Tackle My Heart: A Sweet Sports Romcom

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)

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication 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

[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.

[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!!!

[Brandi Jackola · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Millie’s first day as the social media manager for the Regents Football Club. And if you’re in the US, that means soccer. Frankly, I don’t know why we call it soccer, nor do I know why we call our football “football”, when there is a ridiculously small amount of a foot hitting interacting with a ball.

I digress.

Millie’s day doesn’t start out great; she forgot her umbrella (brolly) and it’s pouring rain, her ride share driver can’t get her all the way to the stadium due to a traffic accident, and when she’s waiting to cross an intersection, she gets drenched by a passing truck (lorry). Still, when she finally arrives, she remains chipper.

Callum, the grumpiest football player of the Regents, is not going to do anything Millie says. He has good reason for being grumpy, as paparazzi have done a number on him, making up stories when he wouldn’t give them one. He’s not going to create a social media account, period.

Uh huh. Sure, Cal. It’s not like it’s mandatory to make a social media account and post positive things…oh wait! Yes, it is!

Throw in a possessive parrot named Fergie, who loves imitating fire alarms in the middle of the night, and we have ourselves a rom-com.

It was so sweet, seeing these two fall in love. And Callum is Scottish, so YAY KILTS! (I am part Scottish, so I’m heavily invested in Scottish male characters.) Millie was never Callum’s enemy, and it’s a delight to watch him soften up a little, as he discovers that Millie is a safe place. (Yes, people can be safe places.)

I do love sports romances, and this story kicks off a lovely eight-book series, covering a variety of sports. This is your jump-in point, even though the books do not have to be read in order. Trust me, though, you want to start here.

[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

[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."

[Claire Coan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 🌟. 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.

[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

[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.

[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

[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.

[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!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

So Millie becomes the new social media manager for the Regents football (or soccer) and her biggest task is Callum, the grump who will not have anything to do with social media. But Millie is not deterred in the slightest and she eventually gets Callum to open a social media account but it's Fergie, his rescue parrot, that really solidifies his willingness to do this.

I love the relationship with Callum (I will ALWAYS love a Scotsman) and Millie but I gotta be honest...Fergie, the parrot, really steals the show! I love how he doesn't really show affection for people but is immediately under Millie's spell. Fergie also isn't one to keep a secret and he's an observant animal.

[Bookcorner_talk · Rating 5 out of 5]

After all the mentally heavy books I read this month, a romcom is exactly why I needed. The banter is great. You can expect
❤️ Grumpy X Sunshine
❤️ Fake Dating
❤️ Funny Parrot Pet
❤️ Slow Burn
❤️ Found Family
Callum and Millie were the perfect grumpy vs sunshine pair. They brought out the best in each other and their witty banter kept you hooked and laughing. I must say though my favourite character had to be Fergie. This parrot is so funny and truly made me want to a parrot of my own. This is yet another hit by Marion De Re and I rate it 5 stars. Definitely recommend.

***I received this book in exchange for an honest review***

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Millie is starting her new job as the social media specialist, and Callum doesn't want anything to do with any kind of media - he's been burned by the press too many times. Since it's Millie's job to set up an account for each player, she follows Callum home and is introduced to Fergie, his parrot.

This book has a great premise, was fun to read, had incredibly well developed characters (even family members were well developed), and Fergie played a major role.

I loved the time Millie and Callum spent together and how their relationship developed. Especially as co-workers dating, her father against the relationship, etc. It was a very enjoyable book!

[Sorina · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Tackle My Heart" by Marion De Ré is a sweet sports romcom featuring a grumpy Scottish footballer, a sunshine social media manager, and one very sassy parrot.

I received an advance reader copy from the author.
Opinions from this review are completely my own.

This book is part of The Love Playbook, a multi author series, but it can be read as a standalone.

I always have a great time reading Marion's books. She has the gift of writing short books, but the story never seems rushed.
This book takes place in London and have a very cute slow burn romance.

Callum is a grumpy player and Millie has a sunshine personality.
My favorite part of the story is Fergie, the funny and mischievous parrot that got Callum and Millie together.

The whole story is funny, lighthearted and the closed door romance is full of chemistry.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cover? Amazing. Story? Amazing! This books was si wondeful to read. I player who was consider the grumpy one becuase of his attitude for the media. A social media manager who just wanted to help the world to get to meet the team more personal. But this one player was going to be the death of her or the love of her life? But you will have to read to know which one. Plus can we speak about our lovely companion friend? He is the most adorable creature ever, and yes he can definitely get you in trouble. Lol such a wonderful book to start this series. Adding Mr Callum to my book boyfriend list♥︎

[Shut the Book Door · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Tackle my Heart by Marion De Ré
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Releases: February 6th, 2026

Millie & Callum are absolutely adorable. Callum is a grump through and through. Millie comes in like a hurricane to soften him up with her bright colors, cheery smile, and stubborn streak.

As much as I love Millie & Callum, I regret to inform you they are not the best part. Fergie is. Im afraid that without Fergie this story may have not been as funny. Still a little funny but not as funny. Ya feel? 😆

🩶Kisses Only
🩶Dual POV
🩶Parrot
🩶Grumpy Sunshine
🩶Kilt
🩶Bright Colors

[Katie Iman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Callum is Millie’s most difficult assignment at her new job for the London Regents Football Club. He hates social media and it’s her task to not only get him using it but to help him go viral.

While these two are an unlikely pair their chemistry is undeniable and watching their relationship come together was wonderful. I love all of Marion De Ré’s books but this one had some extra comedy in it that I really enjoyed. Fergie, the parrot, adds a lot of humor to this love story.

This is a wonderful read that anyone who enjoyed clean, romantic comedies would enjoy.

[Maaike Nota · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another adorable and sweet fast-paced romcom from Marion. It was a one-sit-read for me, I flew through the story, along with Fergie, the cutest, funniest and most interesting parrot you’ll ever meet. The grumpy and sunshine is always a good trope and Callum and Millie fit the parts perfectly. I also enjoyed the other team players and the girls and Millie’s dad who looked out for this daughter. Enjoy!

[Dawn aka wolfinbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
What a super fun soccer romcom! You’re going to fall in love with Callum & Millie! But of course, Fergie is the real MVP! Millie is the new social media manager for the soccer team. Callum is the grumpy soccer player with a bad boy image. The clash and banter between them is phenomenal! Then add in fake dating, my favorite trope, and this book is a winner!

This is part of a multi author series, The Love Playbook Series. Each is a standalone closed door romance.

Thank you Marion De Re for the complimentary ARC. Review is based on my thoughts and opinions.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

😍🦜⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧😂
Why is there no kilt emoji? 
I loved this, I have a fear when it comes to indoor birds but this one had me in stitches. Marion can't do wrong, her books are wonderful, light and flirty with so much humour. I realised that this is the first book I've read with successful girl winks! 

A great start to a series, but absolutely can be read as a standalone.

Thanks Marion for having me as part of your ARC team 💜

[Lavender Jade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so much fun! I found myself smiling all the way through, punctuated every so often by a laugh out loud moment. Fergie is snarky, stubborn, and completely adorable, and I loved Callum and Millie. The ending is totally swoony. My favourite quote is: “Maybe we can be stubborn together.”

A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Lily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun, sweet sports romance that will make you fall in love in love with the characters - especially Fergie🥰
This is the first book in The Love Playbook Series💖

🦜Grumpy/Sunshine
⚽️Sports Romance
🦜Fake Dating
⚽️Opposites Attract

🤬: None
🌶️: Kisses Only

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of an interconnected series by multiple authors. Characters may overlap throughout this series and other books by Marion. Can be read as a standalone.
Opposites attract
Fake relationship
Public image repair
Matchmaking bird

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful grumpy/sunshine rom-com! Swoony-sweet, and funny.. Adorable characters, including a parrot!

[Lissa Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore Callum & Millie's grumpy, feisty, laugh out loud, sweet, protective, loving, swoony happily ever after!!

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun grumpy/sunshine sports romcom! I think the parrot about stole the show!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.