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The Devoted Dastard
Not yet published
Expected 20 Oct 26Leah Walton lives a lonely life and that’s just the way she likes it. As someone who lost her parents young, she’s learned that letting anyone in can be costly. So when she runs into a cute guy at the bar willing to have a no strings night, she’s happy to have the temporary outlet. But as well as the night went, it did end up having a couple of strings, in the form of two pink lines.
Niall Christenson is a certified workaholic and as the team’s captain, he always puts in extra time practicing, coming up with game plans, and picking up the slack of the team’s previous subpar coach. But now that they’ve got a competent coach, he’s suddenly got a lot of free time and nothing to fill those lonely hours. Until his one night stand pops back into his life with news that she’s pregnant and keeping the baby. And while Niall’s excited to have a family and something outside the team to care about, there’s one thing that puts a damper on the news. Leah wants their relationship to stay as is, unattached.
These two Devoted Dastards have to decide if their devotion to their careers and their safety is more important than the future family they both crave.
Content warnings: sexually explicit content, mentions of losing parents at a young age, depiction of anxiety, discussions of racism in the soccer community
Tropes: sports (soccer), found family, accidental pregnancy, black cat x golden retriever,
Niall Christenson is a certified workaholic and as the team’s captain, he always puts in extra time practicing, coming up with game plans, and picking up the slack of the team’s previous subpar coach. But now that they’ve got a competent coach, he’s suddenly got a lot of free time and nothing to fill those lonely hours. Until his one night stand pops back into his life with news that she’s pregnant and keeping the baby. And while Niall’s excited to have a family and something outside the team to care about, there’s one thing that puts a damper on the news. Leah wants their relationship to stay as is, unattached.
These two Devoted Dastards have to decide if their devotion to their careers and their safety is more important than the future family they both crave.
Content warnings: sexually explicit content, mentions of losing parents at a young age, depiction of anxiety, discussions of racism in the soccer community
Tropes: sports (soccer), found family, accidental pregnancy, black cat x golden retriever,
- GenresSports Romance
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication October 20, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 8, 2026
💚Accidental Pregnancy
⚽Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
💚Found Family
⚽Dual POV
K.E. Monteith has done it, yet again. Someone needs to look into how she writes things, because it's unfair that she's yet again made it onto my favourite authors list, and become a significant factor in traumatising my bank account.
I think the thing that's stood out most to me within this book is the accidental pregnancy trope. It's been done in a way that I've never read before, and truth be told, it's something I've adored from the start. I have no doubt that there's similar books out there with the trope being done in the same way, especially since it's a book that is there to have a happily ever after, but that's besides the point right now.
I've not read the first book in the series but I do plan to do so, but the found family aspect hit HARD in this book, it was banging, and I absolutely adored it. I fell in love with each and every character and the way they played a significant part in the story. You find your MMC (Niall) being a man who has always been focused on his team. As far as Niall is concerned, he's there to make and enforce rules, and with previous managers leaving him to pick up the slack, you find that Niall is much harder on himself than he needs to be. I love that I got to see Niall go from a man who felt as though he had the world on his shoulders, to a man that could take a step back from his team and appreciate the bigger and finer things in life. Was it an easy thing to do? Absolutely not! But the acknowledged that, and the fact that this man went to therapy about his troubles warmed my heart. I love that he wasn't afraid to be honest about his anxieties, and it just hones in on the fact that mental health is a big thing for men.
As for the FMC, I found it a little harder to love her in certain chapters, but I feel that it was more down to me rather than the author. I understood her trauma, and I understand why she felt undeserving of love, but I also felt that her reasoning didn't necessarily warrant that trauma? It's hard to explain, and as I said, I think it was more down to me than the author. Despite this, I think the way K.E. Monteith wrote her character development was brilliant, and the thing I loved the most about Leah is her opening up and being honest about her feelings. It wasn't a thing that she managed to do overnight, but she managed to do it, and she should be proud of herself for it. Her character development made me smile at times, and by the time the story had finished? I found myself wanting to carry on reading about Leah. I also REALLY loved the scene where she found out she was pregnant, I think it was beautifully written, and it really honed in on the fact that Leah needed someone, and how seriously she needed the found family trope to come into her life.
Finally, the smut was 100/10. I'm a sucker for a man who isn't afraid to eat his woman out, and the fact that he tasted them both together? YUM. OH AND THE WAY HE PHONED LEAH IN THAT ONE SCENE AFTER HE DID SOMETHING? OBSESSED.
All in all, I loved the book, I'll be going back to read the first book in the series, and I seriously recommend it for someone who loves an accidental pregnancy trope.
⚽Golden Retriever MMC x Black Cat FMC
💚Found Family
⚽Dual POV
K.E. Monteith has done it, yet again. Someone needs to look into how she writes things, because it's unfair that she's yet again made it onto my favourite authors list, and become a significant factor in traumatising my bank account.
I think the thing that's stood out most to me within this book is the accidental pregnancy trope. It's been done in a way that I've never read before, and truth be told, it's something I've adored from the start. I have no doubt that there's similar books out there with the trope being done in the same way, especially since it's a book that is there to have a happily ever after, but that's besides the point right now.
I've not read the first book in the series but I do plan to do so, but the found family aspect hit HARD in this book, it was banging, and I absolutely adored it. I fell in love with each and every character and the way they played a significant part in the story. You find your MMC (Niall) being a man who has always been focused on his team. As far as Niall is concerned, he's there to make and enforce rules, and with previous managers leaving him to pick up the slack, you find that Niall is much harder on himself than he needs to be. I love that I got to see Niall go from a man who felt as though he had the world on his shoulders, to a man that could take a step back from his team and appreciate the bigger and finer things in life. Was it an easy thing to do? Absolutely not! But the acknowledged that, and the fact that this man went to therapy about his troubles warmed my heart. I love that he wasn't afraid to be honest about his anxieties, and it just hones in on the fact that mental health is a big thing for men.
As for the FMC, I found it a little harder to love her in certain chapters, but I feel that it was more down to me rather than the author. I understood her trauma, and I understand why she felt undeserving of love, but I also felt that her reasoning didn't necessarily warrant that trauma? It's hard to explain, and as I said, I think it was more down to me than the author. Despite this, I think the way K.E. Monteith wrote her character development was brilliant, and the thing I loved the most about Leah is her opening up and being honest about her feelings. It wasn't a thing that she managed to do overnight, but she managed to do it, and she should be proud of herself for it. Her character development made me smile at times, and by the time the story had finished? I found myself wanting to carry on reading about Leah. I also REALLY loved the scene where she found out she was pregnant, I think it was beautifully written, and it really honed in on the fact that Leah needed someone, and how seriously she needed the found family trope to come into her life.
Finally, the smut was 100/10. I'm a sucker for a man who isn't afraid to eat his woman out, and the fact that he tasted them both together? YUM. OH AND THE WAY HE PHONED LEAH IN THAT ONE SCENE AFTER HE DID SOMETHING? OBSESSED.
All in all, I loved the book, I'll be going back to read the first book in the series, and I seriously recommend it for someone who loves an accidental pregnancy trope.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
The Devoted Dastard by K.E. Monteith
4.5⭐️
I didn’t think the Dastards could get more heartwarming, but I was so wrong! I absolutely loved seeing the group come together to show love and support to Niall, Leah, and their baby. This book has such a strong found family message, especially with Leah since she doesn’t have any family or friends, and it was beautiful to see her walls come down and new friendships blossom. Niall’s teammates are so fun and it’s impossible to not love them!
The mental health rep and therapy discussed in this book was so important, especially in today’s world. Anxiety is something that so many people suffer with, so seeing both MCs working through it and helping each other feel reassured was lovely. It will never be perfect, there will always be ups and downs, but that’s just life.
Grief and anxiety of losing the ones you love also plays a big role in the storyline. These are such valid and common fears for people and it was nice to see the slow and realistic healing from Leah as she learns that it’s okay to let people in instead of being alone.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts Lit for this gifted eARC for an honest review!
⚽️ Professional soccer player x Elementary School Teacher
⚽️ Accidental Pregnancy
⚽️ One Night Stand
⚽️ Black cat FMC x Golden retriever MMC
⚽️ Found family
⚽️ Mental health rep (PTSD and anxiety)
⚽️ Workaholic x Runs from love
⚽️ Dual POV
Microtropes
🌶️ Face ride and 69
🌶️ Phone $ex
🌶️ Massage
🌶️ She wears his jersey
🌶️ “Good boy”
🌶️ He takes notes
🌶️ Goes solo imagining her
The Devoted Dastard by K.E. Monteith
4.5⭐️
I didn’t think the Dastards could get more heartwarming, but I was so wrong! I absolutely loved seeing the group come together to show love and support to Niall, Leah, and their baby. This book has such a strong found family message, especially with Leah since she doesn’t have any family or friends, and it was beautiful to see her walls come down and new friendships blossom. Niall’s teammates are so fun and it’s impossible to not love them!
The mental health rep and therapy discussed in this book was so important, especially in today’s world. Anxiety is something that so many people suffer with, so seeing both MCs working through it and helping each other feel reassured was lovely. It will never be perfect, there will always be ups and downs, but that’s just life.
Grief and anxiety of losing the ones you love also plays a big role in the storyline. These are such valid and common fears for people and it was nice to see the slow and realistic healing from Leah as she learns that it’s okay to let people in instead of being alone.
Can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts Lit for this gifted eARC for an honest review!
⚽️ Professional soccer player x Elementary School Teacher
⚽️ Accidental Pregnancy
⚽️ One Night Stand
⚽️ Black cat FMC x Golden retriever MMC
⚽️ Found family
⚽️ Mental health rep (PTSD and anxiety)
⚽️ Workaholic x Runs from love
⚽️ Dual POV
Microtropes
🌶️ Face ride and 69
🌶️ Phone $ex
🌶️ Massage
🌶️ She wears his jersey
🌶️ “Good boy”
🌶️ He takes notes
🌶️ Goes solo imagining her
Review of advance copy received from Author
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
If you are looking for a fast-paced, cozy sports romance that you can devour in a single sitting, The Devoted Dastard is an absolute must-read! This hit every single sweet spot for me, especially combining soccer (my ultimate favorite sport!) with the pregnancy trope.
As always, dual POV is an instant plus for me, and the short chapters made it dangerously easy to fall into the "just one more chapter" trap at night without sacrificing too much sleep. It makes for a wonderfully quick, fast-paced read. I completely fell for Niall as a character; I felt so deeply for his constant need to always be doing something, and watching him and Leah navigate their struggles was so rewarding. Despite some stubbornness at the beginning, they truly gave each other a chance and proved to be so good for each other. While I had a bit of a hard time fully vibing with Leah's character personally, the side characters completely stole the show. I loved the teammates and the close-knit group of soccer girlfriends!
Overall, this was such a fun and comforting read. Once I get through my holiday TBR, I am definitely diving straight into book one of the series!
If you are looking for a fast-paced, cozy sports romance that you can devour in a single sitting, The Devoted Dastard is an absolute must-read! This hit every single sweet spot for me, especially combining soccer (my ultimate favorite sport!) with the pregnancy trope.
As always, dual POV is an instant plus for me, and the short chapters made it dangerously easy to fall into the "just one more chapter" trap at night without sacrificing too much sleep. It makes for a wonderfully quick, fast-paced read. I completely fell for Niall as a character; I felt so deeply for his constant need to always be doing something, and watching him and Leah navigate their struggles was so rewarding. Despite some stubbornness at the beginning, they truly gave each other a chance and proved to be so good for each other. While I had a bit of a hard time fully vibing with Leah's character personally, the side characters completely stole the show. I loved the teammates and the close-knit group of soccer girlfriends!
Overall, this was such a fun and comforting read. Once I get through my holiday TBR, I am definitely diving straight into book one of the series!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the opportunity to read this ARC exchange for an honest review!!
4 out of 5 stars. It was super sweet! Soccer romance is definitely the sports romance subgenre that I have read the least of. Apparently I need to read more… I loved this one. I am in fact a sucker for accidental pregnancy romances. I don’t make the rules, it's just how the cookie crumbles for me. I know it’s not for everyone but I will read it every single time. One thing I really loved was how there was growth between both of the characters. Both Niall and Leah had their own struggles and things they needed to work through, and I liked seeing how much they grew throughout the story. They learned how to support one another while also working through their own challenges, and their relationship was so sweet to watch develop. I absolutely love the found family that was within this book especially because it was both characters realizing they had this new found family. Niall had this found family all along but struggled to accept their support and let them in until he started making changes in his life. Niall and Leah were cute they learned to be supportive of one another and both grew so much by the end of the book.
4 out of 5 stars. It was super sweet! Soccer romance is definitely the sports romance subgenre that I have read the least of. Apparently I need to read more… I loved this one. I am in fact a sucker for accidental pregnancy romances. I don’t make the rules, it's just how the cookie crumbles for me. I know it’s not for everyone but I will read it every single time. One thing I really loved was how there was growth between both of the characters. Both Niall and Leah had their own struggles and things they needed to work through, and I liked seeing how much they grew throughout the story. They learned how to support one another while also working through their own challenges, and their relationship was so sweet to watch develop. I absolutely love the found family that was within this book especially because it was both characters realizing they had this new found family. Niall had this found family all along but struggled to accept their support and let them in until he started making changes in his life. Niall and Leah were cute they learned to be supportive of one another and both grew so much by the end of the book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of an Advanced Reader’s Copy
I totally understand why the book is called “The Devoted Dastard.” Niall is for sure a super devoted person in everything he does. As the captain of a professional soccer team, he is the definition of a type A personality- being overly prepared (and a workaholic) as a coping mechanism to anxiety. In contrast, Leah due to her past experiences has completely closed herself off to everyone as a way to cope with her fears and anxiety. It’s interesting seeing two sides of the same coin between Leah and Niall. Mix in a surprise pregnancy, both Niall and Leah have quite a few things to figure out. One thing is for sure is that Niall is very dedicated. If you enjoy the surprise pregnancy trope, this will give you your fix but in a more realistic way. This story did not leave everything in a nice bow; it shows that people are a work in progress and things do not get resolved just because of love, but it does help to have a support system and motivation to change. I liked the realism of that aspect of the story and relate to self isolation and wanting to run away as a way to protect yourself. It is not a perfect story but I definitely enjoyed it.
I totally understand why the book is called “The Devoted Dastard.” Niall is for sure a super devoted person in everything he does. As the captain of a professional soccer team, he is the definition of a type A personality- being overly prepared (and a workaholic) as a coping mechanism to anxiety. In contrast, Leah due to her past experiences has completely closed herself off to everyone as a way to cope with her fears and anxiety. It’s interesting seeing two sides of the same coin between Leah and Niall. Mix in a surprise pregnancy, both Niall and Leah have quite a few things to figure out. One thing is for sure is that Niall is very dedicated. If you enjoy the surprise pregnancy trope, this will give you your fix but in a more realistic way. This story did not leave everything in a nice bow; it shows that people are a work in progress and things do not get resolved just because of love, but it does help to have a support system and motivation to change. I liked the realism of that aspect of the story and relate to self isolation and wanting to run away as a way to protect yourself. It is not a perfect story but I definitely enjoyed it.
Review of advance copy received from Author
MY HEART…. THIS BOOK!!!! 😭❤️🩹
K.E. Monteith, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?!
I am absolutely LOVING this series, but NIALL AND LEAH?! They’ve officially stolen the number one spot in my heart! Sorry, Ollie and Kodi… you’ve been dethroned! 😂❤️🔥
LEAH?! 🥹
I absolutely adored her! Her journey of learning to trust, heal, and open herself up to love was so beautifully written. Watching her relationship with Niall blossom from a one-night stand into something so meaningful?! MY HEART COULDN’T TAKE IT!
And NIALL?! ❤️🔥
This man was such a beautifully written character. I loved his growth just as much as Leah’s. They both had so much to learn, not only about themselves but about each other, and watching them navigate that journey together was EVERYTHING.
The emotional growth?! ❤️🩹
The romance?! 🥹
The chemistry?! 🔥
THEIR ENTIRE JOURNEY?! PERFECTION!
K.E. Monteith, thank you for creating such incredible characters and giving them stories that make me feel EVERYTHING!
Niall and Leah officially own my heart, and I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE YESTERDAY!!!! 😭📚❤️🔥
K.E. Monteith, WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?!
I am absolutely LOVING this series, but NIALL AND LEAH?! They’ve officially stolen the number one spot in my heart! Sorry, Ollie and Kodi… you’ve been dethroned! 😂❤️🔥
LEAH?! 🥹
I absolutely adored her! Her journey of learning to trust, heal, and open herself up to love was so beautifully written. Watching her relationship with Niall blossom from a one-night stand into something so meaningful?! MY HEART COULDN’T TAKE IT!
And NIALL?! ❤️🔥
This man was such a beautifully written character. I loved his growth just as much as Leah’s. They both had so much to learn, not only about themselves but about each other, and watching them navigate that journey together was EVERYTHING.
The emotional growth?! ❤️🩹
The romance?! 🥹
The chemistry?! 🔥
THEIR ENTIRE JOURNEY?! PERFECTION!
K.E. Monteith, thank you for creating such incredible characters and giving them stories that make me feel EVERYTHING!
Niall and Leah officially own my heart, and I NEED THE NEXT BOOK LIKE YESTERDAY!!!! 😭📚❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Destin Dastards: Niall & Leah
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I read this as an early reader and it ended up being a cute, easy read…
Niall and Leah move FAST. A one night stand, a surprise pregnancy, and suddenly they’re figuring out this whole co-parenting thing.
I really liked their dynamic, especially Niall falling first while Leah is doing everything she can to keep her heart safely locked away. The strangers-to-friends-to-more progression worked really well, and watching them slowly realise they could be a family was probably my favourite part.
There’s a little drama and some angst, but overall this was a pretty low-angst read with plenty of humour, a touch of spice, and some great found-family vibes. Niall’s golden-retriever energy was the perfect contrast to Leah’s black-cat personality while she tried to hold people away.
A sweet accidental-pregnancy/sports romance with a hero who is completely gone for her. And honestly… I’m here for it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I read this as an early reader and it ended up being a cute, easy read…
Niall and Leah move FAST. A one night stand, a surprise pregnancy, and suddenly they’re figuring out this whole co-parenting thing.
I really liked their dynamic, especially Niall falling first while Leah is doing everything she can to keep her heart safely locked away. The strangers-to-friends-to-more progression worked really well, and watching them slowly realise they could be a family was probably my favourite part.
There’s a little drama and some angst, but overall this was a pretty low-angst read with plenty of humour, a touch of spice, and some great found-family vibes. Niall’s golden-retriever energy was the perfect contrast to Leah’s black-cat personality while she tried to hold people away.
A sweet accidental-pregnancy/sports romance with a hero who is completely gone for her. And honestly… I’m here for it!
Review of advance copy
After all the buzz surrounding the world cup this year, it was nice to read a Futbol romance.
I liked Niall. He was not your average athlete in a typical sports romance. He wasnt tall, cocky or broody. He was very responsible and a workaholic and seemingly avoids close relationships under the guise of being busy. I loved how sarcastic Leah was the one to really shake up his world and help became such a simp.
I did really like Leah's character. She was weary or any type of relationship, romantic or platonic, and is finally getting the chance to make her own family. I loved how she embraced Niall's teammates and the other SOs.
This was a cute story and hope we get more of the Dastards to fall in love!!
I liked Niall. He was not your average athlete in a typical sports romance. He wasnt tall, cocky or broody. He was very responsible and a workaholic and seemingly avoids close relationships under the guise of being busy. I loved how sarcastic Leah was the one to really shake up his world and help became such a simp.
I did really like Leah's character. She was weary or any type of relationship, romantic or platonic, and is finally getting the chance to make her own family. I loved how she embraced Niall's teammates and the other SOs.
This was a cute story and hope we get more of the Dastards to fall in love!!
October 13, 2026
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Honestly, this one didn’t hit quite the same as the first book. I struggled to fully connect with the characters, especially Leah. I understand where she was coming from, but she was a little too cold towards Niall for my liking.
Their relationship felt a bit strange at times, as I got the impression that Niall had been all in since Leah told him about the pregnancy, while she continued to be so harsh towards him. It started to frustrate me a little at some point.
I also felt like the ending was somewhat rushed. I would have loved to see Niall rushing to the hospital in the middle of a game when Leah went into labour, rather than having a five-month time jump. I think that would have made their story feel more complete!
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed reading Leah and Niall’s story. 🫶🏼
Thank you again to K.E. Monteith and House of Lit for the gifted copy! 💕
Honestly, this one didn’t hit quite the same as the first book. I struggled to fully connect with the characters, especially Leah. I understand where she was coming from, but she was a little too cold towards Niall for my liking.
Their relationship felt a bit strange at times, as I got the impression that Niall had been all in since Leah told him about the pregnancy, while she continued to be so harsh towards him. It started to frustrate me a little at some point.
I also felt like the ending was somewhat rushed. I would have loved to see Niall rushing to the hospital in the middle of a game when Leah went into labour, rather than having a five-month time jump. I think that would have made their story feel more complete!
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed reading Leah and Niall’s story. 🫶🏼
Thank you again to K.E. Monteith and House of Lit for the gifted copy! 💕
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thank you to House of Hearts for an early copy of the book! It was another great book by K.E. Monteith. The characters showed a lot of growth throughout the book. I wish that we would have seen a bit more of the work that they each did separately to achieve that growth, especially due to the anxiety that Niall experienced. I love the support system that the team has created for. Each other but I also would have loved to see more of his interactions with his mother regarding becoming a father. Look forward to the next book in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
This is the first time reading this author the stirs was well written but not my favorite. The FMC has severe issues with how she grew up and completely relationships phobia. MMC is a soccer captain who is all in for the relationship and be there for her after their one night stand ends in pregnancy. I felt that Leah bear was dragged out and not being addressed for growth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 303pgs
The Destin Dastardly series, book #2
Niall and Leah
Oh Leah, she should've been in therapy yrs ago, probably even before her parents passed. She definitely exudes the snarky, black cat personality and takes her sweet time opening up to others. Niall is a workaholic golden retriever who is all in from the start. Great found family vibes.
"To the ones whose knee jerk reaction is to run away, I hope you find the person who knows when to chase after you and when to let you be."
The Destin Dastardly series, book #2
Niall and Leah
Oh Leah, she should've been in therapy yrs ago, probably even before her parents passed. She definitely exudes the snarky, black cat personality and takes her sweet time opening up to others. Niall is a workaholic golden retriever who is all in from the start. Great found family vibes.
"To the ones whose knee jerk reaction is to run away, I hope you find the person who knows when to chase after you and when to let you be."
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews