the dedication, I was in my feels — and from there, the emotional pull never let go.
Finley Bolton is a deeply relatable heroine: unexpectedly pregnant, carrying more emotional weight than she lets on, and just trying to keep her world together. I connected with her instantly — her vulnerability, her self-doubt, and her fierce love for her baby all felt incredibly real. I haven’t been this emotionally invested in a FMC in a long time.
Theo Calloway? Absolute book-boyfriend gold. He’s protective without being controlling, confident without being cocky, and refreshingly comfortable with pregnancy, babies, and emotional intimacy. Watching him fall for Finley — not just despite her situation but because of it — was one of the most satisfying slow-burn developments I’ve read in a while. The way he steps up, shows up, and chooses both Finley and her baby had me swooning and tearing up more than once.
The chemistry between them is undeniable. Their banter is sharp and funny, their tension simmers deliciously, and when things finally heat up, it feels earned, intimate, and emotionally grounded (and yes, the spice is satisfying). I especially loved that their physical connection wasn’t rushed or magically perfect — it grew the same way their relationship did.
As a sports romance fan (and actual football fan), I also appreciated how realistic the football elements felt. They added Theo’s world as a pro athlete without overshadowing the love story.
What truly sets this book apart is its emotional depth — this story tugged on my heart over and over again.
And that HEA? Completely satisfying and well-earned.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
Found family
He-falls-first energy
MMC who steps up
Protective MMC
Pregnancy romance
Sports romance with heart
C.L. Rose delivered a romance that is tender, funny, sexy, and emotionally rich — and Theo Calloway is absolutely one of those heroes who sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
Thank you to The Smuthood for early access to this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
From the dedication, I was in my feels — and from there, the emotional pull never let go.
Finley Bolton is a deeply relatable heroine: unexpectedly pregnant, carrying more emotional weight than she lets on, and just trying to keep her world together. I connected with her instantly — her vulnerability, her self-doubt, and her fierce love for her baby all felt incredibly real. I haven’t been this emotionally invested in a FMC in a long time.
Theo Calloway? Absolute book-boyfriend gold. He’s protective without being controlling, confident without being cocky, and refreshingly comfortable with pregnancy, babies, and emotional intimacy. Watching him fall for Finley — not just despite her situation but because of it — was one of the most satisfying slow-burn developments I’ve read in a while. The way he steps up, shows up, and chooses both Finley and her baby had me swooning and tearing up more than once.
The chemistry between them is undeniable. Their banter is sharp and funny, their tension simmers deliciously, and when things finally heat up, it feels earned, intimate, and emotionally grounded (and yes, the spice is satisfying). I especially loved that their physical connection wasn’t rushed or magically perfect — it grew the same way their relationship did.
As a sports romance fan (and actual football fan), I also appreciated how realistic the football elements felt. They added Theo’s world as a pro athlete without overshadowing the love story.
What truly sets this book apart is its emotional depth — this story tugged on my heart over and over again.
And that HEA? Completely satisfying and well-earned.
This book is perfect for readers who love:
Found family
He-falls-first energy
MMC who steps up
Protective MMC
Pregnancy romance
Sports romance with heart
C.L. Rose delivered a romance that is tender, funny, sexy, and emotionally rich — and Theo Calloway is absolutely one of those heroes who sticks with you long after you turn the last page.
January 17, 2026
(4.25/5)
This was a blind-read and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. The chemistry between Theo & Fin was undeniable from the beginning, and I loved the way they gelled from the get-go.
Theo is the knight in shining armor we all deserve, and rescues Fin from a crappy situation, but Fin still manages to go through the difficult journey of motherhood and make choices of her own, making her feel like a fully-developed character.
Rose writes about football in an informative manner without sounding like info-dumping (and even someone as football-dumb as me was able to learn a couple of new terms and basics).
Very glad that the third act "breakup" (if it even warrants being called that) is a quick one, and is totally justified; Fin's fears are valid, and she has a lifetime of trauma and betrayal to work through. I'd be much more surprised if she took all of these huge life-changing changes without some kind of sense of wariness.
Overall: loved everything about this book. The characters, the interactions, the spice, the dog (did I mention Theo has a dog named "Boner?" Shouldn't be a selling point, but it worked for me because I am 14).
The *only* thing really holding this back from being a 5 star is the world-building (and that is maybe more on me). This is marketed as a standalone sequel, but there are definitely plenty of interactions with side and secondary characters (who have interconnected histories and storylines) that are glossed over in one or two seconds at first, but keep getting brought up over the course of the book. I felt myself having to look back and check "Wait, is XXX the old QB who got injured and had to retire, and married YY? Or is YY the daughter of XX, who is trying to chase after ZZ?" Just a tad confusing, but I'm sure it'd make sense I'd I'd read the other books beforehand.
That being said, I *loved* this book so much that I am tempted to read the rest of the Rock City Renegades novels! Can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store, and I'd love to see more from C.L. Rose!
(I did receive a free advanced copy of the book to read in exchange for a review)
This was a blind-read and I couldn't have been more pleasantly surprised by how much I liked this. The chemistry between Theo & Fin was undeniable from the beginning, and I loved the way they gelled from the get-go.
Theo is the knight in shining armor we all deserve, and rescues Fin from a crappy situation, but Fin still manages to go through the difficult journey of motherhood and make choices of her own, making her feel like a fully-developed character.
Rose writes about football in an informative manner without sounding like info-dumping (and even someone as football-dumb as me was able to learn a couple of new terms and basics).
Very glad that the third act "breakup" (if it even warrants being called that) is a quick one, and is totally justified; Fin's fears are valid, and she has a lifetime of trauma and betrayal to work through. I'd be much more surprised if she took all of these huge life-changing changes without some kind of sense of wariness.
Overall: loved everything about this book. The characters, the interactions, the spice, the dog (did I mention Theo has a dog named "Boner?" Shouldn't be a selling point, but it worked for me because I am 14).
The *only* thing really holding this back from being a 5 star is the world-building (and that is maybe more on me). This is marketed as a standalone sequel, but there are definitely plenty of interactions with side and secondary characters (who have interconnected histories and storylines) that are glossed over in one or two seconds at first, but keep getting brought up over the course of the book. I felt myself having to look back and check "Wait, is XXX the old QB who got injured and had to retire, and married YY? Or is YY the daughter of XX, who is trying to chase after ZZ?" Just a tad confusing, but I'm sure it'd make sense I'd I'd read the other books beforehand.
That being said, I *loved* this book so much that I am tempted to read the rest of the Rock City Renegades novels! Can't wait to see what the rest of the series has in store, and I'd love to see more from C.L. Rose!
(I did receive a free advanced copy of the book to read in exchange for a review)
Review of advance copy received from Author
Candace knocks it out of the park again.
Theo Calloway exudes pure golden retriever energy. He's steady, kind, patient, and completely all in. From the moment Finley enters his world, he wants her, and he wants to take care of her. He’s thoughtful, reassuring, and unapologetically feral for her, proving again and again that there is no version of Finley he doesn’t find beautiful or worthy.
Life hasn’t been easy for Finley, but she’s strong, determined, and fiercely independent. Watching her grow through pregnancy and motherhood, until she finally believes she deserves love and support was beautifully emotional.
The chemistry between Finley and Theo is downright filthy. I loved it. 💜It's completely shameless, always consensual, and rooted in genuine care. Theo worships her, especially during a time when her insecurities are at their loudest, and the way he shows up for both her and her baby (not biologically his, but fully his in every way that matters) completely raised the bar for MMCs everywhere. Take note!
The Renegade team also shows up, with Theo’s teammates and their partners rallying around Finley from the very beginning. They create a warm, chaotic, deeply loving support system that helps her heal parts of herself she didn’t even realize were broken. I loved the Renegades before this book, but my emotional attachment to them now runs deeper. Petition for Candace to include me in their friend group for book 4?!
Candace is one of those auto-buy authors for me, and this book officially takes the top spot. It had the perfect balance of spice and emotion, a beautifully done not-his-baby romance, and one of the biggest green-flag MMCs I’ve ever read. No notes. Six stars if I could give them.
Tropes:
💜 Not-his-baby
💜 Golden retriever MMC
💜 Pregnancy romance
💜 Found family
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Caretaking hero
💜 He falls first
💜 Filthy but tender spice
If you love heartfelt romance with real emotional payoff and filthy spice that adds to the story, add this to your TBR immediately!
Theo Calloway exudes pure golden retriever energy. He's steady, kind, patient, and completely all in. From the moment Finley enters his world, he wants her, and he wants to take care of her. He’s thoughtful, reassuring, and unapologetically feral for her, proving again and again that there is no version of Finley he doesn’t find beautiful or worthy.
Life hasn’t been easy for Finley, but she’s strong, determined, and fiercely independent. Watching her grow through pregnancy and motherhood, until she finally believes she deserves love and support was beautifully emotional.
The chemistry between Finley and Theo is downright filthy. I loved it. 💜It's completely shameless, always consensual, and rooted in genuine care. Theo worships her, especially during a time when her insecurities are at their loudest, and the way he shows up for both her and her baby (not biologically his, but fully his in every way that matters) completely raised the bar for MMCs everywhere. Take note!
The Renegade team also shows up, with Theo’s teammates and their partners rallying around Finley from the very beginning. They create a warm, chaotic, deeply loving support system that helps her heal parts of herself she didn’t even realize were broken. I loved the Renegades before this book, but my emotional attachment to them now runs deeper. Petition for Candace to include me in their friend group for book 4?!
Candace is one of those auto-buy authors for me, and this book officially takes the top spot. It had the perfect balance of spice and emotion, a beautifully done not-his-baby romance, and one of the biggest green-flag MMCs I’ve ever read. No notes. Six stars if I could give them.
Tropes:
💜 Not-his-baby
💜 Golden retriever MMC
💜 Pregnancy romance
💜 Found family
💜 Forced proximity
💜 Caretaking hero
💜 He falls first
💜 Filthy but tender spice
If you love heartfelt romance with real emotional payoff and filthy spice that adds to the story, add this to your TBR immediately!
Review of advance copy
Finley, a bartender and the FMC, gets pregnant by her "situationship" Eric, who wants nothing to do with being a father. The MMC, Theo, is a professional football player who has been crushing on her for a long time and steps up to help Finley when she loses her job and gets kicked out of her apartment.
Theo is such a golden retriever. He's there from Finley from the beginning and is overjoyed to become her baby's pseudo-father. The only thing that bothered me was that he named his puppy Boner "because who doesn't love a good hard-on?" Why.
Finley, however, I didn't really care for as a FMC. I found her immature for a 25 year-old--she really has no plan when she finds herself pregnant, jobless, and homeless. Did she think she was going to be bartender at a bar where the uniform is a crop top and short skirt up until she gives birth? And her continuous inner monologue had me thinking she definitely isn't ready to be a mother "... here I am, worrying about how I'm even going to pay to deliver this baby on my own, let alone feed and clothe them." / "I'm not off to a very good start as a mom, seeing as how there's a good chance we won't have anywhere to live soon." /"I've lost sleep on so many occasions, with the guilt I carry for unknowingly putting my baby in the same situation I was in as a kid." I thought that when she heard Theo's story about his own birth mother not being ready for a baby and giving him up for adoption to have a better life, that was what Finley was going to do, but she doesn't.
Finley has a lot of trauma surrounding not having a stable father figure stick around in her own childhood, and this shows up throughout the book, with her trying to force a relationship between her baby and the baby's father early on, even when Eric made it clear he doesn't want one. This unresolved trauma comes to a head in the form of the dreaded third-act breakup. The resolution to this fell flat for me, and the ending dragged.
Thank you to The Smuthood Inc. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Theo is such a golden retriever. He's there from Finley from the beginning and is overjoyed to become her baby's pseudo-father. The only thing that bothered me was that he named his puppy Boner "because who doesn't love a good hard-on?" Why.
Finley, however, I didn't really care for as a FMC. I found her immature for a 25 year-old--she really has no plan when she finds herself pregnant, jobless, and homeless. Did she think she was going to be bartender at a bar where the uniform is a crop top and short skirt up until she gives birth? And her continuous inner monologue had me thinking she definitely isn't ready to be a mother "... here I am, worrying about how I'm even going to pay to deliver this baby on my own, let alone feed and clothe them." / "I'm not off to a very good start as a mom, seeing as how there's a good chance we won't have anywhere to live soon." /"I've lost sleep on so many occasions, with the guilt I carry for unknowingly putting my baby in the same situation I was in as a kid." I thought that when she heard Theo's story about his own birth mother not being ready for a baby and giving him up for adoption to have a better life, that was what Finley was going to do, but she doesn't.
Finley has a lot of trauma surrounding not having a stable father figure stick around in her own childhood, and this shows up throughout the book, with her trying to force a relationship between her baby and the baby's father early on, even when Eric made it clear he doesn't want one. This unresolved trauma comes to a head in the form of the dreaded third-act breakup. The resolution to this fell flat for me, and the ending dragged.
Thank you to The Smuthood Inc. for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 17, 2026
4.5/5⭐️ 3/5🌶️
I was thoroughly satisfied with this book. The storyline was engaging and the execution was spot on from start to finish.
I was 100% Team Theo the entire time. This man was everything. I couldn’t get enough of his sweet, shy side—right up until he was pushed to show Finley who he really was. Theo was protective, supportive, loving, and just a little unhinged in the bedroom. A true golden retriever hero who calls his girl “darlin’” and immediately reminds her to use her safe word if she needs it. 🫠 He never once lied about his feelings, and while the jump from strangers to roommates to more felt a bit rushed, it made complete sense once we truly got to know Theo at his core. And honestly? There’s nothing more attractive than a man who steps up. Theo accepted Finley’s baby without hesitation and wanted nothing more than to be their daddy from the very beginning.
Finley, on the other hand, was fighting an uphill battle from page one—taking hit after hit until fate finally dropped her into Theo’s path. While accepting his help may not have been the smartest decision on paper, it showed that she always had her child’s best interests at heart. That said, I absolutely did not agree with her choice to bail and break Theo’s heart. It felt unnecessary, especially when Theo did nothing but consistently show her that he loved her and wasn’t going anywhere.
I also enjoyed the small glimpses we got of the Renegades and their partners. While I would have loved to see things blow up a bit more in Eric’s face, I appreciated that they chose to leave him in the past and refused to let him interfere with their future. And even though we never actually meet Finley’s mom, I thoroughly disliked her—and I was very happy she wasn’t welcomed back into their lives.
Overall, this was a satisfying, emotional read with a standout hero I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Tropes:
Football Romance
Surprise Pregnancy (It’s Not His)
Close Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Boy Obsessed
Found Family
Thank you C.L. Rose and Smuthood PR for an eARC in exchange of my honest review.
I was thoroughly satisfied with this book. The storyline was engaging and the execution was spot on from start to finish.
I was 100% Team Theo the entire time. This man was everything. I couldn’t get enough of his sweet, shy side—right up until he was pushed to show Finley who he really was. Theo was protective, supportive, loving, and just a little unhinged in the bedroom. A true golden retriever hero who calls his girl “darlin’” and immediately reminds her to use her safe word if she needs it. 🫠 He never once lied about his feelings, and while the jump from strangers to roommates to more felt a bit rushed, it made complete sense once we truly got to know Theo at his core. And honestly? There’s nothing more attractive than a man who steps up. Theo accepted Finley’s baby without hesitation and wanted nothing more than to be their daddy from the very beginning.
Finley, on the other hand, was fighting an uphill battle from page one—taking hit after hit until fate finally dropped her into Theo’s path. While accepting his help may not have been the smartest decision on paper, it showed that she always had her child’s best interests at heart. That said, I absolutely did not agree with her choice to bail and break Theo’s heart. It felt unnecessary, especially when Theo did nothing but consistently show her that he loved her and wasn’t going anywhere.
I also enjoyed the small glimpses we got of the Renegades and their partners. While I would have loved to see things blow up a bit more in Eric’s face, I appreciated that they chose to leave him in the past and refused to let him interfere with their future. And even though we never actually meet Finley’s mom, I thoroughly disliked her—and I was very happy she wasn’t welcomed back into their lives.
Overall, this was a satisfying, emotional read with a standout hero I won’t be forgetting anytime soon.
Tropes:
Football Romance
Surprise Pregnancy (It’s Not His)
Close Proximity
Friends to Lovers
Boy Obsessed
Found Family
Thank you C.L. Rose and Smuthood PR for an eARC in exchange of my honest review.
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