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First and Twenty
TORI
I was raised to be perfect.
Polished. Presentable. Promised away like an asset with a smile.
At twenty-nine, my life looks exactly the way it's supposed wealth, legacy, and a boyfriend my parents approve of. But beneath the silk dresses and polished smiles, I'm suffocating. Every choice has already been made for me, and the future everyone wants feels like a cage I can't breathe inside.
Then one reckless night changes everything.
Cade Whittaker is tattoos, sharp eyes, and the kind of man who looks at me like I'm allowed to want more. I tell myself he's just a detour.
One night. One mistake. One secret I'll bury.
But when my carefully curated life starts closing in, I do the one thing I've never done.
I run.
And Cade gives me what no one ever a place to land, room to breathe, and the freedom to figure out who I am on my own terms. Falling for him was never part of the plan. Neither was finally choosing myself.
CADE
Football has been my whole life.
The wins. The losses. The noise. The expectations.
But lately, even success feels hollow.
Then Tori crashes into my world, polished on the outside and unraveling underneath, and suddenly nothing feels simple anymore. I tell myself I'm just helping her. Just offering a place to stay. Just waiting until she finds her footing.
But the more she laughs, heals, and starts to believe in herself again, the harder it gets to pretend I don't want more.
I want her. Bad.
Still, she's learning how to choose herself, and I won't be another man who makes that choice for her. But when the past comes crashing back, I'll have to decide if I'm brave enough to fight for a future that doesn't come with rules, guarantees, or applause.
First and Twenty is a spicy, emotional slow-burn pro football romance featuring forced proximity, found family, a runaway heiress, a protective hero, and open-door heat.
I was raised to be perfect.
Polished. Presentable. Promised away like an asset with a smile.
At twenty-nine, my life looks exactly the way it's supposed wealth, legacy, and a boyfriend my parents approve of. But beneath the silk dresses and polished smiles, I'm suffocating. Every choice has already been made for me, and the future everyone wants feels like a cage I can't breathe inside.
Then one reckless night changes everything.
Cade Whittaker is tattoos, sharp eyes, and the kind of man who looks at me like I'm allowed to want more. I tell myself he's just a detour.
One night. One mistake. One secret I'll bury.
But when my carefully curated life starts closing in, I do the one thing I've never done.
I run.
And Cade gives me what no one ever a place to land, room to breathe, and the freedom to figure out who I am on my own terms. Falling for him was never part of the plan. Neither was finally choosing myself.
CADE
Football has been my whole life.
The wins. The losses. The noise. The expectations.
But lately, even success feels hollow.
Then Tori crashes into my world, polished on the outside and unraveling underneath, and suddenly nothing feels simple anymore. I tell myself I'm just helping her. Just offering a place to stay. Just waiting until she finds her footing.
But the more she laughs, heals, and starts to believe in herself again, the harder it gets to pretend I don't want more.
I want her. Bad.
Still, she's learning how to choose herself, and I won't be another man who makes that choice for her. But when the past comes crashing back, I'll have to decide if I'm brave enough to fight for a future that doesn't come with rules, guarantees, or applause.
First and Twenty is a spicy, emotional slow-burn pro football romance featuring forced proximity, found family, a runaway heiress, a protective hero, and open-door heat.
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 6, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! Cade and Tori completely stole my heart, and I didn’t want their story to end.
Cade was everything I love in a book boyfriend. He was patient, protective, supportive, and never tried to take away Tori’s choices. I loved that he gave her a safe place to land and the space she needed to figure herself out. Watching him quietly fall harder and harder for her was just the sweetest.
Tori’s journey was one of my favourite parts of the book. Seeing her break away from the life everyone expected her to live and finally choose herself was so satisfying. She grew so much, and I loved every step of it.
The chemistry between these two was amazing, the banter had me smiling, and the found family moments made my heart so happy. There was the perfect mix of spice, emotion, and heart, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.
This was such a feel-good, emotional romance, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you love protective heroes, found family, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, you need to read this one!
Cade was everything I love in a book boyfriend. He was patient, protective, supportive, and never tried to take away Tori’s choices. I loved that he gave her a safe place to land and the space she needed to figure herself out. Watching him quietly fall harder and harder for her was just the sweetest.
Tori’s journey was one of my favourite parts of the book. Seeing her break away from the life everyone expected her to live and finally choose herself was so satisfying. She grew so much, and I loved every step of it.
The chemistry between these two was amazing, the banter had me smiling, and the found family moments made my heart so happy. There was the perfect mix of spice, emotion, and heart, and I was completely invested from beginning to end.
This was such a feel-good, emotional romance, and I honestly couldn’t put it down. If you love protective heroes, found family, forced proximity, and a hero who falls first and falls hard, you need to read this one!
April 12, 2026
CADE WHITTAKER. Oh Em Gee. Step aside Colt, there is a new Top Tier book boyfriend written by Amanda Layne.
Cade is every boy a woman would want to marry, a mama would want to raise, a friend would want to have. Easily my favorite moments in this book were the ones where Cade is evaluating any number of situations with Tori and making an extremely conscious effort to make her feel in control of her life. He is the definition of considerate and supportive. Now, that doesn't mean he doesn't have some of his own inner turmoil here to add to the grit of this story, but the star of the show is how patience and empowering he is with Tori.
Tori is one of the characters you learn about and it makes you feel good you're not in her shoes. Her back story is RAW. I could feel my chest clenching with her as I'm reading about the events in "Victoria's" life. Every little win she experienced, putting up boundaries, standing up for herself, standing on her own...I felt a thrill of victory alongside her.
The slow burn friends-to-lovers romance here is so unbelievably well written. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. And the slow burn pay off here...will get your heart going too. The spice is well earned and delicious. Cade manages to be fiercely protective while also not trampling Tori's independence. He earns her trust so deeply making the foundation of their relationship so strong. Tori learns to stand up for herself and take charge of her life, which is so much hard that expected.
If you enjoy sports romances, grit, emotional growth, friends to lovers, emotional/trauma healing, patient and supporting MMCs, forced proximity... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
Cade is every boy a woman would want to marry, a mama would want to raise, a friend would want to have. Easily my favorite moments in this book were the ones where Cade is evaluating any number of situations with Tori and making an extremely conscious effort to make her feel in control of her life. He is the definition of considerate and supportive. Now, that doesn't mean he doesn't have some of his own inner turmoil here to add to the grit of this story, but the star of the show is how patience and empowering he is with Tori.
Tori is one of the characters you learn about and it makes you feel good you're not in her shoes. Her back story is RAW. I could feel my chest clenching with her as I'm reading about the events in "Victoria's" life. Every little win she experienced, putting up boundaries, standing up for herself, standing on her own...I felt a thrill of victory alongside her.
The slow burn friends-to-lovers romance here is so unbelievably well written. Once I started this book, I couldn't put it down. And the slow burn pay off here...will get your heart going too. The spice is well earned and delicious. Cade manages to be fiercely protective while also not trampling Tori's independence. He earns her trust so deeply making the foundation of their relationship so strong. Tori learns to stand up for herself and take charge of her life, which is so much hard that expected.
If you enjoy sports romances, grit, emotional growth, friends to lovers, emotional/trauma healing, patient and supporting MMCs, forced proximity... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
April 9, 2026
A masterful, heart-melting slow burn. Happy Release Day! 🎉
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when an author completely nails the pacing of a slow-burn romance, and Amanda Layne has absolutely bottled that magic in First and Twenty.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and from the very first chapter, I was invested. This is not just a sports romance; it is a beautifully written journey of a woman finding the courage to break out of a gilded cage, and the man who gives her the safe harbor to do it.
Tori’s character arc is phenomenally done. Watching her transition from a suffocating, people-pleasing heiress into a woman who finally chooses herself is incredibly empowering. And then there is Cade. If you are tired of the toxically alpha, morally gray male leads and just want a man whose biggest flex is his emotional maturity, steadiness, and unwavering respect, then Cade Whittaker is your new top-tier book boyfriend. He does not try to "fix" or control Tori; he just stands beside her and becomes her sanctuary. The tension between them is palpable, and when that slow-burn finally catches fire, the payoff is spectacular.
Layne’s writing is organic, emotional, and so wonderfully grounded. The found family elements add just the perfect layer of warmth and balance with the heavier themes of family pressure and healing. I completely fell in love with these characters and the world they have built.
If you love a fiercely protective hero, a heroine stepping into her own power, and chemistry that will make your heart race, move this to the top of your TBR immediately. I am already counting down the days until Book 2!
(A huge thank you to Amanda for providing me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.)
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when an author completely nails the pacing of a slow-burn romance, and Amanda Layne has absolutely bottled that magic in First and Twenty.
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC, and from the very first chapter, I was invested. This is not just a sports romance; it is a beautifully written journey of a woman finding the courage to break out of a gilded cage, and the man who gives her the safe harbor to do it.
Tori’s character arc is phenomenally done. Watching her transition from a suffocating, people-pleasing heiress into a woman who finally chooses herself is incredibly empowering. And then there is Cade. If you are tired of the toxically alpha, morally gray male leads and just want a man whose biggest flex is his emotional maturity, steadiness, and unwavering respect, then Cade Whittaker is your new top-tier book boyfriend. He does not try to "fix" or control Tori; he just stands beside her and becomes her sanctuary. The tension between them is palpable, and when that slow-burn finally catches fire, the payoff is spectacular.
Layne’s writing is organic, emotional, and so wonderfully grounded. The found family elements add just the perfect layer of warmth and balance with the heavier themes of family pressure and healing. I completely fell in love with these characters and the world they have built.
If you love a fiercely protective hero, a heroine stepping into her own power, and chemistry that will make your heart race, move this to the top of your TBR immediately. I am already counting down the days until Book 2!
(A huge thank you to Amanda for providing me an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.)
April 10, 2026
LOVE THIS NEW SERIES
Oh my gosh I balled throughout most of it! First and Twenty was so well written and relatable to me. I had to put it down a few times to get a grip on my emotions because it hit so close to home. Well done, Amanda!
Oh my gosh I balled throughout most of it! First and Twenty was so well written and relatable to me. I had to put it down a few times to get a grip on my emotions because it hit so close to home. Well done, Amanda!
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August 22, 2026“First and Twenty” is the first book in Amanda’s new series “Southern Plays.” This is a spicy, emotional NFL romance featuring forced proximity, found family, a runaway heiress, a protective hero, and open-door heat. The story includes themes of emotional abuse and controlling family dynamics, stalking/harassment, and references to past intimate partner violence.
“First and Twenty” is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked on this series - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book with beautiful southern charm and manners. It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Cade and Tori. They bring out the best in each other….each other’s strength.
“His lips brushed mine so softly it stole my breath. A question. A plea. My hands fisted in his shirt on instinct, pulling him in before doubt could creep back. The kiss deepened in one seamless rush. No more hesitation. One hand slid to the nape of my neck, fingers threading into my hair, tilting my head so he could take more, taste more. The other wrapped around my waist, hauling me flush against him until I could feel the frantic beat of his heart slamming against mine. I opened for him….”
I loved this book from the first chapter. This is a lovely book feel good emotional romance. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint!
“First and Twenty” is everything you expect from a sports romance with a touch of alpha male thrown in. I’m very happily hooked on this series - I did not want it to end! Once I started reading, I could not put this book down! At times you will laugh, you will cry, get angry and frustrated - most of all, you will love the twists! This book will charm “the pants off you” and leave you going back for more. This is a lovely book with beautiful southern charm and manners. It has fun, laughs, intrigue, twists that you do not expect, and physical attraction. You will fall in love with Cade and Tori. They bring out the best in each other….each other’s strength.
“His lips brushed mine so softly it stole my breath. A question. A plea. My hands fisted in his shirt on instinct, pulling him in before doubt could creep back. The kiss deepened in one seamless rush. No more hesitation. One hand slid to the nape of my neck, fingers threading into my hair, tilting my head so he could take more, taste more. The other wrapped around my waist, hauling me flush against him until I could feel the frantic beat of his heart slamming against mine. I opened for him….”
I loved this book from the first chapter. This is a lovely book feel good emotional romance. From page to page, chapter to chapter, from cover to cover - you will enjoy this beautiful story. This book will not disappoint!
April 25, 2026
Reviewed by Dee Layton on behalf of the Plot Thickens Book Club.
Title: First And Twenty
Author: Amanda Layne
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was hooked on this book just simply by the dedication. "For the girls who stopped asking permission. For ones who were underestimated and kept going anyway. Do something brave."
That right there is what drew me to this book I was absolutely just mind blown it was a very good book. In this book there is Tori and Cade.
Tori's character in the beginning is very much a people pleaser, she never chooses herself, she always worries about everybody else and it's kind of sad because I feel like she's worth so much as an heiress.
Then Cade is emotionally mature, has a wonderful personality, is a top-tier man in every aspect just somebody that you just can't say enough good things about. I love that this is a sports romance but it's also a slow burn masterpiece with a journey of a woman breaking Free. Because in this story together Tori transitions very much from that people pleaser person to taking care of herself and putting herself first and not caring about anyone until she's taken care of. I love how the slow romance builds naturally and is very beautiful. Overall, if you love a book that an MMC and an FMC both love each other fiercely. And an FMC that steps into her power and learns to love herself. As well as both main characters having mind blowing chemistry for each other this book is for you.
Title: First And Twenty
Author: Amanda Layne
Rating:⭐⭐⭐⭐
I was hooked on this book just simply by the dedication. "For the girls who stopped asking permission. For ones who were underestimated and kept going anyway. Do something brave."
That right there is what drew me to this book I was absolutely just mind blown it was a very good book. In this book there is Tori and Cade.
Tori's character in the beginning is very much a people pleaser, she never chooses herself, she always worries about everybody else and it's kind of sad because I feel like she's worth so much as an heiress.
Then Cade is emotionally mature, has a wonderful personality, is a top-tier man in every aspect just somebody that you just can't say enough good things about. I love that this is a sports romance but it's also a slow burn masterpiece with a journey of a woman breaking Free. Because in this story together Tori transitions very much from that people pleaser person to taking care of herself and putting herself first and not caring about anyone until she's taken care of. I love how the slow romance builds naturally and is very beautiful. Overall, if you love a book that an MMC and an FMC both love each other fiercely. And an FMC that steps into her power and learns to love herself. As well as both main characters having mind blowing chemistry for each other this book is for you.
April 12, 2026
Ive read a few of Amanda’s books now and this is hands down, my favourite! I recieved this book as an ARC and am leaving an honest review. Please check triggers if you have any!
Cade and Victoria.
Victoria doesn’t know her self anymore. She’s controlled in every aspect of her life. Down to what she is allowed to wear and who she is to marry. She doesn’t want this life. Stuck in a position where she can’t be herself, with someone she doesn’t love and doesn’t have her best interest at heart. Only what he can gain from her family. She can feel the walls closing in. Her parents own a chain of hotels, she’s supposed to be next in line to take over. That’s the control they use over her.
Cade is a well known football player. He doesn’t tell Victoria what to do or how to do it, he stands by her as she makes her own decisions and watches her transform from a lost, confused and controlled from the minute she could be, to an amazing, powerful woman who can stand on her own two feet and fight her own battles - although we all know he would never let her stand alone. He’s the green flag MMC we all know and love. The found family aspect is such a touching add on also. Blood isn’t everything.
I cannot wait for book 2!
Cade and Victoria.
Victoria doesn’t know her self anymore. She’s controlled in every aspect of her life. Down to what she is allowed to wear and who she is to marry. She doesn’t want this life. Stuck in a position where she can’t be herself, with someone she doesn’t love and doesn’t have her best interest at heart. Only what he can gain from her family. She can feel the walls closing in. Her parents own a chain of hotels, she’s supposed to be next in line to take over. That’s the control they use over her.
Cade is a well known football player. He doesn’t tell Victoria what to do or how to do it, he stands by her as she makes her own decisions and watches her transform from a lost, confused and controlled from the minute she could be, to an amazing, powerful woman who can stand on her own two feet and fight her own battles - although we all know he would never let her stand alone. He’s the green flag MMC we all know and love. The found family aspect is such a touching add on also. Blood isn’t everything.
I cannot wait for book 2!
April 12, 2026
What. A. Ride. This book has wrecked me in the best way. I could not put it down! I love all 4 books in the Southern Roads series, but this one has become my favorite and has stolen my heart. It was impossible to not fall in love with the main characters, and it was the slowest burn between them.
There were twists throughout this book where my jaw dropped while reading. There were times when I needed tissues because I could feel the characters’ emotions so deeply. I was left wondering nothing because Amanda Layne is so good at writing imagery and describing every detail as if I was there myself.
Reading the first 4 books first amplified the emotion for me in First and Twenty - I loved feeling like I knew most of the characters already and this book just kept building upon that. Most of all, I love how relatable all of the Southern books are, and I will be counting the days until the next Amanda Layne book!
There were twists throughout this book where my jaw dropped while reading. There were times when I needed tissues because I could feel the characters’ emotions so deeply. I was left wondering nothing because Amanda Layne is so good at writing imagery and describing every detail as if I was there myself.
Reading the first 4 books first amplified the emotion for me in First and Twenty - I loved feeling like I knew most of the characters already and this book just kept building upon that. Most of all, I love how relatable all of the Southern books are, and I will be counting the days until the next Amanda Layne book!
August 17, 2026
Cade Cade Cade. What a man! I just love him. Walking green flag. He is one of my favorite MMC's I have read in a while.
Tori – I liked her. I don’t understand her since I’ve never been in that situation, but I definitely would have told the parents to F off sooner. Starting over is scary and I wish it didn’t take so long for her to be ready to be with him because he was doing everything right, but the timing ended up working out.
I loved it when they got together, loved his reaction to Grayson later in the book, just walking in and punching him like we all probably wanted to do reading this entire book lol
I want to go back and read the other series to get Willow and Linc’s storyline. Just started reading Second and Long and I'm excited to read Noah’s story and learn more about him!
I received an advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Tori – I liked her. I don’t understand her since I’ve never been in that situation, but I definitely would have told the parents to F off sooner. Starting over is scary and I wish it didn’t take so long for her to be ready to be with him because he was doing everything right, but the timing ended up working out.
I loved it when they got together, loved his reaction to Grayson later in the book, just walking in and punching him like we all probably wanted to do reading this entire book lol
I want to go back and read the other series to get Willow and Linc’s storyline. Just started reading Second and Long and I'm excited to read Noah’s story and learn more about him!
I received an advanced copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 25, 2026
I received an ARC of First and Twenty for my honest review.
I loved both Tori and Cade so much. Watching their character development unfold individually and together was one of my favorite parts of the story. They both come from completely different worlds, but the way they find themselves while also building something meaningful with each other felt really genuine.
Cade is such a green flag MMC protective, thoughtful, and emotionally aware in a way that just makes you fall for him even more. And Tori’s journey of breaking away from a controlled life and rediscovering herself was so satisfying to read.
I also really loved the found family aspect.It added so much warmth to the story and made me even more excited to see where the rest of the series goes. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!
I loved both Tori and Cade so much. Watching their character development unfold individually and together was one of my favorite parts of the story. They both come from completely different worlds, but the way they find themselves while also building something meaningful with each other felt really genuine.
Cade is such a green flag MMC protective, thoughtful, and emotionally aware in a way that just makes you fall for him even more. And Tori’s journey of breaking away from a controlled life and rediscovering herself was so satisfying to read.
I also really loved the found family aspect.It added so much warmth to the story and made me even more excited to see where the rest of the series goes. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book!
April 10, 2026
4.5/5 stars!!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy to review from the author!
This book is one of Beauty and growth and heartache. Tori and Cade have no idea what will become of their lives when they bump into each other at a little shop one weekend.
Tori, the daughter of a wealthy family in the hotel business, is supposed to show up, be quiet, and look pretty. She has tried to be more than that and her family will not have it.
Cade, a professional football player, has always loved the game. Something feels different this season and he can't figure out what it is.
Tori makes the bold and independent choice to run. Cade makes the bold choice to give her a place to run to.
Watching the changes the both of them make for themselves and grow into each other was absolutely amazing!!!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy to review from the author!
This book is one of Beauty and growth and heartache. Tori and Cade have no idea what will become of their lives when they bump into each other at a little shop one weekend.
Tori, the daughter of a wealthy family in the hotel business, is supposed to show up, be quiet, and look pretty. She has tried to be more than that and her family will not have it.
Cade, a professional football player, has always loved the game. Something feels different this season and he can't figure out what it is.
Tori makes the bold and independent choice to run. Cade makes the bold choice to give her a place to run to.
Watching the changes the both of them make for themselves and grow into each other was absolutely amazing!!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved watching (er.... reading...) Victoria transition into Tori. And Cade was the perfect MMC. He stood, not exactly behind Tori, but sort of next too but slightly behind her and she reinvented herself from, basically, nothing. He was strong, calm, present, and patient - basically ALL the things that make a MMC fantastic! Cade's moral compass came across so clearly on the pages that I could almost see him in person. And he never wavered. LOVE THAT!! This is a slow build (in terms of the spice) but the spice does hit a little over halfway through the book. By that point, I was so invested in Tori and Cade! Very well written and I cannot wait to read more by Amanda Layne (can we please have Noah and Micah - especially Micah - ASAP?!?!).
April 11, 2026
First and Twenty is a spicy Football romance which made me fall in love with football. You have forced proximity, protective MMC, slow burn romance.
Cade is a successful professional NFL player struggling after the switch of a team mate who comes across Tori and I love how he is drawn to her and wants to protect her but recognizes that he needs to step back and just support her and let her take the lead, for now.
Tori's transformation from Victoria to Tori is wonderful to watch. Getting to watch her go from who her parents were forcing her to be to who she was truly meant to be was beautiful and watching her do it with Cade was magic. I love the relationship between Tori and Cade, it's perfect.
Cade is a successful professional NFL player struggling after the switch of a team mate who comes across Tori and I love how he is drawn to her and wants to protect her but recognizes that he needs to step back and just support her and let her take the lead, for now.
Tori's transformation from Victoria to Tori is wonderful to watch. Getting to watch her go from who her parents were forcing her to be to who she was truly meant to be was beautiful and watching her do it with Cade was magic. I love the relationship between Tori and Cade, it's perfect.
August 30, 2026
Tori and Cade meet for the first time in a bar, and sparks fly, but there are a few issues. One, Tori has a boyfriend already. Two, Cade lives in different town. Tori is seen as by her family and a piece on the chess board to be moved around as needed. She is expected to smile and marry a man she does not love or even like. The day he is supposed to propose, she runs and gets cut off from her family. Cade comes to the rescue and offers to take her to his house to give her a place to star again.
I loved watching Tori grown into herself and let her choose what she wants is so satisfying to read. Cade is great, being protective, and caring the whole time. Never once pushing her. Loved the chemistry between these two.
I loved watching Tori grown into herself and let her choose what she wants is so satisfying to read. Cade is great, being protective, and caring the whole time. Never once pushing her. Loved the chemistry between these two.
March 22, 2026
ARC REVIEW - I really enjoyed this book! It was the first book I read by Amanda and I’m really looking forward to the rest of the series.
I liked Cade and Tori and watching their characters develop. For me this book had a really great storyline and the right mix of emotions.
I was always looking forward to picking the book back up to see where it would go next.
I enjoyed watching Tori step away from her life and gain her own independence while Cade battled the fine line between wanting to help and support her, and taking over. There was a good balance of plot and a bit of spice! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Amanda. Thank you for the ARC ☺️
I liked Cade and Tori and watching their characters develop. For me this book had a really great storyline and the right mix of emotions.
I was always looking forward to picking the book back up to see where it would go next.
I enjoyed watching Tori step away from her life and gain her own independence while Cade battled the fine line between wanting to help and support her, and taking over. There was a good balance of plot and a bit of spice! I really enjoyed this book and can’t wait to read more by Amanda. Thank you for the ARC ☺️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cade and Tori's relationship is so pure. There was no cheating on either parties part, they both made sure they were in the right spot to start a relationship out of respect for each other. I loved the healthy relationship with toxicity and drama coming from outside rather than between the two.
If you're looking for a teddy bear Main Male Character whose only red flag is being too good to be true and a strong Main Female Character whose only red flag is being too careful and trying to respect someone important to her, this is absolutely a book for you.
I received a free ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
If you're looking for a teddy bear Main Male Character whose only red flag is being too good to be true and a strong Main Female Character whose only red flag is being too careful and trying to respect someone important to her, this is absolutely a book for you.
I received a free ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Victoria’s evolution into Tori is a raw, unforgettable transformation as she casts off a lifetime of constraints to discover who she really is. This journey is made even more impactful by her bond with Cade, the absolute definition of the perfect book boyfriend. He is the ideal blend of strength and sensitivity—offering a steady hand and a protective heart, all while honoring her newfound autonomy, allowing their connection to become a safe haven. This is such a good read and one I recommend for any romance lover.
*Please read trigger and content warnings.*
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.
*Please read trigger and content warnings.*
I am voluntarily leaving this honest review after receiving an advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Cade and Victoria “Tori”
There was an Instant connection…
Tori has a toxic family, and after being sidelined too long and almost rail-roaded into an unwanted marriage, she finally makes her escape.
It was a fateful connection, a cinnamon roll/golden retriever sports star Cade who gave her a place to find herself. I’m not going to say ‘save’, becuase he let her do that herself…
This was a wonderful found family story full of devastating family betrayals, a bit of suspense thanks to a stalke ex, and a sweet (albeit frustrating push-pull) connection between a protective MMC and a guarded/wounded MFC.
I stayed up too late reading this, and zero regrets…
There was an Instant connection…
Tori has a toxic family, and after being sidelined too long and almost rail-roaded into an unwanted marriage, she finally makes her escape.
It was a fateful connection, a cinnamon roll/golden retriever sports star Cade who gave her a place to find herself. I’m not going to say ‘save’, becuase he let her do that herself…
This was a wonderful found family story full of devastating family betrayals, a bit of suspense thanks to a stalke ex, and a sweet (albeit frustrating push-pull) connection between a protective MMC and a guarded/wounded MFC.
I stayed up too late reading this, and zero regrets…
August 3, 2026
Received ARC copy from author
AMAZING! The author wrote this so well! The trope that caught my eye was that it is a slow burn. Books with slow burns make the ultimate book! The two characters basically are doing a tango and you can't help but root for them! The other thing is the FMC's family male you went to jump into the book and just do karate to make them wake up and see just how amazing the FMC is! The MMC just knows what he ultimately wants later on and again, you can't help but cheer.
The author wrote this book so well that I honestly will be reading all her books as I was sucked in from the very first page! I hope you read this book because it just is that good!
AMAZING! The author wrote this so well! The trope that caught my eye was that it is a slow burn. Books with slow burns make the ultimate book! The two characters basically are doing a tango and you can't help but root for them! The other thing is the FMC's family male you went to jump into the book and just do karate to make them wake up and see just how amazing the FMC is! The MMC just knows what he ultimately wants later on and again, you can't help but cheer.
The author wrote this book so well that I honestly will be reading all her books as I was sucked in from the very first page! I hope you read this book because it just is that good!
September 16, 2026
Another touchdown for Amanda Layne
Damn you Amanda! How you could you make me fall for another character?!
The way I binge read this book was like I was flying down the football field. It was a slow burn romance but a super fast paced read.
There were times I wanted to reached right through the book and hurt certain characters, but never Cade. Cade is so patient and kind as he helps Tori get through her trauma! Tori is finding herself and has so much growth through the book. Beautiful with a little bit of spunk
This author honestly gets better and better with each book I read. She is crazy talented! Go read this book (any book) and you won’t be disappointed!!
Damn you Amanda! How you could you make me fall for another character?!
The way I binge read this book was like I was flying down the football field. It was a slow burn romance but a super fast paced read.
There were times I wanted to reached right through the book and hurt certain characters, but never Cade. Cade is so patient and kind as he helps Tori get through her trauma! Tori is finding herself and has so much growth through the book. Beautiful with a little bit of spunk
This author honestly gets better and better with each book I read. She is crazy talented! Go read this book (any book) and you won’t be disappointed!!
April 12, 2026
I fell in love with Amanda’s writing and story telling abilities in the Southern Roads series so I knew I would love this one too. But she absolutely nailed this one. The slow burn brings the perfect amount of tension while you’re also falling in love with Tori and Cade individually. It gives you small town vibes, characters who heal themselves with the steady presence of each other, with a swoon worthy football player MMC who is top notch boyfriend material and gives the runaway heiress a safe place to breathe.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Whew! I DEVOURED this book in one sitting! It was SO well written, it felt like I connected with the characters. I LOVED Tori and Cade’s relationship and how things progressed; how the trauma Tori went through was so real and how Cade just let her become herself through it all. There was no agenda, just letting things come together how they were meant to. It was beautiful and I am SO looking forward to the rest of this series!
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review.
April 10, 2026
Victoria was raised to be the “perfect” polished daughter, right down to her parents choosing her boyfriend. By chance, she meets Cade, a kind stranger she later finds out is a professional football player. When Tori’s world suddenly implodes, Cade is there to offer her a hand, but can she trust this handsome stranger not to take advantage of her when she’s most vulnerable? This is a slow burn sports romance with a cast of characters that you’ll want to see more of!
June 8, 2026
Thanks Amanda for the review copy of this book! I absolutely loved it! It was so hard to put down!!
The slow burn friends-to-lovers romance here is incredibly well written.
If you enjoy sports romances, grit, emotional growth, friends to lovers, emotional/trauma healing, patient and supporting MMCs, forced proximity... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
This book is one of Beauty and growth and heartache. A chance meeting leads to their destiny!
The slow burn friends-to-lovers romance here is incredibly well written.
If you enjoy sports romances, grit, emotional growth, friends to lovers, emotional/trauma healing, patient and supporting MMCs, forced proximity... THIS ONE IS FOR YOU!
This book is one of Beauty and growth and heartache. A chance meeting leads to their destiny!
April 12, 2026
great read
I really enjoyed this book, watching the main character find her strength and love was beautifully written. I could feel both of their emotions as they navigated their relationship and growing together. I loved the way Cade supported her, and respected her the way he was written as he silently gave her the space and love to heal. Great book!
I really enjoyed this book, watching the main character find her strength and love was beautifully written. I could feel both of their emotions as they navigated their relationship and growing together. I loved the way Cade supported her, and respected her the way he was written as he silently gave her the space and love to heal. Great book!
April 14, 2026
First and twenty is a great book. I love the chemistry between the main characters. Also the family that they formed with their friends. I thought it was great how the town accepted Tori from day 1. It pulls at my heart strings how devoted case is to Tori, it's pure love and support. What an amazing book.
April 23, 2026
We love a man who stands behind his girl as she transitions into the lady she wants to be. I have never know a MMC be so strong yet calm and patient. The slow build makes this an amazing read. One I would truly recommend should one want a teddy bear boyfriend. We LOVE cade!
I received a free ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
I received a free ARC copy of this book for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved getting to see Cade and Tori's story. The way Cade made her feel safe enough to break free from the hold her parents had on her. He showed her she was enough just being herself. And the protectiveness that he showed... CHEFS KISS!!!!
March 31, 2026
Watching Tori and Cade grow as individuals and together through the good, the bad and the ugly will put you through all the feels. I couldn’t help but root for them both individually and together. Great story!!
June 14, 2026
This love story gives you a sweet big hug! Great writing and it gives you good feels. This book shows that chivalry isn’t dead. The tension between the two characters grabs you and keeps you guessing how their love story will grow or end.
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