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Playing for the Win
489 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 14, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
August 15, 2026
*thank you to Cahill Davies Publishers for sending me an ARC of this book*
Now, let me preface this by saying I’d never read any of the series and I was going in completely blind, but that didn’t matter at all!
This book is a feel good romance, with a famous football player and a world-famous singer, thrown together in a reality TV show situation. This was cute, fun, and had me giggling at my kindle (no honestly, I was actually giggling). There was an element of the FMC’s ex-boyfriend being the MMC’s rival, but this wasn’t gone into as much as I’d hoped.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will absolutely be reading the previous books and will be reading any future releases by this author!!
Now, let me preface this by saying I’d never read any of the series and I was going in completely blind, but that didn’t matter at all!
This book is a feel good romance, with a famous football player and a world-famous singer, thrown together in a reality TV show situation. This was cute, fun, and had me giggling at my kindle (no honestly, I was actually giggling). There was an element of the FMC’s ex-boyfriend being the MMC’s rival, but this wasn’t gone into as much as I’d hoped.
I thoroughly enjoyed this and will absolutely be reading the previous books and will be reading any future releases by this author!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC received from Ellie White in exchange for honest review.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⚡BLURB⚡
The only woman he wants is the one he's supposed to stay away from.
Bailey Airey has everything to prove. Wearside FC's newly appointed captain has the whole world watching and plenty of people waiting for him to fail. So when the chance comes to step off the pitch and show everyone the man behind the headlines, he takes it.
What he doesn't count on is Courtney Sanderson.
Heartbroken and done with the tabloids, the pop superstar wants nothing more than to disappear and remember who she is. But when a reality survival show throws her and Bailey together, the chemistry is instant and impossible to ignore.
There's just one problem. Courtney is the ex of Bailey's fiercest rival, and every second of their growing connection is caught on camera.
Off camera, what they have feels real. On camera, it could cost them both everything.
⚡REVIEW⚡
A football (soccer for my American friends) x popstar romance, with a bit of a reality show thrown in? Colour me intrigued!
For British people, football and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here are as traditional as it gets. So I loved the concept of a pop superstar meeting a pro footballer in a setting similar to "the jungle" that everyone goes crazy for in the latter months of the year. And I thought it was executed fantastically by Ellie White! Courtney Sanderson, a British Taylor Swift, is on the final date on that leg of the biggest tour of her career, when she enters her dressing room to find her boyfriend, a pro footballer, up to his nuts in the guts of her best friend. Stunned by their betrayal, she makes a call to her agent - accept the offer for her to star on Celebrity Rainforest Survivor. Whilst waiting in the airport, she comes face to face with Bailey Airey, her ex's biggest rival. Both waiting to fly to Hawaii, unaware of the reason for the other's journey, they hit it off, and when Bailey's flight connecting flight is cancelled, she offers him a trip on her private jet. Inevitably, they are paired together in the TV show, and sparks don't just fly, they're supersonic.
Courtney is a character, that although you shouldn't have anything in common with as a disabled reader, you feel an innate connection with. Perhaps it comes from being cheated on by the man you loved with your best friend. Perhaps it's just the way she is effortlessly down to earth and normal, even with her bodyguard and security. She is eminently likeable, with no airs or graces, no attitude - she is determined to get stuck into all the trials of Celebrity Rainforest Survivor, to face her fears, and to show the world the real Courtney - a girl from Wearside who just happened to make it big. What I did find interesting, was that she didn't seem as utterly heartbroken as she could have been. My instinct was that there was more to come on that - and I was correct. I loved that as she got to know Bailey and their chemistry became more and more potent, she was able to stand up for herself more, after years of being an industry puppet. The scenes where she faces her biggest fear had you really feeling it with her, but Bailey's soothing words and actions had a calming effect on you too. I loved how effortless she was with Bailey's twin girls, acknowledging their starry eyed approach and opening herself up to them without a jot of hesitation. The same goes for Bailey's friends and family - her love for him automatically enveloped them too.
Bailey Airey is a walking green flag. From the moment he meets Courtney, even though she's experiencing the worst time of her life, he knows instinctively what she needs from him, and throws himself into making sure he gives that to her. Their chemistry is sizzling from the moment she invites him onto her jet, and the joy when he realises she is his partner on the show is palpable. He showers her with the affection she has clearly never had from her ex, making her feel wanted and cared for for the first time outside of the love of her parents. Even though his daughters are clearly his most important priority, he has zero fear that what they are doing will hurt them, or his career. Whilst their circumstances scream power couple, Bailey is so down to earth, so laid back he's horizontal, and he is the perfect balm for her weary soul. They are so right for each other, and he is so focused on her that he doesn't even try to lord it up over her ex, who happens to be his biggest rival on the pitch.
I love that there was a real split between on page action of their careers. As a sports romance fan, I'm one for insisting there is actual sports content in the story, and Ellie White absolutely delivered. The scenes in the match just before the finale will have you cheering and whooping, before your heart falls out of your chest. The tension is exquisite, even before *that* moment. On the flip side, we also got to see Courtney on stage, and composing songs. I would have loved to have seen a mini epilogue referencing what came of the songs she started writing as a result of being in Celebrity Rainforest Survivor, particularly after the decisions she made at her next meeting with management after coming out of there.
The relationship development was so beautiful and felt organic, not just a forcing together of two characters because Taylor Swift got with Travis Kelce and it would make for a good book hook. They were absolutely adorable together and it felt authentic for these two people, who came from similar backgrounds and have similar attitudes when it comes to wanting to be normal people surrounded by love and warmth. The spice scenes were the perfect level for this couple (I have a bugbear when it comes to the spice not matching up to the characters' personalities or their relationship with each other!), hot but not filthy, which worked well. I loved the scene where the cameras magically malfunctioned - I'd love to know whether that was insider knowledge and it actually happens on I'm a Celebrity!
Playing for the Win was a wonderful, feel-good story that sees two kindred spirits unexpectedly brought together in the most unlikely of circumstances, and fall head over heels for each other. It shows that the public persona is only what you are allowed to see, not necessarily what is truly someone's character. It leaves you kicking your feet at a romantic connection that is as tender as it is passionate, and with that little flicker of hope that a chance encounter could see a love like that come your way.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
⚡BLURB⚡
The only woman he wants is the one he's supposed to stay away from.
Bailey Airey has everything to prove. Wearside FC's newly appointed captain has the whole world watching and plenty of people waiting for him to fail. So when the chance comes to step off the pitch and show everyone the man behind the headlines, he takes it.
What he doesn't count on is Courtney Sanderson.
Heartbroken and done with the tabloids, the pop superstar wants nothing more than to disappear and remember who she is. But when a reality survival show throws her and Bailey together, the chemistry is instant and impossible to ignore.
There's just one problem. Courtney is the ex of Bailey's fiercest rival, and every second of their growing connection is caught on camera.
Off camera, what they have feels real. On camera, it could cost them both everything.
⚡REVIEW⚡
A football (soccer for my American friends) x popstar romance, with a bit of a reality show thrown in? Colour me intrigued!
For British people, football and I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here are as traditional as it gets. So I loved the concept of a pop superstar meeting a pro footballer in a setting similar to "the jungle" that everyone goes crazy for in the latter months of the year. And I thought it was executed fantastically by Ellie White! Courtney Sanderson, a British Taylor Swift, is on the final date on that leg of the biggest tour of her career, when she enters her dressing room to find her boyfriend, a pro footballer, up to his nuts in the guts of her best friend. Stunned by their betrayal, she makes a call to her agent - accept the offer for her to star on Celebrity Rainforest Survivor. Whilst waiting in the airport, she comes face to face with Bailey Airey, her ex's biggest rival. Both waiting to fly to Hawaii, unaware of the reason for the other's journey, they hit it off, and when Bailey's flight connecting flight is cancelled, she offers him a trip on her private jet. Inevitably, they are paired together in the TV show, and sparks don't just fly, they're supersonic.
Courtney is a character, that although you shouldn't have anything in common with as a disabled reader, you feel an innate connection with. Perhaps it comes from being cheated on by the man you loved with your best friend. Perhaps it's just the way she is effortlessly down to earth and normal, even with her bodyguard and security. She is eminently likeable, with no airs or graces, no attitude - she is determined to get stuck into all the trials of Celebrity Rainforest Survivor, to face her fears, and to show the world the real Courtney - a girl from Wearside who just happened to make it big. What I did find interesting, was that she didn't seem as utterly heartbroken as she could have been. My instinct was that there was more to come on that - and I was correct. I loved that as she got to know Bailey and their chemistry became more and more potent, she was able to stand up for herself more, after years of being an industry puppet. The scenes where she faces her biggest fear had you really feeling it with her, but Bailey's soothing words and actions had a calming effect on you too. I loved how effortless she was with Bailey's twin girls, acknowledging their starry eyed approach and opening herself up to them without a jot of hesitation. The same goes for Bailey's friends and family - her love for him automatically enveloped them too.
Bailey Airey is a walking green flag. From the moment he meets Courtney, even though she's experiencing the worst time of her life, he knows instinctively what she needs from him, and throws himself into making sure he gives that to her. Their chemistry is sizzling from the moment she invites him onto her jet, and the joy when he realises she is his partner on the show is palpable. He showers her with the affection she has clearly never had from her ex, making her feel wanted and cared for for the first time outside of the love of her parents. Even though his daughters are clearly his most important priority, he has zero fear that what they are doing will hurt them, or his career. Whilst their circumstances scream power couple, Bailey is so down to earth, so laid back he's horizontal, and he is the perfect balm for her weary soul. They are so right for each other, and he is so focused on her that he doesn't even try to lord it up over her ex, who happens to be his biggest rival on the pitch.
I love that there was a real split between on page action of their careers. As a sports romance fan, I'm one for insisting there is actual sports content in the story, and Ellie White absolutely delivered. The scenes in the match just before the finale will have you cheering and whooping, before your heart falls out of your chest. The tension is exquisite, even before *that* moment. On the flip side, we also got to see Courtney on stage, and composing songs. I would have loved to have seen a mini epilogue referencing what came of the songs she started writing as a result of being in Celebrity Rainforest Survivor, particularly after the decisions she made at her next meeting with management after coming out of there.
The relationship development was so beautiful and felt organic, not just a forcing together of two characters because Taylor Swift got with Travis Kelce and it would make for a good book hook. They were absolutely adorable together and it felt authentic for these two people, who came from similar backgrounds and have similar attitudes when it comes to wanting to be normal people surrounded by love and warmth. The spice scenes were the perfect level for this couple (I have a bugbear when it comes to the spice not matching up to the characters' personalities or their relationship with each other!), hot but not filthy, which worked well. I loved the scene where the cameras magically malfunctioned - I'd love to know whether that was insider knowledge and it actually happens on I'm a Celebrity!
Playing for the Win was a wonderful, feel-good story that sees two kindred spirits unexpectedly brought together in the most unlikely of circumstances, and fall head over heels for each other. It shows that the public persona is only what you are allowed to see, not necessarily what is truly someone's character. It leaves you kicking your feet at a romantic connection that is as tender as it is passionate, and with that little flicker of hope that a chance encounter could see a love like that come your way.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A reality TV show, a pop star, a football captain and a whole lot of chemistry… what could possibly go wrong?
Playing for the Win is the third book in Ellie White’s series, and I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world she’s created.
I’m always a little bit nervous when starting the next book in a series I’ve loved because you’re hoping it lives up to the previous ones, but thankfully Ellie has done it again!
This time around we get to know Bailey, the new Wearside captain, who decides to take a bit of a risk and sign up for a reality TV show set in the rainforest.
What he definitely doesn’t expect is to leave the jungle having fallen head over heels for a pop star.
And honestly, I was here for it!
The reality TV show gave me serious I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! vibes, which was a definite bonus because I LOVE I’m A Celeb.
Add in Courtney, who is basically the Mackem version of Taylor Swift, and you’ve got a pretty entertaining setup from the start.
But it was the chemistry between Bailey and Courtney that really did it for me.
Being thrown together in the rainforest, away from the outside world, gives them the chance to get to know each other without all the usual distractions.
And you can absolutely feel the sparks flying between them.
I loved watching their relationship develop and seeing what happened when the reality of their lives outside the show started to creep back in.
There’s plenty of tension, plenty of romance and, of course, plenty of steam.
One of my favourite things about this series is getting to catch up with familiar characters while also being introduced to new ones, and Playing for the Win did not disappoint.
It feels familiar enough that you get that lovely feeling of returning to a world you already know, but with a completely new story to get stuck into.
Ellie White has once again delivered an easy-to-read, addictive and seriously steamy romance that had me happily turning the pages.
And now I have one very important question…
Can Mila PLEASE be the focus of the next book?! I’m already invested!
If you love sports romance, reality TV, celebrity romances, plenty of banter and a healthy dose of spice, Playing for the Win is definitely one to add to your TBR.
With thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Playing for the Win is the third book in Ellie White’s series, and I couldn’t wait to dive back into the world she’s created.
I’m always a little bit nervous when starting the next book in a series I’ve loved because you’re hoping it lives up to the previous ones, but thankfully Ellie has done it again!
This time around we get to know Bailey, the new Wearside captain, who decides to take a bit of a risk and sign up for a reality TV show set in the rainforest.
What he definitely doesn’t expect is to leave the jungle having fallen head over heels for a pop star.
And honestly, I was here for it!
The reality TV show gave me serious I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! vibes, which was a definite bonus because I LOVE I’m A Celeb.
Add in Courtney, who is basically the Mackem version of Taylor Swift, and you’ve got a pretty entertaining setup from the start.
But it was the chemistry between Bailey and Courtney that really did it for me.
Being thrown together in the rainforest, away from the outside world, gives them the chance to get to know each other without all the usual distractions.
And you can absolutely feel the sparks flying between them.
I loved watching their relationship develop and seeing what happened when the reality of their lives outside the show started to creep back in.
There’s plenty of tension, plenty of romance and, of course, plenty of steam.
One of my favourite things about this series is getting to catch up with familiar characters while also being introduced to new ones, and Playing for the Win did not disappoint.
It feels familiar enough that you get that lovely feeling of returning to a world you already know, but with a completely new story to get stuck into.
Ellie White has once again delivered an easy-to-read, addictive and seriously steamy romance that had me happily turning the pages.
And now I have one very important question…
Can Mila PLEASE be the focus of the next book?! I’m already invested!
If you love sports romance, reality TV, celebrity romances, plenty of banter and a healthy dose of spice, Playing for the Win is definitely one to add to your TBR.
With thanks to the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
August 19, 2026
ARC gratefully received from Cahill Davis Publishing and Ellie White in Kindle e-format.
I would describe ‘Playing for the Win’ as a spicy, modern romance which explores the themes of celebrity, pop culture, reality television and sporting prowess. On the whole, it covers quite a broad spectrum, not shying away from some really serious issues such as the impact of gynaecological cancer, the drawbacks, shallowness and, at times, loneliness of fame and the inherent dangers of jealousy.
The plot revolves around pop star, Courtney Sanderson, whose life experiences are extremely inhibited in that the focus is on constant musical performance and touring extensively. Holding down meaningful relationships are wholly jeopardised in consequence. Disappointment resulting from a superficial love interest tempts Courtney to join the cast of a television show akin to Ant and Dec’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, a programme familiar to UK viewers. On location in a Hawaiian rather than an Australian rainforest, it involves a set of gruelling, scary tasks undertaken in headline partnerships and in this instance for charity. Alongside Courtney is Bailey Airey, current captain of Wearside FC and a former England player. Bailey has a robust support mechanism that Courtney clearly lacks: his family, friends and football colleagues. Both protagonists share a nemesis in the figure of Mark Rice, an ex of Courtney’s and a rival of Bailey’s at neighbouring Doxton Rangers.
Courtney and Bailey essential ignite a passion in each other, which is a bit too salacious and repetitive for my taste. However, this does not detract from their well portrayed personalities nor the emotional development of the pair, who are forced to examine their inner selves, overcome a series of mental and/or physical setbacks and ultimately blossom. The novel draws heavily on references to the author’s beloved North East of England, Sunderland AFC and their derby match opponents, Newcastle United FC. In my opinion, this book would appeal primarily to a younger female audience who enjoy contemporary culture and escapism.
I would describe ‘Playing for the Win’ as a spicy, modern romance which explores the themes of celebrity, pop culture, reality television and sporting prowess. On the whole, it covers quite a broad spectrum, not shying away from some really serious issues such as the impact of gynaecological cancer, the drawbacks, shallowness and, at times, loneliness of fame and the inherent dangers of jealousy.
The plot revolves around pop star, Courtney Sanderson, whose life experiences are extremely inhibited in that the focus is on constant musical performance and touring extensively. Holding down meaningful relationships are wholly jeopardised in consequence. Disappointment resulting from a superficial love interest tempts Courtney to join the cast of a television show akin to Ant and Dec’s ‘I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here’, a programme familiar to UK viewers. On location in a Hawaiian rather than an Australian rainforest, it involves a set of gruelling, scary tasks undertaken in headline partnerships and in this instance for charity. Alongside Courtney is Bailey Airey, current captain of Wearside FC and a former England player. Bailey has a robust support mechanism that Courtney clearly lacks: his family, friends and football colleagues. Both protagonists share a nemesis in the figure of Mark Rice, an ex of Courtney’s and a rival of Bailey’s at neighbouring Doxton Rangers.
Courtney and Bailey essential ignite a passion in each other, which is a bit too salacious and repetitive for my taste. However, this does not detract from their well portrayed personalities nor the emotional development of the pair, who are forced to examine their inner selves, overcome a series of mental and/or physical setbacks and ultimately blossom. The novel draws heavily on references to the author’s beloved North East of England, Sunderland AFC and their derby match opponents, Newcastle United FC. In my opinion, this book would appeal primarily to a younger female audience who enjoy contemporary culture and escapism.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I loved this one!
Bailey- team captain, father of 2 girls. He takes a risk and decides to go on a reality tv show 👀👀
Courtney- pop superstar! Total icon. She needs a break from fame and also appears in the same reality tv show.
Their chemistry is clearly undeniable from the beginning. The instant attraction is totally there. This one had me kicking my feet and giggling. I enjoyed every single second of their relationship.
Mixing a reality TV show with sports? Genius! Got the best of both worlds with this one. The banter is top notch and the steamy scenes are extra hot. Seeing them together in close proximity for a show and then transitioning into "real world" life was addicting. I couldn't put this one down! It was a refreshing change of pace! This is the perfect kick back cozy read.
Side note- So I actually haven't read the first two yet. They are on my tbr! And while I'll always usually agree reading standalones in order to truly grasp the people and world etc is beneficial I didn't feel lost or disconnected not having read the first two. (I will def be going back and catching up!) So if you are in the same situation as me I'm here to say just read this one it's fine! 🤣
Another amazing story by Ellie. I absolutely love her writing 😍
🖤Rivals ex girlfriend
🖤football x popstar
🖤sports romance
🖤Reality tv
🖤Single dad
Bailey- team captain, father of 2 girls. He takes a risk and decides to go on a reality tv show 👀👀
Courtney- pop superstar! Total icon. She needs a break from fame and also appears in the same reality tv show.
Their chemistry is clearly undeniable from the beginning. The instant attraction is totally there. This one had me kicking my feet and giggling. I enjoyed every single second of their relationship.
Mixing a reality TV show with sports? Genius! Got the best of both worlds with this one. The banter is top notch and the steamy scenes are extra hot. Seeing them together in close proximity for a show and then transitioning into "real world" life was addicting. I couldn't put this one down! It was a refreshing change of pace! This is the perfect kick back cozy read.
Side note- So I actually haven't read the first two yet. They are on my tbr! And while I'll always usually agree reading standalones in order to truly grasp the people and world etc is beneficial I didn't feel lost or disconnected not having read the first two. (I will def be going back and catching up!) So if you are in the same situation as me I'm here to say just read this one it's fine! 🤣
Another amazing story by Ellie. I absolutely love her writing 😍
🖤Rivals ex girlfriend
🖤football x popstar
🖤sports romance
🖤Reality tv
🖤Single dad
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Cahill Davis Publishing and the author for an advance copy of Playing for the Win in exchange for an honest review!
This book was a no-brainer for me when the opportunity presented itself. I haven't been able to find a football-centric romance that has really drawn me in, however I thoroughly enjoyed Playing for the Win!
Following Courtney, a pop star dealing with the throes of a turbulent break-up, and Bailey, a football player dealing with the pressure of captaincy, as they both look for something new and exciting. I love the reality show setting for the majority of the book and I think it was such an interesting place to introduce our FMC and MMC to one another. I do wish there was more of a focus on the football side of things as a huge fan of the sport myself, but it wasn't enough of a problem to affect my rating.
I really enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to read and follow. This book works as a standalone in a wider universe, and I'm excited to check out Ellie White's other works in the series!
This book was a no-brainer for me when the opportunity presented itself. I haven't been able to find a football-centric romance that has really drawn me in, however I thoroughly enjoyed Playing for the Win!
Following Courtney, a pop star dealing with the throes of a turbulent break-up, and Bailey, a football player dealing with the pressure of captaincy, as they both look for something new and exciting. I love the reality show setting for the majority of the book and I think it was such an interesting place to introduce our FMC and MMC to one another. I do wish there was more of a focus on the football side of things as a huge fan of the sport myself, but it wasn't enough of a problem to affect my rating.
I really enjoyed the writing style and found it easy to read and follow. This book works as a standalone in a wider universe, and I'm excited to check out Ellie White's other works in the series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Playing For The Win is a quintessential British rom-com mixing football and I’m A Celebrity but more importantly, Bailey and Courtney’s story is everything I love about Ellie White!
As with any Ellie novel, I was hooked from the absolute start and I didn’t even have time to think “one more chapter” because I binged this in one sitting!
And it wasn’t just the story. I was immediately drawn to Courtney and despite her pop princess status, she was my kind of girl. Her “heartbreak, smartbreak, just give me a new saddle and I’ll get back on that instead” vibe had me rooting for her and the more the story progressed, the more I was kicking my feet and cheering!
Because in true Ellie style, we were given the epitome of a green flag protective alpha MMC in the shape of Bailey! Oh that man! The chemistry and tension between him and Courtney is so freaking palpable and then came the spice!
Trust me when I say that if you’re a fan of sports romance, reality TV, plenty of banter, and a spice that scores then Playing For The Win is a must read!
As with any Ellie novel, I was hooked from the absolute start and I didn’t even have time to think “one more chapter” because I binged this in one sitting!
And it wasn’t just the story. I was immediately drawn to Courtney and despite her pop princess status, she was my kind of girl. Her “heartbreak, smartbreak, just give me a new saddle and I’ll get back on that instead” vibe had me rooting for her and the more the story progressed, the more I was kicking my feet and cheering!
Because in true Ellie style, we were given the epitome of a green flag protective alpha MMC in the shape of Bailey! Oh that man! The chemistry and tension between him and Courtney is so freaking palpable and then came the spice!
Trust me when I say that if you’re a fan of sports romance, reality TV, plenty of banter, and a spice that scores then Playing For The Win is a must read!
August 14, 2026
This was such a good time; I absolutely ate this up. I don't normally love a reality TV setup in a romance book but this worked SO well. It's very obviously I'm a Celeb and Taylor Swift coded and I couldn't have been happier about it.
Bailey is a walking green flag, a dad to twin girls and obsessed with Courtney from the start. And Courtney is strong and independent but also working out what she really wants from life. While I would definitely class this as insta-love, it is still full of tension and a medium/slow burn in terms of them finally giving in to their connection. I really loved their open and upfront conversations and found that refreshing, with no silly miscommunications or third-act breakup.
I have read the others in this series, which are also very good, but this could absolutely be read as a standalone, since it is mostly set abroad. Overall, a really enjoyable and cute read, perfect summer book for sure.
Bailey is a walking green flag, a dad to twin girls and obsessed with Courtney from the start. And Courtney is strong and independent but also working out what she really wants from life. While I would definitely class this as insta-love, it is still full of tension and a medium/slow burn in terms of them finally giving in to their connection. I really loved their open and upfront conversations and found that refreshing, with no silly miscommunications or third-act breakup.
I have read the others in this series, which are also very good, but this could absolutely be read as a standalone, since it is mostly set abroad. Overall, a really enjoyable and cute read, perfect summer book for sure.
August 15, 2026
Received an ARC copy to review-
If you love romance, second chances, forced proximity and plenty of chemistry, then this is a book you’ll want to add to your TBR.
Bailey Airey has everything to prove as the newly appointed captain of Wearside FC, but the last thing he expects is to be thrown back into the spotlight alongside Courtney Sanderson
Courtney is desperate to escape the tabloids and meets Bailey by chance at the airport. Their connection is immediate, intense and complicated by the fact that every moment between them is being captured on camera.
What makes this so addictive is the clash between what they feel behind closed doors and what the world sees in front of the cameras.
A steamy, forced proximity romance and a hero worth rooting for. Bailey and Courtney’s story promises plenty of tension, heart and the kind of chemistry that keeps you turning the pages.
If you love romance, second chances, forced proximity and plenty of chemistry, then this is a book you’ll want to add to your TBR.
Bailey Airey has everything to prove as the newly appointed captain of Wearside FC, but the last thing he expects is to be thrown back into the spotlight alongside Courtney Sanderson
Courtney is desperate to escape the tabloids and meets Bailey by chance at the airport. Their connection is immediate, intense and complicated by the fact that every moment between them is being captured on camera.
What makes this so addictive is the clash between what they feel behind closed doors and what the world sees in front of the cameras.
A steamy, forced proximity romance and a hero worth rooting for. Bailey and Courtney’s story promises plenty of tension, heart and the kind of chemistry that keeps you turning the pages.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I dont think I've ever finished Ellie' books without a huge smile on my face!
I absolutely inhaled this book over 2 days and I have no regrets. The spark between Bailey and Courtney was consuming right from the start and I couldnt get enough!
I loved the reality TV setting, it reminded me alot of I'm A Celebrity which I watch every year because I love Ant n Dec. Mix up a smidge of Love Island and you have this brilliant book that I didn't want to put down!
Single Dad
Sports Romance
Celebrity Romance
Footballer x Popstar
Reality TV setting
Biggest rivals ex gf
I absolutely inhaled this book over 2 days and I have no regrets. The spark between Bailey and Courtney was consuming right from the start and I couldnt get enough!
I loved the reality TV setting, it reminded me alot of I'm A Celebrity which I watch every year because I love Ant n Dec. Mix up a smidge of Love Island and you have this brilliant book that I didn't want to put down!
Single Dad
Sports Romance
Celebrity Romance
Footballer x Popstar
Reality TV setting
Biggest rivals ex gf
August 15, 2026
I was fortunate enough to get a copy from publisher before release and what can I say, this was a really fun read for me.
I am not a big sports fan, but I love sports romance novels. I haven’t done a football one before but I loved the idea of this one. A popstar and footballer on a reality show in the rainforest. It was a real page turner and feel-good read.
Mixing fame and romance and revenge all in one little novel. I thought this was really fun, slightly cheesy in certain parts, but we expect this from romance novels. It has made me interested in her other novels in the series.
I am not a big sports fan, but I love sports romance novels. I haven’t done a football one before but I loved the idea of this one. A popstar and footballer on a reality show in the rainforest. It was a real page turner and feel-good read.
Mixing fame and romance and revenge all in one little novel. I thought this was really fun, slightly cheesy in certain parts, but we expect this from romance novels. It has made me interested in her other novels in the series.
August 18, 2026
I would just like to say a very big thank you to Ellie and Cahill Publishing for forwarding me an arc copy of this book, for my Kindle, in return for my honest review…
From the very first page of this book I was pulled into its pages and it did not let me go again until I had turned every last page and devoured it all up!
This was such a feel good read and i thoroughly enjoyed finding out all about the world famous singer and the famous football players’ lives and becoming totally immersed in their story…..
From the very first page of this book I was pulled into its pages and it did not let me go again until I had turned every last page and devoured it all up!
This was such a feel good read and i thoroughly enjoyed finding out all about the world famous singer and the famous football players’ lives and becoming totally immersed in their story…..
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I absolutely ate up Bailey and Courtneys story.
Im a sucker for a single dad and insta love, chuck in a green flag MMC and I'm completely gone. Their journey was beautiful to read and I didnt want to leave them.
There's something so comforting about Ellies words and world's that she creates. I was smiling, kicking my legs and squealing with happiness whilst reading. Another great story by Ellie..
Im a sucker for a single dad and insta love, chuck in a green flag MMC and I'm completely gone. Their journey was beautiful to read and I didnt want to leave them.
There's something so comforting about Ellies words and world's that she creates. I was smiling, kicking my legs and squealing with happiness whilst reading. Another great story by Ellie..
August 21, 2026
A pop star Anna football player on reality TV show, in the rain forest. How could anyone go wrong with this one? I had the best time with Courtney and Bailey in this one. Their connection was amazing from the start. And the reality show seemed to just helped them build on their attraction. Both of them were super sweet people and I loved the back and forth with them. This was sweet and. Steamy and romantic. A really great time to be had.
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
If you're looking for a pretty much insta-love, but one that's filled with sexual and dramatic tension, a sprinkling of your favourite pop culture moments (reality TV, pop star x footballer - actual football, not American), AND he's a SINGLE GIRL DAD this book is for you.
The girl dad is important for many moments! I wasn't expecting to cry in this one, but found myself sobbing on a plane in the final few chapters. So be prepared for that.
Bailey and Courteney are such a bloody adorable couple, with instant attraction, but also understanding of each other. It is bloody gorgeous.
And to see how their relationship fits in with the rest of the Wearside crew (even though I haven't read them yet, though I am now so excited to catch up), is so super sweet.
A beautiful end of summer read to take you into autumn!
If you're looking for a pretty much insta-love, but one that's filled with sexual and dramatic tension, a sprinkling of your favourite pop culture moments (reality TV, pop star x footballer - actual football, not American), AND he's a SINGLE GIRL DAD this book is for you.
The girl dad is important for many moments! I wasn't expecting to cry in this one, but found myself sobbing on a plane in the final few chapters. So be prepared for that.
Bailey and Courteney are such a bloody adorable couple, with instant attraction, but also understanding of each other. It is bloody gorgeous.
And to see how their relationship fits in with the rest of the Wearside crew (even though I haven't read them yet, though I am now so excited to catch up), is so super sweet.
A beautiful end of summer read to take you into autumn!
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