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Houston Hurricanes #2
Love on the Block
One season. One house. Two people trying not to admit they’ve already crossed the line.
Nash
For the first time in five years, I’m back in the States–home to play in the first professional women’s volleyball league the U.S. has seen in decades.
This season isn’t a dream. It’s a verdict.
If the league fails, I retire. No do-overs.
Living with my best friend was part of the plan. We’ve known each other forever. But we don’t talk about the goodbye kiss we shared the night before I left for Rome. And now I’m back, sleeping down the hall from the man I’ve been in love with for years.
But there’s no room for romance when my career is on the line. I can’t afford distractions—no matter how much I want him.
Wyatt
The woman I love is finally moving back home and offering her a room is easy. Pretending I don’t want more is not.
When she needs my help and proposes fake dating, saying yes feels inevitable. Acting isn’t hard when the feelings are real. When they always have been.
My contract is uncertain. My future isn’t guaranteed.
And the one thing I’ve always been sure about is suddenly standing right in front of me.
Nash
For the first time in five years, I’m back in the States–home to play in the first professional women’s volleyball league the U.S. has seen in decades.
This season isn’t a dream. It’s a verdict.
If the league fails, I retire. No do-overs.
Living with my best friend was part of the plan. We’ve known each other forever. But we don’t talk about the goodbye kiss we shared the night before I left for Rome. And now I’m back, sleeping down the hall from the man I’ve been in love with for years.
But there’s no room for romance when my career is on the line. I can’t afford distractions—no matter how much I want him.
Wyatt
The woman I love is finally moving back home and offering her a room is easy. Pretending I don’t want more is not.
When she needs my help and proposes fake dating, saying yes feels inevitable. Acting isn’t hard when the feelings are real. When they always have been.
My contract is uncertain. My future isn’t guaranteed.
And the one thing I’ve always been sure about is suddenly standing right in front of me.
364 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
3 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Emily Rex
2 books21 followersI've always loved writing. In middle school, I wrote a short chapter book about guinea pigs saving the world, and in high school, I used to stay up late at night writing poetry in iambic pentameter. Romance has always been my favorite genre. There's nothing better than a book that makes you feel the emotion in the back of your throat. Now, I bring those stories to life, writing swoon-worthy romances filled with emotion, tension, and unforgettable characters. When I'm not writing you can find me reading voraciously, spending time with my husband, walking our dog, beating a Halo campaign, or diamond painting.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 1, 2026
જ⁀➴ 3.5 stars
Thank you to Emily Rex and Love Notes PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love on the Block is out now!
⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐
On today's episode of "what sports romance is Kim reading this time," I present to you...volleyball romance. This was such a cute and fast story, and although it wasn't without its flaws, I do enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story!
Nashville "Nash" Green is back in Houston after being away in Italy playing volleyball for an international league. Now joining the PVF, Pro Volleyball League, in its inaugural season, she quickly realizes that the all-women's volleyball league isn't getting as much attention in the US as her old team in Italy did on the international scene. Enter Wyatt Vandergriff, her best friend and current NFL defensive lineman for the Houston Hurricanes. They strike a deal: Wyatt helps Nash bring attention to the volleyball league and the sport in general, and she pretends to be his girlfriend because he has a wedding coming up.
First off, I LOVE the cover. It's so pink and pretty, and I know I say this about a LOT of covers, but the cover is literally what drew me to request the book in the first place, so I had to mention it😂 Second off, once again—I feel like I say this about a lot of the sports romances I've been reading recently—I love how this is highlighting a sport that doesn't get a lot of attention. I know this is me coming from recency bias, as I've read a lot more unique sports romances in the last few months, such as golf, snowboarding, and now volleyball. Even more so, it highlights the misogyny around women's sports and the struggles that female athletes face in the public spotlight, ranging from rude comments online to struggling to gain a fanbase of followers and fans who would be more than willing to do that with an NFL or NHL team, but not when it comes to a female team.
I think what makes this story so special is the fact that Nash and Wyatt clearly have history, and it actually shows. This is NOT a second-chance romance for full transparency, but friends-to-lovers, especially between two people who have almost a decade of great history between them, can be hard to portray at times. We didn't get any flashback scenes to their college days, but the amount of callbacks to them showing up to each other's events, the banter, and just how comfortable they are with each other made this a wholesome, feel-good read.
There were two things specifically that brought my rating down:
🏐⚡︎ The pacing: While this was a fast read, I did think the pacing was a bit off at times. For a good portion of the book, we had time jumps of a month at a time that would occur with what felt like once every few chapters. I felt like we would spend one chapter, maybe two or three, in one specific month, and then it would jump to the next month right after that. You're probably thinking, "It couldn't have been THAT bad," but when the chapters are only anywhere between 3-7 pages long at times, I felt like it was moving way too quickly at some points and we didn't get to spend enough time developing Wyatt and Nash's feelings for each other. Then, for the last 1/3 of the book or so, we slow everything down, and then the story takes place over the course of a single weekend.
🏐⚡︎ The miscommunication: As some of you know, I hate a miscommunication trope. I've always hated it, and I will continue to hate it, because why can't two people, as fully grown adults, not openly communicate properly with each other? Nash and Wyatt are approaching their thirties in the story, and they had what I felt were plenty of opportunities at any point to discuss what happened in their past that shook up their friendship. I personally felt it came too late into the story, and even after that, they still weren't the best communicators with each other when it came to their career trajectories.
Also, something worth mentioning if you're an NFL fan reading this story: while the teams that Wyatt played for, the Green Bay Butchers and the Houston Hurricanes, are fictional, if you've been following the NFL for a while (and I mean within the last 3-4 years), you'll find that there are a lot of um...parallels between the Green Bay Butchers, Wyatt's former team and favorite team growing up, to the ACTUAL Green Bay Packers in real life. The way that the Butchers are fan-owned (exactly like the Packers) and the commentary about the Butchers' quarterback oddly resembles a VERY famous Green Bay quarterback that can't be more than just a coincidence. I know everyone has their opinions about the NFL and some of the more...controversial players in the league (I know I definitely have my own regarding the QB that Wyatt's former QB was based on), but it's clear the author inserted her own commentary and opinions about a real-life person into a fictional character. You can take that as you will, and I know there's always that disclaimer that any relation of a fictional character to someone in real life is purely coincidental, but I thought that was an interesting point to bring up and a different perspective on the book that people may not have picked up on.
Overall, this was a cute, fun story that highlighted a sport that's known, but not always talked about. This could be read in one sitting, and if you want a break from the usual sports romances about hockey and F1 and also want to support an indie author, this is the book for you!
⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐
Thank you to Emily Rex and Love Notes PR for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. Love on the Block is out now!
"Every time I thought a version of my love for you was the best it would ever be, we changed, and it got better."
⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐
On today's episode of "what sports romance is Kim reading this time," I present to you...volleyball romance. This was such a cute and fast story, and although it wasn't without its flaws, I do enjoy a good friends-to-lovers story!
Nashville "Nash" Green is back in Houston after being away in Italy playing volleyball for an international league. Now joining the PVF, Pro Volleyball League, in its inaugural season, she quickly realizes that the all-women's volleyball league isn't getting as much attention in the US as her old team in Italy did on the international scene. Enter Wyatt Vandergriff, her best friend and current NFL defensive lineman for the Houston Hurricanes. They strike a deal: Wyatt helps Nash bring attention to the volleyball league and the sport in general, and she pretends to be his girlfriend because he has a wedding coming up.
First off, I LOVE the cover. It's so pink and pretty, and I know I say this about a LOT of covers, but the cover is literally what drew me to request the book in the first place, so I had to mention it😂 Second off, once again—I feel like I say this about a lot of the sports romances I've been reading recently—I love how this is highlighting a sport that doesn't get a lot of attention. I know this is me coming from recency bias, as I've read a lot more unique sports romances in the last few months, such as golf, snowboarding, and now volleyball. Even more so, it highlights the misogyny around women's sports and the struggles that female athletes face in the public spotlight, ranging from rude comments online to struggling to gain a fanbase of followers and fans who would be more than willing to do that with an NFL or NHL team, but not when it comes to a female team.
I think what makes this story so special is the fact that Nash and Wyatt clearly have history, and it actually shows. This is NOT a second-chance romance for full transparency, but friends-to-lovers, especially between two people who have almost a decade of great history between them, can be hard to portray at times. We didn't get any flashback scenes to their college days, but the amount of callbacks to them showing up to each other's events, the banter, and just how comfortable they are with each other made this a wholesome, feel-good read.
There were two things specifically that brought my rating down:
🏐⚡︎ The pacing: While this was a fast read, I did think the pacing was a bit off at times. For a good portion of the book, we had time jumps of a month at a time that would occur with what felt like once every few chapters. I felt like we would spend one chapter, maybe two or three, in one specific month, and then it would jump to the next month right after that. You're probably thinking, "It couldn't have been THAT bad," but when the chapters are only anywhere between 3-7 pages long at times, I felt like it was moving way too quickly at some points and we didn't get to spend enough time developing Wyatt and Nash's feelings for each other. Then, for the last 1/3 of the book or so, we slow everything down, and then the story takes place over the course of a single weekend.
🏐⚡︎ The miscommunication: As some of you know, I hate a miscommunication trope. I've always hated it, and I will continue to hate it, because why can't two people, as fully grown adults, not openly communicate properly with each other? Nash and Wyatt are approaching their thirties in the story, and they had what I felt were plenty of opportunities at any point to discuss what happened in their past that shook up their friendship. I personally felt it came too late into the story, and even after that, they still weren't the best communicators with each other when it came to their career trajectories.
Also, something worth mentioning if you're an NFL fan reading this story: while the teams that Wyatt played for, the Green Bay Butchers and the Houston Hurricanes, are fictional, if you've been following the NFL for a while (and I mean within the last 3-4 years), you'll find that there are a lot of um...parallels between the Green Bay Butchers, Wyatt's former team and favorite team growing up, to the ACTUAL Green Bay Packers in real life. The way that the Butchers are fan-owned (exactly like the Packers) and the commentary about the Butchers' quarterback oddly resembles a VERY famous Green Bay quarterback that can't be more than just a coincidence. I know everyone has their opinions about the NFL and some of the more...controversial players in the league (I know I definitely have my own regarding the QB that Wyatt's former QB was based on), but it's clear the author inserted her own commentary and opinions about a real-life person into a fictional character. You can take that as you will, and I know there's always that disclaimer that any relation of a fictional character to someone in real life is purely coincidental, but I thought that was an interesting point to bring up and a different perspective on the book that people may not have picked up on.
Overall, this was a cute, fun story that highlighted a sport that's known, but not always talked about. This could be read in one sitting, and if you want a break from the usual sports romances about hockey and F1 and also want to support an indie author, this is the book for you!
⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐⚡︎✮♡⋆˚꩜｡🎧🏐
April 24, 2026
I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Nash + Wyatt
Love on the Block starts off with us seeing Nash coming home from being abroad playing volleyball. Let me tell you... the tension and angst between these two is palpable to everyone BUT them. It's quite maddening how they go from friends to lovers to ....? then back to lovers. Near the end of the book I was so frustrated with these MCs I kept plowing away because I figured why not? It was an easy read minus the non-communication between these two until they do FINALLY get to talk. The interruptus multiple times was a bit much. I think had there only been maybe 2 interruptions I wouldn't have been as annoyed.
I did love learning about the sport, volleyball, and our FMC was strong and confident in everything BUT her love for Wyatt until she had a lightbulb moment. To be fair she wasn't given ALL of the information about his intentions. Once they figure it out and talk they are a pair. I loved the aspect of them being a couple because they wanted to work together to build a life.
Nash + Wyatt
Love on the Block starts off with us seeing Nash coming home from being abroad playing volleyball. Let me tell you... the tension and angst between these two is palpable to everyone BUT them. It's quite maddening how they go from friends to lovers to ....? then back to lovers. Near the end of the book I was so frustrated with these MCs I kept plowing away because I figured why not? It was an easy read minus the non-communication between these two until they do FINALLY get to talk. The interruptus multiple times was a bit much. I think had there only been maybe 2 interruptions I wouldn't have been as annoyed.
I did love learning about the sport, volleyball, and our FMC was strong and confident in everything BUT her love for Wyatt until she had a lightbulb moment. To be fair she wasn't given ALL of the information about his intentions. Once they figure it out and talk they are a pair. I loved the aspect of them being a couple because they wanted to work together to build a life.
April 24, 2026
This book has it allllllll! Yearning? Check. Mutual pining? Check check. This is everything I love in a romance and more 🥹💖 I loved watching Nash & Wyatt be silly little idiots in love!
I also thoroughly enjoyed the volleyball romance of it all - I’ve played a lot and it’s always been my favorite sport. My girl Nash is BA, and the found family in her team is also top-tier.
This was so soft and sweet and I was so sad to be done with the book.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Thank you to LoveNotes PR & Emily for an eARC of the book 🫶🏻
I also thoroughly enjoyed the volleyball romance of it all - I’ve played a lot and it’s always been my favorite sport. My girl Nash is BA, and the found family in her team is also top-tier.
This was so soft and sweet and I was so sad to be done with the book.
“Promise?”
“Promise.”
Thank you to LoveNotes PR & Emily for an eARC of the book 🫶🏻
April 30, 2026
It was such a sweet, loving read. I absolutely loved it. I would definitely recommend reading this. She is a new to me. Author and I was very pleased with her writing style and the storyline and everything. It was fun. It was a fun, easy read. I loved it
May 10, 2026
I loved Wyatt and Nash's story. They went through a lot in their friendship and getting to where it got was beautiful. Most friendships like that wouldn't make it. The chemistry was good and it was well written.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love On The Block 🏐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Emily Rex for trusting me with this ARC.🩷
The United States has the first professional women's volleyball team,& Nash has come to play.However,if the league fails,it is over.She will retire.
Wyatt is going to have a girl moving with him.The only problem is that he is terrible at two things.
Not loving her
& pretend that he is not
You cannot possibly understand how much I wanted to get my hands on this story,and when I got it,first I screamed (usual reaction🫠) & then I waited for the PERFECT moment to read it.For me,that was a flight,in which everyone was silent (the airplane gods blessed me on this one🤏🏻 )& I was able to get 2 hours of amazing uninterrupted reading time.The moment I got on that first chapter I sensed a 5 star coming,and oh boy,I wish I could put more.
To get things from the start,we follow a sport that doesn't have that big of a rep in the book community,so for me things were interesting even from that.Rex's writing really helped me understand it,and on a bigger dimension to generally fall in love with the book & Nash and Wyatt's romance.The way she presented everything was really enjoyable and easy to read,plus it was accompanied with a strong fake dating trope that literally can keep you inside the book FOR HOURS.
What I specifically adored about their romance,apart from the wonderful chemistry and the passion and admiration for each other that they had (yes,there is more it is THAT GOOD💞),is that she took a fake dating and wrote about it completely.We had moments for these two,moments for the world,problems that they needed solving through that,outer moments that they were not from the things I just mentioned ,and the passage from fake to real was so smooth,SO SMOOTH.Pretty much as good as it gets,I told you.
Now,Nash will be easily in my TOP 10 fmc of 2026.I loved her fiery spirit,her love for her sport & her character's foundation.Her moments from Italy were really beautiful & her journey into volleyball through the years ,from being a kid to the point she reached the top was really heart warming for me.We saw a lot,how women struggle in sports,not only from the perspective of men's domination is sports,but also that people may not care the same about the sports that women dominate.Did it broke my heart?Yes.Did Nash,put a little bit more awareness in that & did a big change in her universe?YES
Continuing with Wyatt,I will say boyfriend material!He played a huge supportive role in Nash's athletic & general life,while as an individual he was trying to get himself settled for the big NFL!⚽
Still,I was really proud of that boy,not because he played good football,but because he was really pure,to himself and to his girl.
Ending,I will say I had the TIME OF MY LIFE,and I really recommend this one with my whole heart !
Out On Apr,24th🎀
5⭐
Firstly,I want to thank LoveNotes PR & Emily Rex for trusting me with this ARC.🩷
The United States has the first professional women's volleyball team,& Nash has come to play.However,if the league fails,it is over.She will retire.
Wyatt is going to have a girl moving with him.The only problem is that he is terrible at two things.
Not loving her
& pretend that he is not
You cannot possibly understand how much I wanted to get my hands on this story,and when I got it,first I screamed (usual reaction🫠) & then I waited for the PERFECT moment to read it.For me,that was a flight,in which everyone was silent (the airplane gods blessed me on this one🤏🏻 )& I was able to get 2 hours of amazing uninterrupted reading time.The moment I got on that first chapter I sensed a 5 star coming,and oh boy,I wish I could put more.
To get things from the start,we follow a sport that doesn't have that big of a rep in the book community,so for me things were interesting even from that.Rex's writing really helped me understand it,and on a bigger dimension to generally fall in love with the book & Nash and Wyatt's romance.The way she presented everything was really enjoyable and easy to read,plus it was accompanied with a strong fake dating trope that literally can keep you inside the book FOR HOURS.
What I specifically adored about their romance,apart from the wonderful chemistry and the passion and admiration for each other that they had (yes,there is more it is THAT GOOD💞),is that she took a fake dating and wrote about it completely.We had moments for these two,moments for the world,problems that they needed solving through that,outer moments that they were not from the things I just mentioned ,and the passage from fake to real was so smooth,SO SMOOTH.Pretty much as good as it gets,I told you.
Now,Nash will be easily in my TOP 10 fmc of 2026.I loved her fiery spirit,her love for her sport & her character's foundation.Her moments from Italy were really beautiful & her journey into volleyball through the years ,from being a kid to the point she reached the top was really heart warming for me.We saw a lot,how women struggle in sports,not only from the perspective of men's domination is sports,but also that people may not care the same about the sports that women dominate.Did it broke my heart?Yes.Did Nash,put a little bit more awareness in that & did a big change in her universe?YES
Continuing with Wyatt,I will say boyfriend material!He played a huge supportive role in Nash's athletic & general life,while as an individual he was trying to get himself settled for the big NFL!⚽
Still,I was really proud of that boy,not because he played good football,but because he was really pure,to himself and to his girl.
Ending,I will say I had the TIME OF MY LIFE,and I really recommend this one with my whole heart !
Out On Apr,24th🎀
5⭐
Review of advance copy received from Author
Review of Advanced Readers Copy!
First thank you so much to LoveNotes PR & Emily Rex for trusting me with this ARC. finding it through tik tok and getting it into my hands was a first and such a thrilling experience. i ate up the book beginning to end. 🙂↕️💓
Nash is a professional volleyball player returning home from Rome to Texas to play in the first ever women’s volleyball league. but she sees no one takes women’s sports seriously. she’s still confused why he kissed her all those years ago before she left. but she asks for him to be her fake boyfriend so her sport can be seen.
Wyatt is a professional football player for the Texas Hurricanes leaving small town Wisconsin but wanting to return. he is also her best friend of almost a decade who kissed her right before she got on her flight. 5 years later he lets her stay with him and now they’re fake dating to get attention for her sport. he wants to go back to Wisconsin but somethings keeping him in Texas and it’s not football.
His feelings are real. She hasn’t told him anything because she thinks he’s just faking it. Fake is starting to mix with real and other emotions surfacing
First this book was my first volleyball sports romance out of all the sports romances i’ve read. While yes there was mention of football it was more about volleyball. Emily had AMAZING story telling explaining and bringing interest to volleyball. A sport that should be represented more in books.
Starting off with Nash returning to become roommates with Wyatt after being overseas for 5 years. From the beginning the story telling pulled me in Wyatt was a man in love ! They return like nothing happened not talking about the kiss goodbye. It’s a slow burn but with the story telling Emily gives it feels like they’re in it 100% before they even realize. Reading as Wyatt fell in love with Nash even more and actually enjoy being somewhere (Texas) while realizing it’s not anything but Nash he wanted was amazing. From their small intimate moments. Nash seeing Wyatt at her games. Being his date to his brother’s wedding made him realize that. Nash “teaching” him to appreciate Texas things but wanting him to do what’s best for him cause he worries too much about others. The getting to hear about moments from being she left, to small childhood moments, to returning to Wisconsin made everything and their romance seem so natural. Best friends to fake dating to real lovers
Nash was a girl on fire from loving her sport, her teammates, to loving the community she grew up around, to having small moments with Wyatt. She is definitely a new fave FMC that i will constantly think about.
Wyatt was a man in a mission with Nash. From being selfless to stay for her, worrying about everyone before him. Also a new MMC that i will constantly think about.
These two were a pleasure to read about and I truthfully can’t wait for everyone else to read! 💓
First thank you so much to LoveNotes PR & Emily Rex for trusting me with this ARC. finding it through tik tok and getting it into my hands was a first and such a thrilling experience. i ate up the book beginning to end. 🙂↕️💓
Nash is a professional volleyball player returning home from Rome to Texas to play in the first ever women’s volleyball league. but she sees no one takes women’s sports seriously. she’s still confused why he kissed her all those years ago before she left. but she asks for him to be her fake boyfriend so her sport can be seen.
Wyatt is a professional football player for the Texas Hurricanes leaving small town Wisconsin but wanting to return. he is also her best friend of almost a decade who kissed her right before she got on her flight. 5 years later he lets her stay with him and now they’re fake dating to get attention for her sport. he wants to go back to Wisconsin but somethings keeping him in Texas and it’s not football.
His feelings are real. She hasn’t told him anything because she thinks he’s just faking it. Fake is starting to mix with real and other emotions surfacing
First this book was my first volleyball sports romance out of all the sports romances i’ve read. While yes there was mention of football it was more about volleyball. Emily had AMAZING story telling explaining and bringing interest to volleyball. A sport that should be represented more in books.
Starting off with Nash returning to become roommates with Wyatt after being overseas for 5 years. From the beginning the story telling pulled me in Wyatt was a man in love ! They return like nothing happened not talking about the kiss goodbye. It’s a slow burn but with the story telling Emily gives it feels like they’re in it 100% before they even realize. Reading as Wyatt fell in love with Nash even more and actually enjoy being somewhere (Texas) while realizing it’s not anything but Nash he wanted was amazing. From their small intimate moments. Nash seeing Wyatt at her games. Being his date to his brother’s wedding made him realize that. Nash “teaching” him to appreciate Texas things but wanting him to do what’s best for him cause he worries too much about others. The getting to hear about moments from being she left, to small childhood moments, to returning to Wisconsin made everything and their romance seem so natural. Best friends to fake dating to real lovers
Nash was a girl on fire from loving her sport, her teammates, to loving the community she grew up around, to having small moments with Wyatt. She is definitely a new fave FMC that i will constantly think about.
Wyatt was a man in a mission with Nash. From being selfless to stay for her, worrying about everyone before him. Also a new MMC that i will constantly think about.
These two were a pleasure to read about and I truthfully can’t wait for everyone else to read! 💓
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 26, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
You don’t see volleyball much in sports romances, but I am here for it! I have read a couple in the past, so I was excited for another. This is also my first time reading Emily Rex. Love on the Block is book 2 in her Houston Hurricanes series. Not only did volleyball pull me in, but I will always love a best friends to more romance. There is something special added when the MCs know each other inside and out, perfections and flaws, better than anyone else. Maybe it’s the fact that the depth can enter the story quicker? For whatever reason, I love this trope. I also will always read books that challenge the status quo of women in sports and highlight the need for more women in sports.
Nash loves volleyball and after playing in Italy is excited to return to Texas to play on the first ever professional women's team in the USA. This opportunity brings excitement and challenges though. If the league doesn’t take off and fails, she has decided to retire and move on to something else. Coming home also means spending more time with her best friend, which she ends up becoming roommates with. The one drawback, she’s in love with her best friend, but he doesn’t know that.
Wyatt is ecstatic to have Nash returning home and staying with him. He has missed her while she was abroad and is excited for her to help establish volleyball as a professional sport for women. Being a pro football player he understands the importance and work that goes into playing at this level. Before Nash left they shared a kiss that he’s never been able to forget, but he doesn’t want to either. It’s been 5 years and his heart still skips a beat when he sees her again.
These two are the epitome of cute and made for each other. They are both hard working, determined, and excel at their respective sport. Yet they also know how to balance life and work. When holding back their feelings won’t work anymore, it was explosive. Emily knows how to write relationships! She was even able to write their miscommunications in a way that was enduring and not infuriating. I will definitely be reading more of her!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏐Best Friend to Lovers
🩷Fake Dating
🏐Mutual Pining
🩷One Bed
🏐Roommates to More
🩷Women in Sports
🏐Volleyball Romance
You don’t see volleyball much in sports romances, but I am here for it! I have read a couple in the past, so I was excited for another. This is also my first time reading Emily Rex. Love on the Block is book 2 in her Houston Hurricanes series. Not only did volleyball pull me in, but I will always love a best friends to more romance. There is something special added when the MCs know each other inside and out, perfections and flaws, better than anyone else. Maybe it’s the fact that the depth can enter the story quicker? For whatever reason, I love this trope. I also will always read books that challenge the status quo of women in sports and highlight the need for more women in sports.
Nash loves volleyball and after playing in Italy is excited to return to Texas to play on the first ever professional women's team in the USA. This opportunity brings excitement and challenges though. If the league doesn’t take off and fails, she has decided to retire and move on to something else. Coming home also means spending more time with her best friend, which she ends up becoming roommates with. The one drawback, she’s in love with her best friend, but he doesn’t know that.
Wyatt is ecstatic to have Nash returning home and staying with him. He has missed her while she was abroad and is excited for her to help establish volleyball as a professional sport for women. Being a pro football player he understands the importance and work that goes into playing at this level. Before Nash left they shared a kiss that he’s never been able to forget, but he doesn’t want to either. It’s been 5 years and his heart still skips a beat when he sees her again.
These two are the epitome of cute and made for each other. They are both hard working, determined, and excel at their respective sport. Yet they also know how to balance life and work. When holding back their feelings won’t work anymore, it was explosive. Emily knows how to write relationships! She was even able to write their miscommunications in a way that was enduring and not infuriating. I will definitely be reading more of her!
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏐Best Friend to Lovers
🩷Fake Dating
🏐Mutual Pining
🩷One Bed
🏐Roommates to More
🩷Women in Sports
🏐Volleyball Romance
April 28, 2026
Received Advanced Reader Copy of Love on the Block by Emily Rex through LoveNotes PR
(Thank you so much for sending this one over 💕)
~All thoughts are my own and Ai was not used to write this review~
Ladies, I have found myself encapsulated by sports romance.
Am I an athletic person.. no 👎🏼
Do I love spicy romance reads with yearning and forced proximity—— D U H 🤤
Love on the block had it all and in the end made me want to play volleyball! (I tried and um well let’s just stick to this review okay) 🏐
Nash is a professional volleyball player who recently returned to the States after playing abroad. She’s determined to boost fan morale for women's volleyball and decides to pretend date Wyatt (her best friend from college and secret crush), a famous football star, to attract more attention to her sport. Their relationship reveals long held feelings that date back years, but their struggle with communication complicates things.
Wyatt was definitely my favorite character. His charm is irresistible.
““You know what they say? Wear the hat, ride the cowboy.” I wink at her.”
I loved how he genuinely cared for Nash, stepping up as a true friend and putting himself on the line for her and welcoming her into his home. Their sweet moments made my heart flutter.
“He shakes his head with a smile on his face. “Nothing.” I elbow him in the ribs. “You just look so beautiful.” The lights from the slowly spinning stage fly over our faces in their rotation.”
I found it hard to connect with Nash. There was so much miscommunication that could have been resolved with better communication on her part, and her controlling nature made it challenging to empathize with her.
“Our friendship is real.
Our relationship is fake.
My attraction to him is…palpable.”
I did enjoy the insights into volleyball and the injustices in women’s sports, but Nash's character often amplified conflicts, making it hard to feel for her.
Regardless, the story of their love coming together in the end was enjoyable, filled with laughter, moments of anger, and emotional depth.
Overall, this book has everything a sports read enthusiast could want, and I would highly recommend it!
4.5 ⭐️
(Thank you so much for sending this one over 💕)
~All thoughts are my own and Ai was not used to write this review~
Ladies, I have found myself encapsulated by sports romance.
Am I an athletic person.. no 👎🏼
Do I love spicy romance reads with yearning and forced proximity—— D U H 🤤
Love on the block had it all and in the end made me want to play volleyball! (I tried and um well let’s just stick to this review okay) 🏐
Nash is a professional volleyball player who recently returned to the States after playing abroad. She’s determined to boost fan morale for women's volleyball and decides to pretend date Wyatt (her best friend from college and secret crush), a famous football star, to attract more attention to her sport. Their relationship reveals long held feelings that date back years, but their struggle with communication complicates things.
Wyatt was definitely my favorite character. His charm is irresistible.
““You know what they say? Wear the hat, ride the cowboy.” I wink at her.”
I loved how he genuinely cared for Nash, stepping up as a true friend and putting himself on the line for her and welcoming her into his home. Their sweet moments made my heart flutter.
“He shakes his head with a smile on his face. “Nothing.” I elbow him in the ribs. “You just look so beautiful.” The lights from the slowly spinning stage fly over our faces in their rotation.”
I found it hard to connect with Nash. There was so much miscommunication that could have been resolved with better communication on her part, and her controlling nature made it challenging to empathize with her.
“Our friendship is real.
Our relationship is fake.
My attraction to him is…palpable.”
I did enjoy the insights into volleyball and the injustices in women’s sports, but Nash's character often amplified conflicts, making it hard to feel for her.
Regardless, the story of their love coming together in the end was enjoyable, filled with laughter, moments of anger, and emotional depth.
Overall, this book has everything a sports read enthusiast could want, and I would highly recommend it!
4.5 ⭐️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2026
It’s a sad day when you get an ARC and have to DNF it. First DNF of the year too. This book wasn’t for me, but it might be for you! Here’s why this one didn’t score big:
Set in my hometown (Houston, TX - hey y’all!) with the MMC a football player from up north and a hometown volleyball player FMC. Besties who have secretly been in love for years, shared space, “Texan classes”, pretend dating. Should be good, right? Not my normal cup of tea, but I do support local authors and can get behind sports ball as long as I’m not the one running around. I’m going to mention here that the author currently lives in Houston, and has for a bit at least.
It started out promising. I did enjoy around the first 15% of it, but then it started hurting my Texan heart. (Like I said, just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you - especially if you’re not Texas born). The facts about Texas are all the stereotypes you can google, and yet some were still wrong? There’s a whole bit on the rodeo too with stereotypical googleable facts that someone from a different state could have looked up and written without ever visiting Texas.
The one that really grinded my gears is when the FMC tells the MMC “there’s a chant that every Texan is programmed to respond to”. Now, if you’re from Texas you already know what this is referring to. I’m sure there’s people not from here that do as well. But for some reason the FMC turns to the other native Texans, says the name of the song and counts down so that everyone in the surrounding area responds. That just…ugh. I had a hard time sticking around after the but I tried.
A little later we got a semi-spice scene and I was hopeful that it would be enough to keep me going. But it was not. The author tried. But it was too late and not good enough. Halfway through the book and I had to call it as a DNF. I was severely disappointed that a Houstonian would set a book in Houston, use only facts from Google, and leave it drier than the Houston air. If you read it, and finish it, let me know your thoughts!
0/5 stars, 0.5/5 spice (for what I read), not reading again.
Set in my hometown (Houston, TX - hey y’all!) with the MMC a football player from up north and a hometown volleyball player FMC. Besties who have secretly been in love for years, shared space, “Texan classes”, pretend dating. Should be good, right? Not my normal cup of tea, but I do support local authors and can get behind sports ball as long as I’m not the one running around. I’m going to mention here that the author currently lives in Houston, and has for a bit at least.
It started out promising. I did enjoy around the first 15% of it, but then it started hurting my Texan heart. (Like I said, just because this wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for you - especially if you’re not Texas born). The facts about Texas are all the stereotypes you can google, and yet some were still wrong? There’s a whole bit on the rodeo too with stereotypical googleable facts that someone from a different state could have looked up and written without ever visiting Texas.
The one that really grinded my gears is when the FMC tells the MMC “there’s a chant that every Texan is programmed to respond to”. Now, if you’re from Texas you already know what this is referring to. I’m sure there’s people not from here that do as well. But for some reason the FMC turns to the other native Texans, says the name of the song and counts down so that everyone in the surrounding area responds. That just…ugh. I had a hard time sticking around after the but I tried.
A little later we got a semi-spice scene and I was hopeful that it would be enough to keep me going. But it was not. The author tried. But it was too late and not good enough. Halfway through the book and I had to call it as a DNF. I was severely disappointed that a Houstonian would set a book in Houston, use only facts from Google, and leave it drier than the Houston air. If you read it, and finish it, let me know your thoughts!
0/5 stars, 0.5/5 spice (for what I read), not reading again.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 3, 2026
I received this as an ARC for my honest review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good sports romance with some classic tropes, Love on the Block delivers exactly that. Think football meets volleyball, mixed with best friends-to-lovers and a fake dating setup that’s almost guaranteed to pull you in.
The story kicks off with a kiss before Nash leaves for Rome to chase her dreams, setting the emotional groundwork early. When she returns to Texas years later, she reconnects with her professional football player best friend while trying to build a woman’s volleyball team. Empty stands call for a bold plan—fake dating to draw attention to women’s volleyball—and honestly, it’s such a fun premise.
As expected, the “fake” relationship doesn’t stay fake for long. Watching them dance around their feelings, deny what’s clearly there, and slowly unravel emotionally is where this book shines. The chemistry is soft rather than intense, making it a great pick if you prefer a low-spice romance that leans more on connection and history.
That said, the story plays it a bit safe. While the relationship development is sweet, I found myself wanting more tension, bigger moments, or higher-stakes drama as their feelings grew. It’s very much a “go with the flow” romance rather than one packed with standout plot twists.
Overall, this is an easy, cozy read—perfect if you love:
• Best friends who were always meant to be more
• Fake dating that turns real
• Sports romance without heavy angst
• A supportive, low-drama love story
Final thoughts: Not groundbreaking, but undeniably enjoyable. If you’re looking for something comforting and tropey in the best way, Love on the Block is worth picking up.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3.75 stars)
If you’re in the mood for a light, feel-good sports romance with some classic tropes, Love on the Block delivers exactly that. Think football meets volleyball, mixed with best friends-to-lovers and a fake dating setup that’s almost guaranteed to pull you in.
The story kicks off with a kiss before Nash leaves for Rome to chase her dreams, setting the emotional groundwork early. When she returns to Texas years later, she reconnects with her professional football player best friend while trying to build a woman’s volleyball team. Empty stands call for a bold plan—fake dating to draw attention to women’s volleyball—and honestly, it’s such a fun premise.
As expected, the “fake” relationship doesn’t stay fake for long. Watching them dance around their feelings, deny what’s clearly there, and slowly unravel emotionally is where this book shines. The chemistry is soft rather than intense, making it a great pick if you prefer a low-spice romance that leans more on connection and history.
That said, the story plays it a bit safe. While the relationship development is sweet, I found myself wanting more tension, bigger moments, or higher-stakes drama as their feelings grew. It’s very much a “go with the flow” romance rather than one packed with standout plot twists.
Overall, this is an easy, cozy read—perfect if you love:
• Best friends who were always meant to be more
• Fake dating that turns real
• Sports romance without heavy angst
• A supportive, low-drama love story
Final thoughts: Not groundbreaking, but undeniably enjoyable. If you’re looking for something comforting and tropey in the best way, Love on the Block is worth picking up.
Review of advance copy
"I loved you the entire time you were in Italy, I loved you when you asked me to be your fake boyfriend, I loved you when we slept together after the championship game, I love you right now in the house I grew up in."
I officially announce that this might've been the very first book in which I found miscommunication actually adorable. No, they didn't just talk out their issues, but they were cute, so I can't complain all that much. Friends to lovers is certainly one of my favorite tropes, especially when done well, which this book certainly is. I really liked the premise, especially that it's a sports romance where SHE is an athlete as well (well, he is a football player as well, but that doesn't matter to me as much). The execution was top-notch as well, the only issue was that I understood absolutely no sports terminology.
I really liked the characters, especially our MCs. Nash was a really nice change from most FMCs in sports romance—she is no dainty, delicate flower, instead she is a tall, strong volleyball player. She is sassy, stubborn woman with a big heart, who often thinks of others rather than herself. Wyatt, her long-time best friend, soulmate, and the love of her life, matches her personality quite perfectly. He, too, is selfless and kind, and completely smitten with his woman. Their relationship progressed very naturally, and I was hooked.
The only thing that caught me off-guard were the spicy scenes. They were well written, yes, but some of the kinks our MCs explored felt a little out of place, and I certainly hadn't anticipated them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Love Notes PR and the author for the eARC!
I officially announce that this might've been the very first book in which I found miscommunication actually adorable. No, they didn't just talk out their issues, but they were cute, so I can't complain all that much. Friends to lovers is certainly one of my favorite tropes, especially when done well, which this book certainly is. I really liked the premise, especially that it's a sports romance where SHE is an athlete as well (well, he is a football player as well, but that doesn't matter to me as much). The execution was top-notch as well, the only issue was that I understood absolutely no sports terminology.
I really liked the characters, especially our MCs. Nash was a really nice change from most FMCs in sports romance—she is no dainty, delicate flower, instead she is a tall, strong volleyball player. She is sassy, stubborn woman with a big heart, who often thinks of others rather than herself. Wyatt, her long-time best friend, soulmate, and the love of her life, matches her personality quite perfectly. He, too, is selfless and kind, and completely smitten with his woman. Their relationship progressed very naturally, and I was hooked.
The only thing that caught me off-guard were the spicy scenes. They were well written, yes, but some of the kinks our MCs explored felt a little out of place, and I certainly hadn't anticipated them.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and would like to thank Love Notes PR and the author for the eARC!
April 30, 2026
An excellent love story with a side of Sports
I read a lot of sports romances. I loved how not only was Wyatt a pro football player, but Nash, the FMC is as well. She is in on the inaugural season of a professional volleyball league in the US. While I am not a volleyball girl myself, I enjoyed the look at what Nash does to further her sport in view of Americans. Nash and Wyatt together gave me full on Taylor and Travis vibes as they support each other so publicly.
The friends to lovers took a little longer than I like to get to the lovers part, but it felt very organic and natural for their story. The spice was also a lot of fun.
I think my favorite part was how the author made her love for Texas, and Houston in particular almost a side plot in the book. We frequently see New York or Los Angeles getting tons of credit for being amazing places to live in fiction. As a native Houstonian, it was really cool for my city to get its time in the spotlight. I like how you really get a sense of the city throughout the book, and it's fun to know the exact places the author mentions.
Sports romances always have lots of fun groups of friends built in with the teammates, and this one almost had double when they start to hang out together. Add in Wyatt's family, and they are clearly surrounded by love and support.
The ending is so sweet it almost had me tearing up. Nash and Wyatt really give the vibe that they are meant to be together forever.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
I read a lot of sports romances. I loved how not only was Wyatt a pro football player, but Nash, the FMC is as well. She is in on the inaugural season of a professional volleyball league in the US. While I am not a volleyball girl myself, I enjoyed the look at what Nash does to further her sport in view of Americans. Nash and Wyatt together gave me full on Taylor and Travis vibes as they support each other so publicly.
The friends to lovers took a little longer than I like to get to the lovers part, but it felt very organic and natural for their story. The spice was also a lot of fun.
I think my favorite part was how the author made her love for Texas, and Houston in particular almost a side plot in the book. We frequently see New York or Los Angeles getting tons of credit for being amazing places to live in fiction. As a native Houstonian, it was really cool for my city to get its time in the spotlight. I like how you really get a sense of the city throughout the book, and it's fun to know the exact places the author mentions.
Sports romances always have lots of fun groups of friends built in with the teammates, and this one almost had double when they start to hang out together. Add in Wyatt's family, and they are clearly surrounded by love and support.
The ending is so sweet it almost had me tearing up. Nash and Wyatt really give the vibe that they are meant to be together forever.
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.
May 1, 2026
Sadly, this book was only okay, and a rather boring read.
We follow Nashville, one of the players selected to play in the newly formed American professional women’s volleyball league, and Wyatt, an NFL player who currently plays for Houston but would rather go back to his Wisconsin team.
I didn’t really like the main characters, they both felt really one dimensional and there was no real chemistry between them. Aside from having been in love with each other for the last decade or so and playing their respective sports, they have no personality traits. Also, Wyatt‘s obsession with going back to Wisconsin to a team that disappointed him got incredibly annoying after a while. Their miscommunication or rather lack of communication also got old pretty quickly. They were in their late 20s or so and could not get it together long enough to talk about their (very obvious) feelings.
The writing and the plot were alright, but I didn’t like that the volleyball aspect was only really relevant on the first half of the book and pretty much got disregarded after the championship. The championship itself was pretty anticlimactic, and the few other games that were described were also not that engaging.
However, I liked the volleyball aspect in general, as it is one of my favourite sports to watch. I also loved that, despite Nash and Wyatt both being athletes, the focus of this novel was on women’s sports, and we saw Wyatt supporting her and the entire league wholeheartedly.
My favourite part of the book was the establishment of a professional female league and the struggles that came with it. Nash, being among the first athletes to play in this league, feels immense pressure for her and her team to perform well and draw in crowds, so that her team can not only win the championship, but keep the league alive and prove that women’s sports deserve to be just as big as men’s sports.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book, but I also wouldn’t not recommend it either. If you’re looking for a book about women’s sports, I’d say maybe give it a try.
Thanks to Love Notes PR for the advanced reading copy!
We follow Nashville, one of the players selected to play in the newly formed American professional women’s volleyball league, and Wyatt, an NFL player who currently plays for Houston but would rather go back to his Wisconsin team.
I didn’t really like the main characters, they both felt really one dimensional and there was no real chemistry between them. Aside from having been in love with each other for the last decade or so and playing their respective sports, they have no personality traits. Also, Wyatt‘s obsession with going back to Wisconsin to a team that disappointed him got incredibly annoying after a while. Their miscommunication or rather lack of communication also got old pretty quickly. They were in their late 20s or so and could not get it together long enough to talk about their (very obvious) feelings.
The writing and the plot were alright, but I didn’t like that the volleyball aspect was only really relevant on the first half of the book and pretty much got disregarded after the championship. The championship itself was pretty anticlimactic, and the few other games that were described were also not that engaging.
However, I liked the volleyball aspect in general, as it is one of my favourite sports to watch. I also loved that, despite Nash and Wyatt both being athletes, the focus of this novel was on women’s sports, and we saw Wyatt supporting her and the entire league wholeheartedly.
My favourite part of the book was the establishment of a professional female league and the struggles that came with it. Nash, being among the first athletes to play in this league, feels immense pressure for her and her team to perform well and draw in crowds, so that her team can not only win the championship, but keep the league alive and prove that women’s sports deserve to be just as big as men’s sports.
Overall, I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this book, but I also wouldn’t not recommend it either. If you’re looking for a book about women’s sports, I’d say maybe give it a try.
Thanks to Love Notes PR for the advanced reading copy!
April 26, 2026
Love On the Block is a best friend to lovers, fake date, roommates to more, one bed romance.
I liked reading Love On the Block. I found the main characters Nash & Wyatt to be likable and relatable. Nash was a not just a great volleyball player but she was a great teammate. She loved the town she grew up in. She was the type of person everyone liked. Wyatt worried about everyone else before worried about himself. He was there when people needed him and like Nash, he was the type of person everyone liked. The chemistry between them is there from the start and jus grows more as the book goes on. The moments between them are cute and at times spicy.
Additional things, the writing was good. The story was told at a good pace and was easy to follow. The story flowed really well. Which made it somewhat of fast read. Also one of the issues that characters face in the book as to do with miscommunication. The author did a good job writing it in a way doesn’t make it infuriating. When it comes to spicy scenes, those were written well. They weren’t cheesy or over the top. Also the amount of spicy scenes was good. There was too much spicy that it over takes the story.
Overall, Love On the Block is a good read. The main characters was both likable and relatable. The writing is well done. The pace of the story is good. It’s not a super long story. It cute spicy story best friend to lovers story.
I liked reading Love On the Block. I found the main characters Nash & Wyatt to be likable and relatable. Nash was a not just a great volleyball player but she was a great teammate. She loved the town she grew up in. She was the type of person everyone liked. Wyatt worried about everyone else before worried about himself. He was there when people needed him and like Nash, he was the type of person everyone liked. The chemistry between them is there from the start and jus grows more as the book goes on. The moments between them are cute and at times spicy.
Additional things, the writing was good. The story was told at a good pace and was easy to follow. The story flowed really well. Which made it somewhat of fast read. Also one of the issues that characters face in the book as to do with miscommunication. The author did a good job writing it in a way doesn’t make it infuriating. When it comes to spicy scenes, those were written well. They weren’t cheesy or over the top. Also the amount of spicy scenes was good. There was too much spicy that it over takes the story.
Overall, Love On the Block is a good read. The main characters was both likable and relatable. The writing is well done. The pace of the story is good. It’s not a super long story. It cute spicy story best friend to lovers story.
May 1, 2026
Love on the Block ARC review
It was a sweet friends to lovers romance with sports added to the mix. What i really enjoyed about the book was using women's volleyball (which I love watching by the way) as I have never read a romance book with that sport.
The pacing was slow building, but I really loved the romance between Nash and Wyatt. They start to fake date in order to boost attendance for Nash's games and in turn, Nash needs to attend a wedding with Wyatt back home in Wisconsin as his date.
Nash is in a new league in her hometown of Houston, Texas having come back from playing volleyball in Italy where they team was better funded and attended. Wyatt plays professional football as well, which is double sport love!
Wyatt reveals that he doesn't have a contract with the Houston Hurricanes and might be thinking of playing back home in Wisconsin.
They both attend Wyatt's brother's wedding as a couple. When they fly back home to Houston, they fly in before Hurricane Arthur hits. They survive but during the aftermath find a lost dog and name him Arthur after the hurricane. Soon after, Wyatt closes a deal with the Houston Hurricanes, keeping them both in the same city to play their respective sports and ends with a HEA.
I love this book by Emily Rex. I enjoyed the slow, sweet pacing as well how sports added depth to the storyline. A beautifully written best friends to lovers romance. I highly recommend this book!
It was a sweet friends to lovers romance with sports added to the mix. What i really enjoyed about the book was using women's volleyball (which I love watching by the way) as I have never read a romance book with that sport.
The pacing was slow building, but I really loved the romance between Nash and Wyatt. They start to fake date in order to boost attendance for Nash's games and in turn, Nash needs to attend a wedding with Wyatt back home in Wisconsin as his date.
Nash is in a new league in her hometown of Houston, Texas having come back from playing volleyball in Italy where they team was better funded and attended. Wyatt plays professional football as well, which is double sport love!
Wyatt reveals that he doesn't have a contract with the Houston Hurricanes and might be thinking of playing back home in Wisconsin.
They both attend Wyatt's brother's wedding as a couple. When they fly back home to Houston, they fly in before Hurricane Arthur hits. They survive but during the aftermath find a lost dog and name him Arthur after the hurricane. Soon after, Wyatt closes a deal with the Houston Hurricanes, keeping them both in the same city to play their respective sports and ends with a HEA.
I love this book by Emily Rex. I enjoyed the slow, sweet pacing as well how sports added depth to the storyline. A beautifully written best friends to lovers romance. I highly recommend this book!
April 11, 2026
This book was such a fun, easy read that I found myself flying through.
One of my favourite parts was the volleyball element as I’ve never read a book involving the sport before. You can tell it’s been written with care and knowledge behind it, but it never felt overwhelming or hard to follow. Even if you don’t know much about the sport, it’s explained in a really natural way, so it just adds to the story.
I also really appreciated the representation of tall women. I’m not tall myself, but it’s something you don’t always see done properly, and here it felt really genuine. It wasn’t made into a “thing” in a negative way, it was just part of who the character is, and it added to her confidence and presence in such a nice way.
The friends to lovers storyline was another highlight for me, a case of mutual pining situation where neither of them fully realises the other feels the same, which made it so satisfying to read. I loved the slow build and all those little moments where you can see what’s really going on, even if they can’t. It felt believable and not rushed. The chemistry was there, but it also had that comfortable, familiar feeling that makes this trope so enjoyable when it’s done well.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a feel-good sports romance with a bit of something different!
One of my favourite parts was the volleyball element as I’ve never read a book involving the sport before. You can tell it’s been written with care and knowledge behind it, but it never felt overwhelming or hard to follow. Even if you don’t know much about the sport, it’s explained in a really natural way, so it just adds to the story.
I also really appreciated the representation of tall women. I’m not tall myself, but it’s something you don’t always see done properly, and here it felt really genuine. It wasn’t made into a “thing” in a negative way, it was just part of who the character is, and it added to her confidence and presence in such a nice way.
The friends to lovers storyline was another highlight for me, a case of mutual pining situation where neither of them fully realises the other feels the same, which made it so satisfying to read. I loved the slow build and all those little moments where you can see what’s really going on, even if they can’t. It felt believable and not rushed. The chemistry was there, but it also had that comfortable, familiar feeling that makes this trope so enjoyable when it’s done well.
Definitely recommend if you’re looking for a feel-good sports romance with a bit of something different!
Review of advance copy
This was such a fun read! I really enjoyed the friendship between Nash and Wyatt. There was an obvious love and respect for one another from the start. I do enjoy a friends to lover and fake dating if done well, and I think it was done quite well in this. At times it could be frustrating because they clearly love one another, but I think that comes with a friends to lovers. The reasoning behind the fake dating made a lot of sense to me and actually made me enjoy it more. Instead of fake dating to save face in front of friends, they were doing it to promote women’s volleyball, which I think we could’ve seen a bit more of. My favourite part was the exploration of women’s volleyball and how overlooked it is as a professional sport, so much so that players need to move to another country for a career. I enjoyed getting to know more about women’s volleyball and loved reading Nash fight for women’s spaces in pro sports. Oh, I also found both of our main characters’ exploration of what home is for them and what ties them to a place really interesting. This is book two in the series, but can be read as a standalone. That being said, I'm considering reading book one. If you’re looking for a fun, lighthearted, quick read, you should definitely consider this!
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC! ♥︎
Thank you to Love Notes PR for the ARC! ♥︎
April 25, 2026
✨ ARC Review✨
Thank you to Emily Rex and Love Notes PR tor the advance readers copy. 💕
This was a very lighthearted romantic read and I really enjoyed it. Emily Rex did a really good job of shining light on the struggles of being a woman athlete and the perseverance of our FMC and her teammates was heartwarming.
Nash our pro female volleyball player finally gets to come home to Houston Texas after playing abroad. The US is finally getting a pro women’s volleyball league but the catch is it has to do well or it’s over and Nash is feeling the pressure. Her best friend just started playing for the pro-football team in town so they come up with this fake dating scheme to promote her volleyball team and give him a date to his brother’s wedding. The secret is they are both in love with the other. I love how they both find family in their teams and how it all comes together in the end.
I’m from the south so I loved all the southern aspects to this book. I laughed so hard at this boy from Wisconsin trying to learn how to be a Texan from the crawfish boil, the rodeo and his first hurricane. I also loved how she showed a community coming together after a natural disaster.
This was such a fun read with:
Friends to lovers 🥰
Fake dating 🤭
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sports romance🏐🏈
Roommates 🏠
Thank you to Emily Rex and Love Notes PR tor the advance readers copy. 💕
This was a very lighthearted romantic read and I really enjoyed it. Emily Rex did a really good job of shining light on the struggles of being a woman athlete and the perseverance of our FMC and her teammates was heartwarming.
Nash our pro female volleyball player finally gets to come home to Houston Texas after playing abroad. The US is finally getting a pro women’s volleyball league but the catch is it has to do well or it’s over and Nash is feeling the pressure. Her best friend just started playing for the pro-football team in town so they come up with this fake dating scheme to promote her volleyball team and give him a date to his brother’s wedding. The secret is they are both in love with the other. I love how they both find family in their teams and how it all comes together in the end.
I’m from the south so I loved all the southern aspects to this book. I laughed so hard at this boy from Wisconsin trying to learn how to be a Texan from the crawfish boil, the rodeo and his first hurricane. I also loved how she showed a community coming together after a natural disaster.
This was such a fun read with:
Friends to lovers 🥰
Fake dating 🤭
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Sports romance🏐🏈
Roommates 🏠
April 30, 2026
LOVED IT SO MUCH 🤍
This book honestly had everything I want in a romance—friends to lovers, fake dating, and sports romance all in one.
Nash? A sweet, loyal, hardworking icon. And Wyatt? A six-foot-five golden retriever of a man—equally hardworking and just the softest, sweetest energy.
What I loved most is that nothing ever felt forced. Even though the relationship starts off “fake,” you can feel that it’s real for both of them almost immediately—and lowkey, they both know it too. That quiet mutual awareness made everything hit even harder.
The side characters were top tier. I’m such a sucker for sports team group chats and found family vibes, and this delivered that and mlre. The wedding storyline was so soft and heartwarming, and I loved that there wasn’t a dramatic third-act breakup driven by miscommunication. It was just… done right.
And the ending?? Adopting a dog—yes, yes, yes. Watching them both get everything they’ve worked for and deserve, without having to sacrifice themselves for the other, was so satisfying. The fact they were willing to give up everything for each other—but didn’t have to—made it even more special.
If you love these tropes, this one is chef’s kiss. I was hooked from the start and genuinely didn’t want to put it down for a second. Thanks to LoveNotesPR for this ARC
April 28, 2026
This was such a fun sports romance read, and I loved that it focused so strongly on the FMC’s sports career! A great 3.5⭐ read for me!
I really enjoyed the sweet and playful relationship between Nash and Wyatt, and I especially loved that the author placed more emphasis on Nash’s career rather than Wyatt’s- which was incredibly refreshing. (Also, I loved that Nash was so tall because, as a fellow tall girl, I felt very seen!)
The plot was easy to follow, and I liked watching their relationship grow as they both tried to fight their attraction to each other. I didn’t mind the typical “miscommunication” trope; however, I did wish the kiss had been discussed earlier between the characters, considering how often it was mentioned.
I loved the characters overall, and even though Wyatt was a blonde (IYKYK 😂), I found his character absolutely adorable! The spicy scenes felt a little disjointed at times, but I think as the author continues to grow in her writing journey, this will only keep improving.
Overall, this was an easy, comforting read, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the series and reading more of the author’s work.
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this early copy. As always, these are my honest thoughts.
I really enjoyed the sweet and playful relationship between Nash and Wyatt, and I especially loved that the author placed more emphasis on Nash’s career rather than Wyatt’s- which was incredibly refreshing. (Also, I loved that Nash was so tall because, as a fellow tall girl, I felt very seen!)
The plot was easy to follow, and I liked watching their relationship grow as they both tried to fight their attraction to each other. I didn’t mind the typical “miscommunication” trope; however, I did wish the kiss had been discussed earlier between the characters, considering how often it was mentioned.
I loved the characters overall, and even though Wyatt was a blonde (IYKYK 😂), I found his character absolutely adorable! The spicy scenes felt a little disjointed at times, but I think as the author continues to grow in her writing journey, this will only keep improving.
Overall, this was an easy, comforting read, and I’m really looking forward to continuing the series and reading more of the author’s work.
A big thank you to the author for the opportunity to review this early copy. As always, these are my honest thoughts.
May 1, 2026
ARC For Love on the Block
Thank you to love notes PR for the ARC copy of this novel.
I gave this novel a rating of three stars, the story had really great bones and a lot of elements that I really enjoy that I have not seen in many other places. As a former competitive volleyball player, it was very neat to read about other women who were passionate about the sport, and more than that who were passionate about gaining equal recognition and excitement for a professional women’s sports.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and I always look forward to hearing stories about two characters fighting with those feelings and ultimately deciding to take that next step. Wyatt and Nash have clearly been close for a long time and I love that they had a history and knew each other well.
My biggest downfall with this read, unfortunately is that I just wanted more of everything. I loved the concept, the characters, and the storyline; just felt like I wanted more of everything in detail. A little bit more of a slow burn, a little bit more of the wrestling of feelings for one another and maybe a few more plot points around gaining recognition for the professional women’s league, and a bit more of a conflict resolution arc in the story. That being said, this novel has great bones, and I loved the concept and that the writer really went for something a little bit different, I just wanted it to be more robust for my own taste.
Thank you to love notes PR for the ARC copy of this novel.
I gave this novel a rating of three stars, the story had really great bones and a lot of elements that I really enjoy that I have not seen in many other places. As a former competitive volleyball player, it was very neat to read about other women who were passionate about the sport, and more than that who were passionate about gaining equal recognition and excitement for a professional women’s sports.
Friends to lovers is one of my favourite tropes, and I always look forward to hearing stories about two characters fighting with those feelings and ultimately deciding to take that next step. Wyatt and Nash have clearly been close for a long time and I love that they had a history and knew each other well.
My biggest downfall with this read, unfortunately is that I just wanted more of everything. I loved the concept, the characters, and the storyline; just felt like I wanted more of everything in detail. A little bit more of a slow burn, a little bit more of the wrestling of feelings for one another and maybe a few more plot points around gaining recognition for the professional women’s league, and a bit more of a conflict resolution arc in the story. That being said, this novel has great bones, and I loved the concept and that the writer really went for something a little bit different, I just wanted it to be more robust for my own taste.
April 30, 2026
Thank you so much LoveNotes PR and Emily Rex for this advance copy!
Want to be giggling and kicking your feet with a read? Love on the Block by Emily Rex is for you! I actually don’t think I’ve annotated a book as much as I have this one and let me tell you, yes my notes for my annotations are very much still unhinged 🤣
To be honest, there is so much I love about this book. The biggest thing I really found myself enjoying is that both Nash and Wyatt are professional athletes. Throw in their love and attraction to each other and you've got a wonderful cocktail to devour.
Meet Nash—a professional women’s volleyball player who returns to the USA after five years of playing abroad to now play in Houston as the women's volleyball league makes its return in the states.
Meet Wyatt—NFL player for the Houston Hurricanes, Nash’s best friend from college, and now roommates with the woman he kissed goodbye before she left the play in Rome.
When Nash needs help it’s Wyatt to the rescue and a plan to help not only Nash, but Wyatt as well, turns into them fake dating each other.
How do you fake date the person you’ve loved for years?
TROPES
Sports Romance
One Bed
Fake Dating
And they were roommates
Mutual Pining
Want to be giggling and kicking your feet with a read? Love on the Block by Emily Rex is for you! I actually don’t think I’ve annotated a book as much as I have this one and let me tell you, yes my notes for my annotations are very much still unhinged 🤣
To be honest, there is so much I love about this book. The biggest thing I really found myself enjoying is that both Nash and Wyatt are professional athletes. Throw in their love and attraction to each other and you've got a wonderful cocktail to devour.
Meet Nash—a professional women’s volleyball player who returns to the USA after five years of playing abroad to now play in Houston as the women's volleyball league makes its return in the states.
Meet Wyatt—NFL player for the Houston Hurricanes, Nash’s best friend from college, and now roommates with the woman he kissed goodbye before she left the play in Rome.
When Nash needs help it’s Wyatt to the rescue and a plan to help not only Nash, but Wyatt as well, turns into them fake dating each other.
How do you fake date the person you’ve loved for years?
TROPES
Sports Romance
One Bed
Fake Dating
And they were roommates
Mutual Pining
May 1, 2026
˚.༄ Thank you to the author Emily Rex and Love Notes PR for the provided eARC in exchange for an honest review! 💌 ꒷·˚ ༘
3.5 ⭐️
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but there were just a few things I didn’t really like. 🥹 But apart from that I enjoyed the book overall and it was quite easy to read, so let’s get into my rating!
Nashville (Nash) is our tall girl, pro volleyball FMC who was portrayed really well by the author! The book was mostly about her volleyball career and I loved the focus on that. Especially since Wyatt is also a pro athlete. 🫠🫶🏼 And no, not everything was about sports, so don’t worry if you don’t know a thing about volleyball (or any sport, really)! She decides to fake date her best friend, Wyatt, in order to get more attention for professional women volleyball.
Wyatt, our golden retriever and pro football player MMC, was really sweet throughout the book. His struggles with his future, what he wanted and where he belonged, felt real and I liked how he supported Nash whenever he could without overstepping. He was the greenest green flag and I loved how he and Nash got closer to each other.
What I didn’t love was how long their fake dating story lasted. They kind of confessed to each other that they had feelings for one another? But then nothing really happened after, they just continued with the faking? This bit could’ve been shortened by quite a few chapters, but the miscommunication between the two in general wasn’t something I loved. They were both old enough to talk to each other about feelings, I feel like. But then we wouldn’t have a book about them, so.. 🫠🌸
All in all the book was a quick and easy read with all the tropes a cute sports romance needs, so give it a chance!!
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓:
🏐 Volleyball player FMC
💌 Football player MMC
🏐 HER sports romance
💌 Fake dating
🏐 Best friends to lovers
💌 Slow burn
🏐 Found family
🌶️ rating: 2.5/5 - a good amount
3.5 ⭐️
I really wanted to give this book 5 stars, but there were just a few things I didn’t really like. 🥹 But apart from that I enjoyed the book overall and it was quite easy to read, so let’s get into my rating!
Nashville (Nash) is our tall girl, pro volleyball FMC who was portrayed really well by the author! The book was mostly about her volleyball career and I loved the focus on that. Especially since Wyatt is also a pro athlete. 🫠🫶🏼 And no, not everything was about sports, so don’t worry if you don’t know a thing about volleyball (or any sport, really)! She decides to fake date her best friend, Wyatt, in order to get more attention for professional women volleyball.
Wyatt, our golden retriever and pro football player MMC, was really sweet throughout the book. His struggles with his future, what he wanted and where he belonged, felt real and I liked how he supported Nash whenever he could without overstepping. He was the greenest green flag and I loved how he and Nash got closer to each other.
What I didn’t love was how long their fake dating story lasted. They kind of confessed to each other that they had feelings for one another? But then nothing really happened after, they just continued with the faking? This bit could’ve been shortened by quite a few chapters, but the miscommunication between the two in general wasn’t something I loved. They were both old enough to talk to each other about feelings, I feel like. But then we wouldn’t have a book about them, so.. 🫠🌸
All in all the book was a quick and easy read with all the tropes a cute sports romance needs, so give it a chance!!
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐎 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐄𝐂𝐓:
🏐 Volleyball player FMC
💌 Football player MMC
🏐 HER sports romance
💌 Fake dating
🏐 Best friends to lovers
💌 Slow burn
🏐 Found family
🌶️ rating: 2.5/5 - a good amount
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love On The Block by Emily Rex
This was my first volleyball romance and I loved that both characters were professional sports players, but the focus was on female athletes. It showed just how hard it is for women athletes to be appreciated like men sports are. I LOVED how supportive Wyatt was and how much he wanted Nash to succeed. I could picture him in the stands with his teammates and how loud they would be!
This was a slow burn with mutual pining. Neither one of them wanted to admit their feelings out loud because the friendship was so strong. I was starting to get frustrated with them and really wanted one of them to spill their guts, I was so happy when they finally did. Their chemistry was what you would expect being so close and in secretly in love with each other for six years.
Read this if you like:
Female athletes
Volleyball
Football
Mutual pining
Friends to lovers
Roommates
Texas/Wisconsin vibes
Thank you Emiky Rez and LoveNotes PR for the #gifted eARC and the chance to review with my true opinions.
This was my first volleyball romance and I loved that both characters were professional sports players, but the focus was on female athletes. It showed just how hard it is for women athletes to be appreciated like men sports are. I LOVED how supportive Wyatt was and how much he wanted Nash to succeed. I could picture him in the stands with his teammates and how loud they would be!
This was a slow burn with mutual pining. Neither one of them wanted to admit their feelings out loud because the friendship was so strong. I was starting to get frustrated with them and really wanted one of them to spill their guts, I was so happy when they finally did. Their chemistry was what you would expect being so close and in secretly in love with each other for six years.
Read this if you like:
Female athletes
Volleyball
Football
Mutual pining
Friends to lovers
Roommates
Texas/Wisconsin vibes
Thank you Emiky Rez and LoveNotes PR for the #gifted eARC and the chance to review with my true opinions.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I was so lucky to receive an ARC of this book. As a volleyball player of over 20 years, I’ve been waiting for a cute romance that featured an FMC volleyball player!!! I LOVE the relationship between Nash and Wyatt so much. I loved how their relationship wasn’t an immediate fast burn. The friends to lovers, the distance in time, the spice…. It was great! I was completely consumed with this book in ways I didn’t know possible. The terminology surrounding the volleyball games, positions, techniques, etc. scratched an itch in my brain! I blew my knee in a tournament three years ago and haven’t played since surgery, but it made me miss the game so, so much!! Toward the end of the book, I love that they added a dog to their relationship. The end definitely left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside and I thoroughly enjoyed the HEA! I will definitely be buying a physical copy when they are available!!
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Love Notes, PR and I am providing my honest and voluntary review.
I received an advance reader copy of this book from Love Notes, PR and I am providing my honest and voluntary review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2026
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for this ARC.
Love on the Block was a fun read. I have a love/hate relationship with fake dating. I love a fake dating where they are forced into it, it’s mutually beneficial and you watch them slowly fall in love. I hate when they both love each other but instead of saying it they agree to fake date all the while all they had to do was have a single honest conversation and it would have just been a romantic story about two people who love each other. There was enough other tropes in the book that the fake dating wasn’t needed. But that’s just me!
I loved that Nash was a female professional athlete and that the Wyatt who was a pro football player was so supportive and even got his whole team to go to her games to root her on. I liked the romance and the writing so I can't complain.
This book has so much Athlete FMC × Athlete MMC, Fake Dating, Roommates, Mutual Pinning, College Best Friends to Lovers, HER Sports Romance, Only One Bed, Community helping each other, Small Town Charm, Big City Life, a dog and a Rodeo!
Overall a good read!
Love on the Block was a fun read. I have a love/hate relationship with fake dating. I love a fake dating where they are forced into it, it’s mutually beneficial and you watch them slowly fall in love. I hate when they both love each other but instead of saying it they agree to fake date all the while all they had to do was have a single honest conversation and it would have just been a romantic story about two people who love each other. There was enough other tropes in the book that the fake dating wasn’t needed. But that’s just me!
I loved that Nash was a female professional athlete and that the Wyatt who was a pro football player was so supportive and even got his whole team to go to her games to root her on. I liked the romance and the writing so I can't complain.
This book has so much Athlete FMC × Athlete MMC, Fake Dating, Roommates, Mutual Pinning, College Best Friends to Lovers, HER Sports Romance, Only One Bed, Community helping each other, Small Town Charm, Big City Life, a dog and a Rodeo!
Overall a good read!
May 6, 2026
Advanced Reader Copy Review: First and Foremost I would like to thank the Author Emily Rex and Love Notes PR for giving me the opportunity to read and review Love On The Block. I do sincerely apologize for finishing this review up a little latter than anticipated.
This was such a unique and wonderful read. This was my first sports romance that centered around a sport that isn’t talked about nearly enough. The love that was put into the Volleyball scenes was astonishing it felt like being right in the stands watching the matches. Nash is an awe inspiring young woman. Determined to make pro women’s volleyball mean something in the United States when Nash set her mind to this challenge she would do anything to see it through. Even fake date her best friend to get the attention that the team so desperately needed to be able to stay on American Soil. The Friends to lovers was to die for just the right pace and the right level of slow burn frustration as we watch the love blossom between the two main characters. I can’t wait to read future works by Emily as I adored this story so much.
This was such a unique and wonderful read. This was my first sports romance that centered around a sport that isn’t talked about nearly enough. The love that was put into the Volleyball scenes was astonishing it felt like being right in the stands watching the matches. Nash is an awe inspiring young woman. Determined to make pro women’s volleyball mean something in the United States when Nash set her mind to this challenge she would do anything to see it through. Even fake date her best friend to get the attention that the team so desperately needed to be able to stay on American Soil. The Friends to lovers was to die for just the right pace and the right level of slow burn frustration as we watch the love blossom between the two main characters. I can’t wait to read future works by Emily as I adored this story so much.
April 27, 2026
3.5⭐️
ARC review
I enjoy a good sports romance and add in friends to lovers.. well yes please... so this book I enjoyed, it was an easy, simple, good heartfelt read. Does what it says on the tin basically. It was a funny, light hearted read. I devoured this book in a day. It went down so smoothly, I didnt have to fight to read this book at all.
Now Im not a huge fan of the whole rubbish communication in adults for the whole of the book... I mean, talk to each other! Its really not that hard.. so there were some times in this book that I wanted to hit their heads together like come on guys! But other times I feel like they communicated really well with each other.. like why cant they do this the whole book?! Guess there wouldnt be a book then though...
Overall though I liked this book, would recommend... I didnt realise it was book 2 though so need to read book 1 at some point!
ARC review
I enjoy a good sports romance and add in friends to lovers.. well yes please... so this book I enjoyed, it was an easy, simple, good heartfelt read. Does what it says on the tin basically. It was a funny, light hearted read. I devoured this book in a day. It went down so smoothly, I didnt have to fight to read this book at all.
Now Im not a huge fan of the whole rubbish communication in adults for the whole of the book... I mean, talk to each other! Its really not that hard.. so there were some times in this book that I wanted to hit their heads together like come on guys! But other times I feel like they communicated really well with each other.. like why cant they do this the whole book?! Guess there wouldnt be a book then though...
Overall though I liked this book, would recommend... I didnt realise it was book 2 though so need to read book 1 at some point!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There was a lot of good in this as well as a some things that I definitely didn’t love. I always enjoy a female athlete in a romance and I really liked the perspective that added to the story. The friends to lovers element was cute and made me root for the couple and want to see their story through. I really liked getting to see Nash find her footing and push the envelope in terms of what women’s sports is. Wyatt was so supportive of her and I loved getting to watch him fall even deeper in love with her. I don’t think the fake dating element was completely necessary to the story and it made the pacing feel a bit slow at times. I also felt like I was missing a few chapters in terms of their backstory and knowing their friends and other relationships. But overall, I liked the writing style, and I liked the romance so I can’t complain.
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the arc!!
Thank you to LoveNotes PR for the arc!!
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