Sacked by Surprise

Scottish Rugby Rebels #3

by Beatrice Bradshaw

She is only a friend. Then why does he risk his rugby career to keep her safe?

SCOTTIE

I stay in the background to make my teammates look like gods. I keep to myself. But when a ballet dancer sits down next to me in a cinema in Stirling, I make a mistake: I let her in.

Ava's my teammate's girlfriend and off limits. She's bruised in places she won't let me see. All I'm supposed to be is her friend. But every Tuesday in that cinema, I fall harder for a woman I can't have.

I'd burn my career to keep her safe. What I can't do is tell her that I’m falling in love with her, because it would destroy our friendship – and my team.

AVA

I'm a professional dancer trapped in a toxic relationship. My boyfriend's temper is escalating. My injury is threatening my ballet career. And the only person I trust is the quietest, largest man in Scottish rugby.

Scottie doesn't ask questions. He shows up. When my relationship finally shatters, he gets me out, drives me to the Highlands, and opens the door to a family that treats me as one of their own.

The problem? I'm falling for my friend. And if I cross that line, I'll lose the only person who ever made me feel safe.



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Friends to loversHe falls firstOnly one bed in the Scottish HighlandsHurt/ comfortGrumpy x sunshineDV survivor arc handled with careSize 6'4 rugby centre × petite ballerinaFound familyDual POV (first person) & high heat

Sacked by Surprise is a friends-to-lovers rugby romance and the third standalone in the Scottish Rugby Rebels series.

A protective rugby hero who falls first. A ballet dancer rebuilding her life after a toxic relationship. A slow-burn love story set between Stirling and the Scottish Highlands.

FOR FANS OF sports romance with gut-punch emotional depth and a friends-to-lovers burn so slow it leaves scorch marks.

Fall hard for the Scottish Rugby Rebels – a new rugby team that lands in a small Scottish town and sets fire to the place. They fight. They fall. They fail spectacularly at keeping it professional.



FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SCOTTISH RUGBY REBELS SERIES!

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Sports Romance

278 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2026

About the author

Beatrice Bradshaw crafts spicy contemporary romances set across Scotland – whisking readers away to glens and windswept coastlines without the need for a plane ticket!

Reviews

[Lynn_G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ballet dancer Ava realized quite quickly that she’d made a tremendous mistake in moving in with her professional rugby playing boyfriend when he turns possessive, mean, and physically punishing toward her after the mental cruelty wasn’t enough to make him feel bigger and superior by comparison. When he’s sober and feeling generous, however, he loveb0mbs her into thinking she’s imagined it, then later that she’s the cause of his woes. When she’s injured and can’t perform while she recovers, she finds a type of solace in watching cheesy romcoms at an elderly movie theatre, hiding there for ninety minutes or so to sort herself out - and have a good weep - after brutal physical therapy.

When defenseman Scottie spies his teammate’s girlfriend crying silently in the sparsely populated movie house, he feels all his protective instincts bubble to the surface. He only ducked into the movie for a respite from all the obligations he has between his family and protecting his teammates on the field, he certainly doesn’t need the complications that could result from their nearness, but she implores him silently to not acknowledge her presence.

As the holidays approach, Ava and Scottie continue to run into each other at the theater, and in their social lives. Scottie bears witness to some of the injuries his teammate inflicts upon Ava, and as the son of an abu$ive father, he clocks their dynamic for what it is, interceding at last when things come to a dangerous head one night after a team mixer. Scottie uses his brawn to render his teammate harmless while he extracts Ava from the situation, whisking her off to his mother’s modest home.

Scottie and Ava become intimate while in the safety of his mother’s home, but real world repercussions await him as he’s suspended and most likely his contract terminated pending a disciplinary hearing. Ava is incensed and deeply saddened that she’s once again “a lot” for the man in her life to handle, so she leaves.

Can these two get out of their own way enough to work through their past baggage and work toward the beautiful, bright future that’s waiting for them?

This was another heartfelt, steamy, Scottish-set love story from Beatrice Bradshaw. I was fortunate to have received an advance reader copy, and I’m sharing my honest review.

[Tracy Redden · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Scottish Rugby Rebels Series is a friends-to-lovers trope, not my usual go to, but I have to say this one hit differently. It feels less like a trope and more like two people finding each other exactly when they needed it most. I especially loved the quiet, tender moments between Ava and Scottie. I’ve so loved this entire series.

In Sacked by Surprise, Ava and Scottie meet unexpectedly while hiding in the darkness of a cinema. Ava is running from a life that no longer feels like her own, while Scottie is always the one holding everyone else together, yet somehow feels invisible himself.
With Scottie, Ava can finally be her true self the funny, intelligent, and independent woman she is, and he accepts her completely. And with Ava, Scottie begins to see light breaking through his darkness, realizing he can be more than just the protector, the fixer, the friend.

This was the perfect story to finish the series. Beatrice has such a gift for settling you into the world, making you feel like you’re part of the towns in Scotland. The way she weaves in the Scottish culture and phrases truly brings the setting to life.

If you love a good sports romance and Scottish rugby is your game of choice, this will definitely be a series you’ll enjoy.

Thank you to the author for the chance to read this e-arc and provide my thoughts. 💙 I can’t wait to see what comes next from Beatrice 💙

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars ✨

Thank you to Beatrice Bradshaw and Literary Inspired for the ARC! All opinions are honest and my own.

TW: Domestic violence

Scottie has been my favourite side character throughout the series and I was so excited he got his own story. A brooding gentle giant, a ballerina learning to survive, this book was just *chefs kiss*

As someone who grew up in a DV household, I appreciate how carefully Beatrice approached the subject. Parts of it felt almost familiar, and I’m glad Ava found her strength and courage to be free and take what she deserves.

A rugby team is a family, but the found family in this was perfectly executed. I loved how everyone came together and looked after one another, even when it was least expected.

The romance was well written, and conveyed just what a relationship looks like between two people who are used to disappearing into the background to make everyone else happy before themselves - Scottie and Ava finally found their happiness and it was great ✨

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever wanted your own six-foot-four rugby player with flame red hair, a deep Scottish accent and protective instincts that run deeper than Loch Ness? Well, you’re going to after you’ve read this book. Trust me.

Scottie and ballet dancer Ava are just the darndest and they meet in the cutest of circumstances. They’re both at the cinema (one of those old ones with red velvet seats, harking back to when people went to “the pictures”) in Stirling, Scotland. Already we know we’re getting a dose of Scottish authenticity because how often do you see Stirling represented in romance, besides Braveheart? Anyway, it’s the sweetest thing that their friendship begins watching Hallmark Christmas movies together in the dark.

Except Ava is in an abusive relationship with Scottie’s teammate, Nevin. Turns out going to the pictures is her escape from him. And when our hero and heroine start to fall for one another, the problem of Nevin takes on a new riskier dimension.

Scottie and Ava are my new favourite Beatrice Bradshaw couple. There’s just something about them. Maybe it’s Scottie’s brawn combined with his soft as the inside of a Tunnocks tea cake heart. Possibly it’s the way he cares for everyone before himself (obviously something he needs to overcome), including his disabled brother, his mum, and Ava. Perhaps it’s Ava being tiny but oh so mighty. Or how they are so sweet on one another that you are rooting for them from the start.

The sensitive topic of domestic abuse is not shied away from but is also handled with care. And any heavier scenes are balanced out with banter, laughter and the enveloping warmth of a chaotic found family.

And of course there is spice. Lovely spicy spice. And for fans of the only one bed trope- it’s here guys! Right here in this book. This story gets chilli pepper hot. However it remains sweet and tender too.

Honestly, everything is between these pages:

Scotland done authentically 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Big burly rugby dudes 🏉
An Alpha-golden hero built like Stirling castle 🏰
A relatable, strong female lead 👩 🩰
Conflict from real issues 🌍
Found family 🏡
Emotion 🥰
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Banter 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Love love love ♥️

And on that last one, that’s how I feel about this book. I love it! And I highly recommended it as I’m sure you will love it too.


I received an advance review copy of this book and am leaving my honest review.

[Hannah Jay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Give me a romance about a rugby player any day, and I’m yours. Not one usually for sports romances, it’s refreshing to see a series based on a sport such as rugby and not the usual hockey or NFL players, especially for a rugby lover such as myself. Historically known as gentlemen, Beatrice Bradshaw takes this, the banter and the heartfelt feelings from the rugby pitch and into a growing tale of love. Throw in some Scottish phrases and she has spoken to my deep longing for the country.
Starting as a forbidden romance, Sacked by Surprise is the story between Ava and Scottie, at first meeting in a dark cinema, seeking solitude through twee hallmark Christmas films. However much they try, they are drawn together, and begin a budding friendship, but with a very obvious attraction and romance growing. The biggest snag? Ava already has a boyfriend who happens to be one of Scottie’s teammates. But the story unfolds to him being a very unsavoury character and, not only does Scottie try to rescue Ava but Ava also proves that deep down she is a strong woman who can save herself. Between them, they work through past trauma and soon realise how well matched they are. A true and passionate love.
Told in dual POV, there is a significant change between the two, showing their differing personalities and mutual yearning, and one can only imagine Scottie as a Jamie Fraser-esque hero with his protectiveness and auburn hair. Unfolding their past, there are real emotional moments, difficult conversations and, through the odd banter between them and from Scottie’s team mates, there is something real and raw about this story.
My only qualm with the story is the technical language. As someone who has both played rugby and used to be a dancer, I could follow along from both Scottie and Ava as they discuss their opposing professions, but one could imagine someone without basic knowledge would struggle to find their way through the moments of technical speak.
Overall, Sacked by Surprise is a gorgeous, emotional tale of love and growth and Bradshaw has successfully managed to add another book boyfriend to my list and wishes in life.

[lenore 🐦‍⬛✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
—
for the final time, thank you SO MUCH to beatrice bradshaw and literary inspired for the arc copy.

what do you MEAN the scottish rugby rebels is only a trilogy??? what do you MEAN?

naw, but really, i enjoyed the hell outta this series. and this is my favorite book, by far. scottie is such a fixer, such a protector and provider and my goodness it was almost annoying how self-sacrificing he was but also… i can’t be too mad because i’m exactly the same. do you have any idea how often someone’s told me “it’s not your job to (xyz)”? too many. his learning how to let other people handle things and take care of themselves made me reflect a lot. because scottie deserved to be “selfish” (not fixing everything for everyone) every once in a while, and that drive to fix everything for everyone eventually caused him problems. it’s making me realize that maybe i deserve to be a little “selfish”, too.

and ava. ugh ava my GIRL. i would kill a man for you. there are so many strong, intelligent, capable women who are brought down by insecure men, and ava was a perfect example of that. toxic or abusive relationships aren’t like that from the get go. it’s progressive and oftentimes you don’t realize it’s gotten that bad until it becomes crystal clear. the relationship between her and scottie, i think, was so beautiful because they had to learn to balance each other out. scottie had to learn to allow ava the space to grow and stand on her own two feet, and ava had to learn how to advocate for herself, take up space again, and remind herself exactly of what she’s capable of. minor spoilers here: i LOVED that she’s the one who apologized and lowkey groveled. it’s not something we see, and her “grand gesture” was so freaking sweet.

and david was the freaking standout side character. i adored the care and attention that beatrice did in representing him and his disability. so often in media someone’s disability becomes their entire character, especially if they’re a side character. but david was a full character first. he just happened to be disabled.

beatrice… i don’t have much but here’s a hundred dollars in monopoly money. PLEASE write jamie’s book.

[Eleonore · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will start out by saying that I was given an ARC copy to read and am giving my own opinion.
I really enjoyed this book and loved reading it! The story has a lot of depth and emotion, allowing you to connect with the characters and their feelings more. Be forewarned that there are some things that happen in the story (particularly with Ava, the FMC) that might be triggering, so please read the warnings before starting the book just in case. That being said, Beatrice (the author) did a fantastic job writing the story and making sure that not everything was doom and gloom. The story, overall, is pretty light and tender, just be cautious about some of the stuff at the beginning of the story in case they are triggers.
All that said, I loved so much about this book, but I particularly loved watching the characters grow throughout the story. Scottie (the MMC) has a hero complex (or, as David likes to call it in the story, an Atlas Complex) where he feels the need to constantly fix everything for everyone, even at his own detriment. After his family and Ava point it out to him, he slowly starts to change to allow the others to fix their own issues which, in turn, helps him focus on himself more. Ava, on the other hand, has always had the need to please and say yes to everyone, which becomes an issue that lands her in a sticky situation with her boyfriend at the beginning of the story. Once she leaves him and escapes with Scottie, Ava slowly realizes that she needs to put herself first and take what she wants rather than politely ask and expect it to be given. The amount of growth that these characters go through is phenomenal and I loved watching it.
I could continue on listing everything I loved, but then this review would turn into a ten page essay! I would absolutely recommend this book, especially if you love books with all the feels, MMCs with savior complexes, rowdy families, ballet, rugby, and Scotland!
Thank you so much to Beatrice Bradshaw and her team for letting me read the book! I really enjoyed it and appreciate the opportunity!

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s the one they all depend on. She’s always been too much. When their lives collide, they’re both Sacked By Surprise.

Tuesday afternoons are a haven for Scottie. He goes to the movies and ignores the rest of the world for a bit, content to be anonymous. But after seeing Ava - girlfriend of his teammate - at the same session, they’re becoming something more.

Ava sits in the dark to escape - from the injury that could tank her ballet career, from feeling like she’s too much, from her abusive boyfriend. But in the darkness she finds an ally - the giant footballer who carries the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Their friendship grows slowly, until Scott helps Ava escape. But as she pieces her life back together, both Ava and Scottie are torn between the safety of friendship, or the danger of something more.

Wow. This was an emotional read. There’s so much to deal with in this book in such a short space, but it fits in beautifully. It’s a sports rom com from a series of standalones set in Scotland and it was a great book to read.

There is a lot of emotional growth for both characters. They are both deeply wounded and carrying a lot of guilt and trauma in their lives. Before they can really be with each other, they need to unpack that separately first. I really liked that they didn’t heal or fix the other person.

The romance starts as a friendship and is definitely a slow burn. Scottie is the ultimate green flag guy and an absolute consent king. The relationship is open door.

Okay. Triggers. This is a book that will be difficult for some people to read. Ava is in an abusive relationship at the beginning of the book and we are in her head as she justifies it. It also describes witnessing domestic violence as a child, and an accident resulting in paralysis.

This whole series is wonderful, and is absolutely worth reading. If you want hot, protective Scottish rugby players, add Sacked By Surprise (and the rest of the series) to your TBR.

[Laura Black Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Sacked by Surprise' was so surprising for me - in a great way! Author Beatrice Bradshaw has written an excellent rugby romance with such likeable characters who have depth and room to grow, as they fall for each other. It's book three in the Scottish Rugby Rebels series, and stands alone.

The rugby feels authentic (what would I know?) and the setting is terrific - moving between Stirling and Glasgow - forty minutes drive, though I'd have loved them to take the train 😄

Ava and Scottie meet when they are both hiding out in an old movie theatre. Rugby player Scottie is taking a break from what are sometimes overwhelming responsibilities while ballerina Ava has just found out she has a career-threatening injury. Ava is the girlfriend of one of Scottie's team mates and she's surprised and grateful when he doesn't blab that he has seen her. So begins some weekly movie watching as Scottie works out what is really happening in Ava's world. Beware TWs as it's a clear-eyed depiction of domestic abuse.

I enjoyed everything - especially the family chaos, and the Scottish brogue is fabulous, as is the banter. Scottie's backstory explains his caretaking and protectiveness, and we can see how Ava has become isolated, between her career and distant family and her lovebombing boyfriend.

There's a necessary third act breakup - they both need to address their own situations before they can partner up. Luckily the break doesn't take too long and the ending is so satisfying. These lovely people are great together.

I've discovered a terrific romance writer in Beatrice Bradshaw who is perfect for fulfilling my cravings for all things Scotland.

📖 Friends to lovers
🏉 Protective rugby player
💘 He falls first
🤕 Hurt / comfort
🏡 Found family
🛏️ Scottish Highlands
🔥 Dual POV

Thank you Beatrice Bradshaw and Literary Inspired for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time for the third installment of my favorite Scottish rugby players and their love lives. This time we have Scottie Kerr, ginger behemoth and super softy. He’s spent his personal life and career believing he’s there to support everyone else: his family, his team on the pitch, and now, a lonely woman he sees in a theatre.

Ava has spent her life feeling like she’s a burden to everyone: her parents who always fought about the expense of being a ballerina and her current boyfriend who frequently tells her how lucky she is that he puts up with her. When she spends a couple of hours crying in a theatre, she turns to see her boyfriend’s teammate has seen her distress.

Scottie can tell Ava is going through it, but allows her time to open up to him and trust him to help. She depends on him as a new friend while her boyfriend’s wife it’s and actions are escalating.

Are they willing to risk their friendship for potentially more or will fear and long-held beliefs about their own value hold them back?

I had a delightful time with Scottie and Ava. I knew I would. I love Scottie’s family as side characters too.

Highly recommended for lovers of gargantuan size difference, found family, a gruffly witty baller, and finding acceptance. And really, this is a such a good romantic and spicy series. Start with Tackled by Trouble if you’re a completist.

I received this eARC via @beatricebradshawauthor and @literaryinspired. All thoughts are mine alone.

contemporary romance | rugby | ballet | reading | Sacked by Surprise | Beatrice Bradshaw | book recs | recommendations | book reviews | bookstagram

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are so many romance novels based around American sports, such as Ice Hockey, Baseball and American Football, that it was great to see Scottish Rugby represented in this one. Sacked by Surprise is the third book in the Scottish Rugby Rebels series and the second one I have read. I need to go back and read the first one, Tackled by Trouble.
Scottie Kerr is a member of the Stirling Rebels Rugby team who feels responsible for an accident that resulted in his younger brother David being in a wheelchair. He believes he has to solve everyone’s problems for them with no thought for what he needs.
Ava MacKinney is a dancer with Scottish Ballet in an abusive relationship with one of Scottie’s teammates. Having grown up with an abusive father, Scottie can only support her quietly in the background, until the situation escalates and then he steps in. He takes her to his family home in the seaside town of Oban to get away from everything for a while, but eventually they must go back and face the music.
The writing is excellent, the characters well rounded and very believable, and the Scottish settings spot on. The coercive control in Ava and Nevin’s relationship is handled with great sensitivity. Although the author is not Scottish, she has captured perfectly the language and culture of this part of Scotland where I grew up.
The story is told from the points of view of both Ava and Scottie so we are privy to their innermost thoughts. They are on an emotional journey and need to sort themselves out before they can move forward together. I did enjoy the way the story ended – you’ll just have to read if for yourself, you won’t be disappointed.

[Shelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

The blurb and tropes of this book caught my attention and although I'm not typically a fan of jumping into a series, but this one kept calling my name. I'm so grateful that I listened! Going into it, I knew absolutely nothing about Rugby, but that didn't deter me from enjoying a well-written sports romance. And the Scottish brogue added in? That added another loveable layer!

There is a bit of heaviness in the storyline which leads to a 3rd act breakup. I have become a fan of books where those are avoided, but this one absolutely needed it to make their love story that much stronger. Scottie and Ava truly were meant to be because of how hard they worked to overcome their own dealings to come together.

Scottie has always been the strength for everyone, especially after taking on the responsibility for his brother's state of being in a wheelchair. That's quite the burden to carry on your shoulders! But it makes him every bit of the wonderful man he is.

Ava has her own burden to carry - she feels as though she's been a burden to everyone. She feels powerless in an assortment of ways, including her relationship with one of Scottie's teammates. I love that she was allowed to flow through the true path of DV without everything being all fixed in a short time.

Scottie and Ava's friendship was beautiful to witness, but when it crosses over into love? I felt the urgency of how much these two needed to work through their individual traumas to be able to come together. It gives one hope, happiness, and fulfillment! Definitely going to read more of her books!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness!! I am so pleased to be back with the next book of the series! Sacked by Surprise is a heartfelt, emotional journey that hooks you in the first pages and doesn't let go until the end!


I think this one will be one of my favourites, as it has 2 things near and dear to me! As a retired dancer to see a wee bit of ballet and the Scottish Ballet being incorporated into this was amazing! Then the 2nd Oban ..... It is one of my favourite places ever, have quite a few childhood memories there and having family there it is near and dear to my heart...... I never met any rugby players though... 🤔😂anyhoo.... I digress... 😂

I loved Ava and Scotties story, I think they will be my favourite couple out of this series! I loved there dynamic, the emotional journey they went on, and the character development was just so on point for this one. DV is not an easy topic to cover and Beatrice did an amazing job weaving it through the storyline sensitively and respectfully, but also highlighting it from two different view points

I loved Scottie and his family, he really is just a teddy bear who wants to protect and support everyone close to him, and then Ava our strong ballet dancer who finds her strength, but learning that it's okay to ask for help. The chemistry between these 2 was electric, and I was here for it!

I really could keep saying more, but I won't, if you want an emotional, spicy, sweet read then this is the book for you

[Dianna F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice Bradshaw delivers a story that’s as tender as it is devastating, and Sacked by Surprise proves just how powerful romance can be when it refuses to look away from the hard things. This isn’t a light, fluffy escape; it’s a novel that sits with the realities of domestic violence, guilt, and the long, uneven road back to self-worth — and it does so with remarkable compassion.

What struck me most was how Bradshaw captures the emotional erosion that happens long before a survivor ever leaves. The book doesn’t sensationalize abuse; instead, it shows the quiet, insidious ways people in DV situations are made to feel small, unlovable, and powerless. Those moments were painful to read in the best possible way — the kind of heartbreak that comes from recognizing a truth too many people live with.

On the romance side, the story offers a gentle, steady counterweight to the heaviness. The love interest isn’t a savior swooping in to fix trauma; he’s a respectful presence who gives space, support, and patience. Their connection feels earned and grounded, which makes the hopeful moments land even harder.

This book is heavy, but it’s also deeply human. Bradshaw honors survivors, refuses to rush their healing, and still manages to carve out a path toward something brighter. It’s the kind of story that lingers long after the last page.

[Spicy_bookcorner · Rating 5 out of 5]

📕BOOK REVIEW📕

Happy Release Day to @beatricebradshawauthor 🥳💕

This is book 3 in the series, and I am sad that this is the end of the series; I have throughly enjoyed this beautiful rugby romance series.

Scottie is a yes man. He doesn’t say no to anyone, especially his family, where there is some guilt he is harbouring. He’s known on his rugby team as the man who is just there, supporting his team and being a buffer. The only place he finds solace is a Tuesday night cinema trip to watch Hallmark Christmas movies. This is where Scottie meets Ava, and not only she is clearly dealing with some issues, she’s also the girlfriend of his teammate. Ava pleads silently with Scottie to keep her secret safe, in fear of what her boyfriend will do.

Oh what a beautiful book. I cried and how emotional Scottie and Ava’s story was. Ava is such a strong character, especially the trauma she experiences. The way her and Scottie formed a bond and grew close really was lovely to see. Scottie was quietly observant, and I think this is why Ava grew to trust him, he didn’t judge her and supported her when she needed it. But, Ava was also the one to understand Scottie and to show him that he cannot fix everyone.

You all know how I love a rugby romance, and I am sad the series is ending, but it was good to see Finn and Brodie from books 1&2.

🌶️🌶️🌶️/5

[Nicola Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beatrice, you've scored a try with this one!!! I love, love, love Scottie and Ava's. This book was definitely my favourite in the series. The story was excellent and the concept was so good. It was an absolute pleasure to read this.

The cover is cute and it fits with the others in the series. I love Scottie and Ava on the front. The colours are so vibrant and they pop! It was really well designed.

The writing was excellent and the story flowed beautifully. The book is written in first person with dual points of view - Scottie and Ava's! Beatrice does deal with DV survival in the story and she deals with in the caring and compassionate way possible. There is plenty of Scottish slang the book which I enjoyed. Beatrice does have a handy little glossary at the back translating it our words into real English!

The book is set mostly in Oban. It's a beautiful setting and I love that feels this wee Scottish town gave me. I have fond memories so thank you for this!!!

The characters are beautiful. Scottie and Ava were perfect. The connection Beatrice created between the two was so sweet and tender. Scottie is a strong book boyfriend contender. If gives me Irn Bru I'm his!

I definitely recommend the book and the series.

[Tayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

This. Was. Perfect 😍

A massive thank you to Literary Inspired and Beatrice Bradshaw for the advanced copy. My review of the book is my own, honest opinion.

I was hooked on this story from the get-go and I finished the book in less than 24 hours 🤣
Ava and Scottie were so well-written, their development was so thoughtfully done and it felt authentic. I loved that the author made Ava this strong, capable woman who, despite falling into a toxic relationship, was still a strong, capable woman and not a damsel in distress.
I swooned over how Scottie was written. I loved the family component of the book, not only the rugby team family, but Scottie's family as well, it felt like every character was intentional and added valuable depth to the whole storyline.
Although this book dealt with the very heavy topic of domestic violence, it was done in a respectful way and felt like a natural part of the storyline.

I loved Beatrice's writing style and the banter between Ava and Scottie, I also adored the Scottish setting and the way Scottish slang was placed in the dialogue.

I will most definitely be reading any of Beatrice Bradshaw's future books and can say I am a definite fan!

[Kirsty Gudmundsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨️Sacked By Surprise by Beatrice Bradshaw✨️

Available 17th April! @beatricebradshawauthor.

I devoured this book in one sitting! Absolutely could not put it down — the kind of story where you say “just one more chapter” and suddenly it’s finished.

The banter, the chemistry, the friendship turning into something more… I loved everything about this story.

But what really made this book a 5 star read for me was the MMC - Scottie.

He’s protective in a quiet, steady way — not controlling, not over the top — he just shows up for her, supports her, and holds space for her when he realises she’s probably in a toxic relationship. He doesn’t push or judge.

And honestly… it’s very hard not to fall in love with a protective 6’4 rugby player with thighs that could ruin your life.

This book was swoony, emotional, addictive and I devoured it. If you love friends to lovers, grumpy x sunshine, protective heroes and men who fall first — you need to read this.

🏷 Bookstagram • Sacked By Surprise • Beatrice Bradshaw • Friends To Lovers • Rugby Player MMC • Ballerina FMC • Only One Bed • He Falls First • Grumpy X Sunshine • Found Family

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottie and Ava

Sports (rugby x dancer)
Friends to more
Grumpy x sunshine
He falls first
Close proximity
Only one bed
Hurt comfort

Be warned, this has mentions of DV - coercive control, gaslighting, violent behaviour….

Scottie Kerr is a giver. He supports everyone around him, and when he spies Ava in a theatre, he strikes up a friendship with her. Over time, he recognises that she’s not in a good relationship (her boyfriend is his teammate0, and it starts to get messy.
Ava, a professional ballet dancer has recently been injured and escapes to the theatre every Tuesday… Her inner dialogue is heartbreaking. She knnows she made a mistake moving in with her boyfriend, and she needs to leave him, but she keeps finding excuses to stay…

I loved seeing their friendship grow. It’s platonic, until it’s not, yet they don’t really do anything until after she’s attempted to leave her boyfriend, and Scottie gets to go all protective for her.
His family sound like my family. Chaos and mayhem in the best of ways.

It takes a few heavy turns along the way, and while the cover says rom-com, it’s surprisingly emotional…

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was such a good read honestly. It was cute and sweet and funny. I was invested from the first line until the last. These characters were so lovable and relatable. Scottie is the absolute sweetest man I have read. He is a protector and provider at his core. But he’s not over the top in it. Nothing about this man is oppressive. And I appreciated that about him. He is fiercely devoted to his people. Watching him learn to not handle everything himself was beyond endearing. He truly grew as a character. Ava is such a strong character. She’s whip smart and can stand on her own. The connection and chemistry between these two is palpable. But it’s also highly realistic. Their relationship feels so genuine and real. The progression their relationship takes is a healthy development towards a stable relationship. It’s not without its own challenges but they both worked on it. And the apology…chef’s kiss. And it’s not what you think at all. But no spoilers here. The ending was utter perfection and I loved it for all characters involved. All in all my only issue is I wish I had more of this story. It was so good and I didn’t want it to end.

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great story that will take you through a rollercoaster of emotions. The story doesn't shy away from showing the details of an abusive relationship, so check you triggers before you get started.

Ivy is a ballet dancer who has chosen the wrong man to love. Nevin is physical and psychologically abusing her, especially now that she has moved in with him. Slowly she is withering and endangering her career, that is until Scottie discovers her at the movies and their friendship becomes one of secrets, protection, understanding, and love.

Scottie cannot believe his teammate is capable of such damage, but he is witness at the pain and suffering he is inflicting. Being a child of an abusive father, he feels for Ivy, and decides to show up for her at the movie dates. He falls for her, and decides to take her away and offer protection. But when the league suspends him, and he is put on the spotlight (for the wrong reasons) it will be Ava who blames herself for this.

Be ready to see how this will all work out. BUt be prepared to be mad, excited, and maybe teary eyed!

[Lyn Brownlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! So much emotion
This story grabbed me from the start and had me so torn with how Ava was been treated.
Wanting to tell her to get out and run but knowing that it wasn’t that easy for her.
The friendship between her and Scottie at the beginning was sweet and the more cinema visits just cemented their friendship.
When her life imploded with her boyfriend and it got too much for Ava, Scottie stepped up and whisks her away heading to his mum’s home in the Highlands.
Whilst there Ava slowly heals, finds a family that accepts her as she is and starts to feel more for the man that rescued her.
There are consequences for his actions and Scottie eventually needs to go back to face what happened.
This story handles domestic violence with sensitivity and care but also shows that there is hope afterwards for Ava and that Scottie will be by her side helping her through it.
A steamy romance beautifully written with wonderful characters.
Thank you Beatrice Bradshaw for the opportunity to read this story.

[Claudia, Cmarie927 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised at how addictive this storyline is, as I am new to this author. This is book 3 in this collection but can be read as a stand alone. The pages turned themselves as I became more and more attached to the gentle giant that is Scottie Kerr, a Rugby player for the Stirling Rebels.

Scottie is an easy character to love. He finds himself befriending Ava (a teammate's girlfriend), and things become much more complicated than they ever would have expected. Ava is keeping an ugly secret about the behaviors of Nevin, and her situation gets worse before it gets better - which may be difficult for sensitive readers, so FYI.

Their connection is very sweet, and I love how easily she fits into Scottie's life, and how he is supportive of her pursuits. I enjoyed the emotional ups and downs in this one, and look forward to reading more from this author in the future.

I received an ARC (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.

[Katherine Gisleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 ⭐️
🌶️🌶️ - medium spice, a few explicit scenes
1st person, dual POV

Scottie and Ava had such an interesting meet cute. There were so many complicated elements to their relationship: teammate’s girlfriend, secret friendship, and saving from an abusive relationship. Speaking of which, the toxic relationship was written so well. We saw just enough of the motivation behind Nevin’s abuse and everything was realistic, but palatable. It still broke my heart though 💔 make sure to check the content/trigger warnings.

Both Scottie and Ava had their own trauma and issues to work through. They learned how to ask for help, accept that they can’t do everything themselves, and that they could share each other’s loads together. They became a team 💕

This was heart-wrenchingly sweet, had a bit of found family, and a very satisfying conclusion. I loved it! What a great series.

Thanks to Literary Inspired for the advance copy 💝 Releases April 10th!

[HeadCanonHeadCase · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scottie spots Ava crying in the movie theater. All he knows is that she’s his teammate’s girlfriend and she looks like she needs a quiet friend who doesn’t judge. So he becomes one for her. But what he learns their friendship doesn’t align with what his teammate says about Ava, and soon Scottie realizes that Ava might need more than just a friend. She might need a way out of a toxic and dangerous relationship.

Read if you like:
-Rugby Player x Ballerina
-Escaping a Toxic Relationship
-Friends to Lovers
-Slow Burn
-He Carries the Weight of the World on His Shoulders

This was my first book in this series and now I need to go back to the beginning and read them all. I loved the found family team dynamic so much, but I also loved Scottie’s family just as much. The way his mom, brother, and sister accepted Ava instantly and loved on her was so satisfying. And the slow burn between Scottie and Ava was as delicious as her escape was dramatic.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ava, a ballet dancer is in a precarious position. Her life turned upside down with one choice to move in with her boyfried and now she’s stuck. Crying in a movie theater she runs into one of his rugby teammates. Scottie sees her fully during the quiet moments in the theater and slowly falls for her, but he can’t intervene with a teammate. Can they overcome their circumstances and preconceived notions to find true romance amongst the quiet theater or will they be kept apart by circumstances beyond their control?

A nice slow burn romance with heavy themes of childhood trauma and domestic violence. The characters are real and heartfelt, I cried so many times reading this and hoping for a happily ever after ending. Love how the biggest player has the softest heart and notices things most people don’t. This story brings it all, laughter, sass, tears, banter, and a hope of better things to come. Trigger warnings for alcohol, domestic abuse, gaslighting, and emotional manipulation.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is superbly well written,and with Scottie I’m smitten. He saw the patterns and behaviour of abuse and he flies in to tackle the perp and be of some use to Ava. He’s her saviour in more ways the one when he finds her sat alone in a cinema ,cogs are turning . His teammates girl so he looks out for her and his initial intentions are pure and right. Each and every Tuesday night.

There’s a lot of these occurrences where she’s in fear sat alone in the darkest place ,in more ways than one,and this has him undone and on one . She’s struggling with abuse and her ballet steps are loose and not as they should be . Because of an abusive injury .

Like a knight in shining amour as well as rock hard armour. He refuses to allow anyone to harm her no more! He’s a giant in his field is Scottie ,good at the game and as gentle as a giant as they come. And this gent has seen enough and is not keeping schtum.

Well played with this display Beatrice Bradshaw. An immersive performance that deserves every merit ,these characters of yours do you credit. The trope I am dope for ,leaves ME all helpless ( or hopeless)and demure. This is what romance books and your heart beats for.

He falls first in this love in the highlands as he sweeps her away from her abuser . He’s no loser . He doesn’t want to lose her but he must declare that he’d love nothing more than to go there with her.
Well he’s in luck cos she’d love him to do more than cook for her as she’s getting better. He also has her hotter and wetter…

A go getter and stripes earnt ,now go get your cockles burnt with the Scottish Rugby Rebels ,in this book . Forward to more in this series I’ll look. Phew 😮‍💨 I was certainly on its hook

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scottie😍: how could he not win her trust?

Author Beatrice Bradshaw has created some terribly winning male leads in this series and Scottie? He may have topped them all. He's the unobtrusive one (despite his size) who supports everyone else: his family, his teammates and a tiny, shivering woman in a darkened movie theater. Ava's falling to pieces but tries to hide it; she can't hide it from Scottie.

I found Scottie heroic in the true sense of the word, ready to sacrifice himself for others even knowing the negative, life altering consequences he could face. Bradshaw made him such a great, lovely hulking bear of a character and I was smitten and hopeful that he'd win the girl.

Expect some steam but it by no means dominates this eminently romantic story.

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Jazzmine Whissell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an ARCH review**
I have volunteered to review this book and give my honest thoughts.

This is an easy 5 star ⭐️

I really enjoyed reading this story! I have fallen for the relationship/friendship of Ava and Scottie. It was such an easy read and had a wonderful ending. I know there is hard topics that are talked about in this book, but there is always light at the end of the tunnel. ❤️
Beatrice is such a fantastic author. I am looking forward to your next book.

Mini Summary:

This is a friends to lovers trope (which is my favourite). It follows the story of Ava and Scottie who magically meet at a cinema on a Tuesday night. Scottie is a rugby player and Ava is a ballet dancer. Both of them start to become friends and bond together overtime. But it turns out, that Ava is dating one of Scottie’s teammates named Nevin who is extremely abusive and toxic towards Ava.

[Shirin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This final installment was a good read, even if it was hard going. Without giving too much away, Beatrice touches on the hardship, and ease, that women can find themselves in with a toxic relationship. The slow build up to the point you are trap with a feeling of no way out, and a host of memories of good times that you cling to and hope you get too if you just.... But this isn't the way. We don't need another man to rescue us from this brutality, but we definitely do need the help of friends. They give us unconditional love and support, a strength for us to pick ourselves up and move it.

Very well done B. You got it right once more! Thanks for another gorgeous story. My wife eis my best friend, and with 2 failed relationships behind me that weren't the best, I know now how important friendship with your partner is.

Looking forward to what you do next! 😁