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Utah Knight's Rugby #1
Center of Attention
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26She never wanted to be the center of attention, but she’s all he can see.
Sutton Brady never thought her past would find her a decade later, but on the first day of her dream job as the new Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights, all her carefully made plans get derailed by the last person she ever expected to see again.
Ezra Gentry worked hard to finally land his dream spot on Utah’s first Major League Rugby team. As the inside center for the Utah Knights, he knows exactly where his attention should be at all times, until someone from his past shows up and knocks him off balance.
Rekindling an old friendship is exactly what they both need, but as they spend more time with each other, things start to burn into a more complicated tangle of emotion.
They never expected their hearts to pull them so close together, but a no fraternization policy is dangling above their heads…
Can they find a way to be together and still follow their dreams, or will their relationship coming to light ruin their futures?
Find out in this workplace romance, ex's brother romance!
Sutton Brady never thought her past would find her a decade later, but on the first day of her dream job as the new Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights, all her carefully made plans get derailed by the last person she ever expected to see again.
Ezra Gentry worked hard to finally land his dream spot on Utah’s first Major League Rugby team. As the inside center for the Utah Knights, he knows exactly where his attention should be at all times, until someone from his past shows up and knocks him off balance.
Rekindling an old friendship is exactly what they both need, but as they spend more time with each other, things start to burn into a more complicated tangle of emotion.
They never expected their hearts to pull them so close together, but a no fraternization policy is dangling above their heads…
Can they find a way to be together and still follow their dreams, or will their relationship coming to light ruin their futures?
Find out in this workplace romance, ex's brother romance!
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
May 18, 2026
I received this as an ARC reader. This book was amazing. The fact that the FMC is on the heavier side makes it much more relatable. I’m really hoping more come from this series.
Review of advance copy
ARC gifted in exchange for review.
30 stars!!!
Daisy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. When I tell you I ate this up! It only took me multiple days to finish it because I have been so swamped with work. Sutton and Ezra are truly a match made in heaven and I so quickly become attached and invested in both of them. Sutton came from a horrible family who not only constantly overlooked her but also tore her down and belittled her at every opportunity. Ezra came from a kind of loving family but they never believed in his dreams of becoming a professional rugby player and always praised his siblings for their golden career choices.
Sutton also just got out of a relationship with a man who tore her down, made her doubt herself and really could have given a masterclass in gaslighting when she moves to Northern Utah and joins the Knights organization. Ezra has been carrying a secret for a long time, he's been in love with Sutton for years and never thought he would see her again after she ended her engagement with his brother and moved to Utah for college.
Fate absolutely had a hand in bringing these two together and they were exactly what the other needed. I loved Ezra's patience, and how he was content to be the best friend he could be to Sutton if that's all she ever wanted to be. He helped her build her confidence, supported her, encouraged her at every turn and protected her at all costs, even from his family.
Sutton has always believed in Ezra and his dreams of being a pro rugby player. The way she supported him even when his family didn't and constantly reminded him of how proud she was of him made me tear up on more than one occasion.
This is a kinda second chance, friends to lovers romance that will burrow its way into your heart. I loved watching these two fall in love and for such a sweet man, Ezra has a filthy mouth and I love that. The spice was phenomenal, the plus size representation was top notch. I loved how much love and support there was among the team members, and how they all looked out for Sutton like she was one of their own. I can't stand her family or her shitty ex boyfriend, and while Ezra's family did eventually redeem themselves, I wasn't the biggest fan of them either.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see who gets to fall in love next.
30 stars!!!
Daisy is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. When I tell you I ate this up! It only took me multiple days to finish it because I have been so swamped with work. Sutton and Ezra are truly a match made in heaven and I so quickly become attached and invested in both of them. Sutton came from a horrible family who not only constantly overlooked her but also tore her down and belittled her at every opportunity. Ezra came from a kind of loving family but they never believed in his dreams of becoming a professional rugby player and always praised his siblings for their golden career choices.
Sutton also just got out of a relationship with a man who tore her down, made her doubt herself and really could have given a masterclass in gaslighting when she moves to Northern Utah and joins the Knights organization. Ezra has been carrying a secret for a long time, he's been in love with Sutton for years and never thought he would see her again after she ended her engagement with his brother and moved to Utah for college.
Fate absolutely had a hand in bringing these two together and they were exactly what the other needed. I loved Ezra's patience, and how he was content to be the best friend he could be to Sutton if that's all she ever wanted to be. He helped her build her confidence, supported her, encouraged her at every turn and protected her at all costs, even from his family.
Sutton has always believed in Ezra and his dreams of being a pro rugby player. The way she supported him even when his family didn't and constantly reminded him of how proud she was of him made me tear up on more than one occasion.
This is a kinda second chance, friends to lovers romance that will burrow its way into your heart. I loved watching these two fall in love and for such a sweet man, Ezra has a filthy mouth and I love that. The spice was phenomenal, the plus size representation was top notch. I loved how much love and support there was among the team members, and how they all looked out for Sutton like she was one of their own. I can't stand her family or her shitty ex boyfriend, and while Ezra's family did eventually redeem themselves, I wasn't the biggest fan of them either.
I can't wait to read the next book in the series and see who gets to fall in love next.
May 17, 2026
Center of Attention by Daisy Wren
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
ARC Review
Release date: 26th May
If you love watching two extremely loveable, fallible people stumble into like, trust, lust and then bone deep love, then this is for you.
Ezra is a green flag of a man who could teach most people a thing or two about the art of yearning and respecting your partners boundaries and ambitions. You get to see this gem of a man open up to the people around him, navigate the nightmare of adulthood which is ‘how to make friends’ and reestablish boundaries with his family and ask for what he needs. 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻
“Don’t think about his thighs!”
Sutton is very relatable, I personally identify with her upbringing and I found it cathartic reading her own journey to accepting she can grieve the loss of a healthy ‘normal’ family, even if she’s now happy in her present. Sutton is exactly the sort of person you need as a friend, loyal and kind and deeply sincere.
“How am I supposed to keep my eyes off her when she’s literally the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out? It’s an impossible feat.”
As Daisy Wren always provides we get a smorgasbord of rich, funny, loveable and flawed characters who become the found family Ezra and Sutton deserve and I am very much looking forward to them having their own stories!
Let’s take a minute to talk about the friendship groups:
Giant rugby players who reluctantly interfere in each others lives and are there for each other?! Yes please! AND KENDALL- rakish, playboy Kendall, I can already tell he is going to be the sweetest redeemed sl**ty little man when he finds the right person. I loved how intensely he supported Ezra and I got major Charlie from Always Sunny Vibes when he decided to start planning in earnest (I hope you know what I mean)
“The only thing Kendall’s missing right now is a whiteboard and red string.”
Sutton’s cousins are amazing and I love love love Dakota!!!
Daisy Wren is one of my auto read authors and will remain as such. You will always get an emotional journey, funny and loveable characters, excellent top notch spice, yearning and friendship displayed with the importance it deserves.
You will not regret giving this a go!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
ARC Review
Release date: 26th May
If you love watching two extremely loveable, fallible people stumble into like, trust, lust and then bone deep love, then this is for you.
Ezra is a green flag of a man who could teach most people a thing or two about the art of yearning and respecting your partners boundaries and ambitions. You get to see this gem of a man open up to the people around him, navigate the nightmare of adulthood which is ‘how to make friends’ and reestablish boundaries with his family and ask for what he needs. 🙌🏻👏🏻👏🏻
“Don’t think about his thighs!”
Sutton is very relatable, I personally identify with her upbringing and I found it cathartic reading her own journey to accepting she can grieve the loss of a healthy ‘normal’ family, even if she’s now happy in her present. Sutton is exactly the sort of person you need as a friend, loyal and kind and deeply sincere.
“How am I supposed to keep my eyes off her when she’s literally the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met, inside and out? It’s an impossible feat.”
As Daisy Wren always provides we get a smorgasbord of rich, funny, loveable and flawed characters who become the found family Ezra and Sutton deserve and I am very much looking forward to them having their own stories!
Let’s take a minute to talk about the friendship groups:
Giant rugby players who reluctantly interfere in each others lives and are there for each other?! Yes please! AND KENDALL- rakish, playboy Kendall, I can already tell he is going to be the sweetest redeemed sl**ty little man when he finds the right person. I loved how intensely he supported Ezra and I got major Charlie from Always Sunny Vibes when he decided to start planning in earnest (I hope you know what I mean)
“The only thing Kendall’s missing right now is a whiteboard and red string.”
Sutton’s cousins are amazing and I love love love Dakota!!!
Daisy Wren is one of my auto read authors and will remain as such. You will always get an emotional journey, funny and loveable characters, excellent top notch spice, yearning and friendship displayed with the importance it deserves.
You will not regret giving this a go!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
▶︎Before I can register what I’m doing, I have my arms wrapped around her. My nose gets buried in her high ponytail, and the scent of mangoes and something minty invades my nostrils. After a brief hesitation, her arms wrap around me, and she gives me a gentle squeeze.◀︎
Center of Attention (Utah Knight’s Rugby 𝟷)
by Daisy Wren @daisywrenauthor
eARC review
▬▬▬★★★★★▬▬▬
𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
There’s a unique undertone that flows throughout each work I’ve read by DW. It’s hard for me to verbalize it- but, it’s smooth and subtle. It gets you in the heart each time. Sufficient to say- it’s present in COA as well. This was such a great read- page by page. It never felt soggy or like it had filler inserted. Each chapter was perfectly balanced against the whole. I adored this novel. Loved our main characters. Flat out 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠.
❣︎𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢: enjoyed the light inclusion/mentions of other characters from other books- but in no way were they popped in to carry this new book/series: it was very nicely done to give a dash of nostalgia and then to leave it alone.
This feels like the launch of something completely new and fresh- and I’m 100% here for it!
▬▬▬▬▬▬✸▬▬▬▬▬▬
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 & 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦:
⬗FRIENDS TO LOVERS
⬗PLUS SIZE FMC
⬗WORKPLACE
⬗EX’S BROTHER
⬗CAST OF CHARACTERS
⬗HE FALLS FIRST
⬗HE’S PIERCED
⬗SPICE
⬗EXPERIENCING NEW THINGS TOGETHER
⬗LOTS OF ROOM FOR A BIG SERIES
⬗HE 💦 IN HIS PANTS
⬗MUTUAL RESPECT
⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀- 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱--- 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱!
𓐌⬗𓐌⬗𓐌
“One thing at a time, pretty girl. There are a few
other things I’d like to try with you first.”
“ I assume you’re not talking about food.”
“Nope. But it does involve something I can eat.”
▬▬▬⬗▬▬▬▬⬗▬▬▬
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀. ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
Center of Attention (Utah Knight’s Rugby 𝟷)
by Daisy Wren @daisywrenauthor
eARC review
▬▬▬★★★★★▬▬▬
𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗦
There’s a unique undertone that flows throughout each work I’ve read by DW. It’s hard for me to verbalize it- but, it’s smooth and subtle. It gets you in the heart each time. Sufficient to say- it’s present in COA as well. This was such a great read- page by page. It never felt soggy or like it had filler inserted. Each chapter was perfectly balanced against the whole. I adored this novel. Loved our main characters. Flat out 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗗 𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗠.
❣︎𝗔𝗟𝗦𝗢: enjoyed the light inclusion/mentions of other characters from other books- but in no way were they popped in to carry this new book/series: it was very nicely done to give a dash of nostalgia and then to leave it alone.
This feels like the launch of something completely new and fresh- and I’m 100% here for it!
▬▬▬▬▬▬✸▬▬▬▬▬▬
𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗦 & 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗜𝗘 𝗚𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦:
⬗FRIENDS TO LOVERS
⬗PLUS SIZE FMC
⬗WORKPLACE
⬗EX’S BROTHER
⬗CAST OF CHARACTERS
⬗HE FALLS FIRST
⬗HE’S PIERCED
⬗SPICE
⬗EXPERIENCING NEW THINGS TOGETHER
⬗LOTS OF ROOM FOR A BIG SERIES
⬗HE 💦 IN HIS PANTS
⬗MUTUAL RESPECT
⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗⬗
𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗽𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱. 𝗡𝗼𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀- 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝘁'𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱--- 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲'𝘀 𝗻𝗼 𝘄𝗮𝘆 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱!
𓐌⬗𓐌⬗𓐌
“One thing at a time, pretty girl. There are a few
other things I’d like to try with you first.”
“ I assume you’re not talking about food.”
“Nope. But it does involve something I can eat.”
▬▬▬⬗▬▬▬▬⬗▬▬▬
𝗛𝗮𝗽𝗽𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴. 𝗕𝗲 𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲 𝗲𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝘀, 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗴𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲𝘀. ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
Review of advance copy received from Author
*was a 4.5 star read, just couldn’t do a half star here*
This was a delightful book. I loved how the two of them were able to effortlessly picked up where they left off after a decade apart. They became each other’s best friend. Sutton made sure Ezra knew his worth and potential. She made sure he knew how proud she was of him and that she would always be there cheering him on. Ezra supported Sutton just as much. He made sure she knew he was proud of her for going after her dreams and accomplishing them. He even showed his support by showing up to her yoga class. He wanted to spend as much time with her as he could. Since she had anxiety of trying new hobbies or restaurants, especially alone, he decided he’d go with her.
It was amusing how Ezra constantly denied his feelings for Sutton, even though everyone else could sense his attraction. I appreciated the supportive friends they had. Dakota and her cousin reminded Sutton that she was free to move on and have feelings for someone. Kendall was determined to help Ezra win Sutton’s heart even when Ezra kept denying his feelings. He playfully teased Ezra about his feelings and would interrupt them at inconvenient times. However, Kendall’s intentions were pure; he genuinely wanted his friends to be happy.
It took some time for them to acknowledge their feelings, but once they did, their relationship intensified rapidly. There were challenges, such as Sutton’s ex-boyfriend causing disruptions at their workplace, but they soon realized that they couldn’t and didn’t want to be apart. Both of them understood that their lives would be miserable without each other. I was thrilled to see them find their happily ever after. I am so excited to read more about these characters.
This was a delightful book. I loved how the two of them were able to effortlessly picked up where they left off after a decade apart. They became each other’s best friend. Sutton made sure Ezra knew his worth and potential. She made sure he knew how proud she was of him and that she would always be there cheering him on. Ezra supported Sutton just as much. He made sure she knew he was proud of her for going after her dreams and accomplishing them. He even showed his support by showing up to her yoga class. He wanted to spend as much time with her as he could. Since she had anxiety of trying new hobbies or restaurants, especially alone, he decided he’d go with her.
It was amusing how Ezra constantly denied his feelings for Sutton, even though everyone else could sense his attraction. I appreciated the supportive friends they had. Dakota and her cousin reminded Sutton that she was free to move on and have feelings for someone. Kendall was determined to help Ezra win Sutton’s heart even when Ezra kept denying his feelings. He playfully teased Ezra about his feelings and would interrupt them at inconvenient times. However, Kendall’s intentions were pure; he genuinely wanted his friends to be happy.
It took some time for them to acknowledge their feelings, but once they did, their relationship intensified rapidly. There were challenges, such as Sutton’s ex-boyfriend causing disruptions at their workplace, but they soon realized that they couldn’t and didn’t want to be apart. Both of them understood that their lives would be miserable without each other. I was thrilled to see them find their happily ever after. I am so excited to read more about these characters.
Review of advance copy
10 years after calling things off with her fiancé to pursue her dream career, Sutton secures her a job as an athletic trainer for rugby team the Utah Knights.
Excited to get stuck into her new role, she is surprised to find that one of the team’s player is her ex’s little brother, Ezra who she always got on well with.
Happy to have a friend in a new city, they reconnect after a decade apart. What starts as friends reuniting, quickly develops into something more…
Our girl Sutton is driven and focussed on achieving what she wants career wise but is understandably a little guarded with her heart after poor treatment in previous relationships (both romantic and familial). I loved has she was actively trying to work through her issues and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. It was also so great to see such positive plus size rep 🙌🏻
Ezra is such a gent (but with quite the dirty mouth 👀) and it wasn’t hard to see why Sutton was smitten with him and him with her. It was also nice to see his own journey of developing friendships on the team and his awkwardness around achieving that. Making friends as an adult is no joke!
Their story is so sweet it had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. The way these two care and support each other is beautiful and their sexual chemistry is hot. And my god the YEARNING. We love to see it.
I’m looking forward to future books surrounding the Utah Knights and am going to have to get stuck into other books in the Daisy Wren world ❤️ highly recommend!
Excited to get stuck into her new role, she is surprised to find that one of the team’s player is her ex’s little brother, Ezra who she always got on well with.
Happy to have a friend in a new city, they reconnect after a decade apart. What starts as friends reuniting, quickly develops into something more…
Our girl Sutton is driven and focussed on achieving what she wants career wise but is understandably a little guarded with her heart after poor treatment in previous relationships (both romantic and familial). I loved has she was actively trying to work through her issues and pushing herself out of her comfort zone. It was also so great to see such positive plus size rep 🙌🏻
Ezra is such a gent (but with quite the dirty mouth 👀) and it wasn’t hard to see why Sutton was smitten with him and him with her. It was also nice to see his own journey of developing friendships on the team and his awkwardness around achieving that. Making friends as an adult is no joke!
Their story is so sweet it had me feeling all warm and fuzzy. The way these two care and support each other is beautiful and their sexual chemistry is hot. And my god the YEARNING. We love to see it.
I’m looking forward to future books surrounding the Utah Knights and am going to have to get stuck into other books in the Daisy Wren world ❤️ highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
Ex-fiancé’s brother
Workplace romance
Friends to lovers
Sports romance (rugby)
Meddling friends
ARC read. Thank you to the author and Smuthood PR for an early copy.
Finally, a rugby romance! And it’s true to the game! This was such a fab read, Sutton and Ezra were just so cute.
Despite not seeing each other for a decade since Sutton ended her engagement to Ezra’s brother, when they both by chance end up working for the same rugby team (as athletic trainer and player), they reconnect instantly and are both happy and relieved to have a familiar friendly face in a new city where they don’t really know anyone. They both have some family-related issues and are the only person to tell the other they’re proud of them and to support them unconditionally.
When they spend more time together, they both fall heads and fast, although it takes a while for them to acknowledge it. This one’s definitely a slow burn, but there’s so much yearning before the payoff, which is well worth the wait!
The spice is spicing, Ezra has a filthy mouth, Sutton has an experimental streak, and he absolutely worships every inch of her curves.
There’s the expected angst with it being a workplace romance, but it’s gorgeous seeing the lengths Ezra is willing to go to be with Sutton and all is resolved without too much heartache.
The supporting cast were great, I can’t wait to see more of them in future books.
🌶️🌶️🌶️/5
Tropes:
Ex-fiancé’s brother
Workplace romance
Friends to lovers
Sports romance (rugby)
Meddling friends
ARC read. Thank you to the author and Smuthood PR for an early copy.
Finally, a rugby romance! And it’s true to the game! This was such a fab read, Sutton and Ezra were just so cute.
Despite not seeing each other for a decade since Sutton ended her engagement to Ezra’s brother, when they both by chance end up working for the same rugby team (as athletic trainer and player), they reconnect instantly and are both happy and relieved to have a familiar friendly face in a new city where they don’t really know anyone. They both have some family-related issues and are the only person to tell the other they’re proud of them and to support them unconditionally.
When they spend more time together, they both fall heads and fast, although it takes a while for them to acknowledge it. This one’s definitely a slow burn, but there’s so much yearning before the payoff, which is well worth the wait!
The spice is spicing, Ezra has a filthy mouth, Sutton has an experimental streak, and he absolutely worships every inch of her curves.
There’s the expected angst with it being a workplace romance, but it’s gorgeous seeing the lengths Ezra is willing to go to be with Sutton and all is resolved without too much heartache.
The supporting cast were great, I can’t wait to see more of them in future books.
May 18, 2026
I have never read anything by this author before, I saw the posting for it on Smuthoods Promos and it immediately caught my attention. Not only because I liked the cover but I wasn't going to pass up a plus size queen and her obsessed rugby man lol
I would give this a 4.5, I really enjoyed it, I loved Sutton and Ezra. The tension between them, the banter and Spice were chefs kiss. Their story is so sweet, gives you the warm and fuzzies, honestly had me laughing and giggling the whole way through. But its the way these two care and support each other is beautiful. Also, my god the yearning, from Ezra! Please just give me a man, that will drop to his knees for me the moment we walk into the house to prove how much he wants me lol We love to see an obsessed, yearning man.
But not only Sutton and Erza, I loved a lot of the side characters too. I can't wait for Webbys book next, but honestly, I'm just waiting to see what Kendall gets up too and how much times he changes the group chat name this time lol
I would give this a 4.5, I really enjoyed it, I loved Sutton and Ezra. The tension between them, the banter and Spice were chefs kiss. Their story is so sweet, gives you the warm and fuzzies, honestly had me laughing and giggling the whole way through. But its the way these two care and support each other is beautiful. Also, my god the yearning, from Ezra! Please just give me a man, that will drop to his knees for me the moment we walk into the house to prove how much he wants me lol We love to see an obsessed, yearning man.
But not only Sutton and Erza, I loved a lot of the side characters too. I can't wait for Webbys book next, but honestly, I'm just waiting to see what Kendall gets up too and how much times he changes the group chat name this time lol
Review of advance copy
Thank you to Smuthood PR for the ARC 🩷
My first read by this author.
3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up until goodreads give us half stars...)
Thank you for the glossary at the beginning cos this gal knows nothing about Rugby!
Loved the plus size rep, although it is thrown in your face at times. I say that as a plus size gal myself but sometimes it is overdone I feel and makes it a bit icky and forced.
I felt the writing let it down a little especially in the beginning. I wasn't hooked straight away and thought a lot was repeated such as her to do list, not sure we needed that imo.
👌Ex-fiancé’s brother
✨️Workplace romance
🙌 Friends to lovers
🫶 Rugby Sports romance
The prologue begins with Sutton leaving her fiance to follow her career dreams. Years later, upon arriving at her new job she discovers her ex's brother is on the rugby team that she will now be the athletic trainer for.
Bonded through familiarity and family traumas the pair reconnect through major slow burn and yearning.
Once the spice kicks in I enjoyed it though 🔥
Worth a read for sure.
My first read by this author.
3.5 ⭐️ (rounded up until goodreads give us half stars...)
Thank you for the glossary at the beginning cos this gal knows nothing about Rugby!
Loved the plus size rep, although it is thrown in your face at times. I say that as a plus size gal myself but sometimes it is overdone I feel and makes it a bit icky and forced.
I felt the writing let it down a little especially in the beginning. I wasn't hooked straight away and thought a lot was repeated such as her to do list, not sure we needed that imo.
👌Ex-fiancé’s brother
✨️Workplace romance
🙌 Friends to lovers
🫶 Rugby Sports romance
The prologue begins with Sutton leaving her fiance to follow her career dreams. Years later, upon arriving at her new job she discovers her ex's brother is on the rugby team that she will now be the athletic trainer for.
Bonded through familiarity and family traumas the pair reconnect through major slow burn and yearning.
Once the spice kicks in I enjoyed it though 🔥
Worth a read for sure.
May 16, 2026
📖: Center of Attention | Daisy Wren
📚: Utah Knights Rugby
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75|🌶️🌶️
This was a cute, light, fluffy romance. There really wasn’t anything bad about it, it just wasn’t my favorite. It was a cute romance with some cringy moments. Although it was a rugby player and the athletic trainer it wasn’t heavy on the sport aspect.
I loved the meddling friends. The main characters had great chemistry. Some of the side characters I liked but others almost seemed to fall flat or were just wallflowers in the background. I wasn’t sure why some were there.
I do love that the FMC was curvy and how it wasn’t made to be a big deal. She was confident and I loved how the teammates all thought she was attractive before they knew who she was. It felt very organic and how it should be. I do like the therapy and mental health rep too.
📚: Utah Knights Rugby
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75|🌶️🌶️
This was a cute, light, fluffy romance. There really wasn’t anything bad about it, it just wasn’t my favorite. It was a cute romance with some cringy moments. Although it was a rugby player and the athletic trainer it wasn’t heavy on the sport aspect.
I loved the meddling friends. The main characters had great chemistry. Some of the side characters I liked but others almost seemed to fall flat or were just wallflowers in the background. I wasn’t sure why some were there.
I do love that the FMC was curvy and how it wasn’t made to be a big deal. She was confident and I loved how the teammates all thought she was attractive before they knew who she was. It felt very organic and how it should be. I do like the therapy and mental health rep too.
Review of advance copy
Sutton Brady se mudó a Utah convencida de que esta vez todo sería distinto. Nuevo trabajo, nuevo comienzo y una oportunidad para construir la vida que siempre quiso. Convertirse en la entrenadora atlética de los Utah Knights debía ser el paso que confirmara que por fin estaba avanzando en la dirección correcta.
Lo que no entraba en sus planes era que uno de los jugadores del equipo fuera Ezra Gentry, el hermano de su ex. El chico que años atrás ocupó un lugar importante en su vida y que ahora ya no tiene nada del adolescente que recordaba. Ahora Ezra es un jugador profesional de rugby, alguien seguro de sí mismo, encantador y demasiado atento para el bien de Sutton.
__
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
Lo que no entraba en sus planes era que uno de los jugadores del equipo fuera Ezra Gentry, el hermano de su ex. El chico que años atrás ocupó un lugar importante en su vida y que ahora ya no tiene nada del adolescente que recordaba. Ahora Ezra es un jugador profesional de rugby, alguien seguro de sí mismo, encantador y demasiado atento para el bien de Sutton.
__
Gracias Luna Literary por el ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Center of Attention is an incredibly book it has: emotion, character growth, and spice. This book speaks about childhood/relationship trauma. The growth from the MC’s is heart warming. The chemistry between the MC’s is so electric, the MMC has it bad for the FMC and would do anything for her… even break his own heart for her happiness. The way the author wrote this book is *Chefs Kiss* I can’t wait for the rest of the series to come out already 🤭. Be ready for all the laughs and giggles this book will bring, oh and the side characters are AH-MAZING, LOVE LOVE LOVE IT ALL !
Tropes: Ex-Fiancés Brother, Workplace Romance, Friends to Lovers, Rugby Romance, Forbidden, Meddling Friends, Slow Burn, Plus Size FMC, Forced Proximity, Found Family
Tropes: Ex-Fiancés Brother, Workplace Romance, Friends to Lovers, Rugby Romance, Forbidden, Meddling Friends, Slow Burn, Plus Size FMC, Forced Proximity, Found Family
Review of advance copy received from Author
I absolutely loved this book. I typically read dark romance so this book was a bit different than my usual, but I devoured this book. It was packed full of playful banter that had me laughing and kicking my feet. Such loving well written characters that made me not want to stop reading. I absolutely adored how the spicy scenes focused on her comfort and making her feel loved. This was my first time reading a book with a plus sized FMC and it made me feel so seen and more lovable. Going on this journey with Sutton as she tries to heal from her past trauma was so relatable and healed a little bit of me that I wasn't expecting. I am very grateful to add this book to my collection and I will continue to tell everyone I know how much I loved it. I can't wait to read the next one!
Review of advance copy
ARC Review
She’s the new physical trainer for the rugby team, and he’s one of the players; someone from her past she didn't expected to see again.
There's an immediate comfort between them as soon as they reunite. He’s genuinely thrilled to see her on her first day, and despite everything she’s been through, she feels safe with him almost instantly.
What starts as friendship slowly turns into something more, even if he keeps denying it while his teammates roast him in their group chats.
She carries self-doubt from her past, and he builds her confidence back up, reminds her of her worth, and sees her as the strong, beautiful, sexy woman she is.
Bonus points for sports glossary and playlist!
She’s the new physical trainer for the rugby team, and he’s one of the players; someone from her past she didn't expected to see again.
There's an immediate comfort between them as soon as they reunite. He’s genuinely thrilled to see her on her first day, and despite everything she’s been through, she feels safe with him almost instantly.
What starts as friendship slowly turns into something more, even if he keeps denying it while his teammates roast him in their group chats.
She carries self-doubt from her past, and he builds her confidence back up, reminds her of her worth, and sees her as the strong, beautiful, sexy woman she is.
Bonus points for sports glossary and playlist!
May 19, 2026
I got this as an ARC easy 4 star read, it was such a cute book and I love the fact that is is a plus size romance where the entire plot isn’t about her size it was about the romance itself, I enjoyed the main characters a lot it was a very cute romance, I’d say my one and only issue was I wanted the book to evoke more emotion from me I feel like hearing more of her family issues could’ve done that I wanted to know more about Sutton and it was touched on briefly, it was a very happy book and I smiled through it. Sutton and Ezra were the cutest and I feel like the story was perfectly paced, I can’t wait for the other guys stories.
May 1, 2026
Finally finished my ARC copy!! 4.5 ⭐️! 2 🌶️!
If you love thick thighs, yearning, and putting shitty ex’s into their place PICK THIS BOOK UP!!
Ezra, a rugby playing golden retriever, has my heart from now on. He is sweet, attentive, and communicative. Everything the FMC, Sutton, needs. Sutton is a curvy, anxious, organized-mess in all the right ways. She took a little longer to grow on me, but I absolutely adored her by the end.
I can’t wait to recommend this to my romance reading friends!
If you love thick thighs, yearning, and putting shitty ex’s into their place PICK THIS BOOK UP!!
Ezra, a rugby playing golden retriever, has my heart from now on. He is sweet, attentive, and communicative. Everything the FMC, Sutton, needs. Sutton is a curvy, anxious, organized-mess in all the right ways. She took a little longer to grow on me, but I absolutely adored her by the end.
I can’t wait to recommend this to my romance reading friends!
May 14, 2026
*ARC REVIEW - Thank you to The Smuthood*
Wow wow wow. Daisy Wren and Centre of Attention.. what can I say? I am obsessed. Less than 24 hours from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! 5 stars is simply not enough.
Honestly, we love to see a curvy girl main character as the centre of attention for all the right reasons and if a forbidden (for more than one reason) romance takes your fancy, you will find yourself absolutely devouring this book.
10/10, no notes, chefs kiss, PERFECT.
Wow wow wow. Daisy Wren and Centre of Attention.. what can I say? I am obsessed. Less than 24 hours from start to finish and I can’t wait for the next book in the series! 5 stars is simply not enough.
Honestly, we love to see a curvy girl main character as the centre of attention for all the right reasons and if a forbidden (for more than one reason) romance takes your fancy, you will find yourself absolutely devouring this book.
10/10, no notes, chefs kiss, PERFECT.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was my first read from this author, and I enjoyed my time in these chapters.
Ezra is easy to connect with, and his longing for Sutton. She is equally entertaining and both of them just want to be seen and supported in their pursuits. The angst, steamy chemistry and mutual crush was done well, and I really loved Kendall and the group texts.
All in all, a fun start to this Rugby series and I look forward to more from this author.
Fortunate to have received an ARC (thank you) I voluntarily leave my review.
Ezra is easy to connect with, and his longing for Sutton. She is equally entertaining and both of them just want to be seen and supported in their pursuits. The angst, steamy chemistry and mutual crush was done well, and I really loved Kendall and the group texts.
All in all, a fun start to this Rugby series and I look forward to more from this author.
Fortunate to have received an ARC (thank you) I voluntarily leave my review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Omg this book was so good!! I loved Ezra and Suttons chemistry in this!! Sutton just started her job as an athletic trainer for ezras rugby team.
They have a sort of complicated relationship. She dated his brother but ultimately broke it off to pursue her dreams and years later ezra and sutton reconnect
I love the found family component in this book, i especially love ezras teammates, Kendall in particular!!
I'm excited to read more from the author!! Thank you to the smuthood and the author for letting me read this arc!!
They have a sort of complicated relationship. She dated his brother but ultimately broke it off to pursue her dreams and years later ezra and sutton reconnect
I love the found family component in this book, i especially love ezras teammates, Kendall in particular!!
I'm excited to read more from the author!! Thank you to the smuthood and the author for letting me read this arc!!
May 16, 2026
I loved Sutton and Ezra’s story. He fell first x friends to lovers with workplace romance. The tension between them was so good and I loved how relatable Sutton was. Sutton was such a beautifully written character and her development from beginning to end made me love this story more. It was so funny and I hope we get to maybe see Kendall’s story because he was such a fantastic side character. He made me think of Jace or Ari from CR Jane’s books.
Thank you to Daisy Wren and the Smuthood for the ARC. This book was a 5⭐️ read for me.
Thank you to Daisy Wren and the Smuthood for the ARC. This book was a 5⭐️ read for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
💙Plus size FMC
💛Ex fiancés brother
💙Friends to lovers
💛He falls first
💙Workplace romance
💛Meddling friends
💙Found family
Sutton is one of my favorite FMC characters. She’s so relatable to me, how she doesn’t want to be the center of attention but wants to thrive in her profession. She’s so kind to everyone and has such a big heart.
Ezra is Sutton’s ex fiancées rugby playing brother. He falls hard for Sutton. They both try to keep their relationship friendly.
It’s such a good read. I love both MCs and the other characters introduced and can’t wait for the next book
💛Ex fiancés brother
💙Friends to lovers
💛He falls first
💙Workplace romance
💛Meddling friends
💙Found family
Sutton is one of my favorite FMC characters. She’s so relatable to me, how she doesn’t want to be the center of attention but wants to thrive in her profession. She’s so kind to everyone and has such a big heart.
Ezra is Sutton’s ex fiancées rugby playing brother. He falls hard for Sutton. They both try to keep their relationship friendly.
It’s such a good read. I love both MCs and the other characters introduced and can’t wait for the next book
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am obsessed with this book! This was my first Daisy Wren book and I absolutely devoured it, I didn't put it down at all! It was sooo good! I love seeing a plus size fmc that knows her body and is comfortable in her skin! EZRA GENTRY! That man is smooth as butter and worships his woman the right way! I can't wait to keep reading this series! Thank you so much to the author for having me on the arc team!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is like a warm, spicy hug!! Loved the plus size FMC rep! I could feel the love Ezra has for Sutton the second he runs into her after not seeing her for so long. Daisy does a great job (IMO) describing and making you feel Suttons anxiety. I really enjoyed getting to know the Utah Knights and can't wait for book 2!! Definitely recommend if you like friends to lovers, workplace, plus size FMC, he falls first.
May 18, 2026
Couldn’t put it down! I absolutely adored Ezra and Sutton. There’s just something about friends to lovers with a little taboo on the side. The way that Sutton supported Ezra from the beginning in his choice of playing and pursuing a career in rugby is just so heartwarming. And when I tell you Ezra is down BAD for Sutton, he is so far gone over her. I highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sweet, slightly spicy, easy read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book is such a slow burn but i love it. Sutton and Ezra are the cutest couple ever, the way they yearned for each other makes the story fly by. Ezra having a crush a crush on her since she was dating/engaged to his older brother was such a turn. Her ex Jace was such a douchebag and showed his true colors. Kendall was the best wingman throughout this whole story, cant wait for the next book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4⭐️
Honestly soo cute! I loved the found family, group chat, second chance (kind of) and workplace romance of it. I liked that there weren’t any huge conflicts because it’s always so hard to come back from those and I’m happy that Ezra was willing to do anything for Sutton. I wish we could have seen more into the future for them…but I’m hopeful to see if we get more snippets in the next books.
Thank you Luna Literary and Daisy Wren for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.
Honestly soo cute! I loved the found family, group chat, second chance (kind of) and workplace romance of it. I liked that there weren’t any huge conflicts because it’s always so hard to come back from those and I’m happy that Ezra was willing to do anything for Sutton. I wish we could have seen more into the future for them…but I’m hopeful to see if we get more snippets in the next books.
Thank you Luna Literary and Daisy Wren for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.
Review of advance copy
I am not sure I have ever found a more relatable character than Sutton. This is a beautifully written story with so much emotion and just the right amount of spicy. I happily gave up sleep to read this from start to finish without putting it down. I devoured the words on the page from Daisy!!! Once a rugger always a rugger. I cannot wait for the next book!!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Ah! The amount of perfection that was in this, is literally unreal!!! Plus size FMC and the MMC is has thighs that you just want to bite into and is beyond supportive of her and her dreams! He is her ex fiancées brother. Oh this is a must read and I can’t wait for more to come from this series!!!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Center of Attention is the first book in the Utah Knight's Rugby series by Daisy Wren. The premise of this book is usually to my liking but I just couldn't get interested because it wouldn't hold my attention.
I would like to Thank Luna Literary for my ARC and in return I promised an honest review.
I would like to Thank Luna Literary for my ARC and in return I promised an honest review.
May 19, 2026
[5 ⭐️] ARC Review ✨ No notes. Such a fun, quick, and steamy read. I absolutely loved everything about this book; the characters (main and side), the story…and the slow burn was slow burning. So many times I was yelling at the MCs to get together and then found myself giggling and kicking my feet when they finally did. 🤭 Highly recommend adding this to your summer tbr!
Thank you to the Smuthood and the author Daisy Wren, for the opportunity to read the advance copy 🫶🏼
Thank you to the Smuthood and the author Daisy Wren, for the opportunity to read the advance copy 🫶🏼
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