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Try for Love #3
Worth a Try
Aiden and Finn have been friends since they were teenagers. Not even nine thousand miles could separate them for too long.
When the coach for The Bath Centurions selects them as the team’s new co-captains, they must figure out a way to merge their opposing playing styles and form a cohesive leadership or lose their newly appointed roles.
But between playing rugby and hooking up in secret, how will they find the time to work on their differences?
Worth a Try is the third book in the Try for Love series. A collection of British rugby MM interconnected standalones. Expect friends to lovers, found family, lots of banter, and a little bit of rugby.
When the coach for The Bath Centurions selects them as the team’s new co-captains, they must figure out a way to merge their opposing playing styles and form a cohesive leadership or lose their newly appointed roles.
But between playing rugby and hooking up in secret, how will they find the time to work on their differences?
Worth a Try is the third book in the Try for Love series. A collection of British rugby MM interconnected standalones. Expect friends to lovers, found family, lots of banter, and a little bit of rugby.
430 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 21, 2026
About the author
Jemma Croft
10 books340 followersJemma is a regular human author living in Bristol, UK, with her husband, daughters and an anxiety-ridden Brussels Griffon.
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
She writes funny, smutty, very British stories about humans falling in love with non humans.
She loves dick jokes, foods where sugar is the first listed ingredient, and ignoring all her grown up problems.
You can find her on Instagram @jemma_croft
On tiktok (if she can figure it out) @jemma_croft
Or on her newsletter www.jemmacroft.com (cool free stuff)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 86 reviews
May 22, 2026
4.5
This was not at all what I was expecting from Pi and Eggo, but it was so entertaining and I LOVE them together!!
They're both so ladish but in a funny way, and I love the way they showed affection for each other and their friends. I'm still not sure why they had other relationships though, or why they never talked about what was going on, but also they aren't good at talking about feelings so it kinda made sense...
I also really liked how Aiden fit in with Finn's family and that second epilogue was just adorable with Logan and the tree idea!!
I hope there's going to be an enemies to lovers book for Darby and his rival Rex...
This was not at all what I was expecting from Pi and Eggo, but it was so entertaining and I LOVE them together!!
They're both so ladish but in a funny way, and I love the way they showed affection for each other and their friends. I'm still not sure why they had other relationships though, or why they never talked about what was going on, but also they aren't good at talking about feelings so it kinda made sense...
I also really liked how Aiden fit in with Finn's family and that second epilogue was just adorable with Logan and the tree idea!!
I hope there's going to be an enemies to lovers book for Darby and his rival Rex...
May 23, 2026
I was not a fan of the way this book was set up. I got used to being in the present with these two, to all of the sudden be dragged back into the past, which then takes up almost the rest of the book. I didn’t care for that, I would’ve preferred the past to be the beginning, then be in the present. It threw me off and made me disinterested. There also wasn’t enough of what I wanted to see happen in this book.
June 23, 2026
4.5 stars, rounded up to 5 for Goodreads
Gosh these two are loveable idiots. They go through a lot together, going from best friends to lovers with bi awakenings, their relationship starting while they were with other people. Worth a Try was stellar, but comparing it to One Last Try and Try Again Later it just didn't hit as hard. It could be a me problem, but I felt like the lack of communication and one-sided mutual pining lasted longer than I hoped it would.
These boys are SO perfect together and I'm so glad we finally have their story!
Gosh these two are loveable idiots. They go through a lot together, going from best friends to lovers with bi awakenings, their relationship starting while they were with other people. Worth a Try was stellar, but comparing it to One Last Try and Try Again Later it just didn't hit as hard. It could be a me problem, but I felt like the lack of communication and one-sided mutual pining lasted longer than I hoped it would.
These boys are SO perfect together and I'm so glad we finally have their story!
May 22, 2026
4.5 stars
I've been very interested in Aiden (Pi) and Finn's (Eggo) story since they appeared in the first book, I was eager to read their story and Jemma Croft did not disappoint.
These two dumb dumbs made a lot of mistakes, were awful at communicating and so very confused and unsure and yet it's impossible not to root for them, they just kept stumbling into each other and inevitably falling in love. They had each other and yet their pining was epic.
They also cheated on their girlfriends and hurt them (or at least Pi hurt Georgia, while Meghan seemed quite unflappable about the whole ordeal): I found both Finn and Aiden's regrets and sorrows very genuine. Despite all their mistakes, they're not bad guys and they were just so cluelessly in love that their women just let them go and basically begged them to stop being idiots and just confess their feelings.
The physical scenes were hot but also insanely emotional: they were almost always on the verge of crying, overwhelmed by all those big emotions they were too scared to name.
I adored all the moments they spent together with Eggo's kiddo, the adorable Logan: he's such an amazing kid and I loved to see him connecting and creating his own relationship with Pi.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
The story was too long and I struggled a bit with the timeline of the events.
The side characters are all amazing: I particularly appreciated Jody, Logan's mum and how supportive she was of Finn and Aiden.
Next book will probably be rivals to lovers and the hints the author dropped have already had me very invested.
Very recommended (but the story overlaps the other books so better read them in order).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
I've been very interested in Aiden (Pi) and Finn's (Eggo) story since they appeared in the first book, I was eager to read their story and Jemma Croft did not disappoint.
These two dumb dumbs made a lot of mistakes, were awful at communicating and so very confused and unsure and yet it's impossible not to root for them, they just kept stumbling into each other and inevitably falling in love. They had each other and yet their pining was epic.
They also cheated on their girlfriends and hurt them (or at least Pi hurt Georgia, while Meghan seemed quite unflappable about the whole ordeal): I found both Finn and Aiden's regrets and sorrows very genuine. Despite all their mistakes, they're not bad guys and they were just so cluelessly in love that their women just let them go and basically begged them to stop being idiots and just confess their feelings.
The physical scenes were hot but also insanely emotional: they were almost always on the verge of crying, overwhelmed by all those big emotions they were too scared to name.
I adored all the moments they spent together with Eggo's kiddo, the adorable Logan: he's such an amazing kid and I loved to see him connecting and creating his own relationship with Pi.
What prevented me from giving five full stars:
The story was too long and I struggled a bit with the timeline of the events.
The side characters are all amazing: I particularly appreciated Jody, Logan's mum and how supportive she was of Finn and Aiden.
Next book will probably be rivals to lovers and the hints the author dropped have already had me very invested.
Very recommended (but the story overlaps the other books so better read them in order).
I received an ARC of this book from the author and this is my honest review.
June 22, 2026
4.5⭐️
I really enjoyed this story. The timeline switch did throw me for a bit there, but I can see where she was going with it, and I got used to it after a while. The part I wasn’t so keen on was the relationships with the girls. I get that Megan and Eggo had an open relationship that was agreed upon to a degree. But I really felt for poor Georgia. She had absolutely no say in what happened to her, and I felt like writing in her saying it wouldn’t have lasted forever was just to excuse Pi’s behaviour a bit.
Despite all that, you just can’t hate them. They’re perfect together. Funny and loyal to each other. Lack of communication plays a part here, but doesn’t it always? They’re good mates to the rest of the team, and it’s a really happy story; it just happens to go the long way round to reach the ending we all want.
The epilogue was lush too!
I really enjoyed this story. The timeline switch did throw me for a bit there, but I can see where she was going with it, and I got used to it after a while. The part I wasn’t so keen on was the relationships with the girls. I get that Megan and Eggo had an open relationship that was agreed upon to a degree. But I really felt for poor Georgia. She had absolutely no say in what happened to her, and I felt like writing in her saying it wouldn’t have lasted forever was just to excuse Pi’s behaviour a bit.
Despite all that, you just can’t hate them. They’re perfect together. Funny and loyal to each other. Lack of communication plays a part here, but doesn’t it always? They’re good mates to the rest of the team, and it’s a really happy story; it just happens to go the long way round to reach the ending we all want.
The epilogue was lush too!
May 22, 2026
These two were such sweetie pies and neurodivergent AF. Pi was very rigid and fixated on things. Eggo was impulsive and playful. I didn’t love that long term cheating played such a huge role in this book, but it was clearly stated in the content warnings. I still adored both men and the cozy romcom vibes.
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: long term cheating, mention of MCs physically and verbally abusive and neglectful parents, alcohol culture, vomiting, single instance of underage drinking, some internalized “I’m not queer enough”, mention of marijuana use
Spice: 5/5
Triggers: long term cheating, mention of MCs physically and verbally abusive and neglectful parents, alcohol culture, vomiting, single instance of underage drinking, some internalized “I’m not queer enough”, mention of marijuana use
April 30, 2026
4.75⭐️
Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo) are so chaotic, but so freeeeking likeable.
I’d you had told me to read a book about TWO idiots that cheat on their girls friends, I would be like, nah. Not for me. But JEMMA DOES IT AGAIN and somehow these two are the most likeable dolts!! And the way it’s done is so good. The girls are treated with respect and they’re not painted as villains.
Yet again, Jemma Croft’s masterful writing made book three of the series funny, entertaining, and full of so much love. I thought I was going to get through this one without crying, but I shed some happy tears. 🥲
This book has:
-teammates that hookup and have a complicated relationship (and cheat on their girlfriends because they’re fools)
-secret relationship
-super organized x super chaotic (but super compatible)
-hilarious and awesome kid (how does Jemma write kids that don’t annoy me! Idk but bravo)
-ridiculous shenanigans that will make you laugh
-perfect tie-ins with the previous two books
Honestly this series is top-notch. Jemma’s writing is masterful, hilarious, and really gets you just adoring the characters. They’re relatable and fun, and flawed but lovable.
Absolutely don’t miss this book!
Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo) are so chaotic, but so freeeeking likeable.
I’d you had told me to read a book about TWO idiots that cheat on their girls friends, I would be like, nah. Not for me. But JEMMA DOES IT AGAIN and somehow these two are the most likeable dolts!! And the way it’s done is so good. The girls are treated with respect and they’re not painted as villains.
Yet again, Jemma Croft’s masterful writing made book three of the series funny, entertaining, and full of so much love. I thought I was going to get through this one without crying, but I shed some happy tears. 🥲
This book has:
-teammates that hookup and have a complicated relationship (and cheat on their girlfriends because they’re fools)
-secret relationship
-super organized x super chaotic (but super compatible)
-hilarious and awesome kid (how does Jemma write kids that don’t annoy me! Idk but bravo)
-ridiculous shenanigans that will make you laugh
-perfect tie-ins with the previous two books
Honestly this series is top-notch. Jemma’s writing is masterful, hilarious, and really gets you just adoring the characters. They’re relatable and fun, and flawed but lovable.
Absolutely don’t miss this book!
May 9, 2026
Protect these two goofs! At all costs! Yes, I wanted to smack them both and tell them to get their heads our of their asses most of the book but I fell in love with these idiots. Jemma writes idiots in love so well that you can't help but become obsessed and cheer them on. That HEA was a journey but we made it there eventually.
I always expect some emotional damage in a Jemma Croft book, but I didn't expect the most tears to come from a simple sentence: "I said go ask your dad." .... "I did." BAWLING. But have no fear, between the tears and sniffling you'll be laughing your bum off. And probably googling a bunch of things.
The neurodivergent rep was great! Pi was very relatable and I knew I was going to understand him as soon as I read this part from the Prologue "I'm not sure there's much on offer I'll be able to eat. Not that I have allergies or a digestive disorder or anything, I'm just a fussy cunt." I mean, I do have a digestive disorder but I'm also a fussy cunt when it comes to food. And reading Eggo's relationship with his son, who has audhd, was like looking at my own life sometimes. It was so sweet but such a true reflection of how parenting neurodivergent kids can be both amazing and tiring.
I always expect some emotional damage in a Jemma Croft book, but I didn't expect the most tears to come from a simple sentence: "I said go ask your dad." .... "I did." BAWLING. But have no fear, between the tears and sniffling you'll be laughing your bum off. And probably googling a bunch of things.
The neurodivergent rep was great! Pi was very relatable and I knew I was going to understand him as soon as I read this part from the Prologue "I'm not sure there's much on offer I'll be able to eat. Not that I have allergies or a digestive disorder or anything, I'm just a fussy cunt." I mean, I do have a digestive disorder but I'm also a fussy cunt when it comes to food. And reading Eggo's relationship with his son, who has audhd, was like looking at my own life sometimes. It was so sweet but such a true reflection of how parenting neurodivergent kids can be both amazing and tiring.
will-never-read
May 21, 2026The cover is credited to Rainbow D00dles [sic].
"But lots of fellows have asked me who my tailor is."
"Doubtless in order to avoid him, sir."
from Jeeves Takes Charge by P.G. Wodehouse
"But lots of fellows have asked me who my tailor is."
"Doubtless in order to avoid him, sir."
from Jeeves Takes Charge by P.G. Wodehouse
Read
May 3, 2026Pi and Eggo are the dictionary definition of ‘idiots in love’. Friends and teammates that always look for each other in a crowded room, have a secret language (three squeezes? Fucking adorable…), and can’t stay away from each other or stop sleeping with each other even though they both have girlfriends…and yet can’t seem to realise they love each other.
I knew Worth a Try would be great, and be filled with many hilarious moments, it is a Jemma Croft book after all, and it definitely filled that brief, but what I didn’t expect was for me to have to stop myself tearing up so many times. There was something about Pi that just made my heart hurt, and want to protect him against everyone and everything.
I didn’t need to though, Eggo did that perfectly well himself. I mean, they were both idiots still but they were adorable, loveable idiots that you couldn’t help but cheer for.
I loved seeing the other couples from the series as well, especially as the story spans a few years and jumps around the timeline a couple of times, so we get to see events from the previous books from Pi and Eggo’s point of view.
If I’ve picked up on the hints for the MCs of the next book correctly, I’m looking forward to it even more now. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
I knew Worth a Try would be great, and be filled with many hilarious moments, it is a Jemma Croft book after all, and it definitely filled that brief, but what I didn’t expect was for me to have to stop myself tearing up so many times. There was something about Pi that just made my heart hurt, and want to protect him against everyone and everything.
I didn’t need to though, Eggo did that perfectly well himself. I mean, they were both idiots still but they were adorable, loveable idiots that you couldn’t help but cheer for.
I loved seeing the other couples from the series as well, especially as the story spans a few years and jumps around the timeline a couple of times, so we get to see events from the previous books from Pi and Eggo’s point of view.
If I’ve picked up on the hints for the MCs of the next book correctly, I’m looking forward to it even more now. Can’t wait to see where it goes.
May 21, 2026
Thank you @jemma_croft for letting me read this book early by literally screaming into the void PI AND EGGOOOOOOOO - no joke, since I finished the book in the series before this I was begging for Pi and Eggo and I was so excited their book is HERE as of tomorrow so everyone can scream about them with me.
First of all, they’re both so f*cking dumb. I love these two idiots so much. The friggen pards. They’re hilarious together and apart. I love their sneaking around and how people definitely knew. I was crying laughing from their shenanigans and crying because oh my god they were so goddamn SWEET together. They’re also big dumb rugby lads. And they’re just figuring themselves out. Some of the lines in this book hit me so hard.
But for the cuteness aggression!!! Like, Eggo asking Pi to come home with him? Wanting to spend time with his kiddo and Pi? Pi being so nervous and adorable? The rainy day??? Their flashbacks??? Ugh I just want to smoosh them they’re perfect.
Please don’t get me started on Logan because he is a perfect child and I loved him. His dares!!!!! I DARE YOU TO KISS!!!
But yall the way I lost my mind at the epilogue I was crying my eyes out. Poor Jemma. Thankfully I can just lt scream in her DMs about Pi and Eggo (sorry I’m annoying) because they are perfect and this story was magic.
In conclusion, PI AND EGGOOOOOOOO
First of all, they’re both so f*cking dumb. I love these two idiots so much. The friggen pards. They’re hilarious together and apart. I love their sneaking around and how people definitely knew. I was crying laughing from their shenanigans and crying because oh my god they were so goddamn SWEET together. They’re also big dumb rugby lads. And they’re just figuring themselves out. Some of the lines in this book hit me so hard.
But for the cuteness aggression!!! Like, Eggo asking Pi to come home with him? Wanting to spend time with his kiddo and Pi? Pi being so nervous and adorable? The rainy day??? Their flashbacks??? Ugh I just want to smoosh them they’re perfect.
Please don’t get me started on Logan because he is a perfect child and I loved him. His dares!!!!! I DARE YOU TO KISS!!!
But yall the way I lost my mind at the epilogue I was crying my eyes out. Poor Jemma. Thankfully I can just lt scream in her DMs about Pi and Eggo (sorry I’m annoying) because they are perfect and this story was magic.
In conclusion, PI AND EGGOOOOOOOO
May 24, 2026
Perfect.
As someone who enjoys rugby exclusively for the giant people being lifted into the air by their tiny shorts, it is amazing to me that in a new glorious world of MM hockey romances that this little series is my favorite sports romance. Funny, tender, silly, genuine, and just cram jammed full of so much of every kind of love, this series is a celebration and I cannot recommend them enough.
As someone who enjoys rugby exclusively for the giant people being lifted into the air by their tiny shorts, it is amazing to me that in a new glorious world of MM hockey romances that this little series is my favorite sports romance. Funny, tender, silly, genuine, and just cram jammed full of so much of every kind of love, this series is a celebration and I cannot recommend them enough.
May 26, 2026
This rating is based mostly on personal taste and what I enjoy/don’t enjoy in romances, so it might be your perfect romance. There were some really touching parts, but overall it was a no for me.
-The parts that I didn’t enjoy about the first two books were in this as well. Silly side plots (like the captaincy) and different timelines.
-About 100 pages too long. Way too much filler for my taste.
-I didn’t understand the whole cheating aspect. I understand they are both ”idiots” in this relationship, but it wasn’t really explained why Pi thought it would be a good idea to start a relationship with a woman and cheat through the whole thing.
-The weird timeline means that we pretty much got most of the pay-off in the beginning of the book and then had to trudge through 200 boring pages of them making stupid mistakes.
Enjoyment (5) 2.5
Feelings (1) .25
Plot (1) .25
Setting (1) 1
Respectability/writing (1) .5
Characters (1) .5
Total rating: 5
-The parts that I didn’t enjoy about the first two books were in this as well. Silly side plots (like the captaincy) and different timelines.
-About 100 pages too long. Way too much filler for my taste.
-I didn’t understand the whole cheating aspect. I understand they are both ”idiots” in this relationship, but it wasn’t really explained why Pi thought it would be a good idea to start a relationship with a woman and cheat through the whole thing.
-The weird timeline means that we pretty much got most of the pay-off in the beginning of the book and then had to trudge through 200 boring pages of them making stupid mistakes.
Enjoyment (5) 2.5
Feelings (1) .25
Plot (1) .25
Setting (1) 1
Respectability/writing (1) .5
Characters (1) .5
Total rating: 5
June 1, 2026
Read this series for this cover alone. I love a good friends to lovers story, and this one was excellent.
Tropes: friends to lovers, opposites attract, teammates, and the third rail of romance (forgot how to do spoilers in the app)
Tropes: friends to lovers, opposites attract, teammates, and the third rail of romance (forgot how to do spoilers in the app)
June 28, 2026
5 ⭐️ The last chapter made me sob, I love how much Aiden and Finn’s relationship grew in this book!
May 20, 2026
Worth a Try by Jemma Croft was exactly why I love her books so much. Jemma’s humour always lands perfectly for me, and this book definitely didn’t disappoint. Alongside all the laughs, the chemistry between Aiden and Finn was impossible to ignore. Their journey together wasn’t straightforward, it was messy, complicated, and full of emotional moments, but that only made their story feel more real and rewarding. Watching them work through everything and find their way to each other had me completely invested from start to finish. Another fantastic read from Jemma!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pi and Eggo met as teenagers and have travelled very different paths to the Cents team in Bath. From an emotionally neglectful family, Pi is a force of nature on the rugby pitch, but far less confident in his personal life. On the other hand, the carefree Eggo’s family has a unique modern dynamic, but is unconditionally loving and supportive. Their first meeting in Argentina will spark something that takes years for them to act on or acknowledge, without a great deal of trials and tribulations.
This is a book about self exploration (many firsts!), found family, opposites attracting… and in general, bad decisions. I want to punt these idiots into the sea as much as I want to cheer them on.
Jemma Croft has a knack for creating multi-dimensional compelling characters - loveable and warm, but intensely flawed. While I don’t condone their actions, at the end of the day understanding their natures makes you forgive their transgressions; because you see both MCs mentally struggle with what they are doing to their significant others. Unfortunately they are helpless to resist what draws them together, like a moth to a flame - even though they know they’ll be burned.
The elephant in the room here is the central trope of “cheating (to be together)”. If I were to summarise this snare of relationship threads, it would be the textbook definition of “It’s Complicated”. I don’t usually have a preference either way when it comes to cheating (I don’t seek it, I don’t avoid it); however while I was initially on board, over the course of the story it began to sit less and less well with me. Jemma mentions the GFs are not at fault, but personally if the scenario these four were in was posed as a Reddit thread on AITA, my determination would be “ESH” - Everybody Sucks Here. While there’s no single “villain”, I don't think anyone in this situation is above reproach. The main reason for the 4* rating is this later-middle part of the book had me going "...really?" and YMMV.
There is always a distinctive tone in Jemma’s books and, particularly this series, such a strong call back to recent pop-culture/trends which really roots these books firmly in our current contemporary timeline. (I hate that I know EXACTLY the Threads conversation which was mentioned in the book. IYKYK.) She presents such strong evocative imagery, I’m always blown away.
There’s always one element in books that calls out the most strongly to me, and in this case it was the dilemma around labels - both Pi’s challenge to define his and justify his use of them, as well as Eggo’s absolute shirking of them. Their stances pretty much demonstrate their personalities exactly - Pi wants to understand where he fits, whereas Eggo is perfectly happy to not commit to any labels. I have the (dis)pleasure of understanding both sides of this; both wanting to commit and not being ready to commit to labels. I love that both approaches are represented here as valid - if you want to define yourself, you should; but if you don’t, that’s okay too. And if you are struggling to find one, it’s okay to take the time to work it out.
I can’t speak on the autism/AuDHD representation but I thought it perfectly encapsulated the experience of someone undiagnosed who has always noted their differences with others; and who now observes traits of a diagnosed person and goes “hmm, is THAT why I am the way I am?”. Eggo’s son, Logan, was a delight - and from the mouths of babes (especially autistic ones), the truth will out…
I do feel a little catfished by the blurb, unfortunately. “Worth A Try” is told in a similar format to “Try Again Later” (book 2) starting off in the present and then cutting back in time; which means that the timeline of both books overlaps for about 85% of the story. I understand this is a matter of MY expectation, but the blurb originally led me to believe more of the story would proceed from where we left off with Harry and Lando; but we only get back to this point at the 85% mark in WAT. However the parallel timeline did make it funny to read Pi’s thoughts on Harry and Lando’s situationship, because - hello pot, meet kettle.
While this is ostensibly marketed as ‘interconnected standalones’ you would get maximum impact of the shared scenes by reading the previous 2 books. Technically you can start any series from the middle if you can accept there’s information you won’t understand; but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. I think these books are starting to be too interconnected to read alone.
I loved all the Cornish lingo in this book, but I sorely missed the odd “-o” word Australian slang staple. However, given that Perth is one of the more British areas of Australia, Pi moved at a relatively young age to the UK, and that Australians come in all stripes - the amount of Australian slang included was just right.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC prior to the book’s release, and this is my honest opinion.
This is a book about self exploration (many firsts!), found family, opposites attracting… and in general, bad decisions. I want to punt these idiots into the sea as much as I want to cheer them on.
Jemma Croft has a knack for creating multi-dimensional compelling characters - loveable and warm, but intensely flawed. While I don’t condone their actions, at the end of the day understanding their natures makes you forgive their transgressions; because you see both MCs mentally struggle with what they are doing to their significant others. Unfortunately they are helpless to resist what draws them together, like a moth to a flame - even though they know they’ll be burned.
The elephant in the room here is the central trope of “cheating (to be together)”. If I were to summarise this snare of relationship threads, it would be the textbook definition of “It’s Complicated”. I don’t usually have a preference either way when it comes to cheating (I don’t seek it, I don’t avoid it); however while I was initially on board, over the course of the story it began to sit less and less well with me. Jemma mentions the GFs are not at fault, but personally if the scenario these four were in was posed as a Reddit thread on AITA, my determination would be “ESH” - Everybody Sucks Here. While there’s no single “villain”, I don't think anyone in this situation is above reproach. The main reason for the 4* rating is this later-middle part of the book had me going "...really?" and YMMV.
There is always a distinctive tone in Jemma’s books and, particularly this series, such a strong call back to recent pop-culture/trends which really roots these books firmly in our current contemporary timeline. (I hate that I know EXACTLY the Threads conversation which was mentioned in the book. IYKYK.) She presents such strong evocative imagery, I’m always blown away.
There’s always one element in books that calls out the most strongly to me, and in this case it was the dilemma around labels - both Pi’s challenge to define his and justify his use of them, as well as Eggo’s absolute shirking of them. Their stances pretty much demonstrate their personalities exactly - Pi wants to understand where he fits, whereas Eggo is perfectly happy to not commit to any labels. I have the (dis)pleasure of understanding both sides of this; both wanting to commit and not being ready to commit to labels. I love that both approaches are represented here as valid - if you want to define yourself, you should; but if you don’t, that’s okay too. And if you are struggling to find one, it’s okay to take the time to work it out.
I can’t speak on the autism/AuDHD representation but I thought it perfectly encapsulated the experience of someone undiagnosed who has always noted their differences with others; and who now observes traits of a diagnosed person and goes “hmm, is THAT why I am the way I am?”. Eggo’s son, Logan, was a delight - and from the mouths of babes (especially autistic ones), the truth will out…
I do feel a little catfished by the blurb, unfortunately. “Worth A Try” is told in a similar format to “Try Again Later” (book 2) starting off in the present and then cutting back in time; which means that the timeline of both books overlaps for about 85% of the story. I understand this is a matter of MY expectation, but the blurb originally led me to believe more of the story would proceed from where we left off with Harry and Lando; but we only get back to this point at the 85% mark in WAT. However the parallel timeline did make it funny to read Pi’s thoughts on Harry and Lando’s situationship, because - hello pot, meet kettle.
While this is ostensibly marketed as ‘interconnected standalones’ you would get maximum impact of the shared scenes by reading the previous 2 books. Technically you can start any series from the middle if you can accept there’s information you won’t understand; but it doesn’t necessarily mean you should. I think these books are starting to be too interconnected to read alone.
I loved all the Cornish lingo in this book, but I sorely missed the odd “-o” word Australian slang staple. However, given that Perth is one of the more British areas of Australia, Pi moved at a relatively young age to the UK, and that Australians come in all stripes - the amount of Australian slang included was just right.
I’m grateful for the opportunity to read an ARC prior to the book’s release, and this is my honest opinion.
June 26, 2026
Going into Worth a Try blind (having not yet read the earlier entries in Jemma Croft's Try for Love series, something I intend to rectify very soon), I expected a fairly conventional MM sports romance with rugby simply substituted in where hockey or American football usually sits. That would have been perfectly sufficient, I mean... rugby guys. Hello?. What I wasn't expecting was a story that proved to be humorous, surprisingly emotional, and featured two of the most effortlessly likeable, though emotionally clueless, himbos I've encountered in quite some time.
Before the novel even begins, Croft warns readers that a significant plot element involves cheating, not between our two MCs, Pi (Aiden) and Eggo (Finn), but on their respective girlfriends. I'll admit this almost put me off picking the book up. Infidelity is rarely something I enjoy reading in romance, largely because it introduces an undercurrent of hurt that sits awkwardly beneath what is otherwise supposed to be a hopeful, joyful genre.
This is where Croft's dual-timeline structure performs some remarkably heavy lifting. Rather than allowing readers to spend hundreds of pages anxiously waiting for the inevitable fallout, the novel opens after the affair has already been discovered before rewinding to show us how Pi and Eggo arrived there. By front-loading the emotional consequences, Croft largely removes the constant question of "when is this all going to collapse?" and instead allows the reader to focus on the evolution of their situ/relationship. Combined with the fact that their girlfriends seem far from completely oblivious to what their boyfriends were doing with (to) each other, the result is a novel that somehow manages to make a premise I would normally avoid entirely feel surprisingly easy to invest in.
Pi and Eggo themselves are enormously enjoyable protagonists. Their dynamic already possesses the sort of effortless shorthand, and complete lack of dignity, that comes with years of genuine friendship. I felt this made their transition into romance feel less like two people falling in love than two people finally recognising the true shape of something that had existed between them for far longer than either was initially willing to admit.
Croft's humour lands consistently throughout, with British banter and modern pop-culture references giving the dialogue an easy authenticity. As an Australian, I also appreciated that Pi actually sounded Australian. Aussies will be the first to admit that the line between "Australian character" and "Australian caricature" is not only blurry, but one we deliberately blur ourselves whenever we're in the company of foreigners, usually for comedic effect. Pi felt like someone doing exactly that. He sounded unmistakably Australian, but also like someone consciously leaning into that identity for a laugh. Ironically, that made him feel all the more authentic.
I also appreciated how Croft approached the protagonists' sexual relationship. Rather than defaulting to the familiar teacher-and-student dynamic that often accompanies gay or bisexual awakening romances, Pi and Eggo are both effectively learning together. The tentative experimentation, awkward Google searches, and occasional uncertainty felt refreshingly honest. I particularly enjoyed seeing two masculine-coded protagonists almost comically arguing over getting to be the receptive partner during penetrative sex, a playful inversion of the heteronormative assumptions that still too often shape depictions of queer intimacy, both within and beyond the genre.
My only real criticism stems from the fact that I chose to begin with Book Three. While Worth a Try is technically a standalone novel, it is the first interconnected standalone I've encountered where jumping in several books deep I genuinely felt I was missing meaningful context. Relationships and emotional beats clearly carry additional weight for readers familiar with the previous books. Rather than diminishing my enjoyment, though, it mostly left me eager to go back and experience the series in order. If anything, I suspect a future reread will prove an even richer experience.
Worth a Try succeeds because it repeatedly takes elements that, on paper, shouldn't quite work: cheating, mutual cluelessness, chaotic himbos, and somehow shapes them into an immensely warm, funny, and emotionally satisfying friends-to-lovers romance. That's no small achievement.
Before the novel even begins, Croft warns readers that a significant plot element involves cheating, not between our two MCs, Pi (Aiden) and Eggo (Finn), but on their respective girlfriends. I'll admit this almost put me off picking the book up. Infidelity is rarely something I enjoy reading in romance, largely because it introduces an undercurrent of hurt that sits awkwardly beneath what is otherwise supposed to be a hopeful, joyful genre.
This is where Croft's dual-timeline structure performs some remarkably heavy lifting. Rather than allowing readers to spend hundreds of pages anxiously waiting for the inevitable fallout, the novel opens after the affair has already been discovered before rewinding to show us how Pi and Eggo arrived there. By front-loading the emotional consequences, Croft largely removes the constant question of "when is this all going to collapse?" and instead allows the reader to focus on the evolution of their situ/relationship. Combined with the fact that their girlfriends seem far from completely oblivious to what their boyfriends were doing with (to) each other, the result is a novel that somehow manages to make a premise I would normally avoid entirely feel surprisingly easy to invest in.
Pi and Eggo themselves are enormously enjoyable protagonists. Their dynamic already possesses the sort of effortless shorthand, and complete lack of dignity, that comes with years of genuine friendship. I felt this made their transition into romance feel less like two people falling in love than two people finally recognising the true shape of something that had existed between them for far longer than either was initially willing to admit.
Croft's humour lands consistently throughout, with British banter and modern pop-culture references giving the dialogue an easy authenticity. As an Australian, I also appreciated that Pi actually sounded Australian. Aussies will be the first to admit that the line between "Australian character" and "Australian caricature" is not only blurry, but one we deliberately blur ourselves whenever we're in the company of foreigners, usually for comedic effect. Pi felt like someone doing exactly that. He sounded unmistakably Australian, but also like someone consciously leaning into that identity for a laugh. Ironically, that made him feel all the more authentic.
I also appreciated how Croft approached the protagonists' sexual relationship. Rather than defaulting to the familiar teacher-and-student dynamic that often accompanies gay or bisexual awakening romances, Pi and Eggo are both effectively learning together. The tentative experimentation, awkward Google searches, and occasional uncertainty felt refreshingly honest. I particularly enjoyed seeing two masculine-coded protagonists almost comically arguing over getting to be the receptive partner during penetrative sex, a playful inversion of the heteronormative assumptions that still too often shape depictions of queer intimacy, both within and beyond the genre.
My only real criticism stems from the fact that I chose to begin with Book Three. While Worth a Try is technically a standalone novel, it is the first interconnected standalone I've encountered where jumping in several books deep I genuinely felt I was missing meaningful context. Relationships and emotional beats clearly carry additional weight for readers familiar with the previous books. Rather than diminishing my enjoyment, though, it mostly left me eager to go back and experience the series in order. If anything, I suspect a future reread will prove an even richer experience.
Worth a Try succeeds because it repeatedly takes elements that, on paper, shouldn't quite work: cheating, mutual cluelessness, chaotic himbos, and somehow shapes them into an immensely warm, funny, and emotionally satisfying friends-to-lovers romance. That's no small achievement.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Between Books 1 and 2 I knew this one was going to be full of banter, ridiculousness and so much sweetness.
We start off at the very beginning, when Aiden and Finn first meet and unknowingly become attached in a way they cant yet explain. It was great to have these tidbits on information because as the story grows, we see them mentioned and those moments truly had a significant impact on the boys.
" I was told I’d make friends for life here, but I’m only a last- minute gap filler. I’m not even legally old enough to drink. Who’d want to hang out with me?"
Poor Pi didn't know what he had gotten himself into but luckily his thoughts were proven wrong :)
“You should come to Blighty,” Eggo says matter- of- factly. “What’s not to love? Bad food, shit weather, homesickness."
It was interesting seeing the friendship between Pi (Aiden) and Abs (Harry) from Pi's POV all the way from the beginning, through Lan (both times) and into the future. And we finally get to hear about the captaincy from the two that were nominated for co-captains. We start off in he present, then go back to the Halloween party and slowly move back to the present as we learn more and more about their situationship.
“I should probably go.” Those words, uttered immediately after a shag have become almost as much a part of the ritual as the fucking itself. I’ve said them often enough myself to know that they were coming, but . . . urgh, just once I wish they wouldn’t. “Yeah, okay"
Yes there is cheating in this book. Do not read if that is a trigger. Yes Eggs is cheating even though Megan offered an open relationship because he lies to her about it.
The autism rep in this book was different that some of the others ive read. We get to see Eggs POV with his son and how he as a parent supports him, we see Pi's POV with himself but also a with Eggs Son, Logan, as that's what make it click for him.
My favourite relatable line:
"Pi is a very particular eater. For example, he will eat chicken, but only if he’s prepared the meat— or watched me prepare it— and has cut off all the “grotty” bits."
Like Pi, I am particular, I research menus before heading to new restaurants, I make sure to have back ups, and also like Pi, i have a family that isn't always supportive for that and a partner who is the most supportive.
A close second is this line :
"Though bisexual feels wrong too. Phoney. I just . . . don’t feel queer enough for that. Like I don’t qualify for that label. That I don’t meet the right specs"
I'm pretty sure some people say this is internalized biphobia but its not a reoccurring thing. This is typical of bisexuals because we live in a world where society demands binary and consistency so we don't always make sense. Like if you're with one gender for years, then automatically you're not valid as a bisexual and i think its needed in books to keep up awareness within Queer spaces.
“Listen, pard, you don’t need to have shagged every gender to know which ones you like and which ones you don’t. Not boinking a dude doesn’t make you any less queer."
Between the Australian and Cornish sayings and words, the banter and the utter ridiculousness that is Pi and Eggs (and theres a lot), there is also a ton of incredible sweet and tear filled happy moments.
"but he makes my insides feel . . . gooey, soupy, or like they’ve been removed and put back in the wrong order."
"Uh . . . yeah, actually. What’s your favourite dinosaur?” He doesn’t look at me weird, doesn’t laugh, doesn’t even hesitate with his response. “No contest. Pachycephalosaurus, pard."
“Loads of boot space,” he says, opening that too. “Do you have any dogs?” Megan slaps my arm with the back of her hand, and I know she’s immediately thinking of Trekkie too. Trekkie. I can just imagine Pi’s face if I rocked up in a car with an exclusive safe zone for his little buddy.
I could go on and on and on. This began longer than I expected so TLDR: just read the book!!!
We start off at the very beginning, when Aiden and Finn first meet and unknowingly become attached in a way they cant yet explain. It was great to have these tidbits on information because as the story grows, we see them mentioned and those moments truly had a significant impact on the boys.
" I was told I’d make friends for life here, but I’m only a last- minute gap filler. I’m not even legally old enough to drink. Who’d want to hang out with me?"
Poor Pi didn't know what he had gotten himself into but luckily his thoughts were proven wrong :)
“You should come to Blighty,” Eggo says matter- of- factly. “What’s not to love? Bad food, shit weather, homesickness."
It was interesting seeing the friendship between Pi (Aiden) and Abs (Harry) from Pi's POV all the way from the beginning, through Lan (both times) and into the future. And we finally get to hear about the captaincy from the two that were nominated for co-captains. We start off in he present, then go back to the Halloween party and slowly move back to the present as we learn more and more about their situationship.
“I should probably go.” Those words, uttered immediately after a shag have become almost as much a part of the ritual as the fucking itself. I’ve said them often enough myself to know that they were coming, but . . . urgh, just once I wish they wouldn’t. “Yeah, okay"
Yes there is cheating in this book. Do not read if that is a trigger. Yes Eggs is cheating even though Megan offered an open relationship because he lies to her about it.
The autism rep in this book was different that some of the others ive read. We get to see Eggs POV with his son and how he as a parent supports him, we see Pi's POV with himself but also a with Eggs Son, Logan, as that's what make it click for him.
My favourite relatable line:
"Pi is a very particular eater. For example, he will eat chicken, but only if he’s prepared the meat— or watched me prepare it— and has cut off all the “grotty” bits."
Like Pi, I am particular, I research menus before heading to new restaurants, I make sure to have back ups, and also like Pi, i have a family that isn't always supportive for that and a partner who is the most supportive.
A close second is this line :
"Though bisexual feels wrong too. Phoney. I just . . . don’t feel queer enough for that. Like I don’t qualify for that label. That I don’t meet the right specs"
I'm pretty sure some people say this is internalized biphobia but its not a reoccurring thing. This is typical of bisexuals because we live in a world where society demands binary and consistency so we don't always make sense. Like if you're with one gender for years, then automatically you're not valid as a bisexual and i think its needed in books to keep up awareness within Queer spaces.
“Listen, pard, you don’t need to have shagged every gender to know which ones you like and which ones you don’t. Not boinking a dude doesn’t make you any less queer."
Between the Australian and Cornish sayings and words, the banter and the utter ridiculousness that is Pi and Eggs (and theres a lot), there is also a ton of incredible sweet and tear filled happy moments.
"but he makes my insides feel . . . gooey, soupy, or like they’ve been removed and put back in the wrong order."
"Uh . . . yeah, actually. What’s your favourite dinosaur?” He doesn’t look at me weird, doesn’t laugh, doesn’t even hesitate with his response. “No contest. Pachycephalosaurus, pard."
“Loads of boot space,” he says, opening that too. “Do you have any dogs?” Megan slaps my arm with the back of her hand, and I know she’s immediately thinking of Trekkie too. Trekkie. I can just imagine Pi’s face if I rocked up in a car with an exclusive safe zone for his little buddy.
I could go on and on and on. This began longer than I expected so TLDR: just read the book!!!
May 27, 2026
ARC Review
I’ll start with the obvious: there is cheating in this book, so if that’s a hard no for you, consider this your warning before you dive in!
I’ve loved everything Jemma Croft has written, but this one had me side-eyeing hard at first because cheating in books is not a trope I ever gravitate toward. If you’d told me I’d end up obsessed with a story about two men cheating on their girlfriends, I would’ve laughed in your face. And yet… somehow Jemma sprinkled whatever magic she has on this mess and made me eat up every second of it.
Pi and Eggo were an absolute disaster together, which of course meant I loved them instantly. They’re frustrating, messy, hilarious, emotionally constipated, and so obviously obsessed with each other that it almost became embarrassing to watch them deny it. The dynamic between them felt incredibly natural— the lingering looks, the tiny gestures, the way they always seemed tuned into each other. And the “three squeezes”? Yeah, that took me out.
What made the story work so well was that nobody existed just to be “the bad guy.” The girlfriends were written with actual humanity and nuance, which made the situation feel complicated instead of convenient. I definitely wanted to shake Pi and Eggo more than once because of the choices they made, but I also couldn’t stop rooting for them.
Jemma has an unfair level of skill when it comes to writing characters who feel painfully real. No ridiculous plot theatrics, no forced angst — just messy, gradual growth that somehow hits harder than any dramatic twist ever could. I also really loved how naturally the representation was woven into the story. Nothing felt forced or overexplained — we simply get to experience life alongside these characters, which made everything feel more authentic and immersive.
Honestly, Logan was a scene-stealer from start to finish. He added so much humour and heart to the story, and every dare had me completely entertained. I genuinely didn’t expect this book to make me emotional, but one particular exchange completely got me...
Logan: “Hey, Dad, are Mum and Bran coming tonight?”
Pi: “Are you asking me?”
Logan nods.
Pi: “I said to go ask your dad.”
Logan: “I did.”
Pi: “Your . . . I’m . . . You called me Dad?” Okay, fuck, I’m crying now.
Logan backs away from my emotions as though they’re contagious. “Yeah, is that ok?
(I'm not crying, you are!)
This is a beautifully messy story packed with humour, heart, and tension, featuring flawed characters you can’t help but root for. It’s emotional, chaotic, and completely captivating.
Worth a Try is the third book in the Try for Love series. A collection of British rugby MM interconnected standalones. Expect friends to lovers, found family, lots of banter, and a little bit of rugby.
I’ll start with the obvious: there is cheating in this book, so if that’s a hard no for you, consider this your warning before you dive in!
I’ve loved everything Jemma Croft has written, but this one had me side-eyeing hard at first because cheating in books is not a trope I ever gravitate toward. If you’d told me I’d end up obsessed with a story about two men cheating on their girlfriends, I would’ve laughed in your face. And yet… somehow Jemma sprinkled whatever magic she has on this mess and made me eat up every second of it.
Pi and Eggo were an absolute disaster together, which of course meant I loved them instantly. They’re frustrating, messy, hilarious, emotionally constipated, and so obviously obsessed with each other that it almost became embarrassing to watch them deny it. The dynamic between them felt incredibly natural— the lingering looks, the tiny gestures, the way they always seemed tuned into each other. And the “three squeezes”? Yeah, that took me out.
What made the story work so well was that nobody existed just to be “the bad guy.” The girlfriends were written with actual humanity and nuance, which made the situation feel complicated instead of convenient. I definitely wanted to shake Pi and Eggo more than once because of the choices they made, but I also couldn’t stop rooting for them.
Jemma has an unfair level of skill when it comes to writing characters who feel painfully real. No ridiculous plot theatrics, no forced angst — just messy, gradual growth that somehow hits harder than any dramatic twist ever could. I also really loved how naturally the representation was woven into the story. Nothing felt forced or overexplained — we simply get to experience life alongside these characters, which made everything feel more authentic and immersive.
Honestly, Logan was a scene-stealer from start to finish. He added so much humour and heart to the story, and every dare had me completely entertained. I genuinely didn’t expect this book to make me emotional, but one particular exchange completely got me...
Logan: “Hey, Dad, are Mum and Bran coming tonight?”
Pi: “Are you asking me?”
Logan nods.
Pi: “I said to go ask your dad.”
Logan: “I did.”
Pi: “Your . . . I’m . . . You called me Dad?” Okay, fuck, I’m crying now.
Logan backs away from my emotions as though they’re contagious. “Yeah, is that ok?
(I'm not crying, you are!)
This is a beautifully messy story packed with humour, heart, and tension, featuring flawed characters you can’t help but root for. It’s emotional, chaotic, and completely captivating.
Worth a Try is the third book in the Try for Love series. A collection of British rugby MM interconnected standalones. Expect friends to lovers, found family, lots of banter, and a little bit of rugby.
Review of advance copy received from Author
*ARC Review* Thank you for the copy!
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo), two teammates trying to resist their attraction for one another
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door
-Friends to Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Idiots In Love
-Secret Relationship
-Slow Burn
-Cheating To Be With Each Other
-HEA
Likes:
-He calls him Princess!! Adorable!
-Pregame shenanigans
-Sweethearts/Chaotic duo
-Care taking
-Team nicknames
-Gadget's wedding
-Different take on cheating
-Tie-ins from previous books
-First times/trying new things together
-Eggo being a supportive dad
-Friendly banter
-Cornish & Australian Slang
-Epilogue
-Hilarious Cover
Quotes:
-"Being with him was worth losing everything"
-"because right now I'd cut out my organs and gift them to him on a plate if he asked me"
-"I want to hold his hand on the tabletop like everyone else is doing, kiss him, absorb him into my body through osmosis"
-"Hey, princess, can I kiss you?"
-"You didn't, princess. I'm glad you told me. I'm always gonna be here to listen to your trauma dumps. Always"
-"I'm gonna need you to fuck me so hard that my life flashes before my eyes. Fuck me until the heartbeat monitor on my watch registers me as legally dead for a few seconds. Fuck me so fucking hard that I travel back in time, visit myself as a teenager, and warn him about this moment in his future"
-"He could call me a filthy fucking animal and spit on me, and I'm sure that would also get me going"
Jemma continues to knock this series out of the park. I love these sweet, adorable dummies. Eggo is such a great dad, goes with the flow, is effortlessly funny and worships Pi like he's the sun. Pi is an organized overthinker with a heart of gold and delicate palette. I love their chemistry together and how they each pay attention to the little things. These two are pulled together like a drug or like a kid to candy. They need each other so bad, they cheat to be together, but Jemma does such a great job of handling the situation so no one is the villain and it doesn't give off any icky vibes. I recommend this book if you love silly, chaotic friends who slowly fall for each other, while trying to stem their flow of attraction.
Intro:
This book is an MM romance between Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo), two teammates trying to resist their attraction for one another
Tropes/Highlights:
-Dual POV
-MM
-Open Door
-Friends to Lovers
-Opposites Attract
-Idiots In Love
-Secret Relationship
-Slow Burn
-Cheating To Be With Each Other
-HEA
Likes:
-He calls him Princess!! Adorable!
-Pregame shenanigans
-Sweethearts/Chaotic duo
-Care taking
-Team nicknames
-Gadget's wedding
-Different take on cheating
-Tie-ins from previous books
-First times/trying new things together
-Eggo being a supportive dad
-Friendly banter
-Cornish & Australian Slang
-Epilogue
-Hilarious Cover
Quotes:
-"Being with him was worth losing everything"
-"because right now I'd cut out my organs and gift them to him on a plate if he asked me"
-"I want to hold his hand on the tabletop like everyone else is doing, kiss him, absorb him into my body through osmosis"
-"Hey, princess, can I kiss you?"
-"You didn't, princess. I'm glad you told me. I'm always gonna be here to listen to your trauma dumps. Always"
-"I'm gonna need you to fuck me so hard that my life flashes before my eyes. Fuck me until the heartbeat monitor on my watch registers me as legally dead for a few seconds. Fuck me so fucking hard that I travel back in time, visit myself as a teenager, and warn him about this moment in his future"
-"He could call me a filthy fucking animal and spit on me, and I'm sure that would also get me going"
Jemma continues to knock this series out of the park. I love these sweet, adorable dummies. Eggo is such a great dad, goes with the flow, is effortlessly funny and worships Pi like he's the sun. Pi is an organized overthinker with a heart of gold and delicate palette. I love their chemistry together and how they each pay attention to the little things. These two are pulled together like a drug or like a kid to candy. They need each other so bad, they cheat to be together, but Jemma does such a great job of handling the situation so no one is the villain and it doesn't give off any icky vibes. I recommend this book if you love silly, chaotic friends who slowly fall for each other, while trying to stem their flow of attraction.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"I hold him as tightly as I can, as though I might merge our souls together like riffle shuffling a deck of cards."
Aiden and Finn are friends for years, and when they got appointed as co-captains, they needed to work together their differences for the sake of the team. What other people didn't know is that they are secretly hooking up.
No one can write idiots-to-lovers like Jemma Croft. This book was a blast!
I was so so intrigued by Pi and Eggo when the 2nd book ended. Like wdym they are sleeping together? Like what? How? I got all of this questions. Mind you, I save this book for last in my ARC reads because I just know this is gonna either ruin me or make me swoon.
Characters-wise, we both know more about Aiden and Finn with this dual POV so we see them meeting, we know their attraction to one another and we know why they are secretly doing this. We get to see how complex they are as a character and how they worked together. They are both witty and so sweet. It was so adorable, you cannot help but root for them.
Plot-wise, not my favorite ngl. I am always iffy with books that centered around the physical aspect instead of emotional one. And though at times there really was that, the author balanced it in such a way that it made sense. Like we get why. I love their banter so much especially with Eggo's language and Pi's thinking. It felt very genuine that their friendship means everything for them.
I am so glad there's a trigger warning about this particular kind of trope, which is not my favorite but knowing that while going into the book was a relief because I am warned. I cannot be any Megan and Georgia, btw. Such strong women, but I cannot be like them.
Love seeing the characters from the previous book as well, and Abs being a prominent character here was also so fun seeing him in a different POV.
This is literally me:
Can't wait for the next Jemma Croft's work!
Aiden and Finn are friends for years, and when they got appointed as co-captains, they needed to work together their differences for the sake of the team. What other people didn't know is that they are secretly hooking up.
No one can write idiots-to-lovers like Jemma Croft. This book was a blast!
I was so so intrigued by Pi and Eggo when the 2nd book ended. Like wdym they are sleeping together? Like what? How? I got all of this questions. Mind you, I save this book for last in my ARC reads because I just know this is gonna either ruin me or make me swoon.
Characters-wise, we both know more about Aiden and Finn with this dual POV so we see them meeting, we know their attraction to one another and we know why they are secretly doing this. We get to see how complex they are as a character and how they worked together. They are both witty and so sweet. It was so adorable, you cannot help but root for them.
Plot-wise, not my favorite ngl. I am always iffy with books that centered around the physical aspect instead of emotional one. And though at times there really was that, the author balanced it in such a way that it made sense. Like we get why. I love their banter so much especially with Eggo's language and Pi's thinking. It felt very genuine that their friendship means everything for them.
I am so glad there's a trigger warning about this particular kind of trope, which is not my favorite but knowing that while going into the book was a relief because I am warned. I cannot be any Megan and Georgia, btw. Such strong women, but I cannot be like them.
Love seeing the characters from the previous book as well, and Abs being a prominent character here was also so fun seeing him in a different POV.
This is literally me:
“So, what are you doing on Christmas Day?” I wipe my hands on my jeans. He shrugs. “Eating nachos, switching off my phone, watching Heated Rivalry.”
Can't wait for the next Jemma Croft's work!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pi and Eggo’s story is everything I love about Jemma Croft’s writing- swoony, witty, immersive, hugely satisfying. She gives us characters we are completely totally invested in, banter that has us laughing out loud l, nuance that gives us a deeper understanding of people and sweet touching moments that squeeze our hearts. She also always touches on deeply significant topics with a light sensitive hand so that they are completely reflective of many a lived experience.
Finn and Aiden are just brilliant - I love them both equally- completely opposite yet so similar. I absolutely adored Finn’s son Logan - what a firecracker - I loved the dares 🤣! I loved George and Megs! Jody and Finn’s family are absolutely stellar.
They are a little bit idiots in love (I don’t love that term but you know what I mean) clueless and bumbling their way into falling in love. They are massively flawed too cause their bumbling has consequences for others but when you read it you’ll see they own and try to make up for their bad choices. Predictably it doesn’t go to plan but they try again 🤷🏻♀️!
These two cannot keep their hand off each other 🤣 this makes for some hilarious situations - Harry asking them what they were doing “that” without him had me rolling on the floor and Harry is tenacious he will not let it go 🤣🤣! Or TShirtgate 🤣🤣
That is all just made better by these amazing swoony moments - the email, the messages, the food understanding so so many more 🫠🫠🫠🫠
Gadget and Owen and Abs and Lando were awesome to see again
If you’re looking for a wonderful sports romance which is high heat high swoon and high feels with the most amazing found family, the best 6 year old a Trekkie to liven things up and neurodiversity rep done brilliantly please read this. It can be read as a standalone though this is a stellar series so give the others a go too
Finn and Aiden are just brilliant - I love them both equally- completely opposite yet so similar. I absolutely adored Finn’s son Logan - what a firecracker - I loved the dares 🤣! I loved George and Megs! Jody and Finn’s family are absolutely stellar.
They are a little bit idiots in love (I don’t love that term but you know what I mean) clueless and bumbling their way into falling in love. They are massively flawed too cause their bumbling has consequences for others but when you read it you’ll see they own and try to make up for their bad choices. Predictably it doesn’t go to plan but they try again 🤷🏻♀️!
These two cannot keep their hand off each other 🤣 this makes for some hilarious situations - Harry asking them what they were doing “that” without him had me rolling on the floor and Harry is tenacious he will not let it go 🤣🤣! Or TShirtgate 🤣🤣
That is all just made better by these amazing swoony moments - the email, the messages, the food understanding so so many more 🫠🫠🫠🫠
Gadget and Owen and Abs and Lando were awesome to see again
If you’re looking for a wonderful sports romance which is high heat high swoon and high feels with the most amazing found family, the best 6 year old a Trekkie to liven things up and neurodiversity rep done brilliantly please read this. It can be read as a standalone though this is a stellar series so give the others a go too
Review of advance copy
𝚆𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚑 𝙰 𝚃𝚛𝚢
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4.75/5 ⭐️
↓↓
Oh, Pi and Eggo, I love you two bumbling fools!!
If there were pictures in the dictionary, these two would show up right next to idiots in love. These two are so much more than just friends and teammates. They have this connection that can't be denied. I mean these two cheat on their long term girls to be together.
Pi and Eggo kept me on my toes the whole time. Half the time I wanted to smack some sense in to them the other half I was left wondering if they will finally admit their feelings to each and ride off in to the sunset. They did but it took so much time for them to realize their true feelings under their friends with benefits situation they had going on.
I loved both of them but I love Pi just a little bit more. There was something about Pi that made me want to just wrap him in a big hug, never let him go and protect him against anything and everything, even if that meant himself in the process. As always with Jemma's character's the neurodivergent rep was handled so brilliantly!
These two are hot and heavy whenever they are together, like they can't keep their hands off each other. At times my heart hurt equally for the both of them because you could tell that they wanted more but they didn't know how to go about expressing what they needed or wanted from the other. They did at times have those vulnerable moments, they were far and fear in-between but those swoony moments made it even better when they happened.
I have loved this series so much so far and can't wait to see what comes next.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
💚Friends to lovers
💚Idiots in love
💚Dual timeline
💚Double queer awakening
💚Many firsts
💚Bants (duh)
💚Cheating (to be together)
💚Spiciest in the series
💚Single dad
💚Secret relationship
💚Sometimes rugby
𝙰𝚁𝙲 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠
4.75/5 ⭐️
↓↓
Oh, Pi and Eggo, I love you two bumbling fools!!
If there were pictures in the dictionary, these two would show up right next to idiots in love. These two are so much more than just friends and teammates. They have this connection that can't be denied. I mean these two cheat on their long term girls to be together.
Pi and Eggo kept me on my toes the whole time. Half the time I wanted to smack some sense in to them the other half I was left wondering if they will finally admit their feelings to each and ride off in to the sunset. They did but it took so much time for them to realize their true feelings under their friends with benefits situation they had going on.
I loved both of them but I love Pi just a little bit more. There was something about Pi that made me want to just wrap him in a big hug, never let him go and protect him against anything and everything, even if that meant himself in the process. As always with Jemma's character's the neurodivergent rep was handled so brilliantly!
These two are hot and heavy whenever they are together, like they can't keep their hands off each other. At times my heart hurt equally for the both of them because you could tell that they wanted more but they didn't know how to go about expressing what they needed or wanted from the other. They did at times have those vulnerable moments, they were far and fear in-between but those swoony moments made it even better when they happened.
I have loved this series so much so far and can't wait to see what comes next.
𝚆𝙷𝙰𝚃 𝚃𝙾 𝙴𝚇𝙿𝙴𝙲𝚃
💚Friends to lovers
💚Idiots in love
💚Dual timeline
💚Double queer awakening
💚Many firsts
💚Bants (duh)
💚Cheating (to be together)
💚Spiciest in the series
💚Single dad
💚Secret relationship
💚Sometimes rugby
Review of advance copy received from Author
Worth a try by Jemma Croft
I'm so in love with these two idiots it's ridiculous. Completely smitten, honestly. Pi (Aiden) and Eggo (Finn) play on the same professional rugby team. They are selected to be the new co captains. Being very different, they need to figure out a way to work together. They are also friends with benefits. And they both have girlfriends, kind of.
I laughed out loud, I giggled and kicked my feet, teared up and cried a bit, cringed a little, and may have whispered "Jemma no" a few times. (I will never look at an apple the same way again.)
As always, Jemma writes the most amazing characters. These two boys are so perfectly flawed and real. They are also adorable and hilarious. And so very human. We get to follow Pi and Eggo and their relationship over some years, and I love their character arcs. They don't have very dramatic arcs, but that's what I love about these books. They follow the characters in their lives. The characters and their arcs are relatable and feel real. And in that, they are also so incredibly moving. I feel connected to them, and can't help but root for them even when they make the most terrible decisions. Which they do.
The representation is, also as always, amazing because it's just there. We get to experience the characters, and everything that happens, with them. It's an inside perspective rather than seeing them from the outside.
And the smut is smutting. It's smutty and real, adorable and HOT. So hot
This combination of realism, comedy, smut, and romance is unbeatable.
Obviously it's a five star. But can you really put a rating on pure joy? Cause this book and this series is pure literary joy to me.
I'm so in love with these two idiots it's ridiculous. Completely smitten, honestly. Pi (Aiden) and Eggo (Finn) play on the same professional rugby team. They are selected to be the new co captains. Being very different, they need to figure out a way to work together. They are also friends with benefits. And they both have girlfriends, kind of.
I laughed out loud, I giggled and kicked my feet, teared up and cried a bit, cringed a little, and may have whispered "Jemma no" a few times. (I will never look at an apple the same way again.)
As always, Jemma writes the most amazing characters. These two boys are so perfectly flawed and real. They are also adorable and hilarious. And so very human. We get to follow Pi and Eggo and their relationship over some years, and I love their character arcs. They don't have very dramatic arcs, but that's what I love about these books. They follow the characters in their lives. The characters and their arcs are relatable and feel real. And in that, they are also so incredibly moving. I feel connected to them, and can't help but root for them even when they make the most terrible decisions. Which they do.
The representation is, also as always, amazing because it's just there. We get to experience the characters, and everything that happens, with them. It's an inside perspective rather than seeing them from the outside.
And the smut is smutting. It's smutty and real, adorable and HOT. So hot
This combination of realism, comedy, smut, and romance is unbeatable.
Obviously it's a five star. But can you really put a rating on pure joy? Cause this book and this series is pure literary joy to me.
May 22, 2026
This is the third book following those rascals of rugby players as they go about their lives and find love. *dreamy sigh*
NOW, as Eggo would say "We're not here to f*** spiders," lets talk about this book!!!
Actually I want to talk about what I feel is a BLATANT conspiracy against ME as a person by writers of MM romance and making them worthy of my dang tears!!!! Because between the last one I read, and this one it's happened twice in a row and that is too many to call a coincidence!!! Don't make that face at me.
These two guys are...well if you read the last slide you know, they're idiots. But not like dumb. Pi is actually very intelligent. Eggs is smart in his own way, just impulsive. They're idiots in that way when you can't find that thing you're looking for and you ask someone in the same room have you seen X and they point RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. Yeah. That's how they're idiots.
Eggs: Have you seen who I'm supposed to spend my life with?
Anyone else: *shows him Pi*
Eggs: Oh... I guess that was always an option.
(not actual dialogue btw)
And the opposite is also true! Neither one can see past the nose on their faces and are convinced they have to stay in the little niche they've created once it's been set up. It takes two of the most unlikely outsiders to really finally make these chuckle f**ks get it.
So having said that this is NOT a slow burn. NO no no no no. This one is on FIRE like from chapter...TWO. This is the anti-dmv for spice. But it's quality as well. So have no fear.
I loved it. If you couldn't tell yet. Truly. This whole series has been a joy. These two were sweetness personified and anyone who doesn't jump on it is only denying themselves the joy this story will bring them, even with the potential for tears.
NOW, as Eggo would say "We're not here to f*** spiders," lets talk about this book!!!
Actually I want to talk about what I feel is a BLATANT conspiracy against ME as a person by writers of MM romance and making them worthy of my dang tears!!!! Because between the last one I read, and this one it's happened twice in a row and that is too many to call a coincidence!!! Don't make that face at me.
These two guys are...well if you read the last slide you know, they're idiots. But not like dumb. Pi is actually very intelligent. Eggs is smart in his own way, just impulsive. They're idiots in that way when you can't find that thing you're looking for and you ask someone in the same room have you seen X and they point RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU. Yeah. That's how they're idiots.
Eggs: Have you seen who I'm supposed to spend my life with?
Anyone else: *shows him Pi*
Eggs: Oh... I guess that was always an option.
(not actual dialogue btw)
And the opposite is also true! Neither one can see past the nose on their faces and are convinced they have to stay in the little niche they've created once it's been set up. It takes two of the most unlikely outsiders to really finally make these chuckle f**ks get it.
So having said that this is NOT a slow burn. NO no no no no. This one is on FIRE like from chapter...TWO. This is the anti-dmv for spice. But it's quality as well. So have no fear.
I loved it. If you couldn't tell yet. Truly. This whole series has been a joy. These two were sweetness personified and anyone who doesn't jump on it is only denying themselves the joy this story will bring them, even with the potential for tears.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Worth A Try - Jemma Croft
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo) were just perfect in this book. I haven’t read the first two books in this series and now, I need to. After reading The Good Boys Club, I knew this book was going to be a grand time.
I don’t usually read books with the cheating trope but the way that Jemma did it was truly amazing. I like how the girlfriends were awful and they were likeable the more you read on.
The found family was perfect. You get serious moments from ridiculousness to just awestruck emotions. I died laughing when poor Pi walked in on Orlando and Abs. Gosh, poor Pi just couldn’t go through life without hearing that haha!
I have to say one of my favorite moments was when Eggo’s son, Logan, called Pi Dad because that had me in my emotions. And Logan trying to get away because poor kid was so u comfortable. That last chapter was a true whirlwind of emotions. I just loved how Jemma truly wrapped up the book. It was simply perfect and I definitely want more.
I have read my share of idiots in love but this one has to be my absolute favorite because these guys were so cute.
When they finally confessed their feelings, I was like “finally”! The journey was well worth the wait to see these two happy in love with one another, living their best life.
Also, the neurodivergent rep in this amazing book is definitely top notch!
I love a book that keeps me invested the entirety of this book because you just didn’t know what would happen. I also loved their discovery of being intimate. That was so special.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.75/5✨🌟
* SPOILERS *
Aiden (Pi) and Finn (Eggo) were just perfect in this book. I haven’t read the first two books in this series and now, I need to. After reading The Good Boys Club, I knew this book was going to be a grand time.
I don’t usually read books with the cheating trope but the way that Jemma did it was truly amazing. I like how the girlfriends were awful and they were likeable the more you read on.
The found family was perfect. You get serious moments from ridiculousness to just awestruck emotions. I died laughing when poor Pi walked in on Orlando and Abs. Gosh, poor Pi just couldn’t go through life without hearing that haha!
I have to say one of my favorite moments was when Eggo’s son, Logan, called Pi Dad because that had me in my emotions. And Logan trying to get away because poor kid was so u comfortable. That last chapter was a true whirlwind of emotions. I just loved how Jemma truly wrapped up the book. It was simply perfect and I definitely want more.
I have read my share of idiots in love but this one has to be my absolute favorite because these guys were so cute.
When they finally confessed their feelings, I was like “finally”! The journey was well worth the wait to see these two happy in love with one another, living their best life.
Also, the neurodivergent rep in this amazing book is definitely top notch!
I love a book that keeps me invested the entirety of this book because you just didn’t know what would happen. I also loved their discovery of being intimate. That was so special.
I received a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
June 11, 2026
4.5 Stars
This has been such a good series, and I thought Pi and Eggo’s story was a fun addition to it! These two were so funny together. I loved their friendship, and there were lots of laughs as they began their sexual exploration together. They were so eager and into it, but also so honest and easygoing about it all; it was refreshing and amusing.
There was an interesting twist (complication?) in their relationship. I knew going in because the author posted about it before the book was released, but it’s not in the blurb, so I won’t spoil it. I can’t recall reading a book with this specific scenario before (I imagine they exist, I just haven’t read them). Some people may not like this aspect, but I liked it! On one level, it made the situation a little sticky, but it ended up causing less angst than I expected.
I also enjoyed that this ended up being a single dad story too, because those are my favs. I loved Logan and the scenes where he, Pi, and Eggo were all together. These were some of the sweetest bits of the whole book!
I’m not sure if this is the end of the series, but I’ve enjoyed all the stories so far and would be happy to return to this group again!
“This is it. Peak life. Right here. This is . . . literally everything I’ve ever dreamed of.” Eggo laughs like he’s just delivered the punchline for a hilarious joke. “I’m living the fucking dream, mate. I’m joy‑maxxed to the fucking eyeballs right now.”
This has been such a good series, and I thought Pi and Eggo’s story was a fun addition to it! These two were so funny together. I loved their friendship, and there were lots of laughs as they began their sexual exploration together. They were so eager and into it, but also so honest and easygoing about it all; it was refreshing and amusing.
There was an interesting twist (complication?) in their relationship. I knew going in because the author posted about it before the book was released, but it’s not in the blurb, so I won’t spoil it. I can’t recall reading a book with this specific scenario before (I imagine they exist, I just haven’t read them). Some people may not like this aspect, but I liked it! On one level, it made the situation a little sticky, but it ended up causing less angst than I expected.
I also enjoyed that this ended up being a single dad story too, because those are my favs. I loved Logan and the scenes where he, Pi, and Eggo were all together. These were some of the sweetest bits of the whole book!
I’m not sure if this is the end of the series, but I’ve enjoyed all the stories so far and would be happy to return to this group again!
“I realised a while ago that I stopped looking for the next thing to make me happy because . . .” Okay, it’s cringe, but here goes. “Because it was you. Is you. Everything about you makes me happy.”
Review of advance copy received from Author
I went in knowing this was going to be funny, Jemma smashes banter and has these tidbits of pop culture references that just get me chuckling. I wasn't expecting to cry. I mean, I should know by now her characters always have depth, layers and aren't just idiots having a lark. And Eggo and Pi are no exception.
These two young men have lived completely different lives despite both spending most their time on the pitch, in a pub or with each other. One was raised loved, supported and surrounded by family. While the other survived and left it all behind for something better.
There are so many wonderful relationships portrayed in this book and even though they cheat on their partners to be together, you can't help but root for them. I don't want to spoil it, but I thought I wouldn't want to read a book with cheating, but I knew Jemma would use it well. If that makes sense, it is worth a try.
I learned some lovely Cornish and Australian slang that I keep repeating through out the day to my hubbies great delight (no, not really, he is just used to my Birchisms, as he affectionately calls them). Never felt more seen with NRMP, my guy Eggo saw it, said nothing and just knew what would make things better for Pi. I mean if that isn't love I don't know what is.
My favourite quote..."It’s too fucking sweaty inside to hear anything being said."
I could say more but the delight in Jemma's books are peeling back the layers and discovery the complexity of love.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings
Thank you Jemma Croft for this ARC. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
These two young men have lived completely different lives despite both spending most their time on the pitch, in a pub or with each other. One was raised loved, supported and surrounded by family. While the other survived and left it all behind for something better.
There are so many wonderful relationships portrayed in this book and even though they cheat on their partners to be together, you can't help but root for them. I don't want to spoil it, but I thought I wouldn't want to read a book with cheating, but I knew Jemma would use it well. If that makes sense, it is worth a try.
I learned some lovely Cornish and Australian slang that I keep repeating through out the day to my hubbies great delight (no, not really, he is just used to my Birchisms, as he affectionately calls them). Never felt more seen with NRMP, my guy Eggo saw it, said nothing and just knew what would make things better for Pi. I mean if that isn't love I don't know what is.
My favourite quote..."It’s too fucking sweaty inside to hear anything being said."
I could say more but the delight in Jemma's books are peeling back the layers and discovery the complexity of love.
And you know your limits, so read the author's content warnings
Thank you Jemma Croft for this ARC. I received an advanced reader copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5 rounded up. Emotional damage! Wow this book packed some punches! I almost didn’t sign up to arc read this because of the cheating. But I trust Jemma Croft, and I’m glad I went for it!
I did not expect to relate to a young rugby player so hard. Goodness the feelings of longing and always feeling like you’re not quite hitting your target are so spot on in this book. Pi/Aiden is such an anxious, overthinking, worrier.
Eggo/Finn is a chaotic gremlin of joy! He has a solid family, solid belief in himself, and the confidence that things will work. Hopefully!
The girlfriends in this book. Megan, I totally get! Even though I don’t understand why her & Finn couldn’t communicate. Georgia though? What girl? I can understand being amicable. Especially after knowing what she ends up knowing. But I don’t understand why these women were still a bit hung up. Finn was dumb, he and Megan definitely under negotiated their relationship. Aiden was a straight up ass. Not to her directly, but in actions. In real life I would never be able move on with friendship or trust with Aiden. But in a fictional world where I get to be inside his head, totally. I’m in.
I laughed so much while reading this book, I cried more than expected too. I had to stop reading at stare into space to process my own feelings a few times even. Jemma Croft has a way of writing a story that I get swept into. Even my unmedicated adhd didn’t stand a chance. I love the Try for Love series and can’t wait for the next addition!
I did not expect to relate to a young rugby player so hard. Goodness the feelings of longing and always feeling like you’re not quite hitting your target are so spot on in this book. Pi/Aiden is such an anxious, overthinking, worrier.
Eggo/Finn is a chaotic gremlin of joy! He has a solid family, solid belief in himself, and the confidence that things will work. Hopefully!
The girlfriends in this book. Megan, I totally get! Even though I don’t understand why her & Finn couldn’t communicate. Georgia though? What girl? I can understand being amicable. Especially after knowing what she ends up knowing. But I don’t understand why these women were still a bit hung up. Finn was dumb, he and Megan definitely under negotiated their relationship. Aiden was a straight up ass. Not to her directly, but in actions. In real life I would never be able move on with friendship or trust with Aiden. But in a fictional world where I get to be inside his head, totally. I’m in.
I laughed so much while reading this book, I cried more than expected too. I had to stop reading at stare into space to process my own feelings a few times even. Jemma Croft has a way of writing a story that I get swept into. Even my unmedicated adhd didn’t stand a chance. I love the Try for Love series and can’t wait for the next addition!
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