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Try for Love #2
Try Again Later
Not yet published
Expected 11 Dec 25If hooking up with straight married men was a business, Orlando Oakham-Goodwin would be the CEO. Nepo baby and all round spoilt brat, Lando lives a life most can only dream of. But when his father cuts off his finances and his best friend reveals she’s moving away, Lando must find a way to pull himself up by his designer bootstraps. With everyone else abandoning him, there’s only one person left for him to call upon . . . the one person Lando swore he’d never speak to again.
Two years ago, Harry Ellis’s dream came true when he made the roster of the Bath Centurions Men’s rugby team. Unfortunately, that was the same year they also signed a superstar to the squad, and Harry’s been playing second fiddle ever since. Desperate to prove himself and get noticed, Harry vows he’ll outshine his teammates and win the fight for captaincy. And it’s going pretty well, at least until a certain rich boy with a loud mouth and a lack of boundaries comes crashing back into his life.
Harry is a man on a mission to be the best, even if it kills him. But Lando, in all his chaotic glory, might teach him something far more important. Because this isn’t the same Lando Harry remembers. There’s something different about him now. Something a little more . . . driven.
Try Again Later is a friends to enemies to lovers MM rugby romance with a lactose intolerant brat and a grumpy fly-half. Expect reluctant second chances, “teach me” goodness, and plenty of toilet humour—literally. Try Again Later is the second in the Try for Love series of interconnected standalones.
Two years ago, Harry Ellis’s dream came true when he made the roster of the Bath Centurions Men’s rugby team. Unfortunately, that was the same year they also signed a superstar to the squad, and Harry’s been playing second fiddle ever since. Desperate to prove himself and get noticed, Harry vows he’ll outshine his teammates and win the fight for captaincy. And it’s going pretty well, at least until a certain rich boy with a loud mouth and a lack of boundaries comes crashing back into his life.
Harry is a man on a mission to be the best, even if it kills him. But Lando, in all his chaotic glory, might teach him something far more important. Because this isn’t the same Lando Harry remembers. There’s something different about him now. Something a little more . . . driven.
Try Again Later is a friends to enemies to lovers MM rugby romance with a lactose intolerant brat and a grumpy fly-half. Expect reluctant second chances, “teach me” goodness, and plenty of toilet humour—literally. Try Again Later is the second in the Try for Love series of interconnected standalones.
- GenresSports
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 11, 2025
27 people want to read
About the author
Jemma Croft
8 books243 followersJemma is a regular human author living in Bristol, UK, with her husband, daughters and an anxiety-ridden Brussels Griffon.
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 23, 2025
5⭐️
This book was so good that I cried!!!!!!
Like, yes it’s a low-stakes romance between two hilarious arseholes, but it’s SO WELL DONE!!
We start the book out following Lando and Harry separately, who both vehemently insist that they hate each other. The book does such an excellent job of introducing them and setting the scene for their past relationship. Then we’re taken back in time to see what happened between these two, and it’s INCREDIBLE.
Lando is a spoiled 21 year old with abandonment issues and IBS issues he isn’t shy to talk about. He’s all about hookups (because they can’t abandon you), and never makes any exceptions. Enter Harry, a rugby player who’s trying to figure himself out, and is both a grumpy c*nt and an absolute sweetheart. Their relationship isn’t your cookie-cutter romance. Lando is ace and has a complex relationship with s*x, while Harry is still figuring out what he likes and just wants to make love to someone. But bring these two together? Their compatibility is off the charts, right off the bat. And I mean like, their personalities fit like puzzle pieces, and their physical compatibility is secondary to that because their connection is so strong. So good.
Now when I tell you I love these characters, I mean I LOVE THEM. A LOT!!!! They are incredibly nuanced and well written. You could describe both of them as hilarious, grumpy young dudes that just want to be loved. But they’re SO distinct and different at the same time. This book is an absolute master class in excellent character writing. The characters are consistent but show real growth. Their flaws are believable. They have their own (amazing) voices in the narration, even. Even the side characters are perfectly integrated into this book. Lando and Daisy’s relationship in this book really hit home as well. I loooove the queer friendship we got between them as well. Without ranting for too long, I’ll just say that Jemma Croft has said that these are her favourite characters, and it’s sooo evident why.
Honestly, everything about this book was absolutely incredible. There were moments I laughed out loud. And I don’t mean like, a giggle or a grin (though I was doing that a lot too), but GUFFAWING. There were also emotional moments that had me kicking my feet or feeling butterflies. Then some moments, especially the end, than had me clutching my chest with emotion and my eyes filling with tears?? The writing is S tier—never a dull moment, hilarious banter, perfect balance of everything.
I got so distracted by waxing poetic about how much I love this book that I forgot to tell you about the content 🤪 This book has:
-rugby player x rich kid
-IBS rep ✊ (and a partner that’s so sweet about it)
-ace rep (well done)
-asparagus (both in food form and d*ldo form! Fun!)
-‘teach me’
-fantastic side characters
-second chance
-dual timeline (perfectly executed)
-lots of cuddles and movies
I’m so obsessed with this book. Best book I’ve read in a long time. Jemma Croft is a genius, and I’m not exaggerating. Never read a book by her that wasn’t fantastic.
If you haven’t already, read book 1 in this series immediately, then RUN to pick up Try Again Later on December 11.
This book was so good that I cried!!!!!!
Like, yes it’s a low-stakes romance between two hilarious arseholes, but it’s SO WELL DONE!!
We start the book out following Lando and Harry separately, who both vehemently insist that they hate each other. The book does such an excellent job of introducing them and setting the scene for their past relationship. Then we’re taken back in time to see what happened between these two, and it’s INCREDIBLE.
Lando is a spoiled 21 year old with abandonment issues and IBS issues he isn’t shy to talk about. He’s all about hookups (because they can’t abandon you), and never makes any exceptions. Enter Harry, a rugby player who’s trying to figure himself out, and is both a grumpy c*nt and an absolute sweetheart. Their relationship isn’t your cookie-cutter romance. Lando is ace and has a complex relationship with s*x, while Harry is still figuring out what he likes and just wants to make love to someone. But bring these two together? Their compatibility is off the charts, right off the bat. And I mean like, their personalities fit like puzzle pieces, and their physical compatibility is secondary to that because their connection is so strong. So good.
Now when I tell you I love these characters, I mean I LOVE THEM. A LOT!!!! They are incredibly nuanced and well written. You could describe both of them as hilarious, grumpy young dudes that just want to be loved. But they’re SO distinct and different at the same time. This book is an absolute master class in excellent character writing. The characters are consistent but show real growth. Their flaws are believable. They have their own (amazing) voices in the narration, even. Even the side characters are perfectly integrated into this book. Lando and Daisy’s relationship in this book really hit home as well. I loooove the queer friendship we got between them as well. Without ranting for too long, I’ll just say that Jemma Croft has said that these are her favourite characters, and it’s sooo evident why.
Honestly, everything about this book was absolutely incredible. There were moments I laughed out loud. And I don’t mean like, a giggle or a grin (though I was doing that a lot too), but GUFFAWING. There were also emotional moments that had me kicking my feet or feeling butterflies. Then some moments, especially the end, than had me clutching my chest with emotion and my eyes filling with tears?? The writing is S tier—never a dull moment, hilarious banter, perfect balance of everything.
I got so distracted by waxing poetic about how much I love this book that I forgot to tell you about the content 🤪 This book has:
-rugby player x rich kid
-IBS rep ✊ (and a partner that’s so sweet about it)
-ace rep (well done)
-asparagus (both in food form and d*ldo form! Fun!)
-‘teach me’
-fantastic side characters
-second chance
-dual timeline (perfectly executed)
-lots of cuddles and movies
I’m so obsessed with this book. Best book I’ve read in a long time. Jemma Croft is a genius, and I’m not exaggerating. Never read a book by her that wasn’t fantastic.
If you haven’t already, read book 1 in this series immediately, then RUN to pick up Try Again Later on December 11.
November 15, 2025
I love them.
I just love them.
So fuckjng much.
They’re messy, grumpy, flawed, and so real it hurts.
I’ve been craving a grumpy x grumpy romance for so long, and I’m not surprised that it was Jemma Croft that delivered one that ticked every box. There’s a reason she’s become an auto buy author for me.
Lando is chaotic, and if you’ve read One Last Try especially the clubhouse shower scene, you’ll understand part of why I say that! Harry is grumpy, and hates my sweet Matias (but we still love him). Together they’re so freaking soft and sweet, they make mistakes, and ultimately they’re each others best friend.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have a feeling we might be taking a trip down to Cornwall for part of book three….
I just love them.
So fuckjng much.
They’re messy, grumpy, flawed, and so real it hurts.
I’ve been craving a grumpy x grumpy romance for so long, and I’m not surprised that it was Jemma Croft that delivered one that ticked every box. There’s a reason she’s become an auto buy author for me.
Lando is chaotic, and if you’ve read One Last Try especially the clubhouse shower scene, you’ll understand part of why I say that! Harry is grumpy, and hates my sweet Matias (but we still love him). Together they’re so freaking soft and sweet, they make mistakes, and ultimately they’re each others best friend.
This series just keeps getting better and better. I have a feeling we might be taking a trip down to Cornwall for part of book three….
November 18, 2025
File this under books that made me cry because the heartbreak was too real and broke me. Like I saw it coming, but didn't think it would break the dam. I cried for two or more chapters. To quote Lando "Why is he breaking me like this? Why is he trying to hurt me?"
Despite Lando being Ace, this book is not without spice, but everything happened very organically and even the way the book is written in flashback form is terrific. Jemma Croft can re-write the telephone book and I'd read it cover to cover.
I had been feeling slumpy because nothing was catching my interest, it just turned out that I wasn't reading the right kind of stories, sorry other authors. I needed a story about IBS, rugby in the rain and poor little rich Lando having to work a crappy job to bring the sunshine back in my life.
Despite Lando being Ace, this book is not without spice, but everything happened very organically and even the way the book is written in flashback form is terrific. Jemma Croft can re-write the telephone book and I'd read it cover to cover.
I had been feeling slumpy because nothing was catching my interest, it just turned out that I wasn't reading the right kind of stories, sorry other authors. I needed a story about IBS, rugby in the rain and poor little rich Lando having to work a crappy job to bring the sunshine back in my life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2025
Try Again Later - a book in which Jemma tries to make me cry like a baby, again. And she succeeds. But you won't just be crying. Jemma gives us a hilarious story about characters struggling with very relatable problems that will pull on your heartstrings. In between the tears you'll be laughing, giggling, screaming and possibly wanting to throw your book because the boys are being idiots, and wondering if your partner would be as accepting about your chaotic digestive system as Harry was for Lando. (I learned early on in our relationship that my husband is as accepting.)
Lando and Harry have become some of my favorite c*nty queer bois. Lando was such a spoiled and messy diva but he turned up for his friends when they needed him. Even when his heart was breaking. I'd love to be his friend. But I don't think he'd appreciate my aesthetic of yoga pants and t shirts. I'd get some points for them all being black, though.
Harry cracked me up with his respect/hate relationship with Mathias. Poor guy tried so hard to be noticed and felt like he would never be picked first for something. It was really fun seeing scenes from Book 1 through his and Lando's POV.
As soon as I finished the book I completely understood why Jemma has said this was her favorite book to write so far. It's a beautiful story of growing, acceptance, and finding love - with lots of poo jokes.
Lando and Harry have become some of my favorite c*nty queer bois. Lando was such a spoiled and messy diva but he turned up for his friends when they needed him. Even when his heart was breaking. I'd love to be his friend. But I don't think he'd appreciate my aesthetic of yoga pants and t shirts. I'd get some points for them all being black, though.
Harry cracked me up with his respect/hate relationship with Mathias. Poor guy tried so hard to be noticed and felt like he would never be picked first for something. It was really fun seeing scenes from Book 1 through his and Lando's POV.
As soon as I finished the book I completely understood why Jemma has said this was her favorite book to write so far. It's a beautiful story of growing, acceptance, and finding love - with lots of poo jokes.
November 16, 2025
I laughed. I cried. I screamed. I forced my husband to listen to me read out my favorite parts.
Jemma is very quickly becoming my favorite author, her writing and stories and humor just hit me on my level (especially the poo jokes) and I love each book more and more.
Lando, diva, babygirl - must be protected at all costs.
Abs, the King, well he must be fed asparagus.
I am struggling to review this book as it has ruined me and I feel it's a crime I can't rate it 10 stars. Aside from the humor (it's a very funny book) there was a deeper story here around acceptance and letting yourself be yourself, which was written so beautifully.
Ugh, I might never read again after this slump 😂 in the wise words of the diva himself, please excuse me now so I can go to the bathroom and cry myself into a coma.
Jemma is very quickly becoming my favorite author, her writing and stories and humor just hit me on my level (especially the poo jokes) and I love each book more and more.
Lando, diva, babygirl - must be protected at all costs.
Abs, the King, well he must be fed asparagus.
I am struggling to review this book as it has ruined me and I feel it's a crime I can't rate it 10 stars. Aside from the humor (it's a very funny book) there was a deeper story here around acceptance and letting yourself be yourself, which was written so beautifully.
Ugh, I might never read again after this slump 😂 in the wise words of the diva himself, please excuse me now so I can go to the bathroom and cry myself into a coma.
November 23, 2025
I laughed out loud multiple times while reading this book. Lando was my favourite character while I was reading book 1 from this series, and it was so nice to get to know him better.
Harry and Lando are my favourite grumpy pair. I absolutely love how much Harry despises Matthias from book 1. They're absolutely miserable, but their dynamic and banter is so real, messy and funny. Lando in particular I wanted to shake and yell at to stop sabotaging himself. This story is a different type of romance than the author has done before in terms of spice. Lando is ace, and I appreciated how Harry responded to his boundaries and always checked in with Lando. And I really liked that every scene between them wasn't sexual, but we got a lot of sweet and emotional moments that build them as a couple instead. I adore them.
Harry and Lando are my favourite grumpy pair. I absolutely love how much Harry despises Matthias from book 1. They're absolutely miserable, but their dynamic and banter is so real, messy and funny. Lando in particular I wanted to shake and yell at to stop sabotaging himself. This story is a different type of romance than the author has done before in terms of spice. Lando is ace, and I appreciated how Harry responded to his boundaries and always checked in with Lando. And I really liked that every scene between them wasn't sexual, but we got a lot of sweet and emotional moments that build them as a couple instead. I adore them.
November 24, 2025
This book is best read when lying in a fetal position on bed due to IBS. Ask me how I know.
Lando and Harry are awfully messy yet absolutely perfect, and you end up crying because they've burrowed into your heart. Now my pillow is wet.
Lando is such a drama queen and a precious baby, Harry is absolutely lovable even if he hates Mathias.
I loved their friendship turn to more, even if Lando was fighting it until the end - but we all knew what he was feeling.
Perfection!
Lando and Harry are awfully messy yet absolutely perfect, and you end up crying because they've burrowed into your heart. Now my pillow is wet.
Lando is such a drama queen and a precious baby, Harry is absolutely lovable even if he hates Mathias.
I loved their friendship turn to more, even if Lando was fighting it until the end - but we all knew what he was feeling.
Perfection!
November 19, 2025
Maybe my favorite MCs from Jemma yet. I didn’t want it to end! Full review to come!
November 19, 2025
I love them so much 😭
November 24, 2025
2.5 ⭐️
May round down.
Rtc!
May round down.
Rtc!
November 23, 2025
Genuinely one of the most beautiful books I have ever read, with rich and complex characters. I do not know how Jemma has done this, but she has written a book that I NEEDED to read. As someone battered by 2025, and feeling a shell of herself, grumpy and exhausted by the world, reading a book about two people similarly in the middle of their own shit, but finding love anyway, or rather, accepting of themselves that they are worthy of love - so very worthy of love - was astonishing and brilliant.
Jemma is such a talented writer. So incredible with her sense of character and places that I sobbed at several moments. I hope she continues to write forever.
Jemma is such a talented writer. So incredible with her sense of character and places that I sobbed at several moments. I hope she continues to write forever.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews