Tackle My Heart

The Love Playbook

by Marion De Ré

I’m determined to rock this new job.
Managing the London Regents Football Club’s socials? #CareerGoals.

Except there’s one major glitch in my perfect Callum Murray.
He’s the team’s grumpy Scottish fullback, known for red cards, a permanent scowl, and headlines that call him football’s bad boy. The guy is allergic to anything social or media-related, and turns my job into the mission of the century.
He dodges me like a post-match interview, but when I finally corner him at his place, I discover he’s a bird dad to a rescue parrot named Fergie.
Not only do I stumble on a new social media star—you should see Fergie’s rendition of Shake It Off—but I also catch a glimpse of the softer side of the man who swore he didn’t have one.

Now I’m starting to wonder if my biggest challenge isn’t getting him online—but keeping my feelings from going viral.

Tackle My Heart is a closed-door sports romcom featuring a grumpy Scottish footballer, a sunshine social media manager, and one very sassy parrot.
Perfect for readers who love slow-burn chemistry, fake dating, and lots of banter.Enjoy the other full-length books in The Love Playbook series, which can be read in any

Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré (Football/Soccer)

Love Catch by Laura Langa (Baseball)

Every Breath You Take by Larissa Hommes (Swimming)

Don't Crosse the Line by Britney M. Mills (Lacrosse)

The Neighbor Playbook by Kristine W. Joy (Basketball)

Try for Love by Dana LeCheminant (Rugby)

First Down, Second Chances by Deb Goodman (American Football)

Faking Fore-Ever by Abby Greyson (Golf)

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Contemporary, Clean Romance, Sports, Workplace Romance, Closed Door Romance

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 6, 2026

About the author

Marion De Ré is a closed-door romantic comedy author. She lives in the French countryside with her husband and adorable cat. You can expect all your beloved tropes in her writing as well as a good dose of humor and all the feels. When she's not reading or writing, you can find her on a plane to a far-away destination.

Get a free story: http://www.subscribepage.io/bYvJRP

Find Marion on Instagram : www.instagram.com/marionderewrites

Reviews

[Devika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackle My Heart is the start of a multi-author series called The Love Playbook. Each book features a different sport and a different shelter animal. This book is about football/soccer and features the Regents team from Fake Dating the Footballer. I was really excited to be back into the stadium and get to know Callum and Millie.

Even though Callum and Millie are the main characters, there is one addition with even more main character energy than the couple combined: Fergie, the green bird. How can one not love Fergie? He is funny and brings lots of vibes to the story!

Check out my full review on my blog Boekensteeg

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely smitten with Millie and Callum's story!!! They are so much fun together! She breaks through his grumpy exterior by getting to know him and becoming his friend. And it sure didn't hurt that his sassy parrot Fergie likes her! Hahaha!

Oh my word, Fergie cracked me up so much and completely steals the show in this book. I giggled so much over his scenes and loved how he was perfectly woven into the story and helped move some things along and clear up some unknowns. Talking parrot for the win!!!

And Callum Murray, football player extraordinaire for the win of Millie's heart! *Happy Sigh* Adorable, witty, heartful and full of chemistry! This one will have you turning the pages quickly and cheering these two on, as well as the whole London Regents Team.

This is a part of a multi-author series which features different sports and rescue animals. I loved the rescue animal aspects and the text message threads for that. So much fun!!!

Content: Clean and adorable!

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review
Tackle My Heart
A Novel Written By Marion De Re’
Fiction - Romance
Published February 2026
302 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is a sweet sports romcom. This is the first book in a new series by the author. This grumpy/sunshine romance with a bit of fake dating centers around the sport of football or soccer for readers in the US.

This book has everything you expect from a book written by Marion De Re’. It is a closed door romance. The characters will melt your heart.

Callum is a defender on the Regents Football Team. He is not a people person. He does not interact with the media, social or real.

Millie Templeton is a colorful individual. She has just been hired as the social media manager for the Regents football team. Her task is to make Callum more endearing to the fans. Can she change his bad boy image?

There is a parrot named Fergie that steals the show. Wait until you read his antics as he brings Callum and Millie together. There also is a main character who wears a kilt!

“Relationships aren’t my thing, Millie, … But you are.”

[Yvette Jarrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré

If you love romcoms that balance swoon with laugh-out-loud charm, Tackle My Heart is such a fun place to start. Set against a dreamy London backdrop, this story kicks off The Love Playbook series with a slow-burn romance that sneaks up on you in the best way. Callum is all broody edges and quiet loyalty, while Millie brings warmth, optimism, and just enough boldness to knock down his walls. Their connection builds gradually, full of lingering looks, protective moments, and undeniable chemistry that made every interaction feel earned.

What truly makes this book shine is its personality. From fake dating shenanigans to a lively found-family vibe, the cast adds so much heart and humor, especially Fergie, the mischievous rescue parrot who completely stole the show. The sports romance element blends seamlessly with friendship, teamwork, and gentle emotional depth, giving us glimpses of characters who will star in future books (and yes, I’m already invested). This is a closed-door romance that focuses on sweetness, tension, and meaningful moments rather than spice and it absolutely delivers.

Lighthearted, heartwarming, and effortlessly charming, this book made me laugh, sigh, and immediately want more. You can read it on its own, but trust me, you’ll want to continue the series. And whatever you do, don’t skip the extended epilogue 💛⚽🦜

Grumpy meets sunshine. Fake dating. Slow burn. Found family. London vibes. Sometimes, that’s exactly the kind of love story we need.

This is the first book in the multi-author The Love Playbook series and works beautifully as a standalone. Releasing February 6, 2026. Thank you to the author for the advance copy. All opinions expressed here are my own.

[Leah Pretty Pistolz · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Rating:
5⭐️1🌶️

🏈💖 Tropes:
🏆 Sports Romance
❤️ Opposites Attract
🔥 Slow-Burn Chemistry
💘 Emotional Connection
😍 Swoon-Worthy Moments
🛡️ Protective Love Interest

My Review

This is the kind of sports romance that reminds you exactly why the genre is so addictive. From the first page, Tackle My Heart pulled me in with its heart, heat, and emotional depth—and it never let go 🥹❤️ The chemistry is instant, the tension is delicious, and every chapter made me want more 😍📖

Marion De Re absolutely delivered. The romance felt genuine, emotional, and perfectly paced, while the sports element added that extra adrenaline rush I crave 🏈🔥 I loved how the characters grew both on and off the field—strong, passionate, and impossible not to root for. Their connection? Chef’s kiss 🤌💋

If you love sports romances that make your heart race, your stomach flip, and your smile permanent, this book is a MUST-read. It gave me all the feels—angst, passion, laughter, and that cozy “I never want this to end” feeling 🥰✨

[Bri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book with a sassy parrot and it definitely was interesting!!

This book is a 4-3.5 star book for me. I really struggled to connect with the characters for the good first half of the book. I’ve read other books by this author and have absolutely loved them, so I know this was just a one off for me. At about 58% I was finally invested in the characters and had more interest in the storyline.


I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a slow burn, fake dating, and soccer romance lovers.

[Cassondra Perea · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW:

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Marion De Ré returns with another stellar sports romcom, guaranteed to wow the clean/ closed door community!

After a difficult season, the Regents Football Club fanbase is at an all time low. Therefore, Millie Templeton, a social media manager, was hired to help the club not only rebrand, but reconnect with fans. Needless to say, Templeton has her work cut out for her- as she must get the ENITER team to not only create, but actively participate on social media.

Callum Murray, the Regents fullback, stands to be the biggest obstacle for Millie. Burned by the media one too many times, the grumpy, Scotsman refuses to cooperate. Adamant social media is not a requirement of a footballer, he manages to thwart all of Millie’s efforts.

Will Millie and Callum be able to come to an agreement, or will it cost one of them their dream job?

If you are like me and still reeling from a Ted Lasso withdrawal, then Tackle my Heart by Marion De Ré is a must-read. I wasn’t prepared for a sports romcom to fill the void The Apple TV left when it ended in 2023. Not only do Callum and Millie give Roy Kent and Keeley vibes, but just like A. F. C. Richmond, the entire Regents lineup is prepared to steal your heart.

I highly recommend reading this book for:
-clean, sports (soccer) romcom
-slow burn
-opposites attract
-grumpy/ sunshine
-fake dating
-witty banter
-adorable parrot (scene stealer)
-Scottish MMC who dons a kilt

*Tackle my Heart by Marion De Ré serves as the series starter for two series: The Love Playbook and London Regents.

**The Love Playbook is a multi-author, interconnected series that follows a variety of professional athletes as they navigate love and rescue animals!

***De Ré plans to flush out the remaining Regents’ players love stories in her forthcoming series London Regents.

Special thanks to Marion De Ré and CALICO Print for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Jodi Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read Marion De Re’s latest release Tackle My Heart. I have loved her hockey romances, so I couldn’t wait to see her take on football, or rather soccer. Well, all my hopes for this book were met and more. Tackle My Heart had De Re’s signature banter, fabulous supporting characters, and sweet low angst romance. It was adorable!

The story focuses on Millie as she starts her new job as the social media manager for the Regents Football Club. As she starts to get to know the players and help them with their social media, she finds one player who has no interest in her help. However, Millie is stubborn and she slowly wears Callum down until he finally agrees to her help. The story that follows is full of funny moments, tender moments, and swoony moments.

Things to love:
-pro football (soccer) player MMC
-sassy social media manager FMC
-Fergie the parrot
-Callum’s teammates
-fake dating
-London setting
-Scottish MMC
-grumpy sunshine
-dual POV
-the kilt
-“Millie loves Callum”

I adored Millie. From her bold appreciation of color to her stubbornness to her standing up for herself, she was fabulous. I loved how her sunshine worked so well with Callum’s grumpiness. I was rooting for her from the first page.

Callum definitely gave me Roy Kent vibes, in the best possible way. I loved how his grumpiness blended so well with all the other aspects of his character. He was such a good man, but he never let anyone see the real him because he had been burned too many times by the paparazzi. It was so fun to see Millie slowly bring Callum’s walls down and watch him fall.

Tackle My Heart was a joy to read. I can’t wait to read this sweet book again.

Thank you to the author for the gifted copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Melissa (honeybee.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐

Tackle My Heart is book 1 in the Love Playbook series and it was absolutely adorable. This was a one shot deal, I couldn't put it down once I started. It was so easy, so fun, adorable and filled with really sweet moments. I think I was smiling through the entirety of it. It was low to no drama, I needed that, breezed right along, simple and refreshing. Marion's writing always grabs me and the interactions between her characters are always flawless. The story was so cute, all the little elements that were added with Fergie the parrot, the boys locker room talks, Millie & Callum's fake dating scheme, it just truly made for an absolutely enchanting read.

Millie & Callum had such fun banter, he is so damn grumpy and I was here for it. She is such a little sunshine with her crazy outfits and her outgoing personality. He wanted to hate her so badly, but she found her way into his heart. Once they started becoming friends it was so cute, then when they both started catching feelings it was absolutely impossible to look away. Fergie the parrot was the absolute star of the show though, I cracked up so many times, it added such a fun layer to the book.

Overall, this was such a fun start to the series and I cannot wait to see what the other authors have in store for us with the crazy pets. If you want something simple, sweet, stress free, fun, swoony and that will have you smiling all along I highly recommend it!

✨️ Thank you to @marionderewrites for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Kelsey Dicou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackle My Heart is the first book in The Love Playbook series and will be released February 6, 2026. Oh my goodness, I loved reading this sweet novella!

We meet Callum, who is the grumpy Scotsman who plays on the London Regents football team. He is a brooding, kept to himself kind of guy that doesn't let anyone in, and is stubborn as can be.

Millie is the happy sunshine social media manager for the London Regents. She is very colorful in both personality and clothing/lifestyle, and may be just as stubborn as Mr. Grump.

It takes Callum and Millie some time to let down their guards around each other, but as they do, their chemistry is off the charts! Examples include, but aren't limited to, the pillow fight, the ice cream date, the lingering gazes... Let's not forget to mention Mr. Matchmaker himself: Fergie.

Fergie is a hilarious and adorable dad parrot to Callum l. His phrases like, "you lose!" "Millie pretty!" and "Cuddles?" are to die for. I cannot with that little dude.

Tackle My Heart is my first Marion De Ré book and a great start to this series. I will definitely be adding more of her books to my TBR.

Thank you, Marion, for sending me this ARC! I cannot wait to read about the other Regents fellas.

There are 8 books total by other fantastic authors, so be sure to check them out as they're released!

@marionderewrites

#theproperromantic #marionderewrites #tacklemyheartbook #theloveplaybookseries #arcread

[Angie (mushmysteriesandmore) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think this might just be my favourite of all the Marion De Re books I have read up to now. The characters were engaging and entertaining, and the romance was sweet and endearing.

I mean, we can’t start this review without talking about the main star of the book. That was Fergie, no question. He was sassy, sweet and flamboyant. He was the type to have all of the luxuries in life, and he honestly deserved them all. He was handsome and clever and the best friend anyone could have. Did I mention he’s a parrot? Ooops, silly me!

So, back to the human element of this book. Millie is starting work as social media manager for the London Regents football team (soccer to North Americans). She’s excited to work with the players and get their online presence to rocket. However, there is one player who is completely against the idea, grumpy Scot Callum Murray. The media calls him the bad boy, but that’s because they don’t know him.

I loved Callum from the start. He was grumpy, but almost straight away, we saw the softer side of him. The guy treats his pet parrot like a king, and he is the ultimate bird dad. Millie was sweet and kind and so determined when it came to pinning Callum down to create a social media account. When she meets Fergie, she’s completely smitten with both of them.

The fake dating trope is probably my favourite trope out there, and this one was fun to watch too. Although everyone except the public and press knew it was fake, there were still the traditional elements there, such as those pesky real feelings sneaking in.

And I loved Millie’s reaction to the kilt, glad to see it was finally put to good use.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Booked with the Emilys and the author for the digital ARC of Tackle My Heart by Marion De Ré. All opinions are my own.

I haven’t read a lot of sports romances about soccer, so I was excited to read this book. Tackle My Heart is a sweet romance with a lovable pet parrot.

Callum and Millie were two very different people, and I appreciated that their relationship took time to form. I also enjoyed how comfortable Callum felt with inviting Millie into his home and taking care of his special pet.

My favorite part of this story was Fergie the parrot because he was so entertaining. I also learned a lot about caring for a parrot, and I appreciated the forum where pet owners could talk and learn how to better take care of their pets.

I also enjoyed learning a bit more about soccer, and it was fun to see how Millie and Callum acted with the rest of the team.

While this was an easy read, I didn’t find it super memorable in the romance aspect. If it wasn’t for Fergie, I think I would’ve been somewhat bored with the story. Millie seemed a bit too cheerful and perfect whereas Callum didn’t have much of a personality outside of his grumpiness.

Although I love a good fake dating story, the way that this one came about didn’t seem very believable. It just kind of came out of nowhere, and it just didn’t feel like it worked well for the story.

Overall, this book was fine. I loved the parrot, but I think the romance could’ve used a bit more to it.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes all you need is a great romcom that will have you laughing out loud one minute and swooning the next. And this is that book!!

This is the first in the multi author The Love Playbook series. They can be read as a standalone, but you are going to want to read the full series!

In this book we get a London setting, a sweet slow burn romance, laugh out loud moments, a cute bossy parrot, a grumpy football/soccer player, a sunny social media manager, and fake dating.

This book sucked me right in and held my attention to the end. I enjoyed how the relationship between Callum and Millie progressed and loved the moments where they were both protective of each other. I also loved the side characters - which many have their own books which I am excited to now read.

You won't want to miss out on this one!! Also, make sure to read the extended epilogue!!

I received an advanced copy and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:

"When I do something, I always commit one hundred percent."

"Really hoping for a loss of self-control right about now."

"More than any diamond, this kiss is a promise - the promise that we'll never stop being stubborn for each other. That this is forever."

"You've taught me that strength doesn't mean shutting people out, and that letting someone in might be the bravest thing we ever do."

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heads up romance fans, though this romance has two very endearing characters, a rescue parrot named Fergie completely steals the show. I laughed until I almost cried at every scene with Fergie in the mix, and there are a lot of them.

Callum Murray is the fullback for the London Regents. He has a permanent grumpy face, a temper like a wildcat and has no desire to have anything to do with social media of any kind. In fact, he is actually anti-social period. He never goes out with his teammates to celebrate or anything like that. His world is about to go topsy-turvy when the team hires a social media manager. They are requiring all players to participate in this social media frenzy.

Millie is the new social media manager. She is all sunshine and puppies. She immediately realizes that she has the quite the task ahead of her in taming the beast named Callum. But she is up for the task and has never met a challenge she was afraid to meet head on and conquer.

This charming sports romance was filled with so many wonderful scenes that there is not enough room to write about them in a review. It was swoon central, like fan your face swoony, while also being emotionally strong and downright funny as well.

I loved every single chapter of this fun romance. I will not soon forget Fergie.

Thank you the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Angeline · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 starsThis was cute! I ended up finishing it in a day. I always enjoy Marion De Re’s books and this one was a lot of fun. Tackle My Heart is written by Marion De Re and it is the first book in the multi author series, The Love Playbook series.
Okay so I adored both Millie and Callum. They were a lot of fun together. I love how Millie slowly broke down Callum’s walls. It was sweet to read about him coming to care about her. Reading about Callum learning to work social media was so funny and oh my goodness Fergie was a hoot. Millie was a bit of a mess at times but she never let life bring her down. Callum could not be more her opposite but slowly started to see the good in things beside Fergie, his parrot.
I loved the team, they were so funny especially their interactions with Callum. They were a family and really accepted Millie from the start. The story was interesting and I didn’t want to put it down. I liked the growth that both Callum and Millie showed throughout the book. Millie learned to stand up for herself and Callum learned to let others in.
This was a great start to a new series! I love the fact that each book also features a rescue pet. I would totally recommend this book! Tackle My Heart is a closed door romantic comedy.

I received a complimentary copy

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tackle My Heart is the first book in The Love Playbook multi-author series and what a way to kick it off (no pun intended)! Millie is a persistent and full of sunshine social media manager for the London Regents Football Club. Callum is the broody and grumpy Scottish defender on the Regents who happens to be very protective and a parrot dad with a softer side that no one gets to see. That is until Millie enters the picture. Millie and Callum have so much chemistry and his avoidance of her and her not giving up was quite comical to me. Their banter had me laughing and their protectiveness of each other was endearing. I enjoyed how they were attracted to each other from the start, but they truly start off as friends and get to know each other, and things progress naturally from there. I loved Fergie, the parrot, and all of his involvement – he really steals the show! If you are looking for a sweet and swoony sport romance with witty banter, heart, a hilarious parrot, and lots of laughable moments, Tackle My Heart is for you!

My favorite things:
- Fergie, the sassy parrot!
- All the banter
- The photo shoot
- The gala
- The walk in Hyde Park
- The pillow fight
- Yes, to kilts!
- Callum’s teammates

Tropes: sports romance = grump/sunshine = lots of banter = Scottish hero = fake dating = sassy parrot = found family = sweet kisses

Happy reading!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, what a fun story! Callum and Millie truly had the perfect grumpy/sunshine dynamic... and it's no secret that I love a good grump! She's the team's new social media manager... and he's a football/soccer player that despises all things social and media... but the chemistry between them? Absolutely undeniable. I loved seeing his softer side come out around her. Throw in a little bit of fake dating? Even better. I couldn't help but enjoy these two together. Let's be honest though, Fergie really is the absolute star of this book. This mischievous rescue parrot had me laughing out loud throughout the story and wondering what antics he would get up to next... or what secrets he might reveal. He was such a fun addition to the story and I absolutely loved him! I also loved getting to know this team and find myself looking forward to seeing more from them in the future... I cannot wait!

Tackle My Heart is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of The Love Playbook series. This is a multi-author series with each book featuring a different sport (and pet). They can be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Sara Arnaud · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum + Millie + Fergie = a hat-trick for the record books!

I can’t say enough good things about this heart-felt, fun, (and funny) rom-com. The love story was top notch and I appreciated every single (believable) nuance as both characters arc’ed toward each other. It was just simply beautiful.

And I’m a sucker for the total-grump-except- for-when-he’s-with-her. Be still my beating heart! And wow, Marion did it right. Every little subtly of his softening was well placed and perfectly timed. I was all-in from kick-off!

Highlightables: (I’m hoping sans spoilers)

- Fergie. Of course Fergie is #1! He was heartwarming and funny.
- Teammates turned family.
- Millie’s friends (I’m gonna have to go back and read Wade and Roxy’s story now, y’all!)
- The fur-ever chat group - hilarious
- The kilt (IYKYK)
- Her dad
- His parents
- Francois, oh Francois…I can hear his speeches in French in my head and they are hilarious either way

Marion De Re scores a hat-trick with Tackle my Heart. I highly recommend this story of love, friendship, and learning to step outside your previous boundaries. And don’t forget Fergie - amazing Fergie - he added the perfect layer of laugh-out-loud comedy. Rom-com lovers, you won’t want to miss this one!

[Amanda McGee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie is so excited to excel at her new social media job. The problem is that Callum Murray, the grumpy Scottish fullback on the Regents’ football team doesn’t do social media and constantly has a scowl on his face. When she finally confronts him about it, she discovers that he is a dad to sassy rescue parrot Fergie who is going to be a social media sensation. Now the only thing that might complicate things is if she falls in love with Callum. That’s probably not gonna happen. Right?
This book was hilarious. I really love Fergie so much. Millie was sweet, determined, considerate, and such a great pet mom to Fergie. Callum was grumpy and closed off to social media due to his experience with paparazzi in the past, and is a dedicated bird dad that loves his son. The football team members were funny and it was great to see familiar faces again. Overall, if you like sassy birds, found family, banter, ice cream and sweet sports romance with no spice, then I would highly recommend this book. I got a copy and these opinions are my own.

[Lou Li Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy Callum meets sunshine Millie in this cute and lighthearted sports romance read. Callum is all about football and nothing else, he’s got a bit of a reputation so being a perceived bad boy but really he’d just rather keep to himself and hang out at home with his bestie Fergie! Let’s face it, Fergie is our main MC here, part pet parrot, part wingman for Callum by flirting up a storm with Millie who helps Callum out with pet sitting when he’s stuck in a bind. Millie is actually the new social media specialist for the Regents team and convincing Callum to get on the Socials is a full time job in itself! Soon enough though, these two are getting closer, stealing glances and hoping their friendship group haven’t noticed - wrong! Closed door romance with a great group of close friends filled with hilarious antics and banter.

I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely delightful RomCom. Ms. De Rè has given us a well written fun storyline with wonderful characters. Millie is the new social media director for the London Regents Football Club, who has been hired to improve the team’s image by interacting with their fans. There is just one problem, Callum Murray, the team's alleged bad boy. He wants nothing to do with her or her insistence that he create a social media profile. But with the help of a hilarious parrot named Fergie and a lot of determination by Millie, she just might convince Callum she can improve his image by letting the world see the real him and not the image the media has created. But can Millie hang onto her heart as she works one on one with Callum? And what happens when Callum lets Millie into his private world away from the team?

This is a funny, romantic sports romcom that this reader highly recommends.

2 Thumbs Up and 5 Stars

[Victoria Hubbard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Millie has just been hired as the social media manager for the Regents Football Club. All of the players are looking forward to working with her to increase their social media exposure, all except Callum Murray who avoids social media at all costs. Millie makes it her goal to show him that having a social media presence can help him improve his public image. As she friends him, she discovers that Callum has a parrot named Fergie, who heckles Callum and his team during their matches, but is social media gold! Fergie and the team chats are hilarious to read! Millie creates a plan to help Callum improve his public image and, as they get to know each other, his grumpy facade fades as he recognizes that she brings out the best in him.
This is book one of The Love Playbook series (a multi-author series) intertwining professional players of different sports. I am so looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Koren | the_blue_eyed_bluestocking · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared for a parrot who steals the show!

Millie as the new social media manager for the Regents sure had her work cut out for her with the grumpy Callum! He is the only soccer player that doesn't embrace the opportunity to promote the team or himself. Thanks goodness for social media gold, Fergie the parrot!

But beyond all the funny moments of this lovely romcom read, this story is full of heart. While it's moved along with some fake dating, Callum's quiet loyalty and Millie's tender excitement really turn the story into something special. I loved the sweet moments and lingering glances that turned Callum and Millie into something more. Their relationship ended up being such a sweet, safe space.

I loved returning to the world of the Regents after all this time. Fake Dating the Footballer was my very first Marion de Re story so this felt like coming home!

I received a copy from the author for consideration. All thoughts contained here are my own.

[BookishVibesClub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another ADORABLY sweet romance from Marion that I am absolutely in love with. And this time you get a sassy pet sidekick: Feegie the parrot! I know I say this about every single Marion’s De Re books I read 😅 but this one is my new favorite 💗💗💗

You get a grumpy soccer player with an aversion to social media and social events, with some past troubles fighting off the paparazzi. Then enters the new social media manager that the team coach hired for the soccer players. Forced proximity softens him to her and socials in a really sweet slow burn romance! Oh and you get some light ex bf drama which makes for the perfect fake dating setup mixed in there 😍 all the fun and flirty feels!

⚽️ Soccer Romance
💗 Social media manager x soccer star
⚽️ Grumpy x Sunshine
💗 Fake Dating
⚽️ Protective MMC
💗 Sassy Pet Parrot
⚽️ Grand Gestures
💗 Sweet and Swoony
⚽️ Forced Proximity

🫑 No Spice | Closed Door | Kisses and Swoon Only
No Language

[Gina Marie Dutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚽️ Wow! I enjoyed this rom-com so much that I couldn’t put it down once I started reading. Callum and Millie are the cutest couple, and they embody the grumpy/sunshine trope perfectly.

🖤 Millie is the walking, talking embodiment of everything social media (honestly, she’s living my dream job!). When she meets Callum—the grumpy Scottish footballer who absolutely hates social media—their dynamic is instantly fun. She’s just as stubborn as he is, and watching them clash while trying to get things done is so entertaining.

⚽️ It’s impossible not to love Callum as Millie slowly breaks down his walls and they grow closer. But the real standout moment? When Fergie—Callum’s rescue parrot—enters the room, he takes banter and fun to a whole new level. He’s a total sassy pants and completely adorable!

🖤 This book truly has it all: a closed-door romance, cozy vibes, flirty tension between a grumpy/sunshine duo, and an unforgettable animal sidekick. Add this one to your TBR immediately 💫

[Cathy Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very well written book! It's a sweet slow burn and swoony romance! This is the first book in a multi-author “The Love Playbook” series. It can be read as a stand-alone but you'll want to read the whole series!

Millie is determined to rock her new job as social media manager for the London Regents Football(Soccer) Club. One problem, Callum Murray the team’s grumpy Scottish fullback, known for always frowning and football’s bad boy and he despises all things to do with social or media-related. Throw in the lovable parrot named Fergie, some fake dating, undeniable chemistry and you have an unforgettable experience!

This a quick and easy read with a great storyline and wonderful characters! I enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it!

I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claire Coan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars. Marion kicks off The Love Playbook series in style. Tackle My Heart is set in London. Mille, the new social media manager for Regents Football Club, is full of enthusiasm. However, she’s about to discover a whole new world of challenges with Callum Murray, the star defender. His bad boy image and avoidance of social media make him the perfect target for Millie’s mission.

Even a simple conversation seems impossible as Callum dodges her every move. But when she shows up at his place post-match, he’s forced to invite her in. And there’s the best part: she meets Fergie, his adopted parrot and the real star of the show 🦜.

Fergie becomes Mille’s secret weapon, helping her get Callum’s social media buzzing. With Callum’s cuter bird dad side and Fergie’s rendition of Shake It Off, they create a hilarious duo that captivates his audience.

Through Fergie, Mille sees a softer side of Callum, I won’t give any spoilers but what I can say is, this is a swoon worthy, slow burn, closed door romance.

I really enjoyed the London setting, I only living 50 miles away and my husband was born there and supports a London team, so there’s a real familiarity about it.

Prepare for a delightful mix of grumpy sunshine, fake dating, a slow-burn romance, and plenty of humour. Plus, they’re a diva pig too! 🐖
Thank you Marion De Ré for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.st

[Carissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve never read a soccer rom com football to the rest of the world. But I picked up Tackle My Heart because I’ve loved the hockey rom I’ve read by the author. I have to say I was hooked from the very first chapter. Grumpy athletes aren’t just for hockey rom coms and I’m here for it. Throw in the fact the Callum is Scottish and you have the perfect soccer rom com hero.

I loved Millie’s and Callum’s banter as it enhances their relationship growth from dislike to friends to possible more. Though I loved Callum and Millie as characters let’s face it’s Fergie who stole the book. Callum’s adorable but mischievous parrot. Fergie was indeed my favorite character.



I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
#marionderewrites, #tacklemyheartbook, #theloveplaybookseries

[Brittany Landrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚ARC REVIEW 📚

Tackle My Heart⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This was such a fun, cute story! I loved the London setting, the slow burn and fake dating tropes. Oh and there’s a pet parrot which makes for some funny laugh out loud moments. Millie is such a bright personality and Callum is know for his grumpy attitude. However, he’s a real sweetheart once you get to know him. Which adds another trope I love- grumpy/sunshine. This is a closed door romcom but don’t worry, this chemistry and witty banter is there with some swoony kisses too!


It’s the first book in the new multi author series, The Love Payback but can be read as a standalone. This book will publish on February 6, 2026. Thank you to the author for my advanced readers copy. This is my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just so cute! It's got great characters, a fun setting, soccer, a kilt. And Fergie! You need to read this one just to meet Fergie. He kind of steals the whole book😂

I loved Millie! She's ready for her first day of her new career, social media manager of the London Regents Football Club. She expected things would be different, maybe even scary. She definitely did not expect a grump like Callum. I loved the way she was not giving up, though. And eventually, she breaks through his grumpiness.

Callum is a bit of a grump, for sure. But he's also a really nice guy. I loved the way he cares for his bird, Fergie. Fergie has everything he could ever want. And watching him fall for Millie. That was such a great part of this book!

This book is just so cute! I loved it so much!