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Utah Knight's Rugby #1
Center of Attention
She 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
Published May 26, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
May 28, 2026
5🌟, 3🌶️
Some romances just hit that perfect emotional sweet spot, and this was one of them.
Sutton and Ezra completely pulled me in with all the tension, history, and quiet yearning between them. Every interaction felt natural and full of emotion, and I loved how their connection never lost that sense of comfort even with everything working against them.
Ezra was such an easy character to fall for. He’s patient, protective, completely obsessed with Sutton in the softest way, and the way he constantly showed up for her made my heart melt. Sutton also felt incredibly real to me, especially with how hard she tried to balance independence, anxiety, and letting herself be loved. And the team dynamic added so much fun to the story because Kendall absolutely stole every scene he was in.
This book had the perfect mix of heart, chemistry, humor, and emotional depth. The rugby setting felt so fresh, the romance had me fully invested, and by the end I was completely attached to these characters.
This was the kind of romance that leaves you feeling warm and slightly emotionally unwell afterward.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Daisy Wren & her Team for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
Some romances just hit that perfect emotional sweet spot, and this was one of them.
Sutton and Ezra completely pulled me in with all the tension, history, and quiet yearning between them. Every interaction felt natural and full of emotion, and I loved how their connection never lost that sense of comfort even with everything working against them.
Ezra was such an easy character to fall for. He’s patient, protective, completely obsessed with Sutton in the softest way, and the way he constantly showed up for her made my heart melt. Sutton also felt incredibly real to me, especially with how hard she tried to balance independence, anxiety, and letting herself be loved. And the team dynamic added so much fun to the story because Kendall absolutely stole every scene he was in.
This book had the perfect mix of heart, chemistry, humor, and emotional depth. The rugby setting felt so fresh, the romance had me fully invested, and by the end I was completely attached to these characters.
This was the kind of romance that leaves you feeling warm and slightly emotionally unwell afterward.
~~~~
Huge thank you to Daisy Wren & her Team for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
May 29, 2026
4.25 stars.
"Center of Attention" by Daisy Wren is an ex-boyfriend's brother sports romance featuring great plus-size representation and a down-bad MMC. I was enamored with Sutton (FMC) and Ezra (MMC), everything from their history to their present wants and similarities, their flirting to their banter, their athlete-athletic trainer dynamic. Sutton was engaged to Ezra's older brother when they were in high school, but she broke off the engagement to attend college in another state. 10 years later, Ezra and Sutton meet all over again. He is a professional rugby player for the Utah Knights, and she has just gotten her dream job as the athletic trainer for the team. They are also next-door neighbors. Because of this, they are in close proximity to one another. Sutton is such a sweet FMC. She's a little insecure, but mostly because of her crappy family/upbringing that has torn her down and made her a little shy. I loved her sense of style that is woven throughout the book. Ezra is patient, a little brooding, and addicted to Sutton in a quiet, kind way. He is the ultimate golden retriever MMC! Something happens with Ezra's family that I really, really loved, which could have been a problem or a drama in a different book, but Daisy Wren doesn't play games or toy with her audience (I don't want to spoil, but let's just say, it's a good/happy thing!!). This is a slow-burning romance that is definitely worth the wait, something that has not been true for most of the books I have read this month. Their connection is undeniable from the get-go, and I loved their banter, chemistry, conversations, and easy integration into each other's lives. There are also several laugh-out-loud moments, too. The scenes in Sutton's yoga classes had me laughing AND swooning! I loved the mental health representation here as well. I adored the secondary characters (especially Kendall and except for Jace, you can go to H3LL, DIRT BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and I cannot wait for them to get books, too! A totally enjoyable, not overly long, addictive read!
Thank you to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
"Center of Attention" by Daisy Wren is an ex-boyfriend's brother sports romance featuring great plus-size representation and a down-bad MMC. I was enamored with Sutton (FMC) and Ezra (MMC), everything from their history to their present wants and similarities, their flirting to their banter, their athlete-athletic trainer dynamic. Sutton was engaged to Ezra's older brother when they were in high school, but she broke off the engagement to attend college in another state. 10 years later, Ezra and Sutton meet all over again. He is a professional rugby player for the Utah Knights, and she has just gotten her dream job as the athletic trainer for the team. They are also next-door neighbors. Because of this, they are in close proximity to one another. Sutton is such a sweet FMC. She's a little insecure, but mostly because of her crappy family/upbringing that has torn her down and made her a little shy. I loved her sense of style that is woven throughout the book. Ezra is patient, a little brooding, and addicted to Sutton in a quiet, kind way. He is the ultimate golden retriever MMC! Something happens with Ezra's family that I really, really loved, which could have been a problem or a drama in a different book, but Daisy Wren doesn't play games or toy with her audience (I don't want to spoil, but let's just say, it's a good/happy thing!!). This is a slow-burning romance that is definitely worth the wait, something that has not been true for most of the books I have read this month. Their connection is undeniable from the get-go, and I loved their banter, chemistry, conversations, and easy integration into each other's lives. There are also several laugh-out-loud moments, too. The scenes in Sutton's yoga classes had me laughing AND swooning! I loved the mental health representation here as well. I adored the secondary characters (especially Kendall and except for Jace, you can go to H3LL, DIRT BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!), and I cannot wait for them to get books, too! A totally enjoyable, not overly long, addictive read!
Thank you to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
hard-dnf-s
May 28, 2026Thank you to the author & luna literary for providing the opportunity to read this early as an arc, even if I didn't get to it in time due to unforseen circumstances.
DNFing on May 28th, 154 pages in (45%) because while there was nothing wrong with the characters, the relationship, the friendship, even the writing, I was, unfortunately, very bored.
DNFing on May 28th, 154 pages in (45%) because while there was nothing wrong with the characters, the relationship, the friendship, even the writing, I was, unfortunately, very bored.
May 25, 2026
First off thank you Daisy! You’re a saint for including a glossary for the terms in rugby. Saved me from stopping and starting when I started reading the story. Also thank you for the opportunity to read this ARC.
We follow Sutton as she goes off to achieve her dreams, she doesn’t want to be a stay at home wife/mum. No she wants a career, she’s always had the idea of marriage imprinted in her mind from her family but her acceptance to school was just the right thing to get her out of the town.
Sutton and Ezra have a tricky past! Not only was she with his brother. They were engaged to be married!!!! They were each other’s firsts in many things and his family was her parental figures more than her own parents. They treated and welcomed her into their home which made the breakup even more difficult.
Ezra always had a little crush on his brothers girl growing up (cliche I know) but how could he not? Sutton was the only one who supported his dreams of being a rugby player, and cheered him on at school games. So when Sutton leaves without saying goodbye it hits him hard.
10 years go past, and Sutton gets her dream job being a field medic for the knights but to her surprise Ezra is also part of the team! Living his dream. He brings a little home with him and that sense of familiarity encourages her to step out of her comfort zones and try new things and actually do things she wants!
What turns into a little crush from his teen years, blooms into something more. Sutton too, she can’t explain it but they’re drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. With a lot at stake.
I absolutely adored them together, the amount of yearning from both of them made you feel all warm and fuzzy. From the start we were all rooting for Ezra to get the girl. No more than Kendall! His quick wit and banter will have you laughing which makes him one of my favourite characters of the book! It’s gonna be hard to say goodbye but hopefully in the future books, we’ll be able to get a glimpse of their lives through the years and hopefully more Kendall!
We follow Sutton as she goes off to achieve her dreams, she doesn’t want to be a stay at home wife/mum. No she wants a career, she’s always had the idea of marriage imprinted in her mind from her family but her acceptance to school was just the right thing to get her out of the town.
Sutton and Ezra have a tricky past! Not only was she with his brother. They were engaged to be married!!!! They were each other’s firsts in many things and his family was her parental figures more than her own parents. They treated and welcomed her into their home which made the breakup even more difficult.
Ezra always had a little crush on his brothers girl growing up (cliche I know) but how could he not? Sutton was the only one who supported his dreams of being a rugby player, and cheered him on at school games. So when Sutton leaves without saying goodbye it hits him hard.
10 years go past, and Sutton gets her dream job being a field medic for the knights but to her surprise Ezra is also part of the team! Living his dream. He brings a little home with him and that sense of familiarity encourages her to step out of her comfort zones and try new things and actually do things she wants!
What turns into a little crush from his teen years, blooms into something more. Sutton too, she can’t explain it but they’re drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. With a lot at stake.
I absolutely adored them together, the amount of yearning from both of them made you feel all warm and fuzzy. From the start we were all rooting for Ezra to get the girl. No more than Kendall! His quick wit and banter will have you laughing which makes him one of my favourite characters of the book! It’s gonna be hard to say goodbye but hopefully in the future books, we’ll be able to get a glimpse of their lives through the years and hopefully more Kendall!
May 27, 2026
What a cute fun cozy read this book was!! I could not put it down for the last 75 pages I NEEDED the answers and gah did I get the ending I wanted and more ❤️❤️
This is my first book of Daisys but I will be diving into more. And I also can’t WAIT for more of this rugby team!!! That good text message was hilarious and I never knew what Kendall was going to say!
This book is Ezra and Suttons story and they are a bit of forbidden, reverse age gap and the cutest friends to lovers you could want! He falls soooooooo hard and fast for her it’s just adorable. I was a puddle with him.
Sutton was Ezra’s older brother’s ex fiance (dated before they both left to college) and after over a decade of not being in contact they cross paths when Sutton starts her new job. What starts as a happy surprise and long time no see quickly turns into a deeper friendship, and a love that Ezra pinning over Sutton. It’s a perfect way their story comes together and both characters were very relatable.
No one is perfect when when you find your person they are perfect for you. And this book proves that in ever way. From our curvy FMC trying to find herself and be willing to push her own boundaries to the rugged rugby player who wants that person he can spend his life with fall for each other all bets are off the table.
This is my first book of Daisys but I will be diving into more. And I also can’t WAIT for more of this rugby team!!! That good text message was hilarious and I never knew what Kendall was going to say!
This book is Ezra and Suttons story and they are a bit of forbidden, reverse age gap and the cutest friends to lovers you could want! He falls soooooooo hard and fast for her it’s just adorable. I was a puddle with him.
Sutton was Ezra’s older brother’s ex fiance (dated before they both left to college) and after over a decade of not being in contact they cross paths when Sutton starts her new job. What starts as a happy surprise and long time no see quickly turns into a deeper friendship, and a love that Ezra pinning over Sutton. It’s a perfect way their story comes together and both characters were very relatable.
No one is perfect when when you find your person they are perfect for you. And this book proves that in ever way. From our curvy FMC trying to find herself and be willing to push her own boundaries to the rugged rugby player who wants that person he can spend his life with fall for each other all bets are off the table.
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 received from Author
Sutton starts the story by making a defining choice for herself, refusing to give in to pressure to marry young and instead stepping into independence, therapy, structure, and a life she carefully builds on her own terms. She’s disciplined to a fault (meal prep, work outfits planned for the week, routines for everything), but underneath that control is someone quietly anxious about change, new people, and being perceived.
Meanwhile, Ezra enters as someone who has always been orbiting her past, her ex’s brother, who once had a crush on her but never acted on it, and who now meets her again years later with immediate recognition and softness.
Ezra’s arc is just as compelling. He’s a professional rugby player dealing with the weight of expectations, an unsupportive family, and a rocky adjustment to a new environment. On the field and off, he takes losses hard and struggles to settle socially, but with Sutton, there’s an ease that slowly builds between them. He’s intense but gentle with her in ways that stand out, remembering small things like her dislike of window seats, trying to distract her during takeoff, and consistently showing up even when everything else in his life feels unstable.
Their dynamic is a slow burn built on proximity, comfort, and mutual recognition. What starts as friendship gradually shifts into something everyone around them clearly notices long before they want to admit it. Their friends basically stage-manage their relationship at times, and it’s both chaotic and kind of endearing. Kendall and Dakota especially act like they’re running unofficial “get them together” operations, which adds a fun layer of found-family chaos.
There’s a lot of tension woven through their relationship, family disapproval, past entanglements (especially the history with her ex and his family), and the pressure of Ezra’s career. Sutton is deeply career-focused and cautious about giving up control, while Ezra is more willing to bend his life around keeping her in it. That imbalance creates both tenderness and friction, especially when real-life consequences start catching up to them.
By the end, this feels like a story about two people who don’t fit neatly into each other’s lives but keep building something anyway, through routine, effort, attraction, and genuine care. It’s a mix of softness, chaos, denial, and eventual acceptance that they’ve been “together” long before they ever labeled it.
Overall, a very engaging sports romance with a strong slow-burn dynamic, found-family energy, and two leads who feel grounded in their flaws as much as their chemistry.
Thank you to Daisy Wren and Luna Literary for the ARC!
Meanwhile, Ezra enters as someone who has always been orbiting her past, her ex’s brother, who once had a crush on her but never acted on it, and who now meets her again years later with immediate recognition and softness.
Ezra’s arc is just as compelling. He’s a professional rugby player dealing with the weight of expectations, an unsupportive family, and a rocky adjustment to a new environment. On the field and off, he takes losses hard and struggles to settle socially, but with Sutton, there’s an ease that slowly builds between them. He’s intense but gentle with her in ways that stand out, remembering small things like her dislike of window seats, trying to distract her during takeoff, and consistently showing up even when everything else in his life feels unstable.
Their dynamic is a slow burn built on proximity, comfort, and mutual recognition. What starts as friendship gradually shifts into something everyone around them clearly notices long before they want to admit it. Their friends basically stage-manage their relationship at times, and it’s both chaotic and kind of endearing. Kendall and Dakota especially act like they’re running unofficial “get them together” operations, which adds a fun layer of found-family chaos.
There’s a lot of tension woven through their relationship, family disapproval, past entanglements (especially the history with her ex and his family), and the pressure of Ezra’s career. Sutton is deeply career-focused and cautious about giving up control, while Ezra is more willing to bend his life around keeping her in it. That imbalance creates both tenderness and friction, especially when real-life consequences start catching up to them.
By the end, this feels like a story about two people who don’t fit neatly into each other’s lives but keep building something anyway, through routine, effort, attraction, and genuine care. It’s a mix of softness, chaos, denial, and eventual acceptance that they’ve been “together” long before they ever labeled it.
Overall, a very engaging sports romance with a strong slow-burn dynamic, found-family energy, and two leads who feel grounded in their flaws as much as their chemistry.
Thank you to Daisy Wren and Luna Literary for the ARC!
June 12, 2026
Thank you to Luna Literary Management and the lovely author for providing this e-arc!
Sutton finally got her dream job as the new Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights, but on her first day, she meets someone she never thought she’d see again: her ex-fiancé’s brother. Ezra, a player for the Utah Knights, is all about focusing on the game and not on how lonely he feels, but it seems impossible now that Sutton came right back into his life. The more Sutton and Ezra rekindle their friendship, the harder it is to call it just that, but they both have contracts that could prejudice their careers if they acted on their feelings.
This story is one with not only amazing plus size representation by the FMC, because it’s lovely how she never ties her worth to her weight or think less of herself for that either. She chases her dreams, works out (she even teaches yoga, something she could be criticized by spiteful people and does it amazingly), and embraces her body just as it is, it’s truly inspiring and it made me love her character even more. The representation of what taking care of mental health and going to therapy can do is also very well portrayed. Sutton’s family patterns and how they affected her previous relationship, how she was affected to the point of normalizing them, was very real and so were her conversations with her therapist. I adored that detail because it’s inspiring and can give the reader hope about therapy being a tool to heal.
Talking about characters, I am obsessed with the way Ezra is. Not only is he the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC, he’s a total gentleman and has the best case of not having fragile masculinity. He’s mature in his way to communicate and knowing what he wants. I also adored how he was ready to give up what used to be his dream, because for him, being with Sutton and a future with her was more important and a bigger dream, he’s truly one of the best MMCs.
I also enjoyed the team dynamics. It was nice to see how they start to build the friendships and complicity between players, from the small things like being brave enough to invite them to play videogames, to the more vulnerable stuff like admitting they have feelings for someone and might need some help. All the cast of secondary characters were enchanting and gave the book a cozy found family feeling that makes this book feel like a warm hug.
Lastly, the writing was great, with a good pace and just the necessary amount of chemistry and tension between the protagonists to buy their slow-burn.
Sutton finally got her dream job as the new Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights, but on her first day, she meets someone she never thought she’d see again: her ex-fiancé’s brother. Ezra, a player for the Utah Knights, is all about focusing on the game and not on how lonely he feels, but it seems impossible now that Sutton came right back into his life. The more Sutton and Ezra rekindle their friendship, the harder it is to call it just that, but they both have contracts that could prejudice their careers if they acted on their feelings.
This story is one with not only amazing plus size representation by the FMC, because it’s lovely how she never ties her worth to her weight or think less of herself for that either. She chases her dreams, works out (she even teaches yoga, something she could be criticized by spiteful people and does it amazingly), and embraces her body just as it is, it’s truly inspiring and it made me love her character even more. The representation of what taking care of mental health and going to therapy can do is also very well portrayed. Sutton’s family patterns and how they affected her previous relationship, how she was affected to the point of normalizing them, was very real and so were her conversations with her therapist. I adored that detail because it’s inspiring and can give the reader hope about therapy being a tool to heal.
Talking about characters, I am obsessed with the way Ezra is. Not only is he the ultimate cinnamon roll MMC, he’s a total gentleman and has the best case of not having fragile masculinity. He’s mature in his way to communicate and knowing what he wants. I also adored how he was ready to give up what used to be his dream, because for him, being with Sutton and a future with her was more important and a bigger dream, he’s truly one of the best MMCs.
I also enjoyed the team dynamics. It was nice to see how they start to build the friendships and complicity between players, from the small things like being brave enough to invite them to play videogames, to the more vulnerable stuff like admitting they have feelings for someone and might need some help. All the cast of secondary characters were enchanting and gave the book a cozy found family feeling that makes this book feel like a warm hug.
Lastly, the writing was great, with a good pace and just the necessary amount of chemistry and tension between the protagonists to buy their slow-burn.
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
“Hot Rugby Guy Scrum?! Put Me In Coach!”
I enjoyed this book so much, I don’t know where to start. How about with FMC, Sutton, an actual plus-size woman(stretch marks, belly overhang, seat belt extender). Not merely a size 8 to size 10 to make her “plus-size”-Hallelujah! She’s smart, shy, insecure, somewhat regimented, and is honest and upfront about her anxiety and family trauma and about seeing a therapist. Talk about a positive pitch for mental health. She gets a new job as an athletic trainer for a debut professional rugby team, where she runs into her decade-before, former fiancé’s younger brother, Ezra. Ezra, who plays on the team, is just the right mix of kind, sensitive, and dedicated, while still being dominant in the areas that count, to make him a perfect MMC in a sports book. Since they are both in a new city and know each other from years past, they renew their friendship-urging the other to expand their horizons and supporting each other’s professional goals. It sounds predictable, and it is to some point; but, it’s done in such a way that you’re having so much fun, you don’t care! Then, add in the rugby teammates for hilarity and support. Ezra’s best friend/roommate, Kendall is the hooker for the team(rugby position)…and the manwhore. Starting a group chat with teammates in support of Ezra(who doesn’t want to be in the chat, nor do the teammates), while they’re all sitting together in a bar for “subtlety”, is just one of the ways that make you love pestering Kendall and hope to see him in more books.(Hint-hint!) Without giving too much away, there are an obnoxious ex, siblings, various yoga women, and other supporting cast that add to the story. Numerous restaurants tried by the characters to make you hungry. Questionable workplace legalities to make you nervous. And, as you’d expect with a hard-playing, buff rugby guy- heat in the bedroom that is off the charts AND helps the FMC shed some of her self-esteem issues(among other things). Overall, this book is a delightful read and makes me hope that Wren gets another Utah Knights book out soon! Really soon! And, just maybe, makes me want to start learning about rugby…
I enjoyed this book so much, I don’t know where to start. How about with FMC, Sutton, an actual plus-size woman(stretch marks, belly overhang, seat belt extender). Not merely a size 8 to size 10 to make her “plus-size”-Hallelujah! She’s smart, shy, insecure, somewhat regimented, and is honest and upfront about her anxiety and family trauma and about seeing a therapist. Talk about a positive pitch for mental health. She gets a new job as an athletic trainer for a debut professional rugby team, where she runs into her decade-before, former fiancé’s younger brother, Ezra. Ezra, who plays on the team, is just the right mix of kind, sensitive, and dedicated, while still being dominant in the areas that count, to make him a perfect MMC in a sports book. Since they are both in a new city and know each other from years past, they renew their friendship-urging the other to expand their horizons and supporting each other’s professional goals. It sounds predictable, and it is to some point; but, it’s done in such a way that you’re having so much fun, you don’t care! Then, add in the rugby teammates for hilarity and support. Ezra’s best friend/roommate, Kendall is the hooker for the team(rugby position)…and the manwhore. Starting a group chat with teammates in support of Ezra(who doesn’t want to be in the chat, nor do the teammates), while they’re all sitting together in a bar for “subtlety”, is just one of the ways that make you love pestering Kendall and hope to see him in more books.(Hint-hint!) Without giving too much away, there are an obnoxious ex, siblings, various yoga women, and other supporting cast that add to the story. Numerous restaurants tried by the characters to make you hungry. Questionable workplace legalities to make you nervous. And, as you’d expect with a hard-playing, buff rugby guy- heat in the bedroom that is off the charts AND helps the FMC shed some of her self-esteem issues(among other things). Overall, this book is a delightful read and makes me hope that Wren gets another Utah Knights book out soon! Really soon! And, just maybe, makes me want to start learning about rugby…
May 26, 2026
This story made my soul happy. It had big emotions, healing, spice, a trash ex, adorable friends, a fun group chat, awful family, found family, pottery, and food. It was a story that I finished reading and thought "I think I want to just start it over again" because I loved them so much and wasn't ready to leave their happy. Sigh. My heart is full.
Sutton is an athletic trainer.
Ezra is a rugby player.
She dated & was engaged to his brother. He had a teenage crush. They haven't seen each other since the break up. Now they work for the same rugby team. And he definitely a grown up crush. So does she. They spend time together. Yoga. Pottery. B×ners. Sushi. Moans. Mistakes. Lingerie. Slaps. Oh my.
Sutton is magnificent. She is recovering & healing from and abusive relationship and childhood and I really appreciated how she was given space to be her, to have her coping mechanisms, her safety routines. She is working to step outside her comfort zones but it isn't required for her to do that before she has value. She as a character had value from the start and had something to offer those around her without changing a thing. She is smart, funny, clever, fit, powerful, strong, sassy, and needs a man willing to explore some limits & positions. Thank goodness she and Ezra found each other!
Ezra is so sweet. He is kind, passionate, strong, caring, a bit dirty, and can fling her around. Yes! I loved how big he loved Sutton and how well he knew her. Is also loved his making friends journey. That was so adorable. Friendship doesn't magically happen and I liked that his story showed the work it takes. Just like his relationship with Sutton. It takes work to build relationships. Also, he has a sl×tty thigh tattoo and some special jewellery.
They are the cutest together. I loved watching them fall in love, be dumb and choose each other.
Daisy has quickly become a favourite author. She writes stories with so much heart & my brain loves how her stories flow and the way her characters talk & relate to each other.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
Sutton is an athletic trainer.
Ezra is a rugby player.
She dated & was engaged to his brother. He had a teenage crush. They haven't seen each other since the break up. Now they work for the same rugby team. And he definitely a grown up crush. So does she. They spend time together. Yoga. Pottery. B×ners. Sushi. Moans. Mistakes. Lingerie. Slaps. Oh my.
Sutton is magnificent. She is recovering & healing from and abusive relationship and childhood and I really appreciated how she was given space to be her, to have her coping mechanisms, her safety routines. She is working to step outside her comfort zones but it isn't required for her to do that before she has value. She as a character had value from the start and had something to offer those around her without changing a thing. She is smart, funny, clever, fit, powerful, strong, sassy, and needs a man willing to explore some limits & positions. Thank goodness she and Ezra found each other!
Ezra is so sweet. He is kind, passionate, strong, caring, a bit dirty, and can fling her around. Yes! I loved how big he loved Sutton and how well he knew her. Is also loved his making friends journey. That was so adorable. Friendship doesn't magically happen and I liked that his story showed the work it takes. Just like his relationship with Sutton. It takes work to build relationships. Also, he has a sl×tty thigh tattoo and some special jewellery.
They are the cutest together. I loved watching them fall in love, be dumb and choose each other.
Daisy has quickly become a favourite author. She writes stories with so much heart & my brain loves how her stories flow and the way her characters talk & relate to each other.
I received this as an ARC and am so grateful. This had zero influence on my review.
Review of advance copy
I devoured Center of Attention like a woman stranded in the desert finding an ice cold Coke. Sutton and Ezra had me LOCKED IN from the first interaction. The tension? Crispy. The chemistry? Actual wildfire. The yearning? So thick I could spread it on toast.
Sutton was such a refreshing FMC too. She’s smart, capable, trying so hard to keep her life together and stay professional, but the second Ezra enters the picture all those carefully stacked emotional Jenga blocks start wobbling 😭 and I ate up every second of it. You could FEEL how much history existed between them without it feeling forced. Their connection felt lived in. Comfortable. Dangerous. Tender. All at once.
And EZRA????? That man walked straight into my ribcage and made himself comfortable. The way he sees Sutton, supports her, wants her while still respecting her dreams??? Elite behavior. Top shelf book boyfriend material. Absolute “kick my feet and stare at the ceiling afterward” energy. 🫠
The workplace romance + no fraternization policy added the perfect amount of stress and secrecy without becoming overdramatic. Every stolen moment felt ten times hotter because they actually had something to lose. And the ex’s brother angle?? Inject it directly into my veins. Daisy Wren balanced the angst, romance, friendship, and tension SO well that I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. “Just one more chapter” turned into me feral at 2am.
Also can we talk about the rugby rep for a second because I loved the Utah Knights setting. It made everything feel fresh compared to the usual hockey romance parade. The sports atmosphere, team dynamics, and Sutton working as the athletic trainer gave the story so much texture without overshadowing the romance.
Sutton and Ezra were SO GOOD together. The kind of couple where you’re rooting for them immediately because even when they’re trying not to fall, they already belong to each other. This book had heart, heat, longing, comfort, and enough emotional tension to short circuit my brain in the best way.
Daisy Wren absolutely snapped with this one
Sutton was such a refreshing FMC too. She’s smart, capable, trying so hard to keep her life together and stay professional, but the second Ezra enters the picture all those carefully stacked emotional Jenga blocks start wobbling 😭 and I ate up every second of it. You could FEEL how much history existed between them without it feeling forced. Their connection felt lived in. Comfortable. Dangerous. Tender. All at once.
And EZRA????? That man walked straight into my ribcage and made himself comfortable. The way he sees Sutton, supports her, wants her while still respecting her dreams??? Elite behavior. Top shelf book boyfriend material. Absolute “kick my feet and stare at the ceiling afterward” energy. 🫠
The workplace romance + no fraternization policy added the perfect amount of stress and secrecy without becoming overdramatic. Every stolen moment felt ten times hotter because they actually had something to lose. And the ex’s brother angle?? Inject it directly into my veins. Daisy Wren balanced the angst, romance, friendship, and tension SO well that I genuinely couldn’t stop reading. “Just one more chapter” turned into me feral at 2am.
Also can we talk about the rugby rep for a second because I loved the Utah Knights setting. It made everything feel fresh compared to the usual hockey romance parade. The sports atmosphere, team dynamics, and Sutton working as the athletic trainer gave the story so much texture without overshadowing the romance.
Sutton and Ezra were SO GOOD together. The kind of couple where you’re rooting for them immediately because even when they’re trying not to fall, they already belong to each other. This book had heart, heat, longing, comfort, and enough emotional tension to short circuit my brain in the best way.
Daisy Wren absolutely snapped with this one
Review of advance copy received from Author
10 years after calling it quits with her first love, Sutton put herself first and I love that she knew if she stayed she would of lived a life she really didn't want especially with how her family was. It wasn't easy for her to let go and follow her dreams and leave behind the family that truly loved her forever.... Or so we thought.
Ezra plays for a new found rugby team Utah Knights, first season starting and although he was worried how it would go especially with his family not giving him the same treatment of his siblings because of his career path, his world changed for the better when the teams new athletic trainer comes in. Come to find out its his brothers ex fiancé.... The girl he always crushed on and always lifted his spirits in everything he did.
Although they try to stay friends because of how forbidden they would be to get together, he falls immediately and her a little slower. I loved them together! They deserve all the love and happiness with each other. They make each other better as people and more confident and happy. I love how sweet and caring Ezra is to her, he loves her the way she is even if shes not as confident as a plus size girly. I love that everyone saw her as who she is as a person and not her body. Ezra was always there for her no matter how hard she tried pushing him away (which was a failure) and even the group chats for him had me cackling because why is Kendall like this 😂he's too much!!!
✨ side comment: I cant wait for the other characters books because I feel like I know who's falling for who next haha, I need to know about webbys sister!!! 👀
Beyond that they had to make some sacrifices and although I didn't like Sutton making choices for them without seeing how he would feel about it, I loved that it all worked out. Also her ex is such a douche, like girl what were you thinking with that one 🤢
This book has all the feels, yearning, love, therapy support, confidence and soo much banter I was laughing out loud soo much!! Great read :)
Ezra plays for a new found rugby team Utah Knights, first season starting and although he was worried how it would go especially with his family not giving him the same treatment of his siblings because of his career path, his world changed for the better when the teams new athletic trainer comes in. Come to find out its his brothers ex fiancé.... The girl he always crushed on and always lifted his spirits in everything he did.
Although they try to stay friends because of how forbidden they would be to get together, he falls immediately and her a little slower. I loved them together! They deserve all the love and happiness with each other. They make each other better as people and more confident and happy. I love how sweet and caring Ezra is to her, he loves her the way she is even if shes not as confident as a plus size girly. I love that everyone saw her as who she is as a person and not her body. Ezra was always there for her no matter how hard she tried pushing him away (which was a failure) and even the group chats for him had me cackling because why is Kendall like this 😂he's too much!!!
✨ side comment: I cant wait for the other characters books because I feel like I know who's falling for who next haha, I need to know about webbys sister!!! 👀
Beyond that they had to make some sacrifices and although I didn't like Sutton making choices for them without seeing how he would feel about it, I loved that it all worked out. Also her ex is such a douche, like girl what were you thinking with that one 🤢
This book has all the feels, yearning, love, therapy support, confidence and soo much banter I was laughing out loud soo much!! Great read :)
Review of advance copy received from Author
***ARC Review***
Don’t even try to fool yourself, you can expand your sports romance horizons and make room for a new rugby series (and their thighs, of course). This is book one in the new Utah Knights Rugby series. The story starts with a 10 year earlier prologue where Sutton makes a difficult decision to break up with her then fiancé and move across the country to pursue her education. Fast forward to present day and Sutton begins her dream job as the new athletic trainer for the Utah Knights rugby team where she discovers that her ex-fiancé’s younger brother Ezra is not only the team’s center, but he is also her new neighbor.
I love books like this where it isn’t a second chance romance, but gives the second chance romance vibe. Ezra falls first and so hard and it’s clear that he has always had a special place in his heart for Sutton, even when she was dating his older brother over 10 years ago. Ezra is the ultimate MMC. He is so conscientious of Sutton all the time. Thinking about her wants, needs, and schedules. He remembers the minute details about her routines and personality quirks. And he’s patient with her, never making her feel stupid or unwanted for going about their budding relationship the way she does while navigating trauma responses from previous relationships.
I know sometimes slow burns can be infuriating, but I also feel like they 100% go hand in hand with the friends to lovers trope. So buckle up for a fun ride, filled with a little angst, a lot of yearning, and a whole lot of fun side characters. Oh yeah, can I just say a big heck yeah to an FMC who is plus size (and it’s not her character flaw or internal monologue focus) and an MMC who worships every bit of her? And her body is not the main focus of attraction, but it’s brought up and acknowledged in a loving manner. More of that please. Last but certainly not least, ladies, bust out that micro trope bingo card because we’ve got a pierced MMC to add to the list! Thank you to The Smuthood for the advanced copy!
Don’t even try to fool yourself, you can expand your sports romance horizons and make room for a new rugby series (and their thighs, of course). This is book one in the new Utah Knights Rugby series. The story starts with a 10 year earlier prologue where Sutton makes a difficult decision to break up with her then fiancé and move across the country to pursue her education. Fast forward to present day and Sutton begins her dream job as the new athletic trainer for the Utah Knights rugby team where she discovers that her ex-fiancé’s younger brother Ezra is not only the team’s center, but he is also her new neighbor.
I love books like this where it isn’t a second chance romance, but gives the second chance romance vibe. Ezra falls first and so hard and it’s clear that he has always had a special place in his heart for Sutton, even when she was dating his older brother over 10 years ago. Ezra is the ultimate MMC. He is so conscientious of Sutton all the time. Thinking about her wants, needs, and schedules. He remembers the minute details about her routines and personality quirks. And he’s patient with her, never making her feel stupid or unwanted for going about their budding relationship the way she does while navigating trauma responses from previous relationships.
I know sometimes slow burns can be infuriating, but I also feel like they 100% go hand in hand with the friends to lovers trope. So buckle up for a fun ride, filled with a little angst, a lot of yearning, and a whole lot of fun side characters. Oh yeah, can I just say a big heck yeah to an FMC who is plus size (and it’s not her character flaw or internal monologue focus) and an MMC who worships every bit of her? And her body is not the main focus of attraction, but it’s brought up and acknowledged in a loving manner. More of that please. Last but certainly not least, ladies, bust out that micro trope bingo card because we’ve got a pierced MMC to add to the list! Thank you to The Smuthood for the advanced copy!
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. ❤︎ ❤︎ ❤︎
May 28, 2026
Love comes when and from someone you least expect
Sutton & Era
Center of Attention was my first book I've read by author Daisy Wren. All I can say is great plot, great writing, loveable characters, all in all great job Daisy!! I read it in one sitting cause I simply couldn't put it down, it catches you with the prologue and doesn't let go. At 300+ pages it was a quick read, and of course Daisy keeps you interested the whole time.
I absolutely love Ezra. His parents did an excellent job raising a supportive, kind, mega green flag, golden retriever but dominate with MINE vibes when necessary (IYKYK), very protective young man. Even his older bother Davis, Suttons ex-finance, has green flag energy. Sutton is such a sweet, kind, independent, FMC. She has faced family challenges but was accepted by her ex-fiances family with open arms. Which is how she knows Ezra and has always supported him and his dreams. She also knows what she wants in life, which leads her to make a difficult decision that will change her life in ways she could have never imagined. Also be prepared Jace, Sutton's ex-boyfriend, is the absolute worst, and we can only hope he gets his comeuppance.
I loved this book so much. Even though it is a slow burn, I really liked the sprinkled spicy scenes throughout. Kept the tension but allowed us spice loving girlies a little respite from all the tension. Looking forward to Webby's book, Half A Heart, which is the next in the series coming out early 2027.
This book has:
Slow burn
Ex Fiances Younger Brother
Reverse Age-gap (couple years)
Workplace Relationship
Spice
Rugby Players with Detailed Game Scenes
Curvy FMC
Fit, Strong, Big Boy MMC with Thick Thighs
Strong independent fun kind FMC
Golden Retriever Green Flag MMC
Meddling Matchmaking Friends
Sutton & Era
Center of Attention was my first book I've read by author Daisy Wren. All I can say is great plot, great writing, loveable characters, all in all great job Daisy!! I read it in one sitting cause I simply couldn't put it down, it catches you with the prologue and doesn't let go. At 300+ pages it was a quick read, and of course Daisy keeps you interested the whole time.
I absolutely love Ezra. His parents did an excellent job raising a supportive, kind, mega green flag, golden retriever but dominate with MINE vibes when necessary (IYKYK), very protective young man. Even his older bother Davis, Suttons ex-finance, has green flag energy. Sutton is such a sweet, kind, independent, FMC. She has faced family challenges but was accepted by her ex-fiances family with open arms. Which is how she knows Ezra and has always supported him and his dreams. She also knows what she wants in life, which leads her to make a difficult decision that will change her life in ways she could have never imagined. Also be prepared Jace, Sutton's ex-boyfriend, is the absolute worst, and we can only hope he gets his comeuppance.
I loved this book so much. Even though it is a slow burn, I really liked the sprinkled spicy scenes throughout. Kept the tension but allowed us spice loving girlies a little respite from all the tension. Looking forward to Webby's book, Half A Heart, which is the next in the series coming out early 2027.
This book has:
Slow burn
Ex Fiances Younger Brother
Reverse Age-gap (couple years)
Workplace Relationship
Spice
Rugby Players with Detailed Game Scenes
Curvy FMC
Fit, Strong, Big Boy MMC with Thick Thighs
Strong independent fun kind FMC
Golden Retriever Green Flag MMC
Meddling Matchmaking Friends
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 received from Author
This book was such a warm hug wrapped in steam, healing, laughter, and body positivity. I finished it with the biggest smile on my face and honestly didn’t want to leave these characters behind.
Our MMC? Absolute golden retriever energy. Soft, supportive, completely obsessed with our FMC in the most wholesome way possible. The way this man loved her after TEN years apart had me melting chapter after chapter.
I really appreciated how beautifully the author handled the FMC’s healing journey. Her past trauma, emotional neglect from her family, and struggles with feeling “worthy” were written with so much care and authenticity. Watching her slowly reclaim herself through therapy, friendship, and love felt incredibly validating and emotional without ever becoming too heavy.
And the romance? SO good. The tension of reconnecting after she broke off her engagement to his brother years ago added the perfect amount of emotional complexity. At 18, she chose her dreams over becoming the wife everyone expected her to be …. and honestly, I loved that for her. Seeing her finally find a relationship rooted in support, understanding, and partnership made this story even more satisfying.
The balance in this book worked so well too. It was playful and funny when it needed to be, but still knew exactly when to slow down and let the emotional moments hit. Add in meddling friends, workplace chaos, rugby boys, and the sweetest friends-to-lovers energy, and I was completely sold.
If you love:
🏉 Rugby romance
💛 Golden retriever MMCs
💋 Friends to lovers
👀 Ex-fiancé’s brother drama
✨ Body positivity & healing journeys
😂 Meddling friends
…this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to The Smuthood and the Author for the ARC. This review is only my opinion.
:
Our MMC? Absolute golden retriever energy. Soft, supportive, completely obsessed with our FMC in the most wholesome way possible. The way this man loved her after TEN years apart had me melting chapter after chapter.
I really appreciated how beautifully the author handled the FMC’s healing journey. Her past trauma, emotional neglect from her family, and struggles with feeling “worthy” were written with so much care and authenticity. Watching her slowly reclaim herself through therapy, friendship, and love felt incredibly validating and emotional without ever becoming too heavy.
And the romance? SO good. The tension of reconnecting after she broke off her engagement to his brother years ago added the perfect amount of emotional complexity. At 18, she chose her dreams over becoming the wife everyone expected her to be …. and honestly, I loved that for her. Seeing her finally find a relationship rooted in support, understanding, and partnership made this story even more satisfying.
The balance in this book worked so well too. It was playful and funny when it needed to be, but still knew exactly when to slow down and let the emotional moments hit. Add in meddling friends, workplace chaos, rugby boys, and the sweetest friends-to-lovers energy, and I was completely sold.
If you love:
🏉 Rugby romance
💛 Golden retriever MMCs
💋 Friends to lovers
👀 Ex-fiancé’s brother drama
✨ Body positivity & healing journeys
😂 Meddling friends
…this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to The Smuthood and the Author for the ARC. This review is only my opinion.
:
May 26, 2026
Center of Attention is the perfect blend of sports romance, friendship, tension, and all the swoony feelings that keep you turning pages long past bedtime!
Sutton Brady is finally starting the career she’s worked so hard for as the Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights. The last thing she expects on day one is to come face-to-face with someone from her past. Enter Ezra Gentry—the brother of her ex-fiancé and now a professional rugby player living out his own dream. What starts as reconnecting with an old friend quickly becomes something much deeper, and the chemistry between these two is impossible to ignore.
I absolutely loved Sutton and Ezra together. Their friendship creates such a strong foundation for their relationship, making every sweet moment, meaningful conversation, and lingering glance feel authentic. Ezra is patient, supportive, and completely gone for Sutton in the most heart-melting way. Watching them navigate their growing feelings while balancing the team’s no-fraternization policy kept the tension high and the pages flying.
The rugby setting adds a fresh and exciting backdrop, and the camaraderie among the teammates and friends brought so much life and humor to the story. The meddling friends definitely understood the assignment and provided some of my favorite moments.
If you love:
🏉 Ex-fiancé’s brother romance
🏉 Workplace romance
🏉 Friends-to-lovers vibes
🏉 Forbidden relationships
🏉 Sports romance with heart
🏉 Plenty of chemistry and emotional connection
then Center of Attention needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Daisy Wren delivers a heartfelt romance full of second chances, found support systems, and two people learning that sometimes the person meant for you has been right in front of you all along. I couldn’t put it down!
Sutton Brady is finally starting the career she’s worked so hard for as the Athletic Trainer for the Utah Knights. The last thing she expects on day one is to come face-to-face with someone from her past. Enter Ezra Gentry—the brother of her ex-fiancé and now a professional rugby player living out his own dream. What starts as reconnecting with an old friend quickly becomes something much deeper, and the chemistry between these two is impossible to ignore.
I absolutely loved Sutton and Ezra together. Their friendship creates such a strong foundation for their relationship, making every sweet moment, meaningful conversation, and lingering glance feel authentic. Ezra is patient, supportive, and completely gone for Sutton in the most heart-melting way. Watching them navigate their growing feelings while balancing the team’s no-fraternization policy kept the tension high and the pages flying.
The rugby setting adds a fresh and exciting backdrop, and the camaraderie among the teammates and friends brought so much life and humor to the story. The meddling friends definitely understood the assignment and provided some of my favorite moments.
If you love:
🏉 Ex-fiancé’s brother romance
🏉 Workplace romance
🏉 Friends-to-lovers vibes
🏉 Forbidden relationships
🏉 Sports romance with heart
🏉 Plenty of chemistry and emotional connection
then Center of Attention needs to be on your TBR immediately.
Daisy Wren delivers a heartfelt romance full of second chances, found support systems, and two people learning that sometimes the person meant for you has been right in front of you all along. I couldn’t put it down!
June 1, 2026
I am so excited for the Utah Knights Rugby series and book 1 did not disappoint.
Sutton is a heavier set knockout of a woman, who recently broke up with a controlling boyfriend. She’s excited to get started in her new career as the assistant Athletic Trainer for the Utah Kings, and as a natural planner, she has everything planned out for how her first day is going to go. Until….
Ezra is the inside center for the newly formed Major League Rugby team, the Utah Knights, and is also Sutton's ex-fiance’s little brother. He’s also been harboring a secret crush on Sutton since she entered his life when they were kids. It’s been 10 years since Sutton and his brother, Davis, broke up, but Ezra should be keeping his attention on proving the Knights are meant to be in the league.
What starts as a friendship, where they try new things, new foods (all things Sutton’s recent ex would never do) they grow closer and closer. As they start to flirt with being more than friends, they learn about a no fraternization policy, and an ugly ex who wants to ruin Sutton’s happiness.
I really enjoyed this book from the very start. From Sutton hearing “noises” from the shared wall in her apartment, to Ezra being a total pushover for Sutton but baddie in the streets, to Ezra and Sutton pushing each other to be their best selves. Also, for a girl who LOVES some spice, this book was perfect for me. I can’t wait for Daisy to come out with more in this series!
TROPES:
Sport’s romance
Friends to lovers
Plus size representation
SPICY
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fat phobia
Controlling Ex
Thank you to Daisy Wren for letting me read an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I was not compensated to give them!
Sutton is a heavier set knockout of a woman, who recently broke up with a controlling boyfriend. She’s excited to get started in her new career as the assistant Athletic Trainer for the Utah Kings, and as a natural planner, she has everything planned out for how her first day is going to go. Until….
Ezra is the inside center for the newly formed Major League Rugby team, the Utah Knights, and is also Sutton's ex-fiance’s little brother. He’s also been harboring a secret crush on Sutton since she entered his life when they were kids. It’s been 10 years since Sutton and his brother, Davis, broke up, but Ezra should be keeping his attention on proving the Knights are meant to be in the league.
What starts as a friendship, where they try new things, new foods (all things Sutton’s recent ex would never do) they grow closer and closer. As they start to flirt with being more than friends, they learn about a no fraternization policy, and an ugly ex who wants to ruin Sutton’s happiness.
I really enjoyed this book from the very start. From Sutton hearing “noises” from the shared wall in her apartment, to Ezra being a total pushover for Sutton but baddie in the streets, to Ezra and Sutton pushing each other to be their best selves. Also, for a girl who LOVES some spice, this book was perfect for me. I can’t wait for Daisy to come out with more in this series!
TROPES:
Sport’s romance
Friends to lovers
Plus size representation
SPICY
TRIGGER WARNINGS:
Fat phobia
Controlling Ex
Thank you to Daisy Wren for letting me read an ARC of this book! All opinions are my own and I was not compensated to give them!
June 22, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the ARC!
Center of Attention was my first rugby romance and my first book by Daisy Wren, and it definitely won't be my last.
Sutton is starting her dream job as an athletic trainer for the Utah Knights when she comes face-to-face with Ezra—the younger brother of her ex-fiancé and one of the team's rugby players. Add in neighboring apartments, a workplace romance, and years of unresolved feelings, and I was hooked immediately.
Ezra was hands down the highlight of this book. He is the definition of a golden retriever hero—supportive, patient, thoughtful, and completely gone for Sutton. The way he remembered the little things about her and constantly showed up for her had me swooning. Sutton's journey was equally compelling as she worked through family trauma, a controlling ex, and her own confidence struggles. I especially appreciated the positive therapy representation and how her worth was never tied to her size.
This is definitely a slow burn, and while it occasionally felt a little too drawn out for me, the friendship between Sutton and Ezra made the payoff worth it. The team group chats, meddling friends, and Kendall's antics added so much humor and heart to the story. I'm already excited for his book.
If you love sports romance, friends-to-lovers, brother's ex-fiancée, plus-size representation, workplace romance, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, you'll want to add this one to your TBR.
🏉 Sports Romance 🏉 Brother's Ex-Fiancée 🏉 Friends to Lovers 🏉 Workplace Romance 🏉 Plus Size Rep 🏉 Golden Retriever MMC 🏉 Slow Burn 🏉 Found Family
Can't wait to see what's next for the Utah Knights!
Thank you to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the ARC!
Center of Attention was my first rugby romance and my first book by Daisy Wren, and it definitely won't be my last.
Sutton is starting her dream job as an athletic trainer for the Utah Knights when she comes face-to-face with Ezra—the younger brother of her ex-fiancé and one of the team's rugby players. Add in neighboring apartments, a workplace romance, and years of unresolved feelings, and I was hooked immediately.
Ezra was hands down the highlight of this book. He is the definition of a golden retriever hero—supportive, patient, thoughtful, and completely gone for Sutton. The way he remembered the little things about her and constantly showed up for her had me swooning. Sutton's journey was equally compelling as she worked through family trauma, a controlling ex, and her own confidence struggles. I especially appreciated the positive therapy representation and how her worth was never tied to her size.
This is definitely a slow burn, and while it occasionally felt a little too drawn out for me, the friendship between Sutton and Ezra made the payoff worth it. The team group chats, meddling friends, and Kendall's antics added so much humor and heart to the story. I'm already excited for his book.
If you love sports romance, friends-to-lovers, brother's ex-fiancée, plus-size representation, workplace romance, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, you'll want to add this one to your TBR.
🏉 Sports Romance 🏉 Brother's Ex-Fiancée 🏉 Friends to Lovers 🏉 Workplace Romance 🏉 Plus Size Rep 🏉 Golden Retriever MMC 🏉 Slow Burn 🏉 Found Family
Can't wait to see what's next for the Utah Knights!
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
I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I would rate this story 4⭐️
The tropes of this book were too good to passover. Logistically they had everything stacked against them, workplace romance and brother’s ex-fiancé, everything that meant they probably shouldn’t get together, and boy the yearning delivered. The pining from Ezra was delicious, and Sutton, though a little slower to fall, her yearning was also *chefs kiss* 💋 🤌🏻
As a plus size lady myself I resonated with the image struggles Sutton faced. She made me wanna try yoga, I’ve never tried yoga in my life lol I liked her character arc from a people please who was very schedule oriented to someone who tries new things and is willing to push herself outside her comfort zone.
Ezra was a little older than I initially thought but he was a man that was knew what he wanted but was willing to put Sutton’s feelings above his own. He was content with friendship if that was all she was willing to offer and it was refreshing to read about a character who was very grounded. And the way he was Suttons cheerleader, protector, friend, whatever she needed him to be was so sweet.
Special shoutout to the meddling friends and the group chat. It always adds funny opportunities to book.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I was very much hooked in by the tropes. I honestly expected more issues with Davis but on the other hand, so nice to read people able to have a mature adult conversation. At the end of the day it had been 10yrs since their break up and they were both completely different people.
I would rate this story 4⭐️
The tropes of this book were too good to passover. Logistically they had everything stacked against them, workplace romance and brother’s ex-fiancé, everything that meant they probably shouldn’t get together, and boy the yearning delivered. The pining from Ezra was delicious, and Sutton, though a little slower to fall, her yearning was also *chefs kiss* 💋 🤌🏻
As a plus size lady myself I resonated with the image struggles Sutton faced. She made me wanna try yoga, I’ve never tried yoga in my life lol I liked her character arc from a people please who was very schedule oriented to someone who tries new things and is willing to push herself outside her comfort zone.
Ezra was a little older than I initially thought but he was a man that was knew what he wanted but was willing to put Sutton’s feelings above his own. He was content with friendship if that was all she was willing to offer and it was refreshing to read about a character who was very grounded. And the way he was Suttons cheerleader, protector, friend, whatever she needed him to be was so sweet.
Special shoutout to the meddling friends and the group chat. It always adds funny opportunities to book.
Overall I really enjoyed the story and I was very much hooked in by the tropes. I honestly expected more issues with Davis but on the other hand, so nice to read people able to have a mature adult conversation. At the end of the day it had been 10yrs since their break up and they were both completely different people.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
I was pleasantly surprised I enjoyed this book so much. I signed up to receive this book as an ARC when in a slump because I generally love sports romances and anything forbidden…. I didn’t look too much further into it to see that it was his big brother’s ex! This is not a trope I would be ever reached for on my own as I usually hate messy family relationships. Sutton is Ezra’s big brother’s former highschool sweetheart and eventual fiancee! They cross paths about 10 years later when she ends up being the athletic trainer for his rugby team. It’s slowly revealed that Ezra always had a crush on her and relied on her pretty heavily for support as his family didn’t care for his dreams of playing rugby. The same is true for Sutton, she found sanctuary with Ezra’s family as hers is quite cold and disconnected. Sutton is very cautious and regimented and freshly coming off of a breakup with a bad ex-boyfriend. Ezra has been wanting to settle down for a while but isn’t interested in the one night stands his teammates usually participate in. They reunite as friends and things develop from there. The writing was wonderful in this book, and both characters remained true to character. The pacing of their relationship was absolutely perfect for someone as cautious and nervous as Sutton. Ezra loves her so completely in a way she never has been before and definitely deserves. Also love the plus sized representation!!! Can’t wait to read about some of the side characters we met and see what’s in store for them!
Special thanks to Samantha and the smuthood for this ARC! 🩵🩵🩵
Special thanks to Samantha and the smuthood for this ARC! 🩵🩵🩵
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sutton is starting her dream job as the new athletic trainer for the Utah Knights rugby team. On her first day, she doesn't expect to see a familiar face: her ex-fiancé's little brother, Ezra. Sutton always believed Ezra could make a career out of rugby, but his family always pushed him in the direction of a more traditional career. When they reconnect, Ezra's long-held crush on Sutton comes roaring back to life, but she's just coming off a bad break-up and doesn't want to jeopardize either of their jobs. Will love win out in the end?
What a fun take on sports romance with the forbidden love trope! I loved how Ezra fell first and hardest, but Sutton was more reserved. With more trauma in her past, it made sense for her character to require more time and patience to get on board with the romance blooming between them. Both main characters were three-dimensional and had additional depth to them besides the romance, which I appreciated. The rest of the team members were also fun, and I would read more of the series just to see Kendall fall hard for someone after all his antics. There wasn't much to the world-building, but I was ok with that - it wasn't really required for this kind of story. The story progressed at a nice pace; not too long and not too short. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sports romance and likes a soft MMC who isn't afraid of his emotions.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration via The Smuthood. All opinions are my own.
What a fun take on sports romance with the forbidden love trope! I loved how Ezra fell first and hardest, but Sutton was more reserved. With more trauma in her past, it made sense for her character to require more time and patience to get on board with the romance blooming between them. Both main characters were three-dimensional and had additional depth to them besides the romance, which I appreciated. The rest of the team members were also fun, and I would read more of the series just to see Kendall fall hard for someone after all his antics. There wasn't much to the world-building, but I was ok with that - it wasn't really required for this kind of story. The story progressed at a nice pace; not too long and not too short. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys sports romance and likes a soft MMC who isn't afraid of his emotions.
Thank you to the author for providing this book for review consideration via The Smuthood. All opinions are my own.
May 28, 2026
When Sutton Brady starts working with the Utah Knights as their newest Athletic Trainer, she is not expecting to see a familiar face in Ezra Gentry. A decade has long gone by since they last saw each other but there’s nothing like seeing an old friend. As they navigate their evolved friendship and spend more time together things start to get a little complicated especially as there is a no fraternization policy at work. But what happens when their situation escalates as they go from friends to lovers?
Sutton Brady and Ezra Gentry’s story is so good! I couldn’t not be heart-warmed reading about people finding love (again) and people standing up for themselves and others. While this is a sports romance, I found myself enjoying how the focus was really placed on Sutton and Ezra. While the context in which they initially knew each other is very different from their current situation, the focus remains on them and how they navigate that change. Ten years is a long time to grow and experience life; when they meet again, they are not necessarily the same person but remnants of who they were in the past still exist and clearly have an influence on how they are in the present. I really enjoyed how the two of them were able to pick up on that and jump back in/move forward with their friendship and how organically their relationship is depicted. Their story is somehow both cute and a lot deeper than that at the same time.
Thank you so much to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
Sutton Brady and Ezra Gentry’s story is so good! I couldn’t not be heart-warmed reading about people finding love (again) and people standing up for themselves and others. While this is a sports romance, I found myself enjoying how the focus was really placed on Sutton and Ezra. While the context in which they initially knew each other is very different from their current situation, the focus remains on them and how they navigate that change. Ten years is a long time to grow and experience life; when they meet again, they are not necessarily the same person but remnants of who they were in the past still exist and clearly have an influence on how they are in the present. I really enjoyed how the two of them were able to pick up on that and jump back in/move forward with their friendship and how organically their relationship is depicted. Their story is somehow both cute and a lot deeper than that at the same time.
Thank you so much to Daisy Wren and The Smuthood for the gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
May 29, 2026
🏉💚 ...the woman of my dreams, the holder of my heart, the center of all my attention... 💚🏉
"To love someone is to see all their magic and remind them of it when they forget."
Okayyyy, let me tell you why you’re going to fall in love with this book 💙 ✨
🏉 rugby romance
🖋️ tattooed MMC
💋 curvy FMC
💍 brother’s ex-fiancée
📱 hilarious group chats
💞 fake dating
🤍 friends to lovers
🏉📋workplace romance
..…and honestly? That’s still not even half of it 🫣
Ezra and Sutton completely stole my heart 🫶🏻
They’re the kind of characters you can’t help but root for: hardworking, supportive, caring, encouraging, always showing up for each other no matter what 🥹
What I loved most is that even with all the messy people and difficult situations surrounding them, they never stopped fighting for their happiness 🥰 Their relationship felt so genuine, soft, comforting, and full of love 🤍
And the chemistry??? INSANE. The tension, the spice, the banter, the longing… everything was chef’s kiss 😚🫠
And can we talk about their not-dates for a second? 🥹🍣🍟🫖🤸🏻♀️
They were honestly one of my favorite parts of the story 🧡 Every moment they spent together helped them understand each other a little better, and you could feel their connection growing stronger with every interaction 😍 It made the slow burn so rewarding and had me rooting for them even harder ☺️🥹
If you love romances with emotional depth, amazing characters, and tropes done right 🔝 you absolutely need this on your TBR 📚💚
📖 Center of Attention by Daisy Wren (ARC) 📋🏉💙
"To love someone is to see all their magic and remind them of it when they forget."
Okayyyy, let me tell you why you’re going to fall in love with this book 💙 ✨
🏉 rugby romance
🖋️ tattooed MMC
💋 curvy FMC
💍 brother’s ex-fiancée
📱 hilarious group chats
💞 fake dating
🤍 friends to lovers
🏉📋workplace romance
..…and honestly? That’s still not even half of it 🫣
Ezra and Sutton completely stole my heart 🫶🏻
They’re the kind of characters you can’t help but root for: hardworking, supportive, caring, encouraging, always showing up for each other no matter what 🥹
What I loved most is that even with all the messy people and difficult situations surrounding them, they never stopped fighting for their happiness 🥰 Their relationship felt so genuine, soft, comforting, and full of love 🤍
And the chemistry??? INSANE. The tension, the spice, the banter, the longing… everything was chef’s kiss 😚🫠
And can we talk about their not-dates for a second? 🥹🍣🍟🫖🤸🏻♀️
They were honestly one of my favorite parts of the story 🧡 Every moment they spent together helped them understand each other a little better, and you could feel their connection growing stronger with every interaction 😍 It made the slow burn so rewarding and had me rooting for them even harder ☺️🥹
If you love romances with emotional depth, amazing characters, and tropes done right 🔝 you absolutely need this on your TBR 📚💚
📖 Center of Attention by Daisy Wren (ARC) 📋🏉💙
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 26, 2026
This book was soft, emotional, tension-filled, and honestly such an enjoyable slow burn 🥹
I really loved Sutton as an FMC. She was so structured and routine-focused, always trying to stay in control of her life while quietly dealing with anxiety and pressure beneath the surface. She felt incredibly real and relatable.
And Ezra?? He was genuinely such a sweetheart. Protective, patient, emotionally supportive, and so attentive to the little things when it came to Sutton. The small moments between them honestly made this book for me 🫶
Their relationship developed so naturally too. What starts as reconnecting with someone from the past slowly builds into friendship, comfort, tension, and eventually something deeper that literally everyone around them notices before they do 👀
I also loved the found family energy throughout the book. The side characters added so much fun and chaos, especially with everyone basically trying to push Sutton and Ezra together the entire time 😂
The workplace tension, the no fraternization rule, the family complications, and Ezra struggling with the pressures of professional rugby all added enough emotional weight without taking away from the softer moments.
And honestly, getting a rugby romance instead of hockey was such a fun change 👏
If you love slow burn sports romance, workplace romance, ex’s brother romance, found family, emotional healing, and relationships built on comfort and genuine care, definitely add this one to your TBR 🖤
I really loved Sutton as an FMC. She was so structured and routine-focused, always trying to stay in control of her life while quietly dealing with anxiety and pressure beneath the surface. She felt incredibly real and relatable.
And Ezra?? He was genuinely such a sweetheart. Protective, patient, emotionally supportive, and so attentive to the little things when it came to Sutton. The small moments between them honestly made this book for me 🫶
Their relationship developed so naturally too. What starts as reconnecting with someone from the past slowly builds into friendship, comfort, tension, and eventually something deeper that literally everyone around them notices before they do 👀
I also loved the found family energy throughout the book. The side characters added so much fun and chaos, especially with everyone basically trying to push Sutton and Ezra together the entire time 😂
The workplace tension, the no fraternization rule, the family complications, and Ezra struggling with the pressures of professional rugby all added enough emotional weight without taking away from the softer moments.
And honestly, getting a rugby romance instead of hockey was such a fun change 👏
If you love slow burn sports romance, workplace romance, ex’s brother romance, found family, emotional healing, and relationships built on comfort and genuine care, definitely add this one to your TBR 🖤
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