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Romancing the Kicker
Parker Sherbourne has a talent for sports and seduction—and the body to prove it. When the High Rollers, the professional football team from Las Vegas, chase after her to be their point-after specialist, she jumps at the chance. Sure, the position is only a publicity stunt, but she has always been able to turn any situation to her advantage.
Carly Bartlett joins the Rollers as the newest athletic trainer and the only other female on the payroll. This dream job could bring the financial security her family desperately needs. The head trainer has only one warning: don’t get involved with a player. Not a problem. She doesn’t go for guys.
When Parker reaches out to Carly for treatment, sparks fly. Will Carly fall for Parker’s charms and put her own desires ahead of her family’s? Has Parker finally found the woman who’ll make her slow down and stop playing the angles?
With the macho world of football against them, can they beat the odds in this lesbian sports romance?
Carly Bartlett joins the Rollers as the newest athletic trainer and the only other female on the payroll. This dream job could bring the financial security her family desperately needs. The head trainer has only one warning: don’t get involved with a player. Not a problem. She doesn’t go for guys.
When Parker reaches out to Carly for treatment, sparks fly. Will Carly fall for Parker’s charms and put her own desires ahead of her family’s? Has Parker finally found the woman who’ll make her slow down and stop playing the angles?
With the macho world of football against them, can they beat the odds in this lesbian sports romance?
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First published December 5, 2018
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About the author
Catherine Lane
20 books57 followersCatherine Lane started to write fiction on a dare from her wife. She’s thrilled to be a published author, even though she had to admit her wife was right. They live happily in Southern California with their son and a very mischievous pound puppy. Catherine spends most of her time these days working, mothering, or writing. But when she finds herself at loose ends, she enjoys experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, paddling on long stretches of flat water, and browsing the stacks at libraries and bookstores. Oh, and trying unsuccessfully to outwit her dog. She has published several short stories and a novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
November 11, 2018
'ARC Generously provided by Ylva-Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review'
**'A good lesson for any writer: make each sentence worth reading and something in it will lead the readers into the next one.Good writers write not just in sentences but with sentences.Get them right and everything else solves itself or ceases to matter..'
3.5stars!
'ROMANCING THE KICKER' takes us as readers from the sidelines and stands of a few football games into the athletic training facility,the stadium and offices of both owner and coaches,onto the streets of The Vegas Strip then into the very home of Carly (one of the leads) to reveal her beleaguered blue collar style of living with both her grandmother and brother -- while Parker on the other-hand is from a family of influence and money but still had to rely on her football skills to get by. This storyline will give readers a lot to ponder and maybe a few parts to savor. For Carly,she always wondered what might have happened between her grandmother and absentee mother: who up and abandon her and her brother but suddenly showed up with only reprehensible action on her mind and had no intentions of forging any kind of motherly relations with either of her kids. While Parker was struggling to connect with her own family especially her father. Both though had to learn about becoming friends first before then eventually blossoming into lovers -- they also had to find their inner strength and resilience to deal with all the bigotry,discrimination and sexual misconduct coming from others at the facility. Additionally,the book is a story of Love,friendships,fun,intensity in games,tender moments,humor,drama,emotional,hope and of women's capacity to make a fresh start. Whether she is a Lothario or just single with an ambitious mind. Some readers might connect with the joy and trials faced by Parker & Carly as they try to show support to each other in any individual quests for a better outcome or future.
**'A good lesson for any writer: make each sentence worth reading and something in it will lead the readers into the next one.Good writers write not just in sentences but with sentences.Get them right and everything else solves itself or ceases to matter..'
3.5stars!
'ROMANCING THE KICKER' takes us as readers from the sidelines and stands of a few football games into the athletic training facility,the stadium and offices of both owner and coaches,onto the streets of The Vegas Strip then into the very home of Carly (one of the leads) to reveal her beleaguered blue collar style of living with both her grandmother and brother -- while Parker on the other-hand is from a family of influence and money but still had to rely on her football skills to get by. This storyline will give readers a lot to ponder and maybe a few parts to savor. For Carly,she always wondered what might have happened between her grandmother and absentee mother: who up and abandon her and her brother but suddenly showed up with only reprehensible action on her mind and had no intentions of forging any kind of motherly relations with either of her kids. While Parker was struggling to connect with her own family especially her father. Both though had to learn about becoming friends first before then eventually blossoming into lovers -- they also had to find their inner strength and resilience to deal with all the bigotry,discrimination and sexual misconduct coming from others at the facility. Additionally,the book is a story of Love,friendships,fun,intensity in games,tender moments,humor,drama,emotional,hope and of women's capacity to make a fresh start. Whether she is a Lothario or just single with an ambitious mind. Some readers might connect with the joy and trials faced by Parker & Carly as they try to show support to each other in any individual quests for a better outcome or future.
November 13, 2018
3.75 Stars. I thought this was a sweet romance. This is a feel good story that I expect most people will enjoy. It is a sports romance, but you don’t have to be a sports fan to enjoy this. Most of the story took place off the field, so if you don’t know much about football, don’t let that dissuade you from this book.
This story is about two women who join the new Las Vegas NFL team. The team’s female owner wants more women involved in the sport. Carly is the newest athletic trainer and Parker is a kicker. Carly needs the job badly to support her family and is warned to not date the players. The two women become friends quickly but is that all they could ever be?
As I mentioned already, I thought this was a really sweet romance. While there is drama in the two mains lives to drive the storyline, there is no contrived angst that we see all too often. Instead it was a story about two women supporting and lifting each other up. It was a real pleasant read.
The romance was enjoyable and the sex scenes were decent. Both characters have their own issues to deal with but it doesn’t stop them from being really likeable characters. They made a really cute potential couple.
I really don’t have any complaints. There was once or twice I thought the pace slowed down a little for my personal preferences, but it didn’t last long. The book would pick-up and I was right back hooked into the story. It was just a nice, feel good book and that’s about it.
If you are a sports romance fan of just a romance fan I think you will enjoy this. If you need a break from some relationship angst and just want a sweet romance, grab this. This is actually only my second book I have read by Lane. This book was a good reminder that I need to read some more.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
This story is about two women who join the new Las Vegas NFL team. The team’s female owner wants more women involved in the sport. Carly is the newest athletic trainer and Parker is a kicker. Carly needs the job badly to support her family and is warned to not date the players. The two women become friends quickly but is that all they could ever be?
As I mentioned already, I thought this was a really sweet romance. While there is drama in the two mains lives to drive the storyline, there is no contrived angst that we see all too often. Instead it was a story about two women supporting and lifting each other up. It was a real pleasant read.
The romance was enjoyable and the sex scenes were decent. Both characters have their own issues to deal with but it doesn’t stop them from being really likeable characters. They made a really cute potential couple.
I really don’t have any complaints. There was once or twice I thought the pace slowed down a little for my personal preferences, but it didn’t last long. The book would pick-up and I was right back hooked into the story. It was just a nice, feel good book and that’s about it.
If you are a sports romance fan of just a romance fan I think you will enjoy this. If you need a break from some relationship angst and just want a sweet romance, grab this. This is actually only my second book I have read by Lane. This book was a good reminder that I need to read some more.
An ARC was given to me by YLVA for a honest review.
March 16, 2020
It was a nice read but there was a lot more than romance going on here. The book also deals with subjects like discrimination in sports on the basis of gender and sexual orientation. I really liked the romance and the team stuff but didn't find the family drama necessary. There was so much happening, it took focus away the from the romance.
May 9, 2019
Very smooth read.. what I liked about it is how it showcases how women really still suffer in the sports world! For some reason it reminded me of the women’s soccer team and their fight now for equal pay which is a very hot topic!
April 10, 2019
Outstanding!
This is one of the best sports romances that I've read in a long time. It has a great storyline with several layers to keep you engaged from beginning to the end. I love sports romance, especially when it sets in a field predominately held by men, where women worked there way up with hard work and on their own merit. Just as in real life, there are social issues that the main characters have to confront. It was well worth the read and I can certainly recommend it.
This is one of the best sports romances that I've read in a long time. It has a great storyline with several layers to keep you engaged from beginning to the end. I love sports romance, especially when it sets in a field predominately held by men, where women worked there way up with hard work and on their own merit. Just as in real life, there are social issues that the main characters have to confront. It was well worth the read and I can certainly recommend it.
February 2, 2019
This was a nice, sports-themed, romance.
I thought that the idea of a Vegas arena and the team name 'The Rollers' was creative.
I wish we were this close to having a female NFL kicker.
The book was well fleshed out. All avenues were thought of and considered for such an ambitious story-line. The characters were all likable and had interesting backgrounds.
The primary theme was family and that is what made this such an endearing read.
I did like the romance. It took a long time to develop, but there were a lot of interactions leading up to that. I wish there would have been a bit more conversation or resolution to the fact that Parker had only previously went through women fairly quickly. It was a concern for Carly, but I didn't feel like there was anything that would have made her feel comfortable enough to proceed.
I think this book has the best first 'I love yous' ever. Cheesy but it really worked for me.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing for an honest review.
I thought that the idea of a Vegas arena and the team name 'The Rollers' was creative.
I wish we were this close to having a female NFL kicker.
The book was well fleshed out. All avenues were thought of and considered for such an ambitious story-line. The characters were all likable and had interesting backgrounds.
The primary theme was family and that is what made this such an endearing read.
I did like the romance. It took a long time to develop, but there were a lot of interactions leading up to that. I wish there would have been a bit more conversation or resolution to the fact that Parker had only previously went through women fairly quickly. It was a concern for Carly, but I didn't feel like there was anything that would have made her feel comfortable enough to proceed.
I think this book has the best first 'I love yous' ever. Cheesy but it really worked for me.
I received an ARC from YLVA publishing for an honest review.
November 13, 2018
I wasn’t entirely sure what I was going to get out of this romance because this is the first book I’ve read by Lane and I also don’t have much of an understanding of American football. To me it looks like a hundred people in helmets and shoulder pads on a large field running into each other and ignoring the person with the ball, which seems counter-intuitive.
Parker Sherbourne is hired by professional football team, the High Rollers, to be their kicker (this part I understand – the kicker kicks the ball through the uprights to score) in what seems like a publicity stunt for both the team and Parker. The coach isn’t thrilled by this management decision. At the same time Carly Bartlett is hired as an athletic trainer (which seems to be more of an injury prevention and management/physio type of position) making her the only other woman on the team. Carly’s boss isn’t thrilled to have her either.
I really enjoyed this read in spite of not understanding the jargon or specifics of gameplay. As a sports’ fan I can identifying with the excitement of a game without having to understand it and Parker’s desire to achieve was well-portrayed as was Carly’s. Both main characters are likeable and there is a good cast of secondary characters.
A number of topical issues are covered through the characters, their interactions, their actions and their realisations in a non-didactic way. Things like sexism and harassment, to mention only two issues, are not only portrayed and increase the tension, but not everyone is painted with the same brush. There is also a reasonable attempt at providing the characters with the tools to resolve the issues.
The pace, the story, the lack of last-minute-manufactured-angst and the romance (in spite of a little cheesiness) made this a wonderfully pleasant read.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
Parker Sherbourne is hired by professional football team, the High Rollers, to be their kicker (this part I understand – the kicker kicks the ball through the uprights to score) in what seems like a publicity stunt for both the team and Parker. The coach isn’t thrilled by this management decision. At the same time Carly Bartlett is hired as an athletic trainer (which seems to be more of an injury prevention and management/physio type of position) making her the only other woman on the team. Carly’s boss isn’t thrilled to have her either.
I really enjoyed this read in spite of not understanding the jargon or specifics of gameplay. As a sports’ fan I can identifying with the excitement of a game without having to understand it and Parker’s desire to achieve was well-portrayed as was Carly’s. Both main characters are likeable and there is a good cast of secondary characters.
A number of topical issues are covered through the characters, their interactions, their actions and their realisations in a non-didactic way. Things like sexism and harassment, to mention only two issues, are not only portrayed and increase the tension, but not everyone is painted with the same brush. There is also a reasonable attempt at providing the characters with the tools to resolve the issues.
The pace, the story, the lack of last-minute-manufactured-angst and the romance (in spite of a little cheesiness) made this a wonderfully pleasant read.
Book received from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
November 12, 2018
Romancing the Kicker by Catherine Lane revolves around the first female conversion kicker in the NFL, Parker Sherbourne. Parker has been living her life supported by her wealthy father while moving from one interest to another. This time she has been asked to try out for the woman owned Los Vegas High Rollers football team.
Athletic Trainer Carly Bartlet has a chance to improve her family’s economic situation by working for the NFL Rollers in the all male training room. Carly helps take care of her family consisting of her younger brother and grandmother.
At its core this is a story of women giving a hand up to help others reach their potential. We see the oftentimes homophobia and daily sexism faced by women in the workplace. Any workplace.
Catherine Lane writes with a delicate hand. The subject matter may be intense however there is a gentleness in the telling. The romance moves in a predictable arch that is quite enjoyable. This is definitely a feel good story in these times of extreme emotions. A comforting read.
Athletic Trainer Carly Bartlet has a chance to improve her family’s economic situation by working for the NFL Rollers in the all male training room. Carly helps take care of her family consisting of her younger brother and grandmother.
At its core this is a story of women giving a hand up to help others reach their potential. We see the oftentimes homophobia and daily sexism faced by women in the workplace. Any workplace.
Catherine Lane writes with a delicate hand. The subject matter may be intense however there is a gentleness in the telling. The romance moves in a predictable arch that is quite enjoyable. This is definitely a feel good story in these times of extreme emotions. A comforting read.
December 6, 2018
Parker Sherbourne will be the first woman who will play, as a kicker, in the National Football League. If the coach ever will let her play. At the same time, Carly Bartlett starts her new job as an athletic trainer for the same team. They are the only women on the team and they have to fight against some prejudices and homophobia. Their upbringing was in two separate worlds in the same country. Parker, the daughter of a hotel magnate, and Carly, who lives with her half-brother and her grandmother in a small room and both women have to work make ends meet.
I liked the main characters very much, both have trouble with some issues in their private lives but once they become friends, they help each other to solve the problems and overcome their insecurities. There are some serious issues raised like homophobia and harassment in a male-dominated sport, or not to know who your father is. And the author handles all these issues very well.
The romance is sweet, the chemistry strong and the dialogues were good. And Teddy and grandma Minnie Lee were great and funny secondary characters, I liked them a lot.
It's a sports romance, but most of the story plays off the field. You don't have to know very much about football to follow the lead.
My rating 4 stars
I liked the main characters very much, both have trouble with some issues in their private lives but once they become friends, they help each other to solve the problems and overcome their insecurities. There are some serious issues raised like homophobia and harassment in a male-dominated sport, or not to know who your father is. And the author handles all these issues very well.
The romance is sweet, the chemistry strong and the dialogues were good. And Teddy and grandma Minnie Lee were great and funny secondary characters, I liked them a lot.
It's a sports romance, but most of the story plays off the field. You don't have to know very much about football to follow the lead.
My rating 4 stars
November 27, 2018
Romancing the Kicker by Catherine Lane is a contemporary romance set in the sporting world of the National Football League. The two main characters are both hired to work for the Las Vegas High Rollers. Carly Bartlett joins the team as the only woman athletic trainer, and Parker Sherbourne is signed on as the first female kicker in the NFL. Because both women are now working in a male dominated environment, they both face resistance in the form of misogyny, discrimination, and outright hatred from some. This, plus an almost instant attraction brings the two women together. Both women are also fighting demons from their pasts, all of which creates first a friendship and later romance as the two try to find their way in this new and difficult journey.
I will admit that I had problems with this book at the beginning and really through most of the first half of the story. I believe it was mostly because I couldn’t connect with the characters to start with. They did and said things in reaction to some of the discrimination I mentioned above that I could not understand. It wasn’t until I read further into the story that I began to see what the author was doing in the story. This is a lovely romance, but there are also serious discussions about women in the workplace and the things they sometimes have to contend with. Once I realized that was part of the plot, I began to see why the characters were saying and doing what they did. I also started to really like the story.
This is a sweet romance. It is well written, and the characters are well-defined. There is obvious chemistry between the two, and the story is very interesting. I can recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance mixed with sports.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
I will admit that I had problems with this book at the beginning and really through most of the first half of the story. I believe it was mostly because I couldn’t connect with the characters to start with. They did and said things in reaction to some of the discrimination I mentioned above that I could not understand. It wasn’t until I read further into the story that I began to see what the author was doing in the story. This is a lovely romance, but there are also serious discussions about women in the workplace and the things they sometimes have to contend with. Once I realized that was part of the plot, I began to see why the characters were saying and doing what they did. I also started to really like the story.
This is a sweet romance. It is well written, and the characters are well-defined. There is obvious chemistry between the two, and the story is very interesting. I can recommend it to anyone who likes a good romance mixed with sports.
I received an ARC from Ylva Publishing for an honest review.
February 4, 2019
I'm a sucker for a sports story, so regardless I was going to like this. But I am so very pleased with how it played out.
I like that it wasn't pedantic. When you're tackling (heh, excuse the pun) a woman in the NHL and the implications that could really mean, you could easily have made a mockery of it. It could have been superficial and crap, and Lane really went there with having to accept the mantle of responsibility and what it really means to be someone's idol. Truth be told, this story was really uplifting just for women, I loved the underlying tones of femininity and that despite homophobia, sexism and "the good ol' boys" that it's still a struggle but WORTH IT.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, the review of the romance..
Our mains are Parker Sherbourne, heiress to a business empire and habitually looking for the next best thing to conquer, women included; and Carly Bartlett, a trainer joining the Vegas Rollers football team's staff. With Parker being added midseason as the field goal kicker, and Carly being closeted, there are some interesting interactions between the two. There is palpable sexual tension from the start, and despite some villainous interference, their coming together is realistic and filled with all the things you'd expect from vastly different upbringings and lives. I really enjoyed Carly's family and their subplot. Parker's entire transformation throughout the book was quite great.
Overall, this book was lovely, the romance was real and exciting (and the ending, a little sappy but oh so sweet), and all of the characters were very fleshed out. I would definitely recommend this.
A copy of this book was provided to me by YLVA for a honest review.
I like that it wasn't pedantic. When you're tackling (heh, excuse the pun) a woman in the NHL and the implications that could really mean, you could easily have made a mockery of it. It could have been superficial and crap, and Lane really went there with having to accept the mantle of responsibility and what it really means to be someone's idol. Truth be told, this story was really uplifting just for women, I loved the underlying tones of femininity and that despite homophobia, sexism and "the good ol' boys" that it's still a struggle but WORTH IT.
Now that I'm off my soapbox, the review of the romance..
Our mains are Parker Sherbourne, heiress to a business empire and habitually looking for the next best thing to conquer, women included; and Carly Bartlett, a trainer joining the Vegas Rollers football team's staff. With Parker being added midseason as the field goal kicker, and Carly being closeted, there are some interesting interactions between the two. There is palpable sexual tension from the start, and despite some villainous interference, their coming together is realistic and filled with all the things you'd expect from vastly different upbringings and lives. I really enjoyed Carly's family and their subplot. Parker's entire transformation throughout the book was quite great.
Overall, this book was lovely, the romance was real and exciting (and the ending, a little sappy but oh so sweet), and all of the characters were very fleshed out. I would definitely recommend this.
A copy of this book was provided to me by YLVA for a honest review.
December 5, 2018
Not really a rom as that arc is pretty much non existent for the majority of the book. I think the intent was for it to be a slow burn but it turned out more as a no burn. There was zero chemistry between mains. Just some internal dialog of lust every now and then. In fact it was quite tiresome truth be told. The sports arc was ok, no good feels there really. I wish that glass ceiling was crashed just as anyone else. Didn't expect it to be easy but the roadblocks went on so long it just bored me TBH. Wish I could come up with something more postitive to say. I've liked or really enjoyed the authors previous works. This one just fell flat in my opinion.
August 22, 2020
Former professional soccer player Parker Sherbourne is the first female kicker hired by an NFL team, the Las Vegas High Rollers. She doesn't really expect much to come from it, though she has a good leg. Knowing she was hired by the front office more for publicity than because the coaching staff actually wants her on the team, she is determined to show she's got the goods. In her personal life, her body, looks and pedigree being from a wealthy family have always made for easy, meaningless connections with women and that's always been just fine with her. She's not one to be tied down to any one person or place.
Also new to the organization is Carly Bartlet, brought on as the sole female athletic team trainer. Together, both women learn to navigate their way through a misogynist culture, determined to become valuable members of the organization. And though they perhaps shouldn't fraternize, they can sure use a supportive friend who understands. And how are they supposed to ignore the off the charts attraction between them? Carly isn't even out, though she's known for some time she's a lesbian, while Parker is very publicly out and proud.
This isn't a very heavy listen, though there are some difficult family dynamics going on for both characters and some very uncomfortable moments with the misogyny. There is also angst because Carly really needs the job to help support her family. Generally, though, it's a romance and a sweet one at that. And it's narrated by Abby Craden. I wouldn't say it's one to rush out to listen to necessarily, but it's enjoyable enough. 3.5 stars
Also new to the organization is Carly Bartlet, brought on as the sole female athletic team trainer. Together, both women learn to navigate their way through a misogynist culture, determined to become valuable members of the organization. And though they perhaps shouldn't fraternize, they can sure use a supportive friend who understands. And how are they supposed to ignore the off the charts attraction between them? Carly isn't even out, though she's known for some time she's a lesbian, while Parker is very publicly out and proud.
This isn't a very heavy listen, though there are some difficult family dynamics going on for both characters and some very uncomfortable moments with the misogyny. There is also angst because Carly really needs the job to help support her family. Generally, though, it's a romance and a sweet one at that. And it's narrated by Abby Craden. I wouldn't say it's one to rush out to listen to necessarily, but it's enjoyable enough. 3.5 stars
December 31, 2018
"Romancing the Kicker" by Catherine Lane had a lovely plot line that captured the magic of two individuals falling falling in love amidst a background of professional sports. Unlike my standard reaction to protagonists, I did not prefer one of the two in the relationship. Rather, they each brought strengths and resonant contributions to the tale and together, were lovely to become acquainted with. Ms. Lane has improved as an author and this was my favorite of all of her releases. I will continue to read her work.
Arc was generously provided by the author and the publisher, Ylva.
Arc was generously provided by the author and the publisher, Ylva.
October 7, 2023
I’m always down for anything narrated by Abby Craden! And it’s football season, so of course I’m going to read a football book. 🏈 Abby’s narration was definitely the best part of this book, though. The story was great and had potential to be excellent, but didn’t quite get there for me.
I loved Carly’s character - but I especially loved her grandma and brother and their whole dynamic as a family unit. Their relationship was so wholesome and endearing. I just wanted to sit down and have a meal with them and feel all the love and support. I liked Parker, but not as much. She’s your typical “reformed player” in the story. She had some great qualities - sweet, caring, generous. But she was a bit of a spoiled brat, too. Carly and Parker were adorable together at times, and I wanted to see them get together, but the connection wasn’t very deep so I didn’t find myself rooting for them as much as I would have liked.
I also thought the premise for the book was a little far fetched and unrealistic. The first female player in the NFL and it’s a made up position (not just IRL, but in the book too). We are finally starting to see more female identified players in more traditionally male athletics and I would have loved to see that in a more profound way in this book. This was written in 2018 so I’ll give a little slack. But it’s fiction - give her a real position!
The author did do a great job with some of the sub plot lines though, especially in dealing with difficult subjects like parental abandonment, poverty, and mental health. The story did contain things like homophobia, misogyny, and sexual harassment. I loved the ways the characters (at least for the most part) responded to these things, but I felt like it was kind of overtop at times too and it took away from the story.
I DID NOT LIKE Parker’s agent. I could have done with her in the story and honestly - I don’t think it would have affected much. Maybe some minor things, but no major effects to the plot that couldn’t have easily been worked out other ways.
It was an enjoyable story and I would still recommend it. But it’s not one I’ll go back and read again.
I loved Carly’s character - but I especially loved her grandma and brother and their whole dynamic as a family unit. Their relationship was so wholesome and endearing. I just wanted to sit down and have a meal with them and feel all the love and support. I liked Parker, but not as much. She’s your typical “reformed player” in the story. She had some great qualities - sweet, caring, generous. But she was a bit of a spoiled brat, too. Carly and Parker were adorable together at times, and I wanted to see them get together, but the connection wasn’t very deep so I didn’t find myself rooting for them as much as I would have liked.
I also thought the premise for the book was a little far fetched and unrealistic. The first female player in the NFL and it’s a made up position (not just IRL, but in the book too). We are finally starting to see more female identified players in more traditionally male athletics and I would have loved to see that in a more profound way in this book. This was written in 2018 so I’ll give a little slack. But it’s fiction - give her a real position!
The author did do a great job with some of the sub plot lines though, especially in dealing with difficult subjects like parental abandonment, poverty, and mental health. The story did contain things like homophobia, misogyny, and sexual harassment. I loved the ways the characters (at least for the most part) responded to these things, but I felt like it was kind of overtop at times too and it took away from the story.
I DID NOT LIKE Parker’s agent. I could have done with her in the story and honestly - I don’t think it would have affected much. Maybe some minor things, but no major effects to the plot that couldn’t have easily been worked out other ways.
It was an enjoyable story and I would still recommend it. But it’s not one I’ll go back and read again.
July 6, 2023
3.5 😊
September 8, 2022
I was wanting a book that would usher me into the fall season, and, as an American, nothing marks the start of fall like the emergence of [American] football season, so Catherine Lane's Romancing the Kicker was the logical choice. I wasn't expecting to be blown away by this novel--and I definitely wasn't, but this book had its highs and lows and, even though it didn't grab me and not let me go (which I hope every book I read does), it was exactly what I wanted. And this may be a good time to note, for the record, that this book had the misfortune of following my reread of Delilah Green Doesn't Care (my current #1 for the year), so in some ways I chose this because I didn't expect to be blown away by it.
What worked for me in this novel was the romance between Parker, the hotel heiress and soccer star who's trying to become the first woman to play in the NFL, and Carly, the first female athletic trainer to be hired by the Rollers football team. I love the rich/poor trope and I thought Lane handled this really well. Both MCs were hard-working and driven and had some lessons to learn, and we get to see them grow throughout the course of the novel. I also really liked the discussion of women in male-dominated sports spaces.
I did think the novel tried to tackle (pardon the unintended pun) too much here. The storyline with Teddy and his parentage seemed not to fit in this novel (same really the whole subplot with Carly's mom, to be honest). I really wish Lane would have focussed more on the issues both Parker and Carly were facing as members of the Rollers organization. I just didn't care about Carly's younger brother and a lot of time was spent with him.
No big complaints about the romance, at least. It's not the type of book where I'm going to go back and reread those romantic sections over and over again like I do with other books, but I was rooting for them to come together and make it work.
What worked for me in this novel was the romance between Parker, the hotel heiress and soccer star who's trying to become the first woman to play in the NFL, and Carly, the first female athletic trainer to be hired by the Rollers football team. I love the rich/poor trope and I thought Lane handled this really well. Both MCs were hard-working and driven and had some lessons to learn, and we get to see them grow throughout the course of the novel. I also really liked the discussion of women in male-dominated sports spaces.
I did think the novel tried to tackle (pardon the unintended pun) too much here. The storyline with Teddy and his parentage seemed not to fit in this novel (same really the whole subplot with Carly's mom, to be honest). I really wish Lane would have focussed more on the issues both Parker and Carly were facing as members of the Rollers organization. I just didn't care about Carly's younger brother and a lot of time was spent with him.
No big complaints about the romance, at least. It's not the type of book where I'm going to go back and reread those romantic sections over and over again like I do with other books, but I was rooting for them to come together and make it work.
Read
September 19, 2021DNF. These characters were unprofessional and the one a player. The exact things hey were complaining about from the men. Stopped listening 🤷🏻♀️
December 29, 2018
I was excited when I saw this book. I had actually just read an article about Becca Longo. I must state I have no interest in football, but always an interest in women gaining traction in a mens(sport, career.. whatever). While I enjoy football watch party food and drinks, the actual game holds little interest. However, this book was really entertaining. It doesn't have too much technical language and allows anyone to enjoy the book. I thought the romance was solid and I enjoyed both main characters.
I always enjoy class differences in novels. I thought both main characters were well written and their romance was believable, but Carly was my favorite. I thought the secondary characters were likeable and added a lot to the story. If you are not a football fan don't overlook this one, I think you will still enjoy it. If you love sweet romances this one is for you.
I always enjoy class differences in novels. I thought both main characters were well written and their romance was believable, but Carly was my favorite. I thought the secondary characters were likeable and added a lot to the story. If you are not a football fan don't overlook this one, I think you will still enjoy it. If you love sweet romances this one is for you.
November 17, 2018
This was a light romance and pleasant read. Not too heavy on the sport, but equally did not make enough of first female either.
Personally for me it would have benefited from more in depth action rather than an abc style romance.
Arc received from ylva for honest review.
Personally for me it would have benefited from more in depth action rather than an abc style romance.
Arc received from ylva for honest review.
October 1, 2023
Overcoming odds and obstacles!
This book follows a female owned NFL team looking to recruit more women. Parker, a kicker and Carly, an athletic trainer. The girls navigate the up’s and downs of being in a male dominated field, as well as figuring out what to do with how they feel in their personal and professional lives, and their developing feelings for each other. It was more than just a sports romance, though. It goes into discrimination towards females and those of us who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community within the sporting industry. It also goes into family issues (check trigger warnings). Catherine did a great job capturing the chemistry and attraction between the two women, as well as the conflicting feelings around when it’s a teammate. Abby Craden did an amazing job capturing the many different characters as well.
This book follows a female owned NFL team looking to recruit more women. Parker, a kicker and Carly, an athletic trainer. The girls navigate the up’s and downs of being in a male dominated field, as well as figuring out what to do with how they feel in their personal and professional lives, and their developing feelings for each other. It was more than just a sports romance, though. It goes into discrimination towards females and those of us who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community within the sporting industry. It also goes into family issues (check trigger warnings). Catherine did a great job capturing the chemistry and attraction between the two women, as well as the conflicting feelings around when it’s a teammate. Abby Craden did an amazing job capturing the many different characters as well.
September 15, 2020
Beautiful!!! BEAUTIFUL!!! Wow!!! Sports + WLW romance + good writing + happy ending = me the happiest person on this planet!! 100% recommend!!
February 8, 2023
A woman plays in the NFL for the first time in history and faces backlash from this male dominated world. Her only reprieve comes in the form of a sweet-natured athletic trainer, who happens to be the only other woman on staff.
Parker has seen the life of luxury, but she's always had to work hard to get to where she is in her sporting career. Fighting for a place in a team that doesn't want her there is only her next battle—but one she can handle. When she meets Carly however, that is when things begin to get complicated.
The first woman staffed at The Rollers, Carly lands herself the job of Althletic Trainer and tries to navigate both her home and professional life. Sometimes these two things intertwine, and it doesn't always lead to disaster.
The great parts
The diversity in this book must be commended. Apart from setting the story in a sports centered theme, the book introduces characters that are all unique and different in terms of race, personality, and sexuality.
I understood very little about the sporting parts of this book, but at no point did I feel left out of the game. There was a sense of being submerged in this world, held down until all you could breathe was the adrenaline of Parker and the nerves of Carly as each match came and went.
Teddy, Carly's brother, was a delight to read. He felt like a breath of fresh air when things had begun to feel stale, and he was a character well used in these moments. For this, the book felt very self aware.
Lots of issues were brought up. Being in a male dominated space, dealing with sexuality, owning your voice. All these lessons were embedded in the story, and it was hard to miss any of them as they came up like wildflowers throughout the plot.
The meh
I only had two main problems with this book. First, that the characters were introduced—especially Carly and Teddy—with the colour of their skin, and their general appearance. Parker was described as a blonde and that was that. No other allusion to her race.
Second, was that it followed the same track as a lot of other romance books despite the setting and characters being different. We see Parker being a player and promiscuous, and suddenly changing for Carly. She wasn't tempted, she wasn't debating more than whether to stay with The Rollers or not. It all felt a bit too easy.
Overall
A great read if you're up for a sporty romance. The language is clean and precise, the characters are well developed, and the action scenes are written particularly well. It starts off a bit hesitant in the first chapter, but takes off pretty quickly after.
I think this book is a great step in the direction of lesfic books going beyond their comfort zones. With setting and diversity in characters.
3.5 ⭐
Parker has seen the life of luxury, but she's always had to work hard to get to where she is in her sporting career. Fighting for a place in a team that doesn't want her there is only her next battle—but one she can handle. When she meets Carly however, that is when things begin to get complicated.
The first woman staffed at The Rollers, Carly lands herself the job of Althletic Trainer and tries to navigate both her home and professional life. Sometimes these two things intertwine, and it doesn't always lead to disaster.
The great parts
The diversity in this book must be commended. Apart from setting the story in a sports centered theme, the book introduces characters that are all unique and different in terms of race, personality, and sexuality.
I understood very little about the sporting parts of this book, but at no point did I feel left out of the game. There was a sense of being submerged in this world, held down until all you could breathe was the adrenaline of Parker and the nerves of Carly as each match came and went.
Teddy, Carly's brother, was a delight to read. He felt like a breath of fresh air when things had begun to feel stale, and he was a character well used in these moments. For this, the book felt very self aware.
Lots of issues were brought up. Being in a male dominated space, dealing with sexuality, owning your voice. All these lessons were embedded in the story, and it was hard to miss any of them as they came up like wildflowers throughout the plot.
The meh
I only had two main problems with this book. First, that the characters were introduced—especially Carly and Teddy—with the colour of their skin, and their general appearance. Parker was described as a blonde and that was that. No other allusion to her race.
Second, was that it followed the same track as a lot of other romance books despite the setting and characters being different. We see Parker being a player and promiscuous, and suddenly changing for Carly. She wasn't tempted, she wasn't debating more than whether to stay with The Rollers or not. It all felt a bit too easy.
Overall
A great read if you're up for a sporty romance. The language is clean and precise, the characters are well developed, and the action scenes are written particularly well. It starts off a bit hesitant in the first chapter, but takes off pretty quickly after.
I think this book is a great step in the direction of lesfic books going beyond their comfort zones. With setting and diversity in characters.
3.5 ⭐
November 24, 2018
Romancing the Kicker was a nice solid book to read. It wasn’t over the top awesome or my new favorite book but it was not bad either. I really liked the character Carly and I got to like Parker after a while - I think she wasn’t supposed to be liked form the beginning anyways. The ending was a little drawn out and a bit repetitive but it was a nice ending. Overall I did enjoy reading it even though a few passages felt a bit like fillers but overall a good read.
March 25, 2019
This has been bubbling under my radar for a while - & I'm really pleased I've now read it. Loved it - totally caught up in it all - felt real to me if you buy the initial premise - and why not? - with good back characters. Loved her book "Set Piece" too. Thank you.
November 27, 2018
Three and a half stars.
I know absolutely nothing about American football. Apparently there’s a player called the ‘kicker’ whose job it is to kick the ball through the uprights. It seems that’s all they do. Wait until someone scores a touchdown and then run on to the pitch and kick the ball for an extra point. They don’t get tackled like the other players. Therefore, it seems likely that when a woman is allowed to play in the NFL, she will probably be a kicker.
This novel sees Parker Sherbourne as that inaugural female player. Seems like a pretty boring job to me but I’m sure it comes with a great deal of glory. Parker is a player in every way. Also a poor little rich girl. Yeah, not an attractive combination. Parker is forced by her father to grow up, which she does with very little apparent effort.
Carly is a poor, but plucky, sports therapist. She lives with her grandmother and little brother in poverty on the bad side of town, where she has to share a room with her grandmother. And she wears a fake Fitbit. Oh, the inequity!
Sarcasm aside, I actually quite enjoyed this book. I learnt a little (a very little) about American football and the romance was cute. The messages of the book were at once both heavy-handed and superficial but they were good, positive messages so I’ll let that slide.
Why are there so many jealous rivals/exes who try to drive a wedge between the couple in lesbian romances? The misunderstanding that arises is such a boring cliché and quite frankly I’ve never come across that type of manoeuvring in real life (although I’m sure it must happen). Usually, jealousy is open and raw enough for anyone to see it for what it is.
The scenes and characters in Romancing the Kicker are painted in broad brushstrokes, and there is very little subtlety. That’s a pity because with a little more depth this could have been a really good read. As it is, it’s an enjoyable, but ultimately fluffy romance.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Ylva publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I know absolutely nothing about American football. Apparently there’s a player called the ‘kicker’ whose job it is to kick the ball through the uprights. It seems that’s all they do. Wait until someone scores a touchdown and then run on to the pitch and kick the ball for an extra point. They don’t get tackled like the other players. Therefore, it seems likely that when a woman is allowed to play in the NFL, she will probably be a kicker.
This novel sees Parker Sherbourne as that inaugural female player. Seems like a pretty boring job to me but I’m sure it comes with a great deal of glory. Parker is a player in every way. Also a poor little rich girl. Yeah, not an attractive combination. Parker is forced by her father to grow up, which she does with very little apparent effort.
Carly is a poor, but plucky, sports therapist. She lives with her grandmother and little brother in poverty on the bad side of town, where she has to share a room with her grandmother. And she wears a fake Fitbit. Oh, the inequity!
Sarcasm aside, I actually quite enjoyed this book. I learnt a little (a very little) about American football and the romance was cute. The messages of the book were at once both heavy-handed and superficial but they were good, positive messages so I’ll let that slide.
Why are there so many jealous rivals/exes who try to drive a wedge between the couple in lesbian romances? The misunderstanding that arises is such a boring cliché and quite frankly I’ve never come across that type of manoeuvring in real life (although I’m sure it must happen). Usually, jealousy is open and raw enough for anyone to see it for what it is.
The scenes and characters in Romancing the Kicker are painted in broad brushstrokes, and there is very little subtlety. That’s a pity because with a little more depth this could have been a really good read. As it is, it’s an enjoyable, but ultimately fluffy romance.
Note: I received an advance copy of this book from Ylva publishing in exchange for an honest review.
November 11, 2020
4 stars. This was my first sports romance and I probably wouldn't have picked it if not for Abby Craden, but I'm very glad I did. I liked this.
The story comes with two fairly young MCs, but they couldn't be more different - apart from their shared love for football.
When Carly Bartlett starts on her first day at the NFL, the Vegas football team, as an athletic trainer, she is faced with sexism and racism. We learn that her family is poor, so Carly really needs her job. But she is also very good and loves what she does. When Parker Sherbourne joins the team as a kicker, she's the first female player. She comes from one of the wealthiest families in Vegas and is priviledged in so many ways, but as a woman in a men's world, she faces discrimination at work too. Carly and Parker instantly connect.
The story is not only a very sweet romance, but both MCs are good for each other and really grow as characters. Both have to learn that being vulnerable is not the same as being weak. And both individually step up - not to spoil anything, but I think it really fits the characters.
The secondary characters are well thought and overall great, such as Carly's half brother Teddy and her grandmother Minnie Lee.
I liked that the book deals with sexism and racism in sports as well as classicism, and in a really good way. Carly's family is really poor - they can't even before an internet connection that allows to play YouTube Videos. No white privilege either with Carly and her half brother Teddy being PoC, living with Minnie Lee who works very hard at a low wage. But it's not about pity, but about being strong and fighting for something better.
I also liked this was Set in Las Vegas and showed us the city from the two MCs different POV. I could relate because I've been to Vegas, so that was actually nice.
All in all, a really nice book with a sweet romance and some social criticism.
The story comes with two fairly young MCs, but they couldn't be more different - apart from their shared love for football.
When Carly Bartlett starts on her first day at the NFL, the Vegas football team, as an athletic trainer, she is faced with sexism and racism. We learn that her family is poor, so Carly really needs her job. But she is also very good and loves what she does. When Parker Sherbourne joins the team as a kicker, she's the first female player. She comes from one of the wealthiest families in Vegas and is priviledged in so many ways, but as a woman in a men's world, she faces discrimination at work too. Carly and Parker instantly connect.
The story is not only a very sweet romance, but both MCs are good for each other and really grow as characters. Both have to learn that being vulnerable is not the same as being weak. And both individually step up - not to spoil anything, but I think it really fits the characters.
The secondary characters are well thought and overall great, such as Carly's half brother Teddy and her grandmother Minnie Lee.
I liked that the book deals with sexism and racism in sports as well as classicism, and in a really good way. Carly's family is really poor - they can't even before an internet connection that allows to play YouTube Videos. No white privilege either with Carly and her half brother Teddy being PoC, living with Minnie Lee who works very hard at a low wage. But it's not about pity, but about being strong and fighting for something better.
I also liked this was Set in Las Vegas and showed us the city from the two MCs different POV. I could relate because I've been to Vegas, so that was actually nice.
All in all, a really nice book with a sweet romance and some social criticism.
December 27, 2018
Parker Sherbourne is the first female player in the NFL. She's hired as the kicker for the Las Vegas High Rollers. She faces discrimination from the coach and other players, so while the photo opportunities are great, whether she actually gets to play is another story. Carly is another recent female hire to the team, as an assistant athletic trainer. The two women have to fight tooth and nail in order to prove themselves to their team. Their budding attraction and instant friendship threatens their place on the team, will their have to make a choice between the job they fought so hard for and their love for each other?
I am not a football fan in the least but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The football side wasn't a main focus, it was more about the sexism the two women face in the football world. There were some serious themes of sexism and discrimination because of sexual orientation but overall it was a really sweet and well balanced book. I loved both main characters, they had their flaws and their quirks and their own drama to overcome but in a way that had them growing as individuals and as a couple. I thought their relationship was really realistic and strong. The romance was melt in your mouth sweetness and their chemistry was delicious. I loved all the little family moments with Teddy and Carly's grandmother.
This is easily my favourite Catherine Lane book. It was the most well balanced and best written in my opinion. I can highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
I am not a football fan in the least but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The football side wasn't a main focus, it was more about the sexism the two women face in the football world. There were some serious themes of sexism and discrimination because of sexual orientation but overall it was a really sweet and well balanced book. I loved both main characters, they had their flaws and their quirks and their own drama to overcome but in a way that had them growing as individuals and as a couple. I thought their relationship was really realistic and strong. The romance was melt in your mouth sweetness and their chemistry was delicious. I loved all the little family moments with Teddy and Carly's grandmother.
This is easily my favourite Catherine Lane book. It was the most well balanced and best written in my opinion. I can highly recommend this book.
I received an ARC from YLVA in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2023
“You can’t find love where it doesn’t exist, and you can’t run from it when it does.”
3.5 stars. I'm sad that I didn't have a chance to jot down my thoughts about this when I finished it, because I have kiiiiiinda forgotten a lot of what I liked about this. But still, it was a really sweet sports romance, nice and slow, understated in a good way, and I liked the way it handled both women and their personal stories.
Parker is the first woman in the NFL; she feels like her appointment is a publicity stunt more than anything, but she really wants to play, really wants to get out there and kick. Carly is the newest athletic trainer on Parker's team, the only woman on staff, and her shitty boss immediately tells her if she fraternises with the players, she's fired. She doesn't think that'll be a problem, until she sees Parker. The beginning parts of this book were soooooo cute. Not every romance manages to sell me on chemistry so quickly, without overdoing it, so I really appreciate it when a book can have me fall for a couple after just a few interactions. Parker is so dang swoony; there's something about big butch women with long hair, ahhh. <3 Both women are very different, and Carly is at first really hesitant about Parker's playgirl reputation and her family's wealth (especially since Carly is so poor) but they cultivate a friendship and then a romance that's really sweet.
The external plots had a lot of potential that I don't think they completely lived up to, especially on Parker's side. I loved that she had to learn to be more independent, and that she had to stand up for herself and become part of the team, but we only really saw her making strides with one or two of the players. I wish there'd been more practices, more games, more football. I don't care about or understand the sport, but it would have been a great vehicle to get to know the characters more, have them share some more moments. And I loved the way Parker was described when she moved/played, so I wish there was more of that. Both Parker and Carly had stuff to work out with their families, and it was good, but ultimately a little shallow. And I wish the conversations surrounding misogyny/sexism were a little less formulaic.
But ultimately this was a really, really sweet book. Sometimes a little cheesy, but not in the annoying way; in the really good way. These characters were adorable; there were moments when I was lying in bed literally kicking my feet. Listened to the audiobook as read by Abby Craden, and she was amazing as always. This put me in the mood for more sports romance. <3
The field goal moment.
Parker had scored in the best possible way.
July 10, 2022
Romancing the Kicker is a sports romance about two women who are trying to make their mark in a world of masculinity and traditions. Joining a struggling Las Vegas NFL team as their kicker, sports aficionado Parker just wants her talents to speak for themselves. As does Carly, who is appointed the new athletic trainer, and is relying on this new position not only to boost her career ambitions but also to be able to support her family – her ever-present Grandma, and her thirteen-year-old brother Teddy.
The chemistry between Parker and Carly is instantaneous, however, Carly is hesitant to put her heart before her head, and Parker is worried about falling into old routines and skipping out when things get tough. Realizing this is bigger than just the two of them, and they could help pave the way for girls to follow their dreams, standing together to face their fears is all they have.
Both Parker and Carly have their obstacles to conquer in regards to their families and their pasts, but the book remains quite light on the angst, focusing more on their joint journey and discovery of love.
Catherine Lane has put a new spin on the sports romance, imagining a world where men and women played alongside each other. It’s always fun to learn about a new sport, and Abby Craden’s superb narration helped to make sense of what was happening out on the field while bringing to life two very likable MCs.
The chemistry between Parker and Carly is instantaneous, however, Carly is hesitant to put her heart before her head, and Parker is worried about falling into old routines and skipping out when things get tough. Realizing this is bigger than just the two of them, and they could help pave the way for girls to follow their dreams, standing together to face their fears is all they have.
Both Parker and Carly have their obstacles to conquer in regards to their families and their pasts, but the book remains quite light on the angst, focusing more on their joint journey and discovery of love.
Catherine Lane has put a new spin on the sports romance, imagining a world where men and women played alongside each other. It’s always fun to learn about a new sport, and Abby Craden’s superb narration helped to make sense of what was happening out on the field while bringing to life two very likable MCs.
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