Claim

The New Bradfords #5

by Tia Louise

Austin Sinclair was always my forever. Even before our parents got married.

He was my handsome prince, my future husband, and my happily ever after from the day he arrived in our hometown with his mom, a scared preteen boy running from a bad dad. Those are the facts, and they don’t change just because our parents got married the year he left for college…

From the time I was a kid, football was my escape, my chance to be something better.
Coach Jack Bradford was my idol, the man who could open doors for me.
I never thought seriously about his daughter.
She was the little girl who rode me piggyback and told everyone I was her handsome prince, and we were going to live happily ever after. Every. Single. Day.
It was little-girl make-believe.

Now I’m back home, a football star, a single dad, and a widower.
I’ve achieved everything I set out to accomplish. Being the new head coach at my old high school is icing on the cake. I wanted to be Coach Jack, and on paper, I am.
The only thing missing is love.

But I find something more at home—a girl I can talk to, who knows me better than anyone.
She takes care of my daughter, who loves her instantly. She never stops telling me I’m worthy, I’m good. Then when I see her in that white bikini, I realize she’s right…
She’s not a little girl anymore.

But I’m eight years older than she is. I’m her stepbrother.
I have no right to want her this way.
Until another man tries to take her, and I realize it’s too late.
Kim Bradford is my queen. I claim her, and nothing is going to steal our happily ever after.

(CLAIM is a small-town, single-dad, age-gap, “will they or won’t they” football romance. It’s packed with yearning, angst, found-family, spice, and so much love. No cheating, no cliffhanger, no third act breakup, and a guaranteed HEA.)

Genres: Friends To Lovers, Sports, Small Town Romance, Found Family, Contemporary Romance, Sports Romance, Family

350 pages, Paperback

Expected publication October 29, 2026

About the author

Tia Louise is the USA Today best-selling, award-winning author of spicy-sweet military romance, small town romance, single parent romance, and romantic suspense novels.

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Reviews

[lucialeelibros · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute and the perfect ending for a series. I loved every character, and I never thought I could read the book about him 🥺🥹😭😭😭❤️. Thank you so much Tia, thank you!!!

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

The final New Bradfords book is here and it's Kimmie Joy and Austin 's love story. ❤️ It was perfect!! And it was everything!!!!! Anam Cara❤️❤️

Kim Bradford has been in love with Austin Sinclair forever and Kim has been sweetly stubborn for just as long. I love that about her so much!! Her showing up and screaming cooter, in the original series, was one of my favorite things.😂 Austin's focus had basically been football, making sure his mom was okay, and now that his daughter is cared for. He's just a good guy, who didn't think of little Kimmie Joy beyond the status of that little girl he'd first met, so Kim planned to change all that. She put a plan of action into place to gain his attention and was determined to finally get her prince. I love when a plan comes together and the prince finally wakes up to recognize his true princess.❤️ 

When Austin first moved back to Newhope to take over the football coach position that Jack Bradford, his stepfather, worked so diligently at for many years. That was his main focus, along with taking care of his three year old, head-strong daughter, Callie. His sights were not set on romance with anyone, much less the woman who was helping him out and driving him crazy with her long legs and sweet smiles. He wasn't sure where the rambunctious little girl went that he knew from years ago, but Kim, the adult version of her, he suddenly sees a beautiful, smart woman and has trouble keeping Kim in the box he's always kept her in; sweet, little, and certainly not the woman of his dreams.

Callie, Austin's daughter is the absolute best. There might not be blood relation, but she's a mini-Kim in spirit. They, of course, get along like penny cakes and syrup,😉 which is the sweetest relationship, right along with how Miss Gina gets along with everyone. Kim has matured to the absolute best version I could have ever witnessed. I adored the child she was and I love the woman that is in this book. She embraces everyone in her world and is loving, caring and touches everyone she comes in contact with. Seeing Kim as an adult, and loving a little girl so much like herself, has been the best full-circle moment in this series and made me so happy, it's almost too hard to describe.

Claim has a lot happening in this final book, along with Kim and Austin's wonderful love story. Austin feels the weight of taking over Jack Bradford's long term position as head football coach, along with raising his little girl. Callie is the cutest thing since Kimmie Joy was her age and it's a shame that we only got her bright light for this one book. There is a secondary love story that's budding and it's the most adorable thing ever.😍 Along with that, every Bradford makes an appearance 🥰 and I do mean every single one. I loved that immensely. From the OG's down to the newest littles, this book was a wonderful big Bradford family reunion done in the best way. There also seemed to be an introduction of sorts for the next series and I'm already super excited about it. ❤️

I really hate to say goodbye to the Bradfords, as the town and the entire family has become family. I've loved them all and I hope perhaps there will be more down the line. 

[Bookbakeneko · Rating 4 out of 5]

𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝘾𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙢
29 𝙊𝙘𝙩𝙤𝙗𝙚𝙧

You know I have a serious soft spot for step-sibling romances, and Kim & Austin were a long time coming!

Kim knew Austin was the one from childhood, but Austin definitely took his sweet time catching up! Watching their story unfold and seeing him finally realise what had been right in front of him made the wait so worth it. And once he finally gives in, there's absolutely no stopping the inevitable!

A little angst, plenty of romantic tension and an HEA that made me smile. Another step-sibling romance that reminded me exactly why I love this trope so much!

[Mick C · Rating 4 out of 5]

First of all keep an open mind. Then pay attention to details. But if you are a true fan of these characters and storylines, you already know.

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won’t ruin this one. I will say to trust the journey. Edward has our backs here and he won’t let Austin or Kim ruin it all. And this will also make you want some Outlaw time, pronto! The fact that I didn’t realize how invested I was before the sparks ignited tells you just how easily the pages turn in this story, and also should remind you that the author won’t lead us astray either.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anyone that has read the original Bradford Brothers series has been waiting for this book- and Tia did not disappoint with it!

4.5⭐

Claim is the 5th book in the New Bradfords series- and while the stories interconnect on some level- I think this one holds well as a stand alone but will be SO much more satisfying after reading where Austin and Kimmie's story starts in their parents series.

There is a little bit of history repeating itself here- with Austin now being a single dad returning to Newhope to take over as the football coach now that his NFL days are behind him. His family is there to help him and his daughter Callie but the person that steps up to help the most- Kim, his high school coach's daughter- the girl that claimed him as her handsome prince all those years ago- and his step-sister.

Tia did a phenomenal job in crafting Austin and Kim's story. People are going to take a look at that step-sister title and think that this story will be a bit taboo- but as both Kim and Austin love to point out- they are NOT related nor did they even really grow up in the same house as siblings since their parents got together and married right around the time that Austin was heading off to college. So sure there's an age gap here as well- but once these two were both adults, 8 years really is nothing. The weirdest part is that they do share a half brother.

I adored Kimmie Joy as a child but grown up Kim is still a force of nature. She's confident, independent while also being still one of the sweetest people in the world. I love the instant kinship that she shared with Austin's daughter Callie- freely giving her the love and support she needed because she knew what it was like to not have her mom but rather a mother figure in her life. Austin always had a "good head on his shoulders" as some would say- so it's not a surprise that he is still like that as an adult. Sure football held most of his focus for many years but in his quest to emulate his step-dad Jack Bradford, he also made his daughter the center of his universe.

While their romance has been a LONG time coming- this book is still definitely a slower burn- though not for lack of trying on Kim's part. But once the spark catches here- the flames burn hot and these two are phenomenal together. I love that once Austin made that choice to pursue Kim- he was all in. This wasn't a fling or an itch to scratch- he was in it forever.

There were a couple things that had me confused or that I didn't love- like a couple cousins that I just couldn't place from anywhere, Rip Sinclaire's appearance and the aftermath that brought, or some of the strangeness with the Outlaw family. That last one can get a pass because I feel like anything that didn't quite come together with them will in the future as they are the next family Tia is going to be giving us.

I'm sad that the Bradfords are done- but hopefully we will still get some glimpses of them in the new Outlaw series!

[Flex Fler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5/5
Genres: Sports Romance, Small Town
Tropes: Step-Siblings, Single Dad, Age Gap, Secret Crush/Pining, Jealousy, Forbidden Attraction, Secret Relationship, Always Been You
MC: Kim (FMC), Austin (MMC)
Setting: Newhope, Alabama

Thoughts: Overall, the book was fine, but I just didn’t connect with the storyline as much this time around. I like Austin and Kim individually as characters, but I didn’t quite connect with them as a couple. At times, I felt like they were acting more like high schoolers when it came to their feelings and actions toward each other. Both became petty when their jealousy got the better of them.

Kim’s lifelong love for Austin also felt a little unhealthy at times, and even somewhat obsessive. Knowing that she waited all these years and only really acted on those feelings after Austin’s wife passed away made me question how things might have played out if his wife were still alive. Would Kim have eventually moved on, or would she have continued holding onto those feelings and potentially put pressure on that relationship? I found myself wondering about that throughout the story.

I also felt like Austin’s relationship with his late wife was somewhat glossed over. We know more about her parents, Austin’s former in-laws, than we really ever learn about her. Austin never talked about her, or how he felt about losing her, which made that part of the story feel a little underdeveloped to me.

There also seemed to be quite a bit of additional drama that didn’t always feel necessary to the overall story. I’m not opposed to a step-sibling romance, but this particular pairing just didn’t work for me. Some of the angst between Austin and Kim felt a little forced, and their transition into actually being together felt somewhat abrupt.

That said, when Austin finally had to come to terms with his feelings, I was glad to see Edward put him in his place. Edward continues to be my favorite character in the next-gen series, and I always enjoy seeing him challenge the other characters.

I also really liked the addition of AJ. She and Edward clearly have a connection, and I’m looking forward to seeing where their story goes next. My one hesitation is the possibility of pairing them primarily because they’re both neurodivergent. I’d rather see their relationship develop because of who they are and the connection they naturally share, although I do think their shared experiences could allow them to understand each other in a way that few other people could.

Overall, while this particular romance wasn’t quite for me, there were still aspects of the story and characters that I enjoyed. And honestly, I’m especially looking forward to Edward’s book. He’s such an amazing character and person, and very deserving of a story of his own.

Thanks to Grey’s Promo and Tia Louise for the ARC. All opinions are my own in this ARC Review.

[Cigi cini · Rating 5 out of 5]

🏈 Football Romance
👨‍👧 Single Dad
💔 Widower MMC
🏡 Small Town Romance
🔥 Age Gap
🚫 Forbidden Romance
💞 Childhood Crush
👑 She Always Chose Him
🥹 Years of Longing
🤍 Found Family
🛡️ Protective MMC
💋 He Finally Sees Her
😏 Jealous MMC
🔥 Touch Her and Find Out
👀 Step-Sibling Dynamic
💞 Friends to Lovers Energy
🌶️ Spicy Romance
🚫 No Third Act Breakup
❤️ Happily Ever After

Star: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

Claim was such an emotional, sweet and spicy small town romance, and Austin and Kim had me completely invested from the very beginning.

Kim has loved Austin for what feels like forever. Even as a little girl, he was her handsome prince and the person she was convinced she would marry one day. To everyone else it might have looked like an innocent childhood crush, but for Kim, those feelings never really disappeared.

Austin has spent his whole life chasing the future he dreamed of. Football gave him an escape, a career and eventually brought him back home as a widowed single dad and the new head coach at his old high school. He thinks he has everything figured out, until he starts looking at Kim differently.

And I loved watching that shift happen.

Kim already knows him better than almost anyone. She knows his history, understands his insecurities, loves his daughter and constantly reminds Austin that he is worthy of being loved. Their relationship already has this really strong emotional foundation before the chemistry between them finally starts becoming impossible to ignore.

Austin trying to convince himself that Kim is still the little girl who followed him around was never going to last. Especially once another man starts showing interest and suddenly all those protective, possessive feelings come roaring to the surface.

The age gap and step-sibling element definitely add that forbidden edge, but because their parents married when Austin and Kim were older and their connection existed long before that, their relationship felt much more like two people who had always belonged in each other's lives finally admitting what was there.

I also really loved Austin as a dad. Seeing Kim build such an easy relationship with his daughter made the romance feel even sweeter, and that found family element gave the story so much heart.

There is plenty of yearning, jealousy, emotion and spice, but what really worked for me was how much love was underneath all of it. Austin has spent so much of his life believing he needs to prove himself, while Kim has always seen the man underneath everything else.

And once Austin decides Kim is his queen, there is absolutely no going back.

A beautiful mix of childhood longing, single dad sweetness, forbidden chemistry and an MMC who finally realises the woman he needs has been right there all along.

[Mona · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5

The final Bradford book I received an ARC for, and honestly, what a sweet way to wrap up my time with this series. 🥹🤎

I’ll be honest—the beginning of If You Look Back had me a little agitated with the FMC. 😂 There were moments where I was basically sitting there thinking, girl, why are we trying THIS hard?! 😭

But as I kept reading and the story started developing, I found myself getting more and more invested. Looking back at the whole story, I actually appreciated how everything came together. The pacing worked well for me, the relationship developed naturally, and before I knew it, I was completely hooked.

And then there’s Austin. 🫠🏈

I really, really liked him.

I haven’t read a huge number of football romances with a coach/coach dynamic, but this one definitely stands out for me. Austin is probably going to be one of my favorite MMCs from the football romances I’ve read so far.

What I loved most about him was how consistent he was in his decisions. He didn’t constantly fluctuate between wanting something and then backing away because of the risks involved. Considering the position both characters are in and the potential complications that come with their relationship, I appreciated that he knew what he wanted and actually stood by it.

And honestly, that’s something I really enjoy in an MMC. Give me a man who has thought about the risks, understands them, and still goes, “Yeah. I choose her.” 😭🫠

The second half especially had me fully invested. I was giggling, getting excited about their moments, and just wanting to see where everything would go. It ended up being such a warm, easy read for me.

And I finished the entire thing in one sitting. 😂📖

That probably tells you more than anything else could. I was hooked from the point where the story really picked up until the very end.

Overall, 4 stars for me. It wasn’t necessarily a flawless read from the very beginning, but it grew on me so much as I continued, and I really enjoyed the journey.

A huge thank you to Tia Louise and the PR team for giving me the opportunity to be part of this series and for sending me an ARC. 🥹🤎 It has genuinely been such a pleasure reading these books, and if there are more stories from the Bradford world in the future, please count me in because I will absolutely be there. 🫶🏻

ARC Review: Thank you to the author and PR team for the opportunity to read this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Instagram: @monaafterdark 🖇️

[Alexia Gauthier · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Claim my heart, ruin my standards. Thanks Austin.

4.5 ⭐️ | 3.5 🌶️

Eight years between them. Parents who got married. A childhood crush that never learned how to quit. And chemistry that made me fold like a fucking piece of paper.

Claim, the fifth instalment in Tia Louise’s New Bradfords series, is packed with delicious tension, inconvenient feelings, and enough yearning to make “just kiss already” feel like a personal emergency.

Kim Bradford has loved Austin Sinclair since she was five. Back then, he was the boy who looked after her, her handsome prince, the person she pictured in her happily ever after. Now she’s a second-grade teacher, he’s back home, and their parents’ marriage has made that dream considerably more complicated.

Austin returns as a retired professional football player, a high-school coach, a widower, and the single dad of a three-year-old daughter. He also returns to discover that Kim is very much a grown woman. Sir. Welcome to the problem.

What got me was the imbalance between them emotionally: Kim has known what she wants for years, while Austin is finally catching up; and fighting himself every step of the way. That history gives their attraction weight. There’s affection underneath the heat, familiarity underneath the nerves, and so much longing tangled up in everything they think they shouldn’t want.

And then there’s the jealousy. Oh, the jealousy.

Watching restraint start to buckle when someone else enters the picture? Delicious. Terrible for my ability to behave normally, but delicious. Their chemistry is off the fucking charts, and all that inner conflict makes the heat feel earned. I wanted to shake Austin and kiss him, sometimes in the same paragraph.

But the tenderness mattered just as much. Kim sees his worth, and the connection she shares with his daughter adds another layer to an already emotionally loaded romance. Austin has built the life he once dreamed of, yet there’s still room for the kind of love that makes him feel truly known. That part hit me.

My rating is for the angst, the warmth, the spice, and two people who had me thoroughly invested in their happiness. The envy? For Kim. Obviously. Some women get Austin Sinclair. The rest of us get increasingly unreasonable standards.

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for sending me the e-ARC, and congratulations to Tia Louise on the upcoming October 29th release!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kimmie Joy Bradford is all grown up and wants to be called Kim. I have been a fan of the Bradford series. Kimmie Joy/KJ/Kim will hold a special place in my heart. Kim was one of the first kids in this series and she finally has her story told. It is a bittersweet. I was both anticipating and dreading this story. She has always loved Austin even as a young girl. She told anyone who would listen that Austin is her prince and they would be married. Obviously, that didn’t go as planned. But as the saying goes, good things happen for those who wait.

It’s hard to believe that Kim is all grown up. All her cousins had their story told so it was inevitable that she would have her own story. Kim and Austin’s story remind me a lot of their parent’s origin story. Austin is back in Newhope after retiring from professional football. He is a widower with a daughter and surrounding himself with family. There are a lot of parallels but Claim is Kim and Austin’s story.

I cringed laughed reading the ways that Kim tries to seduce Austin by using a book by a self-help influencer with research from the 1990s. You can’t help yourself from reading because you know the situation is either going to backfire or work extremely well.

I was rooting for Austin and Kim the whole way. My heart combusted when these two finally gave in. The chemistry just ignites.

I love seeing all the characters from The Bradford Boys series to The New Bradfords. Callie, Austin’s daughter, is absolutely the cutest and in her own way helped these two along. There are some parts of the story that takes place with The New Bradfords timeline.

Austin and Kim brings a smile to my face. Claim is the perfect title for their story. Claim also introduces a few new characters that I absolutely adore.

Thank you to Grey’s Promotions for the advance reader copy. I reviewed an advance copy of this book freely and voluntarily. I received no compensation of any kind from any source for this review.

[Confessions of a Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I want this forbidden fruit so badly, it's fire beneath my skin."

Ever since I met these two characters in the original Bradford series I hoped and prayed for them to have a future book and I was not disappointed at all. Kim (aka Kimmie Joy) and Austin have always had a connection between them. That girl has loved him through every stage of her life...childhood, her teen years and into adulthood. What started out as a schoolgirl crush blossomed into her only ever loving him. The ways that she tries to get his attention are classic and I love how Ms. Louise uses some of the oldest tricks in the book to get Austin's eyes to finally land on Kim.

Austin's priorities are his little girl and being the new coach of the football team. He doesn't have time nor is he looking for romance. It has been years since he has lived in the same town as Kim and he slowly starts to see the woman she has become yet cannot get it out of his head that it is somehow wrong. Yet the more he sees her, sees the way she loves his daughter the more that pesky voice telling him it is wrong starts to fade away.

So much build up between these characters. The tension that surrounds them will have you hooked and unable to stop reading. Then....THEN...when the pieces finally click into place they go from 0 to 60 in no time. There was never another woman meant for Austin to spend his life with except Kim and he moves at lightening speed to make up for lost time. He is not letting her get away from him.

I loved the original Bradfords series and The New Bradfords were just as good. I am sad to see them go but was excited to see what Tia Louise has in stock for her readers in the future.

[rickies.reads · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

CLAIM
by: Tia Louise
4.5/5 stars

Tropes:
- SINGLE DAD
- SMALL TOWN
- STEP SIBLINGS
- JEALOUS MMC/FMC
- ITS ALWAYS BEEN YOU
- AGE GAP (8YEARS)

Can we hear it from everyone in the back who has been waiting for Austin and Kim's story since (KIM WAS KIMMIE?!) I will say I was hopeful she was going to give it to us, but when she actual said we were going to get it- feels like it's been 84 yearrrssss.

BUT IT WAS WORTH THE WAIT BABY. Austin Sinclair is a single dad thats moved home to take over for his step dad at the High School. Just so happens his "step sister" Kim still lives in the same town and is willing to help watch his little girl because why wouldn't she? She has always had the biggest crush on Austin since him and his mom moved to town. She would tell everyone he was her charming prince and they were going to get married. Years later- Austins mom and Kim's dad did end up getting married... which- makes them step siblings.

I know I know- and if that isn't your thing JUST KNOW- the author did a great job separating the two worlds. Austin never saw Kim in a romantic light until he moved back recently and she is grown. Kim also is PUSHING all the right buttons to finally get her shot at being something more to him. She plays all her cards exactly right. Once the thoughts start coming he does everything in his power to erase them. He tells himself over and over its wrong and he can never go there..

UNTIL- well you need to read the dang book to find out just how good the dang tension is between these two.

As always Tia's books are so fun and an absolute favorite of mine to read. I am so grateful to her and her team for the E-ARC!!

[Carolyn · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Will They or Won't They? Claim is the fifth book in the small town series of The New Bradfords by Tia Louise. It's a single dad, age gap, football romance that is amazingly packed with so much yearning and pining that leads to spicy times, a found family and loved that will endure until the end of times. The forbidden, stepbrother trope is new for this author and I would say she Scored Big by the way I kept quickly swiping left! I loved the little girl being a mermaid and the intro into some new characters for us to fall in love with in Newhope, Alabama...


I would like to Thank Tia Louise for my ARC and in return I voluntarily promised an honest review.


Kim Bradford is Coach Jack Bradfords daughter and Austin Sinclair idolizes him and from the time Kimmie met him he became her handsome prince and she swore they would marry one day and live HEA.

Austin was a scared teenager with a dad locked up in prison and used football as an escape and Coach Bradford could mentor him and open doors that could make his life so much better. He let Kimmie tag along and gave her piggyback rides but always ignored her make believe quotes.

Kim is now a teacher and loves Austin's little girl like her own and is helping him out with childcare since he's a widower, a single dad and has moved back home to become the new high school coach.

Austin is eight years older and shouldn't be looking at Kim or wanting her the way a stepbrother should. But she knows him better than anyone, takes care of his daughter and is always supportive of him...So, there is no way that he will let any Outlaw lay Claim to his Queen or their HEA.

[Ashley Bolan · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

I absolutely enjoyed this book. We met these characters in the previous book and I knew I could not wait to get to their story. I knew it would be a good one and I was not disappointed. Kimmie and Austin met as young kids. Austin was her baby sitter at one point. From the moment she met him at 5 years old she knew he was her prince. She knew he was going to be her forever. She told him from that day she was going to marry him. I thought it was so cute that she always knew where she belonged. Austin on the other hand, had a whole life away from her due to him being older. The kicker of the situation is that their parents got married when he was an adult out of the house. Obviously that puts a monkey wrench into things. Austin doesn't know if he should cross the line or not. He has a daughter to look out for. Callie absoluely loves Kimmie. What starts out as a friendship and helping each other out, slowly morphs into what they were meant to be all along. Kimmie has always had a bond with Callie and that is the most precious part of this story. Kimmie absolutley loves that little girl with her whole heart and she loves her as well. With the help of some meddling family members tensions grow among the family. Even though people are well meaning sometimes it is best to let life happen. I really enjoyed this book. It gives you all the warm fuzzies and them some. This book was a slow burn but once it finally burned it was blazing hot. If you enjoy a good slow burn book with all the warm and fuzzies this book is for you.

[Teressa - The Sassy Book Tribe · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Well, she told them. She always knew. When your soul finds it match nothing can change it. But the road to a happy ending isn’t easy and the ride is a tough one.

Kimmie Joy is all grown up and has become a teacher. She has also stepped up to help Austin and his little girl navigate their new life..

Austin is relieved and happy to get his daughter home forever, but he doesn’t know what is next for his life. He is the new “Coach Jack” for the local high school football team and surrounded by a family that loves him, but something is still missing. Is it Kim? He finally sees her as an adult and realizes she is still the loyal, loving, caring person she’s always been. Who also happens to have grown into a beautiful woman.

Adding to the turmoil is an unwanted surprise visitator and the presence of a troubled family from the Bradford family’s past.

Tia wrote a touching story about discovery, love, and family. At times, this story was not easy to read. Please hang in there. This slow burn is another epic story from Tia with all that you would expect form her writing. Always a go to author for me. And gah, Edward!!!Love him so much!!! I need more of him! You also get to see a little family reunion with other next gen form other books. Great to see how they are doing in life.

Read it, take it in, and try to understand not all things are clearcut until a tiny white bikini comes into play!! LOL

[Sharon in SF · Rating 4 out of 5]

From a young age, Kimmie Joy Bradford used to tell everyone how she would one day marry her handsome prince, Austin, and live happily ever after. Now, the thirties version of Kim may finally get her chance with Austin when he returns to Newhope to takeover the high school coaching duties from Kim's dad, Jack Bradford, who also happens to be his mother's husband. While technically they are step-siblings since their parents married each other, they never really lived under the same roof since Austin left for college right after graduation.
Kim decides to make one last ditch effort to get Austin to see her as the adult version of herself rather than "young Kimmie". Of course Austin notices, but he spends two thirds of the book denying his feelings, until his best friend and cousin, Edward, tells him he needs to decide to act or let her go. Edward is also Kim's sounding board, and encourages her to see what life is like without Austin in the picture.
Fans of the OG series, The Bradford Boys, will love to see all the brothers together again during Dare Nights. There were a few plot points like Austin's custody battle with his in-laws and the Rip Sinclair situation that I feel weren't thoroughly fleshed out. Was it crucial to the story? No, but both situations felt like they were just dropped in without a lot of detail. The latter introduced a new character which I'm sure we'll see more of in another book. Still an enjoyable read.

[Lisa Hemming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like I have been waiting forever for Austin and Kimmie’s magical romance!! I cheered when her dad Jack finally married Allie, Austin’s mom, and now all these years later, it was time for us to, at long last, learn how they got together. When Austin retired from football, he returned home to Newhope, with his precious daughter, Callie. Of course, Kim jumped at the chance to take care of little Callie, which would put her right where she wanted to be; as close to Austin as she could possibly get. Now that he was back in town as head coach of the high school football team, Kim’s plan was to use her feminine wiles to win Austin’s heart. They were both consenting adults, and who really cared if they were step-siblings? Certainly not Kim, but Austin was a tiny bit concerned with how her father Jack would feel about them as a couple! He tried to ignore the feelings he had for Kim, but everywhere he looked, she was there. Kim did her best to make sure Austin saw her as a grown woman, not the little girl he met when he and his mom moved to town. Because Austin and Kim had known each other for years and were good friends, they already had the perfect foundation for a happily ever after, but things never go smoothly where the Bradfords are concerned. Old flames came back to town, jealousy reared its ugly head, and the possibility of an unwanted visitor kept everyone on edge. What Austin and Kim need is a dusting of that Newhope magic to chase away the past and pave their future with happy endings!

[Anakalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Kim’s story is a slow-burn romance par excellence. They both want each other, but Austin in particular hesitates because there are too many complications involved and he doesn’t feel worthy of her…
As a couple, they’re perfect for each other, having known each other inside out for so long and been friends their whole lives—so they know exactly what makes the other tick. Their chemistry is scorching—you can practically feel the sparks flying right off the pages. And Austin’s daughter is absolutely adorable. One thing that kept crossing my mind while reading was why Kim didn’t do anything to stop Austin from marrying his late wife. After all, she’s loved him since childhood, and these days, you don’t have to get married just because a baby is on the way.
What also bothered me was that we learned almost nothing about Austin’s first wife and his relationship with her, which I find a bit odd and unsatisfying, even if it’s irrelevant to the plot.
Nevertheless, I loved this romance and devoured it. These Bradfords just leave you craving more, whether they’re blood relatives or have married into the family. You can truly feel the family bond, the warmth, and the love, and that makes this book all the more endearing, especially in difficult times like these.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes! This is the story long-time fans have been waiting for, and honestly, I've been anticipating it since Dylan's book. Austin and Kim's childhood crush-to-love story completely warmed my heart. I adored Kim all grown up. She was confident, strong, and owned every decision she made. Tia did an amazing job of bringing the little girl we first met into the incredible woman she becomes. Austin is everything you could want in a hero. Seeing him in full-on dad mode was absolutely swoon-worthy, and I loved watching him step into a coaching role, much like Jack did for him all those years ago. This book exceeded every expectation I had. There were so many beautiful parallels to their parents' story, giving longtime readers all the feels, while Austin definitely brought plenty of steam too! Once I started, I couldn't put it down. What I love most about this series is how every book makes me fall even more in love with this family. The new characters introduced here have also left me desperate to see what's coming next. I don't want to spoil anything, but if you've been waiting for Austin and Kim's story, you won't be disappointed. It was absolutely worth the wait.

[Tanja OMGReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I'm having an off week because unfortunate this story didn't wow me like i wanted it to. Austin and Kim have been in each other's lives for a long time. First as him watching her while she was small girl, then as step siblings when their parents married. Kim has loved him what seems her whole life, but Austin is 8 years older and never looked at her the way she wanted. But they'll all grow up now, and she's determined to make him really see her and fall for her.

And here's where my "off week" comment comes to play - I just couldn't for the life of me feel her love for him. Obsession yes but love? No...and I didn't like the way she went about making him see her as a grown up, when she was throwing jealous fits if he so much as looked at another person. The thing I did love about him was the fact when she came clean how she "trapped" him (if we can call it that), he wasn't angry and didn't let that change his mind about wanting and loving her.

As said i really wanted to love this story but i just couldn't connect to it. So it's a solid 3* rating on my part.

***Review copy requsted and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

[Amber | Book Dragon Besties · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Kim just wrecked me in the best way. Their story grabbed me from the first page and refused to let go. The chemistry was electric, the tension was delicious, and the family feels made this impossible to put down.

I adored Kim all grown up. She is confident, strong, and unapologetically herself. Watching the little girl we first met grow into this incredible woman was beautifully done.

And Austin in full-on dad mode? Swoon. I loved seeing him step into a coaching role, echoing the way Jack once guided him. Watching Austin finally realize what Kim had always known made their romance even more satisfying.

The parallels to their parents' story were such a treat for longtime readers, while Austin and Kim's relationship still felt completely their own. I also loved that the family simply embraced them without unnecessary drama.

Now I'm counting down to The Christmas Bonus and already dying to see where the new characters take us.

If you've been waiting for Austin and Kim, this one had me turning pages way past my bedtime.

[MaryBeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book! I’ve been waiting for Austin and Kim’s story, and it was so worth the wait. I loved watching these two grow up throughout the books and seeing how their relationship evolved along the way.

Finding out that Kim still had all those feelings for Austin after all these years was so sweet. The fact that she always saw him as her prince and believed they would eventually get married made their story even more special. And everything Kim went through just to get Austin to notice her really showed just how much she had always loved him.

I loved the moment when Edward finally told Austin that he was going to be too late. Then, seeing Cred flirting with Kim was exactly what Austin needed to realize he couldn’t keep waiting—he had to do something!

And finally, the chemistry between Austin and Kim exploded! 🔥 After waiting so long for these two to finally get together, it was everything I wanted. All was finally right in the world! ❤️

Such a sweet, emotional, and satisfying story. I absolutely loved it

I highly recommend this!!

[Cat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been so excited to read this book,I think anyone who is a fan of this series has been,and Tia Louise made Kim and Austin's romance a dream.
Little Kimmie Bradford is now a beautiful grown woman Kim who has crushed on Austin for a very long time,so she has known him for years...She was Austin's coaches daughter.
Austin Sinclair now a single dad to daughter Callie,is back in Newhope after his NFL career ends and his wife passes away.
He is now the new Football Coach,but needs help with taking care of Callie...Kim steps up to lend a helping hand.
There is an abundance of sexual tension between them and an attraction that is hard to deny...Callie is the cutest and KIm has grown into a strong,sassy independent woman..and Austin is still HOT and reliable.
I love the small town vibes and the comfort I feel reading Tia Louise's stories and I am excited for CLAIM to come to life by Audiobook.
I LOVE Kim and Ausitn they were always meant to be together it was their destiny.
An Excellent editon to the Bradford Legacy.
Brillant Loved it.
5 Stars.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

A cute fast paced story that I truly devoured. Austin and Kim knew each other as kids….then later their parents were married…yep step siblings. He even use to babysat her from time to time. Now they are grown up and things are about to change…in the best possible way. Austin is a former NFL player now he is back home to coach HS football. He is also a single father to the adorable Callie. Kim is a second grade teacher and one thing has always been true for her…Austin belongs to her. A childhood crush that turns into sooo much more. This well layered read was beyond perfect from start to finish. As Austin tries to navigate crossing a line or two….Kim is doing everything in her power to make that line go away. These two had undeniable chemistry and a pull that was not going away. Kim and Callie were beyond adorable together and these three definitely deserved to become a family. I am Loving this series so much and can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the New Bradfords Series And Its The Book We All Have Been Waiting For With Kim ,Kimberly Joy,KJ KayKay Bradford and Austin Sinclair. Tia Louise Thank You For Giving Me One Heck Of A Book Hangover. We all know the story of Kim and Austin Growing up and how He is her prince and she ,would marry him someday. Now Austin is back home a widow, single father and head football coach, now that her dad's retired, but can he fight his feelings for the woman she is now all grown up? This book is absolutely phenomenal and will definitely have you so engrossed from page 1 and still left wanting more at, the end. Its a compelling story ,filled with chemistry and romance and heartbreaking all in one. If there's one book you should read this year ,this is it. You will definitely find yourself crying in spots , laughing and just falling in love with the characters and this book.congrats on another phenomenal book Tia Louise

[Caylee T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin & Kim were always written in the stars…even if he didn’t acknowledge it & she fought for it.

But when time passes & their lives change, they find themselves back in their hometown trying to find a new normal.

Austin with his daughter, whom he is still trying to find their groove together. Then there’s Kim who is teaching second grade & trying to find a way to coexist with Austin around her.

When Kim tries to ‘manipulate’ Austin’s perspective of her by making him jealous, they both find that it is impossible to ignore one another or their feelings.

And when they eventually give in, it is absolutely amazing. Obviously they fit so well together especially given the fact that his daughter adores Kim.

I love this whole family & the crazy dynamic between everyone but also just how much they all love each other.

And this book really showed that too. It made it all the more sweet.

Absolutely amazing book! Great job!

[Shanna Gilbert · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


-age gap
-childhood friends
-small town romance
-single dad
-step siblings
-forbidden romance
-friends to lovers
-widower MMC
-football coach/teacher
-possessive MMC


Austin was Kim’s babysitter growing up. She always envisioned him as her “handsome prince”. Throughout the years her crush never went away.

Once Austin moved out to go to college Austin’s mom and Kim’s father got married.

Austin got married to another woman and had a daughter. His wife passed away leaving him as a single father.

He has moved back home to the town he grew up in. Kim has agreed to help watch his daughter.

I loved the instant bond Kim had with Austin’s daughter Callie. She so badly wanted a mother figure in her life.


The slow burn chemistry between the two was fantastic.

I’m not usually a fan of step sibling romance. Since the two aren’t really related and never lived in the same house it didn’t bother me.

[XenyMarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Kim Bradford belongs to me. She’s said it since we were kids, and I say it now.”

This book was everything and so much more! I've been waiting for this story since I was first introduced to the Bradfords 2 years ago, and it was 100% worth the wait. The way I stopped everything I was reading and devoured this book tells you how much I needed this story.

I love Austin and KJ so much, and there were also so many full-circle moments in this story, especially when it came to Callie, that I just loved. This book had me lmao and feeling giddy the whole time. I truly enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait to see what comes next.

Quote: “You didn’t trap me. I always loved you. You just gave me the push I needed to see what’s always been there. Ours isn’t a love that will change into friendship or fade away in time. What we have has always been forever.”

[Sofia Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

A step sibling, single dad, sports romance with small town vibes ad great family interaction.
The story of Austin and Kim was written in the stars at a young age, but kept as friendship for so long. All it took for it to escalate, was a nudge in the right direction.
Austin is oblivious to his feelings and attraction, focused on his career and raising his daughter, while Kim is determined to show him what he is missing and how much they are right for each other. When it all clicks, their chemistry is undeniable, the spice if off the charts and their chemistry is swoon worthy.
A relationship built upon trust, emotional support with a long-time foundation.
Tia Louise gives us a story about insecurities and the people who help overcome them, about sweet love and fate. A story that warms your heart and claims love that was always meant to be.
Thank you for the ARC.