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Passing Game: An 831 Stories Romance
Not yet published
Expected 23 Feb 27A childhood-friends-to-lovers romance that kicks off in the high-stakes world of Texas football.
When Ryleigh Walker returns to Dallas to head up a college football recruiting program, it’s a homecoming in ways good and She has to contend with her father’s legacy and her own relationship with the game she loves—and with Isaiah McNair, a blast-from-the-past colleague who understands what this means to her perhaps better than anyone.
When Ryleigh Walker returns to Dallas to head up a college football recruiting program, it’s a homecoming in ways good and She has to contend with her father’s legacy and her own relationship with the game she loves—and with Isaiah McNair, a blast-from-the-past colleague who understands what this means to her perhaps better than anyone.
256 pages, Paperback
Expected publication January 1, 2027
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 28, 2026
An absolute treat and another banger from 831 Stories!! I loved that we for to see more of the world of (American) football and that the book didn’t shy away from some of the hardships that can come from playing football at a competitive level for long amount of time. It wasn’t a one-time mention either; it was woven through the whole book.
I also loved the side characters and the friendships in this book! I feel like they added a lot! I thought Bella, Ryleigh the FMC’s, friend was so fun and she was such a good support for Ryleigh.
I really loved Ryleigh and Isaiah’s relationship. Isaiah is so down bad!! It was so cute! I also loved their background as childhood friends and their shared relationship with football. I also loved the part when they tried out different hobbies!! It was cute!
Definitely recommend if you like sports romance!! Definitely take care though when reading since this book deals with some heavy topics like the death of a parent, grief, and traumatic injuries.
Book release February, 23, 2027!!
Read if you like:
Sports romance
Childhood friends to lovers
Workplace romance
Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
I also loved the side characters and the friendships in this book! I feel like they added a lot! I thought Bella, Ryleigh the FMC’s, friend was so fun and she was such a good support for Ryleigh.
I really loved Ryleigh and Isaiah’s relationship. Isaiah is so down bad!! It was so cute! I also loved their background as childhood friends and their shared relationship with football. I also loved the part when they tried out different hobbies!! It was cute!
Definitely recommend if you like sports romance!! Definitely take care though when reading since this book deals with some heavy topics like the death of a parent, grief, and traumatic injuries.
Book release February, 23, 2027!!
Read if you like:
Sports romance
Childhood friends to lovers
Workplace romance
Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!!
October 13, 2026
A great 831!! We follow a man and woman who grew up together and have been reconnected in adulthood under the backdrop of college football (very fun for me!). The female friendships in this story were so strong and awesome that the romance didn’t feel like the only thing going on (positive). That being said, I was still excited about the couple and was rooting for them.
Passing Game is out on February 23, 2027.
Passing Game is out on February 23, 2027.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The relinquishing of control anchor readers in this latest 813 novel. We meet Ryleigh Walker gripping the laces of her identity as she’s dashing down the field towards her dreams. Hurling towards her is an innate desire she attempts to juke. This time, it just might knock the wind out her. We’re reminded of the crossroads of young womanhood we all eventually stand before. Can our desire of love exist with our ambition?
I’m thrilled to read a book that features the world of sports and the women who can run it without these thematic elements ever feeling like overt plot devices. The world of Ryleigh feels so immersive and compelling for readers to discover with each page. In this story of grief and overcoming it, the dialogue’s quips and banters introduces a lightheartedness and enhances the characters’ humanity.
Ryleigh’s conflicts as the FMC are as frustrating as our own wrestle with releasing our regimented grip on life. We’re reminded you can choose love and choose yourself at the same time. It’s beautiful for stories to remind us that both can be coexist.
I’m thrilled to read a book that features the world of sports and the women who can run it without these thematic elements ever feeling like overt plot devices. The world of Ryleigh feels so immersive and compelling for readers to discover with each page. In this story of grief and overcoming it, the dialogue’s quips and banters introduces a lightheartedness and enhances the characters’ humanity.
Ryleigh’s conflicts as the FMC are as frustrating as our own wrestle with releasing our regimented grip on life. We’re reminded you can choose love and choose yourself at the same time. It’s beautiful for stories to remind us that both can be coexist.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked the book. The pacing was great and I really liked Isaiah and Ryleigh together.
I did struggle a bit in the beginning of the book as there was a big info dump in the first chapter (which I get since it is just a short novella and we want to get the story moving). However, the structuring in the first chapter could have been a bit different and it would have all been a bit more organic in my opinion. I think the author also could have explained much sooner what CTE was, since I had to google it first. It only was somewhat explained what it entailed later in the book.
I did think that the set-up felt a bit similar to Off season by Frankie Caracciolo (also a 831 stories novella), as in both books we have a dead dad and an FMC working in the same sports world her dad was a coach in. However, I think this one was much better, the romance was also different and worked better because they already knew each other, which allowed the MCs to connect on a deeper level and develop the tension between them more. I think their struggles also made them and they balanced each other out very well.
Would recommend!
I did struggle a bit in the beginning of the book as there was a big info dump in the first chapter (which I get since it is just a short novella and we want to get the story moving). However, the structuring in the first chapter could have been a bit different and it would have all been a bit more organic in my opinion. I think the author also could have explained much sooner what CTE was, since I had to google it first. It only was somewhat explained what it entailed later in the book.
I did think that the set-up felt a bit similar to Off season by Frankie Caracciolo (also a 831 stories novella), as in both books we have a dead dad and an FMC working in the same sports world her dad was a coach in. However, I think this one was much better, the romance was also different and worked better because they already knew each other, which allowed the MCs to connect on a deeper level and develop the tension between them more. I think their struggles also made them and they balanced each other out very well.
Would recommend!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’m usually not a fan of sports romances, but I liked how this one was done. It was interesting to see how Ryleigh’s position worked and how she navigated being in a primarily male-dominated world. I wish the chapters about them finding new hobbies had been longer because that was my favorite part of the book.
Overall, this was cute, but not a favorite.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Overall, this was cute, but not a favorite.
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Returning to Dallas to head the recruitment program for Texas Valley’s football team, Ryleigh Walker must reconcile with her father’s NFL star legacy, and her feelings toward her childhood best friend, now her colleague, Isaiah McNair, who cut her off without reason years ago.
This was a really sweet and tender romance! 💜 It’s a little bit enemies-to-lovers in the beginning, which I loved, because tension between two mcs who like LIKE each other is always so much fun 😈 Ryleigh had a right to be angry with Isaiah, and his explanation and apology were done well. The moments of them getting to know each other again were so lovely! I enjoyed those scenes the most, like the pottery class they took. That might be my favourite scene simply because of how much they opened up to one another. I, of course, also loved the Florida trip (IYKYK). Honestly, all their conversations were so deep and shed so much light for the reader as to what the characters were experiencing, which I really appreciated. We learn so much about Ryleigh’s feelings toward her dad and how much his legacy, and his teachings, still affect her. We also learn about Isaiah’s trauma and healing journey.
I loved the side characters, especially Ryleigh’s best friend Bella. They had a close relationship and it was nice to see that intimacy between them, how much they understood one another. Bella’s support for Ryleigh was also beautiful 💜
There was one part I didn’t like; when Ryleigh gets angry about a particular situation near the end. I didn’t fully understand her anger and I think that scene could have been described better, personally. But I did like how Ryleigh’s character resolved the issue afterwards.
In all, a cute romance that I recommend to all romance lovers! Especially those who love sports and football in particular. Thank you to the author, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 💜
This was a really sweet and tender romance! 💜 It’s a little bit enemies-to-lovers in the beginning, which I loved, because tension between two mcs who like LIKE each other is always so much fun 😈 Ryleigh had a right to be angry with Isaiah, and his explanation and apology were done well. The moments of them getting to know each other again were so lovely! I enjoyed those scenes the most, like the pottery class they took. That might be my favourite scene simply because of how much they opened up to one another. I, of course, also loved the Florida trip (IYKYK). Honestly, all their conversations were so deep and shed so much light for the reader as to what the characters were experiencing, which I really appreciated. We learn so much about Ryleigh’s feelings toward her dad and how much his legacy, and his teachings, still affect her. We also learn about Isaiah’s trauma and healing journey.
I loved the side characters, especially Ryleigh’s best friend Bella. They had a close relationship and it was nice to see that intimacy between them, how much they understood one another. Bella’s support for Ryleigh was also beautiful 💜
There was one part I didn’t like; when Ryleigh gets angry about a particular situation near the end. I didn’t fully understand her anger and I think that scene could have been described better, personally. But I did like how Ryleigh’s character resolved the issue afterwards.
In all, a cute romance that I recommend to all romance lovers! Especially those who love sports and football in particular. Thank you to the author, 831 Stories, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review 💜
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When Ryleigh Walker returns to Dallas to head up a premier college football recruiting program, she finds herself confronting far more than just game day pressure. She has to navigate her late father’s lingering legacy, her complex relationship with the sport she loves, and her unexpected reunion with Isaiah McNair—a former childhood friend turned colleague who knows her history better than anyone. Years ago, after a devastating injury shattered his own dreams of going pro, Isaiah pushed Ryleigh away and cut off contact. Tragically, when Ryleigh’s father (who was also Isaiah's beloved coach) passed away, Ryleigh spent years believing Isaiah never even showed up to the funeral unaware that he had quietly attended from afar, weighed down by his own pain. Now reunited in the high-pressure world of Texas football, they must finally confront their buried grief, lingering misunderstandings, and the deep love they never truly outgrew.
This book was such a compelling, emotionally grounded second-chance romance! It really highlights how two people can drift apart not from a lack of love, but from trying to protect each other while dealing with overwhelming personal trauma. Isaiah’s injury and his subsequent retreat broke my heart, and the reveal surrounding her father's funeral added so much poignant tension to their reunion. Watching them slowly rebuild trust, console each other’s old wounds, and learn how to lean on one another again while working in the cutthroat world of football recruiting made for a deeply satisfying read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
This book was such a compelling, emotionally grounded second-chance romance! It really highlights how two people can drift apart not from a lack of love, but from trying to protect each other while dealing with overwhelming personal trauma. Isaiah’s injury and his subsequent retreat broke my heart, and the reveal surrounding her father's funeral added so much poignant tension to their reunion. Watching them slowly rebuild trust, console each other’s old wounds, and learn how to lean on one another again while working in the cutthroat world of football recruiting made for a deeply satisfying read!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advance reading copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
November 1, 2026After her former football player and coach dad died, Ryleigh moves back to Texas to work recruiting for a college football team. There she must confront and work with her childhood friend who she hasn't spoken to in 8 years. Isaiah, former player turned coach had his NFL career cut short after injury and then disappeared from Ryleigh's life, even when she needed him most. Now that they he is back in her life, Ryleigh has to decide if her love for Isaiah can outweigh her anger and hurt.
I love a sports romance and enjoy that the FMC worked for the team in pivotal role for the success of the team. I also found the conflict of working for a football team yet knowing the risk of brain injury to its players to be interesting and I would have liked that explored a little more. My biggest issue with the book was Ryleigh and Isaiah's relationship. I found it hard to root for them to be together based on his treatment of her.
Thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC!
I love a sports romance and enjoy that the FMC worked for the team in pivotal role for the success of the team. I also found the conflict of working for a football team yet knowing the risk of brain injury to its players to be interesting and I would have liked that explored a little more. My biggest issue with the book was Ryleigh and Isaiah's relationship. I found it hard to root for them to be together based on his treatment of her.
Thanks to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Endearing, though not my fave. Something was slightly off for me..I had a hard time developing a mental picture for Isiah. I also struggled to picture football as this great overarching threat to freedom and choosing happiness.
A sport as the primary conflict, to me, removed weight from the characters’ decisions. It made me struggle to empathize with them, and I had a hard time forgiving the ways they were callous to each other. I wish we could have delved deeper into each person’s motivations and driving emotions—beyond football, grief, and attraction.
I also felt two steps removed from their relationship; like I was watching it unfold but had no skin in the game either way. If they stayed together or split up, I would have felt the same. I wish I was compelled to feel more invested and emotionally pulled by this story—because I really did love the diversity in characters and the FMCs style and how rooted this story was into a coherent world.
A sport as the primary conflict, to me, removed weight from the characters’ decisions. It made me struggle to empathize with them, and I had a hard time forgiving the ways they were callous to each other. I wish we could have delved deeper into each person’s motivations and driving emotions—beyond football, grief, and attraction.
I also felt two steps removed from their relationship; like I was watching it unfold but had no skin in the game either way. If they stayed together or split up, I would have felt the same. I wish I was compelled to feel more invested and emotionally pulled by this story—because I really did love the diversity in characters and the FMCs style and how rooted this story was into a coherent world.
October 28, 2026
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an early copy!
This book was really cute and an easy read. I think I just had a problem getting connected with the characters and the story overall. It was very quick and flew by, but I wish we got more details on their past. I realize these books are meant to be short, but sometimes I feel like we are missing out on crucial information. I think with this one, seeing more of them growing up together and getting more details on what made them stop talking would have made it better for me. I also think Ryleigh was very dramatic at certain times. Like totally understand her with certain situations but other times I feel like the arguments they did have like closer to the end were just unnecessary. Overall, I do think this book was fine, but I think with certain details it could have been better.
This book was really cute and an easy read. I think I just had a problem getting connected with the characters and the story overall. It was very quick and flew by, but I wish we got more details on their past. I realize these books are meant to be short, but sometimes I feel like we are missing out on crucial information. I think with this one, seeing more of them growing up together and getting more details on what made them stop talking would have made it better for me. I also think Ryleigh was very dramatic at certain times. Like totally understand her with certain situations but other times I feel like the arguments they did have like closer to the end were just unnecessary. Overall, I do think this book was fine, but I think with certain details it could have been better.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I liked learning about Ryleighs dad and their connecting relationship with Isaiah. I really did like Isaiah but honestly the way they so easily came together after ghosting her for 5 years wasn't my favorite. I feel that there should've been a bigger reason and more passion put into the book and i feel like that would've made it more well rounded. I did like their relationship once they came together but she wasn't my favorite character. There was a lot of miscommunication and her dads relationship with her mom really had her about to mess up her relationship with the guy she should've been with from the beginning just because he wanted to do something dor himself to be happy.
3/5 stars
3/5 stars
November 4, 2026
Passing Game by Aiyana Ishmael was an incredible friends to lovers story! I liked the sports romance but the friends to lovers trope was honestly what held my attention the most because it was SO well done! This was a quick read but still worked through conflict in a believable manner. Thank you to NetGalley and 831 Stories for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Enjoyed this, specifically the second half. I think they got together kind of fast and every time there was an issue, they wrapped it up fast. So this probably should have been a full novel. Liked the couple. Isaiah was a yearner and Ryleigh was stubborn and often selfish, which worked nicely.
November 3, 2026
ARC provided by NetGalley. A cute book. Sometimes the pacing felt inconsistent but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
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