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Keeping Score
I knew this day would come eventually—Jake Pierce had returned home.
After playing football for the University of Alabama and spending his first few years in the NFL in Florida, Jake was back in Massachusetts to play for the Boston Bluecoats.
Which also meant, I could no longer run from a past I’d been so desperate to forget.
Jake was my best friend.
Keyword: was.
He was the first freshman in the history of Fox Hollow High to make the varsity team. I was the team’s photographer.
And…I’m the one that broke his heart.
After playing football for the University of Alabama and spending his first few years in the NFL in Florida, Jake was back in Massachusetts to play for the Boston Bluecoats.
Which also meant, I could no longer run from a past I’d been so desperate to forget.
Jake was my best friend.
Keyword: was.
He was the first freshman in the history of Fox Hollow High to make the varsity team. I was the team’s photographer.
And…I’m the one that broke his heart.
218 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2021
46 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
January 22, 2021
2,5 ❤️🤔⭐️s
A sweet romance read that I can’t say I enjoyed a lot.
Jade and Isa were childhood friends, but secretly in love with each other.
When they were 18 y.o., one night Jade told Isa he loved her and she said she loved him too. They arranged to meet the following day but Isa never showed up and disappeared from Jade’s life.
Six years later they finally met again and their love story was set in motion.
I really couldn’t justify the reason behind Isa’s behaviour. From the way the author portrayed her, she wasn’t an empty headed or weak girl. And she managed to stay away from him for 6 whole years, while deep down she was still in love with him! 😱🙄
I loved their siblings, their relationship was strong and solid and made me happy.
The relationship between Jade and Isa had a few ups and downs - that had me rolling my eyes, but managed to reach their hea. Finally!!!
A sweet romance read that I can’t say I enjoyed a lot.
Jade and Isa were childhood friends, but secretly in love with each other.
When they were 18 y.o., one night Jade told Isa he loved her and she said she loved him too. They arranged to meet the following day but Isa never showed up and disappeared from Jade’s life.
Six years later they finally met again and their love story was set in motion.
I really couldn’t justify the reason behind Isa’s behaviour. From the way the author portrayed her, she wasn’t an empty headed or weak girl. And she managed to stay away from him for 6 whole years, while deep down she was still in love with him! 😱🙄
I loved their siblings, their relationship was strong and solid and made me happy.
The relationship between Jade and Isa had a few ups and downs - that had me rolling my eyes, but managed to reach their hea. Finally!!!
January 27, 2021
Keeping Score is, simply put, the PERFECT sports romance. When football and friends-to-lovers dance, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the feels. Bravo, Dee Lagasse!
February 4, 2021
A second chance at love storyline between two youngsters who both professed their love for each other, made plans to meet up the next day -- and for what I view as a trumped up meaningless reason, the girl took off and remained out of sight for six years before returning to the scene. It was a little much and took a lot away from my hopes for this story.
I really liked both characters and cheered for Jake and Isa's happily-ever-after. It was a well-written and easy read and, because I'm a big fan of sports-related romances, I had to take a chance on this one. Other than the above complaint which didn't set well with me, I enjoyed the rest of KEEPING SCORE.
January 30, 2021
*4 Stars*
ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book by Dee Lagasse, as I have with everything else I have read by her. This was a really nice and easy read, that flowed well and had likeable characters. Jake and Isa both had qualities which made them easy to like and their connection was easy and fun.
I liked all the secondary characters, and would particularly like to read a book about Salem, so I'm hoping we get some more in this world.
I liked that there was no unnecessary angst, and that for the most part, the characters talked things through and had good communication. Dee is really great at world building, and this was an easy one to fall into and enjoy. I finished it in one day.
Would recommend, and look forward to what comes next from this author.
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ARC kindly received in exchange for an honest review.
I enjoyed this book by Dee Lagasse, as I have with everything else I have read by her. This was a really nice and easy read, that flowed well and had likeable characters. Jake and Isa both had qualities which made them easy to like and their connection was easy and fun.
I liked all the secondary characters, and would particularly like to read a book about Salem, so I'm hoping we get some more in this world.
I liked that there was no unnecessary angst, and that for the most part, the characters talked things through and had good communication. Dee is really great at world building, and this was an easy one to fall into and enjoy. I finished it in one day.
Would recommend, and look forward to what comes next from this author.
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January 17, 2021
4 1/2 stars...
This book was exactly the refreshing read I needed! It was a sports romance that had a different feel to it and I simply adored it.
Jake and Isa were best friends throughout high school. Then, just before Jake leaves to play football at Alabama, they have a misunderstanding that comes between them for many years. When Jake is traded to their home team professional football team, it looks as if Isa will have to find a way to be friends again.
I really enjoyed Jake and Isa's friendship and bond. The feelings they both still felt for one another were so intense. It broke my heart that they lost so many years because of their youth and immaturity. However, sometimes you need to experience life to understand how special something or someone is.
This was a fun and sweet sports romance with well developed characters that the reader can really connect with. In addition, the secondary characters add depth and balance to further enrich the storyline.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
This book was exactly the refreshing read I needed! It was a sports romance that had a different feel to it and I simply adored it.
Jake and Isa were best friends throughout high school. Then, just before Jake leaves to play football at Alabama, they have a misunderstanding that comes between them for many years. When Jake is traded to their home team professional football team, it looks as if Isa will have to find a way to be friends again.
I really enjoyed Jake and Isa's friendship and bond. The feelings they both still felt for one another were so intense. It broke my heart that they lost so many years because of their youth and immaturity. However, sometimes you need to experience life to understand how special something or someone is.
This was a fun and sweet sports romance with well developed characters that the reader can really connect with. In addition, the secondary characters add depth and balance to further enrich the storyline.
I was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
January 11, 2021
Lagasse's first sports book was absolutely everything. Jake and Isa are just so perfect together. Their chemistry is off the charts, their story had me feeling all sorts of emotions, and it was such a great read from beginning to end. I'm also a huge football fan, so this was a fun read for me!
What I love about Lagasse's books is the emotions that pour out of the book. I can literally feel what the characters are feeling as I'm reading the story. This one had me feeling excited, ecstatic, mad, sad, and everything in between. The secondary characters were so great - I LOVE Isa's family (and I think you will, too) - and everything just fit so perfectly together in this story.
Another beautiful read from Lagasse - definitely in the top three. It left me wanting more and swooning so much!
What I love about Lagasse's books is the emotions that pour out of the book. I can literally feel what the characters are feeling as I'm reading the story. This one had me feeling excited, ecstatic, mad, sad, and everything in between. The secondary characters were so great - I LOVE Isa's family (and I think you will, too) - and everything just fit so perfectly together in this story.
Another beautiful read from Lagasse - definitely in the top three. It left me wanting more and swooning so much!
January 16, 2021
Thankyou so much to Dee Lagasse for this eArc in exchange for an honest review.
Keeping Score releases on the 21st of January!
Oh I so enjoyed this. This story is a super cute second chance friends to lovers story that will just have you smiling the entire time you read it. I just wish it could have been a little longer!
We have our two MCs - Jake, our homegrown football star, and Isa, daughter to said coach of homegrown football star. The story opens with both MCs having their own respective on/off partners but the chemistry is completely obvious to anyone who knows them - that Jake and Isa are it for each other. They finally kiss, words are shared, a promise in a sense is made and then we flash forward six years.
In this time we learn that Jake has progressed with his football career away from his home town, Isa is focusing on her photography and the two have not spoken during this time. *cue my heart breaking bc where is all my super cute friends to lovers romance running away to* but before we know it, Jake is back in town, and with the help of Isas brother, he is making himself present in her life again. Full steam ahead for the next week where I get all my super cute romance vibes back and watch them date and spend every minute together. Ahhhh my heart is sighing at this point - it’s just so damn cute!
Flash forward a few more chapters and the drama and the miscommunication commences. I really really struggle to read any books that feature the miscommunication trope because I just want to grab the MCs and smoosh their heads together and tell them to work their shit out!
This is a HEA and if I haven’t made it clear yet, THIS IS A SUPER CUTE READ. I easily could have followed their love story for another 100 pages. Thankyou for writing this Dee! I will definitely be reading more of your work in the future.
Keeping Score releases on the 21st of January!
Oh I so enjoyed this. This story is a super cute second chance friends to lovers story that will just have you smiling the entire time you read it. I just wish it could have been a little longer!
We have our two MCs - Jake, our homegrown football star, and Isa, daughter to said coach of homegrown football star. The story opens with both MCs having their own respective on/off partners but the chemistry is completely obvious to anyone who knows them - that Jake and Isa are it for each other. They finally kiss, words are shared, a promise in a sense is made and then we flash forward six years.
In this time we learn that Jake has progressed with his football career away from his home town, Isa is focusing on her photography and the two have not spoken during this time. *cue my heart breaking bc where is all my super cute friends to lovers romance running away to* but before we know it, Jake is back in town, and with the help of Isas brother, he is making himself present in her life again. Full steam ahead for the next week where I get all my super cute romance vibes back and watch them date and spend every minute together. Ahhhh my heart is sighing at this point - it’s just so damn cute!
Flash forward a few more chapters and the drama and the miscommunication commences. I really really struggle to read any books that feature the miscommunication trope because I just want to grab the MCs and smoosh their heads together and tell them to work their shit out!
This is a HEA and if I haven’t made it clear yet, THIS IS A SUPER CUTE READ. I easily could have followed their love story for another 100 pages. Thankyou for writing this Dee! I will definitely be reading more of your work in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
With every book Dee's writing gets even better but Keeping Score is 100% her best story to date. The chemistry between Isa and Jake, their quick banter, and of course, Dee's signature amazing side characters and family members make Keeping Score a win for me.
January 17, 2021
This book is so damn good!!! I loved the chemistry between the characters and I am a sucker for a second chance romance. I adored Isa’s family and the role they played with Jake’s life. This book was beautifully written with unforgettable characters. I highly recommend.
February 2, 2021
Great story!!
This is a well written flawless story which had me totally enthralled throughout this riveting and addictive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
This is a well written flawless story which had me totally enthralled throughout this riveting and addictive page turner and I cannot wait to read more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend for all readers.
January 9, 2021
Keeping Score is an astonishing read! I had a smile on my face most of the book, then would cry happy tears because of how beautiful and loving these characters are. Everything about this book just brings out happiness! This book just felt different from Dee’s other books. Dee perfected the setting of small town romance. This book is an ideal Hallmark movie: simple, sweet and perfect romance. I adore these Isa and Jake so much! I want to be best friends with Isa and Jake is my perfect book boyfriend! The love and connection they have is so strong. They know each other the best. They are my favorite couple! I seriously love this book and all of the aspects there is that goes along. I was so excited the second Dee announced about this book and I know now that I was 100% right to be excited! To me, this is Dee’s best book by far! I know this is my favorite Dee Lagasse book and it will be hard to take that spot!!
Dee has blew me out of the water with this book! I know I’m right as having her as a favorite author. I look forward to what more she has to offer. I highly recommend this book for everyone!
Dee has blew me out of the water with this book! I know I’m right as having her as a favorite author. I look forward to what more she has to offer. I highly recommend this book for everyone!
January 22, 2021
Dee Lagasse has a way of storytelling that makes every character jump off the page. Even secondary or tertiary characters have so much depth and life to them. She always manages to diversify her story in ways most people don't even consider. Nothing feels forced or for the sake of "just because".
Keeping Score is a prime example of how Dee grows with each book she writes. Each book always seems to be her best yet. Jake and Isa jump off the pages. I found myself invested in their friends to lovers story. I love the way she wrote them, their nuances, all those personality traits and tics that make them uniquely individual. As friends, and as they blossomed, their chemistry was so well written.
I can't wait for my next read from this author.
Keeping Score is a prime example of how Dee grows with each book she writes. Each book always seems to be her best yet. Jake and Isa jump off the pages. I found myself invested in their friends to lovers story. I love the way she wrote them, their nuances, all those personality traits and tics that make them uniquely individual. As friends, and as they blossomed, their chemistry was so well written.
I can't wait for my next read from this author.
January 16, 2021
This is my 1st book I have read by Dee Lagasse and I will be looking forward to reading more 😁
I had a chance to read this book before release and I really enjoyed it, when I started it I could not put it down.
Second chance romance of two high school best friends, Isa & Jake who have not seen each other for years because of a misunderstanding, finally they come face to face with each other and the chemistry is still there 😍, they talk things through and get to know each other again, they have great banter that had me smiling. Loved all the characters in this book and would like to see what happens next if there is a follow on. Definitely worth a read ❤
I had a chance to read this book before release and I really enjoyed it, when I started it I could not put it down.
Second chance romance of two high school best friends, Isa & Jake who have not seen each other for years because of a misunderstanding, finally they come face to face with each other and the chemistry is still there 😍, they talk things through and get to know each other again, they have great banter that had me smiling. Loved all the characters in this book and would like to see what happens next if there is a follow on. Definitely worth a read ❤
January 10, 2021
This was a wonderfully entertaining story by Dee Lagasse and I loved it. Jake and Isa were a great couple and they had an amazing connection which had me hooked from the very start. There was emotion and love and lots of great family characters which I hope we get to read more about. Dee Lagasse has fast become one of my favourite authors who delivers a truly mesmerising and happy story every time. Highly recommend this 5 star read.
I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received an arc copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 9, 2021
This book is my second favorite book from Dee behind Meet Me Halfway.
I started reading and just couldn't stop. The relationship between Isa and Jake is the relationship every little girl dreams of when they get older. They are so in love and happy. It reminds you that no matter what happens if you love someone that is all the matters.
I hope we get more stories from this couple in the future!
When anyone asks for recommendations I always recommend Dee's books because they are amazing!
I started reading and just couldn't stop. The relationship between Isa and Jake is the relationship every little girl dreams of when they get older. They are so in love and happy. It reminds you that no matter what happens if you love someone that is all the matters.
I hope we get more stories from this couple in the future!
When anyone asks for recommendations I always recommend Dee's books because they are amazing!
January 12, 2021
***I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review***
This is my first book I’ve read by Lagasse but it won’t be my last. A lot of authors I love had recommended her work so I thought I’d give this book a try. I have to say I am so glad I did, this story was so cute. Even if you’re not a sports fan (which I’m not) this book is too sweet to pass up. It tells the heartwarming story of a second chance romance of high school best friends Isa and Jake. It is cliche and sweet and everything you want in a romance novel. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book, it was honestly too good to put down. If you’re looking for a modern day sports romance or a Valentine’s Day read, this is the perfect book for you. And even if you aren’t, give this book a shot.
This is my first book I’ve read by Lagasse but it won’t be my last. A lot of authors I love had recommended her work so I thought I’d give this book a try. I have to say I am so glad I did, this story was so cute. Even if you’re not a sports fan (which I’m not) this book is too sweet to pass up. It tells the heartwarming story of a second chance romance of high school best friends Isa and Jake. It is cliche and sweet and everything you want in a romance novel. I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book, it was honestly too good to put down. If you’re looking for a modern day sports romance or a Valentine’s Day read, this is the perfect book for you. And even if you aren’t, give this book a shot.
March 11, 2021
Keeping score tells the story of Isa (short for Isabelle) and Jake who were childhood friends but hadn’t spoken in years since they proclaimed their love for each other.
Jake left the town to play football and was very successful in his career. He has now returned to the hometown to play for the hometown team.
So the story starts with what happened on their last night and then brings us up to the present day.
I liked how the story started, having the background to their friendship and their last night together.
This was my first football novel as well as my first book by the author.
Some things that took away from the story were Isa’s reasons for not wanting to be with Jake. She had no history of being burned by love, they seemed to have always had a good friendship.
It also didn’t make sense that Jake who had been burned by Isa wanted to meet up with her on his first night back. I’m not sure I would want to meet up with someone from my past but maybe that’s just me. I’d rather just avoid them.
Another thing that took away from the novel was the bilingual language and that meant I would have to stop reading to look up what was being said. Of course, it would also be helpful if I learned the language. It’s just something that took me away from the flow of the book.
It was a good read, I liked the ending and I'll probably look for other books from the author.
Jake left the town to play football and was very successful in his career. He has now returned to the hometown to play for the hometown team.
So the story starts with what happened on their last night and then brings us up to the present day.
I liked how the story started, having the background to their friendship and their last night together.
This was my first football novel as well as my first book by the author.
Some things that took away from the story were Isa’s reasons for not wanting to be with Jake. She had no history of being burned by love, they seemed to have always had a good friendship.
It also didn’t make sense that Jake who had been burned by Isa wanted to meet up with her on his first night back. I’m not sure I would want to meet up with someone from my past but maybe that’s just me. I’d rather just avoid them.
Another thing that took away from the novel was the bilingual language and that meant I would have to stop reading to look up what was being said. Of course, it would also be helpful if I learned the language. It’s just something that took me away from the flow of the book.
It was a good read, I liked the ending and I'll probably look for other books from the author.
January 18, 2021
Dee created such a beautiful best friends to lovers story. I loved it!!
The connection between Jake and Isa was real. Their witty banter was refreshing. Coming from a Hispanic family, I enjoyed and connected with Isa’s family. I could definitely relate, and this story brought back some fun memories growing up. Everything felt authentic and honest. This book was such an easy read with a sweet ending.
The connection between Jake and Isa was real. Their witty banter was refreshing. Coming from a Hispanic family, I enjoyed and connected with Isa’s family. I could definitely relate, and this story brought back some fun memories growing up. Everything felt authentic and honest. This book was such an easy read with a sweet ending.
January 14, 2021
What a perfect story of first love and second chances!
Jake and Isa... where do I begin? Oh, I know... I LOVE THEM!
From page one to the very end, I loved everything about this story. You easily fall in love with the connection Jake and Isa share and get swept up in the story. Wouldn't bother me one bit if we revisit Fox Hollow in the future - maybe with Fox or Lynx or Javier - and got more Jake and Isa.
Five-plus stars!!
Jake and Isa... where do I begin? Oh, I know... I LOVE THEM!
From page one to the very end, I loved everything about this story. You easily fall in love with the connection Jake and Isa share and get swept up in the story. Wouldn't bother me one bit if we revisit Fox Hollow in the future - maybe with Fox or Lynx or Javier - and got more Jake and Isa.
Five-plus stars!!
January 17, 2021
Jake and Isa’s story captured me from page 1. Watching these characters find each other again fall in love for a second time brought tears to my eyes. Dee Lagasse has done it again! Get your copy of Keeping Score when it releases on January 21st. I promise you are going to love this book!
January 14, 2021
People always look at me like I'm crazy for falling in love with the heroes in the books I read, but not falling for Jacob James was impossible. keeping score is the light, fun and sweet story you need to read.
January 20, 2021
A new fave. Amazing characters. Jake: the up and coming football star, a humble hottie. Isa: the girl next door, football addict and HIS best friend. Combine first love, second chances, encompassing emotions, beautiful family dynamics, always needed extended family, small town connections and an amazing array of secondary characters and I couldn't put it down.
Let's not forget New England - Massachusetts and Football ♡ I've lived and still live this.
Fingers crossed there is more to come with all of these characters. This is my first book by this author but definitely will not be my last!!
Received an ARC copy for an honest review.
Let's not forget New England - Massachusetts and Football ♡ I've lived and still live this.
Fingers crossed there is more to come with all of these characters. This is my first book by this author but definitely will not be my last!!
Received an ARC copy for an honest review.
January 17, 2021
Absolutely fell in love with Jake and Isa.
January 19, 2021
This book was A-MAZ-ING 🥰🥰🥰 An incredible friends to lovers, sports romance. The plot is amazing as you follow Jake and Isa on their journey to love
January 11, 2021
This was my first read of 2021 and it did not disappoint. I could not put it down. Nor did I want to put it down. Finished it in a single day.
Dee’s writing gets better and better with each book and this could very well be my favourite. Well, this and Kismet.
I loved everything about Jake and Isa and didn’t want it to end.
Dee’s writing gets better and better with each book and this could very well be my favourite. Well, this and Kismet.
I loved everything about Jake and Isa and didn’t want it to end.
January 13, 2021
Dee has done it again! This story sucks you in from the very beginning. You are able to feel the emotions of the characters. A great friends to lovers read.
January 10, 2021
This was a very good story. It was hard to put it down once started.
January 22, 2021
KEEPING SCORE by Dee Lagasse had so many moments that I loved! I laughed, I got choked up, I swooned but most of all I adored the easy love story Dee wrote about Jake and Isa. With Dee's books, I always enjoy the emphasis on family within the story. Highly recommend!
January 25, 2021
If you love sport romances you're absolutely going to love this one.
Isa and Jake has been friends since kindergarten. They got closer in high school, Isa is the coach's daughter and Jake is his star player. They were almost more but Isa kinda freaked out.
Now 6 years later they are together again. Amd the feelings are still there. I'd say there's super low angst here and that's okay because really I just wanted them to be together and be happy.
Honestly one of my favorite things about Lagasse's writing is the families. Thr characters family's are soooo functional its crazy. As a reader I just want to get into that lovefest. And I do. I always feel like part of the family when I'm reading. Idk if that's just a me thing or if others feel like that. This only something Lagasse has managed to for me.
This book is so sweet and hard to put down.
Isa and Jake has been friends since kindergarten. They got closer in high school, Isa is the coach's daughter and Jake is his star player. They were almost more but Isa kinda freaked out.
Now 6 years later they are together again. Amd the feelings are still there. I'd say there's super low angst here and that's okay because really I just wanted them to be together and be happy.
Honestly one of my favorite things about Lagasse's writing is the families. Thr characters family's are soooo functional its crazy. As a reader I just want to get into that lovefest. And I do. I always feel like part of the family when I'm reading. Idk if that's just a me thing or if others feel like that. This only something Lagasse has managed to for me.
This book is so sweet and hard to put down.
January 21, 2021
Loved it!!!!
I’m so happy I was able to receive an ARC. Keeping Score is such a great read. Dee’s way of telling a story had me hooked from the beginning. The only reason I had to put it down was because of work haha! I love the dynamic and banter between Jake and Isa and am happy for their HEA! Congrats Dee on another great story!
I’m so happy I was able to receive an ARC. Keeping Score is such a great read. Dee’s way of telling a story had me hooked from the beginning. The only reason I had to put it down was because of work haha! I love the dynamic and banter between Jake and Isa and am happy for their HEA! Congrats Dee on another great story!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews