First Time Score: An Enemies to Lovers Surprise Baby Sports Romance

by Rosie Knox

I went to his penthouse to run a blood test.
And ended up losing my V-card instead.

The moment I crash into Nate Rourke, star tight end, I know I’m in trouble.
He’s loud, cocky, impossibly gorgeous…and my best friend’s brother.

I’m a new team physician for the NFL.
He’s my patient and the last man I should be obsessing over.

One reckless night in his penthouse turns my world upside down.
A forbidden kiss. A mistake that feels far too good to regret.

Suddenly resisting him is impossible.
Because beneath his attitude is a loyal protector who makes me feel seen for the first time in my life.

And somewhere between the arguments and the chemistry, I fall for him.

But his “miraculous recovery” doesn’t add up, and the deeper I dig, the darker things get.

The truth behind his injury puts a target on my career and our lives.

Worst of all, the secret threatens the fragile almost-love we're building.

And if things weren’t complicated enough, who knows what will happen when he discovers I’m pregnant with his baby…

First Time Score is a steamy standalone, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, doctor/patient, best friend's brother, surprise baby sports romance with suspense and a guaranteed HEA!

275 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2025

About the author

Rosie Knox writes contemporary romance books full of emotionally delicious alpha protectors, heart-racing twists, and just the right amount of spice. She believes every love story should come with a hero who knows exactly how to take control, and a heroine who gives him a run for his money.

When she’s not daydreaming up her next romantic escape for readers, she’s off exploring the mountains, skiing down powdery slopes, biking dusty trails, or soaking up the sun on a patio with her dog and her favorite real-life guy. Want more heat? Follow me on Amazon for exclusive content, sneak peaks and plenty of sizzling chemistry and happily ever after.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

If it’s cold out I have a suggestion on how to stay warm. Just read this 10/10-star book it will keep your hands warm turning the kindle pages and the romance will keep your body warm. Loved everything from the way the book is written, the sex scenes, cover, characters and their off-limits sex everything is dynamite and hot. Trust me you will be needing and wanting this book to keep you warm.

[Missyrhae.reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie and Nate chemistry was so good. He is a star hockey player and she is the new medical team staff. They hit it off from the start. Annie starts questioning a few things and confront Nate about it. He had no clue that Annie was his sisters BFF. Nate and Annie fall for each other and twists and turns happen.

It was well written and I read it in a day!

[T. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, Quick and Steamy Read!

Annie Dawson just started a new job working for the NFL in Seattle. Her longtime mentor got her the job and she’s very excited. Annie’s in her early twenties and very serious about her work. While other people her age go out on weekends, she’s either working late or staying home. She’s going to be one of the doctors on staff for the local NFL team and has a handful of athletes/patients. One of them is Nate Rourke, star tight end of the team. He also happens to be her best friend’s brother.

I received the book from Booksprout, but I also borrowed it via KindleUnlimited. Goodreads, Booksprout and Amazon all say this book is an Enemies to Lovers trope, I disagree. I mean, they were enemies for about one hot second, but it was really Insta-love all the way! Besides the extreme chemistry between them, Ms. Knox gave us an interesting story with many twists and turns. I have to say, I have never read a romance book and chanted ‘get a lawyer’ to the main characters before. I won’t explain why, just read the book! It is a fun and quick read and I can’t wait to read Ms. Knox’s other books I bought!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout.

[Serena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book from BookSprout in exchange for an honest review.

This was a very quick read, but unfortunately the short length worked against the story for me. Because the book is trying to do so much in such a small space, there’s very little room for character development, which made it hard to connect with or care about the characters.

I don’t expect perfect medical accuracy in a romance novel, but the medical terminology and procedures felt very loose and under-researched, to the point where it pulled me out of the story. On top of that, the plot kept adding new elements — including a mafia boss, a sister connected to a motorcycle gang, and a private investigator — which made the story feel overcrowded rather than compelling.

While reading, the pacing and delivery felt almost robotic, like watching a TikTok or Instagram reel quickly summarizing events instead of experiencing a fully developed story. Overall, the concept had potential, but the execution didn’t work for me. A 2-star read.

[Virginia Danyow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has everything you would expect in a sports romance, but with a touch of mystery that adds a new level to the story.

Nate is a professional football player. Annie is the newest member of the teams medical team and the.doctor assigned to Nate's care. He suffered a significant injury and his healing seems to be going better than expected. So much so that Annie accuses him of doing something he shouldn't be. She doesn't know that his twin brother, also a football player, overdosed and died. But the cause of death never really made sense to Nate.

It doesn't take long for their arguing to turn into something completely different. They fight for the truth, for each other, and for the surprise family they've made.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nate and Annie's first encounter wasn't great. She is new on the sports team medical roster and acquires Nate as one of her patients. When she starts questions his injury recovery it not only jeopardizes her career it places their lives in danger. It is a thrilling story packed with drama and kept me all caught up in the action.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“First Time Score” by Rosie Knox

-A steamy hockey romance with enemies-to-lovers sparks and irresistible forced proximity. I received a free copy and I am sharing my genuine reaction.

Nate, a star player, and Annie, a medical staffer, have explosive chemistry and rising emotional stakes. Fast-paced, twisty, and scorching hot, this standalone delivers big heat and a satisfying happy ending.

I’m not a hockey fan but I enjoy a good love story.

[Astrid Rudloff · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily review an ARC.
I really liked this sports / criminal romance, the characters, world building and writing style.
But some dialogues seemed too unrealistic, especially ruthless criminals spilling all their secrets and motives. And why do intelligent people think you can't get pregnant during the first time? This rubbed me the wrong way somehow.
Overall it's a well written romance with an interesting storyline I recommend.

[Lori Albertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun read! First Time Score by Rosie Knox is a good blend of romance, sports medicine, and intrigue. I enjoyed the happily ever after and the overall joy at the end.

Thank you Rosie Knox for this advanced copy. I will read more of your stories.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even begin? Not only do we get a steamy heartfelt romance, but a deliciously suspense filled story too. Oh my gosh this was so dang good. Everything about it was positively perfect. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by booksprout.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline has drama, romance, steam, attraction, and mystery. The MCs are defined, engaging, likable, and made for one another. I liked this entertaining book.

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

[Berta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Glad i got this in ku. Jeez I about dnf'd when the MMC thought it was so unlikely Annie could get pregnant her first time having sex. Unprotected sex. I skimmed through the last 1/3 with the suspense plot coming to a head. I appreciated the epilogue.