Tangled with the Tight End

Tennessee Thunder Football #1

by Savannah Scott

He makes a living taking hits. She’s the one he never saw coming.

Declan O’Connell knows exactly who he star tight end, hometown hero, and a man who’s never been one to sit on the sidelines

Winona Carter knows exactly what she a nursing degree, a steady paycheck, and time with her book club friends. She’s not interested in distractions—especially not the kind with a fan club that wraps around the block.

When Declan is injured, Winona shows up. She’s here to do a job. Nothing more.

But recovery has a way of slowing a man down and forcing him to notice the one woman in town who isn’t impressed by his stats, his fame, or his charm.

Now the clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Declan.
Will what they shared in private be able to survive in the spotlight?

Tangled with the Tight End is a forced proximity, opposites-attract romcom, and the first standalone book in the Tennessee Thunder Football series. This story is a closed-door romance with kisses that will have your heart doing a touchdown dance.

Genres: Romance, Sports Romance, Sports, Contemporary, Rom Com, Clean Romance, Football

524 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 18, 2026

Reviews

[Hannah Leutzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this as an arc read, and let me tell you I was not disappointed!!!❤️ This was a touchdown for me🤭🏈.
First of all I relate to Winona, in that football never interested me. It literally took a hallmark movie about my hometown team to get me excited to watch a Super Bowl (and only because my dad bought me a lucky hat like one in the movie❤️💛). So the fact that Winona comes in with no knowledge, I was right there with her. And I love how authentically her she is. She is not afraid to say what she feels and that pared with her wit makes for great banter!
And of course she is just what Declan needed in his life; sunshine! His stardom doesn’t faze her. She comes in when he needs her the most, and he would do literally anything for her.
We even included my favorite trope “wear my jersey because I like seeing my name on you”🫠😍!!!
I was upset about the third act breakup, but it was nice having so many people around that said exactly what I was thinking. The football team coming in clutch to talk sense into him. And I stinkin love Darlene!
I am so excited to read more about the members of Tennessee Thunder!!

[Sarah (tn.bibliophile) · Rating 5 out of 5]

football
bookish FMC
forced proximity
she falls first, he falls harder
closed-door romance

Tangled with the Tight End completely stole my heart! Winona and Declan were such a fun couple, and I loved watching this quirky sunshine girl bring so much light into Declan’s life while he was recovering from his injury. Their banter was adorable, their chemistry was SO good, and Declan teaching Winona about football gave me so many cute moments! I loved the characters, the friendships, the small town feel, and all the football romance.

Content Warnings:
-kisses only
-no language
-overbearing family

*thank you to the author for a gifted copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

“You’re one of a kind.”
“In a good way, right?”
“The best way.”

Savannah Scott has done it again with an ultra swoony new series, Tennessee Thunder Football. This first book is a quick touchdown and I found myself immediately laughing and swooning hard over the forced proximity in this caretaker romcom.

Winona is quirky and unpretentious, funny yet thoughtful, and the perfect home health nurse for football tight end Declan. Declan is intense and attentive, kind and an all-around good guy. An injury slows this hometown hero down and what results is full of bright lights, wonder, and chemistry galore–I couldn’t get enough! The romance and kisses are sparkling in this closed door delight.

The team and Winona’s sister round out a fantastic cast of characters, but it’s the banter, wit, and interactions that sent my heart spiraling. While totally opposite, these two have the most magical vibe and settling into this book warmed my heart and soul.

Game on! Bring on the next book in this fantastic new series. 🏈

*I received a complimentary copy. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given*

[Sydney Marsch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Content warnings:
* No spice
* No language

Tropes:
* Football
* Bookish FMC
* Nurse aide FMC
* Quirky FMC
* Forced proximity
* She falls first, he falls harder

Summary:
I laughed, I cried (a little), and I just had the best time reading this book! Winona is such a fun character that you will instantly fall in love with!

Thoughts:
I loved seeing Winona’s story because I had been waiting for it since reading about her in a few of Savannah Scott’s previous books! We actually have a lot in common because she is a nurse’s aide with a million side hustles and a twin, which I am too! Declan was also a great character to get to know. It was so sweet to see how these two people who felt very different came together through a great story. And the epilogue was amazing, so I will be waiting (not very patiently) for the next Tennessee Thunder book to come out!

I received an advanced copy of this book for the author and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of advance reader copy received from the author.

4.75 ⭐️

This book was amazing. I really loved returning to Waterford and meeting all of the characters again. I really love Winona’s friend group. The way they support and care fro each other was amazing.

I really loved Winona. She was just so quirky and vibrant. She is also really kind and caring. The way she cares for everybody was really remarkable. I really loved her relationship with her sister.

Winona and Declan were so perfect for each other. I really loved his thoughtfulness and support. The way he shows Winona her true worth was really cute.

I really loved Declan’s teammates. They were so chaotic and hilarious together. I really can’t wait for the next book in this series.

I give my thanks to the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the perfect romcom for me! I was hooked from the first line (“There are rare moments in life when you wish you had the flu”) and I just wanted to keep going! You have a pro football playing MMC (Declan) and a quirky, doesn’t care what people think about me FMC (Winona), who happens to know literally nothing about football!

Winona’s thoughts about football, and descriptions about what she observes, as she begins to learn about the sport are hilarious, she loves snacks, is so kind, everyone loves her and she says whatever is on her mind. I immediately loved her as an FMC.

Declan was so sweet and protective with her, though he didn’t approach it in the best way at all times…

This was just a sweet, tender, non-tropey story that made me laugh, cry and gave me butterflies! The first kiss was 🔥! And I loved the pacing of the romance.

Looking forward to reading more about the guys on this team and their women!

Content: closed door, no swearing

[ChristyW · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have no words rn! I can’t even express how much I loved this book, these characters, the town, the friends, the football, and all of the side characters!! This book is a 💯% YES!! All of the characters are so down to earth! I loved how much Winona (FMC) helps out in her community so selflessly! I loved the relationship that she has with her sister and family! Declan (MMC) & Winona’s first kiss goes down in the hall of fame for first kisses! So romantic!! This is a PERFECT sports romcom!

[Suzan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adore Savannah’s books for their sweet romances, humor, and engaging storytelling, but Tangled With The Tight End is my new favorite all because of the FMC.

If you like Amelia Bedelia, you’re going to love Winona. She’s an absolute delight and someone I’d love to have as a friend. She’s pretty clueless when it comes to football and has a tendency to take everything literally, but she’s also very intelligent and has a beautiful heart of gold.

I loved how her sister and friends embraced her unique personality, and how Declan fell so hard for her and could see what a gem she was. The romance between these two was just the sweetest.

This is a heartwarming, feel-good, closed door romance, and one I absolutely loved.

[Anna Serfass · Rating 4 out of 5]

***ARC Review***

What You’ll Find:
🏈NFL Player + Nursing Student
💚Opposites Attract
🏈Famous + Regular Person
💚Forced Proximity
🏈Small Town
💚Football Romance
🏈A Dash of Grumpy/Sunshine
💚Banter

Thank you partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @savannahscott_author for this #gifted arc.


Synopsis: 
He makes a living taking hits. She’s the one he never saw coming.
Declan O’Connell knows exactly who he is: star tight end, hometown hero, and a man who’s never been one to sit on the sidelines.

Winona Carter knows exactly what she wants: a nursing degree, a steady paycheck, and time with her book club friends. She’s not interested in distractions—especially not the kind with a fan club that wraps around the block.

When Declan is injured, Winona shows up. She’s here to do a job. Nothing more.

But recovery has a way of slowing a man down and forcing him to notice the one woman in town who isn’t impressed by his stats, his fame, or his charm.

Now the clock is ticking, and all eyes are on Declan.
Will what they shared in private be able to survive in the spotlight?

Tangled with the Tight End is the first book in the Tennessee Thunder Football trilogy set in the fictional town of Waterford TN. Declan and Winona's story is a closed-door romcom with kisses that leave your heart cheering. 

This was such a good book! All the supporting characters were so funny and helped make this book better. The banter and Winona’s little quirkiness throughout the book makes you laugh out loud. This was the perfect book for the fall/football season starting. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars rounded up

Savannah Scott has quickly become an auto read author for me. I really enjoy her writing style. I love that you instantly get pulled into the story, laugh out loud, have heart tug moments, and wear a silly grin throughout the story. And Tangled with the Tight End does not disappoint.

This is the first book in the Tennessee Thunder series. Declan is an NFL player and Winona knows nothing about football. When Declan is injured, Winona is assigned as his home health aide. Sparks don't instantly fly, but with Winona's sunny quirky personality, it is inevitable that Declan will fall for her.

I love that Savannah is able to create characters that you wish were real so that you could be friends with them! She also creates characters that you feel like you can relate with. I love that Winona is so genuine and really doesn't have a filter so some of the things she says is absolutely hilarious. But she is also able to make others feel seen and welcome and really tries hard to look on the bright side of things. Declan is a little broody and reserved, but Winona see's beyond the fame and brings out the softer side of him.

I loved their slow burn relationship and how they were protective of each other. The fallout from the nasty social media trolls tugged out my heart, but I love how supportive and encouraging the town and Winona's circle was. And of course we do get a HEA.

I also loved that we get character crossover from the The Firemen of Waterford TN series. The side characters bring their own sparkle to the story. I really enjoyed the sister relationship between Cass and Winona. I loved Darlene. And of course the banter between the Thunder players. And we cannot forget Geese Witherspoon!!! 😂😂

I am really looking forward to the next book in this series!

l received an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Quotes:
"Life has a way of making us all human one way or another."

"To the world, he's a superstar. To me, he's so much more."

"I want him more than I want to guard my heart."

"Love comes from the most unexpected places, I guess."

"Love means you do what's best for a person even if it costs you everything."

"I'm just me. And that's enough."

"He's my person."

"No one gets through life without hurting."

"You're strong. And together we're strong enough to face whatever comes."

[Sharon the Librarian · Rating 5 out of 5]

What do you get when you combine forced proximity, opposites attract, closed door, Amelia Bedilia-ish humor, nurses aide FMC, an injured NFL star all written by Savannah Scott? You get absolute romantic comedy perfection, that's what. She writes humor with heart as wells anyone I've ever read. I'm talking laugh out loud humor, and emotions of all levels that feel oh, so real.

When you get a beautiful unassuming girl who is a bit quirky to say the least, living in a town with a NFL team and local star, you'd assume she knows something about the game. Nope. Not interested in the least. Tight end? WHY would they talk about each other's backsides? Why is it called football when the only thing they use their feet for is to run away from big guys chasing them? You get the idea- absolute naivety. When he asks if she knows his number, she pulls out her phone and asks if he wants her to have it.

"Opposites attract. Not only that, they pull and tug toward one another. Seeking what they lack through what the other has in abundance." I loved this explanation of the trope- and it is proven in this beautiful story. Her positivity helps him as she sees the best in everyone and gives of herself to all. She is struggling to make ends meet as she finishes up nursing school, he has everything anyone could dream of. When they are thrown together after an injury, she as his nurses aide- he as the patient, the fun begins.

"As soon as fame enters the equation, you can never quite tell what a person's motives are for wanting to be near you. Winona's an exception. She's fully and whole heartedly unimpressed by me."

I love the quotes as chapter headings-they are so applicable and fun. From coaches, to pop stars, to unknown- they just add to the feel. And this book has ALL the feels.

Winona for Hire- Porch Geese- Retirement Homes - Private jets- Crazy goats - Paparazzi - Rumors

It all comes together in such a beautiful way. So much humor, so much heart, and so much fun. It's the beginning of a series, and yet a standalone to enjoy. And enjoy it you will.

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winona and Declan are a pure delight! I just love Winona and her unique take on the world. She is refreshing and fun and just what Declan needs after an injury puts his entire career on hold. Their reluctant to fall, forced proximity story is honestly just precious and so much fun. I love the guys on Declan’s team and I cannot wait to see more of them in the series!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan O'Connell is a football star in the NFL and lives on the field. It feels like a tragedy when he gets injured and the whole season might be over before it even begins. Enter Winona Carter, nurse aide and completely uninterested in football. Not at all impressed by Declan's celebrity status, Winona turns his life upside down.

Genre: as a sports nerd it's no surprise that I like sports romances, but apparently I don't even have to understand the sport in order to enjoy the genre. American football is a very small sport where I live, and my knowledge about it negligible. But alongside Winona I at least learn the basics, even though she learns a lot more!

Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, opposites attract, forced proximity and a closed-door slow-burn romance with all the feels. The book also offers several LOL moments!

Characters: Winona has no filter and says whatever's on her mind. She never pretends - what you see is what you get. She's got a positive aura and view of life. She's wonderfully quirky, but also a good judge of character. I simply adore Winona and her "Winona for hire"! Declan gets totally swept off his feet by Winona. She comes in like a wrecking ball and shows him there's more to life than football. Poor guy never stood a chance!

“You don’t entertain feelings.” He laughs again. “They take you on a ride. Unfortunately for you, they don’t ask your permission.”

Other: I love the proverbs at the beginning of each chapter - I wish more authors would do that! Of course I love the dual POV, but also Winona's love for books and her bookclub. And Geese Witherspoon!

* I've been doing a buddy read with others on IG, and it's been fun to discuss the book over the last weeks! I received an ARC through a book tour, with no obligation to read and review. *

[Laura Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Super cute read!

I loved the Amelia Bedilla books as a kid and have fond memories of checking them out of my school library, so it was easy to fall in love with Winona. Her quirky personality brought all that back for me. She was such a delight. I enjoyed everything about her. The way she talked and said whatever was on her mind and the way she didn’t understand anything about football. That was so relatable to me, as I am the same boat as Winona. I did find that the way Declan explained the game made sense. I found myself learning right along with Winona and even talked to my husband about some of my newfound football knowledge. I love how Declan appreciated Winona for who she was. Her lack of knowledge about football and the fact that she wasn’t after his fame was a breath of fresh air to him.

Tangled with the Tight End has all the small town fun I have come to love from Savannah Scott. I really enjoyed all the ‘odds and ends’ jobs Winona took as “Winona for Hire" and how her and Declan joked about them. I loved the porch goose she brought to brighten Declan’s day and the way she could make him smile. She knew him like no one else. There was great chemistry and swoon. Also beautiful growth and a message of being yourself is enough. I love how Declan and Winona were complete opposites, but just fit together perfectly. This book is guaranteed to make you laugh and smile. I enjoyed reading it so much!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4.5 ⭐️

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this book! Back in Waterford TN with hometown hero and Tight End Declan O'Connell. He gets hurt in a game and breaks his leg. And he gets assigned a local nurse assistant Winona Carter. And man do the sparks fly between these too. Winona is the absolute sweetest and takes such good care of Declan, while also encouraging him to take care of himself and get back to the game as quickly as he can. This is absolutely the best forced proximity and found family swoony swoony romance! I definitely will be reading this book again soon!!

FTC: A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review. A review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Touchdowns for this amazing book! Tangled with the Tight End captured my heart from the start & I quickly fell in love with Winona & Declan, two opposites who are absolutely perfect together. This delightful football romcom was even more than I thought it would be & had me giggling, grinning from ear to ear, & shedding a tear or two. One of Savannah Scott’s best & I can’t wait to see what else is in store!

Everyone should have a friend like Winona! She’s quirky, forthright, unpretentious, completely genuine, & has a heart of gold. When she meets Declan, she knows nothing about football, but when he gets injured & she becomes his nursing assistant, she takes the time to not only get to know the broody, quiet man underneath the superstar facade, but also takes an interest in football. She’s the type of person that if you’re interested in something, she’ll take the time to study it & learn to enjoy it too. I loved how turned on Declan got by her football talk & how easily he opened up to her. She’s the bright sunshine who pulls him out of his spiraling, & I loved how she cared not only for his injury but for his heart too.

Declan comes from a wealthy family & was betrayed by a woman he fell for, but with Winona, he can be his true self. He immediately sees her genuine goodness & unassuming personality. She’s always taking on odd jobs & loving to be of service, whether it’s walking someone’s dogs, teaching nursing home residents how to use their phones, or watching a baby goat. I loved the way he was constantly surprised by her & how he embraced the porch goose, Geese Witherspoon.

Along with Declan & Winona, I loved how the author creates a whole town of people who feel like your neighbors & who you easily become invested in. I loved Declan’s teammates, Winona’s parents & sister Cass, & even Declan’s assistants. There are definitely obstacles in their path, including Declan’s parents & social media, & I was on pins & needles wondering if their romance would survive all the negativity.

The ending had me cheering & now I can’t wait for Cass’ story! Highly recommend to closed door romcom fans! I received an advanced copy, but also read in Kindle Unlimited. All opinions are completely my own & voluntarily provided.

[Megan Crofton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to read Winona's story! She was such a fun character with this hilarious chaotic energy from other Savannah Scott stories and I was rooting for her. And her story with Declan did not disappoint. This one was so cute!

Winona was hilarious with her cluelessness about football. And I loved the way this made Declan smile. When she became his home aide after an injury, I knew I was going to love it. That forced proximity and with her taking care of him... a great combination. Winona really does crack me up. Declan was an interesting character because he was only introduced through Patrick's POV in Book and Ladder. And it seemed like Winona couldn't get a read on him either. But I saw a sweet but sad man because he was down about his injury. She really lightened him up and made him simile with her carefree and honest personality, she is purely who she is. He really opened up when he was with her and she saw a side of him most hadn't before. They had such a raw, nature, and relatable relationship and they had this great honesty and friendship as well. So natural together.

The story and plot moved along so well. I really enjoyed the realistic football and team moments. And the side characters, like Cass and the other football players made for some great layers as well. And the book club girls are so loyal and sweet! I have loved reading about their journeys finding love!

And who could forget Geese Witherspoon!!! I loved this side plot and how it brought out the biggest smiles for Declan.

I am loving this series and I cannot wait to see more of the side characters get their HEAs!!

[Mandy Clement · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very sweet sports romcom

Am I still majorly swooning over this story? YES! All the stars for Declan and Winona! I will always be so gone for a romance where the MCs see each other in a way no one else does. Winona is the quirky nurse aid who gets put in charge of home care after football tight end Declan is injured. This creates some delightful forced proximity and a chance for these small town opposites to get to know each other. They go from people who are aware of each other to friends to unexpected feelings. And it is DELIGHTFUL! Annnndd that first kiss had me grinning like a fool!! Officially calling it as my new favorite first kiss scene from a Savannah Scott. And I’ve read all of her books. As always Savannah gave us so much heart, humor, and a happily ever after that stays with you long after the last page. Heat- kisses (the best kind) CW- none, no language

[Riella Cristobal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute! I loved returning to Waterford and adored this start to a new series. If you have read the Firefighters of Waterford, TN series, you will be excited to see old friends and read their stories!
Winona was so fun! I loved her genuineness and vibrancy. She was so sweet and caring, while she tried to juggle all the responsibilities she had. Between her nursing degree, friends and family, and side jobs, she was not looking for anything else. She felt a little adrift and throughout the story settled into her place. I loved how she cared for people and took genuine interest in them. I loved her relationship with her sister and how they supported each other, even with their differences.
I adored her and Declan together! Declan was a sweetheart under his focus and more gruff nature. I loved seeing him open up with Winona and how thoughtful he was., especially with her. They supported each other wholeheartedly, even when there were issues.. Declan could be overly focused and a perfectionist, but he cared deeply. They were adorable.!
I loved all the side characters in this lovely town! There are characters from former series and I especially enjoy Winona’s group of friends. They are so encouraging and supportive. It was also a lot of fun getting to know the football team! They were hilarious. I flew through this book and can’t wait for more of this series! This is a sweet sports romcom with only kisses.
I received an ARC.

[Suri (suriscozyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 4.5 ⭐️

This was such a fun story! I loved meeting Declan and Winona. I found it such a breath of fresh air that Winona was so clueless to football. It made her so relatable and hilarious. It was fun to see her slowly learn and take an interest in something that was so important for Declan. I love her authenticity! She is true to herself and I loved that so much! Winona is exactly who Declan needed in his life. Their chemistry was off the charts and give me a "wear my jersey" scene any day!


Things that brought it down from a 5-star read for me were the length of the book and the 3rd act breakup. Over 500 pages for a romance book is a bit too lengthy for me but this story honestly did fly by.


I am so excited to continue this series! It was my first Savannah Scott book, but definitely not my last!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the book, I now know a lot more about football than I ever have! Will I retain this information? Probably not but I do appreciate how Declan would patiently explain rules/regulations for Winona to because so familiar with the game that she falls in live with it and understand it. Love that for her!

Winona is a blend of quirkiness and kindhearted. She is going to be an amazing nurse when she gets through school. I love how she gets to know and fall in love with the MAN Declan and not as the football player. She was unfairly treated by strangers and Declan was a bit of a fool for letting her go the way he did (I thought she was and still would have handled the criticism).. Like she kept saying "they won't know me" .

Declan and his teammates are so great! I love how they are just a big family of brothers and I especially love how they all treat Winona. I cannot WAIT for Cass' story! Oh, I can't forget the porch geese 🪿 so fun

[Jordan Mains · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I was not a Savannah Scott fan before this book, I tell you what, she would have shot straight to my favorites list from this book alone. I have read everything she has written, and this is my FAVORITE! (So far.)

I am not a football fan, so I have never really had a desire to read football romance, but I look forward to EVERYTHING that Savannah writes, and I knew the Tennessee Thunder was going to be yet another AMAZING example of her talent in connecting all of her books and characters so I was excited to see how this continued the world she has built between each of her series and it did not disappoint.

Winona is everything. She is quirky, genuine, endlessly caring, completely unapologetic about being herself. And Declan? Watching this very serious, very football-focused man fall for the one woman who couldn’t care less about football was so good.

Savannah has always been able to balance humor with deeper, emotional moments, but this story just hit differently for me. I loved watching Winona and Declan learn to really see each other, and I especially loved the friendships, family, and familiar faces woven throughout the story. Best of all were the swoony kissing scenes. Oh my! I feel like Savannah gave it her all on those this time around and they pushed my limits in the best of ways. Still completely clean and appropriate, but dang! I was kicking my feet!

Of course, Geese Witherspoon deserves her own five-star review. The way Declan adopts her and dresses her just shows how much Winona means to him.

If this is what the Tennessee Thunder series is starting with, I am already completely invested.

Thank you yet again Savannah for the opportunity to be a part of your team for yet another wonderful adventure!

[Readingmytbrlist · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

First of all, thank you Savannah for the ARC 💚 this was my first book by her and I want to hold out hope for her other books.

Things I loved:
- Declan’s teammates, his brother, the general friend group were so supportive and likable!!
- The explanation of football (I learned a thing or two!)
- Both MCs having kind hearts and wanting what’s best for each other throughout the entire book
- Winona seeing Declan for himself/his heart and not as a famous athlete. Also! Loved that she didn’t let any of his teammates ruffle her feathers
- Very well written

Things I didn’t love:
- Winona coming off more as dumb than quirky in some parts (which I don’t think was intentional and kinda made me sad tbh)
- The continuous comments about Winona: “being special” “there’s only one Winona” “never change Winona” “I love the way your brain works” “you’re amazing Winona” And her responding with “I don’t know how to be anyone else” “I don’t know how to change” “I wouldn’t know where to start” “I’m just me”, etc. Once or twice would have been fine and gotten the point across but it was repeated so often I started to wonder if the author was trying to imply something about her on a deeper level? This eased up in the last 1/4 of the book which I was very grateful for.
- the third act breakup felt unnecessary and surprising for me after both parties declared “I’m in love with you, you’re it for me.”
- Declan’s unwillingness to truly stand up for Winona and have confidence in her ability to be with him despite him being a famous athlete
- this book being 500 pages. It’s long for a romcom, but likely would’ve been fine if it didn’t feel repetitive or drawn out in some places


3.5/5. Rounding up to 4 because I think the rating could be a me problem. Others didn’t seem to feel this way about the characters! I think you should read and review it for yourself 💚

[Amy · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Savannah Scott for a gifted copy of this book! It was a fantastic introduction to the Tennessee Thunder football team!

Declan is from the small town of Waterford but now his football team practices there. He is the “grumpy” older brother to the book loving Waterford firefighter (check out his story in Book and Ladder). When he gets injured at the beginning of the season, Declan is forced to face what life would be like without football and his friends. Thankfully, he learns that it’s not much different. His friends/teammates are checking in with him as much as possible. The thing that’s different - Winona.

Winona doesn’t like football but her twin sister and friends love it. Even some of her book club friends are following the Tennessee Thunder. When she’s assigned a new patient for home health care, it’s Declan. She starts to see what’s behind the hardworking, athlete personality. She starts to fall for football, and even the man.

The growth that these two have is wonderful to watch develop. Declan opens up to Winona and she becomes more confident in herself. They also have to navigate between the public and private ways they are seen and talked about. The support systems they both have with found family is fantastic. You see it on full display. Winona and her twin sister’s relationship is incredible. I feel like I am not doing this book justice in this review. Please just read it and see how Savannah‘s writing just continues to get better with every book she writes! 💚🧡

One note: if you happen to see the page number total for this book, do not let it deter you at all! I felt like this read that the pace of all her other books. I didn’t even notice its length until it was mentioned by someone else. Promise!!

[Jami Pruitt (My.lovely_readingcorner) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite parts: 
- Watching practice
- Learning about the tight end
- Winona on crutches
- Babysitting a goat
- learning to throw
- Lunch at the practice facility
- Geese Witherspoon
- Power outage
- First date
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas tree lighting
- The playoff game
- Epilogue

Here is another fantastic book written by the amazing Savannah Scott. I absolutely loved this story. I grew up in a family who enjoyed watching and playing football - I never quite understood it. I would go to football games in high school because I had to (gotta love being in the marching band!).

To have a main character who understood about the same amount of football as I did was very refreshing. I love how Declan taught Winona all about football, including how to throw the ball. He taught it in a way that even made a little more sense to me - though I'm still not a fan of watching the game 😅.

I love how Declan and Winona's relationship changes and grows. They are able to spend a lot of time together because of an injury he gets and with Winona being his nurses aide.

It was fun getting to see some of the characters from the Firemen of Waterford TN series and I hope that we are able to get to know more of the football players through their books!

I was given an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Shayla Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review to come! What a cute story my friends! It has humor, heart, sparks of chemistry, swoon, sports, and oh so much more! Definitely worth the read! ‼️

[Kelli M. Stowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t really pay attention to football, but this book had me cheering along and maybe I need to be a football fan now?

Winona and Declan have the sweetest story. I was a little worried about Winona’s quirkiness at first because it made it feel like people were going to belittle her intelligence instead of just seeing her as someone who sees the world a little differently than they do (although I don’t know why since I KNOW this author was going to do right by her!). Winona is smart and driven and caring. Her quirks aren’t “ditziness” and I’m happy to say that the people she surrounds herself with know that and love her.

Declan is a little grumpy by circumstance. It was interesting to see how differently Winona saw him compared to other people who knew him pre-Winona. I loved seeing him figure out what he wanted and then allowing himself to go for it instead of listening to those who saw it differently.

Winona and Declan together are the absolute best. They fall into such an easy friendship and that makes it so much easier for them to fall in love. Declan sees Winona as more than just his home health aide and Winona sees Declan as a person first and football player second.

I LOVE found family and this book has it in abundance. Declan’s teammates and siblings are wonderful, and Winona’s book club and family know exactly who she is and love her even more for it.

This forced proximity, fish out of water, football romance is full of laughs and tenderness. It is the 1st book in the Tennessee Thunder series about a team of football players and the people of Waterford, TN.

[Jessica Dowling (jesslostinpages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, Savannah Scott! I fully expected to laugh my way through this sweet rom-com, but I was NOT prepared for you to go tugging on my heartstrings until I was sitting here with tears running down my face! What. The. Heck?!

I fell in love with Winona from the very start. She reminded me so much of Amelia Bedelia, a beloved childhood favorite of mine, bringing absolute sunshine wherever she goes. And Declan desperately needed that light. After suffering a serious injury at the start of his football season, Declan is assigned Winona as his home health aide. He is the serious, broody type, but she brings out his fun side in the best ways. (I mean, who doesn’t love a man who buys different outfits for a porch goose named Geese Witherspoon?!)

Since Winona has taken a bit longer to figure out her career path, she struggles with feeling like she doesn't fit into Declan's high-profile world. But Declan shows her that she has immense worth far beyond just being a pretty face, while Winona sees Declan for who he truly is—not just a famous professional athlete.

Between the emotional moments, there were so many hilarious scenes that had me cracking up: Winona on crutches, a goat loose in Declan's house, and her complete, utter lack of football knowledge. Watching Declan teach her about the sport he loves—and watching her fall in love with it in return—was pure joy.

I would give this book way more than five stars if I could! Highly, highly recommend

Thank you to Savannah Scott for an advanced reader copy. These thoughts are purely my own.

[Chelsea | chelseadennreads Dennison]

DNF @ 8%

I know that is very early to DNF, but I just could not find it believable that a girl born and raised in Tennessee, in SEC Country, was this clueless about football. She was also soooo literal to the point that I thought she had to be in the spectrum and that her finding that out was going to be a plot point, but none of the reviews I looked at mentioned it.

It makes me very sad to DNF because I have enjoyed so many of Savannah’s previous books and was excited to see a sports romance from her, but I just could not get past my annoyance over the FMC. I do know so many people who enjoyed this book and loved it , so if you’re a fan of Savannah’s books or a fan of sweet closed door romance then it’s probably worth giving a try.

[Angela (justwant_2read) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Scott never fails to write cozy, feel good books. I absolutely love football, so this was super fun for me. Geese Witherspoon was a definite favorite haha The story was fun, and while it was a longer book than some of her others, it was still a fairly quick read for me.
Can’t wait for book 2!
Thanks to Booked by the Emily’s and the author for a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.