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The It Girls #3
Forbid It
Robbie
Robbie King was once considered the best footballer in the Premier League, until a devastating injury took him out of play.
Now, he’s back on the pitch but this time he’s Stateside. Grappling with a new team, a new league and the looming threat of re-injury, he has no time for distractions.
Especially one in the form of his new boss’s daughter.
Cassandra
Everyone knows Cassandra Hamilton. She’s a record-breaking singer-songwriter coming off the back of a massive world tour, and despite crippling burnout, she’s facing the immediate pressure to follow the success with another album. She’s running on empty, but when her father expects her to attend every match for his latest passion project, she can’t help but be drawn to his new star player.
Thrown together to help make the team a success, Robbie and Cassie wrestle with the expectations of the fans, their families and the endless pressure of their careers, all the while trying everything to ignore the sizzling tension that they can’t escape.
After all, anything resembling a relationship between them is totally forbidden…right?
Robbie King was once considered the best footballer in the Premier League, until a devastating injury took him out of play.
Now, he’s back on the pitch but this time he’s Stateside. Grappling with a new team, a new league and the looming threat of re-injury, he has no time for distractions.
Especially one in the form of his new boss’s daughter.
Cassandra
Everyone knows Cassandra Hamilton. She’s a record-breaking singer-songwriter coming off the back of a massive world tour, and despite crippling burnout, she’s facing the immediate pressure to follow the success with another album. She’s running on empty, but when her father expects her to attend every match for his latest passion project, she can’t help but be drawn to his new star player.
Thrown together to help make the team a success, Robbie and Cassie wrestle with the expectations of the fans, their families and the endless pressure of their careers, all the while trying everything to ignore the sizzling tension that they can’t escape.
After all, anything resembling a relationship between them is totally forbidden…right?
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 10, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 7, 2026
✨ ARC REVIEW ✨
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow - I didn’t know I needed a football x popstar spicy read in my life, but clearly I did!! 🔥🌶️😏
After reading #1 and #2 of the It Girls Collection - I jumped at the chance to get early access to this read. I’m a big fan of Francesca’s writing style, which is always so effortless. Speaking of, Cassie and Robbie’s journey felt so organic and ‘written in the stars’ that it was so easy to visualise the characters and plot points.
It was genuinely romantic, as much as it was spicy - which really hooked me. THE PIANO SCENE?!?? Incredible!!! I loved the Welsh elements, and I felt that Francesca captured the family dynamic in Welsh families perfectly.
A huge thank you, Francesca, for my ARC copy. I can’t wait to buy and share with my friends when it’s released on the 10th Sept 🥰
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow - I didn’t know I needed a football x popstar spicy read in my life, but clearly I did!! 🔥🌶️😏
After reading #1 and #2 of the It Girls Collection - I jumped at the chance to get early access to this read. I’m a big fan of Francesca’s writing style, which is always so effortless. Speaking of, Cassie and Robbie’s journey felt so organic and ‘written in the stars’ that it was so easy to visualise the characters and plot points.
It was genuinely romantic, as much as it was spicy - which really hooked me. THE PIANO SCENE?!?? Incredible!!! I loved the Welsh elements, and I felt that Francesca captured the family dynamic in Welsh families perfectly.
A huge thank you, Francesca, for my ARC copy. I can’t wait to buy and share with my friends when it’s released on the 10th Sept 🥰
September 6, 2026
I knew going into this I was going to enjoy this book. The author’s writing style really tickles some part of my brain and I feel a bit like a friend is telling me a story.
The characters are warm, kind and fallible in equal measure. I don’t want to give you a list of tropes and leave it at that because this book goes beyond the excellent tropes it features.
I found the connection between the two main characters natural and exciting at the same time. The chemistry is thrilling to read and will keep you turning page after page (or tap after tap if you’re an e-reader girlie). I loved how Robbie pushed Cassie to advocate for herself and the journey she takes with that really forces you to heavily empathise with her character.
Robbie himself was a sweetheart of a man who learns to relax and enjoy everything he has outside of the sport he’s made his identity since childhood. Robbie’s family are warm, inviting and I would love to spent a Sunday round their table. I particularly loved how they embraced Cassie and showed her that a welcome should be given freely without expectation of something in return.
This is a spicy, warm and sweet story with yearning, tension and personal growth.
Do yourself a good turn and make this your next read.
My favourite out of context quote:
“Hi Mum, I didn’t tell you I was coming, but I’m here for the weekend. Oh, and this is Cassie. I’ve kidnapped her. We are Just Friends. F**k’s sake.”
The characters are warm, kind and fallible in equal measure. I don’t want to give you a list of tropes and leave it at that because this book goes beyond the excellent tropes it features.
I found the connection between the two main characters natural and exciting at the same time. The chemistry is thrilling to read and will keep you turning page after page (or tap after tap if you’re an e-reader girlie). I loved how Robbie pushed Cassie to advocate for herself and the journey she takes with that really forces you to heavily empathise with her character.
Robbie himself was a sweetheart of a man who learns to relax and enjoy everything he has outside of the sport he’s made his identity since childhood. Robbie’s family are warm, inviting and I would love to spent a Sunday round their table. I particularly loved how they embraced Cassie and showed her that a welcome should be given freely without expectation of something in return.
This is a spicy, warm and sweet story with yearning, tension and personal growth.
Do yourself a good turn and make this your next read.
My favourite out of context quote:
“Hi Mum, I didn’t tell you I was coming, but I’m here for the weekend. Oh, and this is Cassie. I’ve kidnapped her. We are Just Friends. F**k’s sake.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
There’s something about @authorfrancescashaw ‘s writing that I just LOVE. So there’s absolutely no surprise thatI enjoyed this book so much and devoured it in less than 24hrs.
I loved the rivalling chemistry and tension between Cassie and Robbie - the push and pull was electric. The yearning was off the charts and you just KNEW they were so good for each other. My favourite moments were the quieter moments at the beach - it felt like the one place they were 100% themselves without worrying about any outside influences.
Robbie’s family were adorable and integral to Robbie and Cassie’s growth as a couple. Sian also gave me total Gwen vibes from Gavin & Stacey, incredible!
You should definitely be adding this sweet yet spicy story to your TBR! It’s a standalone so you can dive straight in, however I thoroughly recommend started at the beginning of the It Girl series with Keep It.
A huge thanks for @authorfrancescashaw for allowing me to read Forbid It as an ARC.
#bookrecommendation #arcreview #advancedreadercopy #forbiddenromance #forcedproximity
There’s something about @authorfrancescashaw ‘s writing that I just LOVE. So there’s absolutely no surprise thatI enjoyed this book so much and devoured it in less than 24hrs.
I loved the rivalling chemistry and tension between Cassie and Robbie - the push and pull was electric. The yearning was off the charts and you just KNEW they were so good for each other. My favourite moments were the quieter moments at the beach - it felt like the one place they were 100% themselves without worrying about any outside influences.
Robbie’s family were adorable and integral to Robbie and Cassie’s growth as a couple. Sian also gave me total Gwen vibes from Gavin & Stacey, incredible!
You should definitely be adding this sweet yet spicy story to your TBR! It’s a standalone so you can dive straight in, however I thoroughly recommend started at the beginning of the It Girl series with Keep It.
A huge thanks for @authorfrancescashaw for allowing me to read Forbid It as an ARC.
#bookrecommendation #arcreview #advancedreadercopy #forbiddenromance #forcedproximity
August 25, 2026
The YEARNING was so delicious in this one, I was literally screaming for them to kiss!!!! and the piano scene had me sweating hehe
I love Robbie and Cassie, they have such amazingly well written character arcs and it’s so clear that they need each other, even when they were forcing themselves to stay apart. I was on my hands and knees during the one bed scene, BEGGING for them to touch.
I love Robbie and Cassie, they have such amazingly well written character arcs and it’s so clear that they need each other, even when they were forcing themselves to stay apart. I was on my hands and knees during the one bed scene, BEGGING for them to touch.
September 14, 2026
This was my first time reading an It Girl book, and it definitely did not disappoint!
Cassie and Robbie are both charismatic, strong personalities, which made their story incredibly engaging from the start. The book kicks off with a bang and takes off from there, with barely a lull in the pacing.
Cassie is genuine and down-to-earth despite being a global pop star, while international football superstar Robbie is stoic and perhaps takes himself a little too seriously at times. But that contrast is exactly what makes their chemistry sizzle. Their dynamic was one of my favourite parts of the book.
I did find the conflict towards the end a little underwhelming, especially after so much build-up around them being forbidden. Once that was resolved, I was expecting a little more from the final stretch of the story.
The entire King family was lovable and endearing, with Sian being a particular favourite. I also loved how much the book made me want to visit Wales and go surfing in LA — definitely not a bad side effect of reading!
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read, and I already have Francesca Shaw's backlist firmly on my TBR.
Cassie and Robbie are both charismatic, strong personalities, which made their story incredibly engaging from the start. The book kicks off with a bang and takes off from there, with barely a lull in the pacing.
Cassie is genuine and down-to-earth despite being a global pop star, while international football superstar Robbie is stoic and perhaps takes himself a little too seriously at times. But that contrast is exactly what makes their chemistry sizzle. Their dynamic was one of my favourite parts of the book.
I did find the conflict towards the end a little underwhelming, especially after so much build-up around them being forbidden. Once that was resolved, I was expecting a little more from the final stretch of the story.
The entire King family was lovable and endearing, with Sian being a particular favourite. I also loved how much the book made me want to visit Wales and go surfing in LA — definitely not a bad side effect of reading!
Overall, this was a solid 4-star read, and I already have Francesca Shaw's backlist firmly on my TBR.
September 17, 2026
⚽️Forbidden Romance
🎤Boss's daughter
🧡 FMC with songwriter's block
⚽️Soccer player MMC
🎤Forced proximity.
🧡"Bert and Sandra," lol
Robbie and Cassandra’s story was such a fun romance! I really enjoyed the football setting, the forced proximity, and the forbidden-ish attraction between Robbie and his new boss’s daughter. Their chemistry was definitely there, and I loved watching them navigate their own personal struggles while getting closer.
Cassandra’s burnout and the pressure she was under felt especially relatable, and Robbie’s journey back to the pitch added another layer to the story. I did feel like some parts could have been developed a little more, but overall, this was an enjoyable, emotional read that kept me invested in their relationship.
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
🎤Boss's daughter
🧡 FMC with songwriter's block
⚽️Soccer player MMC
🎤Forced proximity.
🧡"Bert and Sandra," lol
Robbie and Cassandra’s story was such a fun romance! I really enjoyed the football setting, the forced proximity, and the forbidden-ish attraction between Robbie and his new boss’s daughter. Their chemistry was definitely there, and I loved watching them navigate their own personal struggles while getting closer.
Cassandra’s burnout and the pressure she was under felt especially relatable, and Robbie’s journey back to the pitch added another layer to the story. I did feel like some parts could have been developed a little more, but overall, this was an enjoyable, emotional read that kept me invested in their relationship.
I received this book as an eARC, although it had no effect on my ability to provide a thoughtful and honest review.
September 16, 2026
Woo! Let's start with the chemistry between Cassie and Robbie! Might I say it was love at first sight.
The attraction was undeniable. The way they were so comfortable with each other since the beginning 😏 and as the story continued, you know they were meant to be ❤️
Robbie's family was so sweet, I loved his mom calling Cassie "flower". The whole family welcomed her right from the start. Cassie, sweet Cassie, being pulled in two different directions by each parent, she handled it well.
I'm happy she was able to make her own choices and create boundaries.
Definitely needs to be added to your TBR!
The attraction was undeniable. The way they were so comfortable with each other since the beginning 😏 and as the story continued, you know they were meant to be ❤️
Robbie's family was so sweet, I loved his mom calling Cassie "flower". The whole family welcomed her right from the start. Cassie, sweet Cassie, being pulled in two different directions by each parent, she handled it well.
I'm happy she was able to make her own choices and create boundaries.
Definitely needs to be added to your TBR!
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews