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Header Over Heels : A Curvy Girl Enemies-to-Lovers Reality Show Marriage Soccer Romance
He is the cocky Irish soccer player worshipped by millions. She is the anonymous sports columnist dismantling his career one ruthless article at a time. Croix London has no clue that his fiercest critic, the writer he just managed to get fired, is much closer than he realizes.
Even worse, he has no idea she is the sharp tongued, beautifully curvy stranger he just married blindly on a wild Vegas reality show.
Andrea recognizes him the exact second she hears that smooth Dublin drawl and immediately wants to tell him who she really is. But Croix refuses to listen to the secret she fears will destroy them before the night even starts. Instead, they say, "I do" anyone and make a deal. They will annul the marriage at sunrise, keep the night a secret, and refrain from sharing a single truth that could ruin the present moment.
A stolen wedding night, a broken down car on an empty highway, and a dark shadow from her past soon rewrite those plans.
What begins as a bitter tabloid war and a reckless Vegas mistake quickly becomes the most honest love either of them has ever fallen head over heels for.
Even worse, he has no idea she is the sharp tongued, beautifully curvy stranger he just married blindly on a wild Vegas reality show.
Andrea recognizes him the exact second she hears that smooth Dublin drawl and immediately wants to tell him who she really is. But Croix refuses to listen to the secret she fears will destroy them before the night even starts. Instead, they say, "I do" anyone and make a deal. They will annul the marriage at sunrise, keep the night a secret, and refrain from sharing a single truth that could ruin the present moment.
A stolen wedding night, a broken down car on an empty highway, and a dark shadow from her past soon rewrite those plans.
What begins as a bitter tabloid war and a reckless Vegas mistake quickly becomes the most honest love either of them has ever fallen head over heels for.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 18, 2026
One thing about the Atlanta strikers they gone get married in Vegas Lol! Andrea and Croix had a messy story but they were so perfect for each other! I have to say I am not a regular IR reader however the way T.L. Martin writes it I ain’t mad it it! Got me rooting for pink meat 😂😂😂. Anyways back to the story my bad i got distracted.
Tropes:
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Secret identity
✨PCOS Rep
✨Plus size FMC
✨ Secret Vegas wedding
Croix is a famous soccer player and right now he’s a little off his game and getting ate up in the tabloids lately! This journalist really has it out for him! Randy/Andrea is the journalist eating him tf up in the media and just accidentally married her and doesn’t know who she is… yet 🫣😬
He’s not as bad as she thought he was and he’s already fallen before knowing her identity. How do they come back from this? Their connection and chemistry is undeniable ! The banter was beautiful! Loved the PCOS take because that is very real for a lot of women! They both had trust issues and watching them let those walls down with each other was beautiful! There was some serious topics discussed in here but were handled very well! Andrea just needed to feel safe and nobody was capable of that until Croix mf London! He’s a lover boy who just wanted to receive it the same way he gives it . Very caring and intentional! Such a man! I loved it so much i was mad there wasn’t more pages ! Lol
Tropes:
✨Enemies to lovers
✨Secret identity
✨PCOS Rep
✨Plus size FMC
✨ Secret Vegas wedding
Croix is a famous soccer player and right now he’s a little off his game and getting ate up in the tabloids lately! This journalist really has it out for him! Randy/Andrea is the journalist eating him tf up in the media and just accidentally married her and doesn’t know who she is… yet 🫣😬
He’s not as bad as she thought he was and he’s already fallen before knowing her identity. How do they come back from this? Their connection and chemistry is undeniable ! The banter was beautiful! Loved the PCOS take because that is very real for a lot of women! They both had trust issues and watching them let those walls down with each other was beautiful! There was some serious topics discussed in here but were handled very well! Andrea just needed to feel safe and nobody was capable of that until Croix mf London! He’s a lover boy who just wanted to receive it the same way he gives it . Very caring and intentional! Such a man! I loved it so much i was mad there wasn’t more pages ! Lol
October 1, 2026
Before I get into the actual review, I have to talk about the dedication, content warning, and chapter titles because THESE DETAILS MATTER. 🥹💕 TL Martin be having me invested before I even get to Chapter One.
The dedication pulled me in, the content warning made me feel cared for as a reader, and the chapter titles are so damn creative & actully tell you wtf you ‘finna read about. 😂
I already knew I was in for a ride. Such a thoughtful way to introduce a story, and honestly, it made the reading experience that much better.
One. I really appreciate an author who takes the time to thoughtfully prepare their readers for heavier topics while still making those details feel like part of the reading experience.
Header Over Heels gave me everything I want from a romance: chemistry, tension, humor, complicated characters, vulnerability, and two people who have some things to work through before they can really figure out what they want. Croix and Andrea’s story had me invested in their journey, especially the way themes of self-worth, trust, body image, relationships, and learning to listen to your own heart were woven into the romance.
The dedication pulled me in, the content warning made me feel cared for as a reader, and the chapter titles are so damn creative & actully tell you wtf you ‘finna read about. 😂
I already knew I was in for a ride. Such a thoughtful way to introduce a story, and honestly, it made the reading experience that much better.
One. I really appreciate an author who takes the time to thoughtfully prepare their readers for heavier topics while still making those details feel like part of the reading experience.
Header Over Heels gave me everything I want from a romance: chemistry, tension, humor, complicated characters, vulnerability, and two people who have some things to work through before they can really figure out what they want. Croix and Andrea’s story had me invested in their journey, especially the way themes of self-worth, trust, body image, relationships, and learning to listen to your own heart were woven into the romance.
Review of advance copy received from Author
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, right?
Well, maybe not this time! I laughed. I swooned. I got frustrated with both of the main characters a few times, and absolutely loved watching them find their way through their pasts and toward each other. TL Martin definitely scored with Header Over Heels, book #3 in the Striker Series.
I truly enjoyed watching Croix and Andrea work through their individual struggles while learning how to trust each other and fall in love. Croix’s trust issues and Andrea’s battles with her self-esteem made their journey feel genuine, and I loved seeing how those issues shaped their relationship without defining it. The heavier topics woven throughout the story were also handled really well. They added depth and emotion without taking over the storyline. There was still plenty of romance, humor, chemistry, and just enough chaos to keep things fun.
And I have to mention the found family and friendships because they were such an important part of the story. Those relationships added another layer to the book and made me love all of the characters of Cinnamon Grove even more.
If you’re already invested in the Striker Series, you definitely don’t want to skip this one. And if you haven’t started the series yet… what are you waiting for? TL Martin definitely hit a strike in the corner with this one!
Well, maybe not this time! I laughed. I swooned. I got frustrated with both of the main characters a few times, and absolutely loved watching them find their way through their pasts and toward each other. TL Martin definitely scored with Header Over Heels, book #3 in the Striker Series.
I truly enjoyed watching Croix and Andrea work through their individual struggles while learning how to trust each other and fall in love. Croix’s trust issues and Andrea’s battles with her self-esteem made their journey feel genuine, and I loved seeing how those issues shaped their relationship without defining it. The heavier topics woven throughout the story were also handled really well. They added depth and emotion without taking over the storyline. There was still plenty of romance, humor, chemistry, and just enough chaos to keep things fun.
And I have to mention the found family and friendships because they were such an important part of the story. Those relationships added another layer to the book and made me love all of the characters of Cinnamon Grove even more.
If you’re already invested in the Striker Series, you definitely don’t want to skip this one. And if you haven’t started the series yet… what are you waiting for? TL Martin definitely hit a strike in the corner with this one!
September 26, 2026
Header Over Heels
T. L. Martin
We’re back in Cinnamon Grove and we’re exploring what acceptance can become. Often life doesn’t pan out exactly the way we plan. Sometimes bearing the weight of disappointment can blind us to the possibilities right in front of our faces. This story examines what it feels like to freefall into passion.
Croix is in a bit of a rut, but it’s nothing an impromptu trip can’t fix. Contrary to what some people may believe, Croix has worked tirelessly for the life he has. He’s trying his hardest to navigate his private life and his public persona. His love life has been a point of contention. Why not take a chance? What does he have to lose?
Andrea’s expertise has afforded her a platform. She is protected by a persona of her own making. Andrea‘s dilemma is she becomes overtly passionate about a certain player’s performance. The domino effect of her decisions force her to reevaluate her life.
Call me bias, but Andrea was tripping real bad. Like girl, what difference does it make what he has going on? Long story short, she had way too much dip on her chip. As her perspective unfolds, it gives context for her behavior.
I wouldn’t describe her as a villain by any stretch of the imagination. She’s just a little misunderstood.
#readandtellwithshantel #TLMartin #HeaderOverHeels
T. L. Martin
We’re back in Cinnamon Grove and we’re exploring what acceptance can become. Often life doesn’t pan out exactly the way we plan. Sometimes bearing the weight of disappointment can blind us to the possibilities right in front of our faces. This story examines what it feels like to freefall into passion.
Croix is in a bit of a rut, but it’s nothing an impromptu trip can’t fix. Contrary to what some people may believe, Croix has worked tirelessly for the life he has. He’s trying his hardest to navigate his private life and his public persona. His love life has been a point of contention. Why not take a chance? What does he have to lose?
Andrea’s expertise has afforded her a platform. She is protected by a persona of her own making. Andrea‘s dilemma is she becomes overtly passionate about a certain player’s performance. The domino effect of her decisions force her to reevaluate her life.
Call me bias, but Andrea was tripping real bad. Like girl, what difference does it make what he has going on? Long story short, she had way too much dip on her chip. As her perspective unfolds, it gives context for her behavior.
I wouldn’t describe her as a villain by any stretch of the imagination. She’s just a little misunderstood.
#readandtellwithshantel #TLMartin #HeaderOverHeels
September 30, 2026
Welcome back to Cinnamon Grove! Header Over Heels, book three in the Atlanta Strikers series, might just be my favorite one yet! I loved watching Croix and Randy/Andrea work through all their madness and eventually find love. Even when they were enemies, the chemistry was CHEMISTRY-ING! 🥵 Andrea definitely frustrated me at first because, ma'am...what do you have against Irish Bae?! 😂 But I enjoyed learning her story, watching her realize she'd been wrong about Croix, and seeing her confidence grow. And Croix? Whew! He loved that woman BAD and loved her for exactly who she was. 💖
The found family continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. I love that they're the kind of friends who will love on you and show up for you, but also tell you when you're wrong. Andrea wanted community, and she definitely found it with the Stand-Ins. This book had me frustrated, fanning myself, smiling, and laughing. I felt it ALL! I've enjoyed Nutmeg + Mistletoe, Hook, Line + Star-Crossed, and now Header Over Heels, but I think Croix and Andrea have officially taken the top spot. If you haven't started this series yet, you're missing out! 💖
I received an advanced reader copy. This is my honest opinion. Thank you, Ms. Martin!
The found family continues to be one of my favorite parts of this series. I love that they're the kind of friends who will love on you and show up for you, but also tell you when you're wrong. Andrea wanted community, and she definitely found it with the Stand-Ins. This book had me frustrated, fanning myself, smiling, and laughing. I felt it ALL! I've enjoyed Nutmeg + Mistletoe, Hook, Line + Star-Crossed, and now Header Over Heels, but I think Croix and Andrea have officially taken the top spot. If you haven't started this series yet, you're missing out! 💖
I received an advanced reader copy. This is my honest opinion. Thank you, Ms. Martin!
September 2, 2026
I think I can officially call it….Header Over Heels is my favorite of the Atlanta Strikers series! 😍 If you haven’t read Nutmeg + Mistletoe (Book 1) or Hook, Line + Star Crossed (Book 2), go ahead and add those to the TBR too! Trust me. 😉📚
One thing I really enjoyed about the series is Sight Unseen, the reality dating show that runs through all three books. It gives the series a fun connection between each couple while still letting each book have its own story.
But Andrea and Croix’s setup? Now THAT had me intrigued. How do you go from enemies on paper to accidentally married 💍 in Vegas?! And the fact that Croix has NO idea his new wife is the same woman he’s been publicly sparring with!! Definitely had my 🍿 ready knowing this was gon’ be good and messy! 👀
I loved the way their relationship unfolded because what was supposed to be a “let’s have some fun and let our nuts hang a little” (in my Croix voice) night quickly turned into something neither of them saw coming. Watching them go from that to actually developing a real connection was one of my favorite parts.
And the chemistry between them? Let’s just say there were chocolate milkshakes and fries involved 🥵 Croix is officially my favorite book bae from this series. The way he was with Drea had me feeling ALL THE FEELS…well, after they got over the whole “I hate you” thing. 😂He showed her that he really valued her for who she is and made her feel safe enough to just be herself.
And I CANNOT forget the Stand-Ins! They are squad goals! These women get together at HollyDates (IYKYK), drink their wine, impart some wisdom, and basically give each other the therapy we all need. 😂 I loved how they welcomed Andrea with open arms and gave her the community she was looking for. ❤️
Overall, Header Over Heels is a fun sports rom-com with a unique setup, plenty of chemistry, and enough twists and complications to keep things interesting. If enemies-to-lovers, surprise marriages, secret identities, and forced proximity are your kind of romance, this one needs to be on your TBR! 💕📚
And of course, I have to give Mrs. Martin her flowers! 💐 If she writes it, I’m reading it. Simple as that! If you haven’t discovered her books yet, go check out her website https://tlmartinwrites.com/ and take a peek at her catalog—you’re welcome! 😉❤️
I received an Advance Review Copy from the author. Thank you!
One thing I really enjoyed about the series is Sight Unseen, the reality dating show that runs through all three books. It gives the series a fun connection between each couple while still letting each book have its own story.
But Andrea and Croix’s setup? Now THAT had me intrigued. How do you go from enemies on paper to accidentally married 💍 in Vegas?! And the fact that Croix has NO idea his new wife is the same woman he’s been publicly sparring with!! Definitely had my 🍿 ready knowing this was gon’ be good and messy! 👀
I loved the way their relationship unfolded because what was supposed to be a “let’s have some fun and let our nuts hang a little” (in my Croix voice) night quickly turned into something neither of them saw coming. Watching them go from that to actually developing a real connection was one of my favorite parts.
And the chemistry between them? Let’s just say there were chocolate milkshakes and fries involved 🥵 Croix is officially my favorite book bae from this series. The way he was with Drea had me feeling ALL THE FEELS…well, after they got over the whole “I hate you” thing. 😂He showed her that he really valued her for who she is and made her feel safe enough to just be herself.
And I CANNOT forget the Stand-Ins! They are squad goals! These women get together at HollyDates (IYKYK), drink their wine, impart some wisdom, and basically give each other the therapy we all need. 😂 I loved how they welcomed Andrea with open arms and gave her the community she was looking for. ❤️
Overall, Header Over Heels is a fun sports rom-com with a unique setup, plenty of chemistry, and enough twists and complications to keep things interesting. If enemies-to-lovers, surprise marriages, secret identities, and forced proximity are your kind of romance, this one needs to be on your TBR! 💕📚
And of course, I have to give Mrs. Martin her flowers! 💐 If she writes it, I’m reading it. Simple as that! If you haven’t discovered her books yet, go check out her website https://tlmartinwrites.com/ and take a peek at her catalog—you’re welcome! 😉❤️
I received an Advance Review Copy from the author. Thank you!
September 27, 2026
Okayyy Corner-Kick Croix
Love a good enemies to lovers book 🫦 and a secret, but not so secret, yet not exactly arranged marriage 😆
This was my favorite book of the series! Andrea definitely pissed me off in the beginning but Croix stood his ground 😤.
This book did not go the typical way I expected and I’m so glad about that. It was funny but kept me on my toes with the way the lady with 17 aliases and Croix were stuck together at every turn lmao.
I love the PCOS representation and the way Andrea gains her confidence as a curvy woman. Size should not determine how you’re loved and my Irish man proceeded to prove that point! 😍🥰
List of characters I wanna fight:
• Andrea’s ex
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love a good enemies to lovers book 🫦 and a secret, but not so secret, yet not exactly arranged marriage 😆
This was my favorite book of the series! Andrea definitely pissed me off in the beginning but Croix stood his ground 😤.
This book did not go the typical way I expected and I’m so glad about that. It was funny but kept me on my toes with the way the lady with 17 aliases and Croix were stuck together at every turn lmao.
I love the PCOS representation and the way Andrea gains her confidence as a curvy woman. Size should not determine how you’re loved and my Irish man proceeded to prove that point! 😍🥰
List of characters I wanna fight:
• Andrea’s ex
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 30, 2026
I received an Arc of this book. This review and thoughts are my own.
This is the third book in T.L’s Striker series and only opinion, is the best one. This is an enemy to lovers to enemy to lovers and I loved it!!! I mean, he gets her fired from her job! Croix and Andrea’s story is a must read. This story is about overcoming your fear, ignoring the outside noise and following your heart. Even if your heart is leading you to the hot, loud, and cocky Irish soccer star that every one seems to fawn over and you don’t know why.
One thing I love about T.L’s writing is I always want more. I couldn’t get enough of this book and definitely wanted more.
This is the third book in T.L’s Striker series and only opinion, is the best one. This is an enemy to lovers to enemy to lovers and I loved it!!! I mean, he gets her fired from her job! Croix and Andrea’s story is a must read. This story is about overcoming your fear, ignoring the outside noise and following your heart. Even if your heart is leading you to the hot, loud, and cocky Irish soccer star that every one seems to fawn over and you don’t know why.
One thing I love about T.L’s writing is I always want more. I couldn’t get enough of this book and definitely wanted more.
September 25, 2026
ARC E-book: Would you marry the person who got you fired from your job? Well that’s one question that needs to be asked before you read this story! 😁 Andrea aka Randy aka Dre is about to go on a wild ride with Croix for the star soccer player for the Stikers team that starts out with drama, secrets, & of course some romantic comedy! You gone laugh but you definitely gone feel the love ❤️ too! Andrea is a plus size FMC with all the curves too! Croix is a sweetheart but what happens when the secrets start to come out?!?!
Read to find out!
Read to find out!
September 27, 2026
oh Croix
I had so many feeling going into this book, during this book and after. The layers of complexity for each of the characters builds as you go though the book. It’s a beautiful mix character development, and getting through the layers that each one has. Because there are just like us… well me. It takes a little time to get through the tough exterior and the fluff. Just when you think you have it all figured out…you learn a bit more about them and see that you’re all wrong. This just may be my favorite of the series.
I had so many feeling going into this book, during this book and after. The layers of complexity for each of the characters builds as you go though the book. It’s a beautiful mix character development, and getting through the layers that each one has. Because there are just like us… well me. It takes a little time to get through the tough exterior and the fluff. Just when you think you have it all figured out…you learn a bit more about them and see that you’re all wrong. This just may be my favorite of the series.
November 4, 2026
Both characters are dealing with public pressure, past trauma, and the fear of being truly seen. Transition from the bright lights of Vegas to the isolated, moody stretch of a highway keeps the momentum gripping and intimate.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 22, 2026
********** ARC REVIEW NO SPOILERS********
T.L. Martin and the Strikers Strike again. What can be said about this one is it is beautifully crafted. Telling the story of a woman, named Andrea who has been written to not only shine in her strengths but shown quietly and secretly for a time her scars. Now do not get me wrong, you WILL see them all, but in a way that reminds us as black women, it is OKAY to put down the cape, especially for the ones who TRULY love and see you.
This book personifies once again the beauty in REAL sisterhood as well as brotherhood. It shows the beauty in the MARRIAGE friend groups that people do not really talk about.
Five stars once again. Grab it today but for the BEST immersive, connection type reading, read The Black Wife Effect series first. Then jump into this series.
T.L. Martin and the Strikers Strike again. What can be said about this one is it is beautifully crafted. Telling the story of a woman, named Andrea who has been written to not only shine in her strengths but shown quietly and secretly for a time her scars. Now do not get me wrong, you WILL see them all, but in a way that reminds us as black women, it is OKAY to put down the cape, especially for the ones who TRULY love and see you.
This book personifies once again the beauty in REAL sisterhood as well as brotherhood. It shows the beauty in the MARRIAGE friend groups that people do not really talk about.
Five stars once again. Grab it today but for the BEST immersive, connection type reading, read The Black Wife Effect series first. Then jump into this series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews