Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Offsides

Rate this book
There's always love in the air at weddings. Or is it just lust? Yea, it's probably just lust.

Ari & Logan don't know each other. Yet. They're thrown together at the singles table by the sheer misfortune of not having a plus one and quickly discover that champagne and tequila shots are just the excuse they needed to find themselves on the brink of the best – or worst – idea ever.

Logan's a running back for the North Carolina Hogs and isn't looking for a relationship.
Ari totally agrees as she doesn't have time to integrate his busy schedule with her own.
F*ck buddies it is. Simple and easy – no strings.

Sounds perfect, right? Or is it too good to be true?

120 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 28, 2019

13 people are currently reading
103 people want to read

About the author

Kristen Hope Mazzola

61 books1,100 followers
Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author Kristen Hope Mazzola is a Florida native now happily rooted in North Carolina with her loving husband and two lazy basset hounds. After several years away from publishing, she has returned to the romance world with a renewed passion for storytelling and a bold, reimagined vision for her Shots on Goal universe. She writes every flavor of contemporary romance— from steamy rom-coms to gritty biker tales to emotional, heart-thumping sports love stories.


Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
31 (26%)
4 stars
41 (34%)
3 stars
27 (22%)
2 stars
16 (13%)
1 star
3 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Karen.
5,385 reviews74 followers
February 28, 2019
It isn't a bad book but it's so short that it doesn't qualify as a book....or at least not comparable to a Hemingway....lol

I liked the characters/story but book was just too darn short.
Profile Image for Nerdy Dirty & Flirty.
3,985 reviews363 followers
February 25, 2019
-Kacie, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

First off, I love the name of the team!! It’s not a team name usually seen outside of Arkansas. I was a little disappointed that there wasn’t much football beyond the prologue.

I loved that Logan wasn’t the typical professional sport jock. Football doesn’t consume him 24/7, he doesn’t keep up with stats unless he has to. He’d rather read than watch TV. He quotes Earnest Hemingway for goodness sake!

Ari is the odd ball of her family, the last Owen standing. She’s unmarried, and works in the gaming industry. At first she comes off as rude and judgemental towards Logan, but throughout the story she is so indecisive about Logan and what she wants. I wish the book would have been a little longer and we could have seen her mellow out a little more.

I’m not sure how I feel about Logan and Ari together. He wants to give her the world while all she does is run.
Profile Image for Kate.
848 reviews116 followers
March 10, 2019
This was an okay read. Too insta-lovey for me but I'm trying not to hold it against it since it's a novella so a bit of insta-love is kind of inevitable.

Overall, this story got off to a promising start but then just didn't deliver. The "final conflict" that drove Ari and Logan apart was rather ridiculous in my opinion. Also, despite Logan being generally a nice guy, there were moments when he behaved like this:

"...I had a clear shot of Ari at the bar and saw a man getting a little too friendly with her. I quickly excused myself, rushing over to my girl’s side. Gripping Ari’s forearm, I sharply pulled her off the stool."

So...yeah.

All in all, this was short and (almost) sweet.
Profile Image for Read.Review.Repeat Blog.
5,905 reviews101 followers
February 28, 2019
What happens when two people who are commitment phobic but perfect for one another? This is Ari and Logan's story. What was supposed to be casual, suddenly and quickly grows to be more. This is a sweet, instalove story that will enamour you to the characters and the author. This is the story of finding your way together when you can no longer see yourself alone. ~Cindy


This was a short, sweet story of insta-love. When Ari meets a self-assured football player at her sister's wedding, will Logan be a fun night or something more?? If you are a fan of sports romance, insta-love and a great hea, this is a quick, fun read Helen


Profile Image for Within The Pages Book Blog.
686 reviews16 followers
March 1, 2019
I enjoyed reading Offsides by Kristen Hope Mazzola as a sports romance lover. Where I’m struggling with is in the insta-love. I loved the content and how the main characters met, but I wish it would have gone a little deeper.

Offsides is about Ari and Logan who meet at her sister’s wedding. They aren’t sure that anything can go beyond the one night because Logan is a famous football star. They decide to see where things go, but they of course set up some “rules”. Well, we all know that never works out for anyone.

I really liked these two characters, but like I said, I just wanted more. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a quicker read and those that really enjoy a good insta-love story.
Profile Image for Teresa Lara.
3,474 reviews52 followers
February 25, 2019
Loved Logan and Aris amazing beautiful addicting arrangement
Ready for more ❤
Profile Image for Raf.
154 reviews10 followers
January 7, 2020
Максимально тупо, ванильно, предсказуемо. Этого оказалось достаточно, чтобы мозг отдохнул.
Profile Image for Sassy Southern Book Blog.
5,386 reviews273 followers
February 27, 2019
**3.5 Stars**

Logan and Ari are thrown together simply because neither brought a plus one, thus placing them at the singles table. But you know what, that's okay. Or maybe that's the champagne and tequila shots talking. Could just be that's what gives them the strength to do what they wanted to in the first place...each other. ;-)

Logan isn't your typical joke. Yes, he's good at what he does, but he doesn't keep a running tab of his stats in his head, or let his talent inflate his ego. Most often, you'll find him with a book in his hands and he prefers it that way.

Ari works in the gaming industry and is now the only single member of her family, which makes her the odd ball out. She's finding her own way, but can't help but wonder what she's missing. And then she meets Logan and questions if she's found her other piece, a thought that also scares her.

Logan and Ari click instantly, but that doesn't stop her from assuming the wrong things or being a little rude. Yeah, it could be labeled a stereotype and defense mechanism on her part, but he is the opposite of the what one expects in a football player.

Neither are looking for a relationship, but they can't deny the chemistry that sparks between them, so a friendly arrangement just makes sense. Logan travels a lot for his job and Ari's work requires long hours and a hectic schedule at times as well. But their hearts soon get involved, or maybe they always were, and a future that doesn't include the other starts to feel wrong.

Can Logan and Ari make it work? Will they let down their barriers and fight for what they want? Is a HEA possible?

One-click now and follow along as two people meet and instantly form a bond. I like that Logan was portrayed as both a nerd and a jock. It balanced him out and showed you don't have to be either/or. Ari being in her field was a nice touch, yet again breaking a stereotype and showing women can contribute.- By Elizabeth
Profile Image for Misty (Reds Romance Reviews).
3,405 reviews6 followers
February 24, 2019
When Ari and Logan are thrust together at a friends wedding, at the singles table, the two of them hit it off instantly. It was chemistry and swoons galore. But, neither of them have time for love or really want the messiness that relationships bring about, so they decide on a little strings free fun. But love doesn't get the memo... and before long their no mess, no feeling plan starts getting messy!

Offsides is a fast paced, swoon laden tale that will weaken your knees and put a squeeze on your heart! These two were fun to spend my afternoon with, they brought life to the pages, and welcomed me right into the middle of their uber sexy no-strings rendezvous, and instantly had me in their corner. As much as these two tried to fight love invading their territory, the harder it fought back, and before long they had feelings flying all over the place, and loads of angst settling in. Which meant lots of torment on the heart and blushing for me, the heat these two stirred up was unreal! I highly recommend you get your hands on this one, it'll warm your heart and leave your fingertips scorched!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Heather Miller.
1,489 reviews42 followers
July 29, 2019
In this story we have, Ari, who's sister is getting married, and she's sitting at the single's table at the wedding. Ari is a game developer, loves her video games.

Logan, who is best friends with Ari's new brother-in-law, makes a pass at Ari. He assumes that she will be an easy target since she's been drinking and at the singles table. Ari knows how to handle herself around guys, and around those who think she's an easy target. Ari thinks Logan is just another meat head jock, but, when he starts quoting Hemmingway to her, she starts to puddle at his feet. There is more to Logan that meets the eye!

Logan's a running back for the North Carolina Hogs and isn't looking for a relationship.

Ari totally agrees as she doesn't have time to integrate his busy schedule with her own.

F*ck buddies it is. Simple and easy – no strings. However, once the feelings become involved of course just sex buddies, easy relationship is off the table.

I did receive a free ARC Copy of this book from the author. I am freely leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Jennifer Pierson.
11.7k reviews188 followers
February 28, 2019
Ari & Logan meet at a wedding, and hookup which turns out to be the hottest night of their lives, but Ari sneaks out the next morning, which doesn't make Logan very happy. He tries to talk her into an arrangement of sorts, just to see where it leads them, but she's really not going for it too much. They go their separate ways, and just when she's decided to give them some kind of shot, he appears at her favorite bar for that big gesture. See, he's the running back for the North Carolina Hogs, and his schedule is hard, so he says he's not in it for a relationship, while Ari is jaded & won't even try to make time for him. But their chemistry is crazy HOT, like set the sheets on fire HOT HOT HOT. But Ari is a flight risk, as she runs at the first sign of trouble which drove me insane. Will Logan ever be able to get her to retire her running shoes? You will just have to read this quick story to find out. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Profile Image for Sheri.
933 reviews26 followers
February 28, 2019
I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

This book started off good, but the end – I didn’t love the end at all.

Logan is a star running back. Ari is a video game programmer and kind of a nerd. At her sister Josie’s wedding, she meets Logan at the sweetheart table and decides to hook up with him. She’s not looking for love. Logan doesn’t think he is either, but sparks fly.

I really liked Logan a lot. He was a great character. He was very smart (Ivy League educated) and well read. He’s also someone who very much helps charity. Ari is the last of her family who is still single and she’s not in a rush to commit.

What I didn’t like about the end was Ari. She flipped out over something really stupid. I wasn’t sure why Logan was still interested in her at all at that point.

This is also a novella, which is fine. I liked Josie and her husband Roger. There wasn’t a whole lot of character development in this book. I’m not a huge fan of insta-love either.

Overall, this one fell flat for me. Had a lot of potential but just didn’t get there.

Blog --> https://tvaddictedbookworm.com
Twitter --> https://twitter.com/tvaddictbookwm
Instagram-->https://instagram.com/tvaddictedbookworm
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,098 reviews28 followers
February 27, 2019
Maid of Honor Ari and friend of the groom Logan meet because they are sat at the same table for the reception. Some tequila and other drinks later, they come up with the perfect solution to their busy, commitment phobic lives, a casual relationship. F*ck buddies if you will.
This is a great, quick read. It’s a sports romance, but not packed full of football references so if you don’t like or understand the game, this is still a great read.
I really enjoyed the back and forth banter between Ari and Logan, that’s one of Ms. Mazzola’s specialties, the sarcasm and wit between the two.
The steam involved is another of the author’s specialties. She makes your heart race, yet at the same time it’s a give and take real relationship at the heart of it. I would definitely recommend this story if you love quick HEA’s full of wit and heart.
I was given a ARC and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Sharon Moritz-rosenthal.
2,271 reviews29 followers
February 28, 2019
I received a review copy of the book before release for an honest review.

This is my first time ever reading a story by this author and this is a novella, very short and sweet but it also is a complete story. It stars Ari, a nerdy computer gamer and Logan, a star football player. They meet at Ari's sisters wedding to her football player husband.

Logan and Ari have a one night stand and he wants more and she runs away from him a lot and he chases her. This was a sweet story about love between two characters. There are no evil characters or even much angyst just two people learning how to give love a chance.

It is categorized as a sports romance and there is some sports stuff in the prologue but beyond that there are no sports issues or even sports playing, this takes place in the off season.
Profile Image for Tracy.
1,017 reviews
March 6, 2019
I’ve got to start by saying Offsides is the first Kristen Hope Mazzola book I’ve read but I loved it and will definitely be checking out more of her work now!!

I floved Logan and Ari. Yeah, their story wasn’t that long, things moved kinda quick and one of them was more openly invested than the other (I kinda felt the need to shake our leading lady a couple of times but as she - or rather her thoughts and reactions to the possibility of a serious relationship - was the angst of the story in the main, I managed not to get too p’d off with her)

A different take on a sports star - he was definitely not what I was expecting - and a slightly reluctant geeky heroine made this a fun and engaging read and I’m looking forward to more from KHM.

4.5*

*
*
I received a copy of the book for an honest review but have also purchased my own eCopy
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
March 19, 2019
This story is short, fast paced and a nice read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Ari meets Logan whilst at her little sisters wedding. From the moment Logan see’s Ari, he feels a something. She is nerdy, funny and sassy. She is also annoyingly stubborn. Logan will take any time Ari offers him even if it means no labels.
The chemistry between Ari and Logan was clear to see and I liked them as a couple. I just wish that Ari hadn’t run so much. She developed feelings for Logan but didn’t want to admit them to herself. I liked that Ari finally came to her senses and went after her man. I loved Logan’s reaction to Ari’s gesture.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and a nice read.
2,015 reviews15 followers
February 23, 2019
Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog.
This is a relatively quick read, or maybe it just seemed that way because I devoured this book in one sitting.
I love to read sports romance novels, hockey is my favourite, but football comes next as a very closes second.
As this story is based in the off season, there is no actual on field action. Usually that would bother me as half the reason I enjoy sports romance is because of the action.
Logan is a breath of fresh air. A jock that is well educated and has a softer nerdy side. He ended up being my favourite character. I liked Ari as well, but she sometimes aggravated me with her indecisions. Luckily she eventually came to her senses with how wonderful Logan actually is.
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
February 28, 2019
Logan is a star football player while Ari works in the gaming industry. Under normal circumstances the two would never have met however when they end up sitting together at the singles table both their worlds are about to change.

They are both busy with their careers so a relationship in the near future isn’t in the plans for either of them but the chemistry between them is too strong to be denied. What begins as a casual friends with benefits relationship becomes much more but are either of them prepared for what that entails?

I really enjoyed both these characters. Logan is determined to win the girl and he is so much more than a jock while Ari’s has a quirky personality only makes them that much more fun together.

Profile Image for Naughty Nightie.
838 reviews15 followers
March 1, 2019
Quick short bedtime read if you're looking for one. Logan is a player for the North Carolina Hogs and Ari was Maid of honor at her sister's wedding and gets put at the same table as Logan with all the other singles. Logan tries it on but Ari isn't having a bar of it not at my sister's wedding. But one thing leads to another and Ari finds herself making a quick escape in the morning before Logan wakes. I received a copy (thank you) to do an honest review for Naughty Nightie Book Blog. Logan throws her a lifeline to be f**kbuddies as he's not into a relationship. Will this be how it becomes or will they want even more. Can be read as a stand alone and a quick hot read before bed if thats what you're looking for.
Profile Image for Jodi Bird (Ruby Red Romance Review).
1,169 reviews98 followers
March 2, 2019
4 STAR Review by Jodi for Ruby Red Romance Review

I enjoyed the idea behind this story. Ari and Logan are literally tossed together when neither of them has a plus one for a wedding. No good can come from this. Both are afraid of commitment and neither has time for relationships, what could be better than friends with benefits? How about when those feelings change and you really want the person you're not supposed to.

I loved watching Ari and Logan fall. I enjoyed this book from start to finish I just felt it wasn't long enough. Everything seemed to happen so fast. I also missed getting more of the football, sports feel. We get some in the beginning, but that was about it. All in all, it was a good story.
Profile Image for Carol Seymour.
824 reviews4 followers
March 3, 2019
By far my most favorite words from Kristen Hope Mazzola. Offsides was an amazing surprise for me as I am not a huge football fan but this was not about the story on the field. Ari is the maid of honor in her younger sister's wedding. Logan, the best man, is also the running back on her brother-in-law's NFL team. They were both attending alone and that seemed to push them together. What was supposed to be a one night stand turned into something that had the potential to be long lasting. Despite the rules they had set up from the beginning, neither one was willing to admit that maybe they might be so much more than friends with benefits. Humorous, sarcastic, steamy, and yet filled with the promise of romance, love and forever.
Profile Image for FunUndertheCovers.
1,826 reviews45 followers
March 3, 2019
By far my most favorite words from Kristen Hope Mazzola. Offsides was an amazing surprise for me as I am not a huge football fan but this was not about the story on the field. Ari is the maid of honor in her younger sister's wedding. Logan, the best man, is also the running back on her brother-in-law's NFL team. They were both attending alone and that seemed to push them together. What was supposed to be a one night stand turned into something that had the potential to be long lasting. Despite the rules they had set up from the beginning, neither one was willing to admit that maybe they might be so much more than friends with benefits. Humorous, sarcastic, steamy, and yet filled with the promise of romance, love and forever.
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews136 followers
March 3, 2019
Wanna know what bugs me the most? The separation time. Unless I missed something, our "happy" couple spend more time apart rather than together in this book. What I mean is that they were broken up for a longer time than the one they were dating and we didn't even get the "both were celibate during separation" line after they got together and it's driving me crazy.

I liked that for once we had the hero pursuing the heroine for something more than a one night stand and the heroine being the reluctant party. Logan is one of the good guys and I really liked him. I couldn't understand Ari though and I wasn't a big fan of hers. The book is short so there is no character development and things are moving on a rather fast pace. I would recommend Offsides because it was a fast book to read and there wasn't something I truly hated other than the breakup part.
Profile Image for Darcy.
1,695 reviews9 followers
March 4, 2020
Offsides is a fun, quick read of opposites attracting. Logan and Ari have the unfortunate tag of both being at the single table at a wedding. Add in tequila and it's a perfect recipe for becoming friends with benefits. I loved how neither fit the expected mold. Logan is a football jock that is a Yale graduate and quotes Hemingway. Ari has the ideal job most men would love to have as a video gamer. Theirs is a no commitment relationship that develops into more. A lighthearted and enjoyable story with engaging characters.

This is a voluntary review of a complimentary ebook provided by the author.
Profile Image for Tanja OMGReads.
2,485 reviews56 followers
February 26, 2019
A quick, funny, hot and steamy read. I mean it could be a bit longer because the tempo is pretty fast and at times I had troubles keeping up but despite that I did liked it. Ari and Logan both have quirky personalities. I liked his ways of getting around her walls and stoping her from running away from him. I liked how she tried to resist him but at the end failed.

All in all it was a nice read. I'll definitely be picking up more story by Kirsten Hope Mazzola to read.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,945 reviews172 followers
February 27, 2019
Offsides by Kristen Hope Mazzola  
 


The right people at the wrong time, could stumble into love. Or is it the other way around? Could the wrong people at the right time take a chance on forever? Offsides takes a series of unfortunate events and turns them into proof positive that true love does exist. Ari and Logan are in no way a perfect match, but their hearts think they are. From heated to heartwarming, Mazzola turns instant fire into captivating reading.
 
 


 
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,252 reviews52 followers
March 1, 2019
This was a nice fast read. It drew me right in. What could be better then a football player with a nerdy side and a geeky woman finding their way to one another? That was one of my favorite things about the book. I love geeky/nerdy heroines. Then you add in Logan has a nerdy side just swoon. They met a singles table at a wedding and sparks take off from there. These two come to an agreement friends with benefits, but what happens when feelings start to come into play. Great chemistry between the characters.
1,082 reviews13 followers
June 27, 2020
I received a free copy to review. I read Offsides in a couple of hours. It is a quick read that I just couldn't stop reading. The story made me laugh. Can I say I love Logan?! What's not to like about a sexy, smart, well read guy who loves his dog? It is kind of nice to see the guy fall for the girl first. I like Ari (Logan's love interest) but I wish her character was a little more rounded. I didn't know why she was so gun shy. Overall though I really enjoyed Offsides for the steamy, sweet short story that it is.
Profile Image for Britt Chaotic Creatives.
1,414 reviews94 followers
February 24, 2019
Nothing makes my day quite like a book from the queen herself, Kristen Hope Mazzola. Her mastery of making quick reads that leave you feeling so full is like no other. I was in absolute heaven reading Offsides between the seriously hot steam and the super cute sweetness. Logan is one of Kristen’s swooniest heroes yet! He’s got enough sexiness to have you drooling and that combined with the immediate and deep attraction he has to Josie will completely steal your heart!
Profile Image for Misty Warner.
1,171 reviews11 followers
March 4, 2019
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. This is a super short and sexy read. It's an insta love with a HEA ending.
It's Ari's sisters wedding and of course her sister sat her next to Logan. NFL's most eligible bachelor. They sparks are flying from the moment they first talk. So no surprise they end up in a one night stand. Only Logan wants way more than one night.
Definitely a great read. Would live more from this couple.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.