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Woodsmen Football #3
The Checkdown
IT’S 4TH AND GOAL FOR LOVE…SHOULD KATIE GO FOR IT?
Katie Bell is Nutty. You know, Nutty the Chipmunk? Katie is the woman inside the costume, one of the mascots for her town’s football team, and Davis Blake—gorgeous, aloof, tough Davis Blake—is the starting quarterback.
Until he gets injured and his season, and possibly his career, are over.
Davis needs her help, and Katie sees a temp job working for him as an opportunity to secure her future with the football team. But is there more possible for both of them? Maybe friendship? Maybe...love?
When it’s fourth down, can both Katie and Davis put their hearts on the line and take a risk?
Katie Bell is Nutty. You know, Nutty the Chipmunk? Katie is the woman inside the costume, one of the mascots for her town’s football team, and Davis Blake—gorgeous, aloof, tough Davis Blake—is the starting quarterback.
Until he gets injured and his season, and possibly his career, are over.
Davis needs her help, and Katie sees a temp job working for him as an opportunity to secure her future with the football team. But is there more possible for both of them? Maybe friendship? Maybe...love?
When it’s fourth down, can both Katie and Davis put their hearts on the line and take a risk?
326 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 7, 2018
177 people are currently reading
255 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 76 reviews
April 9, 2022
Another Jamie Bennett book and another success 🥺
Basically, I am in a slowburn mood lately, tired of the smut (not me reading three smutty novellas yesterday, nope sire) and I love how she develops the relationships, I find the writing style to be so good, but mostly I LOVE the characters. She writes about the weirdest but at the same time normal people and I love them all ♥️♥️♥️
Basically, I am in a slowburn mood lately, tired of the smut (not me reading three smutty novellas yesterday, nope sire) and I love how she develops the relationships, I find the writing style to be so good, but mostly I LOVE the characters. She writes about the weirdest but at the same time normal people and I love them all ♥️♥️♥️
June 8, 2019
I couldn't stand how much of a doormat Katie was. Why was she even friends with Sam?! He was constantly late, didn't care about the job and made Katie's more difficult, cheated, got another woman pregnant, and then moved into Katie's house and forced her out of her own home. He was literally the most selfish and self involved character ever.
Then romance was kind of...blah. I didn't feel the chemistry as much. But you can still feel the potential of the author who clearly develops her writing and characters in later books.
Then romance was kind of...blah. I didn't feel the chemistry as much. But you can still feel the potential of the author who clearly develops her writing and characters in later books.
November 28, 2020
Katie Bell es la mascota del equipo de su pequeña ciudad desde hace un tiempo. Dado lo pequeña que es, el fútbol es lo más reverenciado allí, así que cuando Davis Blake se lesiona de mala manera en el partido la ciudad está en shock. Pero para shock el de Katie que una noche saliendo del estadio se encuentra que el "maravilloso" Davis ha literalmente aplastado su coche con su enorme camioneta! Sin saber ni como ni por qué este accidente termina con Katie haciendo de chica de los recados para Davis mientras él se recupera... Pero lo que empezó como solo un trabajo terminará siendo solo eso?
Bueno quiero deciros que la historia me ha encantado. Me ha tenido muy enganchada, me ha parecido muy ligera y fácil de leer. Apenas hay drama y el que hay es muy superficial y apenas se nota... Y aquí es donde empiezan mis peros. La historia es estupenda como ya he dicho pero la parte romántica de Davis y Katie ha sido floja, pero floja floja floja. Realmente a ver me alegro de que terminen juntos? Sí, porque así me da un final feliz, pero lo cierto es que la historia de ellos el camino hacia el amor fue pasado por alto. La autora se centró en otras cosas y nunca en nada a la vez. Como el drama de Katie con su ex, que nos hace llorar pero luego lo deja en el aire en plan pues nada sí ya lo superará sin más. O su madre que es una perra, también lo resuelve en el epílogo en plan sí, la hemos mandado a la otra punta porque es una cabrona. No sé, siento que para haber sido un libro de extensión normal la autora lo ha escrito como si fuera corto, hablando de todo y de nada y sin profundizar en nada. Aún así he de decir que amo a Katie, me parece una chica dulce y adorable y que ojalá yo tuviera una amiga como ella es tan ♥️ dios quizá a veces era demasiado buena para su propio bien, pero hace falta gente buena en el mundo así qué.
En fin, que sí, la recomiendo pero es una historia que no esperéis algo profundo y que os haga reflexionar sobre la vida y el amor 🤣. No, creo que es una historia que pudo ser mejor pero tampoco es lo peor jajajaja
Bueno quiero deciros que la historia me ha encantado. Me ha tenido muy enganchada, me ha parecido muy ligera y fácil de leer. Apenas hay drama y el que hay es muy superficial y apenas se nota... Y aquí es donde empiezan mis peros. La historia es estupenda como ya he dicho pero la parte romántica de Davis y Katie ha sido floja, pero floja floja floja. Realmente a ver me alegro de que terminen juntos? Sí, porque así me da un final feliz, pero lo cierto es que la historia de ellos el camino hacia el amor fue pasado por alto. La autora se centró en otras cosas y nunca en nada a la vez. Como el drama de Katie con su ex, que nos hace llorar pero luego lo deja en el aire en plan pues nada sí ya lo superará sin más. O su madre que es una perra, también lo resuelve en el epílogo en plan sí, la hemos mandado a la otra punta porque es una cabrona. No sé, siento que para haber sido un libro de extensión normal la autora lo ha escrito como si fuera corto, hablando de todo y de nada y sin profundizar en nada. Aún así he de decir que amo a Katie, me parece una chica dulce y adorable y que ojalá yo tuviera una amiga como ella es tan ♥️ dios quizá a veces era demasiado buena para su propio bien, pero hace falta gente buena en el mundo así qué.
En fin, que sí, la recomiendo pero es una historia que no esperéis algo profundo y que os haga reflexionar sobre la vida y el amor 🤣. No, creo que es una historia que pudo ser mejor pero tampoco es lo peor jajajaja
January 24, 2019
Sweet story of the main characters. Was recommended as a slow-burn like Mariana Zapata, but what was missing for me was “the burn”. An enemies-ish to lovers-ish book. Was sweet but not very angsty/emotional. The characters were pretty much the same in the beginning as the end with little growth. A lot of unresolved issues-I didn’t understand her relationship with Julian. It felt too clear cut from her relationship with Davis. They were Romeo and Juliet and she couldn’t leave the house for her depression when he died but she never loved him as more than a friend? It just seemed her relationship with Julian was so all-encompassing and then she says she never loved him like that and then everything is a go for her and Davis. It felt too abrupt. Also, she signs the title of the house over to Sam? What the heck? I did not get the friendship between her and Sam. At all. That whole thing was so dysfunctional I was surprised Davis had no part in it. The mother’s role, too, I felt was superfluous. I didn’t understand the point of her being in the book at all. As I stated, the interaction between the two main characters was sweet so I’ll try this author again, but with different expectations going in.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2021
DNF at 70%
This is the third book I have read by this author and I’m gonna have to move them to my list to avoid.
It’s always the same thing - zero real chemistry, dancing around a relationship, then one or two “romantic” scenes in the last 90%. That is just not for me. I don’t feel them fall in love, but then stick around just to be let down by a single sub-par sex scene? I won’t do it to myself again.
Also, Katie is a doormat, Davis is bland and one-dimensional, and everyone else is equally disappointing.
This is the third book I have read by this author and I’m gonna have to move them to my list to avoid.
It’s always the same thing - zero real chemistry, dancing around a relationship, then one or two “romantic” scenes in the last 90%. That is just not for me. I don’t feel them fall in love, but then stick around just to be let down by a single sub-par sex scene? I won’t do it to myself again.
Also, Katie is a doormat, Davis is bland and one-dimensional, and everyone else is equally disappointing.
June 24, 2021
4 You Thought I’d Fall, And You Leaned On Me Anyway? Stars
The Checkdown is the first book by Jamie Bennett (for me) in the Woodsmen Universe.
I remember reading a preview for this book a while back. Loving the beginning of the book, but just not having an appreciation for contemporary at the moment. When I found myself needing a minuscule break from the world of LitRPG or GameLit, my heart led me here.
I’m overjoyed to have experienced Davis and Katie’s love story. The way it started, the way it bloomed into so much more. (Not entirely a fan of the way their intimate moments were written). But I adored Davis’ personality from the beginning. You knew he wouldn’t let anyone shape him, push him down a path he didn’t agree with. Then you follow Bennett’s slow build of Katie’s somewhat most defining past moments and see who she became afterwards. They both strive to protect those they care about, Katie’s circle of affection just outshines most peoples, especially the reserved sweetheart that is Davis Blake.
Too much of the drama contained within the Woodsmen family was highlighted in this book for me not to already want more of their individual stories. So I know this book will lead me into more of Jamie Bennett’s work. A goal of any author, I’m glad to facilitate this time around.
Honestly wish there was more football jargon, it’s half the reason I read sports romance. That was something of a letdown. But honestly the writing kept me soo engaged throughout, that I only just realized how little there was.
The Checkdown is the first book by Jamie Bennett (for me) in the Woodsmen Universe.
I remember reading a preview for this book a while back. Loving the beginning of the book, but just not having an appreciation for contemporary at the moment. When I found myself needing a minuscule break from the world of LitRPG or GameLit, my heart led me here.
I’m overjoyed to have experienced Davis and Katie’s love story. The way it started, the way it bloomed into so much more. (Not entirely a fan of the way their intimate moments were written). But I adored Davis’ personality from the beginning. You knew he wouldn’t let anyone shape him, push him down a path he didn’t agree with. Then you follow Bennett’s slow build of Katie’s somewhat most defining past moments and see who she became afterwards. They both strive to protect those they care about, Katie’s circle of affection just outshines most peoples, especially the reserved sweetheart that is Davis Blake.
Too much of the drama contained within the Woodsmen family was highlighted in this book for me not to already want more of their individual stories. So I know this book will lead me into more of Jamie Bennett’s work. A goal of any author, I’m glad to facilitate this time around.
Honestly wish there was more football jargon, it’s half the reason I read sports romance. That was something of a letdown. But honestly the writing kept me soo engaged throughout, that I only just realized how little there was.
August 29, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
I really loved this slow burn, grumpy/sunshine story! It is cute and heartwarming and I loved Davis and Katie's interactions and his subtle jealousy that she was completely oblivious to. The first half or even two-thirds is stronger than the ending, which had some threads seemingly tied up too fast for the pace of the rest of the book. As usual, steamy scenes are not this author's strong suit, and there were about 25 errors, but I just don't care when I love the story as much as I do in nearly all of her books. As always, looking forward to the next one!
I really loved this slow burn, grumpy/sunshine story! It is cute and heartwarming and I loved Davis and Katie's interactions and his subtle jealousy that she was completely oblivious to. The first half or even two-thirds is stronger than the ending, which had some threads seemingly tied up too fast for the pace of the rest of the book. As usual, steamy scenes are not this author's strong suit, and there were about 25 errors, but I just don't care when I love the story as much as I do in nearly all of her books. As always, looking forward to the next one!
July 17, 2022
Loved this book!!!
June 1, 2025
Ok so this my second book for this author and this series (skipped the actual second one as I hated both people in the main pairing so didn’t want to waste my time) and I am seeing a theme already. Maybe or maybe not. What is up with the side plots? Like does this get better? Clearly I enjoyed this book and the first in this series, but the side plots and shitty side characters??? This 2 for 2 now.
Ok let me restart. I loved our FMC and MMC. I loved their dynamic so much. Katie is literal ball of sunshine and Davis is such a hardass - the banter that came out of this was just so cute. I loved all of their interactions. I love how Davis’s cold shell slowly dethawed and we saw how thoughtful he really is. David is for sure an ice king, so prickly! Great grump x sunshine book.
I loved we saw more into the sports world as well. Overall the whole world building is great and can easily be picked up without reading the first two.
This would have been a 5 star (kinda like the first book) if we stopped with shitty side characters and plot and took those pages to be dedicated to the main pair. Sam was a trash and the whole thief subplot was so not needed. That being said this is a 3.5 star for me, as you can kinda get around those points as it was team related and she was part of the team with Davis. The one reason I didn’t give a 5 was the whole Julian thing (semi spoiler) as I don’t like past relationships especially when they are so deep.
Ok let me restart. I loved our FMC and MMC. I loved their dynamic so much. Katie is literal ball of sunshine and Davis is such a hardass - the banter that came out of this was just so cute. I loved all of their interactions. I love how Davis’s cold shell slowly dethawed and we saw how thoughtful he really is. David is for sure an ice king, so prickly! Great grump x sunshine book.
I loved we saw more into the sports world as well. Overall the whole world building is great and can easily be picked up without reading the first two.
This would have been a 5 star (kinda like the first book) if we stopped with shitty side characters and plot and took those pages to be dedicated to the main pair. Sam was a trash and the whole thief subplot was so not needed. That being said this is a 3.5 star for me, as you can kinda get around those points as it was team related and she was part of the team with Davis. The one reason I didn’t give a 5 was the whole Julian thing (semi spoiler) as I don’t like past relationships especially when they are so deep.
October 12, 2021
I just reading this author!
I love this author and her unique stories and wonderful characters. I am making a steady blaze of reading through them all! Gotta go pick my next book😊
I love this author and her unique stories and wonderful characters. I am making a steady blaze of reading through them all! Gotta go pick my next book😊
July 18, 2022
grumpy + sunshine goodness 🤍
jamie bennett does slow burn romance so well.
i know that her books might not be for everyone considering that her books aren’t really in your face kind of romance, but it’s exactly the kind of thing i love. her characters don’t go around lusting at each other 24/7 but instead their relationship grows slowly, in a very authentic way.
and when it comes, it’s like… it’s so easy. the relationship just shifts into that of a romantic one very naturally.
jamie bennett does slow burn romance so well.
i know that her books might not be for everyone considering that her books aren’t really in your face kind of romance, but it’s exactly the kind of thing i love. her characters don’t go around lusting at each other 24/7 but instead their relationship grows slowly, in a very authentic way.
and when it comes, it’s like… it’s so easy. the relationship just shifts into that of a romantic one very naturally.
January 14, 2019
I love books that are sport romances and I love books with a "slow burn" even more. But this book just didn't do it for me. Was there sports? Yes - football, cheerleading, mascoting (not a real word, I know). Was it a slow burn? I guess? I'm totally shrugging right now. I felt the author's writing was sub-par. The writing didn't have much depth to it so there wasn't much character development or background. I tried....I mean I really tried to get into this book. But I just couldn't. I had a really hard time believing the female lead, Katie, even had feelings for Davis, the male lead. Davis was your typical a-hole of a jock in the beginning who soften as the book went on. I felt like he liked Katie eventually but was it love? You tell me. No, really. Please tell me because I felt nothing.
Side tangent: Katie calls Davis several times a "real pill". A real pill? Is this a thing people say? I feel like that is something my 93 year old grandmother would say. Is "real pill" making a comeback?
Conclusion: I don't think the book was downright horrible. It was just OK. However, if you want a light romance with sports and a slow burn with a HEA, this book may be for you.
Side tangent: Katie calls Davis several times a "real pill". A real pill? Is this a thing people say? I feel like that is something my 93 year old grandmother would say. Is "real pill" making a comeback?
Conclusion: I don't think the book was downright horrible. It was just OK. However, if you want a light romance with sports and a slow burn with a HEA, this book may be for you.
July 1, 2021
Go chipmunk
I love the fact that the storyline came from a different angle one of the best angles about the stories coming off the mascots. The store was not a fast romance it was slow burn romance. The fact that Davis the quarterback changed very slowly and became a different person. Raw think this was a very cute storyline. I would recommend this book it’s a clean slow burn romance with someone who is healing from her past.
I love the fact that the storyline came from a different angle one of the best angles about the stories coming off the mascots. The store was not a fast romance it was slow burn romance. The fact that Davis the quarterback changed very slowly and became a different person. Raw think this was a very cute storyline. I would recommend this book it’s a clean slow burn romance with someone who is healing from her past.
February 13, 2019
Another gem of a story
Okay, this is my second Jamie Bennett story and can I say, her heroines are so far my favourites? They are on par with Penny Reid and Mariana Zapata, my two most favourite romance writers. She writes them so well and loveable! I highly recommend this writer!
Okay, this is my second Jamie Bennett story and can I say, her heroines are so far my favourites? They are on par with Penny Reid and Mariana Zapata, my two most favourite romance writers. She writes them so well and loveable! I highly recommend this writer!
June 14, 2019
I needed at least 100 more pages.
December 13, 2019
Northern Michigan football. Who'd think it?
Jamie Bennett did.
It took a long time to warm up to H. However, h was cute as chipmunk mascot and overall sweetheart.
Cute.
Jamie Bennett did.
It took a long time to warm up to H. However, h was cute as chipmunk mascot and overall sweetheart.
Cute.
November 15, 2020
Me gustan este tipo de protagonistas femeninas...son graciosas.
December 29, 2023
This is an enchanting sports romance that I never wanted end. I loved reading Davis and Katie’s story. 12/23
May 22, 2025
I’m reading this series out of order but that’s no problem. ‘The checkdown’ is the second book I read by this author and just like ‘Defending the rush’, I enjoyed this story. It’s a fun, quirky, slow burn story.
The story takes place in a small town obsessed with their football team ‘The Woodsmen’. Davis Blake is the quarterback and the hope for a win. But everything goes wrong when Davis Blake gets injured during a game. Now everyone (himself most of all) is hoping and praying that his knee will get better and that he can play again, but the recovery will take months.
Katie Bell is the one of the football team’s two mascots, Katie is Nutty the Chipmunk and her colleague Sam is Hank the Hunter. She loves her job (even though most people underestimate how much work it takes to be a good mascot). Although she works for the football team, she has no contact with the players, only the cheerleaders. But that changes when Davis Blake destroys her small, old car with his big car. One thing leads to another and Katie gets the opportunity to work for Davis, helping him as he recovers from his injury. It takes a while, but slowly Katie and Davis become friends and more.
I liked the story, the main characters and the writing style.
Katie and Davis were completely opposite of each other, Katie was very talkative, optimistic, friendly, neat and a people pleaser. Davis was grumpy, quiet and reserved. Both were lonely, both grew up without a father and with a mother whose attention was more focused on pursuing her own dreams and passion than on raising her child. Katie and Davis weren’t used to other people taking care of them. Katie was so busy helping other people with their problems that she was very surprised when Davis started doing things to help her. And Davis was so used to people, fans wanted something from him, that he was surprised that Katie just wanted to help him, without any additional motive. Both were good for each other.
The story was a slow burn story, but there were a few sex scenes at the end.
There were some funny scenes in the story, the second characters were a bit crazy but also loyal (in their own way). I really liked how Katie’s grandmother and Davis connected with each other.
I enjoyed this story and I will definitely read more stories in this series.
The story takes place in a small town obsessed with their football team ‘The Woodsmen’. Davis Blake is the quarterback and the hope for a win. But everything goes wrong when Davis Blake gets injured during a game. Now everyone (himself most of all) is hoping and praying that his knee will get better and that he can play again, but the recovery will take months.
Katie Bell is the one of the football team’s two mascots, Katie is Nutty the Chipmunk and her colleague Sam is Hank the Hunter. She loves her job (even though most people underestimate how much work it takes to be a good mascot). Although she works for the football team, she has no contact with the players, only the cheerleaders. But that changes when Davis Blake destroys her small, old car with his big car. One thing leads to another and Katie gets the opportunity to work for Davis, helping him as he recovers from his injury. It takes a while, but slowly Katie and Davis become friends and more.
I liked the story, the main characters and the writing style.
Katie and Davis were completely opposite of each other, Katie was very talkative, optimistic, friendly, neat and a people pleaser. Davis was grumpy, quiet and reserved. Both were lonely, both grew up without a father and with a mother whose attention was more focused on pursuing her own dreams and passion than on raising her child. Katie and Davis weren’t used to other people taking care of them. Katie was so busy helping other people with their problems that she was very surprised when Davis started doing things to help her. And Davis was so used to people, fans wanted something from him, that he was surprised that Katie just wanted to help him, without any additional motive. Both were good for each other.
The story was a slow burn story, but there were a few sex scenes at the end.
There were some funny scenes in the story, the second characters were a bit crazy but also loyal (in their own way). I really liked how Katie’s grandmother and Davis connected with each other.
I enjoyed this story and I will definitely read more stories in this series.
September 13, 2024
Ha sido una lectura súper divertida, la actitud de Katie desde el primer momento es refrescante, me gustó tanto que no se dejará mangonear por Davis, es una protagonista muy positiva, cómica, dura, sarcástica, amorosa, leal, digna de confianza.
Davis fue muy duro de roer, jajaja y queda perfecta esta frase dado que la protagonista es una ardilla (mascota del equipo). De cualquier forma, aún con su actitud distance y fría enamora. Contar con Katie le ayudó muchísimo, definitivamente le abrió los ojos con sus amigos, su pasión por su deporte, por sus compañeros y que ni él se daba cuenta.
Recomendado.
🍃📚🍂
It has been a super fun read, Katie's attitude from the first moment is refreshing, I liked it so much that she will not be manipulated by Davis, she is a very positive protagonist, comical, tough, sarcastic, loving, loyal, trustworthy.
Davis was very hard to bite, hahaha and this phrase is perfect since the protagonist is a squirrel (team's mascot). Anyway, even with his distant and cold attitude he falls in love. Having Katie helped him a lot, she definitely opened her eyes with her friends, her passion for her sport, for her classmates and that not even he noticed.
Recommended.
Davis fue muy duro de roer, jajaja y queda perfecta esta frase dado que la protagonista es una ardilla (mascota del equipo). De cualquier forma, aún con su actitud distance y fría enamora. Contar con Katie le ayudó muchísimo, definitivamente le abrió los ojos con sus amigos, su pasión por su deporte, por sus compañeros y que ni él se daba cuenta.
Recomendado.
🍃📚🍂
It has been a super fun read, Katie's attitude from the first moment is refreshing, I liked it so much that she will not be manipulated by Davis, she is a very positive protagonist, comical, tough, sarcastic, loving, loyal, trustworthy.
Davis was very hard to bite, hahaha and this phrase is perfect since the protagonist is a squirrel (team's mascot). Anyway, even with his distant and cold attitude he falls in love. Having Katie helped him a lot, she definitely opened her eyes with her friends, her passion for her sport, for her classmates and that not even he noticed.
Recommended.
January 2, 2026
Read September 2025
3.5 stars
🏈 𝑨 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 🐿️
#️⃣3️⃣ in the Woodsmen Football Series.
While books can be standalones, I suggest reading the series in order, as characters are linked.
#️⃣🔟 in J.B.'s Reading Order.
To read all of the author's books in order, start with book one, The Moon Garden.
This is Katie Bell's story. The main focus is on her journey to overcome her sad past, find true love, take care of her grandmother, and help others while she works hard. The H is a supportive character who makes it all happen, defending and assisting her when needed. What's great is that she allows him to do so with minimal fuss, a rare and appreciated response.
Told solely from Katie's POV, she's more fully developed and understood.
J.B.'s books are smooth, easy reads that keep me engaged from start to finish. The characters are quirky, relatable, and distinctive. The heroines are kind-hearted and deserve happy endings. There are no villains, just imperfect, everyday people. For the most part, there is no annoying drama or third-act breakups. Occasionally, there is some really good angst.
DISLIKES:
🔻Little to no descriptions make it hard to visualize the characters.
🔻The h's oft-used outcry: "Sweet Jesus/Lord."
Overall, I found the plot entertaining, the romance sweet & a little sexy (two low-steam scenes), and the ending satisfying. I put another book on my TBR list.
━━━━━━♡♤♡━━━━━━
💟 MORE BOOK INFO. 💟
The series centers around the Woodsmen professional football team in northern Michigan.
Katie Bell (24?) has been Nutty the Chipmunk, the team mascot, for two years. She also manages a furniture store and holds a fine arts degree, enjoying painting as a hobby.
Davis Blake (32) is the starting quarterback, who ends up with a torn ACL in the first preseason game, requiring surgery. It's his second ACL tear, which causes him to miss the entire year.
The MCs meet in the stadium parking lot when Davis, driving while injured, runs over Katie's tiny hatchback with his monster truck. He gives her a ride to his house to wait for a rental car while her car is towed. She proves she's trustworthy, and later, she's hired to do housework and drive him to rehab and appointments. She also continues as the team mascot.
Over time, Katie’s kindness and her willingness to assist others, including Davis, gradually soften his attitude. He evolves from being unfriendly and withdrawn into a caring, supportive person who actively helps her, as well as her friends and family.
🎸 In addition to football, Davis wants to learn to play the guitar. (Little is learned about him.)
🚨 SPOILERS BELOW!
Katie's Sad Backstory:
Katie and Julian started dating as freshmen in high school. Julian fell ill in their senior year, possibly with leukemia, and Katie attended a local college to care for him. It's been three years since his death, but she still talks to him as if he's alive and it seems she loved him deeply. However, she later admits . That was a bit of a letdown.
Minor Drama
▪️Sam, Katie's mascot partner, has played Hank the Hunter for thirty years. He's aging, is unreliable, drinks too much, and has slept with many of the cheerleaders despite having a common-law wife. He gets Corinna pregnant. When she has her baby, Katie lets them live in her cottage. They then get married.
Davis helps by having Katie move in with him.
▪️Trish, the head choreographer, is a perfectionist who yells and makes everyone feel bad. She berates Katie after a poor performance, which happened because Katie spent the anniversary of Julian’s death with his mom. She runs to Davis and cries in his arms.
Davis helps by telling Trish to back off or face him. The scene where Trish apologizes is hilarious. 😆
▪️Lindy, Katie's best friend, is expecting her first child with her new husband Logan. They're short on cash while trying to start a catering business. Katie pays Lindy to clean Davis's messy house, which leads to them getting hired to cater a party there.
Davis helps their catering business by steering the Woodsmen corporate clients their way.
▪️Grammy is in a retirement home that Katie partly pays for. Katie's grandparents raised her, putting her in dance and gymnastics, which led to her Nutty job. Grandpa has passed, and Katie visits Grammy weekly. A problem arises when Grammy has hip pain and has to use a wheelchair. The doctors can't find a solution.
Davis steps in, taking Grammy to Detroit to see a better doctor. He later pays for hip surgery, and she's able to walk again.
▪️A cheerleader is caught stealing from lockers. She's fired and later writes an online article with photos, maligning the cheerleaders and football players, accusing them of things like drinking and having sexual relations. In response, the team makes changes to restore their core value of Family. Some members are fired, including Sam and Katie, the mascots.
Sam and Rochelle, the head cheerleader, are hired to be the new choreographers.
Davis helps by showing Katie's paintings to his mother, a renowned sculptor. Katie gets represented by a prestigious art gallery that sells her work.
▪️Veronica, Katie's mother, left her at six months to pursue stardom. Beautiful and self-absorbed, she went from Los Angeles to New York to try Broadway. Despite her looks, she lacks acting talent and hasn't found success. Now broke and kicked out of her apartment, she moves into Katie's cottage.
Davis helps by giving Veronica money and sending her back to New York.
The Epilogue: Katie and Davis are getting married in Hawaii, surrounded by friends and family. It's been a year since Katie was knocked down on the field and Davis confessed his love. He's now back playing football. The team reached the Division Finals but lost in a close game. They plan to come back stronger next season.
32 F's
22 uses of 'Sweet Jesus'
11 uses of 'Sweet Lord'
3.5 stars
🏈 𝑨 𝑺𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒔 𝑹𝒐𝒎𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆 🐿️
#️⃣3️⃣ in the Woodsmen Football Series.
While books can be standalones, I suggest reading the series in order, as characters are linked.
#️⃣🔟 in J.B.'s Reading Order.
To read all of the author's books in order, start with book one, The Moon Garden.
This is Katie Bell's story. The main focus is on her journey to overcome her sad past, find true love, take care of her grandmother, and help others while she works hard. The H is a supportive character who makes it all happen, defending and assisting her when needed. What's great is that she allows him to do so with minimal fuss, a rare and appreciated response.
Told solely from Katie's POV, she's more fully developed and understood.
J.B.'s books are smooth, easy reads that keep me engaged from start to finish. The characters are quirky, relatable, and distinctive. The heroines are kind-hearted and deserve happy endings. There are no villains, just imperfect, everyday people. For the most part, there is no annoying drama or third-act breakups. Occasionally, there is some really good angst.
DISLIKES:
🔻Little to no descriptions make it hard to visualize the characters.
🔻The h's oft-used outcry: "Sweet Jesus/Lord."
Overall, I found the plot entertaining, the romance sweet & a little sexy (two low-steam scenes), and the ending satisfying. I put another book on my TBR list.
━━━━━━♡♤♡━━━━━━
💟 MORE BOOK INFO. 💟
The series centers around the Woodsmen professional football team in northern Michigan.
Katie Bell (24?) has been Nutty the Chipmunk, the team mascot, for two years. She also manages a furniture store and holds a fine arts degree, enjoying painting as a hobby.
Davis Blake (32) is the starting quarterback, who ends up with a torn ACL in the first preseason game, requiring surgery. It's his second ACL tear, which causes him to miss the entire year.
The MCs meet in the stadium parking lot when Davis, driving while injured, runs over Katie's tiny hatchback with his monster truck. He gives her a ride to his house to wait for a rental car while her car is towed. She proves she's trustworthy, and later, she's hired to do housework and drive him to rehab and appointments. She also continues as the team mascot.
Over time, Katie’s kindness and her willingness to assist others, including Davis, gradually soften his attitude. He evolves from being unfriendly and withdrawn into a caring, supportive person who actively helps her, as well as her friends and family.
🎸 In addition to football, Davis wants to learn to play the guitar. (Little is learned about him.)
🚨 SPOILERS BELOW!
Katie's Sad Backstory:
Katie and Julian started dating as freshmen in high school. Julian fell ill in their senior year, possibly with leukemia, and Katie attended a local college to care for him. It's been three years since his death, but she still talks to him as if he's alive and it seems she loved him deeply. However, she later admits . That was a bit of a letdown.
Minor Drama
▪️Sam, Katie's mascot partner, has played Hank the Hunter for thirty years. He's aging, is unreliable, drinks too much, and has slept with many of the cheerleaders despite having a common-law wife. He gets Corinna pregnant. When she has her baby, Katie lets them live in her cottage. They then get married.
Davis helps by having Katie move in with him.
▪️Trish, the head choreographer, is a perfectionist who yells and makes everyone feel bad. She berates Katie after a poor performance, which happened because Katie spent the anniversary of Julian’s death with his mom. She runs to Davis and cries in his arms.
Davis helps by telling Trish to back off or face him. The scene where Trish apologizes is hilarious. 😆
▪️Lindy, Katie's best friend, is expecting her first child with her new husband Logan. They're short on cash while trying to start a catering business. Katie pays Lindy to clean Davis's messy house, which leads to them getting hired to cater a party there.
Davis helps their catering business by steering the Woodsmen corporate clients their way.
▪️Grammy is in a retirement home that Katie partly pays for. Katie's grandparents raised her, putting her in dance and gymnastics, which led to her Nutty job. Grandpa has passed, and Katie visits Grammy weekly. A problem arises when Grammy has hip pain and has to use a wheelchair. The doctors can't find a solution.
Davis steps in, taking Grammy to Detroit to see a better doctor. He later pays for hip surgery, and she's able to walk again.
▪️A cheerleader is caught stealing from lockers. She's fired and later writes an online article with photos, maligning the cheerleaders and football players, accusing them of things like drinking and having sexual relations. In response, the team makes changes to restore their core value of Family. Some members are fired, including Sam and Katie, the mascots.
Sam and Rochelle, the head cheerleader, are hired to be the new choreographers.
Davis helps by showing Katie's paintings to his mother, a renowned sculptor. Katie gets represented by a prestigious art gallery that sells her work.
▪️Veronica, Katie's mother, left her at six months to pursue stardom. Beautiful and self-absorbed, she went from Los Angeles to New York to try Broadway. Despite her looks, she lacks acting talent and hasn't found success. Now broke and kicked out of her apartment, she moves into Katie's cottage.
Davis helps by giving Veronica money and sending her back to New York.
The Epilogue: Katie and Davis are getting married in Hawaii, surrounded by friends and family. It's been a year since Katie was knocked down on the field and Davis confessed his love. He's now back playing football. The team reached the Division Finals but lost in a close game. They plan to come back stronger next season.
32 F's
22 uses of 'Sweet Jesus'
11 uses of 'Sweet Lord'
January 31, 2019
3.5 stars
I heard few things about the author and this book plus it's a sports romance so I wanted to check it out. I was hoping it would be as slow burn as it was recommended as but not really. It's slow burn ish in terms of when the main couples relationship happened but not much "burn" factor as I wanted, the anticipation and build up. The romance was a tad fast suddenly it came about it felt somewhat abrupt with the heroine's history with her ex. It's pretty sweet really, it started out as favor for Davis and Katie helped him out. Katie was positive and upbeat and cared about others, Davis was initially surly and football centered. It's centered around a football team set in Michigan with a fictional league. Katie opened Davis us to his teammates and others, making him care about her too. It's pretty cute and I enjoyed it, even though I've never read the author before. But yeah some parts could have been fleshed out and developed more but it was ok for a light read. The writing style is simple easy going though not much drama or angst. I will check out the author again to have a better idea.
I heard few things about the author and this book plus it's a sports romance so I wanted to check it out. I was hoping it would be as slow burn as it was recommended as but not really. It's slow burn ish in terms of when the main couples relationship happened but not much "burn" factor as I wanted, the anticipation and build up. The romance was a tad fast suddenly it came about it felt somewhat abrupt with the heroine's history with her ex. It's pretty sweet really, it started out as favor for Davis and Katie helped him out. Katie was positive and upbeat and cared about others, Davis was initially surly and football centered. It's centered around a football team set in Michigan with a fictional league. Katie opened Davis us to his teammates and others, making him care about her too. It's pretty cute and I enjoyed it, even though I've never read the author before. But yeah some parts could have been fleshed out and developed more but it was ok for a light read. The writing style is simple easy going though not much drama or angst. I will check out the author again to have a better idea.
December 3, 2020
3,5 - Me encantan las novelas de deportes y en este caso me encontré con una historia ágil, divertida y algo que no había leído anteriormente, una protagonista que es la mascota del equipo local.
Katie se toma su trabajo muy en serio, sobre todo porque tiene una abuela a la que debe ayudar y que es una abuelita genial y un dolor pasado que no la deja seguir en la vida, por eso cuando Davis, el mariscal de campo necesita ayuda, Katie quien no es muy impresionable y es una mujer de palabra, ayuda a Davis a pasar su recuperación de la mejor manera posible.
Es una historia dulce, los personajes me gustaron aunque a veces me hubiese gustado un poco más de profundidad, pero el pasado de Katie aporta mucho, a su madre no la soporto y no me gusta sentir que abusan de la confianza de la gente porque esta es buena con ellos... pero bueno, la historia es llevadera y tiene epílogo, que me encantan.
Si buscan una lectura ligera pero con una pizca de sensibilidad, esta lectura les va a gustar.
"Katie, algunas veces, tu mejor opción sigue siendo la jugada que quizás no hagas. Pero incluso si crees que no tienes muchas probabilidades, debes hacerlo. Quiero correr este riesgo contigo"
Katie se toma su trabajo muy en serio, sobre todo porque tiene una abuela a la que debe ayudar y que es una abuelita genial y un dolor pasado que no la deja seguir en la vida, por eso cuando Davis, el mariscal de campo necesita ayuda, Katie quien no es muy impresionable y es una mujer de palabra, ayuda a Davis a pasar su recuperación de la mejor manera posible.
Es una historia dulce, los personajes me gustaron aunque a veces me hubiese gustado un poco más de profundidad, pero el pasado de Katie aporta mucho, a su madre no la soporto y no me gusta sentir que abusan de la confianza de la gente porque esta es buena con ellos... pero bueno, la historia es llevadera y tiene epílogo, que me encantan.
Si buscan una lectura ligera pero con una pizca de sensibilidad, esta lectura les va a gustar.
"Katie, algunas veces, tu mejor opción sigue siendo la jugada que quizás no hagas. Pero incluso si crees que no tienes muchas probabilidades, debes hacerlo. Quiero correr este riesgo contigo"
December 8, 2018
It was a cute story with good characters, so why only 3 stars? Well it didn’t work for me, don’t get me wrong, it is a good story i just didn’t click with the characters as I would have like.
I felt like everything was happening fast, and i don’t mean the romance, but everything, it didn’t have lots of descriptions like if it was a meeting the author just explained that she had a meeting and then poof it was done and just explained some bits. I like books that gives you more info about what is happening, more info about the days not just pieces of when they were together. Then when the romance came it was just there, I didn’t feel the waiting for it.
What I didn’t like is how she explained she had a bad time getting over her dead boyfriend that it was hard for her but then she tells Davis she was gonna break up with him.
Also I was expecting at least a good steamy moment but I felt them flat
Again I don’t say is a bad book just that it wasn’t for me.
I felt like everything was happening fast, and i don’t mean the romance, but everything, it didn’t have lots of descriptions like if it was a meeting the author just explained that she had a meeting and then poof it was done and just explained some bits. I like books that gives you more info about what is happening, more info about the days not just pieces of when they were together. Then when the romance came it was just there, I didn’t feel the waiting for it.
What I didn’t like is how she explained she had a bad time getting over her dead boyfriend that it was hard for her but then she tells Davis she was gonna break up with him.
Also I was expecting at least a good steamy moment but I felt them flat
Again I don’t say is a bad book just that it wasn’t for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2019
Quick Info
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Katie Bell
Davis Blake
----------------------------------
What happens?
Katie Bell is one of the mascots for the local football team. When the quarterback has a bad injury in game and then wrecked his car into hers. She is hired by the team to drive Davis around. Davis has a reputation for being rude and unsociable. Katie is the opposite. Shes a people fixer and just wants to help everyone.
Final thoughts
I thought Katie was a good character. I saw a lot of myself in her but shes a heck of a lot nicer and a bit more of a doormat than myself (I think anyway). Davis is rude at the start so it took me longer to like him. I thought he was nice in the end and I liked their story.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
Standalone/Cliffhanger?: Standalone
Part of a Series?: No
----------------------------------
Meeting the Characters
Katie Bell
Davis Blake
----------------------------------
What happens?
Katie Bell is one of the mascots for the local football team. When the quarterback has a bad injury in game and then wrecked his car into hers. She is hired by the team to drive Davis around. Davis has a reputation for being rude and unsociable. Katie is the opposite. Shes a people fixer and just wants to help everyone.
Final thoughts
I thought Katie was a good character. I saw a lot of myself in her but shes a heck of a lot nicer and a bit more of a doormat than myself (I think anyway). Davis is rude at the start so it took me longer to like him. I thought he was nice in the end and I liked their story.
Would I read again?: Yes
Would I read this author again?: Yes
September 21, 2022
The story of team mascot Katie and injured quarterback Davis. This was an ok read. I liked how Katie basically danced around in a giant chipmonk outfit. I liked all the side characters and the slowburn story. It was a good read.
Why only three stars?
Weeeeelp, Katie was very domestic. She cleaned, she cooked, she gave you a pep talk and she was nice snd forgiving to everyone. I wanted her to fuck someone up. Maybe headbut someone or crush someone’s flower arrangement. She was just so… NICE.
I sometimes thought maybe Davis loved her because she was like a maid and PA rolled into one. Sometimes I just didn’t feel the burning hot pash. It just felt like it was easy so why not?
But on the whole, it was good and I plan to read the others.
Why only three stars?
Weeeeelp, Katie was very domestic. She cleaned, she cooked, she gave you a pep talk and she was nice snd forgiving to everyone. I wanted her to fuck someone up. Maybe headbut someone or crush someone’s flower arrangement. She was just so… NICE.
I sometimes thought maybe Davis loved her because she was like a maid and PA rolled into one. Sometimes I just didn’t feel the burning hot pash. It just felt like it was easy so why not?
But on the whole, it was good and I plan to read the others.
January 25, 2019
Chipmunk and the Quarterback.
This book was recommended in a book group for slow burn romances, and as this is one of my favourite styles of novels, I had to try it. The thing is, I am not saying I didn’t like it, but I felt it wasn’t fully developed. It didn’t flow well, it was a bit jumpy from one topic to the next. The couple might not have gotten together till the end, but when they did, there wasn’t that slow build up, it just was. The heroine was very loyal and would literally bend over backwards to help out a friend, even a foe for that matter. The hero was the silent brooding type that opened up more when he felt he could trust the chipmunk.
This book was recommended in a book group for slow burn romances, and as this is one of my favourite styles of novels, I had to try it. The thing is, I am not saying I didn’t like it, but I felt it wasn’t fully developed. It didn’t flow well, it was a bit jumpy from one topic to the next. The couple might not have gotten together till the end, but when they did, there wasn’t that slow build up, it just was. The heroine was very loyal and would literally bend over backwards to help out a friend, even a foe for that matter. The hero was the silent brooding type that opened up more when he felt he could trust the chipmunk.
May 30, 2022
Good!
This was a good read. It kept my interest, and I didn't want to put it down. I love that there was no stupid long-lasting misunderstanding between the two characters. The reason I took a star is because I feel like it could use more details sometimes. It seems like the editor someone told the author that she needed to cut words, so she did. The story is no less amazing, I just think it could be better if she actually upped the word count and added more details. You know, rather than just say they kissed, describe it.
This was a good read. It kept my interest, and I didn't want to put it down. I love that there was no stupid long-lasting misunderstanding between the two characters. The reason I took a star is because I feel like it could use more details sometimes. It seems like the editor someone told the author that she needed to cut words, so she did. The story is no less amazing, I just think it could be better if she actually upped the word count and added more details. You know, rather than just say they kissed, describe it.
January 1, 2024
This one was definitely on the lower end of the quality spectrum for Bennett’s Woodsmen series. Still solid and enjoyable, but it just wasn’t anything special. I liked Katie, but didn’t feel like I knew Davis nearly well enough, or that their relationship was very deep or meaningful.
Bennett always writes single POV, I think, and she very good at still giving the guys great character moments to show us who they are and how they feel. Those felt lacking in this one, for me, after their initial meet cute in the parking lot.
Bennett always writes single POV, I think, and she very good at still giving the guys great character moments to show us who they are and how they feel. Those felt lacking in this one, for me, after their initial meet cute in the parking lot.
November 14, 2022
Super cute. After reading the synopsis, I thought the premise was going to be lame. Mascot - really? But I shouldn’t be surprised that this author would make her characters different but awesome. I really liked Katie. She was so sweet and kind. Total doormat but Davis was there to stick up for her.
Overall this was a short and sweet book. It was cool to read about pro football from the mascot point of view.
Overall this was a short and sweet book. It was cool to read about pro football from the mascot point of view.
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