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The Devoted Dastard
Leah Walton lives a lonely life and that’s just the way she likes it. As someone who lost her parents young, she’s learned that letting anyone in can be costly. So when she runs into a cute guy at the bar willing to have a no strings night, she’s happy to have the temporary outlet. But as well as the night went, it did end up having a couple of strings, in the form of two pink lines.
Niall Christenson is a certified workaholic and as the team’s captain, he always puts in extra time practicing, coming up with game plans, and picking up the slack of the team’s previous subpar coach. But now that they’ve got a competent coach, he’s suddenly got a lot of free time and nothing to fill those lonely hours. Until his one night stand pops back into his life with news that she’s pregnant and keeping the baby. And while Niall’s excited to have a family and something outside the team to care about, there’s one thing that puts a damper on the news. Leah wants their relationship to stay as is, unattached.
These two Devoted Dastards have to decide if their devotion to their careers and their safety is more important than the future family they both crave.
Content sexually explicit content, mentions of losing parents at a young age, depiction of anxiety, discussions of racism in the soccer community
Niall Christenson is a certified workaholic and as the team’s captain, he always puts in extra time practicing, coming up with game plans, and picking up the slack of the team’s previous subpar coach. But now that they’ve got a competent coach, he’s suddenly got a lot of free time and nothing to fill those lonely hours. Until his one night stand pops back into his life with news that she’s pregnant and keeping the baby. And while Niall’s excited to have a family and something outside the team to care about, there’s one thing that puts a damper on the news. Leah wants their relationship to stay as is, unattached.
These two Devoted Dastards have to decide if their devotion to their careers and their safety is more important than the future family they both crave.
Content sexually explicit content, mentions of losing parents at a young age, depiction of anxiety, discussions of racism in the soccer community
- GenresRomance
281 pages, Paperback
Published October 2, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Did Not Finish
October 5, 2026No my jam.
October 14, 2026
Thank you so much to House of Hearts Literary Services and the lovely author for providing this e-arc in exchange for an honest review!
Being back with my favorite fictional soccer team was such a blast! Their shenanigans, them being always there for each other, ready to support each other dreams and to help during the tough times, they truly are the best team! The glimpses of Kodi and Kean were adorable, as was everything Jimenez did, what a group! However, the protagonists of this book were also fantastic. The captain, Niall is a lot like Atlas, he has every single responsibility on his shoulders and it’s exactly what he needs to feel like life is under control, even when it makes him feel empty inside. Leah, on the other hand, wants to escape any attachment for fear of feeling loss again. They are both using their strengths against themselves and not allowing themselves to live. But one night, their control slips and their lives are forever changed, now they’ll need to figure out a way to put their fears aside to plan the birth of their child. I thought it was so lovely to see how they tried, failed, grew and changed for each other and for their baby, it was a very inspiring story, from the dedication to the last page, it was an incredible book.
I decided on four stars because sometimes, the pacing seemed a little off and it took me out of the story, but I still loved it. I have a feeling Brooker’s love story might be the next and I can’t wait!
Being back with my favorite fictional soccer team was such a blast! Their shenanigans, them being always there for each other, ready to support each other dreams and to help during the tough times, they truly are the best team! The glimpses of Kodi and Kean were adorable, as was everything Jimenez did, what a group! However, the protagonists of this book were also fantastic. The captain, Niall is a lot like Atlas, he has every single responsibility on his shoulders and it’s exactly what he needs to feel like life is under control, even when it makes him feel empty inside. Leah, on the other hand, wants to escape any attachment for fear of feeling loss again. They are both using their strengths against themselves and not allowing themselves to live. But one night, their control slips and their lives are forever changed, now they’ll need to figure out a way to put their fears aside to plan the birth of their child. I thought it was so lovely to see how they tried, failed, grew and changed for each other and for their baby, it was a very inspiring story, from the dedication to the last page, it was an incredible book.
I decided on four stars because sometimes, the pacing seemed a little off and it took me out of the story, but I still loved it. I have a feeling Brooker’s love story might be the next and I can’t wait!
October 15, 2026
Thank you to the author, K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts, for the opportunity to read this ARC!
In exange of an honest review I can say that this book was so funny and engaging that for sure it is a good idea to add to your tbr!
The devoted dastard was a funny, enjoyable and emotional reading. For me this book was the fifth essence of cuteness, the found family and the couple were the perfect example of that and I was so glad to witness it that honestly I can only giggling as a little girl. First of all my personak enjoyment was the accidental pregnancy's trope, because I am a HUGE sucker for it and as always I enjoyed a good book with this trope! Nial and Leah were the perfect example of characters who had the capacity to grow together : when life put toghether two different types of people it's wonderful to see how the grow up as individuals and then as a family. I appreciate the way the author wrote this growth and also as she managed to speak about important themes inside the book!
It was really nice to read it and honestly the reading was fast paced and enjoyable for the entire time I had the opportunity to read it.
In exange of an honest review I can say that this book was so funny and engaging that for sure it is a good idea to add to your tbr!
The devoted dastard was a funny, enjoyable and emotional reading. For me this book was the fifth essence of cuteness, the found family and the couple were the perfect example of that and I was so glad to witness it that honestly I can only giggling as a little girl. First of all my personak enjoyment was the accidental pregnancy's trope, because I am a HUGE sucker for it and as always I enjoyed a good book with this trope! Nial and Leah were the perfect example of characters who had the capacity to grow together : when life put toghether two different types of people it's wonderful to see how the grow up as individuals and then as a family. I appreciate the way the author wrote this growth and also as she managed to speak about important themes inside the book!
It was really nice to read it and honestly the reading was fast paced and enjoyable for the entire time I had the opportunity to read it.
October 17, 2026
I love an accidental pregnancy story, and I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series! Overall I see the potential for both, and can see what the author was going for, but for me this just didn't quite land. Surprisingly I felt like it should be longer (I normally am all for editing more!) because I felt like the connection between the two main characters was tenuous, and I didn't love the characterization of some of the conflicts at the end. I still had some moments that skewed a bit corny for me, but overall much less, and it was a well written and sweet story that I think a lot of readers would enjoy. If you're a sports romance, accidental pregnancy, or standoffish FMC x golden retriever MMC fan (or all of the above!) I think there's a good chance you'd like this!
Thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy for review!
Thank you to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy for review!
October 31, 2026
✨ ARC Review ✨
“Love is work. Some days it’s easy work, some days it’s harder.”
Ahhh, we have a one-night stand that leads to a pregnancy between a soccer player and a teacher! 👀💗
Niall is NOT like those bastards out there who don’t want to get involved when they find out the woman is pregnant. He actually wants to be all in, including being in a relationship with Leah, but Leah only wants him to be involved with the baby, not with her. 🥹
Niall is SO attentive and wants to take care of Leah, while Leah is a very, very independent, aka lone-wolf kind of girl who keeps trying to push Niall away because she thinks she’s the wrong person to love. She’s afraid of relationships and love in all its forms. 🥺💔
I’m so glad they made it in the end! Niall is such a GREEN FLAG guy! APPROOOOVEEED! 💚🤌🏻
Thank you for the ARC, K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit! 💗
“Love is work. Some days it’s easy work, some days it’s harder.”
Ahhh, we have a one-night stand that leads to a pregnancy between a soccer player and a teacher! 👀💗
Niall is NOT like those bastards out there who don’t want to get involved when they find out the woman is pregnant. He actually wants to be all in, including being in a relationship with Leah, but Leah only wants him to be involved with the baby, not with her. 🥹
Niall is SO attentive and wants to take care of Leah, while Leah is a very, very independent, aka lone-wolf kind of girl who keeps trying to push Niall away because she thinks she’s the wrong person to love. She’s afraid of relationships and love in all its forms. 🥺💔
I’m so glad they made it in the end! Niall is such a GREEN FLAG guy! APPROOOOVEEED! 💚🤌🏻
Thank you for the ARC, K.E. Monteith & House of Hearts Lit! 💗
October 7, 2026
This was my first book by this author and overall it was a good read. I loved the banter amongst Niall's teammates. It helped keep the tone lighthearted for the most part. I want to go back and read the first book in the series because I liked them so much. Sometimes books focus really hard on the main couple and there are hardly any other character interactions, but this was not the case and I loved it. There can be some amazing character development and insight given to the reader through the other characters.
Leah has her trauma and she lets it dictate a lot of her life. I like how Niall does his best to always respect her boundaries. Almost to the detriment of their relationship at times but they get there. I appreciated how respectful he was. Just an all around good guy which are in short supply.
Leah can be a bit prickly, but again trauma. I liked that we see her opening up to other people through this journey. Not just to Niall but she allows herself to form other relationships.
Also, I love a book that acknowledges mental health and shows positive efforts to help someone cope and doesn't shame the struggles with mental health.
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Leah has her trauma and she lets it dictate a lot of her life. I like how Niall does his best to always respect her boundaries. Almost to the detriment of their relationship at times but they get there. I appreciated how respectful he was. Just an all around good guy which are in short supply.
Leah can be a bit prickly, but again trauma. I liked that we see her opening up to other people through this journey. Not just to Niall but she allows herself to form other relationships.
Also, I love a book that acknowledges mental health and shows positive efforts to help someone cope and doesn't shame the struggles with mental health.
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
October 4, 2026
Loved the story and the character! Went in blindly with soccer romance only and mind and was I hooked !!
October 21, 2026
Devoted Dastard is a quick read about a soccer team captain and a one-night stand that leads to an unexpected pregnancy. I finished this one in a day! The pacing was fast, and it was an easy book to fly through. However, I did feel like the characters fell in love pretty quickly, and the pregnancy journey was glossed over a bit more than I would have liked.
Overall, it was a fun read, and the way the book ended has me thinking we might see more of these characters in the next books in the series!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
Overall, it was a fun read, and the way the book ended has me thinking we might see more of these characters in the next books in the series!
Thanks to K.E. Monteith and House of Hearts for the gifted copy — all opinions are my own.
October 10, 2026
I love the found family in this series! These guys are so caring and open. It’s really great to see that, at least in fiction, dudes can have healthy relationships. The test messages are the best of being a non-emotionally stunted man.
That is not to say there is no character growth, because there is! Niall puts his heart into things that are important to him. When he finds out his baby mama is pregnant, his priorities shift in the best way. He is SO down bad for her, right from the start! Seeing Niall and Leah make room for each other was wonderful. Leah overcoming her fears? Priceless.
As someone who married her ONS (because yeah, pregnant), I know how it is to build a relationship after sex. I know how it is to get to know my partner, even years later. So the struggles Leah and Niall face are not new to me. Having a whole team of people supporting us? Yeah, that and the professional athlete’s salary are not something I’m versed in. I really enjoyed seeing it here.
This is a feel good book with a bit of spice that has me excited for the next book in the series!
That is not to say there is no character growth, because there is! Niall puts his heart into things that are important to him. When he finds out his baby mama is pregnant, his priorities shift in the best way. He is SO down bad for her, right from the start! Seeing Niall and Leah make room for each other was wonderful. Leah overcoming her fears? Priceless.
As someone who married her ONS (because yeah, pregnant), I know how it is to build a relationship after sex. I know how it is to get to know my partner, even years later. So the struggles Leah and Niall face are not new to me. Having a whole team of people supporting us? Yeah, that and the professional athlete’s salary are not something I’m versed in. I really enjoyed seeing it here.
This is a feel good book with a bit of spice that has me excited for the next book in the series!
October 21, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I absolutely love how KE Monteith’s series, The Destin Dastards, are always written with down to earth characters. Book 2 in this sports romance series, The Devoted Dastard, focuses on two complete opposites and how they handle life after a one night stand changes their lives forever. Both of our MCs struggle with balance, yet throughout this story they were able to find it and in more than one way. One needs balance in terms of letting go of things and the other needs balance in knowing they are worthy of being loved.
The difference between Leah and Niall starts off pretty surface level, but as the book progresses you see they aren’t that different, just on opposite sides of the spectrum. Niall is a workaholic, even though I saw him more as a perfectionist. He wants everyone to be happy, things to go his way, and for hard work to win out. He hates thinking he is failing at something because he doesn’t put the work in. Leah loves her job, but is convinced that love isn’t for her. Losing her parents at a young age, she grew up believing loving someone means leaving them behind. So when these two meet, friction is bound to happen.
When Niall finds out that Leah is pregnant he is all in, even if Leah doesn’t want him all in. They both have to learn how to let the other in, while dealing with their own blockages and reasons to be the way they are. Niall has to learn to let other people lead and follow their example. He couldn’t push Leah too hard as it just caused her to throw walls up. Leah has to learn how to let someone in and trust that when they say they aren’t leaving, they mean it. Both of them go through incredible changes and find a balance that works for them.
This book was easy to enjoy. Monteith wrote two characters that I think many will be able to connect to. Even the way she describes their lifestyle differences and how they find common ground when it comes to money, it is so easy to relate to. Of course, the other Destin Dastards show up in full force, all willing to help both Niall and Leah out in any way they can. The found family among this team is wonderful to read about and I am still so excited for more books in this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Soccer Romance
💛Accidental Pregnancy
⚽ONS to More
💛Golden Retriever MMC
⚽Black Cat FMC
💛Opposites Attract
⚽Workaholic x Runs from Love
I absolutely love how KE Monteith’s series, The Destin Dastards, are always written with down to earth characters. Book 2 in this sports romance series, The Devoted Dastard, focuses on two complete opposites and how they handle life after a one night stand changes their lives forever. Both of our MCs struggle with balance, yet throughout this story they were able to find it and in more than one way. One needs balance in terms of letting go of things and the other needs balance in knowing they are worthy of being loved.
The difference between Leah and Niall starts off pretty surface level, but as the book progresses you see they aren’t that different, just on opposite sides of the spectrum. Niall is a workaholic, even though I saw him more as a perfectionist. He wants everyone to be happy, things to go his way, and for hard work to win out. He hates thinking he is failing at something because he doesn’t put the work in. Leah loves her job, but is convinced that love isn’t for her. Losing her parents at a young age, she grew up believing loving someone means leaving them behind. So when these two meet, friction is bound to happen.
When Niall finds out that Leah is pregnant he is all in, even if Leah doesn’t want him all in. They both have to learn how to let the other in, while dealing with their own blockages and reasons to be the way they are. Niall has to learn to let other people lead and follow their example. He couldn’t push Leah too hard as it just caused her to throw walls up. Leah has to learn how to let someone in and trust that when they say they aren’t leaving, they mean it. Both of them go through incredible changes and find a balance that works for them.
This book was easy to enjoy. Monteith wrote two characters that I think many will be able to connect to. Even the way she describes their lifestyle differences and how they find common ground when it comes to money, it is so easy to relate to. Of course, the other Destin Dastards show up in full force, all willing to help both Niall and Leah out in any way they can. The found family among this team is wonderful to read about and I am still so excited for more books in this series.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
⚽Soccer Romance
💛Accidental Pregnancy
⚽ONS to More
💛Golden Retriever MMC
⚽Black Cat FMC
💛Opposites Attract
⚽Workaholic x Runs from Love
October 20, 2026
✨This was as fun as I expected it to be and I am very thankful to have qualified for this ARC.✨
I do have to say that their passionate lovemaking wasn’t necessarily my personal yum 😂, but everything else was so good that even I found myself getting into it!
Let’s talk about Niall, because this man is such a big teddy bear! 🧸❤️ He’s just trying to do everything right, stay prepared, and keep all the pieces from falling apart (Definitely some OCD major control issues). His career has always been his priority, and he carries the weight of feeling like he has to step in and handle everything himself. A relationship is the last thing on his mind when he already has so much to manage.
Enter Leah, another avoidant who has experienced her fair share of heartache. She isn’t looking for forever either, and sometimes even the smallest act of kindness is enough to send her into an anxiety-induced panic. 🫠 When you’ve been hurt before, letting someone in can feel a whole lot scarier than keeping them at a distance.
Together, these two discover that sometimes life has other plans. An unexpected pregnancy forces them to step outside their comfort zones to confront their fears and consider the possibility of something more. 🥹💗 And can we PLEASE talk about the supporting cast?! 😂❤️ I absolutely loved them, especially the group chats! They added so much humor and personality to the story, and I was here for every bit of it. The side characters really helped make this romantic comedy.
Love the Red Robin shout out! 💕
🧸 Big teddy-bear MMC
💗 Two avoidants
🤰 Surprise pregnancy
😂 Hilarious group chats
💬 Amazing supporting cast
💕 Romantic comedy
⚽Sports Romance
I wanted to thank House of Hearts Lit for this ARC
I do have to say that their passionate lovemaking wasn’t necessarily my personal yum 😂, but everything else was so good that even I found myself getting into it!
Let’s talk about Niall, because this man is such a big teddy bear! 🧸❤️ He’s just trying to do everything right, stay prepared, and keep all the pieces from falling apart (Definitely some OCD major control issues). His career has always been his priority, and he carries the weight of feeling like he has to step in and handle everything himself. A relationship is the last thing on his mind when he already has so much to manage.
Enter Leah, another avoidant who has experienced her fair share of heartache. She isn’t looking for forever either, and sometimes even the smallest act of kindness is enough to send her into an anxiety-induced panic. 🫠 When you’ve been hurt before, letting someone in can feel a whole lot scarier than keeping them at a distance.
Together, these two discover that sometimes life has other plans. An unexpected pregnancy forces them to step outside their comfort zones to confront their fears and consider the possibility of something more. 🥹💗 And can we PLEASE talk about the supporting cast?! 😂❤️ I absolutely loved them, especially the group chats! They added so much humor and personality to the story, and I was here for every bit of it. The side characters really helped make this romantic comedy.
Love the Red Robin shout out! 💕
🧸 Big teddy-bear MMC
💗 Two avoidants
🤰 Surprise pregnancy
😂 Hilarious group chats
💬 Amazing supporting cast
💕 Romantic comedy
⚽Sports Romance
I wanted to thank House of Hearts Lit for this ARC
November 2, 2026
The Devoted Dastard is written by K.E. Monteith. It is the second book in the Destin Dastards interconnected series. Thank you to House of Hearts for this gifted ARC. This review is my honest opinion. I have never read anything by this author before, so I did not read the series in order. If you didn’t want to read it in order you would be able to follow the storyline.
Leah and Niall had undeniable chemistry from the beginning. A life changing one night stand links them forever. Both characters struggle with anxiety and I appreciated the representation by the author. This couple is down to earth and relatable. There were plenty of situations that tested their vulnerability, trust, and healing. Watching the love between Niall and Leah grow was emotional. The character growth for these two was beautifully written.
The tension between this couple was electric. Although the attraction was evident, Niall and Leah had to work hard individually and as a pair, to make this relationship work. They were building a little family together while figuring out all the logistics of doing so with someone you do not know very well. Once Leah and Niall got to a place where they believed they deserved each other's love and devotion everything started to click into place.
I will add the first book in the series to my TBR and will follow the series as it continues. The characters and storyline were enjoyable enough to revisit. I do feel like the end of the story was rushed. As it was rapidly ending I wanted more of these two. It was well paced for a majority of the book and then all of a sudden we are accelerating in the fast lane. I hope we will see glimpses of their little family as the series expands because I really fell in love with their story.
Leah and Niall had undeniable chemistry from the beginning. A life changing one night stand links them forever. Both characters struggle with anxiety and I appreciated the representation by the author. This couple is down to earth and relatable. There were plenty of situations that tested their vulnerability, trust, and healing. Watching the love between Niall and Leah grow was emotional. The character growth for these two was beautifully written.
The tension between this couple was electric. Although the attraction was evident, Niall and Leah had to work hard individually and as a pair, to make this relationship work. They were building a little family together while figuring out all the logistics of doing so with someone you do not know very well. Once Leah and Niall got to a place where they believed they deserved each other's love and devotion everything started to click into place.
I will add the first book in the series to my TBR and will follow the series as it continues. The characters and storyline were enjoyable enough to revisit. I do feel like the end of the story was rushed. As it was rapidly ending I wanted more of these two. It was well paced for a majority of the book and then all of a sudden we are accelerating in the fast lane. I hope we will see glimpses of their little family as the series expands because I really fell in love with their story.
November 2, 2026
Thank you so much to House of Hearts Literary Services and the author for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was my first book by K.E. Monteith, and it definitely won't be my last. I connected with Leah right away. She's fiercely independent, but years of loss and trauma have convinced her that love always ends in heartbreak.
Niall is a professional soccer player who thrives on hard work and control. He believes that if something matters, you put in the effort to make it succeed. Leah, on the other hand, has spent her life protecting herself from getting too attached to anyone. So when these two meet, sparks fly... and not always in a good way.
After a one-night hookup, Leah discovers she's pregnant. Suddenly, she and Niall are thrown into an unexpected co-parenting journey while trying to ignore the undeniable attraction between them.
One of my favorite parts of this story was watching their growth. The moment Niall learns about the pregnancy, he's completely committed, even when Leah isn't ready to let him in. Niall has to learn that he can't solve every problem through sheer determination, while Leah has to overcome her fear of trusting someone enough to stay. Their relationship develops naturally as they learn to support each other and find a balance that works for them.
And Niall? The way he loves Leah is everything. He's patient, supportive, and willing to meet her where she is. He's the kind of book boyfriend who reminds you that if a man truly wants to show up for you, he will.
This was an emotional, heartfelt romance with wonderful character growth, and I loved watching Leah and Niall find their way to each other.
This was my first book by K.E. Monteith, and it definitely won't be my last. I connected with Leah right away. She's fiercely independent, but years of loss and trauma have convinced her that love always ends in heartbreak.
Niall is a professional soccer player who thrives on hard work and control. He believes that if something matters, you put in the effort to make it succeed. Leah, on the other hand, has spent her life protecting herself from getting too attached to anyone. So when these two meet, sparks fly... and not always in a good way.
After a one-night hookup, Leah discovers she's pregnant. Suddenly, she and Niall are thrown into an unexpected co-parenting journey while trying to ignore the undeniable attraction between them.
One of my favorite parts of this story was watching their growth. The moment Niall learns about the pregnancy, he's completely committed, even when Leah isn't ready to let him in. Niall has to learn that he can't solve every problem through sheer determination, while Leah has to overcome her fear of trusting someone enough to stay. Their relationship develops naturally as they learn to support each other and find a balance that works for them.
And Niall? The way he loves Leah is everything. He's patient, supportive, and willing to meet her where she is. He's the kind of book boyfriend who reminds you that if a man truly wants to show up for you, he will.
This was an emotional, heartfelt romance with wonderful character growth, and I loved watching Leah and Niall find their way to each other.
October 29, 2026
Hello my delulu bookworms 🖤
ARC review:
I not only enjoyed this book but it also taught me how badly trauma can affect your relationships.
It's common for people to pass away when they get older but the fact that Leah couldn't spend as much time with her parents during her childhood as she wanted to because of their old age and eventual deaths left her with the trauma of being afraid to get close to someone whether romantically or platonically. It was heartbreaking. She was strong and sassy and she knew what she wanted but behind that strong personality was just a girl who never really got to experience childhood the way she should have🥺Niall didn't have any trauma of his own but he was a workaholic who would get anxious if things weren't done on time. They were basically an emotional baggage couple😭
Neither of them was ready for a relationship because of Leah's trauma and Niall's workaholic habits but they were more than ready to welcome their child. Niall didn't let Leah run away from her fears or from him when things started getting real. He handled her panic patiently and gave her the time she needed. And Leah reminded him that he deserved to rest too and didn't have to be on his toes every second of the day.
They were imperfect individually but together they were a beautiful mess❤️
And our Dastard team? They were literally one big nosy family who wanted all the gossip about every member's life🤣❤️
ARC review:
I not only enjoyed this book but it also taught me how badly trauma can affect your relationships.
It's common for people to pass away when they get older but the fact that Leah couldn't spend as much time with her parents during her childhood as she wanted to because of their old age and eventual deaths left her with the trauma of being afraid to get close to someone whether romantically or platonically. It was heartbreaking. She was strong and sassy and she knew what she wanted but behind that strong personality was just a girl who never really got to experience childhood the way she should have🥺Niall didn't have any trauma of his own but he was a workaholic who would get anxious if things weren't done on time. They were basically an emotional baggage couple😭
Neither of them was ready for a relationship because of Leah's trauma and Niall's workaholic habits but they were more than ready to welcome their child. Niall didn't let Leah run away from her fears or from him when things started getting real. He handled her panic patiently and gave her the time she needed. And Leah reminded him that he deserved to rest too and didn't have to be on his toes every second of the day.
They were imperfect individually but together they were a beautiful mess❤️
And our Dastard team? They were literally one big nosy family who wanted all the gossip about every member's life🤣❤️
October 27, 2026
** I received this as an ARC for an honest review **
Niall is the definition of a golden retriever man, and I am absolutely obsessed with him! He is everything a girl could ever hope to find in a romantic partner; patient, devoted, understanding, and completely all in when it comes to the woman he loves.
Leah, on the other hand, is a total hard ass! She has built walls so high that she struggles to let anyone in, whether romantically or platonically. She is fiercely independent, stubborn, and determined to protect herself at all costs. But that’s what makes Niall so perfect for her. He doesn’t try to change her or force his way into her life. He simply shows up, loves her through the hard moments, and proves time and time again that he’s not going anywhere.
The way Niall loves Leah is EVERYTHING. He’s the kind of man who makes you want to raise your standards because if he wanted to, he absolutely would!
I loved watching Leah slowly learn that being vulnerable doesn’t make her weak and that sometimes the right person is worth letting your guard down for. Their dynamic was the perfect mix of stubbornness, patience, swoon-worthy moments, and unconditional love.
Niall is the standard, and I will accept nothing less! ❤️
Niall is the definition of a golden retriever man, and I am absolutely obsessed with him! He is everything a girl could ever hope to find in a romantic partner; patient, devoted, understanding, and completely all in when it comes to the woman he loves.
Leah, on the other hand, is a total hard ass! She has built walls so high that she struggles to let anyone in, whether romantically or platonically. She is fiercely independent, stubborn, and determined to protect herself at all costs. But that’s what makes Niall so perfect for her. He doesn’t try to change her or force his way into her life. He simply shows up, loves her through the hard moments, and proves time and time again that he’s not going anywhere.
The way Niall loves Leah is EVERYTHING. He’s the kind of man who makes you want to raise your standards because if he wanted to, he absolutely would!
I loved watching Leah slowly learn that being vulnerable doesn’t make her weak and that sometimes the right person is worth letting your guard down for. Their dynamic was the perfect mix of stubbornness, patience, swoon-worthy moments, and unconditional love.
Niall is the standard, and I will accept nothing less! ❤️
November 2, 2026
💌 𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰:
Thank you so much K.E Monteith for trusting me with this ARC! Receiving this book did not influence my review — my thoughts are always honest 💕
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
📱 Format: Kindle
💬 Favorite Quote:
“Love is work, Cinn. Some days it’s easy work, some days it’s harder.”
💭 My Thoughts:
I really wanted to love this one a little more than I did! The MMC was incredibly sweet, and I absolutely loved the found-family aspect with the team. I did struggle a bit with Leah’s character. While I understood her trauma, I felt like it impacted her romantic relationships & friendships more than I would have liked. I also wish the ending had delivered a little more, and for an accidental pregnancy storyline, I wanted more time spent developing that aspect of the plot. I just felt like the story was a little too short to fully explore everything it introduced.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
💞 Found Family
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
🔥Slow Burn
⚽️ Sports romance
💕 One night stand turned more
Overall: A sweet MMC and found-family feels, but I was left wanting a little more from this one!
Thank you so much K.E Monteith for trusting me with this ARC! Receiving this book did not influence my review — my thoughts are always honest 💕
⭐️ Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (3.5 Stars)
🌶️ Spice: 🌶️🌶️
📱 Format: Kindle
💬 Favorite Quote:
“Love is work, Cinn. Some days it’s easy work, some days it’s harder.”
💭 My Thoughts:
I really wanted to love this one a little more than I did! The MMC was incredibly sweet, and I absolutely loved the found-family aspect with the team. I did struggle a bit with Leah’s character. While I understood her trauma, I felt like it impacted her romantic relationships & friendships more than I would have liked. I also wish the ending had delivered a little more, and for an accidental pregnancy storyline, I wanted more time spent developing that aspect of the plot. I just felt like the story was a little too short to fully explore everything it introduced.
✨ Tropes & Vibes:
💞 Found Family
🤰 Accidental Pregnancy
🔥Slow Burn
⚽️ Sports romance
💕 One night stand turned more
Overall: A sweet MMC and found-family feels, but I was left wanting a little more from this one!
October 29, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐½
An unexpected surprise from a one-night stand?
⚽ Soccer romance ⚽ Open door ⚽ Dual POV, first person ⚽ Black cat x golden retriever ⚽ Accidental pregnancy ⚽ Workaholic x runs from love
I love a story where two people who weren't expecting to fall for each other end up getting more than they bargained for! Leah and Niall have such different personalities, and I love the contrast between her guarded nature and his more devoted, family-oriented side. Watching them navigate an unexpected pregnancy and figure out what they want for their future makes for a fun setup with plenty of potential for emotional moments.
If you love sports romance with unexpected parenthood, opposites attracting, and a hero who is ready to show up for the people he loves, this one is worth adding to your TBR!
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
An unexpected surprise from a one-night stand?
⚽ Soccer romance ⚽ Open door ⚽ Dual POV, first person ⚽ Black cat x golden retriever ⚽ Accidental pregnancy ⚽ Workaholic x runs from love
I love a story where two people who weren't expecting to fall for each other end up getting more than they bargained for! Leah and Niall have such different personalities, and I love the contrast between her guarded nature and his more devoted, family-oriented side. Watching them navigate an unexpected pregnancy and figure out what they want for their future makes for a fun setup with plenty of potential for emotional moments.
If you love sports romance with unexpected parenthood, opposites attracting, and a hero who is ready to show up for the people he loves, this one is worth adding to your TBR!
*** I want to note that I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. ***
October 31, 2026
This was a cute soccer romance and the second book in this series. The premise is our FMC Leah, an elementary school teacher, has a one night stand with our MMC Niall, who is a professional soccer player with the Destin Dastards. Leah is closed off and scared to form relationships, whereas Niall is a workaholic who has no time for relationships, so the one night stand works well. Until it becomes more than one night…Leah is pregnant and both her and Niall have to work through their own commitment issues to decide whether having a relationship is worth the uncertainty of said relationship. Leah has many hang ups and anxieties (almost annoyingly so), but Niall is such a patient man and emotionally mature that is was nice to read how their relationship grew. This was a really quick and light read. The supporting characters were fun, and I can’t wait to read their stories in the next books of the series. I was provided an ARC of this book and this is my honest review
October 15, 2026
I really enjoyed this story and oh man was Niall ever the most adorable thing! The amazing support they found as they were starting out as a couple with his teammates and their partners was so neat and fun to see. I loved the mental health representation in the story and how each main character had anxiety that presented itself in different ways but they understood each other and talked it out instead of letting it fester.
I am soooo looking forward to Brooker falling ass over tea kettle too lol
October 16, 2026
Niall Christenson, congratulations on being a walking green flag in a soccer uniform.
A one-night stand, an accidental pregnancy, and feelings nobody ordered? YES, PLEASE. I loved the tension between Niall and Leah, especially watching him step up while Leah tried her absolute hardest not to catch feelings. The chemistry was delicious, the emotional moments hit, and the found-family vibes were the cherry on top.
Basically, come for the accidental pregnancy and stay for the man who makes you want to raise your standards. Another fictional man ruining real-life expectations. Rude.
A one-night stand, an accidental pregnancy, and feelings nobody ordered? YES, PLEASE. I loved the tension between Niall and Leah, especially watching him step up while Leah tried her absolute hardest not to catch feelings. The chemistry was delicious, the emotional moments hit, and the found-family vibes were the cherry on top.
Basically, come for the accidental pregnancy and stay for the man who makes you want to raise your standards. Another fictional man ruining real-life expectations. Rude.
October 18, 2026
ARC Read - This book was cute!! I love the accidental pregnancy trope which is why I applied for this and it didn’t disappoint. The way they worked through their relationship and anxiety together was absolutely beautiful. I loved seeing the soccer team band together and support Niall and Leah.
There just felt like there was something lacking keeping me from giving this 5 stars. I enjoyed the book but I wasn’t like *obsessed* with it and I can’t specifically pinpoint what was missing for me.
Also, every time I read the name Niall, all I could thing about was One Direction 😂
There just felt like there was something lacking keeping me from giving this 5 stars. I enjoyed the book but I wasn’t like *obsessed* with it and I can’t specifically pinpoint what was missing for me.
Also, every time I read the name Niall, all I could thing about was One Direction 😂
October 19, 2026
I received an eARC and this is my honest review.
This book was so good. I read it in a day; just couldn’t put it down and had to know what was going to happen.
This had one night stand, pregnancy, relationship phobias, trauma, growth in the relationship and soccer.
I loved all the elements in this book and how they meshed together. They were both too scared to be in a relationship but then wanted more and were afraid to go for it because of the baby. It was a slow burn in the romance side. It took a lot of open communication to get there as well as mental health representation.
I just can’t get enough of these two and wish we had more time with them as a family.
I highly recommend this book.
This book was so good. I read it in a day; just couldn’t put it down and had to know what was going to happen.
This had one night stand, pregnancy, relationship phobias, trauma, growth in the relationship and soccer.
I loved all the elements in this book and how they meshed together. They were both too scared to be in a relationship but then wanted more and were afraid to go for it because of the baby. It was a slow burn in the romance side. It took a lot of open communication to get there as well as mental health representation.
I just can’t get enough of these two and wish we had more time with them as a family.
I highly recommend this book.
November 2, 2026
4⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person 303pgs
The Destin Dastardly series, book #2
Niall and Leah
Oh Leah, she should've been in therapy yrs ago, probably even before her parents passed. She definitely exudes the snarky, black cat personality and takes her sweet time opening up to others. Niall is a workaholic golden retriever who is all in from the start. Great found family vibes.
"To the ones whose knee jerk reaction is to run away, I hope you find the person who knows when to chase after you and when to let you be."
The Destin Dastardly series, book #2
Niall and Leah
Oh Leah, she should've been in therapy yrs ago, probably even before her parents passed. She definitely exudes the snarky, black cat personality and takes her sweet time opening up to others. Niall is a workaholic golden retriever who is all in from the start. Great found family vibes.
"To the ones whose knee jerk reaction is to run away, I hope you find the person who knows when to chase after you and when to let you be."
November 2, 2026
I absolutely loved this story. We meet Leah, a young woman who enjoys her solitary life, and Niall, a dedicated coach who spends all his time training and developing strategies—having taken over the role from the previous coach. When a new coach is brought in for his team, Niall suddenly finds himself with plenty of free time, which is when he crosses paths with the stunning Leah. What was supposed to be just a one-night encounter takes a turn when Leah finds herself seeking out Niall again—after discovering a pregnancy test with two pink lines.
October 8, 2026
Thank you KE Monteith and House of Heart for this ARC.
When I received this ARC I decided to read book one first so I got the whole experience. I'm glad I did, though you can read it as a standalone, I think you get a deeper understanding of the characters if you've read book 1 before this one.
This was a slow burn but not at the same time. Accidental pregnancy trope can often have that in my opinion.
You have, in this book, two guarded individuals that have trouble letting something in.
Niall fall first though and definitely HARD! Leah has some trauma that makes it difficult for her to let someone close.
I love how the soccer team begins to feel more and more like one big happy (and intruding) family.
When I received this ARC I decided to read book one first so I got the whole experience. I'm glad I did, though you can read it as a standalone, I think you get a deeper understanding of the characters if you've read book 1 before this one.
This was a slow burn but not at the same time. Accidental pregnancy trope can often have that in my opinion.
You have, in this book, two guarded individuals that have trouble letting something in.
Niall fall first though and definitely HARD! Leah has some trauma that makes it difficult for her to let someone close.
I love how the soccer team begins to feel more and more like one big happy (and intruding) family.
October 14, 2026
Thank you to House of Hearts and the author for this advanced copy in exchange for my honest review!
I was unsure what to expect when I started this book. Niall and Leah first used each other for some one-night relief, but one pregnancy test later everything changed. I enjoyed the evolution of their romance using one of my favorite tropes. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I would enjoy reading other books by the author.
I was unsure what to expect when I started this book. Niall and Leah first used each other for some one-night relief, but one pregnancy test later everything changed. I enjoyed the evolution of their romance using one of my favorite tropes. It was a quick and enjoyable read. I would enjoy reading other books by the author.
October 20, 2026
Review of Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) ‼️
Release Date: October 20th
Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? Not quite. Still enjoyable. I thought the main characters both had traits that were very relatable. It was also an interesting portrayal of the ways trauma and anxiety show up within a relationship. It was also kind of fun to read a sports romance focused around soccer because I have seen many of those.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review!
Release Date: October 20th
Did I like it? Yes. Did I love it? Not quite. Still enjoyable. I thought the main characters both had traits that were very relatable. It was also an interesting portrayal of the ways trauma and anxiety show up within a relationship. It was also kind of fun to read a sports romance focused around soccer because I have seen many of those.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review!
October 3, 2026
This was such a cute, fun read! I loved these characters! They were dedicated to their work but became dedicated to each other! I love a one night stand/ accidental pregnancy trope! This was done so good. I loved the chemistry and tension between Niall and Leah! They were made for each other!
Thank you so much to House of Hearts and KE Monteith for this early review copy!!
Thank you so much to House of Hearts and KE Monteith for this early review copy!!
October 13, 2026
This was so cute and adorable! Accidental pregnancy making things a little complicated but yet a second chance at romance with each other! Over coming trauma and working together. All while he respects her boundaries even if it kills him. The ending made it absolutely perfect!
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2026
I really enjoyed this book except the ending let me down a bit. It was too abrupt in my opinion and gave me more a happily for now feeling more than happily ever after. Perhaps because it’s part of a series. I don’t know. It’s interconnected standalone and I did not read the first book.
I love the found family. Niall is awesome.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
I love the found family. Niall is awesome.
I received an ARC and voluntarily leave my honest opinion.
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