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The Cocky Kingmans #7
The Tiger in the Sack
There's freedom behind a motorcycle helmet.
Nobody knows who you are.
No name. No jersey number. No six brothers who'd been famous longer than I could legally drive, and no one stopping me on the sidewalk to ask if I was actually related to the Chris Kingman.
So when I find Clover stuck in a tree with her cat, I keep the helmet on.
I crack Mandalorian jokes, rescue her and her cat, and feel like an absolute genius when I ask for her number and she gives it to me.
I am, in fact, an idiot. She's the new Dance and Cheer coach for the Cincinnati Tigers. The team where I happen to be the starting quarterback.
I can't keep this secret from her. That's a douchepotato move.
She figures it out before I can tell her. Which somehow manages to be worse.
And just to throw a monkey in our wrench the boss has assigned us to work together on a super-secret project to unmask whoever is sabotaging the team, and our cover? Of course, it's fake dating.
We’ll do it because Clover moved to Cincinnati to do the impossible: build a body-diverse professional cheer squad in a league that's never had one, for a team that everyone says is going nowhere.
Someone powerful is betting she'll fail. She's taking that bet, and I'm going to be there to make sure nobody hurts her.
This sports romance features a chaotic quarterback with a secret business empire and zero chill about his feelings, a plus-size heroine holding the door open for every woman who was told the dream wasn't for her, two cats with better emotional intelligence than their owners, and that Bridgertons-meets-American-Football family who will absolutely deploy every brother and one mastermind sister before this season is over.
Nobody knows who you are.
No name. No jersey number. No six brothers who'd been famous longer than I could legally drive, and no one stopping me on the sidewalk to ask if I was actually related to the Chris Kingman.
So when I find Clover stuck in a tree with her cat, I keep the helmet on.
I crack Mandalorian jokes, rescue her and her cat, and feel like an absolute genius when I ask for her number and she gives it to me.
I am, in fact, an idiot. She's the new Dance and Cheer coach for the Cincinnati Tigers. The team where I happen to be the starting quarterback.
I can't keep this secret from her. That's a douchepotato move.
She figures it out before I can tell her. Which somehow manages to be worse.
And just to throw a monkey in our wrench the boss has assigned us to work together on a super-secret project to unmask whoever is sabotaging the team, and our cover? Of course, it's fake dating.
We’ll do it because Clover moved to Cincinnati to do the impossible: build a body-diverse professional cheer squad in a league that's never had one, for a team that everyone says is going nowhere.
Someone powerful is betting she'll fail. She's taking that bet, and I'm going to be there to make sure nobody hurts her.
This sports romance features a chaotic quarterback with a secret business empire and zero chill about his feelings, a plus-size heroine holding the door open for every woman who was told the dream wasn't for her, two cats with better emotional intelligence than their owners, and that Bridgertons-meets-American-Football family who will absolutely deploy every brother and one mastermind sister before this season is over.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2026
About the author
Amy Award
17 books3,079 followersAmy Award is a curvy girl who has a thing for football players, fuzzy-butt pets, and spicy romance novels. She believes that all bodies are beautiful and deserve their own love stories with Happy Ever Afters. Find her at https://www.authoramyaward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
June 9, 2026
“You’re a man who loves in secret so it can’t be taken away, and it has never once occurred to you that loving in secret is just a slower way of not having it.”
✔️football romance
✔️fake dating
✔️hidden identity
✔️plus size rep
✔️found family
✔️no 3rd act breakup
Okay, so it pains me to write this review and rate this book so low because I love the rest of this series, however this book is the weakest in the series and, in my opinion, just not great overall. This is marketed as a romance. Which means I am expecting some romance and a reason to root for the couple to end up together. I’m not talking about spice (just so you know, there is one barely open door scene, which in comparison to the rest of the series is like not having any), I am talking about the romance being the main plot and reason for the book to exist in the first place, which is not happening here. Clover (FMC) is the main character of this book, and Isak (MMC) is essentially a prop to create internal strife for her and be yet another thing for her to overcome and grow because of, not a person. The main plot of this book is truly Clover’s journey to create the first body positive/inclusive dance/cheer team for the pro football team that the MMC plays for, and in turn, take down the misogynistic middle-aged white man who is trying to derail her dreams (not the MMC, one of the men who works for the team). All of that is great and I love, but the romance is thrown into the background and disappears often, only reappearing when it’s convenient for the FMC to have a moment of character growth.
The author is trying to do too much here, and it shows. The romance starts with a super cute hidden-identity meet cute with their cats, but after the truth is discovered and she walks away from him for lying by omission, it goes majorly down hill and there is no recovering from that. Then in an effort to throw them back together, there is a half-baked fake dating scheme, and it is seen as “drama” that he is in love with her despite the “rules”/even though it’s fake, when it has been established that it was basically love at first sight for him. He basically can’t do anything right and though he does have character growth it’s majorly overshadowed by everything else going on and the heavy-handed setting up of the next (I’m assuming final because it’s the last Kingman sibling) book in the series.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the FMC is an excellent character. I just don’t think this should be marketed as a romance, or frankly, as part of the Kingman series. This book doesn’t fit the vibes of the rest of the series, and doesn’t have the same charm. Unfortunately, even the “Kingman sibling needs help rally together time” and the “dad pep talk that’s really a way for the MMC to feel bad about himself” feels overplayed and like the author threw it in because it was expected. I just don’t understand what happened here. It honestly feels like it was written by another author, or that she really had no idea what to do with Isak but had to write a book for him because there is one for each of his other siblings. His personality that we saw when he was a side character is completely missing from this book.
*Thank you so much to the author (Amy Award) and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
✔️football romance
✔️fake dating
✔️hidden identity
✔️plus size rep
✔️found family
✔️no 3rd act breakup
Okay, so it pains me to write this review and rate this book so low because I love the rest of this series, however this book is the weakest in the series and, in my opinion, just not great overall. This is marketed as a romance. Which means I am expecting some romance and a reason to root for the couple to end up together. I’m not talking about spice (just so you know, there is one barely open door scene, which in comparison to the rest of the series is like not having any), I am talking about the romance being the main plot and reason for the book to exist in the first place, which is not happening here. Clover (FMC) is the main character of this book, and Isak (MMC) is essentially a prop to create internal strife for her and be yet another thing for her to overcome and grow because of, not a person. The main plot of this book is truly Clover’s journey to create the first body positive/inclusive dance/cheer team for the pro football team that the MMC plays for, and in turn, take down the misogynistic middle-aged white man who is trying to derail her dreams (not the MMC, one of the men who works for the team). All of that is great and I love, but the romance is thrown into the background and disappears often, only reappearing when it’s convenient for the FMC to have a moment of character growth.
The author is trying to do too much here, and it shows. The romance starts with a super cute hidden-identity meet cute with their cats, but after the truth is discovered and she walks away from him for lying by omission, it goes majorly down hill and there is no recovering from that. Then in an effort to throw them back together, there is a half-baked fake dating scheme, and it is seen as “drama” that he is in love with her despite the “rules”/even though it’s fake, when it has been established that it was basically love at first sight for him. He basically can’t do anything right and though he does have character growth it’s majorly overshadowed by everything else going on and the heavy-handed setting up of the next (I’m assuming final because it’s the last Kingman sibling) book in the series.
Don’t get me wrong, I think the FMC is an excellent character. I just don’t think this should be marketed as a romance, or frankly, as part of the Kingman series. This book doesn’t fit the vibes of the rest of the series, and doesn’t have the same charm. Unfortunately, even the “Kingman sibling needs help rally together time” and the “dad pep talk that’s really a way for the MMC to feel bad about himself” feels overplayed and like the author threw it in because it was expected. I just don’t understand what happened here. It honestly feels like it was written by another author, or that she really had no idea what to do with Isak but had to write a book for him because there is one for each of his other siblings. His personality that we saw when he was a side character is completely missing from this book.
*Thank you so much to the author (Amy Award) and Valentine PR for the opportunity to ARC read this book! All opinions are my own*
June 10, 2026
I love Amy's books! And I wanted to love isak and clovers book but ill be honest. Clover kinda dropped it for me. I felt she was more in love with her dream then she was with Isak. So it was a huge turn off also i felt the romance in this book felt less romantic then the others.
Even when the hidden identities were revealed. The way she acted yes it was a lie but it wasn't a huge bad lie.
Isak I felt bad for him I really wanted him to shine but I just felt like this story could've been more. 😭
I love the siblings and cant wait for the last book with Julie's and Fox?
No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy time, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶
Prologue
Slowburnish
Push away from h
Forced proximity
Body postive rep
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
Even when the hidden identities were revealed. The way she acted yes it was a lie but it wasn't a huge bad lie.
Isak I felt bad for him I really wanted him to shine but I just felt like this story could've been more. 😭
I love the siblings and cant wait for the last book with Julie's and Fox?
No ow/om drama, no cheating, drama, sexy time, no virgins
Recommend-maybe
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶
Prologue
Slowburnish
Push away from h
Forced proximity
Body postive rep
Praise kink
Hea
Epilogue
June 10, 2026
I wanted to like this as much as I've liked all the others in the series, but I had a hard time getting through this story. Some of the charm and chaotic cuteness from the other books was just missing here. It was repetitive (quite literally in some instances), there was very minimal character growth, and next to no actual romance. They didn't even start "fake dating" until 61% into the story and even then that was barely shown before they were kissing for real. And that was immediately diminished by Clover saying "I guess we had an audience after all".
Logically, I understand the reasoning for the characters to fake date each other, but it didn't pay off the way I thought it would. Had both of them said no to the people pursuing them only for it to be ignored, then it would have really been worth it. As it stands, it reads as if they were both too cowardly to stand up to the Tiki & Warner respectively & were taking the middle school way out of things by portraying that they were in a relationship with someone else.
Both MCs having nosey older brothers was highlighted in the social media & email promo & yet Clover mentioned having brothers only for them to never be seen or even mentioned again. It's like they were forgotten as soon as they were brought up. Same goes for the Kingman twins. I know they have their own season with their team in another state, but how are they not even mentioned at least once? Nor are their partners? Family seems to be a big thing for Kingmans but they ignore them...at the very least could have mentioned playing against them the way the Mustangs were mentioned.
I'm not usually so nitpicky about this but the book could have also used another round to two of edits. The name for the same character was different within a few sentences to the point where I wasn't sure who was being talked about. There were so many grammar mistakes that it sometimes became hard to overlook and there were occasions where the timeline was off. For example, when the cars were broken into, Isak called security & told them there were several cars damaged yet on the next page, he mentions noticing it for the first time after he told Clover that her car was smashed. There was another during the confrontation with Monty. He's told to sit down when the page before it's plainly pointed out that he sits without being told to as part of his power move 🙄😒. Not to mention the discrepancy in her age. It was advertised that she was younger than Isak at 23, but more than once in she mentioned being 30...which is it?! There were definitely others but those stuck out the most to me.
All in all, I'm sad this one was a miss for me because I was looking forward to the book. A plus-sized FMC who is also a POC getting a HEA? As a plus sized black woman, I was all for it because sadly it didn't quite hit the mark. I'll probably finish the series because I'm curious about Jules and Fox, but I'll definitely be going into it with lower expectations.
Logically, I understand the reasoning for the characters to fake date each other, but it didn't pay off the way I thought it would. Had both of them said no to the people pursuing them only for it to be ignored, then it would have really been worth it. As it stands, it reads as if they were both too cowardly to stand up to the Tiki & Warner respectively & were taking the middle school way out of things by portraying that they were in a relationship with someone else.
Both MCs having nosey older brothers was highlighted in the social media & email promo & yet Clover mentioned having brothers only for them to never be seen or even mentioned again. It's like they were forgotten as soon as they were brought up. Same goes for the Kingman twins. I know they have their own season with their team in another state, but how are they not even mentioned at least once? Nor are their partners? Family seems to be a big thing for Kingmans but they ignore them...at the very least could have mentioned playing against them the way the Mustangs were mentioned.
I'm not usually so nitpicky about this but the book could have also used another round to two of edits. The name for the same character was different within a few sentences to the point where I wasn't sure who was being talked about. There were so many grammar mistakes that it sometimes became hard to overlook and there were occasions where the timeline was off. For example, when the cars were broken into, Isak called security & told them there were several cars damaged yet on the next page, he mentions noticing it for the first time after he told Clover that her car was smashed. There was another during the confrontation with Monty. He's told to sit down when the page before it's plainly pointed out that he sits without being told to as part of his power move 🙄😒. Not to mention the discrepancy in her age. It was advertised that she was younger than Isak at 23, but more than once in she mentioned being 30...which is it?! There were definitely others but those stuck out the most to me.
All in all, I'm sad this one was a miss for me because I was looking forward to the book. A plus-sized FMC who is also a POC getting a HEA? As a plus sized black woman, I was all for it because sadly it didn't quite hit the mark. I'll probably finish the series because I'm curious about Jules and Fox, but I'll definitely be going into it with lower expectations.
June 17, 2026
4🌟, 1🌶️
This book had all the ingredients for a fun, comforting romance.
The fake dating, adorable cats, and uplifting themes made it an easy, enjoyable read, and I loved the focus on confidence, belonging, and challenging outdated expectations.
Clover was easy to root for, and I admired how determined she was to fight for something she believed in. Isak was sweet, supportive, and impossible not to like. Their relationship had plenty of cute moments, although I found myself wanting a little more time with them as a couple to fully buy into the depth of their connection. The chemistry was there, but compared to other books in the series, the romance felt softer and the spice was much lighter, more fade-to-black (which I don’t mind, occasionally).
While some storylines felt like they could have been explored a bit further, there was still a lot of heart packed into these pages. The lovable characters, family dynamics, and feel-good atmosphere kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I was left happy to have spent time in this world again.
This was a sweet, comforting romance that left me with a smile.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Amy Award & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
This book had all the ingredients for a fun, comforting romance.
The fake dating, adorable cats, and uplifting themes made it an easy, enjoyable read, and I loved the focus on confidence, belonging, and challenging outdated expectations.
Clover was easy to root for, and I admired how determined she was to fight for something she believed in. Isak was sweet, supportive, and impossible not to like. Their relationship had plenty of cute moments, although I found myself wanting a little more time with them as a couple to fully buy into the depth of their connection. The chemistry was there, but compared to other books in the series, the romance felt softer and the spice was much lighter, more fade-to-black (which I don’t mind, occasionally).
While some storylines felt like they could have been explored a bit further, there was still a lot of heart packed into these pages. The lovable characters, family dynamics, and feel-good atmosphere kept me turning the pages, and by the end, I was left happy to have spent time in this world again.
This was a sweet, comforting romance that left me with a smile.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Amy Award & Valentine PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 13, 2026
I was so excited for this book. Isak had such an energetic and fun personality in the earlier books. He never showed up. This book was all about Clover but even her character was lacking. Isak was left in timeout in the corner from the beginning. He was left out of his own story. There was no chemistry. No romance. I was so disappointed...
June 14, 2026
Where's the editor?
Sweet story. But wtf is the editing? Grammatical errors, punctuation errors, misspelled words, incorrect words. Every missed error took me out of the story.
Also, we get it. Clover is an engineer. We know because it was mentioned 30+ times. And the edges. We get it. She stuck to the edges. She clocked the room. She got left off the roster. I understand making a point. But this was beating a dead horse at this point.
The story really was sweet. But the whole story felt inconsistent. First Clover is 22, then she's been waiting 30 years. Then 22 years again. The meme usage was also a bit much. I appreciated the first books because of the nerdy references. This felt like trying too hard with some meme or tiktok trending sound bite on nearly every page.
And, going back to the last book, there was much less smut in this book. It's been getting less and less each book. Which, I read for things other than smut. But I also read FOR the smut.
Overall, this whole book felt like it missed the mark. I've loved the Kingmans since the beginning but I'm feeling hesitant about the last book coming.
Sweet story. But wtf is the editing? Grammatical errors, punctuation errors, misspelled words, incorrect words. Every missed error took me out of the story.
Also, we get it. Clover is an engineer. We know because it was mentioned 30+ times. And the edges. We get it. She stuck to the edges. She clocked the room. She got left off the roster. I understand making a point. But this was beating a dead horse at this point.
The story really was sweet. But the whole story felt inconsistent. First Clover is 22, then she's been waiting 30 years. Then 22 years again. The meme usage was also a bit much. I appreciated the first books because of the nerdy references. This felt like trying too hard with some meme or tiktok trending sound bite on nearly every page.
And, going back to the last book, there was much less smut in this book. It's been getting less and less each book. Which, I read for things other than smut. But I also read FOR the smut.
Overall, this whole book felt like it missed the mark. I've loved the Kingmans since the beginning but I'm feeling hesitant about the last book coming.
June 13, 2026
I have to say that I love Amy Award, as a writer and a person and was so so excited for this book. But someone please please tell me that I received the roughest first draft and not the actual book!
I was so excited for this book and the tropes when it was announced, but then received a book with different tropes. The coach’s daughter aspect and then overprotective older brothers aspect, gone. Poof. Like it never existed. Yeah, I know things change, so I will let that pass. But I do have to say that each book feels like it picks up from the previous one and this book felt like it didn’t follow the previous one. Like there is a time jump and it felt off. Maybe that was just me. I thought we were picking up from The Goat in the Bedroom, not years after.
But this book felt very different from all its previous books in this series. A series I love with everything in me. There were just a lot of things that felt like it wasn’t an Amy Award book. A lot of things that made it feel like it was rushed and incomplete. I know I did receive an ARC, but this is not my first ARC, much less my first ARC from Amy Award. So, I know and kinda expect some things not being perfect and a few errors, but not like I found in this book.
Rushed. That is how this book felt. But also inconsistent. Push aside the several times where they said someone left the room and then were there on the next page like they never left. Push aside the little errors because those are expected. But it was inconsistent. An example is that the team owner got the team from her dad and had to share it with her sister that she doesn’t agree with. But then in the last few chapters it went on about how she bought the team herself and worked hard to achieve that. Which then just undermines the whole plot with her sister. Things like that.
I’m not even going to touch the lack of spice. Not every book needs spice, but I did expect more from this book considering the rest of the series. Okay Okay, I am salty that they said Isak was pierced and then never went into detail about and had a fade to black and only said Clover enjoyed it! What about me?!
Okay, but seriously, I was confused with this book. Not just because of the inconsistency of it, but the way a few things were written, had me confused. So there is a secret identity trope in this book and how it was discovered was so confusing.
There was just a lot of rushed and inconsistent aspect of this book and I was so disappointed. I love this series so much and this book had so so much potential!
Will I read the next book in this series? Yes, and I hope it isn’t like rushed like this one. Do I still love this series? Yes, and I recommend you read all the previous books because they are amazing! I am just sad that this one wasn’t like the others. But I will continue to keep reading Amy’s books and really hope that this is a one off.
Spice Rating: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
I was so excited for this book and the tropes when it was announced, but then received a book with different tropes. The coach’s daughter aspect and then overprotective older brothers aspect, gone. Poof. Like it never existed. Yeah, I know things change, so I will let that pass. But I do have to say that each book feels like it picks up from the previous one and this book felt like it didn’t follow the previous one. Like there is a time jump and it felt off. Maybe that was just me. I thought we were picking up from The Goat in the Bedroom, not years after.
But this book felt very different from all its previous books in this series. A series I love with everything in me. There were just a lot of things that felt like it wasn’t an Amy Award book. A lot of things that made it feel like it was rushed and incomplete. I know I did receive an ARC, but this is not my first ARC, much less my first ARC from Amy Award. So, I know and kinda expect some things not being perfect and a few errors, but not like I found in this book.
Rushed. That is how this book felt. But also inconsistent. Push aside the several times where they said someone left the room and then were there on the next page like they never left. Push aside the little errors because those are expected. But it was inconsistent. An example is that the team owner got the team from her dad and had to share it with her sister that she doesn’t agree with. But then in the last few chapters it went on about how she bought the team herself and worked hard to achieve that. Which then just undermines the whole plot with her sister. Things like that.
I’m not even going to touch the lack of spice. Not every book needs spice, but I did expect more from this book considering the rest of the series. Okay Okay, I am salty that they said Isak was pierced and then never went into detail about and had a fade to black and only said Clover enjoyed it! What about me?!
Okay, but seriously, I was confused with this book. Not just because of the inconsistency of it, but the way a few things were written, had me confused. So there is a secret identity trope in this book and how it was discovered was so confusing.
There was just a lot of rushed and inconsistent aspect of this book and I was so disappointed. I love this series so much and this book had so so much potential!
Will I read the next book in this series? Yes, and I hope it isn’t like rushed like this one. Do I still love this series? Yes, and I recommend you read all the previous books because they are amazing! I am just sad that this one wasn’t like the others. But I will continue to keep reading Amy’s books and really hope that this is a one off.
Spice Rating: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
June 20, 2026
Honestly disappointed 😢
I love the Cocky Kingmans series. Like truly I do. The first few tickled me with all the Colorado jokes and renames. The animals are always a great character addition. These last few books have taken me out of my fun little romance land because of how disappointingly bad they’ve gotten. This one is particular is making me write a review, which I don’t do often. Clover and Isak are barely together in this book. Truly I do not know how they even fell in love other than by proxy because of their cats. There are so many inconsistencies it’s astounding. Is Clover in her early twenties just out of college? Or is she thirty having lived a life? You just don’t know because in almost the same paragraph she describes herself having learned something in her thirty years but then go and say for the twenty-two years she’s been alive. So which is it? This is just one instance of the mental gymnastics you have to do to get through the book. Also I wanted to like Isak but other than being secretive and that he has a cat you know nothing about him.
I think this book could have done with a lot more editing and plenty more beta readers.
I still give it two stars because I like the author and the world she has created.
I love the Cocky Kingmans series. Like truly I do. The first few tickled me with all the Colorado jokes and renames. The animals are always a great character addition. These last few books have taken me out of my fun little romance land because of how disappointingly bad they’ve gotten. This one is particular is making me write a review, which I don’t do often. Clover and Isak are barely together in this book. Truly I do not know how they even fell in love other than by proxy because of their cats. There are so many inconsistencies it’s astounding. Is Clover in her early twenties just out of college? Or is she thirty having lived a life? You just don’t know because in almost the same paragraph she describes herself having learned something in her thirty years but then go and say for the twenty-two years she’s been alive. So which is it? This is just one instance of the mental gymnastics you have to do to get through the book. Also I wanted to like Isak but other than being secretive and that he has a cat you know nothing about him.
I think this book could have done with a lot more editing and plenty more beta readers.
I still give it two stars because I like the author and the world she has created.
June 21, 2026
I shouldn’t be surprised anymore when I like one of Amy Award’s books! The thing about this whole series is that each book tackles a little something more than brain candy but still with a main couple to root for!
Really like the body positive nature of this one specifically in comparison to the whole series because The Tiger in the Sack talks a lot about body positivity and inclusion in a space where it’s definitely NOT traditionally been: professional sports dance teams !! Even the way the dancers were found and developed was by finding women who have traditionally felt excluded from even tryouts!!
P.S. we love a groveling tattooed hero!! This is one of those slow burn romances that made me hug my kindle! 💕💕
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: new adult to adult
* Content Warnings: micro aggressions/ r4cism
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: I think so! There are ALOT of tropes throughout this whole series so you can pick the ones you like the most.
**Thank you to Valentine PR for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
Really like the body positive nature of this one specifically in comparison to the whole series because The Tiger in the Sack talks a lot about body positivity and inclusion in a space where it’s definitely NOT traditionally been: professional sports dance teams !! Even the way the dancers were found and developed was by finding women who have traditionally felt excluded from even tryouts!!
P.S. we love a groveling tattooed hero!! This is one of those slow burn romances that made me hug my kindle! 💕💕
HOUSEKEEPING:
* Spice: 🌶️🌶️/5
* Reader Age Suggestions: new adult to adult
* Content Warnings: micro aggressions/ r4cism
* Kindle Unlimited: ✅
* Part of A Series: ✅ / Can it be read alone?: I think so! There are ALOT of tropes throughout this whole series so you can pick the ones you like the most.
**Thank you to Valentine PR for the book! I rec3ived this book for fr3e, but all thoughts are my own. – SLR🖤
Follow me on Instagram for honest reviews, bookish freebies & giveaways! 🖤
June 9, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Read this book for:
🐈 Workplace Romance
🏈 Cheerleader x Quarterback
🐈 No Third Act Break Up
🏈 Hidden Identity
🐈 Fake Dating
🏈 He Falls First and Harder
Synopsis
Being a famous quarterback was never supposed to feel this suffocating.
For once, he just wanted to be anonymous. No reporters. No famous family name. No expectations. So when he meets Clover while wearing his motorcycle helmet and helps rescue her cat from a tree, he enjoys the rare chance to be seen as just a normal guy.
Then he realizes she’s the Cincinnati Tigers’ new Dance and Cheer coach.
And she realizes exactly who he is.
Clover came to Cincinnati determined to change the game by building the league’s first body-diverse professional cheer squad. But not everyone wants her to succeed, and someone seems intent on sabotaging the team from the inside.
When they’re forced to work together undercover to uncover the truth, fake dating becomes the perfect cover.
At first, it’s only pretend. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the chemistry between them.
Because somewhere between secret investigations, stolen kisses, and impossible dreams, they both start wanting something real.
My Thoughts
After reading the first six books in the series, and with Cocky Kingmans being one of my all-time favorite romance series, I had pretty high expectations for this one. Thankfully, it did not disappoint, and the series gets to keep its place as one of my favorites.
One thing that surprised me was that this was probably the least spicy book Amy has written in the series so far. I was not really used to that because her books are usually packed with spice, but honestly, it did not take away from my enjoyment at all. The story between Isak and Clover was so unique and refreshing, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. And that plot twist? Absolutely chef’s kiss. I genuinely did not see it coming, and it made the story even more memorable.
But can we talk about Vito and Tig for a second? First of all, those names are iconic. I loved them immediately. And secondly, a cat wearing a helmet on a motorcycle? That image lived rent-free in my head for the entire book. If that existed in real life, I would absolutely pay money to see it.
One thing I always love about Amy’s books is that they carry an empowering message, and this one was no different. Even though the Kingsman family had a slightly smaller role compared to some of the previous books, they still felt like the warm, chaotic, supportive family everyone wishes they could be part of. Every time they appeared on the page, they brought so much heart to the story.
Fox Daws was another standout character for me. I loved every second of his goofiness, his antics, and the way he brought humor into every scene he was in. I am already crossing my fingers that he ends up being Jules’s love interest because I just know that book would be an absolute masterpiece. The chemistry and chaos potential are already there, and I need it immediately.
Going back to the empowering message, I absolutely loved seeing the women come together and fight for their worth, their voices, and the space they deserved to take up in the world. Those moments were inspiring and added so much depth to the story. And honestly, I would have loved to see the flying pig routine in real life because it sounded completely badass.
Even Tiki, despite being one of the antagonistic characters, was someone I enjoyed reading about. She brought so much energy to the story and made every scene more interesting. And then there was Coach. I swear, every time he found another excuse to eat one of his cookies, I could not stop laughing. It became one of those little running jokes that made me smile every single time.
And now, after spending more time with Jules in this book, I need the next book immediately. I am so invested in her story already, and the thought of waiting another year feels way too long. I am hoping with everything I have that the next book will be released by the end of the year because I am definitely not ready to leave the Cocky Kingmans behind yet.
Read this book for:
🐈 Workplace Romance
🏈 Cheerleader x Quarterback
🐈 No Third Act Break Up
🏈 Hidden Identity
🐈 Fake Dating
🏈 He Falls First and Harder
Synopsis
Being a famous quarterback was never supposed to feel this suffocating.
For once, he just wanted to be anonymous. No reporters. No famous family name. No expectations. So when he meets Clover while wearing his motorcycle helmet and helps rescue her cat from a tree, he enjoys the rare chance to be seen as just a normal guy.
Then he realizes she’s the Cincinnati Tigers’ new Dance and Cheer coach.
And she realizes exactly who he is.
Clover came to Cincinnati determined to change the game by building the league’s first body-diverse professional cheer squad. But not everyone wants her to succeed, and someone seems intent on sabotaging the team from the inside.
When they’re forced to work together undercover to uncover the truth, fake dating becomes the perfect cover.
At first, it’s only pretend. But the more time they spend together, the harder it becomes to ignore the chemistry between them.
Because somewhere between secret investigations, stolen kisses, and impossible dreams, they both start wanting something real.
My Thoughts
After reading the first six books in the series, and with Cocky Kingmans being one of my all-time favorite romance series, I had pretty high expectations for this one. Thankfully, it did not disappoint, and the series gets to keep its place as one of my favorites.
One thing that surprised me was that this was probably the least spicy book Amy has written in the series so far. I was not really used to that because her books are usually packed with spice, but honestly, it did not take away from my enjoyment at all. The story between Isak and Clover was so unique and refreshing, and I found myself completely invested in their journey. And that plot twist? Absolutely chef’s kiss. I genuinely did not see it coming, and it made the story even more memorable.
But can we talk about Vito and Tig for a second? First of all, those names are iconic. I loved them immediately. And secondly, a cat wearing a helmet on a motorcycle? That image lived rent-free in my head for the entire book. If that existed in real life, I would absolutely pay money to see it.
One thing I always love about Amy’s books is that they carry an empowering message, and this one was no different. Even though the Kingsman family had a slightly smaller role compared to some of the previous books, they still felt like the warm, chaotic, supportive family everyone wishes they could be part of. Every time they appeared on the page, they brought so much heart to the story.
Fox Daws was another standout character for me. I loved every second of his goofiness, his antics, and the way he brought humor into every scene he was in. I am already crossing my fingers that he ends up being Jules’s love interest because I just know that book would be an absolute masterpiece. The chemistry and chaos potential are already there, and I need it immediately.
Going back to the empowering message, I absolutely loved seeing the women come together and fight for their worth, their voices, and the space they deserved to take up in the world. Those moments were inspiring and added so much depth to the story. And honestly, I would have loved to see the flying pig routine in real life because it sounded completely badass.
Even Tiki, despite being one of the antagonistic characters, was someone I enjoyed reading about. She brought so much energy to the story and made every scene more interesting. And then there was Coach. I swear, every time he found another excuse to eat one of his cookies, I could not stop laughing. It became one of those little running jokes that made me smile every single time.
And now, after spending more time with Jules in this book, I need the next book immediately. I am so invested in her story already, and the thought of waiting another year feels way too long. I am hoping with everything I have that the next book will be released by the end of the year because I am definitely not ready to leave the Cocky Kingmans behind yet.
June 12, 2026
✨ Tiger in the Sack – Amy Award ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
🏈🧡🐯🎭🔥
If you love:
• sports romance (football)
• fake dating
• forced proximity
• grumpy/sunshine vibes
• secret identity / helmet anonymity
• protective MMC
THIS BOOK WAS SO FUN, SWEET, AND ADDICTIVE 😭🔥
Chris Kingman starts off living his best “no one knows I’m famous” life behind a motorcycle helmet, and honestly?? That opening scene with him rescuing Clover and her cat was ICONIC 🐱😂
He’s trying so hard to be anonymous, mysterious, and cool… and then immediately fumbles everything in the best way 😭
And Clover???
I LOVED her.
She’s confident, passionate, and determined to build something meaningful with a body-diverse cheer squad in a sport that clearly isn’t ready for it yet 🧡🔥
Their meet-cute is hilarious, but the real story starts when they realize who each other actually are 😮💨
Because suddenly:
• he’s the quarterback
• she’s the new cheer/dance coach
• they have to work together
• and now FAKE DATING enters the chat 👀
The chemistry between them was instant and so easy to root for. Chris becomes incredibly protective of Clover in a way that never feels controlling—just deeply supportive and genuinely invested in her dreams 🥹
I also really loved the deeper themes in this book. Clover facing pushback for trying to change the system added emotional weight beyond the romance, and it made her story feel really empowering.
The banter, the tension, the secrecy, and the fake relationship all blended perfectly into a romance that was both funny and heartfelt.
For me, this was just pure enjoyment from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile while reading and immediately want the next chapter 😭🏈
If you love football romance with fake dating, protective heroes, strong heroines, and lots of heart… this one is a MUST READ 🧡🐯🔥
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
🏈🧡🐯🎭🔥
If you love:
• sports romance (football)
• fake dating
• forced proximity
• grumpy/sunshine vibes
• secret identity / helmet anonymity
• protective MMC
THIS BOOK WAS SO FUN, SWEET, AND ADDICTIVE 😭🔥
Chris Kingman starts off living his best “no one knows I’m famous” life behind a motorcycle helmet, and honestly?? That opening scene with him rescuing Clover and her cat was ICONIC 🐱😂
He’s trying so hard to be anonymous, mysterious, and cool… and then immediately fumbles everything in the best way 😭
And Clover???
I LOVED her.
She’s confident, passionate, and determined to build something meaningful with a body-diverse cheer squad in a sport that clearly isn’t ready for it yet 🧡🔥
Their meet-cute is hilarious, but the real story starts when they realize who each other actually are 😮💨
Because suddenly:
• he’s the quarterback
• she’s the new cheer/dance coach
• they have to work together
• and now FAKE DATING enters the chat 👀
The chemistry between them was instant and so easy to root for. Chris becomes incredibly protective of Clover in a way that never feels controlling—just deeply supportive and genuinely invested in her dreams 🥹
I also really loved the deeper themes in this book. Clover facing pushback for trying to change the system added emotional weight beyond the romance, and it made her story feel really empowering.
The banter, the tension, the secrecy, and the fake relationship all blended perfectly into a romance that was both funny and heartfelt.
For me, this was just pure enjoyment from start to finish. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile while reading and immediately want the next chapter 😭🏈
If you love football romance with fake dating, protective heroes, strong heroines, and lots of heart… this one is a MUST READ 🧡🐯🔥
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2026
The Tiger in the Sack was funny, heartwarming, and packed with the kind of chaos that makes romantic comedies impossible to put down. Between a quarterback who has absolutely no chill, a heroine determined to change the game, and a fake dating setup that practically begged for disaster, this book delivered both the laughs and the feels.
Clover was such an easy character to root for. I loved her determination to create a body-diverse professional cheer squad despite all the obstacles in her way. Her confidence, vulnerability, and refusal to back down made her an incredibly strong heroine. Watching her chase a dream that meant so much to her gave the story an emotional core that balanced the humor perfectly.
Chris was pure golden retriever energy wrapped in football pads. From the motorcycle helmet meet-cute to his complete inability to hide his feelings, he was endlessly lovable. His support for Clover never felt performative. He genuinely wanted her to succeed, and I loved how protective and encouraging he was without overshadowing her journey.
The fake dating storyline was everything I wanted it to be. The chemistry was immediate, the banter was fantastic, and the gradual shift from pretending to something very real felt natural and believable. Add in the sabotage mystery, the lovable cats, and the larger-than-life Kingman family, and there was never a dull moment.
What stood out most was how much heart this story had. Beneath the humor and romance is a message about belonging, representation, and fighting for a place in spaces that weren't built with you in mind.
Overall, this was sweet, funny, emotional, and completely addictive. A sports romance with plenty of laughs, swoony moments, and characters you'll want to spend more time with long after the final chapter.
Clover was such an easy character to root for. I loved her determination to create a body-diverse professional cheer squad despite all the obstacles in her way. Her confidence, vulnerability, and refusal to back down made her an incredibly strong heroine. Watching her chase a dream that meant so much to her gave the story an emotional core that balanced the humor perfectly.
Chris was pure golden retriever energy wrapped in football pads. From the motorcycle helmet meet-cute to his complete inability to hide his feelings, he was endlessly lovable. His support for Clover never felt performative. He genuinely wanted her to succeed, and I loved how protective and encouraging he was without overshadowing her journey.
The fake dating storyline was everything I wanted it to be. The chemistry was immediate, the banter was fantastic, and the gradual shift from pretending to something very real felt natural and believable. Add in the sabotage mystery, the lovable cats, and the larger-than-life Kingman family, and there was never a dull moment.
What stood out most was how much heart this story had. Beneath the humor and romance is a message about belonging, representation, and fighting for a place in spaces that weren't built with you in mind.
Overall, this was sweet, funny, emotional, and completely addictive. A sports romance with plenty of laughs, swoony moments, and characters you'll want to spend more time with long after the final chapter.
June 15, 2026
Isak, the youngest Kingman brother finds his Queen in the lovely and competent Clover in this slow burn, fake dating, wonderful romcom with major heart and soul.
Although she’s just a masters degree away from becoming a full fledged engineer, Clover has been handed a challenging yet groundbreaking position overseeing the creation of the first ever size- and age-inclusive cheer and dance team for Cincinnati’s professional football team. More than up for the task, and used to handling everything on her own, when her precious feline Tig escapes the confines of their new apartment and gets himself well and truly wedged up a nearby tree.
Cinci quarterback Isak is riding home on his motorcycle with his trusty tuxedo cat harnessed in (like one does) when both his and Vito Catleone’s attention are arrested by a gorgeous young woman stuck in a tree having unsuccessfully attempted to save her orange tabby. Keeping his helmet in place, and therefore his anonymity, the burly Cat Daddy plucks both critter and cheerleader from certain doom. While the pair then exchange numbers and flirty texts, Isak declined to give his name or reveal his face.
At the stadium, Isak learns Clover’s identity but doesn’t let on who he is, which of course comes back to bite him. As the pair work together to uncover the saboteurs working to sink Clover’s pilot program, unwanted attention from both Clover’s ex and an entitled, influential divorcee looking to bag the only remaining Kingman bachelor necessitate a fake-dating situation between Clover and Isak. Isak, however, is in it for real, for real.
Will they get to the bottom of the plot against the squad? And will Clover be able to forgive Isak for thinking keeping his secrets was a good idea? Will Cincinnati survive an invasion of Kingmans???
Amy Award has delivered another winning installment in the idyllic Kingman universe where creeps get their comeuppance and all bodies are beautiful. Full stop. Oh to live in such a world.
I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest and enthusiastic impressions.
Although she’s just a masters degree away from becoming a full fledged engineer, Clover has been handed a challenging yet groundbreaking position overseeing the creation of the first ever size- and age-inclusive cheer and dance team for Cincinnati’s professional football team. More than up for the task, and used to handling everything on her own, when her precious feline Tig escapes the confines of their new apartment and gets himself well and truly wedged up a nearby tree.
Cinci quarterback Isak is riding home on his motorcycle with his trusty tuxedo cat harnessed in (like one does) when both his and Vito Catleone’s attention are arrested by a gorgeous young woman stuck in a tree having unsuccessfully attempted to save her orange tabby. Keeping his helmet in place, and therefore his anonymity, the burly Cat Daddy plucks both critter and cheerleader from certain doom. While the pair then exchange numbers and flirty texts, Isak declined to give his name or reveal his face.
At the stadium, Isak learns Clover’s identity but doesn’t let on who he is, which of course comes back to bite him. As the pair work together to uncover the saboteurs working to sink Clover’s pilot program, unwanted attention from both Clover’s ex and an entitled, influential divorcee looking to bag the only remaining Kingman bachelor necessitate a fake-dating situation between Clover and Isak. Isak, however, is in it for real, for real.
Will they get to the bottom of the plot against the squad? And will Clover be able to forgive Isak for thinking keeping his secrets was a good idea? Will Cincinnati survive an invasion of Kingmans???
Amy Award has delivered another winning installment in the idyllic Kingman universe where creeps get their comeuppance and all bodies are beautiful. Full stop. Oh to live in such a world.
I was generously provided an advance reader copy from the author, and I’m pleased to share my honest and enthusiastic impressions.
June 16, 2026
The Tiger in the Sack is the seventh book in the Cocky Kingmans series. Since I hadn’t read any of the previous books, I was curious to see if a book this far into a series could really stand on its own.
Here’s the thing: it failed at being a true standalone because now I want to read the entire series!
In all seriousness, it does work as a standalone novel. There are a few backstory elements that probably would have added more depth if I had read the earlier books, but everything was explained well enough that I never felt lost or like I was missing essential information from the earlier books.
One thing I especially enjoyed was the tone and family dynamic, which felt like a modern-day Bridgerton. The characters are well developed, lovable, and easy to become invested in. I ended up enjoying this book far more than I expected.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt story about positivity, found family, and not being afraid to take up space, this is the book for you. I was also surprised that, despite the raunchy title, there wasn’t much spice until about 90% of the way through the book. For readers who pay attention to spice levels, this one is fairly tame overall.
I absolutely loved this book and wasn’t quite ready for it to end. It’s exactly the kind of story that makes you want to immediately pick up the rest of the series.
Here’s the thing: it failed at being a true standalone because now I want to read the entire series!
In all seriousness, it does work as a standalone novel. There are a few backstory elements that probably would have added more depth if I had read the earlier books, but everything was explained well enough that I never felt lost or like I was missing essential information from the earlier books.
One thing I especially enjoyed was the tone and family dynamic, which felt like a modern-day Bridgerton. The characters are well developed, lovable, and easy to become invested in. I ended up enjoying this book far more than I expected.
If you’re looking for a heartfelt story about positivity, found family, and not being afraid to take up space, this is the book for you. I was also surprised that, despite the raunchy title, there wasn’t much spice until about 90% of the way through the book. For readers who pay attention to spice levels, this one is fairly tame overall.
I absolutely loved this book and wasn’t quite ready for it to end. It’s exactly the kind of story that makes you want to immediately pick up the rest of the series.
June 9, 2026
4.25⭐️1🌶️
Thank you to Amy Award & VPR for sending me the advanced copy of this book! Isak Kingman is up there with Hayes as my favorite Kingman brother - he’s so sweet and loving that he doesn’t quite know how to show it. Clover is our badass FMC who is blazing a path for plus-sized women who’ve been told they don’t belong in sports (specifically dance and cheerleading) their whole lives. I love her and everything she stands for, as well as how Isak lets her fight her own battles.
My favorite characters of the book have to be our cats - Tig O’Bittlesworth and Vito Catleone. First of all, cutest cat names ever. Second, I love how they sneak away to be with each other - it’s so freakin sweet! 🥹
Book 7 of this crazy series that I’ve loved so much - I can’t believe just one book is left!
Thank you to Amy Award & VPR for sending me the advanced copy of this book! Isak Kingman is up there with Hayes as my favorite Kingman brother - he’s so sweet and loving that he doesn’t quite know how to show it. Clover is our badass FMC who is blazing a path for plus-sized women who’ve been told they don’t belong in sports (specifically dance and cheerleading) their whole lives. I love her and everything she stands for, as well as how Isak lets her fight her own battles.
My favorite characters of the book have to be our cats - Tig O’Bittlesworth and Vito Catleone. First of all, cutest cat names ever. Second, I love how they sneak away to be with each other - it’s so freakin sweet! 🥹
Book 7 of this crazy series that I’ve loved so much - I can’t believe just one book is left!
June 13, 2026
Tiger in the Sack is a fun body positive romance by Amy Award. This was my first book of the author’s to read and won’t be the last. Clover is a curvaceous lady that was hired to create a body positive cheerleader team. She had a very positive body image. Isak was the star quarterback of the football team and Clover was creating the team for. In the beginning, Isak hid who he was from Clover. Isak came from a famous football family and was proud of the life he created away from football. Clover was up against the old boys club and what they thought cheerleaders should look like. They teamed up together and feel in love with each other. Thank you to VPR arc’s for an e-copy for an honest review.
June 20, 2026
Amy making room for the girls who feel like they don’t belong, and the quiet guys who feel like they can’t be too loud or open with their feelings. I enjoyed these characters and their arcs, but I occasionally felt like they were overshadowed by the potential of Jules and Fox. The cats were adorable, who wouldn’t love to see a motorcycle riding cat in a helmet! Amy is known for her solid inclusive steam but that was basically pushed to the side, I feel like unintentionally. I liked the drama from the overconfident Monty, and tiki, but I felt like it fell a bit flat, I wish more had happened to Tiki besides slipping away in embarrassment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 16, 2026
First thank you for writing about a strong black woman. Clover is an example of a plus size woman that has set her own boundaries and rules. It's hard to see yourself as too much than just enough. We black woman need to find that group of friends who see us. I did wish that Isak and Clover had more moments together. That being said, the Kingmans are men that I wish I can meet in real life. I cant wait to read Jules story...possible is their a love story with Fox aka the brother best friend. I hope so. Amy Award your will always have a special place in my heart.
June 15, 2026
I received a copy as an ARC and this is my voluntary review. This was a fun sports romance and exactly the kind of book that reminds me why I like Amy’s writing so much. I will say the dynamic between Clover & Isak is alot less spicy than the others, but I enjoyed the story and how their relationship unfolds. The Cocky Kingmans series is one of my absolute favorites and I don’t want them to ever end.
June 20, 2026
3.5 rounded up. We love a cat daddy who puts safety first. I didn’t really buy the whole “fake dating” thing. It hardly existed and they truly hardly interacted at all and suddenly it was all “I love you”. We love the entire Kingman clan especially when they get together and Jules is perfection. I felt like having 2 people who had very similar issues with life and family seemed a bit overkill for the plot.
June 15, 2026
My new favorite of the series. Right from the beginning I was laughing. The cats really make the book. The slow burn build was great. The message about how all body's are great was really strong in this one.
June 18, 2026
I really wanted to love this book because I love her other books. This fell very short for me and I DNF’d at 52%. I was not a fan of Clover. I feel she was indifferent to Isak, whereas he was head over heels for her. I may come back to this when it’s available on audio.
June 14, 2026
This series should have been divided into 2 distinct groups. Books 1-4 were fun, quirky and romantic with great character development. Books 5-7 have been a series of disappointments. There was a drastic drop in quality and depth in 5&6 and 7 was no better. Awkward, lacking chemistry and a chore to finish. What happened?
June 20, 2026
Thank you to Amy Award and Valentine PR for sending me this book as a ARC, I am Forever grateful 🫶🏻
•
I can't believe I have read this in one sitting 👀 it has been a long time since a book got me this addicted 👀
I loved the characters and I have to be honest, Isack was the one brother I read on the previous books that I didn't like that much like the others (I still did like hum) but now reading his book just made me understand him better and see a side of him I never thought he would have!
Clover, out dancing queen 🥺 I loved her since the first moment and I have nothing else to say about her - she is just that amazing 🥺🫶🏻
Tig and Vito - loved them with all my heart
•
I can't believe I have read this in one sitting 👀 it has been a long time since a book got me this addicted 👀
I loved the characters and I have to be honest, Isack was the one brother I read on the previous books that I didn't like that much like the others (I still did like hum) but now reading his book just made me understand him better and see a side of him I never thought he would have!
Clover, out dancing queen 🥺 I loved her since the first moment and I have nothing else to say about her - she is just that amazing 🥺🫶🏻
Tig and Vito - loved them with all my heart
June 17, 2026
Disappointing
******************************
Tropes: Sports Romance (professional football), Fake Dating, Hidden Identity / Secret Identity, Workplace Romance, Forbidden Romance (player and team employee), Meet Cute with a Cat Rescue,
He Falls First / Boy Falls First, Plus-Size Heroine, Light Mystery / Sabotage Investigation, Friends-to-Lovers Vibes (after the initial attraction develops), Found Family, Strong, Ambitious Heroine, Scene-Stealing Pets / Funny Animals
******************************
Triggers: Some external fatphobia, homophobia, loss of a partner and/or parent, adult language, light graphic sexual content
******************************
Synopsis: Isak Kingman has spent his entire life being known as "one of the Kingmans"—part of a famous football family. When he's behind his motorcycle helmet, though, he's just himself. So when he encounters Clover stuck in a tree while rescuing her cat, he enjoys the anonymity and sparks fly instantly. He even manages to get her number.
Unfortunately, Isak soon discovers that Clover is the new dance and cheer coach for the Cincinnati Tigers—the very football team where he's the starting quarterback. Their promising meet-cute suddenly becomes a workplace complication.
As if that weren't enough, Clover is trying to launch an ambitious body-diverse professional cheer squad, facing resistance from people who don't believe she belongs in the league. When sabotage threatens her project, Isak and Clover are assigned to work together to uncover who's behind it. To maintain their cover while investigating, they end up fake dating.
What begins as a charming attraction grows into something deeper as Isak becomes determined to protect Clover's dreams and prove that she's more than capable of changing the game. Along the way, they navigate family chaos, football politics, hidden identities, and a romance that neither expected.
******************************
Quote: “Your lips don’t have to do a thing. Let your fingers do the work.”
******************************
Review: I was given an ARC, four days after it was published I might add, in exchange for my honest opinion. I tried to love this. I’ve loved all the previous books. But Isak’s book doesn’t feel like Ms. Award’s work. I felt myself questioning if an intern might’ve ghost written it. Bleh. Disappointing.
The romance felt forced. It lacked charm and the sweet nuances I’ve come to expect from Award. Isak’s character doesn’t come across the way he has in his brief appearances prior in the series. There’s little chemistry between him and Clover. She’s more focused on her dream of an all inclusive dance/cheer team than on any budding feelings she had for Isak.
There were too many racial micro aggressions, fatphobic and homophobic instances to qualify as “fluff” in my opinion. The usual spice was non-existent, with one hastily written scene towards 3/4 of the book. It was as if the author said,”Ooops, I better slip in spice!” Even grammar and spelling errors were far too frequent.
The sub-sub plot with Vito and Tig’s relationship is cute. The search for the saboteur sub-plot was interesting. The cover by Leni Kauffman rocks. I love her character art. Ms. Award did write that she struggled with this story. It changed several times over the months, only coming after deadlines were missed and release date pushed back. I think that explains a great deal.
If you’re new to the series, you might want to skip this one if you’re trying to catch up in anticipation of book 8–Jule’s book. I’m sorry for all the negativity; I really tried to like it.
******************************
Ratings: Movie R, Overall 2/5, Romance 2/5, Violence 0/5, Spice 1/5, Cover 5/5
******************************
Pub date June 11th, 337 pages
******************************
Tropes: Sports Romance (professional football), Fake Dating, Hidden Identity / Secret Identity, Workplace Romance, Forbidden Romance (player and team employee), Meet Cute with a Cat Rescue,
He Falls First / Boy Falls First, Plus-Size Heroine, Light Mystery / Sabotage Investigation, Friends-to-Lovers Vibes (after the initial attraction develops), Found Family, Strong, Ambitious Heroine, Scene-Stealing Pets / Funny Animals
******************************
Triggers: Some external fatphobia, homophobia, loss of a partner and/or parent, adult language, light graphic sexual content
******************************
Synopsis: Isak Kingman has spent his entire life being known as "one of the Kingmans"—part of a famous football family. When he's behind his motorcycle helmet, though, he's just himself. So when he encounters Clover stuck in a tree while rescuing her cat, he enjoys the anonymity and sparks fly instantly. He even manages to get her number.
Unfortunately, Isak soon discovers that Clover is the new dance and cheer coach for the Cincinnati Tigers—the very football team where he's the starting quarterback. Their promising meet-cute suddenly becomes a workplace complication.
As if that weren't enough, Clover is trying to launch an ambitious body-diverse professional cheer squad, facing resistance from people who don't believe she belongs in the league. When sabotage threatens her project, Isak and Clover are assigned to work together to uncover who's behind it. To maintain their cover while investigating, they end up fake dating.
What begins as a charming attraction grows into something deeper as Isak becomes determined to protect Clover's dreams and prove that she's more than capable of changing the game. Along the way, they navigate family chaos, football politics, hidden identities, and a romance that neither expected.
******************************
Quote: “Your lips don’t have to do a thing. Let your fingers do the work.”
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Review: I was given an ARC, four days after it was published I might add, in exchange for my honest opinion. I tried to love this. I’ve loved all the previous books. But Isak’s book doesn’t feel like Ms. Award’s work. I felt myself questioning if an intern might’ve ghost written it. Bleh. Disappointing.
The romance felt forced. It lacked charm and the sweet nuances I’ve come to expect from Award. Isak’s character doesn’t come across the way he has in his brief appearances prior in the series. There’s little chemistry between him and Clover. She’s more focused on her dream of an all inclusive dance/cheer team than on any budding feelings she had for Isak.
There were too many racial micro aggressions, fatphobic and homophobic instances to qualify as “fluff” in my opinion. The usual spice was non-existent, with one hastily written scene towards 3/4 of the book. It was as if the author said,”Ooops, I better slip in spice!” Even grammar and spelling errors were far too frequent.
The sub-sub plot with Vito and Tig’s relationship is cute. The search for the saboteur sub-plot was interesting. The cover by Leni Kauffman rocks. I love her character art. Ms. Award did write that she struggled with this story. It changed several times over the months, only coming after deadlines were missed and release date pushed back. I think that explains a great deal.
If you’re new to the series, you might want to skip this one if you’re trying to catch up in anticipation of book 8–Jule’s book. I’m sorry for all the negativity; I really tried to like it.
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Ratings: Movie R, Overall 2/5, Romance 2/5, Violence 0/5, Spice 1/5, Cover 5/5
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Pub date June 11th, 337 pages
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 22, 2026
The Tiger in the Sack by Amy Award – ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
This is book #7 in the Kingman series, and I've loved every single one of them that got us here. Returning to the Kingman family always feels like coming home. The acceptance, support, and community they build around themselves comes across so genuinely that you can't help but wish you could be part of their world.
I'm honestly conflicted about my rating for this one. The previous books have all delivered big romance, plenty of spice, and that delicious yearning that Amy Award does so well. This book felt different. There were moments of romance and attraction, but a lot of it felt more like boxes being ticked off a list than emotions naturally unfolding on the page.
That said, there were also moments that absolutely wrecked me. Several quotes hit me right in the heart and will be living rent-free in my brain for a very long time.
I loved the female empowerment woven throughout the story. While this is Isak and Clover's book, Gabi's journey and unwavering belief in herself, her team, and her dreams was one of the standout parts of the novel. Watching the women back themselves, support one another, and refuse to settle felt incredibly authentic and is something Amy Award consistently does well.
I just wanted more. While Isak and Clover were easy to root for, I never quite got enough of the yearning, the hope, or Clover allowing herself to imagine having more in her personal life. Gabi and Clover believed in themselves and their dream so wholeheartedly, and I wanted that same depth and intensity reflected more strongly in the romance.
I still flew through this book. I loved all the familiar faces and cameos. I loved seeing Isak finally have moments where he was truly seen by his family. I loved the inevitable Kingman war room because, honestly, is it even a Kingman book without one? But despite all of that, some of the warmth I've come to expect from this series felt missing.
Amy dropped an absolute bombshell during the one and only spicy scene... then it was never mentioned again. That felt like a huge missed opportunity.
I also noticed more spelling and punctuation errors than I would normally expect. They weren't enough to stop me reading, but they did pull me out of the story at times, which was disappointing in a series that has otherwise felt incredibly polished.
Maybe that's why I'm struggling with my rating. I'm not comparing this book to every other romance I've read... I'm comparing it to the six Kingman books that came before it. That's an incredibly high bar, and while I still enjoyed my time with these characters and this world, this one didn't quite reach the heights I've come to expect from the series.
Even with my frustrations, I'll happily return to the Kingman family again and again. They still feel like home, and if there's one thing this book did exceptionally well, it's make me desperate for Jules' story.
This is book #7 in the Kingman series, and I've loved every single one of them that got us here. Returning to the Kingman family always feels like coming home. The acceptance, support, and community they build around themselves comes across so genuinely that you can't help but wish you could be part of their world.
I'm honestly conflicted about my rating for this one. The previous books have all delivered big romance, plenty of spice, and that delicious yearning that Amy Award does so well. This book felt different. There were moments of romance and attraction, but a lot of it felt more like boxes being ticked off a list than emotions naturally unfolding on the page.
That said, there were also moments that absolutely wrecked me. Several quotes hit me right in the heart and will be living rent-free in my brain for a very long time.
I loved the female empowerment woven throughout the story. While this is Isak and Clover's book, Gabi's journey and unwavering belief in herself, her team, and her dreams was one of the standout parts of the novel. Watching the women back themselves, support one another, and refuse to settle felt incredibly authentic and is something Amy Award consistently does well.
I just wanted more. While Isak and Clover were easy to root for, I never quite got enough of the yearning, the hope, or Clover allowing herself to imagine having more in her personal life. Gabi and Clover believed in themselves and their dream so wholeheartedly, and I wanted that same depth and intensity reflected more strongly in the romance.
I still flew through this book. I loved all the familiar faces and cameos. I loved seeing Isak finally have moments where he was truly seen by his family. I loved the inevitable Kingman war room because, honestly, is it even a Kingman book without one? But despite all of that, some of the warmth I've come to expect from this series felt missing.
Amy dropped an absolute bombshell during the one and only spicy scene... then it was never mentioned again. That felt like a huge missed opportunity.
I also noticed more spelling and punctuation errors than I would normally expect. They weren't enough to stop me reading, but they did pull me out of the story at times, which was disappointing in a series that has otherwise felt incredibly polished.
Maybe that's why I'm struggling with my rating. I'm not comparing this book to every other romance I've read... I'm comparing it to the six Kingman books that came before it. That's an incredibly high bar, and while I still enjoyed my time with these characters and this world, this one didn't quite reach the heights I've come to expect from the series.
Even with my frustrations, I'll happily return to the Kingman family again and again. They still feel like home, and if there's one thing this book did exceptionally well, it's make me desperate for Jules' story.
June 15, 2026
This is good and sweet. Good friends to lovers fake dating but..
Going into this after 6 open door romances in the series. It disappoints on the romance and spice front. There are some swoon worthy points but it lacked some depth. While there was some. I dont feel as connected to Isak as I do his siblings. Where its not bad Clover is his main focus but
- We get it Clover is an engineer and is very stubborn. Her brain works different. We are reminded almost every page. We get it.
-Isak is a good guy but he didn't have much character growth. He has growth with his family and found his back bone but thats it.
He ended up repeating things Clover has said. Like again we get it she's an engineer stop reminding us of it!
While the issues that made them fake date with Monty and his ways was good at showing the racism but it glossed over it a lot. Where Monty's micro aggression were just weight focused where there is a whole racism element that could of been added and still been fluff.
I feel like Amy saw on threads the amount of conservative people asking for more "clean" romances and gave us this. It disappointing to see this happen. I wanted to know what piercings did Isak have and how he used them. I was hoping to see that he's more dominate then his brothers. But nope all we got was one scene where they were sexual on a chair and thats it. Where Amy had an opportunity to write diverse spice and choose not to. Its sad that her only black character was robbed of it.
Now my thing is as I have still read these as a whole is that there is a past and present tense in these that is super confusing. I hoped it would have been hammered out but this reads like a journal of accounts from the characters povs. I just wish she would choose one and stick to that. It started to feel like two people were writing this and not one.
Also, if your gonna write about a state do your research on it. Sincerely, a Cleveland Ohio resident. Cleveland state is up from Cincinnati so Jules would come down from Cleveland State. Cleveland is 8 hours from Cincinnati BTW. Just saying to do some research in it Jules could of mentioned the lake and the city but alas not. If her book is in Cleveland I hope the research is done so its at least a bit accurate.
I wonder if advanced readers got a different copy of whats on KU because it feels like we read two different books.
Will I be reading the next one? Yes because I want Jules' story but I will be going into knowing I will be most likely disappointed by some of it.
Going into this after 6 open door romances in the series. It disappoints on the romance and spice front. There are some swoon worthy points but it lacked some depth. While there was some. I dont feel as connected to Isak as I do his siblings. Where its not bad Clover is his main focus but
- We get it Clover is an engineer and is very stubborn. Her brain works different. We are reminded almost every page. We get it.
-Isak is a good guy but he didn't have much character growth. He has growth with his family and found his back bone but thats it.
He ended up repeating things Clover has said. Like again we get it she's an engineer stop reminding us of it!
While the issues that made them fake date with Monty and his ways was good at showing the racism but it glossed over it a lot. Where Monty's micro aggression were just weight focused where there is a whole racism element that could of been added and still been fluff.
I feel like Amy saw on threads the amount of conservative people asking for more "clean" romances and gave us this. It disappointing to see this happen. I wanted to know what piercings did Isak have and how he used them. I was hoping to see that he's more dominate then his brothers. But nope all we got was one scene where they were sexual on a chair and thats it. Where Amy had an opportunity to write diverse spice and choose not to. Its sad that her only black character was robbed of it.
Now my thing is as I have still read these as a whole is that there is a past and present tense in these that is super confusing. I hoped it would have been hammered out but this reads like a journal of accounts from the characters povs. I just wish she would choose one and stick to that. It started to feel like two people were writing this and not one.
Also, if your gonna write about a state do your research on it. Sincerely, a Cleveland Ohio resident. Cleveland state is up from Cincinnati so Jules would come down from Cleveland State. Cleveland is 8 hours from Cincinnati BTW. Just saying to do some research in it Jules could of mentioned the lake and the city but alas not. If her book is in Cleveland I hope the research is done so its at least a bit accurate.
I wonder if advanced readers got a different copy of whats on KU because it feels like we read two different books.
Will I be reading the next one? Yes because I want Jules' story but I will be going into knowing I will be most likely disappointed by some of it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2026
Good bones but underwhelming
I’ve really enjoyed this series and was looking forward to this installment, so it’s a huge bummer to say that this one fell flat for me.
There were definitely things I enjoyed. The meet-cute was charming, the premise had a lot of potential, and the cat-related interactions were genuinely funny. Unfortunately, I never connected with Clover and Isak’s relationship the way I expected to. Most of their interactions seemed to happen through texts or via their cats, and I struggled to feel the chemistry between them as a result.
Some spoilers ahead!
I was genuinely shocked when Isak announced he was in love with Clover because it felt like we’d spent so little actual time watching their relationship develop. I understand that not every moment needs to happen on the page, but readers still need enough to believe in that progression.
For me, the biggest issue was that the story felt rushed. The bones of a great romance were there, but so many interesting ideas were introduced without being explored as deeply as I wanted. Clover’s efforts to make the team more inclusive, the resistance she faced from leadership, the sense of community forming among the women on the team, and Isak’s struggles with the Kingman legacy all felt like storylines with a lot of potential that never fully came together.
I also felt this book relied more heavily on readers already being invested in the Kingman family than previous installments. As someone who has read the series, I understood the significance of Isak’s family name and history, but I’m not sure those stakes were fully established within this book itself.
And candidly, after six previous Kingman books, I expected more spice. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about this series is that it never shied away from giving its plus-size heroines the same passionate, steamy romances afforded to so many other romance heroines. In comparison, this installment felt noticeably tamer, with only a few kisses and one mildly spicy scene before fading to black.
The Kindle version also contained quite a few typos and editing errors, enough that I noticed them repeatedly throughout the book.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this book, which honestly makes the disappointment worse. As the second-to-last book in the series, I had high hopes for Isak’s story. The foundation was there, but the execution never fully delivered on the potential I could see in it.
I’ve really enjoyed this series and was looking forward to this installment, so it’s a huge bummer to say that this one fell flat for me.
There were definitely things I enjoyed. The meet-cute was charming, the premise had a lot of potential, and the cat-related interactions were genuinely funny. Unfortunately, I never connected with Clover and Isak’s relationship the way I expected to. Most of their interactions seemed to happen through texts or via their cats, and I struggled to feel the chemistry between them as a result.
Some spoilers ahead!
I was genuinely shocked when Isak announced he was in love with Clover because it felt like we’d spent so little actual time watching their relationship develop. I understand that not every moment needs to happen on the page, but readers still need enough to believe in that progression.
For me, the biggest issue was that the story felt rushed. The bones of a great romance were there, but so many interesting ideas were introduced without being explored as deeply as I wanted. Clover’s efforts to make the team more inclusive, the resistance she faced from leadership, the sense of community forming among the women on the team, and Isak’s struggles with the Kingman legacy all felt like storylines with a lot of potential that never fully came together.
I also felt this book relied more heavily on readers already being invested in the Kingman family than previous installments. As someone who has read the series, I understood the significance of Isak’s family name and history, but I’m not sure those stakes were fully established within this book itself.
And candidly, after six previous Kingman books, I expected more spice. One of the things I’ve always appreciated about this series is that it never shied away from giving its plus-size heroines the same passionate, steamy romances afforded to so many other romance heroines. In comparison, this installment felt noticeably tamer, with only a few kisses and one mildly spicy scene before fading to black.
The Kindle version also contained quite a few typos and editing errors, enough that I noticed them repeatedly throughout the book.
Overall, I didn’t dislike this book, which honestly makes the disappointment worse. As the second-to-last book in the series, I had high hopes for Isak’s story. The foundation was there, but the execution never fully delivered on the potential I could see in it.
June 17, 2026
Could have been so much better...
This book had the potential to be great but it was far from even good.. this book was nowhere close to being so far from the other books.. and they were so many grammatical errors, misspelled words, misplaced words, mix up with the story line at one point Clover is 22 then she's 30 and the 25.. And the romance was not there at all. They kissed twice and then them finally getting together. Intimately was started and completely skipped over like it practically didn't happen. It felt like the book was mostly the same thing repeated over and over again to fill up the pages to the point. It had me just skimming over pages just to get to the part that actually was something new and not something reread over and over again. It was aggravating. And just so sad because with every single book it's like it went from being great for the very first three books and since book 3 just has gone downhill, every book has gotten to where less effort has been put into each one like they're just rushing because they have a deadline and so they put whatever they can in the book to make a book and put it out there with words on a page. It's like no one pre-read or edited this book at all.. And one last thing, using the word "edges" as a metaphor for the fact that she was left out being a part of things and using that word over and over again was overkill, but not only that I feel like they use that because it's something that people of color do styling their hair and I feel they use this metaphor just because she was a black woman and it was like the only reference they had to make describing her as a strong black woman which was sad because there's so much more they could have used if the author had truly took the time to research what it's like to be a black woman because I'm certain that her struggle wouldn't have just been because she was a bigger woman. There would have been so much more they could have added to this, but she definitely didn't do justice for black women and what they go through. It was just a sad representation of a strong, black woman And Amy Award failed at this. Not sure that I'm even interested in reading the last book. I'm pretty sure it's going to be about Jules and Fox, but seeing how this book went, I'm not sure I want to waste my time reading another one...
This book had the potential to be great but it was far from even good.. this book was nowhere close to being so far from the other books.. and they were so many grammatical errors, misspelled words, misplaced words, mix up with the story line at one point Clover is 22 then she's 30 and the 25.. And the romance was not there at all. They kissed twice and then them finally getting together. Intimately was started and completely skipped over like it practically didn't happen. It felt like the book was mostly the same thing repeated over and over again to fill up the pages to the point. It had me just skimming over pages just to get to the part that actually was something new and not something reread over and over again. It was aggravating. And just so sad because with every single book it's like it went from being great for the very first three books and since book 3 just has gone downhill, every book has gotten to where less effort has been put into each one like they're just rushing because they have a deadline and so they put whatever they can in the book to make a book and put it out there with words on a page. It's like no one pre-read or edited this book at all.. And one last thing, using the word "edges" as a metaphor for the fact that she was left out being a part of things and using that word over and over again was overkill, but not only that I feel like they use that because it's something that people of color do styling their hair and I feel they use this metaphor just because she was a black woman and it was like the only reference they had to make describing her as a strong black woman which was sad because there's so much more they could have used if the author had truly took the time to research what it's like to be a black woman because I'm certain that her struggle wouldn't have just been because she was a bigger woman. There would have been so much more they could have added to this, but she definitely didn't do justice for black women and what they go through. It was just a sad representation of a strong, black woman And Amy Award failed at this. Not sure that I'm even interested in reading the last book. I'm pretty sure it's going to be about Jules and Fox, but seeing how this book went, I'm not sure I want to waste my time reading another one...
Review of advance copy
I don't know how she does it, but Amy made me cry... again... and not anywhere where you should be crying. I was crying in the first third because she somehow made me so heartbroken for Isak, before his love story even had a chance to happen. I absolutely hate it when I'm crying for a dude. A straight, white dude to make it worse. But he made a mistake and it definitely flagged Clover's trust issues. Anyway, like the sap I am, I cried because there was no door 3.
This is the 7th book in the body positive saga that is the Cocky Kingmans. We meet Clover as she stuck in a tree after chasing Tiger O'Bittlesworth the Third up it. Meanwhile, our helmeted hero and his copilot Vito Catleone see the two and climb the tree to save the poor damsels Princess Bride style. Talk about a meet-cute.
The true evil in this book is the same we fight every day - the patriarchal CEOs with traditional values, that don't appreciate women with any percentage of fat. They're wanting to turn the new female run Cincinnati Tigers back to it's ole' boys club where the women are thin and have no opinions. Obviously, we also dislike Tiki. She was awful and took Isak's consent away - and we know how the Kingman's feel about enthusiastic consent. Honestly, the love story took a backseat to Clover's journey with Gabi to bring a curvy initiative to the Tigerettes. We got maybe one full spicy scene and one minor spicy scene.
The support that Isak gives to Clover is really great. He meets her where she is and slowly weasels his way into her heart by showing up and being genuine. Heck, even her dad gave him the thumbs up. I also appreciated that they didn't make Warner a complete douchecanoe. Did he say things in the past that he regretted that made Clover feel small, yes. But in this book, he did not continue following that path. Which is good. In the end, the big bad is exactly who we would expect it to be. Men. Bleh. Definitely give this book a read and prepare for Fox and Jules's conclusion - I assume, these two characters have my heart and I want them to get their Happily Ever After.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️
I received an ARC from Valentine PR. My Opinions about this book are my own.
This is the 7th book in the body positive saga that is the Cocky Kingmans. We meet Clover as she stuck in a tree after chasing Tiger O'Bittlesworth the Third up it. Meanwhile, our helmeted hero and his copilot Vito Catleone see the two and climb the tree to save the poor damsels Princess Bride style. Talk about a meet-cute.
The true evil in this book is the same we fight every day - the patriarchal CEOs with traditional values, that don't appreciate women with any percentage of fat. They're wanting to turn the new female run Cincinnati Tigers back to it's ole' boys club where the women are thin and have no opinions. Obviously, we also dislike Tiki. She was awful and took Isak's consent away - and we know how the Kingman's feel about enthusiastic consent. Honestly, the love story took a backseat to Clover's journey with Gabi to bring a curvy initiative to the Tigerettes. We got maybe one full spicy scene and one minor spicy scene.
The support that Isak gives to Clover is really great. He meets her where she is and slowly weasels his way into her heart by showing up and being genuine. Heck, even her dad gave him the thumbs up. I also appreciated that they didn't make Warner a complete douchecanoe. Did he say things in the past that he regretted that made Clover feel small, yes. But in this book, he did not continue following that path. Which is good. In the end, the big bad is exactly who we would expect it to be. Men. Bleh. Definitely give this book a read and prepare for Fox and Jules's conclusion - I assume, these two characters have my heart and I want them to get their Happily Ever After.
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐.25
Spice: 🌶️
I received an ARC from Valentine PR. My Opinions about this book are my own.
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