The Fly Half and the Fling

The Latharna Ravens #1

by Lasairiona E. McMaster

They play for glory — but love rewrites the score.

The Morrigan sisters were born to play rugby — fierce on the field, unstoppable off it. Named after Celtic goddesses, Rhiannon, Cliodhna, and Aoife know how to handle a tackle — but matters of the heart? That’s a whole different game.

When three wild one-night stands turn into something more, each sister finds herself facing more than just fierce rivals on the pitch.

Rhiannon's tough exterior cracks when unexpected circumstances force her into close quarters with the one man who knows exactly how to push her buttons — and faking a relationship might be their only way out.

Cliodhna's quiet strength is tested when a reckless night with her brother’s best friend threatens to unravel everything she’s built.

And Aoife, the youngest and wildest, is falling hard for the one person she can’t ever have — her fiercest rival, the coach’s daughter.

With love and rugby on the line, the Morrigan sisters will have to fight for more than just the win — they’ll have to fight for their happily ever afters. Because love is the hardest game they'll ever play.

Genres: Sports Romance, Disability

430 pages, Paperback

Published December 24, 2025

About the author

Lasairiona McMaster writes sassy, classy and badassy women and strong, yet vulnerable men.

She challenges reader’s expectations by openly dealing with mental health issues, often exploring tough-to-handle topics and ‘taboos’ and books with a whole lotta heart.

She can either be found enjoying a gin and lemonade by the Irish sea, or baking sweet treats in her kitchen while singing at the top of her lungs.

When she’s ‘home’ in Texas, and isn’t eating fresh-popped popcorn while buying things she has absolutely no need for in Target, she can be found at Chuys eating her body weight in chips and queso and washing it down with a margarita swirl.

Reviews

[Momo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for ARC to the author. I am obsessed with her writing. She writes such compelling relationships and real life people.

I’m not even that crazy about sport romances but this one I really liked! I loved that it’s set in Northern Ireland, that I recognised some places mentioned. I loved the community, small town aspects and the disability representation and how it was handled.

🏉 Rugby Romance
🔥 One night stand
✏️ Player x journalist
😙 Forced proximity
💖 Fake dating
🏅Women’s sports
🥰 He falls first
🖤 Enemies to lovers
😂 So much banter
🔥🔥🔥 Spice

I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s raw, it’s emotional, it’s spicy and the couple is easy to fall in love with. Rhiannon faces a lot of press backpack, her own dad controlling her life and I loved watching her grow into a strong decisive woman who leads her own life decisions.

I also loved how Robert’s disability was handled, how sensitivities and misconceptions were explained. Loved how lassriona took such care of the topic when writing.

I hope you all love Rhiannon and Robert and much as I did. They were fun to read about.

[Rebecca Tait · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rtc

[Lindsey Golden · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- pre release reading. Released 5th Feb 2026
The Fly-Half and the Fling by Lasairiona McMaster absolutely stole my heart. This book delivered everything I want from a romance: warmth, wit, emotional depth, and characters that feel so real they linger long after the last page. And I cannot wait to invest myself in all the characters stories.

I laughed, I cried (when some of the words written resonated hard on a personal level), and I’ve wanted everything in Fly-Half—from the banter to the heartfelt moments to the sense of found family woven throughout the story. The balance between humor and emotion is pitch-perfect (pun intended), making it impossible not to be fully invested.

Rhiannon and Robert are just wonderful. Their connection is compelling, tender, and deeply satisfying, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. Honestly, I love them all… well, maybe not Michael 😅, but even that just adds to the richness of the characters and left me feeling part of the family. I’d have loved more rugby, but that’s just me and ultimately there’s enough in this book for even someone who’s never ever watched a game before to understand.

A beautifully written, feel-everything kind of read that I’d happily recommend to anyone looking for a romance with heart, humor, and soul. I can’t wait for the next instalment, The Hooker and the Hangover!

[Rachel Watkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
The Fly-Half and the Fling
By Lasairiona McMaster

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a fun read!
I absolutely loved the disability rep.
Robert is such an amazing person. He will do anything and everything to make sure Rhiannon is happy and loved. Including standing up to her father.

Rhiannon's trust of other people dwindles by the day. After exposing her ex at their wedding, she finds herself at a bar with her sisters, coming up with a list of things to do.

I love the fake dating trope, and this book killed it!
Robert and Rhiannon worked through a lot of stuff to be able to come together in the end, knowing how much the other truly loves them.

[Lisa Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book, from the strong FMC, to the flawed yet supportive MMC. I liked that the roles were reversed, and that Rhiannon was the professional sportsperson, rather than Robert. I adored them as a couple and so enjoyed their banter, but I especially loved the way Robert stood up to Michael and Taranis for her.
I really enjoyed the whole family dynamic and can’t wait to read the rest of the clan’s stories.
I was gifted a free ARC of this book by Lasairiona, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liv Panting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for the ARC!

Really really enjoyed The Fly-Half and the Fling. The chemistry between Rhiannon and Robert was amazing, loved all the side characters and cannot wait for the next books in this series! Loved the comedy throughout aswell as the emotional conversations and topics. Before reading I didn't really know much about rugby but this book has made me want to start watching and enjoying.

[Evi Easton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The mental health representations were spot on for me and I adored it even if it made me cry at times.
I can't wait for the next one in the series.

[ItaPixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

[Shauna Adams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book while also blowing up Lasairiona's phone 🤣

I loved the FMC being the athlete in the story. Having read a lot of sports romances this was a refreshing change up and one that was delivered so beautifully

Robert being a strong and outspoken character especially in Rhiannon's defence had me giggling and kicking my feet.

I was hooked from chapter one and the chokehold never let up. The setting, the tropes, the characters and the local elements are point perfect 👌

Devoured, adored and gagging for the next instalment 💕

If sports romances with one night stand, fake dating, enemies to lovers, strong FMC and brambles made with lime juice are your jam, you do not want to miss out on this wee beauty 🥰

[Vanessa Wrafter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, Rihannon dad really irritated me , reminded me of a 90s type dad really backwards in his thinking caring about what other people thought than actually his child , the chemistry between Rihannon and Robert was so good I loved how it wasnt to much spice to over power the plot , this book was actually written extremely well I really enjoyed the authors style of writing so much so I have some of her other books now on my tbr shelf ,

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

(I received an ARC for this book)

Trigger Warnings include:
representation of a disabled character living with chronic pain and limited mobility, discussions of past self harm/thoughts, loss of life in a war-torn country, on page nightmares caused by ptsd, cheating (not between MCs), misogyny and sexism in the workplace/female sports

I don’t know what kind of magic Lasairiona puts into her books, but it’s addictive! My hockey queen has this American trying to understand rugby! I know absolutely nothing about rugby, but by the time this series is finished, I’ll probably have it figured out! Every time I read one of Lasairiona’s books I am completely and totally in love. In every single character on the page (aside from maybe one or two morons that don’t deserve my love and affection, or anyone else’s), in the story, in the heart, in the truness of reality. I’ll never get enough of the humor that is always laced throughout each heart-wrenching moment she writes. This one may not have farts, but it does have the beauty of the real world without apology. I was Rhiannon’s biggest fan within the first chapter. And I continued to cheer her on until the end. Robert was right there with me. He stands up for her, but not because he thinks she can’t do it herself. And this is a change of pace for Rhiannon. Poor thing doesn’t know what to do with a man who SEES and RESPECTS her. But he helps her learn! And along the way, she stands strong for him as well. It was beautiful experiencing them learning and growing together. Even when there was doubt and pain. And when they truly opened up and shared their hearts with each other, it wrecked me! By the second chapter, I was chomping at the bit for more time with the Morrigan sisters! I’m looking forward to more time fighting against misogyny!

My Favorite Quotes:
• “I’m going to make you come on my hand. Then I’m going to make you hold onto the sink while I f!ck you senseless from behind. Is that what you want, pretty girl?”
• “I feel you staring.” “You’re an easy woman to stare at. I can’t help it.”
• “If you keep looking at me like that, I’m going to make a scene.”
• “You’re the one thing worth limping after.”
• “Let me take care of you.”

7/10 Dirty Birdy
4/10 Enemies to Lovers
6/10 Fake Relationship
4/10 Forced Proximity
5/10 Slow Burn
9/10 Sports Romance

[Ria Alexander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written

THE FLY-HALF & THE FLING, The Latharna Ravens #1, is a beautifully written, emotional story from Lasairiona McMaster. A one-night stand, enemies to lovers, fake relationship, sports romance between a rugby player and a sports journalist.

For as long as she could remember Rhiannon Morrigan had always followed the rules, but marrying a cheating fiance was never going to happen. She broke the rules and exposed the groom, then ran to the nearest pub to escape the aftermath and plan her next step. The last person Robert McAllister expected to see entering the pub was Rhiannon, especially on her wedding day. He had a history with the Morrigan family, one that wasn't exactly friendly. He is a man haunted by his past, trying to re-establish his life, the last thing he needs is to be anywhere near Rhiannon. A hot, random bathroom hookup, a photo on social media and Rhiannon and Robert find themselves suddenly in a fake relationship.

How can two peope who don't get along fool everyone into thinking what they have is real? Rhiannon and Robert carry a lot of weight on their shoulders, but together the burdens begin to ease. Their love/hate friendship begins to bring out emotions and truths, and it's not long before they are seeing the real person underneath the facades they wear. Rhiannon is such a strong person, yet the treatment she receives from her father often makes her cower and hide. When it come to Rhiannon, Robert is so prtoective of her, I couldn't help cheering for every time he held her up and defended her. Robert is meant to be writing a sports article about Rhiannon, will it be one which destroys everything that they have built together? Only time will tell.

Lasairiona McMaster has written such an engaging story I couldn't put it down. I loved everything about the story. Ms McMaster's ability to deliver the raw emotions, flirty and spicy moments, the heartache, and the joy was sublime. I devoured her words, and now I can't wait for more ... especially after that last chapter. Highly recommended.

Read and Reviewed for Reading Is Our Satisfaction

✨✨✨✨✨ FIVE STARS

[Marisela M. Chavez · Rating 5 out of 5]

The High-Fly & The Fling has just became my favorite from Lasairiona McMaster. There was just something about this story that blew me away. Rhiannon and Robert story was beautifully written.

Rhiannon wedding day was once for the books, when she exposes the groom along with another. It was priceless to say the least. I loved every second. Obviously she’s the talk of the town seeing that she is a well known rugby player and her last name as well. When she decided to finally live her life. Enter Robert he already knows who she is when she entered the pub. And the encounter they share was absolutely off the charts.

Let’s just say their brief encounter turns into a fake relationship fling. Robert and Rhiannon relationship is anything but easy. Her dad and brother despise him since he wrote not a nice piece about them. And the sisters are protective of her as well. But you see they have these moments that not all is so fake. As well as breaking some rules. Which is so fun to see, you can’t help but not root for them. Even if the media gets in the way or her dad. You’ll see they came into each others lives at the right time. I honestly couldn’t put this one down. Like I said before this is definitely knocked the others off the parks in her sports romances department and moved to #1 spot. I can’t wait too see what more she has in store for this incredible family and series.

Arc provided for honest review.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Latharna Ravens #1

Rhiannon Morrigan walked out of her own wedding because her fiance cheated on her with her best friend and walked right into the arms of a stranger. It's supposed to be one night, no regrets, well until she finds out who he is.

Robert McAllister is an investigative journalist who did an expose on doping and her family was nearly destroyed as he looked for evidence of her brother and dad being involved
The Morrigan's are rugby royalty and she's a rugby player who feels she has to live up to dad's standards even though she's almost 30 yrs old.

Now the media thinks they are a couple so they agree to fake date and have a set of rules to go by. What starts out as hate and not believing him changes and she sees him for who he really is and he does the same with her. They start falling for each other but Robert still has to write an article about Rhiannon.
Will this tear them apart?

4 stars
For me this was just ok. It could be because of it being based in Northern Ireland and the vocabulary. I thought it was emotional and well written for Robert's character and what he went through and still goes through and that he was able to share it with Rhiannon.

[Ariana Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rugby world in Northern Ireland. Count me in. The female athletes and the weight they carry as pro athletes is concert very well in this story.

Rhiannon leaves her cheating fiance at the alter. This leads to a day of drinking with her sisters and a steamy hookup at the pub.

One scandal after another seem to follow her. So in her best interests she makes a fake dating rule book for her and Robert. It’s the least he can do for her after getting into this mess right?

Watching their relationship bloom and grow was worth it. It took time in the words and pages to watch it slowly develop. But I loved that it felt real. For both of them. Robert struggles with his own weight that he carries. And watching them learn to help each other balance and carry it was a great time.

All the side characters have made me fall a little more in love with the book. I can’t wait to see how each story plays out and who ends up with who. It’s gonna be a great time!

I received this as an ARC for free. I’m am voluntarily leaving this review.

[Silke · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fly-Half and the Fling is the start to the brand-new series The Latharna Ravens, which is a women's rugby team. Yet while there are references to the sport, it's not at the centre of the book - as a matter of fact, as a complete newbie to rugby I could have done with a bit more detail about the game as well as the role of a fly-half. No, this book is more about finding yourself, overcoming adversity and dealing with your inner demons - all while falling in love with your perfect match. It touches on various very sensitive topics like mental health and verbal abuse, but in a way that is always empathetic, thought-inspiring and ultimately positive and uplifting. I loved the dynamic between Robert and Rhiannon, their very realistic imperfections and their chemistry. An awesome read that had me run the gamut of emotions with a HEA that feels true. Can't wait for the next one! I received an early copy and am leaving this review voluntarily and honestly.

[Kelchickbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not knowing a thing about rugby, I was so engrossed with this story and it made me want to watch women's rugby. Ms. McMaster always writes entertaining storylines that are so easy to get lost in. Her characters are relatable, easy to sympathize with, and the ones you want to grab a drink with.
She tells us the story of Rhiannon and Robert, a professional rugby player and a sports journalist. One has the weight of the world on her shoulders, and the other is a man haunted by his past and the mistakes he feels he made. A runaway bride, sex with a stranger, but really he isn't, sees these two entering into a fake relationship. Now, not everyone is on board but no matter what, Robert turns into this protective man who falls first.
Their story is one filled with angst, emotions, feelings of inadequacy, friends who are always there, and a love that survives everything and anything.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lasairiona McMaster has such a way with words. This book hooked me from the start. I couldn't put it down. This book touches on mental health, disabilities, drama, family dynamics and love. It was well written, thoughtful, raw, emotional and spicy🌶️. I loved it! This book follows Rhiannon and Robert. Rhiannon is a smart, talented and gorgeous rugby player. She is the eldest daughter and has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Always being the perfect daughter until her world implodes and what feels like the end, is only the beginning. Robert is a handsome and smart sports journalist with a physical disability who deals with mental health issues. Rhiannon and Robert have an instant attraction. Their relationship is definitely tense at first but things heat up rather quickly. I absolutely loved them and their families and friends. It was such a fun read. I highly recommend this book!

[Kristen Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fly Half and the Fling has a very slow start to it. But it a refreshing take on the female being the athlete and the male being a reporter. This book gives us a good look at how women are treated as athletes and how different it is from men.

I believe this is one of very few books I have read with a character having a prosthetic. I find it amazing how he very calmly explains the dos and don't to Rhiannon  about interacting with someone with a prosthetic. Its very educational for all involved and he never makes her feel bad about doing something wrong.

My favorite quote:
"Get on board the train, or get off the track."

[Pamela Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since Lasairiona has released a solo title, due to personal reasons. She has made an amazing return with this book! She's beginning a new series with female athletes, and she's also coming home!! This series is set in Larne, Ireland, which is her hometown. The story begins with Rhiannon (the Fly-Half, who is a rugby player) being cheated on by her fiance and her "best friend." She rebounds with a random guy (the Fling), and it's crazy (and shmexy!) from then on out! The pronunciation guide and the colloquialisms guide at the beginning are very helpful. I highly recommend this book, and I can't wait for the next one!!

[Sue Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh... wow!
This is going to be an awesome series Lasairiona, can't wait to read the next one!
What a brilliant story, I absolutely loved Robert and Rhiannon's wonderful tale.....
Dumping her husband-to-be at the alter and having a bathroom fling all on the same day, Rhiannon is on a roll to charge of her life.
The only problem is, Robert is publc enemy number 1 in the Morrigan household!!
Can this unlikely pair overcome the problems that stand in their way?
Superb storyline with great characters and absolutely loved the HEA.
I received an ARC copy of this book, and I'm willingly leaving an honest review.

[Vic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rhiannon is a badass and Robert is a total swoon. There's a whole lot of story and Lasairiona knows how to emotionally twist you up, roll you around and spit you back out again whilst bringing all the feels and all the spice. As always there's the inclusive representation that is delivered with compassion. Overall, it was great to have the woman be the athlete for a change, i loved the setting, the banter, loved it all really.

So read it. You won't be disappointed.

I read an ARC and this is my honest review.

[Darcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Morrigan's are rugby royalty and with that, the family must live up to certain standards set by Rhiannon's Dad. And walking out of your wedding and then fake dating the investigative journalist that tried to link your dad to a doping scandal is not recommended. It does, however, make for an engaging story that has Rhiannon finding inner strength and Robert, picking up the pieces of his up and down career. The characters are not perfect, but the author does a fantastic job telling their story.

[Felicia's Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new series and I'm hear for it. Rhiannon on her wedding day shows her family and friends what a liar her fiancée was. At a bar she does the most crazy thing and has a fling with the one person she probably should not be with. Rhiannon and Robert’s story was amazing. The level of tension and wittiness between was amazing. We got a sneak peek into the next book for this series I cant wait.

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review The Fly Half and the Fling (Latharna Ravens #1) by Lasairiona McMaster

I was happy to hear that Ms. McMaster had a new series releasing. If this book is anything to go by, then I look forward to seeing what come next.

Well written I was drawn into Rhiannon Morrigan and Robert McAllister’s story from the first chapter.

[Jackie Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fly Half and the Fling is Rhiannon Morrigan and Robert McAllister’s story and it’s book one in the new Latharna Ravens Series.
She’s a rugby icon and he’s an investigative journalist who once destroyed her family problem is she didn’t find that out until she had spent the night with him……….
This is a well written, entertaining read that I quickly became invested in.

[WhatJo13reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️


The banter in this book is on 🔥

This book had me hooked from the first chapter. Talk about coming in like a wrecking ball! And the chapter 2 broke my heart. Be prepared to be put through the wringer with this book.

I found it very refreshing that the FMC is the sportsperson. Love that it is set in Ireland. The characters in this book feel so real and relatable.

I was getting a bit bored of sports romance books. A lot felt like they were just ticking off a troupe list. This book has ignited my love of this genre again. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Owella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Rhiannon and Robert and what a way to start a series! Lasairiona's writing always sucks me right in and I always struggle to put one of her books down. I love how this book has ladies rugby in it as the sport as well.

Rhiannon and Robert both grow so much in this book and I loved reading their journey. It kept me hooked and Lasairiona always brings the spice, banter and drama. I can't wait for the second book!

[Courtney Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rtc